VIOLENT DOG - pjo

1.15

"'14 YEAR OLDS PERCY AND ALEX JACKSON, WANTED FOR QUESTIONING IN THE LONG ISLAND DISAPPEARANCE OF THEIR MOTHER 2 WEEKS AGO, IS SHOWN HERE FLEEING FROM THE BUS WHERE THEY ACCOSTED SEVERAL ELDERLY FEMALE PASSENGERS.'" Grover reads as the group walks down the street. The demigods and satyr are on their way to the St. Louis Arch as per Annabeth's request. Grover reads an article from the newspaper that they picked up when they pull into the station for a short break before going to Denver.

"'The bus exploded on an east New Jersey roadside shortly after the Jackson's fled the scene. Based on eyewitness accounts, police believe the children may be travelling with three teenage accomplices. Their stepfather, Gabe Ugliano, has offered a cash reward for information leading to their capture.'"

"You think if we turn ourselves in he'll give us the money instead?" Alex mumbles.

"Yeah," Percy grumbles, "After he kills us."

Griffin takes the newspaper that is passed amongst the teens. The photo is of Alex and Percy holding their weapons, only it's blurred. The things in their hands could easily be baseball bats or lacrosse sticks.

"Mortal police won't be able to find you guys." Annabeth says but her tone is hesitant.

"You'll be fine." Griffin says more firmly, tossing the newspaper into the trash as they approach the arch. "Even if they do catch you, I've seen Prison Break."

"Do they ever... break out of the prison?" Percy asks.

"I don't know." Griffin says, "Didn't even finish the first season. Too boring."

"That's great." Percy mumbles.

The group find their way through the underground tunnels fairly quickly. Grover, Griffin and Percy trail behind Alex who follows close behind Annabeth, listening as she spews a million different facts about the arch. Alex has never been too bothered about architecture but she's keen on being friends with Annabeth so she's willing to learn. Construction began in 1963? Cool. It cost $15 million to make? Epic.

Alex knows she really has no use for this information at all but she'll gladly listen to Annabeth ramble. She knows what it's like to feel like to think no one is listening. That you're annoying everyone around you. Annabeth isn't annoying her at all. And she's learning something new all whilst building her friendships so she really doesn't mind.

"You smell anything?" Percy asks Grover. His words draw Annabeth and Alex out of their conversation.

Grover sniffs around and Alex almost laughs. "Underground," He grumbles. "Underground air always smells like monsters. Probably doesn't mean anything."

"Right." Alex whispers, staring at Grover. "That's reassuring."

"Guys," Percy ignores his sister. "You know the gods' symbols of power?"

"Yeah?" Annabeth nods. "What about it?"

"Well, Hade-"

Griffin, who stands behind Percy, slaps his hand over the boy's mouth.

Grover clears his throat. "We're in a public place... You mean, our friend downstairs?"

"Uh, right," He says hesitantly. "Our friend way downstairs. Doesn't he have a hat like Annabeth's?"

"You mean the Helm of Darkness," Annabeth nods. "Yeah, that's his symbol of power. I saw it next to his seat during the winter solstice council meeting."

"He was there?"

Griffin nods, "The darkest day of the year. It's the only time he's allowed to visit Olympus."