Percy Jackson: At Hell's Gates

Thunder boomed above Camp Half Blood as I tossed and turned through the night. Normally my dreams were chaotic, being a demigod and all, but tonight was different. I saw waves from the Hudson slamming into Manhattan with a force I've never seen. Entire skyscrapers crumbling under the vast power of the ocean. But the worst part? My dad, Poseidon, standing upon a fifty foot wave casting his trident in the path of destruction.

THUD THUD THUD

I jolted out of bed as I heard someone slamming on my door. Instantly the room was tinted in a low glow as I uncapped Riptide while approaching the door. I realized I was still in my boxers but figured I had been in less decent positions to die if whoever was at the door was about to vaporize me.

THUD THUD THUD

The knocking came again. I swung open the cabin door and was met by a gust of wind and rain more powerful than I've ever seen. Chiron stood tall above me seemingly unaffected by the torrential downpour happening around me.

"Percy my boy," he said. "May I come in?"

Now normally I wouldn't be surprised by a visit from my longtime centaur teacher. Afterall, he had been with me in one form or another since I was twelve, but it was rare for him to show up during the night.

"Sure Chiron, what's up?" I asked as I capped Riptide.

"My boy I'll be frank. Your father has declared war on Olympus and marches on New York as we speak."

If it weren't for the screaming wind coming from the still open door you could've heard a pin drop. My thoughts were racing after Chiron had just dropped this bombshell.

Poseidon invading Olympus? That can't be, right? And why the hell did Chiron not wait till morning when I had at least had breakfast to announce this to me?

"I suspect he will call upon you to lead his armies," Chiron said as if he had read my mind.

"Chiron, why would my father march on Olympus," I asked nervously.

"Well, after the whole Titan followed immediately by Giants situation, your father feels Zeus has lost his mojo so to say," Chiron snorted as his tail whipped.

"Yes my boy in typical god fashion Poseidon has decided he would be better fit to rule Olympus and has taken this time of uncertainty to strike at the heart of Zeus's power. Well, with that out of the way I suppose I'll see myself back to the Big House before the gods wash it away in their anger."

Thunder cracked overhead as Chiron galloped out of the cabin leaving me standing shocked. I suppose I should've realized something was up when the weather around camp got pissy. The last time it had happened was my first year at camp when Zeus had accused me of stealing his precious thunderbolt and had almost started WW3 over it. I rolled my eyes at the thought of it and went back to bed.

Now I know what you're thinking,

Percy, Chiron just told you WW3 is back on the menu and you're going to sleep?

And yes, I am. Since the age of twelve I've stopped more world ending threats than any teenager should have and whatever needs to be done can be done in the morning. The smell of salt rushed my nostrils as I drifted into my dreams and before I knew it I was standing in Poseidon's throne room. The normally bustling throne room was empty save for a small reserve guard.

"Percy," my dad started with a twinkle.

"Oh no we're not gonna start that," I retorted. "For one gods damn year can I just have a normal life? First the Titans, then the Giants, and now you march on Olympus for your own pride?"

Realistically anyone else who talked to a god like this would be a small stain on the floor but I tended to stretch the boundaries due to my long standing relationship with the gods. Even still I saw Poseidon's eyes flash with anger before he composed himself.

"Percy the past couple years of your life is EXACTLY the reason why I march on Zeus. His weakness and sloth allowed our enemies to regain their strength and almost destroy Olympus multiple times. I plan to restore Olympus to her former glory and finally expose ourselves to the mortals who have forgotten their place."

"You sound like if the mortals don't want to be your subjects? Will you march on humankind as well?"

Poseidon draped his arm around my shoulder and I begrudgingly allowed him to lead me to a nearby balcony that overlooked his kingdom.

"I don't expect you to agree with my plans," Poseidon said softly. "But I need you to know that there is a reason. New enemies rise by the minute and Zeus once again refuses to acknowledge."

"So let me help you kill these new threats dad, it can't be worse than what I've dealt with before.

Poseidon's face seemed to darken despite the bright coral surrounding him.

"Percy there are threats even too great for you. No, the only option is for me to consolidate the power of the gods under my rule."

"And if I try to stop you."

"I will do what I must."

With that lovely father-son bonding experience a riptide rushed me over the balcony towards the ocean floor and I awoke right before I slammed into the sandbar.