Welcome to My Nightmares -Percy Jackson Fanfiction-

Chapter IX

Chapter IX                                     I'm So Popular, I get My Own Stretcher

Percy stumbled into camp, bloody, bruised and battered. He hardly made it several feet within the borders before an earth-quaking roar shook the ground and sent his weak legs tumbling. He fell to the ground gracelessly, closing his eyes and panting heavily through his mouth. His hair was matted to his forehead from blood and sweat, and his arms and legs felt like lead.

He heard the stomping noise and vibrations of multiple feet long before they appeared. He knew that roar was sure to attract some attention. He let himself go limp and numb as shouts were heard and orders were barked. 

"Grover, go get Will! He's injured!" Percy recognized Rachel's voice, and even though he strained his ears to hear Grover, all was heard was a baleful bleat. "I don't care what happened a year ago, Grover, on top of some stupid tower! Go get Will, do you see the condition he is in?" Rachel shouted. Percy heard the sound of hoofs galloping away.

He heard someone fall to the ground next to him. "Leo, help me roll him onto his back!" Her voice was much closer now, and it was one of the hardest things Percy had ever done, forcing himself to stay limp as he was turned over. He felt hands on either side of his face, holding his head steady. His mouth wanted to drop open. He refused to be so undignified.

"Percy? Percy can you hear me?" Rachel's voice was beyond worried. Percy could feel Leo, whoever that was, shuffling nervously behind him. "What're you standing around for, people? Someone go help Will, they'll need a stretcher to move him. And someone get Chiron! Jason, you go, tell him Percy's back."Even as Rachel smacked his face lightly to get a response, Percy listened intently to hear what 'Jason' would have to say.

"That-"

"Yes it's the almighty Demi-God gone mad, but obviously something is wrong so go get him!" He heard a murmured reply before he assumed Jason's footsteps went away. "Percy! So help me I will stab you with that sword just like you stabbed me all those years ago, and I promise it won't vanish-"

Percy's eyes flickered open slowly, as though heavy weights were placed on them. "What's Anaklusmos got do with this?" He murmured, voice scratchy and broken. He dimly saw Rachel sag in relief above him. 

"Thank the Gods, are you okay? What's happened?"

Percy ignored her, instead choosing to observe who he assumed was Leo off to his left. The boy was rather short, with curly brown hair and dark skin. His eyes flickered to his surroundings. Several people formed a misshapen circle around him, reminding Percy of roughly a year ago, when he woke up on Olympus with an oddly formed circle of Thalia, Grover, Annabeth and the Gods watching him from all sides.

There was a girl with dark skin, frizzy brown hair, and oddly colored eyes, somewhere between amber and golden, biting her nail off to the side. A big fellow with army style cropped hair was by her side, an arm around her to comfort her. He recognized Juniper tittering near the trees anxiously. Another girl with choppy brown hair pulled into a braid was behind Rachel, arms crossed over her chest. Katie Gardner was next to Juniper, comforting her. Lou Ellen was hovering over Leo. Jake was next to Lou Ellen. The last one he saw was Nico off to the side as well, shifting nervously on his feet.

Upon making eye contact with the small, pale boy, Percy smiled tiredly. Nico gave a hesitant smile back. "Don't be a douchenozzle, okay Percy?" He asked with a slight, nervous laugh. Percy smiled again. 

"Percy? Percy, can you tell me wha-" Rachel was interrupted as several more people made an arrival.
Will was in the lead, hauling a stretcher with the help of two of his cabin mates. Percy vaguely recognized Kyla and Austin, but his memory was fuzzy as he wasn't around the two much. Grover was following behind them, munching nervously on a metal tin can. Chiron was only a few paces behind him, flanked by who Percy could only assume was Jason. Behind Jason, Annabeth followed at a shocked, wary, sedated pace.

I'm so popular.

"Let's get him onto the stretcher, quick. He looks like he's losing a lot of blood." Will told his siblings, and the agreed. Again, the mighty challenge of laying completely limp occurred. As he was raised he got a better look at everyone around him. It was surely an odd bunch. He didn't recognized a quarter of the people who were there. That's what he got go going MIA for a year and some change. His mistake. 

"Hello, Will." Percy wheezed out. "Good to see you again." Will looked at him worriedly, even as a smile pulled at his lips.

"Stop talking. You'll wear yourself out. Also, I don't think I can handle the sound of your annoying voice again. It's been so peaceful without it." He said jokingly, causing a smattering of strained laughs to occur.

"How long do you think he'll take to recover?" Chiron broke in suddenly. They were starting to cart him away now, towards the infirmary, next to the Apollo cabin.

"I don't know. By looking, at least a few days. But we have to get him moving so I can treat him. Can someone bring some more ambrosia and nectar to the infirmary? Thanks!" Will called out as they pushed the stretcher gently away, still rushing slightly. Many people looked like they wanted to follow but refrained themselves.

Percy wanted to cackle as he was rolled away. He was an amazing actor. He always knew he would be. Though, it was a bit tedious instructing the monster on how much to injure him, and to screech once he had fallen through, but the least the ride on the stretcher was fun.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Percy let his eyes fall close as he waited to be brought to the infirmary. His plans were going perfectly. He cackled in his head. He was getting quite good at it at this point.

~~~

THIS ONE IS GOING UP A DAY EARLY CAUSE I FELT BAD ABOUT THE LAST FEW BEING LATE
Also, I know this story hasn't got much attention yet, but from those who are reading it, comment your thoughts so far? I'm really insecure about this story...

Oh look they're all together in the picture...
Mwhehehehehehahaheahehaheahahehaheahehaehaheahehe

I need help.