ｔｈｅ ｂａｔｔｌｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｌａｂｙｒｉｎｔｈ

"YOU'RE IT!" Lucia's tiny feet sprinted across the park pavement. A little boy with ocean eyes ran after her, yelling out protests.

"Luz!" Percy whined "No fair! I got distracted!"

Lucia only giggled and ran faster "Come get me, slowpoke!"

"I'm not a slow poke!" He yelled, before picking up in pace

Lucia squealed realizing he was catching up easily.  She cursed her short stubby legs.

"I got you!" Percy beamed, His hand falling on Lucia's arm "You're it!"

"No!" Lucia pouted, she went to chase him when someone decided to interrupt their fun.

"Excussssse me."

The two kids glanced at each other before looking to the side. An elderly woman was revealed to be looming over them. A black hood was placed over her head, she wore a long skirt that dragged across the ground and hid her legs and feet. Her entire face wasn't visible to the children but she was hunched over and clearly addressing them.

Lucia politely responded, "Yes ma'am?"

"Do you kidsssss want icccccecream?"

Percy stared at her blankly "You talk funny."

Lucia elbowed him "Be nice! she's old!"

A hiss came from under the hood. Percy looked at Lucia, His eyebrows furrowed.

"Sorry Mrs we can't take ice cream from strangers," Lucia said matter-of-factly.

The older lady hissed again, this time followed by a step in Percy's direction.

Lucia then grabbed Percy by the hand and pulled him to stand closer to her. Suddenly, she felt something she didn't like. Something that filled her with panic.

"Thank you Mrs." She gave her a fake smile "but we have to leave!"

"You're not going anywhere, Lucia Verano. Perseus Jackson."

Lucia's eyes widened, why did this woman know their names? 

she looked to Percy to see if maybe she had imagined it but he looked as panicked as she did.

"Can I be mean now?"

Lucia nodded furiously.

Percy stepped forward, he raised his foot before forcing it down on the lady's skirt. "Get lost lady!"

As the Woman hissed in Pain, Percy pulled Lucia by their already interlocked hands. Before fleeing, Lucia caught a glimpse of the Lady reaching for her foot...except she didn't have feet, in its place were two scaly tails like a snake...

Lucia gasped

"Mom!" Percy called out for Sally "Mom!"

The kids made it across the park to where the benches were. Sally shot up when she saw the disheveled kids running over to her.

"What happened!" she sped towards them "What's wrong?! "

Percy frowned "Mom, someone tried to give us ice cream and got mad when Luz said no. Then she started hissing like a cat!"

"Snake" Lucia whispered "Like a snake...And she knew our names...."

Sally grabbed the kids by their shoulders "We need to leave right now."

She rushed them forward.

"Sally" Luz frowned as they walked "She was scary... I don't think she wanted to give us ice cream."

"I know sweetheart I know."  Sally huffed, she whispered under her breath "I knew it was too risky having you out together in public..."

"What do you mean risky?" Lucia asked curiously

Percy turned his head inquisitively toward Luz, "What?"

"Nothing. Both of you please. Please walk faster."

The group made their way towards where Sally's car was parked. Which was about a block away. They were ready to get inside when a familiar man stormed in their direction. His expression mirrored Sally's despite not knowing about the previous occurrence.

"Papa?" Lucia asked, "Papa you're here?"

Lucia furrowed her eyebrows, it was strange to see her dad walking the streets alone without any bodyguards and without any managers. In fact, it was unheard of...

Carlos stopped in front of them "Sally thank you for everything you know how deeply I appreciate you but Lucia you have to come with me now."

"What!" Percy's face twisted in angst "But we were supposed to eat blue cookies and watch SpongeBob after!"

Carlos looked at Percy sympathetically, he bent down "I'm really sorry Kiddo."

"Papa, what's wrong?" Lucia frowned, suddenly she felt panic again.

"Nothing Mi Solecito. We just need to take a little trip."

Lucia frowned not believing him "Where's Mr. Davis?"

"Carlos." Sally interrupted Lucia's interrogation "Something happened..."

Lucia's dad became uneasy, It was clear that he already had an idea of what that something was.

"Get home safe." Carlos told Sally "I'll call you once I can but....tonight."

Sally frowned. "Percy say goodbye to Lucia."

Percy looked at his mom in question. His bottom lip stuck out.

Lucia mirrored his action. "Papa I want to go with Percy. Can't we go later?"

"No. Lucia. We need to go now."  He put one hand on his hips, something he always did when he was upset or serious.

The two kids stood there defeated

"Bye Percy." Lucia whispered, "Promise you won't watch the bubble bowl without me?"

"Pinky promise." He held his pinky out. "Bye Luz."

Lucia walked toward her father but, to her surprise, was stopped by him. She saw how the bags under his eyes looked darker than before. He was clearly in distress, even at six years old Lucia could understand that.  "Give Percy a hug before we go."

Lucia felt something stir in the pit of her stomach. She stared at her dad and it was like something had completely shifted. she didn't feel joyous or protected like she usually did. Now she felt like the world was crumbling before her eyes.... she felt only vulnerable and afraid...

"Papa something's wrong." She said, "I feel it."

He frowned, misery was written all over his face.

Percy stepped forward.

"We need to go, Percy,"

"But mom! Luz doesn't feel good!"

"Come on, She'll be alright honey." Sally held Percy up despite how heavy he was as a six-year-old. He protested immediately yelling out 'I'm not a baby.' his cheeks flamed red. "Goodbye Carlos... Lucia my sweetheart. I hope you enjoy your trip.."

Lucia frowned...something told her she wasn't going to.....

☼

"THIS WAY!" Rachel yelled. Lucia was barely conscious but she managed to hear fragments of what was going on around her. Silent sniffles fell from her at the vivid memory that replayed in her head. She only hoped it would stop there.

"Why should we follow you?" Annabeth demanded. "You led us straight into that death trap!"

"It was the way you needed to go," Rachel said. "And so is this. Come on!"

"Let's just go!" The boy cradling her up boomed "Luz needs help!"

Lucia fell in and out of consciousness as Rachel led them. Despite her lack of awareness at the moment she felt as the group whipped around corners.

Once she even heard, "Duck!" and felt herself become lowered to the ground.

She only regained full consciousness when they came to a room the size of a gymnasium with old marble columns holding up the roof. She blinked once, twice. Before her vision cleared.

In front of her sat the two people she cared about most: a blonde-haired girl with grey eyes and a dark-haired boy with green.

"Lucia?" Percy kneeled forward "You're up."

"Lucy?" Annabeth reached for her hand "Are you okay?"

She was still lightly dazed when she looked down to see her leg in a misshapen splint made out of fragmented pieces of wood.

"I made it." Annabeth said, "It was the best I could do with what was around."

"Thank you, Beth." Lucia smiled

Annabeth looked like she wanted to say something else but stayed silent. Instead, she squeezed her hand, and Lucia squeezed back.

The excruciating pain had now turned into a duller ache thanks to the ambrosia they must have fed her. Still, she knew it would take a few days before she could walk normally again and fully put weight on both legs.

That's when it hit her how much of a toll her leg would put on the quest. How was she supposed to make it through the labyrinth with an injured leg? she was only going to slow them down when what they needed to do was rush. What if they left her here.... what if-

"Hey." Percy said, "We'll figure it out."

Lucia gulped, "I can't-"

"We'll figure it out,"  Annabeth repeated

Lucia gave them both an appreciative but apprehensive smile. Her eyes drifted off to the rest of the room when she felt eyes on her. She looked to see Ethan staring at her from a few feet away, he sat on the floor, his warrior helmet in his hand.

"He hasn't said anything since you passed out." Annabeth explained, "I think he was waiting for you to wake up."

Lucia used the wall behind her for support as she struggled to stand up.

"Hey! no!" Annabeth scolded "Sit back down! you'll reinjure yourself!"

Lucia however was as stubborn as a mule.

Percy in fear of her falling helped her up carefully. "Lucia you need to rest."

She ignored him "Ethan."

"You people are crazy Golden Girl." He said

Lucia felt her chest constrict at the nickname. Using her tiptoes she limped forward, Percy tried following her.

"Perce. I'll be fine." She reassured, "I'm not putting pressure on it I swear."

He looked hesitant but he stayed behind.

"Ethan," Lucia called, he looked at her again, his gaze falling on her leg. "What are you doing here...."

Ethan looked away, and she got the feeling he would not discuss it.

"You must be the half-blood from my dream," Percy said suddenly. "The one Luke's people cornered. It wasn't Nico after all."

"Who's Nico?"

"Never mind," Annabeth said quickly.

Lucia stood in front of Ethan. Forcing him to look at her  "Why were you trying to join up with the wrong side?"

Ethan sneered. "There's no right side. The gods never cared about us. Why shouldn't I—"

"Sign up with an army that makes you fight to the death for entertainment?" Annabeth said. "Gee, I wonder."

Ethan struggled to his feet. "I'm not going to argue with you. Thanks for the help, but I'm out of here."

"Ethan." She used her arm to grab onto his wrist. She almost fell but he took a step back to steady her. He looked at her. His face softened once he found her eyes.

"We're going after Daedalus," She offered. "Come with us. Once we get through, you'd be welcome back at camp."

"You really are crazy if you think Daedalus will help you."

"He has to," Annabeth said. "We'll make him listen."

Ethan snorted. "Yeah, well. Good luck with that."

Lucia didn't let go of his arm. "Ethan."

"You're just going to head off alone into the maze? That's suicide." Percy said

Ethan looked at him with barely controlled anger. His eye patch was frayed around the edges and the black cloth faded. "You shouldn't have spared me, Jackson. Mercy has no place in this war."

"Are you insane???  you could have died!" Lucia frowned "Please Ethan what is going—"

"He could've died!" Ethan pointed toward Percy before looking at her.

"Really? because if I remember correctly you were the one on the ground with my sword on your chest." Percy stepped forward,  Entrapping Lucia between the both of them.

"Leave your manly egos away from me." Lucia snapped, she held her hands out making space between the two, while focusing on keeping her balance.  "Because I don't really care who could've killed who!"

"Come with me."

Lucia's eyebrows knitted together, she looked to see Ethan staring down at her.

"Don't finish the quest. Come with me."

"Where?" Lucia asked curiously

"Luz-" "Lucy-"

"...I want you to be by my side."

Lucia opened her mouth but nothing came out. Her eyebrows furrowed when she saw Ethan give her a familiar look, then his gaze flickered to her lips. 

That's when Ethan leaned forward.

Once his lips fell on hers, Lucia's eyes widened in surprise. At first, her body tensed unaware of how to move, she only felt herself relax and respond once Ethan's chapped lips deepened the kiss.

The kiss was brief but sweet. Lucia would be a liar if she said kissing Ethan didn't feel good. The butterflies in her stomach couldn't deny that. She liked the kiss. She liked Ethan. She did.

So she was definitely not thinking about Percy Jackson while Ethan kissed her...

Ethan pulled away, he took a step back. A grin formed on his lips. "Come with me. We'll get revenge. We'll be together."

Percy was suddenly next to her. Riptide now uncapped. "She's not going anywhere with you."

choose she could hear the voice of Janus echo in her head choose

"Revenge- w-what do you even mean!"

"For all those days with your stepmom, all those nights you suffered, everything the gods have put you through. everything Apollo wasn't there for" Ethan's eyes didn't leave Percy "all he put you through." 

Percy skillfully maneuvered around Lucia and shoved him back in anger "You don't know anything!"

choose

choose

choose

"Stop!" Lucia stumbled away from Ethan, she held Percy by the shoulders, slowly moving him away from towering over the older boy. She glared at Ethan "You don't get to weaponize what I've been through to convince me into doing what you want." She then gave the same look to Percy "and you don't get to speak for me!"

Both boys opened their mouth

"No!" Lucia said "This is how it's going to go. I choose. me. And I choose to not leave this quest. I'm staying and I'm asking you Ethan to listen to reason. I—"

"because of him?" Ethan seethed

Lucia swore she saw red "Oh my fucking gods! do boys just not listen??" She glanced at Rachel and Annabeth who stood next to each other as they watched, they looked pretty entertained from where they were standing. at least someone's having fun. "I am actually! I'm doing it for Percy. and you. and Annabeth and Rachel and my siblings and the camp every innocent person that doesn't deserve what Kronos will do if he regains power!"

"You're making a mistake." Ethan shook his head, "You need to come with me."

"Stay with me." She challenged "If you want me to be by your side...then stay."

"I can't."

Lucia felt like a bucket of cold water was thrown over her. waking her up to nothing but the reality of her miserable existence. everyone always leaves.

"And I can't leave." 

"Lucia-" He stepped forward, he was visibly upset and frustrated "I don't want you to be my enemy."

"What do you mean?" She whispered, but deep down she knew the answer already.

Percy held riptide out when Ethan tried approaching her. The tip of the sword pressed against his chest. "If you lay a single finger on her. You won't be spared a second time. I can promise you that."

Ethan looked at her, the softness in his gaze long gone. He looked at her like she was scum like she was someone he hated.

"Ethan. Don't leave me." Lucia begged "I want you to stay. Please."

Then he ran off into the darkness, back the way they'd come.

☼

THE GROUP WAS SO EXHAUSTED THEY MADE CAMP RIGHT THERE IN THE HUGE ROOM. Percy (who had a permanent scowl on his face since Ethan) found more scrap wood and they started a fire. Shadows danced off the columns rising around them like trees.

"Something was wrong with Luke," Annabeth muttered, poking at the fire with her knife. "Did you notice the way he was acting?"

"He looked pretty pleased to me," Percy said. "Like he'd spent a nice day torturing heroes."

"That's not true! There was something wrong with him. He looked...nervous. He told his monsters to spare me. He wanted to tell me something."

"Probably, 'Hi, Annabeth! Sit here with me and watch while I tear your friends apart. It'll be fun!'"

"You're impossible," Annabeth grumbled. She sheathed her dagger and looked at Rachel. "So which way now, Sacagawea?"

Rachel didn't respond right away. She'd become quieter since the arena. Now, whenever Annabeth made a sarcastic comment, Rachel hardly bothered to answer. She'd burned the tip of a stick in the fire and was using it to draw ash figures on the floor, images of the monsters they'd seen. With a few strokes, she caught the likeness of a dracaena perfectly.

"We'll follow the path," she said. "The brightness on the floor."

"The brightness that led us straight into a trap?" Annabeth asked.

"Lay off her, Annabeth," Lucia sighed. "She's doing the best she can."

Annabeth stood. "The fire's getting low. I'll go look for some more scraps while you guys talk strategy." And she marched off into the shadows.

Rachel drew another figure with her stick—an ashy Antaeus dangling from his chains.

"Annabeth's usually not like this," Lucia told her. "I'm sorry about her. And I'm sorry about the way I acted too I don't know what my problem was."

Rachel raised her eyebrows. "Are you sure you don't know?"

"Don't make me regret it." Lucia glared

"What do you mean?" Percy said from next to them

"Boys," she muttered. "Totally blind."

"Hey, don't you get on my case, too! Look, I'm sorry I got you involved in this."

"No, you were right," she said. "I can see the path. I can't explain it, but it's really clear." She pointed toward the other end of the room, into the darkness. "The workshop is that way. The heart of the maze. We're very close now. I don't know why the path led through that arena. I—'m sorry about that. I thought you two were going to die."

She sounded like she was close to crying.

"Hey, we're usually about to die," He promised. "Don't feel bad."

"You can feel a little bad since I broke my leg"

Percy gave her a look

"I have the snapped leg. I get to say what I want" She insisted

She studied their faces. "So you do this every summer? Fight monsters? Save the world? Don't you ever get to do just, you know, normal stuff?"

Percy fell silent before saying "Half-bloods get used to it, I guess. Or maybe not used to it, but..." He shifted uncomfortably. "What about you? What do you do normally?"

Rachel shrugged. "I paint. I read a lot."

Lucia perked "Really? me too! Not paint, at least not well but I love books."

"Do you sing too?" Rachel asked, "'cause you know, Apollo."

"I can carry a tune...." Lucia admitted,  "But I used to be a master on my kids electric guitar!"

Rachel studied her, her face twisted in realization "Hey wait! I've seen you before. You're Agatha Knight's stepdaughter! Carlos Verano's kid! From 'Between the Flowers and Me!' My mom was totally obsessed with their music before—"

Lucia felt her face drop. Her mental shield went up. This was not a safe subject, especially not in the dark. She could feel herself back on her bed. A loud noise rang in her ear.

Percy changed the subject "Rachel What about your family?"

"Oh...they're just, you know, family."

"You said they wouldn't notice if you were gone."

She set down her drawing stick. "Wow, I'm really tired. I may sleep for a while, okay?"

"Oh, sure. Sorry if..."

But Rachel was already curling up, using her backpack as a pillow. She closed her eyes and laid very still, but Lucia got the feeling she wasn't really asleep.

"Are you okay Luz—cia"

Lucia stood up, "I'm going to help Annabeth. "I'll take first watch," she said. "You should sleep, too."

"You don't have to act like that."

"Like what?"

"Like...never mind." He looked miserable as he laid down.

It took everything in Lucia to walk away from him

A/N: hi hi! this update was supposed to be much longer but because i've gone back to school it's been tougher to write and i didn't want to keep you guys waiting for too long so i split the chapter into two ! so i hope you enjoyed this chapter! please tell me any theories or thoughts you have !!!  i will try to update again very soon <33 i'm planning on making a schedule for the weekends  but i'm not sure if that includes this weekend however i'm very excited for what will be coming now that we're getting to the last olympian so i hope you guys follow along and enjoy :)

-V