Third Person POV: (A Year Later)
Percy has grown in the past year, now thirteen years old and standing and weighing well above the average kids his age, Percy felt accomplished. Ever since he started he fought countless battles with Triton and can now hold his own against the Sea Prince. Quite a feat considering that Triton is an extremely skilled fighter and well adept with his prowess over the sea. At this point, Percy has refined his connection with the sea to such a degree that he can make and control a storm at will for short periods of time. An impressive feat for someone so young and eager to protect those he cares about.
Considering that Percy also trained in secret, this gave way to a whole new world of hidden talents and skills. Percy has slight authority of all things snow, cold and ice. Meaning that he can manipulate it and use is as an extension of himself. It being to a small degree and only when it is available. However, he can make a light flurry happen within five feet of his person and drop the temperature at this point in his private training. This impressed Khione, with a lot more time and practice he could perhaps make a blizzard and readily make ice or snow with nothing more than a simple thought. Though she believes this will only be achieved in the distant future. Who knows, Percy may surprise even himself with his capabilities.
Percy even sent out messengers to see if he can get word about Luke or Jessica's parent. Even about unclaimed kids back at camp. He even asked a naiad if she'd be willing to keep me updated on camp. She was more than happy to obligate. Percy now knows that Annabeth went back home for the school year and Jessica left as well. Grover on the other hand was no where to be found. A rumor claimed that he was on a good lead for the god Pan. Good on them, Percy believed. As far as he was concerned all was well and normal up until about a few weeks ago. No word has came back since then.
Not only has Percy improved with his prowess's but, he even managed to break sown those pesky mental barriers that Amphitrite and Triton kept up around the demigod son of Poseidon. It wasn't easy. Amphitrite, no matter how many smiles she hid behind, she couldn't get over that a living, walking sign of her husband's betrayal lived in the same home as her. Every glance and chat reminded her that Poseidon cheated and loved another woman. It hurt and crushed her heart. She knew it wasn't Percy's fault but... she couldn't help but, feel that it was his fault. At first that is. Love and hate are the same train, only in forwards or reverse gear. So if one wants a new relationship, one must first disembark onto the platform; only then can a new train arrive. Percy's overall positive soul slowly opened her ears to listen and lead to something else. A fresh start is the weirdest thing, as if everything that happened to this point in time, was a prequel to what comes next. It feels as if that book closed and a new one opened, appearing one word after the other, yet slowly, as if they have a calmness the first volume never possessed.
Now she sees Percy in a whole new way. That feeling she got when she first met Percy, Amphitrite now realizes it was a sense that Percy was not just a hero but... the embodiment of a true hero. The hero works from a sense of love and duty, a desire to protect others, a willingness to take on suffering if it keeps others safe. They use their aggression for noble purpose; they develop self control and an ability to do the harder thing when it is the right thing to do. To find the light in the darkness instead of choosing to snuff it out. Take on all the bad the world has to offer for the sake of others. Plus he's funny.
The way they act around each other, some would think they were close friends. And they'd be right.
Sharing an exchange of blows with someone has the same affect as looking into someone's soul. Triton saw the hero inside Percy but, that wasn't enough. Every single so called hero has a flaw and Triton had to find Percy's. Yet, the only thing he could find was loyalty. An unbreakable loyalty that Triton could only admire. Triton was cold and only looked at Percy as a trainee. However, over the long months of fighting and talks Percy brought up, it started to feel more like he had a brother. Sure, a brother is pain. Annoying. Rude. A dick. Even regretful at times. That's a given. Yet, they hold a relationship that isn't the same as parents or sisters. Something Triton couldn't predict yet, subconsciously wanted.
They are brothers. A relationship where blood doesn't determine anything. Triton has him covered, like Percy's got his back. An accomplice. A co-conspirator. Never would Triton have thought that he would choose to act like a fool for the sake of fun. Percy wouldn't hesitate to die for Triton. They are the same soul, split in two, and walking on four legs. Not really but, that's how they felt. If Triton helps Percy's boat reach the shore, then Triton's own will reach too. Because they are one. If one dies, then the other will lose a part of themselves. They both are killers. Either can kill for the other, and kill others for him too. It has turned into a bond that is much thicker than blood. People might ask, like some did. But does it ever matter? Being the one in power, or not being? Either way, when one brother is in question, then there has to be no question. Brothers till the bitter end and beyond.
Percy went so far as sharing thoughts that plagued him since he first knew he might die at sixteen. Even told him the stupid things like crushes and things alike it. He found someone else to confide in.
Poseidon on the other hand, was kept extremely busy by matters of the sea and his family. The Fates really stirred them up.
Percy's POV:
Standing with Riptide firmly grasped in one hand and a spear in the other, I kept an eye on Triton as we circled each other. At the same moment we smiled and charged towards the center. Round fifty or something today alone. Extending my arm with the spear, Triton ducked underneath and sliced up with his sword. This gave an opening at my midsection but, using my control over the water I expelled poor ole Triton away from me. I threw the spear with all my might and it soared at my dear brother. Using his own trident and heightened reflexes he knocked it away easily.
I rushed forward with my dagger, slid underneath his sword, and attempted to stab him in one of his tails. He swam over my strike and Triton brought his trident above his head and thrust it down on my chest. In a swift action, I brought up Riptide and barely blocked the prongs from penetrating my skin. Knocking it aside, I kicked up with my legs and landed with the grace of a swan. Now standing firmly, I kicked at his ribs however, he brought his arms up in an x and blocked the majority of it. Damn. I really hoped that would do something.
Triton immediately grabbed my ankle and flipped me over his head and smashed me into the ground, full force. The water was knocked out of my lungs and I coughed up a little saliva. Picking me up once one, I kicked him with my other foot across his helmet covered head. It hurt like hell but, he let me go. Triton didn't let me recover and instead of using his trident, he opted for his sword and thrusted at my thigh. I slapped his sword with mine and together we danced with swords as our partners.
I slid at Triton and mid slide manifested a frozen sword. Triton parried Riptide expertly but, I wasn't done. Spinning on my knees like a propeller I kept up my assualt and caused Triton to focus on defense. While still spinning I jumped high into the end a spun kicked Triton square in the jaw. I didn't relent and began punching Triton in the nooks of his armor. Triton was tough skinned and gladly grabbed both of my wrists and headbutt me in the nose. My bro even managed to slap me with his twin tails across the face without letting go. Blood trickled out of my nose. In an attempt to free myself yet again, I kneed his chest... It didn't work. Plan b, as he came in for another headbutt I ducked and used all my weight and fell on my back. The momentum carried him over me and as he was directly above I kicked him with both my feet and let myself free. I sidestepped a wild strike and jumped back a few feet.
This little breather didn't last long. The both of us jumped right back into it with our weapons of choice. My Riptide. His Trident. Every single slice, stab, or lunge was blocked or parried. Every sidestep only gave a little relief. I kept my strikes more wild and unpredictive to keep him guessing and always on the defensive. It didn't always workout however, it stood up well against Triton's more calculated and trained approach.
"That's enough boys." Amphitrite called from the edge of the arena. When did she get here? We have been fighting for well over an hour. Damn, it doesn't even feel like it was that long. "Poseidon is back." I capped riptide and rushed out of the room with great speed.
"Hey! We don't even know who won this one yet!" Triton called out from behind me but, since Poseidon is back I want to know some things before he is called off again. No hard feelings. Whenever he is around, I never have the chance to talk. Poseidon is always busy but, this time excuses just won't do.
I bolted through the halls with only the sound of my bubbles floated to the ceiling indicating I've past. I felt like a blur of color as I approached the throne room. Smashing the doors open, I scared the crap out of a couple guards and caught Poseidon. He sat leisurely on his thrown and smiled. "Hey dad. Are you busy?"
"Not at the moment. Finally. What brings you here? Other than unhinging the throne room doors." He stretched a bit.
"I've been meaning to ask you some things. These questions have just been eating away at me for a the longest times now."
"Of course. I am free for a little while. What's been eating at you?" He leaned slightly forward in his chair and gave me his undivided attention.
"Ok first off, what's the history between you and Khione?" He frowned a little but, I bet he knew I was gonna ask this at some point.
"She uh bore a son. One of mine and in fear cast him into the sea. I saved the boy and put him in the care of Benthesikyme but, as you can imagine. Her doing didn't sit too well with me." That was a very short answer.
"Ooookayyyyy… That's it? I mean that sounds horrible but, look what she has done for me. I'm not saying to fprgive or forget but, she has changed. Maybe giving her a shot isn't such a bad idea... Anyway, my next question. When mom died, you had to know that I was still alive? Right?" I just don't understand how he couldn't possible know. It doesn't make any sense.
"... I didn't know. When it happened, I felt like a part of me was ripped away from me. At that moment I just knew she wasn't going to come back. I wanted to beg to Hades to bring her back but, I knew it was for not. I even watched her die from this very room. Hovering over you protectively but, in my heart I knew those claws pierced right through her and into you. I felt death approach the both of you. As it turns out I was wrong. Thank the heavens for that. I don't know what came over me but, I just couldn't bare to watch you suffer so I stopped looking. I grieved for a long time and lived in regret. I second guessed so much after that. Why didn't I do more? Why didn't I save you? Why didn't I? So many questions loomed over in my head. I thought you died and told every one that is was so. I even checked myself, every one I spoke to gave a clear answer. No one survived." I stared into the distance, past the horizon. Seeing how Zeus reacted when he realized I was alive. My moms made the right choice. I'd be long dead if it weren't for them.
"I see. Ehum, last question. What was she like?" I barely remember her. I remember a smile and tears with a beautiful face. That's about it. Poseidon glowed when I asked. I bet he was waiting for me to ask.
"Like you wouldn't believe. She could see through the mist and that's was how we first met. In Montauk. Sally was a strikingly beautiful woman with a smile as warm as a quilt and sparkling blue eyes that change of color in the light. Her kindness knew no bounds and never once did I hear her badmouth another being in all existence. She always put other's before herself. Her passion lived with the power of a raging hurricane that never died. She would rather work hard than take my proposal of living with me under the sea. Plus she had a rebellious streak, that quite obviously was passed down to you. It wasn't in a bad way either. Sally believed in taking control of her own life and rejected the offers of others to solve her problems. No one else could control her. She chose her own destiny and chose to do it in her own way. I believed she could only die because she let death take her. I still do. Sally possessed just the right combination of compassion, strength, and beauty. She was one of those rare mortals who could connect spiritually with a god as an equal, being neither terrified of deities nor greedy for what they can offer, but to provide them with true companionship... You two are very similar. I am proud that you took after her. You are spitting resemblance to Sally Jackson." Poseidon told me in a soft voice. By now I had tears build up in my eyes. She sounds absolutely amazing. Jackson... Hmmm.
I excused myself and Poseidon didn't stop me. Thank you dad. So, I slowly strolled back to my room. Laying down on my bed my thoughts turned towards my mother. I only remember bits and pieces of her.
If I stop to dwell for even a fraction of a second my face is wet with tears. They roll silently into my cracked lips, salty and cold. I can never fathom why the Fates would give me someone so good only to snatch them away so soon. I know she is safe in Elysium, loved and warm, but I can't reach you there. It's a cruelty that the sun continues to rise, to welcome in each new day devoid of your laughter or even your grumpy complaints and sarcastic commentary. I want to hear you snort at something stupid I did or hold me in your arms lovingly. I want to do so much with you. Yet, my most recent memory of you is a smile as you protect me from the hungry grasp of death. I hardly remember you but, the thought of you dead still aches my heart. Always sneaking up on me in my quiet moments. If I forget, that is the greatest insult against someone as perfect as Sally. Now that I know more, how she chose to live, how she won't let anything or one define her, how her life was her own. I can't tarnish that. I won't.
I was fairly exhausted after a long day with Triton. And laid down for a nap. Bad idea.
(AU's Note: This first portion of the dream is similar to First dream that in Sea of Monsters. Grover is in trouble and asks for Percy's help. But before he can say anything else the dream changes. I apologize for this but, I'm fairly busy. Hope you understand.)
My dream shifted to where I stood in front of a man. He appeared to have a muscular build, curly black hair, blue eyes, elfish features, and a sly grin. He was wearing nylon running shorts and New York City Marathon T-shirt while jogging, an outfit similar to a mailman's when delivering mail with a pith helmet which sprout wings, and a suit. He carries a cell phone which keeps buzzing. He has been wearing sport winged shoes, sorta mix between ancient Greece and modern. Though he has a furrowed brow, his eyes got steely cold, and his facial expression hardened. "You could have handled Luke in a different way. Now he is in trouble. I hope you can save him. Truly save him."
"What do you mean?" Hermes?
"He is in a dark place. I can't interfere directly but you should know this. He isn't what he used to be. Please save him." With that simple message he waved his hand and everything went dark. I can't believe gods do this, be vague and expect the world in response.
I woke up to knocking at my door. Who could that be? Sliding out of my bed, I pushed the door open and it was the Naiad I asked to look at camp for me. "Hey. How are things at camp? Three weeks is quite a bit of time." I spoke, I was curious how things were going at camp.
"I know it's just that... Things aren't looking good."
"What do you mean? What's going on!?"
"An intruder got into camp and uh- well- you see- Thalia's tree has been poisoned." My eyes grew wide. Who would do such a thing!? How could someone do such a thing!?
"How?"
"I'm not sure. But that isn't all. The gods need someone to blame and they are turning their fingers at Chiron. Some say it's because of his father but, I don't believe he could do such a thing. Not only that but, the replacement is ruining the camp. He's more of a tyrant than a leader. And it seems that... The camp boarders are weakening. The poison on Thalia's tree must be destroying the magic that kept the barrier up. Soon the camp will be overrun by monsters. I've seen them gather. And whoever the new guy is, he isn't doing anything about it. If something isn't done soon, I'm afraid that there will be no camp to return to." I just stood there shocked still for a minute. Not moving and barely breathing.
"Okay. Here's what we're going to do. Can you go back to camp and tell them to hold off the monsters. Tell them I will find the cure and I will be back. That is a promise." She nodded her head and swam away. "Triton!... Triton! I need you!" I called through the halls with a booming voice. No time to waste and I'm not gonna wait for the Fates. This is happening now.
"What is it?" He appeared out of thin water.
"We're leaving. We can't afford to waste any more time." I starting making my way out of the palace and Triton walked beside me the entire time. Not behind. Next to.
"Mind telling me where we're even going?" I can't believe he's changed so much in just a year.
"The quest has begun. Are you ready?" I asked in all seriousness. If anyone was going to accompany me, it would be my brother. He simply smiled. That's the thing he didn't have to say anything. I don't even know why I asked.
I realized something when dad talked about mother. She lived her life according to her will. Now what would that make me if I didn't do the same? I'm destined to die and have a miserable life. Nah, that just won't do. They say I have five years left? Pfft, I'm going to make it fifty. I won't die at sixteen. I won't be swayed. I will protect my friends. I will make my own destiny. Screw the Fates. Screw the designated path. I am my own person. This is my life. I am Percy Jackson.