Drowning in the Siren's Song

Chapter 37

Apollo watched Percy as he interacted with his sister and her hunters. It was a sight to behold. 

He wondered if he'd ever seen them as comfortable. Not just with a boy, but with one another. As in all groups, not everyone thought alike and discord was common amidst their ranks. They were a close-knit family, but even families had fights. 

He'd watched the hunters grow up together with rivalries and glares, sometimes bound together only by their silver glow. Not all of them got along; their beliefs and reasons clashed all the time. Some joined the hunters just to avoid a forced marriage. Some joined for the independence and power. Some joined because they found a home with his sister. 

But in front of his eyes was Percy, a young boy, surrounded by these women who were smiling and laughing, fawning over him. The oldest ones coddled him, the younger ones teased him. All of them with their attention on this remarkable child without partiality.

He'd known Percy was special. His attention always went to him when he sat in his chariot and rode across the sky. He would watch his interactions, his smiles and even his sadness, but he knew that no matter how amazing he was, all humans had a limit. 

Yet time and again, he managed to surprise him. He learnt medicine and could treat wounds as well as a doctor who'd spent his life learning it. He managed to coax Pan out from his despondence and even got him to teach him the old art of the folk. He stole heart just by humming a few notes. 

As hard as it was to admit, there was a time where he himself was frustrated by how favored the child was, but then again, he remembered that it was not favor that got him here but results. Results of his kindness, hardwork and wit. 

And so, like many others, he found himself as a fan of the boy, wishing for his success from behind the scenes. He wanted to come forth and outrightly assist him, but he knew of the buried grudge Percy held against the Gods. It was not his place to interfere. 

He tried to ignore him, and in a chaotic world it was easy, but after knowing what a hidden gem he was, his eyes ventured to where he was, his sparkle irresistible. 

And oh did he sparkle. 

A ring glittered on his hand, and looking closer did he realize that it was a weapon. He had seen Zoe Nightshade pour her immortality into it, turning her back on her role as a Hesperide. It was an object with a heavy history and even heavier emotional value and yet she gave it to him, knowing that she had been betrayed by its former owner. 

And even his sister was no less. 

It didn't drag attention like Riptide, but the leather band around his tiny wrist at a second glance was more important than any passerby would think. He was surprised by how generous his sister had been. Gods tended to be greedy and protective of their power; the very thing which made them immortal but what he saw contradicted reality.

But in what looked like a cheap item held a fraction of her own life. A God's power was everything to them. Their power and life force was linked in such a way that without one, the another could not exist. And yet she had gifted him some of her own life. He didn't know the details, but he could gauge out that it was better than the best of shields.

The level of trust he garnered in them was beyond his expectations. 

During the cliffside chat, Apollo had promised to teach him more herbal medicine for two reasons. One was for his own safety and the other for whomever wished to be by his side. He knew for sure that Monsters weren't going to leave him alone and he also knew that Percy had a charm surrounding him which naturally made people flock him. 

In the future, Apollo was sure that Percy would hold responsibility, whether he wanted it or not. But he had firmed his resolve. If the child chose it, only then would Apollo support it. But till then, it was best to have him learn techniques which might save his life.

But Apollo had blinked twice after seeing Percy's skills as he whipped up concoctions. It made him wonder just where his potential ended. The only limits Percy had was his surroundings. His skills as a medic were already polished, but because he hadn't been exposed to anything other than the reserve, his knowledge about herbs was lacking. 

So for the days leading up till now, Apollo had sat him down and shown him different plants and herbs which were particular to the forests in California and near it. According to what he saw with his own eyes, Oak, the dryad who had taught Percy most of the basics had been quite thorough. Using her teachings, Percy had experimented and made his own formulas depending on the materials around him. 

Because Apollo knew that coddling Percy during his education would hinder him, he chose to simply tell Percy about the flora there and let him handle what came after. He knew it was enough after seeing his eyes sparkle and fingers twitch. 

All Percy needed now were more experiences to grow even further, because Apollo knew for a fact that he had the potential which reached beyond the stars. 

He was leaving in two days and it was unbelievable how much it affected the usually passive hunters. Chaos surrounded him, not only from the girls but from the forest itself. Percy had spent an entire afternoon tending to nature, meeting animals, collecting notes, and making sure everything was in place and calm with the spirits. 

The Master of the forest was leaving his territory and with him, a young cub was preparing to leave his nest.

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A/N

Quick note, readers-
I have exams coming up and after that, I'm going on a vacation so no updates for a month max. I'll try to squeeze in something if I get a chance to write but no guarantees...
Thank you for your understanding!