I spread my blanket on the beach and popped open a Coke can.
Caffeine and sugar always calmed me down. Annabeth told me during the school year that it was a symptom of ADHD and sugar and caffeine were used to self-medicate for a lot of people. Especially if they couldn't afford the meds (like me).
Regardless of the reason, I liked it.
I stared out at the water as I sipped my Coke.
Could I just pray to Triton? Would he help me? Did he even know what was going on?
I stared up at the stars. I knew a lot of the constellations. Annabeth and Triton liked to teach them to me.
There was Cygnus, and to the right was Delphinus and Aquila. And if I looked further up I could see Draco and Herakles.
They were particularly visible because it was a new moon. The stars shining brightly.
I wished the moon was full, I could've used some advice or reassurance. I wasn't sure what to do I just-
"They're beautiful, aren't they?"
I choked on my soda.
Standing next to me was a man in a deep red tank top and dark blue running shorts. He wore silver shoes, with wing patterns on the sides. He looked fit, lean muscles visible with the short sleeves and shorts. His hair was a sandy blonde and his eyes bright blue.
He offered me a sly smile, something about it familiar.
I would've just figured he was a normal mortal but… something about him…
"May I join you?" He asked. "I haven't sat down in ages."
I probably should've said no, but the ocean was right there, I would probably be fine even if he turned out to be a terror or something.
Besides, the lessons Benthesikyme and Mevu'ta gave me sprang to mind. Always offer hospitality to a guest. I mean, he wasn't quite a guest, but something told me to treat him as one.
"You may," I said, motioning to the blanket.
"Your hospitality does you credit," he said with a smile. Then his eyes landed on the Coke cans next to me. "Ooh, Coca-Cola! May I?"
I nodded, and he scooped one up, popped it open, and took a drink.
"Ah… that's lovely. Peace and quiet at-"
A cell phone went off in his pocket.
He sighed, shooting me an apologetic look as he pulled out the phone. "I'm terribly sorry, I need to take this—" he glanced at the screen and winced "—it's important."
I stared at glowing blue phone with snakes curling around it.
"You're fine," I mumbled.
"Hello?" he said. "Yes—okay I know—no I'm doing a delivery right now I can't—I understand she's mad it's delayed but—Give her a silver drachmae discount and if she complains more redirect her to customer service—alright thank you."
He hung up with a sigh.
"Terribly sorry, always have something to do, you know?"
I nodded slowly, "Of course, things are busy… say are you aware you have snakes on your phone?"
He blinked, "Well of course I am. Say hello, George and Martha."
Hello, George and Martha, a raspy deep voice said inside my head.
Don't be sarcastic, chided a second, more feminine, voice.
Why not? George demanded. We've been working non-stop.
"Hush now," the man said rolling his eyes as he slipped the phone back into his pocket. "Now then, we were having peace and quiet."
I settled back nervously as he relaxed, crossing his ankles and staring up at the stars.
"You know, it's been a long time since I got to relax. Always so busy but with the increased communication in humanity… well it's been all work and little play. Enough about work for now though."
He shook his head with a grin.
"Do you have a favorite constellation? Mine is Gemini. It looks just like this butte in Wyoming known as Devils Tower, though the Lakota tribe know it as Mato tipi la paha, or the Hill of the Bear's Lodge. I'm not entirely sure why though, I should look into that."
He hummed, his brow furrowed thoughtfully.
"Ta, that's really interesting. I didn't know that. My favorite constellation is probably Pegasus, but maybe Delphinus."
"Oh? How come?"
I chewed my lip, "Well I've met Delphinus once or twice and he was pretty cool and well… I just think it's really cool to see a constellation for someone you know. And Pegasus… well I really like the Pegasi at camp and I think it's nice that Pegasus was honored with a constellation."
The man smiled, "Those are good reasons, I hadn't thought of it like that. Though I suppose I know several of the constellations sources so perhaps it's a thing with mortals."
I shrugged awkwardly.
"You're rather interesting," he mused. "Ah well, I suppose I should get back to work."
He dug through his bag and then held out a letter to me.
I blinked, "What?"
"I'm delivering a message," he said in amusement.
I took the letter and, after glancing at him again, opened it.
Inside was a heavy sheet of paper with neat writing on it.
Percy Jackson,
Due to the fact that Candace has not gained any other questing companions, and this quest is in dire need of some assistance, I've decided you and Annabell with be going with. Also bring the Kyklopes, Teagan, he probably won't survive camp without you here and I am not dealing with your dad's anger. If you don't want to go (which I highly doubt) feel free to just show up to breakfast.
Meet Charlotte at the North Carolina port (it's in North Carolina) by noon on June 10. I've left the details up to Hermes.
Also, don't die, that would be a pain to deal with.
Dionysus
I blinked once, twice, "Wait I get to go on the quest?"
"And Annabeth, and apparently the Kyklopes, Teagan?"
"Tyson."
"Right. Well, I assume by your reaction you would like to go?"
I chewed my lip, I did want to go. But could I leave Leilani with no warning?
"What about Leilani?"
"Hmm, that's the daughter of Psamathe that's in your cabin?"
I nodded.
"She really shouldn't come. Like she could but the sea deities are still ticked off about your quest last summer so… they wouldn't be happy about a second sea kid being sent off."
That made sense. I really shouldn't bring her anyways. That wouldn't be a good princely thing to do.
"Can I leave her a note?"
"Well it is my job to deliver messages," the man (Hermes) said with a laugh. "Speaking of, I should take that as a definite yes for you going?"
I nodded.
"I need to go. I don't know about Annabeth but-"
"Oh, I've already called for them, they'll be here soon."
I nodded, wondering how He'd called them.
"Now then, here's some paper and a pen, I'm assuming you don't have them yourself right now, and now for the gifts!"
"Gifts?" I asked in confusion as I faltered in writing the letter.
"Well yes, Dionysus told me to make sure you're all set for the quest, consider it a little Godly bonus since you're leaving with no warning."
"Thank you," I managed to say.
"I'm a rather generous God. Now then—" He pulled His phone out again and it went from a phone to a caduceus, George and Martha still curled around it "—the first gift if you will, Martha."
Martha opened her mouth… and then kept opening it until it could swallow my arm whole. She finally dropped out a stainless-steel canister—like an old-fashioned lunch box flask with a black metal top. The sides of the flask were enameled with red and yellow Ancient Greek scenes. I studied the image of Herakles killing the Nemean Lion and lifting up Kerberos.
"That's Herakles," I said. "What is it?"
"A collector's item from Herakles Busts Heads. First season."
"Is that a show on HTV?"
"Yeah," he sighed wistfully. "Back before it was all reality programming."
"And you're giving me this?"
"I am indeed, go ahead and pick it up."
I picked it up, then almost dropped it again in surprise. One side was ice cold and the other burning hot. It made my hands feel really weird with the different temperatures. I turned it to try and find a better hold but the side facing the ocean—north—remained cold regardless.
"Oh, it's a compass."
Hermes tilted his head, "Well, yes I suppose. That's clever, I hadn't thought of that. It's actual use is a bit more dramatic though. It's collected winds from the four corners of the Earth and will speed you on your way rather quickly if you open it. Do be careful with it, the winds can be rather abrupt. Only open it a little at a time."
I nodded, holding the flask carefully.
"Now then, my second gift. George?"
Martha is touching me, he complained as he and Martha slithered around the pole.
"She's always touching you. You both curl around my caduceus. Now then, the gift?"
The snakes stilled, and George did as Martha had, depositing a little glass bottle filled with chewable vitamins.
"They considered changing to plastic bottles, but Demeter put a stop to that real quick. Even though we could make them biodegradable, the glass works better and is recyclable. Gotta take care of the environment as best we can!"
He flashed me a grin as I picked them up.
"Are these Minotaur-shaped?"
He leaned forward, "Hmm, yes the lemon ones. The grape one's are the Erinyes, I believe. Or maybe hydras… They're from Hekate's line, she's very good with them. She and Demeter worked on them together."
"What are they?"
"Oh vitamins. They've got Nine essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, a dash of ambrosia, and whatever else Hekate put in them. Only take them if you really need them though. They can substitute for a meal or two, but you shouldn't make a habit of it. And I'm not sure how well they'll work for you if you need to do your sea magic stuff, might be best to hold off then."
The must've had something to do with magic then, I wasn't sure what though.
"How will I know when I need them?"
"You'll know," he said. "Or Annabeth will. One of you will figure it out. Anyways, I think that covers the gifts. Just need…"
He frowned, clearly thinking.
"Um," I said after a moment. "Thank you for the gifts, Lord Hermes. But… why?"
His lips twisted into a sad smile. His gaze gentle as he studied me.
"I don't want anyone else to suffer like my son did."
My brow furrowed, "Luke?"
He nodded, elaborating.
"I did my best with him but…" he sighed. "It wasn't enough. I'd hoped the quest- well, it didn't work out. He doesn't view me as a father, has turned to someone else-"
He shook his head, "I don't want you kids to suffer for my mistakes with him. And besides, my kids haven't been the nicest to you about Luke. The least I can do is offer a little bit of aid."
I shifted, "It's okay."
"It's not really, but there isn't much we can do about it. Dionysus has already informed them of the truth, they simply don't wish to see it yet. People tend to prefer pretty lies over painful truths."
I nodded, "Thank you for the help."
"Of course. Now then- oh yes! You need adult supervision. Can't send a sea kid off without a supervisor. I've heard about Triton's reaction to the last quest haha."
I winced, yeah Triton was not happy about that.
"Martha will be going with you. She's more than old enough, and the more responsible one. Gotta make sure to follow those sea traditions."
I gaped, "Isn't she a like… all powerful snake?"
"It's fine, she won't directly interfere or anything. But she will give advice and keep an eye on you. She's also immortal so you don't need to worry about her."
"I—okay…"
Martha unwound from the caduceus and curled over Hermes' arm before he held it out to me.
I slowly accepted her onto my arm. She shrunk to a more manageable size and curled around my bicep.
Don't mind me, she assured. I'll just watch out for you.
"Oh!" Hermes shook his head. "I can't believe I almost forgot. Sorry, things have been very busy lately, my thoughts are all over the place."
He snapped his fingers and three bags appeared, each with a different symbol on them.
"The one with the conch shell is yours, for Triton and all, and the Trident is Tyson's and the Owl, Annabeth's. They're all packed for you already."
Oh wow.
"Now then, see that boat out there?" He pointed out into the water.
I scanned the water briefly before noticing the boat way far out there.
"Yeah?"
"It's heading in the right direction for you. Should dock in North Carolina Bay, early too. So just hop on that and you'll be good."
I perked up, "Oh that's great! Thank you."
"Will you need a ride?"
"I don't think so," I said studying the water. "I can handle it."
He nodded, straightening and stretching.
"Well, this has been a nice break, but alas, the job never stops. Take care, Percy, and… if you happen to see Luke at any time…"
"I'll let him know you're worried?" I offered reluctantly.
He smiled, "I would… appreciate that."
He gently brushed a finger over Martha, who hissed and nudged his finger. Then he accepted the letter I'd managed to write.
"Well, good luck, Percy Jackson. Opu meye'v tel hamapep y wasahu."
I perked up at the traditional Halmaheran send off. What was the right one for a messenger? Something about a light load… maybe-
"Opuno kameo meye'v mu mumali y opuno pavu ponova."
He winked at me, "Your friends should be arriving in just a minute. Goodbye, cousin."
And with that he turned and jogged away, disappearing in a shimmer only a dozen paces away.
"Percy?" Annabeth came over the crest of the hill. "What's going on? Are you okay? I heard you calling for help?"
"Brother! Where are the bad things attacking?"
"Hey," I said. "So, la, looks like we're going on the quest anyways. Uh, nothing was attacking…"
"What?" Annabeth asked.
"Dionysus decided we were going and told Hermes to tell me so…"
I continued on to explain the instructions Hermes gave me and showed Annabeth the letter from Lord D.
"So, it looks like we're going? If you want."
"We have to do the quest," Annabeth declared. "For Thalia—and the rest of the camp."
I nodded.
"Tyson can explain to everyone-"
"I want to go."
"No!" Annabeth said, her eyes wide and face pale. "It- well you know that's not a good idea right now. Quests are supposed to have three members."
I studied her with a frown. We'd never gotten to talk about her issue with Kyklopes, but she seemed… afraid.
"Lord D said to bring him with. He doesn't think… that it's a good idea for Tyson to stay here without me."
Annabeth grimaced, Tyson shuffled.
"But we're going to Polyphemus' island," Annabeth insisted. "He's a K-i-k… K-e-y-e…." she stamped her food. "Oh, you know what I mean!"
Dyslexia sucked, but I did know what she meant. It didn't matter though.
"Tyson can come," I said. "He's my brother and my friend. It'll be fine. So, if he wants to he's welcome."
Tyson clapped his hands, his big eye bright. "Want to!"
Annabeth crossed her arms, her whole-body tense, but didn't try to argue anymore.
"So how are we getting to the boat?" she asked.
I turned back to the boat, a frown on my face. "I figured I could make an ice boat for us."
She blinked, "Can you?"
"Yeah, I do it with Leilani. I'll just need to make it stronger for the three of us."
"Well," she motioned to the waves. "The ship isn't getting any closer."
I turned back to the water, spreading my hands and concentrating.
I needed to push the salt out of the water, lower the temperature, and shape it. It needed careful control.
Slowly the ice crept over the water, the section I picked stilling and shaping to have sides so the others wouldn't fall too easily. I thickened it bit by bit, my eyes drifting to the boat out in the water every now and then to gauge the distance.
Slowly the boat took shape and thickened until I was fairly confident it wouldn't break on us. I focused on keeping it cold and steady then let out a breath.
"Okay," I murmured. "It's ready."
Annabeth leaned over, "Wow, that's pretty good. Takes a while to make though."
Very well done, Martha agreed, making Annabeth jump as she spoke for the first time.
"It's… hard to freeze so much seawater," I said.
Annabeth nodded, grabbing the bags and the gifts from Hermes as she studied Martha.
"Shall we then?"
Tyson climbed in first, then Annabeth, then me. I carefully split my focus and twisted the water around the boat.
It was hard to keep the focus on the ice and the movement, but I'd been doing something similar with my ice fish for years, so it wasn't too new.
A moment later the boat started moving towards the ship in the distance.
Being back in the ocean, even if on a boat, was nice. I missed the ocean water. I breathed in and kept moving the ship.
"Co-cold," Annabeth muttered.
I flicked my gaze to her and saw her shivering, arms covered in goosebumps. She was in pajamas still (so was I) so the shorts weren't doing much to protect her legs from the ice either.
They were getting red with cold.
I frowned and sped the ice boat up more.
It was another ten minutes before we reached the ship and by that point Annabeth looked positively frozen.
"That might not be the best method of transport in the future," I said reluctantly as Annabeth stood, wincing as she did so.
"Ye-yeah ma-ma-maybe s-s-s-so."
Her teeth were chattering.
I looked up at the cruise ship (which was massive, positively huge, seriously looked like a building in the middle of a city) and tried to find a good place to climb on. There should've been some sort of entrance…
The ship's name caught my eye, lit with a spotlight and a nice black on white (and easy to read font!).
PRINCESS ANDROMEDA
Attached to the bow was a huge masthead—at least three stories tall kind huge. It was a woman wearing a white Greek khiton that was sculpted to look chained to the ship. She was young, and had pretty flowing black hair to go with the pretty khiton. But her face was twisted into an expression of fear.
I supposed that was referencing the myth of Andromeda and Perseus? Still kinda weird to have a screaming lady on the front of the ship but to each their own.
"Ho-h-h-how d-d-d-do we ge-ge-get abo-board?" Annabeth stuttered out, shivering.
"There!" I pointed to a service ladder.
"Wh-wh-what?" Annabeth squinted in that direction. "Ca-can you s-see?"
I blinked, "Yeah?"
She turned to me then jerked, "Your- your ey-eyes."
It is normal for sea children, Martha hissed from my arm.
I pouted, "Yeah they do that, I've been told. It's a service ladder."
She blinked, "Your ey-eyes?"
"No," I motioned to the ladder. "The way on."
She flushed, "Ri-right."
I guided the boat to it, then used a lash of water to hold the boat in place.
"Okay, all aboard?"
Annabeth couldn't get off the ice boat fast enough. I shooed Tyson up next, then finally released by focus on the boat as I climbed up.
I glanced up at the sky once more as I climbed, my eyes lingering on the stars, bright in the absence of even moonlight. I really wished the quest wasn't starting on the night of a new moon. It hadn't mattered before, but starting a quest then wasn't good luck in ocean tradition.
Hopefully things would go well anyways.
The ladder apparently led to a maintenance deck stacked with yellow lifeboats. There were a set of locked double doors as well, but me and Annabeth got them open with some experimenting with water. Martha hissed advice on how to pick locks the whole time.
The boat was big, so I figured they'd have people wandering around, but it was pretty empty. Or well, maybe not empty but there was no one walking around the halls.
Weren't ships supposed to have people around constantly?
The doors had those little "swipe your card" things to get in, like the kind I'd used at the Empire State Building to get access to the 500thfloor.
We must've walked half the ship but still hadn't seen any people. Though there were hundreds of what I assumed were bed rooms, dozens of shops, several food places, and a ball room. But despite all that we didn't hear a single noise.
Was everyone asleep? Didn't people stay up late sometimes? Weren't there any adult events?
Maybe they were in a different section of the boat?
"It's a ghost ship," I finally said as we reached the outdoor pool area.
The rows of empty deckchairs were lit up by lights ringing the area.
"No," Tyson corrected as he fiddled with his duffel bag. "Bad smell."
"What smell? I don't smell anything?"
"It's like satyrs," I said. "Kyklopes have an enhanced sense of smell that can pick up terrors and demigods and stuff. Right, Tyson?"
He nodded nervously, his one big eye flicking around.
"Okay," Annabeth said carefully. "What is it then?"
"Something bad."
"Great, that's helpful."
"Well he's only a young Kyklopes," I said carefully. "He probably doesn't have a lot of experience smelling different things."
She huffed but nodded, "Makes sense."
"It certainly has the smell of many creatures", Martha hissed. "Be careful where you wander."
"Right," Annabeth muttered. "So keep sneaking?"
I nodded and Tyson followed behind us as we walked across the swim deck, back inside, and found a sports area. There was a climbing wall (without lava), a mini-golf course, and a basketball court.
"We need some place to sleep," I finally said. "We can't just wander around all night."
"Right," Annabeth agreed. "Sleep sounds lovely."
We continued up the ship, walking past halls of closed doors.
Annabeth paused glancing down one corridor.
"Hey, some of these are open."
We finally found some signs of life… but it was weird. The cleaning supplies was just sitting around in a few rooms. And blankets were half pulled up with folded towels half way to being hung up.
It was like cleaning people had been working just a second ago but disappeared.
"That's… weird," Annabeth muttered.
"Smells like storm," Tyson mumbled.
"Perhaps they have a magic cleaning crew."
Very weird.
I ran my fingers over my necklace from Tethys. Should I have removed it? My senses could've been a help… but I didn't want to get overwhelmed by them again.
If we saw anything else, I'd remove it. That would be fine.
We claimed a room without the strange cleaning supplies scattered around. Annabeth considered it thoughtfully.
It had a chocolate basket on the dresser against the wall, pieces of chocolate on the pillows, and a bottle of sparkling grape juice in an ice bucket with three glasses out.
Annabeth chewed her lip, "I don't think we should split up, even to another room."
"Probably not," I agreed with a sigh. "This room does have two beds."
"Three," Martha corrected, uncoiling from my arm some.
"What?" I looked around but didn't see another bed.
"There," she jabbed her head to point above the thinner of the two beds, resting against the wall. "See the line in the wall? And the handle? Next to those indentions in the wall?"
I nodded. "The ones that look like a weird ladder?"
"Oh yeah," Annabeth said. "I think that pulls out."
I shrugged and moved over. I was too short, and so was Annabeth, but Tyson managed to grab it and pull it down. And indeed, there was another bed, slightly thinner than the one beneath it.
"Well that's helpful."
"Mhm."
We claimed the big bed for the moment, dropping the duffels on it.
"We should check inventory," Annabeth said.
She seemed to want to keep moving, her eyes away from Tyson.
I nodded, determined to act like everything was normal while Tyson was there.
We opened up the duffel bags.
Each of us had three pairs of extra clothes, plus a camp shirt on top of that. Toiletries (even a few fun hair ties for me and Annabeth), rations (both camp and the lunch box Annabeth kept… mine was in my bag from Triton), an airtight bag full of cash (at least a few hundred dollars each), and a leather pouch full of golden drachmas each.
Each of our bags also had some personal items in them.
Annabeth's also had her cap of invisibility, a few armor pieces, her knife, a watertight pouch with a book on architecture in it, and some knitting supplies as well.
Tyson's had his oilcloth with his tools and metal bits wrapped in it.
Mine had my full-moon mirror, my oceanskin, my armor, my knife, my med kit, and a book on curse breaking.
I was very glad for my oceanskin in particular. I did not want to go on a quest without that, even if the quest was on the water.
Martha hissed explanations for them as we pulled them out. Weapons, magical artifacts, and of course items for entertainment. There'd be a lot of travel for this quest so Hermes apparently thought to pack us stuff to do while we had free time.
The two gifts from Hermes, the thermos and the vitamins, went in Tyson's bag for the moment.
Hermes really did pack everything we could've needed.
"Well, good thing we have the lunchbox and the rations," Annabeth mused. "I mean… having the water bottle would be better-"
"It's still in my school bag."
"Yeah… but worst comes to worst we'll have food and some water from it too."
"I can probably remove the salt from the sea water if we really need some," I said. "I've just not really done it when not freezing the water."
"Last resort then," she determined. "Let's get some sleep. And um… just to be safe, don't eat or drink anything here."
We both nodded.
"It would be best to be wary of anything," Martha hissed. "But you can ask me if you need to know if something is dangerous."
"Thank you," I murmured.
"We appreciate the help," Annabeth agreed. "Though... I don't quite understand why we have you with us. I've never gotten that on a quest before."
"It is due to the policy of oceanic quests," Martha explained. "Percy is a child of the sea, and has already done one quest much younger than the norm. Those of the sea were not happy that it was without supervision, and thus this time you have me as a supervisor."
Annabeth frowned, "I don't understand."
"It's like-" I hesitated "-the sea values children a lot. So they don't send children on quests unless there's no choice. And in those cases they'd have a supervisor."
"Even young adult mer get a supervisor," Martha confirmed. "Most quests have a more experienced quester as the leader."
"I see..." Annabeth frowned. "Well, I guess that's helpful for us. Thank you for coming with us."
"Of course," Martha hissed, preening. "It is my pleasure."
With that Martha shooed us off to bed, insisting we needed sleep. She promised to keep watch for us.
I took the top bunk and Tyson the bottom. Annabeth got the bigger bed so she'd have some space from the two of us.
Despite my exhaustion, I was unable to fall asleep easily. I could've sworn I heard voices in the hall, perhaps the missing cleaners?
Finally, my eyes slipped shut and I drifted off, back into the currents of dreams.
Leilani POV
I woke to an empty cabin.
Okay, that was weird.
The alarm was blaring but Percy wasn't there to turn it off or to grumble about it being too early. And there was no Tyson crashing out of bed trying to get ready.
I stared around the room in confusion. Their beds were neatly made, but Percy's knife that he tended to keep on the bedside cubbies was gone.
I checked the bathroom, finding it empty of their toiletries, and then the sitting room, where I found the mirror he used for worship was gone.
What did all that mean? Where were they?
I faltered as I returned to my bed and found a letter sitting on my pillow.
That wasn't there earlier.
…
I picked it up and opened it.
Leilani,
Really sorry about disappearing. Sent on quest with Clarisse by Lord D, said you couldn't come cause mom would be mad. Will be back soon. Take care. Xoxo
Percy
Oh.
Lord D sent them off? Why in the middle of the night?
At least Percy sent a note.
But it was a new moon last night, we'd done the khernips before dinner and everything. Percy had said new moon was considered a bad night to do things by merfolk. And well, the quest was going on water, right?
The quest as a whole was going to be dangerous, was them leaving on a bad night a good idea?
I chewed my lip.
They'd be okay. I was sure Percy could handle it. It was probably nothing. There wasn't a solid reason for it other than no Moon to watch over you.
I'd just need to take care of the cabin while they were gone.
They'd probably want it to be clean and stuff when they got back. Normally it was Percy cleaning so I'd need to step up.
I'd take care of things until they got back.