The Sun and The Sea

Finley Steals A Pegasus

For the first time in a decent while, Finley actually got a good night's sleep. Normally, she'll live off of two hours of sleep, popping up like nothing happened. However, shortly after Grover's hearing, she went back to her office. There she had fallen asleep upon the small cot she had folded in the corner, designed for the sole fact she needed somewhere to sleep.

She woke up feeling wonderful. She was relaxed and happy.

However, upon the news of a drakon trying to get into camp, her good mood faded. As it would turn out, her own siblings took care of it. When she spoke with Lee Fletcher, who led the attack, she was told they didn't want to bother her. 

Despite being absolutely warmed by the thought, she was mildly upset. She wanted to help. She was in charge of keeping camp safe (not technically, but she took acted like it was). Yet, she slept through an "attack". 

When Percy tried reasoning with her that it wasn't that big of a deal considering he had also slept through the "attack", Finley was not comforted. She knew Percy could sleep through a hurricane. 

Annabeth and Finley shared a look from their opposing tables and nodded. After Chiron had left, leaving Percy to eat breakfast alone with Grover, Finley and Annabeth moved to sit next to him. This was strictly against the rules, but it would appear neither cared. 

"I'll tell you what it's about," Annabeth said. "The Labyrinth."

"You're not supposed to be here," Percy hissed. 

"We need to talk," Annabeth insisted.

"But the rules..." Percy persisted.

"Rules can be broken," Finley shrugged. "Besides, what are they gonna do?"

"The Gods-"

"I could care less," Finley shrugged again, snatching Percy's apple and biting into it. Percy's sea-green eyes followed her movements. "This is more important than a seating-chart."

"Look," Annabeth said. "Grover is in trouble. There's only one way we can figure out to help him. It's the Labyrinth. That's what Clarisse and I have been investigating."

Percy shifted his weight. 

"You mean the maze where they kept the Minotaur, back in the old days?" 

"Exactly," Finley nodded. 

"So... it's not under the king's palace in Crete anymore," Percy guessed. "The Labyrinth is under some building in America."

Annabeth rolled her eyes. "Under a building? Please, Percy. The Labyrinth is huge. It wouldn't fit under a single city, much less a single building." 

"So... is the Labyrinth part of theUnderworld?" 

"No." Finley took another bite of her apple. "Well, there may be passages from the Labyrinth down into the Underworld. I'm not sure. But the Underworld is way, way down. The Labyrinth is right under the surface of the mortal world, kind of like a second skin. It's been growing for thousands of years, lacing its way under Western cities, connecting everything together underground. You can get anywhere through the Labyrinth." 

"If you don't get lost," Grover muttered. "And die a horrible death." 

"Grover, there has to be a way,'"Annabeth said. "Clarisse lived." 

"Barely!' Grover said. "And the other guy –"

"He was driven insane. He didn't die."

Finley snorted. "Like that's gonna help, Wise Girl."