Work Text:
All bolded work is text taken directly from the book
After laying in bed for what felt like forever, I finally gave up.
I got out of bed and pulled on some clothes. I grabbed a beach blanket and a six-pack of Coke from under my bunk. The Cokes were against the rules. No outside snacks or drinks were allowed, but if you talked to the right guy in Hermes’ cabin and paid him a few golden drachmas, he could smuggle in almost anything from the nearest convenience store.
Sneaking out after curfew was against the rules, too. If I got caught I’d either get in big trouble or be eaten by the harpies. But I wanted to see the ocean. I always felt better there. My thoughts were clearer. I left the cabin and headed for the beach.
I spread my blanket near the surf and popped open a Coke. For some reason sugar and caffeine always calmed down my hyperactive brain. I tried to decide what to do to save the camp, but nothing came to me. I wished Poseidon would talk to me, give me some advice or something.
The sky was clear and starry. I was checking out the constellations Annabeth had taught me – Sagittarius, Heracles, Corona Borealis – when I heard a soft -chuckling?- in the distance.
I jumped, whipping my head around as I instinctively reached for my pen. Tensing in anticipation of a fight. I studied the area, my heart rate picking up. After a moment I huffed, I was probably just hearing things.
Looking down at my blanket I plopped back down, hoping (and severely doubting, with my luck), that it was nothing. I sipped my Coke and tried to shove down my remaining thoughts with the sweet sugary goodness. I resolved to try thinking again in the morning.
Suddenly, the smell of strawberries that always wafted softly through the air within camp -almost a backdrop, like white noise if it was a scent- became much stronger, so potent and sweet it was almost too much as a soft wind blew out of the woods and across the beach. Unusually, it had a distinct undertone of something floral -though I couldn’t place the flower.
Another laugh, definitely a laugh, much louder this time.
ugh
I stood up, looking around warily. I took out my pen, not uncapping it just yet. My jaw clenched.
The smell of strawberries was only growing more powerful by the second. The smell was so overwhelming I almost felt dizzy.
I stepped away from my stuff. I swallowed heavily, as I began to speak my voice came out far weaker than intended “Hello? Um- Whoever’s there- show yourself!”
”hmhmhaaa- as you wish dawling!”
”AGH!” I yelped, scrambling back from the puff of warm air against my neck, the feeling of a hand on my shoulder. I spun around to face the strange person behind me, only to find they weren’t there at all.
”Wha-”
”hahaha! Over here!”
I turned once more to my left, with a flash of dark, red-brown hair and lightly tanned skin, I finally put a face to the mischievous, playful voice.
I stared at the winged god. Clearly a god. They had patches of scales -like those of a snake or lizard- all over their body, and their whole forearms were covered in fur- or, maybe feathers? They had three sets of wings, sprouting from the ankles, mid-back, and the back of their head. The lowest set were flapping regularly, clearly keeping them afloat as they laid back in the air.
They wore an ancient greek style tunic with a hooded capelette that was longer -down to their knees- in the back, they were adorned by a gold choker and small, purple flowers covering a part of the belt of their tunic. As well as a brown hat that was shaped like a pointed dome with a random strawberry sitting on it’s small brim, and, -were those goat horns?- sprouting from either side of it, the brim was casting an unnatural shadow across their face, which shouldn’t have been possible in the dead of night. -I could still see their eyes however- (or- one of them, anyway, the other was masked in the harsh shadow), open wide, glowing pure white in the darkness
They had -seriously? Are those two, random palm leaves? what? - sprouting from either side of their back, similarly to their wings- the leaves covered a small section of their middle set of wings.
They had a sack that looked stuffed to the brim full of notes and envelopes, even some small packages, and in a small hoop next to a pouch on their belt I could see a small winged staff- which was circled by two snakes -placed similarly to how you’d sheath a sword into the spot by your side. I recognised the symbol, but it almost felt like something was pushing the name and owner further back into my mind. I hoped that the feeling was just my sleep addled brain acting up.
The smell of strawberries and those flowers -which I could guess were the pretty purple ones on the god’s belt- retreated significantly, as if deciding I wasn’t threatening enough to drown in the dizzyingly sweet smell. Though the scent of the berries still permeated the air sharply, to a far larger extreme than the usual. And if I really concentrated I could make out the soft caress of the floral scent. Buried deeply under all that berry.
They smiled at me, it was as infectious as it was unnerving. I couldn’t help but smile back. “Well hello there dawling!” He began, flapping their wings as they twisted upside down and then drew nearer to me, traveling through the air as naturally as I breathe, though he -being a god- didn’t seem to- at least, not much.
”Sorry for scaring you-” I had the distinct feeling that they were not in fact sorry for scaring me. “-I simply heard you while making my usual rounds and decided I simply must see who was sneaking around so late, part of my domain you see!”
That made me do a double take, this was a strange god, with a bag full of notes, a domain that involves sneaking around, who had rounds of camp to do? Didn’t Annabeth mention something about that?
Why is this guys name escaping me! It’s so obvious!
I was shaken out of my thoughts when said strange god suddenly got right up in my face, no sense of personal space I see. “Now I realise however, that I do indeed recognise you! Oh, yes. Do you mind if I join you? I have plenty to say.”
My eyebrows raised at that, he recognises me? and he has plenty to say? No way am I trusting that.
I couldn’t exactly turn this god down, however, I didn’t even know their name for an offering as apology for my decline if I simply blurted it out. I was not risking divine punishment when, for all I know, this god’s intentions are nothing but innocent. -Ignoring the fact that they never are- I sighed. “Sure, why not?”
There were plenty of reasons why not, I just elected to ignore all of them.
”Hmm” He hummed as his smile softened -though not for a loss of joy clearly, if anything it looked more genuine. “Your hospitality does you credit!” They said before something on my now abandoned blanket caught their attention, they brightened like a small child as they exclaimed excitedly, “Oh! And Coca-cola! May I?” He looked at me, glowing eye shining even brighter as they widened. He practically fell down onto the side of the blanket opposite to where I was previously sat as they let their wings drop them, legs quickly crossed as they giggled at nothing. I shrugged and nodded my permission.
He grinned wider as he snatched a Coke and popped it open, taking a deep drink, as if he were parched -which I didn’t think was possible for the gods- He hummed contently as they set down the now half-empty can and began to meticulously card through the messy feathers on his ankle-wings. I winced at his state, only now realising how unkempt they looked, which was unusual for a god to say the least.
He seemed to notice this, wincing as they looked up at me, “don’t mind my sorry state, dawling, works backed up -as usual-” I blank “As usual?” …and I’m ignored “-and the king insists on me personally delivering as many messages as possible.” They chuckled, “I’ll be fine, at least I’m getting a short break no-” a loud hiss.
The god huffed, summoning the winged rod -the caduceus! Oh my- this is Hermes. How did I not realise?- into his hand. “Sorry dawling, I have to take this- I’ll be a minute”, He waved it and a strange, blue line appeared in the air. Spiking and shifting like lightning as it seemingly relayed something into the god’s ear.
The following half of the conversation I could hear was more confusing than it should’ve been considering I already knew this guy was a god, but even that did not give me any context good enough to explain whatever the Hades this was.
”Hello?” Hermes said. He raised an eyebrow, “yeah?” They paused for a full minute- their face slowly falling before he sighed heavily. They grimaced “Listen-” Another pause “I know but…” Another pause, They huffed, ”Listen! I don’t care if he is chained to a rock with vultures pecking at his liver! If he doesn’t have a tracking number, we can’t help him… A gift to human kind? great. You know how many of those we deliver!” He heaved a tired sigh. “-Oh, never mind… Just refer him to Eris in customer service. I need a break, and I’m not even done for the day. -Yep, bye.”
Not even done for the day? It’s like- midnight!
”Sorry, little cousin some people don’t understand that I can’t personally deal with every package- as the servant of the king himself I have very little free time as is.” They rolled their eyes, waving their caduceus. The snakes on it wriggled in protest. “Anyways-” “Woah- are the snakes on the caduceus alive?”
Hermes jumped, obviously not expecting the question. A wide grin quickly broke out across his face as they processed my question. “Oh, yes they are, dawling! Don’t worry they don’t bite,” He began, lifting off the ground slightly in his enthused joy without even realising it “This fabulous duo are none other than George and Martha! Say hi you two,”
Hi you two said a raspy voice in my head
George! Don’t be sarcastic! said a powerful female voice
Why not? George hissed. I do all the-
”Nope! We are not doing this again,” The god said with a chuckle -though there was definitely a sharp edge to his voice- that effectively shut down the conversation. He transformed the caduceus into a pen and put it in the pouch on his belt.
They sipped their coke.
”Now! Where were we… Oh! Yes, a break before tomorrow.
”Isn’t it already midnight? A bit late for a break before tomorrow.”
They laughed softly, a slightly bitter sound. “I have no other time for a break in this schedule of mine dawling, I’ll just have to wait for the king to decide I’ve done enough work fast enough to get a real break.
Oh- I
I was interrupted when Hermes finished preening his ankle-wings and abruptly took off, floating carefree through the skies. “Hmmm… Do you have a favourite constellation, Percy?” They said, laying back in the sky. Gazing up at the stars.
”Uh, I like Heracles.
Hermes giggled at that, floating backwards as they turned to face me -as if I’d told some kind of joke, “and why did you choose that dawling?”
”Well… he had rotten luck. Even worse than mine- makes me feel better.” I explained briefly.
Hermes suddenly looked thoughtful rather than amused. Though he still giggled as he asked, “not because he was big, strong, and famous and all that?”
I didn’t even think about it- the answer was already there. “No”
They were looking at me like I was a particularly strange bug under a microscope. It was kind of intimidating knowing that I really was just that to him. A bug.
“Interesting…” He stared at me unnervingly for a minute, “Well- what now?”
I immediately knew what he was asking. What did I intend to do about the fleece?
Before I could find it in me to formulate some sort of answer, we were interrupted by Martha calling. We have Demeter on line two.
Hermes sighed, deflating slightly as he floated the Coke up to him and took another sip, beginning to fly in lazy circles around me. “I’m busy, tell her to leave a message.”
Martha sighed -which sounded very odd coming from a snake- She’s not going to like that, last time you put her off all of the flowers in the floral division wilted.
Hermes huffed, like a frustrated child as he flew faster in agitation, “just tell her I’m in a meeting!” The god rolled their eyes, irritation pouring off of them. “Sorry again, dawling- everyone seems to think I’m available round-the-clock.” They gave a slightly hysterical chuckle, “Which I am obviously not!” They sighed. Slowing and turning their body around fully to face me.
”Sorry, little cousin, You were saying-”
”Your Hermes, aren’t you?”
They looked startled at being interrupted, but they recovered quickly and gave a winning smile. “Why yes indeed dawling! Glad you noticed.”
Martha gave an enthusiastic hiss. Oh! Oh! Can we go back to our original form, show him what we can do? George snapped in protest.
Hermes had a thoughtful look on his face for a moment before he lifted the pen-caduceus out of his pouch and transformed it with a flourish. The pen turned the same brilliant blue the lightning-line thing Hermes had used to communicate was, and extended into a rod- the snakes extending with it as dove wings sprouted from the sides.
After being given confirmation of his identity, I began to notice the features he shared with his children, and who he really reminded me of the elfish features, the sharper canines, the never ending fidgeting. This was undoubtedly Luke’s father.
”Anyways! Dawling, you still haven’t answered my question. What do you intend to do about the quest?” They smiled sharply, amusement tinging their voice.
”I don’t have permission to go.”
”I know!” They giggled, “I also know that that is not going to stop you!”
”A-are you telling me to break the rules of camp?” I asked incredulously.
”Maybe I am, maybe I’m not- I do know however, that I speak for what I see.” He did a spin in the air and then got right up in my face
I blanked, leaning back slightly. “That is not as helpful as you think it is.” They laughed. A real, hearty laugh “It’s not supposed to be, dawling.”
I huffed, “So why are you here then? If not to help. Entertainment?”
They grinned, a sparkle of mirth visible in their eye. “No, no dawling! I am here to help- I just like my riddles as much as the next god.”
”Oookay then? So, your wonderful advice is that I should, in fact, leave camp. Anything else?” I said impatiently, Hermes’ smile grew wider and sharper as he backed up, now back to floating diagonally as if lying back. “Martha, dear, may I have the first package?”
Martha opened her mouth, then opened it wider, and wider until she belched out a stainless steel canister, an old-fashioned lunchbox flask with a black plastic top. The sides of the flask were enamelled with Ancient Greek scenes - several winged figures, each a different colour, all very pale -red, orange, blue, green- all of them shooting arrows or blowing wind into a different section of the flask.
Each quarter was a slightly darker version of the colour of the winged figure that inhabits it -the exception being the light blue figure, who had a white background. All of the figures were standing in some sort of ancient hallway or something
-and there was something off about the little symbols that represent the wind, it almost looks like they’re- oh! they are. The wind symbols were moving around the flask like actual wind.
Hermes laughed at my flabbergasted face. “Pretty cool huh, dawling?”
”Y-yeah, but- Who are the winged people?” I asked. Hermes looked a little caught off-guard by the question. “Ah, those are the gods of the south, north, east, and west winds. You’ll understand in a moment.”
Hermes smirked as they did a spin and got into my space again (clearly he has no understanding of personal space), “This-” they tapped the flask, holding it up beside their head “is a gift for you, young cousin, one of two.” I gasped, “a gift? But-” “Oh, hush dawling. Go ahead and pick it up.” He interrupted me, flying up and back- letting go of the flask and leaving it floating slowly through the air.
I looked at it distrustingly before slowly approaching it and reaching out. I let out a sharp gasp as it touched my hand, instinctively flinching back from the sudden cold before moving to grab it again. I winced when my hand encircled it fully, the other side was burning hot. I settled on holding the top where it was least likely to burn me or give me frostbite -maybe both-
The strangest part was, the cold side always seemed to face the ocean, no matter which way I turned it. Then, I gasped, “It’s a- compass!”
Hermes frowned thoughtfully, he looked a little surprised. “Hmmm, clever little one -I never thought about it like that… It kind of is, but it’s intended use is a tad bit more dramatic. If you uncap it, all four winds shall be unleashed for you to harness and use to speed you up.” They paused, I studied the cap- they noticed and panicked slightly. “Not now dawling! And remember, when the time comes you must only unscrew it a tiny bit, the winds are ever restless, and should they all escape…” Hermes visibly swallowed, his face pulling back into a grimace before he schooled his expression. “Ah! I’m sure you’ll be careful. Now, the second gift- George, if you will?”
George unhinged his jaw the same way Martha did -though not quite as much this time- and spat out a… jar of vitamins?
”You're kidding,” I stared, “are those minotaur shaped?” I asked incredulously.
You bet dawling! The lemon flavoured ones are anyway… I’m not sure about the others, I should check that later…” He trailed off, then he shook his head vigorously and continued “Ehem, anyhow! These are incredibly potent, young cousin. I wouldn’t advise taking them unless absolutely necessary.” They smiled sharply.
”Aand how will I know if I absolutely need them?” I asked, still wary.
Hermes’ grin widened as they did a few random twists in the air and said, “oh dawling. You’ll know when the time comes. Nine essential vitamins, minerals, etc- everything you need to feel yourself again!” They giggled at… themself. They tossed the bottle in my general direction as they did a flip, I scrambled to catch it.
”Um… thanks? Lord Hermes.” I quickly tacked on the Lord Hermes because I didn’t feel like getting smited. Hermes stopped doing flips and got waaaay too close for comfort, “Don’t bother with the formal titles-” they backed up, grabbing my hands and pulling me with them, “-we’re cousins after all! Titles like that always make me feel weird,” I shrugged, “Uuh, sure. Anyways lo- Sorry, Hermes, why are you helping me?”
Hermes’ smile turned sad, maybe a little bitter, though it didn’t drop. “Perhaps it’s because I hope you can save many people on this quest, dear cousin. Not just your friend Grover.”
I stared at them, “you don’t mean- …Luke?”
He didn’t answer.
I sighed, but knew better than to push (too much anyway), “Look, Hermes. I- I understand- and, thank you for the gifts and all. But I’m honestly not sure there is much hope for Luke here. I mean… I can certainly try but, I don’t trust him and there is no way he trusts me- you even less so. Please, don’t expect much of me.
Hermes sighed heavily like he expected nothing less, stilling for the first time this whole conversation as they thought. They gazed up at the stars, almost longingly, before opening their mouth to speak.
”I expected as much, young cousin. And- if I am to be honest, I see your point of view. But- if there is one thing I have learnt over the aeons, it’s that -in most cases- you can’t give up on family. No matter how tempting it may seem. Even if they hate you, embarrass you, don’t appreciate your genius for inventing the internet-”
”You invented the internet!?”
It was my idea, called Martha
Rats are delicious contemplated George
”It was my idea!” Hermes said, “I mean the internet not rats- ugh” He shook his head. “That’s not the point- Percy, dawling. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
”I- I’m not sure.
Hermes tore his gaze from the skies above and met my eyes, “You will some day.” They said it with such certainty and some other unreadable emotion it almost felt like a threat. Especially because of the sudden change in demeanor. They continued to stare down at me, the intensity of their eyes as they seemingly studied every piece of my soul as if I was wearing it for the whole world to see scared me. Made me want to draw back and run- or maybe hug them. I could see the sadness set deeply in their eyes, past the facade, almost as clearly as they could seemingly see through mine.
I hoped they were ok with whatever they saw- I did not wish for his ire.
They broke eye contact, letting out a soft huff of air as they said, “In the meantime, dawling cousin. I must be off-” He was interrupted by his snakes, reminding him of his every duty.
You have sixty calls to return Martha drawled
and two thousand seventy-eight emails George added, not counting any and all spam mail.
Holy moly that’s a lot of messages. I am glad not to be Hermes.
Hermes ignored them in favour of continuing to address me. “And you, dear cousin,” they began, “Have a much shorter deadline than you realise to complete your quest. You’re friends are already looking for you- hang on, you should be able to hear them right about… Now.”
And right on queue, I heard Annabeth, calling from the sand dunes. Followed shortly by Tyson, who sounded just a bit further away.
They smiled, a sharp, foxy, grin. Their visible eye glowing just a bit brighter. “ I hope I packed well for you,” Then laughing; “I do have some experience with travel!”
They snapped their fingers, and three, leather satchels appeared on the blanket, next to the, now abandoned, empty Coke can that Hermes had been sipping.
Hermes floated over to them and summoned a random cup of water that he let tip over and spill on one of the bags. “All waterproof, of course. If you ask nicely your father might lend you a hand in getting onto the ship!” They chuckled.
”Ship? What sh-”
I was interrupted by the sound of a large horn in the distance, Hermes pointed, And- sure enough. There was a huge cruise ship cutting across Long Island Sound. Its white-and-gold lights glowing like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating the shimmering water beautifully.
As Hermes turned to go I called out, “Wait! I don’t understand! I haven’t even agreed to go!”
Hermes scoffed, “Well, I’d make up your mind in the next five minutes maximum if I were you.” He snickered, “that’s when the harpies’ll come to eat you.”
He turned away, but looked at me from the corner of his eye, “Good night, dawling. It was lovely meeting you, Thanks for the Coke! And, dare I say it, may the gods be with you!”
George and Martha looked at me, Good luck, Martha said
Bring me back a rat! George exclaimed
Hermes grinned at me mischievously for a final time before zooming off into the distance, carrying the sharp scent of strawberries and flowers away with him- a strong smell of sea salt that’d been masked by their presence invaded my senses.
They were gliding through the skies like the fastest of birds. Quickly becoming but a speck in the distance. Leaving me with a flask, a bottle of vitamins, an impossible decision, and not enough time to make it.
Well… that was quite the encounter.