The Warrior & the Witch

Chapter 3

Another night passed at Camp Half Blood and I was still exhausted. The training days at camp seemed to be getting longer and I seemed to be just getting more tired. Not just my body that ached but my state of mind I felt uneasy, ill. I took a deep breath in as I got out of bed and went to get ready for the day. I tiptoe past my half siblings so I can use the shower first. When I'm all finished I finally wake them up. "Alright time to wake up! Lets goooo, it's time for breakfast! Up up up!" I speak loudly and my siblings groan. "Five more minutes lou.." Macie mumbled in her sleep. "No." I yank her blanket off with a smirk, if I couldn't sleep in, neither could they, besides it's not as if they don't have cleaning they could do.

I chuckled as my siblings groaned and protested, still half asleep. "Nope, no more five minutes! Time to start the day."With a smile, I walked over to each of them, shaking them to wake them up. "Up and at 'em! You guys can sleep later."My siblings reluctantly sat up in their beds, still groggy and bleary-eyed. They grumbled and mumbled complaints, but slowly started getting up and getting ready for the day.Once they were all up, I clapped my hands together and chuckled again. "Alright, that wasn't so bad, was it? Now hurry up and get ready, breakfast is waiting!"As my siblings slowly got out of bed and started to get ready for the day, it was clear they were not happy about being woken up. They grumbled and dragged their feet as they gathered their clothes and made their way to the bathroom.I chuckled silently to myself as I watched them, feeling a sense of amusement at their reluctance. I loved nothing more than to get them up and moving, even if it meant they were a bit grumpy at first.I smiled at the sight of my siblings dragging themselves towards the bathroom, still rubbing their sleepy eyes. "Come on, let's pick up the pace! We don't want to be late for breakfast."
They grumbled some more in response, still not happy about the early wake-up call. But I knew they'd eventually get over it once they had some food in their systems.I finished getting ready, quickly doing my hair and touching up my makeup. Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I took one last look around the cabin before exiting and heading towards the dining pavilion for breakfast.I made my way to the dining pavilion, where other campers had already started to gather for breakfast. The smell of bacon and maple wafted through the air, instantly making my mouth water.
As I took my seat at the Hecate table, I couldn't help but notice the exhaustion in some of the campers' faces. It seemed like everyone was feeling the effects of the rigorous training schedule lately.I looked around the pavilion, noticing that the atmosphere seemed a bit more subdued than usual. A mixture of weariness and hunger was evident on the faces of the campers. Even the usually cheerful satyrs and nymphs seemed a bit more muted in their movements. The training had been taking a toll on everyone it seemed. I picked at my food, my appetite not as strong as usual. The tiredness from the training has dampened my spirits a little bit. However, I pushed through, forcing myself to eat as I took a glance around the pavilion again, letting my gaze wander until it landed on Clarisse, sitting at the Ares table. As we made eye contact, she smiled back at me, sending a little flutter of nervousness through my chest, and I couldn't help the smile that teased my lips.
I continued to observe Clarisse from across the pavilion, my eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. Her smile made me feel... different. A strange mix of nervousness and excitement swirled in my chest, and I couldn't help but feel a little confused by these unfamiliar feelings. Gods I really liked her, I don't know how I got so lucky. Shaking my head to get out of my daydreaming I take a proper look around, Will smiles and waves. Will was friends with practically everyone at camp, contrary to his boyfriend who could be less than enthusiastic about making friends. "Yo Nico!" I exclaim and wave him over frantically. He replied with a stern glare my way before slowly slinking over to me. "What do you-!" I cut him off as I grab him and hurry behind the cabins. I check to make sure nobody is around before i speak. "I have a problem." I bite my lip and he raises an eyebrow, i could see a slight moment where he showed a concerned look on his face. "Its-I well its not bad-i just-oh just get over here!" I groan and look around once more. "What?" He narrows his eyes and his pale cheeks show a hint of concern still. "I think im in love." "Love? Lou you say that every week. Remember that party Will and I brought you to? We had to stop you from going home with that dude you said you were in love with." He spoke dryly and rolled his eyes. "Nico! Im serious this time, it's different. I really really like her." "Who?" Nicos eyes narrowed in suspicion, I could tell he wanted to investigate but I wasn't sure I should tell him yet. "That doesn't matter, quick tell me what I should do!" I whine my voice letting out my desperation. "Gods..Fine Lou Ellen.." Nico pinched the bridge of his nose. "How long have you known each other?" "About..two years." I say, I had met her when I first came to camp. Mind you I didn't catch any feelings till..well a few months ago, at least I think. "Mm." Nico hummed and I sigh. "It's Clarisse." "Clarisse?!" Nicos face scrunches up in shock and confusion. "Yes." I narrow my eyes at my friend slightly letting him know I wouldn't care to hear any of his insults or complaints on the matter. "You're serious? Like you're really serious?" Nico asked me slowly and I glare. "Ok ok! So you're serious...wow okay, erm" Nico tried to find words to reply. "I-I love her but y'know..people at camp wouldn't approve, Clarisse can be...a jerk y'know?" "Yeah no kidding" Nico scoffed and I sighed. "I know...wait! Will you go on a double date with me? You and Will, and Clarisse and I! You can all get to know each-other for real." "I dont know Lou.." Nico spoke slowly and winced. "Please!" I whine desperately hoping he'll agree with my idea. "Gods..fine! Only cause I care about you Lou, i'll talk to Will and we can get to know her again, a new first impression." Nico finally agreed and I grinned but I did take note that he seemed anxious about it. "Thanks Nico you're the best!" I ruffled his hair before hurrying over back to the dining pavillon. It's mostly cleared out as campers have already started going back to training or doing their own thing. I look around for my favourite brunette and grin as I head over. "Clarisse. You, me, Nico and Will, double date, this Friday. Okay?" I smile and wait for a response. "What?!" She hissed and I wince. "C'mon! Just one date! He already knows..I told him, but cmon if we win over Nico and Will people will eventually not care." I explain softly as I silently pleas with her to not immediately shut down my idea. "Really princess? Thats what you wanna do? Do you really think thats gonna end well?" She raised an eyebrow at me and I sigh in response. "Well it's all i've got. I dont want to date in secret anymore! Can you at least try to get along with my friends?" I beg as I stare into her stony eyes. She seemed conflicted, I wish I could hear what she was thinking because she was silent for a good while before answering me. The waiting was killing me but eventually her mouth opened. "One date. If we still dont get along, thats it, no more." Clarisse told me sternly. "You're the best!" I exclaim and hug her. "Clarisse is the best?" A boy asks and I quickly pull away and look over, it's Percy. "Oh hey Percy!" I chirp casually. "Since when do you hug Clarisse?" He questioned chuckling as he looked over at us. "What? People cant hug me now?" Clarisse growled and he rose his hands up in mock surrender. "I didn't mean it like that. You usually aren't so affectionate you know." Percy sent a look towards the tall girl and I sigh. "Be nice." "I am!" "You were not!" "What was he not doing?" Annabeth's voice appeared and we all look over. "Dont worry about it we're all good." Percy quickly shook his head feigning innocence and I chuckle, I was happy to see Clarisse was wearing a smirk as well.

Sorry about the shorter chapter! Ive been busy these past few weeks and am working on multiple stories set to come out soon! :)