word count: 492
He was terrified when he first heard the echo of it. So horrifying, so terrifying. He was petrified, glued to his spot.
It didn't help that it happened between capture the flag. The thunder and rain didn't enter the camp due to the protective barrier, but it didn't stop the voice. He was stationed as the distraction near the flag, it was dark all around and he was alone.
He knew that a demigod who fought two great battles like him shouldn't be afraid of something as silly as thunder but his brain always stirred up dark theories when the echoes came. He would honestly prefer another quest right now.
Just then a bush rustled nearby, alarming him. He let out a yelp due to his fright, and the sudden appearance. A mess of brown came into his view, and he could feel plants wrapping on his legs.
"Hey, Kats!" He said, trying to act casual but failed miserably. His voice quivered giving away his act, but the opponent didn't seem to mind it.
Katie stayed silent until she had completely disarmed him and trapped him on the branch of a tree. He didn't do anything against it, either because of the thunder and voice or because of the girl in front of him. Once he was securely tied up Katie spoke up,
"So, you didn't try to escape? Why?" Curiosity was laced in her voice.
"Don't know, Katie-kat. Maybe because of the girl in front of me?" He smirked knowing this would throw her over the edge, but the girl wasn't affected by it like before.
"Okay Travis, something is definitely wrong. You aren't acting your usual self." She said. He was surprised by the fact that she could sense something was wrong. She never seemed like the kind that could read people easily. Or maybe it was just his pale face.
He was about to answer when a thunder beat him to it. Zeus was definitely angry, today. He jumped and let out a small whimper. Fortunately, it didn't go unnoticed by the plant-weaver. She lowered down her trap and quietly sat next to him. The thunder was roaring louder than ever, making him agitated.
Katie laid a hand on his own and quietly traced circles on the back of his palm.
"What's wrong, Trav?" She asked, slowly. He couldn't answer her, his mouth had turned to ash due to all the panic. The girl seemed to understand it, as she didn't push him further.
Slowly, she wrapped her arm around him, resting his head on his shoulder, whispering soothing words to him. No words were spoken, the game long ago forgotten.
They stayed like that no-one moving, daring to say something. It was a comfortable peace, thunder all gone. Then gradually Travis wrapped his arm around her, pulling her into a homely embrace.
He didn't know when his confidence returned, but he was glad it did. Maybe, just maybe thunders weren't bad.
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Okay, this is the shortest one yet. And frankly, I am not proud of it. It was supposed to be a bit longer but yeah, it didn't come off like I expected it too.
But I hope you guys like it!
Also, my tests are gonna end next week, so maybe faster updates! I hope you guys are safe and sound and all well!
See ya next round,
Love, Anni.
