★ 𝟐 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅 ★ p. jackson

028

They made it back to Camp Half Blood just after Clarisse thanks to the centaurs. The camp however was in shambles. The arts and crafts cabin had been burned to the ground. The big house was overflowing with wounded while Apollo campers scrambled in and out doing their best to heal as many as possible.

As soon as Esmeralda's feet touched the ground she was tackled into a hug by a familiar figure.

"You scared the fucking shits out of me." Her brother mumbled into her hair.

Esme wrapped her arms around him, breathing in his familiar sent of smoke and oil. "I'm sorry, I really am."

"It's ok, I'm just glad you're alright." He pulled away from her, scanning his eyes over her for any injuries. When he found little to none he released a breath he'd been holding. "Don't ever do that again." He warned.

Em nodded in agreement. "Come on," everyone was gather around Thalia's tree. "Let's hope the fleece works."

Everyone watched as Clarisse draped the fleece around the base of the tree. Like magic, the moonlight brightened and the wind rustled the leaves. Everything became more vibrant and lively. Gradually, the pine needles began to shift from brown to a rich green. Everyone cheered, it was happening slowly, but there was no doubt that the fleece was working. Chiron ordered twenty-four/seven guard duty on the hill top. At least until they found an appropriate fit for the job.

Clarisse was hoisted into the air by her cabin mates and carried down the hill. No one spared a second glance towards Annabeth, Percy, or Em. They were all thankful too, if anyone mentioned their absence they'd probably be expelled. Esme met Percy's gaze from a few yards away and he winked. The girl couldn't help but smile at him, a happy fluttering feeling grew in her stomach as she did.

The next morning the party ponies left for Florida. That was when Chiron made the surprise announcement that he would be reinstating chariot races. This came as a slight shock to everyone. But given that the camp was now protected there seemed to be no issue.

Tyson wasn't too fond of the idea after last time. However he agreed to help Percy, Annabeth and Esme build their chariot. The three trained like crazy for the next few days. They agreed that if they won they would split the prize of no chores between their cabins. Percy and Esme didn't really care about the prize however, Percy just wanted to win, and Esmeralda just wanted to rub it in her brother's face.

The night before the race Esmeralda laid in bed restlessly. She was tired, but she was also afraid of her dreams. She sat in her bed, worried that if she closed her eyes she'd be met with the all too familiar scene. Finally, she gave up. She swung her legs off the bed and laced up her converse. She grabbed the hoodie that hung on her bed post and pulled it over her head. Em quietly tiptoed out of the cabin, carefully avoiding the creaky floor boards. She may not have been a child of Hermes, but she could certainly act like one. And after living in the cabin for so long she could've maneuvered through the space blindfolded.

Outside in the cool night air she took a deep breath. Letting the warm breeze calm her senses. There were two places Percy could've been: his cabin, or the stables. She chose the stables, figuring she might find him giving their horses a pep talk before the race tomorrow.

She was right, like always!

She stood in the doorway to the stables, watching Percy as he unfolded a letter in his hands. She noticed the confused expression on his face as he folded it back up and shoved it in his pocket.

Esme knocked on the open door and Percy looked up, not heaving expected anyone to be out this late, even her. He was glad to see her though. She had on her pajamas shorts, and pulled a light pink hoodie over her shirt. Her hair was braided in pigtails and Percy couldn't help but admire how her peaceful she looked.