Scylla and my Panic

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I know it's Icarus in the painting, but it also makes sense with our winged demigod. Not my art. I could not find the source by all power to them.

Now Time for PTSD era to start.

"You are in so much trouble," Clarisse said. 

We'd just finished a ship tour we didn't want, through dark rooms overcrowded with dead sailors. We'd seen the coal bunker, the boilers and engine, which huffed and groaned like it would explode any minute. We'd seen the pilothouse and the powder magazine and gunnery deck (Clarisse's favorite) with two Dahlgren smoothbore cannons on the port and starboard sides and a Brooke nine-inch rifled gun fore and aft-all specially refitted to fire celestial bronze cannon balls. 

Everywhere we went, dead Confederate sailors stared at us, their ghostly bearded faces shimmering over their skulls. They approved of Annabeth because she told them she was from Virginia. They were confused about me as I told them about my home was already gone and probably buried under lots of dirt and rocks. They were interested in Percy as well, because of his name was Jackson-like some general-but the moment he said he was from New York. They all  hissed and muttered curses about Yankees.

Tyson was terrified of them. All through the tour, he insisted Annabeth hold his hand, which she didn't look too thrilled about. 

Finally, we were escorted to dinner. The CSS Birmingham captain's quarters were about the size of a walk-in closet, but still much bigger than any other room on board. The table was set with white linen and china. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potato chips, and Dr Peppers were served by skeletal crewmen.

I devoured my first sandwich in two bites, the second didn't go too well. The rocking motion of the ship was messing with my stomach. I took a sip of the Dr. Pepper, but gave the rest to Tyson who drank the entire thing in an instant. How could anyone like that weird bubble burn on their tongues. 

"Tantalus expelled you eternity," Clarisse told us smugly. "Mr. D said if any of you show your face at camp again, he'll turn you into squirrels and run you over with his SUV.

"Did they give you this ship?" Percy asked. 

"Course not. My father did." She sounded just like Ares

One of the ghost noticed my distaste of the bubble drink and instead brought me some water.

"Ares?" Percy asked confused

Clarisse sneered. "You think your daddy is the only one with sea power? The spirits on the losing side of every war owe a tribute to Ares. That's their curse for being defeated. I prayed to my father for a naval transport and here it is. These guys will do anything I tell them. Won't you, Captain?"

The captain stood behind her looking stiff and angry. His glowing green eyes fixed on Percy with a hungry stare. "If it means an end to this infernal war, ma'am, peace at last, we'll do anything. Destroy anyone."

Clarisse smiled. "Destroy anyone. I like that."

Tyson gulped. 

"Clarisse," Annabeth said, "Luke might be after the Fleece, too. We saw him. He's got the coordinates and he's heading south. He has a cruise ship full of monsters-" 

"Good! I'll blow him out of the water."

"I like that idea Clarisse." I can't believe I'm agreeing with her Annabeth gave me an odd look before turning back to Clarisse. 

"You don't understand," Annabeth said. "We have to combine forces. Let us help you-"

"No!" Clarisse pounded the table. "This is my quest, smart girl! Finally I get to be the hero, and you three will not steal my chances."

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