Ch52
Percy looked at Calypso, she avoided his gaze as they stood across from each other. "I'm sorry but I have to go," he said softly. "People are depending on me back home."
"Are you sure you can't stay a little longer?" Calypso asked.
He shook his head. "As much as I loved being here with you Calypso I can't abandon my duties on the outside. My friends and family need me, I have to go and help them."
"I understand," Calypso said as she walked up to him. Her face was sad but more like the sad from a continual disappointment. "Please take this and plant a garden for me in New York."
"Thank you I will," he said as he accepted the flower seed.
Calypso then wrapped her arms around him, his heart raced as hugged her back. "I'll do my best to free you if I can."
"Please don't get my hopes up," Calypso said softly. "Many say that but I'm always forgotten and left here."
He didn't know how to respond to that, a part of him really did want to help her but what could he do? She doesn't deserve this punishment; I wish I could help her.
"I'm glad we could meet," Calypso said as she pulled away. "Please be safe on your journey."
"I will thank you," he said. Turning around he saw a wooden raft, he got in it and it began to go out to sea. He could feel Calypso watching him, her gaze sad but he imagined she was used to it.
If I can I'd like to save her. He waved goodbye to Calypso one last time before looking into the distance. A fog enveloped his ship as he sailed through the water. Eventually the fog dissipated and he could hear sea gulls and the sound of ships in the water.
The view of New York appeared in the distance. Well I made it back home. His heart raced in his chest as he willed the ship towards Camp Half Blood. I hope I wasn't gone for too long.
The wooden canoe eventually made it to camp. He quickly jumped off it and headed towards the camp, it was eerily quiet but as he approached the amphitheater he could hear Chiron talk. "It has been two weeks I fear for the worse." All the heads of the Cabins were there except for Silena, Chris sat next to Chiron along with Malcolm and Bianca all of them had neutral expressions on their faces.
"Wait I'm here!" He called out causing everyone to jump out of their seats and turn around.
He was quickly swarmed by various campers who greeted him. It was nice to be back but eventually Chiron and Chris broke up the crowd.
"I'm glad you are back brother," Chris said as he came and hugged him tightly. "I knew you wouldn't die that easily."
He laughed and hugged him tightly, "Thanks. I have a lot to tell you."
"Percy I'm glad you are alive," Malcolm said with a sigh of relief.
"Me too. Listen I have a way for us to continue the quest," he said.
Malcolm's eyes widened, "Really what is it?"
"Let's move this conversation to somewhere more private," Chiron said.
They nodded and quickly followed Chiron to the Big House. Chiron along with Chris, Malcolm, and Bianca all sat along the table as he recounted his time with Calypso. "Anyway I found a way for us to get through the labyrinth," he said. "We need a clear sighted mortal's help."
"A clear sighted mortal?" Malcolm said scratching his head.
Chiron nodded. "There is a precedent for this, many demigods have used the help of mortals."
"Well if you know anyone that would be willing to help us then that would be a good idea," Malcolm said. "We need all the help we can get."
Bianca nodded, "Yeah the sooner I find Nico the better."
"I already have an idea of who I can contact," he said remembering Rachel Dare and her phone number which he memorized. "I have a friend in the city who can help."
"Great you both can leave tomorrow," Chiron said. "We have a lot to prepare, the enemy will march on us soon."
With that the meeting was dismissed. "I'm glad you're back," Chris said once they got to the cabin. "So if I may ask how was Calypso?" Chris had this wide smirk on his face.
"Sh-She was ok," he said more defensively than he intended.
"Did you get close to her?" Chris asked.
"No!" He said causing his brother laugh. "Really we didn't. She was really lonely though, I wish I could've saved her."
"The gods like to deal unjust punishments," Chris said shrugging his shoulders. "Sadly she is just a casualty of their beliefs."
"I wish that could change," he said as he got into his bed. "Oh any news on the spy?"
Chris nodded, "It was Silena."
He stared at his brother in surprise, "What do you mean?"
"She was spying for Luke this entire time," Chris said frowning at the ground. "Many were shocked but we are keeping it under control."
"I see well I hope no one else is involved," he said.
"I doubt it but you never know," Chris said. "Anyway you should get ready for tomorrow, you have a big day ahead of you."
"True," he said as he rubbed his head.
"Oh and Quintus left mysteriously," Chris said handing him a dog whistle. "We don't know where he went but Mrs. O'Leary is still here, I figure you can summon her if you need to."
"Another unknown factor" he said as he took the whistle. "Well fine I'll use it if I need to."
Chris nodded. "I'll continue helping the camp train while you are on your quest. Trust me we'll need to go all out for this battle."
"We'll finish the quest soon I promise," he said as he got ready for bed.
The next morning after getting everything ready he said goodbye to Chrysaor. "Be safe," His brother said giving him a pat on the back.
He smiled at him. "I will be. I'll be back soon I promise."
His brother nodded. "You'll make our father proud I know it."
To his surprise Chrysaor hugged him. "Go on Percy."
His brother saw him off at the van where Malcolm and Bianca were already waiting for him
"You ready?" He asked.
"Yeah I am," Malcolm said firmly. "Lets end this quest."
Bianca nodded, "I know we'll know somewhere. Will this friend know we are coming?"
"Chiron had a phone so I sent her a text message," he said. He memorized Rachel Dare's number without realizing it, deep down he knew she would help him. "I trust her, I know she can lead us."
"Good. The sooner we find Daedalus and Grover and stop the enemy the better," Malcolm said. "I don't mind the help, right now we need to protect the camp."
"Great. Anyway first I have to visit my mom to let her know I am ok," he said.
Argus dropped them off at his mother's apartment. His heart raced in his chest as he knocked on her apartment. His mom quickly opened the door and hugged him, "Oh Percy I knew you were ok," she said hugging tightly.
"Hi mom sorry but I brought some friends," he said as he introduced her to Bianca and Malcolm who awkwardly said hi.
"I see well come on in," His mom said as she invited them in. She quicky served them all snacks as he recounted their quest along minus the dangerous parts of course.
His mom remained silent but sighed at the end, "Well I'm glad you are safe. Paul was so worried about you after what happened at your orientation."
"Oh yeah I'll talk to him later I promise," he said. "Oh mom I wanted to ask you how well can you still see through the mist?"
His mom shook her head. "Not well anymore. When I was younger I could see many things but not now. Why?"
"Well we sort of are going back into the labyrinth," he said as he explained their plan.
"I see well sorry but I can't help you on that matter," His mom said. "I wish you all luck on your quest, come back safely all of you ok?"
"We will Ms. Jackson," Bianca said with a smile. "We'll keep Percy safe for you."
Malcolm nodded, "Yeah we promise we will watch over him."
He could feel his face redden but he knew his friends looked after him just like he would look after them. "Anyway mom before I go can I make a phone call quickly?"
"Of course," his mom said.
He thanked her and then went to quickly call Rachel. After verifying the time the appointment he thanked his mom before leaving with Bianca and Malcolm.
"Your mom is nice," Bianca said.
"Yeah she is the best," he said as they walked through the city. "My friend should be around here."
They quickly arrived at the meeting place and found Rachel standing in a pose with a open suitcase beneath her. His friend was half pained in gold and held a sign asking for money for art programs.
"This is her," he said as he looked at Rachel who stood still like a statue.
"Um hello," Malcolm said. Rachel did not react and stayed standing for another minute until guy painted in silver came, the two switched places and assumed a pose while Rachel got off.
"Hey Percy long time no see," Rachel said with a smile. "Come on lets get some coffee."
The four of them quickly got some coffee. "So you both are demigods two?" Rachel asked.
Bianca nodded, "Yeah I'm Bianca and this is Malcolm."
"Nice to meet you," Malcolm said. "Percy said you can help us."
"Well that depends on what it is," Rachel said. "You still owe me an explanation on what happened at school."
"Sorry I hope you didn't get into any trouble," he said. "But you see there is this labyrinth and we think you can help us."
He explained the basics of their plan, she could see through the mist and they needed her help tot guide. "So how about it?" He said. "Can you help us?"
"Sure why not," Rachel said. "It's not like I have anything else to do."
"Thank you," Malcolm said. "We will protect you don't worry."
Rachel smiled at the son of Athena, "Thanks. If you are anything like Percy then I know you guys are strong."
"Well I don't know about that," Malcolm said with a nervous laugh.
"I also am looking for my brother," Bianca said. "If you can help me find him too that would be great."
"I'll do my best," Rachel said. "So where is this place?"
"The labyrinth can only be accessed through a place that has the mark of Daedalus," Malcolm said as he took out a pen and drew it on a napkin. 'Have you seen this marking before?"
Rachel looked at it and nodded. "Yeah I've seen it. There is an old door with that symbol down in a basement at a nearby hotel."
"Great lets go then," he said. So far so good. He was worried about protecting Rachel but with Malcolm and Bianca he knew she was better protected.
They arrived at the hotel and quickly headed to the basement where they found a door with the mark of Daedalus on it. "No one can open this thing," Rachel said.
Malcolm stepped forward and gripped the handle. The door shuddered and creaked as it opened. "Only a demigod can open it."
"Alright Rachel you can do this," he said as they all entered the dark staircase.
"I can see a line," Rachel said pointing to the dark ground. "Come on its this way."
They followed Rachel down labyrinth, she seemed to know where they were going even though they didn't. "So are your parents going to miss you?" Malcolm asked.
Rachel shook her head. "No I can be gone for a while, my dad is examining some land to purchase out west and my mom is probably attending parties."
"Huh I see," Malcolm said. "Wait your last name is Dare right?"
"Yeah why?" Rachel asked.
"Did you dad buy and sell land for a casino in Vegas?" Malcolm asked.
"A few times yeah," Rachel said looking at Malcolm weirdly. "I'm sorry have we met?"
"I don't think so buy I think my dad worked with yours," Malcolm said, scratching his head. "He builds a lot of things."
Well this is a strange turn of events. He watched as Rachel's eyes widened. "Oh that's nice," she said. "I'm sorry but dad sold land to a lot of people, what's your dad's name?"
Malcolm looked like he wanted to have ask more questions but they were interrupted by the sound the sounds of heavy footsteps. "Run!" he yelled. They quickly ran but were quickly surrounded by two dracaena snake women in Greek armor.
Standin between them was a familiar face. "Hello what do we have here," Kelli hissed. Before they could react she pounced and grabbed Rachel by the throat.
"Rachel!" He yelled but they were quickly surrounded.
"Come with us or your friend dies here," Kelli hissed.
He frowned but nodded as the monsters ushered them down the halls. They eventually entered a large room which was the largest arena he had ever seen. It was creepy in that the entire arena was decked in various skulls piked on spears in various states of decay that matched the various chains on the ceiling. Looking up he could see trident of Poseidon along with some familiar enemies.
"Luke and Annabeth," he muttered as he saw them sit up high.
Luke gave the thumbs down to a centaur as he was executed while Annabeth sat down next to him with a bored expression on her face. "She looks like she's been through hell," Malcolm muttered looking up at his sister.
"Good entertainment but what else do you have Luke son of Hermes!" A large monster said.
Luke shifted his attention to them a grin spreading across his face. "Lord Antaeus how about Percy Jackson son of Poseidon."
Antaeus' eyes lit up as they turned to him. "A son of Poseidon very well you will either fight well or die."
"Percy that is the son of Gaea and Poseidon he can't die if his feet stay on the ground," Malcolm said.
"Good to know," he said gripping Riptide in his pocket, this guy looked tough he would have to work hard to defeat him.
"What of the others will you kill them now?" Luke asked.
"The blonde boy looks weak I'll take him along with the son of Poseidon the women can wait," Antaeus said.
"Guys be safe," Bianca said as she and Rachel were escorted to the side.
"Take care of Rachel," he said as he and Malcolm drew their weapons.
If Annabeth had any reservations about her sibling fighting Antaeus she did not show it, in fact it looked like she was trying to avoid looking at Malcolm who gazed at her icily.
"Fine," he said. "Malcolm will be my second."
Antaeus laughed. "Fine your first opponent will appear soon." Antaeus stepped out of the way as a demigod with an eye patch and a spear in his hand. "Ethan Nakamura son of Nemesis shall be your opponent."
"I can handle him stand. Think of a way we can take on Antaeus," he said.
"Ok good luck," Malcolm said.
Ethan Nakamura assumed a fighting stance with his spear and charged at him.
He blocked his spear with his sword and the two began to exchange blows. The one eyed demigod didn't say anything the entire time, his face was tense as he tried to stab him.
He isn't bad. Nemesis, I believe is a minor god if I'm correct. Ethan wasn't bad, his skills were top notch as he tired to find an opening. Sorry but we can't stay here forever. He made a move towards Ethan and sliced at his hand.
The son of Nemesis cried out in pain and dropped his spear and he took the opportunity to push him to the ground and pointed his spear at his throat. The crowd booed as Luke gave the thumbs down sign.
"Do it," Ethan said softly. "Antaeus will kill us all."
He shook his head and removed Riptide from Ethan's throat. "I'm not killing you."
The crowd booed louder. "I won't kill him," he said looking at Antaeus.
Antaeus roared. "Then I'll kill all three of you and bring glory to my father Poseidon! I'll show him who is the true son of Poseidon!"
Antaeus jumped into the pit, "I'll take you all down right here."
"Fine," he said as Malcolm came to his side with his sword drawn. "But swear on the Styx that if we win you will let us all go."
The giant laughed, "Fine I swear on those conditions."
Ethan Nakamura got up and grabbed his spear and came to his side. "He won't be easy to take down."
"I know. Malcolm any ideas?" He asked as Antaues charged at them with a large club in his hand.
"We have to kill him when he is off the ground somehow," Malcolm said as they dodged the attack.
"Great," he said as his mind raced on what to do.
He and Malcolm slashed at Antaeues' arm while Ethan stabbed him in the side. Despite causing the giant to bleed Anteaus only laughed. "You can't harm me foolish demigods."
"Look out!" Malcolm yelled as Antaeus swung his club.
He managed to dodge it and looked up at the chains in the air and an idea came to his head. Well he can't die on land so how about in the air. "Hey Antaeus I think our father is disappointed in you," he taunted. "After all I've met some of his other children and never heard of you, he must not care for you."
Antaeus growled and looked at him. "What was that punk?"
"I mean all I'm saying is that it's a pain to build such a great temple to my dad when he doesn't care for it," he said shrugging his shoulders.
Antaeus roared. "You'll pay for your words demigod!"
"Percy look out!" Malcolm yelled.
He quickly ran and jumped through the air between a pair of chains. Antaeus followed him but he was took big and quickly got tangled in the chains.
"Guys now!" He yelled. The three of them quickly stabbed at Antaeus' body, Malcolm was the first and stabbed him in the heart. The giant roared and turned into golden dust.
"Come on we have to get out of here," he said as the crowd booed. He quickly took out Mrs. O'Leary's whistle and summoned her. "Go get them girl!" He said pointing at the rows of monsters.
They quickly ran, he saw Bianca and Rachel break through the crowds of monsters and join them as they made it back into the labyrinth.
