An Assassin's Guide to Family

Chapter 24: Present

---------------- Percy's POV: -----------------

It had only been a series of attacks from Deathstroke and his crew once he left, and it felt like Damien's and I's training just turned into clean-up duty as we were sent to deal with the aftermaths of their destruction. It was a nightmare. It didn't help that Damien seemed to be more on edge around me as well, ever since that night on the roof it was like he was afraid to leave my side for more than a minute. I mean, it's not like I minded, Damien was good company for a kid his age, and his snooty remarks were funny under the right situations but guilt still ate away at me for it.

He'd watched me get kidnapped, and all I told him to do was run. He didn't know where I'd end up, or what fate I'd meet. It was eating away at me with every glance in his direction.

That's why today was important. Today we had nothing to do, so I was going to have him relax, even if it meant going to extreme lengths to do so. I was going to give him time to think for himself.

I'd come in early today, and knowing Damien and Talia, they were always here, morning or night.

As expected I found Damien by following the sounds of metal slashing against metal. I traced my hand along the wall as I walked quietly down the hall and toward the training room. I was down here a lot more often than before I'd met Damien, I bet I could do this walk with my eyes closed now. Well... I could anyways, but without using my powers.

I stopped once my fingertips rose off the wall and the entrance to the room was in front of me, Damien's quick movements sending various shadows across the wall of the dimly lit room.

I didn't talk or make notice of my presence as I watched carefully, examining his every move.

Damien often resorted to duel Katanas, something impressive within itself for someone of his height and age, trust me when I say duel swords a mastery. But now he was training in his knife, and I had to applaud Talia for her demand in him knowing the basics in basically everything. It made him rounded out, and only that much more dangerous. But I felt a smile appear on my face, and a warm feeling enter my heart when I saw some of the moves, recognizing them to be my own.

He slashed viciously, but his moves while compelled by hate were clean and precise. I took in a deep breath as I walked in, once again keeping my presence silent.

Damien stayed as quiet as you could be, except when voicing his very loud impression of you, and if you weren't favorable, boy, you would hear it. I knew it wasn't his fault though, having trained beside Damien for so long, it was clear to see one thing, he was a kid looking desperately for the approval of his mom. It's one of the reasons why Damien's the one to report to Talia so often, he's the one who wants to brag on his accomplishments, on how swiftly we completed the mission. I never objected to anything, even if he downplayed my aid, I probably would've done the same thing with Poseidon if I knew he existed before my resentment grew.

"Dami, try and lean into the sword more when you're on the downswing, it'll aid in putting pressure on the wound." Damien turned quickly, throwing the knife as fast as possible. I turned my head in time to feel it fly past me. He was very good at accuracy.

"Orca! I told you never to sneak up on me!" He half yelled, frustration clearing on his face as a warm tint of red came from the embarrassment of getting snuck up on.

I smiled, walking forwards as I ruffled his hair. "But it's just so much fun," I said, internally laughing as he crossed his arms, looking off embarrassed. "Plus I know you would change up your moves if I was here," I added, removing my hand from my hair as I turned back to the wall, going for the knife that was currently wedged in the bricks. Another thing I must commend Talia on, his very sturdy weapons.