𝐃𝐄𝐉𝐀 𝐕𝐔 • Percy Jackson.

II-07

          WINDY. That's what Amani Shah saw as he found himself on green grassy plains on a hill that oversaw a floor of misty clouds. Green stems with purple petals that trailed upwards followed the wind, a full field of it, he was standing in between. The scent of lavender wept in the breeze. His orange shirt fluttered along with his black hair, yet funny enough, he couldn't feel an ounce of cold breathe against his skin.

Regardless of the relaxing atmosphere, Amani couldn't follow along with it. He furrowed his eyebrows as he thought of where he was. The only explanation was that he was dreaming. Yet he hasn't dreamed since those fateful days in Yancy with Eli.

A surge of hope overtook him, had Eli contacted him? "Finally!" He heard someone say, he snapped his head to look around, before finding a man sitting on a chair with a cup in his hands. "Um.." he trailed off, surprised.

The man waved at him to come towards him, "come come! Try this tea. These lovely mortals invented it." He urged and Amani had no choice but to sit at the white table with white chairs holding plaid cushioned seats. "Try the tea!" He urged and Amani blurted out, "I'm dreaming, what's the point?" The man seemed to stop at that and knitted his eyebrows as if the thought never occurred to him. "Yes I suppose that's true." He said with a hum.

He observed the man before him; he looked young, lean too, but still had muscles, wearing a white garment similar to a toga, but the most eye-catching detail was the wavy blonde hair. It seemed to appear gold-like and was a contrast to his darker toned skin. "...So who are you?" Amani asked awkwardly. The man chuckled, blue eyes glinting with a humor unknown to Amani. "In due time." He said and Amani could only fight off the urge to roll his eyes.

Riddles this, riddles that, he'd rather have the answer straight to this face. He was never good at English comprehension after all. "You said finally? Why?" He asks as he watches the man take a sip of his drink. "Because you never sleep!" The man said with a sad sigh, "it's very concerning." He says with a deep look, "um okay." Was all Amani could say.

"Do love the dream field thing you got going on, not many can do this. I suppose it's because of your father." He rambles and Amani's eyes narrow.

His posture, originally slouched and relaxed, tried to straighten up, but it only lasted a few seconds before it went back to its original state. Amani sat in the other chair with his hands fiddingling with each other. "You know my father." He states and the god nods, "of course! I wouldn't be–" he stops himself. "Wouldn't be what?" He urged, the man doesn't say anything.

"Just what exactly do you want from me?" He asked, leaning forward, narrowing his eyes. "Oh don't worry it isn't much." He said, "just some small things." He advised.

The wind seemed to grow stronger and he swore the clouds on the horizon were starting to look like smoke. The man suddenly put his cup down. It made a quiet bang on the table, shaking the plate underneath it disguised as a coaster. "Young boy, little lavender, I'll say this quickly." He said, his tone changing. "It is futile to change the future." He whispered with wide eyes like a deer. "The river flows in you and it seems it's slowing down. A set back from the original plan, yes, but fate is set in stone." Amani flinched, "what are you talking about?" A rush of wind blew into his face and the world went black.

"I'll be watching you. I do hope you
don't disappoint." 

–

Amani woke up with a start. His mouth opened and a soft gasp escaped him as he found himself looking at the ceiling with the soft snores of Tyson keeping him company. He tries to sit up, but realizes a weight holding him down. In the dark he glances and sees the silhouette of an arm coiled around him and on top of his chest.