Go GO GO

by ESTELENGALAD

Summary:

Part two of my once more with feeling series. Must read part one Rewind Rewind Rewind to make sense. Please comment but keep it positive.

Chapter 1

I sat straight up in bed with a cry. I rushed to the bathroom and puked my guts up. It had been almost a year since I had a nightmare of the pit. Between being so close to blessed waters and Libya putting me to sleep every night, my sleep had been restful.  

 

I slid down onto the floor next to the bathtub. It wasn’t ever just being in the pit anymore though. Now when I was there, so were dad and uncle Hades. Every time it was the same dream. I was too afraid to even lift my sword and I watched as he killed dad, Then Uncle Hades, and every time I was helpless, I always woke up just before he killed me.  

 

 A moment later Libya was beside me. I suppose it could have been a lot longer than a minute. I tend to dissociate after nightmares. She had her arms wrapped around me. She gently pulled me up to my feet.  

 

“Come now little brother.” she said gently. “Lets take you elsewhere.” She put her hand over my eyes, then we were in the depth of the sea.   

 

I sighed in relief and relaxed into the settled feeling that being in my father’s domain brought me. It had always been the best way to shake off dreams of the pit, because I couldn’t feel my father from the pit.  

 

I wrapped my arms around myself and took deep breaths of clean crisp water. The brine this far down was sharper. The water was colder. The current was more peaceful.  

 

“Did you have another vision my little brother?” Libya asked gently. I shook my head. “No.” I sighed softly. “This one was just a bad dream. Sometimes parts of my visions stick with me, then I make them worse than they are, then they become nightmares.” I explained  

 

I looked down and considered what to say next. It had been two weeks since I had told Apollo the truth, I hadn’t seen him once since then. I could only imagine that he was trying to process everything that I had told him.  

 

My dreams were always worse when I was stressed out though. I didn’t know how he was handling things and it was stressing me out more than the not seeing him was. Libya didn’t need to know that much though.  

 

“I miss Apollo.” I finally admitted. “It’s been two weeks now since we spoke. I know he believed me when I told him what I saw, I just don’t know what he is doing now. I miss having him around. I had gotten so used to seeing him every day.”  

 

Libya smiled sadly and nodded. “I will admit that I miss him as well.” she said quietly. “I had too grown used to his constant presence. It is long since I had a constant by my side.”  

 

“You could go home to Triton.” I said grateful for the chance to change the subject. Libya shook her head. “Perhaps one day Percy, but not now. I am not ready, and you still need me here.” I sighed. She kind of had a point.  

 

I rolled my shoulders. “Come on.” I told her. “Lets get back. Dawn can’t be too far off now.” Libya looked up. “No.” she agreed. “It is not, the dawn has already broken. We must return.”  

 

She put her hand over my eyes and then we were moving again. “Here we are.” Libya sang lightly.   

 

“What the fuck Libya!” Apollo growled. I froze and then turned to look at the very angry sun god who was standing in my bedroom.  

Chapter 2

NEW CHAPTER  

“Lord Apollo” Libya said with a light bow. Apollo made a hissing noise like an angry swan. “No don’t fucking Lord Apollo me! What the fuck were you thinking taking him away from here when I specifically told you not to until you heard from me!” he snarled  

 

I looked over at her with wide eyes. She hadn't mentioned that. Though I supposed I couldn’t be upset about that. It wasn’t like I told her everything either.  

 

She winced, but stood up straighter, her skin taking on it’s natural blue color and her claws and fangs coming out. “And how exactly was I to know his dream was not a sign? He had a dream that was so touching that it made him physically sick. I am not prophecy sensitive, I do not know what is your influence and what is not.”  

 

She crossed her arms. “What I do know is that the child is my responsibility. The child was ill and when a sea child is ill, it is best for them to be in the depths. You know this as well as I.” she scolded.   

 

I couldn’t help but be impressed by her. She was amazing. Everything that a child of the sea should be. Not many minor gods would have the balls to speak to Apollo like she just did.   

 

I stepped forward. “I am alright Apollo.” I frowned at him. “Can you turn it down please. You are too bright.”  

 

He finally looked over at me. His face softened and his light immediately dimmed. Now I could look at him without squinting.  

 

“I had a nightmare. It was bad and being in the water made it better. I needed the reminder of where I was, of what was real and what was dreams.” I explained.   

 

He came and knelt down in front of me. Then he put his hand on my forehead like he was checking my temperature. Then he sighed and sat back on his heels.  

 

“I’m sorry.” he said softly. “I didn’t intend to stay away for this long, Hermes and Artemis picked up on my mood so Artemis insisted I come hunting with her and the girls.” he rolled his eyes.  

 

“Then when I finally escaped her Hermes cornered me and demanded I tell him what was going on. So then we went back and forth for a couple days before he was satisfied that I had told him everything I could without telling him more than he should know and of course he is not happy with how much he knows I am still keeping from him, but he understands.”  

 

He sighed then looked back up at Libya. “I apologize I spoke too swiftly and too harshly. Not finding my prophet when I came for him startled me.”  

 

Libya nodded to him. “I can accept that.” she said quietly. “I will leave you now.” she said before her form settled back into something more human and she left the room.  

 

Apollo held his arms out to me and I immediately stepped into the hug he was offering. He gave the best warm hugs. He was calming to me in a way that he hadn't been before. Maybe because I was still under his domain of young boys. I hadn’t been before when we met. Mom cut my hair before school after my first summer at camp.  

 

“Perseus” he said gently, putting his hands on my shoulders. “Can you tell me what you dreamed about?” I bit my lip and looked away. I was still on edge. I wasn’t ready to talk about it yet.   

 

“Do I have to talk about it right now?” I asked uncomfortably. He shook his head. “Not if you are not ready, but I think that you should talk about it. I want you to pick a time to talk about it.”  

 

I thought for a moment. “Why?” I asked. He gave me a knowing look. “Because you little hero are very much your father’s child and you will procrastinate until my cows return if you do not.” I pouted. He had me there.  

 

I nodded in agreement. “Okay.” I said then took a deep breath. “We can talk about it after lunch.” I said firmly.  

 

He raised an eyebrow at me. “Yeah no you wanna try that again.” he scolded lightly. I crossed my arms and sighed. “I was hoping you wouldn’t catch that.” I muttered.  

 

Apollo chuckled. “I would not have if you hadn’t told me that Uncle Hades educated you properly in the art of the deal. With his teaching you would know not to make such an open ended deal.”  

 

I rolled my eyes. “Fine we can talk about it before 3 pm today.” I grumbled. He offered me a blinding smile that made me feel a little bit better.   

 

“What are we doing today?” I asked quickly changing the subject. Apollo quirked his lips. Then stood up and sat down on my bed.   

 

“I haven't decided.” he admitted. He shook his head. “If I thought it would work, I would just steal you away to Delos and we would train and prepare and-” “But the fates wont allow that.” I pointed out cutting him off.  

 

He shook his head again. “No, They are watching very closely. I am truly not certain how much they will allow me to interfere.”   

 

Then he frowned at me. “How did you know the fates wouldn’t allow me to simply take you?” he asked somewhat accusingly.  

 

I shrugged “dreamed about you and Hermes talking about it. He said to take me and make me unstoppable, you said the fates wouldn’t allow it.”  

 

Apollo sat forward. “Oh really? Do you often travel about in your dreams little seer? He asked sounding pleased.  

 

I shrugged again. “Um define often? I mean like it used to only happen a couple times a year if that, now it happens a couple times a month, and thats with Libya putting me to sleep every night. Actually a few months ago, I traveled to see Aunty Hestia. She said I should seek you help in learning to understand what she calls my dream walking.”  

 

Apollo sat back with a non committal hum. “Just one more thing I will have to teach you.” he muttered. He jumped to his feet and started pacing.   

 

“The problem is, I don’t have a place to train you in anything involving power. I can’t keep bringing you to Delos. Artemis will notice and want answers, more than what we can give until you become known to the rest of the family.”  

 

He ran a hand through his wavey blond hair. “I can’t bring you out to sea because I can’t shield you from uncle’s eyes there and you aren’t ready for your father to know how much you know yet. Which is understandable, some things need to play themselves out or something worse could take their place.”  

 

He shook his head. “I’ll figure it out.” he muttered. I frowned and tilted my head. “Would Oceanic Apotropaic magic hide me?” I asked hopefully.   

 

Apollo nodded, “yes, but I can’t bring you to the sea. Your father would notice and ask questions, and all of the Oceanic sorcerers are loyal to your father.” he said with a sigh.  

 

I grinned “What if you saw a place on land hidden by Oceanic magic, could you tell if it was strong enough to hide me?” He nodded slowly. “You have something in mind?” he asked curiously.   

 

I nodded “Can you get us to Central park without being noticed?” I asked hopefully. Apollo nodded. “Sweet!” I chirped “Lets go!”  

 

“Wait now?” he asked sounding surprised. I nodded “No time like the present right?” He shrugged and wrapped an arm around me putting the other hand over my eyes.”  

 

“Will you never cease to surprise me Perseus?” he said sounding amused. Then in a rush of warm air, we were gone.  

Chapter 3

Apollo moved his hand away from my eyes. “And here we are.” he said with some flourish. I opened my eyes and looked around. It took me a moment to orient myself. Central park was a big place.  

“Alright.” I said grabbing Apollo’s hand. “It’s this way.” I lead him across the park and to the goat path that led to my clearing .   

Apollo chuckled softly. “A satyr path?” he asked. I nodded “Just this part though. Grover and I found this by accident a few years ago...or a few years f ro m now? ” I shook my head.  

“Anyway, I used what Benthy taught me to hide it when I first came back. I was planning on training by myself here...then that didn’t happen. " I shrugged and pulled Apollo forward again “Come on.”  

We were almost to the clearing when Apollo stopped. He tilted his head like he was listening to something then chuckled lightly. “Well done Perseus. This place is very well hidden. I can feel the magic pushing at my subconscious urging me away. No one would ever stumble upon this place accidently .”  

I felt my cheeks get warm at the praise. In my last timeline, we had been engaged. We had been just a couple years out from being married. (Dad insisted that we wait until I was of age by Atl antean law which was 25.) He had been the center of my world, the most important thing in my life, apart from my soulmate Nico.  

Now I wasn’t really sure what I felt for him. My emotions were all jumbled up when it came to him. I think because I am physically a child and don’t have the mental capacity to und erstand extremes like romantic or sexual love. , but I did love him. He was important to me. I just couldn’t put into words what I felt towards him.  

“Perseus.” he called breaking into my thoughts. I stopped and turned towards him and was startled to find the treeline behind him. We were already in the clearing. I guess, I had lost some time there while I had been distracted.  

I giggled. “Oops, I got distracted.” Apollo laughed lightly. “I could tell.” He looked around. His smile was infectious. “Yes. I think this will do quite nicely my little prophet.” he said warmly .  

I shuffled my feet feeling some mix of embarassed and pleased . “I’m glad.” I said somewhat nervously . “I want to learn. I want to make sure I am as ready as I can be when everything really starts to go down. I want to have a hold on these new powers.”  

Apollo chuckled softly. “I am afraid that getting your sight under control will not be as easy as getting any of your other powers under contro l. You choose when you use your other powers. You have very little choice over when you see or how much you see.”  

I frowned, “but can we get me to a point where I don’t pass out for no reason when I give a prophecy ?” I complained. Apol l o chuckled again. “Yes, we can do that. Though it isn’t for no reason. ”  

  “ You pass out because you are seeing too much for your mind to process when you are speaking a prophecy. You are seeing what is happening now, what choices may be made. The threads the fates laid down that lead to the prophecy. Plus the prophecy itself .”    

I frowned at him. “Okay so it overwhelms my mind, but you don’t pass out. Rachel doesn’t pass out. Why do I?”  

Apollo sighed. “I don’t pass out anymore. Rachel doesn’t pass out because of the amount of blessing placed on the pythia . A part of what she is seeing is always siphoned off to me . I take on what she can’t handle. When I have a prophet , that burden is shared with them as well.”  

“ So when Rachel gives a prophecy I will to?” I asked confused. Apollo shook his head “No no t usually. For the most part you will just get the visions surrounding her prophecy. ”   

He frowned. There is a reason why I look after my prophets so closely. Being a prophet is no simple task. It is a good par t of why we are here where I can work with you properly. W e need to train you mind to focus fully on the prophecy you are speaking and ignore all the possibilities .”  

He sighed again running a hand through his long golden hair. “There was a reason that your father didn’t mind me taking prophecy from him. It is difficult for those of the sea to not see to o much because they cannot be restrained even by themselves. Any blocks placed on your powers will just encourage you to get stronger in order to break them.”  

I tilted my head. “Is that why my sisters weren’t heroes?” Apollo nodded. “I watch your father’s children closely from day one. That is part of why I was so offended that he hid you even from me. ”  

He shook his head. “Those that even show potential for the gift your father gives to me to train. Until they come of age, they spend all of their training time with me learning mastery over their sight. Those with true sight are then named as my prophets, but their training starts before they can walk typically . Typically your father’s children spend half of their time under the sea if not more. ”  

I bit my lip. “My father never brought me under the sea for that long. I mean up until the first war, I suppose he was trying not to get more attached and keep me away from the fight as much as he could. Then after the second war, he started bringing me to Atlantis more often, but even then it was only like twice a month.”  

Apollo shook his head and made a frustrated sound. “I cannot begin to understand your father’s reasoning in this, but I will not allow that this time. As soon as the rest of our family knows of you, I will ensure you more time where you belong.”  

I shrugged “We can cross that bridge when we come to it.” He nodded “Yes, best not to rush. I think it would be best if we keep you hidden until the bolt is stollen. Allow that to play out how it will . For now, we must begin your training.”  

Chapter 4

I panted and gasped as I tried to catch my breath. For some reason, I had thought that training with Apollo would be easy. I was wrong he was a much harsher teacher than even Luke had been. Training with him was exhausting.  

 

Then again, maybe I was just misremembering. I had been training myself since I was thirteen. Maybe working with someone who is better than you is just harder. That and I was in the body of my tiny eight year old self. Which was a lot stronger than my first eight year old self, but I was still considered small for my age.  

 

I rolled my shoulders and got back up to my feet. “No you’re done.” Apollo said firmly. “I growled. I was not done! He may be my teacher right now, but he had no right to decide my limitations for me! I launched myself at him.  

 

He caught my knife in between his twin long knives and disarmed me. I twisted and ducked under his gaurd expecting to attack his unprotected back, but that’s not what happened. Instead my legs were swept out from under me as Apollo caught me by the throat and slammed me to the ground.  

 

“I told you, you were done.” he scolded lightly. Then he let go of my throat and pulled me to my feet. He frowned and touched my cheek and my body was filled with a warm tingling sensation. All of my aches and pains melted away. Being healed by him felt even better than swimming in the heart of Atlantis.  

 

He tipped my chin up so I had to meet his eyes. They were golden today. I liked that he didn’t feel the need to hide them from me.  

 

“There is no shame in accepting your limits Perseus.” he said gently. “I will help you to push past them, but in order to do that in a healthy manner, you must accept that they exist. There is no rush this time. No war knocking at your door. No end of summer training deadline. Stop trying to force it. Allow yourself to learn and grow as you did not have the chance to do so before.”  

 

I looked down feeling like a scolded little kid. Which was technically what I was, but still. It was hard to be annoyed when he started using that soft tone with me. He was always so understanding, he always knew my reasoning behind things, sometimes even before I did. I knew I needed to accept that I was physically still a child and it would take time for me to become a skilled fighter again, but it was hard.  

 

I nodded. “I’m trying.” I said softly. “It’s just...I have never had that before.” “Had what?” Apollo asked gently. “Time.” I whispered hating how my voice shook. “Every time I turned around it was another fight. I couldn’t take my time. I had to be the best I could be in as little time as possible.”  

 

Apollo nodded. “I can understand that, but you have time now. As far as I can see, the war still will not truly begin until Luke Castellan attacks you. I am sorry to say that this event has already been woven. Even we cannot change it. His mother sealed his fate when she went against my direct orders and attempted to host the spirit of Delphi.”  

 

I looked away. I knew that I couldn’t save everyone, but that didn’t make it any easier. I thought about my nightmare last night. What if I didn’t do enough, work hard enough, and it all still happened. I mean Tartarus hadn't been the one to kill Dad and Uncle Hades, but he had been directly responsible for their deaths. What if I didn’t do enough and he still was.  

 

I took a deep breath. “You wanted to know about my nightmare.” I said carefully. “I did.” Apollo agreed neutrally.  

 

I closed my eyes. “I dreamed that I was in Tartarus. I dreamed that I watched him kill Dad and Uncle. I know...logically I know...it was just a nightmare. Not every dream I have has meaning, but I am terrified.”  

 

I took a shaky breath and opened my eyes again. My vision was blurry. Apollo was looking at me, but there was no pity in his gaze, just empathy.  

 

“I’m so fucking scared. What if I don’t do enough? What if it happens again. Tartarus didn’t kill them, but he was responsible for their deaths. What if I don’t push myself enough and I don’t change things enough to stop it this time?” I asked  

 

Apollo sighed. “We are blessed and cursed with sight Perseus.” he said softly. “But even we cannot tell how everything will turn out. All we can do is what we can do. Pushing ourselves to exhaustion every day is not the answer.”  

 

He brushed his thumbs under my eyes. “Pushing ourselves to exhaustion only serves to weaken our bodies and our minds. You must trust in yourself and you must trust in me. Hold to hope Perseus. We won’t fail. Take your time, grow as you were always meant to and together we will be unstoppable.” he promised  

Chapter 5

 

 

I stifled a yawn. Training with Apollo was exhausting. He pushed me harder tha n I had ever been pushed before. Granted it was only for a few hours each day, and that was only on weeks days , but still.  

 

I sat down at my desk and opened my magic journal. It had been a birthday gift from Apollo last year. Since he had started training me after the summer solstice, I had been spending a few hours a day writing everything I could remember from my last timeline in it. I was up to my fifteenth birthday now. It was strange, you would think I would have a book the size of war and peace or like have run out of space or something, but I didn’t. Instead, it just looked like a normal leather-bound journal, but I guess when you get a journal blessed by the god of knowledge that’s just how it was.  

 

I had barely touched the pen to the paper when I was thrown into the vision. The world spun. The air was knocked out of me. It was like I had just been sucker punched. Colors flashed by, sound came in and out. Then it was like the picture cleared. Two boys maybe a year or two older than I was sprinted down a dark alley. A growly voice echoed behind Them. “Lunch!.” it wailed “Come back!”  

 

“”Not today Satan!” The taller of the two called back. “You have to catch us first!” The other shouted. They turned a corner then another. “You think we lost him?” The shorter one asked. The taller one turned his head and I immediately recognized Connor Stoll son of Hermes.  

 

“Not for long.” he murmured. “I feel like we need to keep going.” The other one who I recognized as Travis nodded. “I feel it too. Like something is guiding us.” “ Lets keep going.” Connor said softly. Travis nodded and they took off running again.  

 

I blinked and the world spun again and everything hurt. Then I was falling. Then I slammed back into myself. I opened my eyes and I was back in my bed room at Montauk . “Ow.” I muttered. The world spun again.  

 

The next thing I knew I had my head on my notebook. I sat up and looked around. I shivered. That one had been alot. Was it happening right now, or would it happen soon? I didn’t usually have visions while I was awake, but I was pretty sure that I hadn't fallen asleep.  

 

I shook my head and turned to an empty page dated it and wrote vision at the top. Than I started writing down everything I had just seen. I didn’t want to forget any of it. I wouldn’t have seen it if I didn’t need to.  

 

I whispered a prayer to Apollo begging him to meet me in my dreams. We had decided that when we met from now on, it would either be me going to his library and him taking us to the park, or meeting me in my dreams. Aphrodite was getting suspicious of him appearing to spend so much time with Libya. I didn’t wa nt to see that rumor start.  

 

My bedroom door opened and I quickly closed my journal. I didn’t want to have to try to explain to my mom why I was just staring at a blank page. Trying to brush it off last time had been bad enough.  

 

Libya came and sat down on my bed. I closed my journal and stood up from my desk and joined her on my bed. She ran her fingers through my hair comfortingly.  

 

“Tonight is the last night of camp for the year. How are you feeling about that little brother?” She asked softly. I shrugged.  

 

“Shrugging is not an answer dear child.” she scolded me lightly. I frowned and thought about it. How was I feeling? Last year I had been upset. This year, I hadn't even realized it wa s the end of the season until Libya had just said so. Was I upset about it?  

 

I took a moment to examine my feelings and realized that no. I wasn’t upset about it at all.  

 

I smiled at Libya. “It feels better this year.” I assured her. “It’s not so bad, I know the plan for this year. Mama is not gonna try to send me away, I just get to spend another year training with you and Apollo. I’m not nervous at all.”  

 

I tipped my head. “In a way, I miss camp...like I know I haven't gone yet, but I know what’s waiting for me there. I have seen my place there and it’s nice to know that I have friends there, but I also know that it’s not time yet and I know what I have to do until it’s time.” I explained.  

 

I wondered briefly at what the bead for this year was. Then I shook my head and pushed the thought away. Not like it was worth dwelling on.  

 

I frowned again as a new thought occurred to me. “I am a little sad though.” I admitted . “ For what reason?” Libya asked curiously.  

 

I bit my lip. “Aunty Hestia.” I explained. “She isn’t as lonely during the summer. Even if the campers don’t see or talk to her, they are still there. In the winter time she is even more alone.”  

 

Libya nodded. “I suppose .” she agreed, “But I think you will find that our favorite aunty is less alone now than she has been for a very long time.”  

 

I looked at Libya surprised. “How come?” “Because I have you little nephew.” Aunty Hestia answered appearing in the room.  

 

I blinked. “Um okay, but how do I make you less lonely?” I asked feeling more confused by the second. She laughed warmly. “You make offerings to me every day. You take time to simply enjoy the warmth of my hearth. You engage me in conversation at least once a week. That is more than anyone has given me in a very long time.”  

 

Libya flinched slightly and looked down guiltily. Hestia smiled gently and crossed the room to put a hand on her cheek. “I do not fault you dear. I know how you have struggled with any though t of family. It pleases me to see you trying so hard now.”  

 

Aunty Hestia came and sat on my other side and drew me into a warm hug. “You look exhausted little one.” She admonished gently. “Has Apollon been pushing you too hard?”  

 

I shook my head. “No.” I huffed. “If anything he is not pushing me hard enough. He keeps making me stop for breaks and meditation.”  

 

Libya laughed. “That is because if he didn’t make you stop, you would push yourself until you collapsed.” “As for meditation,” Aunty Hest ia added. “It is just as important to have a strong mind as it is to have a strong body. You may not like sitting still and forcing yourself to focus on one thing for any length of time, but your ability to do so will only aid you in your future endeavors .”  

 

I huffed and crossed my arms. “It’s still boring and it’s hard.” I complained. They both just laughed. Libya ruffled my hair and promised she would wake me in the morning.  

 

I frowned “Wait, what about my lessons?” I asked She smiled and shook her head. “Canceled for tonight, but if you truly wish to learn something new, our aunt is a wonderful teacher a nd story teller .”  

Chapter 6

I opened my eyes and looked around. It only took me a moment to recognize my surroundings as Delos. Apollo didn’t always draw me here in my dreams, but this was his preferred place to bring me.  

 

He was trying to teach me how to dream walk on purpose, but I hadn't really gotten the hang of it yet. He explained that dream walking was really something of the sea. I would be better off having my father teach me, so I guess I would just keep trying until we could tell my father the truth.  

 

“Ah little hero.” Apollo said warmly. I smiled and went and sat next to him on the blanket he had laid in the grass.“Whats up buttercup?” he asked throwing his arm around my shoulders. I smiled at his ridicules nickname and leaned in closer to him.  

 

“I had a vison while I was awake today.” I told him seriously. He raised his eyebrows in surprise, then smiled warmly. “Well done!” he crowed  

 

I shook my head at his antics. “It’s not like I did it on purpose. You act like it’s some big victory.”  

 

“Because it is.” he said happily. I shot him a disbelieving look and he explained. “It is a milestone I have celebrated with all of my prophets. It means your skills are growing.”  

 

He frowned. “We can’t throw a celebration as is customary, but we will celebrate this.” he threatened. I chuckled. “I am not refusing, I just don’t see what the big deal is.”  

 

He shook his head. “One day.” he said softly, “I will get you to see what I do.” He shook his head again and smiled brightly.  

 

“Come little cousin. Tell me what you have seen.” He said jumping to his feet and pulling me along with him to his temple. I giggled. “And they say I’m bipolar.”  

 

That was another thing that was different now. Mom had been so worried about my mood changes last summer that she had brought me to a doctor who had diagnosed me with bipolar disorder and said that it explained my anger management problems in school and my hallucinations. Apparently a symptom of early on set bipolar disorder in young boys is the inability to differentiate reality from fantasy.   

 

Apollo said I wasn’t bipolar, I was just of the sea and I had never had hallucinations Dad just had trusted servants watching me and manipulating the mist around me when I had seen too much as a kid.  

 

I wasn’t going to tell my mom that though. It made mom happy to have a real mortal reason from my problems. She loved me and accepted me, but I am pretty sure that she wished I was more normal.  

 

“Little cousin.” Apollo called pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked around and was startled for a moment to find myself in his temple. Then I shook my head. This was important. I needed to focus.  

 

“Sorry, I got distracted.” I said sheepishly. Apollo laughed warmly. “I noticed. Come now. Tell me about your vision.” he said redirecting me.  

 

I hopped up and sat on his alter. He rolled his eyes and sat down next to me. I swung my feet back and forth.  

 

“So I was writing in my journal then I wasn’t. It was like I was watching a scene play out from above. Two boys a little older than me were running down a dark alley. Something was chasing them and telling them to come back.”  

 

I chuckled thinking of Connor’s quip. “The taller one shouted “not today satan.” Then they kept running. When he turned his head, I recognized him as Connor Stoll one of Hermes sons. It was him and his little brother Travis that were running away. Then I was back sitting at my desk.”  

 

Apollo smiled. “Wonderful.” he said clapping his hands delightedly. I frowned “They were running for their lives.” I pointed out dryly.   

 

Apollo waved a hand dismissively “No not them. You. That was an excellent first waking vision! You got sight and sound.” I ducked my head smiling shyly at the pride in his voice.  

 

“Okay so I had my first waking vision.” I said with a frown, “How do I know if it was something that has happened, or something that is happening or something that will happen?”  

 

Apollo smiled fondly and shook his head. “You are trying to push yourself too far too fast again. You just had your first waking vision. It will take time for you to be able to tell when the events you see take place.”  

 

I ran a hand through my hair. “But Apollo the Stolls they-” He held up a hand to cut me off. “I will look into them. If they are on the road, I will send them to camp.”  

 

I bit my lip. “How much interference can you get away with?” I asked as an idea formed in my mind. Apollo shrugged “More than my brother can. What are you thinking?”  

 

I grinned “Could you appear to them as yourself?” I asked hopefully. Apollo nodded. “I can, but I wouldn’t be able to stay for long.”   

 

“So if they are on the run, when you see them, you can appear to them as yourself. Tell them your brother, their father cannot come to them because the god king forbids him from interfering in his children’s lives. Tell them it is their father’s will that they make their way to the safety of camp. Then once the current head of the Hermes cabin leaves, tell Hermes that those two need to be the next leaders.”  

 

Apollo nodded. “Well thought out.” he praised “Not lies. Hermes is forbidden from interfering, and it would be his will that they went to camp. A sound solution to drawing them away from Castellan’s influence and weakening his hold on camp.”  

 

He jumped to his feet. “Alright little seer. You return home and consider what you wish to do to celebrate. I will expect an answer when we meet again on Monday. I will go looking for the sons of Hermes. Rest well little cousin.” he said and snapped his fingers. The temples around me faded into nothing.  

Chapter 7

I bounced excitedly in the passenger seat. Libya shot me an amused look as we pulled into the library parking lot. I jumped out of the car and raced inside leaving Libya laughing behind me.  

 

“I decided what I want to do!” I said as soon as I saw Apollo. He chuckled “Well hello to you too my weekend was wonderful. What have you decided on?”  

 

I grinned at him. “I want to go back to the stables at Deep Hollow. I want to go riding.” He shook his head fondly. “Why does that not surprise me?” he asked. “Cause you can see the future.” I quipped. “Come on lets go.”  

 

“Just a moment.” he chided playfully. “I have to warn your father first.” I huffed at him and tapped my foot impatiently.  

 

He chuckled. “I thought you might like to know. I  blessed the young sons of Hermes with my presence and my protection on their way to camp. Though they were already doing quite well on their own. They had come from Denver all the way to new jersey. They should reach camp by tomorrow.”  

 

I caught a note of something odd in Apollo’s voice. I turned towards him questioningly. “But...” He sighed. “Can’t get anything past you, clever prince.” He praised lightly. Then he frowned again. “I must deal with their step father. Their mother died in childbirth last year. Since then, their stepfather has been abusing them even going so far as to blame them for his wife and child’s death. They ran because he almost killed Connor. Travis knocked him out with a baseball bat and they left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Hermes has been guiding them as best as he could without being noticed, but either way, my soulmates children were harmed. Little snakelets within my own domain. I cannot allow it to stand.”  

After a moment he put his hand on my shoulder. “Alright, Lets get going.” I squeezed my eyes shut as we vanished from the library and appeared behind the arena at the stables.   

 

I ran over to the stalls and the horses started whinnying excitedly. “Little lord little lord.” They called “Welcome back little lord. Little lord has returned to us.”  

 

“What are you doing back here?” A woman called. “This is a restricted area.” I turned to see a tall dark haired woman. I tilted my head. She wasn’t human. The points on her ears told me that much.  

 

Apollo stepped forward, but before he could say anything a new and familiar voice called out. “Sorry about that Emma. This ones on me. They were set for a private tour and trail ride. I lost track of time.”  

 

Amphitrite, Queen of the sea, my stepmother, stepped out of one of the stalls. “I can take them from here.” I froze just blinking at her in shock. When Apollo said he was informing my father, I hadn’t expected that to mean dad would send her.  

 

Apollo stepped forward. “Ah Vassilia wonderful to see you again. Perseus meet my old teacher Vassilia ” he said warmly. I hid a smirk at his use of the Atlantean word for queen as her name. I mean technically he was being honest. She was queen and she had been one of his first teachers.  

 

“It’s nice to meet you.” I said warmly. I considered teasing her and pointing out that we had met before, last summer, but I glanced at Apollo and decided against it. He would probably scold me on acceptable uses of my knowledge of the future and on the dangers of teasing knowledge when I don’t want them to know about it.  

 

 Amphitrite smiled at me. “Come along children. Let me introduce you to my friends.” She took my hand and led me over to the stalls.  

 

She took me and introduced me to each horse one by one. At the very end of the row was a pure black mare. I smiled softly thinking about when I had first met Blackjack. He had only been three years old. His internal voice had been so high that I thought he was a mare.  

 

“Can I ride this one?” I asked hopefully. Amphitrite smiled. “You certainly can.” She unclipped the lead from the stall. “I can do it.” I told her and took the lead from her hand and scamped over the stall door.”  

 

Apollo face palmed. Then sighed. “Sorry about that. He is a bit of a wild child.” I ignored him in favor of cooing to the beautiful mare.  

 

“You are so pretty.” I told her. “Did your owners choose to call you Luna, or did you choose it.” She chuffed and rubbed her head on me. “My queen chose it little lord.” she explained. “She said it suited me.”  

 

I smiled. “It does.” I agreed. “I can't think of a more perfect name for a beautiful mare as dark as Nyx herself.”  

 

I pushed the stall door aside and led her out. She followed happily behind me. “You think you can get her saddled up?” Amphitrite asked.   

 

I nodded and went to the rows of saddles in the tack room. There was a pretty aquamarine one that I was certain hadn’t been there last time. I went over to it. It was clearly a child’s saddle, but it was well made. A saddle like this one didn’t come cheap.   

 

“Can I use this one?” I ask hopefully. Amphitrite smiled warmly. “An excellent choice. I had this made for my stepson some time ago, it should suit you well.”  

 

I froze for a second. She was already having things made for me? We had only met once. Why had she already decided to favor me? I shook my head and put the thought aside for later.  

 

I lifted the saddle off the rack and was only mildly surprised to find that it was lighter than it should have been. It was made of Atlantean leather. I smiled at the trident symbol on the front of the breast collar.   

 

Then I frowned when Amphitrite tried to give me a bit and bridle. “I don’t need that.” I told her honestly “and they don’t like them. I can just attach the rains to her halter. She will understand.”  

 

I clipped the rains to her halter. Amphitrite just nodded. “Alright dear. “Come over here to the mounting stand and I will help you up.”  

 

I giggled. “You don’t need to Mrs. Vassillia. Luna will help me. Won’t you Luna?” Luna dropped into a low bow going down to her knees in front. I quickly scamped on to her back. “Okay.” I told her and she stood up carefully and shook out her coat. I laughed lightly.  

 

Apollo sighed again. Amphitrite just laughed fondly. Apollo quickly saddled up two more horses. I was surprised at first that he saddled Amphitrite’s, then I realized he was being polite. She was a queen and she had no attendants her to do it for her and while she could do it herself, there was no reason for her too.  

 

We rode the full loop. Which was only about a three hour ride. Amphitrite told me about the history of the ranch and the different wildlife in the area. She laughed when I rode Luna right into the shallows.  

 

When we got done with the beach Amphitrite looked at me and winked. “I’m not supposed to do this, but you seem to be pretty skilled on horse back. If you want to let her open up a bit on the way back, I won't stop you.”  

 

I bit my lip. I really wanted to, but would it be rude to leave my riding companions behind? “Um I think I will stay with you guys.” I decided. Apollo laughed. “You would be with us anyway. Race you!”  

 

He and his horse Arrow (which I thought was hilariously ironic) took off. I leaned forward and rubbed on Luna’s neck. “What do you think girl. You up for it.” “I will bare you to what ever you wish little lord.”  

 

I sat up straighter. “Alright. Let’s go.” I shouted. She leapt forward and I leaned back low over her neck. This was going to be awesome.  

 

I ran the brush gently through Luna’s tangled mane. Amphitrite stood next to me brushing down her back. “Perseus?” she asked. I looked over at her. “Are you willing to work for something you want?” she asked with a mischvious smile.  

 

I shrugged “For the most part.” She raised an eyebrow. “Alright make a deal with me then.” I tiled my head. “Set your terms first. I never agree to anything before I know what I am agreeing to.” Uncle Hades would have my hide if I did.  

 

Amphitrite laughed lightly. “That is a good trait. What if I told you, I could get you free riding lessons and competition entrances and all you had to do was look after horses a few hours a day.” I blinked in surprise. I wasn’t sure what I had been expecting, but that wasn’t it.  

 

“When you say look after?” I pressed. Amphitrite smiled brightly. She looked like she did in court when she knew she had won.  

 

“By look after, I mean feed, water, brush clean stalls check hooves, bathe as needed.” she explained. I nodded. That sounded good to me. “By a few hours a day you mean?” she laughed. “My my you are clever aren’t you?”  

 

“By a few hours a day I mean no more than four. Less if you get everything done correctly faster than that.” I grinned “Yeah okay, I’m down. When do I start? She smiled victoriously. “Tomorrow at noon.”  

Chapter 8

“Happy birthday dear Percy Happy birthday too you.” They sang. I blew out my candles. Everyone clapped. “Alright time for presents.” Mom sang.  

 

I giggled and scooted back away from the table.  Mom passed me a big box. I knew to any other nine year old it would have felt heavy, but it wasn’t too bad to me. I ripped the paper open and tore into the box.  

 

I stopped and tilted my head. Inside the big box were two smaller boxes. I picked the smaller of the two first and opened it. I threw my hands up when there were two more boxes inside of it. Apollo laughed.  

 

I opened one of the boxes and pulled out a box set of books. It was in english. It took me a moment, but I eventually made out, I survived. I grinned. I had been wanting to read this series. “Sweet.” I said.  

 

“Now open the other box.” mom encouraged. I did It was the exact same thing. Except no it wasn’t. It took me a moment to realize that this one was in Atlantean. I looked over at Mom shocked. “How did you get this?”  

 

She laughed. “I had Mr. Lester find it for me.” Apollo shot me a secretive wink. “Now open the other set.” I excitedly ripped open the other box and pulled out both boxes. The next set was the Warrior cat series in both English and Atlantean.  

 

Apollo smiled at me. “I figure we can use the English for practice. Then read the other one for fun.” I nodded “Yeah awesome.”  

 

Libya laughed “Alright Alright your turn.” She said gesturing to Apollo. He slid the long package across the table. I took it carefully and glanced at him questioningly. He just smiled brightly. No like really brightly. I had to look away.  

 

I tore off the paper. Then I took the top off slowly. I gasped. Inside was a beautiful bow. Apollo smiled. “It’s made out of laurel wood. Only the best bow makers can work with laurel. I thought it was a physical activity you might have fun with.” he said warmly. I nodded enthusiastically.  

 

Mom smiled, it was a forced smile. “Mr. Lester told me that you were getting bored with his PE time so we decided to find something a little bit more challenging for you. Mr. Lester will start meeting you at the stables after work to tutor you in archery.” “Sweet” I said with a grin. “Thank you.”  

 

Then I looked back down at the bow. “But how-” “Ah.” Apollo cut me off with a little laugh. “I almost forgot.” He slid another package across the table. “Nine arrows for the new nine year old.” I rolled my eyes and let out a little laugh.  

 

“ My turn.” Libya said with a grin. She stood up and whistled. Aimia (who I thought was named Emma until she introduced herself properly last week when she had started my lessons) came out holding the saddle Amphitrite had made for me.  

 

“I convinced Ms. Vassilia to part with it for you.” Libya said with a smile. I grinned and looked over at Aimia “Will you thank her when you see her. I know she is out of town for a while.” Aimia smiled “Or course kiddo. Happy birthday by the way.” She said and hurried off back to whatever she had been doing.  

 

“And now for the big one.” Mom said with a mischevious grin.” “You mean that wasn’t the big one?” I asked. Mom shook her head. “Since you have decided to work here.” she said proudly. “We decided you needed your own horse to go with your new saddle.” Aimia came back out leading Luna.  

 

I squealed happily and ran to her throwing my arms around her neck. She chuffed in amusement. “My queen asked if I wished to give my life to you little lord.” she explained. “I swore that I was yours, it you will accept my service.” I hugged her tighter. “Gladly, I accept it.” I murmured into her neck.”  

 

I turned back to where mom Libya and Apollo were waiting. “Thank you.” I said seriously. “This is the best birthday ever!” ”I’m glad you think so.” mom said softly. “Now how about we have cake, then we go for a ride. What do you say?”  

Chapter 9

I laid up against Luna in the pasture. I had finished all my work for the afternoon in record time. I was doing my best to avoid being in the stables for too long. My half brother Pegasus had been hanging around too much for comfort. I hadn't run into him yet, but if I wasn’t careful, it was only a matter of time. 

 

I was too on edge to spend time chatting with the horses like usual. It was Saturday, so I hadn’t seen Apollo, but I needed to talk to him. It was important, but with the solstice being tomorrow, I wasn’t sure if he would answer. 

 

“Little lord will be too cold out here.” Luna chuffed to me. I sighed. “yeah, I know. We should go back. Hopefully the feathery bastard will have flown off again by now.” Luna made an amused sound. 

 

“He is as much a little lord as you. He has every right to be here. He is quite handsome, do you not think?” she asked in an odd tone. I shrugged. “He is pretty, but I have seen prettier. Come on, lets get going.” 

 

 I got up and climbed on her back and she took me back to the stables. As I brushed her out, I let my mind go back over my dream last night. 

 

My dream had started with me sitting in a classroom which was weird by itself, because Apollo taught me in the library. It had been ages since I sat in a traditional classroom. It gets weird though, because I look over and there is an awkward kid version of Racheal Elizabeth Dare. Future Pythia and one of my best friends, at least until we came back in time and she became unreachable even though iris messaging. 

 

So we were sitting there and she turns and looks at me all serious. Her green eyes brighter than usual. “It’s time Percy. Find me. Please find me. You have to find me. I can’t keep doing this please.” she sounded terrified. 

 

Then before I could answer, I found myself sitting at the top of half-blood hill. Thalia sat next to me looking out over everything. I tried to talk to her, but I couldn’t. She didn’t talk to me, but she reached her hand out and covered mine. Then everything went dark and I found myself back in my bedroom. 

 

I shook my head pulling myself back into the present. I needed to find Rachel it was important. I tilted my head. Maybe I could find her with my visions. 

 

I focused on Rachel. What she looked like. How she walked and talked. I thought about how she made me feel. I focused on my desperation to find her. Suddenly the world shifted. It felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach. 

 

Everything spun. Sound drifted in and out. Like trying to get a radio station to come in. I blinked and shook my head trying to make it stop. It felt like I was going to be sick. I groaned 

 

Everything went black. Then the world exploded in sound and color. I gasped and groaned again. It was like trying to look at something on a roller coaster.  

 

Suddenly everything slammed to a stop. I felt myself falling. Then I slammed down. I looked over and saw Rachel. She was sitting in her room drawing. The page was filled with tiny greek myth scenes. Most of the featured Apollo a few of them appeared to feature me. 

 

There were adults arguing outside the room. “Our daughter is not crazy.” A woman’s voice said. “She is just trying to get attention.” “That may be.” A calm clinical voice said, “But I would advise a psychiatric stay. Just let her go and be under observation for a few days. Then if there is a problem we can handle it. If there is not, then no harm done.” 

 

Rachel started ripping up her drawing. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “I’m not crazy.” she muttered furiously. “I know. They are real. They are out there somewhere, I just can’t remember.” 

 

Suddenly the world spun again and I slammed back into myself. I gasped and my legs buckled. Luna let out a worried cry of “Little lord!”  

Chapter 10

The next thing I was aware of was being carried. “He is as bad as you father.” Triton complained. “He could at least try to stay out of trouble but no.” “He has no control over his sight Triton.” My father scolded lightly. “You know better than that.”  

 

Triton scoffed “Yes his sight. Isn't Apollo meant to be teaching him? Where is the pretentious brat? Off with another whore?” “Triton.” my father said warningly.   

 

“Poseidon!” My mom’s startled voice cried. “What has happened?” Libya chirped worriedly. “Apollo happened.” Triton growled. “Enough!” My father said firmly.   

 

“It is nothing to be concerned over.” My father said smoothly “He simply-” he cut off as the temperature in the room suddenly shot up. “What happened!” Apollo snarled woldlike eyes glowing gold as he appered in the center of the room.  

 

“What happened.” Triton snapped back. “Is you didn’t-” I forced my voice to work cutting off the temper tanturm I knew was coming. “Pollo?”  

 

I felt myself be snatched from my dad’s arms. I whined pathetically. I didn’t care. My head hurt and dad made it feel better. “Hurts...dreaming...Rachel, we have to find...Rachel...Pollo...need...dad?” I slurred. “A dream only.” My dad said soothingly. “Sleep now child.”   

 

I blinked and found myself sitting in Queen Amphitritie’s day rooms. “So then what happened?” she asked worriedly, standing up from her place at the loom.   

 

My father sighed and ran a hand through his wind blown hair. “Perseus had his second waking vision. Whatever he saw was taxing and his mind and body couldn’t handle it. He was with the mare I gave him and she panicked and prayed to us.”  

 

He shook his head. “It is nothing to be concerned over...though our sons nearly threw hands over it.” he said sounding fond for a moment. Amphitrite shook her head. “Oh I do wish I knew how to bridge the rift between them.”  

 

My father laughed lightly. “I think you will find that little Percy already is. He whimpered in his sleep and both of them stopped bickering long enough to fuss over him like a pair of orca mothers.” He smiled softly. “He recognized me. He called me dad. He recognized Apollo as himself as well. Apollo pointed out that his mind hadn’t settled from the vison yet, once it did he wouldn’t know anymore than he did yesterday.  

 

My father looked down and sighed. All at once he seemed to age twenty years. He looked guilty, but also determined. Like he had decided something and what ever it was, it wasn’t good.  

 

 “We must speak my wife.” he said firmly. Amphitrite’s head jerked up. “Husband?” she asked questioningly. Clearly picking up on my father’s suddenly morose tone.  

 

“Phoebus believes that a part of the reason the boy struggles so with his sight is that he was sired against my oath.” My father said softly. Amphitrite nodded. “That would make sense. The lady river cannot truly punish you for it unless you allow it so, and so she punishes your child knowing that in turn she is punishing you.” “Yes..” My father agreed. “I cannot allow it.”  

 

“Allow it my lord husband?” Amphitrite asked with a frown. He looked out the window over Atlantis. “He is being punished for my crimes, and it will only continue if I do not do what I may to make amends.”   

 

I frowned internally. The words sounded fine, but the tone...it was like he had just accepted a death sentence. It felt serious. Wrong. It filled me with a crushing sense of fear.  

 

“Poseidon no!” Amphitrite said horrified. She darted across the room to him. He caught her in his arms and held her tightly for a moment before stepping back. “ Beloved” he said gently “The river has cursed him already. That I cannot prevent, but if I do this, she can harm him no more.”  

 

“But you leave him without your protection!” She cried. “You leave us without you!” My father looked away. “I will do what I must wife. You and our son will endure until I can return to your side.”  

 

Amphitrite looked away from him. He put a hand on her cheek and turned her face to look at him. “I would have your support in this my love.”  

 

Amphitrite’s shoulders shook as she started to cry. “My place is to follow you lord. I will do as you command.”   

 

My father sighed and turned away from her again. “He is my son. I must protect him where I may.” My father muttered.  

 

He straightened up. “I will leave immediately after the meeting. You have until then to make the needed preparations. Inform the children at once.” he ordered. “And wife...do not tell Libya Apollon or Sally until it is done.”  

 

 Then everything went dark and I opened my eyes to find myself in bed. I swallowed nervously. I didn’t know what I had just seen exactly, but I knew it was more than it seemed. My father had made a choice. A choice to protect me and what ever it was...it was bad. Very bad.  

Chapter 11

I looked around. The bedroom was fairly dim. I guessed it was probably just before sunrise. I had slept like sixteen hours! I hurried out of the room. I needed to talk to Apollo before the meeting. My dad was about to do something, and what ever it was. It was bad!  

 

“Libya!” I cried. “Percy!” my mom said worriedly she and Libya both ran to my side. The moment I saw Libya my vision went blurry. She quickly scooped me up into her arms.   

 

“I need Phoebus!” I told her in Atlantean. “I need him. Daddy is gonna do something. Mommy is scared for him. He said not to tell you or Phoebus.”   

 

“Alright Alright.” She said gently. “Shh sh now little brother. Calm yourself. I will summon him, but I cannot do so until morning. He will hear no cry while the solstice meeting in going on.” I blinked in confusion and wiped my eyes. “But that’s not until tomorrow.”  

 

“No my baby brother.” she said gently wiping my face. “You have slept for over a day. The solstice meeting goes on as we speak.” “Oh gods.” I whimpered.  

 

I sat down on the floor infront of the fire and wrapped my arms around my knees. This is what it means to be a prophet. I realized.   

 

I have to know when bad things are happening and sometimes...I have to know that there is not a damn thing I can do about it. I have to know that people I love will be hurt...and I can’t do a thing to stop it. No wonder father gave up prophecy. I thought bitterly. This would have driven him insane.  

 

I curled in on myself and forced myself to stop crying. Tears were useless. They wouldn’t change anything. Nothing would. I needed to accept that and focus on what I could still change.   

 

I closed my eyes and focused. What could I change? Suddenly the world shifted. It felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach. I was prepared for it this time,but I still got dizzy as everything spun.   

 

I fought to focus in as sound drifted in and out. Like trying to get a radio station to come in. I blinked and shook my head trying to make it stop. It felt like I was going to be sick. I forced myself to breath though it. I could do this.   

 

Everything went black. I braced myself as the world exploded in sound and color. I gasped everything slammed to a stop. I felt myself falling. Then I slammed down.  

 

I quickly looked around to orient myself. I looked up to see Triton on his throne next to my father’s empty one. “Triton what can we do?” Amphtrite said worriedly. Triton put his face in his hands. “I don’t know mother.” he said softly.  

 

He looked back up. “I am not father, I can not raise the poisoned waters to send them elsewhere. All those people our people...I am failing them.” he shook his head and stood up.  

 

“Delphin” he called, The dolphin lord quickly swam into the throne room. “Evacuate all the area’s around the spill. Begin with village Tarvos and work out from there. Clear the area.” he ordered. “Yes my prince.” Delphin squeaked and swam quickly away.  

 

“The mortals filth is going to destroy the whole quadrant. All we can do is save the people. Homes can be rebuilt, there crops can be sown elsewhere, for now they just have to survive.” he said firmly.  

 

The world spun and I slammed back into myself. I whimpered. I felt like I had just run the perimeter of camp...twice...then fought a pack of hellhounds.  

 

I blinked and opened my eyes. “What were you thinking!” Apollo said fiercely. “I can accept slipping into a second sleeping vision, but to then wake up and force a waking vision! Are you trying to over extend yourself! Do you want to end up in a fucking coma?!”  

 

I flinched back into the mattress as tears filled my eyes. Apollo’s face softened. He sat down next to me and gathered me into his arms.   

 

“I’m sorry” he murmured into my hair. I shouldn't have raised my voice like that. It’s okay Perseus. You don’t have to be afraid of me. I would never hurt you. I swear it.”  

 

I turned to look at him. “I know that.” I forced out of my way to dry lips.” Apollo shook his head. Perseus honey, you flinched away from me you-” “I made you mad at me, and I made you worry.” I said cutting him off. “It feels bad to know that I made you feel bad.”  

 

He tipped my chin up forcing me to meet his golden eyes, then he nodded seemingly accepting my answer. “That doesn’t answer my earlier question.” he said gently. “Perseus, what were you thinking!”   

 

I ducked my head and my vision went blurry. “I had to find something I could fix.” I admitted in a rough voice.  

 

“Something you could fix?” Apollo asked. I curled in on myself. Apollo frowned. “Libya called on me.” he said softly.  

 

“She was terrified. She said you woke up in a panic that you came to her rambling about your father and begging for me.” he said worriedly.  

 

I wrapped my arms around myself and shook my head. “It’s too late, we can’t do anything now.” I murmured.  

 

“Too late for what?” he asked gently. I shook my head. “I don’t know. I had a dream. Saw them in the throne room. Dad said he needed to make amends and mom was scared. She said it left them... us without his protection. She didn’t want him to go, but she agreed and what ever it was is something bad.”  

 

“Perseus.” Apollo said warmly. “I just saw your father. All was well with him, whatever you saw, there is still time.” I shook my head. “No dad said he would leave as soon as the meeting ended and that Mom wasn’t to tell you or Libya.”  

 

Apollo lifted his head. “Hang on a moment.” he murmured then closed his eyes. He opened them with a worried frown. “He is not answering me.” he muttered. “He always answers when I call on him.” Apolo’s eyes went wide. “Oh no. Oh Uncle what have you done.” he said in an anguished voice.   

Chapter 12

“What! What is it!” I asked urgently.  

 

Apollo sighed running a hand through his hair. He looked at me for a moment. He seemed to decide something and he put his head in his hands for a moment before looking up at me.   

 

“If you didn’t have an extra 2 decades of dealing with shit, I would never tell you this, but as it stands you need to know. I need you to do your best to control yourself and think rationally and logically here.”  

 

“Pollo you’re scaring me.” I said worriedly. He never used his bad news dr. voice with me. “It’s a scary thing.” he muttered “ Yeah okay so...you know you were born against an oath on the river styx?” At my nod, he continued carefully.  

 

 “When a god breaks an oath on the river styx she can’t punish them directly so often times she finds more creative ways. Your father broke the oath to have you, so you were cursed to be the prophecy child and he was bound unable to assist you which is why he has been so distant with you. The thing is, a god can allow the river her punishment upon them if they willingly drink from her waters.”  

 

He shook his head again. “It is dangerous for the younger gods, it leaves them in a comatose state for decades. For my siblings and I a few years, but for your father and his siblings...probably only a year, but it is a time of mental agony trapped in his own mind, unable to reach for his power.”  

 

Apollo shuddered. “If your father has done this...his kingdom will be without him for a year at least, then when he returns, he will be quiet week. It will take him at least another year after that to recover fully.”  

 

I flinched. “What was he thinking?” I gasped. Apollo raised his eyebrows. “Think it though. Tell me little hero where does your fatal flaw come from?” I shrugged “From my father of course. Most Demigods get their fatal flaws from their godly parent.” I pointed out unsure where he was going with this.  

 

“And what my little seer is your fatal flaw and in turn your father’s?” he asked in his calm teacher voice. I blinked at him for a moment before I realized what he was getting at. “My fatal flaw in personal loyalty. I will do anything to protect those I am loyal to...those I love. My father was protecting me.” I said feeling guilty.  

 

Apollo nodded. “It is a father’s place to protect his child where he may. I shook my head. “But this is too much. I’m not his only child I-” Apollo cut me off. “His other children are old enough to look after themselves and it was your father’s wrong doing, there fore the consequences should fall upon him.”  

 

I looked down. “What happens now?” I asked uncertainly. Apollo sighed. “Now, we do what we always do. Endure.”  

 

He frowned and shook his head. “Enough about that for now. You said you needed to find something you could fix. What did you find?”  

 

I bit my lip. “I think it was the aftermath of an oil spill. Tri was talking about evacuations and not having father’s power to send the poisoned water elsewhere.”   

 

Apollo nodded “Okay, do you know where and when?” I frowned “Tri said to start the evacuation with the village of Tarvos and work out from there. It felt like the future, but I don’t know exactly when.”  

 

Apollo closed his eyes for a long moment. Then he opened them again. “You were right, it’s an oil spill, a major one. It will happen next december.” He stopped with a frown.  

 

I looked down. “I remember a small oil spill around that time but that wouldn’t have caused the kind of damage Tri was stressing about..” I mumbled. Apollo raised an eyebrow. “You watched the news when you were 9?” he asked  

 

I shrugged “Not really, it was the end of the semester year and my social studies teacher had run out of stuff for us to do. She would turn on the news and we would discus current events, this one stuck with me. Actually, throwing a tantrum about it was what got me kicked out of that school.”  

 

Apollo snickered. “You were probably playing off your father’s mood at the time.” I shrugged “Probably, but my point was, that was only a small oil spill and it was cleaned up pretty quickly.”  

 

“Roll that thought back.” Apollo said in his teacher voice. “Was it a small oil spill, or did the mortals only see a small oil spill?”  

 

I narrowed my eyes. “My father would have been there, he would have dealt with the fall out...so...the mortals only would have seen a small spill, he would have pushed most of it out of the water and up onto the beach.” I realized.  

 

Apollo nodded. “Yes he would have.” “He is not going to be there to do that though.” I said worriedly. “We have to stop the spill from happening.”  

 

Apollo shook his head. “We can’t” he said firmly. I jerked back in shock, “But I can fix it...I felt it... I can..I-” “I didn’t say you couldn’t fix it.” Apollo explained cutting me off.   

 

“I said you couldn’t stop it.” He put his arm around me. “That fates only allow so much interference in their tapestry little price. We can’t always stop bad things from happening.”  

 

I felt my shoulders droop. “But I felt-” “You felt that you could fix it, and you can. You have your father’s powers. You will fix it, the same way he would.”  

 

I looked up at him. My heart fluttered. “You think so?” I asked hopefully. Apollo gave me a blinding smile. “I know so.” he assured me.  

 

I frowned, “But that will mean revealing myself.” Apollo shook his head. “I don’t think so. The other Olympians will assume it is your father’s doing. The queen and your siblings will hopefully be so busy that they don’t notice what you did...or at least be too busy to look into it.”  

 

I smiled” So I can fix it then?” Apollo nodded, “Yes you can, and when you do, I will be there by your side.”  

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Once More With Feeling