{Percy Jackson Fanfic} Water Lily and the Ocean's Blessing

Chapter Twenty: What was the Chapter Title Going to be?

'So, you're the demigod mother was talking about. She went on and on about you.'

It's very yellow here.

There's a spirit in front of me. Well, at least I think she's a spirit. She doesn't give off a godly aura like Eris or Artemis, so I guess she's something less.

'You're not as strong as I thought you'd be. You were easy to trick.'

'Thanks a lot,' I say.

'You're welcome.'

She's pretty, to be honest. I would describe her eyes, but they're closed. I guess I'll describe her hair instead. It's smooth and delicate, just like the ripples of the Lethe. It cascades down her back, bouncing and curling at the bottom.

She wears a long, silk dress that looks like it would cost, like, a million pounds or something? You don't usually see outfits that are equal when it comes to style and comfort, but when you do, they're not cheap. Just saying. Anyways, what were we talking about?

'I am Lethe, the spirit of the river . . . Lethe.'

'Never would've guessed,' I laugh.

She doesn't find it very funny.

'You may laugh now, but soon, it'll be quite the opposite,' she warns.

I try to do what Annabeth does. Be confident.

'Why are your eyes closed?' I ask, not daring to question much else.

'If I opened them, your mind would deteriorate,' she says. 'But I can't do that just yet, my mother has told me so.'

'Why?'

She sighs, not seeming very bothered with me. 'You're not strong, and apparently not wise either. I don't get what mother sees in you.'

'You're not answering my question.'

'Well, she wants you with your memory, of course! How is she meant to bait you into joining her side when you don't even know how to walk?'

'Oh yeah, about that . . .'

I can sense her growing impatient. I won't be able to stall for much longer.

'This better be your final question, or I'll have to shut you up myself.'

'Uhm, why do I still remember everything? I thought the River Lethe made you lose all of your memory,' I say, reaching up and grabbing the vial that bobs about in front of me. I grab the cork and close the thin tube.

'You're a child of Poseidon. You can't get wet. Make sense yet?'

'Oh, so the water actually needs to touch you! Makes sense, yeah.'

She sighs. I reckon she rolls her eyes too. I can't tell, though.

'Anyways, I'll be going now so-'

'Don't even think about it,' says Lethe, clicking her fingers.

I feel a huge headache come on. Wait . . . why was I here again? What was I even doing before I got here?

'Unluckily for you, I can control how long you forget things for. Tell me, what's your name?'

She steps forwards, towering above me, lifting up my chin gently. She suddenly seems so kind, but I can see through her lies. The way she sneers at me gives it all away.

'Uh . . .'

'Oh, please! You can't have forgotten your name, silly!'

She laughs. The laugh seems familiar; the way it begins high pitched and innocent, but then slowly turns dark and evil.