a mere mortal

as long as you smile and nod, people are satisfied. it’s just to show that you are nice and there with good intentions. we’re small in a big world and have to rely on other people to be decent to us. so we do our little human dance to each other to say, “i’m not here to hurt you. here’s something we have in common, like the weather or sports or itchy sweaters, so we both know we’re on the same team. we both agree on a basic fact, like that it is rainy or that being itchy is uncomfortable, and this proves we can get along. i’m being light-hearted and non-threatening right now.”

small talk isn’t to get to know a person. it’s just a greeting to affirm you’re buddies in the universe.

Piper, for instance, struggles with being the daughter of Aphrodite. She doesn't relate to the effeminate nature and the (gross) stereotypes about Aphrodite being about makeup and love. She does figure out that cabin 10 is more than breaking hearts, but constantly struggles with her relationship and power of charmspeak. Additionally, she was someone who grew up not knowing about her mother and barely being connected with her indigenous roots. Because of her father's failure to immerse her in their culture, she only has to go off the barest memories of her Grandpa Tom- to where it seems like when he died, so did her connection to her heritage.

Leo's arc, was supposed to narrow in on his guilt end eventual acceptance of himself. His guilt is ultimately tied with a part of himself that he won't be able to get rid of. This is only compounded when he finds out the fire he has is rare, and he even knows someone who's live is tied to something extremely flammable. Leo has incredibly low self-esteem and considers himself to be lonely and an outcast- it does not help that those around him find him annoying or tell him he's supposed to be alone (Nike). His own father isn't good with people and is ostracized as well- Leo would follow in his footsteps.

Jason is the ideal main character to proceed the original PJO story. His story of identity is most obvious- he can't choose a camp. Which is an enthralling narrative, especially after reading 5 books in which Percy finds a home in CHB, and Annabeth questions her family. Jason feels a connection to both camps, but isn't entirely accepted at either. After his memory loss, unlike Percy, Jason is particularly at turmoil with who he is- he feels neither fully Roman nor Greek.

Now, the problem with all this, is that none of these arcs are ever finished or handled well after their set-up. Piper doesn't connect with her siblings, and her story ends with her going to Oklahoma (for some reason) with her dad to learn more about her roots. Leo gets a girlfriend and stays relatively friendless, his guilt magically disappearing. Jason dies away from either camp, still unsure of who he is, and his casket is sent to New Rome, completely ignoring his known crisis.

On a little editing streak! Definitely still a beginner, but I’m having so much fun!

song is Thank God You Introduced Me To Your Sister by Sarah Barrios!

When Percy Jackson wakes up, he's almost completely alone. His only connection is a wolf that seems to be judging his every move as it decides his worth. He's fighting for his life and desperately searching to find a place that would take him in and accept him.