"Achilles?"

Achilles turned his gaze from the approaching port to face his co-commander, who had a confused look in his eyes at the older warrior's plan.

The concealed Hound of War had returned triumphant from his journey into the Python's lair a few months ago, with both a new weapon as well as a new name, one that spread throughout the Myrmidons like wildfire. In the time following, the newly christened Patroclus had proven not only to mold to the ways of the Myrmidons with surprising ease, but also showed the capacity to lead soldiers almost as well as he himself, leading Patroclus to quickly rise through the ranks. But his full transformation into the Myrmidon he was now had not occurred until a few days ago, when the soldiers had received a... surprise guest.

Flashback

The Hound of War had been throwing knives and slashing through the training dummies with startling ease as Achilles watched on, pride filling his eyes as the warrior finished his deadly dance with the last dummy's decapitation.

"Impressive Patroclus. You are definitely not the same man who had come to me a year ago."

The demigod smiled widely as he gripped arms with his teacher, "Only with your guidance Achilles. Now, why don't we-"

An alarm sounded throughout the camp, startling both the warriors. Turning to each other, the pair nodded before racing towards the source, followed closely behind by the rest of their forces. As they reached the entrance to the camp, Percy wasn't sure whether to be happy or embarrassed at the fact his love was brutally beating the recruits into bloody pulps.

Zoë was currently against the camp wall, her hair hanging out of its braid as she slammed her bow into the face of an approaching man, knocking him out with a solid crack before she turned to the remaining three. As all three charged her at once, she leapt over two of them and landed a solid kick to the one behind the pair, sending the man into the ground clutching his chest in pain.

Without a second to spare she twirled around and unsheathed a pair of hunting knives from her waist just as the pair behind brought their swords down on her back. If the former Hesperide felt the force behind the blows she didn't show it as she rebuffed their blows with surprising ease. At their unbalanced state she quickly slammed the hilts of both knives into their knees, breaking them with a sickening crack before letting a quick kick fly to each of their faces, sending them into Hypnos's realm the hard way.

Hardly breathing even after defeating a number of opponents, she turned around only to be met with the spears from the remaining Myrmidons as they watched her warily. Zoë merely turned her nose up in the proud way the Hound of War loved so much before she caught sight of said demigod making his way through the ranks of soldiers. At his sharp whistle the Myrmidons lowered their spears and resumed their positions just as Percy finally came face to face with the woman he loved. He stopped a few feet from her, unsure of how she had taken him being away for so long and not sure if he was going to enjoy it if she was angry.

Zoë crossed the distance between them and, as he had expected, proceeded to remove his helmet and slap him across the face.

Even that didn't stop the smile from reaching his face, "Hello to you too beautiful."

The former Hesperide responded with a much better reaction this time as she yanked him down into a heated kiss, one he returned with just as much force. Percy would have deepened it had it not been from the chorus of wolf whistles that had cropped up at the 'romantic moment' the pair were having.

He frowned as he turned to the intruding soldiers, "Back to your posts!"

The Hound of War couldn't help but smirk at their quick department before turning back to Zoë, who had decided to look him over for any changes.

"See anything new you like?" He couldn't hide his smile at the sight of her blush.

"Not really. There wasn't much there before anyway." Now it was her turn to laugh as the Hound of War gained a look of false hurt before wrapping her in an embrace." It's been too long Perseus."

"Actually, I go by Patroclus now. It's the name I received as a Myrmidon."

She looked thoughtful for a moment before a small smile crossed her face, "Hm, I approve. Besides, " she leaned next to his ear, "if you're a new man with a new name, well I will just have to re- teach you some of the things you need to know."

Percy blushed bright red, causing Zoë to laugh before a small cough brought their attention to Achilles, who had a small smile at the scene between his student and the girl he loved.

"Patroclus, you never told me she was such a fearsome warrior. Had I known she was so dangerous I would have had my men hide in their tents." He managed a chuckle at the pair's embarrassment before he beckoned them over.

"So you are Zoë Nightshade I presume?" at her nod he continued, "Well, then shall I say welcome to my camp. Although," he glanced around, "It appears the proper hospitality was...lost on you."

The former Hesperide looked a bit miffed, "Apologies. I only intended to deliver a message to you as well as see my fool love, but was stopped by the most disgusting creature upon entering through the gates."

Achilles and Percy shared a look, "Fat and unsightly with the most horrendous odor surrounding him like a storm?" at her nod they sighed in sync before turning around to find the mentioned man hiding behind a tent.

"Gorgos! Get out here!"

Quivering and shaking, the monstrous tub of flesh jiggled and flailed his way over to them, stopping a few feet away from the three as Zoë's eyes burned furiously into him.

"Did you and your fool followers attack her?" Achilles voice sounded calm, but everyone could hear the underlying steel as he gripped his sword.

At his nod, Achilles raised his sword and impaled it into the earth before him, scaring the man half to death as he spoke, "Get out of here fool and never return, least I send you to the Fields of Punishment!"

The man needed no other permission as he managed a quick, if short, sprint to the gates. The three watched him struggle to breathe before he passed from their line of sight into the city.

Turning to Zoë, Achilles' serious expression remained as he spoke, "You said you had news of importance?"

At her nod he led them to the command tent before taking a seat. At his gesture to do the same, the pair took a seat as well before Achilles continued.

"Now, barring any other interruptions, would you state your message now?"

She nodded, pulling a letter from thin air before placing it in his outstretched hand. Accepting it with a nod, he opened it quickly before his eyes widened momentarily. A few seconds passed before he threw the paper onto the table and turned his eyes to Percy, who was surprised to see a savage form of glee in his mentor's eyes as he spoke.

"Gather the men. We leave tomorrow for Athens. The war has begun."

Percy gave him a nod, still slightly surprised at the older warrior's excitement for the coming battles and bloodshed. Before he could exit the tent however, Zoë stepped into his path, stopping him as she began speaking.

"There is something else I have for you."

Reaching into a satchel that seemingly vanished once she had retrieved the object, the former Hesperide placed said item into the Hound of war's hand, surprising him when he revealed what appeared to be a bottle of perfume.

Percy gave her a strange look, "Um Zoë, this is perfume. I'm not sure what you want me to do with it, but thank you...I guess..."

She rolled her eyes at him in exasperation, "Don't be foolish. This is something Athena made to help you remain hidden and unnoticed during the battles to come. Put it on and you will see."

Raising an eyebrow at his love, Percy nonetheless opened the small bottle, allowing the smell of olives to fill the air before, at Zoë's instructions, placing a drop on his body.

The change was almost instantaneous.

Percy's hair changed from his usual dark hair into a golden blonde, and as his skin shifted into a darker tan, his eyes flickered into a soft brown instead of their usual blood red. As soon as he glimpsed the nearby mirror and took in his new appearance he dropped the bottle in shock, allowing drops to fall on his armor and weapons and change them as well, turning his Spartan designed armor into a set of standard Myrmidon armor as well as masking Anaklusmos as a Myrmidon blade.

All in a matter of ten seconds.

After a moment of shocked silence, Percy turned to her, allowing her to see the changes it had brought to his form. Chuckling at the sight, she resumed her speaking, "It is known as glamour, a magic commonly used by the Love goddess to appear desirable to all who see her. It will remain on you as long as you will it, and only people you have told will know you as whom you truly are."

Percy replaced his look of shock with one of excitement and as he wrapped Zoë in another embrace, he kissed her, filling it with as much love and care as he could before he made his departure, leaving behind a grinning Achilles and a blushing Zoë.

Flashback end

Since leaving their camp, Percy and his love had remained inseparable, conversing and trading stories as the marched towards Athens. Achilles could plainly see how much each cared for one another seeing as when one soldier attempted to make a move upon the strange girl, he was unconscious in a matter of moments by both a fist top his head and a kick to his jaw.

The pair was something to be feared, that was for sure.

As they finally reached the city's port, Achilles was met with the sight of not only Greek's fleet sitting dead in the water but the sounds of both soldiers and sailors praying for what he assumed was good sailing. Before he could question the matter, Percy had made his way to the front of the lines and approached him.

"A problem cousin?"

Achilles and the disguised Hound of war had come together to explain his appearance among the soldiers. They would claim he was Achilles' cousin, the son of Menotius, who had decided to join his family into battle. While not completely fool proof, it would have to be enough to avoid suspicion among the ranks of both the Greeks and Trojans.

Said cousin seemed unsure for a moment, "Do you feel it? Or rather, do you feel what's missing?"

The older warrior raised an eyebrow before he realized what it was the demigod was speaking of.

He couldn't feel the wind.

Frowning, Achilles nodded his answer before continuing across the docks, his frown deepening with every cry and prayer to the gods that failed to reach Olympus.

Finally, the ships set out for the Myrmidon army were in sight. Large and sturdy, they seemed capable of supporting the soldiers they were about to receive as they all came to a stop. Turning to the soldiers, both commanders gave a nod, allowing the Myrmidons to march onto their respective ships, leaving behind only three people in their wake.

Percy walked over to Zoë, who was examining the lead ship with a bit of curiosity, before speaking, "I will miss you Zoë. Hopefully we will see one another when this is all over."

The former Hesperide gave him a look, "What are you going on about? I'm coming with you."

At his shocked expression she pinched the bridge of her nose, "Did you truly believe that after all the training I have received and all we have been through together, that I would merely sit here and wait for your return, hoping and praying to the gods above that you would come home safe and sound? No, I am going with you, regardless of what you can threaten me with. I will be there for you, even if everything falls apart around us."

With her explaining done, she patted him softly on the cheek before leaping onto the ship, leaving behind both Percy and Achilles in silence as they stood upon the Athenian pier.

"Well, it appears we now know who holds the sword in your commitment."

"Shut up."

Chuckling, Achilles turned, only to quickly lose all sign of humor at the sight of his least favorite man within the known world. Percy looked confused at his expression until he caught sight of his cousin's ire, whereas he gained the same look.

There was Agamemnon, King of the Mycenae, walking as if he had some sort of purpose, straight towards the pair. His hairless head seemed to reflect Apollo's light onto the eyes of those who gazed upon him, and his white toga did little to lessen his brightness. His sharp nose, as well as his beady eyes made him look exactly like the weasel he was as he walked forward. Face covered in a dirty mantle of hair, stained with wine and other refinements fit for a king, he was a sore sight for good eyes as he came to a stop not three feet from the Myrmidon warriors.

"Well, if it isn't the Myrmidon rabble. Finally shown up to fight for your king?" The smirk on his face made Percy want to remove it, and his voice was filled with enough arrogance to fill an empty canal.

Achilles didn't show his annoyance; rather, he returned a smile, "If I see a king worthy to fight for, I will be sure to let you know."

If the old man wanted to play a game, then by the gods he would play a game.

The king's eyes darkened and for a moment, his smile disappeared, before it came back as if it had never gone, "Of course, of course, I understand. It is a fine idea to search for someone or something to fight for, especially when one is fated to die such as you, son of Thetis."

Agamemnon's smile grew a fraction wider as the warrior adjacent to Achilles gained a look of shock, "Oh, I apologize. I did not realize your companions knew not of your...predicament. Prophecies are truly nasty things, are they not?"

The Myrmidon didn't let his smile falter as he shrugged, "The Fates are fickle beings. When a man is to die, he is to die. There is nothing to be done about it, least you face the wrath of both Thanatos and Hades combined. But I must wonder,"

In less than a second he was in front of the Mycenaean king, sword raised in a threatening manner. He smiled as the king involuntarily flinched at both the weapon's presence and proximity to his head.

"Are you prepared to meet an end in this war?"

Lowering his sword, he turned around and as he sheathed it, he motioned for Percy to follow. As he did, the Hound of War glanced over his shoulder and saw the fuming king shooting daggers into Achilles' back before marching back to his own ship.

Once they had reached the deck Percy turned to Achilles, who seemed troubled as the demigod spoke, "What was he ranting on? What prophecy did he speak of?"

Achilles sighed, "Do you know of how I gained my curse? Of how my mother took me and bathed me within the Styx as a new born?" he turned to face the sea, "It was foretold by the prophet Calchas that should I enter this war, I would surely die. Had I decided to stay behind and avoid this petty conflict, I may have survived, had a family, and lived peacefully till my days end."

"But that is not what I wanted. Despite my mother's wants and desires, I trained and trained to the best of my abilities. I became master of the blade, leader of my father Peleus' people, and hero known throughout Greece...Patroclus; I chose this path knowing my coming death, not so my name is mentioned by all throughout time, but for Greece. This war may be foolish and petty in my eyes, but if my land goes to battle, be it till victory or death, then I will follow her, no matter the consequences."

Percy didn't say anything as the older warrior passed him so he could speak with the ship's captain. He was too wrapped within his thoughts for that.

He had never thought of it like that before. He had joined only for the sake of Sparta and her people. That had always been assured within his mind. But for Achilles, a man not three years his senior, to willingly go into battle knowing his life was forfeit, just to fight for his nation.

It was hard to completely grasp the concept.

He shook his head. There would be time for that later. Right now, they had to figure out a way to actually set sail before they even considered going to war.

Ω

It had been revealed, much to both Achilles and Percy annoyance, that the lack of wind in their sails was Agamemnon's fault alone. Supposedly, the fool king had boasted that his skill in hunting far surpassed any woman's, even going as far to suggest his skill made even Artemis's pale in comparison.

Of course, as an Olympian and therefore rather proud, the goddess of the Hunt had commanded the gods of the wind not to lend their power to the Greeks, leaving an entire fleet of battle ready warriors dead in the water and losing interest with each coming day.

Deciding that was out of the question, Percy had called upon both his own powers and that of his father's to move the ships forward, fooling all but those who knew of his origins and disguise into thinking the gods had granted them their blessing and forgiveness for the Mycenaean king's foolish actions.

On the second day of their journey into the sea, Percy had sent a prayer to Poseidon asking for him to continue them on their journey. Upon hearing his answer he left the bow of the ship and left in search of Zoë, who was currently leaning on the ship's side as she gazed out into the sea with a look of both happiness and a bit of sadness on her face.

"You seem to be in a fine mood compared to everyone else, Lady Nightshade." Percy hated how he was unable to act like he usually did around her, seeing as how if he was seen talking to the Hound of War's woman too much or for too long, many would grow suspicious and question his actions. There were more than just Myrmidons aboard, and he couldn't risk it.

She gave him a small smile as her eyes remained focused on the water, "My mother was always a sea nymph at heart and loved to take me and my sisters down to the sea shore to play. She was also the one who taught us the constellations. Some nights we would just gaze at the stars and the shapes among them."

"And she gave you Anaklusmos."

She nodded, "That she did. I loved her very much, up until the moment she faded away..." Her face reflected the sadness in her voice, causing Percy to frown.

"Hey, she would be overjoyed at the woman you have become. I'm sure she's watching you even now, with both a smile on her face and pride in her heart as we sail across the sea."

Zoë blushed and lost the despair in her obsidian eyes as they met his, "Perseus..."

Before he could say something in return, the entire deck shook, sending both of them off their feet and onto the wooden planks. Cursing under his breath, Percy regained a standing position and helped Zoë before seeing the source of their problem.

A massive storm was forming, dark, angry clouds filling the once blue and sunny sky with darkness and thunder. The seas roared and churned as if someone was stirring them into a pot of stew, small whirlpools appearing at every twist and turn of the ship as it closed in onto the massive funnel of darkness in the distance. Light would flash within the funnel, telling all who could see that this storm had been crafted by immortal hands.

Percy felt something as well.

As he tried to contact his father, he felt another presence appear within the angry waters instead of the Sea god's aura. This one was angry and powerful, and the Hound of War felt as if his soul was being thrown into the ocean and torn apart by the pounding waves as he was forced out.

There was only two other immortals with this power over the ocean, and Percy was sure it was not Oceanus. Had it been the Titan of the sea, they would have already been dead and drowned at the sea floor. He was rather straight forward with things like killing. Or at least that's what Percy had learned from both of his fathers at different times.

His second guess proved to be accurate, and the form of his half-brother appeared from within the confines of the sea storm before manifesting itself a few yards from the ship, to the alarm of most of the warriors among the fleet.

"Triton."

The child of Poseidon and Amphitrite rested above the waves, the sea-green scales inlaid upon his twin tails shining in the light of the unnatural storm as it flickered with lightning. His shark toothed grin could be seen from the ship, and as his light green hair flew in the harsh wind, his stormy blue eyes glared angrily at the fleet of ships before him. Raising his trident into the air, he let out a blast of godly power from the pronged spear before laughing at the ship's complete destruction.

Percy could feel his blood heating and rising in anger as he witnessed the Spartan ship sink into the sea and heard the cries of the drowning men as they flailed in panic. Turning to Achilles, both shared a look before the older warrior nodded.

Percy took hold of a nearby spear lying atop the deck before taking careful aim at the god. Once they had drifted close enough he let it fly, his aiming right and true as the spear found its way into Triton's arm, throwing his aim off of another ship and sparing it from destruction.

Howling in pain and anger, he turned his gaze upon the ship and narrowed his eyes upon the warrior who had wounded him. Raising his trident, he rocked and battered the ship with vicious waves and smiled as the man fell into the sea before diving into the water after him.

Shaken by the sudden waves, Percy was thrown from the ship and into the dark water with enough force to crack stone. Grunting in pain, he sighed as his ribs healed and his vision cleared, allowing him to see his godly half-brother racing towards him, trident raised to impale him like a fish.

Narrowing his eyes, the Hound of War summoned his own trident just as Triton reached him, causing the sea to ripple at the power behind the strikes as they clashed. Pushing against one another, Percy found his opponent to be an even match as he remained unmoved by his actions in the water, something that slightly worried him.

The Sea god bared his fangs at him before a look of hatred marred his face, "A demigod son of Poseidon. I will enjoy watching your blood stain these waters with its filth after I am done tearing you apart."

The Hound of War returned his glare with a feral smile, "Before or after you reform?"

Triton howled with anger before blasting him back with a wave of force, sending Percy tumbling through the water. Quickly recovering, the Hound of War managed to block his half-brothers strikes with his own before he ducked and plunged the pronged spear into Triton's side. The Sea god merely grunted before slamming the hilt of own trident into his back, a smile emerging onto his face at the sound of his enemy's back breaking.

Percy's eyes widened in shock as he was forcefully bent in half and his back snapping like a brittle branch. Screaming and thrashing in pain, the Hound of War's eye snapped shut and everything fell into darkness. He was tempted to let go, to allow everything to disappear as he fell to the sea floor. He could hear his half-brother's laughter, but it was almost as if it was from far away as he was laid next to the dark abyss of death.

He was so close to falling into the abyss before he saw Zoë walk over to him, tears in her eyes and despair on her face as she looked down on him. She gave him a hard kick to the head before everything flooded into his mind. If he died, she wouldn't be there with him. She would be alone and despaired, just like she had been when Heracles had abandoned her, when her family had disowned her.

Like he was going to do if he died right there.

Triton didn't even see it coming.

Just as he was about to destroy more of the Greek ships, a flicker in the current told him to turn around, right into the way of his opponent's blade. He screamed in pain as his arm fell to the ocean floor, but was quickly silenced by the glowing sword's hilt slamming into his throat, causing him to choke and grasp his throat in pain as he fell to his knees.

Turning his eyes to his half-brother's face, he began quaking in fear and recognition once he saw a pair of crimson eyes burning into his own. "Perseus."

That was his last word before the edge of Anaklusmos tore through his throat and carried his head into the current, leaving his trident and body to dissolve and disappear into the now calmer waters.

Shaking with exhaustion and mounting pain, Percy swam to the surface of the sea, where he was hoisted onto the ship and laid out on the deck as everyone gathered around him. Closing his eyes, he caught sight of something that made him crack a smile before the darkness of Hypnos's realm claimed him.

They had arrived.

A/N: Nothing to say really, save for the fact that when Percy kills a god/goddess, it does NOT mean he will end up claiming their weapon or that they have faded. Just for future reference.

Sincerely,

Faultypercy12