Percy's POV

"It looks dangerous, maybe we shouldn't get it." Luke said worriedly. "And even if we survive long enough to give it to the gods, is it wise to give it to the gods?"

"Luke, I think..." I swallowed. "I think they're our parents."

"I know that." Luke wasn't surprised at all, unlike Thalia and Annabeth. "You're not the only one whose been having dreams, Percy."

"What are you saying?" Annabeth gulped.

"We can't betray them." I said uncertainly. "They're probably the only family we have left."

"Do you want to be related to the ones who killed you mother?" He turned to Annabeth. "Or you dad and little brother?" Annabeth's face turned pale. Luke continued. "They're responsible of this." He kicked a piece of charred metal. "They are responsible for the thousands of lives lost here. They are responsible of the families they've broken when they ripped their parents of the picture. They're responsible of collapsing this building. They're responsible for killing your family."

"No..." I mumbled. "This can't be... H-how?"

"The Titan War. They fought to protect Olympus. And failed. And here's what's left of it." He crushed a piece of ruble under his foot.

"Olympus? You mean Greece?" Annabeth said, confused.

"This is Olympus now. The gods move to wherever the Western Civilization is strongest. They stayed in Rome for quite a while too. This is- was their Olympus."

"Was?" I asked. "You mean it shifted its location again? Where?"

"I think you know where, Percy." Luke replied.

It dawned to me. "Empire State Building. The 600th floor. Impossible."

"Well, we can't just leave the Lightning Bolt here for the Titans to get, can we?" Annabeth said.

"Who's to say that the gods are better than the Titans?" Luke said darkly.

"You don't mean..." I said, aghast.

"Or..." Luke said thoughtfully. "We can start a new age. A better one. The Titans had their turn. Then the gods. We can start a new era. The Age of the Demigods."

Annabeth looked really tempted but stayed skeptical. "And just how do you propose to do it?"

Luke turned to Thalia, who was uncharacteristically silent all this time. "We have the Lightning Bolt. One of the most powerful weapons of all time. And I think Thalia knows how to use it, don't you Thalia? Go on. Just take it."

Thalia turned deathly pale. "I-...I...".

"Luke, snap out of it. We should take this to Olympus right now." Annabeth said defiantly. Where she got her strength, I have no idea. But it was definitely there. "We need to go. NOW."

Luke took Annabeth's hands. "I know we can do it. We could make this world a better place. I know you know it. I can see it in your eyes."

Annabeth looked like she was about to crack. I couldn't help seeing her looking so... so fragile. I decided to step in. "Luke, thanks for your suggestions," I said without meaning it. "But we should get going."

"If that's what you want." Luke sighed, grabbing the Lightning Bolt. "Okay, let's go."

"This way." Rachel spoke up, leading the way. She was so quiet; I almost forgot she was there.

I found it hard to trust Luke with the Lightning Bolt after his whole speech earlier.

But with the look in his eyes and the way he was gripping the Lightning Bolt, I had a feeling he could use it if he wanted too. Like he could zap me with it if I tried anything, or even asked.

We reached the Empire State Building in silence. We snuck inside, (Quite easy, since the doorman was sleeping holding a book to his chest.) We reached the elevator. I wondered how in the world we'll find the 600th floor when Rachel grabbed my arm. "I can't enter Olympus." She said wistfully. "I'm just a mortal."

She took my wrist and used it to hover on top of the elevator buttons. A new button appeared. She looked at me. "You know what to do now. Be careful and good luck!" She called just as the elevator door slid shut.

We rode the elevator in silence about halfway there, Luke started to shimmer. "I tried to tell you guys. A new Golden Age about to begin but none of you will be part of it." He faded and disappeared. With the Lightning Bolt.