A palpable tension hung thick in the air of the living room. The five ghostly guardians mingled restlessly; tension radiated from them as their spectral forms shifted uneasily. Nico, acutely aware of the energy surrounding him, shifted uncomfortably in response to the unspoken tension.
Albert finally sighed and spoke up for the first time since the SVU ride back home. "Triumvirate Holdings has been around for so long. They've had their hands on demigod business for as long as I could find. They pick the demigods living on the streets to indoctrinate them to "work" for them. When the find someone who won't bend the knee... they kill off them." Albert's eyes were blazing with barely contained furry. "That's why I was lured in and killed. Back then I was getting my PhD in US History, I was investigating the involvement of demigods in the Civil War. Of course, my university did not know that." Albert scoffed. "During my investigation I found out that the Gods got some kind of DID..."
"DID?" Nico repeated in disbelief. "What's that?"
"The term is "Dissociative Identity Disorder" (DID). DID is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identity states that control an individual's behavior, consciousness, and memory. These identity states may have unique traits, memories, and ways of interacting." Harry explained, before turning to Albert. "How do Gods even get that disorder."
"You see, when the Roman Empire conquered Greece and took their Pantheon as their own. many Gods were changed and worshipped differently," Albert informed them. "The Gods relay on the worship of others and their realms to exist otherwise they vanish... die." Gulps were heard in the room. "Worship is so powerful that it can even change them. My mother who used to be one of the most important Olympians and the Goddess of War, was reduced to a Goddess of Crafts!" Albert growled "She grew bitter and vicious against the romans and his father!" Albert glared at Alexander, who raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "Who was reckless cruel, and ruled over the bloodbath side of war took over mother's realm. His Roman side is much more likable compared to his Greek side. Being more of a General, a structured soldier, rather than a fighter who loves battling just for the kicks of it!"
"By the change of perspective and worship of a whole empire, they changed the Gods," Helena's eyes widened in realization. "Their Greek side seized to exist, and now new deities were born. However, now the whole world knows about them. The Pantheon is known as the Greco-Romanic. Which leads to both of them existing."
"Exactly," Albert sighed. "When they are dealing with Greek matters they are in their Greek forms and the same goes for the other way around. Do not think of refer to them by both titles. It gives them a headache that leaves them cranky."
"Which is why the Queen and King of the Underworld were referring to each other by those names," Nico thought out loud. "But why is this not widely known?"
"And what does it have to do with the civil war?" Alexander wondered, sounding quite cranky himself.
"The Civil War was started by Camp Half-Blood, the Greek haven for demigods, and New Rome, where the Roman demigods live, going to war with each other," Albert dropped the bomb.
"One of the US's bloodiest wars was started by demigods?!" Nico was close to hysterics, while everyone else was staring at Albert in disbelief- even Alexander's eyes widened in surprise.
"The seeds of discord were sown by Triumvirate Holdings, and they sponsored the war," Albert's grim expression had everyone shuddering. "They've been doing the same for a long time. Getting demigods to get involved in wars, rebellions, against each other. To the point that the Gods had to lower the number of kids they had with mortals. We were a lot more during our height. The Civil War was the drop that broke the and they separated us from each other. Made it so that no one could reveal the truth."
"That's not good," Harry mumbled. "Shit!"
"I always believed that Triumvirate Holdings was created by monsters that wanted us to pray upon weakened, easter to kill and eat. However, it ended up being led by three ex-roman emperors. The worse of the worse!"
"Nero, Commodus, and Caligula," Alexander frowned.
"Which makes sense now that I think about it." Albert groaned. "When they got me killed, I think they cursed my soul so I could not pass on and the knowledge I had could not go to the hands of those that were hunting them… the Underworld!" Everyone grimaced. "I had to flee to the Lotus Hotel and Casino not to be captured. Not free even in death"
"That is horrible!" Nico exclaimed, distraught about death being disrupted-such a sacrilege!
"You know, you could have become a detective rather than a professor," Alexander commented nonchalantly, chuckling when Albert turned to glare at him. "So, now we have to hunt them down."
"It's not that easy," Harry sighed. "To be able to cheat death and do it so blatantly that they are built an empire in the living world... there's only one thing that comes to mind."
"Fasces," Nico murmured recalling his lessons with Harry.
"Isn't that a ceremonial is used during the Roman Empire to represent high social status when traveling?" Alexander asked. "What?!" He growled defensively when everyone turned to him in surprise. "I do read! But what does this have to do with them being able to cheat death?"
"Because they can also be a source of immortality if used correctly," Harry answered, still looking at the son of Ares strangely, which had Alexander growling in return. "Though, said immortality is greatly limited. Unlike Gods, who can live without worship for a while, those who have been mostly forgotten, live in nothing more than a weak, near-death state."
"Well, they are strong enough to cause all of this chaos," Alexander grumbled. "We need to get to Camp Half-Blood then!"
"What for?" Nico turned to Alexander in confusion.
"For a prophecy lad," Alexander snapped. "No quest starts without it.
"That won't work," Albert sighed. "They are keeping eyes on both, Camp Half-Blood, and New Rome. It would only bring us to their attention. I am proof that never ends good. Though, before I was led into a trap, I was looking for Herophile, an oracle I was informed that had been trapped and forced to aid them." Albert mused. "Maybe we can find her I get her to give us a prophecy herself."
"Where can we find her?" Helena wondered.
Albert grimaced. "In the Labyrinth."
"Labyrinth" Alexander echoed incredously. "Like the Minotaur Labyrinth?"
Albert nodded. "The very same."
Helena looked stunned. "It still exists?"
"Hey! Guys!" Harry interrupted with a fake cheer. "Can we go back and rewind a bit? Fasces, the same immortality inducing tool that can only be destroyed by divine power. Like from a God. How do we deal with that?"
"We do not know that they are fasces yet," Nico pointed out, somehow being able to keep his head focused. "Let's focus first on finding the Labyrinth and Herophile, we need a prophecy to even start this self-imposed quest. Then we can think about how to deal with the fasces, if there's even fasces to deal with."
So, they did that. They went through all the research Albert had on the Triumvirate Holdings and the Labyrinth. They investigated oracles and the roman emperors, while Harry, tried to find a way to deal with the fasces or necromancy spells to deal with the half-dead immortals. The intensity of their preparations reached a fever pitch, pushing Nico to the very limits of his endurance. Each day dawned early for Nico, the first rays of sunlight finding him already deep in training, his determination unwavering despite the physical toll it exacted. The training sessions, overseen by Alexander, were rigorous and unforgiving.
As the days melded into nights, Nico would often retire to his room utterly exhausted, his muscles aching and his body crying out for respite. Sleep offered little reprieve, as even in the realm of dreams, Nico found himself grappling with visions of the challenges that awaited him. Yet, amid the relentless grind, glimmers of progress began to emerge. Spells that once proved elusive began to yield to Nico's determination, their intricate patterns and incantations becoming more fluid with each passing day. His swordplay, too, underwent a transformation, evolving from raw talent to refined skill. His new blade, became an extension of his very self, dancing with newfound precision and grace, each strike imbued with purpose and resolve.
Despite the hardships, there was an undeniable sense of fulfillment that accompanied each small victory. The gradual mastery of spells, the sharpening of his swordplay, and the growing confidence in his abilities served as beacons of hope, illuminating the path forward. And so, as the six months drew to a close, they were ready. They were not putting it off any longer. They had researched all they could and prepared as much as possible.
It was time.
The Labyrinth, an intricate and vast maze woven into the fabric of the mystical realms, was a labyrinthine enigma that defied conventional understanding. Its twisting passages, hidden corridors, and deceptive illusions created a labyrinth designed to confound and consume the unwary. The mere thought of entering this otherworldly construct struck fear into the hearts of many, for the Labyrinth had a consciousness of its own—it could read the thoughts of those who dared to navigate its convoluted paths.
For most, the Labyrinth was a treacherous puzzle, a place where each turn could lead to a different reality, and where illusions could be as deadly as the monsters lurking in the shadows. It was a place of deception, crafted to trick and ultimately end the lives of those who dared to trespass.
Yet, for Nico, the Labyrinth revealed a peculiar ease of navigation. A symbiotic bond with Harry's locator spell, seamlessly integrated with Nico's shadow manipulation abilities, granted him a unique advantage. The shadows became his guides, responding to his magical command and illuminating the way through the complex passages.
However, as Nico ventured deeper, shadows dancing at his command and Harry's locator spell guiding his way, the ease of navigation became more challenging. Its sheer extent posed challenges, and the myriad monsters that called it home presented constant threats. Yet, it was thanks to Nico's bond with the Underworld and Harry's hiding spell that kept them secured for the most part. Unlike during their visit in the Underworld, the spell in the Labyrinth did not work as well and the group had been cornered many times by monsters. Though, not as much as they would have without the spell.
Nico asked for forgiveness many times during their journey underground. He will no longer complain during Alexander and Harry's training sessions. He was so grateful now for the Tartarus training they had him on during the last year. That's all that kept him from getting himself killed. With the aid of some spirits, they found during their journey, they made it to the center at the Labyrinth mostly unharmed after only one week. Though, it must have passed half a month outside the Labyrinth.
After aiding the spirits to pass on to the other side, Nico entered an office that was empty, but clearly had been used recently. The room was bathed in a soft, ambient glow emitted by strategically placed lanterns, casting a warm light that accentuated the richness of the wooden bookshelves and the deep colors of the aged maps that adorned the walls. Dust motes danced in the air, catching the light and creating an ethereal atmosphere that bespoke the quiet sanctity of the space.
The walls, adorned with intricate blueprints and architectural sketches, revealed the mind of a master craftsman. Precise drawings detailed the labyrinth itself, capturing the complexity and beauty of its design. Shelves lined with ancient tomes and scrolls held the accumulated wisdom of centuries, a testament to Dedalus' scholarly pursuits. A large, intricately carved desk dominated the center of the room, a focal point for Dedalus' office. Parchments and blueprints were scattered across its surface, bearing evidence of ongoing intellectual exploration. Quills and inkwells stood at the ready, poised for the architect's next stroke of genius.
"Dedalus… this is Dedalus office!" Nico exclaimed, turning to his ghost guardians in shock, who looked stunned as Tartarus. "How is he even alive?!"
"You would be surprised how many of us cheat death," someone entered the room, makinng Nico fall back in a defensive stance with his sword out and his companions surrounding him. "A necromance, that's rare. Come here for me?"
"Not really, I am here for Herophile," Nico answered slowly, carefully relaxing when he noticed he was not being attacked. If anything, the man looked at him nonchalantly. "Are you Dedalus?"
His long hair cascaded in waves, streaked with dignified hues of silver and gray. A curly beard adorned his weathered face, framing eyes that glinted with the sharp intelligence characteristic of a seasoned scholar and architect. Despite the passage of time, Daedalus carried an air of dignified grace and a commanding presence that spoke of his mastery over his craft- the lines etched upon his face told stories of trials overcome and challenges met.
Yet, the most striking feature of Daedalus was the small purple partridge that appeared around his neck—a visible reminder of the mark Athena had branded upon him for the act of murder. No matter how many bodies he transferred his consciousness into, the partridge remained, a perpetual symbol of his transgression and the goddess's enduring judgment.
"Don't look that surprised," Dedalus chuckled. "Herophile eh..." Dedalus grimaced in pain and guilt. "I'm glad someone has not forgotten her."
"If you knew she was captured, why did you not aid her? Saved her?! Is this not your Labyrinth!" Nico shouted at him, the ground shaking with his anger.
"Because if he did, they would come after him," Helena answered, putting a calming hand on Nico's shoulder. The ground stopped shaking in return. "He is also running from death… from his sins."
"Your life is bound to the Labyrinth," Nico gasped in shock, sensing how interwind both life sources were. Nico had known since before a put a foot inside, that the Labyrinth was alive. "Quite the creation you've achieved."
"My masterpiece," Dedalus replied, both proud and ashamed. "Yet so many paid the price for it… and I continue running. So much debt that I do not know how to pay it."
"You can start by helping us. By guiding us to Herophile," Nico replied, much firmer than a recently turned 11 years-old-boy should sound. "Maybe when my quest is over, I can help you. I do not forget those that aid me."
"I can see that," Dedalus murmured looking at the boy his ragtag team of ghosts warmly. He went towards a box in the corner and took out a compass after a bit of searching. He gently placed it in Nico's hand. "This compass is a special one, given to a peculiar pirate captain by the Titaness Calypso. Said captain got into the bad side of a sea monster. He bartered it with me for safe passage in the Labyrinth when the sea became too dangerous for him, and the mortals wanted to capture him in the Canary Caribbean Islands."
"What does it do?" Nico frowned when he noticed the magnetic needle crazily spinning. "Is it broken?"
"No, it is a magical tool," Dedalus assured him. "The moment you focus on what you desire, it will point you in the right direction towards it."
"So, if I want to go to Herophile," Nico thought out loud, freezing the needle as it pointed towards the East. "Well, that's handy!" Nico hummed pleased. "Much better than the complicated hybrid locator-shadow spell we've been using!"
"Hey! It got us here!" Harry pouted.
"What do you want in return?" Albert asked shrewdly. "These things usually come with a price."
"Believe it or not, I just want to help," Dedalus chuckled humorlessly. "The righteous furry I saw in him touched me. He cares," he nodded towards Nico. "I've forgotten how it feels to care for others. To stop running, to stop being selfish and facing possible dangers for others. I had not done that since… my son." Dedalus' expression became sad at the mention of his dead son. "Yet a young boy like you cares so much that even l can see… that inspires me to care as well."
Nico could not reply, he did not know how to reply. What do you say to that? So, after thanking him, he left. They had a quest they alter all... or it's better to say, they were in search for a quest.
On the way there, they had to go through a series of chambers with glowing golden inscriptions on the wall, some not in English. Luckily, Nico was good with languages. They had to choose the path with the square files that matched the amount of the letters in the correct answer.
"It seems that each answer forms a word in a prophecy," Albert hummed thoughtfully, as they made it into the final chamber. "Let's see the next riddle!"
"You are too excited for this," Nico grumbled exasperated, Albert's giddiness was almost as annoying as Alexander's face of delight whenever they got ambushed by monsters.
The Underworld Son faces death in Tarquin's Tomb unless
"Well, that's not dooming at all," Nico huffed as Helena hugged him protectively. "Oh! There she is!" The Herophile looked at them startled. "Hey! So, we know this is sudden, but we want to take down the Triumvirate and we need a prophecy for said quest." Herophile, because Nico would rather call her Herophile than something as objectifying as Herophile, looked at Nico in disbelief, as if she could not believe her ears.
"We will of course get you out and if you don't have a place to stay you could come live with us. Our home is haunted, I hope you do not mind that, but it is cloaked and protected. Would you... help us?" Nico winced when he realized he had been babbling. Gods he really had to spend more time with the living. When he realized that Herophile was nodding her head enthusiastically, he beamed "Great! What's the next part of the riddle?"
unless the doorway to the soundless God is opened by...
Each answer created a bridge of tiles leading to her. Once they got to Herophile's side Nico knelt rapidly next to her and asked in concern. "Are you hurt anywhere? We got ambrosia with us, though I still do not where Helena gets them from." Herophile smiled warmly at the boy and shook her head. "Good, now let's see if we can do this."
Nice took a deep breath and followed the plan Harry had come out with to deal with these powerful magical tools the Triumvirate seem to have at hand. As obvious as it was, every demigod possesses divine power because of the divinity that runs through their veins. And what's necromancy but the magic that manipulates one's essence. In Nico's case half-divine soul.
Nico winced as he cut himself with his sword. He was oddly captivated by his own blood coating his sword, before shaking himself to focus. He centered his powers, all the death aura he could summon coated his sword with it. Being the perfect conduct for it. With a deep breath he swung his sword and shattered the chains that had Herophile captured. As the chains shattered, the tiles began glowing. Nico looked at them and noticed that they were an acrostic that spelled out: Bellona's Daughters.
Making the full Prophecy the following:
The Underworld Son faces death in Tarquin's Tomb unless the doorway to the soundless God is opened by Bellona's Daughters.
Just then the chamber began crumbling.
"Shit!" Nico cursed, having learned that language from Alexander and Harry. He ignored Helena's scandalized "Language" and grabbed into Herophile before shadow traveling them away, back to entrance of the Labyrinth that had entered by and into the SVU. Jules-Albert was waiting as he had been ordered. "Well, that one was close! Jules-Albert, drive us back home."
"Thank you, young hero," Herophile's melodious voice startled Nico, as the SVU started to move. Or maybe it had been because he had been called a hero for the first time. "I thought I had been forgotten."
"Albert was the one who discovered your imprisonment, "Nico replied, blushing at the attention.
"For what I am eternally thankful," Herophile smiled towards Albert's ghostly spirit, before returning to look at Nico. "But you were the one to save me. Take pride in your achievement."
Nico's heart warmed up with pride, he sat taller and straighter. For someone who lived among the dead and shadows, he was almost glowing. He could get used to this heroing work.
"So..." Harry, drawled. "Where are we getting the Daughters of Bellona?"