Still Running (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Work and Work and Work

A couple of days after the fire, the damage hadn't reached as far as they had thought so Percy had thought that due to all their hard work that more food would be soon arriving.

He helped out where he could, crushing fruit that miraculously grow with no tending. Percy helped their old water mill work faster, controlling the water.

He helped pick many different types of vegetables that had escaped the fires grasp. With all this work the wary villagers had started to accept him and even rely on him.

With all this work Percy thought at some point during the many weeks he had been here, distracting himself that he'd see some reward for his work. Not an actual reward but he thought they'd be able to make better quality food and the villages would have more food on their plate.

Only too be surprised when no one's portion expanded. It was a fairly small village, surely he'd be able to see the work he'd put in to helping making the food? He was sure that they had more than this, he'd seen and helped them harvest it and pick the fresh fruit and vegetables that were growing surprisingly quickly.

After a couple more days, wondering over this phenomenon he finally decided to ask about the portion sizes.

"I just wanted to know, I'm sure I picked more than what's going around and I know everyone else did too, are you storing the rest of the food away? I thought someone said that due to your situation, the fruit and veg grow all year round so you have no need to store it" Percy said, feeling a little suspicious.

Eric, who had been eating his small portion of fruit, veg and a tiny slice of bread on the side, that looked like it could only be swallowed in five bites, looked surprised but then his expression turned to shame?

He fidgeted on the wooden uncomfortable seat before he replied, looking down at his food "Ah well, it's not really that simple Percy"

"Why not?" He asked, curiously, feeling less suspicious because of Eric's expression.

Eric sighed as he said, looking uncomfortable "We've had thefts, someone or even a group by the amount that's stolen, helps themselves, no one's caught them yet but it's been going on for as long as I can remember"

"Really" Percy said, already thinking of a plan.

Eric's eyes widened a little as he realised what Percy was thinking as he quickly said "No, no, you've already helped us enough with that fire, I can't expect you too-"

Percy interrupted him, shaking his head "I can't sit by while all your hard work goes to waste, the majority of the village spent so much of your day collecting all this food"

That and he didn't tell Eric the main reason, he needed something to distract himself, he couldn't let himself think of his future or how he got here.

I just need to work and work and work.

That's the only way he could stop himself drowning in despair.

Another chapter! Sorry it's so short but my updates for the stories I am focusing on should be more regular now! I hope you enjoy!