𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀, luke castellan

ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ-ɴɪɴᴇ

Crash Landing.

🌊

Clarisse's disdainful reaction was palpable, a searing contempt that surpassed even the usual animosity between them. "You," she spat, her voice dripping with venom. The single word carried a weight of accusation and hatred, crystallizing not only the years of rivalry and mutual disdain but also her betrayal last summer. Rory couldn't help but sigh at the predictable response. This encounter promised to be nothing short of exasperating, and she wanted nothing more than to end it quickly.

Her patience was wearing thin. She tightened her grip on the light dagger. "Let's not make this any more difficult than it needs to be. Just hand it over and I'll be on my way."

Clarisse shot her a venomous glare, her eyes filled with an unyielding fire. However, reluctantly, she began to unzip the glittering jacket, each motion slow and deliberate, as if weighing her options for a sudden attack.

Valentine, her face pale and stricken, cried out, "Don't-" Her plea was cut off as Rory, unmoved by the desperation in her voice, pressed the dagger harder against her throat. A thin line of blood appeared, stark and crimson against Valentine's throat, and she fell silent, her eyes wide with fear and helplessness.

"Stop-" Clarisse started, surprising Rory. She never thought she'd see the day when Clarisse actually cared about someone other than herself. "Here, just take it," she growled, her contempt thinly concealed.

Clarisse's hands shook slightly as she finished unzipping the glittering jacket, each movement imbued with a reluctant finality. The jacket seemed to hum in protest as she peeled it off. Clarisse's eyes never left Rory's, a fierce challenge in their depths, even as she surrendered the Fleece.

Rory accepted the Fleece, holding it with a mixture of reverence and caution. The fabric, deceptively heavy, pulsated with an ancient power that sent shivers down her spine. The Fleece's enchantment was powerful, a thrumming energy that resonated through her fingertips and coursed up her arms, filling her with a heady mix of triumph and awe.

Triumph lit up Rory's face. She had done it. She hadn't failed this time. The countless hours of training, the sacrifices, the nightmares-everything had led to this moment. She felt a surge of vindication, a fierce pride swelling within her. The Fleece was now in her possession, and with it, the promise of turning the tide in their favor.

But just as soon as she had grasped it, a jolt of turbulence shook the plane violently. Passengers screamed as the aircraft lurched to one side, oxygen masks dropping from the overhead compartments. Rory was thrown to the ground, the Fleece slipping from her hands and landing a few feet away in the aisle. She scrambled to reach for it, but another violent shake sent her sprawling again, her head smacking against a seat armrest. Dazed, she blinked through the pain, her vision blurring momentarily.

Another strike. Lightning. Rory cursed under her breath. Zeus mustn't have forgotten last year when she had stolen his lightning bolt. The anger of the king of the gods was evident, each bolt of lightning outside the windows a testament to his fury. And he didn't seem to care if an entire plane of mortals went down with her. He didn't seem to care if that meant sacrificing the Fleece, sacrificing Thalia, sacrificing camp. He didn't care about any of it as long as he got rid of her in the process.

That familiar bubble of resentment arose within her, mingling with the urgency of the situation. The plane's power flickered and then went out completely, plunging the cabin into an eerie darkness punctuated only by the red emergency lights. An alarm began to blare, its shrill sound adding to the panic that gripped the passengers. Fearful cries and frantic whispers filled the air as people clung to their seats, their eyes wide with terror.

On and off.

Rory's vision was all blurry. She could barely make out the Fleece on the ground a little way ahead of her. The dim red lights cast long shadows, making the cabin feel even more claustrophobic. She could feel the cold sweat trickling down her back as she tried to focus her thoughts.

On and off.

Valentine and Clarisse had managed to undo their seatbelts despite the illuminated sign telling them to stay in their seats.

On and off.

Rory's fingers trembled as she reached out for the Fleece, her muscles straining against the turbulent forces rocking the plane. Just as her fingertips brushed against the warm fabric, she froze. Kronos's voice echoed in her mind, a chilling reminder of the greater game being played. His words sent a shiver down her spine, a reminder that their struggles were but a small piece in a larger, more ominous puzzle. It wasn't worth it. He told her. He needed her alive for the time being. Let the heroes have their Fleece and their little camp. It wouldn't matter in the end. None of it would matter.

On and off.

She withdrew her hand, the weight of Kronos's words still echoing in her mind. Valentine, who had been seated by the aisle, secured the Fleece with a determined grip, her fingers tracing the edges of the fabric as if to affirm its presence. Clarisse stood beside her, her posture tense with readiness.

On and off.

Rory raised her head to look at them, standing there in silent solidarity amidst the chaos of the plane. The emergency lights continued their erratic dance, casting long shadows across their faces. But another lightning strike threw them off balance, causing both of them to instinctively reach out, gripping nearby seats for stability as turbulence rattled the cabin. Rory knew that it was time to go.

She spared one final look towards Valentine, catching a glimpse of her expression-etched with disappointment and fear. She was scared of her. But worse than that was the worry, the pity. Rory could hardly stand it. But she was doing what needed to be done. This was necessary. And with that Rory pushed her limits.

On.

It was so dark but she timed it perfectly with the flashing lights, seamlessly warping into the crimson glow.

Off.

Everything went dark.

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And that's a wrap!

And I might have a little surprise for later today but we'll have to see how efficient I am 💀💀

Hope y'all enjoyed the ✨ plane ✨

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