Chapter 6:

The camp buzzed with energy, the rhythmic clash of weapons against shields and the shout of commands filling the air. Demigods honed their combat skills in the midday heat, and Aidon stood at the edge of the field, trying to make sense of his staff. His grip was steady, but his movements lacked fluidity. Every swing felt disconnected, as though the weapon itself was out of reach, its potential just beyond his grasp. Frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior.

"You're doing it all wrong, you know," came a voice from behind him, smooth and teasing.

Aidon froze, his staff pausing mid-swing. He didn't need to turn around to know the intentions of the person coming towards him—the familiar, cocky tone sent a flicker of irritation through him.

The sound of footsteps grew louder, and Aidon felt the stranger's presence draw closer. Without looking, he already knew this was someone who wouldn't take no for an answer.

Aidon glanced over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the newcomer. The boy was about his age, with tousled blond hair and a self-assured grin that made him look far too comfortable for Aidon's liking.

"And you are?" Aidon's voice was sharp, cutting through the air between them.

"Jacob," the boy said with a lazy grin. "And you must be the new guy everyone's talking about."

Aidon's brow furrowed, his gaze skeptical. "Just got here."

Jacob's sky-blue eyes gleamed with curiosity as he stepped closer. "Figured as much. You don't look like you're blending in very well. That staff's not your style, is it?"

Aidon's grip tightened, the familiar flash of irritation sparking within him. "I'm fine," he replied curtly, trying to brush off the comment.

Jacob didn't back off. Instead, he leaned in slightly, his expression one of light amusement. "Are you sure about that? Because right now, you look like you're about to break it in half."

Aidon fought the urge to snap back, his patience already worn thin. "I don't need your help."

Before Jacob could respond, a voice broke through the tension.

"Jacob," Aria said, her tone firm yet polite. "I think Aidon would appreciate some space."

Jacob immediately turned, his playful grin softening as he saw Aria approaching. He straightened up, clearly more aware of her presence now, and his voice took on a more respectful note. "Oh, Aria," he said, his grin returning but now tinged with a hint of pleading, "you know I'm just trying to help."

Aria raised an eyebrow, her smile polite but distant. "I'm sure Aidon can manage on his own for now." Her words were gentle but firm, her tone leaving little room for argument.

Jacob paused, his gaze flickering between Aria and Aidon, then back to Aria. "But—come on," he said, leaning forward just slightly, his voice trying to coax her, "You don't think he'd benefit from a little guidance?"

Aria gave him a pointed look, a quiet authority in her expression that only strengthened when she spoke again. "I'm sure Aidon can learn at his own pace. You've made your point, Jacob."

Jacob didn't back down, though the playful edge had been replaced with a slight edge of frustration. "You sure? You know I'm always up for a challenge, especially if it's with you." His voice was light, but there was an unmistakable hint of something more beneath the surface.

Aria's eyes softened, but her resolve remained clear. "Jacob," she said softly, though there was a slight firmness that carried her words, "you don't always have to jump into everything. Sometimes, giving someone space is the best help you can offer."

Jacob's smile faltered for a brief moment, but he quickly recovered, his demeanor shifting back to that familiar playful edge. "Fine, fine," he relented with a dramatic sigh, "I'll back off... for now." He shot a look at Aidon, the teasing tone in his voice returning, though there was a subtle shift in his eyes. "Catch you later, man."

Aria watched him leave before turning back to Aidon, her smile returning to something more reassuring.

"Sorry about that," she said, her voice softer now, "Jacob sometimes has a way of getting under people's skin."

Aidon gave a short nod, still trying to shake off the lingering annoyance Jacob had left behind. "He certainly has a way of pushing buttons."

Aria chuckled lightly. "That's Jacob for you. He likes to think he can charm his way through anything."

Aidon gave a deadpan look, despite himself. "Doesn't seem to work on me."

"Not many things do," Aria said with a playful glint in her eye. "But that's a good thing, right?"

Aidon didn't reply immediately. The usual instinct to shut people out flickered in his mind, but the way Aria spoke—with that gentle but quiet confidence—wasn't as easy to ignore. He found himself wondering, just for a moment, whether there was more to this than he wanted to admit.

"Thanks," he muttered, his voice quieter than before. "I didn't ask for it, but... I guess I appreciate you stepping in."

Aria gave him a small, understanding smile. "No need to thank me. Sometimes, a little space is all anyone needs."

Aidon felt a shift in the air around them, the tension from earlier fading into something less uncomfortable. He didn't know how to process it, but he could admit—just to himself—that for once, someone wasn't pushing him away or trying to get something from him. Aria, in her own way, was simply offering him an understanding he hadn't expected.

"Just... don't let him get to you," Aria added softly. "He's a little persistent, but he means no harm."

Aidon didn't answer right away. Instead, he gave her a nod, acknowledging her words without further explanation. The silence that followed wasn't heavy, but it held an unspoken understanding between them.

After a moment, Aidon turned back to his staff, but his movements were slower now, less urgent. The fight inside him wasn't as fierce, and he couldn't deny that a small part of him felt less alone with Aria's quiet presence beside him. But, for now, he focused on the task at hand.

And as Jacob's form disappeared into the distance, his mind lingered on the conversation—wondering, more than ever, if maybe there was something more to this place than just then what it seemed.

Thanks plee (appreciate it)