A/N

Woo-hoo! I got up the update like I said I would! I've started this a few days ago, and I just had to pull a later-nighter to finish this. I was a little stuck on this chapter because I didn't really know how to keep it going. This chapter is kinda more laid-back and not much action pack. The next few chapters are going to be really out there and I cannot wait to write it! YAY :-)

Five in the morning. That was how early I was willing to say goodbye to Percy, Annabeth, Tyson and Grover. Tyson's clumsy moving woke me up, and probably the whole camp too.

I frowned at the broken saltwater fountain that was once at the back of the cabin. It had been split open and there was a small salt water puddle forming around it. "What happened to the fountain?" I asked to no-one in particular.

"Percy cut it in half," Tyson replied, as he stuffed ambrosia into a blue backpack that looked too small on his shoulders.

I got up sleepily, and I found him pacing outside the door, deep in though. I was ready to apologise for my outburst the day before. When Percy saw me, he rushed forward hugging me. "Gosh Charlie, I'm sorry for yesterday. I shouldn't have blamed you for the war and everything else. It wasn't your fault," Percy exclaimed.

I was a little puzzled. Shouldn't I be the one apologising? I patted Percy awkwardly on the back. "No, Percy, I should be the one apologising. I was weak and I let my bloody emotions stop myself from doing what I should have done-" I would have rambled on till night but Percy interrupted me.

"Charlie, what is done is done. Just don't do it again," Percy said, careful to pick his words meticulously.

I gritted my teeth, "Damn right I won't, next time I see him, I'm throwing a few punches to that face of his."

Percy laughed, but then his tone turned serious. "Charlie, Juniper told me that Quintus has been poking around the entrance of the Labyrinth."

"Juniper?" I asked, a confused expression on my face.

"Grover's girlfriend, but that's not the point," he said, his face the most serious I've ever seen. "Since you're not going to the quest, I need you to keep an eye out for him. It's strange, him offering his service at this time. He even gave me this to help me on my quest."

In Percy's palm, was a clear whistle? "What is it?" I asked.

"A dog whistle for Mrs. O'Leary. But I'm never going to use it, not after the shoes that were designed to drag me down to Tartarus. Also, last night, I had an Iris-Message."

"What? From who?"

"I'm not sure, but it was of Nico. He was talking to this ghost about bringing his sister back from the dead, and I have a sneaky suspicion that the soul he needs is mine."

My jaw hung open. From the time I've talked to him, Nico didn't seem like that kind of person. "Are you sure?" I asked him unbelievably, "Nico doesn't really seem like a kind of person who would brutally murder someone just so his sister could come back…"

Percy nodded firmly. "He seemed troubled in the Iris-Message. I have a feeling that our quest is linked to Nico. Maybe I'll find him in the Labyrinth."

I nodded. "I'll watch out for Quintus. As for you, take care of Tyson, Grover, Annabeth and yourself. Hopefully you'll find Daedalus and Nico. Be safe."

I walked Tyson and Percy down to the woods (with great difficulty, mind you), where Annabeth, Grover and Chiron were standing. I was slightly glad that we were on good terms before Percy left. So in case he died, I wouldn't feel that guilty about it.

"Good luck," I said, as they descended down to the dark tunnel. I stood there, enveloped in the darkness of the heart and the woods, staring at the entrance of the Labyrinth, now better known as the invasion route. It was after a few minutes I glanced at Chiron. "Is it possible if I got a ride back? My leg is cramping up."

***
Two weeks. That was how long it took for my leg to heal up, with the help of the carefully monitored ambrosia (to make sure I don't go up in flames because I would hate that very much). Honestly, I should be grateful that it took two weeks for my broken leg to heal up because mortals, apparently, needed months to get their leg up and working again.

But all in all, I was nearly dead… with worry. I had nothing to do in the past week, which meant nothing to take my mind off the quest. Now that my leg was working again, there were so much activities to jump back into again.

Sword-fighting with Quintus was the best. Sword-fighting is my preferred activity throughout the camp, with canoeing coming a close second. It was also a perfect time to get closer to him. You know what they say, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Although I might not trust Quintus completely, he still gave me some pretty good sword-fighting advice.

"Don't let your guard down!" Quintus yelled, as my dagger clattered down to the ground. This was our sixth round and I was huffing and panting, sweat beading my forehead, whereas Quintus looked as though he just woke up, not a sweat bead in sight.

"I need a rest." I panted, plopping myself down next to Mrs. O'Leary, gulping down water thirstily. Sure, it was odd to have a hellhound in the arena but I got used to it, spending nearly half my day in here as soon as my leg healed up.

Quintus sheathed his sword, and said "I have to admit, you are one of the best sword fighters I have ever met. Six rounds, and all of them were very challenging and enthralling"

"Thanks, and you've met a fair few sword-fighters, eh?" I said innocently. Quintus hardly talked about his past, and I have a sneaky suspicion he was hiding something. Something big.

"A few," he said, being all secretive again. Damn, it was frustrating. It was like trying to pry information out of a safe, but without the passcode.

I watched as he threw a rubber dummy and Mrs. O'Leary bounded excitedly towards it, ripping its head with out and dropping it in front of Quintus, while wagging its tail. Quintus reached out to Mrs O'Leary, patting her on her head. Man, if there was one thing I was sure about this guy, it was that he really genuinely loves his dog.

By now, I have caught my breath back and was ready for another round, and hopefully some information about Quintus' mysterious past. "Again," I called out, picking up my bronze dagger up. Mrs. O'Leary seemed to understand and she bounded out of way. It was like a routine now.

We paced around in a circle, our gaze burning at each other. Quintus lunged at first, but I blocked it, metal crashing against metal. As he was recovering, I stride forward, my dagger aiming for the piece of flesh that wasn't covered by his armour.

Quintus side-stepped, his hand moving with extreme speed, his sword aimed for my hip. I managed to move out of harm's way, but before he took out a piece of cloth from my T-shirt, along with my skin. I bit my tongue in pain, feinting to his left. During the time I have fought with him, I have found out that his left side was the most well protected, which naturally means I had to feint for it, to leave his right, his more vulnerable side, free.

His sword jerked over to the left, and I smiled giddily to myself. At the last minute, I changed positions, my left leg moving diagonally towards him to get more leverage. No way anyone could deflect this blow. My dagger stabbed downwards towards his hip but as fast as a flash (literally), his sword was there parrying my blow.

I took a step back, my dagger held in front of me, catching my breath. Quintus saw and he lunged, his sword grazed my stomach, since I wasn't wearing an armour. I preferred not to wear an armour, even though it gives you more protection. Speed and agility, was my main strength.

I gritted my teeth, ducking his slash and moving for his right. Quintus left was protected by his sword, and his right seemed unattended. I moved fast, my dagger stabbing at his waist, where his armour strap was. Before I knew it, Quintus moved with lightning speed, his sword twisting my blade away, as it clattered on the floor. I reached for it, ducking Quintus' slash, my hand extending out to my dagger, my fingers just brushing the handle.

And it was kicked away. I groaned, collapsing on the floor in frustration, puffing from the intense round, whereas Quintus was patting Mrs. O'Leary as though he had been doing that for the past few hours.

"How do you do it?" I asked him, still laying on the floor, exhausted.

"Do what?" he questioned, stroking Mrs. O'Leary's nose.

"Move so fast. No one could've blocked that move. I thought I had you for sure," I said, my brows furrowed, still staring at the clear blue sky.

"Well, my dear, practice makes perfect." Quintus said, turning towards me. As he threw a straw dummy, his armour strap shifted a little, and on his collarbone, was a splodge or purple that looked like a bird of some kind. I could make out the tiny wings on each side of it. It didn't look like a tattoo. It looked as though it was burnt on it, as though it was like part of his skin.

Quintus caught me staring and he hurriedly adjusted his strap hastily. Looks like someone has something to hide. "What is it?" I asked him curiously, getting up to pick my dagger.

"A reminder," he replied hurriedly. Someone definitely got something to hide. "Have you thought of something with a longer reach, maybe." he asked me. The changing of the subject didn't go unnoticed, but I let it pass anyways.

I shook my head and replied, "My dagger has always been my preferred weapon."

"Well, you are undoubtedly skilled with it, but maybe something with a longer reach, like a sword will help you get more balance."

"I've never considered it, but I might try some time," I said thoughtfully.

"Keep it in mind. Again?" Quintus asked, spreading his arms apart.

I shook my head, glancing at the sun that was sinking rapidly. "I'm going to head back for a shower. I need a break. How are you not puffed out?" I asked incredulously.

Quintus shook his head disapprovingly. "One of my little secret," he said, wagging his finger, "and as for taking a break, will the monsters out there give you a break? Will Luke give you a break? I don't think so."

I froze when he mentioned Luke. "How do you know about Luke?" I said suspiciously. I haven't mentioned Luke, being around Quintus. This could be proof that he was working with Luke.

"Well, words all around camp," he said easily, "especially the Aphrodite kids, they talk a lot." I bit my lip. Even though he had said it with absolute ease, what he said could have been rehearsed and he might still be working for Luke as a spy.

I said uncertainly, "Don't believe everything they say." I walked out of the sword-fighting arena.

A/N

Please please please R&R (I know this kinda puts people off the mood but srsly. Please.) I would love to know what you think of this chapter and how I can improve my story.