The Torch of Hestia [A Percy Jackson One-Shot] #fanficfriday

The Torch of Hestia [A Percy Jackson Fanfic One-Shot]

           This is my entery for the one-shot competition! I had a ton of fun writing this, so I hope everyone who reads it enjoys! This takes place before The Lost Hero and after The Last Olympian. Thanks for reading! ♥

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  In retrospect, accepting the red Mohawk helmet and hopping on the back of a motorcycle with an eight year old driving wasn't the brightest idea I've ever had. Then again, considering all of the idiotic things I have done over the years, this seemed like an average day in the life of demigod.

            It all started when my shirt caught on fire. I was stumbling over to the Mess Hall while rubbing my weary eyes. Even though I wasn't much of a morning person, I could never have guessed that I would somehow be able to light my shirt on fire.

            The most embarrassing part about it was that I didn't even notice it. Being a Son of Poseidon, it took more to burn me than normal people; therefore, I was unable to know the bottom of my loose, long shirt covered in flickering flames until my girlfriend pointed it out to me while I dragged myself past the Athena cabin. Plus, the Curse of Achilles shielded me from injuries.

            "Uh...Percy," Annabeth started with a perplexed countenance, "Your shirt is on fire."

            Her line of siblings that she was leading to breakfast stared at me, pointing and snickering to each other. I glanced down myself to make sure she wasn't playing a prank on me. Sure enough, the front of my shirt was covered in flames.

            I yanked it over my head and threw it on the ground so no other part of me would catch on fire. Sadly, I wasn't fast enough, for my tan shorts blazed to life. Knowing I shouldn't take off my pants in the middle Camp Half-Blood, I willed water from the nearest place to extinguish my clothing before it burned anymore than it already had.

            Just then, a young girl appeared in front of me. Although I hadn't seen her in awhile, I still recognized her fire eyes that were as comforting as a heater in the bitter winter. She was short and had mousy-brown hair that cascaded down past her shoulders, not to mention that she was the only god or goddess (other than my dad) that I didn't despise.

            "Hestia," I bowed respectfully. "What are you doing here?"

            Across from me, Annabeth shooed her siblings away to the Mess Hall. Then, she joined me in front of Hestia after bowing down just as I had. I subtly laced my hand with hers and squeezed it gently.

            "Perseus, it is good to see you," Hestia greeted me as her eyes flickered to the burnt shirt lying on the grass. "I'm sorry about your shirt. I was hoping to get your attention before I arrived so you would be alert. Perhaps that wasn't the best way to do so."

            "It's cool," I shrugged, shifting back and forth from my heels to my toes. "Maybe we should go to the Big House to talk."

            "This will be quick. Besides, I'm not in the mood to see Dionysus at the moment. You see, I need your help. My torch got misplaced, and I have to get it back before the flame dies out. Without me knowing where it is, I won't be able to keep it going. It has been missing since late last night. You have to find it for me."

            Annabeth chose that moment to speak up, "Think of how many torches there are in the world, Hestia. What makes this one so special? How would we be able to find it amongst all of the others?"

            Hestia's eyes flickered and met Annabeth's as she answered, "You don't understand. Everyone knows this torch, even the mortals. It's the Olympic Torch. The Torch gives everyone hope and joy. Through everything, the torch has survived. It is perhaps my greatest symbol."