Darkness in the Tents

Chapter 6

"Luke,you can't do this. I willtell Chiron." Percy growled, the stench of anger wafted in thehumid air of the enclosed tent. Static electricity crackled endlesslybetween the blonde and him.

Anarrogant smirk danced on Luke's face, his scar crinkled with theintensity of lightning, ready to fatally strike.

"Ifyou want to keep your precious princess alive, then you won't go toChiron. I think you know very well what I'm capable of." Luke saidtauntingly, the cockiness in his smile beginning to slip away intosomething far more treacherous. A snap of electricity passed from hisfingers. A sickening shiver crawled itself down Percy's back on ascar he tried too hard to forget about. He did know very well whatLuke was capable of.

Percyhuffed, trying to keep up a persona of nonchalance and not let hiscowardice shine through the feeble facade.

"Ican move your blood and you dare to threaten me?" Percy washonestly a little astonished and Luke's ignorance. At least Percy hadthe ability to recognize equals, unlike Luke who placed himself on anuntouchable pedestal.

"Now,now Percy," Luke said as if scolding a foolish toddler, feigningshame in his voice. "Don't you remember, water is such agreat conductor of electricity." Percy's face dropped a bit. It wastrue, but that didn't exempt Luke from the rule. Percy could have himfry himself to Hell.

Percy'sunshaken face dissatisfied Luke and a frown crinkled the slashingscar.

"Well,if you're not afraid of me, do you remember my friends?" Lukeseemed a bit rueful having to use others in his fear tactic. "They'dhave no problem taking your beloved. I'm sure she'd be great useto them."

Now,Percy was afraid. He stood frozen in place.

"Andafter all those decades together, loving each other. Where would yoube without Annabeth? You'd be sad and broken. Lost. You'd feelthe guilt of her life pressing on your shoulders every single day forthe rest of your life. Do you want that? All you have to do is loosena screw and your safety along with Annabeth's is guaranteed."

Percywanted to hurl at the sight of Luke's manically, gleeful smile.

"Besides,"Luke whispered in his ear. "You'll just be sending the Queen ofGhosts back to her friends. No, problem there. Caprice will lovethat."

"Hername isn't Caprice. It's Oria." He kept his voice stoic and even toshow defiance.

"Oh,is that what she's going by now?" Luke sneered.

"No,it's what she's always gone by since we found her." His voice wasstill still.

"It'sfunny how she always changes her name, yet her little brother remainsNico. Seems like a secret Oria wishes me not to know."

"Whatis the point of this?" A small snarl wormed it's way into his tone.Luke saw the ember and began to stoke the flame.

"Oh,there's no point. Not really. So, will you loosen the crew?"

Noresponse came.

"Ithought that would be the case. It's a good thing too, Annabethalways seemed to be a good little toy."

Percyraised his fist.

"Ah,ah,ah. Not so fast." Luke wagged his finger.

Percylowered his arm slowly.

"Fine.I'll do it."

Lukeclapped him on the back.

"Pleasuredoing business with you."

Hey!!So I'm sorry if that last note on the previous chapter seemed a bitrude or hostile, that was not my intention! I had read it over andthought it came off that way, but summer's coming up so I might beable to update sooner! Thank you for all the reviews, they make itall the more fun to write :)