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Percy awoke with a peculiar pounding in his head. He had somehow transported to the comfort of his bed, blinking stars as he opened his eyes.

The prince of the seven seas felt weighted down, his limbs were tired and his thoughts were fuzzy.

He could recall the princess of Athens in his chambers a few hours before, and everything was a fog in his memory after.

He had a bump on his head from where he hit the floor. Prince Malcolm did warn him that this disorientation was normal after a night of indulging.

Percy had certainly gone overboard last night. He wasn't able to stop himself, much to Prince Malcom's chagrin, Percy had lost himself in the bottle entirely.

He'd felt weightless as the alcohol traveled down his throat, almost like he was back home, in the ocean, floating through the gentle waters.

That's where he wanted to be, for the moment atleast. Away from all the turmoil or courts and knowledge of war.

So In the dead of night, the prince of the seven seas travelled towards the ocean, standing at the precipice of a great decision.

The giant waved lapped against each other under the night, stars shimmering atop them as Percy inched closer.

A single drop was all he needed to transport himself home. To pretend that every luxury he had atop land was a mere illusion .
To go back to meeting the princess of Athens in only his dreams.

His body refused to move, the inate pounding in his head giving way to a storm of grief that rattled his very bones.

How could live without the very thing that became his life? How was he to pretend the woman he loved was a figment of his imagination?

But With war on the horizon, how was he to choose between his head and heart?
He could not forsake his seas, they were his home. He could not forsake the princess, nor her lands, he had come to love them as if they were his heaven.

What troubles you, Oh Sea Prince? cooed the ocean, ringing in his head.

'Is it possible for you to bring my mother to me?'Percy asked.

We can do anything you desire, Oh Prince. All you must do is ask us.

'Bring my mother to me,' Percy commanded firmly.

Yes, my lord. Replied the ocean, the voices retreating briefly.

A few moments later, as Percy walked by the sea, his bare feet dangerously close to skimming its waters, a figure arose.

"Percy?" called Sally, his beloved mother.

Percy's face broke into a wide grin, tears brimming in his eyes as he caught sight of his mother.

Sally gasped, clasping her hands across her mouth in joy, "Oh darling! I was so worried about you! What is happening? Tyson has kept me informed but-"

She paused, smiling as she realised, "I should've known when the ocean carried me across in a hurry. You have found your power source, haven't you?"

Percy nodded, 'I...yes...I'm sorry I haven't told you mother it's just I....'

Telepathy was a boon. He was glad he didn't have to speak, or else he would have certainly been in tears.

"It's alright, darling," Sally consoled, "I just want to know you're alright. It's all a mother ever wants to know."

With a kind smile, she continued, "Now tell me, what's been bothering you?"

Percy blinked, surprised as usual at his mother's intuition.

'The princess of Athens,' he began. He ordered the ocean to move, sitting closer to his mother as he narrated the tale.

Sally beamed, "She sounds wonderful, Percy. But what is it you fear?" she asked.

'War,' Percy replied,words connecting seamlessly between them, 'It's impending'

His mother looked grim, "Im aware, yes."

'I'm going to return to the ocean,' he explained, 'Then perhaps father will call a ceasefire.'

"Darling, if you truly wanted to return, you would have done so already."

'It's not about what I want,' Percy expressed, grasping his hair, 'Its about what I must do. It's about my duty.'

"And what about your duty to your heart? To your princess?" she questioned.

"It does not matter."

"Yes it does, Percy. Does she matter to you?"

'Of course she does. More than anyone will ever know' he said truthfully.

Sally smiled at her son's statement," Then what is stopping you from stopping the war?"

Percy blinked, "what?"

"Darling, you love her. And you have every ability to stop this war to ensure that you two remain together. What's holding you back?"

'How can I stop the war?' he questioned, genuinely confused.

"Tyson told me you've found your power source," Sally smiled softly, "The ocean is yours to control. And if you will the war to stop, the waters will have to oblige."

'I cannot control the waters mother, it appears they have a mind of their own. They're pushing for the war, they want bloodshed and mayhem."

"Oh dear boy," Sally's eyes were bright, "It is a test. Do not succumb to the ocean's vile whispers, and trust your judgment. Only then will it honour you as its ruler."

Echoes of sunlight broke across the horizon as Percy absorbed his mother's words. Pieces of puzzles slotting into place within his mind, endless possibilities arising.

'How do I tell her who I am?' he asked

"Quickly," Sally chuckled, "Do not disrespect her by not trusting her. She's a remarkable woman, she deserves to know the truth."

'You're right,' Percy nodded, a smile forming on his lips as he thought of his princess, 'She's extraordinary.'

Sally frowned as the nearby village stirred to life, invigorated under the rising sun.

"I should go now," she said cautiously, smiling at her son, "But remember what I said. Tell her the truth and have faith that you can stop this war together."

'I will tell her, mother' Percy grinned, 'Thankyou.'

"Of course, darling boy," Sally smiled back, "I'm glad to know you still need your mother."

"Always do," Percy chucked, nodding adieu as his parent disappeared beneath the waves.

He's always longed for a world where he could explore the surface with her, where his family and friends wouldn't live in fear of the world above.

But during his time in Athens, he had learnt that human's wanted the same. They did not want to fear the deep ocean either.

Fear was what kept their kingdoms apart, kept them divided. Both the races knew nothing of each other, hidden behind a veil of deep rooted distrust.

And even if Percy could not create a perfect world full of love and harmony, he could certainly try to. He understood both land and sea now, his allegiance lay with both of them.

Perhaps...he could one day mend the gap that divided the worlds, fill it with trust and cooperation. Create a new generation where merchildren and human children could play together, laugh and giggle.

There was only one person who could help him create such a utopia. A princess blessed with immense knowledge and wisdom, with capabilities that superseded his wildest abilities. His princess.

He needed her in his life. He needed her for his dreams. He needed her as If she was the air he needed to survive.

Percy sprang to his feet, racing across the beach as the sun arose behind him. The truth would set him free, and he was determined to finally share it.

He only hoped she would understand.

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Well I updated! Is this what y'all wanted?

Few chapters left until we're done!

Fun fact! I used AI for the picture in this chapter!

(Posted 22/12/23- 12:27am)

Anyways !

Stay tuned!!!
—S