¹𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐀. percy jackson

XXX.

ｔｈｅ ｂａｔｔｌｅ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｌａｂｙｒｉｎｔｈ

WHEN THEY MADE THEIR WAY BACK TO HEPHAESTUS' FORGE. Lucia couldn't contain her grief. Not only had she come to the huge realization that she was irrevocably in love with her best friend, the person who knew her better than anyone. But she had to leave the boy in danger to continue with the quest. A part of her wished she would have said 'fuck the quest'. I don't want to be without him.

She let Annabeth explain to the god. Lucia's fists clenched at her sides as she tried to steady her breathing. It didn't seem to be working as she flickered on and off like a faulty flashlight. The only thing able to take up her mind was Percy.

"Lucia?" Annabeth called

Lucia looked up, tears brimming her eyes. Annabeth gave her a sympathetic smile, but Lucia knew she was begging for her to focus.

"Sorry," she whispered so low she didnt know if the words even came out of her mouth. She turned to Hephaestus, "What are the telekhines creating?"

He let out a sigh before gazing at Annabeth "Child of Athena use your wit: cooled blood, the fusing of metals.."

Annabeth's eyes widened, "They're remaking Kronos's scythe"

Lucia felt chills run down her spine, The thought of a war with Kronos was terrifying enough but if he had access to that weapon. Lucia knew the odds would be stacked against them... And if Percy wasnt-- no. He's alive.. he has to be.

"We can't let that weapon be made." Lucia urged

"No need to worry girl" Hephaestus reassured "They've already been stopped"

Lucia's face twisted in realization. She stepped away from the corner she sulked in and found herself beside Annabeth. "Percy- He did it. He's okay?."

Hephaestus gave her an almost sullen look. "There was quite an explosion. Mortals have named it to be an eruption but no doubt the boy played a part in it. The telekhines scattered. Some vaporized. Some got away. I don't think they'll be using my forge anytime soon. On the other hand, neither will I. The explosion caused Typhon to stir in his sleep. We'll have to wait and see-"

"Percy," Lucia insisted. "Where is Percy?"

"The Earthshakers Son is strong." Hephaestus's sighed heftily. "But I do not sense him. As I've said Humans are much more sensitive than automatons. The explosion likely killed him."

A heartbreaking sound fell from Lucia's lips, the taste of his still lingering on them tauntingly. The sun child dimmed completely, the ache in her chest putting her at a loss for words.

Hephaestus said. "Go back. Report to the Camp all you have found. When you are ready, I will tell you how to find Daedalus."

"Lucy." Annabeth reached for her hand. "He's right, We need to tell Chiron. We need to warn camp."

Lucia couldn't stop the tears that fell down her cheeks. She thought of camp, of her siblings, of Ethan, of everyone she cared about. Despite the pain, she needed to be strong.

She needed to hold on to the promise that Percy would find her.

"Let's go."

Lucia and Annabeth plunged back into the Labyrinth, hand in hand.

☼

LUCIA TRIED HER BEST TO PULL HER WEIGHT WHEN TALKING TO CHIRON. She knew despite her strong exterior that Annabeth cared for Percy and his disappearance hurt her almost as much as it hurt Lucia. But at times it was just so hard for her to speak.