Ch16

Chrysaor was at camp admiring the lake just as a wave knocked a canoe onto the land. Father must be furious at them. He sighed and went over to the various children of Athena who scrambled to their feet, Chiron was also there his expression grim as he tended to some of the injured

"It was just like mother said," Malcolm Pace muttered. The son of Athena had assumed the role of head of the Athena Cabin since his sister's defection. He was an unassuming blonde haired boy around Percy's age.

"Looks like Lord Poseidon has another reason to be upset at your mother," Chiron said before turning to him. "Have you heard anything Chris?"

He shook his head, "My father has revealed nothing to me. What did your mother say?"

Malcolm's face turned grim, "She came to us in a dream saying that she and Poseidon got into a fight. Poseidon was furious that Annabeth not only helped Luke escape but also harmed Percy. She warned us to not go near the water for Lord Poseidon won't permit us to sail or enter his domain. Also the pegasi refuse to let us mount them and have been defecating around our cabin."

"We'll just try to move ahead and think things out," Chiron said his face grim.

Malcolm nodded his face white. "The gods were furious with our mother. She gave Annabeth that invisibility cap and well she helped Luke steal the bolt. Her position among the gods is very tedious and they support Poseidon's punishment." The boy's body shook as he glared at the ground. "That idiot, I can't believe all the damage she caused. Our mother is humiliated because of her trickery."

Chiron's face darkened his gaze turning downward like it always did at the mention of Annabeth Chase. "We'll think of something for now."

"Um Chris if there is any chance can you plead for us to your father?" Malcolm asked the pleading was visible in his eyes. "We didn't have anything to do with Annabeth helping Luke escape or betray the gods and we have no ill against you or Percy." The rest of the Athena cabin nodded in agreement their eyes looking nervously at him. "Please can you guys calm his anger against us?"

"I'll see what I can do though my father is known for holding grudges," he said. "But maybe if you get on Percy's good side father may be moved, he is more favored with our father and if anyone can turn his heart it is him."

"We will," Malcolm said quickly. "I promise you we will." The rest of Malcolm's siblings nodded in agreement. Not being able to swim or ride the horses was bad but getting on Poseidon's bad side was not a good thing.

"The gods are known for holding grudges just lay low for now and avoid the water and the pegasi," Chiron said. "Just be careful to not step on Lord Poseidon's toes."

The children of Athena nodded as the centaur left. "Well I say it serves you all right," Clarisse said as she came up to them with some of her siblings.

Malcolm's posture stiffened, "How many times have I told you we had nothing to do with helping Luke escape or stealing Zeus's bolt."

Clarisse and her siblings laughed, "Wise Girl was always with him and was particularly close to him especially during the quest. She also has an invisibility hat, it doesn't take an idiot to connect the dots."

Malcolm's face reddened his eyes narrowed on Clarisse his siblings also wore cold expressions, "We didn't help her she chose to do those things by herself," Malcolm said his body shaking. "She may have helped him and abandoned our mother but we didn't."

Clarisse laughed, "She always talked high and might and bragged about her being better than everyone else. I guess Wise Girl really did fool all of us." She and her siblings laughed as Malcolm and the rest of the Athena kids glared at them.

The daughter of Ares went up to Malcolm and pushed him back. The son of Athena nearly stumbled to the ground but was caught by his siblings. "A traitor like her will only get what she deserves," she said her eyes narrowing on Malcolm whose body was shaking angrily

"We aren't my sister," Malcolm said his body shaking his eyes red with anger

"Oh really?" Clarisse said coldly taking a step forward and glaring at Malcolm. "Wise Girl was such a pain in the ass and now she has shown her true colors. If I ever run into her I'll beat her to a pulp for her treason and show her how are father treats traitors."

"Clarisse no need to rub salt in their wounds go back to patrolling the border," he said stepping in between her and Malcolm. The air around the two demigods was tense and both of their siblings glared at each other.

The daughter of Ares glared at him but she knew better than to provoke a fight with him. "Whatever," Clarisse said as she and her siblings walked past them.

As much as he disliked Athena for what she did to his mother he couldn't help but feel sorry for her children. Not only had their punishment prohibited them from entering his father's domain or using the pegasi but the camp was extra hard on them for Annabeth helping Luke in his crimes. They don't deserve to be punished for their sister's mistakes. "Don't worry I'll see Percy later we'll try to think of something to placate our father," he said softly.

Malcolm muttered cleaning his face with a tissue. "Thanks we'd appreciate it. It just not fair that we are treated like this, the Hermes Cabin gets off the hook why are we the only ones to suffer?"

"The gods work in their own ways," he said shrugging his shoulders. "Athena and Poseidon have had a rivalry for ages, my father hasn't had one with Herme, it isn't fair but neither is life."

"Well hopefully no one gets hurt," Malcolm sighed shaking his head. "I guess we'll do something else then, see you around Chris."

He nodded as the Athena Cabin left to do something else. Man this summer will be eventful that's for sure. The tension at camp was getting thicker by the day, and the tree that was guarding the camp was starting to get weaker by some unknown means.

He walked until he found Chiron sitting at the Big House reading a book on herbal remedies. "So Chris what do you make of our current situation?" Chiron asked as he sat down across from him.

"The enemy poisoned the tree and is waiting for us to make our move," he said looking out into the woods. He was a pirate he knew all about diversions. "Luke and Annabeth were both popular here, their leaving is a blow to the camp's morale."

"True. Clarisse despite being hot headed has been doing her best to raise morale," Chiron said as he placed his book down. "Though many fear and dislike the Ares cabin."

He laughed, "True. She doesn't dare try to force me to do anything, she knows she'll just lose face if I went serious on her." Clarisse may be a bully but she wasn't stupid, she knew that if she picked a fight with him she'd lose.

"How's Percy doing?" Chiron asked.

Only the two of them knew about him and Triton training Percy in secret. Chiron and Dionysus allowed him to leave the camp to do what he needed to do and old Dionysus didn't seem to care.

"He is doing great," he said smiling at the centaur. "I'm sure he'll surprise you next summer, he improved a lot and works really hard to get better."

"He'll need it," Chiron said as he looked up at the sky. "Hopefully your father and Lady Athena don't escalate things."

"I don't she would escalate it," he said. Athena was many things but he doubted she would retaliate while her position among the gods was weak.

"I hope so too," Chiron sighed. "Isn't it about time for you to go meet Percy?"

He nodded, "Yeah see you in a bit. See you later."

Chiron nodded at him as he got up and left, he passed by the pegasi stables some of his nieces and nephews looked at him but he said nothing to them as he walked away. I do wonder how he is doing these days. He never spoke with his nieces or nephews, in part because he knew his brother would know what he said. Who knows maybe I'll run into him one of these days. The thought did intrigue him, though he imagined actually meeting his brother after centuries of silence would be awkward as hell.

As soon as he got to the beach he ran and jumped into the water. Willing the water around him he propelled himself quickly towards the city, it was the quickest and most efficient way for him to travel since he didn't want to use mortal transportation or pegasi.

When he arrived at the beach he emerged from the water as dry as he entered. He walked along the beach until he found his siblings at one of the exercise equipment at the beach. Percy was in his swim trunks fighting Triton with Riptide. Percy's brow was furrowed as he exchanged blows with Triton. Percy's swordsmanship increased greatly since they started training him but he was still no match to Triton despite their older brother holding his punches.

"Hey you two," he said as he approached them.

"Hello Chrysaor you're just in time," Triton said as he and Percy ended their round

"Hey Chris," his younger brother panted.

He nodded at his brother as Triton pointed to the ocean, "Rest for five minutes and swim a mile and back."

Percy sighed and nodded. His younger brother drank from a water bottle and rested. Despite Triton being a bit of a drill sergeant at times, Percy seemed to take everything he gave him without complaining, in fact looking at his eyes now he saw that Percy had a hunger to learn more and train harder.

Well he is eager that's for sure. He watched as his younger sibling ran into the water and began to swim. "So how is Percy doing?"

"He's improving," Triton said as he watched Percy swim. "His form is getting good and he is learning how to use his powers better, but he still has a long way to go."

Squinting his eyes he watched Percy swim back. Percy's form in swimming was much smoother and he moved quickly through the water as headed back.

"Oh by the way father said you could have this," Triton said as he handed him a conch shell.

"What's it for?" he asked.

"You can summon your ship with it. Father says it may be useful in the future," Triton said.

"Thanks," he said as he gripped the shell tightly. Better not be destroyed. He may be mortal he would raise hell for his ship.

Percy then came out of the water breathing heavily. "So what now?"

"Get dressed we'll train somewhere special today," Triton said before turning to him. "Summon your ship."

He frowned but took the conch shell and blew it. The shell emitted a deep sound that sounded like the waves at night. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest as he saw his ship emerge from the depths of the sea. It was just as he remembered it though without his crew.

"Cool that's your ship?" Percy asked.

"It sure is," he said observing it from the distance.

"Your crew is gone but father enchanted the ship to move and fight to your command," Triton said. "Come on lets go onboard."

The three of them quickly jumped into the water and headed toward his ship. When they were closed enough the three of them jumped on board with the help of the water.

"Well you did clean up the place I give you that," he said as he looked around the deck. Everything was sparkly and clean, even the old blood stains were gone.

Triton nodded, "Your ship was kind of a mess. We changed some of the canons though since they were old."

"Wow this place is sick," Percy said as he looked around the ship with wide eyes. "Chris this is awesome."

He smiled at Percy, "Thanks. I took this bad boy all around the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and the Caribbean."

Triton laughed, "True. There wasn't a port that you didn't raid, you got on father's nerves a lot though during the Age of Exploration."

He smiled at his brothers and laughed, "True I did always crave adventure and fun. Come on Percy let me give you a tour of everything."

Percy nodded eagerly as he showed him around his ship. The entire ship had been scrubbed clean and the canons on board were replaced with newer ones that were capable of firing celestial bronze canons according to Triton.

"Your ship is really cool," Percy said once they got back above deck.

"Maybe one day we can go somewhere for fun," he said patting his brother on the back.

"True in the future you'll have plenty of time to rest," Triton said looking out into the sea. "The enemy is gaining strength all over you'll need to prepare for the future. Our father's domain is becoming ever more volatile."

"I can help," Percy said firmly"If he needs me I'll do it."

"I'm sure you will," Triton sighed. "But you're needed here right now. Anyway lets practice our swordsmanship."

Triton summoned his trident in his hand while he and Percy drew their weapons. Gripping his sword tightly he charged at Triton and exchanged a few blows with him. Percy then came up with Riptide, Triton was still a god and easily could outmatch them but their older brother's gaze was calm as they both did their best to land a hit on him.

Triton then went on the offensive and thrusted his trident at him. He barely managed to block the sword as the two began to trade blows. Still playing games Triton? A smile spread across his face, back in the day Triton had often attempted to teach him a lesson for his piracy an action that didn't always end well for either of them.

Percy came in to help him and managed to catch Triton off guard. He and Percy then pressed Triton. Percy lunged at him and barely missed Triton's ear by a few inches. "Alright good job you two," Triton said as his trident disappeared.

He and Percy put away their swords. "Good job Percy," he said as he high-fived his younger brother.

"Thanks you were good too," Percy said with a smile.

With that, Triton began to explain to Percy how to sail on a ship and other facts about sea warfare. When they were done they returned to land and his ship went back underwater. I'll use it again I swear.

Triton then treated them to food again, this time at a nice Italian place. His older seemed to be growing fond of treating them if the smile on his face was anything to go on.

"Oh Chris how are things at camp?" Percy asked as he finished a slice of pizza.

"Apparently our father and Athena are fighting and the children of Athena can't enter his domain or use horses," he said as he ate his pasta.

Triton nodded, "Serves them right. It was their sister that helped that treacherous son of Hermes escape and stabbed you. You should've seen father when he found out he was so mad he nearly stormed to Olympus to demand answers from Athena. It took all my mother could to calm him down. "

"What about the Hermes cabin are they being punished too?" Percy asked.

Triton shook his head, "He almost did though my mother talked him out of it saying it wouldn't do him any good since Hermes and our father have a good history working together and could be an ally in future arguments. Politics as usual."

"Yeah Olympians politics can be complicated," he said. "I should know I was hired many times for some shady business."

Triton frowned as he drank his red wine. "From what I heard the gods were not happy about what happened with the son of Hermes and daughter of Athena. Lady Athena made excuses, explaining that it must be a ruse but that just made Lord Zeus angrier."

Taking a sip of wine Triton sighed. "Athena gave her daughter that invisibility cap and it didn't take a genius to connect the dots after she helped the son of Hermes escape. Lady Athena denied her daughter taking part in stealing the bolt and other things that transpired during your quest but Lord Zeus and our father were furious and she kept her opinions to herself for fear of punishment. Lord Hermes didn't say a word and kept quiet."

Triton shook his head as the mood at the temple became somber, "They both were the favorites of their parents and they ended up betraying them. It was sad what happened to them and I fear other gods will feel the same if more of their children join the enemy."

Percy looked down at his plate and frowned, "They both pretended to be my friend but in the end they only had bad intentions." His younger brother then looked up his eyes full of determination. "I won't disappoint father, I'll do my best to make him proud of me."

Triton gave Percy a bemused look and smiled, "He already thinks highly of you. Of both of you," he said turning to him. "He expects great things from both of you."

He avoided Triton's gaze. I was never that close with father how could he expect great things from me? All his life he was either a monster or a pirate who fought for respect. Well either way I'll make sure to make my own legends here with Percy.


Annabeth gripped her sword and parried the bear's strikes. Calm down I can do this. Gripping her sword she lunged at the bear slightly grazing its arm. The bear growled in agitation and swung its spear at her.

Luke watched her from the distance; usually he trained her but now he was supervising her. Summer is getting closer. Her stomach turned thinking about what would happen. Luke didn't say anything else about Thalia's tree and she was careful not to ask about it but by the way Luke's face got tenser by the day she knew sooner or later a quest would be issued.

What would I say if it was someone I knew? She blocked the bear's attack and countered with her sword. Could I convince Luke to come to his sense? The bear roared in anger as she landed a hit on its side. Could I maybe send a message to them? Her heart raced in her chest as the bear lunged at her, she did a roll to avoid its attack and quickly got on her feet. Her gaze met Luke's, his eyes were tired yet a cold calm. I can I just need time. It was a treacherous thought, she knew she had to be careful, Kronos made it clear what would happen if she showed even the slightest sign of disloyalty.

The bear lunged at her, she dodged the attack with her sword. I'll get you to come to your senses Luke. I promise, we'll be a proper family again.