Annabeth took one look at Percy’s hesitant expression, and decided to bust out the question herself.
“Would you be opposed to coming along with us?”
Sally turned her multicoloured eyes to Annabeth. She still seemed to be processing all that information they’d just thrown at her, and she clearly saw the rift between Percy and her and knew more than happened on their quest so far, so Annabeth kind of felt bad for rushing everything.
But she knew that if she held it in any longer, Annabeth would never have the strength to even think of asking Percy’s mother along, on a quest. First of all, she was mortal. Secondly, she was Percy's mom, the stray-demigod adopter. Annabeth loved her more than any parent she'd ever had.
If something happened to her, and it was all because Annabeth had asked her along on their quest-
“Well, I…” She looked at Percy, like she was searching for guidance. Or for permission. Annabeth turned to her friend as well.
His face was now white, and he wasn't doing a good job at all to hide that. Or maybe he didn't want to hide it at all, in an attempt to discourage his mother.
“It was just a thought,” Percy muttered. He grimaced at his mother. Annabeth knew he had been trying to give a smile to lighten up the atmosphere, but it didn't work. “It’s just, you know, the Labyrinth is easier to navigate if you’re clear-sighted, but I can’t ask you to do this, Mom.”
He couldn't seem to look at Sally. His hands were fidgeting with the edges of the couch. And he didn't look at Annabeth, either.
“Percy, baby…” Sally seemed at a loss for words. Annabeth’s heart ached for the both of them.
Annabeth decided to speak up. It was pretty much her fault there was suddenly a tenseness in the room, and she was starting to regret ever saying those words.
“We do have another solution,” she said to Sally. “We know some people. But Percy mentioned you had some clearsightedness, so he thought of approaching you first. Since…” Annabeth suddenly felt awkward speaking for Percy. “He really trusts you… and all.”
Percy’s face was red. He looked incredibly vulnerable in that moment, bundled into a small spot on the couch like he didn't want to be seen.
Sally’s expression was unreadable.
His voice was muffled when he spoke. “This is stupid. I’m sorry. Let’s go, Annabeth-”
“Wait, Percy,” Sally whispered. Her small voice was so urgent Percy raised his eyes to her. Annabeth had to turn back to her as well. “I… I think it’ll work. I can work with this.”
For a moment, in the small living room of the Jackson’s, Sally’s eyes hardened with resolve, and Annabeth suddenly had a glimpse of what Poseidon had seen in her all those years ago.
Once they’d gone to get her, the next stop was finding an entrance to the Labyrinth. Percy already had that covered, Annabeth knew.
He’d gone for a meeting with his new friend, Rachel Dare, with Annabeth, and there had been even more tension there than in the Jackson’s apartment, none of which was Annabeth’s fault, honestly.
It wasn't her fault that Rachel was all perfect and literally gold in people’s eyes (she had been covered in gold paint and glitter for a charity display). It wasn't her fault that Percy got along really well with her, and it definitely wasn't her fault that Rachel got to be all nice and human while Annabeth was the demigod friend of Percy’s who could never get to lead a normal life.
Annabeth didn't want to acknowledge that she sounded strangely jealous. Because she wasn't jealous of anyone, or anything, ever.
Anyway, besides all the tension, Rachel had been informed of the existence of Greek mythology in the modern world, and what the three questers needed to do to make sure the mythology didn't get too real.
Rachel had then told them of the small door in the museum behind the cafe they sat in that apparently had the Delta letter printed onto it. It didn't open at Rachel’s touches, which just confirmed everything for Annabeth.
“It’s here,” she had said, gesturing to a small door in a spacious room filled with things like props from a theatre performance. Here, of all great exhibits, a doorway to the Labyrinth existed, away from public view.
Although Annabeth could agree that made more sense than putting it outside for everyone to confusedly scrutinise.
Now, the three, two teenaged demigods and one middle-aged warrior of a woman stood in front of the door. Percy was still studying his mom worriedly, like he expected her to bail at any moment.
Sally noticed him quick enough. “I’ve done worse than helping my kid through tough times, Percy. Where would I be if not by your side?”
Sometimes, Annabeth felt like an intruder on the two, and especially now, when Percy shot his mother a grateful smile. His arm had stretched out, as though to hug his mother, but a glance at Annabeth made him stop. Annabeth was just about to tell him to ignore her presence when he cleared his throat, and nodded at the small door.
“You open it, Annabeth. It’s your quest, after all.”
Annabeth wanted to roll her eyes and tell them to get a hug before things all went sideways in the Labyrinth, but she pressed her fingers to the letter anyway.
It glowed a familiar blue, and there was a slight rumbling as the door enlarged, and slid open, revealing a large tunnel, big enough to comfortably walk upright in.
Such a strange contrast to the bright-coloured structures next to them. For some reason, in the large prop-filled room, there was a spot cleared around the entrance to the maze, like a warning: no bright colours here, only certain death awaits!
It was definitely much darker inside, but if Annabeth squinted just far enough, she could see the glow of torches, or whatever was in there.
Annabeth saw Sally swallow, but straighten herself. “Guess I’m the guide.”
“Good luck to us,” Percy muttered. He beckoned Annabeth to follow behind them.
“Antaeus, my lord, I come with prisoners-”
“And who are these?”
Annabeth struggled again, trying to wriggle free of the dracena’s tight grip. The dracena hissed in response, and pressed her sharp nails into Annabeth’s arm. She winced.
Then she looked at Sally, who was paler than ever, though there was a glint in her eyes as they travelled across the arena, her ability to see through the Mist letting her see the monsters for what they really were.
The dracena that was holding Sally captive had her thin tongue sliding across her teeth, which were too close to Sally’s neck for Annabeth’s comfort. Once she got away from her own captive, the first person she was freeing would be Percy’s mother.
Speaking of Percy…
He was glaring at Kelli, the empousa who’d lead the monsters to the three of them. Unfortunately, Kelli wasn't the only one smiling back at him. Antaeus, the huge giant, had set his eyes on Percy.
Antaeus. How many Antaeuses who were sons of Poseidon could there be in Greek Mythology? Annabeth's brain felt like mush with all the danger surrounding them, but she searched through her memories as fast as she could.
Antaeus. Well, there were the two men, both named Ancaeus, who were also both Argonauts. One of them had been a son of Poseidon, but Antaeus was a completely different name, so-
Kelli turned back to Antaeus. “Three questers, my lord. One is a son of Poseidon, another is a daughter of Athena, but I have no knowledge about the older one-”
“That would be Sally Jackson.”
It felt like a cold stone had implanted itself in Annabeth's chest. Luke stood up from his seat next to Antaeus, and nodded at them. His scar looked redder on his pale face.
Annabeth wondered why he looked so unwell.
She’d been trying to ignore him when she had spotted him, icy blue eyes and blond hair, in the mess of the arena. She usually couldn't bear to look at him, but now she did, and he caught her eye for just one heart-wrenching second.
Annabeth looked away when she saw movement in the corner of her eye. Percy had bristled at Luke’s words, and was now staring straight at Luke, eyes blazing with a silent fire.
Luke seemed to be in a good mood. He walked closer to the edge of the stand, eyes glittering.
“Antaeus!” He called out. Antaeus raised an eyebrow at him from behind. Luke hummed as his eyes moved over to Sally, then to Percy. Then he continued, “We have newcomers. I think I promised to repay the favour of hosting our games.”
Antaeus hummed, though it was just a low growl, in agreement. “And yet you have not paid your share. What are you suggesting, now?”
“I think I have something better than centaurs to participate in the fights today,” Luke said. His eyes stayed fixated on Percy, and Annabeth paled. Surely he wasn’t suggesting-
“The son of Poseidon?” Antaeus said, almost boredly. He, as well, continued to focus his gaze at Percy, who was starting to look uneasy from the attention he was garnering.
“Percy Jackson. That woman is his mother,” Luke gave Sally a smile. For some reason, he didn't look at Annabeth once. “I propose that he fight for their freedom. Freedom for his mother, and… friend, I mean. Along with him.”
Luke’s voice had faltered slightly on ‘friend’. Annabeth's heart twisted.
Luke turned to Antaeus. “If his death pleases you, will you let our armies cross your territory?”
Antaeus was silent for a moment. “...Perhaps.”
Luke didn't look satisfied with the answer.
Percy was then pushed into the centre of the arena, where he had to combat a dracena. That was the first round.
Annabeth turned her head around. Much of the structure was surrounded by strong mounts of rock, so everything looked like it had sprouted from the earth, fully built.
For the second, a boy, around their age, stepped into the battlefield, wearing an eye patch. He introduced himself as Ethan Nakamura.
Wait.
Earth. There was something important about Earth in Antaeus’s history…
Then Annabeth had to direct her gaze back to the fight when Ethan pushed Percy back with his shield to the wall, and swiped with his sword. Percy blocked it quickly, and forced Ethan away.
She remembered Sally was still next to her, and concern flared in her mind. The mother was pale as she watched her son engage in a full- on battle with the other eye patched demigod.
However, the look in her eyes wasn't one of fear- instead, Annabeth could almost see Percy's glare in those multicoloured irises, burning, and so alive. As Annabeth watched, she swallowed, a sign of the frustration she had to be feeling.
The fight between the two demigods ended when Percy got Ethan on his back, Riptide at the other’s neck. Then, of course, Percy got really annoyed at his giant of a brother, and challenged him to a fight.
He was kind of an idiot sometimes. But Annabeth knew they probably couldn't pass through this part of their quest if Antaeus himself remained standing.
A breath, shaky and painful, but they were alive. Annabeth breathed in, grateful they had stopped there, or at least, Percy had been leading the escape, and now he was trying to talk sense into Ethan.
Once Annabeth regained a somewhat normal breathing pattern, she turned to Sally, hoping her concern was obvious enough. “Mrs. Jackson?”
Sally smiled tiredly at her. “No need for the title, Annabeth. And quite honestly, I’m not as young as I once was.” But she managed to straighten herself after Percy shot her a worried glance. “I’m more worried about your friend.”
With the way she spoke, it sounded like Percy was about to get real humbled for his actions back at the arena.
Ethan was glaring at Percy. “You haven't convinced me, Jackson. I’ll be making my way back where I need to be. You can continue on your quest.”
Percy sighed. Annabeth noticed how tired he looked. The fights must have taken a toll on him. “If you must…”
Ethan stepped away from the three, and the Labyrinth immediately formed a new path for him. He turned without another word, and left.
Percy had a defeated air about him, which lasted for about a second before he turned to the others and tried giving them a smile. He rubbed his left bicep, almost carefully. “Well! We… survived. If you guys are alright…”
Sally’s jaw tightened, barely noticeable by Annabeth, at the word “survived”.
“Then let’s go on,” Annabeth finished. She couldn't quite smile back at Percy, not with Luke’s image imprinted into her mind, and with Sally’s worry for her son. “Where to, Mrs. Jackson?”
Sally gave her an exasperated smile, but didn't comment on Annabeth’s greeting. “I see a light ahead on the right path. It might be dangerous.”
Percy shrugged at his mother. “Dangerous is what we do.”
Sally pursed her lips, and Annabeth noticed something twisting, rather painfully in those multicoloured eyes. “It was dangerous too, back there. I shouldn't have led you two there-”
“Mom,” Percy cut in. “I’m fine. It's… fine.”
Nothing was fine. Annabeth could hear it in his voice. But Sally didn't say more, though she was clearly holding herself back.
Percy turned to Annabeth. “As I said before, you’re the boss, Annabeth. Do we go?”
Something tingled inside of her at Percy calling her ‘boss’. It felt like confidence. And maybe something else. “Sure, but we’ll have to find somewhere to stop soon. If we keep going, I doubt we can take another step without falling asleep.”
And so she led them down the path on the right.
More skeletons, and occasionally, torches lighting the way. They passed through rock footpaths and gravel walkways, and every other sort of material one would or would not find underground, in the Labyrinth.
Inside, Annabeth’s emotions were whirring.
Luke, in the arena, had called both Sally and Percy by name. Had offered Percy as a sacrifice for Antaeus’ entertainment. And had not once said her name, or even looked at her, except for that one second.
She could still see his icy blue stare, clear as day, in her mind, like it was a memory that wouldn’t stop repeating itself.
He’d looked so pale, like a sick kind of pale, despite his pleased nature. The smile he had, the twisted, sickening smile that promised death, contrasted so wildly against his pallor that it hadn't looked sincere at all for the slightest second.
Luke just… didn't seem like himself so much, anymore. Like how he had been when he’d been younger and angry at the gods. At least that hatred had been something they all shared. But now he was working against all the campers, and to Annabeth… it felt like a terrible kind of pain.
But Annabeth could still remember the one she called a brother. Remembered all those little things he’d do for her at camp when no one was looking, like guiding her at canoeing, or letting her scale the lava wall faster. He had been someone she’d depended on. Someone she’d seen as a brother.
And she had thought he felt the same towards her. But she wouldn't call his actions, his betrayal and his apparent loyalty to the Titans, something a brother would do. Family didn't…
Family. Like Sally and Percy.
Sally saw Percy through all the stuff he went through, and supported him with every mile he went. Even when he’d gone on quests he hadn't been permitted to go on. Even when they’d wanted her to guide them through the Labyrinth, basically a death trap.
Percy was lucky to have someone like her. Annabeth was lucky to have met her, too.
Family went through all sorts of stupid arguments. Family could hate each other and make up the next morning and pretend nothing happened. But family didn't abandon one another. That would break it apart. Until only the shards were left.
Annabeth felt like one of the shards.
Great. They were all tired and trudging through the Labyrinth, and here she was getting all absorbed in her thoughts, messing up her mind little by little.
She needed to clear her head if the others were going to survive. She was the leader of this quest. She was also taking the lead in their walk, so if she did something wrong, they’d all do something wrong.
And then this entire quest would have been for nothing.
Yes to depressing thoughts, Annabeth thought. Then she sighed mentally.
They entered a circular room, small and covered in white ivory tiles, like the infrastructure of the palace up on Mount Olympus. This should have been enough of a warning to Annabeth, but she was exhausted, and this seemed like a good place to stop.
Annabeth turned around to face the two. “We’ll be stopping here. I have a feeling we won't get much rest after we leave.”
Percy nodded at her, and Sally breathed a sigh of agreement.
They set up a small camp with their dusty sleeping bags and bagged loads. Annabeth got the two to settle down, saying she would take the first watch. For some reason, though, in this room, she felt quite safe, so it felt quite unnecessary to keep watch at all. But the feeling could easily be a trap, and she didn't know what to expect from the Labyrinth.
The room was dimly lit by a glow that seemed to exist in the air. Annabeth could see the faces of the two, slightly illuminated so their expressions could be made out.
Percy looked tired, still. Annabeth wondered exactly from what.
Meanwhile Sally was staring at her son, quiet, but looking like she wanted to talk to him.
Annabeth turned away from them, deciding they needed some alone time. It wasn't everyday your parent accompanied you on a literal quest. “You guys should get some rest.”
She walked away, though there wasn't much of a distance to be made between her and the pair in the small room. She heard the others sliding into their sleeping bags.
Just when she thought the two had fallen asleep, Percy's voice, low and crackly, sounded. “Mom… You awake?”
Sally was awake, evidently, for Annabeth heard something sliding across the material of a sleeping bag, perhaps a hand. “Something wrong?”
“No. It’s just…”
Annabeth found herself in apprehension of his words.
“Back in the arena… When I was fighting Antaeus. It's just…” Percy sighed. “I don't know, I’ll sound weird.”
“Honey, just tell me,” Sally said quietly.
“I don't know,” Percy repeated, “ I just- When I found out Antaeus was my brother, it just clicked, I guess. Because I’ve met a lot of siblings who are always out to kill me, and he turned out to be just another one of them.”
Something in Annabeth twisted.
Sally gave a small, distressed sound. “Percy, baby…” But she couldn't seem to find anything to say next.
Annabeth kind of understood why he was telling his mother about this. She couldn’t really relate to Percy’s I-have-murderous-siblings situation, but she’d met many of them with him before, and she couldn't imagine being related to those mythological beings while being in the tight spots they’d been in.
Sally was his mortal mother, a clear-sighted person who could see the Greek mythological world, and who knew Poseidon personally. Spilling frustrations to her about being related to Poseidon's murderous kids wasn't too crazy to think about doing, in Annabeth’s opinion.
“And…” Percy said, his voice cracking, “I saw how he looked at you, Mom. Like some predator searching for his prey. Luke told him you were my mother, and… I know what he was thinking.” He sounded pained. “He would have killed you, Mom. Just for existing. After he killed me, that is.”
“I wouldn't have let him.”
Annabeth felt a spark of fear at Sally’s quiet words. Her voice was neutral, but she spoke like her son - unassumingly dangerous with an innocent facade.
Annabeth heard Percy releasing a breath, like he’d been waiting for some form of reassurance from his mother.
“And neither would I have,” Percy said. “In your case. Or Annabeth’s, if it came to that point.”
Annabeth smiled to herself. Percy probably knew she was listening, but she couldn't make herself feel bad about it.
Then they both fell asleep, leaving Annabeth in the darkness of the circular room. When she woke Percy up for his part of the watch, his hair was adorably ruffled, and sea green eyes glimmering with sleep. Annabeth felt a strange urge to comb through his rat’s nest, then reddened.
Percy didn't seem to notice. He just smiled at her, still tired, for some strange reason, then told her to get rest. Annabeth noticed he barely moved his left arm.
Annabeth climbed into her own sleeping bag, waves of fatigue suddenly overwhelming her. That is, until Sally spoke, and Annabeth froze at her words.
“Hey, Annabeth… Can I talk to you about something?”
It was the way she phrased it. Tentatively, not tiredly or exasperated like most people would when they used that phrase. Like she was much more worried about Annabeth’s response than what she had to say.
There was just something about Sally Jackson. And she’d definitely passed it down to her son.
Also, Annabeth had to stop turning into a tomato at just the thought of Percy. What was wrong with her? It hadn't been like this at the first part of their quest. She was kind of getting mad at him for getting her like this.
“Hmm?” Annabeth hummed. She’d laid down on the dusty material, and had got comfortable enough, but Sally’s thoughtful silence had her slightly on edge.
“Just a little thought,” Sally said. Annabeth turned her head to face her, and saw that Sally was casting her a worried look. “Quite a lot of things happened back in that arena, but I noticed Mr. Castellan paying you quite some attention.”
Mr. Castellan. It felt weird to hear someone, much less Percy’s mother, call Luke that.
“He was,” Annabeth agreed softly. “He didn't even look at me and I could feel his ignoring me just as much as if he’d stared at me the entire time.”
She didn't know how much Sally knew about Luke, but news had to have travelled around about the traitor of their camp. About how Luke had stolen the bolt. About how Luke had tried to kill her son while they were alone in the woods.
“I really can’t say I know that man well, Annabeth, but I know you do,” Sally said, “And I know you two have some sort of history with each other. I’ve… heard things.”
“I don't think I even know him anymore,” Annabeth said softly. Her emotions were swirling again. There were so many things she wanted to tell Sally now, so many hard, cold truths and painful confessions, but with Percy possibly listening in, she’d probably never be able to face him ever again.
Percy couldn't like Luke, not with all that Luke had done to him. But he didn't know Luke like Annabeth did. He had been her brother in every way but blood. And his betrayal had hurt Annabeth in so many more ways than it could have affected Percy.
“We have a complicated history,” Annabeth confessed. “And…”
How much could she tell Sally, even with how patient and understanding she was? What if Annabeth was lying to herself along with everyone else around her?
“It’s okay, Annabeth.”
Percy had turned around, his eyes the only feature of him Annabeth could make out. She couldn’t quite see his expression.
It didn't look like he was smiling, but he didn't look mad exactly, either. “I’m taking watch, remember? This is your resting time. You too, Mom.”
Sally smiled out of the corner of Annabeth's eye, and turned over to her side.
Annabeth could finally close her eyes, and when she did, she was met with a blissful darkness.
“I prepared sandwiches again.”
Hera sat across the table she had conjured, smiling serenely at the three. But Annabeth wasn't about to fall for her friendly face again.
Annabeth had woken up to a much brighter room than she had fallen asleep in, and it turned out Hera herself had been watching over them, after she’d lulled Percy to sleep.
Annabeth had only remembered the first time Hera had visited them on their quest after she’d woken up, and memories of a similar circular white room played in her head. This wasn't the same place, but… It felt like deja vu, because they were just starting their quest, and Hera was here again like last time.
The goddess had brought along a glow that lit up the entire of the small room, so Annabeth could properly see her fellow quest mates for the first time since they’d entered the Labyrinth via the small prop-filled room.
Sally looked surprisingly fine for a mortal on a quest. Her hair was slightly ruffled, but Hera had fixed that with a click of her fingers. Now the older woman’s hair hung in an elaborate braid that didn't look like it was unravelling soon.
Percy, meanwhile, was paler than Annabeth had expected, and was favouring his left arm. She suddenly remembered he’d done that quite a few times the day before, and started to suspect he was hiding something. His hair had been combed into a much more presentable mess by Hera’s powers, which had momentarily disappointed Annabeth.
“I suspect you all are hungry, no?” Hera continued, raising an eyebrow to them. “Don't worry, I don't add poison to food. I have much more creative ways to end someone’s life than that. And, I wanted to do something more important today.”
Sally tried smiling at the Queen of the Gods, and half-heartedly picked up a sandwich, and got the other two to do so. Hera waited until they were finished eating.
Annabeth hadn't noticed how hungry she was until she took the first bite, but that could be blamed on the presence of Hera herself.
“So…” Percy said, paler than ever. “Why are we here, again?”
“To have a chat, of course!” Hera smiled again. “I heard your mother would be here, Perseus, and I just had to meet her.”
Percy paled further, but Annabeth knew it wasn't from the pain. It could have also been from the pain, but Hera sounded ominous enough to take its place.
“Meet me for what?” Sally questioned hesitantly. “I’m just here to help my son-”
“And that is why I am here, Sally,” Hera said. “I just wanted to see the proof of such a powerful bond that exists between a mother and a son, and how much it can achieve.” Her eyes slid over Sally to land on Percy. “And you, Perseus, aren't you hurt?”
Percy’s eyes widened, and he smiled sheepishly when Sally turned her head to him, a questioning look in her multicoloured eyes. “Yeah. My… arm.”
Sally gently grabbed Percy's bicep, and slid up the sleeve of his button-up, while Hera continued, “You should seek help more often,young hero. We can't let small things like injuries obstruct questers like you three.”
Annabeth really wanted to ask if she even knew how bad injuries could ‘obstruct’ people, but she kept her mouth shut. Hera then turned her eyes over to her.
“Annabeth Chase. You should soften up more, young one.” Hera’s eyes were understanding, which just repulsed Annabeth, because this goddess just didn't understand anything. Immortals could never really understand.
“Unless you want to give us help,” Annabeth said slowly, hoping she didn't sound too rude, “You can let us go on for the rest of our quest. We don't have a lot of time.”
Hera shook her head. “Always rushing for the deadline, demigods. But I cannot directly interfere with quests. Only… guide you along the right path.”
Annabeth looked at her suspiciously, but couldn't stop hope from blossoming inside of her. She could really use some guidance in this Labyrinth.
“You will end up where you have to be if the Labyrinth allows it,” Hera said. Annabeth wondered if she was going to give them an instruction manual on how to get the hell around this place, but she just continued, “Trust your instincts, daughter of Athena. And trust the eyes of the clear-sighted more. I am not usually one for belief in simple feelings of the gut, but there is always a solution, as Athena herself says. I trust that her daughter would have a similar mindset.”
Every word that Hera spoke was crawling around Annabeth’s mind as she tried to make sense of what she’d just heard. Hera could be wearing a mask of pretending for all they knew. Hephaestus had revealed a different side of his mother by mentioning she had thrown him off Mount Olympus when he was a child, and set the blame on Zeus instead. But the goddess’s eyes…
Annabeth suddenly felt uncomfortable with Hera’s attention on her, and wished being a quest leader didn't come with so many difficulties like goddesses who were apparently pretending to be nice all the time, but were really being nice, for reasons unknown to the world.
Hera could be what Hephaestus described at times. It wasn't too far-fetched, for all the immortals Annabeth knew of had many different sides, and one example was Percy’s rageful, yet gentle father himself.
And if Hera ended up leading them into a big mess, Annabeth would be seeking vengeance. So… nothing to risk. Time to leave with Hera’s very unhelpful advice and venture further into the depths of the Labyrinth.
And leave they did, filled with sandwiches and lemon-sprinkled water so Annabeth wasn't weak from the rumbling in her stomach anymore.
The walls slid shut behind them, shutting out the bright light, but Annabeth could still feel Hera’s eyes on her. Expectant, yet understanding.
Once they’d walked a long enough distance away, Annabeth grabbed some ambrosia from her bag, and thrust the small, honey-coloured square into Percy’s hand.
“You idiot. Why didn't you just get some ambrosia from the bags?”
Percy looked abashed. “I didn't think it was much of a big deal. Just… wanted to save it, I guess. It’s a limited supply.”
“If an injury gets worse, it needs more ambrosia to clear off,” Annabeth said, “And if your injury gets worse, Seaweed Brain, you’ll wish you’d taken ambrosia after I’m done with you.” She made him take a bite, even though he protested that he’d already been given some by Sally. His pale complexion told a different story about how well he could be feeling.
And immediately, more colour returned to his face. There. Annabeth had been right.
Sally was smiling at them, and for some reason, Annabeth reddened again.
Right. The quest. There were, again, a few paths, all looking the same to her, before them.
Annabeth turned to Sally. “Mrs. Jackson, which route do you suggest we take?”
“Just straight,” Sally said. “I have a feeling we’re almost to Daedelus’ workshop.”
Percy sighed. “We’ll be finding the others afterwards?”
“Of course we will, Percy,” Annabeth said, frowning. Just another thing to worry about, but their friends would always be somewhere high in priority on the list. Annabeth figured Percy felt the same way. “Lead the way, Mrs. Jackson.”
“At least we’re alive. I guess?”
And they were back in the Labyrinth again, having just escaped from Daedelus’ worskshop, only Nico was with them, barely speaking.
He had an eyebrow raised at Percy, who had spoken. They all spotted new injuries, but at least Percy’s arm seemed no longer hurt.
“Alive,” Annabeth repeated. She was still reeling from what they’d seen. Who they’d seen. “And a new deadline to get back to camp and make sure everyone isn't already fighting a war.”
“Annabeth.”
Annabeth shook her head at Percy. “What do you want me to say?”
Sally was walking next to Nico, like she was making sure he wouldn't lag behind them. For some reason, he wasn't shying away from the older woman, unlike when Percy had pulled him out of Daedelus’ workshop and Nico had immediately pulled away. Or maybe it was just Percy.
Either way, Nico looked comfortable enough with Sally beside him. Maybe it was her motherly vibes.
“Thanks for coming after us, Nico,” Percy said hesitantly.
Annabeth turned her body slightly to see Nico’s reaction, but Nico remained stone-faced. “I owed you for the ranch. And I know how crazy you can get on a quest.”
Annabeth saw Percy swallow, and lower his eyes. She wondered if he was thinking about Bianca dying last December, and his heart ached for him. But she knew that wasn't what Nico had referred to, at least not directly.
“We still have a long way to go,” Sally announced into the silence. “If you three are to reach camp as soon as possible, we might not have time to locate Grover and Tyson.” She looked worried, but Annabeth disagreed.
“We should find them,” Annabeth insisted. “They’re somewhere in here, I know it.”
“If we come back after we finish our quest, it might be too late,” Percy added. “Maybe we’ll pass by them or something. Just… look out for any sign.”
They continued down the dark pathway. Why was the Labyrinth always so badly lit? But Annabeth thought it wouldn't be any less scarier with light.
Nico raised his head, and looked at Percy, not quite at his face, as though it hurt to do so. “Minos was acting strange, you know.”
“Hmm?” Percy said, his head turned back to Nico. He still looked nervous.
Nico either didn't notice, or didn't care. “I can usually command ghosts quite easily. He used to listen to me, but for a dead spirit, he has quite a conscious mind of his own. He stopped obeying the moment I met him again, after the ranch.”
“And ghosts aren't usually like that?” Percy said, but it sounded like he knew the answer.
“And with what he said,” Nico continued, “about Daedelus defying death for so long - it’s honestly clear that he has a good idea of what’s going on. I shouldn't have told him so much.”
“Whatever’s done is done, Nico,” Annabeth said placetingly. For some reason, Nico didn't have any trouble meeting her eyes, unlike when he talked to Percy.
“And Daedelus…” Nico said slowly, “actually isn't supposed to be alive. I can’t believe I’m agreeing with Minos anymore, but it's unnatural for him to defy the rules of death for so long.”
And Percy spoke again. Nico looked away from Annabeth when he did, and stared at the ground. “So that’s what you were doing in here, the entire time? Searching for Daedelus’ soul in exchange for your… sister's?” His voice cracked slightly.
And there was more silence. Nico didn't seem to be in a rush to answer, for they walked another few dozen metres, and past another skeleton, before he spoke.
“I’ve been trying really hard, Percy.”
Percy’s brows furrowed. “You…”
Sally was still at the rear of their group, but she was steering them now, whispering the pathways to take. Annabeth had to concentrate to listen, because suddenly the tension between Percy and Nico had thickened.
“There’s nowhere for kids of Hades, if you haven’t noticed,” Nico said softly. He was looking straight ahead, at the torches on the walls. “Because I’m the only one who’s a halfblood, as far as I know, and children of the dead… don’t mix well with life.”
“But you are part of life, Nico,” Annabeth cut in. “You’ve survived all this time, like us. That has to count for something.”
Nico raised his eyebrow at her. His eyes somehow glowed black, like Hades’ aura, and Annabeth swallowed. It was almost unnerving how much he resembled his father.
“You’d be welcome at camp,” Percy said. Nico didn't even glance at him, but something hardened in those ebony eyes.
“You really think so?”
He didn't sound hopeful. More… dubious.
“Well, you’d-”
But Percy didn't get to finish his answer, for the ground rumbled dangerously, and Sally had to help Nico from falling onto the rocks. Percy paled, and panic rose in Annabeth.
Earthquake. Down in the Labyrinth, but who knew what to expect?
The ceiling started to crumble, and pieces of rock started falling. Onto them.
A particularly big shake, like they were on a roller coaster, caused everyone to fall onto the right wall, which was slowly rotating into the ground. The rocks were starting to pile everywhere, and Annabeth wanted to yell in exasperation.
“Come on!” She didn't know where to go exactly, but the direction where they’d come from was disappearing into the rock-filled darkness, so the only way was forward. The rest ran with her at her urging.
Sally was somewhere behind Annabeth, and her voice rang out, struggling to be heard over the collapsing tunnel. “There! I see a light, but it leads out of the Labyrinth!”
“No choice!” Percy yelled from behind. There was a resigned grumble, so Annabeth knew Percy had just grabbed Nico. “Just get out of here!”
A twist, a turn.
The rumbling ceased with the more distance they made between the quaking and themselves.
“You can let go of me,” Annabeth heard Nico say.
Percy responded, “Stop struggling.” Annabeth didn't try to listen for Nico’s response, because then she finally noticed something in the darkness and dampness of the tunnel.
They got closer to actual, bright light at the end of their path. She could see the rocks that made up the walls of the Labyrinth easier, and her footsteps were finally illuminated. The light came from… An entrance.
And an exit. She could hear sounds, like the chirps of birds, and the distant honks of traffic if she concentrated. They were closer than ever to civilisation.
One last step, and the bright light filled up the darkness like the sun rising. She thought she could finally breathe, and from the sighs of her quest mates, they felt somewhat similar.
Annabeth turned around to see the others dusting themselves off and generally looking pale.
There was something that resembled an abandoned train wreck behind them, and a particularly deformed compartment had been twisted and cracked, and was now rusting in the shape of a tunnel entrance. Said entrance was sliding away, and closing in on itself, so they wouldn't get a chance to go back in.
Even if they tried prying the rocks apart with their bare hands, the Labyrinth had way more defences than some earth.
Annabeth turned back around once she was sure the others weren't actively dying.
They were on the edge of a city, in a darker, shaded alleyway, big enough to fit a rusting train that had been crushed to shambles. Trees were withering around them, probably suffering from the little sunlight. Those buildings were tall, then.
Annabeth breathed in, and tried searching for clues for where they were.
Ah. Colorado, of all places. She recognised the Rocky Mountains from their first quest, all high and mighty in the distance. If they’d actually taken those wings and shot out the windows of Daedelus’ workshop, they’d have ended up here too.
The Garden of the Gods would be somewhere there as well, since they’d seen it from the workshop.
“Colorado!” Annabeth sighed. “And time to find a new entrance. Come on, guys.”
Cold wind blew past them, and Annabeth shivered. A blast of something minty came by right after.
They had found an entrance to the Labyrinth near a museum that resembled an old rickety house, in the hills of Colorado Springs, so now they were back in there again.
Percy had flinched at the wind, as though he knew where it had really come from. Annabeth had a bad feeling, too…
Sally stopped when she saw their faces. “What is it?”
“Listen,” Annabeth said, keeping her voice low, though she didn't know for what. “There’s something…”
Nico had stopped too, and his eyes were narrowed.
“I know that smell,” Percy said. He was pale. “Eucalyptus trees. Like in California.”
California. Annabeth knew he was referring to last winter, which she barely remembered. But from what she’d heard, it had been a mess of quests and diabolical Titans who refused to hold the sky.
He had to be talking about the species of trees she’d seen along the edges of Mount Tamalpais, which had smelled of something minty. Eucalyptus, if she remembered right, was particularly minty.
“There’s something powerful down that tunnel,” Annabeth said. “We should-”
“And the smell of death,” Nico added. Annabeth frowned, and he gave an apologetic grimace. “If you wanted to know more.”
“Well, I don't,” Annabeth said. “Let’s-”
And then something occurred to her. Mount Tamalpais had been where all those Titans and demigods and monsters had been meeting, planning whatever evil things. If the feeling in her gut was right….
She turned to Percy. “That’s an entrance to somewhere, isn't it? I’d guess Mount Othrys itself.”
Percy nodded. “Luke would be there.”
Luke. He had to bring him up. But Annabeth didn't want to hear Percy say anything about Luke while they were here - she couldn't handle anymore. She didn't want to think about Luke.
“Perhaps we should use a different route,” Sally suggested. She had a tight grip on Percy, which Annabeth hadn't noticed. She seemed worried he’d do something stupid.
And so he had been planning just the thing. “We should see what’s going on.”
“No, we should leave and find Grover and Tyson-” Annabeth said, but Percy cut in.
“Or maybe I go by myself,” he said, glaring at her. She glared back. “I’ll be quick, you don't have to-”
“Worry?” Annabeth said, something twisting inside of her. “The last time I let you go off on something crazy, you made us all think you died!”
Maybe she shouldn't have thrown that out. Percy had paled even more, and Sally closed her eyes, head turned to the ceiling. Nico stayed quiet.
“I’m sorry, Annabeth,” Percy said. A moment of silence.
Annabeth decided to go easier on him, and made a quick decision. She pulled out her Yankees cap, and held it out to Percy.
He took it tentatively.
“Put that on,” Annabeth said. She couldn't believe she was doing this, but here she was, sending Percy off on another dangerous trip. “Or don’t go at all.”
Percy gave her a small smile. “I’ll be quick.”
He disappeared with a salute of her hat. Once his footsteps faded away into the glowing end of their path, she let out a sigh.
“I’m gonna kill him when he gets back,” Annabeth decided.
“You gave him your cap,” Nico countered. Annabeth glared at him.
Sally looked worried. “Should we get nearer? If he… needs help.”
For Sally, a helpless mortal against otherwordly forces like those of Greek history, to even suggest that showed how panicked she was for her son. Annabeth couldn't imagine how strange and how terrifying it was to see this side of her child’s life.
“He always needs help,” Annabeth said. She wondered what he was seeing in there. Where he was, exactly, and if she’d deduced wrongly and down that tunnel wasn't the palace of the Titans. Had she guided him to an early death?
She wished she didn't feel so helpless, here, in this dark and dusty tunnel, with only her knife, bag full of godly medicine, and a whole lot of knowledge in her head.
Tick, tock. Tick, tock.
It felt like a clock was ticking in her head, telling her all the time they were wasting here, waiting for news on whatever Percy was checking out. A clock that was whispering into her ear, like some strange medieval force.
Wait. Oh, no…
It was really a voice whispering in her head.
Telling her to leave Percy here, in the mercy of the unknown. And there was one Titan that she could link to clocks, and… time.
“Kronos is in there too,” Annabeth realised.
“What?” Sally whispered. She reached into her small bag, and ruffled through it for whatever she was looking for.
Annabeth was too frenzied to follow Sally's actions with her eyes, but was already heading towards the glow at the end of the tunnel, where Percy had gone to.
“Guys, I think he’ll need help,” Annabeth said. “Come on- Nico, you too.” Her heart was beating in her chest, so loudly it seemed to echo through the tunnel. Or maybe that was just whatever was at the end of it.
Just when they were halfway to the end of the path, everything rumbled. Another earthquake? If it was, Annabeth was going in there anyway, and she would pull the other along.
But then the rumbling stopped, and a wave of blue light enveloped the tunnel. Annabeth gave a small gasp.
Something had happened. And Annabeth had a really bad feeling about what exactly had.
“Come on,” Annabeth repeated, “Just another few steps-”
A clang, like sword were clashing. Echoing from the glow in the tunnel. Then the air around them stilled, and there was a loud thumping noise, as though someone had been forcibly rammed against a surface.
Percy. Oh, no…
Sally surged forward, faster than the two of them. She reached the glow first, breathing hard. She had something small clutched in her hand. “Let’s go in.”
Annabeth didn't argue.
Cold air brushed past them again. This time, Annabeth could smell the sea. They were on Mount Tamalpais, and outside the tall windows was the Pacific Ocean.
And the structure of the palace, whichever part of it they had ended up in, was a sight to behold. Dark, tall columns of black and silver, alight with a bronze glow that emanated from the center of the room, where a sarcophagus lay, sending off waves of power.
Percy was right there, hat knocked off his head, stirring at the bottom of a column. He looked dazed.
There was someone else there, giving off waves of power even more intense than the sarcophagus’. From their small, broken slab of wall, she couldn't see who.
The two were speaking to each other, one weakly and the other with a strange undertoned growl that seemed to reverberate everywhere.
“Luke feared you.”
Something clicked in Annabeth’s brain, but she tried to ignore it. She hadn't just recognised that voice…
“Isn't that great?” Percy shot out. He was stumbling up, supporting himself on the pillar.
“I meant, he feared you, Perseus Jackson,” the other said. The figure’s footsteps sounded nearer, louder. “But I do not. I never will.”
Percy took a step back. Annabeth wanted to rush to help him. And then time stopped.
But only in the small dome the other had formed in the large room. It looked like misty jelly with how strangely the air moved in the dome. Percy’s movements were halted, and his eyes widened.
The other figure could only be Kronos, the Lord of Time. He was controlling the time around them.
Sally took a step forward. Annabeth laid a hand on her arm. “Mrs. Jackson-”
Sally put a hand on Annabeth’s own. “Let me, Annabeth. Please.”
Just then, Kronos laughed, his voice sounding not like his at all. It sounded like Luke’s. “You can try running, Perseus. Go on.”
He stepped nearer and nearer until Annabeth could see exactly what Kronos looked like. And her heart stopped in her chest.
She heard Sally gasp, and felt Nico stiffen beside her.
But it couldn't be him, they’d just seen Luke in the arena, maybe a day ago, maybe a week ago, he couldn't have-
Luke’s eyes were solid gold. Not his blue ones.
Annabeth felt like collapsing. Nothing was making sense.
And when he opened his mouth, Kronos’ rumbling voice could be heard. “Run, Perseus Jackson.”
A scythe, possibly a twisted and cursed version of Luke’s blade, swung in his hands. Percy still wasn't moving any faster.
Kronos lifted his scythe, and pointed it at Percy’s chest. The blade glowed.
And Sally stepped out from behind the wall, and flung the smallest bottle of sunscreen Annabeth had ever seen, straight at Kronos’ face.
The bottle hit right on target, and Kronos spluttered, shutting his eyes and stumbling backwards in surprise.
The spell around Percy disappeared, and the air particles were moving normally again. Percy stumbled away from Kronos, sword clutched tightly in hand. He ran towards the group, eyes wide when he saw them.
When Kronos’ eyes opened, they fluctuated from blue to gold, and for a moment Annabeth’s heart stopped in her chest.
But then the gold took over, dark and glinting. Annabeth swallowed. “Luke-”
Percy reached them, and grasped her hand, pulling her back into the tunnel. “Annabeth! Guys, come on-”
“After them. Bring them to me!”
Kronos had recovered, and was now glaring at them murderously. Sally was staring him down head on. Percy grabbed her too, and got Nico to move ahead of them.
They were about to reach the entrance when a wave of power made them all stumble, and Nico turned around. “Trust me?”
“What?” Percy spluttered, then shook his head. “Whatever, just-”
Nico didn't wait for him to finish.
He clapped his hands together, and a jagged wall of black rock shot out of the ground behind them so hard pieces of black tiles flew everywhere. The rock crashed into the walls, which cracked. The tremor that came along with the force of it shooting out made the building shake, and dust fell from the domed ceiling.
“Woah!” Percy hissed, pushing his mother and Annabeth ahead of him. “Come on, Nico!”
They ran into the Labyrinth, telkhines and maybe some other creatures on their tail. Darkness enveloped them, and the last Annabeth heard was Kronos’ yell of frustration, sounding just like Luke’s voice.
“Grover!”
He wasn't moving. Tyson cradled him, brows furrowed. Percy was kneeling next to them, shaking Grover’s shoulders. “Wake up!”
Grover continued to shiver. “Uhhhh. Enchiladas.”
Annabeth wondered how even in the Labyrinth, half-dead, Grover could still mutter the name of that food in his subconsciousness.
Percy sighed, and waved his hand.
Water splashed Grover’s face, and Grover spluttered, eyes shooting open. “W-what?”
Then he spotted the rest. “Percy? Annabeth- Sally?”
He sounded so shocked to see Percy’s mother, Annabeth worried they’d give him a heart attack.
He got up shakily with Tyson and Percy’s help. He looked in Sally's direction, as though unable to believe his eyes.
Sally smiled tiredly at him. “It’s been a while, Grover.” Grover just blinked in response.
“We asked her to come along,” Annabeth explained, “As a guide, because she can see better than the rest of us.”
Grover nodded, seemingly understanding Annabeth’s hidden meaning. “So she’s here, then. Percy let her come along?”
“I didn't,” Percy said under his breath. “Come on, I think there’s something powerful beyond here. You guys can feel it, right?”
Annabeth nodded.
Grover leaned on Percy as they walked towards an underground river, then waded through it with some difficulty.
Percy seemed fine with the cold water, but Annabeth herself was shivering. She could feel the wet mud sticking to her jeans, so the first thing she’d do after all this would be to take a shower.
They finally reached the opposite banks, and climbed out carefully. Annabeth had to help Percy with Grover with how shaky Grover was.
The closer they got to the next part of the caves, the brighter a strange, yet comforting glow got. It was coming from some large crystals that grew from the ceiling and ground of the next room, and their beauty almost took Annabeth's breath away.
A warm, fresh scent travelled from the room to them, smelling of trees and flowers and a sunny field, none of which they’d find in the Labyrinth. She could feel her energy replenishing itself, similar to the effect of an energy drink, but better.
Inside, the walls glittered with crystals, sparkling in all the colours of the rainbow. It felt like a part of Wonderland they were in.
And so here was the old satyr, the God of Wilderness and all the satyrs of the earth, Pan. He lay on a bed of twisted bark, which twinkled with green light, like fairy lights on a Christmas tree. Animals chirped and roamed throughout the small room.
Grover stumbled to the god’s bedside.
The old satyr looked to each and everyone one of them, old eyes smiling and tired. His bird was chirping a tune that Annabeth couldn't recognise.
He spoke to them, telling everyone individually a message as he looked into their eyes and provided reassurance. Annabeth was on her knees in respect, and was awed by how his presence alone seemed to pull a blanket of comfort over them.
His eyes stopped, lastly, on Sally, who was in front of Annabeth.
“Sally Jackson,” he mused. Sally smiled back at him, and an understanding seemed to pass through the two of them. “You have braved many dangers, and you may believe that sometimes, there is not enough hope for everyone in those dangers.”
Sally’s smile wavered. “Sometimes.”
“But fear not,” Pan said, smiling slightly, “for not all is lost. You must search for hope, for within all of us, there is always a spark of it left.”
Annabeth thought of Luke, who Percy had said had given himself over to Kronos. Hope. What hope did he have left?
Pan turned back to Grover, and whispered another few sentences. Annabeth felt melancholy flood her chest.
The god was fading, and even she could see it now. The green of the leaves around them was turning into grey. Dede the bird was chirping sadly, her blue feathers withering.
“I know you will uphold my wish, Grover,” Pan whispered. “For many millenia, that is what many have wished to have the opportunity to do. But now I trust you with it.”
Grover wiped his eyes, and stood up. “I… I’ve spent my entire life looking for you. But… I release you.”
Pan smiled at that, and a little bit of life seemed to return to the cave. “And for you, my final blessing.”
He disappeared into wisps of light, and for a moment, they glowed in mid-air, alight with life and power. Annabeth heard Sally give an amazed gasp.
Then the wisps of light flew to each of them, and enveloped everyone in a net of pure light. Annabeth felt something like calm wash over her, and the light was gone.
And so was the greenery around them, along with the glow of the once colourful crystals. Now they were alone with their stunned silence in the darkness.
Percy grabbed a flashlight from his bag, and switched it on. “To think I forgot about this for so long. Grover, are you all right?”
Grover nodded. He didn't seem as pale as before, and there was a look, a feeling of sadness and acceptance in his eyes.
“Over here,” Grover said, holding out his hands for his Rasta cap. Annabeth gave it to him. He put it on, and a steely look of determination took over his expression. “Now, time to get back, and… tell everyone the Lord of the Wild is gone.”
“I’m not going.”
Percy sighed.
Nico’s arms remained crossed.
Annabeth’s eyes flew between the both of them, and exasperation made her want to sigh as well.
Sally had led them to Times Square, and now they were standing before a fleet of impatient pegasi, which Percy had called over. Blackjack was at the front of the winged-horse group, flapping his black wings.
Sally was now rubbing Blackjack’s maned neck. Somehow, the pegasus’ connection to Percy extended over to his mother naturally, so the pegasus took to her quite well.
Annabeth was about to tell Nico to get his butt on a steed anyway before Percy turned away from him, and looked at Sally.
“We’ll have to be going, mom,” Percy said. Sally looked at him sadly.
“I guess I can't come along, then,” Sally said, smiling. “Go make sure camp isn't in a messy state, won't you?”
Percy’s expression was unreadable. “Just- thank you for coming. For everything, actually. I- I shouldn't have made you come on this quest. We could have…”
Sally shook her head. “No one made me agree to this. I did it because I knew what I was getting into, Percy. Besides, we’re here, aren't we? We’re… okay.”
“Yeah,” Percy muttered. He was fidgeting with a loose string on his jeans.
“Come back afterwards, won’t you?” Sally said. “Aside from the explosion at the school, and all those administrators telling me they need evidence from you to prove you’re innocent, I’d also like to see you home. And Paul, too, maybe.”
“Paul,” Percy repeated. Annabeth wasn't too sure who that was, but Percy smiled a little when he said the name. “I kinda miss him, I guess.”
“So you’ll come back?”
“What makes you think I won’t?” Percy stepped forward, and glanced at Annabeth, his arms stretched slightly forward, as though unsure whether he could show this much on public display.
Really, what did he take her to be? A stranger?
Annabeth nodded drily, and Percy took another step forward, and enveloped his mother in a hug. Sally laughed wetly and hugged him back.
They should have done this when they’d had the chance, back before entering the Labyrinth, too, but at least they were hugging it out now.
When they came apart, Percy seemed reluctant to let go, and for a moment Annabeth saw the most vulnerable of him, wrapped in his mother’s arms. Then he straightened, and stepped back, eyes slightly misty.
Sally patted him on the shoulder, and walked towards the tall buildings and noise of Time Square, disappearing into the crowd.
Annabeth smiled. “Seaweed Brain?”
Percy hummed, then headed towards Nico, who was having trouble with the horses.
“Are you coming, then?” Percy said to Nico. Nico glared at him, though it was more half-hearted than usual.
He’d probably seen the entire exchange between Percy and his mother.
“Nico,” Annabeth cut in. Nico turned towards her, eyes softening, for some reason. It seemed like it hurt for him to look at Percy. “We need you.”
“Well, I’ll go,” Nico said after a while. “For you.” That was directed at Annabeth. Percy looked personally offended.
When they got Nico onto a begrudging Guido, Percy hissed at her, “Why does he listen to you?”
“Maybe he just doesn't like you,” Annabeth said. Percy glared at her, though there was a glimmer of laughter in his eyes. He wasn't really mad at her, then.
And then they took off into the skies.
There they were again, in the living room of the Jackson’s apartment, only there was less tension in the air, and a stronger smell of blue cookies from the table.
Percy had yelled an invitation to her when they’d been leaving camp, as though he’d almost forgotten to do so. Knowing him, he probably had. His ADHD was a menace at times.
The next week, she’d left her dad’s place to head to the Jackson’s, during the weekends. Today was a Saturday, and if Annabeth could have it her way, nothing would be ruining this day for her.
Sally looked older than the last she’d seen of her, but less tired. In fact, it was more of an ‘I’ve seen much’ than an ‘I’m getting old’ kind of fatigue.
Annabeth picked up a cookie from the large plate. The chocolate chips were still melting and giving off a delicious aroma.
“Well,” Sally said, smiling. “It’s been a week. Welcome, Annabeth.”
She was way earlier than they’d been expecting, so Percy was still asleep. His loss. Annabeth was eating these cookies whether he got any or not.
“You all right, Mrs. Jackson?” Annabeth inquired. She met Sally’s multicoloured eyes, which were full of so many different emotions at once. It was kind of like staring into Percy’s eyes. Not that she did that a lot, of course.
“Life can be tiring,” Sally said, “but it almost feels like everything’s going back to normal now. Percy’s starting school next week. They resolved the situation, saying the one who attacked him was a dangerous arsonist, and not him.”
“Imagine calling Percy an arsonist,” Annabeth said. “The son of Poseidon and all. But he sets himself on fire a lot himself, to be honest.”
She had meant it jokingly, but then her mind switched to how she'd imagined Percy to look like after that huge explosion in Mount Saint Helens. Where his ruined body could be. How she could have failed him so badly.
Sally must have noticed her quiet, for she didn't say anything to try and fill the silence, but just smiled understandingly at Annabeth.
Annabeth had to stop thinking about such things, especially since Percy was in the room right next to them, asleep and with some drool probably running down his chin.
A yawn broke the silence.
“That would be Percy,” Sally said fondly. “I can go get him.”
“No need,” Annabeth said, already rising from her seat. She kind of wanted to see Percy's terrible bed hair again. “I have some ways.”
Sally sat back down.
Annabeth entered his room, which felt like some version of an aquarium, just without water. There were the blue walls, for one. It was a unique shade that Annabeth had never seen on a wall before. Then there was the smell of the sea, emanating from the son of Poseidon trapped in his blankets who was slowly stirring.
Annabeth cherished the look of his bed hair in all of its glory before grabbing his curtains and pulling them open. “Rise and shine, Seaweed Brain.”
Percy immediately opened his eyes, scrambling up on his bed. “Who- Annabeth? How are you… here…” Then his bleary eyes gained some consciousness, and understanding flooded his features. “Oh.”
“Hi to you too, Percy,” Annabeth said. “Get your ass up. I didn't get up at seven in the morning to find my way through the mess of early traffic just to look at you drool.”
Percy spluttered. “I-”
“I’ll be in the living room!”
And… that was that. They’d journeyed through the Labyrinth, saved some people, survived deadly trials, and now the three of them were closer than ever. Annabeth could really understand the meaning of family now - it was somewhere a person felt they could belong. It was a home.
She felt at home, now, with her visits to the Jackson’s whenever she had time. Even when school started, they kept in contact via Iris Messages. They just... didn't talk about Luke, or Kronos. Ever.
That was a subject Annabeth didn't want to ever touch, but she wasn't sure how long she could avoid doing so.
Other than that, life was better. If she just ignored the oncoming war, the one they’d just battled through, and the stupidly vague prophecy that indicated the fate of Olympus, that is.
Whatever. For now, Annabeth would enjoy the family she’d been welcomed into.
