Sedulous | pjo - a. chase x fem o.c

| Chpt: 1:7 |

"Mariposa."

My eyes opened and I was met with a familiar scene. I was back in Chicago, on the rooftop of my old apartment where my mom and the neighbors would always host the local parties.

The sun was setting and I could feel the warm summer air and the familiar scent of my hometown invading my sense of smell. I felt a pang of nostalgia and a sense of peace wash over me as I stood in the place that was once the place I called my home.

I looked towards the voice who said my name and I saw the same man who had saved me that night six years ago.

Realization washed over me once I comprehended who this man was.

He is my father, the one I've been looking for with no avail for years.

My Father smiled and his eyes that were the same color as mine twinkled when he saw me. He looked the same as he was six years ago, except he took the form of a more fatherly figure than last time. I could see the smile wrinkles besides his eyes, his irises showing his ancient age and wisdom of a god.

"It's nice to finally be able to see you again, daughter." He spoke with kindness and patience.

He walked towards me slowly and enveloped me in a firm hug. For the first time in years I felt safe again, with his large arms covering me.

I felt tears start to pool in the corner of my eyes, its been years since I last had a hug. The last one I had was from my Mother, before we departed for the last time. Ever since then, I couldn't bear to let anyone too close to me physically, like that. Not even with Percy, Sally or Chester, it just didn't feel right to have anyone too close to me.

I stood there silently for a minute, letting my emotions wash over me. I then hesitantly decided to hug my Father back. I realized that even after all these years he always made sure to take care of me and keep an eye on me, unlike the other gods who never gave most of their children a thought.

"Thank you." My voice cracked as I whispered.

I was too afraid to say anything more, as I felt my throat close. I knew I was about to cry. It didn't matter though, as tears started to fall anyways. The god of peaceful death hugged me tighter and I felt a sense of calming wash over me. My pain eased the longer he held me.

"It's okay hija, I'm here now. You can cry, let everything out. I'm so sorry I couldn't do more to help you and your Mother." He said, tears pricking in the corner of his eyes.

He tried to reassure me as he rubbed my back up and down slowly to comfort me.

As he said those words more tears spilled out of my eyes. I hadn't cried in such a long time, and I started to sob uncontrollably as I gripped onto his shirt in sorrow. I felt the emotions of Mom's and Thalia's passing, the despair of leaving Annabeth, Grover, and Luke, the guilt of being unable to see if they were even alive. I cried for every single thing that tore me up inside, every single thing that I should've done to save Thalia and Mom's life.

For what seemed like hours I sobbed. My Father didn't complain a single moment as I did. He held onto me firmly, as if protecting me from anything that could potentially hurt me. I was grateful that he didn't say anything as I continued to cry, my tears pooling onto his shirt, staining it.

As I slowly but surely collected myself, I started to calm down and my tears stopped. I was aware of how red and itchy my eyes were. I tried not to cough because of how dry and parched my throat felt.

My Father lifted my chin and looked into my eyes. I was surprised to see many emotions swirling in them. Regret, guilt, sympathy, and love is what I saw.