Echoes of Sorrow, Whispers of Hope
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"Be Patient, little one, I'm getting there." I grinned wide, thinking that this would be a fun ride...
Disclaimer: I don't own the Percy Jackson series or its Characters. This is for pure entertainment purposes only. My twist on what happens after The Last Olympian.
Dionysus P.O.V
After the chaos in Olympus, returning to Camp Half-Blood was a welcomed respite, a return to the familiar rhythm of responsibilities and duties. Supervising the young demigods and overseeing the camp's maintenance and finances were distracting from the tumult of the divine realm.
Following a midday meeting with Argus, I made my rounds at the armory and strawberry fields, preparing for the upcoming harvest. Despite the day's busyness, with minor nuisances to manage along the North Woods border, Camp Half-Blood maintained a semblance of tranquility, albeit its unique version.
As the sun descended around five pm, I concluded my tasks and headed towards the Big House, seeking solace before our scheduled rendezvous at Hades' hideout to discuss Percy's latest ordeal. Passing by the Arena, I observed the half-bloods honing their skills, pondering the motives behind the recent ordeal on Olympus' favored hero. Despite my efforts, the motives remained as elusive as a well-aged wine, unsettling me with the unexpected disruption.
Approaching the front yard of the Big House, I beheld the imposing structure with its four floors, including the basement and attic. Once painted in a vibrant red, its deck boasted a soothing baby-blue hue with white trim, a transformation that mirrored my evolving perception of the place. At first, I had seen the Big House as a mere confinement, but over time, it had become a sanctuary. Here, I felt closer to Castor, and spending time with Pollux offered a reprieve from the ache of loss. Yet, even in these moments, the absence of Castor lingered like a sharp pain in my immortal heart, a constant reminder of the void left behind.
Stepping through the main door of the Big House, I made a beeline for my quarters, seeking refuge from the chaos of camp life. Inside, the ambiance was rich and inviting, with tapestries adorned with grapevines and ivy casting warm, welcoming hues across the walls. The room's centerpiece, a majestic canopy bed draped in opulent fabrics of deep purple and gold, beckoned like a sanctuary for weary souls, promising solace and renewal. The air was heavy with the intoxicating fragrance of wine and exotic spices, infusing the atmosphere with indulgence and delight. Among the lavish décor, clusters of grapevines intertwined with barrels of Diet Coke added an unexpected charm, reflecting the eclectic nature of the space.
Soft music, the gentle strains of a lyre or flute, floated through the air, hinting at the celebration and merriment outside these walls. Yet, I could not partake in the joy amidst the festive ambiance. My mind drifted to Castor, and a wave of sorrow washed over me. I had convinced myself that distancing myself from the twins as they grew older would spare me from future grief. But it was a foolish notion. Despite my efforts, I found myself hovering near Pollux like an overbearing mother hen, unable to let go of the fear of losing another son. Father would surely disapprove, perhaps even punish me for neglecting my duties if he knew. I chuckled darkly at the thought, a bitter reminder of my shortcomings.
"Castor..." I whispered his name, the sound barely escaping my lips as if afraid to acknowledge the pain it carried. I allowed myself to sink into the depths of my grief, collapsing onto the bed and tossing restlessly in its embrace, running my hands over my face and through my hair. Moments stretched into eternity as I wrestled with my emotions, the weight of loss pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket.
Eventually, I rose from the bed and went to the round birdbath standing by the open window, crafted from melted-down drachmas and adorned with delicate leaves. Rainbow hues danced in the water below, starkly contrasting the darkness that clouded my thoughts. Peering into the birdbath, I caught a glimpse of my reflection. My proper form was beginning to show through, revealing a physique any man would envy. Light hair dusted my chest and stomach, peeking through my unbuttoned Hawaiian button-up, starkly contrasting the darkness that shrouded me. As I gazed into my eyes, dark purple orbs filled with sorrow and longing, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. Regret for the time lost, for the words left unsaid, for the love that had slipped through my fingers like grains of sand.
With a heart weighed down by sorrow, I carried my grief like a burden too heavy to shoulder alone. I reach my right hand into my jeans and pull a drachma from my pocket. I am using my left hand, waving through the water of the birth bath until I hear an ethereal ringing. I look up at the window to see a rainbow mist before it and toss in the drachma. " Oh, Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow, please accept my offering." I gruff out; the mist shimmers. " Show me, Olympus. Show me, Ariadne."
As the mist shimmered and formed images before me, I held my breath, awaiting a glimpse of Olympus and Ariadne. And there she was, standing before me, bathed in the golden light of Olympus.
"Ariadne," I breathed, my voice barely more than a whisper. "My love, my heart."
"Dionysus," she replied, her voice like music in my ears. "Why do you summon me now, in your grief?"
I swallowed hard, the weight of my sorrow pressing down on me like a leaden cloak. "I mourn for my lost son, Ariadne. Castor has passed into the realm of the dead. I feel a void like no other."
Her expression softened, sympathy shining in her eyes. "Oh, Dionysus, my heart breaks for you. Castor was a bright soul, taken from us too soon."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. "I failed him, Ariadne. I failed them both."
Ariadne reached out to me, her hand passing through the mist but still conveying a sense of warmth and comfort. "You did all you could, Dionysus. Castor knew your love, just as Pollux does now. You mustn't blame yourself for what's destined with the fates. Though I know that doesn't make it any easier"
I shook my head, unable to accept her words. "But how can I face and aid Percy Jackson, knowing I couldn't save my son?"
Ariadne's gaze softened, filled with understanding. "You must find the strength within yourself, Dionysus, just as you have always done. Percy needs you now, perhaps more than ever."
With a solemn nod, a newfound resolve surged within me, gradually displacing the despair that had weighed heavily on my heart. "You speak true, Ariadne. Though I cannot alter what has transpired, I can influence what lies ahead. For the sake of Castor, Pollux, and Percy Jackson."
A small smile graced her lips as she faded back into the mist. "Go, my love. Face the challenges ahead with courage and grace. And know I am always with you, watching you from Olympus."
With renewed purpose, I turned away from the mist, my heart lighter than it had been in days. Ariadne's words gave me hope that there was still light to be found, even in the darkest times. And with that light guiding my way, I knew I could face whatever trials lay ahead. After styling my hair into an acceptable style, I huffed and walked into the bathroom to get cleaned up to see everyone's famous little demigod.
Exiting the bathroom, I snapped my fingers, instantly teleporting to Hades' hideaway nestled behind the iconic Hollywood sign. Hovering at the front door, I pushed it open and stepped into the dimly lit entranceway. As I traversed the long hallway, the sound of moaning and groaning grew louder, drawing me towards the living room at the end of the corridor.
Upon entering, I was met with a sight that stirred an unfamiliar sensation within me. Apollo was sandwiched between the legs of Percy, an image that ignited a surge of protectiveness within me. Reacting instinctively, I summoned a torrent of twisting grapevines, erupting from the windows and snaking towards Apollo with an urgent fervor, forcefully separating him from Percy's embrace.
"APOLLO!" My voice thundered with an unbridled intensity, a primal growl reverberating through the charged atmosphere. In response, a searing ball of radiant light hurtled towards me, a manifestation of Apollo's wrath and power aimed squarely at my face.
This chapter I wanted to shed light on Dionysus and I will probably do that with every main character as the story progresses. Also to show the dynamic between Dionysus and his wife. They are known to be swingers and that cannon in the PJO series. Thank you for the continued support and stay tuned for the next chapter of BTG. Please Read & Review . What do you think is in store for the young Demigod and his Suitors.