The Vanishing Hero - chapter 10

"My name is Theseus Phoebus Murphy. Son of Triton. Adopted Son of Hera. Champion of Hestia. Guardian of the Hunt." he said with pride, but also hurt in his voice.

THEO POV

"Did you mistake me for someone else?" I asked knowing the answer all too well. 'They're not technically wrong,' I thought as I was going to mess with them.

"Yeah, sorry. You reminded us a lot of an old friend we haven't seen for years now. Percy-" Jason started but I cut him off.

"Jackson?" I asked and they all rushed forward. "Have you seen him?" Annabeth first. "How do you know him?" Piper next. "Is he doing fine?" Hazel and Frank next. I took a few steps back to get some space.

"Uhh. Once. Who doesn't know him. And last I saw him he was." I answered in order. "How long ago did you see him?" Annabeth asked, clearly on the verge of tears.

"Err. Close to 4 years ago? I found him wandering up north." I answered as casually as I could. "Did he say where he was headed?" Annabeth again.

"He said he wanted to get away. He was tired of the fighting and then no one paid him any attention after it was all over. Pretty sad if you ask me," I said and everyone's eyes were downcast and I heard some sniffling.

"Right. Well, I have some secret agent stuff to do still, you know spy on the enemy and save the world as we know it, but the Hunt is coming to camp in like a week so I'll see you all then!" I tried to sound as cheery as I could, but they all just nodded before inspecting me one more time and turning to leave.

3RD PERSON POV

After the not-so-heartfelt reunion, Theo formulated his battle plan with Athena and Annabeth. They decided it was best to take them out two days before the battle at camp to minimize the threat of exposure. Theo would sneak into camp in the evening and assassinate Krios and the manticore, while the Hunt would start an attack at sunrise the following morning.

After that was finalized, the campers asked about any leads on Percy's whereabouts and everyone just shook their heads sadly. Percy just wasn't ready to be known quite yet, although everyone comes out of hiding eventually.

Zeus concluded the meeting and wished Percy luck on his mission in about a weeks time and everyone flashed out except for Posiedon, Hestia, Hera, and Artemis. Theo approached his mother and patron first, taking each of them in one arm and hugging them. "I love you both," he said. "I'll be just fine so don't worry." Hera gave him a nod and a loving hand cupping his cheek before flashing out.

Hestia turned to him and said "You cannot stay hidden forever my Champion." Theo grumbled, "I know I know. I'm just not ready to forgive yet." Hestia nodded and gave him a kiss on the forehead before flashing out as well.

Theo then turned his appearance into Percy and gave Artemis a half-bow, "Milady, could I go visit my father's palace? I kinda owe Triton for letting me use his name." he chuckled sheepishly and Poseidon boomed in laughter. Artemis smiled slightly and said, "Yes Perseus, just be back after lunch."

Percy bowed one more time and flashed out with his dad to Atlantis.

PERCY POV

I arrived in the throne room of my fathers palace and had my breath taken away. The reconstruction that took place after the Second Titan War was finally done and the place looked immaculate. The walls brilliant sea-greens and blues, layered with pearls and gems, magnificently orchestrated into murals of Atlantis and even my feats!

I was so in shock, I didn't notice the three gazing upon me from their thrones, nor the empty throne among them. My mouth must've been wide open as I took in the sights of the palace and the way sunlight reflected off of the walls and through the waters, because I heard someone snicker.

"Hey son," Triton added, trying, and failing, to hold in the laughs. Amphitrite was losing it and my father was chuckling too. I rolled my eyes at him and knelt at his throne. "It's always good to see you Lord Triton." I quickly rose and knelt at Amphitrite's and said, "An honor to be back in Atlantis, Queen Amphitrite."

I stayed kneeling to show respect, but I couldn't help it when I heard my father snicker, then laugh uproariously. I looked at him incredulously and Amphitrite finally spoke, "Rise Perseus. It is us who have the honor. We haven't exactly been fair to you and we wish to correct that now." I stood there shocked before finally chuckling to myself.

"Lady Amphitrite, you have nothing to apologize for. While my father and I are on great terms, I am still a bastard in the very definition of the word. I did not wish to cause any discomfort within your kingdom as a result of this." I stayed kneeling while I said this only to look up moments later and see all three of them gaping at me.

"What?" I asked confused. And Triton answered, "Nothing Baby Brother. Just keep leaving us speechless." 'Was that pride in his voice?' I thought before we spent the rest of the afternoon catching up. I talked mostly about where I've been and I asked them about the kingdom and when I could expect to be an uncle, much to Amphitrite's excitement and Triton's discomfort.

When it was time for me to go, Dad finally spoke up, "Percy. I want to bestow upon you the title 'Prince of the Seas'. You're in line to rule behind Triton of course." I gaped at him for awhile and finally spoke, "Uhh thanks dad, but as long as Triton is your number two man and isn't ruling unfairly, then I swear on Lady Styx that I won't ever want the throne."

Thunder rumbled and the three of them looked at me like I was crazy. Finally my father came to and laughed, "Only you son." Triton gave me a quick fist bump and Amphitrite hugged me and gave me a kiss on the forehead. "I always wanted another son of the sea," she said and I smiled so wide it hurt.

"Wait Percy!" my dad called out. "One more thing," he said as he handed me a silver necklace with a trident pendant and a moon pendant on it. "What's this?" I asked but I already had an idea as I slipped it on. I pulled on the trident and sure enough, a trident appeared in my hands.

"Thanks dad," I said as I turned to hug him. "What about the moon one?" I asked confused. "Tyson and Braires have been working on armor for you," he said and I busted into a wide grin again. I thought of the armor and it molded to my body. Light but durable, it was dark ocean blue with sea-green trim. The chest plate had a crescent moon with the hearth and peaco*ck symbol next to it and the trident below it.

I withdrew it back to the necklace and gave another round of hugs and fire traveled back to the Hunt's camp. I found Artemis immediately. "Milady," as I gave my half-bow.

"Perseus. Get ready to go. We sent a scouting team ahead to set the traps we discussed. We leave in 10 minutes." A wicked smirk adorned my face as I thought of trying my new weapon and armor.

The Vanishing Hero - chapter 10 - Page 5 (2024)