This chapter may have been last second. But I promise I wrote half of this like two weeks ago. Also I've been working on my personal story a shit ton. I'm actually quite proud of it. But where are my manners? Cesar or Tempest here. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Carnus P.O.V
"So what you think, Shepard. Take the day shift with me that way we get guard duty over with." Thalia's tree hasn't been working properly for some time now. The huntresses have left camp a while ago as well. Something to do with a big hunt. Leaving us campers back to our own devices. A welcome refresher. With that being the case Ares and Athena cabin have been leading the way to make a guard rotation. With the help of the Hephaestus cabin setting cameras and robotic drones.
"It's better at night though. No sun, no Chiron and think about it. This is only gonna last so long. Eventually they'll start sending in some reinforcements. Maybe Poseidon will send in some Cyclopes. Then there's nothing to worry about." He retorted.
"Just do day shift today and tomorrow we'll do night shift then we'll decide."
"Fine. Where's your crow by the way? I haven't seen him in a bit." Shepard asked.
"Honestly I don't know. He disappears sometimes." Probably looking for Jaxson. Poor Silence.
"Well then let's get this shift over with." We left the table and went over to grab our weapons. Shepard decided to bring out his Kar98 today. And that's how we ended up getting fucked up by some bronze bulls.
"So Shep, are the Knicks going over five hundred this year or not?" I asked.
"Probably not, they're the Knicks." Boom. Boom. Out came three bronze bulls. "Uh Carnus, do you know if bronze bulls are friendly?"
"Judging by the fact they look like they're angry I'm going to say no they're not friendly." With that Shepard began shooting at the bulls.
"These bullets are barely denting them! Where's everyone else?"
"They should be coming soon. They had to have heard the gunshots." At that moment the bulls began getting ready to charge. We both ran in different directions trying to confuse the Bulls.
That's when we learned they breathe fire. "Holy fuck!" I heard Shepard scream. I need to try to stab the bull behind me. I made a cut to the right sliding on the grass and thrusted my spear into the side of the Bull. As I heard the gears crunch and get stuck on the shaft. I then stabbed my second spear straight into the back of the bulls neck killing it. Fucking hell.
Luckily for us it seemed Clarisse had arrived with a couple other campers. Arranging themselves into a phalanx they drew the attention of one of the bulls meanwhile Shepard was still running with the bull behind him. The phalanx didn't last very long however as the four closest to the bull were lit on fire by the Bull. Then camp superstar Percy Jackson arrived throwing a bottle of water and extinguishing the flames using his powers.
I decided at this time maybe Shepard needs some help I threw my shorter spear at the bull hitting its hind leg as a fucking Cyclops came out of nowhere hit sticking the bull. Much to Shepard's relief. The Cyclops was then covered in flames but punched the ever living shit out of the Bull destroying it. With that Clarisse began to go off on Percy and Annabeth. Who had seemingly killed the other bull."You ruin everything! I had it under control!" Sure Clarisse definitely.
"Good to see you to Clarisse." Annabeth grumbled as Percy stood there confused.
"Don't ever try saving me again!" Yeah you can save Shepard first next time.
"Hey Clarisse you got something on your hair." Shepard said making me aware that a bit of her hair was on fire. She crushed the embers with her fingers and countinued.
"We already took down one Bull! We didn't need you interfering!" She stated.
"Actually I killed that one by myself before Clarisse arrived." I mentioned adding fuel to the already burning flame which was Clarisse's rage.
"Campers calm yourselves. The battle is over no need to fight amougst yourselves." Chiron said arriving a tad bit late. "Percy, Annabeth and your Cyclops friend come with me. The rest of you are dismissed please seek the medical tent if you have been injured. No chores for the rest of you today." Sweet. But I would like a better reward however for killing one of those Bulls.
They were begining to walk away until the Oracle appeared out of nowhere in front of Clarisse. "You shall sail with those of blood and bone. A meeting of allies both new and old. A struggle between four all for gold. Only the fool will return home with no fortune in hold." Another prophecy? Well shit.
"On second thought Clarisse why don't you join us." Chiron said as the Oracle disappeared in thin air.
"You know Shepard. Maybe night shift ain't that bad."
It only took a couple hours for word to spread through camp. Another quest and Percy's halfbrother is a Cyclops. Which shouldn't be to much of a surprise if people payed attention in history class. But nonetheless. The Stoll brothers began taking bets for who would go along with Clarisse in her quest. While the Athena cabin rejoiced in the opportunity to decipher another prophecy. I too began to think about the prophecy. One line stood out to me 'A meeting of allies both new and old.' Could that mean some of the campers that went missing last year will be found? Maybe it could be Jaxson and Callestan.
Camp was in quite a frenzy as Clarisse got prepared to leave with Shepard and Sherman. The only people in the Area cabin that could keep up with her. When Chiron announced that Sherman and Shepard were joining her all eyes went to Percy. He was the obvious choice to bring along. But I guess grudges don't leave easy for the children of Ares.
"So Shep got any idea what you'll be doing?" I asked. We were shooting bottles on the shore.
"Well we're going to go get the Golden Fleece. Just like the rumors are saying and I know my dad got us a ship to take. And Clarisse had made it clear she's in commaby. Not like it matters to me and Sherman." Speaking of the devil I could see him walking up to us.
"Shep, why don't you ever invite me to shoot?" He asked.
"Cause it's a waste of bullets." Shepard answered unapologetically.
"You're not even using real bullets today." Sherman argued.
"Still have you seen this economy?"
"Here Retriever switch with me." I handed him my rifle as I took a seat on a boulder. "So you get to go on a cruise for your quest."
"I doubt it. We'll probably be forced to sweep the deck." Sherman said.
"You can't catch me doing that shit. I'll toss myself overboard before that happens." Probably not an exaggeration.
Shepard began setting some bottles on a piece of driftwood before Sherman began shooting. I bet he hadn't touched a gun in months but being a child of Ares has its perks. He shattered every bottle easily. "Still got it." Sherman said happily.
"I think it's impossible for you two to lose your skill." They both shrugged and continued shooting.
That night was a night of preparation. The Ares cabin ate exclusively pork as it was apparently a ritual children of Ares had. The ship Ares had given Clarisse was a civil war era confederate ship. The CSS Monitor looked like it barely was over the water. It definitely wasn't a cruise ship and was most likely uncomfortable to say the least. Captaining the ship was a Skeleton with a tattered confederate uniform and his crew. The Hephaestus cabin made fireworks for their departure. They set sail a little after sunset.
Apparently the Sea is calmer at night. I said my goodbyes to Shepard and Sherman as I went back to guard duty. The night was quite nice. And I was alone. Perfect time for me to just think by myself. Sadly I didn't get my alone time. I heard footsteps in the woods. I crouched down and slowly trailed behind them. I couldn't tell who they were but they were definitely in a rush. I followed behind them till they reached the Sea. With the moonlight I could see who they were. Annabeth and Percy's halfbrother Tyson. They started calling Percy's name.
Well now I have to see what happens. They met with Percy further down the shore as I watched from the tree line trying to listen in. That's when I heard the word quest. I broke out of the treeline and hid behind a boulder. "We're going to Polyphemus' island…" Annabeth started saying.
"Planning to join the quest?" I hopped out behind the boulder.
"Uhhh no?" Percy said.
"Don't worry I won't say anything." I saw a look of relief in their faces. "As long as I can join in." Percy and Annabeth looked at each other and got into a little huddle. Leaving me and Tyson by ourselves.
"What do you bring to the table?" Annabeth asked.
"I'm friends with Shepard and Sherman, the ones that went with Clarisse." They two got into a huddle again as I twiddled my fingers waiting.
"You can come along just don't do anything rash." Annabeth said to me as if I was a child.
"Wasn't planning on it."
"Anyways we're were we. Tyson can come with us if he wants." Percy told Annabeth.
Tyson clapped his hands and did a little hop. "Want to!"
Annabeth looked at Percy and gave him the stink eye. He looked at me and I shrugged. "Well Hermes said my Dad would help get to the ship." Percy said, trying to move on.
"We'll get to it than Seaweed Brain." Oh I see what this is. The Aphrodite cabin would be all over this.
Percy knelt down to the water. "Um, Dad? How's it going?"
"You know I think we should hurry it up a bit." I could hear harpies behind us.
"We need your help," He spoke louder . "We need to get to that ship, like, before we get eaten and stuff, so…" The sea remained normal as the Harpies grew closer and closer. That's when four Giant horse and fish creatures appeared from the water.
"Hippocampi! They're beautiful!" Annabeth exclaimed. I guess that's one way to put it.
"We can admire them later. We need to go now!" I climbed on one as did everyone else. Except Tyson who was still amazed. Percy climbed down and helped Tyson on his Hippocampi as the Harpies began wailing and calling for us. The Hippocampi began racing across the water. As we heard the Harpies beckoning us back to the shore.
Now I never rode a jet ski but I definitely have to now. These Hippocampi felt like they were floating on the water. I could feel adrenaline starting to pump through my veins. In the distance I could see a ship. "Hey are we planning on going on that ship!?" I yelled out.
"That's the plan!" Percy yelled back. I only hope this ship is nicer than the ship Shepard and Sherman are on. We got closer and closer. And it seems we've gotten lucky. It was a cruise ship. On the side of the ship the name 'Andromeda' was written. Carved in the front of the ship was a carving of a screaming woman. Probably not the best marketing strategy to say the least. We made it up to the side of the ship.
Tyson to say the least was making quite a fit. Both him and the Hippocampi had already formed a bond. Eventually Percy talked him into leaving the Hippocampi he named Rainbow. "So do you guys know the captain or something?"
Percy looked over to Annabeth and shrugged. "Well I'm sure they won't mind if we stay the night." Oh how wonderful.
Tyson sniffed the air and cringed from the smell. "Something smells bad."
"I don't smell anything." Annabeth noted. "It must be since he's a Cyclops." So he has a heightened sense of smell?
Percy pulled out his sword. "Well let's find some place to stay tonight." Well this is going to be fun. My spears aren't going to do much good here. We creeped around till Mr. Jackson found a storage room. Where we all slept somewhat peacefully.
I woke up before the others. The sun had just risen and I decided this would be a wonderful time to find a place to take a piss. With the small amount of sunlight I could see clearly where I was going. I walked into the hall and found a sign leading to the bathroom. I opened the door and I was met with two human-like creatures taking a piss. They turned their heads and looked at me. I gave them a small nod before going into a stall.
Well this is just fabulous. I need to wake the others up and leave. There's no doubt there's more of these fuckers. Maybe something even worse. I shivered from the cold. I finished up in the bathroom and speed walked my way back to the storage room. I made it back and Annabeth was already awake.
"Good morning. We need to leave now." I told her. She looked at me in a bit of a daze before motioning me to continue. "I went to use the bathroom and I met a couple of monsters. We need to wake the others up and leave before they come for us."
"How are we supposed to get off a ship? We're in the middle of the ocean. Even if we get to a lifeboat we won't go far." She argued. "They didn't immediately capture you, which means something. We might be able to blend in or stay hidden until we get an opening."
"Can't Percy do some kind of Son of Poseidon magical shit and get us somewhere on the boat? Maybe summon those Hippocampi?" That's when Percy woke up with drool seeping from his mouth.
"I think I could do that. But I need to check something out first." I looked at him confused.
"What would you want to check out on a monster infested ship?" I swear if he thinks he can take out this entire ship I'll throw him overboard.
"I had a dream, something important is on this ship." How fabulous now I have to deal with this bullshit.
"I'm not going exploring on this ship just because you have a hunch about something on this ship." I could see Tyson beginning to wake up. "Y'all can go ahead and look around but I'm going to get a lifeboat set. You guys better show up soon. I don't want to go searching for some middle schoolers on this ship." They nodded.
"Don't worry about us, just get that lifeboat set up." Annabeth patted me on the back as they walked out of the room. Kids these days are something else.
I took a quick break to mentally prepare myself before I walked out of the room. I made my way up to the deck without running into anyone or anything. On the deck I could see normal looking people walking around. Some were in the pool and there were others at the bar. I wonder if I could sneak a couple drinks in before I get the lifeboat. I made my way to the bar where another one of those monsters was behind the bar. To my left there was a guy with an eye patch. Hooray I'm gonna be drinking with a pirate.
"I'll have what he's having." I told the monster who nodded and got my drink ready.
"You new here?" He asked me, taking a sip from his drink.
"Yeah I just got here the other day." He nodded. The bartender handed me my drink.
"Get us two shots of tequila." The bartender handed us two shot glasses and the guy beside me raised his glass. "Welcome to the Princess Andromeda. And the start of the new Golden age." I raised my glass and downed the drink with him.
It was a horrible experience. It seared my throat and I could barely taste anything other than alcohol. I tried my best to brush it off. But the taste was stuck in my mouth. "Thanks for the drink."
"Don't mention it anyways I got to go." He pointed at my drinks. "Put those two drinks on my tab." I gave him a nod of thanks as he walked up to the bridge of the ship. Well let's finish this drink and find a lifeboat.
Five Drinks Later
"You know what would be a great addition. A karaoke machine you know. It would really liven up the place you feel me. Plus you'd get to serve more drinks. And more drinks means more tips." The bartender was a really good guy. Didn't say a word and just continued to serve me drinks. I heard a alarm go off as I saw Percy, Annabeth and Tyson show up on the deck. "Aye bartender dude can you put this on my tab I'll be right back I promise.
I got up and I couldn't stand straight which I found funny for some reason and stumbled my way towards the trio. "Carnus, where's the lifeboat?" Annabeth yelled at me.
"Don't get upset but I might've gotten carried away." I giggled. She shook her head and began looking for a lifeboat. She then dragged me by the sleeve to the lifeboat. She shoved me in as Percy cut the ropes attaching it to the ship.
"Thermos!" Tyson rummaged through Percy's bag before opening a thermos bottle sending us rocketing through the water.
"Holy shit!" I started laughing again. This was the most fun I've had in a while. Once again Annabeth sent me a look of disappointment not that I cared.
"We need to let Chiron know we found Luke and that they were looking for the Fleece." They Iris messaged using the mist from the thermos.
Apparently Luke was on that ship with a golden casket asking Annabeth and Percy to join him in taking over Camp Half-Blood. Before Percy got a warning from his dad to leave immediately and they left. Chiron sat there listening in silence before issuing a warning. "You all need to look out for Scylla and Charybdis. If you must choose between the two face Charybdis you may be able to speak to her. As she is a daughter of Poseidon."
"Thank you Chiron, we'll let you know when we get past the two." Percy answered.
"Good luck all of you." The Iris messaged faded.
"Well I'm going to take a nap let me know if something happens." I giggled again. Why is that so funny? With that I laid down on the lifeboat.
I didn't really sleep, I just closed my eyes and rested. After all, I did plenty of work at the bar. I could hear them talk about coordinates, the cruise ship catching up, Chesapeake bay and a hideout. That's when I got up. "Good morning sleeping beauty." Percy said to me.
"Thanks for the compliment Percy. Anyhow let's get on shore. Y'all can sleep I'll stand watch.
"I'm not sure if I want you on watch." Annabeth told me.
"I promise I'll be responsible." They looked at me skeptical, even Tyson, which kind of hurt me. It seemed they were down to rest however so they gave in leaving me time by myself. Now no one told me how hungry I would get after drinking. And in my semi drunken haze I ended up outside a donut shop in the middle of the woods.
Monster Donut. How wonderful. I walked up into the donut shop. It smelt wonderful. "Welcome to Monster Donut. What can I get you?" A Cyclops asked me. They were standing behind the counter with a white apron and a green hat.
I should probably get some donuts for the others too. "Can I have two dozen donuts? And can I also get four coffees?"
"Sure thing. I'm sure you want them all to be a different variety?" The Cyclops asked me.
"Yeah that would be nice, thanks. Also can you make two of the coffees black and just put French vanilla creamer on the other two?" Just in case they like their coffee black.
"No problem, just give me a couple of minutes." He went to the side of the shop to get the coffee ready. "So is this an order for the Princess Andromeda or something separate?" The ship huh. I guess I'll just lie.
"Yeah a couple of the guys sent me out to get some donuts." He nodded and turned to me. "If you see Vanessa can you tell her to give me my sweater back. It's too damn cold up here."
"Don't worry boss I got you." He smiled and handed me the donuts and coffee.
"Don't worry about paying it's on the house." Sweet free donuts and coffee. I returned back to the little hide out with the goodies and began eating some of the donuts while sipping my coffee.
"Donuts?" Tyson said awakening from the smell. I nodded and handed him a chocolate covered donut with sprinkles. "Thank you."
I gave him a thumbs up since my mouth was full and we continued eating until I spilled coffee on myself. "Shit!" I immediately got up. With that Annabeth and Percy both woke up.
"What the fuck?" That was Percy's immediate reaction to the sight. Annabeth however noticed Monster Donut on the box.
"Where did you get those donuts from?" I motioned my head out the door.
"It's not that far away. Just outside actually." She turned to Percy.
"We need to be careful, it might be a nest of monsters." A nest of monsters?
"There's only one Cyclops working there. He's pretty cool, gave me the donuts on the house." It's one Cyclops. What's the worst that can happen? "At least have some donuts and I got you guys coffee too."
Percy didn't even answer and started eating the donuts and sipping the coffee. "Damn these are really good!"
"I know right." Meanwhile Annabeth grabbed one donut and slowly ate it while drinking coffee. We sat there in silence eating donuts and drinking coffee. Life was good.
"I hear a steam engine." Tyson mentioned.
"Damn that's cool. Maybe we could hitch a ride." Percy nodded in agreement. I walked outside with coffee in hand to Clarisse's warship.
"What the fuck are you doing over here Carnus?" I heard Shepard say from the deck.
"Hey Shep. You want some donuts?"
Safe to say some important things happen in this chapter. Yeah I know someone out there is going. "Why is Sherman and Shepard going with Clarisse? Isn't she supposed to be proving herself to Ares?" Yes you are absolutely right she is. But here is the thing. She can prove herself by leading her siblings. The God of War won't just send his best child out to the Sea of Monsters by herself that's a death wish. Don't metion the undead crew.
Will we see a reunion in this part between Jaxson and Carnus? Perhaps I'll make it happen. But more importantly there's three groups looking for the Fleece. And next chapter we're going back to the Romans.
Remember let me know if I made any mistakes. Or if you have a brilliant idea you don't mind me borrowing/stealing. Anyhow have a fabulous night or day Cesar or Tempest out.