Areteanni:Daughter of Poseidon

Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Oceanae

Percy

Oceanae was as beautiful as the last time I was here. The buildings were magnificent and the corals that paved the way were full of life. Areteanni was up ahead talking with our father and they were happy. I was happy. For days, dad has been so sad but he was for sure quite the opposite now. His eyes lit up everytime he speaks to his only daughter. That lonely look in Areteanni's eyes have disappeared too. Amphitrite was beside her daughter and smiling lovingly at her. They were a quite the happy and complete family. A complete family. Something that I'll never have.

"Don't be sad, Percy. You have me, Lisa and Paul." Tyson tried to comfort me. I looked at my brother and he smiled. He was always so positive and it always cheered me up to know that he's always with me no matter what. We continued to swim toward the palace at a leisurely pace. It was weird because no one was around in the lane that we took. I looked to the guard swimming beside me.

"Why isn't there anyone else here?" I asked curiously. The lane was lined with gigantic looming walls of malachite but greek fire illuminated the path. How greek fire stays lit underwater? Well, it is greek fire. The noises of the citizens of Oceanae could be heard from the other side of the walls but none were actually inside the walls.

"This is a private lane towards the palace, Prince Perseus. Only the royal family and their escorts use this lane. Commoners aren't allowed." he addressed me so formally. Oh, yeah... I forgot that I was a prince down here. Huh, it feels so weird to be called that.

"Hey, Rowan? How are the cyclopes? Are they getting enough peanut butter?" Tyson asked the same guard. I was surprised to find him with an amused smile on his face. Rowan, the guard, was scary looking. He was a merman. His tail was a dull silver and he had ripped muscles to go with his serious face. So you can see why it's surprising to see him smile.

"They're getting enough peanut butter, General Tyson." Rowan chuckled and Tyson's face lit up with a big smile. Tyson was the General of the Cyclops army of Oceanae. But since there's been relative peace with the greek world, Tyson can take a leave from running an army.

We finally reached the palace and proceeded to the throne room. Areteanni was looking nostalgic and very happy. She swam around the room and stopped in front of the throne. We couldn't see her face because she had her back to us but I could tell that she was reminiscing.

"Welcome home, Princess Areteanni." Dad said and Amphitrite smiled thoughtfully. Suddenly, the throne room doors opened and in swam one of the most beautiful girls -er, mermaids?- I'd ever seen. She had long straight golden blonde hair, sky blue eyes, a sky blue tail with glowing electric blue markings, she was slim and she swam in a very sophisticated grace.

"You summoned us, your majesties?" the girl's beautiful voice asked. Suddenly, Areteanni stiffened and so did the girl. What is going on?

Areteanni

As soon as I heard her voice I knew that it was her. I didn't know how to feel. Should I feel embarassed for leaving without a goodbye or should I be putting my arms around her for I missed her so much? I slowly turned around and our eyes met. She let out a startled gasp. She was just the same as the last time I saw her. I smiled softly at her and she closed her gaping mouth. She bowed down and I swam forward.