Percy Jackson: The Son Of Tartarus

Chapter 12

The campers waited for me in the mess hall. With the help of Frank I went to meet them. My sight was still gone but the Ambrosia the healers fed me was slowly returning it.

Cheers met us. People stamped their feet on the ground. Others pounded on the tables and shouted at the top of their lungs.

A strange feeling creeped into my heart. Something I haven't felt in so long.

"Thank you very much, Silas Ronan!" Chiron praised him. I felt a hand curl around my own and shook it excitedly.

"I was only carrying out orders, Chiron," I said. My voice sounded stupid to me - loaded with emotion.

"It doesn't matter, Silas. With you by our side, I am sure we stand an excellent chance in this war!"

The campers backed his words with another wave of cheering. I vaguely saw someone else approach me.

"I guess I owe you an apology, Silas Ronan," a voice said in front of me and a hand clasped mine again.

"Demetri?"

"Yep, it's me. Can't you see?"

For a moment I believed that I was dreaming. Where on earth would the proud son of Poseidon apologise to me? It was very clear from the start that he held a grudge against me.

Maybe I was wrong about him.

"I-uh-have been blind since before the fight actually."

Next to me, Frank exclaimed, "Why didn't you tell anyone!? I mean we could have helped you."

"Frank, I think the real question is, why were you blind at all?" Annabeth spoke up.

My head turned in the direction of her voice. If I squinted I could make out the gold of her hair and of the man next to her.

"I was visited by Thea during a dream in which she partly blinded me with her power over light. And then while I fought Helios, he managed to blind me completely."

"You-you were blind and you still decided to fight for us even though you could've been terribly wounded or worse?" Annabeth said. She sounded like the old Annebeth I knew. So kind.

"Yes and no. When I merged with Bron my sight returned but unfortunately Helios banished Bron back to Tartarus," I said.

Experiencing all of their concern and gratefulness made me think about revealing who I really was.

Maybe they will welcome Percy back.
But you're not Percy. They like Silas. Percy on the other hand...

Before anyone could say anything else I continued, "You must forgive me. But rest along with the Ambrosia are the only cures to my sight right now. So, I will see you guys later?"

I waved and abruptly turned on my heel. Not really knowing how I did it, I managed to find my tent.

Once inside, I pulled off my hood and threw it to one side. I flopped down on the mat I slept on. My face was buried in the cushion to render my vision in complete darkness. This partly blind sensation made my stomach sick.

"Son?" Tartarus asked above my head.

I groaned but didn't change position at all. My voice sounded muffled through the material.

"Can I help you with something, Father?"

His hand rested on my back, "Are you okay, Silas?"

I ignored his question. Tartarus sighed and his fist curled around the fabric of my shirt. My hands held onto the mat but my father was far too strong for me. He held me in the air but I wouldn't give up that easily. I turned, kicked my legs and swung back and forth in an attempt to escape.

"Let go of me!" I moaned and flailed my arms around. I bumped into his chest and he staggered.

"Hey, hey! I'll put you down!"

His fingers opened and I crashed to the floor. The ground gave my cheek a stinging kiss. With a groan I turned onto my back and rubbed my jaw.

Tartarus hovered above me with what seemed was a big smile on his lips. I blinked quickly but my sight was still in a very poor condition. A massive hand waved in front of my face but I couldn't quite focus ons it.

"Silas, are you blind?" Tartarus cried out.

I stood up with his help and he held me at arms length. I could feel the worry radiating from him.

"Thea and Helios blinded me to  benefit them during the fight. It hasn't gotten any better yet," I stated without emotion.

My father's big hand covered my eyes. He breathed out slowly and his hand heated up a bit. I winced but when his hand fell away my sight was completely back.

To both our surprise I threw myself into Tartatus's arms. He pulled me close against his chest as the sluice of my eyes opened wide.

"It's so hard, Father."

He stroked my back and placed his chin on my head.

"Silas, what's going on?"

"You should have seen them, Father. After I saved them form Helios they suddenly saw me as their hero. Even the stuck-up Demetri apologised to me."

"You must forgive me, boy, but I don't understand why this has you in tears. I mean they accept you. You're welcome here," he said.

My body rocked with sobs but I still managed to speak.
"I-I know that in reality Percy never w-was someone on his own but his feelings are still m-mine. And to see how they accept Silas but knowing that they'll hate P-Percy - it breaks my heart."

"Oh, my dear boy, I can only imagine the betrayal and longing you must feel right now. But who said that they will reject Percy?"

I pulled away from him and wiped at my eyes. My eyes fell to the ground as embarrassment suddenly struck.

"You know their hearts as well as I do. When have the Olympians ever forgiven someone who sinned in their eyes?"

Tartarus took hold of my shoulder. He held my gaze with serious eyes and said, "Silas Ronan, if you never take the leap. You will never know."

"Father..."

His hand dropped to his side and Tartarus stood a bit straighter.

"I must be on my way. Good luck, son, with what you decide to do."

"Father..."

"Bron will return to you in a few days. There is a few things I want him to do first. Bye, my boy!"

He vanished, leaving me in a confused state.

Am I brave enough to take the leap?