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chapter five ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
005. Angering the Wine Dude and Nasty Nightmares

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Have you ever wanted to slam your head into a wall repeatedly?

Well right now Cassie certainly did. Mr. D was no help and Chiron couldn't really go against the god of wine's decision.

When they arrived at camp, Percy was surprised by the snow. He'd never been during the winter and with the climate controlled borders, he expected warm and sunny weather.

Instead, snow was falling gently and had covered the chariot track. The strawberry fields were dusted in a layer of frost and the cabins were decorated with shining lights.

To Percy they looked like Christmas lights but Cassie told him they were little balls of colored fire. Lights shined from the woods and even the Big House was spirited. Only weird thing was the glow of a fire in the attic window.

The daughter of Ares joked that she had seen Santa Claus hanging out with the Oracle up there.

"Whoa, is that a climbing wall?" Nico hopped down from the bus grabbing onto Cassie to balance.

"Yeah," Percy confirmed.

"Why is there lava pouring down it?"

"Little extra challenge. Come on. We'll introduce you to Chiron. Zoë, have you met—"

"I know Chiron. Tell him we will be in Cabin Eight. Hunters, follow me." Zoë ordered, ready to march away.

"I'll show you the way," Grover volunteered with an eager smile.

"We know the way."

"Oh, really, it's no trouble. It's easy to get lost here, if you don't—" The satyr stumbled over a canoe but got to his feet and kept talking, "like my old daddy goat used to say! Come on!"

Zoë didn't seem too eager but she knew Grover wouldn't be leaving any time soon.The Hunters grabbed their packs and bows before starting towards the cabins with a rambling satyr guiding.

Cassie watched as Bianca di Angelo knelt down to whisper something to Nico. It seemed to be question but the only answer she received was a scowl.

"Take care, sweethearts!" Apollo wished the Hunters well and the turned to wink in the son of Poseidon's direction. "Watch out for those prophecies, Percy. You too Cassie! I'll see you soon."

"What do you mean?" The boy asked.

"What prophecies?" Cassie called.

Apollo just got back into his bus. "Later, Thalia. And, uh, be good!" The smile he gave her wasn't too convincing. He definitely knew something she didn't.

The door of the van closed and the engine revved. Cassie covered her eyes as Apollo took off, vanishing into the distance.

The brunette glanced down to the young boy beside her. A frown graced his lips and he had his arms crossed. Cassie wondered want Bianca has said.

"Who's Chiron? I don't have his figurine." Nico questioned.

"Our activities director. He's... well, you'll see." Percy informed.

"If those Hunter girls don't like him, that's good enough for me. Let's go."

Cassie smirked offering Nico a high five, but instead she was pulled along with the boy. As the two raced through camp, the daughter of Ares waved to familiar faces.

There weren't many year-rounders this year and it was worrying. Cassie was already fretting about where Clarisse could possibly be, she didn't need others disappearing.

Charles Beckendorf, son of Hephaestus was busy re-stocking the weapons near the armory.

Connor and Travis Stoll from the Hermes Cabin sent Cassie a big grin, happy she was back in one piece. They gestured to the lock they were picking for help but Cassie just laughed and shook her head.

Some of her siblings were pelting wood nymphs with snowball fights. Percy seemed to notice Clarisse's absence.

The Big House had strings of the fiery decorations too. Huge fire hazard just waiting to happen.

Cassie was instantly warmer when she set foot in the room. A grand fire flickered in the hearth and the air smelt like hot chocolate.

Mr. D and Chiron were enjoying a game of cards in the parlor. The latter had been letting his hair grow since he no longer had to fake as a teacher. Chiron had a fuzzy sweater designed with hoof-prints on it and the blanket on his lap made his wheel chair almost invisible.

His face lifted into a smile once he saw the group.
"Cassie! Percy! Thalia! Ah, and this must be—"

"Nico di Angelo," Cassie introduced.

"He and his sister are half-bloods." Percy added.

"You succeeded, then." Chiron sighed in relief.

That made their faces fall. Percy glanced to Cassie and hesitated "Well..."

Chiron saw the interaction and looked between the two. His smile quickly vanished. "What's wrong? And where is Annabeth?"

"Oh, dear. Not another one lost." It didn't sound like Mr. D even cared.

Percy was doing his best to ignore the god of wine but that was pretty hard. Especially when he was sitting there in a neon orange leopard-skin warm-up suit and purple running shoes. Cassie scoffed at the thought of Mr. D ever running. Her anger rose as she clenched her fists.

On top of his mop of curly black hair was a golden laurel wreath. It was ready to fall off but showed he won the last hand of cards.

"What do you mean? Who else is lost?" Thalia inquired, her brows furrowing.

Percy held a clueless expression but Cassie got the idea. First Annabeth gets kidnapped and now Clarisse might be lost. Just her luck.

Their attention was drawn to the doorway as Grover trotted in. He had a huge grin on his face which was concerning due to his black eye and the slap mark on his cheek.

"The Hunters are all moved in!"

Chiron grimaced. "The Hunters, eh? I see we have much to talk about." The centaur gaze shifted to Nico. "Grover, perhaps you should take our young friend to the den and show him our orientation film."

"But... Oh, right. Yes, sir."

"Orientation film? Is it G or PG? 'Cause Bianca is kinda strict—" Nico admitted.

"It's PG-13," Grover said.

"Cool!" Nico cheered and rushed out after Grover.

"Now, perhaps you three should sit down and tell us the whole story."

That's exactly what they did. After hearing everything Chiron looked to Mr. D. "We should launch a search for Annabeth immediately."

"I'll go," All three demigods offered in unison.

Mr. D huffed. "Certainly not!"

Percy and Thalia began protesting but stopped when Mr. D helps his hand up. His eyes shone like purple fire signaling that if they didn't shut up something bad would happen. Cassie scowled glad her sunglasses were covering her eyes.

"From what you have told me, we have broken even on this escapade. We have, ah, regrettably lost Annie Bell—"

"Annabeth!" Cassie snapped. "You've known her since she was seven. It wouldn't hurt to remember her actual name."

Mr. D. faltered but regained his composure.

"Yes, yes. And you procured a small annoying boy to replace her. So I see no point risking further half-bloods on a ridiculous rescue. The possibility is very great that this Annabeth girl is dead." Mr. D made sure to say her name right this time.

Percy put a hand on Cassie's shoulder. He wouldn't be surprised if she exploded and somehow lit the whole camp on for.

"Annabeth may be alive. She's very bright. If... if our enemies have her, she will try to play for time. She may even pretend to cooperate." Chiron was trying to sound positive but it wasn't easy.

Annabeth was a daughter to him, he had raised her for years said, before she decided to give her dad and stepmom a second chance.

"That's right," Thalia said. "Luke would want her alive."

"In which case, I'm afraid she will have to be smart enough to escape on her own." Dionysus retorted.

Cassie slammed her hands on the table, standing up.

"Cassandra." Chiron's intention was to warn her but it just fueled her anger more. The daughter of Ares didn't care if this stuck up god turned her into a cockroach.

"You don't even give a fuck! You'd be glad if we all just disappeared. Less work for your lazy ass."

Mr. D didn't say anything.

"Just because you were sent here as a punishment for being a constant alcoholic and messing with your brother's latest girlfriend, doesn't mean you don't have to swallow your pride and do something for once. Maybe try helping out a little!"

The room was dead silent. Cassie was fuming and the fire reflected off of Mr. D's eyes making an evil glow. He was about to say something when Nico barged in with a protesting Grover behind him.

"SO COOL!" Nico shouted pointing to Chiron. "You're... you're a centaur!"

Chiron offered a wary smile. "Yes, Mr. di Angelo, if you please. Though, I prefer to stay in human form in this wheelchair for, ah, first encounters."

"And, whoa!" He turned to Mr. D "You're the wine dude? No way!"

Mr. D's hateful eyes shifted to the younger boy. "The wine dude?" He managed through gritted teeth.

"Dionysus, right? Oh, wow! I've got your figurine."

"My figurine."

"In my game, Mythomagic. And a holofoil card, too!
And even though you've only got like five hundred attack points and everybody thinks you're the lamest god card, I totally think your powers are sweet!"

"Ah." Mr. D didn't know how to feel, "Well, that's... gratifying."

"Percy. You, Cassie, and Thalia go down to the cabins. Inform the campers we'll be playing capture the flag tomorrow evening."

The son of Poseidon raised an eyebrow. "Capture the flag? But we don't have enough—"

"It is a tradition. A friendly match, whenever the Hunters visit."

"Yeah, I bet it's real friendly." Thalia grumbled.

Cassie marched away and Chiron watched her leave with a sympathetic look. He quickly glanced to Mr. D, who was listening as Nico rambled about each gods defense points in his game.

"Run along now," Chiron beckoned.

"Oh, right," Thalia remembered. "Come on, Percy."

The daughter of Zeus tugged him away before he said anything stupid to Dionysus on Cassie's behalf.

Percy and Thalia were pointed in the right direction by one of Cassie's siblings. They quickly found the girl pacing on the way to the cabins.

"Do you really need an immortal enemy?" Thalia called out.

Cassie stopped in her tracks and scowled. "What did you expect? He was being an ass like usual."

Percy nodded in agreement, "It's just so unfair."

The daughter of Zeus halted near the armory. She stared at her pine tree with the Golden Fleece still shimmering on one of its branches.

The tree protected camp still just without using Thalia's spirit as a power source.

"Percy, everything is unfair. Sometimes I wish..." Her voice faltered but she was obviously sad.

The daughter of Ares and son of Poseidon shared a pitiful look.

"We'll get Annabeth back. I just don't know how yet." Percy reassured.

"Of course we will! Whether the drunkie agrees or not." Cassie agreed.

"First I found out that Luke is lost. Now Annabeth—"

Percy frowned. "Don't think like that."

"We're gonna save her." Cassie promised.

"You're right. We'll find a way." Thalia said, more enthusiastically.

Cassie's attention was pulled to the basketball court where her brother Mark was arguing with a Hunter. A few of the girls were shooting hoops nearby.

Mark was ready to pull his sword on the Hunter and she seemed to want her bow at the moment.

"I'll got deal with that while you two figure it out." Cassie saluted and walked off, leaving the two to sort out their differences.

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Handling the situation with her brother and the Hunter consisted of lots of yelling. Cassie left with a smirk on her face as she headed back to her cabin, dragging Mark by the ear.

"That was stupid of you, you know."

Mark just grumbled, "She was threatening to pop my basketball."

"So you went to sword fight her?" Cassie sassed.

She got a nod in response.

The daughter of Ares shrugged at her brother. "Sounds about right."

They got to Cabin 5 and joined Sherman Yang who was sharpening his sword. "Hey Cass!"

"Hey Sher."

"What about me?" Mark faked offense.

"I see you everyday bro." Sherman rolled his eyes.

Ellis stirred on his bed near the window. He mumbled something incoherent.

"Clarisse?"

Cassie's brothers' faces dropped.

"She's still on that top secret quest for Chiron."

"Is she okay?" The brunette worried.

"Haven't heard from her in a month. She's missing in action." Ellis admitted before falling asleep.

Cassie sighed but made her way to her own bed. The sheets were messy and the pillows were scattered. She grabbed Annabeth's baseball cap from her bag and placed it on the nightstand for safe keeping.

Blondie was getting it back when she found her. And no matter what, she would find her.

The brunette shuffled through her backpack and took out her polaroid. She opened her bedside table drawer with the old pictures.

A sad smile grew on Cassie's face as she skimmed over each photo. One had Annabeth with a scowl on her face. It was back on the bus while they were looking for Zeus' masterbolt.

Another was of the daughter of Athena shaking Percy awake. The picture was blurry and Cassie wiped away the single tear that fell. She stuffed the picture back in the drawer before wrapping up in her blankets.

Her body wracked with muffled sobs as she cried herself to sleep. Mark and Sherman shared a look of sadness. Their sister was in pain and they couldn't do anything to help.

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Cassie woke up feeling pretty miserable and down spirited. She made her way to the dining pavilion alone and sat at the nearly empty Ares' table.

The brunette piled food on her plate and half-heartedly stuffed her plate. She glanced around noticing Percy and Thalia siting alone at their respective tables.

Cassie sent Percy a forced smile before shifting her gaze to Nico. The young boy seemed to be settling in just fine.

He was hanging out with the Stoll twins and arguing with them about Mythomagic or Poker. For his sake, Cassie hoped he was poor.

Artemis' table, filled with the Hunters was the only one really enjoying themselves. The girls chatted away like a big joyous family.

Zoë was at the head of the table taking her role of being in charge very seriously. She didn't laugh as much but couldn't hold back an occasional smile.

The silver band sparkled on top her dark braids. There was no doubt she looked nicer with a smile but it wasn't her smile Cassie was thinking of.

Bianca di Angelo was busy arm wrestling with a big Hunter girl. The girl Mark had been arguing with at the basketball court. Bianca lost every time but she didn't even care.

When dinner was over, Chiron made the usual toast to the gods and gave the Hunters for Artemis a formal welcome.

The campers clapped with a lack of enthusiasm. But when Chiron brought up the "good will" capture-the-flag game that would happen tomorrow night, the energy was much higher.

After the announcements Cassie and her brothers headed back to their cabin. The brunette was still exhausted even after her nap so she fell asleep right as her head touched the pillow.

Nothing prepared her for the nightmare she was about to have.

Cassie opened her eyes and looked around. In front of her was a familiar blonde.

'Annabeth!' The brunette tried to call but nothing came out.

Once she had gotten over her initial concerned, Cassie realized how dark wherever they were was.

Her chest tightened as she gazed up. The sky was blocked by close, heavy darkness like a cave. She swallowed down her fears but couldn't help her shaky breathing.

Annabeth managed to make her way up hill. She passed worn down and broken Greek black marble columns. Almost as if a cannonball had been shot and destroyed a temple.

"Thorn! Where are you? Why did you bring me here?" The blonde questioned wanting nothing more than to get back to her friends.

When she got to the top of the hill, a gasp was drawn from her.

There was Luke crumpled on the ground obviously in pain. He was struggling to stand. The blackness and fog gathered about his head ready to squish him at any moment. His clothes were ripped, his face was scratched, and he was sweating heavily.

"Annabeth! Help me! Please!" Luke practically begged.

The daughter of Athena rushed to him.

Cassie desperately wanted to stop her. That traitor didn't deserve Annabeth's help.

Tears gathered in the blonde's eyes but as she got closer she hesitated.

"What happened?" she asked.

"They left me here," Luke groaned: "Please. It's killing me."

'Good.' Cassie wanted to grumble. Her brain was too scattered to actually comprehend what was wrong with Luke.

"Why should I trust you?" Annabeth questioned.

'Great question. You shouldn't!' Cassie thought.

"You shouldn't. I've been terrible to you. But if you don't help me, I'll die." Luke guilt-tripped.

Cassie didn't care what happened to him as long as Annabeth was fine. She wanted to scream at the blonde girl so badly. He didn't deserve her help.

The whole scene began to shake as the darkness pushed Luke down. Black rock dropped from somewhere above. Annabeth gave in and held the darkness right as the whole ceiling dropped.

She kept in from falling in with only her strength. It shouldn't have been possible.

Luke freed himself, gasping for air. "Thanks,"

"Help me hold it," Annabeth grunted.

Luke stood up shakily wiping the sweat from his forehead. His face was plastered in grime.

"I knew I could count on you."

The son of Hermes turned to leave as the darkness shook. Annabeth was holding it up with all her might but Cassie didn't know how long she would last.

"HELP ME!" she pleaded.

"Oh, don't worry. Your help is on the way. It's all part of the plan. In the meantime, try not to die."

Annabeth fell to the ground as the blackness got heavier. Cassie couldn't bear to watch any more...

The daughter of Ares shot up in her bed. All she could hear was the snores of her brothers.

It was only a few minutes past midnight but no way would she be falling asleep after that.

Annabeth Chase was in grave danger and Luke Castellan was getting an electric sword to the face very soon.

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ author's note

Little late but still out on Sunday nonetheless!!

i have a bunch of homework so i didn't have to time edit this chapter 👌🏼 great right

anywayssss love Cassie being rebellious and desperate for Annie 😍

can't wait for the next chapter! but that means i actually have to write it...

ALSO 50K?! I LOVE U GUYS SM WTHECK!! TYTYTYYYY <33 i cant say thank you enough 😭

thanks for reading as always and byeee

—Just Another Overthinker