Eight

[heraldofthedeep.insanejournal.com]

[Getting up before dawn was normal for Triton. No surprises there. But, as dawn broke and he could feel his immortality returning... He knew today was the day. The day to make his mark. The day to prepare an army to present to his father.

Of course, he could not demonstrate his full power on land. He needed to get to open water. He roused his housemates, though: "Get up. Now. And follow me."

"Murphy...? What gives?" one mumbled sleepily before getting a good look at the sea-prince. "...oh, holy shit... Murphy...?"

"Don't ask questions. I'll explain it shortly," Triton said crisply.

Soon, he had a whole phalanx of fraternity brothers and curious onlookers as he headed for the river where the crew team practiced. No sooner had he dived into the water, when the gills opened on the side of his neck, and his legs became a fish tail once again, to the shock of everyone.

"Many of you know me as Boden Murphy. The name my mortal mother gave me. In truth, I am more than that. I am Triton. Son of Poseidon. Prince of the Sea Kingdoms and Lieutenant of the Ocean Army," he announced, his voice carrying through the air. "The gods are alive again, and we walk among you. But not all is peaceful. War is coming. We will need to fight. My father, Poseidon, is among those returned, and he deserves to lead and win. Follow me into battle, and you will assure our victory!"

The mortals were dumbstruck, but Triton's powers were in full force. Soon, a chant rose among them: "Triton! Triton!" The sea-prince smiled. His army had been born.]