Anyone who knows Arya Jackson for more than five minutes knows her opinion of the world, and demigods not so fair place in it. Unfortunately, since the war Arya isn't that easy to get to know. To most she's little more than a legend.
Arya is fine w...
"I have to remind myself to breathe sometimes. I have to remind myself to be present, you know? Remind myself that the sky is not falling, that there is no other shoe. Which is incredibly difficult because there is always another shoe."
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25.
Needed Answers
ARYA HAD A DREAM.
Not a demigod one. A normal one. Her mind making up scenarios to help her process. No death or decay, premonitions or gods. Just Luke and Ace sitting at the campfire, talking like they were old friends.
It only gave Arya pause for a second. A quick debate to figure out if Luke and Ace would have been friends if they ever got the chance to meet. Of course they would have. Luke and Ace were both the kind of people who got along with everyone.
Other campers were around. Most of them are a lot younger, children.
You were a kid.
They were running around and laughing without a care in the world. Chasing each other, tripping on one another. A pair in bright orange camp half-blood shirts landed hard right in front of the two boys. Ace was quick to help them up while Luke warned them about being so reckless in front of the fire.
Arya walked up and sat on the row behind them. Both boys noticed and turned with bright smiles on their faces. Arya gave them one in return.
"Ace was filling me in on the parts of your epic quest that you didn't get to tell me about." Luke said. "It's just like you to take on a giant by yourself, and win."
"It wasn't even a contest!" Ace exclaimed.
Arya didn't say a word. She just listened as the two boys went back and forth, talking about her, celebrating her.
"I'm gonna go get some food. Do you guys want any?" Ace asked.
Arya shook her head, Luke did the same while holding up his hand. Arya watched him walk away. Even in the glow of the campfire he managed to be the brightest thing for a mile. The way he smiled at everyone and laughed.
She didn't realize it until now, but he had a talent for making everyone feel seen.
"He told me everything." Luke's voice pulled her back. "I didn't realize you were struggling so much."
"Why would you?" Arya spoke for the first time.
"You're right." He replied honestly, "I'm not around anymore."
"You're not. You died in my arms."
"I know."
Knowing it was a dream, she decided to let her anger that had been pent up, out.
