Down in Flames [OC Demigod Fic]

Chapter Three: "The Party"

After taking a quick trip to my cabin to get my bike, I pedal over to the camp's outdoor pavilion. I slow up when I reach the outskirts of the amphitheater, which is crowded with campers dancing, talking, playing games, and laughing. From outside the party area, I survey the scene. There's carnival-type games, lots of food, an Apollo kid playing incredible music from a DJ booth, and a campfire ablaze in the middle of the amphitheater's main stage. At the dessert table I spy a beautiful three-tiered birthday cake, covered in pastel icing roses.

In one quick motion, I hop off the bike and park it next to a nearly tree. Attempting to act casual, I merge into the crowd, bopping my head to the music's beat. Karysta and I share the same taste in music, and so far, this party hasn't been too horrible.

Things begin to get awkward when I see her, surrounded by a group of girls, opening birthday presents. Her chestnut brown hair is perfectly curled and she wears a pink flower patterned dress. She looks happy— a little too happy.

What a fantastic birthday party, I think to myself and smile spitefully. It would be a shame if someone were to crash it.

Slowly edging through the crowd, I keep my eyes fixated on Karysta. Suddenly, someone dancing bumps into me and I fall on my butt onto the dirt ground. The girl, whom I vaguely recognize as a daughter of Athena, starts to apologize and helps me up. When she realizes who I am, her eyes widen and she backs away.

"Sabine," she says aloud, stirring up the attention of several others around us. The murmurs and whispers begin and eventually, everyone is staring at me, including Karysta, who appears more dumbstruck than mad. The DJ abruptly stops the music as everyone soaks in the gloriously embarrassing moment.

The birthday girl is the first to speak up. Regaining her composure, she calmly asks, "What are you doing here?"

My throat tightens for a moment, but I quickly think of a witty remark. "Well, what a glittering assembly, Karysta," I reply, glad to finally put my extensive knowledge of Disney movies to good use. "I really felt quite distressed at not receiving an invitation," I finish, faking a pout. Playing the villain is never something I wanted to do, but it is rather fun, given my current situation.

Karysta gives me a confused look, her lips parting slightly.

"I thought you wouldn't find out."

Hardening my features, I take a few steps closer, demigods parting the way for me like the Red Sea.

"You thought wrong. Are you afraid I'd ruin your precious little party? Am I really that awful?"

"No... Well..." She bites her lip, looking as if she's holding back tears.

"Go ahead and tell me how you feel!" I throw my hands in the air, laughing bitterly. "What do you really think of me? We were best friends, Krissy—"

"Don't call me Krissy," she sharply turns away from me.

"Oh, my apologies, Princess Karysta. I suppose a peasant like me doesn't deserve to know why they've been forever exiled from your kingdom," I pause, feeling the anger building up in my chest as the old wounds of a broken friendship slowly reopen. "Why did you have to shut me out?"

"You want to know why we can't be friends?" Karysta yells, her deep green eyes meeting mine with an intensity I've never seen before. "Because you're a freak, Sabine! You ruin everything that's good, and no matter what, you'll never belong here at Camp Half-Blood!"

The silence following her statement is unbearable. The sweet, gentle-hearted daughter of Demeter had the guts to say what no one else has ever said, yet what they must all secretly think. Hot tears trail down my cheeks and I look around at the circle of campers watching me. Not one person defends me.

"That's what you think of me?" I choke out, meeting eyes with Karysta once again before addressing the crowd. Louder, I clarify, "That's what you all think of me?"

Tears burn my eyes and I don't bother to wipe them away. "YOU THINK I'M A FREAK?" I scream, campers backing away as I glance in their direction. "THIS IS WHO I AM!"

The campfire roars and grows higher and higher, fueled by my anger and energy. Without warning, I shoot my hands out towards it and harness the flames, sending fireballs flying through the air. Everyone runs and screams, desperate to get away. I watch as Karysta's birthday cake is consumed with fire, a positively wicked smile spreading across my face.

That's when Amaryllis and Truett show up, with Chiron trotting along next to them.