THE NEXT MORNING, IT WAS THE day Victor had always came to dread: capture the flag. Don't get him wrong, he loved the game. He just hated the way Clarisse played it.  One thing about Clarisse La Rue was that she was willing to do anything to win.

The boy was currently walking with Liliana, who was filling him in on what happened in the bathroom yesterday.  Apparently, Percy blew up the bathroom which left him dry and Clarisse and her goons soaking wet.  "How did he avoid getting attacked by Clarisse after that?"  Lily shrugged, looking at Luke and Percy.  "I don't know.  That's all my siblings could tell me."

"Oh, come on! Where is the juicy gossip you always tell me about? There has to be more."

"Sorry, dude. I have nothing else to say." Victor wore a teasing smile, noticing how Lily looked at Percy. "You like the new kid, don't you?"

"No! I don't even know him yet."

"You say that with every guy you've liked so far."

"I do not!"

"Whatever you say, Lils. Whatever you say. So are you going to join me in capture the flag this time? I can't stand hearing Clarisse yell battle cries every five seconds, plus her voice irritates me enough."

"Aphrodite kids don't do capture the flag, Vic.  I'll join you but I'm not stabbing anyone, got that?"

"Don't worry.  You just leave that to me." A horn was heard as Chiron trotted near the camp grounds. "Heroes... it's time. The game begins."

VICTOR WAS DRESSED IN BATTLE ARMOR, wearing a helmet with a red mohawk.  Chiron was busy explaining the rules of the game, much to his dismay.  The game was like regular capture the flag but less running with the flag and more sparring with swords and spears to get it. 

"Let the games begin!" Ares team yelled out very loud battle cries, causing Victor to cover his ears.  He couldn't wait for the game to be over.  "You guys are with me! The big baby and his little girlfriend can be on the lookout." Clarisse stated, causing the other kids to laugh.  "She's not my girlfriend! And I'm not a baby!"

"We're just friends!" Lily exclaimed, sitting on a tree stump.  "I'm bored! Why do we have to be on the lookout? Clarisse knows I don't want to fight with the kids on the Athena team!"

"Lils, calm down.  Remember, I'm fighting them so you have nothing to worry about."  The short haired brunette sighed, "I guess you're right.  But what if they sneak up on us when we least expect it?"

"How could they do that? They would have to be invisible to catch us off guard."

"You're right about that." a voice stated, sending shivers down Victor and Lily's spines.  "What was that?" Lily asked, fear in her voice.  "Stay here.  I'm going to find out who that was, okay?"

"Vic, I'm begging you.  Don't leave me! I'm going to get my butt kicked if you're not around!"  Victor rolled his eyes, "Fine.  You can come with me but please be careful."

The two walked farther into the forest, conscious of the possible kids on the opposing team that could come from anywhere and attack them.  The sound of leaves rustling could be heard, causing Victor to press his watch which turned into his weapon, Alkmini.  It was a kopis sword gifted from his father, something he only liked him for.  "Who's there?" he asked.

The voice laughed, "Relax, I'm not going to hurt you.  Just tell me where your flag is and I'll be on my way."

"We can't even see you.  Plus, we don't know who you are." Lily stated.  Victor smirked, "Show us who you are and then we'll tell you where the flag is."

"If I do that, promise you'll tell me where the flag is?"  Victor raised his pinkie finger, "I promise."  The figure appeared, revealing to be none other than Annabeth.  "Now, tell me where the flag is." she stated, crossing her arms.  "If I do it, will you tell me where yours is?"

"I'm not betraying my team.  That would be disrespectful to my mother."  Victor furrowed his brows, "And who might your mother be?"

"Athena, goddess of wisdom.  I'm not leaving without that flag."

"Then I'm not telling you where it is."

"You broke your promise."

"And you're breaking yours.  I guess we're even."  Annabeth took out her dagger, along with her shield.  "I'm sorry it had to come to this." she stated.  "Me too.  It'll be hard to focus while fighting a cute girl like you."

"Victor!" Lily exclaimed, giving him a look. "What? It's true." the short haired boy said with a smirk, causing Annabeth to look at him. Before they knew it, Victor charged at Annabeth, his sword hitting her shield. 

As they sparred, Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Why are you two over here anyways? Shouldn't you be helping Clarisse?"

"She made us be on the look out which is pretty sh-"

"Lils, language!"

"Fine! What I meant to say is she made us be on the lookout which is pretty stupid if you ask me." Victor's sword collided with Annabeth's dagger, causing a loud clang to be heard. Annabeth fell on the ground, causing her to raise her hands in surrender. "I win." Victor stated, causing Annie's eyes to water. "I - I think I got a really bad cut. It might be infected."

Victor's eyes widened as he walked over to her. "Let me take you to the infirmary." he stated, extending his hand out to her. As she took it, she flipped him over, grabbing her dagger and running away. "Ow! Hey, come back here!" Victor exclaimed, getting off the ground and running after her.

"You got this, Victor! I'll help you... from right here." Lily stated, sitting by a pond.

THE GAME EVENTUALLY CAME TO AN END, Athena's team winning. Victor was talking to Percy, congratulating him on his victory when Annabeth walked up to the both of them. "Hey, you did great out there. You didn't even need my help."

"You set me up." Percy stated, causing Annabeth to smile. "Athena always has a plan. That's what I was telling you. Also, Liliana is looking for you, blondie. You might want to find her." The blonde left, now on his way to meet up with the daughter of Aphrodite. "Look, do you actually think I'm cute or were you just trying to throw me off?"

"Both, actually. When I looked at you, I thought you were an Aphrodite kid." Annabeth's cheeks felt warm at that moment, "I'm confused. But thanks for the compliment?"

"I'm serious. You're cute and really smart." Before Annabeth could say another word, the two noticed Percy in the water, now with a glowing green trident over his head. "All hail, Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon." The two knelt to bow but there was one thing Victor was sure of.

Something bad was going to happen.

Maya Speaks 💫:

How I felt giving you guys Annie and Vic content again:

All jokes aside, they're honestly so cute 😭 Victor was FOUL for flirting with Annie tho 💀 AND he called her cute? Like Victor dude let's not

But I'll see you guys in chapter three!