THIS IS ME TRYING

32: Cults

"RED?!"

"Focus, Clarisse!"

"I am focused. I'm just saying that the Fleece isn't working!"

"It'll work."

Luna's eyes peeled open, as she instantly sat up to look at her stomach. Her breathing slowed when she saw the Golden Fleece blanketed over her wound; it felt weird. Her eyes adjusted to the light, as Luna looked around in confusion. She was laying down in a Chariot, Grover knelt beside her, as the vehicle raced quickly through Camp. Luna then thought of the Ares girl, her eyes darting towards the two girls driving the Chariot: Annabeth and Clarisse. The girl's injured leg had been healed by the Fleece too; Luna blinked tightly, forcing herself awake. The pain in her body was gone, and she was slightly freaked out at how good the Fleece had worked.

"You okay?" Grover questioned curiously, removing the Fleece from over the girl and holding it protectively. Luna assumed the fight was still going on; she kind of hoped she had stayed passed out for longer, then she could've missed it. But nothing was ever easy.

Luna pushed herself up to stand, and Grover held his hands out in case the girl stumbled off the back of the Chariot. Annabeth was speeding through Camp, presumably heading towards Thalia's Tree because Clarisse was ordering her on the quickest route of directions. Annabeth quickly glanced back at Luna, giving a smile,

"You're okay?" She asked, her eyes filled with relief because Annabeth knew that Luna's help was needed in this fight.

Luna nodded, before meeting eyes with Clarisse for a quick moment. Luna looked down at her 'I ♡︎ LONG ISLAND' t-shirt, noticing the blood that stained the white material. Luna muttered to herself, "Shit..."

Clarisse turned around to face her quickly, her eyes searching Luna's expression, "What? What is—"

"My t-shirt." Luna replied simply, gesturing to the stain of blood on the side of her stomach.

Clarisse's expression faltered, as she scoffed, "Seriously? Red, you're worried about your stupid shirt?"

"And you're worried about me?" Luna retorted challengingly, but she regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth. Her face flushed, and Clarisse's eyes lowered. It was the first time they had been silenced... it was awkward. Why was it awkward? It had never been awkward before. Why now?!

Grover cleared his throat to break the sudden tension, "Uh... guys." He gestured to the view up ahead, causing both girls to turn their attention away from each other and look into the distance.

On the hill that they were approaching, a battle had broke out between the Campers and Luke's army. There were shouts, screaming, clanking of celestial bronze swords. Beyond the barrier, the Laestrygonians waited impatiently whilst trying their best to break the barrier and join the fight. Luna's breathing had quickened again, as she tried her best to find Percy within the crowd.

Luna held onto the side of the Chariot as their wagon rode uphill, the horses pulling them along quicker as they entered the fighting grounds. Thalia's Tree was up ahead, and Luna noticed a few members of Luke's army were trying to axe it down. Her eyes were still rapidly searching the crowds of combat for her brother, but every Camper was dressed the same. It was hard to spot anybody out when they were all wearing the same orange t-shirts.