Chapter 19
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Thalia was exhausted. She was tired enough with everything that happened on Asgard but throw in the battle at Camp Half-Blood she just fought in and she is in zombie mode (you now the walking dead). She was trudging her way to her cabin for some rest when a voice rang out. "Thalia!" Annabeth bellowed out.
At that Thalia slowly turned and observed her best friend approaching and replied "hey Annie what's going on?"
"I thought you would have gone with Percy and Artemis to Olympus, why did you stay? And don't call me Annie." Annabeth responded.
"All they went to do was give the council a report on the fight and I'm not really needed for that besides, I've had a rough few days and I really need some rest so I decided to stay and take a nap," Thalia said to her best friend.
"Oh, I didn't mean to stop you from resting but will you be at the meeting later? And if it's alright I want, you to join me on the quest?" Asked a hopeful Annabeth.
Thalia gave her a little smirk and said "of course I'll go. I can't leave my best friend hanging now can I Annie?"
"Thank you!" Annabeth shouted as she hugged Thalia "now go and get some rest so you will be ready for tonight's war meeting. Oh and don't call me Annie!"
"Your will Milady," Thalia said laughingly as she bowed to the daughter of Athena and then turned and resumed her walk to her cabin.
Finally, Thalia made to her cabin and walked in. Time seemed to slow as she approached the bed that she wanted to lay on and get some rest. After what seemed like hours but was only seconds Thalia stood beside her bed and just fell on it asleep as her exhaustion took her over.
Unfortunately, for the daughter of Zeus, her sleep would not be as restful as she had hoped as she began to have a demigod dream. Thalia soon found herself in a strange place. It was dark, humid and hot, the darkness was outlined in a red glow that resembled flames. As she stood there wondering where in the Hades she was, Thalia heard a voice so evil that she almost peed her pants. As she turned towards the voice Thalia observed two extremely beautiful women talking with a huge hulking shadow that the evil voice was coming from. Hoping that they could not see or sense her she decided to listen to their conversation.
"Amora, Lorelai the two of you have been tasked with ensuring that the prince and his two brides never marry. For if they do marry and complete their bond, my plans for universal domination are in jeopardy (no not the TV show)." The huge shadow said.
"It shall be done master," said one of the two women with a confident tone. "We have already developed a plan that will not only split the young prince from his two brides but potentially injure him severely as well."
"Excellent." Hissed the one they called master, "do not fail me or you will suffer more than the consequences of your failure."
"W…we shal…shall not fail you, master. Ou…our plan is… prac…practically perfect." One of the two goddess's said nervously as a bright light engulfed them. Once the light had faded where the two goddess's once stood, now stand two Valkyries who proceeded to teleport away from where ever it is that they were.
At this Thalia now found herself in the Valkyrie training arena. She watched in pride as the hunters learned new fighting skills and techniques from the Valkyries. As she looked around Thalia found the two goddesses's now posing as imposter Valkyries from that hellish place she was in before skulking in the shadows of the arena. Soon Thalia observed a hunter found speaking to the two goddess's, although she couldn't hear the conversation Thalia did see something interesting. During the conversation, one of the goddess's placed a hand on the hunter's shoulder, at this Thalia noticed a dark miasmic glow flow from the goddess to the hunter which caused the hunters aura to darken. "This must be what those two bitches did to the hunters that caused them to turn on Artemis," Thalia thought to herself. She watched as hunter after hunter became infected with the dark miasma of the two goddess's, but could do nothing to stop it; and then as soon as they had completed their mission they simply teleported away with no one knowing what had just occurred.
At this Thalia appeared in the dining hall where she and the hunters were facing off. The only things she could remember about this was that the hunters upset and shamed Artemis into running away and then pissed her off beyond belief. Thalia watched in awe as her aura became bright electric blue outlined in black, and then lightning started to spark and pop around her body in the same colors. Thalia tried to remember this but all she could remember was a feeling of pure rage and the need to destroy those who had hurt her and Artemis. She watched as she quickly lost control of this new power. It reminded her of one of Percy's time loops, her emotions fed the power and the power fed her emotions and she couldn't stop. Fortunately, Percy appeared and cleared the dining hall before she hurt anyone. Thalia breathed a sigh of relief as after a few minutes Percy was able to calm her down even if it was with a kiss before she passed out. She watched lovingly as Percy quickly took her to his room and took care of her as he waited the physician to come and examine Thalia. Even though Thalia knew she was alright it still came as a relief when the physician told Percy that with some rest and replenishing her energy she would be fine; however, she was pleasantly surprised at what happened next. Percy asked if he could use his energy to help replenish hers, unfortunately, the physician said no as she is a Greek demigod the energy would be too much for her but he did recommend having Artemis transfer some of her energy to the demigoddess.
At that, Percy left in search of Artemis and quickly found her staring out into space in his training arena. Thalia was shocked as she discovered Artemis had been crying because of what the hunters had said. She was absolutely flabbergasted when Artemis told Percy that she could not marry him. The look on his face caused tears to drop from her eyes. She watched as Percy tried to recompose himself and apologized to Artemis for putting her in such a position, he then said he would release her from the marriage and their bond but he needed to gather some things to accomplish this and asked while he did this if she would transfer some of her energy into Thalia. Thalia cried even more at the concern Percy was showing for her when both gods disappeared. Thalia knew that Artemis was giving her unconscious form some of her energy but what she wanted to know is where did Percy go and why? Soon, Percy returned and waited patiently for Artemis. After a few moments, Artemis flashed in telling Percy that I was awake just still drowsy. At this Percy gave a small pained smile and proceeded to tell Artemis what needed to happen for him to break the growing bond between them. And then the thing that surprised me most happened, as Percy pulled the vial out of his pocket he told Artemis that she needed to drink some of it so that he could break the bond between them and then to make sure I drank some of it as well. At this, I felt like the air had been knocked out of my body and I couldn't catch my breath. I began to cry as I listened to Percy explain to Artemis why I needed to drink some of the potion, although I love Percy for looking out for me it is ultimately my choice whether I still marry him, not his and I intend to make that absolutely clear to both him and Artemis once I wake up. Still I continued to watch as a teary-eyed Artemis lifted the vial to her lips when suddenly an arrow came from out of nowhere to shatter the vial and its contents. "Yes!" I exclaimed to my dream-self as I turned to see Zoe running towards Percy and Artemis yelling no. It is then that they found out what Amora and Lorelei had done to the hunters. I don't know who was happier Percy, Artemis, or myself, although I do know one thing those two will not be happy once I get through with them. At this Lady… shit! I mean mother (this will take some getting used to) appeared and apologized, for what I don't know all I knew is that she acted like most any normal parent but apparently she felt bad about the trouble it caused and apologized for it. It was then that mom suggested that we meaning Percy, Artemis, and I, have couples counseling. To be honest, at first I thought mom was full of it but once she explained how this or any type of romantic relationship is new to the three of us I had to admit she has a point. Soon the four went back into Percy's room to check on the still drowsy me, once they arrived the bedridden I was more alert but confused as to what actually happened to do this to me. Percy said they would explain later that he was just happy that I was alright and that everything would be fine. I thought that phrase to be strange at the time and now I know why. Fortunately, for me, Zoe had some Nectar and Ambrosia with her that helped me heal faster and provided me with more energy which I was thankful for. Not long after consuming the medicine of the gods a messenger appeared at Percy's door. Heimdall has seen an army of monsters attacking the camp and they are being over ran. Percy and Artemis started for the door as I watched myself get up to run after them they turned as one and asked: "where do you think you are going?"
"I'm going with you! Camp is my home and, I will help defend it!" I exclaimed.
"No Thalia, you must remain here and rest!" Percy bellowed.
I laughed as I watched my face start to turn red and say "Percy I love you but don't think that gives you the right to tell me what to do!"
"Thalia we are not trying to tell you what to do we are concerned for your health." Stated Artemis.
"Oh, not you too. Mother as a warrior of Asgard is it not my duty to fight beside my husband as long as I can stand to defend the weak?" I asked Frigga.
"I do believe you are correct daughter." Replied the queen of Asgard.
"Bu…but moth…" Percy started to say before he was interrupted.
"There are no buts in this Perseus, Thalia is correct and you and Artemis need to understand that!" Hissed my new mother.
Artemis and Percy stood there looking at each other for a moment before finally saying "fine but please be careful, you ae not yet fully healed."
"I can agree to that. Let's go." I watched myself say as they headed out the door towards where Heimdall was waiting to transport them to camp so that they could kick some monster ass. At this, I finally had some peaceful rest.
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Perseus and Artemis startled some campers as they arrived back at Camp Half-Blood. "It's just us," Perseus said as he and Artemis began to look around the camp.
"Our apologies Lord Perseus," an unknown demigod said.
"Please it is just Perseus, my father is a Lord and I am not he," Perseus replied.
"O…okay, Perseus" the demigod responded.
Perseus turned to Artemis and said, "let us go and find Thalia, I want to make sure she is alright."
"Yes, I agree," Artemis said as she started walking towards a cabin.
"Wh…where are you going?" asked Perseus.
"To Zeus's cabin of course. That is where Thalia will be." Artemis answered.
"Oh, that makes sense I guess" Perseus replied as he followed Artemis to the cabin.
At that Artemis just smirked and shook her head as she continued towards the cabin.
Minutes later Artemis and Perseus made their way into Zeus's cabin to find an uncomfortable looking Thalia sleeping. Perseus used his powers of space generation to turn the bed Thalia was sleeping on into a bed that resembled the one in his bedroom. "There much better," Perseus said.
Artemis just rolled her eyes at him.
"What?" Perseus asked, "she should be more comfortable now."
"Yes I am sure her comfort is all you have on your mind," Artemis said in an accusing tone.
"It is. Well, that and I thought we could use a nap ourselves after everything that happened today." Perseus responded.
"You do have a point I would like to rest a little before we go back and retrieve the hunters," Artemis replied and then snapped her fingers removing the clothes from all three of them leaving only their underwear on.
"I see you want to be comfortable as well," Perseus said as he took Artemis in his arms and kissed her.
After a minute, they broke the kiss as the need for air became a necessity as Artemis panted "W…wo…wow! Yo…you…have…got…gotten…bet…better."
"I…I… bel…believe that… is…is thanks… to you and Thalia." Perseus stuttered out.
"I…I think we should lay down before we start something we cannot stop," Artemis said to Perseus in a desperate tone.
"Unfortunately, I must agree with you," Perseus said with a sad tone.
"The good news is that soon we won't have to stop," Artemis said with a smile as she lay to the side of Thalia.
"That is indeed something to look forward too. Good night little moon." Perseus said with a smirk as he lay on Thalia's other side.
"Good night seaweed brain," Artemis said with a snicker and promptly fell asleep.
A short time later Perseus was woken from his sleep with a resounding pain on his cheek "what the fuck!" he exclaimed as he bolted upright holding his cheek only to find Thalia sitting there with lightning surrounding her hand.
"Wh…what's…going on?" asked a still sleepy Artemis when she heard a slap echo throughout the cabin and the pain on her cheek. "What the Hades Thalia! What's wrong with you?!"
"What…was…that…for?!" Thalia hissed "I'll tell you what it was for, how about the two of you almost destroying this relationship and neglecting to tell me anything about it! How about the two of you treating me like a child and not as an equal!"
"Thalia what are you talking…" Perseus went to say but was interrupted.
"Cut the crap seaweed brain I know everything! After you two left for Olympus I came here to get some sleep and had a demigod dream and I saw everything!" Thalia bellowed.
"Do…don't…be…preposterous" Perseus said.
"Perseus she knows." Artemis said as he turned to look at her "Demigod dreams can show a demigod what has happened in the past or what will happen in the future. Take her at her word she knows."
At this Perseus looked down in shame as he said in a somber tone "Thalia, we…we did…did not want…to upset you and since the situation was resolved we did not see a reason to tell you."
SLAP! As Perseus was once again holding his cheek. "I am supposed to be in a relationship with the two of you am I not? So why would you not tell me? Why would you take away my decision of marrying you by having Artemis give me that potion?!" Thalia hissed.
"Thalia you would have died if I had not given you the potion." Artemis said trying to play devil's advocate.
"It is still my decision! How would you feel if Perseus and I did that to you? And you how would you feel if Artemis and I did that to you? It would feel like you've been betrayed! I love the two of you I really do but I cannot be in a relationship where I am treated as a child." Thalia said in a firm and no-nonsense tone.
"You…you are…right, Sparkles. I wanted to protect you from the pain of what would have happened. I was wrong to go about it like that and I am so very sorry, I will not do that again." Perseus said apologetically.
"I am sorry as well. I should never have put us in that position, and I should have refused to give you the potion. I will not make that mistake again." Artemis said slightly crying.
"I forgive both of you, but do not let this happen again because you will not like the repercussions," Thalia said in an evil tone as she proceeded to hug Perseus and Artemis.
"It is a deal Sparkles," Perseus said as he kissed her passionately.
"Wo…wow! I…I ma…may have… to get ma…mad at you… more often…. if I get kisses like that afterward." Thalia replied.
"I believe it's my turn," Artemis said as she took Thalia's hand and gently pulled her over and proceeded to kiss her as passionately as Perseus had.
"Fu…fuck! Ha…have yo…you two… been practicing?" asked the out of breath demigoddess.
"Just with each other" Perseus replied with a smirk.
"Maybe we can practice a little more?" Thalia asked in a seductive voice.
"As much as I would like to Sparkles, Artemis and I must return to Asgard and bring the hunters back. They will be of great help to the camp if the monsters attack again." Perseus said disappointingly.
"Oh," Thalia replied in disappointment.
"Look at I this way." Artemis said excitedly "The sooner Perseus and I finish our little task the sooner we can come back and practice with you all night tonight."
"Well, what are you waiting for? Get going you two. I need a little us time before .
going on the quest with Annabeth." Responded Thalia in a playful tone.
"She is right little moon the sooner we go and retrieve them, the sooner we will return and be able to finish making up with each other," Perseus said seductively as he took Artemis's hand and teleported to the beach where he called for Heimdall to open the Bifrost.
"Yes! At least I get a little action before I head into the labyrinth tomorrow, granted it's not the pussy pounding action I want, but that will happen soon enough." Said a horny sounding Thalia.
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Whilst Perseus and Artemis went back to Asgard to retrieve the hunters, Thalia made her way to the dining pavilion to join Annabeth for dinner.
"Hey Thals" the daughter of Athena greeted at seeing her best friend walking towards her.
"What's wrong Annabeth?" Thalia asked noticing an unusual look of worry on the face of her friend straight away.
"I'm…I'm just stressing over this quest. I've read everything I could find on the labyrinth and have come to one conclusion, is almost impossible to navigate. The only reason Theseus was able to navigate the labyrinth is because he was able to use Ariadne's string, which we don't have. And then I have been unable to find another way to transverse the Labyrinth if one even exists. I think we need someone who has experience tracking, someone with those skills should be able to navigate the Labyrinth. Unfortunately, there isn't anyone at camp with the type of skills needed to navigate such a huge maze" said Annabeth sullenly.
"We'll have you thought about asking someone from outside of camp!" Asked the daughter of Zeus who began chomping down on some smoked brisket.
"Like who? The hunters? Gods know where they are Thals and even if we did know where they are would one of them even accept such a dangerous quest?" Annabeth responded.
"I happen to know where the hunters are and that they should be at camp soon, so how about I ask Zoe if she will go with us? She has been with Artemis for Odin knows how many thousands of years, her skills at navigating could potentially rival those of Artemis herself…uh just don't tell her I said that" Thalia said.
"Odin… knows how many thousands of years?" chuckled Annabeth.
Rolling her eyes Thalia responded, "I can't help it Percy's rubbing off on me."
"I thought you'd be the one rubbing him… off" muttered Annabeth.
"What?" quizzed Thalia.
"Nothing" Annabeth quickly said. "But if you wouldn't mind asking Zoe when she arrives that would be great.
"No prob, now let's get to this war meeting," Thalia said devouring the last of her meat and standing up as the two girls made their way towards to the Big House.
Upon nearing the Big House, they could already hear Clarisse shouting.
"Ah, Thalia, Annabeth, nice of you to join us," Chiron said as he smiled down at the two girls.
"Thanks, Chiron, has Annabeth already informed you about me joining her on the quest?" Thalia asked.
"Yes, she has already told me, we are just trying to figure out who will fill the final spot, so far there is Annabeth, Bianca and yourself," said Chiron.
"Well, actually that's what Annabeth and I have just been discussing and we've decided on Zoe Nightshade if she accepts," Thalia informed the ancient centaur.
"Hmm…Miss Nightshade, she is an excellent choice. She has been in Artemis's service for many, many years and will have the skills needed to hopefully navigate the maze" Chiron said stroking his beard.
"Don't you get it! You'll be trapped down there Annabeth; the Labyrinth is unnavigable!" stressed the daughter of Ares.
"I don't like it as much as you Clarisse, but the quest has been issued and we cannot ignore it. Gods only know what the fates would do to us if we refuse to do the quest." Annabeth retorted.
"Then let me be the final quest member," Clarisse answered back.
At this Thalia interrupted. "You can't Clarisse, we need someone at camp that the other demigods respect to lead and rally the troops just in case we are attacked and there's no one better for this than you."
Looking at Thalia with suspicion at her saying such nice compliments about her, Clarisse eventually just nodded her head seeing the sense in it. "Fine, but you're going to need a damn good tracker and what not."
"Thalia and I have just been discussing this in the dining pavilion and we have decided on Zoe Nightshade, Artemis's lieutenant." Informed Annabeth.
"That stuck up bitch, will she even accept?" hissed Clarisse.
"I think I can persuade her to come along," Thalia said with a deadly smirk upon her face.
"Right, well if everything has been sorted, I'm off to my cabin," Beckendorf said as he and Selina both stood and left the big house whilst everyone else knew they weren't going to their separate cabins. Everyone knew they were dating and if they didn't then they certainly heard it that night.
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Perseus and Artemis arrived in the observatory on Asgard to find the ever vigilant Heimdall watching the ten realms.
"Heimdall, thank you for watching over the camp and summoning us once those monsters attacked," Perseus said humbly.
"It is my duty and my honor my prince" Heimdall replied as he bowed before Perseus and Artemis.
"Heimdall please how times must I tell you do not bow to me. In the grand scheme of things, you are much more important than I." Perseus responded.
"You continually undervalue yourself, my prince, I bow out of respect for you and what you have accomplished and I will continue to do so." Stated the proud guardian of the Bifrost.
"I will not change your mind will I?" Perseus asked Heimdall.
"No, my prince I am afraid not," Heimdall replied.
"Very well then Heimdall carry on and thank you once again." Perseus reiterated to the guardian of the Bifrost.
At that, Heimdall bowed once more and said "no thanks are necessary my prince it is my pleasure.'
"Come let us go Perseus we must retrieve the hunters and return to camp," Artemis said to her fiancé.
"Yes little moon, let us be on our way," Perseus responded as he took her hand and teleported to them to where the hunters currently were.
Perseus and Artemis arrived in the hunter's room in the palace mere seconds later and were immediately swamped with apologies from the hunters.
Artemis went around hugging each hunter with tears in her eyes, happy that they were back to normal.
While Artemis was occupied with the hunters Perseus approached the two love goddess's and said "ladies I commend you on a job well done. I do not know what would have happened had you not been able to break Amora's spell."
"To be honest, my prince we could not have done it without you. The love you and your lovely brides feel for each other is tremendous and it empowered Aphrodite and myself enough to break Amora's hold over the hunters." Freyja replied.
"Still given current circumstances the two of you performed admirably and I will reward the two of you," Perseus informed the two love goddesses.
"A reward is not necessary but is welcome my prince." Responded a humble Freyja.
"Your reward if you choose to accept it is that the two of you shall coordinate with my mother and Queen Hera and plan the wedding of Artemis, Thalia, and myself," Perseus said in gratitude.
"EEEEE! Really you will let us plan your wedding?!" Shrieked Aphrodite.
"Ummm…yes. The two of you have earned it. Just do not do anything to elaborate and make sure to consult Hera and my mother or there will be Hel to pay." Perseus said in an unsure tone.
"When are wanting to have the wedding?" Freyja asked.
"Wel…well that is the thing. I would like to have it within the next month or so if possible." Perseus replied.
"My, my Perseus it seems someone is a bit anxious to get fucked." Teased Aphrodite.
With a red face, Perseus stutteringly said "um… do…do yo…you wa…want to…do…do this… or…or not?"
"Yes!" both love goddess's exclaimed as one "It will be everything you want and more."
"Excellent. I must go and check on Artemis. We must return to Midgard as soon as possible." Perseus informed the goddess's as he made his way towards his fiancé.
As he approached the group of young females Perseus was swamped much like Artemis had been by the hunters all apologizing for their actions. At that Perseus said "there is no need to apologize. You were all under a powerful spell cast by a deadly sorceress. I am relieved that Freyja and Aphrodite were able to undo the spell."
"Artemis have you informed them of the situation?" Perseus inquired.
"No. I was just about to do that when you came over." Artemis replied. "Hunters gather around and listen up. Earlier today Camp Half-blood was attacked by a small army of monsters and Frost giants. They were able to enter camp because they found an entrance to the labyrinth that was in the camp. Thankfully with the help of Thalia, Perseus, and I the army was destroyed. Perseus and I have returned to gather you and make our way back to camp. Once there you will provide support for any future attacks or until the labyrinth is destroyed." Artemis instructed.
At this grumbling could be heard throughout the hunters until finally a voice rang out "Milady can the gods not do anything?" Zoe asked.
"The gods are still bound by ancient laws; however, my father Lord Zeus has found a few of what mortals call loopholes and is exploiting them to provide the demigods all of the help he can," Artemis replied.
"And then later this evening quest members are being chosen to navigate the labyrinth and find Daedalus in hopes of finding a way to close the labyrinth and I suspect one of you may be chosen to help lead the way through the labyrinth," Perseus added as he looked directly at Zoe.
"Yes now gather your things and say your goodbyes we leave as soon as possible." Ordered Artemis.
At this, the hunters went about collecting their things and said goodbye to the Valkyries that remained behind to guard them. Soon everyone was gathered in the observatory as Perseus said: "Heimdall open the Bifrost" at that the Rainbow Bridge was opened as Perseus, Artemis, and the hunters were transported back to Midgard.
/\/\/\/\/\
Most of the campers were already fast asleep in their bed as silence filled the air throughout the camp, well that is except for the air in the arena. It was currently filled with the sound of clashing metal, as four girls battled different types of automatons courtesy of the prince of Asgard. Understanding the dangers, they would face Perseus suggested that the quest members participate in a training session. At first, the quest members complained due to the time of night and how it would affect how much sleep they had. Perseus reassured them that they would get plenty of rest, at his assurance of getting enough rest they quartet of females agreed to the training. Once they agreed to the training, Perseus erected a time dome around the arena so that they could train for a longer period of time while inside the dome (time passes much faster in the time dome) while very little time passed for the outside world.
"BIANCA DUCK!" Zoe yelled as she saw a huge axe heading for the daughter of Hades head. As Hades daughter quickly ducked and sent a grateful nod of the head, Zoe's way before she shot one of her stygian iron arrows at the automation that had thrown said axe and watched as the arrow froze the area it penetrated and began to spread across the automations body.
The girls had been training for hours and they were each shining with sweat, but they continued on regardless. The automations that Perseus had brought from Asgard varied in the degrees of difficulty. Annabeth had commented that they looked like Ultron out of some comics her brothers read when she was at home, but Perseus shook his head not understanding who this Ultron was.
"Is that the best you can do?!" Thalia shouted at what appeared to be the head automation.
The machines eyes seemed to glow before the destroyed automations repaired themselves and surrounded the girls.
"Must you always open your mouth daughter of Zeus!" Zoe hissed.
"You know I do" retorted Thalia before slapping Zoe on the ass teasingly.
"Will you stop doing that!" Zoe again hissed, although this only served to make Thalia laugh.
It didn't take long for the automations to descend on the group and after hours of training, each girl complemented the other perfectly, covering each other's backs and what not. Zoe and Bianca were letting loose arrow after arrow, Bianca's with its freezing properties and Zoe's enchanted hunter arrows all aimed for the weak points whilst Thalia been a daughter of Zeus was calling forth her lightening which due to their metal bodies and internal components practically vaporizing parts of their bodies. Annabeth on the other was using a combination of her invisibility cap and natural agility to climb parts of the automations and stab at weak points mainly joints to bring them down.
However, there were too many of the automations and eventually they became overwhelmed and as soon as one of the automations was about to strike a death blow they shut down leaving the girls panting hard from the battle.
"Good fight girls," said Thalia leaning heavily on her spear.
"I concur" Zoe replied.
Once the automations returned to formation they vanished back to Asgard leaving the girls to head off for a shower to clean their bodies of sweat, as the sounds of heavy breathing filling the air as well as a slap followed by Zoe shouting. "STOP SLAPPING MY ASS THALIA!" which caused the three remaining girls to laugh.
/\/\/\/\/\
It was just after dawn when the quest group consisting of Annabeth, Bianca, Thalia and Zoe met at Zeus's fist. Chiron was with them to ensure that they had everything they needed to help them whilst in the labyrinth. Annabeth was going over the contents of her backpack one more time, pulling out and putting back in a thermos with filled with nectar, a few squares of ambrosia, a couple lengths of rope and a few flashlights along with a couple of extra packs of batteries just in case.
"Well, it appears that you are ready" exclaimed Chiron.
The group could tell he was trying not to sound nervous, but he was failing miserably.
"May the gods be with you" Chiron added before the group headed over to the entrance to the labyrinth and descended into darkness.
/\/\/\/\/\
The group didn't make it very far, roughly fifty meters when Zoe told them to wait so she could get her bearings.
At this Thalia was already on her case. "I thought you said you could navigate this god's forsaken place!" Thalia shouted throwing her arms up in exasperation.
"I can navigate this… place…somewhat. My blessing from Artemis combined with my many years as a hunter have sharpened my navigation skills, but due to the labyrinth being ever changing and as I have never been in here before it may take a couple tries to get my bearings. But if you think you can do a better job, then be my guest!" shouted back Zoe.
"Girls, calm down, don't get your panties in a twist," said Annabeth getting the middle of the two which brought a smile to Bianca's face.
Huffing Thalia rummaged through her pockets and pulled out a bag of sweets and began munching on them whilst Zoe got her bearings back.
"This way" announced Zoe pulling the rest from their thoughts as they began following the hunter was more.
Continuing on for about twenty minutes the group came across a room covered with mosaic tiles, the walls, and ceiling filled with pictures. A multitude of colors ranging from different shades red and blue to more royal colors like gold and silver. The biggest picture showed the Olympian gods at some type of feast or party. Thalia grimaced at the sight of Zeus trying to hit on some minor goddess whilst Annabeth smiled at the sight of her mother with a book in her hand.
"What is this place?" asked Bianca. "It doesn't even look Greek."
"No it's…" started Annabeth before being cut off by Zoe who said "Roman, these pictures and type of designs are roughly two thousand years old."
"How is that possible?" inquired Thalia "Even I know that the Romans didn't make it this far in the world."
"The Labyrinth is alive" reminded Annabeth before Zoe could answer. "It's always expanding and adding different pieces of history ranging from artwork to treasures," said Annabeth pointing at some Roman coins and rings to prove her point.
"Shouldn't we move on?" asked a nervous Bianca as she stepped over part of the crumbled table.
"Yes, let us continue on" Zoe agreed and motioned for the group to follow as she headed down another tunnel.
Every few hundred feet the tunnels seemed to twist and branch off whilst the floor changed consistently, ranging from wood then to cement and then mud. It didn't make any sense to anyone in the group, even Annabeth who was desperately searching for an answer. They came across numerous different rooms ranging from rooms filled with weapons to torture devices to wine and even a room filled with images of nude people and sex toys which brought a blush to each girls face and they quickly exited that particular room into another tunnel.
"I wonder how camps doing," Thalia said to no one in particular.
"Probably having a better time than we are" muttered, Bianca. "I hope Nico is okay."
"I'm sure he's fine, Chiron wouldn't let anything happen to him" answered Annabeth.
"It's the campers I'm worried about; I don't want him to get bullied" retorted the daughter of Hades.
"Fear not Bianca, we can kill…I mean kick the asses of whoever bullies your brother" said Thalia cracking her knuckles before letting out a surprised squeal before falling on her butt. Quickly getting up and using one hand to rub her aching backside, Thalia shone her light on whatever she tripped on before letting out a disgusted breath. "Oh that is just nasty," she said before looking up at Zoe, "why didn't you warn me?!" she hissed.
Zoe tried to look innocent but was failing horribly and just said "I thought you knew" before looking away as Thalia just crossed her arms.
"I wonder who it is?" Bianca asked kneeling down next to the skeleton before jumping back as a voice shouted: "are you going to stand there all day, come along!"
This sudden voice startled the rest of the group while Zoe's hunter's instinct kicked into gear as she notched an arrow in her bow.
"Who's there?!" demanded the huntress.
"Come closer and you will see" answered the voice.
Looking between themselves, the group of girls made their way forward weapons at the ready and came upon another room where a man with a trench coat was standing and if that wasn't odd enough he has two faces. Behind the man were two doors, both were wooden doors that seemed to be locked judging by the massive metal bolts that were fixed in place with a giant padlock. The key to what they assumed where the padlocks hung on the man's belt who was beckoning them to come closer.
"Where do those doors lead?!" Annabeth demanded as she stepped up beside Zoe.
"That's a good question and the answer to that question is as follows. One leads the way you need to go whilst the other leads to your doom" The strange man answered.
"Your Janus, god of doorways, beginnings, endings and choices" Annabeth stated to no one in particular.
"Well aren't you clever" sneered the face on the right before been shushed by the face on the left which said "silence, she must choose."
"She doesn't have to choose anything!" Thalia shouted as she held her spear in a threatening manner even though she knew it wouldn't do much good against a god.
"Yes she does and she must choose now," both faces said in perfect harmony making it sound even creepier.
"Annabeth are you going to choose?" asked a nervous Bianca.
"No don't say a thing" growled Zoe.
"I…I… ch…choose…" Annabeth started to say before being interrupted by Thalia.
"No don't choos…" but Thalia was also interrupted as a bright flash of light filled the room causing the girls to cover their eyes whilst Janus brought both his hands to his face in attempt to shield his two faces.
Once the light died down before them stood Hera, Queen of the Heavens. She had her chestnut brown hair rolled into an elegant bun which gave off an air of royalty whilst her dress resembled that of a peacock's tail which somehow shimmered in the darkness of the room.
"Janus, are you harassing these ladies?" Hera asked in a voice which seemed to have a veiled threat if the question was not answered correctly.
"No your highness, I am just doing my duty, surely you can understand milady?" stammered the minor god.
"Yes, I do understand but it seems you have arrived too early to perform your duty, now be off, I will take care of these girls." Ordered Hera.
Grumbling silently at having his fun ruined, Janus gave a pointed look to Annabeth before disappearing in a flash of light.
Turning round Hera, smiled warmly which Thalia and Zoe thought was not like Hera the two knowing firsthand what the queen of the heavens was like, each knowing for different reasons. With a wave of her hand, Hera conjured a table made of what appeared to be pure marble filled to the brim with different kinds of food and drink.
"Come ladies we have much to talk about" Said the queen of the gods.
/\/\/\/\/\