nobody's soldier, percy jackson

4. play-war, jealousy, ribbons, and forbidden children

"You're gonna love this," Luke said as he, Venus, and Percy walked through a training field "camp-wide mock warfare, all glory to the victors."

"Cause that's... healthy" Venus said quietly.

"Annabeth the head counsel or of the Athena cabin. She's led our team to three straight wins. Been a long time since anyone's won a fourth" Luke said.

"She was there in the bathroom," Percy said "she said she'd been waiting for it to happen."

They stopped walking, Venus focusing on Annabeth who was looking at them from across the field.

"She's pretty" Venus pointed out.

She didn't know why, but she always said it directly when she found someone pretty.

"Annabeth sees the world differently. Always six steps ahead of everyone else. You should cut her a break" Luke told Percy.

"Whose side are you on, anyway?" Percy asked.

"Oh, hers, always. She's my little sister" Luke shrugged.

"Maybe I should back up" he said, seeing the confusion on Percy's face.

"Maybe you should," Venus nodded "can I go over there?"

"Uh... sure?" Luke answered.

"Thanks" she smiled before going over to Annabeth as Luke and Percy walked away.

"Hi," Venus said as she reached Annabeth "I'm Venus."

"I know" Annabeth responded.

"Of course you do" Venus sighed to herself.

"Look, so, I know fighting and war and all that, cause y'know, war parents. But, I'm not really good with other people," Venus said, walking after Annabeth as she checked how other kids were doing.

"Shocker" Annabeth said quietly, but sarcastically.

"Okay, well, that's rude" Venus frowned.

"I just wanna know if there's something I should be ready for?" Venus said.

Annabeth stopped walking and turned around to face Venus.

"Are you worried, goddess?" she asked, crossing her arms.

"What? No, I just—" Venus said quickly before stopping herself. She wasn't about to tell this girl she didn't even know how she had never had a friend before. "Never mind."

Venus then turned around and left

「⋆⭒˚｡⋆」

"Not you, sunshine. You're with me" Annabeth said to Percy as they started to leave for Capture the Flag, causing a small spark to hit Venus' chest.

She was jealous. But, why?

"You too, goddess" Annabeth said, nodding towards Venus.

"I have a name" Venus scoffed as she and Percy followed after the daughter of Athena.

As the three walked through the forest, Percy tripped over a branch, landing on the ground.

Venus giggled quietly, looking down at him as he moved up to his knees.

"I'm fine, thanks. But I appreciate you, you know, standing there silently" he said, looking at Annabeth.

Annabeth rolled her eyes and continued walking while Venus ruffled Percy's hair as if he was a dog.

"Hey!" Percy said, hitting her hand away, which only made her laugh again.

He quickly stood up, so Venus turned around and started walking again, but remained next to him.