The Triton Jackson Chronicles: God of Madness

Chapter Two

For the first time ever, I swam faster than Dad. I leapt into the river, and commanded the current to propel me forward.

"Triton!" I heard dad yell to me. I didn't turn back. There was no time.

Serenity's coming.

I pushed through the water, faster now.

I couldn't afford to waste any time. I had to get home immediately. The water shimmered.

"Hey, wait up, will you?" Dad's voice came. I could hear the laughter in his words. Did he not understand the intensity of the situation? I shook my head and sped on.

I rapidly passed entire cities as the water guided me to the Pacific. Venice, Bologna, Florence. All was a blur. Nothing mattered more than getting home. I began to panic. How long has it been? Has twenty minutes passed yet? I raised my arm and pulled up my sleeve to look at the Imperial gold watch that Uncle Jason had given me for my fifteenth birthday. My ability to stay dry underwater kept the watch safe and working, but it was hardly needed since it was virtually indestructible. So far, it's been eaten by a manticore, stepped on by Laistrygonian giants, and-

That isn't important!! Forget the time!!

I zigged and zagged as sudden turns came about. I don't think I could have made those sharps turns by myself, luckily the water was driving me forward. As I hit the last turn, a wooden beam appeared before me.

"Shit!" I twisted, practically barrel rolling to the left, missing it by a hair. Relieved, I let out a sigh...and depleted my entire air supply. My lungs began to scream, begging for just one breathe of air.

'Have to get home.' I thought through the pain. A tingling feeling irritated the back of my left ear.

The ocean wasn't to far away.

Good. When I get there, it'll be a straight shot for-

My heart began to jump around in my chest, as if it were at some rave. Blacks spots danced in my vision. I needed air. Now. I continued to speed ahead. The water seemed to be urging me forward, like it knew I had somewhere to be. I needed to get home, but first...

I dove down into the river and snapped my arms to my sides. Suddenly, I was thrusted into the air with tremendous force. I soared, high into the sky, shooting straight ahead. I looked down and seen the river, right below me. It was ready to catch me whenever I made my descent. I checked out the terrain around us, but nothing interesting caught my eye. Just a lot of grass and trees, mostly. I twisted and glanced behind me. There, about a mile or two away, was my dad, zipping toward me. I smiled. I may not be as powerful as Percy Jackson, but at least I'm faster. I waved at him and he smiled. Just then, he did a backflip out of the river... and began surfing the surface of the water itself. The rushing gusts of wind ruffled his black hair and shouts of excitement escaped his mouth. He was going so fast, the river flew up behind him, rising and then crashing down into itself. My jaw dropped.

He passed me up.

Show off.

My flight began to slow and soon after, I crashed hard into the river once more. Unaffected, I raced after my dad.

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After a short while of competitive bursts of speed and name calling, Long Island came into view. It didn't take us long to get this far, especially since our powers are increased in the sea, so I was still hopeful. Just one more minute and I'd be there. I put on one more burst of speed and soared toward the island. As I got closer, I could feel a light tugging in my stomach. I was getting tired. I'd gotten tons of energy from being in the sea, but the constant strain of drawing more power was creating sone drowsiness. Suddenly, I felt nauseous. I turned toward my dad and grabbed hold of the wave he was riding.

"You ok, T?" He asked.

I nodded.

Finally we reached Long Island and came up shore on the beach. I threw up instantly.

Dad sat down. "Well, that was fun. We ought to that again." He chuckled.

I smiled through the puking. "Next time, I'll smoke you."

He laughed. "Im a son of the sea god. I dont burn easily."

We laughed. Well, he did. I started laughing, but ended up puking once more.

I wiped my mouth when I was done and stood. My legs were still a bit wobbly, but I'd be okay. I began to head home when a hand landed on my shoulder. I turned around to see my dad. He had a placid look on his face as he stared me in the eye.

"Power doesn't define who we are, son. You may not be as powerful as I am or as cunning as your mother, but you are our son and a great kid. You were born from greatness and that is all you will ever achieve. What you did out there was incredible. You may not have all the abilities you want, but it's the abilities you have that bring out your inner hero."
I looked him in his eyes.
"Thanks, dad." I said. "It's just that I feel like I'm failing to uphold your legacy, you know?"

He laughed. "My legacy? You can't damage that. I am the great Percy Jackson, remember?"

"As if!" I said, snickering.

He grinned. "Besides, I think even Hermes would be envious of your speed. It only took us about an hour to get here."

I paused. "As hour?"

He paused as well. "Annabeth is gonna kill me."

"Serenity is here." I muttered.

Suddenly, I was pumped with adrenaline and dad with fear, and we hurried home.