Sailing Solo

18

Previously:
Kampê's answering growl was the last thing Percy heard from her. He and Annabeth were now the ones staring at each other. He was vaguely aware of a nymph floating around him, poking at his wounds.

Finally Annabeth turned to leave. "Make sure he starts healing. His next guest will want a fresh start."

Whoever was next in line to beat up Percy was taking their sweet time. The anticipation was almost as torturous a the actual torture.

He had healed completely from Kampê's attentions a few days ago with the help of a very kind nymph—a naiad—named Lynn. She always asked to double check if he was hurting or not every time she changed his bandages. She was also the one to always bring him his food. And since he couldn't exactly move his hands very far from the ceiling, she was the one to feed him too.

It was a shame she'd left the lake at camp to join Pontus. Percy had been trying to work out her reasoning ever since he'd recognized her.

"So how is it that you came to be here?" Percy asked as she dressed his leg for the last time. "I thought you were close friends with someone at camp."

"I am." Lynn said, confused. "Just because we are on different sides of the war, does not mean we can't be friends anymore."

Percy conceded the fact—read as 'opinion'—with a nod. "True." He said. "But have you really talked since you left? And what's going to happen if you see them on the battlefield? Are you just not gonna fight them? That doesn't seem fair, because then you're leaving them to be hurt or worse by someone else. Doesn't seem like friends."

"This is war, Percy Jackson." Lynn said, avoiding his eyes. "Brothers end up fighting each other. Besides, Pontus says I wouldn't be fighting on the field. He wants me recruiting and caring for those here."

"Do you honestly believe he's being completely honest there?" Percy asked, genuinely wanting to know her answer. During this whole conversation, he couldn't help but think she was very naive.

She had only the slightest hesitation. "Yes." She replied curtly. "What about you and Annabeth? Surely it is going to be difficult for you to fight her in the end? I know she would have no reserves in battle. Will you let her kill you?"

"Gladly." Percy said immediately. His voice took on a melancholy tone. "I'd gladly let her run me through if I knew she'd be happy."

Lynn stared at him like he was crazy and Percy drifted off into memory.

—            —            —            —

It was raining lightly at camp in the middle of the night. The moon was peaking through some clouds in the distance where the end of the storm was visible. Percy was waiting impatiently by the tree line. He walked a few paces one way, looked int he direction of the cabins, then turned and walked in the other direction. This repeated several times.

"Why are you so worked up, Percy?" Annabeth's voice sounded in his ear.

Percy jumped about a foot in the air and brought his fists up in a defensive position. He'd yelped loudly as well, only to get a hand slapped over his face.

"Do you want the harpies to come after us?" Annabeth said, taking off her Yankee's cap.

"Well, maybe don't scare my socks off." Percy grumbled through her hand.

"Maybe you should keep an ear out for me instead of just looking."

"You know, you have almost mastered silent movement; that's not going to make a difference." Percy pointed out with a smirk.