Longing | Percy Jackson

of arrival and misunderstandings

It was like deja vu.

He walked through the tunnel, just that there was no monster after him this time.

He could see the light on the side, at the end of the line.

(There was always light near the end. So, was it possible that the longing would end with a battle even the hero of Olympus cannot win?)

He made himself look as imposing as he could. No weakness could be shown here, not now and maybe if it gets as bad as he thinks, probably not ever.

He will march here like their ex-praetor. He is not an unaware twelve-year-old or an amnesiac teenager today.

In these past days, he was forced to look ahead his grief. Afterall, his goal is much greater.

He knows he does not have the best esteem. But why does that even matter, when he knows his worth.

He felt the flow of the Little Tiber. The waves tugging on him, pulling him towards it in a welcoming way, so unlike the time when he had come across the river with the Curse of Achilles.

It was soothing. The knowledge of being around his father's domain calmed him. He allowed himself to relax just a bit.

He supposed, like this, for an out looker, he would appear arrogant. But he did not care. Someone with experienced eyes would see right through, he was just a soldier. Confident.

He was entering his territory.

(His domain of control was beyond just sea water.)

With a turbulent thought, he came to a halt just before stepping out into the light.

Hazel had sent him a message of urgency. She looked like a mess, her hair was unkept and her eyes showed that she had only seen restless nights. In the moment, then and now, her state did not matter to him. All that did matter was, Hazel was alive. That, he knew Hazel was alive.

And? He knew nothing else.

He just came rushing at her one call.

-

The guy could be a god for all Trevor knew.

He walked tall and strong, his back impossibly straight and he shoulders set back. He strides was calculated; every step was steady.

He never saw his face, but he assumed no new demigod would walk in Camp Jupiter like this if not a god. (Especially in these times.)

The god's long black hair flowed unnaturally, like he was underwater even on land.

In the dark, with only a dim light, his bronze skin shone with the gold he wore on his wrist.

He must be a god bathed in jewelry and unearthly beauty to hide in such a form. Low to his success it seemed, the mortal body could not contain the divinity pouring out of his being.

He glanced to his side to see Adrian looking at the man with cold calculating hazel eyes. She was doing little good at hiding her curiosity and frustration.

Trevor could see it in the way she gripped her bow, either she did not like their visitor at all or this was a situation far too entertaining in her perception.

He wished none.

The god stopped just before he could enter the light and Trevor had to prevent walking right into him in the sudden.

They stood there in an oddly comforting silence before the god turned.

Trevor would deny the claim that he stood mouth agape.

He never knew that eyes could be so green. And the color green even had a shade so beautiful. His eyes were enchanting and literally glowing.

If not a god, he was definitely a siren.

"Lead my way." Gods. Trevor was going to die today, and he hadn't even made any good friends yet. Why him? He couldn't have chosen to ask Adrian.

He gave the other guard a pleading glance, but the heartless woman just smiled sweetly at him before turning her back to them and moving back to their post.

He gripped the hilt of his gladius tightly and took a deep breath. "Follow me." He nodded.

Gods, wasn't this person supposed to be an immortal who already knew the ways of New Rome? He was so confused.

He remembered his battle strategy lessons. "Don't assume. You'd only make a fool of yourself."

Yes, not the best way to teach child solider thrust into an unwanted life, but he considered, he should apply those lessons some more to life.

He started to walk, not before checking if the person was following or not and then light rained on them.

The legion was already assembling near the Little Tiber. They were all whispering, and some were looking wide eyed.

Trevor was suddenly also very anxious.

He could see the red capes flowing between the gold armor adorned mass. They were all making way for the ambitious son of Mars.

He caught sight of the new color with little to no problem. Purple shined separated in the sea of red and gold. Larry Martin stood opposite to him.

The demigod was tall and bulked. Brown eyes, brown hair, straight nose, square jaw and unkind thoughts. He was soon going to become their king. Imperator. Caesar.

Before Trevor could evade the water, a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

He watched in wonder as the water parted and made a way for them to cross and the green-eyed enigma walked through like it was the most normal thing.

He had parted the Little Tiber.

Realization slowly dawned upon him. Divine. Siren. Water. Son of Neptune.

He had heard whispers of his adventures. In the short time he had been at Camp Jupiter, he found little about the hero but even that all seemed to be too good to be true. So, he had simply not believed.

Later, he also found out, not believing would be in his best interest because the political game Larry Martin was playing sew them in restrictions.

Forbidden.

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