Golden Age: Semideus Specials

you and me, against the odds...

Dio's POV

I smiled at my mom who was occupied with adjusting the cuff on my sleeves. After fitting it nicely, she looked up at me with watering eyes.

"Dio, anak..." Marahang dumapo ang kanyang palad sa aking pisngi. "Dumating na rin yung araw na pinakahihintay mo."

Hinawakan ko ang kanyang kamay at nginitian siya.

I didn't say a word. I was too focused on stopping my own tears from falling, and it took me so much strength to not break down in front of her.

"Dio! My bro!"

Sabay kaming napalingon kay Chase na kapapasok lang ng kwarto kasama yung ibang mga lalaki.

Narinig ko ang mahinang tawa ni Mama bago umalis sa harap ko at binaling ang kanyang atensyon sa pagligpit ng mga kahon.

Hinawakan ako ni Chase sa balikat. "Sure na ba talaga? Final na?" tanong niya. "Wala nang atrasan 'to, 'tol..."

Tinapunan ko siya ng tamad na tingin.

Yumuko ako at nagtangkang ikabit ang butones ng navy blue suit jacket ko, nang biglang manginig ang aking mga kamay.

"Fuck." My hands fell on my sides defeatedly.

Nothing prepared me for the anxiety I've been feeling ever since this morning, when I realized, that I'm getting married to the girl of my dreams today.

Out of nowhere, a hand reached out to button my jacket.

Inangat ko ang aking tingin at natagpuan si Trev sa aking harapan.

I chuckled. "No one prepared me for this."

He tightened my tie and gently pulled my collars, before looking back at me with his usual blank expression.

"Take care of Kamille for us, Troy."

A smile slowly formed on my lips. "I will," sagot ko. "I will treasure her."

He slightly bowed his head, a gesture of acknowledgement and respect, which I also did in response.

He held me by the shoulder, squeezing it ever tightly. He then pocketed his hands and took a step back towards the others.

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin, hanggang sa dumako ang aking mga mata kay Cal na mabagal akong tinanguan.

"Seems like you're good to go," ani Seht at tinapik ang aking balikat.

I was.

My heart was beating terribly fast when I led my mother and I outside the Academy and to the field, where two olive trees marked the beginning of an aisle. Umikot kami sa field at dumaan sa gilid ng mga upuan.

Huminto kami ni Mama sa ilalim ng marmol na archway kung saan sinalubong ako ni Poseidon ng isang mahigpit na yakap.

He gave me a pat on the back and whispered, "My boy."

After a second, he released me from the tight embrace and heavily put his hand on my shoulder. "My son."

"My pride," he said, before letting go of me completely. "So lift your head up, demigod, and look at where you are, after everything you went through."

The god must've sensed my nervousness.

Sinunod ko ang sinabi niya at inangat ang aking ulo, saka inilibot ang aking paningin.

The rows of gold chairs were decorated with thin white woven fabrics. A column of tall dried wheat in white vases lined both sides of the aisle.

I suddenly heard the sound of running water. I turned my head to the large archway behind me where water fell from the top and disappeared on the bottom.