Born To Die

We play capture the flag

The next day, the camp was buzzing with excitement for Capture the Flag. As we got ready for the game, Percy still looked a bit confused about everything. I caught him watching Annabeth, who was organizing her gear across the field. Luke and I were talking about strategy when Percy wandered over.

"So, you guys are on Annabeth's team?" Percy asked, glancing between me and Luke.

"Always," Luke replied with a grin. "We've got her back."

Percy looked a little confused. "Why are you always on her team?"

I smiled, realizing that Percy didn't know the history. "Well, we've always looked out for Annabeth. It was just us at first, you know. Me, Luke, and Thalia."

"Thalia?" Percy asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," I continued, glancing at Luke. "She was with us before camp. It was just the three of us. We found Annabeth later, and she became like our little sister."

Luke nodded. "We've been a team ever since. Back then, it was just survival. Thalia led us through a lot, but she..." His voice trailed off, a shadow crossing his face.

Percy looked even more confused now, but he didn't ask more. Instead, he just nodded, taking it all in. "So, you've all known each other for a long time?"

"Yeah," I said, looking over at Annabeth, who was still focused on her preparations. "We've been through a lot together."

Luke gave Percy a playful nudge. "Don't worry, Jackson. You'll figure it out soon enough. For now, let's see if you can keep up in Capture the Flag."

As we got into position, I couldn't help but think of the old days—the days when it was just me, Luke, and Thalia, running from monsters and trying to survive. Annabeth had come along later, but we had always protected her, just like we were doing now.

And now, Percy was part of the mix, even if he didn't fully understand it yet. Soon enough, he'd realize how deep these bonds ran. But for now, it was all about the game.

The game of Capture the Flag had kicked into high gear, and as expected, the Ares kids were out in full force. Clarisse wasn't playing this time, but Duncan Jefferson, her brother, was. He was just as brutal, maybe even worse, with that cocky Ares grin on his face as he led his team into the fray.

Luke, Chris, and I had been holding the line, trying to keep the Ares kids from getting too close to our flag. The game was chaos—yells, weapons clashing, and dust flying as campers fought tooth and nail for victory.

Duncan charged at us with two other Ares kids flanking him. He had a huge battle-axe, and the way he swung it, you'd think he was trying to cleave a monster in two. Chris stepped up to meet him first, his sword clanging against Duncan's axe with a harsh screech of metal.

"Need some help, Chris?" Luke called, his voice light, though his eyes were serious as he engaged one of the other Ares kids.

"Wouldn't mind it!" Chris grunted, his muscles straining as he tried to hold off Duncan's powerful blows.

I darted in from the side, aiming a well-placed kick at Duncan's knee, causing him to stumble just enough for Chris to push him back. But Duncan wasn't down for long. He growled, his eyes locking onto me as he charged, swinging that axe in a wide arc.

I managed to duck, just barely, the blade whistling past my ear. "Seriously, Duncan? You've gotta work on your aim!" I taunted, trying to distract him.

"Stay still, Isla, and I'll show you how good my aim is!" Duncan roared, swinging again, but Luke was there in an instant, blocking the strike with his sword.

"Can't let you do that, Duncan," Luke said, grinning as he pushed the Ares kid back. They exchanged a few more blows, the clash of metal echoing through the woods.

Meanwhile, Chris had managed to fight off the other two Ares kids and was coming to help us finish Duncan off. Together, the three of us managed to disarm him, his axe clattering to the ground. Duncan cursed but knew he was beaten—for now.

"Better luck next time," Luke said with a smirk, slapping Duncan on the shoulder before we took off again, racing back toward our side of the field.

As we ran, the adrenaline pumping through me, I glanced over at Luke. His usual cocky grin was plastered on his face, but there was a gleam in his eyes—he was enjoying this. I was too. Fighting together, just like old times, it reminded me of why we made such a good team.

"Nice kick back there," Luke said, nudging me as we ran.

I smirked. "Nice save. You're getting soft, though. He almost had you."

He laughed, shaking his head. "You wish."

We made it back to our flag, the game still in full swing, but we had held our ground. Chris gave us a thumbs-up, panting from the effort but clearly satisfied.

"Not bad for a day's work," I said, catching my breath.

"Not bad at all," Luke agreed, his grin widening as he glanced toward the center of the field where the final battles were playing out. "Let's finish this."

With a nod, we rejoined the fight, ready to secure our victory.

After the chaotic frenzy of Capture the Flag, Luke, Chris, and I finally managed to secure the flag. It had been a brutal game, but we pulled through. Exhausted but victorious, we stood together, watching as our teammates celebrated.

Luke turned to me, his smirk unmistakable. "Told you we'd win."

I laughed, my adrenaline still buzzing from the fight. "Alright, alright. I'll give you that one."

Without thinking much of it, we leaned in and kissed—a brief but sweet moment, a quiet celebration in the middle of all the noise around us. Chris pretended not to notice, rolling his eyes, but I caught him smirking as he turned away.

As we pulled back, we heard Annabeth's voice shouting from the stream nearby. "Get in the water, Percy!"

I glanced over just in time to see Annabeth shove Percy into the stream. He stumbled, splashing down into the water, looking confused but determined. A few campers chuckled, but then something changed. The water rippled unnaturally, and as Percy stood, the water seemed to respond to him, swirling around his feet.

Luke and I exchanged glances, our victory forgotten as something incredible began to unfold. A glowing trident appeared above Percy's head, shimmering in the air.

"He's being claimed," I whispered, the weight of the moment settling over me.

"By Poseidon," Luke finished, his voice low with awe. It wasn't every day you saw a Big Three god claim their child. The energy in the camp shifted instantly, whispers and gasps spreading through the crowd. Everyone knew what this meant—Percy Jackson was Poseidon's son.

For a moment, we just stood there, watching as Percy realized what was happening. The look on his face was a mix of confusion, fear, and awe, much like anyone else would feel in that situation.

Luke's expression turned thoughtful. "We're definitely going to need him."

I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away from the glowing symbol above Percy. "Yeah, he doesn't even know what's coming."

As the glow faded and the camp buzzed with excitement and gossip, Luke and I stood in silence, knowing that everything was about to change.