Blood Of Poseidon

II. War and Death

The road stretched endlessly before Percy as he walked along the highway, his footsteps echoing in the quiet of the early morning. His initial plan was to hitchhike west, but finding a willing driver proved more challenging than he had anticipated. Hours passed with no luck, and Percy soon found himself trudging along with only his thoughts for company.

The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the road. Percy's backpack felt heavier with each step, and his muscles ached. He couldn't go anymore. He decided to try his luck again. He signaled an incoming truck for a ride. And miraculously, Luck was on his side, the truck came to a stop before him. "Hey, are you heading west?" Percy asked. "Yeah, Kansas." The trucker answered. "Great, Can I tag along?" The trucker looked at him over before answering, "Get in." "Thank you." Percy blew a breath of relief as he climbed into the cab. "I'm Joe." the trucker introduced. "Percy." The cab of Joe's truck was cluttered with maps, empty coffee cups, and the faint scent of diesel fuel. Percy sat in the passenger seat, feeling a mixture of gratitude and unease as they rumbled down the highway. "So, where you headed, kid?" Joe asked, glancing at Percy with curiosity on his weathered face. Percy hesitated for a moment, debating how much to reveal. "Vegas," he replied finally. "I have someone to meet." "Why alone? Have no family who could take you?" "No. They're... umm... lost." Percy answered. "I am sorry if I..." Joe dragged off. "Oh no, you didn't. I am used to being alone." Joe nodded knowingly, his hands steady on the wheel. "Well, you picked a good day to hitch a ride," he said with a chuckle trying to clear the tension. "Weather's clear, roads are decent. Should get you pretty far." As they drove, Joe shared stories of his own travels across the country, from the bustling streets of New York City to the quiet plains of Kansas. Percy tried listen intently, But his conditions made it hard, grateful for the distraction from his own thoughts. He nodded, intrigued by Joe's journey. "Do you ever get scared? You know, out here on your own?" Joe glanced at Percy, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Sure, kid. There are moments when the road feels like it stretches on forever, and you wonder if you'll ever find your way back home. But you learn to trust yourself, trust the road. It's about taking it one mile at a time."

The miles passed in comfortable companionship as Joe and Percy continued westward. They stopped at roadside diners for meals, where Joe insisted on treating Percy to hearty plates of comfort food. They shared more stories during these stops, forging a bond that transcended the differences in their ages and backgrounds. One evening, as they approached the border into Indiana, their journey took an unexpected turn. Dark clouds rolled in from the west, casting an ominous shadow over the highway. Joe glanced worriedly at the sky, his grip on the wheel tightening. "Weather's turning," Joe muttered, his brow furrowing. "Looks like we might be in for a storm." Percy peered out the window, his senses on high alert. He could feel the static charge in the air, a sure sign of impending trouble. Just as Joe was about to suggest finding shelter for the night, a deafening crack of thunder echoed through the sky.

Rain began to fall in sheets, reducing visibility to a mere blur of lights and shadows. Percy cursed under his breath, Joe began to slow the truck as he navigated through the worsening conditions. Lightning flashed overhead, illuminating the road ahead in stark, white light. "We need to find a safe place to pull over," Joe shouted over the roar of the storm. "Can't risk driving in this storm!" Percy nodded, scanning the roadside for any sign of refuge. Just as he spotted a cluster of buildings up ahead, the truck lurched suddenly, its tires sliding on the slick pavement. Joe wrestled with the steering wheel, his knuckles white with tension. "Hang on!" Joe yelled, his voice urgent. "We're going off-road!" The truck skidded onto the shoulder of the highway, narrowly avoiding a collision with a roadside barrier. Joe slammed on the brakes, bringing the vehicle to a shuddering halt. Percy's heart pounded in his chest as he glanced around, assessing their situation. "We're okay," Joe breathed, his hands trembling slightly. "That was too close." Percy nodded, relief flooding through him. "Yeah," he agreed softly. Joe managed a weary smile, his eyes reflecting the adrenaline of their near-miss. "Just part of the job, kid," he replied gruffly. "Let's wait out this storm before we try to move again." They sat in tense silence as the storm raged around them, rain drumming relentlessly on the roof of the truck. Percy couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. He knew that every moment they spent stranded on the roadside was a moment closer to danger. Hours passed before the storm finally began to subside, leaving behind a trail of mist and scattered clouds. Joe started the truck cautiously, testing the road conditions before easing back onto the highway. The remainder of their journey through Indiana was quiet, the tension of the storm lingering in the air.