ON THIS SPRING DAY
━━━━━ chapter fifteen

━━━━━ ANNABETH DIDN'T LIKE the idea of AJ joining the quest, he could tell. But he could also tell she wasn't putting her entire attention to him as he tried to talk to her. A half-hearted glare from her as she fussed over scrolls; Annabeth only shook her head as AJ explained; "Chiron would never allow it," she argued.

               "Why wouldn't he?" AJ countered. "With you, Percy, and me going—that's three going to start this part of the quest."

               "Maybe it's because we already have three quest members out there." Annabeth waved her hand.

               "Then that's six—three and three." AJ shrugged. "I may have only gone to school until fifth grade, but I can still do that kind of math."

               Annabeth didn't find his joke very funny. "I don't want you going."

               "Well, I'm going," he countered.

               "Why?" She snapped a new notebook closed. "Why do you want to go so bad?"

               The explanation got caught in AJ's throat as he watched Annabeth. "I, well, Violet. 'Cause there's something going on, and I want to know she's okay."

               The daughter of Athena gave him a cautious look. "Violet also wouldn't want you getting yourself in danger."

               AJ only rolled his eyes. "That's rich of Violet to want considering how much danger she gets herself in."

               Annabeth shrugged as a small smile quirked on her lips. "I can tell Chiron you're going," she offered, grabbing some scrolls and her notebook. "Besides, I need to tell him some things."

               Before she could Cabin Six, AJ reached out. "You haven't said anything about Violet to him, have you?"

               Annabeth sighed like this was a question she was mulling over herself. "Chiron knows something's up with Violet, especially now that Percy's back and she isn't. But ... I don't know if he knows what we know."

               "Your idea that she found the Labyrinth, and this gut feeling Violet had all last winter." AJ nodded. "Is it possible that he does know? That Violet was telling him all this so they could try and find some answers together?"

               "I doubt it." The daughter of Athena shook her head. "Chiron would've said something to me, especially if he thinks it has something to do with this quest."

               AJ crossed his arms and looked at all the scrolls Annabeth had pulled down. "I'm going with you," he insisted.

               Annabeth nodded. "But you know what happens in the Labyrinth," she warned him.

               "Yeah," he agreed. "But if I can shove it to Luke and help Violet, I'll deal with it."

🌷

The next morning, which came much too soon, AJ met Annabeth and Argus past the crest of Half-Blood Hill and on the road. He didn't say Good morning, it would feel ... weird. Weird because they were about to descend into the Labyrinth. Percy arrived not too long after, and they started their trek into New York City.

               AJ, Annabeth, and Percy didn't talk much in the van. Argus never spoke, probably because he had eyes all over his body, including—so AJ has heard—at the tip of his tongue, and he didn't like to show that off.

               Annabeth looked queasy, as if she'd slept even worse than AJ.

               "Bad dreams?" Percy asked at last.

               She shook her head. "An Iris Message from Eurytion."

               "Eurytion?" AJ frowned. "Who's that?"

               "Eurytion was a half-blood we met down in the Labyrinth," Annabeth explained. "He helps run the Triple G Ranch."

               "So why'd he call?" asked AJ.

               "He called to say that Nico left the ranch some nights ago—maybe two, three?" Annabeth pursed her lips.

               "What? Didn't Eurytion try to stop him?"

               "Nico was gone before he woke up. Orthus, Eurytion's dog, tracked his scent as far as the back of the house. Then the scent just disappeared. Eurytion said he'd been hearing Nico talk to himself the last few nights. Only now he thinks Nico was talking with the ghost again, Minos. But ..."

               "But what?" AJ raised his eyebrows.

               "Eurytion also mentioned he thought he heard a girl talking, too. And that Orthus kept getting whiffs of other scents."

               Percy shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Look, guys, while I was on Ogygia I had dreams—about Violet and Nico."

               "And you didn't say anything before?" AJ frowned.

               "Because I was hoping that Violet and Nico were at Camp," Percy replied. "The first one was of them, on the Big House porch. They had this sword that belonged to Elain Nevitt."

               Annabeth frowned. "I've never heard of Elain Nevitt."

               "Neither have I," answered Percy. "But what's even weirder was the second dream I had ..." He explained to AJ and Annabeth what he saw; Violet and Nico in the Garden of Persephone and them receiving audience with Lord Hades.

               "Persephone's garden?" AJ repeated. "Why would they be down there?"

               Percy shrugged. "You think I have any clue? Besides, they might not even be down there anymore. Last night, I had a dream about Luke in the Labyrinth. They mentioned having a deal with Quintus and how Luke's men found a half-blood alone in the maze."

               "You think Violet and Nico could've gotten separated?" AJ asked.

               "For their sakes, I hope not," Annabeth spoke up. She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. "Look—let's just go over everything here; Eurytion sent me and Iris Message saying that Nico left Triple G Ranch and that he heard a girl's voice before Nico left. That could be Violet."

               "We're hoping it's Violet, yeah," said Percy. "Otherwise, Nico has another ghostly friend."

               "It's Violet." Annabeth sent him a look. "And you had a dream where Violet and Nico were on the front porch of the Big House with a sword that belonged to Elain Nevitt. And the next time you saw them, they were in the Underworld—in Persephone's garden specifically."

               "Yeah." Percy nodded. "And that Hades found them."

               "Hopefully Hades was nice that day, considering Nico's his kid and all," AJ murmured.

               "You're not supposed to know Nico's a son of Hades," Percy whispered.

               The blond rolled his eyes. "You know Violet has a blabbermouth."

               "Anyways," Annabeth broke in with a hiss. "Violet also mentioned this gut feeling she had—gut feeling that she was sure I wasn't dead. And I think it's safe to say she's found the Labyrinth at some point and has been using it, maybe to find the Underworld. The Labyrinth does have passages that lead down to the Underworld."

               AJ shifted in his seat. Those gut feelings Violet had been on and on about last winter were starting to plague him now. He had been so sure that Violet wasn't dead, and everything was pointing to that she wasn't—or that she wasn't for some time ( because if she pissed off Hades doing gods-know-what, who knows how quickly he would've killed her ).

               "What would she need to find the Underworld for?" Percy asked, frowning.

               AJ crossed his arms. "Think, Percy. You said Violet told you she thought she could control darkness, and that she could blend in with it. Underworld, darkness? Go pretty hand-in-hand to me."

               "But what about that girl, Elain Nevitt's sword? How does that tie in?"

               "Maybe it was the key to getting into the Underworld," AJ offered. "Like Violet and Nico were sent on a wild goose chase to get it. If they got it, they got—something."

               "They would be getting answers," Annabeth murmured.

               AJ frowned. "Answers to what?"

               Annabeth's eyebrows pinched together, and her I'm thinking expression came on. "... I have some answers."

               The blond boy crossed his arms. "You want to share with the class?"

               "Not just yet," she replied. "Not until I've thought on it more. I don't—I might just be grasping at straws."

               "So what do we do now?" Percy asked.

               Annabeth raised her eyebrows at him. "Well, it's a good thing you have a plan to guide us, huh?"

🌷

It was Saturday, and traffic was heavy going into the city. The three arrived at Percy's mom's apartment around noon. When she answered the door, she gave her son a hug only a little less overwhelming than having a hellhound jump on you.

               "I told them you were all right," Sally Jackson said, but she sounded like the weight of the sky had just been lifted off her shoulders.

               She sat the demigods down at the kitchen table and insisted on feeding them her special blue chocolate-chip cookies while they filled her in on the quest. She greeted AJ with enthusiasm, smiling warmly as he explained he was another half-blood and was joining the quest. ( AJ and Percy shared a glance as Sally asked if they were close friends; "Um, not exactly," said AJ. "I'm really good friends with Violet." ) Percy was tasked with explaining everything that had happened since he left New York City, and he tried his best to water down the worst parts ( which was pretty much everything ), but somehow that just made it sound more dangerous.

               When he got to the part about Geryon and the stables, his mom pretended like she was going to strangle him. "I can't get him to clean his room, but he'll clean a hundred tons of horse manure out of some monster's stables!"

               AJ and Annabeth shared polite laughs, but it didn't entirely reach their eyes. They exchanged looks.

               "So," Sally said when Percy was done with the story, "you wrecked Alcatraz Island, made Mount St. Helens explode, and displaced half a million people, but at least you're safe."

               That was not how AJ's aunt, Juliana, would've looked at it. She would've scolded him for being a horrible child, and for being such a pain in the ass that she had to take care of.

               "Yep," Percy agreed. "That pretty much covers it."

               "I wish Paul were here," she said, half to herself. "He wanted to talk to you."

               "Oh, right. The school." Percy tried to hide his wince, but he didn't do a very good job. "What did you tell him?"

               Ms. Jackson shook her head. "What could I say? He knows something is different about you, Percy. He's a smart man. He believes that you're not a bad person. He doesn't know what's going on, but the school is pressuring him. After all, he got you admitted there. He needs to convince them the fire wasn't your fault, and, since you ran away, that looks bad."

               AJ studied Percy. Despite the fact he and Percy weren't friends, and that they were barely acquainted, he was pretty sympathetic to the son of Poseidon. It was never easy for half-bloods in the mortal world.

               "I'll talk to him," Percy promised. "After we're done with the quest. I'll even tell him the truth if you want."

               His mom put her hand on Percy's shoulder. "You would do that?"

               "Well, yeah. I mean, he'll think we're crazy."

               "He already thinks that."

               "Then there's nothing to lose."

               "Thank you, Percy. I'll tell him you'll be home ..." She frowned. "When? What happens now?"

               Annabeth broke her cookie in half. "Percy has this plan."

               The son of Poseidon sent AJ a look. Help, it read. But AJ just shrugged and grabbed another cookie. This was Percy's battle to fight, not AJ's.

               Reluctantly Percy told his mom.

               Sally nodded slowly. "It sounds very dangerous. But it might work."

               "You have the same abilities, don't you?" he asked. "You can see through the Mist."

               His mom sighed. "Not so much now. When I was younger it was easier. But, yes, I've always been able to see more than was good for me. It's one of the things that caught your father's attention, when we first met. Just be careful. Promise me you'll be safe."

               "We'll try, Ms. Jackson," AJ spoke up.

               "But keeping Percy safe is a big job," Annabeth quipped, folded her arms, and glared out of the kitchen window. AJ raised his eyebrows, tracing along the wooden grooves on the table. Percy picked at his napkin, chewing on his bottom lip.

               Sally frowned. "What's going on? Have you guys been fighting?"

               AJ looked between Annabeth and Percy. "Just a lot going on, ma'am."

               "I see." Sally nodded understandingly. "Well, remember," she said, "Violet, Grover, and Tyson are counting on you guys."

               "We know," AJ answered, and leaned forward to grab another cookie.

               Sally smiled. "Percy, you'd better use the phone in the hall. Good luck."

               Once Percy was out of the kitchen, Sally leaned forward to ask. "Percy was vague on what happened to Violet."

               AJ and Annabeth exchanged looks. "We don't know what happened to Violet exactly," replied Annabeth. "We just know that she might be exploring the Labyrinth on her own."

               Sally frowned and grabbed the lid of the container that held the cookies. "Have you heard anything from Violet?"

               Annabeth shifted in her seat. "No, Ms. Jackson. But we are certain she's alive."

               Hopefully, was the word on the tip of AJ's tongue.

🌷

Percy arranged a meeting in Times Square. They found Rachel Elizabeth Dare ( AJ didn't understand why Percy told him the girl's full government name, but he went along with it ) in front of the Marriott Marquis, and she was painted gold completely.

               And when AJ said gold, he meant it. Her hair, her clothes—everything. She looked like she'd been touched by King Midas. She was standing like a statue with five other kids all painted metallic—copper, bronze, silver. They were frozen in different poses while tourists hustled past or stopped to stare. Some passers-by threw money at the tarp on the sidewalk.

               The sign at Rachel's feet said, urban art for kids, Donations appreciated.

               AJ, Annabeth, and Percy stood there for around five minutes. They stared at Rachel, all sharing looks as people passed by, and if the girl noticed the half-bloods, she didn't let on. She didn't move or even blink as far as AJ could see. Having ADHD, he could never have done that; standing still that long would've driven him crazy.

               "Maybe if we push her over," Annabeth suggested.

               AJ laughed lightly. "And what? Create a domino with all the other people standing around?"

               Percy frowned. "That's mean."

               "Could be meaner." AJ shrugged.

               And if Rachel heard them, she acted as if she hadn't. After another few minutes, a kid in silver walked up from the hotel taxi stand, where he'd been taking a break. He took a pose like he was lecturing the crowd, right next to Rachel. Rachel unfroze and stepped off the tarp.

               "Hey, Percy." She grinned. "Good timing! Let's get some coffee."

               "Like we're not even here ..." AJ muttered to Annabeth as Rachel set off.

               The four walked down to a place called the Java Moose on West 43rd. Rachel ordered an Espresso Extreme, the kind of stuff Grover would like. Annabeth and Percy got fruit smoothies ( AJ didn't know a thing about coffee shops so he just got whatever Annabeth ordered ) and they sat at a table right under the stuffed moose. Nobody even looked twice at Rachel in her golden outfit.

               "So," she started. "I've never met you two." She looked at AJ and Annabeth.

               "Oh." The blond shifted in his seat, swirling the straw in his drink. "I'm AJ, and this is Annabeth."

               "Do you always dress in gold?" Annabeth asked with so much punctuality.

               "Not usually," Rachel replied. "We're raising money for our group. We do volunteer art projects for elementary kids 'cause they're cutting art from the schools, you know?"

               "They are?" AJ scowled. "Why am I not even surprised? They never gave a shit about the arts."

               Annabeth sneered at him. "Who cares? We have more important things to worry about right now!"

               "'Course you don't care, Owl Eyes." AJ rolled his eyes. "The most you draw is buildings, and that's not very artistic, is it?"

               "Constructing buildings is art!"

               "No, it isn't!"

               "Okay!" Percy broke in. "Sure, sucks that schools is taking away funding from art programs. It's cool you guys are raising funding for it. Rachel—"

               "You guys are half-bloods, too?" She pointed at Annabeth and AJ.

               "Shut up!" Annabeth hissed, looking around nervously. "Just announce it to the world, how about?"

               "Okay." Rachel stood up and said, really loud, "Hey, everybody! These three aren't human! They're half Greek god!"

               Nobody even looked over. Rachel shrugged and sat down. "They don't seem to care."

               "You think you're some fucking comedian, don't you?" AJ sneered. "This isn't a joke, you know."

               "Hold it," Percy spoke up. "Just calm down."

               "I'm calm," Rachel insisted. "Every time I'm around you, some monster attacks us. What's to be nervous about?"

               "The end of the world," AJ quipped, raising his eyebrows.

               "Look," Percy gave AJ a pointed look, "I'm sorry about the band room. I hope they didn't kick you out or anything."

               "Nah." The redhead waved her hand. "They asked me a lot of questions about you. I played dumb."

               "Was it hard?" Annabeth sneered.

               "Okay, stop!" Percy intervened. "Rachel, we've got a problem. And we need your help."

               Rachel narrowed her eyes at Annabeth and AJ. "You two need my help?"

               AJ shrugged. "Not me. This isn't my quest."

               Rachel looked back to Annabeth. The blonde stirred her straw in her smoothie. "Yeah," she said sullenly. "Maybe."

               Percy told Rachel about the Labyrinth, and how they needed to find Daedalus. He told her what had happened the last few times they'd gone in.

               "So you want me to guide you," she caught on. "Through a place I've never been."

               "You can see through the Mist," Percy replied. "Just like Ariadne. I'm betting you can see the right path. The Labyrinth won't be able to fool you as easily."

               "And if you're wrong?"

               "Then we'll get lost."

               "Or die," added AJ helpfully.

               Percy shot him a look. "Either way, it'll be dangerous. Very, very dangerous."

               "I could die?" Rachel paled.

               "Well ..." Percy shuffled in his seat. "Yeah."

               "I thought you said monsters don't care about mortals. That sword of yours—"

               "Yeah," he said. "Celestial bronze doesn't hurt mortals. Most monsters would ignore you. But Luke ... he doesn't care. He'll use mortals, demigods, monsters, whatever. And he'll kill anyone who gets in his way."

               "Nice guy," Rachel noticed.

               "He's under the influence of a Titan," Annabeth said defensively. "He's been deceived."

               AJ made a derisive noise, like he didn't agree with Annabeth's assessment of the situation.

               Rachel looked back and forth between the three demigods. "Okay," she said, 'I'm in."

               Percy blinked at the redhead. "Are you sure?"

               "Hey, my summer was going to be boring. This is the best offer I've had yet. So what do I look for?"

               "We have to find an entrance to the Labyrinth," Annabeth said. "There's an entrance at Camp Half-Blood, but you can't go there. It's off-limits to mortals."

               She said mortals like it was some sort of terrible condition, but Rachel just nodded.

               "Okay. What does an entrance to the Labyrinth look like?"

               "It could be anything," Annabeth went on. "A section of wall. A boulder. A doorway. A sewer entrance. But it would have the mark of Daedalus on it. A Greek Delta, glowing in blue."

               "Like this?" Rachel drew the symbol Δ in water on their table.

               "That's it." Annabeth nodded.

               AJ frowned. "You know Greek?" He only asked because his own Ancient Greek was abysmal ( and it would be embarrassing for a mortal to be better at it than him—a demigod ).

               "No." Rachel shook her head. She pulled a big blue plastic hairbrush from her pocket and started brushing the gold out of her hair. "Let me get changed. You'd better come with me to the Marriott."

               "Why?" Annabeth asked.

               "Because there's an entrance like that in the hotel basement, where we store our costumes. It's got the mark of Daedalus."

🌷 SEPT. 27TH, 2023 / i got this chapter out pretty quickly because its ,, boring lmaoo

anyways - i hope aj's actions feel a bit conflicting - like helping/siding with annabeth, but at the same time arguing with her

he feels pretty conflicted about it all because,, plot (it'll be explained eventually i promise 😭😭)

also, aj and anna tag teaming bullying rachel but literally getting into their own argument makes me giggle

and the three finally putting the pieces together 😭😭 annabeth is def thinking hard about it all

anyways,, thoughts?? opinions??

(not edited and not proofread)