𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐒, apollo

𝐱𝐢𝐢𝐢. i burn food and drink purple red bull

I SAT BACK DOWN at the table as I looked back at my plate. I was a bit greedy, so I didn't burn the best part of the chicken I had. Funnily enough, the burnt offerings were still one of the weirdest parts of the camp for me, but I suppose it's only my third day — many things are still weird to me.

I looked at my goblet, which was filled with purple coloured Red Bull. As I took a sip, I remembered the first meal I had here.

The campers were talking amongst themselves when Chiron pounded his hoof against the marble floor of the pavilion, and everybody fell silent. He raised his drink, "To the gods!"

Everybody else raised their beverages, mimicking him, "To the gods!" I raised my brow, but lightly raised my empty goblet too, just without saying anything.

Next thing I knew, wood nymphs came forward with platters of food: grapes, apples, strawberries, cheese, fresh bread, and what looked like a delicious Barbecue. I wet my lips at the thought of getting my hands on the food, I was starving.

I looked down at my empty drinking glass and then glanced at the people around me who were sipping their drinks. Luke must have seen my confusion as he said, "Speak to it. Whatever you want— nonalcoholic, of course."

Percy and I shared a look. Anything we want? "Cherry Coke," He said and the glass filled with sparkling caramel liquid.

My eyes widened as the glass granted his request and I spoke to mine, "Red Bull." And indeed the drink was now in my goblet. I glanced again at Cy who was sharing an amazed expression too.

Then I saw the look in his eyes, which only meant one thing, he had an idea. "Blue Cherry Coke." Upon hearing his words the soda turned a shade of cobalt. I let out a surprised chuckle and watched him take a cautious sip.

He turned to me nodding and I spoke again, "Purple Red Bull." And low and behold, my drink turned purple. I brought the glass to my lips, tasting the liquid. It was perfect — the energy drink wasn't too warm or ice cold. It was just perfect.

I shook my head at the memory as I looked around the tables. Everyone had to eat together during dinner, but that rule didn't apply to the other meals. The lunch usually lasts two hours meaning not everyone was here at the same time.

Some would come at the start to eat and some I noticed would arrive just ten minutes before the food would be gone. There were also campers who didn't even stay here to eat, instead, they would load their plates with food, knock the juiciest piece off their plate into the fire and disappear into their cabins.

Under different circumstances I would be like the latter, socialising was never my strongest suit or just generally being around people, but at cabin 11, I didn't feel like I belonged. And the truth is, I didn't.

I was so out of it, I didn't even notice someone sliding on the bench beside me. But now that I was finally aware of the new presence I turned to see a guy, maybe a year or two older, looking at me.

"Can I help you?"

A charming, handsome smile came up to his face as he stretched his hand out, "Asher Tart, head counsellor of Athena's cabin."

I looked at his hand, then glanced back at him, still not sure what he was trying to achieve here, by talking to me, "Right... I would introduce myself, but I have a feeling that you already know who I am." I couldn't help, but feel suspicious of him.

Even though a few days had passed since my and Percy's arrival, the campers still looked at me the same, while they, just like Luke said, forgot about Cy. So naturally, I became wary of others too.

He chuckled, taking back his arm, not looking a bit offended at the fact that I ignored his greeting, "So, you must be wondering why I'm here."

I took a sip of my drink, "Well, I did ask you that."

"I noticed that you hadn't started your training yet, so I thought I'd help."

I raised my brow, he was not telling me everything. Also, he noticed? Was he watching me? He looked at me for a second, must have caught on that I wasn't fully believing him, so he spoke again, "I need someone to train with too."

I glanced around, "Why me? There are many campers who would want to do that with you." What I said was true. I heard of him, Asher Tart, one of the best swordsmen at camp, an amazing battle strategist— making both teams want him on their side during Capture the Flag.

He nodded, glancing away from me as a group of girls from cabin ten passed us and greeted him, giggling. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes when he sent them the same charming smile I received earlier. I suppose I did understand why people liked him. Even stripped of his many skills, his charm and appearance would've made up for it.

His gaze returned to me as he sighed, "Everyone here is the same. We all learn the same tactics, defence and attack strategies. I know what sets every single person in here off in a fight. How to make them make mistakes, even Castellan. But he has been training longer than me, so that's why he's the best, for now." I rolled my eyes at the last sentence. Ugh boys and their egos.

"My point is... I don't know you. You're... unpredictable, different. I saw you fight the minotaur, I was on border patrol that evening. The way you wrapped those chains around it — which I have questions about— you pulled it right at you—"

"It is not that big of a deal. I think there are quite some campers here who would have done the same," I interrupted him.

He shook his head, "Maybe, but it doesn't change the fact that you're like no one else here."

A silence came over us as I thought. There weren't any reasons why I shouldn't at least try to train with him. I do have to learn how to wield a sword, even if I declined when Luke offered to teach me along with Cy.

"Alright, fine."

Asher's lips curved into a smile as he stood up motioning for me to follow him. I scrunched my brows, "Now?"

"Do you have anything else better to do?" He asked in a light-hearted tone. I glanced at my almost empty plate before meeting his eyes, "Suppose not."

AUTHORS NOTE
I didn't put Asher in the introduction for whatever reason, so just imagine him as you wish, just that he's a brunette.

Weird, but important question: are you guys a spoon or a fork person?????

1.2k words

-romanoff