Chapter 26: The Worried and the Sacrificing

Chapter 26

The Worried and the Sacrificing

~Camp Half-Blood~

||Fyna Sveira||

I watched the brunette woman enter the cabin, eyes glinting in amazement as she walked all over the living room with child-like amazement. I stood by the side, questions fleeting around in my head about her.

"Lady Natalia, right this way please," I said, gaining her attention where I stood by the stairs, "I'll be directing you to your lodgings as His Highness commands me."

She walked beside me, taking in everything we pass by in silence. That is, of course, until she decided to break it up. "So, by the looks of it, you're well acquainted with Percy, correct?"

I nodded, "Yes, I am. I'm stationed as his personal maid, and still am, but the majority of my work is being his personal secretary."

I could feel her sideways glance at me, "How has he been?" she questioned, which resulted in me turning my head at her in confusion. She shrugged, "I know I should be asking him instead of you, but that stupid blockhead would lie and say something generic and all, so I'm asking you as the person who clearly is with him a lot," she continued, answering my unspoken question. "He has the habit of going through so much trouble for everyone else, completely disregarding himself, which is probably what he's doing right now, being in this camp.How has he been managing?" 

I didn't even realize it until Natalia turned to me, asking me what was wrong and why I stopped walking. My thumbs began to fiddle with each other as my lips began to tremble while I explained to Natalia, the woman who seems to know a lot about him, my predicament regarding Percy.

"I will not lie, Lady Natalia. I'm so worried about him it feels like my heart is about to burst just thinking about it. This mission, which he took without a second thought, I fear, would take its toll on him. And if he does, it is without a doubt, that he'll fall back into the mood where he will slip into the deep abyss of his mind. His depressive episodes are not something that is easy to handle, and every time he falls into them, I am rendered helpless. I try my best but I don't know what to do, I hate seeing him like that, it's so painful, Lady Natalia. Seeing a great man such as him fall down to such terrible depth. I have done everything, Your Majesty, Chaos, has tried everything, the whole army and his friends also tried helping him but when it strikes him, it strikes him deep. I just simply don't know what to do and being on this planet is clearing costing him. Of course, there are many days where he is okay and everything's okay but it kills me just anticipating it."

I felt warm hands wrap around me, had I not been in a flustered state, I would've rejected it but instead, I did the opposite and accepted it. "Thank you for taking care of him. He's lucky to have you and he probably knows it too."

~

I waited by Percy's office, twirling a piece of a cloth in my hand as I waited for Percy to arrive. Looking down at the screen in front of me, I had found that after his arrival, he'd be pretty much free.

Soon enough, the man had arrived in the ever so familiar swirling vortex. Well, technically, it was the kid, Damien, that came first; looking quite exuberant as he bounced up and down, his eyes shone the way a bright star would in a dark sky and a smile so wide it made my heart warm just seeing it. Percy followed next, looking at the kid with all the fondest there is possible.

"Thank you so much for taking me with you today, Big Brother Percy! It was the best!"

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Percy replied, patting the kid's hair, "It's about time you go back to camp, little dude."

Damien gave Percy one last hug before waving goodbye, "Bye, Big Brother Percy! Bye Fyna!"

I simply curtsied at him and waved back with a return smile as the door closed behind him. Percy began walking back in his office chair, just as I commented, "your fondness for the kid exceeds to what others think you're capable of towards affection. One would even think he's your child."

He sat down on his chair with a plop, "he does seem like it, doesn't he?" he replied. Fingers tapping on the wooden table with his armor disappearing, revealing a more loosely formal clothing.

"He's a good child," I said, "his presence seems to be doing you good quite a lot."

Percy nodded, before running a hand through his already unruly raven hair. "In all honesty, he keeps me sane."

"That's a good thing, it's good for you to have something good in here."

His only response was a hum with eyes closed and leaning back on his chair.

"Clearly you're attached to him, what would you do after this mission?"

"This mission seems to drag on so long I never even thought about that," he admitted, before falling into a silence. "....Damien Callis.." he said, more to himself than me. "That kid could be something more if given the right opportunities. If Natalia agrees with me, I will take them both with me back to Neurala. Speaking of which, how is she?"

"What do you mean by 'more,' Percy?" I questioned, "Lady Natalia is doing well, she seems to like the cabin a lot as I've seen her walking around a couple times. Will you be meeting with her soon?"

"What I mean by more is that if he is properly trained and all that jazz, he could very be well my successor should anything happen to me and such." He said, once again standing up and walking up to me. The raven-haired leaned down, lips touching my forehead, and lasted there for what seemed like a long time which made me voluntarily close my eyes at his touch. "Thanks for your hard work today, Fi. You're excused for tonight, take a rest or something."

"Thank you. Don't push yourself, Perce. Keep it calm tonight."

He grinned, the ever-so-darling mischievous grin, "I can't promise anything."

With that said, he was out the door. Leaving me behind with a tingling forehead spot from his kiss, which he usually does, and a pretty much frayed wired mind.

~

|| Natalia Callis||

500 years or so of absolute zero communication and then a reunion, one would think that things wouldn't exactly flow between two people like it was before. I honestly have thought so, but the moment I saw the quirk of his mouth and his reply, my relief at that time could be compared to the relief I felt when I heard that my grandson had survived the tragedy where his parents and my son died. But here he is, walking right alongside me, seeming as relax and comfortable as I am.

As we walk along the quieted down camp, I couldn't help but take continuous glances at him. Boy, our bond might've stood strong and unwavering all these years but I couldn't say the same for his appearance because godsdamn, the puberty truck couldn't have hit him any harder. Technically, he was done with puberty long ago but it seems like puberty is not done with making this man into way past the peak of handsomeness.

"You know, at some point," Percy began, " you're going to have to say something rather than staring at me."

"Leave me alone, Jackson," I scowled, red tinting my cheeks at being caught staring, embarrassed. "I haven't seen you in centuries, I have the right to stare."

He rolled his eyes, "Whatever you say, Nat."

"You do look good though," I say quietly a moment after, "A little rough on the edges but I suppose it balances your soft personality."

"I'm sure a lot of people would disagree with your description of the soft personality."

"So?" I inquired, "who are they to tell me what I say?"

Percy shook his head, a soft smile gracing his lips, "still the same as ever."

I only chuckle, pausing for a moment wondering whether I should bring up a certain topic or not. Taking a deep breath, I decided to just go with my guts and said, "Percy, it's been 500 years--"

"Well, 50,000 years in my case--" he cut off.

"Okay, okay, old man. It's been a really long time since I've seen or talk to you. I've been honestly wondering how you were doing. So, no lies, how are you?"

Percy stopped walking, stopping our journey towards the Arena, and turned to me, flustered while ruffling his hair in frustration. "There's nothing to tell you, Nat. As you've said, it's been a long time and you know that annoying saying that 'time heals all wounds' well, that's horsecrap. I'm not any better. I'm still as messed up as I always have been. I have my friends and everyone that cares for me, but I just can't seem to get any better. I'm still in the dark."

"Would you say that you've gotten worse?"

".....I don't know..."

"You're maid broke down and told me her worries that she has regarding you. If you're so...unstable...why did you take on this mission even though, I remember, bright as day, that you told me that you would watch them burn down to the ground."

Percy did his usual habit of scratching the back of his head, "Of course she did. That's all she ever does," Percy commented, "I took this on because I need to get over this--over them. I can't keep living in the past. That promise, I considered as null and void the moment I realize the gravity of this war and to let my anger out on the new campers because of their predecessor's mistake."

"You've matured so much," I absentmindedly commented.

I was replied with a light laugh from Percy. "I can't say the same for you," he retorted, which earned him a shove from me.

The man offered me his arm, to begin walking which I took, snaking mine around his and continued our journey. This time, it's away from the Arena and to the beach. The sand was like a soft cushion and the ocean waves were like a music gifted by Mother Earth and the gentle breeze was the dancer. I didn't want to break the calm silence that fell between us but I need to get him to talk to know how he truly is.

I began, "She really cares about you, you know."

"And look where it's getting her," he grumbled. I couldn't stop the sigh that escaped my lips. He was still the same as always, it seems. Always the man who pushed people away from him, afraid of getting hurt. Always the man who thought the worst of himself even though, he's clearly the opposite of it. Always the man who will sacrifice every being of himself for others, even those who have done him wrong and broken him down to the point that putting him back would seem almost impossible.

I removed my hand from his arm, stopped him and walked over in front of him, pointing a finger at him in anger. "Percy Jackson!" I scolded, "how many times have I told you before that someone caring for you is not a disadvantage. I've lived for a long time, I've seen many things and met many people in this tiny world and I'm sure if I were to travel the whole place you've traveled while you were gone, none of them, none, can come even close to you being the best person I know. How many times must you push away those who care for you? For how long would you keep them at arm's length? How many times do I have to drill it in your head that you, demon-filled messed up mind or not, that you are the greatest person everyone has the honor to meet? You are loved, Percy, do not reject the love that is given to you." I took a deep breath, my tirade had me spewing out words after words without a single breath, trying to make my point across.

I owe my life to Percy, as many do, I'm sure, and I will make sure that this man-- this great, broken man-- standing in front of me, gets everything that is good and that the universe should pay him thricefold for all the things he'd done for everyone.

I will not let my brother, the one who picked me up from the ditch and had given me everything and the one I love with my whole heart and soul, deny everything good that he deserves.

Percy just stared at me, looking as if he was on the verge of tears. I put a hand to his cheek gently and caressed that clean cut features of his and said, in a voice so soft that the waves could've carried it away, "Do you remember the day where you asked me to come with you?"

"How could I forget?"

"I wanted to come with you, then. I truly did. Or rather, I wanted us to stay together."

"Why didn't you?"

"Because I saw the conflict in your eyes. I didn't know you for that long but I know you; I know that you worried about taking me away from the things I might have here and my safety. I know you wanted to take me with you with more than anything because we were a family -- and we still. If I asked you to stay with me, you would've despite your heart screaming for you to fly. You were an ocean, Percy, this planet cannot fit the entirety of you in here but if asked, you would fold and bear this cage for the ones you love. So, I made the decision for you."

It was a painful decision for the both of us but there was no choice for us but do it, because he would rot in this planet and he would be willing to just for me.

"I know you would sacrifice yourself if need be and you did, for the sake of my happiness. And I don't know how to thank you enough." My voice cracked, as tears began pooling in my eyes, "you saved me and gave me a life I never imaged I would have before and I will forever be grateful for you. I knew how much it hurts you leaving me because it was painful for me too, to see the only person I consider as a family leave and not knowing if I'll ever see them again. You could've taken me against my will but you're not that person, you put me and my future before everything you wanted and I don't think I can ever love you enough for that because not many people would do that. It's because of you that I had hope for the future, that I took my first step to that future by sending me to this camp for my safety even if you hated it. It's because of you that I grew up stronger than I was. It's because of you that I managed to live my life here and was able to find the love of my life who gifted me a beautiful son, who in turn gave me a wonderful grandson. I managed to be strong, take a step into the future and create my family, all because you did what you thought was best for me, and it really was."

I felt Percy's strong arms wrap around me as we collapsed on the sand, his hands around my waist tightly with a steel grip, the lean frame of his shaking body seems to curl around me as I stroke his hair, gently and soothing, like he used to do for me when I get nightmares.

"For all that you do, you deserve so much more, Percy," I whispered, "do not run away from them."

"I'm scared..." I heard his muffled reply, "everything that I love are always taken away from me."

"And if they truly loved you, then they will not be pulled away from you without a fight. They will come back, one way or another, just like I did."

~

It was way deep in the night and I have lost track of time on how long we've sat on this beach with a blanket underneath us, courtesy of Percy. After that moment, we opted to just sit down and catch up. He laid his head in my lap, staring into the ocean as we talked while he'd given me a cushion to support me in the long run. I had told him my stories first and half way through his, he had drifted off and was sound asleep. I didn't mind, I was content with just sitting like this. 

It was funny how our roles have reversed for tonight. It was just for tonight, I'm sure by tomorrow, it'll be back to how it used to be. Him taking care of me, as he usually did even when he was far away. I knew he looked out for me all these years because there was always some sort of protection around me.

Just for tonight, I want to return the favor to him in ways that I can.

I know my whole spiel tonight was not enough to rid of his demons but I truly hope, I have created an impact on him.

My hand continued stroking his ever-so unruly hair, staring into the star littered sky. Not once stopping, not even when silent footsteps approached us.

~

|| Nico Di Angelo||

Where the hell was Percy?

 By Chaos, when you need the man for something, he just disappears and he doesn't even answer me through the link between us. I've already asked Fyna to where he's at and all she knows is that he had gone out to see Natalia Callis. At this time, you would suppose he'd be back in his room but gods no, he was not. 

So, screw the question, the duty now fell on me to find out where in the Callithrix our commander went. I've pretty much roamed everywhere and which brings me to my last resort, and that's the beach. 

Sure enough, I found a figure sitting down on the sand. I approached the person, pretty slowly until I realized there were two of them. The one that was sitting down turned to me and smiled, "Good evening," she greeted. It was then, under the moonlight, I realized this was Natalia. I returned the gesture to her.

I look to the figure resting on her lap and sure enough, it's our commander. "Thank the heavens! I've been looking all over for you!" I told Percy, only to receive no reply, and was only shushed down by Natalia.

"Please," she said, "he's asleep. He's had a rather emotional night."

I frowned, before moving to the front of them and to see him actually look in peace. His chest moving up and down evenly and there was just this sort of calm in his face. My mouth opened in amazement, "Oh wow," I commented, honestly and genuinely surprised before turning back to Natalia. "He must trust you a lot to be able to sleep through our conversation and outdoors. It's usually Fyna who can do that."

"Fyna is the maid, correct?"

I nodded.

"This man is a blind fool," she said with a soft smile, "He's so focused on turning away the good things in his life that he doesn't see that she's head over heels for him even though he's in love with her himself. What a dense fool."

I chuckled, then said, "Percy isn't the smartest when it comes to romance. I've been watching them dance around each other for more than a millennium. It either gets frustrating or amusing," I paused for a brief moment before asking, "so, who are you to Percy?"

"Just a woman who is forever thankful for him."

~

"Sometimes we need someone to simply be there. Not to fix anything, or do anything in particular, but just to let us feel that we are cared for and supported." 

~

Disclaimer: The picture and quote do not belong to me, I found them on Pinterest. Characters except for the ones I created are not mine. Plot wise of this story is mine, otherwise, they belong to Rick Riordan. 

Ayyyy, another chapter. This took longer because I was working on another fanfic but that's beside the point, I finished this. I hope you guys liked this chapter. I got a bit emotional writing this, lol, sorry (not sorry). 

Either way, to just point out that the point of this chapter was to sort of clarify Percy's mental state a bit (if I haven't made it clear in the other chapter) and to insert the question about Percy's mood. Also, I wanted to show the importance of Natalia to Percy and vice versa. I quite like the both of them, so I might write an extra chapter on their background story (if you guys are willing to read it or not, tell me so I could think about publishing it). 

I hope you guys liked this chapter and hopefully I put one up soon. 

Thanks for reading, you guys! I really appreciate it! Thank you for helping this reach 78K read and at least 2K votes. Really really I thank you. 

Vote and comment and tell me what you think! 

~Leannexo