ACHILLES + PATROCLUS [p. jackson]

1.3: SPEAK YOUR MIND

     THE LOOK ON PERCY'S FACE WAS ONE THAT BROKE RIP'S HEART. He was clearly terrified as he gazed around the room, eyes tracing every square inch as if looking for a threat that wasn't there.

Reyna moved to take the seat next to Rip, nodding in recognition. The look on her face was murderous as ever, and if Rip was any less of a hero, he would have shaken in his boots.

"So..." Percy trailed off, glancing between Rip, Reyna, and Hazel. Rip couldn't help but think back to the day Hazel arrived at camp, the last time they had to make such an important yet somewhat terrifying decision.

Argentum and Aurum reacted a way Rip had never seen them before around most demigods. Their ears lay flat against their heads, metallic growls rising in their throats. Their hackles were raised, and looked close to attacking.

"Easy, easy," Rip hummed, running a hand down the cool silver spine of Argentum. The statue did not relent, but at least sat back down. Glancing back at Percy, who was looking at the dogs with fear glinting in his eyes. "They won't attack unless you try to steal something."

"Or unless we tell them to," Reyna butts in, eyes narrowed coldly. She had not quieted down Aurum, who was still making noise. "That's Argentum and Aurum."

"Silver and gold," Percy translated softly, glancing towards Hazel who gave a soft smile in return.

Reyna, ever the intimidating leader, slammed her dagger down on the table, whilst Rip just flicked his dice between one hand and the other. He almost had forgotten he left one in the war room, and knew he had to go back soon before some unsuspecting legionare moved it.

Percy looked Reyna up and down, sizing her up or trying to place her face, Rip didn't know. All she did in response was quirk a thin eyebrow. It seemed to Rip he was trying his best not to look at him, which was understandable.

"We have met," Percy finally spoke once more, sea-green eyes narrowing in slight suspicion. "I don't remember when," he paused, sparing a glance in Rip's direction with a newfound hope. "or even where. Please, if either of you can tell me anything-"

Gods, I wish I could, Rip wanted to say. I wish I could tell you we've known each other for years, yet you're just a stranger who wormed their way into my dreams. Into my heart.

"First things first," Reyna interrupted, glancing in Agrippa's direction with thinly-veiled concern. 'I'm fine' he mouthed, but that did not change her look. "We need to hear your story."

"What do you remember?" Rip butt in, stopping with the constant fiddling. His voice was soft, but his gaze was hardened to seem intimidating, which was failing, based on the look of confusion Hazel was giving him. 

"How did you find your way here?" Reyna added, her voice far harder, and her gaze even less so. "Don't lie," she leaned down to scratch Argentum's ears, which made quite the unpleasant sound. "Our dogs don't like liars."

To that, the two statues growled intimidatingly for effect.

And so, that started his story. Of waking in the Wolf House, of his time training, all of the factors of a normal demigod or legacy life.

As he finished his description, he looked between Reyna and Rip, hoping for some sort of normal response, or perhaps for one of them to finally give him a straight answer on what was going on.