chiseler | And the cradle will rock...

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!the cradle project

And the cradle will rock...

[Upon arriving, the sun's just beginning to set after another long, fun day at Camp Half-Blood. Excitement's buzzing through the air and campers of all shapes and sizes are running around to and from various activities, all wearing some variation of the same orange t-shirt. Several of the campers are talking excitedly among themselves about the fireworks that're set to go off down at the beach later that evening in honor of the fourth of July holiday, gossiping about who's going with whom and making guesses about how the Hephaestus Cabin will outdo themselves this year.

The air smells of summer and faintly of barbecue like dinner's being prepared. It's not hard to guess why, seeing how the dining pavilion is right in front of them. To the left there appears to be 20 different cabins in the shape of an omega symbol, the upside-down U. In the distance is the rock-climbing wall and the amphitheater and kids seemingly congregating to clean up and prepare themselves for a meal before the events of the evening. The longer they stay in one spot, the more of the camp they'll start to see for themselves.

Welcome to Camp Half-Blood, gentlemen. Where would you like to start looking first? Listening long enough might turn up some results, too.]

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[Jason isn't sure if this type of thing is extremely fitting, or extremely weird. There are a lot of kids here. Even more obnoxiously orange t-shirts than there are kids, maybe. He's keeping an ear out, hoping someone mentions Luke's name since there seems to be a lot of gossip and general chatter happening. Either way, he's throwing a glance at Adam and Allen.]

Of all the places his mind could have picked, it went with demi-god summer camp?

[ Did someone say obnoxious orange shirts? Because Adam is wearing Luke's Camp Halfblood t-shirt right now. He gives Jason an annoyed look. Don't be mean about Luke's fantasies?? ]

Let's just get moving, alright? He told me he was in charge of cabin 11, so we should check there first. [ He motions them to walk in the direction of the cabins. ]

[ Allen has never heard of summer camp, so this place is absolutely fascinating. The only kind of camping he's ever done has been on his missions: small rest stops in the open woods, with a humble fire to warn him and his companions. They were fun, in a way, but nothing like this. He looks rather excited about all the kids, especially. ]

What is this place? It's nice! [And most importantly: ] It smells so good, too.

[ He eyes the dining area longingly, but obediently follows Adam. ]

[Unfortunately for Allen as they get closer to Cabin 11 the smell intensifies due to being closer to the dining pavilion. Additionally, they'll pass by a small hearth in the center of the cabins with a flame flickering almost cheerfully, changing colors to match the mood of campers walking by. The cabins themselves are fairly distinct and it's clear that they're designated for each god. The cabin to the left is a building without windows made of solid obsidian, columns and torches that burn green decorating it with a skull over the door. The cabin to the right has brick walls and smokestacks and gears around the entrance, a factory sort of vibe. The cabin across from cabin 11 is more empty but lush grapevines creep over the roof and down the sides, and to the left of that is a cabin decorated with pillars and a blue-and-white checkerboard deck and gray walls, a pink door and lace curtains adoring it. There's probably a bunch of very good-looking kids hanging out on said-porch, too, just sayin'.

Cabin 11 is a little worn-looking and the oldest, but in Luke's fantasy-world it's still in great shape. The cabin's painted brown with a fresh coat and a caduceus hangs over the door. There are voices inside the cabin, but probably not Luke's judging by the fact they're arguing amongst themselves about Luke. There are hushed whispers, something about a firecracker being shoved down the head counselor's shirt solely to see if the daughter of Zeus reacts at all and also another voice grudgingly talking about how Luke kicked their ass earlier in training today and how he was probably still taking out his energy on the training dummies by the arena. Do you enter to confirm? Or do you wander the camp trying to find the sword-training arena?]

I hear voices inside the cabin. But they're not Luke's. Said he could be in the "arena", though. Wherever that is.

[He shrugs. This place is nice and for that reason alone he would like to grab Luke and get out as quickly as possible. It's fake and unnerving. He's so not going to wonder who those kids belong to.]

Do you want to go in anyway?

[ To Allen as they're searching: ] This is the camp Luke used to live at. His home. So it's not weird he'd like to be here forever. [ Shooting a look at Jason!!

As soon as they hear about the arena, though, Adam is looking around. Luke has a map of the camp in their room, after all. It's just a matter of taking that and applying it to where they are now. ]

We should get to him before he leaves, don't you think? I think the arena is that way. [ He points. They can probably recognize an arena, right? ]

Ah, and he's the one in charge of this place? [ Allen beams. There's something like approval in his eyes. ] He's a good choice.

[ He doesn't trust himself with directions though, so he continues to follow Adam's lead. ]

You would be a good choice, too, Adam. [ He tilts his head Jason's way, casting him a sharp grin. ] And you... well, not so much. Maybe for senior citizens! Haha.

[This is the point where he'd also make fun of Jason if he were around, but alas. Jason will have to defend his honor (?) alone. Instead, Adam seems to know where he's going and the group will find themselves approaching what looks like a small colliseium not too far past the cabins but just short of the armory. Once they enter the arena, they'll find that it's a pretty spacious area and there are several straw training dummies scattered around, some of whom have seen better days. However, that's not the only thing they'll see. In the center of the arena are two figures. One is a dark-haired teenager, maybe about sixteen years old wielding a three-foot sword and trying to block the strikes of Luke who doesn't appear to be letting up anytime soon. The sword in his hand, surprisingly, isn't Backbiter. In Luke's perfect reality, he never forged the deal with Kronos himself and thus no fancy sword. Sitting not too far away is a blond girl about the same age as the dark-haired boy, curly blond hair pulled up into a ponytail and a thick book in her lap as she half-reads and half-watches the fight with vague amusement.

Luke hasn't noticed the newcomers and neither has Percy. They continue on with the fight and just when it looks like Luke's about to disarm Percy, there's a short rattle from a nearby watercooler as the lid pops up and a tidal wave of ice water flows, dousing Luke's head and rendering a yell.

But he's still going, flinging water out of his eyes with a shake of his head and lunging for Percy again and barely giving the boy enough time to block. This could go on for a while, guys...break up the fight? Just because the boys haven't noticed doesn't mean that Annabeth hasn't. Despite the fact she's not looking up from her book entirely, she's occasionally casting glances as the new trio out of curiosity.]

Edited 2016-09-02 04:43 (UTC)

The elderly are an important part of society. Fuck you.

[Has Allen ever gotten his ass kicked by a senior citizen? That is a thing that happens. Specifically in stupid comic books. Stop this slander — and please note Jason isn't even defending his honor here. He has no honor left. None.

Walking in on Luke sparring with someone is... interesting, though. He hasn't gotten to watch Luke fight all that often, so this is a nice opportunity. Not one that will last very long, but. Still nice. Oh, well. He glances at the girl, deciding that interrupting a swordfight right away isn't a good idea, and. Just. Waves at her? Like it's no big deal?]

Hi.

[Smooth. Hello, figment of Luke's perfect world. What the heckie do they even do here?]

[ Adam doesn't bother to correct Allen partly because maybe Luke is in charge in his fantasies but mostly because he's too busy laughing at Jason. ] I really wouldn't like to see him try blowing up a senior citizen.

[ That's what Jason will be remembered for. But he also quietly watches Luke for a moment, smiling a bit sadly because this is all Luke wants. It's pretty awful to return him to a reality where he almost killed those two kids. He catches Annabeth's eye and smiles at her like he knows her. He kind of does, right?

He doesn't think Luke is going to stop anytime soon, so Adam keeps looking at Annabeth while pointing to Luke, indicating they want to talk. If there's anyone Luke will listen to, it's probably her. ]

No, thank you! [ He flaps his hand dismissively. Jason probably has nice legs, but Allen's pretty taken already. ] It'll probably be the other way around, and that I would like to see. All the seniors I know are stubborn and powerful.

[ His smile fades a bit as he watches Luke and Percy. ] On a more serious note: I wish we didn't have to this. But he's sure he wants us to break him out of this, right?

[ It's more of a rhetorical question. They wouldn't be here, otherwise. Still, this is Allen's third? Fourth? time breaking someone out of their Cradle, with the easiest being Kazuma's and the hardest being Lavi's. And he can already tell that Luke's Cradle will be hard for all of them, too. ]

[No, fuck you guys, let him be happy??? He doesn't want anybody to break his Cradle anymore, j/k, etc etc. But in all seriousness while the boys continue to fight Annabeth catches Adam's eye and it's only because he's wearing the Camp shirt that she bothers thinking that they must just be campers she doesn't know. It's weird considering she knows everyone at Camp having been there for so long, but she can trust Luke to be capable of taking care of himself. It's only when the two of them are apart that she snaps her book closed and gets to her feet, the knife from items week glinting in the sun from its place on her hip.]

Hey, Seaweed Brain. [The tone is one of fondness and she smiles at them both, though more at Percy since she's addressing him.] You promised we'd get dinner early before tonight. [Percy grins brightly at her and looks back at Luke, trying to think of an excuse to stop the sparring. Annabeth's raising her eyebrows at the trio, suspicious but still waiting even as Luke smirks at the younger boy.] Don't keep her waiting, man. We'll continue this later. [Percy deactivates Riptide into its usual ballpoint pen form. The pen is tucked into the pocket of his shorts and he jogs over to Annabeth, immediately draping an arm around her shoulders and lifting a hand to wave at the three newcomers. Who cares who they are, they're people and deserve nice greetings for now. With that, Annabeth drags Percy off and Percy yells "see you at the beach!" with a broad grin thrown over his shoulder, and Luke's left with wet hair and watching the two of them walk off before looking at the other three.

...he doesn't recognize them, but he gives them a similar look that Annabeth did. He grins though even with his eyebrows lifted, looking more mischievous than anything.]

Show's over, guys. Need something ? [He suddenly turns to swing, sending a dummy sailing across the arena simply because he can. But the most important thing is that when he's facing them again, they'll all notice the lack of the giant facial scar usually adorning the side of his face.]

Edited (THE MOST IMPORTANT PART ) 2016-09-03 07:06 (UTC)

[Quietly, to Adam and Allen as they watch Percy and Annabeth's exchange:]

He's sure. And even if he isn't, we're kicking him out anyway. None of this is real.

[And from his perspective, there's nothing worse than being trapped in an illusion of happiness. It's fake. Worthless. What good is it being happy if nothing but some kind of futuristic computer simulation. That's what they have to remind themselves of, no matter how happy or peaceful Luke seems within his cradle. It's for his own good, after all. Or — it should be. God.

Seeing Luke without his scar is extremely jarring. Jason tries not to show it in his facial expression, but his gaze does linger a little bit too long on the side of Luke's face where the scar should be.]

Something like that. My, uh, friend— [He gestures at Adam. Go forth, co-dependent child.] Has something he wants to talk about.

[ Matching Jason's tone: ] This is just an experiment. He wants to see if he's strong enough to get out of it.

[ Hopefully. Look, if he wants to go back in then Adam will let him but for now they have to accomplish their task. He falters a little when he sees Luke without the scar, barely recognizing that Jason has sent him off. Why him??

He steps forward anyway to get closer to Luke and holds his hand out like he's going in for a handshake. ] Luke. I'm Adam. You probably don't remember me but we're friends. [ He looks over at Allen to let him introduce himself as well. ]

Oh, he is. [ 100% convinced. ] I don't doubt that at all.

[ Allen's not sure it's all about strength, however. There's some part of you that needs to -- can't help but want to deny yourself happiness this absolute. Unless that counts as strength? He's not sure.

Or maybe that's just him.

These darker thoughts aside, the smile he gives Luke is incredibly warm and delighted. After all, he hasn't seen the other boy in person in... well, forever, basically. ]

Luke, hello! [ He also sticks his hand out for a handshake once Adam is done. ] I'm Allen. It's really good to see you again. We're -- um, pen pals! Yes.

[He gives the trio a strange sort of look, extending his hand to shake Adam's and Allen's. The fact that Adam is in a camp shirt doesn't escape him and it's for that reason he doesn't immediately discount them. However, he doesn't quite buy Allen's story and he's giving Jason a confused look, unsure of where to keep his attention.]

Okay...you're right, I don't remember. Sorry. [Hes still friendly if not a little guarded, slinging his sword over his shoulder to rest there and letting the other hand rest on his hip.] Just how long ago did we meet?

[No introduction from Jason, because he is the token unfriendly asshole in this team. He's keeping his hands shoved in his pockets, watching Luke. Maybe even keeping himself alert, just in case its necessary to run after Luke for one reason or another. People don't really enjoy being told their reality is fake, after all.]

Not too long ago, was it, Adam? [Trying... to help...] Then again, remembering names and faces must be pretty hard with how lively this place is. Can't blame you for not remembering our good buddy here.

[ Luke might have noticed that Adam was holding onto his hand for longer than necessary but luckily he realizes that Luke probably wouldn't get it. So he also sticks his hands in his pockets like Jason because otherwise he's going to be way too touchy.

He glances over at Jason, glaring particularly at the phrase 'good buddy' but otherwise he's keeping up a friendly face for Luke. ]

No, not that long I guess. But we got pretty close. [ He looks down at his own camp shirt. ] This is yours. You've been letting me wear it.

[He's aware that there's something weird happening here but he hasn't been able to pinpoint what. He gets that Jason's being a sarcastic shit but he's aware that Adam and Allen both seem to be hoping for something he can't exactly give them. He's nodding slowly, clearing not believing it but deciding it's best just to humor them.]

And...why would I do that? [It's a genuinely curious question, and he turns to start cleaning up some of the straw in the arena and put the dummies away. They're free to follow, but he's not entirely invested in the conversation just yet.] Also I'm not stupid. I know the face of every camper in this place so I'm real curious to know how you found us.

Yes... Why would you do that?

[Glancing at Adam, almost as if urging him to say something convincing. They've been through enough that he considers Luke a friend, but ultimately, Adam's the one who's attached to the hip with him. If there's anyone who will be able to break Luke out of this, it's probably Adam.

... He's putting a lot of faith in their squishy friendship. Don't let him down.]

What would you say if we told you we showed up smackdab in the middle of the camp? Poof. Just like magic.

[ Yeah, why would he do that? There's some uncertainty in Adam's face but he quickly covers it. ] Because I let you borrow my clothes too. Because—we've been staying together for a while and it was just easier.

[ This probably does not help Luke become any more interested. ] You don't remember me, but I know a lot about you. [ He just doesn't know what's still true, but there is one thing... ] Like the dagger. Annabeth's dagger?

[There's a conflicted look that crosses his features at both of those statements. First of all, if they got into Camp and aren't demigods...he slows, though they may notice that his grip on his sword is a little tighter. Infiltrators? They shouldn't be here. And the knowledge that there's some boy he's ever met running around wearing his clothes is unsettling and it makes him nervous for reasons he's not even sure.

All of them seem so calm like this is something normal, but to Luke it's solely a threat.]

First of all, I'd say that it's my job to see you back out the way you came one way or another. [The sword glints in the sun faintly.] And second of all, how do you know about Annabeth's dagger? You already talked to her? [He can't always keep tabs on her as much as he'd like, but he's also ready to defeat anything that threatens Annabeth, too.]

Why don't we make this real easy and you just tell me what you want and I won't have to send you back to Tartarus, huh?

All we want to do is talk to you. But from the way you're holding that sword of yours, I'm guessing you're more willing to drive the blade through us than sit down and have a pleasant chat.

[He crosses his arms, carefully mapping out the layout of the arena in case there's an altercation. He would like to avoid one, for obvious reasons, but if push comes to shove... His priority will be keeping an eye on Adam. Luke won't forgive himself if he ends up running him through with the sword.]

So how about you lay off the death threats and hear us out? We mean it. We're not here to cause any harm.

[ Adam watches the sword and he's not really sure what happens if he gets hurt here but he doesn't exactly want to test it. He looks at Jason for a moment, not really sure that he could handle it either. He holds his arms up to show that he has nothing on him. ]

We won't fight you. [ He says it pretty firmly. ] And I've never talked to Annabeth but you told me all about her. And you told me about Hal and Amaltheia. Believe us, we know you.

[There's an exasperated sigh and a shake of his head.] Man, you shouldn't even be here. Don't you get it? Unless you're about to tell me you're not really mortal like I can tell you are, you shouldn't be here.

[Of course, Adam mentions two names he hasn't heard for a very, very long time and he absolutely freezes. Well. That's something. He's staring, eyes wide in surprise as he looks between the members of the group with more wariness than before.]

...never mention those names where somebody else can hear you. [He's thinking of Thalia, looking past them now toward the entrance of the arena.] Fine. Let's talk. What are we talking about?

Yeah, yeah. And you and I shouldn't even be alive, but you don't look like a zombie to me.

[Look, he. Had to throw that in somewhere. It's his job to remind Luke he died every five minutes or something. It's all in the Jackass contract.]

Why... How kind of you to cooperate, Mister Castellan. We're going to talk about life, reality and the end of mankind as we know it. [He shrugs.] All very important subjects.

[ Adam just elbows Jason because really. The whole death thing isn't very enticing? Also don't make him feel worse about this, but he's glad some of his info managed to work here. ]

I'm just gonna say it—you're in a simulation right now. Designed to show you everything you want. And we're here to get you out.

[...huh? He actually gives Jason a contemplative look, almost one of recognition...but it immediately disappears. That's ridiculous. He would know if he were dead because obviously the dead can't come back. That's sort of the point. He looks at the others for a moment.]

Is he always that charming, or am I just special? [But he frowns lightly when Adam continues to explain.] A simulation like...an illusion? Sorry, but I can see through that sort of thing. This? [He gestures.] Pretty sure it's not an illusion so you better have some good proof before you start throwing those kind of things around.

[...but, as usual, Luke's curiosity gets the better of him and he looks off to the side.] I gotta check on some stuff at the beach. If we're really talking about life, reality and whatever, you're coming with me. I can't have you running around and freaking out my campers. [And he turns, gesturing for the group to follow. Let's move it people.]

[And Jason elbows Adam back because, even if bringing up death isn't very enticing, that look on Luke's face sure was interesting.]

Oh, please. You're not infallible. Even a demi-god wouldn't be able to see through the kind of shit we're dealing with right now, believe me.

[So, yeah. They're only so lucky that Luke is more curious than wary at the moment, he supposes. Might as well follow him before he changes his mind.]

[ Adam can't believe Luke is going to do counselor activities while they're talking about this but he scoffs and follows, shaking his head. He hurries to walk next to him, eyeing him curiously.

Unfortunately, he might have to go with Jason's idea. He frowns at Jason for a moment anyway. ] You don't have Backbiter, do you? What about the prophecy about saving Olympus?

[ But is there food at the beach? ]

Well, you haven't attacked us yet, so I'd say that's a good sign. Though I would really like to spar with you one day if that's all right.

[ If they're playing "Bombard Luke 'I DON'T NEED YOUR PITY WATER' Castellan With A Million Questions" then Allen has a couple, too! ]

You don't feel strange at all? [ He places a hand over his heart. ] As though... as though everything is just a little too perfect? [ For someone like him? Because that's how Allen felt in his Cradle. ]

[Food will come later if everybody lives through Luke playing with explosives on the beach. For now though they're walking and he makes a face at Jason's disbelief even as he focuses more on what Adam and Allen are asking him. Those are funny questions and as they make their way down to the beach they'll see a couple of campers setting up boxes of fireworks. They'll also see a spot where Luke's apparently been preparing for something, seeing how there's a blanket and what looks like a plastic bottle he sneaked some wine in. (Mr. D would have a fit if he ever saw it and Luke decided not to share.) No, actually, the set up almost looks a little romantic...

He's mostly overseeing some of the younger campers setting up fireworks for a moment and making sure his stuff hasn't been bombarded by friends trying to prank him.]

Sparring I can do. Could be kinda fun. [This is said to Allen, though he gives Adam an unreadable look.] The heck is Backbiter? And Olympus is fine. Couple of monsters broke through the mist a few years ago and tried to take out the security guard to get into it, but it's fine. It doesn't need saving, I took out the creatures myself.

[A few teenagers run past and greet Luke and he grins, living a hand in a wave before focusing on them again.] As for things feeling a little too perfect...yeah, maybe a little. But it feels more like things are finally really falling into place and I'm finally getting the last of what I want. I'm not that good with patience, but this was worth it.

You sure things are falling into place, Luke? Or are you just letting this place show you what you've always wanted?

[God. Why does Luke have to make this so hard? There are many angles they could try to shake him out of this, so he's going to try bringing something else up.]

Nice set up you have here, by the way. I'm sure the lights from the fireworks will make the scar on your face pop quite nicely.

[He m...ight...as well...? This is stupid and just a little frustrating. Stop being so happy.]

[ Luke is making this really hard. He wants Luke to get what he wants and have the life he deserves, so he's just looking vaguely pained. ]

Jason's right. This is everything you want. Is this really how life works for a demigod? [ Because it's always sounded pretty awful to him! ]

What about Kronos?

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And the cradle will rock...

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