The Sun Will Rise

AN: Hi everyone, I'm back with another PJO story! I have no idea how I managed to write all this during exams, but anyways, enjoy~

The fire in the hearth was burning low, and the atmosphere was tense. The sky was still dark, and the sun hadn't risen yet. The effects of the Giant War against Gaia and her brethren have long since dawned, and the campers were in no mood for any jokes. All of them have lost someone they cared for and loved with all their hearts, whether it was a sibling, a friend, or a partner.

"Campers!" Chiron's voice came from the microphone he has holding. "Exactly one week ago, the Second Giant War came to an end. The unity among the Greeks and the Romans allowed for this to happen, and we are very grateful to all those who worked to ensure our unity. We were severely outnumbered, and I know that most of us lost hope a long time before the battle started already. But we fought, and we fought bravely, because all of us knew that even if we died fighting, we died for the right cause. And with that bravery, with that courage, we won. We won in the harshest circumstances, with severe disadvantages. However, our victory must come with a price. The price of thousands of our campers' lives." At this, someone in the crowd bursted into tears, and another stifled a sob.

"Campers, this will be the last chance for you to be with your loved ones. I will give you a few minutes to say goodbye before we burn the pyre." At this, everyone rushed towards the shrouds, finding their friends and families. They were placed in 1 neat row, with unique patterns for each. On one end of the line, campers were huddled around the empty shroud of Leo Valdez, orange with beautiful flame patterns. They muttered prayers and blessings, hoping he'll reach Elysium with no obstacles. Others stood around shrouds of others, saying their last farewells.

When the time was up, they piled the shrouds onto the funeral pyre, and stood by, looking expectantly at Chiron. He looked tiredly at the shrouds. The ability to teach and guide heroes forever was a blessing, but also a curse, as their deaths plagued his dreams.

"May we give a moment of silence in respect to honor all those who sacrificed themselves on that fateful day, just so that we can be standing here today," he announced. All of the heads were bowed in respect. Tears streaked down their eyes, but the crying gradually disappeared, and all that could be heard was the wind blowing softly, shaking the trees at the very edge of the field. Even the birds were silent, as if knowing how much this moment meant to each and every one of them.

After some time for everyone to get ahold of their feelings and clear their minds, Chiron walked up to the pyre, and lit the fire, watching as the flames burst from below, gradually engulfing the gigantic pyre. Tears welled up in each of their eyes, and they whispered their last blessings. A few walked away, unable to face the reality. Others stared intently at the fire, unable to look away from the remains of their friends. As the flames danced in the wind, the sun rose, indicating the start of another day, the start of another chance, and the hope for the hard-earned future.