Percy's POV:
I can't believe it! The fact that we accomplished something sooo difficult, made it all the more amazing. To think that just two people, on a life raft nonetheless; made it through the Clashing Rocks. A feat that hasn't been done since Jason and The Argonauts. Also minding the fact that we have powers. Still, we kept on our celebration until I fell from exhaustion and had my voice go hoarse. Triton was a different story all together; I doubt a god would get tired over something like that.
It was nice and calm for the next few hours which; began to grow unsettling. Even in the vibrant beauty of the setting sun. I don't exactly know what it is about the sun rising or setting that gives me the chills but, it does. It's not even the bad kind of chills; it's more like the chill that bring excitement. As far back as I can remember I've watched the sunset and woke up early enough to watch the sun rise. Not only that but, whenever the stars begin to float in the endless domain of Nyx... I don't really know what it is but, it makes me feel at ease; if that makes sense.
I know that Artemis carries the moon across the sky and if she so wished could easily find me lying awake in the dead of night. In fact, I don't know how she hasn't found me or tried to kill me. Even after I managed to run away the first time and got myself an arrow because of it. Which remind me that I need a bow... Anyway, the years after that made me live in a constant state of alertness. I doubt that my skills alone are enough to have me avoid her for so long. Still, that got me having a sneaking suspicion that someone in the divine realm has something to do with it. I don't know who it is though.
Well damn, did I get way off topic or what?
This is the Sea of Monsters so, I should be more careful on having my wonder. Especially on things that make no sense now. Hmmm, I wonder... I stared across the horizon and squinted my eyes against the fading light. "What are you thinking Perce?" Triton is the only person I actually let calling me that.
"There are supposed to be a few islands in the Sea of Monsters, aren't there?" I asked knowing full well what the answer is going to be while still squinting off into the distance.
"Yea... We've sailed for a few hours now, quite fast I might add. Do you see something?" He asked while peering over my shoulder.
"I think... there might be an island. Way off on our starboard side... It almost looks black... However, it's hard to be sure with the light fading." I spoke slowly because I wanted to be sure.
"Then let's go and check it out. If your dreams are true then Grover is also on some island around here with a key piece of the quest. Too bad we don't have a clue as to what is though. Plus, I think he'd appreciate it if we crashed his wedding." Triton said and I chuckled a little.
"There's no doubt about that. I just hope we can make it there in time to stop him from making the worst decision of his life... It looks to be really far off so, I doubt we will make it before morning." Triton smiled a little after I spoke.
"You should get some rest then, you know, because I have no need to sleep." I have a feeling that he was bragging.
"Were you just bragging? Oh my gods! Who are you and what did you do to my brother!?" I sarcastically commented and before he could say anything I continued, "I can't believe I got to witness such a glorious occasion! Nerio will be so delighted to hear this." I teased.
"You better not! I have a reputation to uphold! Or do you want me to spill the details about your crush to him?" Is Triton attempting to black mail me?
"Hey! I told you that in confidence!" I hollered while pointing my finger at him.
"Yea and I will confidently tell him." Triton smugly replied.
"If you do, I might just accidently let a little something slip about what happened to the painting in his room." I winked back at him.
"You wouldn't..." Oh yea?
"Try me." I leaned towards my brother and he did the same... "HHAhAHHahhhaaa!"
"HAhahhHhaHha!" Suddenly we both burst out in laughter. We won't actually tattle on each other but, the banter we have is fun. Plus if Nerio found out then both our heads would be in deep trouble. Triton was the first to settle down and once again told me, "You should rest. It'll be awhile."
After I stopped heaving I took in a deep breath and calmed down, "Yea I know. Goodnight Gilbert." I said swiftly.
"Goodnight Guppy." Triton replied just as quickly. I really hate that nickname. Good thing we made an arrangement long ago that we only call each other that in privacy. I really do love our stupid banter.
Slowly I began to drift off after finding a comfortable spot in an uncomfortable raft. Yea, it's a skill and pretty damn good one.
...
The thing about dreams is that sometimes I am graced with having a normal one. Well, as normal as it can be. Actually scratch that, there is nothing normal about a Hippocampi having human legs with the voice of a sassy Hades. Or the deal about a hippy Clarisse. And dear gods don't even get me started on the unicorn! I swear, that even things such as normal dreams don't even exist. Not for me at least. I was glad to wake up and escape that freak show... Well, I was sorta glad because things were just getting good.
Anyway, I began wiping the sleep from my eyes and looked up to see how much progress we made. I think we did pretty good. The raft was no longer moving.
About a five hundred feet in front of us was a volcanic island that expelled lava. The flow then had meandered black with vivid red cracks, lazy like treacle. I'd watched it while scanning every inch of it. There was no sign of plant life anywhere, let alone any other type. I never even knew that there was an island quite like this here. However, this the Sea of Monsters is hard enough to explore without being killed. Also, this place doesn't exactly have a pamphlet or a tour guide to help us out. "I think we just stumbled across something." Triton said in a firm tone.
"What do you mean?" I tried to remember what islands there were here but, I couldn't figure out which one this was.
"I believe that this might be the rumored forge of Hephaestus... I don't actually believe it." Triton answered shockingly. I stared at the island with wide eyes. It is a well known fact that the god of Forges tends to keep his forges' locations hidden.
"I thought having a forge here was simply a rumor." I quietly whispered.
"I thought so too." Triton whispered back.
"Do- do you think we can spare a glance?" I still whispered.
"I don't see why not. I doubt we'll get another chance to see the inside of his forge." Triton mumbled.
"Damn straight. Plus, it might just give a clue about where to go. Don'tchya think?" I cleverly reasoned while still keeping a hushed voice.
"Definitely. We'd be stupid if we didn't check all possibilities. And we aren't stupid." My bro was right.
"Alright, it's settled. We're going into the probably booby trapped and dangerous forge because it is vital to the quest." I smiled because this means we're finally getting somewhere... Then it hit me like an unexpecting salmon getting caught by an eagle. "Uhh why are we still whispering?" I asked while glancing over at my broseph.
Triton taught about it then spoke, "... I don't know. Let's get going." Now he spoke normally and before I knew it he dived into the water and nearly at the shore. I shook my head and commanded the waters to move me forward. In only a moment, I planted the boat about twenty feet from the shore and made my way to good ole Gilbert. He stood on the ashen shore with his arms crossed and a smug grin on his face. "I win."
"Only because I had to park the boat."
"Excuses." He scoffed.
"Shut up. Now that we're here, where's the door?" Triton shrugged, "Great. Looks like we're splitting up for now. If you find something, let me know by crashed a wave or something. If I find something, I'll pray to make things faster. Got it?" I told him even though it was plainly obvious. "Oh and one more thing... How bout we make it a little more interesting?" I teased.
"Do continue." Triton waved.
"What ye say about a race?" I asked with a touch of piracy in my voice.
"Ooo and the prize?" I actually didn't think about that.
"...Who knows? We'll figure it out once I win." I mentioned with full confidence.
"How about the same as usual? Loser must prepare the winner dinner." Most wouldn't think this but, Triton is one helluva cook even though gods don't eat the same food as us. He also says that my cooking is comparable to his. Which is why the loser usually cooks dinner, we think the other's food is simply too good to pass up. "Oh and I'd be delighted to know what you'd be preparing for me tonight. Care to clue me in?" My damn brother thinks he's going to win?
"I can't because you don't stand a chance against me," Triton scoffed, " Ready... GO!" I shouted and we sprinted off in different directions. Triton went left and I went right. Our reasoning was that we'd doubt that he'd place it in the most obvious place on the island. The crater at the top just seemed too good to be true for an entrance to a place as grand as one of Hephaestus Forges'. So, our best bet would be checking every nook and cranny on the lava covered island.
My eyes felt like it didn't know how to blink at that moment as I was awe-struck by what my eyes witnessed. In front of me was a place filled with the unending grains of ashen sand, as if the whole island was made out of blacken sand so fine it clung to my feet with every step. How can you possible hide a forge hear? Shimmering blue waters that sparkled in the presence of the sunlight encircled the island. Blackened spouts of rough shaped lava rock spread out all around the island, with patches of different colors such as a murky brown to an almost void darkness. In a distant, was a horrifying lavafall that looked like a sheet of molten velour swishing down, its edges hemmed with whipped-black lines. The island had a variety of different landscapes; from sugary fine sand, to the bleeding rocks, to the jagged seams that crawled close to the active lava rivers, and everything in-between.
After peaking in every crevice and getting as close as my body could take it to the lava, I decided to screw it. To the crater it is!
With expert balance and calculated footing, I trudged towards the peak of this dangerous beauty. However, I miscalculated one tiny little detail. The higher one makes it up, the more dangerous it gets. There are more holes and pits that I could possible count, each with molten rock flowing beneath heating the stones above it. That was where it began to hurt. I thought that if I just jumped on that one rock I would be safe but, it turns out that my vision was blocked by a jagged rock. And behind such a rock was a gathering pool of molten hotness.
The pain isn't sharp like a needle point or a knife, it burns around my foot. Everything feels scolded and, move or not, I'm in more pain than I could have ever imagined was possible. A bullet would be a mercy right now. The instant my foot touched the rock, I felt a sudden explosion of cold throughout my nerves. Which means that my nerves were probably being over loaded. The sizzling of my own flesh burned with such intensity I could almost taste it. It was terrible.
Every thought that blasted through my skull, every sensation, and every pain filled grasp only lasted less than a second. My body reacted on it's and flopped backwards and away from the danger. Almost immediately I was met with a different sort of pain. My body crashed into a jagged outcrop of rocks and sliced my back open. The wounds didn't feel deep but, I could feel my blood oozing out. Slowly. It might seem that things went from bad to worse but, the crash was a relief. It caused my mind to focus on something else. A distraction from the near unbearable feeling in my foot that still throbbed. Ever have it that when something hurts so bad you feel you heartbeat pulse through spot with a harsh intensity? Yea that was what I was feeling in my foot. The slight distraction had left and now the pain doubled. Stupid hot rock.
I began getting up and forced myself to ignore the pain. After countless situations from my past it was pretty easy. Now all I need is some water and and a new path to the top.
Once I carefully made it down to the shore, I felt instant relief across my body. The wounds began healing up and it reminded me of something. The scar on my side. A wound that never truly healed. Even after so many years, touching the skin left a strange stingy sensation. Strangely enough, it only hurts when I think about it. Who knew scars could act in such a way? I didn't. To be fair it is the most notable and most eye catching of the ones on me. Sometimes risking that injury is the only way. Or as part of my philosophy; it isn't fun unless their is a risk of injury. It may sound stupid or even insane but, what's the point of living if you can't have any fun along the way? Truth be told it has put me in some unwanted situations however, looking back at it; I have no regrets.
Who knew I would get so deep from a burn wound? Ahh it doesn't matter, best get back to the top and find a way into the forge. This time I should be just a tad more careful.
It wasn't extremely steep but, the way the land was created doesn't make the trip up any easier. So bouldering it is.
After an hour of scaling and leaping from spot to spot I just about reached the summit. And boy is it hot up hear or what? Even for a son of Poseidon who can generally stay cool. Plus that little extra prowess from Khione sure does help.
Once I reached the top I peeked over the edge. At first glance there wasn't much except for a narrow path leading down to a cave on the other side. No lake of lava just a lava tube leading further into the mountain. Huh, I guess he really would put in somewhere obvious. 'Hey Triton, I found a cave at the top of the summit. I guess that means I win.'
'Is that so? Cause I'm also looking at an entrance and it's located beneath the island. I guess that means that it's a tie.'
'God, I hate ties. Well let's head inside and we're bound to run into each other sooner or later... Wait a minute! Since when can you talk back!?'
'Now, I guess. It was just a hunch.' Triton finished off which means he's probably already going exploring.
I jumped over the ledge and slowly made my way across the narrow walkway. The farther I went down the more the walls grew more slick and the higher they climbed. It wasn't a straight decent but, immediately after entering the path curved left. After another hundred feet or so, it was taller than a god in his or her full size. My only light was the dim red and orange glow in between random cracks appeared beneath my feet. I was so distracted with the lay out that I slammed face first into a wall of some sort. "Son of a..." I hollered while holding my scrunched up face with both my hands. "That hurt." When the pain subsided, I looked up and saw what I ran into.
The celestial bronze gate was fashioned to look antique but the hinges were undoubtedly new. Of course it could have been rehung but it's making bore absolutely zero marks of machine tools that I undoubtedly wouldn't even recognize in the first place. The walls around were plain obsidian, or so it appeared. So why a new gate? I scanned the stone walls for inconsistencies and at first I saw none, just the mastery of a master blacksmith. But then I just caught a familiar noise, a small motor, like one used in the automaton of the annoying bulls that got into camp.
I couldn't see a handle or a lever so how am I going to get in?... I know!
I planted my feet firmly into the ground and began concentrating heavily on my earth-shaker powers. It might be sealed with some magic but, I could probably form a crack big enough to fit through on the edge of the gate. From the looks of it the walls are plain enough to where it should work to a small degree. Let's just hope that it works.
I slammed my right floor into the ground and tried to focus where the destruction should be. This is hard enough on it's own to control but, aiming it is a whole other level. It's not like you can simply aim an earthquake and keep it from wreaking havoc around it. Though I don't have much of a choice. The ground began to vibrate and the wall slowly cracked. Slamming my foot once more, I did the same as before. Just now a bead of sweat formed on my forehead. Damn this is tough. The crack only grew slightly this time.
Alright, time to take it up a notch. This time I jumped high into the air and as I came down I smashed into the floor. The shaking nearly quadrupled my last attempt lasted a few more seconds. The crack became a tiny crevice with a smidge of light shining on through. A well deserved smile graced my lips although my sweat began dripping all over.
One more. I jumped one more time and repeated myself. It continued to grow and now was big enough to fit a small rodent. I was beginning to breath with more intensity.
One more. I could now clearly the room inside. My body was beginning to ache.
Just a little more. The hole was beg enough to fit a a big raccoon or something. Now I fell down to one knee as my body tried to recuperate.
Again! My body could fit but, barely... Sure I can do an earthquake but, damn... Controlling such a force is exhausting.
Last time! I put all I've got into the last leap and watched as the hole gave in. Now I can finally fit with ease... I want to sleep.
Not yet. Sleep only when you're done.
I slowly crawled my way to the hole and with each step my vision began screwing with me. It looked like the hole was getting smaller. Hah, I must have exhausted myself a little too much because now I'm seeing things... No, I swear it was bigger. Now that I stood at the crevice I made it was indeed slowly putting itself back together. And it was getting faster. Shoot. I guess it's now or never.
I began squeezing through the hole and once I got through, I looked back and found no trace that any damage had ever been done. Swinging back around, I finally got a good look at the rumored forge of Hephaestus. Marble columns lined the walls which at one point were probably white nevertheless, they were now covered in soot and grime. Nearly everything was covered in some layer of coal or soot. At the far end was the main blasting furnace with glowing red hot coals and tools in buckets surrounding it. Directly in front was a stereotypical anvil and massive hammer for blacksmithing. Lining the edges of the cavern were celestial bronze gears turning and working other machines on their own. What I found unique was the water being pumped directly from some piping that I could sense carried fresh water. Somewhere along the water's journey it was made fresh and no longer contained salt. Unlike back at camp that had a water wheel. This system was much more advanced.
I could even see a few chimneys and vents that carried the smoke to the surface. It was totally awesome. Yet, there was always something more. Some areas were dedicated to statues while others were only for weapons. The weapons were hung on a wall and it was reserved for the clearly masterful pieces. They ranged from strange shaped swords to spears and war hammers. Every type of weapon I ever heard of and others that were unknown to me were displayed here. While the less than desirable cluttered wagons and buckets. I walked over and picked one of them up... I couldn't see anything wrong with it but, Hephaestus clearly chose to discard it for a reason.
I turned my head to the right and saw a strange assortment of bows. Crossbows, longbows, and even compact bows. I really want one since, my last one broke. I walked over to it and honestly none of them stuck out that much. A couple were made from pure celestial bronze that naturally would have some tricks barring the fact that that isn't me. I could pick any one of these and make it work but, I'm no thief. Still, being without a bow for so long has me itching for a new one. I practiced yet, they didn't suite me. It's almost like fighting with a sword other than Riptide. It doesn't feel natural.
Turning my head to the left, I saw the holy motherload of armors and shields. Roman, Civil War, World wars one and two and from era dating back centuries. Again, they ranged from nearly every era and radiated a certain power. Never have I wanted to wear any type armor more, until now. Sadly, I'm going to have to leave empty handed. So I resumed my wandering.
There were tables and on them were blueprints and models dispersed over them in a careless manner. Sprawled across the floor were numerous inventions that lay only half finished, with pieces that jutted out and sparked. I'm not gonna touch any of that. I don't want to accidently get decapitated or worse.
I spotted a door hidden behind a column and made my way towards it, careful not to touch anything. It wasn't much to look at after the awe inspiring inventions and weapons; just a simple wooden door with burn marks on it. Once I got to it I was happy to find a door handle. I grabbed the door and began to pulled... I pulled way too hard and the door smacked me square in the jaw. I fell over and yelped as I crashed into a few automatons. "Sorry about that." I heard the ever so distinctive apology of Triton. He stood leisurely at the door and I could tell he was holding in some laughter.
"When did you get here!?" I shouted with a hand on my jaw.
"Just now."
"Did you find anything?" I asked whilst wiping my jaw for blood.
"So so much. I didn't even get to see it all." Triton looked across the room I was in, "But nothing like this. No wonder you were taking your sweet time. Let's se-" The moment Broseph stepped through the door an ear splitting alarm rang through out the forge. Red lights screamed from the ceiling warning of some intruder. Apparently my breaking the wall didn't cause to happen; somehow. I clasped my hands to my ears trying to dampen the sound but, it barely did anything. I stood up and ran towards Triton who was doing the same thing as I was.
I chose not to see what he had in store for intruders inside his own forge and opted to run away. I remembered the time at the water park and that was a trap. Now how bad would it be if someone literally broke into his, home away from home. I didn't wait to find out. Triton must've known and ran right next to me. The alarms were beginning to give me a headache because of how loud they were. I didn't even want to risk dropping my hands and hear it full volume. Although I had to.
I had no idea where I was going. Triton took lead and starting turning into random corridors as we ran. Even though the alarm was still blaring, I could make some distinct sound following us. If there is one thing I learned from running away, it was that you should never look behind you if you're being chased. Not until you're absolutely certain that you aren't being followed. Just keep running and running until you reach safety. Looking back only slows you down and causes you to panic and once panic settles in you make mistakes. The tunnel curled away coldly into infinite dark, the light that showed the rough walls dwindling as it snaked away
We bolted and careened against the things behind us. We were being chased, no doubt. Triton and I darted into an unexpecting hallway and dashed on. A surprising flash caught us off guard for a second but, we recovered. As we continued to flee, my instincts flicked something that was thrown. I don't know what it was but, I'm not finding out. I felt as if we were flying through the endless maze of hallways. For some reason the sound of a four legged creature galloping eerily crept up on us. We must hurry. A decline appeared and we plummeted lower and plunged deeper into the mountain. I did my best to propel onward but, my body was still exhausted from before. Somehow it felt like a race. Triton rammed into a door as we ran and rushed on through. Something random sailed over heads and I only noticed what it was when we passed; an arrow. Now Triton and I scampered or scrambled trying to drive off their aim. Scurrying was our best option. We had to be careful because even a single shove can be deadly. We had to be aware of the other's movement to not hinder the other. Triton jerked to the left and I barely skimmed the corner before skipping over a rock. Once more Triton smashed a door and soared past a lave pit. Speed was our best and only option. In a narrow corridor we spun past a trap that sprung above our heads. Just keep sprinting. Our strides were long and our leaps even longer. Occasionally we'd swat at something above us or swerve past an automaton in front of us. I didn't need to swing my sword because I just couldn't risk it. I saw Triton duck and did the same just as a hammer swooped in from above. If we trip, we die. Abruptly an arrow whizzed past my face and cut a tiny part of my hair.
We ran for a couple minutes until Triton suddenly turned left and we reached a pool at the bottom of a fifty foot drop. Triton didn't even hesitate and leaped down. I followed and dived in right behind him. As I entered the water, I could make out a daylight at the end the cave and forced the water to push me forward. I closed my eyes and the tug in my gut was the only notifier that I was moving forward.
As the sunlight reached my irises through my eyelids I snapped my eyes open and followed my brother to the little life raft that was parked a fair distance away from us. Triton new where he was going and we reached the little boat in no time at all. With the power of the sea behind us we rocketed our way away from the deadly island. We just kept going until we were no longer could see that trap filled horror house.
I was way too happy to back on our little raft. So happy in fact, that I kissed the benches we were sitting on. "..." I have no idea what Triton just said.
"WHAT!?" I screamed while rubbing out my ears.
"I SAID THAT WAS CLOSE!?" Triton shouted back in the same manner.
"OH OKAY!... I THINK WE MAY HAVE WASTED A WHOLE DAY!" I still screamed. The constant ringing in my ears just won't go away.
"I DON'T THINK SOO!" Even though Triton is yelling, I can barely make out what he's saying.
"WHY'S THAT!?" I howled while my pinky was dug in my ear canal.
"BECAUSE OF THIS!" Triton took out a piece of paper that looked like a shipping manifest. I leaned over and saw the name on it. Because of my dyslexia I couldn't make out most of it but one name clearly stood out. Circe. Of course! She's good with magic and stiff which means she may have the cure we're looking for!
"ALRIGHT! I GUESS THIS WASN'T A WASTE AFTERALL!" I wailed and Triton nodded his head back at me. Now we have a real destination for this quest. One where the answer we're looking for might just be there. We're going to see Circe.