We stopped in a room full of waterfalls. The floor was a huge pit, ringed with a slippery stone walkway. Surrounding us, on all four walls, water poured down from huge pipes. The water spilled down into the pit. Briares slumped against the wall and scooped up water in a dozen hands and washed his face.

"This pit goes straight to Tartarus," he muttered. "I should jump in and save you trouble,"

"Hey, don't talk like that," I said. "You could come back to camp with us,"

"You could even help us prepare," Annabeth added. "You know more about fighting Titans than anybody,"

"I have nothing to offer," Briares said. "I have lost everything,"

"What about your brothers?" Tyson asked. "The other two must stand tall as mountains! We can take you to them,"

"They are no more," Briares mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. "They faded," The waterfalls thundered, leaving a small moment of silence. Tyson blinked tears out of his eye.

"What exactly do you mean, by faded?" Percy asked. "I thought monsters were immortal, like the gods,"

"Percy," Grover mumbled. "Even immortality has limits. Sometimes... sometimes monsters get forgotten and they lose their will to stay immortal," I could tell that Grover had to be thinking about Pan. Thinking back to Briares It must have been terrible to keep living on, alone with all of the experiences he's endured over thousands upon thousands of years.

"I must go," Briares said.

"Kronos' army will invade camp," Tyson said. "We need help," he only hung his head.

"I cannot, Cyclops,"

"You are strong,"

"Not anymore," Briares stood.

"Hey," Percy grabbed one of his arms and pulled him aside, out of earshot. I sighed seeing them walk off. Annabeth was staring at, not the pair, but Percy.

"A lot's changed, huh?" Annabeth muttered and looked at me. But I looked down at my silver ring that held the peridot, ruby and sapphire gems.

"I guess you could say that," After a bit, Percy had strolled back to us, alone. Tyson sobbed.

"It's ok," Grover hesitantly pat the Cyclopes' shoulder. Tyson sniffled.

"It's not okay, goat boy. He was my hero,"

I sighed, wanting to comfort Tyson but I didn't know what to say. Except for:

"Come on guys. Let's find a better place to camp for the night," I pulled Annabeth up into a standing position as I looked at all of them.

***

I was the first to set up my sleeping bag and put my back to everyone else. That was when I finally let my tears fall out of my eyes. Tears of worry, stress, grief, sadness, straight up emotion. The day replayed in my mind. Then my mind eventually drifted off to Nico. Eventually, Percy and Annabeth had started to talk about some stuff that I didn't pay much attention to as I tried to sleep. But then I heard a word that made me snap awake: "Nico".

"Nico is down here somewhere," Percy said. "That's how he disappeared from camp. He found the Labyrinth. Then he found a path that led down even farther to the Underworld. But now he's back in the maze. He's coming after me," I froze at those words.

"Percy, I hope you're wrong. And if you're right..." Annabeth sighed. "If anything we shouldn't talk about this. Remember the last time we mentioned anything about Nico? You know, over the summer? Clair barely had enough time to run off and hide her tears," she said. "The boy worries her. I can tell that much. And we need her to stay strong too," she added. I only heard Percy breathe a sigh.

"I guess you're right. How about I take first watch?" He suggested. "I'll wake you if anything happens," And after that Percy's words played in my mind, over and over again. After a while, my mind settled on one phrase: Nico's in the Labyrinth.

***

I was the last one to wake up. Percy had to shake me for at least five minutes before I stirred. After that we had granola and juice boxes, our very healthy and delicious breakfast(note that sarcasm), and then kept traveling. The old stone tunnels changed to dirt with wooden beams, like a gold mine. That was when Annabeth started getting frustrated.

"This isn't right," she muttered. "It should still be stone," We came to a cave where stalactites hung low from the ceiling. In the center of the dirt floor was a rectangular pit, like a grave. Grover shivered.

"It smells like the Underworld in here," from the aura present in the room, I agreed. I looked down the pit and, with the help of my fire, saw a half-eaten cheeseburger floating in what seemed to be a Coke pool.

"Nico was here," my voice cracked from sudden wariness. "He was summoning the dead again,"

"Ghosts were here. I don't like ghosts,"Tyson whimpered.

"We've got to find him," Percy said from behind me. I could tell his gaze was trained on my back, worry on his face. Then he started to run, grabbing my hand, dragging me with him.

"Percy!" We ducked into a tunnel and saw light up ahead. This time I went out in full sprint. By the time the others caught up to us, we were staring at daylight. Trees were standing tall in the distance against a clear blue sky.

"Where are we?" I mumbled. Then a cow appeared in front of us. It looked like a normal cow except for the color: bright red.

"It's a cattle guard," Grover said.

"Didn't Hera say something about a ranch?" Percy turned to Annabeth. "We need to check it out. Nico might be here," he said that last part, gently, knowing I was standing right next to him.

"Alright. But how do we get out of this cattle guard?" She asked. Tyson solved the problem by slamming the cattle guard with both hands. It flew off. Then he gave us a boost out of the tunnel. And we were definitely on a ranch. Hills stretched to the horizon with oak trees, cactuses and boulders. A barbed wire fence ran from the gate in either direction. The bright red cows roamed around, grazing.

"Red cattle," I muttered. "The cattle of the sun, huh?" I looked at Annabeth. She nodded.

"What?" Percy asked.

"They're sacred to Apollo," she explained.

"Holy cows?" he questioned.

"Exactly. But what-"

"Wait," Grover interrupted. "Listen," I immediately heard it: the distant barking of dogs. The sound got louder. Then the grass rustled under us and a dog with two heads emerged. It snapped, seemingly not glad to see us.

"Bad Janus dog!" Tyson yelled.

"Arf!" Grover told it, and raised a hand in greeting.The two-headed dog bared its teeth. Not very friendly I guess. Then the master of the dog walked up. He just seemed like an old cowherd but his muscles and expression with a wooden club covered in spikes told me otherwise.

"Heel, Orthus," he told the dog. The dog growled then circled its master's feet. The man inspected us, keeping his club ready.

"What've we got here?" he asked. "Cattle rustlers?"

"Just travelers, sir," Annabeth answered. "We're on a quest,"

"Half-bloods, eh?" his eye twitched.

"How did you know-" Percy got cut off by Annabeth when she put her hand on his arm.

"I'm Annabeth, daughter of Athena. This is Percy and Claira, children of Poseidon. Grover the satyr. Tyson the-"

"Cyclops," the guy finished. "Yes, I can see that." He looked at Percy.

"And I know half-bloods because I am one, sonny. I'm Eurytion, the cowherd for this here ranch. Son of Ares. You came through the Labyrinth like the other one, I reckon."

"The other one?" Percy asked. "You mean Nico di Angelo?" Even hearing that boy's name pierced my heart.

"We get a load of visitors from the Labyrinth," Eurytion said a bit too darkly. "Not many ever leave."

"Wow," Percy muttered. "I feel welcome." The cowherd glanced behind him like someone was watching. Then he lowered his voice.

"I'm only going to say this once. Get back in the maze now. Before it's too late."

"We're not leaving," I insisted, glaring at him. "Not until we see the other demigod. Please." I almost begged.

"Then you leave me no choice, missy. I've got to take you to the boss."

***

While we were walking down the ranch I didn't pay much attention to anything, knowing Nico was this close. I just wanted to take to the air with the winds and plummet down to the ranch house. Then finally with the house in view I tuned back into what, Eurytion, the cattleherd was saying.

"Don't break the rules. No fighting, drawing weapons. And don't make any comments about the boss' appearance,"

"Why?" Percy asked. "What does he look like?" And before the old guy could reply a new voice said,

"Welcome to the Triple G Ranch," The man on the porch had a normal head. But then there were two more surrounding it with two more chests to go with them. That's all I gotta say on him. Then Eurytion nudged Percy.

"Say hello to Mr. Geryon,"

"Hi," Percy started. "Nice chests- uh, ranch!" I face palmed. "Nice ranch you have," and before the three bodied man could respond another voice rang out.

"Geryon I won't wait for-" Nico froze when he saw us. My heart legitimately jumped out of my chest, went back in then skipped several beats. He got taller. Tall for an eleven year old. He's about my height. He looked older and not just by one year. His hair's gotten a little like Percy's: shaggier, messier and in his eyes. And he's grown. I could see the wild look in his eyes. He doesn't remind me of the kid that used to play Mythomagic. That used to be so energetic and happy all the time. It broke my heart to see him like this. I felt tears well up in my eyes but I quickly blinked them away.

Nico drew his sword, toward Percy. The blade was short, sharp and blacker than midnight.

"Put that away Mr. di Angelo. I ain't gonna have my guests killing each other," Geryon snarled.

"But that's-"

"Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Claira Vega and a couple of their monster friends," the three bodied man supplied.

"Monster friends?" Grover asked, insulted.

"They let my sister die! They're here to kill me!" Nico screamed with rage. I let out a small breath at that.

"Nico we're not here to kill you. What happened to Bianca was-" Percy started.

"Do not speak her name! You're not worthy to even talk about her!"

"Wait. How do you know our names?" Annabeth asked Geryon.

"I make it my business to keep informed darling. Now Mr. di Angelo put that ugly sword away before I make Eurytion take it away from you," Nico didn't budge.

"Just put it away Nico," I said gently, my voice wavering from a breakdown. I haven't seen him in person since he ran away last winter. Now seeing him like this was just overwhelming. Even before I saw him, my mind could barely handle a mention of him. Nico looked right at me and sheathed his sword. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, wondering how the heck I was able to get Nico, the very angry son of Hades, to sheath his sword.

"If you come near me Percy I'll summon help. You don't want to meet my helpers I promise," Nico warned.

"Would you even try with me here?" I crossed my arms, an eyebrow arched. Even though it was heart breaking to see him I become slightly sassy whenever I'm in emotional pain. He glanced at me, guilt definitely there.

"I guess I could try. Wouldn't hurt,"

"Oh Nico you wouldn't even know-" I waved my hand, like any task was nothing to me.

"Guys. Enough. I believe you Nico," Percy interrupted. Geryon wanted to show us his ranch. He had this trolley thing that was like a train. Geryon was in the front. Percy, Annabeth, Tyson and Grover took the middle cars. So I was stuck in the back with the son of Hades himself.

"Nico," I muttered. He looked at me while I looked at him out of the corner of my eye. "You know I'd never hurt you," I said. He sighed.

"I know. You're the only one I can trust because you were with me all that time," he said back.

***

We rode the most horrid, terrible tour ever. All of these animals were being held, definitely, for the Titan War. One species, that was thought to be extinct according to Annabeth, was being used for their eggs. And Geryon didn't even care. All he wanted was the gold, apparently. I could make out that, right off the bat. Apollo's sacred cows were unfairly being bred for their meat which I found completely ridiculous and insane. The next time I see Apollo we'll all have to tell him... But I kept my anger in check... somewhat. A few sparks of my fire lit at my fingertips every few seconds, leaving Nico to glance at me worriedly every so often. I just dimmed the flames as best I could then blew them out every time.

After a while, Nico sat forward.

"I don't care about any of this, Geryon. We had business to discuss and this wasn't it!" Nico yelled. I froze and shifted my gaze to Nico.

'Business?' I thought. 'With this three bodied weirdo? Nico what have you been up to?' I sighed, quietly.

But then Geryon just replied to Nico: "All in good time, Mr. di Angelo. Look over here; some of my exotic game." Geryon continued with the tour. At one point as we were passing scorpions, Percy recognized the fact that Quintus may have gotten the same scorpions for Capture the Flag from this ranch. But Geryon seemed to, suspiciously, deny it.

"Now, over here are my prize stables! You must see them," Geryon announced. And I honestly don't know why he praised his stables so much. They were FILTHY. And I mean, FILTHY. Just imagine a garbage dump that just holds decade old trash, along with every single other filthy and dirty thing you know. Now imagine what that would smell like. Yeah... it was THAT bad. That experience had to at the very least kill my nostrils ability to smell accurately. All of us started complaining and saying that this was no way to treat animals, much less run a ranch.

"Quiet!" Geryon snapped. "Alright, perhaps the stables are a bit challenging to clean," I had to hold in a scoff at that. "And perhaps they do make me nauseous when the wind blows the wrong way. But so what? My clients still pay me well,"

"What clients?" Both Percy and Annabeth demanded.

"Oh you'd be surprised how many people would pay for a flesh-eating horse. They make great garbage disposals, wonderful ways to terrify your enemies and are great at birthday parties! We rent them out all the time," Geryon answered.

"You're a monster," I growled. And Geryon stopped the trolley and turned to look me dead in the eye.

"What gave it away? The three bodies?" he asked me. Geryon got out of the trolley and Nico walked up to him, Eurytion trailing him, his spiked club over his shoulder.

"I came here for business, Geryon. And you haven't answered me," Nico said.

"Hmm," Geryon looked at a cactus. "Yes you'll get a deal, alright,"

"My ghost told me you could help. He said you could guide us to the soul we need," Nico said. That's when Percy and I exchanged glances.

"Wait a sec. I thought I was the soul you wanted," Percy said. Nico looked at him as if he were crazy.

"You? Why would I want you? Bianca's soul is worth a thousand of yours!" Nico yelled then turned back to Geryon. "Now, can you help me Geryon or not?" I felt a feeling in my gut when he mentioned Bianca. I tried to make out the feeling but all I knew was that my body immediately reacted when Bianca's name was said.

"Oh I could. Oh and by the way, your ghost friend, where is he?" Geryon asked. Nico suddenly shifted uncomfortably.

"He can't form in broad daylight. It's hard for him. But he's around here somewhere," Nico said.

"I'm sure. Minos likes to disappear when things get... difficult," Geryon smiled.

"Minos?" I looked at Nico. I immediately mentally slapped myself. I promised myself I wouldn't speak unless absolutely necessary but now I just went ahead and continued to say what was on my mind. "That evil king? That's the ghost that's been giving you advice?" I literally demanded. But Nico ignored me, hesitation in his voice when he continued.

"What do you mean things get difficult?" He asked Geryon.

"Well you see Nico... can I call you 'Nico'?" Geryon asked.

"No," (#nicosaysno)

"You see, Nico, Luke Castellan is offering good money for half-bloods. Especially powerful half-bloods. And I'm sure when he learns your little secret, who you really are, he'll pay very, very well indeed," Geryon smiled. I was very tempted to scold Nico about how he shouldn't have let anybody find out who he was but this would've been the worst time to say anything.

Nico drew his sword but, of course, Eurytion knocked it out of his hand. And when Percy tried to stand, Orthus pounced and bared his teeth.

"I would stay in the car if I were you," Geryon warned. "Or I can have Orthus rip Mr. Jackson's throat out," then he turned to Eurytion. "Now if you would be so kind, Eurytion, secure Nico,"

"Do I have to?" He spit into the grass.

"Yes, you fool!"

Eurytion looked fairly bored but wrapped one big arm around Nico and lifted him up.

"Pick up the sword, too. Stygian iron is the worst," Geryon ordered. Eurytion picked Nico's sword up by the hilt.

"Now we've had the tour," Geryon said cheerfully. "Let's go back to the lodge, have some lunch, then send an Iris message to our friends in the Titan Army!" I immediately stood, anger blazing in my eyes.

"You wouldn't dare!" I screamed.

"Don't worry, my dear," Geryon smiled at me. "Once I've delivered Mr. di Angelo, you and your party can go. I don't interfere with quests. Besides, I've been paid well to give you safe passage, which does not, I'm afraid, include Mr. di Angelo," he explained. I felt my body start to steam from my own anger.

"Paid by whom? What do you mean?" Annabeth asked.

"Never you mind, darlin'. Let's be off, shall we?" Geryon said.

"Wait!" Percy yelled. But Orthus growled at him and Percy stayed as still as a statue so he wouldn't get ripped apart. "Geryon, you said you were a businessman. Make me a deal," he said.

"What sort of deal? Do you have gold?" Geryon narrowed his eyes at him.

"I've got something better. Barter," Percy said.

"But Mr. Jackson you've got nothing,"

"You could have him clean the stables," Eurytion suggested innocently.

"I'll do it!" Percy yelled. "If I fail you get all of us! Bring all of us to Luke for gold!"

"Assuming they don't eat you," Geryon added.

"Either way you get my friends. But if I succeed you let all of us go, including Nico," Percy said.

"No!" Nico protested. "Don't do me any favors Percy. I don't want your help!"

Geryon chuckled.

"Percy Jackson those stables haven't been cleaned for thousands of years. But it is true I might be able to sell more stable space if all of that muck is cleared away," Geryon said.

"So what have you got to lose?" He asked.

"Alright. I'll accept your offer but you must get them clean by sundown. If you fail, your friends get sold and I get rich,"

"Deal,"

"I'll be taking your friends to the lodge. We'll wait for you there,"

Before Percy got out, he looked at Annabeth.

"I hope you know what you're doing," she said quietly.

"I hope so too," he said back.

"And Percy, when you get back," I called. He looked over at me only for me to slap him right across the face. "I'm going to kill you!" I yelled. I quickly tapped his cheek and healed him. Then he got off. Eurytion climbed in beside me with Nico. Geryon got behind the wheel.

"Sunset," Geryon reminded him. "No later," And, with one last laugh, we were off to the lodge, leaving Percy with a major chore to finish.

Geryon had Eurytion tie up our ankles and wrists and gag us. I glared at the ropes, wanting to burn them so bad but Annabeth and, surprisingly, Nico shook their heads at me. But I didn't listen. I concentrated my fire on my wrists first and let it slowly eat the rope away. And so they wouldn't suspect anything as Geryon started a BBQ. But sure enough when I was just done with burning away my gag, Eurytion saw me.

But I kept my glare on, not wanting to show fear.

"Knock her out, like you always do, Eurytion," Geryon called. And before he sent his fist to my temple, a look that I could make out as guilt, was clear on his face.