Shadows and The Sea - The Darkling

Disbelief & The Lightning Thief

Third POV

Percy woke up but not in Ravka. She was surrounded by greenery and white grecian pillars.

What am I doing in Aphrodite's garden?, she thought to herself.

"Oh Sea star, you're awake!" she heard her father say before she felt a tight embrace encircle her.

It took a moment for Percy to process the action of affection before she returned the embrace and squeezed her father back.

Poseidon pulled away and put his hands on her face, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Percy laughed at her overprotective father, "Yes dad, I'm fine. Really. But...why am I here?"

Her father looked a little upset when she asked that and before Percy could ask what was wrong, another voice beat her to it.

"We have to talk about what to do now, Percy," said the goddess of love as she elegantly tread where they were on the ground.

Poseidon helped his daughter to her feet and the three walked to a nearby bench to discuss what Aphrodite was talking about.

Once everyone was settled, Percy couldn't help but start, "So what are you guys talking about?"

Aphrodite sent a look to her father and he sighed in resignation, "It's time to tell your...soulmate...about the bond between you two. Since the Minotaur made its appearance, there is no denying that you are different and the man you are fated to does not take kindly to lies, or so I'm told."

He shot a look at his sister who sent him an innocent look.

Percy looked between the two confused, "What? Now? I mean I'm gonna have to tell him that other worlds exist, there are real gods and that I'm one of them, AND I have to tell him about our bond? That's kind of a lot isn't it?"

Aphrodite giggled at Percy's concern and waved a dismissive hand, "Oh he'll be fine. It's so cute that you're already worried about him! If anything, just do what you did before."

What I did before?, questioned Percy in her head. Her confusion must have bled onto her face because her father spoke up to answer her question.

"When you asked me about the mark Hades put on you and the reaction to the shadows, I went to him to find answers. Apparently, yes it created another bond between you and the person that controls shadows. Since the mark is placed to protect you against harmful darkness, it accepts the shadows of the man who is destined to love you. That's why when he placed a hand on it, he was able to see your flashback. So, in theory, you could show him your memories and he would be able to see them just like your flashback," my father explained.

Well that's convenient, thought Percy.

She let out a long sigh, "Alright, I'll tell him."

Poseidon looked unenthused but Aphrodite made up for the lack of energy. She squealed and clapped frantically. Her ringlet curls bounced as she jumped for joy.

"You two are going to be one of the best matches ever. I can see the love and bond you are going to share but also the struggles. Oh my gods! I can't wait!" she chittered.

That last part caught Percy's attention, "Wait what do you mean struggles?!"

Her question was left unanswered as her vision began to fade to black and the lush garden faded from her view.

Poseidon's POV

I watched as my daughter's form faded from two feet in front of me. It's been a hard few years without her here. Even though I can IM her, it's still not the same.