I'm having Sun of Magic thoughts again, what a shocker
Lester closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his sister's chariot as he tried to focus on Meg's loud, obnoxious snoring. She was snuggled inside her sleeping bag in their makeshift campsite, clinging to his arm like a teddy bear, which she'd no doubt deny if told.
He huffed a weak laugh at the snot smeared under her nose, having almost drowned out the cries coming from his other side.
His other demigod companion was trembling under his blanket, sobbing in a way that repeatedly punched Lester in the gut. He sighed, wiggling his arm out of Meg's grasp and scooted over to where Alabaster Torrington was curled up.
"Please— Not them, please—" The boy gasped in his sleep, tears streaming down his cheeks, "Spare them—"
Lester winced. He had gotten used to Alabaster's frequent nightmares, sure, but he doubted he'd get used to the uncomfortable feeling that washed over him every time he witnessed one of them.
Was it his siblings this time again, his army, or both? Clearly it was about Manhattan, if the pleading was any indication.
"Alabaster..." He gently placed his hand on his shoulder.
Alabaster's eyes shot wide open, the green flashing and breaking through the darkness of night.
"Are you alright?" Lester whispered, careful to not wake Meg.
"Why are you awake?" Alabaster hissed instead of an answer, very on brand for him.
"Someone has to keep watch. Nightmares?"
"Shut up." Alabaster rolled under his blanket, crossing his arms. Though Lester internally cheered at how that hadn't been an order, "I'll take the watch."
Not in a talking mood then, as per usual. Lester couldn't help but wonder if he starred in the nightmare once again. "...Maybe you should talk with Dr. Claymore."
"Go to sleep, Phoebus." Alabaster sneered, standing up with his fists balled and eyes shut tight as if he was trying to stop tears from falling.
Lester opened his mouth— Only to yawn as the order washed over him, heaviness setting on his eyelids. His eyelashes fluttered shut as he crashed on Alabaster's blanket, the last thing he saw being Alabaster staring into horizon and the ghostly outline of a man appearing next to him.
