Fatal Flaw (a Percy Jackson AU)

Volcano Erupting

Clarisse
It was all my fault and now Silena was hurt because of my selfishness. Chiron would have watched Beckendorf and Silena exercise-with actual exercise equipment-for the first time since they arrived at the hospital, but I distracted him. I remembered what happened like it was yesterday-because it was.
"Chiron," I said. "I need to talk to you."
"Clarisse," he said," this will have to wait until Beckendorf and Silena finish their exercise."
"Dr. Chiron, I need to talk now," I snapped before trying to regain composure. "It's urgent."
Chiron looked conflicted. "Fine," he finally said. "Silena and Brckendorf can go ahead. I'll be there soon."
They nodded and went off. "Chiron," I said. "It's Chris. He seems so sad and scared all the time. He keeps on screaming in the night. I can hear him because his room is across the hall from mine. I'm afraid he's getting worse."
"Clarisse," Chiron said. "We're trying everything. Dionysus has started counseling with Chris and he is recommending a medication for Chris. We hope it will help him become more stable."
"What if it doesn't?" I asked.
"Then, we'll try something else," Chiron said. "We will do all we can to help Chris."
   "Do it, now!" I screamed. "He needs help now. He can't afford to wait. You have no idea how much it is costing him!"
Chiron gave me a grave look. He suddenly looked much older; his skin was more wrinkled and his eyes look haunted. "I've seen more pain than you can imagine," he said. "Some of my patients die. They die when they are so young and I feel like I personally failed them."
Just then, Beckendorf burst into the room carrying Silena. She was pale and unconscious. If she died, I wouldn't know what to do.

Katie
   "It's alright," I said while stroking the bamboo shoots. "Not all days are sunny, but you can still grow big and strong. Don't give up so fast; I believe in you. You will grow into something more than you ever thought you could become. You will surpass your every expectations. All you need to do is keep trying."
   "Are you alright, Katie," Travis asked.
    I spun around to see his impish features morphed into a look of concern. "Yeah," I said. "I'm just encouraging this plant."
   "It sounded pretty inspirational to me," Travis said. "Your breathe will give it the carbon dioxide it needs to grow."
   I tried to swat him, but he ducked out of reach. "Why you arrogant toe rag!" I yelped.
    "I got you something," Travis said.
     "Stop joking, Stoll," I said.
      "No, I really got you something," he insisted.
   I faltered for a second. "This better not be a joke," I said," or you'll find fertilizer in your bed."
   Travis pulled out a bracelet. It was red and yellow with golden and scarlett leaves around it. "It's beautiful," I said. Then, I regained my senses. "This better not be a prank."
   Travis clasped the bracelet onto my left arm. Nothing happened, yet. "I stole it for you," Travis said meekly.
   "Travis!" I exclaimed. "You're not supposed to steal things!"
   "It was on sale!" he protested. "Connor and I only took this and some snacks."
   I didn't know whether to laugh or kick him. I decided against neither. "Maybe, you're not as annoying as I thought you were," I said.
   "I'm never annoying," he protested. "I'm just-"
   I broke him off with a kiss. It was short and sweet like the life of a flower. "You are still annoying," I teased.
   For once, Travis had no good comeback. I left him gaping while Piper and Jason gave each other high-fives. Sometimes, a joke will really make your day. They say there is no better medicine than laughter and perhaps they're right-as long as the laughter isn't at your expense.