Percy Jackson, Angel of Chaos

Chapter 22: Battle cries

Poseidon P.O.V

I watched Luke Castellan walk away into the 'Big house' before turning back to Skia.

"Come along, dear" I prompted softly, careful of not to startle her in her fragile state. She took two shaky steps forward, like a newborn foal, before falling to her knees.

Blackjack immediately raced forward and fell to his knees beside her. It pained me to see a creature in such sickness, especially one so similar to my own creations. My hands twitched with the need to help her, but I was wary of Percy's warning of her aggressiveness.

I gently knelt down next to her, avoiding Blackjack's pleading eyes, "Skia?" I asked gently.

Her fever glazed eyes travelled to mine, sending a jolt of pain throughout my heart like my brother's master bolt. I found myself slightly unnerved by her silence, as I was used to horses and unicorns chattering in my head, but not this one. It was not as if our connection was blocked; it simply didn't exist. I imagined that this was how a mortal felt.

"May I touch you? Simply to aid you?" I asked warily. When she gave no form of protest I slid my arms beneath her torso and slowly lifted. She gave me a half-hearted glare at the indignity, but make no form of attack. I wondered where I was going to put her, and how.

My Lord? Blackjack nickered in my mind. May I suggest that we place her in my stable?

I nodded absent-mindedly as I stared at the lake, an idea formulating in my mind. I flicked my wrist, summoning several gallons of water with ease. I brought it to me, and made it form a formless bath around Skia up to her neck.

She whinnied in shock, her black eyes finding sudden clarity through the shock of the ice-cold water. She thrashed about weakly for a moment before relaxing in the pool, the coldness bringing relief to her raging fever.

I walked to the stables, guiding the water and royal unicorn along with me. Moments before, she had fallen into a fitful sleep.

I prayed to Chaos that Percy was in a better condition.

I manipulated the body of water through the stables under the boring eyes of the other pegasi and into a stable with a a modest nameplate reading BLACKJACK THE AWESOMEST.

Blackjack's soft black muzzle turned a dusky pink as I raised an eyebrow at him.

I set Skia down on the floor with a surgeon's precision and care, all the whilst evaporating the murky lake water. "Okay?" I asked, despite the fact that she was already drifting back into unconsciousness.

Now normally, as a god, I wouldn't have been seen dead sitting on a stable floor, however being with two of my son's favourite equines brought me some sort of comfort. For all I knew, Percy could be dead, drifting in some time loop or, at the very least, severely sick.

I sighed, and ran a hand through my shimmering black hair. A small nicker caught my attention.

My Lord, if I may address you? Blackjack asked timidly.

"You don't have to be so submissive around me, young Blackjack. My son has spoken to me many times of your bravery and certain attitude." I smiled as he blushed from both pride and embarrassment, but seemed more comfortable around me.

Thanks bigger boss.

I couldn't suppress the chuckle that escaped my mouth. This pegasus was certainly different to many others. Even the original Pegasus, my son, wouldn't dare speak to me so informally. Blackjack reminded me of Percy so much, a reason why I made him immortal.

I miss him, bigger boss. He's the only one who understands me. Ha, pun.

I rolled my eyes at his 'humour', but agreed wholeheartedly with his statement. "Yes, he is rather empathetic, isn't he?"