Not My Child (I Think)
Everyone was getting ready for a joint chariot race with camp Jupiter when all of a sudden, Rachel's eyes glowed green, her voice changed to be more echo-y and deep. This always happens whenever the oracle possesses her. She opens her mouth,
"When sea and sky are torn apart,
A hero bound by sea shall lose their heart.
Taken below where the dark tides churn,
A womb shall rise, and the world shall burn.
From the bearer of waves, a child shall be,
A vessel of fate, bound by destiny.
If the father’s hand is old as the deep,
The earth shall drown, and none shall keep.
Yet if another claims the sea’s lost grace,
The child may heal time’s broken face.
Five shall stand 'gainst ocean’s might,
To break the chains and set things right.
But tears of the sea must freely flow,
Or doom shall rise from depths below"
Two campers caught Rachel's body as she fell to the ground. The campers looked at Percy as soon as they heard the prophecy. Almost everyone was surprised, Annabeth looked at him in confusion while Jason's face looked crestfallen.
Leo was the first one to open his mouth, "really Percy? Having a baby with a goddess when you already have Jason? Come on man, spare some for me. You're not even strai–ouch!" Piper hit Leo's back, cutting his words.
Everyone started to murmur while Percy sits in confusion just like the others, something about this prophecy feels off...he thought.
Then, a voice grabbed everyone's attention. It was Annabeth's. "It couldn't have been Percy, right?"
Jason's eyes lit up, hope flickered from his face.
Chiron stared at Annabeth, his expression unreadable "why do you think so?" He asks.
"I mean, it's clearly stated in the prophecy.” Annabeth said, her voice steady. “From the bearer of waves, a child shall be. That means the demigod in question is the one having a child.”
“But why couldn't it be Percy?” someone from the crowd asked. It was Clovis, rubbing his eyes languidly.
Annabeth shot a glare at him. “Were you even listening? Bearing a child means getting pregnant. Percy is obviously out of the question."
Chiron's face darkened at Annabeth's words, "Are you implying that Poseidon already has–or will have–another child?"
Annabeth nodded at Chiron's question. Chiron's face stiffened. He made an expression as if the world is about to end. Of course, another child of the big three? Disaster. Moreover, the fate of the world is basically in that demigod's hands. Or maybe the god's hand? Since the world's fate depends on who gave the seed— yep, best not to think too hard on that. Imagining it is not fun at all.
"The prophecy may be about another child in the far future. I don't think we need to worry about it as of now" Rachel said as she pat Annabeth's back.
Although Percy felt relieved that he was most likely not the subject of the prophecy, he still needed to ask Poseidon if he really does have another sister. Or if he plans to have another child? Whatever it is.
So, when the day ends and it's dinnertime, Percy makes an offering for Poseidon. Dad, Do I have another sister? Because the prophecy is concerning and I need an answer ASAP. Thanks. Then he went back to his table to eat with Tyson, his Cyclops brother who at this point was already at his sixth plate.
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That night, Percy dreamed.
He stood barefoot on the shore of Long Island. The sky was pitch black and the only light came from the moon, shimmering on the ocean water.
"Hello Perseus," a man's voice was heard.
Percy’s heart jumped in surprise. He hadn't noticed the man standing beside him– a tall figure wearing an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. The salty scent of the sea clung to him.
"Hi dad," Percy said.
"Long time no see, huh? How've you been?" Poseidon asked casually.
"Uh, not much. Very peaceful." Percy answered, feeling awkward. Of course it was awkward, imagine only ever seeing your dad for...how many times? Once? Twice? In your whole life. Should he tell him about everything that had happened since their last meeting? No, of course not. There's another urgent matter to address.
"Dad, about my questio-"
"No Perseus,” Poseidon cut him off gently. “ You don't have another demigod sister. You should know by now that Sally is the only mortal woman I’ve fallen for in this era."
"Oh, okay" Percy answered, glancing down at the sand, "sorry if that’s a weird thing to ask..."
Poseidon smiled faintly, "it's no big deal. You’re worried about the prophecy–I get it."
He turned his gaze to the distant sea, his expression unreadable. "that prophecy won't come true for... A few years, at least. I'm sure of it. But whether you're involved or not? That’s not for me to say."
Well that's reassuring. Percy thought, dripping with sarcasm. Not that he’d say that out loud–what if his dad got mad and decided to drown him? (Sure, he could breathe underwater, but still.)
Poseidon chuckled as if reading his mind.
For a while, they stood in silence, watching the waves rolling back and forth, the moonlight dancing on the ocean’s surface. The gentle rhythm of the ocean should’ve been comforting–but deep in his heart, Percy couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong. Very wrong.
But Poseidon already said that there was nothing to worry about. So Percy should be fine…
Right?