Variance [A Percy Jackson/Divergent Crossover]

Chapter 10

Annabeth's P.O.V.

I lead the group to a deserted lab room a few feet away. I can't shake the feeling that we're being watched. I look over my shoulder, but no one's there. Just a large potted plant on the side of the hall. (A/N: How about you investigate that plant?)

We resume our conversation in the lab room. The others look uncomfortable, and I can't blame them. They're Dauntless trespassers on Erudite soil. There are consequences if they're caught.

"How is Dauntless?" I ask, just trying to diffuse the tension.

"Amazing," Nico says enthusiastically.

"Cool, but a little dangerous," Thalia answers.

"Impressive, but their training methods are brutal," Percy says. "How's Erudite?"

"Oh, exactly like you would expect it to be," I respond. "Poring over books day and night, studying, taking advanced classes, taking tests and being rated by your scores. Initiates who don't meet the expectations are booted."

"And you're passing?" Percy asks uneasily.

I scowl. "Passing? I'm more than passing, Seaweed Brain! It's not very challenging." I pause before adding, "I have the highest score."

Percy flashes me that crooked grin that once annoyed me but now makes my pulse flutter. "My Wise Girl."

"My Seaweed Brain." We share a sweet kiss, which, with difficulty, I pull away from, since it's becoming a little awkward for Nico and Thalia, who are standing off to the side and giving us funny looks.

I clear my throat. "Anyway, do you think you could risk getting into every factions' headquarters? To check on our other friends?"

Nico frowns. "That would be extremely hard, and our chances of getting caught would increase. By a lot."

Thalia has a look of determination on her face. "I have to check on my brother. Percy has about one brain cell, and Jason has two. I'm worried about him."

"Hey!" Percy complains. "I'm not that dumb!"

"You are," Thalia assures him. 

I shush them, hearing the sound of footsteps.

"What is it?" Nico asks.

"Shh."

I open the door slightly and peek in the hallway.

"Get away from the door!" I hiss under my breath.

The three of them do as I say, looking confused. We press up against the wall with bated breath. 

The sound of footsteps ceases, and as I check the hall again, it's clear.

"What was that?" Thalia asks.

"Jeanine Matthews."

Nico looks alarmed. "Why would she of all people be patrolling the headquarters at this hour?"

I shake my head. "I don't know. It can't be good."

"I think we'd better go," Percy says. "Leo can't disable the cameras for too long."

I lift an eyebrow. "Leo can hack into the surveillance system?" 

"I didn't believe it either," Thalia admits.

I peck Percy on the cheek. "Don't die. I'll meet you outside the wall in a week."

Nico's P.O.V.

We're just about to exit Erudite headquarters when a feminine voice calls out to us.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

__________.__________

Jeanine Matthews doesn't appear to be threatening.

She has pale skin, pale hair, and thin facial features. Her eyes are cold and calculating.

"I'm going to let you children return to your faction," she says. "But if I catch you in Erudite headquarters again, I will contact Dauntless' leaders about this."

"Thank you, ma'am," Thalia says, lying with ease. "We're transfers, you see, and we become lost so easily. Please forgive us for intruding."

Jeanine narrows her eyes, but lets us leave. I breathe in the cool night air outside.

"I think we've had enough death experiences for one night," Thalia announces. "Let's go."

Caleb's P.O.V.

I feel bad for spying on those people, but maybe if I impress Jeanine, she'll reward me. I've always craved praise.

Three of them appeared to be Dauntless, and the other was Erudite-that Abnegation transfer named Annabeth. I can't believe it. She's the top of our class-and associated with Dauntless. I should have known. There is a traitor in our midst.

I plan on telling Jeanine, but at the right time and place. Those people are up to something. I need to figure out what before I do anything else.