[Third Person Pov]
A short while earlier, while the additional quest participants were still being decided, Percy Jackson was in his cabin packing for the journey ahead. His trusty backpack lay open on the bed, half-filled with essentials—extra clothes, ambrosia, a spare water bottle, and a few carefully chosen tools, like his glasses.
He paused mid-motion, staring at the bag. ‘I should probably inform Mom and Tyson where I’m going,’ he thought. The last thing he needed was them worrying if something went wrong.
Percy debated whether to finish packing first or make the call right away to get it over with. Before he could decide, a strong, insistent knock echoed through the door.
Confused, he walked over and cracked the door open, poking his head out. “Hello?”
“Perseus!!” a familiar voice whinnied excitedly.
“Blackjack?” Percy asked, blinking in surprise. He stepped fully out of the cabin and closed the door behind him.
The black-winged mare trotted forward happily, nudging her head against his shoulder in greeting. “Just the demigod I wanted to see! It’s so good to see you, boss!”
“I mean, it’s good to see you too,” Percy replied, patting the front of her face affectionately, “but what are you doing here?”
“What? Do I need a reason to visit one of my best buds?” Blackjack shot back with a playful glare, her ears flicking as her face pulled into an exaggerated pout.
She straightened up dramatically, whipping her mane over her shoulder with flair. “I mean, I totally have a reason, but that’s beside the point, you know?”
“Right…” Percy said slowly, glancing around the cabin area in confusion. “And the reason is… what exactly?”
“Walk with me for a moment,” Blackjack said, already turning and leading the way down the path.
Percy stuffed his hands into his sweater pockets and followed, still feeling completely bewildered.
“You see, I have this friend,” Blackjack began, glancing sideways to make sure he was keeping up. “We’re pretty close. But she’s run into a bit of a problem lately. She’s constantly being harassed and chased by some really bad people who want to do nasty things to her.”
“What?” Percy’s expression shifted instantly from confusion to concern.
“Yeah, and right now she’s in serious danger,” Blackjack continued. She started walking backward so she could face him while talking. “She managed to escape her latest pursuers, but in doing so she got herself stuck. I would help her myself, but… well, she’s currently at the bottom of the sea. Which is why I need your help. You’re the only one I can count on for something like this.”
“Oh, I see,” Percy said, his expression hardening with determination. “I’ll help. Just take me to her.”
“Awesome!” Blackjack cheered, turning back around. “Just get on—”
Her words died in her throat. Her steps slowed to a halt as she stared blankly ahead.
“Huh—?” Percy was confused for a second until he followed her gaze.
There, tied with reins and calmly staring out into the distance, stood Sebastian. The powerful stallion looked every bit as majestic as ever.
In Blackjack’s mind’s eye, the moment Sebastian glanced back toward them played out in dramatic slow motion. He blinked slowly, his gaze lingering solely on her, before turning away—his form seemingly enveloped in an aura of flames.
“Wow…” Blackjack muttered dreamily, her voice soft and breathless.
Percy’s gaze darted back and forth between them. The corners of his mouth twitched as he fought back a grin. ‘Is this really happening right in front of me?’
“Percy!!” Blackjack suddenly exclaimed, whipping her head toward him so fast her mane flew. “Who. Is. That?! Why didn’t you tell me you knew a literal hot stallion?!”
“That’s Sebastian,” Percy answered with a stiff, awkward grin, unsure how to handle this. “He belongs to Lucian.”
“Sebastian…” Blackjack repeated the name slowly, as if savoring it. “Even his name sounds sexy~” She batted her long eyelashes, completely smitten.
Percy could only stare at her with a deeply disturbed expression.
Blackjack spun toward him quickly, her wings half-unfurling with excitement. “Perseus, I’m going to ask you for the biggest favor a homegirl can ask her close guy friend.”
Percy didn’t even get a chance to respond before she leaned in close, her face inches from his. “I need you to be my wingman and help a girl out!” Her wings spread wide and began flapping enthusiastically, stirring up a small breeze around them.
Percy had to physically hold himself back from laughing, his shoulders trembling with suppressed mirth. “What about your friend that was in danger?”
Blackjack froze mid-flap for a second, then looked away guiltily. “Darn, you’re right. Okay, so first we help out my friend, and then you help introduce me to that smoke show over there. Deal?”
Percy snickered, shaking his head as he looked away. “Sure, whatever. Let’s go help your friend first.”
“Sweet! Get on, I’ll take you to her,” Blackjack said, lowering herself slightly and motioning toward her back with an eager toss of her head.
Percy’s eyes suddenly glowed with a calm, vibrant sea-green light. A spectral set of reins shimmered into existence, fitting comfortably over Blackjack’s body.
“Oh my,” she neighed, sounding pleasantly surprised.
In one smooth, practiced leap, Percy jumped on and settled himself securely across her back, gripping the ethereal reins. “Let’s go.”
Blackjack trotted forward a few steps, spread her powerful black wings wide, and launched herself into the sky with a joyful burst of speed. They soared away from Camp Half-Blood, the wind whipping past them as the ground fell away below.
“Percy, Percy, quick!” Blackjack called back urgently as they climbed higher. “Can you see if he’s looking this way?”
Percy glanced over his shoulder. Sebastian was calmly staring in the complete opposite direction, paying them no mind at all. But Percy didn’t have the heart to disappoint her. “Yeah, yeah,” he lied smoothly, “he’s looking.”
Blackjack let out a cheerful whinny and surged forward even faster, galloping through the air with renewed energy.
They made excellent time, reaching the open ocean in what felt like no time at all. The surface of the water below shimmered like glass, perfectly reflecting the sky and their flying silhouettes.
Blackjack began to slow, hovering in place as she circled a specific spot. “We’re here, Percy. She’s just down below.”
“Alright, I’ll be back as quick as I can,” Percy said. He released the reins, slid casually off her side, and dropped toward the water in a perfect diver’s form. He plunged into the ocean with a clean splash and immediately shot downward like a torpedo, the sea welcoming him as its favorite son.
Deeper and deeper he went, cutting through the water with effortless grace until he reached what appeared to be an old sunken ship resting on the seabed. There, trapped beneath a heavy section of the wreckage, he could sense a creature struggling desperately.
Cries for help echoed through the currents—small, frightened, and heartbreaking.
“Please! Can anyone hear me?!” The voice sounded like that of a young little girl.
Percy’s heart clenched at the fear in her tone. He reached out with his [marine telepathy], sending a gentle wave of reassurance through the water. ‘Don’t worry. I can hear you.’
He approached slowly, careful not to startle her, emerging from the shadows near the trapped creature. “Our mutual friend Blackjack sent me to help you.”
“Blackjack sent you?” the creature asked softly, her voice timid and filled with cautious hope.
“That’s right. Now hold on a second…” Percy replied. He started to summon his trident out of habit but stopped himself, lowering his hands. ‘Right, I have to stop relying on the trident. The trident is only a tool. I don’t need it for something like this. I'm capable of doing this all on my own.’
Focusing intently, Percy extended both hands toward the sunken vessel. His sea-green eyes glowed brighter as the surrounding waters responded to his will. Powerful currents surged and twisted at his command, flowing like living extensions of himself.
The creature watched in wide-eyed awe as Percy moved with the authority of the sea itself, directing the currents like a conductor leading a symphony—or a king issuing decrees.
The water rushed along the sides of the ship, lifting and shifting the heavy debris with immense force. The crushing weight pinning down the creature’s mermaid tail finally lifted.
Free at last, she swam forward and tackled Percy in an enthusiastic, affectionate hug, rubbing her body against him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she cried, her voice bubbling with relief and joy.
Percy laughed, the sound carrying warmly through the water. As he got a proper look at her, he couldn’t help but grin wider. She had the upper body of a young cow—complete with soft ears and gentle features—and the lower half of a shimmering fish, her tail sparkling with iridescent scales.
“Hahaha, well aren’t you adorable?” he chuckled, gently running his hand over her head. “Do you have a name?”
The creature shook her head shyly, leaning into his touch.
Percy’s grin widened at the opportunity. “In that case, allow me to name you… Bessie~” He laughed softly, affectionately rubbing behind her ears.
Bessie didn’t seem to mind the name in the slightest. She nuzzled happily against his hand, clearly content and grateful for her rescuer’s kindness.