ETERNAL! | percy jackson

chapter twelve - standardized testing nightmare

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AS THE darkness came, Estella felt the familiar rush of power that the night blessed her. They waited until the sun fell to summon the ghosts by the septic tank, which is something she never thought she'd say.

"Minos should be here by now," Nico frowned. "It's full dark."

"Maybe he got lost," Percy said.

Nico sighed and poured root beer into the hole, along with some leftover barbecue scraps. He began to chant in Ancient Greek, a spell that Estella hadn't recognized before. And while she was more intrigued by the boy, everyone else grew uncomfortable.

The air dropped a few degrees before the ghosts appeared. One mist hovered to the pit and began to drink.

"Stop him!" Nico said, ceasing his chanting. "Only Bianca may drink!"

Percy quickly drew Riptide and slashed at the oncoming ghosts. But the one that drank happened to solidify, turning into a man with a white robe.

"Minos!" Nico said. "What are you doing?"

"My apologies, master," the ghost said. "The sacrifice smelled so good, I couldn't resist." He examined his own hands and smiled. "It is good to see myself again. Almost in solid form—"

"You are disrupting the ritual!" Nico protested. "Get—"

Nico had to take up the chant again to keep the now shimmering ghosts at bay.

"Yes, quite right, master," Minos said. "You keep chanting. I've only come to protect you from these liars who would deceive you."

Minos turned to Percy, nothing but distaste in his gaze. "Percy Jackson...my, my. The sons of Poseidon haven't improved over the centuries, have they?"

"We're looking for Bianca di Angelo," Percy said. "Get lost."

The ghost chuckled. "I understand you once killed my Minotaur with your bare hands. But worse things await you in the maze. Do you really believe Daedalus will help you?"

The spirits began to stir, their load moans and bright light approaching. Annabeth drew her knife and Estella drew Blight. Grover got nervous and clung to Tyson's shoulder.

"Daedalus cares nothing for you, half-bloods," Minos warned. "You can't trust him. He is old beyond counting, and crafty. He is bitter from the guilt of murder and is cursed by the gods."

"The guilt of murder?" Percy asked. "Who did he kill?"

"Do not changed the subject!" the ghost growled. "You are hindering Nico. You try to persuade him to give up on his goal. I would make him a lord!"

"Enough, Minos," Nico commanded.

The ghost frowned. "Master, these are your enemies. You must not listen to them! Let me protect you. i will turn their minds to madness, as I did the others."

"The others?" Annabeth gasped. "You mean Chris Rodriguez? That was you?"

"The maze is my property," the ghost said, "not Daedalus's! Those who intrude deserve madness."

"Be gone, Minos!" Nico demanded. "I want to see my sister!"

"As you wish, master. But I warn you. You cannot trust these heroes." Minos faded into mist.

Other spirits rushed forward, but Annabeth, Estella, and Percy kept them back.

"Bianca, appear!" Nico shouted. He started chanting faster, and the spirits groaned restlessly.