𝐃𝐄𝐉𝐀 𝐕𝐔 • Percy Jackson.

23

ROUGH BEADS OF GRAIN FLAKE AROUND HIS HANDS. It's molded, small yet shining in a golden ball in their hands, cradled with utmost care. The child stands tall with a grin staring at his next greatest masterpiece.  The waves ripple slowly, before a rush to the shore and soon it washes away. Melting all the intricate designs, the hard work,  into only soft mush. The kid wipes their tears with hands filled with sand, but it stings. Everything stings.

"The waves washed it away!" The child cries out, he gets a pat on his back and hears, "it's fine. Just make another." It doesn't appease his heart.

Or perhaps another kid smashes it in a fit of anger or on accident as they run around with a giggle of their own. They complain to an adult they hear, "oh it's just a sandcastle. You can make another and I'm sure the other didn't mean it."  They're words to go by. So the kid rebuilds it. He keeps rebuilding it until it's time to go.

Amani wonders at what point does the kid leave. 

—

When Amani awoke, his head was dizzy. He blinked a couple of times to focus on where he was and when he did, he didn't expect himself to be on a nice comfortable bed. Much less a  jet. His own private jet. He uncovered himself from the pristine white sheets and searched the vicinity to find a light switch in the dimly lit room. When he did he let out a sigh, he really was in his mother's jet.

He staggered out the room and through the halls until he reached the main seating area where Percy, Annabeth, and Grover sat relishing the 5-star lunch service.

"You guys seem to be enjoying the service." He stated, a yawn left his mouth soon after. They looked up. "Amani!" They shouted in surprise. "You're alright!" Grover shouted, a look of relief on his face, Amani shook his head. "Why wouldn't I be? I just passed out cause I was running on like three hours of sleep, relax." Grover furrowed his eyebrows, "but you passed out because you made a whole group of people pass out…" Amani raised his eyebrows at that before the memory came to him.

"Oh yeah that probably led to it too." He said offhandedly. "Doesn't matter. Why are we on a plane? Much less the one my mom owns." He said, narrowing his eyes at them. The setting made his own eloquent speech appear, he could hear the shouts of tutors and his mother hounding him to speak professionally in front of guests. He shook his head to get rid of the morbid memory.

Before they could explain, he heard an irritating voice behind him. "Because I allowed them to. We had a lovely talk." He rolled his eyes. "I'm sure." He said dryly, turning to face his mother.

She was wearing a white square neck puff sleeve top, black slacks, white heels, and tied together with golden jewelry. Her curls were in an updo wrapped together with a white bow. "They've informed me of your…travels." She trailed off, for a lack of better words, and stared down at the boy with a condemning look.

Amani rolled his eyes. (He should be appearing less rude in front of his mother with guests around, but fuck that.) "Did they?" Amani asked sarcastically. "They did. It was…great hearing the things you've experienced." He heard her say through gritted teeth, "things that got you so dirty….Once we get home you're immediately taking a shower." She ordered. Amani crossed his arms, "yeah whatever. Why are we here on the plane?" He asked.

Annabeth spoke, "Percy won the fight with Ares, he got the helmet of darkness back and gave it to hades." She explained and Percy nodded. "I need to deliver the Master bolt in New York and we need to fly back to make it in time."  Amani, who had turned his attention to them, nodded.

"And the reporters?" He asked. "You know I would never let you be called some criminal accomplice. The L.A news already has their own story made up about some kidnapper taking you all. They just went with it and now you're all some twelve year olds who were victims." His mother explained as the pilot made the announcement that they were arriving in New York within 20 minutes. He nodded before taking a seat beside Percy and slouching against it.