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Camp Half-Blood
Year: 2003
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Capture the flag that Friday was held in the daytime, and just as the late afternoon sun moved to its position in the sky, the conch horn sounded, prompting everyone to stand at their respective tables, awaiting further instructions. Rin was accustomed to the cacophony that always accompanied the event, excitement thrumming in her blood as she watched Annabeth, and three other kids from Athena's cabin run into the commons yard, carrying a silk banner. It was about ten feet long, glistening gray,with a painting of a barn owl above an olive tree. On the opposite side, the Ares campers brought in their own banner, of identicalsize, but flamboyant red, painted with a bloody spear and a boar's head.
Despite her young age, Annabeth was quite the force to be reckoned with. Her dark braids had been pulled back, giving her a focused look, and Rin was almost certain that she was behind whatever scheme her cabin had concocted for today's game.
"Whose side are we on?" she mumbled to Luke, who stood beside her.
The brunette boy only grinned, shooting her a knowing smirk, and she knew almost immediately. Privileges had been traded -shower times, chore schedules, the best slots for activities-in order to win support, and as head counsellor of the Hermes cabin, Luke always ensured that they were allied with the Athena cabin. Always the Athena cabin.
Chiron cleared his throat drawing attention, and the crowd fell silent.
"Heroes!" he announced. "You know the rules. The creek is the boundaryline. The entire forest is fair game. All magic items are allowed. The bannermust be prominently displayed, and have no more than two guards. Prisonersmay be disarmed, but may not be bound or gagged. No killing or maiming isallowed. I will serve as referee and battlefield medic. Arm yourselves!"
He spread his hands, and the tables were suddenly covered withequipment: helmets, bronze swords, spears, oxhide shields coated in metal.
The midday sun cast long shadows across the courtyard, and Rin's fingers idly traced the hilt of her sword. It was nothing special, an old Celestial bronze thing she'd she'd picked up when she first arrived at camp, and had grown used to after years of rigorous training. Her muscles still throbbed with the echoes of her morning training session, a gruelling regimen of swordplay that left her body feeling both exhausted and alive. She couldn't help but crack her knuckles in an attempt to ease the tension, a habit that never failed to draw a chuckle from Luke.
"Feeling tired already, Rin?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he leaned against the stone pillar beside him.
Rin shot him a glare, shaking her head as she resisted the urge to roll her eyes, "Not tired, just..." -she interrupted herself with an insuppressible yawn.
Luke's laughter only grew louder at her response, his grin widening as he shook his head in mock disbelief. "Well, let's hope you've saved some energy from our training session this afternoon," he said, a hint of challenge in his voice. "I'll need you at the top of your game if we're going to stand a chance against the other team."
"When am I not? Dare I say, I might even be better than-"
"Nope. Can't be. The pupil cannot outdo the master. I've taught you all you know."
"Actually, I've been taking secret lessons with the Ares kids, so I'd say I should be better than you by now," her fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword as the kids around them swarmed the tables, eager to take their pick of weapon.
"Traitor!"
"Watch your mouth Castellan. You're just afraid I'll actually beat you in something for once."
Luke raised an eyebrow skeptically, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips, "Oh really? Because from where I was standing during our sparring session earlier, you didn't seem quite as skilled as you're making yourself out to be."
Rin's eyes narrowed at his taunt, her jaw clenching, "I won all three rounds, didn't I?"
Sniggered at her response, he shook his head in amusement. "Yeah, after losing the first two," he countered, his grin widening as he watched her reaction. "So I'm not sure that really counts for much."
"Only because I was being lenient with you."
"Hey, you two, quit your bickering!"
Their exchange was interrupted by the arrival of Rin's younger brother, sporting a disgruntled expression that resembled so closely the one his sister wore all the time that Luke couldn't help but laugh.
The younger boy, Ethan, narrowed his eyes at them, his brow furrowing in frustration, "We've got more important things to focus on right now."
"Everything alright, Ethan? You okay?" Rin's voice softened with concern.
Ethan shifted nervously on his feet, his gaze flickering between his sister and Luke as he struggled to find the right words, "I was just wondering...where am I supposed to be stationed during the game?"
"Nowhere near where you could get hurt!"
Rin's retort was quick, declared in a tone that left no room for argument, insisting that he be stationed in the safest possible position, far away from any potential danger.
Ethan scowled at his sister's response, his frustration evident as he turned pleading eyes towards Luke. "But I want to fight," he protested, his voice tinged with frustration. "I don't want to be stuck on the sidelines. Don't make me do border patrol again."
Luke couldn't help but smile at the kid's determination, reaching out to ruffle his hair affectionately. However, Ethan swatted his hand away impatiently, his expression stubborn as he repeated his question.
"Where am I supposed to be stationed, Luke?" Ethan asked, his voice tinged with impatience.
"Luke-" came Rin's warning tone.
The brunette teen's smile widened at the two siblings and their opposing demands, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he considered his response.
"Well, according to Annabeth, you're going to be one of the two flag guards."
Ethan's shoulders slumped slightly at the news, a hint of disappointment flashing across his face. However, before he could voice his objections, Luke was quick to reassure him.
"Hey, Ethan, being a flag guard is one of the most important roles on the team," he said, his voice gentle but firm, and this time when he placed his hand on his shoulder, the younger boy let him. "You're the last line of defence, protecting our flag from the other team. Without you, we'd be in big trouble."
He had a way of charming people, a charisma that made them feel valued and important, and it was no surprise that he was a favourite of a lot of the younger kids. They idolized him, and Ethan was no exception. The boy's expression brightened at his words, a hint of pride swelling in his chest as he straightened up, his resolve renewed.
"If you say so, Luke," Ethan said, his voice filled with determination. "I'll do my best to guard the flag."
"And remember if you get hurt, I'm going to skewer you myself," his sister added sternly, making the boy roll his eyes.
"That doesn't sound like someone who wants to keep me safe!"
"I know you will do your best kiddo," Luke interrupted before the siblings could start their squabbling again. "Now, go on, take your position, and don't worry, we won't let them make it to you."
"Don't call me that!"
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Soon after the second conch rang, signalling the start of the game, the tranquil forest erupted into a frenzy of action. Rin and Luke dashed through the dense undergrowth, their footsteps muffled by the carpet of fallen leaves beneath their feet. They were accompanied by a small group of Hermes kids, tasked with retrieving the opposing team's flag.
The forest seemed to blur around them as they sprinted forward, their senses heightened by the adrenaline coursing through their veins. Branches whipped past their faces, and fallen logs loomed in their path, but they navigated the terrain with practiced ease, their movements fluid and purposeful.
Despite the urgency of their mission, Rin couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration coursing through her veins. This was what she lived for, the thrill of the chase, the rush of the game as she cut down anyone who stood in her path.
Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by a jibe from Luke, his voice laced with playful mockery. "Nice of you to ditch the helmet," he teased, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "I guess protecting your head is only important when it's someone else's."
"Shut up."
"Yes, ma'am."
She shot him a withering glare, knowing he was referring to her earlier insistence that her brother wear his own helmet, despite the younger boy's protests. It was perhaps hypocritical, but Rin was not going to take any chances of someone she loved getting hurt. Not again.
She was saved from having to respond when another camper from the opposing team swung at Luke from behind, and she blocked it with her own sword, the noise echoing through the forest and sending a flock of birds flying from their roost somewhere in the distance. She made short work of the camper, a Demeter kid who for a moment had her, his eyes glowing as the roots under her feet wrapped their gnarled fingers around her ankles. Then Luke was there to slice her free and the garden-magic boy was quick to surrender.
Their sprint came to an abrupt halt as they burst into a small clearing, the Ares flag fluttering defiantly in the breeze. Two burly campers stood guard beside it, their muscles tense as they scanned the surrounding forest for any sign of intruders.
Before they could react, a group of Ares campers emerged from the trees behind them, their weapons raised and ready for battle. An ambush of sorts, but they were expecting it and Rin felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as she spun around to face them, her sword at the ready.
With a silent nod of understanding, Rin and Luke moved to stand back to back, their movements a synchronized dance of steel and determination. With each swing of their swords, they cut down their opponents with ease, their years of training shining through as they moved as one cohesive unit. The clash of metal echoed through the clearing, mingling with the shouts and cries of the combatants as they battled for supremacy.
Luke was a whirlwind of motion, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he took on multiple adversaries at once. His movements were fluid and precise, each strike eager to disarm and incapacitate his adversaries. Rin on the other hand was more careful with her strikes, her gaze flickering between her opponents as she assessed their weaknesses and exploited them with precision. It was a knack she discovered she had a long time ago, and if she concentrated hard enough, she could match their every move. If they struck her particularly hard, she matched their strength, no matter how strong the fighter, although that one only lasted a single a single hit.
Balance.
A strike for a strike.
Behind them, Chris's shout of triumph echoed as he took down one of the campers guarding the Ares flag. As he engaged with the second, the flag was momentarily free for the taking.
Rin could feel the weight of Luke's gaze on her just then, a silent communion passing between them as he signalled for her to make her move.
With a nod of understanding, she broke away from the fray, her eyes fixed on the unguarded flag fluttering defiantly in the breeze. Luke paved her way, deflecting blows and clearing a path for her as she raced towards her objective.
As Rin reached the flag, her heart pounded in her chest, her muscles tense with anticipation. With a swift motion, she plucked the pole from the ground, her fingers trembling slightly as she secured the precious prize in her grasp. Behind her, she could hear the sounds of battle raging on, mingling with the encouraging shouts of the Hermes campers as they covered her retreat.
Behind her, the Ares campers clamoured in pursuit, their shouts of frustration echoing through the forest as they desperately tried to catch up, and with each step, Rin pushed herself to go faster, her muscles burning with exertion as she fought to maintain her lead. The boundary line loomed ahead, and as it neared she could feel the ground slipping away beneath her feet, the world blurring into a whirlwind of motion. With one final burst of speed, she leaped forward, sailing over the boundary line, her breath catching in her throat as she fought to maintain her balance. She landed with a stumble, her knees buckling beneath her as she struggled to stay on her feet, but then, with a surge of triumph, she straightened up, the red banner held high above her head as she let out a victorious cry.
Instantly, the air was filled with the thunderous roar of her teammates, their cheers echoing through the clearing as they surged forward to greet her. Hands reached out to grab her, lifting her up on their shoulders and carrying her aloft in a sea of jubilation. The red banner in her hands shimmered and turned to silver, the boar and spear of Ares were replaced with a huge caduceus, the symbol of cabin eleven. It was a little ironic perhaps, for her to be carrying it, as she was only an honorary member of the cabin, in name and lodging alone.
As the crowd closed in around her, Rin felt a sense of unease creeping over her, a feeling of suffocation as too many hands pulled and pushed at her. This part of the game she never got used to and she longed to escape the crush of bodies.
It was too much, as if she'd drown in a sea of skin.
Eventually, someone passed her to Luke, who gave her an apologetic look. He helped her down from some Hephaestus kid's shoulders, his hands remaining respectfully on her arms, letting go almost immediately once her feet hit the uneven ground.
As he set her down on her feet, she couldn't help the flicker of concern that crossed her features as she observed him wince, favouring his right side.
"Sorry about that," he said, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "You know how these things are."
"It's fine. I'm fine. But...are you alright?" she reached out toward him before thinking better of it, and pulling her fingers clenched at her side.
Luke managed a reassuring smile, despite the twinge of pain shooting through his ribs. "Just a scratch, Rin," he replied, his voice laced with determination. "Don't tell me you're worried about me."
Around them, the air was filled with the jubilant cheers of their teammates, the sound of celebration echoing through the clearing as they were led back to the main grounds, but for Luke, all he could focus on was Rin, her presence a calming presence amidst the chaos.
Her response was predictable, a hardening of her eyes and a scowl that did nothing to mask her concern. Her cheeks were flushed with exertion, strands of her dishevelled hair escaping the confines of her tightly bound updo, framing her face in a wild halo of unruly wisps. Despite the chaos of the moment, Luke couldn't tear his gaze away from her.
Her breath came out in gasps, her hands trembling with the aftershocks of adrenaline, and he found himself wanting to reach out to grasp them on his own. Not that he would though, he didn't fancy getting smacked, not when he was already injured.
"Are you sure you're alright? If you won't see Chiron, maybe one of the Apollo kids can help," Rin's voice broke through his reverie, pulling him back to reality with a jolt. Her eyes searched his face for any sign of discomfort, and he managed a strained smile in response.
"Careful Rin, worrying about me isn't a good look on you."
"Shut up."
"Yes ma'am."
"But Luke-"
"Gods, I'm fine. Just a little bruised, that's all."
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Dinner that night was a spectacle of celebration, the air buzzing with excitement and camaraderie. At the pavilion, torches blazed around the marble columns. A central fireburned in a bronze brazier the size of a bathtub, casting a warm glow over the festivities.
To her surprise, Rin found herself seated at the center of the Hermes table, a stark contrast to her usual place at the far end of the bench, practically hanging off the edge of the overcrowded cabin's designated table. Surrounded by so many bodies, Rin couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort, the press of people was a little overwhelming, particularly as they all reached out to pat her back or give her a fist bump of acknowledgement.
Glancing around the table, her discomfort eventually melted away, replaced by a sense of belonging as she took in the familiar faces of her friends and teammates. To her right sat Ethan, his eyes shining with pride as he regaled Luke and her with tales of his exploits during the game. Despite his earlier sullenness, he seemed to have forgotten his grievances, his enthusiasm infectious as he animatedly recounted his role in protecting the flag.
Luke nodded encouragingly as Ethan spoke, a warm smile playing at the corners of his lips as he listened intently. "That's amazing, Ethan," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You did a great job out there."
Rin couldn't help but smile at the exchange, an unnamed feeling swelling in her chest as she watched her brother bask in the praise.
Finally, Chiron pounded his hoof against the marble floor of the pavilion, raising his glass in a toast, and Rin's smile fell.
"To the gods!"
Everybody else raised their glasses too.
"To the gods!"
And to all those they have abandoned.
Still, despite her thoughts, she lifted her cup all the same. If she was good at anything, it was pretending. She had had years of practice after all, and an angry bitter kid only attracted attention. A complacent one was a nobody, and no one suspected a nobody of blasphemy. That's how Rin liked it.
As the toast concluded, the hall erupted into motion, the din of conversation rising to a crescendo as everyone rose from their seats, plates in hand, to make their offerings to the gods. Rin watched as her fellow campers carried their plates toward the central fire, and felt herself stiffen.
Beside her, Luke's touch on her shoulder was barely perceptible, yet it sent a shiver down her spine. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, a faint furrow in his brow as if he were searching for something hidden within her. Rin felt a pang of unease, wondering if perhaps her facade of composure wasn't as flawless as she had thought. It was almost as if he could read her mind.
Before she could dwell on it further, Ethan's eager voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.
"Come on, Rin," he whispered eagerly, tugging at her sleeve. "Let's go make our offerings."
Rin offered him a small smile, her heart heavy with the weight of his words. "Sure," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. But as they made their way toward the fire, his next words caught her off guard, sending a ripple of uncertainty coursing through her.
"Maybe now that you've won today, Mother might claim you," her little brother murmured, his words laced with hope. "And maybe...maybe you can put in a good word for me and she might look at me too."
It took everything within her not to shake him right then and there. It wasn't his fault, he was just a kid. None of it was his fault and yet his naive hope filled her with rage, her stomach churning with guilt and uncertainty. It wasn't the first time she had achieved something noteworthy, and yet their mother had remained conspicuously absent from their lives. If she truly wanted to claim them as her own, she would have done so long ago.
"We'll see."
Ahead of them, Luke pretended not to hear their conversation. He approached the fire silently, bowed his head, and tossed in a cluster of fatred grapes, murmuring a single name that tasted bitter on his tongue.
"Hermes."
Next was Ethan, who closed his eyes, and dropped five of his cherries, his favourite, into the fire, and then he began to whisper a string of names.
"Demeter. Aphrodite. Athena. Nemesis. Hecate. Tyche. Hebe. Iris. Melinoe. Nike."
It was another habit of his. He'd ramble off a list of every goddess he knew, in the hopes that one of them might be their mother, even going as far as to commit the minor goddesses to memory, insisting that they were equally important of recognition, of offerings, of reverence.
The inevitable dimming of his eyes in disappointment was a sight Rin was used to seeing, but it hurt all the same, and when Luke led him back to their table, she found herself face-to-face with the awaiting flames. Like the others, she dropped the best portions of her food, but her tradition was a little different.
There were others who deserved her respect, who deserved her devotion, and Rin was nothing if not devoted.
3 names. 3 memories.
"Taro."
Her father.
"Sora."
Her stepmother.
"And Emmie."
Her stepmother had never been the religious type and Rin imagined she might have found all this a little funny, but she was family just as much anyone else, and definitely more worthy of Rin's loyalties than her own mother.
Every day Rin waited for the gods to strike her down for her blasphemy, for her insolence, and with some guilt, she wondered if her disrespect was the reason their mother never claimed them, thus making her the cause of her brother's pain. It was ridiculous though. Surely the gods had better things to do than wait around listening in on a dumb teenager's inner thoughts. She was a nobody.
Holy irreverent. Wholly irrelevant.
Surely there were things like civil wars and world hunger to deal with, so if her stupid behaviour was what offended her mother, then the gods were greater narcissists than Rin had first imagined.
When she made her way back to the table, she couldn't help but notice the glass of crimson liquid waiting for her. She took a sip, relishing the familiar taste of her favourite cherry coke as it washed away some of the lingering sourness in her throat.
Glancing up, she caught Luke's eye across the table, his grin infectious as he chatted animatedly with his friends. She tried her best to return it, but it felt hollow and unreal, marionette strings stretching her lips upward.
Still, it was a welcome distraction to join in the conversation with her own friends, and the rest of the evening proceeded smoothly, the hall alive with laughter and music as the campers enjoyed the festivities.
As the night wore on and everyone began to wrap up their meals, one of their camp directors Mr. D., otherwise known as Dionysus himself, approached their table, his gaze falling on Luke with a look of mild irritation.
"Louis Castaway, Chiron wants to see you up in the Big House," he announced, his tone brusque as he delivered the message.
The remaining occupants of the table sniggered at the name. It was a habit of Mr. D.'s to mispronounce their names, and the misnomer was often a comical one.
Rin watched as Luke excused himself from the table, a furrow in his brow as he made his way, and a sense of curiosity gnawed at her as she watched him go, wondering what could be so urgent that Chiron needed to see him now.
"What're you all looking at? Hurrah, you won the game and all that.Now run along to your silly campfire. Go on," Mr D. made a shooing motion to dismiss the stragglers.
As much as she was tempted to join her friends in the amphitheatre for the sing-along with the Apollo cabin, Rin couldn't resist the urge to follow Luke. With a quick glance around to make sure no one was watching, she slipped away from the table and trailed after him, her footsteps light as she made her way through the campgrounds.
She always had been much too curious for her own good.
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A/N: Another chapter for yall, because the Luke brainrot is hitting hard this week and I have the next 5 or so chapters outlined too :P Also if there are any inconsistencies, do ignore them, cuz there is very little information present about the pre-percy events lol so I'm just winging it as we go along.
As usual, don't be a ghost reader, comments really motivate me to continue writing so share your thoughts plz and thank u ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡