Rise of House Neptune

Death Of A Loved One

Chapter 24

The party in Atlantis was beyond anything Percy had ever imagined. He was welcomed everywhere he went, and spent some time with his brother and his new wife throughout the party. He even was given an opportunity to speak with Salacia who originally he was worried to speak too, but she assured him that after his defeat of the Trojan Sea Monster he had proven his worth as a Prince of Atlantis, and that he was welcome. She reminded him slightly of Reyna as she inquired about his intentions with New Rome if he were to be successful and complete the Great Prophecy saving Olympus. She slightly berated him when he spoke of retirement and travel, and encouraged the word consul. It was a position not held by any demigod in hundreds of years, but it was an attractive option when she laid it out for him. Basically he would be on the same level as a Praetor, but not as tied down. He would be able to come and go from the camp as he pleased, answering the cries for help from the seas, Olympus, or other demigods who could use his help elsewhere. His home would be Rome, but the world could be his playground. It was a grand idea, but he was unsure how to ever get there. She gave him a knowing smile when he admitted this, and had the familiar feeling that the gods knew something he didn't.

When the night was over they pulled out a cake after the wedding reception, and wished Percy a happy birthday which was only in a few days time. Fifteen, and one year away from the great prophecy unfolding. He had to admit the thought made him anxious, and he was happy to forget it all for the night when his brother brought out Atlantean water stout. An ale that Percy paid for the next day dearly, but the experience with his brother was invaluable.

He swam back to camp the afternoon following the wedding, and made it without any problems. He spoke with Cassie and Mark upon arrival letting them know he was summoned to his brother's wedding in Atlantis, and to of course replace his broken trident. They seemed relieved it wasn't anything bad.

When Percy made it to his barracks he regaled his tales of Atlantis to his friends, and they were all wowed by his experiences. Of course he didn't mention to anyone that he dueled Achilles for his new enchanted spear, but he did give Bianca Riptide back, and thanked her for allowing him to use it.

Gwen had greeted him with a look of relief, and a soft kiss that made the young man smile happily as he rested back in his barracks rejoicing in the feeling of home.

The next few days passed in a blur. The training with Lupa was as terrible, but excellent as it had been the first day. He had really been putting the others through their paces, and found out that two on one he was pretty damn awesome with his spear. He battled Jason and Dylan at the same time, and took them down with a ferocity that he pulled deep to find. It also became clear that his armor and choice of weapon had been figured out by Lupa by the way she stared at him possessing the two ancient artifacts. She had yet to question him on it, but knew it was coming any day at this point.

The day of Percy's fifteenth birthday had arrived on August 18th, and the young man was in celebration mode from the time he woke up. It was a weekend, and his cohort had worked around getting them out of their chores, and marching duty to give them a good head start on the celebrations.

The day started with Bianca, Jason, Gwen, and Percy having breakfast at a cafe in New Rome. It was a quiet affair, but Percy wouldn't have traded it for anything. He spent the whole day with his friends, and they even had a small party in the barracks that afternoon that went throughout the day where Gwen eventually told everyone they would be leaving the party for some private time. This led to many grins, and whispers, along with a couple of cat calls, but Percy ignored them as he allowed his girlfriend to lead him out by the hand, taking him away from the barracks and towards the river. They walked in silence most of the way, and when they got where Gwen was leading them a small blanket was laid out with a picnic basket. Percy asked, "What's all this?"