Between realms - Hermione Granger

Chapter 19 - Capture The Flag

At night, Iris was engrossed in a book in her cabin when Annabeth barged in. "Iris! Come with me," she demanded, yanking Iris out of bed and pulling her outside the cabin. Confused, Iris questioned, "Anna, where are we going?" Annabeth replied, "To recruit a new member to our Capture the Flag team." Iris rolled her eyes at the cryptic response but followed Annabeth regardless.

Their journey led them to the bathrooms, further perplexing Iris. Observing Clarisse and a couple of other Ares kids dashing out of the cabin, drenched, Iris couldn't help but chuckle. She never particularly liked Clarisse, though they sparred regularly— It was a love-hate relationship.

Coming to a halt by the door, Annabeth leaned against the frame, fixated on Percy. Iris noticed the room was completely soaked, yet Percy remained dry. It seemed Annabeth might be right; Percy might indeed be a child of the Big Three, likely the son of Poseidon.

However, Iris held her tongue. Without a formal claim, it couldn't be confirmed, and she didn't want to raise false hopes for the boy—or for herself. She pondered the possibility that having another child of the Big Three at camp might bring some positivity into her life. Despite having friends at camp, she often felt different, sometimes even lonely.

As Percy noticed their presence, he said, "I can explain." gesturing toward the destroyed bathroom. Annabeth interjected firmly, "No, you can't," a statement Iris quietly chuckled at, recognizing its truth. Percy persisted, trying to recall, "Okay. Wait, I know you."

Annabeth immediately rebutted, "No, you don't." However, Percy was insistent, "Yeah, but you were there, that night in the infirmary." Annabeth confirmed her identity, "Yes. I'm Annabeth."

Percy, genuinely curious, asked, "Are you stalking me, Annabeth?" Annabeth didn't hesitate, responding honestly, "Yes." Iris couldn't help but think they'd make a cute couple; their chemistry was undeniably evident. Percy then queried, "Okay. Why?"

Annabeth promptly and sincerely answered, "I've been waiting to see if something like this would happen, so I'd know if you can help me," gesturing towards the drenched room. Percy sought clarification, "Help you do what?"

"Win Capture the Flag," Annabeth replied matter-of-factly, as if it were obvious. Iris playfully pretended to be offended, placing her hand on her heart and melodramatically exclaimed, "Anna, I'm standing right here!"

"I know," Annabeth continued in jest. "Having you on my team already makes us the best, but with him too, we could be unbeatable." Iris was genuinely puzzled, adding, "Anna, he can't even fight yet."

Annabeth countered, "Maybe not, but he can still be useful," gesturing again to the room. Iris nodded, understanding implicitly. She trusted Annabeth and her strategies; after all, she was the daughter of Athena.

---

The two teams of Capture the Flag had assembled in the woods, positioned on opposite sides of the river. As always, Iris donned her signature all-black attire, she didn't need to wear blue to show she was on Annabeth's team, she had been on Annabeth's team since her arrival at camp.

Annabeth and Iris were renowned as two of the camp's finest fighters, known for their impeccable teamwork, a factor contributing to their triumphant streak in the past three games. However, this time, Annabeth had a different strategy in mind. She intended to utilise Percy as a distraction against Clarisse, eager to assess Percy's capabilities. Annabeth assigned Iris the task of safeguarding Percy, ensuring he wouldn't sustain any serious injuries, while Annabeth herself would keep a vigilant eye on his skills.

Chiron stood between the two teams, ready to officiate. "The first team to retrieve the opposing flag and return across the river will be the victor," he announced. "As always, there will be no maiming or killing. I trust these rules will be respected. Any magical items you may possess are permitted as well."

Iris carried her sword in a back holster, the blade emanating a magnificent deep purple glow with its name etched along the steel: "Reaper." Her knife, bestowed with a name chosen by Persephone, bore the inscription "Guardian" down its blade. These weapons perfectly balanced each other, much like her parents did.

Chiron's voice rang out, "Let the games begin!"

Iris approached Annabeth as she reached Percy. She heard Annabeth say, "Not you, sunshine. You're with me." Joining them, they traversed through the forest. At one point, Percy stumbled, prompting Iris to shoot Annabeth a disbelieving look before going to assist him. "I'm fine, thanks," Percy assured Iris before addressing Annabeth, "but I appreciate you, you know, standing there silently." Iris chuckled, earning a glare from Annabeth. "What? It was funny," Iris defended, raising her hands in surrender.

The conch horn sounded, signalling the start of the game. Annabeth exclaimed, "Game on," as she donned her invisibility cap. Iris turned to Percy, offering encouragement, "Don't worry, Percy. You'll do great," before she used her shadow travel ability, blending into the darkness without going anywhere specific.

From her hidden vantage point, Iris observed Percy's bewildered actions—doing the floss, peeing, and idly plucking leaves. As Clarisse found him, a part of Iris contemplated intervening, aware of Clarisse's temper and hesitant to see Percy harmed.

Eventually, their team successfully retrieved the red team's flag, securing victory, and Clarisse backed off. Annabeth revealed herself by removing her cap, while Iris emerged from the shadows, noticing some campers staring at her. This was precisely why she often shadow travelled outside of camp; she despised being gawked at, whether in awe or envy.

As Annabeth pushed Percy into the water, he stood up angrily, "what was that for!" He questioned her actions. However, his anger subsided as he noticed his cuts and bruises healing in the water. His attention was then drawn to a large trident looming above his head. Poseidon had claimed him.

Entering the water, Iris extended her hand to Percy, remarking, "From one forbidden child to another, welcome to camp, Percy." Percy accepted her hand, shaking it firmly. Iris felt a sense of relief, she wasn't alone anymore.