Odysseys

The Palace of Athens was a sight to behold. Bold golden tapestries hung down from the marble columns that stood guard outside the gates and lush plants and exotic flowers filled the gardens of the magnificent palace. The true gem of the kingdom was not its palace nor its wealth, but rather the Princess of Athens herself - Annabeth Chase.

The blonde treasure of Athens was more beautiful than any jewel buried under the lush land. Her curls cascaded down the small of her back like a river of gold, adorning her stormy grey eyes.

“You’re back already?” she laughed as her brother, Malcolm, came into the gardens, “What? The princess wasn’t to your liking?”

“Very funny, Annabeth.” he joked as he likely ruffled the top of his sister’s hair.

Her brother had the same sun kissed hair and the same curious eyes. While she knew him as simply Malcolm, the people of Athens knew him as the King. He was just and benevolent, the qualities that persuaded his people to pledge their allegiance to him after the former King and Queen passed away.

No one knew how they had perished.

No one dared to ask.

“I didn’t go to see a princess. I went to Corinth to discuss the terms of a contract that will unite our two kingdoms together. We’re holding a feast tonight to celebrate the union -” he explained.

“How boring,” she cut her brother off.

“- and I expect you to be there tonight,” Malcolm warned his sister.

The princess let out a sigh, “Alright, alright. I’ll be there.”

BANQUET HALL - ATHENS - LATER THAT NIGHT:

The drinks were pouring, the lyres were playing and laughter was filling the room. Annabeth sat besides her brother, clad in a gown made of silk that was imported all the way from the corner of the world. A golden wreath of laurels sat on top of her head, crafted by an artisan from across the sea. Only the best for his sister, of course.

On Malcolm’s other side sat an envoy from Corinth. The ladies all fawned over, well, his everything - his eyes that were the deepest hues of sea green and ocean blue, his tall stature and slim body, even his raven colored hair.

Malcolm cleared his throat as he stood up with a golden goblet in his hand, “We welcome Corinth’s envoy, the Prince himself!”

Applause erupted as the prince stood up from his seat, tilted his head in respect to the audience in front of him.

The prince raised his goblet of wine, “I thank Athens on behalf of the kingdom of Corinth. May our relationship prosper and grow as our kingdoms flourish!”

“As a gift to our new ally, we offer our best-” a cough interrupted the King’s speech,
-second to best hunter to help bring down the monster that wrecks havoc on Corinth.” The room broke out in yet another applause as Malcolm took the hand of the stunned prince and shook it. As the applause died out, music began to play once more. Taking the opportunity, the prince approached the King.

“Your highness-” the prince began.

“Please, call me Malcolm! Our kingdoms are allies now, aren’t they?”

“Yes but, second to best? You promised me the best. Are you backing out of our contract?”

“Of course not, but I can’t give you the best. It’s simply not possible.”

The prince folded his arms across his chest, “And why’s that?”

Malcolm scoffed, “The best hunter in all of Greece is the princess. You can’t expect her to leave her kingdom, do you?”

“Your sister? The best hunter in all of Greece?” the Prince of Corinth grew skeptical.

“Trust me, she’s worthy of her merits.”

The King raised his hand, signaling for someone. A young man, perhaps around the age of eighteen, walked towards the King, “Luke, meet the Prince of Corinth, Perseus. You’ll be capturing Charybdis for him.” The stranger had sandy blonde hair and a mischievous smile. The prince couldn’t help, but stare at the scar that ran down the side of the blonde’s face. Malcolm’s voice distracted the prince, “You can trust Luke. He’ll do the job quickly and right. The monster will be out of your lands in no time.”

The prince sighed, “Alright, I’ll trust you, but-”

Malcolm laid a hand on the prince’s shoulder, “There won’t be a but. He’ll get the job done.” A gentle smile played on the King’s lips before he said, “Now that business is over, I’d like to introduce you to my sister.”

The King called for his sister, “Annabeth, I’d like you to meet the Prince of Corinth, Perseus.”

“Uh, Percy works as well,” the prince piped up.

“Well, Percy, welcome to Athens.”

HUNTER’S QUARTERS - ATHENS - THE NEXT MORNING:

The Princess sauntered down into the Hunter’s Quarters, looking for a specific sandy blonde haired hunter. As she came in front of a door, she knocked, “Luke? You’re late! You were supposed to meet the prince an hour ago!”

No reply.

“Luke? Are you in there?”

No reply.

“I’m going in there! You better be decent!” Annabeth warned. The door creaked as the princess let herself inside the hunter’s room. There was Luke - on his side and arms sprawled on his bed. She sighed, “Of course you’re sleeping. Come on Luke, get up!” She pulled the blankets away from the sleeping hunter and a blush crept onto her cheeks, “Put something on for Olympus’ sake!”

No reply.

“Luke?” she called out once more. She shook the hunter’s shoulder, “Luke, this isn’t time for a joke! The prince is expecting you!” Suddenly, the fell onto his back. A scream erupted from the princess’ lips as she saw his face. Blue veins ran across, his eyes grew red and his skin was an ashen grey.

“Annabeth! Annabeth!” she heard her brother’s voice yell as he ran down the corridor.

“I’m in here! I’m in Luke’s room!” the princess yelled out.

Malcolm rushed straight into the hunter’s room and his eyes grew wide as he caught sight of Luke, “What happened, Annabeth?”

“I-I don’t know. I was coming to wake him up and-and when I turned him over, he just-he just looked like that,” she shuddered, “Malcolm, what’s going on? Is it a plague?”

The King shook his head, “I don’t know, but for now, Annabeth, you need to go somewhere safe.”

“What about the prince? What are we going to tell him?”

“I don’t know. I’ll think of something.”

“You better think quickly then,” a voice from behind spoke up.

Annabeth and Malcolm turned their heads. There he was, the Prince of Corinth, demanding an explanation.

The prince folded his hands over his chest, “Well, you better start explaining.”

“It seems that a plague has entered our lands,” Malcolm stated as he came closer to Luke. He bent down on one knee and studied the sleeping hunter’s face.

“You invited me to a plague ridden land?” the prince accused.

Annabeth crossed her arms against her chest, “We control monsters, not diseases.”

“How do I not know if this is a plot to ruin my kingdom. No hunter, no getting rid of the monster. Easy conquer, don’t you think?”

“Like we’d want your kingdom,” she scoffed, “This plague began when you came. How do we know you didn’t bring it?”

“Me? Corinth is a clean and healthy kingdom. We haven’t had a deadly plague since hundreds of years ago. Maybe it’s your kingdom!”

“Athens? We are the hub of technology and science! Our hospitals and medicines are far greater than that of any kingdom in all of Greece! If it has to be any kingdom that brought this plague, it would obviously be yours!”

“Why you-”

“Would you two be quiet for just one moment!” Malcolm shouted, “It’s not a plague. It’s a poison. Look at the tip of his nose, the tip of his fingers and the tip of his ears - they’re turning blue.” The King placed two fingers on Luke’s wrist, then lowered his head until the ends of his sun-kissed hair tickled the hunter’s nose, “His pulse is weak and he’s breathing, but they’re shallow breaths. It’s definitely acetanilide poisoning.”

“Why? Who’d want to poison Luke?” Annabeth asked.

“Whoever doesn’t want our two kingdoms to be allies,” Percy answered the blonde.

The King of Athens hastily stood up, “Annabeth, they might come after you next. You need to get out of the kingdom, do you understand. Go somewhere safe.”

“I can’t leave you, Malcolm. Besides, where would I go?”

Malcolm turned towards the Prince of Corinth, “You wanted the best? I’m giving it to you now. New deal - you take Annabeth and bring her to Corinth. She’ll capture the monster in a day or so. When the palace is safe enough to come back to, I’ll send for her. You two leave in an hour. Is that understood?”

Percy nodded his head.

“But, Malcolm-” Annabeth cried out.

“No buts. I’m doing this for you, so please, just go with him. He’ll be able to keep you safe.”

CORINTH - A DAY AFTER:

Annabeth stood behind the Prince, who’s tall figure shielded her from the view in front of her.

Corinth was beautiful as much she hated to admit it. Of course nothing would top the beauty of Athens, but Corinth came is a close second. A very close second. Blends of blues and greens filled the room, an accent to the white marble that covered the walls. Vases and sculptures all imported from the farthest corners of the world were displayed in the hallway. Just to the front was a view of the ocean, who’s waves sung the people of Corinth to sleep every night.

“Annabeth,” the princes’ voice robbed her of the moment of awe, “this way.” Unfurling her fingers, he slipped his between them and tugged her towards the throne room.

“Dad,” Percy called out as the doors opened with open arms.

The King of Corinth stood up from his throne and with a gentle smile, he said, “Perseus, welcome home! Tell me, did you bring the hunter?” The king’s eyes widened when he noticed Annabeth besides his son, “Is there something else you need to tell me?”

“What about?”

The king gestured to their clasped hands.

Percy quickly let go of Annabeth’s hands as a stream of incoherent words flooded from his lips, “Oh, no, um, we’re not, um. Uh, dad, this is the hunter, Annabeth, princess of Athens.”

“A princess? You promised me a hunter, not a princess,” the King chuckled.

“And that promise was kept. I assure you, your highness, I’m perfectly capable of capturing the creature.” the princess sneered.

The King exploded into a fit of laughter that surprised the both Annabeth and Percy. She turned, looking at Percy for an explanation, but all he did was shrug.

“You’re have a spark, like my Queen. I like it.” a gentle spine played on the King’s lips, “Alright, alright. You’ll be our hunter, but first, let us celebrate your arrival!”

BANQUET HALL - CORINTH - LATER THAT NIGHT:

Two feasts in a week - gods, she’d never catch a break, would she? It felt odd being a feast and not sitting besides her brother. Instead, she sat besides the Prince of Corinth.

“What is this?” she whispered to the prince besides her.

“It’s fish, a staple in Corinth. Haven’t you had it before?” he asked.

She shook her head, “Malcolm doesn’t like fish, so we only eat fruits, bread and vegetables.”

“Well, you should try it then. Who knows, you might like it.”

The princess bit her lower lip as she prodded the piece of fish on her plate with her fork. Sighing, she placed the fork back down and turned her head to watch the dancing civilians and playing musicians. Clink, clink, clink. She turned her head to the source of the clinks. Instead of fish on her plate, there were vegetables and fruits. She turned her head and noticed two pieces of fish of Percy’s plate.

“I didn’t want you to go to bed hungry. It wouldn’t be proper as a host,” he paused, ”and then, of course there’s your brother who’d slaughter me if I did.” he grinned.

“Thank-” a shriek interrupted Annabeth’s sentence and she turned her head towards the source. A creature was anchored to a small black reef with a small fig tree on top. It had slimy lips and razor, mossy teeth.

“Soldiers!” the king shouted at the top of his lungs and a group of soldiers came barreling in. They stuck up their swords, aiming at the creature’s chest.

“Stay away from it!” Percy warned his soldiers. The soldiers grew hesitant, standing nervously with their weapons still extended.

Annabeth grew curious. Never had she seen a creature like this before. What was it? Without realizing, she drew closer towards the monster as she studied its features.

“Annabeth! Stay away from it!” Percy shouted as he stood up from his seat. He drew his sword from its sheath and carefully inched closer.

“What is it?” she whispered under her breath. She tilted her head, inspecting the curve of its teeth and the piercing sharpness of them.

“I told you to stay away from it!” the prince roared as he thrusted the end of his sword into the creature’s chest. It fell over and let out a moan. “Why are you always so much trouble!” Percy chided as he grabbed the princess by her wrist, “What were you thinking?”

“What is it?” the princess asked with curiosity laced in her voice.

The prince’s anger settled down, “It’s a sea creature from the Strait of Messina called Charybdis. You wouldn’t know of it. It’s only known to coastal cities. It’s weak right now, because its deprived of salt water. When it’s near the strait, it devours everything in its path - schools of fish, sharks even vessels. Look, you see those teeth? They’re as sharp as swords from the East.”

“Your Highness, is it dead?” a soldier asked with shaky breaths.

The prince shook his head, “It’s still alive, but it’s very weak. Soldiers, take it back to its cell.”

“Wait!” Annabeth called out, “Let me have a look at it, will you? I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

With a sigh, Percy gave into the blonde, “Fine, but stay away from it. Understood?”

The blonde nodded her head.

The creature was definitely something different than the monsters she’s seen before. She reached inside a hidden pocket in her dress and took out a small, leather notebook. The sides were torn and yellowed from years of use and the bind as starting to wither away. Inside were pages of findings and crude drawings from her journeys. She turned to a new page and in her dainty handwriting wrote - Charybdis: Creature of the Strait of Messina. She continued to write down her observations, marveling at the new found wonders of this creature.

Suddenly, the creature trembled and began to thrash about. Slowly, she treaded backwards gingerly. She lowered her arms near her waist, patting against the fabric in search of her dagger, a gift from Luke all those years ago. Where was it!

A shimmery silver caught her eye and she turned her head, noticing her dagger laying by the creature. It must have fell when she was startled. Carefully, she inched closer while the creature continued to snarl.

“Annabeth,” the prince calmly warned her, “don’t you dare move another inch.”

Of course. She ignored him.

“I don’t listen to your orders,” she retaliated as she reached for her dagger. She was close, stretching her fingertips until she almost grasped the hilt of the knife.

With its last spurt of energy, the creature suddenly lashed out, baring its sharpened teeth.

“Annabeth!”

Silence.

She laid against the floor, arms sprawled over her head as shaky breaths left her lips. The princess waited before raising her head above her arms and when she did, she saw a sight that stunned her. There he was, the Prince of Corinth, slouched besides her with his arm clutched tight against the side of his torso - there was a deep gash weeping tears of scarlet.

“Perseus!” Annabeth heard the King of Corinth call out as his son slumped onto the floor, “Guards! Guards!”

THE PRINCE’S QUARTERS - CORINTH - LATER THAT NIGHT:

Annabeth stood hesitantly outside the prince’s door, “I was just, um, checking up on you.” As she opened the wooden door, she noticed his sleeping figure. Bandaging wrapped around his torso and small crimson specks painted the white canvas. “How are you doing?”

He let out a groan as sat up, “Well, I’m not dead.” A small smile crept onto Annabeth’s lips.

“I just wanted to thank you-” she trained her eyes at the floor below her, embarrassed to lift her head, “-for, uh, saving my life.”

“What are friends for?” he shrugged.

“We’re friends?”

“What?” he teased, “You don’t want to be? I’ll have you know, I have lines of people queuing to befriend me.”

She let out a laugh, “Don’t be stupid, Seaweed Brain.”

“Don’t be so smart then, Wise Girl.”

They erupted into a fit of laughter and once it settled, they returned back to silence. Attempting to break the wall, Percy asked, “What were you looking for anyways?”

She revealed a dagger, “Uh, for this. It was a gift from Luke when we were children. I’ve been bringing it with me everywhere since then.”

“Can I?” he asked as he stretched out his hand.

She nodded and then handed the dagger to the prince. As Percy inspected it, running his fingers over the sheath of the blade, she walked around his quarters. On top of his desk, scrolls and tablets were spread across the table. She glanced over one of them, “What’s this?”

“They’re from the library. I thought I could use them to capture Charybdis and Scylla. Obviously, it didn’t work out so well.”

“What’d you learn from the scroll?” the princess asked as she picked one up.

“Scylla is said to live under a small rock on one side of the narrow channel. It’s the larger one of the two. There’s a myth that said it aided Poseidon in his feud with Zeus. It engulfed many of his lands in water and Zeus grew angry, so he cursed her. Now they say it has an uncontrollable thirst for the sea. She has swallowed so many of our ships and cost us the lives of many of our citizens. I can’t stand by and watch it continue any longer.”

“Well, that’s what I’m here for, aren’t I? Once you’re better, we’ll go after it and It’ll be out of your lands in no time,” she offered him a reassuring smile.

Maybe her stay wouldn’t be so bad.

CORINTH - TWO WEEKS LATER:

Two weeks had passed since she arrived in Corinth and she didn’t know what was worse - being in Tartarus or seeing Percy’s face everyday. Oh, how she had detested him and his pompous attitude. So what if he was a prince! She (which he tended to forget) was a princess! Prince Perseus of Corinth was an intolerable, pretentious and shallow thorn in her side!

It was the night before they left on their quest. The princes’ eyes once again lit up as a curvy servant stepped foot inside the dining area. A coy smile played on the servant’s lips, inviting the prince to just stare a bit longer. Annabeth rolled her eyes as she watched the exchange. Percy finally shed his courteous act and showed the Princess of Athens his true colors.

Poseidon lifted his glass, “Before my son leaves tonight to slay the vexing creature, let us toast to the gods above to guide Perseus and his companion into victory!”

The room toasted their Prince, raising their glasses as well. Out of curtesy, Annabeth lifted her glass in respect. She turned her head, watching Percy burst into an eruption of laughter, obviously enjoying the attention from the noble ladies who sat in front of him.

One day. That’s how long she’ll have to stay in Corinth before she’s able to go home.

THE PORTS - CORINTH - THE NEXT DAY:

When they arrived at the ports, it smelt - well, like fish. The waft of the ocean tickled the tip of Annabeth’s nose as they walked across the ports. She was clad in a silk cape that was made in the Eastern world, a gift from Malcolm during one of his journeys.

Annabeth turned to the Prince, “If we’re going to do this, you’re going to have to listen to everything I say and do everything I tell you to. Is that understood?

Percy crossed his arms across his chest, “Excuse me, I’m the Prince of Corinth and-”

“Oh, grow up. I’m the Princess of Athens. Don’t act so high and mighty,” she warned the frowning Prince, “Now go and find the Captain. I’ll ask around to see if there has been any attacks recently.”

With a scowl, the Prince went off to do what he was told to.

Annabeth wondered around the massive ports, looking for any fisherman who could give her any insight about the creature she’ll be hunting.

“Excuse me, sir?” she asked the gruff old man who stood in front of her. He was lugging a large sac of fish and grumbling something under his breath. She tried once more, cutting in front of the man, “Sir?” He stepped towards the side, continuing to lug on and ignoring the princess. “Sir!”

The old man whipped around, grabbing the princess by her wrist, “Why, you wench, I ought to-”

“Let go!” the blonde commanded as his grip tightened around her wrist.

“I believe she said to let go,”

“How dare you-” the old man begun, but as he turned around, he immediately let go of Annabeth’s wrist, “Prince Perseus, I did not see you there.”

“I believe you owe the Princess your apologies,” Percy folded his hands across his chest.

“I-I apologize for my behavior, Princess. It will never happen again!”

“Good. Now go!”

“Yes, my Lord,” the old man apologized, then scurried away.

“I could have taken care of that myself! I do not need you to coddle me!” she shouted over the clamor in the port.

Percy’s eyes widened as he let out a frustrated growl, “A thank you would suffice, don’t you think!”

“It’s not like I asked you to do that!” Annabeth shouted as she stormed away.

The prince threw his arms in the air in defeat before tailing the furious princess.

“Where to, Your Highness?”

“The Straits of Messina,” he commanded the captain.

The captain hesitated for a moment before questioning, “Are you sure?”

Percy nodded his head.

The journey was a mere couple of hours. Annabeth stood near the edge of the boat, closing her eyes as the wind blew through her blonde tresses. She felt all the ease of staying in Corinth suddenly dissipate like sea foam. Though the sailors were running across the main deck and the Captain was shouting out orders, she felt calm and serene above the azure waves.

“Your Highness!” the Captain exclaimed, “We’re here!”

The Prince rushed towards the side railing, leaning his head over the rails to gaze at the Strait of Messina. He watched as the lush land grew closer and closer until the massive ship arrived onto the coast. Once the hull of the ship touched the warm sand, Percy jumped off, landing in the hot beach.

“This is where we leave you, Prince Perseus,” the Captain apologized, tipping his head in respect as he helped the princess of the ship.

“We’ll be back before the sun sets. If you don’t see us, send reinforcements from the castle. Is that understood?” the prince commanded.

“Yes, sire.”

Percy tugged at Annabeth’s wrist, “Come on, let’s go.” With a grateful smile, the Prince of Corinth and the Princess of Athens set off on a grand adventure.

“We find it, lure it out and then capture it - no bloodshed unless necessary. Is that clear?”

“No bloodshed? Are you Athenian hunters always such pacifists?” he mocked the princess, “That part’s the most exhilarating, you know?”

“Slaughter isn’t all that fun if it’s what made you an orphan,” she retorted dryly.

Percy stopped in his steps, a stunned look playing on his face, “I apologize, I didn’t know.”

“It-”

Suddenly, a low pitched shriek pierced the air, distracting the prince and princess.

“That’s the creature!” Annabeth shouted as she raced towards the source. As they reached the caves where the creature dwelled, they watched as Sylla clawed its way out. The monster had four eyes and six long necks with a head at each end. The gruesome mouths were filled with three rows of pointed teach. Blood gushed from the wound on its side from when Percy pierced through its metal-like scales. Though he had seen it before, its appearance had terrified him once again.

“Stay here,” the Princess of Corinth ordered, “I’ll find a way to subdue the creature.”

Percy stretched his hand in front of the princess, not allowing her to take another step forward, “No, you stay here. You think I’m actually going to let you go? Malcolm would murder me if you returned with a single hair out of place.”

“Are you really arguing with me!”

“I’m trying to protect you!”

“If you haven’t noticed, Seaweed Brain, I can protect myself perfectly fine! If I’m being perfectly honest, it’s you who needs protecting!”

“Me? If you haven’t noticed, I carry a sword. You only carry a dagger. You won’t be harming the creature, you’re be tickling it! Now, listen to me and stay put!”

The prince unsheathed his sword, prepared for the approaching battle. Riptide he called it. The sword glimmered a radiant gold under the sunlight and its double-edged blade was thin and sharp. He held it with such balance that it seemed as if it was crafted specifically for him.

Sylla crept closer, slithering across the hot sandy beach with its tentacles stretched out to attack. Suddenly, it lunged at the prince.

Notes

Hey guys, it's Rae! I'm really excited to share this piece with you all, because I worked really hard on it. Please keep in mind that everything is not historically or mythologically accurate. Also, each chapter is broken down into two parts, so there are going to be cliffhangers like this one! So, without further ado, please enjoy the chapter!