Wrath of a Halfblood (A Percy Jackson Fanfic)

1.7

"I hope you know, Patroclus didn't mean any harm. I'm not entirely certain what was said, but I know Patroclus. Whatever it is he did to offend you, I know it was without malicious intention." Achilles said, startling her slightly as he held his hand out to her. It was the gentlemanly thing to do, but Percy had no desire to accept help stepping out of the small raft and onto shore. 

She ignored the hero's help, stepping with grace and ease. Though she was rarely graceful, as long as the saltwater still brushed her ankles, she was still in her father's domain. 

"Patroclus has done nothing. Don't worry about it." Percy said cooly as she grabbed the pack gifted to her by Hermes. 

"It's just you've been very quiet... Well, you're usually rather quiet and broody, but this is a different kind of quiet."

The men began setting up camp on the shores of Troy. Tents went up in minutes, fires began being built, and people were sent out to observe the area. The bustle of the people did nothing to calm her nerves. 

Ever since her cold war with Patroclus began, things on the ship were tense. 

It was as if they were waiting for her to smite them all. She didn't care what the fates said, she was not made for this time. 

"A different kind of quiet?" Percy smirked allowing her sarcastic tone to slip through much to Achilles' bewilderment. 

"Do not jest! You know what I am referring to. You are always rather dower but even more so in recent days. We have not known each other long but... I consider you a friend Percy... I harbor no shame in admitting I worry for you." Achilles spoke softly, losing the boyish charm Percy had so quickly grown to associate with the man. He was being sincere, Percy knew. He just wanted to help. 

But Percy needed to maintain that distance, she didn't want to form bonds in this timeline. She knew that unconditional loyalty would always be her downfall. 

"You have not eaten." Achilles pointed out.

"I'm not hungry." 

"You only slept for a few moments."

"Yes well I was steering the ships, what do you expect me to do? Now that we're on land I'll get some real sleep okay... You don't need to worry about me." Percy looked tired again, not from the lack of sleep but from a soul-deep exhaustion that stemmed from fighting on all sides for far too long. 

She only paused when she felt Achilles reach out to take hold of her arm. His grasp was gentle, she could easily continue her retreat if she wished, but she paused looking back at Achilles' sad green eyes. 

"We are two of the same kind... I love Patrocillus but he often fails to recognize what is like to be as we are. We are neither completely mortal nor are we immortal. We are both children of the sea stuck between worlds. Few could understand your plight as I do... You seem to have had your fill of adventures but... I admit my selfish desire for you to remain with us." Achilles admitted. 

She saw it then, the despondent look that existed in the eyes of each new camper at camp half-blood. The eyes of a child who always felt different, finally finding that they were not alone. 

"Achilles... I can't stay-" 

Before she could finish her thought the very air heated around them. 

The camp fell silent for a moment only for the tranquility to be shattered by a loud boom. It sounded like a grenade had gone off. 

The smell of blood and sweat filled the sea air and every head turned towards the intruder standing in the middle of the camp. His divine presence weighed down on them all, their souls trembling in fear and awe as she held out his arms presenting himself to the masses.