Percy Jackson and the Incarnate- 1: The beginning

CHAPTER 19 POV: Percy Jackson

Oh! Styx. India is huge and very confusing. Not to mention hot. I have found a new respect for these people here. They know their shit. And, everything here is done on a mass scale. I was getting culture shocks of degrees unexpected. I didn't know what to expect.!

Man! He was right! With the crowd, we barely reached the station fifteen minutes before the train was scheduled to leave. The traffic!! If this was the case in a town, I dread the case in the big cities. We bought some snacks and two sets of normal cotton shirts and track pants. I asked why he never wears jeans. No wonder Annabeth calls me seaweed brain. It would be highly uncomfortable to wear jeans in this weather.

He then took me to a house, or so I thought. Inside was a mini-restaurant run by two elderly couples who were well past their seventies. He ordered some food whose names I could not grasp. All we got was a few bundles of food packed. The woman reminded me of my mother, caring, sweet and gentle. I was now guilty. I was alive and still, she had to go through the pain of losing me. Let's say that when I return, it would be too emotional.

"Do you know the elderly couple?", I asked him.

"Friends of my grandmother. I know them since I came here the first time.", Hari replied.

"What did we pack?", I asked.

"I do not do well with the food from the railways. Neither would you too unless you have tolerance for spices.", he said. I nodded. The food was great here, but it took a toll on my stomach. No wonder Hari whined in the college for food being bland.

"So, I asked them to pack Sattvic foods. Temple food. They are not harsh and they can be eaten anytime. Tamarind rice, Curd Rice, Chapati and a simple vegetarian side dish for tomorrow evening, tomorrow morning and tonight respectively.", he explained.

We boarded the train and let's say that the train was behind schedule. Hari seemed to expect this. Well, let's say I have never had a deeper cultural shock before. The train, at last, was moving. We got tickets in the sleeper class. So, while we had a seat-cum bed to sleep in, we were baked out in the afternoon. The fun part of it was Hari buying me something every four stations. From ice-creams to Lassi, buttermilk to Samosas in the evening. I ate less because there was a chance that my tummy would not take in well. I learned it the hard way. After the Samosas, I had to occupy the restroom for some time.

The next shock for me came at the washroom. It was not our typical commode. The commode was below the ground. I could not sit. I whisper shouted Hari's name.

"Hari!!"

"Percy! What now?", he asked before adding, "Oh!"

"Why is the Indian toilet like this?", I asked incredulously.

"You have to squat-sit Percy. And, to inform you, do you see a bucket and mug of water?", he asked. I shouted back yes after seeing a little iron bucket and a plastic mug.

"Use water to clean.", he said.

Let's say, it was uncomfortable. The Indians are different and weird. When I opened the door, I saw the opposite toilet marked 'Western' on the door. I made a mental note to use it next time.

The day on the train was spent sightseeing and talking. He told me stories. Stories from Legends. He still did not Start the Mahabharata. He said that there was another person who is more adept at telling the story. Once, I nearly had spoilt our plans with my stupidity.

I had found a prism in one of the stores in the railway station and was about to iris message Hestia and mom. I was so homesick. But, Hari slapped me at the back and snatched away the prism.

"Do you want to blow the cover and tell the Greek world that we are alive?", he asked at me angrily. I never saw him angry after that battle in camp Jupiter. I knew not to piss him off. So, I gently apologized.

"I know it is difficult for you. But, we have a plan remember?", Hari asked.

I remembered. We were to find who was summoned through the ritual. We were their hope, the enemies believed. With us out of the picture, they could be less vigilant and laid back. When they attack with full force, we would break- into their party and push them back. It had a few risks, but there was no alternative. And we by this time would uncover the secrets of our powers and train with the seven Chiranjeevi.

I nodded and we went back to our seats. We just sat by the window, sightseeing. We would reach Haridwar the next morning, thanks to the train being behind schedule, which according to Hari, was a lot more common in long-distance trains.

The next morning, I had watered down tea with him as we reached Haridwar. An orange car waited for us. Hari teared up, on seeing the man and he went and hugged him. Only then I had realized that this was Hari's father.

"Appa, this is Percy Jackson. My friend.", he said. His father folded his hands and gave the Indian way of greeting. Then seeing my awkward situation, he shook my hand firmly.

"Nice to meet you. I am Sivakumar. Hari's father. Hari, we have to hurry. Guruji is waiting.", he said with urgency and we entered the car. It was a twelve-hour journey to Badrinath, through the hills and ravines. Hari had a case of mountain sickness. The swivel around the mountains churned his stomach and he had a tough time not puking. No wonder he ate abnormally less before we reached the station.

We took a pit stop at a small town when it got dark. It was dangerous to venture into the dark. So, after eating a light dinner, we stayed at their house for the night and crashed in our beds. I found out that Badrinath can be accessed only during summers, and during winters, all except very few leave Badrinath and settle at this town called Joshimath. The next day, after a light breakfast, we resumed our journey and reached Badrinath by noon. We went to his house, which was near the Temple. I was not like Annabeth, but I saw how it was built specifically for this area and climate.

"Boys, settle in for the day. We shall see the Badrinath Temple. The next day, we shall go meet who you are here for.", he said in a guarded tone and smiled. I and Hari went to his room. It was like my room in my apartment, compact and simple yet very tidy. We crashed into bed; we were very tired from the journey. Hari was snoring loudly. I had to make a mental note to taunt him. We were woken up after a few hours by his father, who told us to wear sweaters and come out. We visited the Badrinath temple with less hassle and after eating dinner, had a peaceful sleep, which may be a rarity in the times to come.