Chapter 32

Bianca's powers of being able to detect things under the Earth undoubtedly saved their lives. Even in the depths of the Labyrinth she was able to tell that many of the extra paths they crossed were dead ends. Thankfully the only path that seemed to continue led them to the outside world after only a few hours of wandering around lost.

When they came out of the Labyrinth in a dead end it was hot and humid. The cave they exited out of led to a massive green field that held large barns not too far ahead, and a small river that ran near sets of stables. A long barbed wire fence seemed to encase the property, and he noticed an oak tree and cacti in the distance. The sun seemed to be high in the sky which made Percy's stomach turn as he realized there was no way that night had not fallen in the hours they were wandering around in the Labyrinth. After his experience in the Lotus Casino he really hated places that didn't understand the simple rules of time. He asked the daughter of the Underworld, "How long do you think we've been down there?"

She looked around and frowned, "Good news is that it likely wasn't as long as I was trapped in the Lotus Casino. It's also hot which is a good sign. It's likely still Summer."

Percy grumbled at her words, "Let's go down to the river, and try to make an iris message. From there we can head to the ranch and see if we can figure out where we are."

Bianca nodded before a puzzled look crossed her face. Percy noticed it and asked, "What's wrong?"

"My brother...he is close. Really close." Bianca said in concern. She suddenly looked really nervous.

Percy sighed, "Come on let's go contact Jason before we do anything else. We may not have tons of time."

Together the two made the short trek down to the river where Percy summoned a light mist from the water, and Bianca tossed a coin into the creek, "Oh Iris Goddess of the Rainbows show me Jason Grace at Camp Jupiter."

An image shimmered in the light Rainbow, and immediately Jason Grace appeared in his office staring at a map looking furious and worried. Percy spoke, "Jason!"

Jason's eyes shot up, and when he saw Percy and Bianca it was like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders, "Oh my gods Percy, Bianca you're alive. Where in Tartarus' name are you guys?"

Percy looked sheepish, "We don't know. We found the Labyrinth by accident. Bianca shadow traveled us and we ended up in this cave. Look I don't know how much time we have, but we have got to talk."

Percy and Bianca explained their encounter with Janus, and the cryptic message Juno had given them about saving the camp. They explained that they had only been gone a few hours while Jason seemed to age as the story went on, "It's been just under twenty four hours. We searched the entire mountainside for you too...most people weren't too worried because they thought you two ran off for some...privacy."

Percy and Bianca blushed, and neither looked at the other while Jason continued, "I'm glad you two weren't that irresponsible. Not that I ever thought you were mind you, but it is good to see the two of you. Cassie will be relieved to hear you are okay Percy. The Guard tried to play it off like we weren't worried, but we spent half the night in meetings trying to figure out what we were going to do."

Percy bowed his head in embarrassment, "Well believe me we didn't mean to cause this. Juno talked about passing her tests though, and then we would be led to the forges of Vulcan. From there we will find Dedalus and convince him to show us a way to navigate the maze. Once we learn where the entrance to the Labyrinth is we will prepare for invasion. We just need the camp to hold out until then."

Jason nodded, "We will hold down the fort till you get back. You guys just be careful. I know yall are experienced together, but don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. Watch each other's backs."

Percy nodded, "You take care of everyone. We will be back as soon as we can."

Jason nodded, and Iris' message faded out. Percy slowly lowered the water back into the pond and Bianca sighed, "Come on let's go figure out where we are. With luck this took us to some demigod's back porch, and he will know of another entrance to the Labyrinth nearby that can get us moving."

Agreeing to her terms the two began hiking towards the house that sat on the large ranch. They came to a huge sign that said Triple G ranch, and Percy shrugged his shoulders at Bianca indicating he had never heard of such a place.

As they approached the house a low growl came from a nearby barn and Percy turned his eyes to see a two headed dog staring down Percy and Bianca. The two drew their weapons immediately, but its master lumbered out of the woods nearby. This is when the son of Neptune realized they may have a lot bigger problems. The dude was unnaturally large. Braided white hair, and an ugly cowboy hat, with a white shirt that said don't mess with Texas. He was holding a massive baseball bat with six inch nails sticking out of it. The man called out, "Sit Orthus."

The dog continued to growl until the man came up beside the two headed beasts scratching it from behind the ears, "Can I help you?"

Percy and Bianca exchanged looks while Percy stepped forward, "My name is Percy Jackson. My friend and I are travelers. We came out of a Labyrinth entrance nearby, and were hoping you could tell us where we are?"

The man crossed his arms, "You're in West Texas on the Triple G ranch. You're the second set of visitors we have received from the Labyrinth this week. Demigods having a convention down there or something?"

This made a knot appear in Percy's stomach, but before his nerves could increase Bianca asked, "Nico Di Angelo was he the other?"

This made the man's grip visibly tighten on the bat, but he grounded out, "We get a load of visitors from the Labyrinth and they rarely ever get to leave. You should go back to the Labyrinth while you can."

Bianca shook her head, "We need to meet with this other demigod before we go."

The man sighed, "I tried to warn you. Now I gotta take you to the boss. The names Iridian by the way. Son of Ares."

Percy decided to play ball with the man as he began walking towards the house, "Son of Poseidon and daughter of Hades at your service."

The son of the seas knew it would be best to continue to refer to himself as a Greek while he was in the presence of demigods that clearly didn't belong to the legion, and as he followed the man he noticed a variety of animals. He saw Giant Scorpions out in a rough patch of sand, while the fire breathing and flesh eating horses ran around the stable area. In the distance he even spotted Apollo's red sacred cattle out in the meadow. Percy knew that bad and immoral things likely happened on this ranch, but he didn't have time to delve into it. He was confident Bianca and he could take this son of Ares if things went south, but the size of the baseball bat made him hesitant to be the one to start the fight.

Percy attempted to make conversation, "You have a nice collection of animals."

The man grunted, "We have a large customer base. Hermes, Apollo, Diomedes, others…"

Bianca asked suspiciously, "Like who?"

"No more questions. While we are at it. No fighting. No drawing weapons. And no making comments about the boss's appearance." Iridian said brutishly.

Bianca and Percy exchanged sideways glances, and as they went up the steps to the house a new voice entered the area, "Welcome to Triple G Ranch."

The man on the porch had a normal head which was a far cry from what Percy and Bianca were expecting. He had a deep tan from his years out on the ranch and easy black hair with an ugly pencil moustache. While the face was normal Percy's eyes immediately drifted downwards and realized what Iridian had been talking about. The man's body was unnatural because there appeared to be three in total. The man was a freak of nature, and Percy felt his hand nearly flinch to his necklace so he could summon his armor and weapons, but stopped himself while Bianca seemed to be having similar difficulties. After seeing Janus Percy thought he was ready for anything but the three chested man left him at a loss.

The man tipped his hat towards Percy and Bianca, "Welcome demigods the names Geryon!"

Before Percy and Bianca could explain themselves Nico Di Angelo came out of the glass doors, "Geryon I won't wait forever we need to-"

When Nico's eyes went to Percy and Bianca they widened in shock, "Bianca?"

The girl gave him a soft smile and opened her arms, "Hello Nico."

The boy surged forward and embraced her tightly, "It's good to see you sis. Now that you are here you can help me."

Before Bianca or Percy could ask what he needed help with Geryon grinned, "Well look at this happy family reunion. The children of Hades reunited at last."

Percy looked at the man warily, "You know Bianca and Nico?"

"I know all of you Percy Jackson. I make it my business to keep informed son." Geryon winked at Percy.

Nico looked paler and thinner since Percy had last seen him. His eyes were filled with hate, and Percy felt his chest tighten. One so young shouldn't hold such anger, especially not one that could be related to someone as kind as Bianca.

Percy kept his focus on Geryon as Bianca tried to talk to Nico, "Mr. Geryon if you know who we are you know how connected I am back in my home. For information I can see you paid generously."

"How about a tour of the ranch first? Before we talk about business." Geryon said with a bright smile.

Percy seemed thrown off by his offer, but agreed. The demigods all followed Geryon to a trolley size golf cart, and they boarded on with Iridian getting in the back, seeming to take a nap. The tour was disturbing to say the least. The stables were among the most disgusting things the son of Neptune had ever seen. The animals were in unethical breeding programs, and Apollo's sacred animals were slaughtered for their meat. Percy knew this place was an abomination to the gods and the magical creatures of the mythological world, but he knew if he wanted to get the information he needed he would have to smile and wave, but perhaps if the man didn't have the info he needed he would solve the problem in a way that would make his father proud.

Bianca was clearly disturbed by the tour, and whispered into Percy's ear, "This man is a monster, are you sure we want to deal with him?"

She said it so quietly it sent a pleasant chill down his spine. He leaned back over to her, "No choice."

Geryon looked sharply at the two, "Something to share kids?"

Bianca immediately took his hand, "Just happy to be traveling around with my boyfriend. We've seen such interesting things on our travels."

Nico and Percy both looked up sharply, but the little brother got the word out before Percy, "Boyfriend?"

Geryon just grinned at her, "Well try to keep it PG for your little brother here. No need to scar the young man."

Percy immediately wiped the surprise look off his face and put an arm around the girl playing the part. As he continued to survey the farm he had a feeling this man was using his supplies to feed the Titan Army. Why else wouldn't he tell them who his other clientele were?

When the tour was over Nico said, "My friends and I need to move on soon Geryon. My ghosts tell me you can lead me to the soul that can help me. Are we going to make a deal or not?"

The man grinned fiendishly, "Now I certainly could, but where is your ghost friend."

Nico looked disturbed, "He can't form in daylight. He is always around though."

"Minos sure does like to disappear when things get difficult."

Bianca yelped, "Minos? What are you doing with that psychopath?"

Nico flinched at her tone, but said, "Just trust me Bianca I know what I am doing."

The three bodied man sighed, "Well the truth is Nico Luke Castellan is offering big money for half bloods, and I can only imagine what kind of money I could fetch for three children of the eldest gods."

Nico immediately pulled his sword while Iridian swatted it away. Percy however immediately summoned water from the river and shoved the man backwards several yards with a tidal wave. The two headed dog seeing its master thrown around got angry and attempted to attack Percy, but Bianca was at his side in a moment encasing the creature in shadows. Nico had his sword back in his hands in seconds while the three turned to Geryon who was just grinning savagely, "I haven't had a good fight in years little demigods. Sure you want to play this game."

Percy glared, "Killing sacred animals to gods of Olympus is a crime. As Praetor of the twelfth Legion I am placing you under arrest. Come quietly or die."

Geryon's smile faded, "You think you can come on my ranch and threaten me. Iridian help me kill these upstarts."

Iridian approached the group warily and looked at his dog which was being held in the shadows by Bianca, "Please don't hurt Orthus. He was just trying to protect me."

Percy growled, "Surrender yourself and call off your dog, or we will send all three of you to Tartarus."

The river behind Percy Iridian and Geryon was swirling violently, clearly waiting to be called by a master of the element, and Iridian seemed to realize intelligently that this was not a fight he could win, "Very well son of Poseidon. I surrender."

Geryon roared in anger, "Iridian you worthless vermin. I will kill you for this after I dispatch these demigods."

Bianca glared at the three bodied man, "Are you truly crazy enough to attack three children of the three?"

The man roared in anger and barreled forward, but Percy stomped his foot on the ground causing it to rumble, knocking the man off his feet. Percy then surged forward impaling his spear into one of the man's stomachs while Bianca thrusted her blade into one, and Nico the other. The fight was over in moments, and the man erupted into a blast of golden dust.

When Percy turned to face Iridian the man was on his knees holding up his hands in clear surrender. Percy walked over to the man and leveled his spear at his throat, "I want to make you deal Iridian."

The man gave him a careful nod indicating that he was listening while Percy spoke, "I am looking for information. If you can get me this information, and swear an oath on the Styx to take better care of this ranch, and stop slaughtering sacred animals to the God Apollo I am prepared to leave you in peace. On the condition that some of my people come check out the place on occasion to make sure you didn't find a loophole to your oath. Are we in agreement?""

Iridian looked thoughtful for a moment, but then nodded his head in agreement, "I swear to your terms."

Thunder rumbled sealing the oath, and Percy offered a hand to the large son of Ares, "I'm looking for an entrance to the Labyrinth. We are in search of a way to navigate it."

Iridian nodded, "Well there are two ways in and out of the ranch through the Labyrinth. One is up by that cliff side, and the other is down stream. It will take you to a water cave that leads you straight onto the banks of the Underworld. The Labyrinth entrance is by the River Styx."

Nico chimed, "That's where I came from. I've made camp down there."

Percy looked at the young man in surprise, "You can lead us there?"

"If Bianca will help me find the spirit I am after. I need a soul for a soul to get my mother back." Nico said with an even face.

Bianca paled at his words and Percy looked at her in concern as she spoke, "That is seriously dark magic Nico. You shouldn't mess with things like that. Besides, our mother is in Elysium. You should not disturb her rest."

Nico looked angry at her words, "Well she won't answer my summons. I just want to speak with her and this is the only way."

Bianca gave her brother a sad look, "Let us wait for nightfall, and then we will try to summon her together. She will not be able to resist both of our power or presence. If we are to disturb her rest I think this is the only way to go."

Nico looked contemplative, but Percy asked while he was thinking, "Whose soul are you after anyways?"

The son of the Underworld looked at Percy with a cold look, "A man who has defied death for over two thousand years. The master of the Labyrinth Daedalus."

Bianca and Percy exchanged worried looks, but the young daughter of Hades spoke softly, "It is many children of Hades' fatal flaw to hold grudges. I have often communed with the dead little brother. You must come off this path, because only violence, death, and destruction will follow. Possibly even yours."

Nico shook his head, "You said there are two sides to every story, and I want hers. It's the only thing that will bring the answers I seek. The only way to decide what position I will take in this war."

Bianca sighed and turned to Iridian, "Can you spare us some food so we may commune with the dead tonight?"

Iridian shrugged, "I can give you all the food you want. We have tons of it here."

It was then decided, and the group waited for twilight. Bianca and Nico had created a small fire, and the girl turned to Percy, "When Nico and I start the ritual I need you to keep all the spirits away from the food. Only my mother can be allowed to drink or eat. From there we will make contact."

Percy looked her in the eyes carefully, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"My brother needs my help Percy. I have never delved this deeply into Necromancy, but that doesn't mean I don't know how to do it. We will have to be fast or Lord Saturn may pick up on what we are trying to do and attack us. I need you to trust me on this though. I wouldn't do anything that puts you in unnecessary danger." She said fiercely.

Percy nodded, putting an arm around the girl, "I know Bianca, I am just worried about you and Nico."

She reached up and kissed the son of the seas on the cheek with a small smile, "I am glad to know you care so much, but this is our domain. I could handle this myself easily, and the fact that we are both here will make this all but simple."

The spot she kissed burned on Percy's face, and he immediately began thinking of things that might get him another but Nico spoke, "It's time Bianca."

The girl gave him a soft smile, and walked over to Nico with a look that screamed power and determination. The chant began just as the sun hid behind the hills. The shadows were everywhere at this time of day, and it didn't take long before spirits started coming out of the shadows to approach the sacrifice Nico and Bianca had prepared. Without stopping her chanting Bianca motioned for Percy to start dispatching spirits, and he immediately came forward swinging his spear in wide arcs to keep them back. The spirits flinched at the Imperial Gold, and most stayed back. A lighter spirit after a short time began to approach and Percy quesitongly looked to Bianca before he attacked it, but her chanting had stopped and she stared with her mouth open. Somehow Percy had a feeling he should not attack this last spirit, and he allowed it to approach the ditch where it began feasting on the food, and lemonade. Shortly after the spirit began to take form. The woman was very beautiful, and she greatly resembled Bianca. She had the same dark hair, and dark brown eyes, and a smile that was almost identical to Bianca's as she looked at her children. She wore a velvet dress, with a matching hat, a string of pearls, and white gloves, "Hello children."

Nico dropped the book he was holding, "Mother."

She held out her hands for her two children and when they approached they tried to take them, but their hands passed through hers. The woman gave them a sad look, "It's good to see you both."

Bianca had a teary smile, "It's good to see you too mom."

Nico looked bewildered, "Why didn't you answer any of my calls. I've been trying for-"

"I have met many children of the Underworld down here in Elysium Nico. They have all warned me about feeding your grudge. Many came down there at an age much too young, and it was all in pursuit of needless revenge." Maria Di Angelo explained softly.

Nico looked at the woman hopelessly, "Is it true Lord Zeus killed you?"

The woman sighed, and looked to Bianca who looked worried about the answer, "Yes and no. I was killed by Zeus' weapon, but it was my own arrogance that got me killed. I mouthed off about the King of the gods. I ignored your fathers warnings about what the oracle had said. I cost myself my life, and nearly that of my childrens as well."

Nico's face turned red with rage, "So we should strike against Olympus."

Bianca trembled, and Percy, ignoring all else, moved to comfort her. The woman turned to face Percy, and a smile appeared on her face, "Bianca it seems you have found yourself a handsome young hero." Percy blushed, but the woman turned back to her son, "Nico look to the son of Neptune for guidance. He had every right to be angry with Olympus. His mother died, and no one protected him or her. He suffered greatly at the hands of another yet no one offered to help him. He grew up an outcast, and mistreated by his own people, yet he rose above them all and became their most respected leader. Don't let a tragedy lead you to ruin. Your father is a good man, and he fights for his family despite what they may have done to him in the past. You must do the same if the house of Hades and Pluto is to gain its prominence once again on Olympus, and it is my deepest wish to see both my children accepted as the heroes I know they can be. Set aside your grudge my son, and fight for your family. You see where your sister's heart belongs, and you are all each other has in the world. Fight for it."

With that the woman's visage began to fade, and Bianca looked up sharply, "Lord Saturn has noticed the presence of a spirit for too long we have to break the connection."

"No!" Nico shouted.

But Maria Di Angelo gave her son a sad smile, "Take care my children, and never give up. Even if it seems impossible."

She looked at Bianca when she said this, and then she vanished. The fire from before was out, and Maria Di Angelo was gone.

(A/N) Communing with the dead is dangerous, and when Nico does it the Battle of the Labryinth it was risky, but with the help of his sister this go around it was much easier. Nico is still uncertain as to where his loyalty should lie, but like Maria Di Angelo said there is a good role model in Percy to look up too.

Next chapter will delve further into the Labyrinth and our first run in with the Telchines. I admit I am catching up with my writing very fast. I have only written out chapter 35, and the chapters aren't coming very quickly. I hope to keep up my every other week schedule, and certainly will bring you another chapter on November 19th. Until next time please review, and I will see you all soon.

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