Kaldur noticed Philas didn't seem happy that he had somehow scraped a win. He could tell by how absolutely livid the follower looked after he'd spun the wheel again.

He was still dripping wet when Raquel whispered in his ear, "Is it just me or is it getting a little serted in here?"

He hadn't realized before because of the purple smoke but the area they were in (wherever that was) was starting to get a little more crowded with Dionysus's followers. They were slowly increasing in numbers as if they were multiplying. Kaldur tried to inspect the scenery and see if there was any way to escape but suddenly became aware of the fact it was hard to see anything through the followers. The only thing he could see besides his current teammates was Robin still hanging over the giant crate of wine with Philas and the followers surrounding him.

Kaldur was going to report his findings to Raquel when Philas cleared his throat. "And the next challenge is… javelin!" The crowd of followers all started hollering 'javelin' before Philas put his hand up for silence.

"Per usual I'll be picking the challenger, and I think it'll be… you!" he pointed at Raquel and her face went pale.

"Wait, Lord Philas!" One of the followers broke line, went up to his leader, and spoke quietly in his ear.

All the other followers broke into to loud whispers that were soon hushed by Philas. "There's been a change in the challenger. The true challenger will be Jason Grace the son of Jupiter!"

Kaldur could see the relief flood into Raquel's face. Then the relief was replaced with guilt, then terror as Jason walked up to Philas to receive his javelin. Jason must have sensed her worry and turned around to give her a smile and a thumbs up.

When Raquel first joined the Team she instantly fit in. She was outspoken and inquisitive in the best way, but she worried about her new Teammates even though she'd just met them. It was this trust that made Kaldur both happy and worried for her in the future. But he wasn't going to tell all of this just yet, he'd let her figure out her faults later.

"He will be fine. I don't think you saw him aim his javelin at Miss Martian during the graduation." Raquel raised an eyebrow at him. "Just watch."

Jason stood in front of Philas and his opponent. The follower he was going up against was a little taller than Kaldur and was built much bigger than he or Jason.

Philas cleared his throat again and looked at the other followers, "For the next scene we'll be putting on a javelin contest!" Everyone cheered, "The competitors being Jason Grace from Camp Jupiter!" Everyone booed Jason as he bowed and waved. "And Spartakos from-"

Jason interrupted him with a laugh, "Let me guess, Sparta, right."

Philas seemed to be legitimately spooked by Jason's answer, "How'd you know?"

"Just a lucky guess."

"Well, your guessing abilities won't help you throw better son of Jupiter."

Raquel held back a chuckle, "This guy's a riot, isn't he." Kaldur just nodded in response.

"Now, for the first round of this scene, you will be aiming at the dummies across the lake." When Philas pointed at the lake his followers cleared a path. The entire body of water was now visible and if Kaldur looked really closely he could see two human-shaped objects standing right beside each other.

"For your throw to count you must hit a dummy and you must be standing behind this line." He pointed at a white line that one of the followers painted by the edge of the lake literally moments ago. "If you cross it at any point you will be disqualified."

Jason and Spartakos stepped a few feet away from the line. Philas pulled a whistle out of nowhere and blew it. "Start!"

The two competitors had a running start before they threw their javelins like true Olympians. They moved almost in sync but to a trained eye, it was obvious who was doing better. They let go in unison and the javelin flew straight across the lake without a problem. Neither of them stepped over the line. Jason didn't even watch his javelin as it hit the dummy in the forehead, instead he turned around and gave Kaldur and Raquel a thumbs up. Raquel cheered loudly for him while the followers all cheered for their guy, who hit the dummy in the center of its chest.

Jason walked back over still smiling. Kaldur fixed his gaze on him, "You're just showing off now, aren't you?"

"The guy challenged me so I had to show him up."

"You sound a lot like Percy."

"Maybe he rubbed off on me."

"Guys," Raquel tapped Kaldur's shoulder, "They're announcing the results for round one."

Philas pulled away from a discussion he was having with some other followers with an exasperated sigh, "After a short discussion we decided that both competitors get a point." Jason and Raquel exchanged a high five, "But if they tie it's an automatic win on our side."

Raquel clenched her fist and tried to step forward but Kaldur touched her shoulder. "But Aqualad-"

"I'm sure Jason can handle getting one more point than his opponent." Kaldur met eyes with the demigod and he just nodded.

"Competitors line up!" Philas called out. Jason left them to start a new round.

From that point on they played six more rounds each getting progressively harder, whether it was adding more dummies or just moving them around. Jason didn't falter at any of the challenges, which Kaldur admired. The only problem was his fellow contestant was also making points when he was leaving them tied after the seventh round.

Philas rubbed his hand together, "Now, for the tiebreaker. Bring out the boy."

Kaldur's heart stopped when he noticed one of the followers the dragging the still unconscious Robin into an old wooden chair across the lake. They made him sit up and weaved a thick green vine around him to keep him that way. The follower then placed an apple on his head.

"Have you kids ever heard of William Tell?" Philas smiled deviously.

"I've also heard of Joan Vollmer and that didn't end well for her either." Raquel objected.

"Now, now. This isn't as bad as you think it'll be. All you have to do is hit the apple on his head and you get the point." Philas's smile widened. "But if you happen to miss or hit any body parts you won't get any points. The rules are simple."

Kaldur and Jason met eyes. Jason tried to hide the rising panic in his eyes. Philas choose a good challenge. If Jason tried to hit the apple he might hit Robin, which would result in him getting hurt and not getting the point. But if Jason was careful and made sure not to hit Robin he could miss the apple and lose the round. And they all knew what would happen if he lost. It was a lose-lose situation unless Jason could actually spear the apple.

"Enough diddly daddling. We must get started. One at a time this time." Philas urged the contest to go on.

Jason held his gaze with Kaldur and pushed his chest out, giving himself an air of confidence. He took the javelin that Philas offered and stood, as usual, a few yards away from the white line. His rival stood next to him waiting his turn. He took longer this time getting ready, but when he let go his throw was harder than ever.

The sound of the javelin cut through the air like a knife. And it hit the apple straight in the middle. Kaldur didn't miss the way it tilted up like an invisible hand moved it. He met eyes with Jason who winked at him.

Raquel high fived Jason when he walked back over to them. "Nice job not killing our teammate."

"Thanks, I try my best." he smiled.

Aqualad interrupted their small celebration, "We should be more worried about the other guy. He could hit Robin intentionally, which would defeat the whole purpose of these challenges."

Jason nodded at him seriously and turned to look at his opponent, who was getting ready to start. The follower mimicked Jason's stance and took a running start, aiming for a fresh apple topped on Robin's head. When he let go of his javelin Kaldur could already tell that it was a bad throw, instead of hitting the apple the javelin nicked Robin's ear. Kaldur grabbed Raquel's arm to prevent her from running towards Robin at full speed. Jason's opponent hung his head, not with guilt that he almost killed a kid, but in shame that he lost his challenge.

Kaldur looked towards Philas who was practically shaking with anger. He took a deep breath and spoke, "Next challenge," he sounded much calmer than he looked, "You're the last one left, girl. Let's see what your next trial is."

While Philas had the Wheel of Madness spun by one of the other followers, Kaldur stole another glance at Robin to see if he was really okay. The Boy Wonder's head bobbed back and forth like he was trying to shake away a bad dream.

Kaldur's attention was snapped back to Philas when he started laughing maniacally. Which he knows from experience is never a good sign.

Philas's laugh turned into short snickers, "There's no need for debate, I'll be competing." The crowd of followers burst into loud cheers.

Philas raised his hand up for silence. "But I will need at least a minute to prepare." At that Phil waved a hand at the followers as a cue they could speak again.

Raquel walked over to Kaldur and Jason with slight panic in her eyes. Kaldur put his hand on her shoulder, "What is the challenge for this round?"

"The wheel said "contest of conundrums" or something like that," Raquel answered.

Jason raised a brow, "So like a rap battle for riddles?"

"Riddles," Raquel smiled deviously, "I think I'll be fine."

Since Kaldur didn't really understand surface world riddles he decided to zone out from this conversation and focused on Robin. He was very lively now, shifting in his chair and trying to untie the vines that bound his arms and legs.

Kaldur looked right at him and Robin turned his head and stopped moving. Though his eyes weren't visible through the domino mask Kaldur knew they just met eyes. Kaldur shook his head as if to say 'not yet' and Robin laid still.

"Let's begin, shall we?" Philas said stepping out of the crowd of followers.

"You'll have a total of seven minutes to ask any riddles you want to and your opponent must answer them. With each riddle you answer correctly you'll get a point and with each one you get wrong you'll lose all your points and start over. Got it? Good."

'Seven minutes,' Kaldur thought to himself, 'That's how long Robin has to get out of here.'

A couple of followers brought out seven mini, sand-filled hourglasses and lined them up on the floor. Philas cleared his throat, "Since I'm such a gentleman, I'll let the lady go first."

Raquel faked a giggle and stepped up to Philas who sneered. "Let's begin."

As soon as the first glass was turned over Raquel shot out her first riddle, "What flies when it's born, lies when it's alive, and runs when it's dead?"

"Simple, a snowflake." The followers cheered in unison before going silent.

Raquel frowned, "This'll be harder than I thought."

While everyone was immersed in the game of riddles Kaldur turned his attention back to Robin, who stayed limp like a doll. Kaldur stared at him until he felt like he caught the young boy's eyes and nodded. 'Go now Robin, while they're distracted.' Kaldur focused on the challenge again when he heard cheering, Philas just answered one of Raquel's riddle correctly and it was his turn to ask again.

"I can only live where there is light, but I die if the light shines on me. What am I?"

"A shadow," Raquel answered without missing a beat. Philas looked slightly impressed.

"What has four fingers and a thumb but isn't living?"

"A glove."

The match got more intense as Kaldur watched Robin slip his small wrist through the vines that tied him, but his ankles were knotted too firmly for him to just slide out. Robin reached towards his belt and realized it wasn't there. Kaldur shook his head. 'You can't cut yourself out, find another way.' There has never been a moment where the Atlantean wished M'gann was here with her psychic link.

"Um… clam" Kaldur turned around just in time to see Raquel stumble on an answer.

Philas tsked, "Sorry, but the actual answer is an egg."

Jason winced and Raquel clenched her fist. She was back at zero points. With only three minutes to spare.

"This isn't looking too good," Jason muttered as the match continued.

Kaldur couldn't help but agree. He just felt bad for the Robin who is really the one at risk. Kaldur glanced towards the seat across the lake and saw no one in it.

Robin had escaped.

Kaldur tried to hide his smirk.

Raquel earned two points back but Philas was winning by six points with only a minute left. It was her turn to ask a riddle, so she had to make this one count.

"Every night I'm told what to do, and every morning I do as I'm told. But still, I don't escape your scold. What am I?"

For the first time since this challenge started Philas looked confused. But only for a split second, but a second was enough time for Kaldur to see that she got him. Philas glanced at the small hourglass, there was only about thirty seconds worth of sand left in there.

The follower gulped, "A… child?"

Raquel made a loud buzzer noise, "I'm so sorry Phil, but the actual answer is a clock."

Raquel walked back over to Kaldur and Jason. "How'd you know he wouldn't get that one?" Jason asked.

"I was kinda hoping that being up on this mountain for centuries meant he missed the invention of an alarm clock."

At this point, Philas was positively fuming. His marble colored skin was turning purple with anger and his eye began to twitch.

"You stupid sow!" he yelled at Raquel.

Raquel pursed her lips, "Nuh uh, he did not just call me a pig."

"Twelve thousand years of perfect performances and you ruined it all!"

Jason crossed his arms, "Well, I wasn't about to let you kill their friend."

"Our friend, we weren't going to let you kill our friend," Kaldur said placing a hand on Jason's shoulder.

"It doesn't matter whose friend he is," Philas pointed to the seat across the lake without realizing it was empty, "Seize the boy and kill him!"

"I'm sorry to burst your bubble, purple guy, but the boy doesn't feel like being killed." a voice spoke above the crowd's heads. The followers began talking out of turn and looking up into the giant tree above them.

Suddenly. Kaldur's water bearers fell from the sky right in front of him. Then Raquel's belt, Jason's sword, and the duffle bag that carried their gardening supplies. Along with all that a small boy also landed on the ground in front of them.

"Hey, guys!" Robin turned around to look at all the gaping followers, "Wow this is so much more serted now that I'm down here."

"Robin!" Raquel exclaimed. She gave him a small hug, "How'd you get out?"

"Let's save that story for later," Jason said picking up his sword. "It looks like we might have to fight our way out of here."

Philas flared his nostrils like a toddler who was close to throwing a tantrum. "You have disgraced us in the face of Dionysus. You all will pay!"

"Please, don't just throw around my name like that." Another mysterious voice spoke, but it was obvious who it was this time.

The followers cleared a path for Dionysus to stand in between them and the mortals. Kaldur was a little taken aback by the appearance of the wine god. He wasn't as handsome as he expected him to be. Lord Dionysus was chubby and had bloodshot blue eyes. He was wearing an animal-print Hawaiian shirt and happened to be barefoot to top it off.

Philas immediately bowed, "My lord Dionysus, you've finally come! We were in the middle of your annual ceremony, but we were interrupted by these heathens. But don't worry beca-"

"Okay, that's enough talking." Dionysus interrupted him, "What makes you think that I wanted all of this stuff?"

"But my lord-"

"There's a line beauty, madness, and stupidity and you just crossed it."

"Lord Dio-"

"Plus I prefer female sacrifices, regardless of age."

"I-"

"And your loincloth isn't even leopard print, it's cheetah."

Dionysus just dealt the final blow, Philas sank to his knees and hung his head in shame. Dionysus then towards Kaldur and his friends ready to tear them apart with the same blank expression. "And you…" He trailed off as soon as he saw them.

"John Green."

"Mr. D"

Dionysus pursed his lips for a few seconds, "You all… be gone." Then he snapped and the group disappeared.

-(Line Break)-

Kaldur sat up quickly when he felt something plush underneath him. Had he been asleep? What just happened? Kaldur looked around as his other friends stirred. Raquel, who was leaning on his shoulder, rubbed her eyes awake. Robin yawned and stretched in the front seat. Suddenly, Kaldur realized they were moving and they were in Apollo's chariot-car.

"Rise and shine sleepy heads," Jason said from the driver's seat.

"What happened?" Raquel questioned before Kaldur had a chance to ask it himself.

"Well, after Mr. D finished scolding Philas he zapped us back to the car," Jason answered. "I didn't know it would have any side effects on regular humans."

Robin raised an eyebrow, "Mr. D? Zapped?"

"D for Dionysus and zapping is the easiest way for gods to throw demigods around."

Raquel sat up. "Wait that drunk guy was a god?"

"Yup, he saved our lives. There was no way we would've fought off all those followers."

"I wonder why he did, though?" Robin asked as he put his feet on the dashboard, "So far all the gods we've met haven't been so… selfless."

"What about Apollo?"

"Raquel," Jason sighed, "Let's stop pretending like Apollo doesn't have a second agenda he's not telling us about."

"It doesn't matter why," Kaldur interrupted, "Let's just be glad we're alive."

For a moment everyone sat in silence as if to agree with Kaldur's statement before it was broken by Robin. "Guys, look!" he pointed up to where the road ended. They weren't at the peak of the mountain but something was telling Kaldur they were right where they needed to be.

Jason stopped the car and they all got out to examine the empty lot that started when the road ended. It wasn't paved, or anything like that, in fact, the ground was entirely made of dark soil.

Robin smiled, "I guess we're supposed to start gardening." he pulled the duffle bag off his shoulder and distributed the tools.

Raquel furrowed her eyebrows, "What are we supposed to be planting?"

"I got an answer for that too!" Robin ran back to the car and pulled out the wrapped present Apollo gave them and started ripping off the bow and wrapping paper.

"Robin, don't open that! It's for Zeus!" Robin ignored Jason's protest and open the box. He reached into it and pulled out a tiny plant in a small pot.

"An oak sapling." Kaldur began, "An oak is a symbol for Zeus if I'm not mistaken."

"No, you're right." Jason took the sapling from Robin, "I guess we should start gardening."

The work wasn't too rigorous and it didn't take more than ten minutes to dig the hole with four people working on it. Jason placed the sapling in their hole and they filled it back up carefully.

For a second the group stood quietly while watching the tiny tree.

Robin groaned, "I thought something cool was going to happen."

"Maybe we need to water it," Raquel suggested, "I saw a water can in the bag, I'll go get it." Raquel ran over to the bag and picked up the empty watering can.

"But it won't do us any good if we have no water," Kaldur added.

"Hey, Jason can you really not make it rain?" Robin mused.

Jason chuckled, "I could try if that'll make you feel better."

"Woah!" Everyone turned their heads when Raquel suddenly exclaimed. She had almost dropped the watering can on her way back to the empty lot.

"Guys, this may sound weird but I swear this thing was empty when I took it out the bag." She carried the can next to the sapling and Kaldur heard the water jiggling inside it.

Kaldur smirked, "The gods must truly be looking out for us." he took the can from Raquel and poured water onto the sapling. As the water soaked the soil the sapling began to grow at an alarming rate. The group backed away from it as it grew into a mighty oak tree.

"What the-!" Robin's eyes grew wide.

Jason laughed again, "Is this cool enough for you Robin?"

"This better than cool… it's impossible!" Robin's wristwatch displayed a hologram as he tried to analyze the tree. "What made it grow so fast? Was it the soil or the sapling? No, it can't have been the soil or the thing would've grown as soon as we put it in the ground. It must've been the water! Like one of those dinosaur seeds, just add water and-"

Jason placed his hand on boy's soldier. "This isn't the time to be questioning godly magic, Robin."

Raquel agreed, "I'm gonna take Jason's side on this one and take that as a sign it's time to go back."

Robin seemed slightly torn between examining the tree more or going back to the car. But his need to ride shotgun won and he followed Raquel back.

Jason ran his hands through his hair and sighed, "To be honest, that went a little better than I expected it to."

"How do you think we did overall?" Kaldur asked raising an eyebrow.

Jason paused to think for a second, "Well, no one died and that's all that matters."

Kaldur almost laughed.

hey guys if it wasn't obvious i wrote this story when i was like 14 and really haven't thought about it in over 2 years. i'm actually gonna enter college soon but this story just kinda crossed my mind and i was like "hmmm maybe should finish it" so here we are :D

anyway looking back on this Its kinda cringey and hard to read and i'm literally 18 now and my writing skills have improved but idk if i can improve this story at all lol

well enjoy this trashy story