Desiderium//J. Grace

Chapter I

Corva POV

That morning was like any other day. The routine I have been stuck in since Jason's disappearance. Six months ago. Every day the flame of hope grows weaker and weaker, my own self doubts of him even living becoming the rain that will eventually put it out.

Other people have tried to ask me out but I always refused. Jace wasn't dead, I could sense that much, and as long as he's alive I will fight for him.

I walked across the town and observed the perfect lines of soldiers willing to fight off the monsters for their people. The patrol consisted of well ordered people who knew how to fight, not all demigods but all ready to defend us in case of emergency.

They seemed to be the only thing that changed with the days, different people doing different jobs. The only break in routine during my numbness.

Everyone greeted me with smiles and cheers. They asked if I was okay and I always replied with the accepted answer and never the truth. I had to stay strong. For my people, the ones who needed me to be strong.

So, I smiled. My cheeks hurt and I knew it would give me wrinkles. Just once I wish someone would realize the cracks in my shakily put together heart, would notice my big smile never seemed to reach my eyes and I was never truly there. But, no one did.

I started making my way to where I knew that Frank and Hazel were patrolling. Maybe I would bother them a bit.

I was walking on the mud on my way to the river, looking at my feet as I passed people while walking to the sand. I held two cups of hot chocolate, one for each of the friends in my cohort. As I walked closer and closer to the stream I noticed the way the mud seemed to turn to dirt, as if all of the water was sucked out of it.

"Frank," I heard a yell in a sort of blind panic and immediately looked up, in no way prepared for what I was about to see.

Frank and Hazel were running across the river quickly, a man she had never seen right behind them carrying what seemed to be a homeless lady. Two gorgons were attacking Frank and attempting to take him, causing a surge of anger in me.

I drew my sword without missing a beat and charged into the water. The others behind me knew they would be too late, but I was already heading there. Maybe I could make it to them. But I knew, even if I did make it in time, there was no point. The gorgons were already flying and could easily escape.

The unknown man thrust his hands forward and what happened next shocked me to my core. Two hands formed out of the water and grabbed the gorgons who, in return, dropped Frank.

The new guy's sea green eyes were wide, black brows furrowed in concentration as he worked. His tanned hands came down and brought the monsters with it. The mini hurricane that formed around him slowly fell back into the river and his clothes seemed to almost be boiled off.

I sheathed my blade and went up to him as Hazel helped the stunned Frank out of the water. "Are you alright, puer (boy)?"

"No, not really," he said, seemingly uncomfortable under the stares of the city.

"Well, that was a lovely trip," what seemed to be a homeless person said on his shoulders. "Thank you, Percy
Jackson, for bringing me to Camp Jupiter."

"Percy... Jackson?" Reyna said in shock while my eyes widened.

"What is happening right now?" I couldn't help but mumble, causing Percy to look at me.

"Oh, yes. You'll have such fun together!" the old woman giggled before changing into a better form.

She grew to a bigger size, a goat skin cloak draped over her blue dress. Juno.