thickskinned,˚⟡˖ perseus jackson.

thickskinned.

THICKSKINNED.

ILARIA JADE RODRIGUEZ, is my name. I'm a daughter of Hermes. One that didn't matter the same as the second. Staying at Camp Half-Blood from a young age meant I lived in an overcrowded cabin. Sat on the sidelines as more innocent children filled it up, because they were rejected by their Godly parent. Or not good enough to be noticed by them.

I questioned my brother, Chris Rodriguez , about this constantly, why it happened. At a young age, even I was aware that it was wrong. Luke Castellan, my brother's friend, told me that the Gods and Goddesses were selfish. They'd reproduce and then give up on their offspring until they needed something from them.
This fuelled my guilt for being claimed.

Being the sister of Chris Rodriguez — Chiron, the Camp Half-Blood leader had a strong idea where I would be placed. After a week, Hermes, my Godly father decided to claim me. One of the lucky ones, is what they named me. I was grateful, but seeing the envious expressions of my cabin mates is what hurt me.

Chris and Luke constantly spoke about our cabin. It was our private space where we could talk about whatever we wanted. There were times where they'd have their own conversations, but I understood. They were older and had seen this place more than me, they fought against the Titan army.

I didn't deny that I was less powerful than most people in Cabin Eleven, but my empathy was more than enough to build strong relationships with others — so I wouldn't need to know how to protect myself. Luke taught me this.

Me and Luke had one of the strongest friendships in the whole of Camp Half-Blood. There was no doubt in that. He'd always had a soft spot for me, like he did for Chris. The three of us had each other's back, because our father certainly wasn't there to have ours.

There was no denying the Camp's adoration for Luke either, he was popular, to say the least. People had faith in him, they trusted him in challenges, and workshops. They relied on him, they knew that he knew what he was doing. He was what held our camp together.

But he couldn't do it alone, his best friend Annabeth Chase is our actual glue.

Annabeth ran away after enduring torment at home, she was only Seven years old. Now she's Twelve, a year older than me. When she ran away, she found family, Luke, of course, and then Thalia.

Thalia Grace, a name to remember. Because of Luke, I've never forgotten.

Luke and Annabeth made it to Camp Half-Blood safely, with the help of a Satyr. His name was Grover Underwood, his duty is to protect. We aren't that close, but I would trust him with my life nonetheless.

Thalia didn't make it. Thalia Grace, forbidden child and daughter of Zeus, sacrificed herself. Before they reached camp, they were attacked by monsters.

Thalia didn't make it, and Luke blames himself for it everyday. To somehow make up for it, to rid himself of the guilt he feels, I accompany him on his visits to her everyday.

She isn't completely gone, he tells me. Being such a powerful child comes with its perks, Zeus saved her, in his own way. Transforming her into a Pine Tree, to guard our Camp's borders.

Luke and Annabeth tell me about Thalia whenever they can, and Grover sometimes includes his own snippets too. They make it their duty to make sure she's never forgotten, her bravery was admirable and I would've loved to meet her.

They never speak about her in past tense, even though sometimes Grover slips up. It's unfair, I know he blames himself for her death the most.

Whenever we get the chance, on the odd occasion we leave a cheeseburger for Thalia, her favourite food. Hoping that maybe she has some sort of actual nourishment, besides the nutrients she receives from photosynthesis. To our surprise, when we visit the next day, the Cheeseburger is no longer there.

Luke has hope, he's certain that he'll find out how to bring her back. And I trust him, I trust him with anything and everything.

And that'll never change.

SOUNDTRACK.

Alive, Pearl Jam.
Come as you are, Nirvana.
What's up? 4 Non Blondes.
Losing my religion, R.E.M.
Bitter sweet Symphony, The Verve.
Under the bridge, Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Zombie, The Cranberries.
Black Hole Sun, Soundgarden.
Only happy when it rains, Garbage.
Semi-Charmed life, Third Eye Blind.
Torn, Natalie Imbruglia.
I don't want to miss a thing, Aerosmith.

CAST.

Ilaria Jade Rodriguez / Scarlett Estevez.
Percy Jackson / Walker Scobell.
Annabeth Chase / Leah Sava Jeffries.
Grover Underwood / Aryan Simhadri.
Luke Castellan / Charlie Bushnell.
Clarisse La Rue / Dior Goodjohn.
Chris Rodriguez / Andrew Alvarez.
Diane Rodriguez / Eva Longoria.

DISCLAIMERS.

→ I am not claiming to own Percy Jackson and the Olympians! All rights go to Rick Riordan and Disney Plus. All I claim are my own characters and my own added plots.

→ This is based on the series, but I have taken some facts from the books — like Thalia's favourite food being Cheeseburgers!

→ Scarlett, the face claim for Ilaria looks quite young in the edits I will make of her! But she is age appropriate I promise.

THICKSKINNED.