𝒍𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒛𝒆 - pjo x hp [₂]

xxiii. the arts and crafts cabin

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓. 

Raya knew there was going to be a big attack now that the Camp borders were down. She just didn't know when, and every day that passed without it only made her more anxious.

There was the occasional small monster or two, but the campers managed to hold them off with minimal injuries. Raya felt like her older brother Ricardo because of how often she yelled frantically, trying to get her siblings to restock the infirmary. She missed him.

Raya made her way outside after she finished strapping up her armor. Usually she brought Loki along, but he was sleeping soundly that night, so she let him be. He'd spent the afternoon whining because he couldn't get to Kayse on the other end of the Iris-message, so he was tired now.

"Ready?" she asked Beckendorf and the Stolls.

"Yup," Beckendorf confirmed.

"I'm taking Travis on the outer side of the hill, at the base," Raya told them as they made their way to Half-Blood Hill. "Connor and Charlie are going to be stationed at the top of the hill. You all have your whistles?"

The three of them pulled out their whistles as a response.

Raya rolled her eyes to herself, "It's protocol. We need a quick way to inform the rest of the camp if there's a major attack. And as lead officer, I need to make sure you all have one on you."

"Yes, of course, mother," Connor drawled, earning a snicker from Charlie.

"And that's why I paired myself up with Trevor," Raya muttered.

"Huh, what?" Travis looked up, completely lost.

"... Did you just fall asleep while you were walking?" Raya asked, unable to believe what just happened.

Travis coughed, "... I mean...."

"Forget it," Raya waved a hand. "Let's just get to the hill."

Charlie and Connor placed themselves at the top of the hill, while Raya and Travis continued towards the base of it, completely unguarded by Thalia's Pine. The earlier group of demigods on guard all thanked them as they headed off to the campfire to enjoy the songs and s'mores.

Raya and Travis began their patrols, swords out as they monitored the base of the hill. After twenty minutes passed, and there were still no signs of activity, the two took a seat at the base, waiting for the next checkpoint. Raya placed her helmet next to her on the ground.

"Why're you always on the night shift?" Travis asked her suddenly. "Like you do day shifts too, but every single night, your name is the first one. Do you not sleep?"

Raya laughed, "Nah, I love sleep. I just also love staying up, I guess. The coolness of the night, the stars shining above, it's really peaceful. I just — I guess I like it better than the day because it's calmer."

Travis nodded, "Makes sense. I guess you don't like having to be paired up with me then, hah."

Even though he said it as if it was a joke, Raya was quick to understand his insecurity. He was a 'troublemaker', while Raya was someone that nearly the entire Camp looked up to nowadays.

Raya had known the Stoll boys since they had first arrived at Camp, being the one to give them the tour. They'd grown on her instantly, and they adored her too. She felt bad, not being able to hang out with them that much this summer. She was usually the only 'responsible' camper who ever hung out with them.

"That's not true," she told him. "I like being paired up with you — and Connor. You actually remind me of the Weasleys, two of my best friends. They're crazy and insane, a little like you guys. I've been through a lot these last few weeks, and spending time with you guys, with your dumb jokes and shit pranks is actually a nice distraction. So thank you. For helping me during a tough time by just being yourselves."