Thank you to my amazing Beta Marygami12. I'm hoping to add another chapter soon.
I've never liked the dark. The isolation and hostility of the gloom always gave me the chills, almost like someone was watching me but I couldn't see them. I can feel a pain radiating through my body but I can't identify its source. My entire body aches. I become aware of something wet on my forehead. I focus on it, drawing strength from the water.
"His fever is taking all the water," a worried voice says.
"Maybe he's using it get strength," another suggests, "To fight against the poison."
"I hope so," the first respond.
"Why don't we just dump a bottle of water over him?" a new voice.
"Leo!" several exclaim.
"It could work," Leo responds, "I'm gonna try it."
The water splashes over my face, bringing my mind to near clarity. I feel the pain worse now. My eyes flick open and I draw a breath in. I see faces peering at me from where I lie on a soft bed.
"Haha!" Leo exclaims with a grin, "It worked!"
"Percy?"
My attention goes to Will Solace.
"How are you feeling?" he questions.
"Where's Hazel?" I croak.
The pain spikes and I feel myself shudder against it.
"Hazel!" I call louder wincing, "Where is she?"
"Percy," Hazels shushes, "I'm fine. I'm okay,"
My eyes slide in and out of focus before settling on her face. A cut runs down her face, clean and raw. My heart drops.
"You're hurt," I say, "Oh gods."
"Hurt?" Will repeats, "Ah… Percy she has a scratch."
"Where's Nico?" I demand, "I-I need to apologize."
"Nico's right here," Jason states from my left. He stands in between Piper and Annabeth at the foot of my bed, looking awkward.
"Nico!" I say, trying to sit up, "I'm sorry!"
"Percy," Nico scolds, "stay lying down."
Will presses my shoulders down but I fight against him with my dwindling strength.
"I'm sorry." I repeat as Will wins, "I-I never meant for her to get hurt."
"Hazel's fine," Nico tells me, frowning, but moving closer to me.
I can't feel anything but the pain in my chest. My body shakes and I can't breathe.
"I'm sorry for everything," I near sob, "For everything I've done to hurt you. I'm sorry for Hazel. I'm sorry for Bianca. I'm-"
My coughing blocks off the rest of my apology and Will's hands hold me still, against the mattress. I taste my blood in my mouth and see Nico's eyes wide staring at me. My lungs ache. Gods this hurts.
"Percy," Hazel's voice is soothing, "Percy, you need to breathe."
I know that. But my lungs refuse to move. My muscles spasm. My body demands oxygen. My fists clench at the blanket over me. The pain feels like fire, burning in my chest and spreading wildly.
Oh gods this hurts so much.
"Will!" Nico cries out, "Do something he's dying!"
I feel my all my strength vanish, the last of the oxygen in my lungs disperse. My eyes droop and I return into the darkness.