Children of Divinity (A Percy Jackson Fanfic/BoyXBoy)

Chapter 21 Holding Down The Fort

- a couple days after the trio left on the quest -
"How you holding up Thalia?" The punk rock looking teen looked at me from the entrance of Zeus' cabin.
"I'm fine." I looked her over after she said that. She's angry. About staying here at the camp no doubt. I'm glad she took took Annabeth's advise. She's also worried it seems. Still, probably best to not push.
"Okay, I'm here if you need anything," I said as I continued walking.
"Jesse a word?" Mr. D says as he walks by me.
"Yes sir?"
"In the big house first."
I followed him in and sat down on the couch.
"I mean this in the nicest possibly way Jesse. Truly, I do."
"Okay?"
"Back off." I blinked at him in confusion. "I know you're only trying to help. I know, I get it. But you came very close to overstepping your bounds with Thalia. You didn't need to transform her back. You could've and should've just healed her from the poison." He took a breath. "You're a guest here. You do not run this camp. Am I clear?"
"Yes. You are."
"Good. Most of what you've done is fine, great even. In part I'd recommend you back down also due to the upcoming events with the Titans. Whatever that may look like"
"I understand."
"Good. On a separate note, and I suspect you'll be happy to hear this. You are allowed to stay here year round, if you so choose."
"Thank you. That's...that's very kind. Thank you."
"Yeah. Also you can take down that barrier you set up. This is my camp I'm overseeing, I'll handle that."
"Oh okay, yeah sure. Done."
"Thank you. Now, why don't you go and watch over the other injured campers?"
"I did already. Everyone is fine."
"Right. Naturally..."
"Was I wrong in doing that?"
"Not necessarily. Just ease off a bit there too alright? It's good practice for the Apollo kids. Plus, overall the demigods are still unsure of what think of you. Probably best to leave them alone for a bit."
"Okay. Anything else?"
"Not to my current knowledge no."
"Then we're done here yeah?"
"Yeah. See you around Jesse."
I nodded and walked out of the big house and headed back to Aphrodite's cabin.
"Jesse?"
I looked around for the source of the voice and blinked when I saw Thalia running up.
"Hi, yes?"
"Is it true?"
"You're gonna need to be a little bit more specific?"
"That you're a Titan?"
"Oh. That. Uhm yes, it is. Why?"
"And they just let you in here?"
"Was a little bit more complex than that. But for sake of conversation yeah."
"I see. And you're in a relationship with a son of Aphrodite?"
"Yeah. I can tell you're having mixed feelings about me and my residency here."
"Yeah," she nodded. "You could definitely say that."
I felt myself snicker a bit, looking away as I did so. "What?" Thalia asked somewhat angrily. and I shook my head.
"Sorry. It's just, you remind me of how my first few interactions with Annabeth went."
Thalia glared at me, but her aggressive vibe eased ever so slightly when I mentioned Annabeth's name. "She's the only reason I agreed to stay here."
"I know."
"She said you'd be able to keep me safe till I'd readjusted."
"Yeah."
"Can you?"
"Keep you safe?"
Thalia nodded to my question.
"Yeah. I'm not going to constantly watch you and or ask where you're going. But yes, I am capable of and planning to protect you. And everyone else here too for the matter."
"Did Annabeth make you promise that?"
"No. I freely gave her my word that I would do this."
Thalia looked me over, seemingly curious.
"Why?"
"Because I think it's the right thing to do. And I care a lot about you. You being the mortals."
"And yet Annabeth said you refuse to fight."
"Correct. However I was referring to the Gods when I said that. And I doubt any Olympian would attack this place." Thalia said nothing else, just looked me over again. "Anything else?"
"No. Nothing else."
"Okay. Well if you need anything else let me know. I'll be around."
"Thank you," she said quietly, our backs now to each other. "For healing and turning me back I mean."
"You're welcome. See you around?"
"Yeah."

- few days later -
Crossing my legs and resting my hands on my knees I closed my eyes. He's doing good, I'm glad. Andrew feels happy where he is, so does his father and sister.
Taking in a breath I found the Trio alongside Clarisse in the sea of monsters? Where are they going? I wonder what they're onto.
Well while I don't know the answer to that question, I can feel their resolve. They'll get this done, in that I have faith.
"Jesse we got an Issue, mind lending a hand?"
"Sure, what's going on?" I ask as I got to my feet, power waking towards the entrance of the cabin.
"That." I looked at where the camper was pointing and saw a few monsters heading up the hills.
"What the heck? I thought Dionysus put up his barrier."
"I did. Some of the poison must've lured them here before it was purged."
"They'll probably try and get through then realize they can't and leave."
"Even still, we should kill them." Dionysus said. "Or they'll tell others and return in force."
"We'll handle it." A group of Ares' kids said and Dionysus nodded.
"Sure."
"I should help, just in case..." I said. As I went to walk forward however, Dionysus put his hand on my shoulder and shook his head.
"No. Let them be." I looked back at him and nodded, prompting him to remove his hand. I looked out at the monsters as 5 demigods went out with their weapons. Despite this I felt the stares of other demigods on me, as if they expected me to do something. The daughter of Aphrodite that had gotten me looked at me. She felt mostly curious but also happy. I don't know why though, I haven't done anything.
The monsters were an even match for the group of war demigods. They went blow for blow with each other. It wasn't until two Minotaurs showed up that I actually started getting worried.
I looked back at Dionysus who was also watching intently.
"They're not in any actual danger are they? You'd step in right?"
"Correct. We shouldn't coddle them in these kinds of situations. If we do they'll never learn to defend themselves. Now that said, I wouldn't leave them to die."
"I see."
"Yeah. So just keep watching. Yee a little faith Jesse."
"Okay."
I'll admit they are quite skilled in combat. Though I'd be surprised if they weren't. They're able to not only attack with significant efficiency, but also defend each other just as well. Their combined coordination was also substantial.
After about 20 minutes total the final monster dropped.
"You guys did great," I said, clapping.
The kids blinked at me, some even cocking their head to the side. Why do they feel surprised? "You guys did good!"
"Thanks," one of them said awkwardly.
"Yeah. I'm sensing this is awkward?"
Several campers nodded, agreeing with my assumption. "Do we not cheer for campers when they succeed?"  Silence. "Okay well my apologies on that. You did do good though."
"I'll uhm, I'll be over there," I said pointing to the dining area. "Regretting social interactions," I mumbled.
"I can see why Andrew likes you." A female voice says about 5 minutes later. I looked up at the girl. "Name's Erin. Daughter of Aphrodite. You don't need to tell me yours Jesse."
"Oh um okay. Nice to meet you Erin." I offered her my hand and she shook it.
"Likewise. Seat taken?" She pointed to the seat across from me. I shook my head in response and she sat down. She didn't say anything, just eyed me up and down. "Yeah, I can definitely see it. You're super cute."
"Thank you. Sooo..."
"So?"
"So did you need something or?"
"Nope. Just wanted to meet the Titan. You're super popular among conversations right now."
"Figured that. Nothing too bad I hope?"
"Meh. Some fear but mostly just amusement. A lot of campers actually really wanna talk to you. But they're still pretty awestruck. I told them that you don't bite though."
I blinked at her and she laughed. "Means you're not intimidating."
"No no I got that. I'm just surprised you're so confident about my personality."
"Well I like people to feel included. And it's clear to me at least that you're trying your best to help."
"Thank you. A lot. Means a lot to hear that."
"Yeah. Anytime. So what's now like compared to the old days?"
"Super nice. Less war, less destruction, less drama. Plus, mortals are much more stable and independent now."
"What about your family?"
"With the exception of a select few, their jerks for the most part. What about you? Any drama?"
"Not really no. Stable loving family, lots of friends, awesome powers and upbringing. I've had it pretty sweet. "
"I'm glad to hear that. Really."
"You've met my mother right?"
"Yeah. Me and her are pretty tight."
"What's she like? Personality wise I mean."
"Caring, self-confident, humorous, empathetic, sympathetic. Helpful. Hopeful. Overall she's pretty cool."
"I see. I'll take your word on that. I've met her once or twice but never really got to know her."
"I see. Well I'm confident she cares about you."
"Again I'll take your word on that. Hey though, at the very least...you care about us don't you?"
"Yes. I do. Very much."
"Still weird hearing a Titan say that," Thalia said walking up.
"Eh. How many Titans have we actually spoke with though? It's not like we meet them on the reg. And even then they're not exactly portrayed in a positive light. Heck first one I've ever met and spoken with is this one right here," Erin says nodding to me.
Thalia shrugged in response with a slight nod.
"Fair point. I guess we just wait here? Till they get back with the Golden Fleece then."
I looked at Thalia after she said that.
"That's what they're searching for. That makes sense. Good choice."
"Hey guys! Guys! He's back! Chiron's back."
We collectively looked at the field and sure enough the centaur was walking back in.
"Thank you young campers. I'm glad to be back as well."
"Welcome back Chiron."
"Thank you Jesse. I appreciate it. Annnd...oh. Hello again Thalia."
"Hey Chiron."
"And whom do I have to thank for this?"
"Give you 2 guesses but you're only gonna need one," Thalia grinned as her eyes landed on me.
"For better or worse Jesse, thank you."
"Yeah. Yeah anytime."
"Where's Andrew?"
"Family," I answered and Chiron nodded.
"I see."

- A day later -
"Jesse wake up!"
"Why does all the bad shit happen in the morning? Why can't it wait till at least noon?!" I yelled into my pillow as I got up. Slamming my hand onto a pack as I rolled over out of bed WITH a shirt in hand this time. "Yes?" I asked Chiron, my voice way more grumpy than intended. In fact he looked even a bit taken back.
"Percy and the others are in trouble on Luke's ship. I need you with me."
FFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU