16. nightmares
When Damian met Thalia for the first time, it was an encounter filled with mixed emotions. Annabeth, ever eager and willing to share, introduced her as one of her closest friends. But Damian, as usual, felt anxious and slightly intimidated by someone so strong and determined. Thalia had a presence that couldn't be ignored, and for a boy like him, who preferred staying in the background, that first meeting left him feeling small and out of place.
However, contrary to his expectations, Damian soon discovered that Thalia wasn't as unapproachable as she seemed. Despite her fierce spirit and determination, she displayed a genuine curiosity about others and an incredible ability to adapt. Her presence brought new energy to the group, and little by little, she became part of the daily routine.
Under the tree, with Annabeth and Gray, Thalia seemed at ease. She didn't need to dominate or force things; she simply joined the conversations, listened, and occasionally shared her firm opinions. Though Damian often felt uneasy, he watched with amazement how Thalia interacted effortlessly, never creating tension. Sometimes, she observed him from afar, intrigued by how the usually quiet Damian carved out his place among them, responding with calmness and humor.
Her strong character, which initially intimidated him, turned out to be a blessing. Thalia didn't try to embarrass Damian; instead, she made him feel comfortable with her reassuring presence. Together, under the tree, they found a quiet rhythm, a balance that seemed impossible in a camp so chaotic and often dangerous. Annabeth, thrilled to have her old friend back, and Gray, always ready with lighthearted jokes, made those moments special. Damian realized that, in a world where everything felt like an ongoing battle, there was still room for genuine friendships.
What initially seemed like a relationship bound to stay in the realm of fear and uncertainty became one of the strongest connections Damian had ever formed. And although their temperaments were different, Thalia taught him not to fear the strength of those around him but to value it and grow from it. As the year at Camp Half-Blood came to an end, Damian reflected on how much he had changed. The camp's atmosphere was peaceful as the demigods prepared to say their goodbyes or settle in for the winter. During the ceremony, he received his third terracotta bead, decorated with a ram, symbolizing the Golden Fleece and the upheaval that had shaken the camp but ultimately brought Thalia to them.
Damian accepted the bead with pride and gratitude. Back in his cabin, he grabbed the leather cord he wore around his neck. The two previous beads already hung there, each with an important story to tell. The first, a deep purple bead with a bow and arrow, symbolized his first year at camp when he learned to use the magical bow Chiron had gifted him. The second, a blue trident on a black background, was tied to Percy's return and the struggle to save the camp and Thalia's tree. Now, with the new bead, the cord told a story of three years of growth, friendship, and survival.
He gazed at the ram painted on the terracotta bead, recalling the hardships of that year: the poisoned tree, Tantalus's incompetence, the anxiety for Annabeth and Percy on their quest, and finally, the joy of having Thalia back with them. Each bead wasn't just a symbol but a reminder that, despite his fears and insecurities, he had managed to overcome it all.
With a small smile, Damian added the bead to the cord, tied it around his neck, and felt a little stronger, a little more part of the chaotic world he now called home. That evening, under the starry sky of the camp, he made his offering to the banquet fire, thanking the gods, but especially his unknown father, for protecting him once again.
That night, the atmosphere in the Hermes cabin grew heavy. Damian had fallen asleep peacefully but was consumed by a nightmare so vivid it left him breathless. He was surrounded by towering shadows, faceless creatures chasing him. He felt the pain of his scars burning and the chill in his bones as he tried to run, but each step brought him closer to an endless abyss. A deep, cruel laugh filled the air, and a hissing voice called his name.
He woke up screaming, his heart pounding like a frenzied drum. The others in the cabin jumped up, and Simon was the first to reach him. Damian clung to him with all his strength, trembling like a leaf and crying uncontrollably. It was as if the terror of the nightmare had followed him into the waking world. Simon held him tightly, murmuring words of comfort, but Damian was too shaken to hear them.
"It's okay, Damian, I'm here," Simon kept repeating, his voice gentle yet firm, trying to reassure him. Around them, the other kids in the cabin watched with concern, unsure of what to do. Some exchanged glances, while others whispered, but no one dared come too close.
Gray entered shortly after, drawn by the noise and the lights. Seeing Damian in that state, he approached calmly, speaking with Simon to understand what had happened. "It's just a bad dream, Damian. You're safe, I promise," Gray said in a soothing voice, trying to convey a sense of protection.
It took a while for Damian to calm down. His body was still tense, and the trembling wouldn't stop. Simon insisted he drink some water, while Gray placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're not alone, Damian," Gray said with a half-smile. "Whatever you saw, it can't hurt you here."
When Damian finally managed to speak, his voice was shaky and uncertain. "It felt so real... I don't know what it was, but... it was looking for me." His companions' expressions grew more serious. Nightmares were never just dreams for a demigod.
That night, Damian didn't sleep alone. Simon stayed by his side, ensuring he wasn't left alone with his fears. Gray also decided to remain in the cabin, sitting near the bed to keep him company. Though still frightened, Damian felt a certain comfort in knowing he wouldn't have to face it all alone.