Chapter Text
Will
Will bowed at Hestia, making the goddess chuckle in delight, “How many times do I have to tell you that there is no more need for formalities between us?”
He shook his head, a relaxed smile settled on his face, “I know, but you’ve come all this way. It’s the least I can do.”
Hestia rolled her eyes as she slowly guided Will towards the sofa in front of the fireplace then sat on the opposite one, her eyes twinkling as she replied, “You say that as if I’m not a goddess who can split and jump into multiple locations that I wished to.”
Upon hearing this, he let out a soft chuckle, “I guess you’re right… But seeing you here and sensing your presence? It made me realize just how much I’ve missed Camp Half-Blood.”
“But you’re not going back yet, right?” She inquired as she summoned a cup of tea for the both of them. Will happily took his cup and nodded, “Yeah, I can’t yet.”
The goddess nodded back, “Such selflessness, but anyway, I came here to–”
Though he didn’t mean to cut her off, he couldn’t help it. There were so many questions swirling in his mind, and he just needed answers before he could settle down, “How are things at camp? Is the Roman Exchange going well? Are Frost and Winter alright?”
Then a pause came as he hesitated on whether or not he had the right to ask his next question. Hestia kept her mouth shut. Not out of spite, but in a knowing and patient way, probably sensing he was holding something back. So, he sighed and whispered his last question, almost vulnerable, “How’s Nico?”
He just had an IM with Nico around a few days or a week back, but he was already starting to worry. He knows that he can easily just check on him anytime, but… He didn’t want to seem needy. Not to mention, with the things happening to him right now? He fears that seeing Nico may release a ton of pent up emotions he had in him… That he may just end up breaking down.
“Okay…” Hestia softly said, as always, humoring him, “Let’s get through those one at a time.”
And so, Hestia proceeded to give him a brief rundown of what’s going at camp. Starting from how Nico had gotten to know the Romans, toured them, and even played the piano for them!
“I don’t know if I should be proud or jealous.” He had commented.
Then she went on about how the Romans seemed to struggle from the change from how seemingly more free and individualistic Camp Half-Blood was. Still, Nico made sure they all found their own strengths and even helped them sharpen their personal discoveries.. Eventually, the Romans had adapted their own sense of style, though they’re still pretty much adjusting.
“It seems that Nico doesn’t need me there.” He muttered unintentionally, and Hestia immediately shot him a stern look, “That is not true, Will Solace, and you know it. Nico is amazing, but we all know that there’s something you can bring to the table too. For one, they could’ve used a medic when the camp got attacked.”
“Attacked?” Will tensed up, warning bells ringing in his head, “Is Nico- Is everyone okay?”
Hestia nodded and began telling him about the recent werewolf attack in camp, and Will felt guilty for not being there. Still, it was good to know that there weren't many injuries and damages… But of course, he’d still worry, “That must’ve stressed Nico out.”
“It did.” Hestia affirmed, her gaze sympathetic, “And he’s definitely getting to the bottom of it, but he had some distractions along the way, and–”
“I really should’ve checked up on him.” He muttered to himself before looking up at Hestia’s flaming gaze, his own softening as he remembered his friend’s nature, “But then again, he’s a stubborn one. He’s not just going to let this pass.”
Hestia nodded, her smile soft, “He didn’t get time to actually delve into it, but Mr. D sent him on a mini-quest to help him get more information. It’s a dangerous idea, but–”
“Wait!” Will said again, starting to feel guilty with how much he had already cut the goddess off, “Mini-quest? He’s not at camp right now?”
Fortunately for him, Hestia was understanding and she simply nodded, “I honestly thought he would’ve told you. I’m sorry if I have crossed any lines.”
Will sighed, shooting her one of his own understanding gazes, “It’s okay. He probably didn’t mean to hide this fact. Maybe he didn’t want to disturb me, but still… Is this what it means to draw a healthy line between our co-dependence? Or are we drawing a line too far?”
Hestia’s gaze softened even further and then silence fell upon them. At that moment, Will decided not to let his thoughts and insecurities take over. So, he basked in their silence and focused on other things such as the sound of the bustling of hotel staff and guests around the lobby, the sparks from the flames by the fireplace, and the sweet taste of the tea that Hestia had given him.
After a few minutes had seemingly passed, Hestia cleared her throat, her smile as warm as ever. How could Will not feel relaxed at the sight?
“I came here to offer you help and advice.” She started, her tone only half-stern, “And yet you started asking about others. Yes, you’ve changed, I can tell. Bolder, stronger, and less insecure… But deep in your core, you’re still you: Thoughtful and empathetic. Like the soft glow of the sun as it rose in the morning.”
His cheeks burned slightly at the sincere compliments, and he simply nodded, “No need to tell me all the good things now.”
“But you need to know them.” Hestia pointed out before finally settling down further from where she sat, “Alas, my time is limited. So, we must get back to our agenda.”
“Of course.” Will said, internally kicking himself for keeping the goddess for too long, “You came here for a reason.”
“To advise you.” She clarified, “About Athena.”
“Oh.” WIll sighed on his own sofa, “Have I upset her or something? I feel like I’ve messed up with how I spoke up earlier.”
“That’s one of the things you’ve done right.” She reassured, shocking Will. Hestia then went on, “She can use someone answering her, who is actually making sensible points every once and a while. After all, she’s one of the stubborn ones.”
“I kinda got the vibe.” He commented, nodding at the goddess, “Though I’m still afraid she might smite me.”
Hestia laughed a little at his observation, “As much as it may be a possibility, I don’t think she will in this case. She has already deemed you as part of her plan, and as much as she makes it seem like you’re disposable, I know that changing the course of a plan already in motion could be a headache.”
“So, I’m being used.” He huffed as he took another sip of the tea to calm his nerves. The goddess sighed, “I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but…”
“It’s okay.” Will immediately reassured, “I want to help too. Especially after she told me about Penelope. I may not know her yet, but I don’t like the idea of other demigods being manipulated towards the dark side before they have a chance to see the light.”
“That’s good to hear.” Hestia said, nodding with pride, “But nonetheless, just stick with Athena, okay? I know she’s rather difficult to deal with, but as you have probably observed… She feels too.”
“But if she won’t talk to me–”
“Don’t be so negative.” She chided, “You’re better than that… And despite the changes you’re undergoing, you must learn to keep the best parts of you, or else I would’ve praised you for nothing.”
That got a small smile to break from Will’s lips. Upon seeing this, Hestia kept talking, “Besides, who else would be best to handle Athena’s stubborn nature than the most stubborn demigod I know?”
“I’m pretty sure Nico owns that title.” Will teasingly answered, feeling much more relaxed now. Hestia huffed slightly at the response, “Well, he’s definitely one of the most stubborn demigods, but who was the one who had been able to break through said stubbornness, brought light into his life when he was rejecting it, and on top of that got him into a better and healthier condition so he could function better?”
Once again, he found himself blushing, and though he didn’t want to admit it… The gaze that Hestia gave him dared him to even try to object to her words, and he knew he couldn’t. So, he scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment, “I guess I did.”
“Exactly.” Hestia concluded, “You’ve got fire in you, Will. Especially when you’re not feeding your insecurities. All you need now is to continuously emit patience and I’m sure you will get along well with your new mentor.”
“Can I really?” Will asked, but then shook his head, “Oh, don’t answer that. I already know you’ll say that I will. I guess I just have to start believing it myself.”
“That’s the spirit!” Hestia said, snapping her fingers and suddenly a Kitkat bar appeared on Will’s lap. The goddess nodded at it, “Go on, you deserve it.”
Will smiled in gratitude as he picked up the chocolate and began to eat it. As he did, Hestia went on, “But, here’s what I have to tell you. Both you and Athena can learn from each other.”
He nodded to let her know he was still listening.
“Today, you’ve stated your stand, but maybe you pushed a little too much. Remember that when you’ve lived your whole life with a certain belief, it isn’t easy to alter said belief, even if altering it would make sense.”
He hummed in agreement, swallowing a bite of Kitkat before speaking, “So you’re telling me that Athena heard me, but… She was overwhelmed?”
“Not overwhelmed per se…” Hestia answered, “But more of… Hard to swallow? She sees your point, but it’s going to take a while to adapt to it.”
He nodded in understanding as he took another bite of Kitkat. Hestia smiled at this, “As brave as you were today though… You failed to do something in return.”
He straightened at her words, curious at his own mistakes, “What do you mean?”
“You spoke too much.” She started, “You’ve failed to listen, or at least, you didn’t give her a chance to speak. As rare as it may be, it seems that you have deemed the goddess of wisdom… Speechless.”
“I didn’t mean to…” He muttered, the Kitkat now churning in his stomach together with his guilt. As he looked back, he realized that he was cutting the goddess off just as he had been cutting Hestia off just a few moments back… “I guess I can be a little too much sometimes."
“That’s not true.” Hestia scolded once more, “No one is ever too much as much as no one is never enough. All I’m saying is that next time, you have to listen to Athena too before you start going on a philosophical spiral of your own.”
“Will she talk though?”
“Give her time.” Hestia answered, her tone kind and knowing, “She will, and when she does, it may seem veiled still, but with your natural empathy, I’m sure you’ll catch on to it. Just be on alert, just like you’ve been on alert with Nico’s actions, tone, and mannerism this past year. All you two need is a little communication with a dash of open-mindedness.”
“You know, I can never turn away from your advice, Hestia.” He finally relented, “Fine, I’ll do my best to hear her, and learn from her… More than just in terms of battle, but also in ideology.”
Once again, the goddess nodded with pride, “That is all I wanted for you to realize, Will Solace. Remember, in a mentorship, there is always more to learn… And learning goes two ways.”
He smiled gratefully at the goddess, her presence truly making him feel as if he was back in Camp Half-Blood. It would be a while before he could settle in his home again. So, for now… This has to do.
The goddess then finally stood up, her gaze slightly sad, “Alas, that’s my time. I should go back.”
“I wish we had more time.” He admitted, “I could use some more warm and friendly faces who don't tease me every chance they get or hand out a quest to me the moment I encounter them.”
The goddess chuckled. She walked towards him then gently placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it firmly, “I may not be the goddess of prophecy, but I can already tell you’re going to get far… As long as you remember to keep allowing yourself to feel. Both the goods and bads.”
“I know.” Will said in agreement, letting her warmth encompass him. Basking on this nostalgic feeling while it lasts.
“You have a tough path ahead of you.” Hestia muttered before advising a final time, “Remember that this world has a balance between emotions and logic. Between theories and behaviours. You have to learn to find it and embrace it. That’s what you and Athena were missing.”
She then placed her palm in his chest, causing a burst of warmth to ignite within him, “There will be those out there that will try to taint you… To convince you and test your morals. Still, change and grow as you must, but hold onto your core… To your heart.” She paused and stepped away, her smile filled with belief, “I just know that you’re the right person to face what’s to come. I can’t say much, but do please keep my words in mind.”
He nodded, taking a mental note of her wise words, “Thank you, Hestia… I really did miss you.”
The spark of flames in her eyes had gotten brighter at his words. With a final bow at him and a soft smile, she said, “I can’t wait to meet the person you would grow to be… And maybe also, the goddess that Athena could become once she truly welcomes the full capacity of William Andrew Solace.”
With this, she stepped onto the fireplace and then she erupted into the flames, her form and essence probably returning to Camp Half-Blood. For him though? He stayed for a few moments more, holding onto the tiny specks of home that she had left behind.
Once he was ready, he finally stood up. Only then did he realize that Belph had slept through the whole conversation on the couch beside him. Will cooed as he picked him up. Then, as he turned to go looking for Kayla, he spotted his sister already waving at him, her gaze worried, “Will!”
Will smiled at her reassuringly as he made his way towards her, “Don’t worry, I promised I’d return for dinner and here I am.”