Sparks in the Flame

Percy watched as Grace collapsed, heard the crack as her head hit the stone behind her, and was the one to carefully pick her up and bring her to the infirmary in the back of the Big House. He set her gently on one of the open beds and covered her up with a thin white sheet. She looked fine except for a little green smoke coming out of her mouth every time she exhaled and a few drops of blood coming from the back of her head, slicking her red hair.
Percy sighed. Poor girl, she had just gotten here and was already part of a prophecy.
“Please move aside demigods, I assure you, this is under control and she will be fine.” Chiron waded his way through curious and worried campers outside and stepped into the infirmary, his large, white stallion body taking up most of the small structure. He leaned over and looked at Grace’s pale face, then turned to Percy. “The others are waiting in the rec room. I think it would be best if you let her sleep and came to join us.” He said.
Percy nodded, took one last look at the sleeping girl in the bed, and followed him outside.

*

The atmosphere in the rec room was hushed.
Piper and Annabeth were whispering quietly in one corner, Jason and Nico had pushed together two chairs and were looking at some of Nico’s Mythomagic cards, Clarisse was leaning against the Ping-Pong table throwing one of the small plastic balls from hand to hand, Leo was curled up in a chair, tinkering with something in his hands, and Hazel and Frank were both sitting silently, looking at the floor. Percy was even surprised to see Grover and Juniper sitting in the circle of chairs as well.
Percy flopped into one of the plushy chairs, Annabeth walking over to him and sitting on the arm. He kissed her cheek. Annabeth leaned her head on his shoulder.
“Hey, Percy. Crazy what happened, right? I thought we were done with all these prophecies.” She said. Percy could always tell when Annabeth had just washed her hair, it smelled like lemons, and her curls had a certain bounciness to them. Her hair was in his face then and he had a hard time concentrating.
“Uh, yeah, totally crazy.” He said, taking her hand.
Chiron, who had been changing back into wheelchair form, rolled into the rec room. Everybody stopped whispering.
“Heroes, I wish this meeting could be held over better circumstances, but you all know that Rachel has just given another prophecy. By now, I suspect all of you have heard what it said, or something close. I have already sent out scouts to try to decipher the meaning of the prophecy. Percy, what is your input on this matter?” Percy was only half listening, still thinking about Annabeth’s hair, and was taken off guard upon hearing his name.
“Um, I think that, uh, this definitely doesn’t have anything to do with Gaea. We got that taken care of. But I do think this is something different than the usual newbie quests.” Percy said, satisfied with his answer.
Chiron nodded. “Good, Percy. We cannot neglect this task given to us. We must now choose two other demigods to go with her, as is tradition. Any ideas?” He looked around the room at each of the campers. Piper raised a hand.
“Has anyone talked to the new arrivals? They might be good candidates for this quest. I think we should send a few of us to check them out.” She suggested.
Percy stood up, pulling Annabeth with him. “Annabeth and I can talk to Nathan.”
“We can?” Annabeth hissed. Percy nodded.
“Yes. We can. We’ll leave right after this meeting.” He said, sitting back down.
“Thank you Percy and Annabeth. Now, who would like to pay Reed a visit?” Chiron asked the remaining campers. Hazel raised her hand, and grabbed Frank’s too.
“We might as well make good use of our time here.” She said. Chiron clapped his hands together.
“It’s all settled then. Leo and Piper, send an Iris message to my scouts. Find out what they’ve uncovered. Jason, send an Iris message to Reyna and see if she knows anything about this. Clarisse, Grover, and Juniper, you three can work on repairs here. And Nico, Mrs. O’Leary needs a walk. Alright demigods, scatter!” Chiron ordered. Everyone got up and left the rec room, leaving Percy and Annabeth sitting in their chairs.
“Percy?” Annabeth said, leaning close to him. “Are you sure you’ll be okay with this?”
“This what, babe?” He asked. She sighed, running her hand through his hair.
“This quest. I know it must bring up some stuff for you, especially now that we’ve finally had time to ourselves, monster free. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” Annabeth said, her grey eyes filled with concern.
Percy took her hand. “You don’t need to worry about me, Annabeth. I get your concern. I won’t get too involved with this one.”
“I know, Percy. I just worry about you sometimes. Ever since Tartarus…” She looked away. Percy cupped her cheek with his hand and turned her face towards him.
“That will never happen again, Wise Girl. I’ll always be by your side. Swear it on the River Styx.” He said. She smiled, wiping her eyes. Percy leaned in and kissed her softly. “Ready to talk to Nathan?” He asked. Annabeth nodded. “Then let’s go."

Notes

Some Percabeth fluff I decided to write during my sick day. Hope you all like it! :)