Hello. I would ask that you lower any torches and/or pitchforks that you no doubt have at the ready, but I don't think I would deserve that mercy.

I apologize profusely for my extended leave of unexplained absence, and hope that you all can forgive me. Lord knows that I certainly don't deserve it. Life hits hard, but I will try to make some time every week to write, so that I don't leave you blue-balled on a cliff-hanger for over two months!

So, I have seen multiple requests for the chapters to be longer, so I will do my best to achieve that. The average length of chapters in my stories tends to be around 5k words, so I will do what I can to bump up the numbers in this story.

So, I have decided, as well as looking at the results of my poll, that I will be putting Shadow Of Beacon on hiatus until I am finished with this series. I don't feel that it is fair that I leave one in bated breath, waiting for something that wont come for quite some time. I know it is bound to upset at least a couple of you readers, but I hope you understand things from my perspective. I just want to keep my writing at the highest possible quality that it can be, and by shifting back and forth, I don't want to jeopardize either series just because I couldn't manage my writing time and ideas properly. Again, I am sorry.

Now, without further waiting, and hopefully no threats on my life, I will now let you read chapter 4 of Remnants of the Sea: Darkening Ocean!

"Percy" means speech

'Jackson' means thought

*RWBY* means telepathy/flashback

Silence fell across the area. None of the demigods moved, with the adults watching them for any hostile movements. Nico was the first to break from his silence. "We're just looking for a friend of ours. We think that he might be around here." Nico said plainly, trying to keep his voice from showing any of the nervousness he felt. The man – Ozpin – seemed relatively normal, but also seemed to give off a feeling of power.

Ozpin hummed, rubbing his chin lightly, a small, playful smile sprouting across his face. "Well, young man, you are going to have to be much more specific than that. This is an academy, where hundreds of students pass through these halls every year." Ozpin said, enjoying the annoyed look that crossed their faces. "Does this friend have a name, perchance?"

They all glanced at one another. After each one of them had given a nod of their heads, Nico turned back to Ozpin. "His name is Percy Jackson." Nico stated. The four teens didn't fail to notice how each of the adults stiffened, if only for a moment. At the teachers' silence, Nico continued. "Pretty tall, scraggly black hair, sea-green eyes, can't stop being annoying, yet lovable? Ring any bells?" Nico pressed, watching how each of the adults paused at his description.

The smile had fallen off of Ozpin's face, replaced by a deep frown. His eyes, though containing what seemed like regret, also contained what Nico could only think of as eagerness before his face became unreadable. Nodding his head slowly, Ozpin turned to the two men beside him. "Bart. Peter. Could you go and fetch Glynda for me? Tell her to meet me in my office." Ozpin said, getting nods from them. After a second, Ozpin added, "And call Qrow, too. He'll want to meet them."

As the two men nodded, walking in separate directions, Ozpin turned back to the teens, who had watched the exchange with wary curiosity. Ozpin had a warm smile on his face, stepping to the side with his hand outstretched. "Please, follow me to my office. We will discuss your friend there, where we will have some privacy." Ozpin said, walking away. The demigods were wary, but chose to follow him anyway. He was their best lead so far.

-Time Skip-

Nico, Thalia, Jason, and Piper were all sitting in front of a large wooden desk, with "Ozpin" sitting across from them, and a blonde-haired woman with a riding crop standing beside him. Paperwork was piled on top of the desk, threatening to fall over at any moment. Both of the adults were staring intensely at them, searching for something.

Ozpin leaned forward, clasping his hands together atop the desk, looking at each one of them. "Please, tell me how you know Mr. Jackson again?" Ozpin asked, though his tone left no place to refute.

Thalia, who was beginning to become fed up with the Headmaster's questions, quickly stood up, slamming her hands down on the table. Despite her physical age, she still seemed to loom heavily over the aged man, though he didn't seem all that intimidated or impressed by the girl's outburst. "Look, you old geezer! We told you that we are Percy's friends, so why don't you answer my question, and tell me where in Hades he is!" Thalia shouted.

The purple-caped woman tensed as soon as Thalia stood, but remained silent at Ozpin's raised hand. "The reason I haven't yet told you is due to the reason why Mr. Jackson cannot come to confirm your claims." Ozpin said calmly, staring down Thalia, who continued to glare at the man. The rest of the demigods looked at each other with confused faces. "This Academy was recently subject to an assault by a group of rogue warriors called Huntsman." Ozpin explained, watching as Thalia reluctantly sat back down, though she still glared at him.

"During the battle, Mr. Jackson did all that he could to defend the Academy, and those inside it, but I'm afraid that he was not strong enough to fend them all off." Glynda explained, her face showing a deep sense of regret. "During the course of the battle, he was unfortunately captured saving a young student he had befriended." She said.

Mixed looks of sadness and sorrow crossed the faces, with Thalia and Nico chuckling sadly. "Got captured protecting others." Nico mused to himself, quietly. "Yeah, that's Percy.". Similar chuckles came from the rest of them demigods, all remembering various battles, where Percy would put everyone else's safety over his own.

"Do you know where he is? Or if he is even alive?" Piper asked, hope lacing her voice.

Ozpin shook his head sadly, regretting the unfortunate fate of the young demigod. Whatever hope the teens had had was seemingly crushed, causing each one to slump back in their chair at the possibility that their friend was dead. "Before I give you some time to yourselves to process this," Ozpin began, "may I get your names? We don't want a fight to break out because the staff don't know of you."

Jason, the most disciplined of the teens, spoke up. "Of course, sir. I am Jason Grace, and this is my sister Thalia." Jason stated, gesturing to the girl, who had finally let up her glare, but was still frowning due to the news about Percy. "This is Piper McLean, and Nico DiAngelo." Jason finished, pointing to the two.

Ozpin nodded, smiling sadly. "A pleasure. I wish we could have met one another upon better circumstances, but I am glad that you are all here. Percy spoke very highly of all of you. He thought that you had all perished at your camp."

Thalia abruptly stood from her chair, stalking towards the door, before slamming it open, causing the frame to creak at the force. Thalia stormed down the hallway, giving off a feeling of hatred and sadness. Thunder rumbled overhead, with dark grey clouds gathering over Beacon. Small bolts of lightning sparked across Thalia's hands, and through her hair, as she made her way through the school.

Nico, who gained a faraway gaze, seemed to fade away, melting into the shadows of the office. Ozpin and Glynda stared in shock between the two, unsuspecting of the teens' abilities. Jason, though considerably saddened by the loss of his brother-in-arms, stood strong. "If you'll excuse us, sir, but we should go after them. We don't want them doing any more damage to your school than what has happened already."

Ozpin nodded his head, allowing the blond soldier to leave. "Oh, and Jason?"

Turning back to the Headmaster, Jason schooled his facial expressions. "Yes, sir?"

"When everyone has calmed down, please find either myself, or Miss Goodwitch. We will have something for you that you will need." Ozpin said, watching as Jason and his compatriot left his office, their heads held high, and their hearts weighed down.

As the two left, closing the door behind them, silence hung in the air for several minutes. Ozpin could tell that Glynda was staring at him, waiting for the Headmaster to speak. When she couldn't take the man's silence anymore, she spoke up. "Ozpin," she started, her voice carrying a tinge of threat to it.

"I know what you are about to say, Glynda, and you are right." Ozpin said tiredly, turning to face her in his chair. "However, you must realize, if these four are as powerful as young Percy, than we may finally be able to put an end to Salem." Ozpin reasoned, already forming several plans in his mind.

Glynda breathed deeply, exhaling through her nose. Ozpin internally winced, knowing that was something she only ever did when she was truly aggravated. Usually with him. "Ozpin, I have stood by you for many years, and have always believed your judgement, but if you plan on manipulating them into fighting in your war, like you did to Percy, than you have another thing coming to you." Glynda said, the venom in her voice was palpable.

Ozpin sighed, standing from his desk to face his deputy headmistress. "I shall offer them the possibility of fighting against Salem," Ozpin began, raising his hand when Glynda went to interrupt him. "And if they decline, I shall respect that, and I will do what I can to help them get home."

Glynda narrowed her eyes at him. Her eyes were full of suspicion, and the underlying threat she held filled the room. Turning to the door, Glynda opened it with a flick of her riding crop. "How many will have to die before this ends, Ozpin?" Glynda asked, walking away.

The door shut with a soft slam. Ozpin sighed, sitting back down in his chair, staring the work he had ahead of him. 'I wonder that more often than you can imagine, Glynda.' Ozpin thought to himself. Pouring himself a cup of coffee, which was now cold, Ozpin wasn't surprised when a faint purple glow surrounded his drink. The porcelain mug quickly broke in his hand, leaving only the handle in his grasp. 'Well, that seems rather childish, Glynda.'

-Line Break-

Qrow landed at the foot of the Tower. Although he was in peak physical condition, flying at full speed from Patch to Beacon would wind anyone. Pausing for a few minutes, Qrow's attention was drawn to the main entrance, where Ozpin stepped out of the Tower, cane at his side. "Ah, Qrow. Good, you've arrived." Ozpin mused. "Come. We have much to discuss." Ozpin stated, walking off, leaving the grizzled Huntsman to jog to catch up.

"I got your message, Oz. You said something about "new alliances"?" Qrow asked, keeping his voice low. Despite the fact that he knew they were alone, it never hurt to be cautious to possible eavesdroppers.

Ozpin hummed lowly, glancing over to his spymaster. "Earlier this day, four teens arrived to Beacon, before ending up in a kind of standoff with Peter and Bart." Ozpin explained.

Qrow narrowed his eyes in slight confusion. "And? While the fact the school is closed, I don't see how that is important enough to call me here so quickly." Qrow responded, staring at Ozpin for an answer.

"Well," Ozpin started, "the fact that they arrived at the school by way of the cliffs overlooking the Emerald Forest was something to invite suspicion, but what really drew my attention, and the reason I called you here, is because they claim to family to Mr. Jackson."

Qrow nearly stumbled in his stride, glancing over at the Headmaster. "Are you serious? I thought Percy said that they were all killed?" Qrow questioned, both shocked and worried. If these teens were telling the truth, and they were, in fact, close friends of Percy, what would they do when they learned of his fate?

"Yes, he did, Qrow. But do you also recall that young Perseus stated that he also pushed back the invading Grimm in a blind rage?" Ozpin asked. At Qrow's nod of the head, he continued on. "I believe that he truly thought that he had lost all of those he cared for, or at the very least, assumed as much when he awoke here in Remnant." Ozpin explained. The two walked around campus in silence, with Ozpin giving Qrow time to process the change of events.

"Have you told them about Percy yet?" Qrow asked, fearing either answer.

"Yes, Glynda and I explained that he was captured in the recent attack." Ozpin stated calmly, as if the prospect of four angry demigods in their campus didn't give him any need for concern. "I have allowed them to go blow off steam. One of them, their possible group leader, promised not to allow any more damage to come to the school." Ozpin recounted.

Qrow's head was nearly spinning with all the information. "And you just let them go?! Who knows what they are doing right now! You just told them that their close friend is either dead or captured by the most dangerous being in the world, and just let them go? What are you thinking?!" Qrow said, struggling to keep his voice low.

"I told them that he was captured preventing your niece from sharing the same fate." Ozpin firmly corrected, fixing Qrow with a firm stare. "Though I believe that they are Percy's friends, I will not trust them with such sensitive information just yet." Ozpin elaborated.

"Good lord, Ozpin! I don't know what is worse; Telling four massively powerful teens that one of, if not their closest, friends is captured or dead, or that you aren't even telling them the whole truth! If they figure out that you are keeping something about Percy from them, well, we saw what Percy could do! Imagine what four of them can do together!"

The two had stopped walking several minutes ago. Ozpin simply let Qrow vent, knowing the man would either have to let out his stress through shouting, fighting, or a bottle. He would much rather keep his spymaster as sober as he could with the recent developments.

"I am having Glynda keep an eye on them, and when they are finished calming down, they are to come to her or myself, and I will give them scrolls. That way I will be able to keep tabs on them at all times." Ozpin said, placing his hand on the shoulder of Qrow. "I appreciate your concern, Qrow. I share many of them myself, but please have a bit of faith in me, my friend?" Ozpin asked, getting a tired nod from the man.

"You know that I will always follow you, Oz. I am just worried about what will go wrong, should things go south." Qrow sighed.

Ozpin smiled softly at Qrow, who sighed heavily. Qrow's attention was drawn to a beeping from his pocket. With furrowed eyebrows, Qrow looked at his scroll. His face quickly grew into one of dread as he read what was on his scroll. "Ruby and JNPR just arrived in Vale, and are making their way up to Beacon!"

Realization dawned across Ozpin's face. "You go meet them at the docks. Keep them there, or turn them back. We can't let them encounter Percy's friends yet. If they mention Salem, I am unsure what they will do, and we can't afford any further conflict to come between our forces now." Ozpin ordered, with Qrow already sprinting away.

Arriving at the docks within minutes, Qrow could just barely make out the form of the Bullhead making its way up to the school, full of supplies for the repair effort, and five troublesome teens. Qrow made sure to put on his most disapproving frown that he could, hoping that he could just get them to head back to Vale. He knew that he couldn't really prevent Ruby from getting into the school, what with her Semblance and all, but he was counting on her not leaving her friends to face him by themselves.

As the Bullhead docked, he watched as many workers transferred supply pallets from the airship to the loading zone, as well as five colourful teens stepping off, trying to keep out of the way of the workers. Walking up to them, it didn't take much to catch the attention of his niece, who gained a nervous look. "And what exactly are you all doing here?" Qrow asked, crossing his arms.

-Line Break-

Screams and shouts reverberated throughout the large stone room. The blocks had the appearance of solid black marble, with no veins of white, simply black. The material seemed to almost absorb the light of the room, casting shadows everywhere.

Blood was spattered across the floor, and pain burned through all of his head, but that wasn't what mattered most.

"You will stop this foolishness at once!" A thin, bushy moustached man shouted at him, anger burning deep within his green eyes, promising unending pain and suffering. Taking a deep, measured breath, the man turned back to his table of syringes and tools, hands working with one of the needles and liquids. "Now, I will ask once more, where are you from?". He let some of the liquid squirt out, levelling it in front of Percy.

Percy himself was standing in the middle of the room. What remained of his shirt was bloodied and in tatters. A thick chain of dark, black metal was cuffed around each of his wrists, forcing him to stand in the middle of the room, despite the ever-present exhaustion.

Percy chuckled, the action causing pain to flare up in his chest, a result of the broken rib. "Like I'd ever tell you, Tarkin. I'll never tell where the Rebel base is!" Percy stated, a smile across his face at the confusion of the man. The angered growl that came from the man only served to further deepen Percy's smile.

His smile was abruptly ripped off his face when Hazel, who had been standing behind him, took a tiny shard of yellow Dust the size of a paper clip from his pocket, the crystal giving off a static aura, and slowly slipped it in under his skin, pushing it into one of the many bleeding cuts scattered over his body. His body clenched and spasmed, with Percy barely able to get out a tortured scream. The electricity surged through him, burning the raw skin underneath his cuffs.

After leaving the demigod to suffer for a minute, Hazel dug the crystal back out of Percy's arm, widening the wound, and stopping the electrocution. Percy immediately collapsed, held up only by the chains holding each of his arms to either wall, his head falling. He barely had the strength to breathe, let alone reply in anything that was understandable. He could only vaguely feel the pinprick of the needle in his neck.

He didn't even wince. After so many needles, and the… creative persuasive implements, the needles were the least of Percy's pains. His vision swam, and his head lolled back and forth, with Percy fighting off unconsciousness. He didn't know why he wanted to stay awake, only that it was his smartest option.

"If you keep this up, we won't have anything left of him to get information out of." Percy managed to make out, Hazel's baritone voice easy to discern. Percy's coughing up of bile and blood, spitting it onto the floor with whatever strength he could muster, drew his attention back to the young man. "That is enough for today. We must take this slowly, or else we could kill him." Hazel stressed, the look of understanding crossing Arthur's face.

"Ah, yes. Forgive me. You know how I get when I am on the verge of a new discovery." Watts replied, turning back to his table of instruments, cleaning off the dirty ones, and stowing them all in a small, brown leather handbag. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go and study his blood. It is simply marvellous to examine, and so much could be gained from it!" Watts said, making his way out from the dungeon.

As Hazel watched the man leave, he looked back over to the body of Percy. Percy had, by this point, passed out. Hazel couldn't exactly blame him. The amount of damage and pain which the boy had experienced in the past few weeks were astounding. It was a wonder that he hadn't been driven madder than Tyrion! He briefly heard Percy's incomprehensible mumbles, but thought nothing of them. He glanced over towards the corners of the room, where several small cameras were trained on the young warrior.

'To think, that one child could cause so much damage and trouble.' Hazel mused to himself, before following the path of his colleague, making his way out of the dungeon. Shutting the large, heavy metal door behind him, he made sure that all the locks and deadbolts were in place before walking down the hall.

At some point, the shadowy hallways of Salem's castle had frightened him deeply, though not anymore. The Queen of these walls still unnerved him, but he knew his place. As much as he knew of the boy's power, he didn't understand why his Mistress felt the need to go to such lengths to capture him. Could they have not just killed him and be done with it?

Sighing, Hazel made his way to his chambers. He would be heading out to meet with Adam and Sienna in Vale the next day, so he knew that he would need his rest. The flight from here to the White Fang headquarters was a long and tiring one. Laying down, he relaxed as he closed his eyes. His thought drifted, not to the talks with the faunus, but to the child locked in the basement.

Percy regained consciousness not too long after Hazel had left. His mind was still clouded in pain, and the many drugs and serums pumping through his blood, curtesy of Dr. Tall and posh. Hanging on the two chains holding him up, Percy left his head hanging, feeling the strain of his continued weight on his beleaguered muscles.

His throat burned with a lack of anything to drink, only staying wet with his repeated bile cough-ups, and blood. He had no sense of time in this room, only that every so often, something would come to make sure that he stayed alive, and that his Aura didn't come back to heal him.

How long had he been in here? Days? Months? Had he already lost complete track of time, and his mind was already blocking out the past to remain sane? His fogged mind held none of the answers, and all that Percy could of were his friends, his family, and Annabeth? Was this his atonement for failing to save and protect them? Or, could this be his eternal punishment, some eldritch creature from another dimension that is here to feed on his pain?

Slowly, but surely, the cracks in Percy's psyche would begin to form.

Sorry that this is so short. I had most of this chapter written out since the beginning of February, with the intent to come back to finish it later, and only now did I make the time to do so. I had more planned for this chapter, but decided to push it back to another in the future.

I apologize for how short this is compared to how long you've waited, but, hopefully, I won't take another two months to post again. I can only pray that you forgive my laziness/forgetfulness.

How did you enjoy the chapter, after such a long wait? Did it deliver on something, or are you just disappointed in me? Feel free to leave a review and tell me what your thoughts were! Either that, or send me a PM. I always try to get back to you eventually. If you, by some miracle, did enjoy this chapter, please consider following or favouriting the story so that you know when I can entertain you again!

This is Canadian Admiral signing off.