chiseler | And the cradle will rock...

Entry tags:

!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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[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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