Hearth of the Sea Chapter 8

a/n: sorry for the delayed update… I'm having a severe case of writers' block.

In case you're wondering why I'm using Aegea as the name of Poseidon's kingdom and not Atlantis it's because I have a couple of ebooks about Greek and Roman myths and legends and some states that Poseidon's kingdom was named Aegea since ancient folks believed that it was located at the bottom of the Aegean Sea.

Warning: some main characters are OOC

If you really, really, really hate the Luke/Percy pairing then you are free to leave this fic. Don't PM me or something because honestly, I don't give a damn.

This chapter is unedited and un-betaed. I just finished this chapter. Sorry in advance for the wrong spelling, and grammar. English is my third language so do not expect this to be perfect.

Disclaimer: please see the previous chapters

Enjoy!

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Chapter 8

-Aegea-

Tiara slumped on her bed that afternoon. She's very tired and she felt like her energy was drained from her even if she's at the bottom of the sea. She closed her eyes. Her training started a few weeks ago. Since then, every morning Triton took her out of the sea before sunrise to a deserted island (that he made out of rocks) where they would train. The first time their training session started, Triton asked her to fight him with all her might (because he won't take it easy on her) so that he will know her capabilities and strength… and true to his word; he went all out in their fight. The two fought until noon. After they ate their lunch, they spend the first of their afternoon session teaching her hand combat.

Most of the times Aquion would give her some tips on how to fight, even watch as the siblings' train as he sat at the shore. Their parents would oversee her training but mostly, Triton is the one who teaches her.

Her body always ache after training but it lessened when the sea touched her skin as they went back home. The days passed by doing their daily routine. They went to the island and do her training, eat lunch and continue until sunset. She would visit Luke at the infirmary and spend some time with him until dinner.

Well, except for today. They already finished hand combat and weaponry (especially swordsmanship) and now Triton trained her how to use her powers.

-earlier-

Tiara sat on the tree stump on the center of a clearing just beside the shore. They (Triton and her) were on the island and Triton stood in front of her in his teacher mode.

"You have passed the simulation that I gave you three days ago and I am very pleased with the results. You absorbed everything I thought you and for that we will proceed to the next lesson."

She sighed in relief. Triton's test was very hard and real (Who the hell would ever give a simulation that includes retrieving the crown of Amphitrite inside an active, for unknown reason, Mount Vesuvius –yup! She went to Italy- with ancient monsters chasing after her, mutated fire breathing monsters guarding the crown and vicious mythical creatures waiting for you on the way? And not to mention that she needed to finish said mission within THREE days!) that she thought that she was on a quest and she was very happy that they will move on to the next part. "What it is, Triton?"

"The ability to control your powers, to know your limitations and how to overcome them," Triton answered. "Every gods, demigods, titans and monsters alike knew that children of Poseidon can control the water, particularly salt water. It is our father's domain." Triton snapped his fingers and the water beside them swirled and created a huge hurricane. "Fresh water belongs to Oceanus and we can control it to the minimum extent." Triton snapped his fingers twice and the tempest stopped, the water calmed so suddenly that one would think that a hurricane never happened. "That's why our enemies will bring us far away from the salt water or if they can, they will poison it in order to defeat us."

"Then under that circumstances, what can we do?" she asked, tilting her head a little.

"Water is everywhere, sis, even when it's very minimal." Triton told her. "If I am on an island like this, I can control the water with less effort like earlier. If I am in a forest or the river was poisoned, I can do this," Triton held his hand up with his palm raised upward. Nothing happened at first but then the soil beside him became dry, quivered then crumbled and water erupted like a geyser. "Or this," Triton outstretched the same hand with his palm facing a giant tree. The geyser stopped and then the tree withered very fast and water came out from the trunk and surrounded Triton like a hurricane shield.

Tiara gaped at her brother. Her eyes wide, amazed at how well Triton can control the element. "Wow."

Triton gestured at the tree and the water came back inside it, its dried leaves became green instantly and the wilted plant became sturdy once more.

"And if you are on the desert you can use the water from the cacti and camels present." Triton said, looking at his dumbstruck sister. "They have many water reserves that could last them for years or in case of camels, it would be days. It is up to you on how to use your resources- if you use them as a weapon or drown them. Soil, plants and animals have water in them. The water present in them could be considered as salt water since it has minerals and other components that gave them a salty feeling. And of course there is also another source that I will tell you but I won't have you go through in a simulation; a source that is only allowed in such terrible circumstances."

"A human body," Tiara answered with a grim.

"Correct," Triton answered, pleased at his sister's reaction. "That includes demigods."

Tiara's eyes widened. "Damn."

"Yes, we can control even the water that is inside the human body." Triton told him, his brows furrowed. "Mortals and demigods alike. Father can also use the water to suffocate us gods; after all we have the physique like that of a human being albeit without DNA. If father used that kind of power in all of his enemies, he can defeat anyone."

"So that means that Dad or you can drain anyone of water or suffocate them with it or both," Tiara gaped at the horror.

"Yes, but don't worry your little head. Father promised grandfather that he will never use that kind of power on anyone in exchange for the lordship over the sea." Triton grinned.

"And how about you?" Tiara narrowed her eyes on his brother.

"I promised never to use mortals and demigods as a source and I will only suffocate gods as a last resort in defending my family. Happy?"

"Not quite."

"Then let's start the training."

"Uh… Okay."

Triton made her control the water into its tranquil state without going near the shore or touching it. Tiara controlled the water for ten minutes before she stopped, panting and heaving since the water for unknown reason (cough*Triton*cough) suddenly became violent and difficult to contain. She looked pale and sick. Triton 'tsked' at her and splashed her with a wave of muddy water that he created just for that occasion. She spluttered indignantly at her brother but her strength returned, albeit she's full of mud. Triton made her do that until she can control the sea at least for an hour which she grumpily did, although with additional curses aimed at her brother who seemed more amused and splashed her with tons of brown water everytime she failed to hold it for an hour.

Finally, a weary and muddy Tiara managed to control the sea for an hour and a few minutes (after at least a hundred times of failed attempts) and then they had lunch. It was past two when they had their meal. Triton let her soak in the water for a few minutes before telling her to make a giant whirlpool and contain it in a certain area for an hour and a half without touching the water. Tiara gawked at him unbelievingly but did as what she was told. After a few tries (about more than fifty disastrous attempts) she finally managed to contain the whirlpool (albeit a pathetic one) in the area assigned by her Spartan mentor.

"That's a lousy made whirlpool you have. It's more like you only rocked the water from side to side." Triton commented.

"Shut up! I'm doing my best here," Tiara snapped tiredly.

"You better! How can you defeat a titan with that pathetic control of yours? You'll be a laughingstock if you can't master or even control your powers."

"Yeah, and you're gonna be the first to laugh," she mumbled under her breath.

"Of course!" Triton answered cheekily. "That's what brothers are for."

"Yeah, moronic, flirty, jerky, wretched brothers," she mumbled.

"What did you say?!" Triton glowered, his eyes narrowed. "You want to triple your training?"

"No! I said nothing!…" Tiara said. "So, am I finished? Can we go home now?" She asked, still controlling the whirlpool. "I'm really tired."

"No. Not until you make a decent whirlpool."

"But-!"

"No buts, sister. This is for your own good."

Tiara glared at him. After a few minutes she managed to make an acceptable one and held it for an hour and a half. When she finished it was already after sunset and the stars were beginning to shine. Triton told her that she will be doing that every training session starting next week. She glared at him but when Triton announced that there's no training tomorrow, she gave a sigh of relief.

-0-

After dinner Tiara swam outside the castle. She planned to visit Luke and spend the night with him. These past few weeks their relationship turned out better than they would imagine; with all the problems that presented in between them. Both were happy that Luke doesn't taunt Poseidon and that Poseidon seemed to be less cautious of him and became more civil much to Triton's chagrin.

She was halfway on the entrance hall when an iris message appeared.

"Hey, Seaweed Brain!" A voice piped from the Iris.

"Hey, Pinecone Head! What's up?" Tiara greeted.

"Nothing. We just want to know how you're doing." Annabeth answered. She was beside Thalia. Both seemed to be inside the cabin three… the moving dolphins on the wall behind them is a dead giveaway.

"I'm fine," she told them. "Triton started my training weeks ago and man, he's worse than any of our mentors! It's like I'm on a quest!"

Thalia chuckled, "Well at least your stay there is worthwhile. Ours' still the same."

"That's good. You better not slack or I will ask my jerk of a brother to train you as well," Tiara teased.

"As if we'd slack off, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth tsked. Then she added with a smirk, "Besides, you're the weakest in our group."

"Hey!" Tiara cried indignantly.

Both Annabeth and Thalia laughed. After both have stopped laughing, Annabeth looked at the cursed goddess with a sincere smile. "But honestly we miss you and your crazy ideas, Tiars."

"Yeah," Thalia added. "You better be back within three weeks. Grover found two demigods with powerful scents and we're planning to retrieve them within winter season."

"Hmm… I see." Tiara nodded. "Is there anything else? I'm on a tight schedule."

"Is the little princess having a secret affair that she can't tell her friends?" Thalia teased.

Tiara tensed which was noticed by the both of them. Annabeth narrowed her eyes. "Don't-"

"Look, I can't tell you right now but trust me on this one," she cut her friend's sentence before she could finish it. She hadn't told them about Luke. Ooops!

"Here we go again," Thalia said, exasperated. "You know you're frustrating! You thought we didn't saw you take a detour to that cursed ship when we sent you off, didn't you?"

The daughter of Poseidon winced.

Annabeth huffed. "You're really hopeless and you really have seaweeds for your brain, Seaweed Brain."

"Stop insulting my intelligence!" the sea princess snapped. Thalia laughed at that one. "And please trust me on this one. I can't tell you on the iris what it is about and if it appeases you my parents knew what I'm doing and they're not… well not really against it."

Thalia shrugged. "We can't stop you on this one, am I right?"

Tiara shook her head.

"Well if it's okay with your Mom and Dad then I guess that's okay. Just be careful, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth added.

Tiara gave them a small smile, "Thanks."

The other girls smiled at her. "We better go now before Mr. D caught us sneaking off."

"Take care, Seaweed Brain."

"Likewise, Pinecone Head, Owl Face."

The iris message disappeared. Tiara hurriedly swam towards the infirmary. She was halfway when she saw Aquion coming towards her.

"Hey, Tiara, where are you going?" Aquion asked as soon as he reached her.

"To the infirmary," she answered. She noticed Aquion's eyes narrowed but shrugged it off. "Why?"

"I need to speak with you about something," Aquion stated.

"About what?"

Aquion hesitated. He looked around and noticed that they're far from the patrolling mermen then took a deep breath. "I- I love you."

"What?!" Tiara gaped at him.

"I love you," Aquion repeated.

"Since when?"

"Since you came." Aquion looked at her straight in the eyes. "I knew you won't believe me but I really do. Just give me a chance."

Tiara looked at him apologetically. "I'm sorry that you feel that way towards me. I have someone else and I love him… very much."

Aquion glared at her. "How can you love that traitor?! He betrayed us! He doesn't deserve you! Sooner or later he would come back to that titan's side and he will destroy everyone! Why can't you see that?!"

"I love him because I just do! I don't need any reason to love him. Yes, he betrayed the gods, our beliefs but he never betrayed me. As a demigod, he may be evil but as a lover… he is everything that I could ever want, deserving or not. And if ever he went back to Kronus," a tear escaped her eye, "I'm still thankful that I have the chance to love and be loved by him."

"Tiara…" Aquion could not believe what he was hearing.

Tiara blinked her eyes. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a boyfriend to visit." She swam away, leaving Aquion behind. If she ever glances back, she would see his angered, sinister look. 'You're mine, princess. You're mine.'

-0-0-

Tiara reached the door to Luke's room and unlocked the security. She opened it and found him lying on the bed staring at the ceiling. She smiled. Luke still has his restraints but his wounds were mostly healed. The wound on his chest left a giant scar and there were scabs where the dracanae tore his flesh.

Luke gazed at the door when he noticed someone's presence. He smiled when he saw her but frowned the moment he noticed something's off. He gestured her to come closer. He sat on the bed as she swam towards him.

"What's wrong, goddess?" Luke asked as he pulled Tiara on his lap.

The boy turned girl shook her head. "Nothing." She leaned her head on his uninjured shoulder.

Luke wrapped his arms around her. "It's not nothing if you look very upset, love. Don't forget that I can read you like a book."

Tiara sighed and told him what happened; Luke's hold tightened as she recalled the event earlier.

Luke rested his head on her hair, a forlorn expression on his face. "I'm sorry for this mess. You may act tough but I know deep inside my decisions affected you greatly… hurt you very much. I won't be surprised if you yell your frustrations at me or leave me one day."

Tiara looked at him. "I would never leave you. I will not force you to come back because I know you won't. We may be on separate sides of the war but we still love each other. You still love me… right?"

"Yes, I do. I always will… even if it kills me, I'll still love you."

"Don't say that!" Tiara scolded then looked away, a sad expression on her face. "I'll never forgive myself if something happens to you because of me."

Luke smiled at her, a real smile, and lifted her chin with his thumb and pointing finger. "I really don't deserve you… but still…" He leaned and claimed her lips in a loving kiss.

They pulled apart and Luke gave her a chaste kiss. He smiled at her dazed expression. "Don't worry… today might be difficult for us but when all of this is over… everything will be alright for the both of us. I'll find a way so we can be together… even after death."

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It was almost midnight when Tiara returned to the palace, a love-struck expression adorned her features as she glided along the hallway. She's so engrossed in her thoughts that instead of going upstairs she went straight towards the small corridor behind it and into the lengthy, small arched passage. She was more than half way when she noticed that she was lost. She was about to trace her steps when she saw a faint bluish light ahead. Curious, she went towards it. As she comes nearer, she noticed that it was blue green in color and it is huge. As she reached the end of the passage she saw that the light is actually a greek fire roaring ferociously. The fire was at the center of a gigantic circular hall with depictions of home carved at the walls. There are three benches made of corals just a few inches away from the wall on her left.

"What are you doing here?" Tiara turned towards the voice and saw her Mom tending the fire together with a mermaid. "I thought you're already asleep."

Tiara smiled sheepishly. "I was lost in thought and I ended up here."

Amphitrite smiled at her. "I see. Why don't you help me with the flames?"

Tiara came towards her and took the rod offered by the mermaid and began tending the fire. "Mom, what is this?"

"This is the hearth of Aegea. Every home, even Olympus, has this."

"Hestia's fir e?"

"Kind of. She gave this to me as a wedding gift. Like in your camp, it blazes when the people are happy, prospers and in peace but it dims in fear, sorrow and war."

"It's blazing…" Tiara said in awe.

"It has been since you returned your majesties." The mermaid answered, bowing her head. "Aegea was devastated when our queen was exiled and our unborn princess taken. Now that you are back Aegea will flourish."

"Thanks, Scalla." Amphitrite smiled at the mermaid. She turned to her daughter. "Tiara, I'd like you to meet the head vestal mermaid, Scalla. Scalla, this is my daughter, Tiara."

The mermaid bowed again. She has auburn hair, dark blue eyes, lithe frame and dark blue tail. A reddish brown tunic draped her figure and small scallop-like shells adorned her hair. "It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness."

"Likewise, Scalla."

"Scalla and her fellow vestals tend to the fire. They are the mermaid versions of Hestia's vestal virgins but unlike them, the mermaids have only one punishment."

"What?" the sea princess asked curiously.

"Eternal damnation to the one who's on duty when the fire died," Amphitrite said solemnly.

"Why?! That's a very harsh punishment!" Tiara protested, her face shows bewilderment and anger.

Amphitrite gave her daughter a thoughtful look then turned towards the blazing fire. "This fire is special. It was made during the time of Chaos and Nyx, together with the sky and land's hearth. Hestia had accidentally found this on one of her travels and I believe that this is the only one remaining. This fire is very powerful it can hold a part of the essence of a dying child. Once the fire is offered the essence it feeds the fragment its power and anchors the soul to the body thus making it able."

"So you mean to say that this fire held fragment of souls of sick children?" Tiara asked, gaping.

Amphitrite nodded. "That's why we need the fire blazing or the child will have a short life span or die, depending on the length of time the soul stayed there."

"I see." She nodded and looked at the fire. She can't explain it but there is something in the fire that made her reach out to it. She lifted her hand and placed it at the flame. She could feel the flames dance at the tip of her fingers and a welcoming magic surged towards her, washing away any aches that she felt. "Wow." She breathed.

Amphitrite and Scalla looked her and at each other and smiled. The queen of the sea looked at her daughter fondly and caressed her cheek. The sea princess let her hand fall and glanced at her mother. "Mom?"

The queen shook her head. "Nothing dear. Why don't we go to our chambers and rest? I know this is a tiring day for you." Her daughter nodded and grabbed her hand. She waved goodbye to the vestal maiden and led her mother towards the passage.

Scalla chuckled at the princess and looked at the fire. No matter what, she will make sure that the fire is always tended and burning for the only soul inside it is very important to her and her kingdom.

-0-0-

Amphitrite and her daughter swam towards the stairs when they saw Poseidon emerged from the throne room, looking troubled. They stopped and waited for him to arrive.

"Dad?" the sea princess tilted her head in a questioning manner.

Poseidon looked at her like he had seen her for the first time.

"What happened, dear?" Amphitrite asked.

Poseidon shook his head. "Why don't we tuck you in, my little princess? I always wanted to try that one." Poseidon chuckled and smiled a smile that didn't reach his eyes. His daughter narrowed her eyes.

"Uh… o-kay." The cursed goddess answered, dread pooling in her gut. She learned that it would be a bad news to her if her father would want to talk about it in her room.

The three went towards her chambers with Amphitrite holding her husband's hand, giving him support. She knew whatever it is that he needs to say isn't good and would affect her daughter.

They reached Tiara's room and the girls sat on her bed with Poseidon standing in front of them.

"What's the problem, Dad?"

"I hate to bring this news to you but it seems that news about Luke Castellan had spread in the kingdom… including his stand and part at the upcoming war."

Tiara paled and Amphitrite gazed worriedly at her daughter.

"And?"

Poseidon sighed. "The council and merefolks decided to have him either sent to Olympus or Tartarus or have him imprisoned in the depths of the sea until his death.

-tbc-

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At last, another chapter's finished. I don't know when will the next update is but I will update.

Thanks for the reviews, alert, favorites and especially for reading. I can't believe that this fanfic has 14, 962 views!

To Guests # 1 & 2: are you the same person? What do you mean when reviewed Annabeth and Thalia's name? I don't know and I don't want to assume anything.

and to those who doesn't know, I have made a side story for this fanfic. it is called "Little Miss Manhattan." i hope you can read that, if you don't mind.

Again, thanks!

Until the next update!

-dawn-