The Sound Of The Ocean

Prologue

|Percy|
I look off into the distance at the rustic ship coming closer and closer. This is it... I finally get to see her.

Ok.. TECHNICALLY, we've seen each other countless times before but this time is different. It's been over 8 months, and we never got to say goodbye or talk in-between! Like what was Hera's reasoning for that?

As they come closer, I find it harder and harder to breathe. As I watch the ship, I find myself having to squint from the gleams of the sun peering out from the boat until it's completely covered. Why is it getting lighter?

I realized what was happening too late. I feel a sharp pain go through me. I wince in pain, falling to the ground. I look at my stomach. Why does it feel like everything is happening in slow motion? I'm bleeding. A lot.

Reyna rushes over to me. I think she's screaming but my ears are ringing too loud. The spear that pierced through my chest started to feel heavier.

My thoughts shift to Annabeth. Why would she let them do this? Did she tell them too? I thought we had something. My head is pretty fuzzy.. maybe I'm just not thinking clearly. Wize girl? She would never do this.

Water. I need water. Where is it? I can't move. My head is rushing at what feels like a hundred miles per hour. Is this how I'm spending my last minutes?

I think about the gods. Why can't they save me? I've done so much. Almost my whole life since I was 12 has been related to the gods. I wish I could have spent more time with my dad. I hope he tells my mom I died peacefully.

My mom. My poor mom... I can't believe I'm leaving her like this... I'm such a bad son. Maybe she can start again with Paul, he's good to her. Better than Gabe. I can't believe my mom went through all that with him just to keep me safe. She's worked so hard... I just want her to be happy. If only Hera thought of a better plan.

I can't die yet! I have so much to live for. Why didn't I realize this earlier? This can't be how I go out. This isn't nearly as cool as how Perseus or Odysseus died. Will I get statues like they did?

I think about Silena, Charlie, and Ethan. So many others like... Luke. Maybe he was right... No. I'm proud of what I've done and I would do it all again.

Would I? If I did, would it all just lead back to this?

I have a strong urge to let go... I just can't. I realize how many opportunities I've missed in life. I wish I could just know what it would have been like if I wasn't so careless.

I feel tears running down my cheek. I'm so weak. I also feel...More tears? As if someone's crying over me. I can't see who.

All I see is the sky. I struggle to close my eyes but I just can't. I feel a soft hand going over my face, as I finally can close my eyes. I feel myself slipping away.

It can't end like this. I won't let it end like this.