Demigods at Hogwarts

Chapter 28: Of Fights and Wheels

{Thalia's POV}

I knew Percy was going to need to get used to fighting in a wheelchair, but I didn't expect the first time to be in front of a crowd.

A crowd that expected a long, hard fight.

A crowd that was waiting.

Loudly.

"You ready, Thalia?" Percy smirked at me, spinning Riptide in their hands.

"Are you, Jackson?" I raised an eyebrow at them.

"Some ground rules: No powers are to be used in this fight." Chiron paused as the campers groaned. "No maiming. The goal is to disarm. Thalia, you'll be using a dagger, is that correct?"

"Yes." I had to train with something meant for more close combat than a bow.

"And Percy will be using Riptide." Percy nodded, eyes on me. I glared back, getting a smile in return. Chiron stepped out of the way with a nod, signaling that we could start whenever we wanted. Percy moved first, rolling forward with one hand on the wheel.

"You're going to be such a challenge." I kept my stance relaxed. Percy could only fight one-handed; they had to use the other for moving. And dodging would be harder.

"Indeed." Their smile changed into a sharp smirk.

A glinting eye.

What didn't I know?

A slash at my ribs. I stepped back and countered.

Step inside, slash—miss.

Miss? I checked out Percy's hands. They were both on the hilt of Riptide. How in Hades were they moving so fast?

"Smart move, Kelphead!" I blocked the flat of Percy's sword. "I was fooled at the beginning!"

"Come on, I know I can't beat you with one arm tied behind my back!" Percy's wheelchair hovered an inch or two above the ground, Riptide resting easily in both hands.

"Let's see if you can beat me with both first," I smirked. I spun my dagger, then settled my fingers onto the unfamiliar hilt. Percy circled me as I set my stance, letting them out of my sight.

I heard Riptide's arc path as Percy slashed the air behind me. A warning. I waited another second more, spun, and blocked, barely, Riptide flat against my hilt, inches from my fingers.

"I thought you knew better than to let an enemy out of your sight, Pinecone Face." That damned smirk again.

"I thought you knew better than to call me that." They were trying to get a rise out of me, get my emotions to the surface.

"Do something interesting!" Someone shouted. Percy gestured with one hand to the campers.

"Shall we entertain them, my dearest tree of a cousin?" I charged, but Percy was ready for me. Now this was more like it. We exchanged blows quickly, circling and weaving around each other.

"Arms getting tired, Kelphead?" I asked as they barely blocked a simple strike.

"Don't you wish." Percy deadpanned. "Stop going easy on me, Thals, I can take it." So I pushed harder, and Percy pushed back.

"Chiron, let them use their powers!" I heard Clarisse yell.

"It's too dangerous."

"We've fought each other with our powers before and come out fine!" Percy called back, swinging for my wrist.

"You're telegraphing." I laughed. Of all the things, they were telegraphing too much.

"You know, Nico should have that prank ready now..." Percy grinned.

"What prank?" I demanded, sliding to the side as Percy went for my legs.

"Oh, I think you're going to love it." I went for their left wrist with my blade.

"You're telegraphing, Thalia~!" Percy sang-spoke. "Come on, I know you're better than that." Percy lunged forward with their upper body. I jumped back, but it was too late. My legs were shoved out from under me. A second later, my dagger was flipped out of my hand with an easy flick of Percy's wrist, and the fight was over.

"Good fight, Thals." Percy smiled down at me, sweat dripping from their forehead. "You wanna get up now?" No I did not. The ground was cold and my body was not. Looking up, I saw it was nearing dark. How long had we been fighting for?

"Only a couple of hours. You looked like you were having fun." Annabeth answered. "Percy, you removed the armrests of your wheelchair."

"And the wheels," I added, looking closer. "How'd you manage that?"

"I'll tell you during dinner. For now, I think we both need showers."

"Get up before I make you fight me," Reyna said. "Come on, let's get you to your cabin before I leave." She hauled me to my feet.

"Frank, Hazel, and I are going to New Rome for the night. We'll be back in a couple of days for the party." Reyn leaned over to fist bump Percy. "Send evidence of the prank."

"Oh, don't worry, you'll see the effects."

"Percy, you need to shower and change. We have to talk to the Aphrodite cabin, remember?" Annabeth reminded us gently. "We'll see you soon, Reyna."

"Sooner than they expect. Isn't the Poseidon cabin next to Zeus's?" Reyna asked.

"Yes, but none of the cabins have bathtubs, and the Big House does. That's where they'll be headed."

"Oh. Seems like something that needs fixing."

"We've had a lot of things that need fixing lately," I said. "Do you think it will work?"

"Who knows? The ways of the gods are strange."

"True." We let silence settle between us.

"I'll see you in a few days." Reyna kissed me softly. "Don't kill anyone when I'm gone, okay? I'd hate to have to deal with all that paperwork."

"No promises." I smiled against her lips. "See you soon." I stepped into my dark cabin, glaring at the statue of Zeus. We could never get a break, could we?

Hey everyone! I know it's been a few months, but sadly I don't have that much time on my hands. I've two AP classes and tennis now, plus pre-calc.  Well, let me know what you thought, and shoot me some ideas. School leaves no room for imagination, so I'm running a bit dry.Thanks for reading,Phoenix