Suburban legends | P. Jackson

004 | 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐠

The next day.. The sun had barely risen over Camp Half-Blood, casting a soft glow across the rustic cabins and the tranquil lake. Morning dew sparkled on the grass, and the warmth of the day slowly began to envelop the camp. And yet, amid the usual calmness, there was an electrifying anticipation in the air—it was Friday, which meant Capture the Flag day.

Thea, sat at one of the long wooden tables, devouring her breakfast. She was surrounded by her best friends. The chatter was lively, and Thea felt her heart race as she remembered the upcoming game. It didn't matter that the camp had a history of rivalry; the thrill of competition and camaraderie filled her with excitement.

"Who do you think's going to win this time?" Luke asked, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms, a challengingly playful smirk on his face.

"Red, obviously," Thea replied confidently, her vibrant brown hair bouncing as she animatedly gestured. "Clarisse is on my team, and she knows how to intimidate the competition."

Annabeth shot her a skeptical look. "Red? With you and Clarisse on the same team, it might turn into a full-on demolition derby rather than a Capture the Flag match."

"Hey, as long as we win, I'm all for chaos!" Thea teased, her laughter ringing through the morning air.

Luke chuckled but then turned serious. "Just remember, it's not just about being the most intimidating. You need strategy, smart moves—"

"Right, Mr. Strategy," Annabeth interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "Because being scared of you will definitely send the other team running—"

"Not everyone is as skilled as you, Wise Girl," Luke shot back with a wink, diverting the playful banter back and forth.

Thea liked this— the dynamic among them, the playful jabs and camaraderie. Still, a part of her was focused on the game. In a few hours, they would split into teams—blue and red—and the thrill of battle would commence. She had to admit, there was another thought lingering in the back of her mind.

"Annabeth..." Thea began, glancing over her shoulder to where Percy Jackson and Grover Underwood were huddled nearby, seemingly deep in conversation. "What do you think of Percy?"

Annabeth followed Thea's gaze, her expression immediately hardening. "I'm not saying I don't like him, but anyone who could beat the Minotaur must have had help or luck."

"Honestly," Thea said, "I think he's more capable than he lets on. Trust me, I felt it when we first met."

"Oh, that's right," Luke interjected with a teasing tone. "The dramatic moment when you felt the stars align upon meeting Percy Jackson. How does that go again?"

Thea laughed, waving her hand dismissively. "It wasn't like that! I just mean he has potential."

"Whatever you say," Annabeth replied, her tone still skeptical. "Just remember, he's got a lot to prove before anyone can call him a true hero."

As the conversation unfolded, Thea couldn't help but marvel at Percy. Something about his unassuming demeanor piqued her interest. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, or perhaps it was the overwhelming aura of destiny that seemed to cling to him—like they were all waiting for some grand moment to unfold.

Their friendly banter continued until the bell rang, signaling that breakfast was over. Thea felt the familiar adrenaline spike as the camp counselors began organizing the teams. Clarisse was barking orders, her fierce enthusiasm palpable as the Red team gathered.

"Let's move it, you sorry bunch of snails!" she shouted, her tone cutting through the noise like a knife.

As the teams began to form, Thea found herself slipping into the rhythm of the day. She exchanged quick hugs with Annabeth, Luke, and Grover before heading toward Clarisse. Just before they separated, Annabeth leaned in, her voice low. "Just be careful, okay? Clarisse might push you harder than you expect."