"Here we are," Rachel announced. She was still acting a little bitter about our earlier events. I guess I couldn't blame her. It was just making our trip pretty awkward. But Annabeth seemed to be pleased. Maybe this was like what dogs did when they marked their territory…okay maybe it was nothing like that.

"It looks like it hasn't been used in quite a while," Annabeth observed the door. It appeared to be rusted shut. I'm no genius but even I could have figured that out.

"It's stuck. I tried opening it once and it wouldn't budge," Rachel leaned against a wall and awaited Annabeth's next remark. Her red hair contrasted with her pale skin and she looked ticked. Hopefully things would smooth over soon enough.

She only rolled her eyes, "It requires a half-blood's touch is why." Nope. There's goes any chances of getting along. Even though we were physically better than mortals (and in Annabeth's case: mentally), some people saw us as above them. Maybe Annabeth had been in our world a little too long. That or she had a grudge against mortals. There was plenty to be jealous of. The main reason was they could live a normal life.

I shook out my thoughts and came back from wonderland. As soon as Annabeth put her hand on the mark, it glowed a bright blue and the door moved revealing a dark staircase. "That's not ominous at all," I said looking down the dark opening in the wall.

"I'm surprised you even know what ominous means," Annabeth commented as she observed the staircase.

Rachel didn't even flinch, "Wow." I couldn't tell if she was restraining herself or if she was genuine, "So, after you?"

"You're the guide, aren't you?" Annabeth said with a snort, "Lead the way then. Should we fetch your Indian headdress and clothes? It would only be proper. But it's whatever makes you comfortable."

Rachel narrowed her eyes but obeyed. She took the first few steps in her normal jeans and museum t-shirt. She had a hairbrush in her back pocket. I don't really see why a hairbrush was essential but I wasn't going to question it. I mean, it's not like Annabeth carries one around. I can't even remember the last time I tried brushing my hair…

The staircase wasn't large enough to walk side by side, so I motioned Annabeth to go ahead of me. By the time we reached the base of the stairs, it was pitch black and I couldn't even see Annabeth ahead of me. She, being the smart one, turned on her flashlight. I followed suit. As soon as we did, Rachel let out a quiet scream.

We were being watched by a ten foot tall skeleton. And it wasn't just any skeleton, it was a Cyclops. He was bound by the wrists and ankles by chains and made a giant X over the tunnel.

I didn't like it any more than the other two, but I was glad I wasn't the one screaming like a little girl. I sent a small prayer of thanks to my father for that one.

"It's a Cyclops," Annabeth explained to Rachel, "It looks to be really old so it's not…someone we know." It wasn't Tyson. She didn't say it, but that's what she meant. I didn't make me feel the least bit better. This was like some omen. Whatever could kill a huge Cyclops could use us for toothpicks. The thought sent shivers up my spine. I didn't want to be the toothpick in someone's monster sandwich.

"You know a Cyclops?" Rachel asked with wide eyes. She was probably imaging something like the skeleton in front of us with tons of fat and one huge eye in the middle of his forehead and carrying a club. Hmm…that brought back memories.

"Yeah, he's my half brother," I answered sadly, "Tyson."

"You have a half brother?" Her voice was skeptic. A half brother may have been believable but I'm sure she was having a hard time figuring out how I was related to the giant thing chained to the wall.

"Yup, and we're trying to find him down here along with our friend Grover. He's a satyr. You know, half goat person."

"Well, can we just keep moving then?" she swallowed, "You know, so we find them quicker." Rachel walked under the skeleton and we followed. I still had a bad feeling about this. I could tell Annabeth did because she found my hand in the dark and she was shaking slightly. We went deeper into the maze despite our dread.

After a few minutes of walking, we came to some crossroads. We had three choices: the left path, one of dirt and tree roots; straight ahead, it looked the same as the path we were following; and the right had ancient marble lining. "The right seems like our best choice, the architecture is older, so it must lead to an ancient part of the maze," Annabeth reasoned.

"That one looks likes the one Grover and Tyson took," I mumbled to myself looking over at the one covered with dirt..

"Straight is our best option." Rachel interrupted us. Annabeth and I looked at each other and then to Rachel. She just argued with Annabeth's reason. That was something no one with a brain ever did.

"That's the least likely choice," Annabeth told her defensively.

"Yeah, but to the left, there are tree roots moving around like they're feeling for something and to the right, there some sort of trap. There are holes in the walls and that suggests spikes. And, anyway, there's some sort of light leading straight. I don't know what it is, but it's better than traps and moving tree roots." She paused and then added, "Unless dying a slow painful death is on our agenda?"

I heard Annabeth mutter something about mortals and I said, "Then let's go forward." Here comes Percy to the rescue again!

"What?" Annabeth asked, "You believe her?" Or not.

"We don't have any better options! And a lead is better than nothing," I argued. "You said a mortal would be able to navigate this place."

She looked angry and moved closer to me, "But what if she's wrong? What if Hephaestus is just messing with us? Then we could walk into another trap!"

"I'm right here!" Rachel reminded us, annoyed. But we only ignored her. I felt like the horrible parent that talked about their kids and then ignored them…but Rachel wasn't my kid…anyway.

"Well then we will deal with it," I reasoned, "Besides, if the other two really do have traps, we have no other choice. We've made it this far. And I don't know about you but I don't mind not making these decisions. All I need is you nagging me forever in the underworld."

"Why are you siding with her and insulting me on top of it?" we were nose to nose and our voices were edging louder and louder.

"That's all this is about?" I almost yelled, "You're mad because I didn't agree with you?"

"Well…no!" she stuttered. Her eyes were doing their best to pierce mine. Annabeth was spoiled when it came to winning. I suppose it was time to break that habit.

I laughed and our nosed brushed. If this wasn't so serious, this would be a great position to be in…minus the creep dark hole in the ground and the third wheel watching us. Annabeth was now turning red and shaking, but it wasn't from embarrassment, "What's so funny, Jackson?"

"You're jealous!" I laughed again, "Annabeth Chase, jealous! I just can't believe it. After all this, that is what concerns you the most. I just find it funny."

She opened her mouth to say something again but was at a loss for words, "Just take whatever stupid path you want to, Jackson, and whatever your last name is!" she said pointing to Rachel.

I laughed quietly as Rachel whispered, "Dare." Hopefully this wouldn't lead to us dying.

Annabeth stomped off down the center path behind us and said nothing to acknowledge Rachel's comment. This wasn't good. Annabeth was behind me which means she could easily kill me without me even having a fighting chance.

The tunnel had no more turn offs, it only sloped, leading us deeper into the ground. "There's no resistance, should it be this easy?" Rachel asked to no one in particular.

"I don't know, it wasn't this easy before," I said worriedly. Things were never easy for us. Things being easy normally meant trap.

"So, Rachel, I'm curious," Annabeth sounded from behind me, "Where are you from exactly?" She asked the question as if Rachel was from some other universe. I could tell she was still mad. She was probably just getting over it by making fun of Rachel.

"Brooklyn," Rachel replied obviously missing Annabeth's intentions. And I thought I was clueless.

"And you're parents are fine with you just disappearing for no reason?"

"I could be gone for weeks and they would never notice." Rachel looked pretty indifferent about the situation. Her expression never changed. But her green eyes seemed to soften. Maybe we all had something in common…

Annabeth knew all about parent problems. Her voice didn't come out sarcastic this time, "Why not?" Before Rachel could respond, the loudest, creepiest noise interrupted her. It sounded like metal on metal. It sounded almost like the giant metal monster moving in the junk yard from last winter. I shuddered at the thought.

"What was that?" Annabeth came up next to me. She had a grip on her knife and was prepared for a fight. Our flashlights scanned the area for any sign of monsters or traps.

"I don't know, it sounded like metal hinges," Rachel reasoned.

"Oh how very helpful, even I could tell that," Her sarcasm was back. Her face even had a sarcastic look to it, if that were even possible. Annabeth seemed to be the master at this. The corridor started to shake and dirt fell from the roof. I could hear heavy footsteps heading this way.

"Run?" asked Rachel.

"Run." We agreed.

We turned the way we came and ran for our lives. Sadly, we didn't even make it twenty feet before we ran into some old friends. Two dracaenae pointed their javelins at our chests. In between them was Kelli the empousa. I pulled out Riptide and Annabeth had her knife ready. But before I could even strike, Kelli took Rachel captive. She had her talons at Rachel's neck.

"Taking your mortal for a walk?" she smiled evilly, "They're too fragile for me, I much rather demigods. You're much better looking too and have such a smell. So much better than mortals."

The footsteps drew closer and a Laistrygonian appeared, showing its red eyes and fangs. He looked ready to eat us… "We're going to bring them to our master," Kelli hissed, "They will make great entertainment."

…..

This was going horribly. And trust me, I would know all about things going badly. They had us blocked at the back, not even caring if we ran forward. That would only lead us to their destination. I could hear something like a crowd cheering up ahead. There was a ten foot tall pair of bronze doors. This was only getting worse by the second.

"You will be very popular with our host," one of the snake women said.

"What do you mean? Who is your host?" I had to try and buy us some time and if not that, I could at least trick them into giving us information. It could save our lives in a few minutes, wherever it was we were going.

"Oh you will see, you are brothers after all." My brother? The only one I cared about was Tyson but I wasn't sure I wanted to meet this one. The last time I met another one of my brothers, we were stealing his Golden Fleece and he was trying to kill us. Something told me that this one wouldn't be much different. Hopefully he didn't have killer sheep things either.

The giant opened the door ahead of us and picked up Annabeth by her shirt. "Put her down!" I yelled up at him. Annabeth turned her head towards me and desperately shook her head. Her eyes burned into mine and I knew I had made a mistake.

"Oh, this is interesting," Kelli sounded next to me, "Demigod love; too bad it doesn't last. You're such horrid people. Even if you do make wonderful toys." I remained silent so I wouldn't dig myself into a deeper hole and have Annabeth down my neck even more, "I shall tell our host about your infatuation." She left Rachel with one of the snake women, "Go ahead Percy, entertain us! We will watch your friends here."

I looked at Rachel, "I'll get you out of this, I'm sorry."

"That would be nice," she swallowed, "But that's only if Annabeth doesn't kill you first."

I nodded and looked at Annabeth, but I was prodded to go into the arena. I didn't miss the fear in her eyes though.

…

In the center of the arena, there was already a fight taking place. It was between a centaur and a giant. The centaur was panicking, running around his enemy. His enemy had a javelin the size of a telephone pole. The first tier was twelve feet above me and was plain stone benches. They were full of every monster I could think of and didn't know. Even demigods were among them.

But the most terrifying thing was the skulls. The arena was full of them. They lined the steps and hung from chains. Some were old and bleached white. Others were so fresh… you know, I think it would be best if I didn't describe them.

The thing that made no sense at all though was the huge green banner with a trident displayed proudly. Above the banner was someone I really did not want to see: Luke.

He smiled at me coldly. He was dressed in camouflage pants, a white shirt, and a bronze breastplate. The only thing missing was a sword which I thought was odd.

Next to Luke was the biggest and ugliest giant I had ever seen. He took up at least three seats and looked like a sumo wrestler with his loincloth. His skin was red with blue tattoos of waves. A centaur crashed to the floor next to me, interrupting my thoughts. I jumped back as he screamed for me to help him. I reached for my sword but it still hadn't reappeared into my pocket.

The centaur struggled to get back up as the giant approached, "If you want your girlfriend and pet alive, you won't interfere." A talon grabbed my shoulder. I looked away as the giant killed the centaur with the crowd cheering for death.

…..

"That was good entertainment but I have seen it before!" the giant sumo wrestler bellowed, "What else do you have Luke, Son of Hermes?" I looked at Luke. He looked displeased with his title. He rose to his feet and grinned. He seemed to be in a great mood despite being called a son of Hermes.

"Lord Antaeus," Luke announced for everyone to hear, "You have been a most gracious host. We would be happy to amuse you as to repay your favor of letting us pass through your territory."

"I have not granted this favor yet," He growled, "I want entertainment." Percy was reminded of a five year old who wasn't pleased with his toys and wanted more. Hopefully he wasn't the type to throw a fit.

"I have a brother of yours. Percy Jackson, Son of Poseidon!" Luke pointed at me.

The crowd was throwing rocks at me and I managed to dodge most of them, but one caught me on the cheek, giving me a nice cut, "A son of Poseidon? Well he should fight well…or DIE WELL!" He bellowed with a laugh. Okay, maybe I could deal with a fit instead.

"If his death pleases you, will you let us pass?" If I could see Luke closer up, I would probably see a gleam in his eye. He was sick.

"Perhaps," he answered dryly. Luke looked displeased and glared at me as if to say 'die in some crazy, interesting way or I'm in huge trouble.'

"Stop this!" Annabeth yelled, "Let us go!"

Luke noticed her for the first time, he looked surprised. That hopefully meant that he didn't realize that Annabeth was the girl Kelli told him about, "Annabeth?"

"We have enough time for female to fight afterwards," Antaeus said impatiently, "Percy Jackson, pick your weapon!"

"How are you a son of Poseidon?" I challenged him.

"I am his favorite son!" he laughed and the crowd followed in, "behold my temple to the Earthshaker! It is built from skulls of those who died in his name! And yours will join them!"

"Percy!" Annabeth screamed through the crowd's laughter, "His mother is Gaia!" The giant clamped her mouth shut before she could tell me more. Gaia is the earth goddess…but what did that have to do with anything? He was a son of Poseidon.

"You know nothing of Poseidon then!" I insulted him and the crowd starting throwing things at me again.

"Just choose your weapons!"

"Just give me my sword." I answered. Laughter erupted but Riptide appeared in my hand.

"Let round one begin!" he said.

A dracaena slithered out the gates wielding a trident and a net. It was classic gladiator style that I trained against in camp for years. She jabbed at me and I stepped away. She threw her net, possibly hoping to immobilize my sword hand but I side stepped it easily. She hissed and I spotted a chink in her armor and jabbed with my sword. She disappeared with a wail and the crowd was silent.

"Too quick!" He complained, "Only I give the order for the kill!"

I glanced at Annabeth. Her eyes were wide. She was still restrained by the giant. I had to do something to get her out, oh and Rachel too. Maybe if I could make a huge distraction…

"Nice job, Percy," Luke laughed, "Trying to impress someone?" he glanced at Rachel and I raised an eyebrow. Thank the gods he assumed the wrong person. It was probably wrong in so many ways to feel relief over that, but hey, I can just claim the maze made me crazy.

"Round two, and wait for my call this time!" he yelled.

I was expecting another monster, but a demigod stepped out. He couldn't have been much older than me, maybe sixteen or seventeen. He had an eye patch over his left eye and carried a shield. He was very wiry and skinny so his armor fit him terribly. He had a horsehair helmet and a sword.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, "And who are you?" If I could stall him, I could think of a plan and get us all out alive.

"Ethan Nakamura," he grinned slyly, "and I'm here to kill you!"

He jumped my way and slashed at me with his sword. I easily hit it away and kicked him in the chest. He fell over into the dirt. He slowly got up as I said, "Why are you doing this?"

He wiped some spit off his mouth, "This is how I get to join."

"Stop talking and fight!" someone yelled.

Ethan lunged at me again this time his sword grazed my arm as I tried to move away. I grunted swung, attacking his left side. He was very good at defending his left side so he must have had experience with fighting with only one eye. I thrust my sword again only to be met by his shield.

I rolled away as he tried to strike again. He was really good. The crowd cheered for more blood and Antaeus was only laughing, obviously enjoying the spectacle. Ethan had his sword ready to strike but what he did next surprised me. He swung his shield and knocked me to the ground. While I was down, he kicked my sword away and put a foot on my chest. I was screwed.

The crowd cheered for death and Ethan looked to Antaeus for approval. He gave thumbs down with a great laugh.

"Percy!" Annabeth screamed. Her voice…that was not what I needed to hear. I suddenly realized how bad of a situation this was. I was about to die which would lead to their deaths if not worse. I had to do whatever it took. Now wasn't the time to have mercy.

I took my only chance. Ethan was distracted by Annabeth's outburst. I pushed him off me and took his sword from him. This time he was on the ground with me restraining him.

He was struggling like crazy screaming something about killing me. I looked at him. He was serious. If I showed him mercy, I would be rewarded with death. What I did next would haunt me for life. I killed him.

….

The crowd was silent. Antaeus look pleased and upset at the same time. Luke was in shock. Rachel looked flabbergasted. I couldn't look at Annabeth.

"You were supposed to die Percy Jackson!" Antaeus boomed, "But that was entertainment!" Luke looked even more shocked.

"If you want me dead, why don't you come down here and finish me yourself?" I challenged him bravely.

"Percy, no!" Annabeth was cut off again. Hopefully she took this as her chance to get Rachel and herself out.

He leaped down to the arena floor, apparently happy to fight me to the death. He cracked his knuckles, "Need any more weapons demigod?"

"I'm good."

"Then we will begin!" He smiled, "Master Luke will referee this match!" Luke said something but I missed it. I rolled between his legs and stabbed him in the thigh. Sand and dirt poured out. Then more dirt cased around his leg, healing his wound. Where the heck did that come from? He was a son of Gaia…the earth must heal him. How would I beat him?

He charged me but I had enough experience with giants to sidestep him and stab again. My blade dug into his ribs. But he only howled. He didn't disintegrate. He swatted me away, leaving me halfway across the arena weaponless. He picked Riptide out of his side and threw it behind him.

I had to beat him or Annabeth and Rachel were stuck in here. I chanced a look at Annabeth. We locked eyes and I finally understood. I couldn't kill him if he was touching the ground. She may hate me now, but I really owed her. I looked at the ceiling. Chains hung down with skulls of his victims. And I had a plan worthy of Athena. My pen returned to my pocket, but he wouldn't know that. I had a small advantage, but not much of one.

I charged ahead, crouched down low as if to go for Riptide. He crouched over, and put his hands down as if to catch me like a grounder in baseball. I took my chance and jumped for the life of me. I pulled myself up his forearm to his shoulder. I got all the way to his head. Thankfully, his instincts kicked in and he shot up.

I kicked off, using his momentum to propel myself further and caught the top of a chain. I wrapped my legs around it and begin to saw at the chain next to me. He tried jumping for me, but I was just out of his reach, "Come down here, coward!"

I was hanging on for all that it was worth and screamed, "You could get me if you weren't so slow and fat!"

He finally caught the end of a chain and was pulling himself up. I threw my sawed off chain and went fishing for his loincloth and hooked it on the first try. I hooked the other side to my chain and prayed it would hold his weight. Then I used my natural talent for messing things up. I swung around tangling all the chains around him and had him suspended in all the chains within a minute.

I dropped to the floor and panted, "Let our host go!" I looked up at Luke. He was raging.

I rammed my sword into his stomach and yelled, "He's free all right!" The sand poured out of him and the earth was too far away to heal him. He just drained out. All that was left was a tangle of chains, a loincloth, and skulls.

"Jackson!" Yelled Luke, "You should've died when you had the chance!"

"I had an oath!"

"Your oath died with him!" he said with a red face, "Kill them! But spare the girl," he pointed at Annabeth.

Then, I did the only thing I could do; I blew the whistle Quintus gave to me. It could've been a trap but it was my only hope. As I blew it, it made no noise and shattered.

Luke only laughed at me, sensing my inevitable demise.

Or so I thought. The giant guarding Annabeth flew across the room with a scream. Mrs. O'Leary fought of the rest of Rachel and Annabeth's guards and I yelled, "Let's go!"

Rachel pointed to an exit as I yelled, "Heel!"

We raced for the far exit with our giant dog trailing behind us.