The Champion | Finnick Odair x oc | PJO & THG crossover

♡ Chapter 6 | Reunions and Portals | ♡

    I stood among all the other people in this district, desperate to see our newest victor. The train doors swung open, and the whole district erupted into cheers. Finnick scanned the crowd before spotting me and Austin, and he jumped down from the train. He launched himself into my arms. “Dude, she’s twelve and I’m your age! Why do you love her more than me?” Austin whined, and I kicked him.

    “So what’s this I hear about you two dating?” Finnick said, and me and Austin shared a look. I hugged him again and whispered in his ear so the cameras wouldn’t hear, “It was so sponsors didn’t think we like each other.” He groaned, and loosened his hold on me. “I’m sorry you guys got dragged into this.” Finn said, and I shook my head. “It’s ‘kay. He just has to keep his arm around me whenever he’s near, and we act all gushy.” I said, and Austin made a vomiting sound. “What he said.” I mumbled, and Finn laughed. “Now are you okay?” I asked, and he trembled slightly before fixing his façade. “It’s been hard. And I’ve been having these killer nightmares.” He muttered, and I nodded. “Was the pun intended?” Austin joked, and I kneed him in the stomach. “Not really.” Finn said, and then he left to his parents.

    “You made him leave, Stu!” I yelled at Austin, and he rolled his eyes. “My name isn’t Stu.” was all he said, and I stomped on his foot. “Really? I figured it was and Pid was your last since what you are!” I yelled at him some more, and then I went to me and Finn’s spot on the beach.

    “Thought you’d be here.” A voice said from behind me. I turned and saw Percy standing there. “Hey…” I muttered, and he frowned. “You are not okay.” He stated, and I scoffed. “That’s an understatement.” I mumbled, and Percy slid down next to me. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and sighed. “What’s bugging you?” He asked, and I was close to tears. “Finn’s messed up. It’s what the games do. He never had nightmares before. He never had hard times. He was Finnick Odair, now there’s just like a shell of what used to be. He’ll come out sometimes but he’ll hide. He’s in there, somewhere though. He just needs to be put back together.” I said, tears flowing from my eyes. I could tell all of this from past Victors, and so far, Finnick was showing all the signs. But I wasn't going to let that be him. “Then put him back together.” I remembered all the times Finn put me back together. Now it was my turn. My turn to put the shattered remnants of Finn back together. My turn to get his head out of the self-hatred. My turn to be strong.

    “Ari!” Finnick cried, running down the hill. “Finn!” I ran from Percy, and into his arms. He was much much more happy without the cameras. “Who’s that?” Finn asked, gesturing to Percy. “Oh, that’s Percy. He’s my half-brother. We have the same dad.” I said, and he grinned. “You figured out who your parents are?!” He said excitedly, jumping up and down. “No, no, just my dad and Percy. I have no idea who mom is or if she even cares for me.” I said, and I deflated remarkably. He hugged me and he suddenly started to sob. Deep, shuddering sobs. “I’m sorry, RiRi. It’s…it’s just I killed people, Ari. I killed other people my age.” He sobbed and I held him so much closer than before. “I know.” I whispered. “I killed them. I killed six people.” He sobbed, and I rocked him gently. “I know.” I whispered. “Twenty-three people died because I got to live.” He cried, and I nodded. “I know.” I whispered. “Why are you saying that?! I’m a monster! You shouldn’t be with me for how terrible I am!” He yelled, and I never even flinched. “Well, I wouldn’t say monster, but you are terrible…at math and common knowledge.” I teased, and he blinked. “You're not disgusted with what I did?” He exclaimed, and I nodded. “‘Course not. But I’m not going to say you did what you had to do to survive. You could’ve hid, and done nothing. But you didn’t. And that doesn’t bother me.” I said, and he smiled and hugged me as tight as possible.

    “Um, yoohoo, still here.” Percy said, and me and Finn separated. “Sorry.” I apologized, and he chuckled. “Oh right, um, anyways, who’s your dad? Is he one of the fishermen or one of the merchants?” Finn asked eagerly, and I shook my head. “Well, then what?” He asked, and I bit my lip and glanced at Percy. “He’s…he’s…” I just jerked my hand over to the ocean, and he frowned. “What? Is he dead? Did he drown in a fishing accident or something?” He asked, and I hit his arm. “Finn! But if he wasn’t…god, Finnick! You don't say things like that! That's just...wrong! Just plain wrong!” I started to laugh and he shrugged. “Wait…he’s not…he’s not a fish is he?” He actually took a step back, and was ready to attack. “Finnick…my dad…is Poseidon.” I said, and he gaped at me. “No…” He whispered. “Yes…” I mocked, and he shook his head. “Your…your…a goddess?” He said, and I burst into laughter. “No, no! I’m a demigod, Finn.” I said, and he sighed. “But…Aria, I’ve heard the stories. Children of the big three have monsters after them all the time and don’t live long. You’re not safe.” Finnick said, desperately. “But there’s a place she can be safe at. Camp Half-Blood. Aria, you said you would go there after you saw Finn in person.” Percy said, and I shook my head. “No! I can’t! Finn’s broken, and I need to fix him!” I whined, and Percy shook his head. “Nope, you promised.” Percy said, and I shook my head. “Finn!” I tried, and he shook his head. “Sorry, Ari. I just want you to be safe.” He said, and I groaned. “You can come to camp tomorrow.” Percy said, and I looked at Finn. “You and Austin can come over tonight and check my new house.” He offered, and I nodded. “Okay.” I mumbled.