Playlist
"This Is War" by Thirty Seconds to Mars
"The Phoenix" by Fall Out Boy
"Power" by Little Mix ft. Stormzy
"Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson
"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
"Hall of Fame" by The Script ft. will.i.am
"This Is Me" by Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble
"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera
"Not Afraid" by Eminem
"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
"Out of the Black" by Royal Blood
"Holding On To You" by Twenty One Pilots
Luke's POV
The day of "Capture the Flag" had arrived, where alliances were forged, strategies honed, and rivalries tested. Annabeth, ever the strategist, had meticulously planned our approach, and with Percy's training complete, we stood poised on the precipice of victory.
Observing Percy's weary demeanor, I couldn't help but sense the weight of his restless nights.
"I guess you didn't sleep very well, did you?" I inquired softly, noting the fatigue etched into his movements.
"Yeah, nightmares..." Percy confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "Can I ask you something?" he added, his gaze searching mine for reassurance.
"Of course," I replied, offering him a reassuring smile.
"It's about Aria... Her father is dead, right?" Percy ventured, his curiosity piqued by the mystery surrounding Aria's past.
"Mhm," I nodded, uncertain how much Percy knew or had merely intuited.
"Is that why she reacted like that at the mention of Nemesis? She blames her mother for her father's death for not saving him, right? Can the gods prevent someone from dying if they want to?" Percy's questions tumbled out in a rush, grappling with the complexities of divine intervention.
"Percy, look," I began, choosing my words carefully. "I know what you want to hear, or rather what you're afraid of me saying. I'm not sure. Gods are cruel, yes, but Nemesis... she's merciless. Aria's feelings towards her mother are layered, her father's death just one facet. It's all... complicated. But right now, let's focus on the game ahead," I concluded, steering the conversation back to more immediate concerns.
...
As Chiron addressed the assembled campers, rallying us with words of encouragement and caution, Ari slipped up beside me, her presence a reassuring anchor in the sea of anticipation. "Are you ready?" she whispered, her voice tinged with excitement.
"You don't even have to ask. I'm always ready," I replied, confidence brimming in my tone.
"I'll see you at the end. Try to survive," Ari joked, a playful glint in her eye as she vanished into the forest.
With a nod of understanding, Chris and I embarked on our journey into the woods, our footsteps echoing amidst the rustling leaves and chirping birds. The game unfolded like a carefully choreographed dance, alliances forming and crumbling, strategies evolving with each passing moment.
In the distance, the melodious laughter of Aphrodite's children intermingled with the eerie calls of my half-siblings, creating a cacophony of sound that underscored the tension of the moment.
...
Chris and I had positioned ourselves and were patiently awaiting the arrival of the enemy when the sweet scent of grapes suddenly filled the air.
"Children of Dionysus?" Chris speculated, his voice tinged with anticipation.
Within moments, three campers from the opposing team emerged before us. Without hesitation, I engaged in combat with one of them, our swords clashing.
"Hello, Cleo," I greeted with a smile as I skillfully disarmed her, leaving her sprawled on the ground. Extending a hand, I helped her back onto her feet, a gesture of sportsmanship amidst the intensity of battle.
Clio's POV
I couldn't quite bring myself to hate him, but there were plenty of things about Luke that grated on me. His smug smile when he won was like a slap in the face, a display of arrogance that I found utterly distasteful. What bothered me most, though, was how blindly Aria trusted him. She would do anything for him. It irked me to no end that she shared things with him that she never told me, and his constant interruptions whenever we were together only added fuel to the fire.
I found myself pondering how Luke allowed Aria to attend tonight's event. Perhaps he was unaware of it, which, in itself, would have been a revelation. However, despite my initial reservations and frustrations, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of happiness deep down. Having Aria by my side on my birthday was something I truly desired. She was more than just a friend; she was someone I genuinely cared about and valued.
I observed numerous campers making their way toward the river and decided to follow suit. Upon arrival, the focal point was a tense confrontation between Percy and Clarisse, the latter aiming to assert dominance over the newcomer. However, an unexpected turn of events occurred as Percy stepped into the water, seemingly channeling a newfound power. In a moment of astonishment, a colossal trident materialized overhead, prompting gasps from everyone present.
...
And so, the game came to an abrupt halt. My father gathered us all together, offering a few words about the game and Percy. I attempted to catch Aria's gaze, but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Mr. D, Ari isn't here," Luke's voice echoed from somewhere nearby, signaling that I wasn't the only one who had noticed her absence.
"Has anyone seen Adi during the game?" Dionysus inquired loudly. Several campers called out that they had glimpsed her in the northern woods.
"Okay, okay, okay, no need to panic," my father attempted to reassure the crowd. Chiron emerged from the forest and approached Dionysus, whispering something that shocked him.
"No, it's not possible," my father exclaimed. "Everyone to the cabins now. Those in charge should tally the campers and report if others are missing. The search will commence in the morning."
Everyone began swiftly descending to the cabins. I noticed Luke, his worry evident, heading over to Chiron and my father.
I approached them and inadvertently overheard the conversation.
"We have to start now. We have to find her," Luke urged urgently.
"Luke, go back to the cabin. We can't begin the search now. It's too risky. We'll find her, but not at this moment," Chiron replied firmly.
"But what if it's too late by morning?" I interjected, my concern mounting. "Dad, please..."
"No. This is final," my father declared resolutely. "All campers to the cabins."
YOU ARE READING
Castles Crumbling | The story of Luke Castellan and Ariadne Davis
Fiksi Penggemar"Never wanted you to hate me" Ariadne Davis is a demigod residing in the Half-Blood Camp for two years. Before she arrived at the camp she was stripped of everything and now she relies on Luke for support. However, the dynamic of her relationship wi...
