The Labyrinth (percabeth)

Chapter 17

Percy

Annabeth's body is warm and snug against mine, and I can't help but smile at the feeling of her soft cheek pressed against my back.

The only sound is Blackjack wings as we spiraled through the warm summer night. I spotted the clearing that Jason told me to meet them at, and I see Leo, on fire, running around like an idiot. I'm pretty sure that's where I need to go.

I landed in the middle of the clearing, startling everyone. Their weapons are drawn, but once they see it's me, they sheath them once again.

"What happened to Annabeth?" Thalia asked.

"She's fine, she just fell asleep." I said. I carried her in my arms. "Where should I put her?"

"Umm, right here." Piper said, gesturing to a tent.

I go inside and placed Annabeth on her bedroll, before draping a blanket over her. I felt the sudden urge to kiss her forehead, but I notice all the eyes watching me and restrain myself.

I don't miss the looks exchanged by the rest of the crew but I choose to ignore it. "Will someone please tell me why Leo was running around like a madman, on fire?"

Leo grinned. "I was trying to scare off any monsters near us."

"Leo, I think you may have attracted all the monsters to us." Frank remarked.

"He's got a point there." I agreed. "Frank, are you, Jason, and Leo good to take first watch today?"

"Sure Percy." Franks nodded.

I sighed in relief. Ok. "Piper, can you, Nico, and Thalia take second watch? I haven't gotten full night's sleep in forever. "

Thalia smirked. "Sleep is for the weak. But ok. I'll take it, Kelp Head."

I gave her a tired smile before taking some water and putting out the fire. Leo gives each of the boys a small torch to carry with them that he can set on fire at any given time. "Try not to light me on fire while you light this." Jason said.

"Can't be too sure." Leo said, setting his hand on fire.

"Let's just go to bed guys." I'm too tired to make sure everyone else goes to bed, but I do it anyway. Once Grover has disappeared into his tent, I rubbed my eyes, exhausted and walked into my tent. The second my head hit the pillow, I'm asleep. Of course, I'm a demigod, so my dreams cannot be sweet.

I'm stuck, tied to a tree. A tree. What does this have to do with anything?

In front of me, Luke suddenly appeared, holding a knife to a figure's throat. I can't see who it is, but it's not Annabeth. That's for sure.

"Look who we have here?" He drawled. "Percy Jackson. What a surprise."

"Luke. What are you doing?" I asked, struggling to get out from my bonds.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm trying to take over Olympus?"

"Who is that?" I said. These ropes are tied incredibly tight. Where is Annabeth?

"Oh, this little one right here?" He said, gesturing to the figure he has a the knife point pressed against. "This is my key to success. This is how I will take over Olympus. But they'll only work dead."

He began to raise the knife point, ready to end the life of this innocent child, when a figure appears out of nowhere.

"No!" They shouted. Annabeth. She shoved the child out of the way and took the knife.

"Annabeth!" I screamed, my voice laced with despair

She crumpled immediately. Luke disappeared, leaving the child behind. But I pay no attention to that as I rip out of my bonds.