Chapter 12: Chaos in the Labyrinth
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I'm sorry about the wait but I needed a refresher in Greek Mythology to keep this going. Also I'm thrilled to say this story now has over 200 Followers and Favorites! Thank you all for your support! I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves on a boat towards Crete where Hercules, Icarus, Tempest and Theseus were scatted around nervously awaiting their arrival.
"Okay let's see: rope, knife, hammer, backup spectacles, backup to the backup spectacles, eye drops, sun spectacles." Icarus said.
"Wait what's the point of those last ones?" Hercules asks.
"In case the sun gets too bright." Icarus said putting drops in his eyes and cringed. "So what did you bring?"
"Uh not much really." Hercules said.
"You two know nothing about preparations for battle." Tempest scoffs sharpening her sword.
Looking at her, they saw Tempest also had a few daggers and even a spear.
"You really need that many weapons Tempest?" Hercules asks.
"You don't even have any." Tempest points out.
"Hey I was nervous; this is my first mission and I didn't know what to do." Hercules said.
"Geez you guys are really nervous. We haven't even arrived yet." Theseus said.
"Yeah we know, but that doesn't mean we're not nervous." Icarus said.
"Well whining about it isn't gonna make things better." Tempest scolds before pausing. "How did I become the one with the most common sense?" Tempest asks.
"Look if you guys are still down about your pal uh…uh what was his name again?" Theseus asks forgetting it already.
"Nico." They all said.
"Right, right. Uh so about our guest?" Theseus points out.
"Anyone ever tell you that your memory stinks?" Hercules asks.
"I might need to be told things a few times." Theseus admits.
"Oh sweet Hera." Tempest facepalms.
"We're coming up on Crete." Thea calls out from the front.
Grabbing their gear, Thea and Icarus joined Hercules and Theseus.
"So this quest is legit. Like from the Olympians?" Icarus asks.
"Yes, the City of Crete. The home of King Minos, one of the wisest kings to ever rule." Thea said as they looked out into the distance to see an island.
"Well if this king is so wise why are we going to help them?" Tempest asks.
"Because he's gone insane." Thea declares surprising them.
"Well this just got intense." Icarus said.
"So what happened?" Hercules asks.
"I can't say much but before he snapped, he had a special project built by the great craftsman and architect Daedalus." Thea said making Icarus gasp.
"My dad worked for him!" Icarus said getting their attention.
"Wait your father is the great craftsman?" Hercules said surprised.
"Well that explains all your inventions." Tempest said.
"But what could my dad have created that could cause so much bad things? His inventions don't harm people…well not on purpose anyway." Icarus shrugs.
"How come you never told us your dad was such a big deal?" Hercules asks.
"Same reason you and Tempest aren't always bragging about your parents." Icarus replies.
"Fair point. So what's our strategy?" Hercules asks.
"I say we just have our weapons do the talking." Tempest said.
"Uh I'm pretty sure if we kill a King out of the blue we'll be declared criminals." Theseus said before pondering. "Hmm wait was that law death or imprisonment?"
"Uh are you alright?" Icarus asks.
"Sorry I tend to forget things from time to time." Theseus said.
"Well I hope you didn't forget how to fight because Crete is up ahead." Hercules points.
"Listen, you all need to be firm and stoic. You can't fall for any of Minos' traps. You are representing an Olympian so make sure you pull this off." Thea warns.
"We'll try." Icarus said.
"Yeah we'll go right about to King Minos and bring an end to this." Hercules said.
"I am not liking our chances." Tempest cringed.
Meanwhile miles behind them Pegasus was flying through the air with Medusa and Nico on his back.
"How did your friend even find this thing?" Medusa asks.
"He won it. Now are we there yet?" Nico asks clinging to her.
"Like I told you before we'll get there when we get there. Just enjoy the flight." Medusa said.
"How can I? This is a nightmare." Nico said.
"Speak of yourself. Hey if your friend dies can we keep his flying horse?" Medusa asks.
"Mom!" Nico snaps.
"I was just kidding…well mostly." Medusa snickers.
"Step on in it Pegasus! We need to get to Crete!" Nico said as Pegasus neighed flying ahead with Talon right behind them.
At Crete as Thea's group of heroes docked they looked to see the people nervously going about their lives but they all shared one thing in common.
The constant look of fear in their eyes.
"Excuse me madam?" Icarus asks a passing woman but she just yelped dropping her basket. "Easy we're not gonna hurt you."
"I-I don't want any trouble. I'm just walking. See? No trouble." She said grabbing her basket and leaving in a hurry.
"What was that? Is it my breath?" Icarus asks checking his breath.
"Something's not right here." Theseus said as they looked around.
"What is up with these people?" Hercules asks.
"King Minos. His special project has his whole city terrified." Thea explains
"So what is this special project?" Theseus asks.
"We don't know remember?" Tempest raises an eyebrow.
"This is your quest. How are you going to figure this out?" Thea asks.
"I say we go right for Minos." Tempest said.
"No we need to keep a low profile." Icarus said.
"What do you think Theseus?" Herc asks.
"I say we see if anyone knows anything. Then we go for the palace." Theseus suggests.
"Hmm not a bad idea." Icarus said.
"I have my moments." Theseus chuckles as the 4 of them headed out with Thea observing her team with hope and nervousness.
'They're struggling to work together, but they're making some progress. I just hope it's enough.' Thea thought.
In the palace, we see a beautiful teenage girl with long blonde hair looking down at the city. This was Princess Ariadne.
Looking down at the city, she saw the people were nervously going about their lives.
"Every year." Ariadne said when a guard enters her room.
"Your majesty your father demands your presence before the choosing begins." He said.
"I'll be there shortly." Ariadne said gesturing for him to leave. "I hate this stupid rule. My father rips poor people from their families never to see them again. All for his own amusement. It's disgusting."
As Ariadne grabbed her crown she slowly took a knee.
"Athena Goddess of Wisdom. Please heed my prayer. Help me find the wisdom to bring an end to this atrocity." Ariadne prays before getting up and leaving.
Little did she know, Thea had appeared behind some curtains with her owl.
"Hoo." It said.
"Yep, she's how I found out about this. If my heroes can rise to this, they'll help her and these people." Thea nods.
Entering the throne room, Ariadne saw her father King Minos sitting on his throne.
Minos had messy black hair with his crown over it and a body that really stretched his toga out to show his rich and comfortable lifestyle.
"Father." Ariadne acknowledged.
"There's my beautiful daughter. Today is my selection day. I decided to increase the number to 4 tributes this year. I've been bored with just 3. They never last long enough." King Minos said.
"Father when are you going to put a stop to this? Haven't the people suffered enough?" Ariadne asks.
"A necessary evil my dear. It reminds the people of their place and it reminds my enemies what will happen if they threaten my kingdom. Besides it's only once a year. Now come I'm eager to see who is chosen." King Minos said leading her down the hall.
Making their way to a balcony the looked down to see a giant cavern with a hole in the top so they could see everything.
Inside the cavern was a giant labyrinth with tons of twists and turns.
"The Minotaur is eager for a meal. It's tired of prisoners of war and slaves." King Minos chuckles while Ariadne looks down in fear and worry.
In the main square the group of heroes entered to see the guards lining people up.
"4 people will be chosen this year." The guard said much to everyone's horror.
"Ooh they're drawing lots. Are they paying tribute?" Icarus asks.
"Oh they're paying tribute alright. With their lives." An old man said getting their attention.
"What are you talking about?" Hercules asks.
"Minos does this every year with either us or his enemies and allies. Some poor souls are sent to his castle and never heard from again." He said.
"Well know we know why this people are on edge." Theseus said.
"And I bet whoever is chosen goes right to the source." Icarus realized.
"And the first victim to be chosen…" The guard reached in to pull out the first name.
"Hold on!" Theseus yells stopping them.
"We volunteer to fight your monster!" Hercules declares as he, Tempest and Theseus stepped forward surprising everyone.
"You 4 are volunteering?" The guard asks.
"Well technically they are. I'm not really a—" Icarus said nervously.
"All of us." Tempest interrupts.
"Who are you? You aren't residents of Crete." A guard asks.
"We're heroes. Chosen by Athena to stop King Minos." Hercules said making the guards point and laugh.
"Herc maybe you shouldn't go around saying stuff like that." Theseus said.
"Yeah I see that now." Herc said.
"So much for doing our job." Icarus said as Tempest facepalms.
"I hate being the one with the most common sense." Tempest groans.
"Hmph very well. Looks like you're all safe for another year. Bring the "heroes" to the palace." The guard orders.
"Thank you for stepping but it was foolish. No one has defeated the monster." The old man said.
"First time for everything." Hercules said as they were escorted away.
"You sure this plan will work?" Theseus asks.
"I don't know but I sure wish we had Nico with us." Hercules said.
"For once I agree." Tempest said.
"Yeah…he could have taken my place." Icarus said and Tempest immediately bonks him on the head. "Ow!"
"We're doing this together." Tempest said.
An hour later, we see King Minos and Ariadne waiting in the throne room as Thea peeked in from the upper level to see her heroes brought inside.
"So these are 4 are the tributes for this year?" Minos asks.
"No sir. These ones are volunteers." The guard informs surprising them.
"Really now?" King Minos said as Theseus and Hercules stepped up.
"King Minos we've come before you to tell you one thing." Hercules said.
"Stop this madness at once." Theseus orders making King Minos burst into laughter.
"Oh that's rich. Me stop this?" King Minos said wiping a tear from his eyes.
"Look at what you're doing. You're ripping people from their homes and sentencing them to death for your own amusement." Theseus said.
"Your own people." Hercules said.
"I am the King. I can do whatever I want to these people. They have no choice." King Minos said.
"Shut this down now before it's too late." Hercules said.
"What do you mean too late?" King Minos asks.
"If you don't. We will kill you." Tempest threatens going for her weapons but the guards surrounded them.
"That's cute. You think you can kill me." Minos mocks.
"We were given this mission by Athena. This is not something you an ignore." Hercules said making Ariadne gasp.
"What did we say about declaring that?" Theseus hissed.
"Sorry I got caught up the moment." Hercules said.
"Father maybe we should hear them out." Ariadne said.
"Do not waste your time with these ridiculous fools. They are not heroes they are fools to think they can stop me. They won't even survive the Minotaur." Minos said.
"Minotaur? So that's your monster." Icarus realized.
"Yes, and no one has ever survived it." Minos said.
"Well know this Minos when we're done with your monster, we're coming for you!" Tempest threatens.
However, instead of being afraid Minos just laughs.
"Oh that's rich, assuming you don't get ripped to shreds you'll never find your way out." He warns.
"What of their weapons sir?" A guard asks.
"Let them use them. Might make the show more interesting." Minos chuckles.
"We'll see Minos." Theseus said as the guards escorted them to the entrance.
In front of a large door the 4 of them were shoved in.
"Say your prayers kids. You'll need all the help you can get." The guards said when Ariadne walked in.
"I'd like a minute with them." Ariadne said as the guards left.
"Whoa mama." Icarus whistles.
"Why are you here? Come to mock us?" Tempest asks.
"I came because I was surprised. No one has ever volunteered for this before." Ariadne said.
"We couldn't let Minos kill these people." Hercules said.
"But you could all die." Ariadne said worried.
"But if we don't more people will die." Theseus said.
"We appreciate your concern but unless you have anything that can help us you better leave." Tempest said.
"Here. Use this." Ariadne held out a spool of string. "This might help you all if you want to escape."
"A string?" Tempest raises an eyebrow.
"It's all I can give you." Ariadne said.
"Thank you." Theseus said taking it.
"You 4 are very brave to go against my father. No one has ever done this before." Ariadne said.
"Maybe that's why he's gotten away with this for so long. If you don't stand up to these problems they'll rule your life forever." Hercules said as they made their way in leaving Ariadne alone with her thoughts.
Sadly they were right, she tried to stand up to her father but it never worked out. She was always afraid of him.
Making her way inside, she joined her father in the viewing balcony as the 4 teens entered the labyrinth.
"Dad you continue to amaze me." Icarus said looking at the craftsmanship.
"Let's hope we survive it long enough to enjoy it." Hercules said as Theses tied the string to the door.
"And now we have a way out." Theseus said.
"Here you might need this." Tempest hands Theseus a sword and Icarus a dagger while she kept her spear ready.
"I don't need one Tempest. I'm good with my hands." Hercules assures.
"Sure you say but I'll keep my sword close by just in case." Tempest said doubtful.
"Come on the sooner we kill this monster the sooner we can finish this." Icarus said as they made their way in with Theseus holding on the string like it was their lifeline.
"And so it begins." King Minos chuckles as his goblet was filled with wine.
As they went further and further into the labyrinth Theseus could feel the string getting smaller and smaller with each twist and turn they made.
"We need to find this thing fast. What did Minos say it was called again?" Theseus asks.
"A Minotaur." Hercules reminds.
"It's a very vicious monster. It's better we get the jump on it rather than it getting the jump on us." Tempest warns.
Walking down the path they heard the sound of crunching beneath them.
"What's with all the sticks in here?" Icarus asks.
"Uh Icarus…those aren't sticks." Theseus points.
Looking down all of them cringed seeing the paths were filled with scattered bones and skeletons of previous maze dwellers.
"He sent all these people in here to their deaths." Hercules said horrified.
"These are the kind my mother warned me about. Sick monsters who see other living things are their property." Tempest growls.
"Oh man, dad if you could see what Minos made your work into." Icarus said repulsed.
"We have to put an end to this." Theseus said looking around. "Keep your eyes and ears open for anything."
Nodding all of them readied their weapons or in Herc's case tightened his knuckles.
Suddenly they heard a loud stomping noise startling them.
"Oh no." Ariadne gulps.
"Oh yes." Minos grins.
From her area, Thea looked down at this with a look of worry.
"Please, please win." Thea said silently.
Around the corner they saw a large shadow coming their way and footsteps making them uneasy.
With weapons at the ready they looked in horror to see a large monster that was half man and half bull cross their paths.
"Ooh here it comes." Minos grins ready for the show.
"That's a Minotaur?!" Icarus panics as the beast roars at them.
"Alright big guy time to take you out." Hercules said as the Minotaur prepared to charge.
Taking a stance, Herc held out his hands as the monster charged in.
Grabbing it by the horns Herc used his strength to try and push back.
"Oh no you don't." Hercules growls pushing back.
If it was a regular bull Hercules would have had this in the bag, but sadly it's not.
Using its giant fist the Minotaur nails Hercules in the chest with a powerful punch.
"Hercules!" Theseus gasps.
Grabbing her spear, Tempest threw it at the Minotaur stabbing it in the back making it howl in pain.
"What?!" Minos gasps not expecting this.
"They wounded it." Ariadne said equally surprised.
Running towards it, Tempest grabs onto the spear and delivers multiple strikes to its head.
Flailing around and around like a bull at a rodeo, the Minotaur threw her off making her hit the ground.
Pawing the ground the Minotaur charges in attempting to crush her but at the last second Hercules punches it in the face making it smash into the wall.
"Well they're certainly putting up a fight." Thea grins.
Reaching into his bag, Icarus pulls out a rope.
"Come on let's tie it up!" Icarus said as he, Tempest and Hercules tried to subdue it.
As they tied up the arms Icarus was about to do the legs when he got kicked in the gut by the minotaur.
"Icarus!" Theseus gasps as the Minotaur grabbed the ropes Tempest and Hercules were holding and yanked them in and slammed them against the wall.
Turning to Icarus the Minotaur raised its hooves trying to crush Icarus under them.
Yelping Icarus rolled out of the way and stabs its foot with the dagger Tempest gave him making it roar in pain and anger.
Dropping the string, Theseus grabbed Icarus by the legs and pulled him away just in time.
"We need more room, we're sitting ducks!" Theseus yells.
Getting up Tempest and Hercules followed him and Icarus out as the Minotaur yanked the dagger out more determined than ever to kill this group.
"They certainly have more fight than the previous tributes." Ariadne said.
"Doesn't matter, they'll never win. They're hurt, tired and lost. They all die in the end." Minos said eager to see the bloodbath.
Running a good distance they all stopped to catch their breath.
"That beast is unbelievable." Theseus pants.
"No wonder nobody has ever made it out of this maze alive. You'd need a whole battalion to get rid of that thing." Tempest said.
"You okay Icarus?" Herc asks.
"I'll be fine. Thanks Theseus." Icarus cringed.
"No problem." Theseus said when Herc noticed the string was gone.
"Where's your string?" Hercules points out.
"Oh no, I must have dropped it during the battle." Theseus said.
"How could you forget something so important?" Icarus asks.
"It was save the string or save you." Theseus said making Icarus pause.
"I apologize for my outburst?" Icarus said.
"Yeah that's what I thought." Theseus said.
Breaking down a nearby wall, the Minotaur roars having caught up with them.
"That thing is strong. Really strong." Hercules cringed.
"Then we need to make that strength ours." Theseus realized.
Instantly Hercules got an idea.
"Listen and wait for the right moment." Hercules recites before taking a stance. "Hey you big lug! Come and get me!"
"Hercules what are you doing?!" Theseus gasps.
"Something my best friend taught me. Tempest, I need a sword!" Hercules said.
"I knew you would need it." Tempest said as she tossed him a weapon.
Snarling the Minotaur charged at him with Hercules charging back.
Swinging his arms, the beat planned to crush Hercules but at the last second Hercules ducks under and slashes the Minotaur making it scream in pain.
"Hmph not bad, maybe I should stick to learn to use a sword too." Hercules said.
"You need practice. You didn't even hit a single vital organ." Tempest gestures to the growling beast.
"I think you just made it madder." Theseus cringed as the Minotaur roars in anger and rage.
"Let's try this again!" Hercules went on the attack but the beast wasn't gonna fall for that trick again.
As Herc swings his sword, the Minotaur swings his horn breaking the sword and sending Herc flying backwards.
Groaning he looks to his friends.
"Okay anyone else got any ideas?" Herc asks.
"I got one…Run!" Icarus said as they scrambled to get away.
"I knew they wouldn't last long." Minos said enjoying himself.
As they turned a corner Icarus bangs into a divider making his bag spill open and his sun spectacles landed on the ground.
Recovering Icarus looked to see they were in the middle of 3 other paths to choose from.
"Let's go with this way!" Tempest said pointing to the right.
"No this way!" Hercules said pointing down the middle.
"How about this way?!" Theseus said pointing to the left.
But it was too late, while they were arguing the Minotaur caught up with them.
"Oh I think is it guys! I just want you all to know you are truly the best friends a guy could ever ask for!" Icarus said.
"Thanks buddy." Hercules smiles.
"We're not dead yet!" Tempest said.
"Oh I wish Nico was here. I wish there was a way out." Icarus said when they heard a neighing.
"What's that?" A guard points.
"Huh?" Looking up Minos and Ariana saw something flying in followed by a faint noise.
As it got closer the noise sounded like a familiar scream.
Eyes widening Thea looked to see Nico and Medusa flying in on Pegasus.
"We made it!" Medusa said.
"Oh finally! The nightmare is over!" Nico screams.
"What in the?" Theseus said as Pegasus flew in and kicks the Minotaur with his hooves sending it crashing into the wall.
Jumping off Medusa looks at the guards over them and instantly they all turned to stones.
"Oh mama! A Gorgon! Look away!" Icarus stumbles back knocking his bag over.
"Nico what are you doing here and why are you with that gorgon?" Tempest asks.
"That gorgon is my mother." Nico said jumping off Pegasus and hugging the ground. "Oh finally. Solid ground."
As Medusa looks to Nico's friends, she saw they were all looking away.
Cringing Medusa notices Icarus' sun spectacles on the floor. "What are these?"
Bending down Medusa picks them up and puts them on. "Wow you can't even see my eyes in these."
"How do we know we can trust you?" Tempest asks readying her sword to swing.
"Aren't you a gorgon?" Hercules said nervously.
"I am? And I thought Icarus was the smart one." Medusa said sarcastically.
"Yeah she's Nico's mom alright." Herc said.
"Guys if you won't trust her at least trust me. She's on our side." Nico said.
Seeing they were running short on options Hercules turns but to his surprise the sun spectacles were so dark he couldn't see her eyes.
"Wow Icarus your sun spectacles are amazing." Herc said as they looked at her but didn't turn to stone.
"So your mom…is a Gorgon?" Icarus asks.
"Apparently. And she helped me fly all the way here on Pegasus just help you guys." Nico said.
"So you're the famous Nicodemus I've heard about." Theseus said as Nico turns to him.
"Who the heck are you? Don't tell me he's, my replacement." Nico points.
"Not by our choice." Icarus said when Talon flew in and landed on his head. "Uh what's with the bird?"
"That's Talon he's with me." Nico said.
"Look can we do these intros later. We need to get out of this place now." Medusa said.
"I'm with Mama Gorgon." Icarus said as the Minotaur was slow to get up.
"Talon find us the exit." Nico said as the crow took flight and cawed leading them out.
Before the Minotaur could react Nico swings his staff hitting it in one eye.
"Not so easy when you can't see well is it?" Nico smirks as they ran off.
"Stop them you fools!" Minos orders.
"Good to have you back buddy." Herc smiles.
"I leave for a few days and you guys nearly get yourselves killed?" Nico asks.
"Can we do this later? We have a giant bull chasing after us!" Theseus said.
"Nico." Thea pauses wanting to help but remembers she's not supposed to.
Conflicted she looks to them and then to the minotaur.
"Oh forget the rules." Turning around Thea ran down the hall to go help.
Down below, Talon comes to a stop and caws telling them to follow him.
"I like your new bird Nico." Tempest smiles.
"His name is Talon and he really grows on you." Nico said.
Making a sharp turn they found themselves at a dead end.
"Oh no we made a wrong turn." Icarus said as they turned to double back only to see the Minotaur had caught up.
Growling it prepared to charge.
"Nico any ideas?" Icarus gulps.
"Yeah…on my signal jump to the side." Nico said.
"Wait what?" Theseus asks not liking this.
"Read his movements and move on my signal." Nico orders.
"You better listen if you want to live new guy." Medusa mocks.
Roaring the Minotaur charged towards them at full speed.
"Wait for it." Nico said.
Feeling the ground, Nico waited for the right moment as it closed in.
"Wait for it…Now!" Nico said as they all jumped out of the way at the last second making the Minotaur smash through the wall creating a giant hole.
"What?! No!" Minos yells standing up from his seat.
"Not bad." Ariana whistles impressed.
Running over the Minotaur the group runs to see the string Theseus had used on the floor.
"My string. That's our way out!" Theseus smiles.
"Well what do you know. You do remember stuff when it counts." Hercules smiles.
"I have my moments." Theseus smiles as they followed the string to the door, but when they opened it, they saw two guards with spears pointed at them.
"Stay where you are!" The guard ordered when something banged against his head knocking him out cold.
When he collapsed everyone minus Nico saw Thea on the other side.
"Thea." The teens smile.
"Of course, she's here." Medusa rolls her eyes.
"Hello Nicodemus. I'm surprised to see you here." Thea said as Nico walked up to her.
"Ath-Thea." Nico said correcting himself midsentence.
Hearing a grumbling they saw the Minotaur was waking up.
"Come on people! Let's move this along!" Theseus said as they ran through the door and slammed it shut.
"Phew glad that's over." Herc sighed in relief.
Neighing happily, Pegasus licks him.
"Thanks Pegasus, I'm really glad you brought Nico." Hercules smiles petting him.
"Not to ruin this moment but what is going on?" Nico asks.
"Alright long story short. The King in charge used to be all wise and all-knowing but then he went crazy and built that maze for his own amusement and has been throwing his people in there for years to get killed. We tried to talk him out of it and ended up thrown in." Icarus said.
"If you hadn't shown up when you did, we might have been goners." Hercules said.
Walking up to Nico, Tempest puts her hands on his shoulders.
"Nicodemus, I say this not as an amazon but as a member of this team and a friend…please come back!" Tempest begs surprising everyone. "I hate being the common sense of this team! All these men are idiots! I can't take it anymore."
"Uh we're right here you know?" Theseus points out.
"Oh believe me I know." Tempest said.
"Wow Tempest I gotta say I was not expecting this." Nico said when he heard something. "Uh oh we got company."
Looking down two hallways they saw the guards with sharp weapons coming their way.
"This way!" Thea said as they sprinted down the third hallway.
Running to a large door they opened it and to see a fancy guest room with a balcony.
Slamming the door shut, Hercules, Tempest, Icarus and Theseus started barricading it.
"Wow you actually helped us. I thought you just watched and judged." Nico said.
"I wanted to make sure you actually completed the quest." Thea said.
"So where were you when they were running from the Minotaur?" Nico crossed his arms.
"I could ask you the same thing." Thea counters crossing her arms.
"Oh will you two stop with the witty and just talk. I actually want to make it home in one piece." Medusa said.
"Really you want to let them do this now?" Tempest groans.
"Seeing as how that's the whole reason I came here, yes. So I'll give you all 2 options. Either hold the door back as people or I turn you all to stone and prop against the door as barricades. Either way. Less talking more pushing." Medusa snaps.
"Yeah she's Nico's mom alright." Icarus agrees as they all ran to the door.
Near the balcony, Nico pulls Thea to the edge.
"I can't believe you actually came back. I thought you would hate me." Thea said.
"Believe me, there's a million reasons I should hate you but part of me wonders if you even liked me or were just using me." Nico said.
"You really think I'm that manipulative?" Thea asks.
"You really want me to answer that honestly?" Nico counters.
As the guards bang against the door Hercules pushes back. "Talk faster!" Hercules yells.
"Thea you hurt me. You made my mom a monster and you never once thought of making it right. I really liked you and I thought you were amazing, but if you can't even see your mistake then how can I continue to like you?" Nico asks.
"Nico despite what many may think I'm not perfect." Thea admits.
"No shit you know it all bitch!" Medusa yells.
"Really mom?!" Nico calls out.
"Not now!" Thea calls out before turning to Nico. "Nico I'm the smart one, but the truth is I don't know much about anything else. I don't understand feelings like love, happiness or regret. Not until I met you, for the first time in my life I actually realized what I did was wrong and I'm sorry. I want to fix my mistakes but I didn't fake my feelings towards you. I really like you Nicodemus. I still do."
"I do too Thea, but what are we gonna do now?" Nico asks when a loud bang echoed.
"Just get…back…together!" Theseus yells as they pushed against the door.
"If we survive this you two can work this out!" Tempest said.
"Just swallow your stupid pride and kiss my son already!" Medusa yells.
"I'm willing to try you're willing to." Nico offers.
"Done." Thea nods.
Grabbing her by the robes Nico pulls her into a kiss making her close her eyes and melt into it.
"Aww." Icarus smiles loving the cute moment.
"Oh Gaea I feel like I'm gonna barf." Medusa said feeling nauseous.
"Uh not to ruin this moment but there are a dozen guards on the other of this door trying to kill us!" Hercules said snapping out.
"Right, right sorry." Thea blushes.
"Alright what do we have to do?" Nico asks.
"Uh…well I remember it had something to do with stopping Minos." Theseus said.
"We thought we could just tell order him to stop, but that didn't work."
"We need a plan. By the time we get rid of all these guards Minos will be long gone and at this again." Thea said.
"Well then let's just cut out the middle man. We push the guards and just go right for him." Nico said.
"Okay but how are we gonna get past all the guards? They'll all come for us." Hercules asks.
"Well then we just have to split them up." Nico grins getting an idea.
Leaning in he whispers a plan to all of them making all of them.
On the other side of the door, the guards were banging against it with a battering ram.
"One two three!" They yelled hitting it.
"Come on out right now!" The head guard orders.
A few seconds later they hear it unlock.
"Alright you got us. We surrender." Icarus said popping his head out. "I'll come quietly, but before you kill me, I just have one final request."
Narrowing their eyes, they lowered their weapons.
"Have a look at this!" Icarus pushes the door wide open and looks away to reveal Medusa.
"It's the gorgon!" The guard said.
"Not right now! Now I'm a really pissed off mother!" Medusa yells taking off the spectacles.
Screaming in horror the guards who didn't get turned to stone ran for their lives screaming.
Smirking Medusa puts them back on.
"Where have these things been my whole life?" Medusa asks.
"Mom you are the best." Nico smiles hugging her.
Giggling Medusa and her snakes were loving all the praise.
"Come on now's our chance!" Hercules said as everyone ran ahead.
"Wow I never thought I would say this but…thank you Medusa." Thea said.
"I didn't do it for you. I did it for Nicodemus." Medusa said.
"So you actually don't mind that I'm dating him?" Thea asks surprised.
"Let me make one thing clear." Medusa moves closer to look her in the eyes. "You break his heart again and I will go right to Athens and turn it into a city of statues." Medusa threatens.
"Assuming you don't die before that happens." Thea counters.
"Believe me, I don't plan on dying anytime soon." Medusa said as they ran off.
In the main hallway, the guards raced in to see Nico, Tempest, Icarus, Hercules, and Theseus running towards up.
Swinging his staff, Nico whacks a guard on the head while Theseus blocks a strike with his sword and kicks a guard in the chest.
"You're up Tempest!" Nico said as they moved out of the way.
Charging in, Tempest spun her spear whacking the guards away.
Leaping up in the air she performs a double kick hitting two guards in the face.
Making their way to the end of the hall they saw the door was locked shut.
"Herc you're turn." Nico said.
Stepping up, Hercules punches the door breaking it down with ease.
"Wow you really know what you're doing." Theseus said impressed.
"Yes I do, now where's that stupid king?" Nico asks whacking a guard on the head.
"Wait I remember this path when we walked in?" Theseus said looking around. "That way is the entrance and that way is the throe room." Theseus points.
"At least you remember the important stuff." Icarus said when they heard more guards coming their way.
"Icarus you got your eye drops?" Nico asks.
"Always." Icarus said taking out his bottle.
"Throw it." Nico said.
"But what about my eyes?" He asks.
"Throw it!" They all snapped.
Throwing the vial to the ground the liquid spilled all down the hall.
As they ran ahead the guards tried to follow but they slipped and fell.
Cawing they looked to see Talon gesturing for them to follow.
"Follow the bird to victory!" Icarus said as they chased after Talon.
In another part of the palace, Medusa and Thea were walking down the hall.
"I can't believe got off your stupid pedestal to help." Medusa said turning an attacker to stone.
"Hey I'm wise enough to admit when I'm wrong." Thea said swinging a spear and whacking another away.
"Sure you are." Medusa said sarcastically.
"How did you even become a mother?" Thea said as they finished the last of them.
"It started as an accident but it became of the greatest days of my life. For the first time in my life since you ruined it, I found a living creature that I could have in my life, be by my side and even love me. Nicodemus saved my life and is the only thing that helped me hold onto who I used to be before you made me this way." Medusa said.
Surprised Thea couldn't believe it. A young baby boy had managed to save a gorgon.
"You could learn a thing or two from him. Like how to think before acting." Medusa said going ahead.
'He may be adopted but Nico sure got her attitude.' Thea thought.
Looking down from an upper level, Ariadne saw the fights going on as both sides made their way towards them.
"They're on their way. Soon they'll reach us at this rate." Ariadne said.
"How can you idiots not stop them?! Kill them already!" Minos orders before turning to his daughter frustrated. "Why are they such a thorn in my side?"
"Father don't you see what's happening? They're going through all this because what you're doing is wrong. I should have told you this when you wanted this infernal labyrinth built. You need to stop." Ariadne said.
"If you ever want to rule Ariadne then you have to be willing to do whatever it takes for the sake of his beliefs, if he breaks, he has nothing." Minos said.
Hearing this Ariadne looks down to the labyrinth. Her father made this as a way to punish anyone who didn't agree with him and run around for his own amusement. And because of that the people feared him, feared everything.
"I always hoped that the wise king I remembered would come back. I miss the man you used to be father." Ariadne sighs.
"I will always be your father." Minos said putting his hand on her shoulder. "I'm just a better King."
"No…you're worse." Ariadne said shoving Minos off the balcony making him plummet down towards the labyrinth.
Hitting the ground hard, Minos groans getting up.
"When I get my hands on you I will—" Before Minos could finish his threat, he heard a growling noise.
Looking around Minos gasps in horror seeing he had fallen into his own labyrinth.
"No…no! Someone get me out of here! Help!" Minos yells as the Minotaur turns a corner and spot him. "Stand down beast! I am your master! Ariadne help me!"
"Guess you did have one last word of wisdom father. A ruler has to stand by their beliefs, but I'm doing it for the good of the people…not my own good." Ariadne frowns turning away.
Running around Minos hoped that someone, anyone would come charging to his aid, but nobody came. Only the Minotaur.
As your view turns to the wall, we see the large shadow attack Minos making his screams echo through the labyrinth until a splash of blood stained the wall and the screams were silenced.
In the main throne room, the two groups met up and were surrounded by guards.
Swinging their weapons, they tried to fight them off.
"Nowhere to run now." One guard said.
"Stand down!" Ariadne orders entering the room. "These people are not our enemies anymore."
"Princess, where is your father?" A guard asks.
"The King is dead." Ariadne declares surprising them.
"We didn't do it." Icarus said as everyone looked at him.
"Are you sure he's the smart one?" Medusa asks.
"He's got a point. How did he die? None of us got to him." Tempest asks.
"My father fell into his own labyrinth and was devoured by the Minotaur." Ariadne explains.
"What do we do of them your majesty?" A guard asks.
"Leave them. They are brave heroes who were willing to stand against my father knowing what he was doing was wrong. They helped inspire me to do what was right as well and as the new Queen of Crete, my first decree that the young warriors in this room saved our city and will forever have my respect and gratitude." Ariadne declares.
Hearing this, the guards slowly lowered their weapons and bowed.
"Well…I don't hate this." Medusa chuckles.
"So…we won?" Hercules asks.
"Yes, Herc we won." Nico smiles softly.
"Yes! I never doubted teaming up with you guys for a second." Theseus cheers.
"Did he already forget what he said on the way back?" Herc whispers.
"It's probably for the best he forgot." Icarus said.
"Thank you all, I prayed to Athena that I would be able to find the wisdom and bravery to go against my father but instead she sent me you all to show me the way." Ariadne smiles.
"Of course, she gets all the credit." Medusa mumbles.
"Well I like to think we helped her too." Nico smirks.
In the back, Thea looked at Nico and sighs.
"You all have my thanks and gratitude. There must be some way I can repay you." Ariadne offers.
"For now, your majesty we'll settle for just having you as an ally." Hercules said.
"Well you may also consider me, a friend." Ariadne smiles.
"Maybe sometime in the future we can be more than friends." Theseus flirts making her giggle.
"Maybe." She smirks.
"Your majesty I believe you have a city to address." Tempest points out.
"I will. But first, guards I want that labyrinth taken down." Ariadne orders.
"And what of the Minotaur?" The guard asks.
"That beast was made to be my father's executioner. In order to show the people, I am not like him everything about that horrible maze must go, including it." Ariadne frowns.
"Yes my queen." The guards said walking out with their weapons ready.
"That was quite the order your majesty." Nico said.
"I hope I'm up to the task. Give them a ship and a token of my thanks." Ariadne said turning to the throne. "I wish you all the best of luck. You all could make excellent heroes."
Smiling all of them couldn't help but like the thought.
In the labyrinth, we see the Minotaur sniffing around the maze when it noticed a large pile of meat in the middle of a large opening.
Walking over the Minotaur enjoyed wolfing down its last meal unaware of the guards emerging from the upper levels with arrows at the ready.
The second the Minotaur finished eating they fired causing a large thud to echo.
On the open sea, we see Nico struggling with sea travel as they all sailed back home.
"First flying and then sailing. I hate this." Nico whines.
"So you hate sailing and you hate flying?" Theseus asks.
"What did you expect? I use my feet to feel the ground and see where everything is." Nico snaps.
"Oh calm down Nico. You gotta see what Ariadne gave us." Hercules said as Nico looked at him with deadpanned expression. "Oh right, sorry." He cringed.
Looking in the chest, Tempest whistles impressed.
"She gave us quite the reward." Tempest said liking what she was seeing.
"Hey Nico, I think we just found your new weapon." Icarus chuckles pulling out a metal staff.
"Great uh, we'll go through that chest later." Nico said not really focusing on that.
"Why did we have to leave Ariadne behind? I would have taken her with me." Theseus said.
"Oh please you would have forgotten all about that girl before we got home and dumped her on an island." Medusa said.
"You don't need eyes to see that outcome." Nico said.
"Besides Theseus it's better she stays; Crete needs a ruler and Ariadne can make sure this never happens again." Hercules said.
"She'll make a good queen." Tempest smiles liking the idea of a woman in charge.
"Let's just go home. After this mess, I want to take it easy for a while." Nico said.
"You know what? I think we've all earned a break." Tempest said.
"You agree with me?" Nico said as everyone looked at her surprised.
"Who are you and what have you done with Tempest?" Icarus asks.
"Oh shut up. We almost died a few times and saved a whole city. That's worth taking a break." Tempest said.
"Agreed." Hercules nods.
"Set a course for home." Tempest said as they sailed off.
In the dark spooky realm of the underworld, Minos looked around in fear.
"Wh-Where am I? What happened?" Minos asks.
"Isn't it obvious Minos?" A familiar voice calls out.
Yelping Minos turns around to see Hades standing behind him.
"You died." Hades smirks.
"What? No No! No it can't be!" Minos said.
"If I had a drachma for every time I heard this." Hades rolls his eyes.
"What are you going to do to me?" Minos panics.
"Well your majesty normally I would judge which part of the underworld you would go to, but you're not getting that luxury today. Your whole labyrinth of sending your people to their deaths for your own amusement made me a very busy god. So I've decided to give you a taste of your own medicine." Hades said as flames surrounded him.
Snapping his fingers, Minos appeared in a large chair with dead souls lined up beneath him.
"What is all this?" Minos asks.
"Before you went insane Minos you were a very wise and just king. Which is why I'm assigning you the job of judging souls." Hades said appearing next to him.
"Why don't I get to pass on?" Minos asks.
"Because this is your punishment but also because I don't want to do this job anymore. Though if you really don't want this job, I know for a fact Cerberus needs a new chew toy." Hades threatens making him weak in the knees. "So do your job because you have no choice and your next day off will be when hell freezes over or I get more help. Neither of which is likely to happen for a while." Hades jokes before leaving Minos to his fate.
"Something tells me that this punishment was a little more personal." Looking to the side, Hades saw Persephone waiting for him.
"Well maybe I was a little angry he tried to kill my first mortal acquittance in the last 1000 years." Hades admits. "It's hard to meet people who have my sense of humor."
"You may be the God of Death but you are such a softie when it comes to people you like." Persephone teases.
"I am not soft. I'm as tough as my brothers." Hades declares when Persephone pecks him on the cheek.
"That's why I love you." She giggles.
Back at Nico's home, Medusa was looking at herself in the mirror with her new sun spectacles covering her eyes.
"Hmm I could get used to this." Medusa smiles styling her hair.
Hissing her snakes agreed, even if it wasn't reversed, she could go out without fear of turning people to stone.
"Maybe we should let Nico stay with them." Medusa said.
Turning around she sees Nico sitting with Hercules, Tempest, Icarus and Theseus by the fire outside.
"I gotta say Nico your home is pretty nice." Icarus said.
"Is it? I'll have to take your world for it." Nico said.
"Oh right sorry." Icarus apologizes making him snicker.
"So you really want to stay on our team Theseus?" Herc asks.
"I thought I was prepared to be a hero, but after working with you guys I think I learned I have a long way to go before I'm ready to go solo. Don't suppose I can be number 5 of this little team of misfit heroes?" Theseus asks.
"Hmm technically you'd be number 7." Icarus said.
"7?" Theseus asks.
"Pegasus and Talon are also on our team." Tempest points out.
"The bird and the horse are before me?" Theseus asks in disbelief.
"Afraid so." Herc said as they all laughed.
"You guys are definitely weird…I think I'm gonna like being a part of this." Theseus admits.
"Nico, do you mind if I have a word with your friends?" Medusa said walking over.
"Uh sure mom." Nico said getting up.
As Medusa gestures for him to walk away, the 4 teens watch the gorgon lady sit down.
"Now I'm grateful you all have become such good friends with my son, but I need to know. You all plan on taking him these quests, don't you?" Medusa asks.
"We do, if we learned anything today, we need Nico on our team." Hercules said.
"He's stuck with us Mama Gorgon." Icarus declares.
"Don't call me that." Medusa said.
"Sorry." Icarus said almost immediately.
"Now I just want to tell you all one thing just so we all have a good understanding." Medusa said in a sinister tone. "I love my son and if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be the woman sitting with you all right now."
"Well uh that's good to know." Theseus said a little nervous.
"Which is why you all need to know one thing. If you're not coming back with my Nicodemus don't come back at all. Or the monster in me might come out?" Medusa asks making Icarus cling to Hercules, Tempest and Theseus in fear. "Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes ma'am." All four of them said immediately.
"Good." Medusa said returning to her calm nature. "I think this is going to work out. Oh and Icarus."
"Yes?!" Icarus asks.
"Any chance you can make me a few pairs of these?" Medusa asks.
"Uh sure." Icarus said nervously.
"Great." Medusa smiles getting up and walking away.
"Are you sure Nico's not related to her by blood?" Theseus asks.
"I'm definitely seeing some resemblance." Tempest gulps.
As Nico walked to the house, he heard someone clear her throat.
"Athena." Nico said as he turned revealing Thea nearby.
"Sorry I didn't come back with you, but I felt you and your friends wanted to celebrate." She said.
"So what do we do now?" Nico asks.
"Before we make a decision I need to tell you something Nico. I've made many choices in my life. Some good, some bad, but no one ever had the guts to call me out on my actions. You made me realize that I wasn't perfect. You made me feel…human." Thea confesses.
"And that's a bad thing?" Nico asks leaning against his stick.
"For a goddess like me, it is. It made me realize that I'm not perfect, nobody is. Not even the rest of my family." Thea said.
"Did you ever regret it? Turning my mom into a Gorgon because of Poseidon?" Nico asks.
"When I first cursed all I wanted to do was change that curse and go after Poseidon. I hate him so much. He always does this stuff to me. Ever since I got the city of Athens named after me he's hated me every since. Seaweed brain does nothing but mess with others. Causing earthquakes, tsunamis, and all other kinds of disasters. I wanted to curse him more than anything." Thea said.
"So why didn't you?" Nico asks.
"Because…I was scared." Thea confesses surprising him. "He's one of the Big Three, Zeus' brother, one of the popular Olympians and there's me. The Know-It-All that does nothing but annoy everyone. I don't expect you to forgive me, I must be the most pathetic Olympian you've ever seen."
"Actually I think you're pretty amazing." Nico said surprising her. "How many Olympians can say they actually learned from their mistake? You're the first to admit it. That's pretty amazing to me."
Smiling Thea looks at him.
"So uh…think we can give this relationship another chance?" Thea asks.
"I'd like that Thea. I mean Athena." Nico said.
"Actually, I think I'll stick with being Thea when I'm around this group." She admits.
"Why?" Nico asks.
"Because that's the part of me you fell in love with." Thea blushes.
"I still do." Nico blushes.
Smiling Nico and Thea lean in and when their lips touched both found themselves lost in the other.
They had kissed before but this one topped them all.
From the window, Medusa sees this and sighs. "He really does love her."
Hissing her snakes tease her.
"Yeah right. I'm still hoping he wises up and dumps her on his own." Medusa said not ready to accept her just yet.
Nearby Talon and Thea's owl couldn't help but smile happily for their owners.
Looking at Talon, Thea pauses seeing something interesting. "Nico…I think I might know a way I can start making it up to you and your mother."
"What do you mean?" Nico asks.
"I need your bird." Thea said.
"Talon?" Nico said as his crow flew in and landed on his shoulder.
"Perfect. Now hold still." Putting a finger between Nico's eyes and another between Talon's a small amount of power entered them.
As a strange sensation filled Nico's eyes Thea suddenly puts her hands over them.
"Thea what are you doing?" Nico asks.
"Just trust me close your eyes and start walking." Thea said leading him towards Medusa.
"Uh Thea I'm blind it doesn't matter if I close them or not." Nico points out.
"Just do it." Thea said as Nico closes them and she leads him inside.
"What are you doing?" Medusa asks as Thea looks to Talon who lands on a shelf right behind Nico and lets go.
"Okay Nico, open your eyes." Thea said.
As Talon's eyes glowed Nico's began to glow as well making his cloudy eyes clear.
Confused Nico began seeing a white blur and then more colors began to appear until finally, he saw Medusa.
"M-Mom?" Nico said speechless.
Confused Medusa watches as Nico put his stick down and slowly walked toward her.
"N-Nico?" Medusa asks as Nico reached out and touched the snakes making them hiss.
"So that's where they all were." Nico said making her gasp.
"C-Can you see my snakes?" Medusa asks.
Slowly Nico nods.
"C-Can you see…me?" Medusa asks looking Nico reached out and took the spectacles off her face so he could look her in the eyes.
Like when he was a baby Nico reached up and touched her face.
Smiling Nico nods his head again making Medusa tear up.
"He sees me. He-He sees me." Medusa breaks down pulling her little boy into a big hug.
"Mom." Nico smiles softly.
"I believe the first thing every child should see is their mother." Thea smiles.
"You did this?" Medusa asks.
"It seems Talon has a special enchantment preventing him from falling under the spell of your gaze. I used a little spell of my own. For brief periods of time whatever Talon sees Nico can see as well. Including you." Thea explains.
"I-I don't know what to say." Medusa said speechless.
"It's not removing your curse, but I figured it's a start." Thea said.
Smiling softly, Medusa gives Thea a small nod showing her thanks.
"Hey what's going on in here?" Herc asks but Thea stops them.
"This is a family moment. You four can wait." Thea said.
Looking inside, they see Medusa holding Nico close happier than she's ever been in a long time.
They had defeated the Minotaur, stopped King Minos, saved Crete, reformed their team with the addition of Theseus and Nico and Thea have gotten back together. Needless to say, this first quest will be one none of them will ever forget.