The moon was high up in the sky. The city lights shone brightly, blocking the light of the stars. A cold rain drenched the city in a constant downpour. Thalia and the others walked quietly past the skyscrapers and stores. They found the alleyway that Clarisse had marked, and, making sure no one saw them, crept towards the dark dead end. Percy pulled out a flashlight and illuminated the wall. It took a couple of minutes, but they soon found the blue delta sign. Thalia pressed it and a small opening appeared. She led the way followed by Percy, Bianca, and lastly Luke. Their plan was to find Daedalus' workshop. The Athena cabin had decided that it would be found in the oldest part of the Labyrinth.
"I heard that in a maze, you put your hand up on the right side and eventually you'll always make it to where you are hoping to go," said Luke.
"Maybe," said Thalia hesitantly. "But the Labyrinth most likely has multiple entrances. It'll take us months to find the center, and Clarisse warned us that time moves much slower here." Thalia paused and looked back at her friends. "I can't think of anything else to do. Let's just walk along to the right." They nodded and continued walking. Percy closed his eyes and thought for a moment. Suddenly his body glowed a warm gold. Everyone turned to him in awe. He just smirked and shrugged.
"A little power I remembered recently. I'm the god of balance. Where there is darkness there must be light. I can emit a small glow. This should help us see where we are going." They nodded, smiling. They were thankful not to have to walk through the Labyrinth in the dark. Percy handed his flashlight to Thalia so that they could see in front of them. Percy could only light up where they were currently standing.
After what felt like hours, Percy's watch had stopped working due to the Labyrinth's different time, they came upon an open enclave. The room was incredibly large. Thalia pointed the flashlight upwards but the beam didn't reach the ceiling. Percy squinted his eyes trying to see into the darkness when he saw a faint glow of light coming several yards in front of him. He quickly reverted to normal.
"What are you doing?" asked Bianca.
"There's a light coming up ahead. I don't know what it is. We need to be careful." He couldn't see the others but he assumed that they nodded. Thalia kept the flashlight on but pointed it directly at the ground in front of them to minimize the amount of light that whoever was there could see. It took several minutes before they came to the other light. A small torch alit with Greek fire was hung beside a large bronze door.
"What do we do?" asked Luke. Percy looked to Thalia.
"I think we should go through. It might be the workshop. This door looks ancient. It would make sense that Daedalus' workshop is there if the Athena cabin is right." Percy nodded. He pulled Isorropia out from his wrist. Luke pulled out Backbiter, Bianca pulled out Soulreaper, her sword from Hades, and Thalia just took out her shield. "I'll go first. My shield will stun whoever looks at us long enough for you three to take them out." They all nodded. Percy stood to the left of the door and put a hand on the handle. The others took up positions around the door, Thalia right across from Percy. Percy mouthed one, two, three. He opened the door and Thalia marched into the room holding her shield up high. The others followed right behind her.
The room was well lit. It was circular with three other doors all leading in different directions. The walls were lined with Greek fire torches. A lone woman stood in the middle. She had black hair was incredibly tall. She had a two serpentine tails connected to her body. Percy politely pushed Thalia behind him.
"Who is that, Perce?" she asked. Percy didn't respond but pulled Anaklusmos out as well. Thalia pulled out her spear and Bianca and Luke gripped their swords tighter. The woman turned around and Luke visibly shuddered.
"Dear gods what the Hades is that?" Percy glared at the woman.
"Echidna. The mother of all monsters." Echidna smiled evilly at them.
"Ah, little demigods have wandered into places they have no business being. You would have been better off never having come down here." Echidna turned towards Percy and paled at the sight of his sword and golden eyes.
"No! I heard rumors that you returned but I didn't believe them!" Percy smirked.
"You caused me great pain, Echidna. You will pay for everything you have done to me." Echidna snarled.
"You cannot harm me, Olympian. The ancient laws restrict you!" She roared and two monsters came into the room from the sides. Thalia and the others paled. The Chimera and Hydra roared and stalked them behind Echidna. "My children will kill you all and you won't be able to stop them." She smirked at Percy. Percy raised Isorropia above his head pointing it at Echidna. Anaklusmos he kept pointed at the floor in front of his chest.
"I am no Olympian. The ancient laws will not save you this time." Echidna roared once more and the Chimera and Hydra rushed towards them. Percy charged as did the others.
"I'll take the Hydra, you three take the Chimera!" They knew better than to argue with Percy. The Hydra struck at Percy in every direction with all of its nine heads. Percy flung himself sideways into the air. He sliced with both swords leaving giant gashes in two of them. The two heads recoiled but the other seven did not relent. Percy ducked beneath one and stabbed upwards. Blood began pouring out of the head profusely covering him in it. He rolled and dodged away from the Hydra. He wiped the blood off his face and snarled at the monster. He took a split second to see how the others were faring. Having three against the Chimera made the monster easier to handle since each head had to concentrate on one demigod. Percy didn't have much time to watch since the Hydra was back at him. The three injured heads were raised above the others away from the reach of his swords.
A green glow began to emit from the Hydra's chest and Percy's eyes widened. He switched Anaklusmos with Isorropia and threw the bronze sword at the monster. Anaklusmos embedded itself deep in the Hydra's chest. It reared back roaring so loudly that the room shook. Blood and green acid poured out of the Hydra's chest. Percy used the distraction and grabbed a Greek fire torch from off the wall. He rushed the Hydra which had grown even angrier than before. Percy growled at it and his eyes glowed a bright gold. Time slowed down in the room for all except Percy. He jumped into the air and swung Isorropia with all of his strength. Two of the heads were sliced clean off. Percy landed on the Hydra's back and hacked off the other heads. When he was done he lit them on fire with the torch. His eyes returned to normal and time speed back up. The Hydra collapsed to the ground in a spray of golden dust. Percy dropped the torch and picked Anaklusmos back off from the floor. He wiped the dust and blood off his leather jacket. He looked over just as Thalia managed to ram her electric spear into the Chimera's heart turning it to dust.
Echidna stood by the fourth door shaking with fear. Percy walked up towards her, anger radiating from his eyes. He kept walking till he was only a foot away from her. Her red eyes were wide in panic. He lifted Anaklusmos up to her throat.
"You killed five of my hunters. The ancient laws kept me from getting my revenge but I do not adhere to them anymore. Tell Tartarus I said hello." He thrust Isorropia hard into her stomach. The blade ripped through her body piercing her spine and her brain. Echidna did not have a chance to say anything before she joined her sons into the dust. Percy put Isorropia away and capped Anaklusmos. He turned back to the others who stared at him with a little fear. He sighed.
"Thousands of years ago when I was still with the hunt, we ran into Echidna and the Hydra. The ancient laws prevented Artemis or I from doing anything despite Echidna and her son being monsters." Percy felt a few tears running down his face. "We stood and watched, helplessly, as the Hydra killed five of my hunters. Finally they were able to defeat the Hydra, but not before Echidna fled. I vowed that one day I would get my revenge. I've finally avenged my daughters." Thalia put a hand on his shoulder. Percy smiled weakly at her. "Let's go. We still need to find Daedalus' workshop." They nodded.
"Which door do we take?" asked Bianca.
"I say we take that one," said Luke pointing at the door behind Percy. "The Chimera and Hydra came in through the other two doors. Who knows what else might be behind them." They all agreed and walked through the door. Percy began to glow once more. They followed the walk way for several minutes. The walls began shifting and widening and narrowing themselves. They quickened their pace. Soon they came to a fork in the road. They quickly decided to go to the right. The path began to change. Instead of red bricks and concrete, they found marble. They looked around in awe. The walls depicted ancient Roman battles. They saw Caesar leading his troops into battle and legions marching with aquilas. Soon the architecture changed. The marble turned into wood and tree roots outlined the path. After a couple of minutes, they came to a small, hidden door in between the roots. Percy felt a familiar power pulsing faintly behind the door. His eyes widened.
"What is it, Perce?" asked Luke. Percy turned to look at them.
"Wait here. I know what is behind this door. It's something I need to do alone. Please," he said. His friends didn't seem too pleased but agreed to wait outside. "Make camp right here. You can light a fire. It's been a long time and we need to get our rest." Thalia nodded. Percy smiled at them. "It'll be alright. I'll be back soon." He opened the door and walked into the room. He looked around and found a beautiful room. Trees and ferns surrounded the room and light shown down through a small crack in the ceiling. Sitting on a stump was a large satyr playing reed pipes. The satyr didn't notice Percy walking in.
"Is this where you hid yourself, my old friend?" The satyr stopped playing.
"Gabriel? Is that you?" he asked, not turning around. Percy laughed.
"Yes, my friend. It's me." The satyr turned around and smiled. Percy frowned. The satyr looked old and in bad health. "Pan! What's happened to you?" Pan took in a deep, pained sigh.
"I fear that I will soon fade. The world is being destroyed more than it is being created. Soon there won't be much left in the world for me to remain." Percy frowned and sat down on the ground in front of Pan. "I heard rumors that you had faded, Gabriel. How is it that you are here?" Percy smiled kindly.
"I made myself hidden from the world. I had much business to attend to and I needed to do things that required me leaving earth for a time. But now I have returned. I'm back for good." Pan smiled back.
"I'm glad to see you. It's been so very long." Percy smiled sadly.
"It really has. I tried to find you, Pan, but I couldn't find you." Pan nodded.
"One of the Labyrinth's many talents. I was hidden to the world. I have survived here for centuries, though it has become my prison more than my home." Percy frowned.
"I know of a place you could go. You can retain your domain and will have enough praise to keep you from fading." Pan scoffed.
"You mean go to that retched camp?" Percy nodded.
"It has changed in the last few years. Demeter's children have kept the place clean and healthy. You will find peace and asylum there. We need you. The Titans are returning and I fear that they bring with them a power too great for us. We need all the help we can get." Pan sighed and closed his eyes. After a few moments he opened them again.
"Do you think that I can survive there?" Percy nodded.
"The satyrs and nymphs will give you the praise you deserve. You'll be back to your old self in no time." Pan nodded.
"I will head to camp then. Will I see you there?" Percy smiled but shook his head. He stood up.
"No, not yet. We are on a quest to find Daedalus' workshop. Once we have found it we will return to camp." Pan nodded.
"I know where his workshop is," he said. Percy's eyes widened.
"Really? Where is it?"
"It is at the newest part of the Labyrinth." Percy frowned.
"The newest?" he asked. "We thought it would be in the oldest." Pan shook his head.
"Daedalus isn't dead, Gabriel." Percy's eyes widened.
"How?" he asked. "It's been centuries! He should be dead by now!"
"I believe that he created an automaton for himself and somehow found a way to transfer his soul." Percy frowned.
"Then finding him is doubly important. There is a time to live, yes. But there is also a time to die. Daedalus cannot live forever." Pan nodded.
"Keep following this path till you reach Hades' domain. There you may ask Hades where Daedalus' workshop is. I would assume that Hades would be keeping track of where the old inventor is, seeing as how he has denied himself his death." Percy nodded.
"We will do as you say. I'll see you at camp, Pan." Pan smiled.
"Thank you for this chance, my friend. It will be good to return to the world." Percy helped Pan up to his feet, shook his hand, and turned to leave. "Gabriel!" Pan called out. Percy turned around.
"Be careful. I fear that the monsters down here are getting restless. The spirits are growing angry." Percy nodded and walked back into the Labyrinth. Thalia was keeping watch while Luke and Bianca slept peacefully by a small fire. Percy plopped down beside Thalia, sighing with exhaustion.
"Where have you been?" she asked him.
"I was speaking with an old friend. Pan the old god of nature was close to fading. I gave him another option. He should be waiting for us at camp right now." Thalia's eyes widened in shock.
"Pan?" she asked incredulously. "The lost god that every satyr, even Grover, has been searching for, for centuries?" Percy smiled.
"Yes. He's a very dear friend to me." Thalia just shook her head.
"Just when I thought you had nothing left to impress me with." Percy snorted.
"Thalia, I have a question." She looked at him, her eyes glimmering in the fire's light. "Artemis and I have been talking. We want you to join the hunt." Thalia's eyes widened.
"You want me to join the hunt?" Percy nodded.
"You are strong, Thals. You're brave. You would fit will with us." Thalia looked at the fire.
"I don't know," she said. Percy nodded.
"I don't expect you to answer me know. Wait till after we get out of the Labyrinth. Then you can tell me what you think." Thalia nodded. Percy put an arm around her shoulder. "You're my best friend, Thals. I just want to see you happy." She smiled and was about to speak when a yawn interrupted her. Percy laughed quietly. "Get some rest. I'll take watch." Thalia nodded, too tired to argue.
Several hours later Thalia woke up to a wonderful smell. She lifted her head up from the ground to see Percy cooking some bacon and eggs over the fire. She saw Bianca and Luke lifting their heads as well. Percy smirked and handed them each some food. They scarfed the food down quickly.
"I know what we need to do now. We need to keep going down this path till we reach the Underworld. Hades should be able to let us know where Daedalus is." Thalia looked confused.
"You mean his workshop?" Percy shook his head.
"No. Apparently Daedalus found a way to cheat death. I'm not entirely sure how. Hades should know where Daedalus is holed up."
"How do you know all this?" asked Luke.
"Pan told me."
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Ethan stared at the cell doors. He had been imprisoned on Olympus for over a year. His master would be furious. But he had to get away. He looked to his right and found Annabeth curled up in the fetal position. She looked as bad as he felt. They had been beaten and deprived of all their knowledge by Aphrodite, Apollo, and Ares. Ethan shuddered. No matter how badly the Olympians treated him his master's anger would be much worse.
"Grub." Ethan looked up. Every day like clockwork they would get a small meal delivered by a minor god. Ethan didn't move. "I said grub, fool." Ethan lifted up his head slowly.
"T-too w-weak," he whispered out. The minor god cursed and fumbled with his belt getting out the key to the cell.
"For gods sake. I always have the hard job." The god opened the cell door and picked up the food. He walked it over to Ethan. "Here e-." Ethan cut him off by leaping to his feet and stabbing the god with a shiv he had made. The god fell to the ground crying out in pain, ichor pouring onto the cell floor. Ethan snatched the key and ran into the corridor. He got to Annabeth's door where she stood standing and waiting. He unlocked it and she followed him.
"Come on," he said. "We need to get out of here before someone notices we are missing." They left the prison and ran down the streets of Olympus. Since none of the nymphs or minor gods ever dealt with them, they didn't have to worry about being recognized. They made it to the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor. Several agonizing minutes of terrible elevator music later, they were on the streets of New York. It was the middle of the night. Ethan and Annabeth ran down the streets till they arrived at a dark alley way. They made it to the back and Ethan pressed the blue delta sign. They crept into the passage way down into the Labyrinth. They began running to the left.
It took them several hours but finally they arrived in a large cavern. Tents full of monsters and demigods in full armor filled the cavern. Ethan and Annabeth made their way down the line of tents till they reached the largest one. It was golden and a giant scythe was imprinted above the tent flap. They walked inside and found three figures standing over a map. They bowed.
"You returned," said one of the figures. Ethan nodded but did not look up.
"Yes, milord. We escaped Olympus earlier today."
"You may rise." The demigods stood up.
"We believe that this is where Daedalus' is located," said the figures, returning to their previous conversation. Ethan and Annabeth moved to the side, out of the way.
"How do we know that he will be there, Hyperion?" asked another.
"We don't but Antaeus should know. We are near his arena," said the Hyperion. The third remained silent. Ethan didn't recognize the third. It was a woman. She had black hair but wasn't very tall. Prometheus scratched his beard.
"It will take some time convincing Antaeus," said Prometheus.
"Maybe, but he will aid us. I am sure of it," said the woman. Hyperion nodded.
"We will speak to him when we are sure our forces are ready." Hyperion turned back to the demigods. "Get your things ready. Make sure your blades are sharp and your armor clean. The master is waiting." Ethan and Annabeth bowed and left the tent to prepare. Ethan felt beads of sweat forming on his forehead. When the master waited, nothing every went well for him.
[LINEBREAK]
Thalia and the others finally arrived in the Underworld. Thalia began to shiver, but Percy calmed her down.
"Don't worry, Pinecone Face. I won't let your uncle harm you." Thalia nodded but still felt uneasy in the Underworld. Bianca led the way to her father's palace. Many dead souls watched them but made no move on them with a child of Hades leading the way. They arrived at the doors to Hades' palace and knocked on the skull-covered doors. The doors swung open eerily and the demigods walked inside. Hades sat on a throne made of skulls; Persephone's throne remained empty since it was the summer.
"Bianca, Gabriel, what brings you down here?" He smiled when he saw Bianca and Percy. All except for Percy bowed to the god of the Underworld.
"We are on a quest, father," said Bianca standing back up. Hades nodded. "We need to find Daedalus." Hades sighed.
"I've been looking for him as well. Minos, one of the ghosts on the seat of judgement has escaped to track him down. I now have a soul refusing to die, and a ghost refusing to stay dead." Percy frowned.
"Is it possible to track Minos down?" Hades thought for a moment before nodding.
"Bianca, your sword." Bianca looked confused. "Unsheathe it." Bianca did as she was told. Soulreaper shown brightly in the Underworld. Percy felt a little uneasy standing near the cursed sword. "That sword is more powerful than you know. It will allow you to find lost souls. Search deep within yourself and you will find what you look for." Bianca frowned at her father.
"Isn't there more you can tell me?" Hades shook his head sadly.
"I'm afraid I am not like Gabriel here. I am still bound by the ancient laws. I cannot aid you anymore on your quest." Bianca nodded and walked up to hug her father.
"Thank you anyways," she said. Hades smiled before he looked thoughtful.
"Before you all leave, I have something to ask of you." They nodded.
"There is a strong power that enters and leaves my domain. I cannot figure out what it is, it knows how to track its aura. I believe that something sinister is going on. If you all find out what is going on I may be able to help you more with your quest." Percy crossed his arms.
"Where do you sense this power coming from?"
"I believe that it is coming from the River Styx." Percy's eyes widened.
"Could it be that-."
"Yes, I believe so," said Hades cutting him off. The others looked at the two gods confused.
"We will help, brother. We will take care of this problem for you and return soon." Hades nodded, smiling.
"Thank you. I fear that if nothing is done about this that things will turn so much worse." Percy nodded. He led the others out of Hades' palace. When they made it out, Thalia stopped them.
"What do you think you're doing, Perce?" Percy frowned.
"The Titans might be using the River Styx to force demigods and monsters to bathe hoping one of them might gain invulnerability." Thalia's eyes widened.
"We can't let that happen," said Luke. "We can wait to finish this quest. Stopping the Titans from doing this is crucial if we want to keep the upper hand." Thalia nodded.
"Fine. We will help Hades with this, but next time, Percy?" Percy looked at her. "Let me make the call on my own quest." Percy smiled apologetically. Thalia just rolled her eyes but smiled back at him. "Alright, Bianca, lead the way. I have no fucking clue where the Styx is." Bianca snorted but led them deeper in the Underworld.
A/N: Sorry it's so late, but here is Chapter 16 finally. Hope you all enjoyed it! Let me know what you guys think. The Battle of the Labyrinth will be much different in this story. I will admit, however, that it took a lot of time figuring out a way to make this story unique. So review and let me know what you guys think. Thank you to everyone that has reviewed, favorited, and followed! I really appreciate it.