Disclaimer: Rick Riordan has all rights to PJO and its characters

New Horizons

Zeus continued to look at the image below him. His thoughts running wild. For one, he didn't know what to do with his very powerful nephew running about. He wasn't necessarily worried that the boy may usurp him but he still didn't like the thought of someone with the power to rival many of the minor gods just running around in the world.

Zeus knew he couldn't always watch the boy as his brother would get suspicious. Athena would think that Poseidon wasn't the smartest but the ing of the gods knew better. He knew his brother well, probably better than most of their siblings, and he wouldn't be kind if he caught Zeus looking at his favorite son.

"Aphrodite, what do you propose?" Zeus said from his throne. Still looking at the scene infront of him.

"Well we could put him in a love sick state and he can be my toy for the next millennium." The love goddess said nonchalantly. She would be lying if she said she didn't admire the demigod. He reminded her of Adonis when it came to looks. In her daydreaming she didn't realize the other two occupants in the room where giving her 'are you joking?' look.

"Father," Athena gained her fathers attention as Aphrodite continued to scene infront of them. Currently the demigod was training with his team. It just so happened he was shirtless. "I believe the best way to go about this is to send a spy."

"A spy?" Zeus questioned as Aphrodite just laughed.

"Yes." Came the simple reply from the war goddess.

"Please, that is the most idiotic…" Aphrodite's voice trailed off. She continued to think.

"Explain, Daughter." Zeus said, looking towards Athena.

"Well, if you are so worried about the sea spawn." Zeus didn't miss the way she said it. It wasn't the usual disgust but more of respect for the boy. Though still not calling him by his name. "We send someone to watch him to make sure he doesn't try to take the throne."

"But why?" Zeus didn't mind the plan but still he didn't want his brother to be on his case.

"Well after the second Giantachomy, it was clear the boy did not wish to join us. He continued to cut ties with our world only for a select few." Athen examined the demigod more. Truth be told, she admired the boy. She admired his decision, but he still was a sea spawn. "Poseidon visits the boy from time to time, but it still doesn't mean if he has an alliance with us. For all we know they could be planning something. I suggest we send someone to watch over the boy. To make sure he doesn't get out of line."

Zeus rubbed his chin. It wasn't a bad plan but at the same time his brother would be furious. He might even wage a war if he deemed it.

"I have a better idea." Aphrodite's voice piped up. Athena glared at the loved goddess as Zeus just glanced her way.

"Go on. Explain." The king said.

"I believe we still send a spy but instead of just sending someone to watch him, I believe we send a love interest."

"What are you-" Athena was cut off as Zeus just raised her hand to stop her. He gave a signal to Aphrodite to continue.

"You see, I have been monitoring Perseus' life for sometime now," Aphrodite gave a quick glance at the other two. "Not in a creepy way. You see he believes he shouldn't get attached to someone due to his job. But I know better than maybe his own mother that it is a lie. He is hurting. He feels alone."

"Besides the few flings here and there and that weird relationship with that Bellona spawn, he has pretty much been alone." Aphrodite studied the man further. "The best way to spy on him is if he had a bond with someone, someone that would be close and could watch him at all times."

"What if Poseidon gets suspicious?" Zeus questioned.

"Well if his son is happy would he really cause a mess?"

"Father, I hate doing this but I agree." Aphrodite just smiled at her. Athena held back a glare "Poseidon wouldn't dare mess with his son's happiness, especially if you threaten him by not being able to visit his son."

"But the Ancient Laws?" Zeus was beginning to come around with the plan.

"Simple, they state that a celestial being can not interact with their children. The goddess who goes just doesn't sire any children and a relationship can continue. I mean we did it back in the times of Greece all the time."

"What if he suspects the goddess?" Athena questioned.

"He is still a mortal. A powerful one but still mortal. Just a thicker layer of mist to dampen the god like powers we have to be able to blend in." Apparently Aphrodite was smarter than she appeared. Athena side eyed the older goddess.

"So who will go?" Zeus questioned.

"I would love to," The love goddess stated, gaining the looks of the other two. "But no one on the council can."

"Why is that?" Athena questioned.

"He knows all of us too well. Plus I don't think the others would be happy about that." Aphrodite began to file her perfect nails. It was more out of boredom. "We all know Artemis needs to get laid but she definitely wouldn't work, Hera is set on her ways," Zeus scoffed at that idea. "Demeter is to overbearing and would give her identity up way to quick, Hestia is too motherly, I am too busy and he would know instantly, and you" She pointed the nail file at Athena.

"Me?" Athena grabbed her spear not liking the acquisition.

"You are too similar to your daughter. He would probably be more hostile if he knew it was you spying on him." Aphrodite just laughed. "I mean no matter who it is he would be pissed but you, you would most likely be on the other side of his sword. Your kid did a number on him."

"Don't bring my daughter into this."

"Or what? Going to try and stab me." She just shook her head. "Please, many on this council may find me dumb and powerless but I am far from it. I came from the loins of a Primordial, don't think you will be fighting an easy battle."

Zeus just rolled his eyes. Though he could feel the room get slightly colder. He knew how powerful Aphrodite really was and didn't want to have to rebuild the throne room. Again.

"Both of you! Enough!" He let out. Both goddesses glanced at him. Both were ready to attack each other at any moment.

"Sorry Father." Athen was the first to back off. Putting her spear to the side, sitting back in her throne. Aphrodite just scoffed going back to file her nails.

"Well, who do you have in mind?" Zeus asked the goddess.

"It has to be someone he hasn't had contact with," Aphrodite thought. She glanced at the thrones around her. Then she came upon Ares' throne and smiled. If Percy was in the military why not give him someone who could relate. "Zeus, get Hermes. I know who would be perfect for the job. It has been so long since she got any job after all and I am tired of her bugging me and Ares during our alone time."

Both Father and Daughter didn't like the sinister look that took over Aphrodite's face. Whoever it was, it most likely was something they wouldn't want to do. Though with a signal for Hermes to come he sighed. He just hoped this worked.

Line Break

"...it still affects me to this day." Percy heard one of the other veterans say. He looked around the group and all had similar grim faces. Some were older, some younger but every single one of them has seen combat.

"Does it ever get better?" A young man asked. Percy looked at him, he had to be in his twenties still but the look he had in his eyes told him he saw some things some people just couldn't handle.

"It…" An older man started. Percy looked at his hat and read that the man served in the early days of war on terror. "It is hard and always will be but...you have to keep living." The man looked to be finding his words carefully.

"Even years later I still get nightmares." This time one of the oldest of the group said. His hat shows he served in Vietnam. "Though...it may get tough, you have to live for the ones you fought with. You have not let their sacrifice be in vain."

"Thank you, Marcel." The counselor said. The dark-skinned vet smiled at the woman. The others patted the wheelchair bound man on the back. They knew what hell he went through. Both overseas and back home during that time. "Now would anyone else like to speak?" Percy raised his hand. He sat up straighter in his seat as the others all looked at him. He joined a month ago after the talks with his family.

"When I first came back I was angry." The others nodded knowing that feeling all too well. "Angry at losing half my platoon, angry at all the looks of pity, and angry at being alive." The others looked at him. Some knew that feeling while others listened to the seasoned vet. "Though I came to realize that anger is not good to keep. It isn't to dwell on something that may not have been preventable. Now I am just glad that I was able to save as many as I could. It could have been far more deadly than it was. The only thing I regret is not showing my love for those guys sooner."

"I am sure wherever they are they know you tried your best and they know you loved them dearly." The counselor said. "Try not to dwell on that regret and I am glad you have overcome that anger of yours." The woman looked at her watch. "I believe that is time. It was a great session guys. Stay safe and at the same time next week."

The others stood to leave. As they did some would talk with the others about things they had planned with their family or about other things. Percy smiled in their direction. If they could overcome their fears and anger, so could he. He stood, grabbing his jacket and was off to meet his family for lunch.

Line Break

The bell to the little sandwich shop rang as he walked through the doors. As soon as he stepped a foot inside he was slammed into by a smaller blur.

"Percy!" Let out a higher pitched voice, still going through puberty. Percy looked down to see a girl no older than fifteen looking up at him with the same brown eyes as her father. She gave him a toothy grin.

"What are you doing, Little squirt?" He asked, hugging the smaller girl. She was shorter than their mother by a few inches.

"Waiting for you slow poke!" She jokingly said. He smiled at her.

"Hey if I could control New York traffic then I would never be late." He said as he was led to the table where their mother was. Paul was busy at work but they probably would get him something for lunch and Enora was busy at a meeting. Apparently they were setting up for a party or something. He wasn't paying much attention at the time.

"Yeah, yeah." The girl waved him off. "Whatever you say." The girl was a lot like Percy. He hated it.

"Why yo-!"

"Percy, stop antagonizing your sister!" Their mother demanded. She only laughed at the look of betrayal from her son but missed the look her daughter gave him.

"I can never win with you two." He muttered.

"What was that?" Sally asked with a smirk.

"Nothing!" The embarrassed voice of her son caused her to chuckle. Even after the stuff he has been through she was glad he was the same old Percy.

"Come here, Son." She opened her arms to her son and was awarded in a bone crushing hug. They tried to eat once a week together but everytime they hugged like it would be last time. "How was your morning?"

"It was...good." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. His mom knew he was in therapy but didn't want to say that in front of Estella. She was a teen but also protective of her brother and they didn't want to alarm the girl. It took hours for Sally and Paul to calm the girl after finding the news about what happened to his team.

Sally remembered that day like it was yesterday. She was a wreck but had to show a strong facade for her daughter. At the time of the news they didn't even know if he was alive or dead. That night was rough for the family. She remembered Estella crying herself to sleep and didn't leave the bedside until there was a knock on the other side of the door where Poseidon was. Needless to say she broke down in his arms after seeing his look. Though it was slightly better after he told her that he was alive. He would know afterall.

"That is great." The proud mom said. "So what are you guys getting?"

Line Break

Percy sat on his couch scrolling through TV. After lunch he decided to come get Mrs. O'Leary and take her for a walk. Needless to say both were tired now. One from being dragged across New York city and the other from being out and about. Said hound gave a loud yawn.

"I don't know why you are the one that's tired." He said as the hellhound just tilted her head at him in signature dog fashion. "When I think I need to go to the hospital now because you dislocated my shoulder from all that dragging." He rotated his right arm hearing it pop in several spots. Mrs. O'Leary just looked at him innocently.

"I could look at it for you." This caused many reactions. One being Percy to jump off the couch and a hellhound growling at the god who decided to just pop in. Percy now took a defensive stance with his hand on Riptide. Though what he saw caused him to chuckle.

Apollo was on his kitchen counter trying to get as far away as possible from the growling and barking hellhound. She was at his feet ready to pounce at one wrong move. Apollo on the other hand looked scared at the sudden reaction of the hound. Percy just laughed and shook his head. He was a god, an Olympian at that, and he was scared of a hellhound.

"Mrs. O'Leary! Enough!" The hellhound turned to her owner, now seeing a relaxed Percy and walked back over to the couch taking back her seat.

"Thank you, Perce." The sun god got down from the counter, wiping figurative sweat from his brow. "Thought I was a goner there." Both knew that was a joke. If Apollo was really in danger then he doubted a single hellhound would get far. Said hellhound was currently watching some reality tv show since Percy accidentally clicked a random channel.

"Next time I suggest you take the door." Came the annoyed voice of the demigod. He was tired of these gods just flashing in, though the last one he met was Aphrodite and that was a month ago.

"I will take that advice." Percy doubted that.

"What is it you wanted Apollo?" The demigod asked taking a seat next to Mrs. O'Leary who put her big head in his lap. Watching the sun god for any wrong move. Needless to say she was very protective of her owner.

"I couldn't just stop by and see my favorite cousin?" The god asked, rubbing the back of his neck with a dazzling smile. He was now in front of Percy. Said demigod nearly blinded by the brightness of his smile.

"When have you ever stopped by?" The sea prince asked. It was true only one god saw Percy on the regular and that was his father.

"Alright true…" Apollo was now against a rock and a hard place. "Dammit! Why was I tasked with this? Shouldn't Hermes be here? He is the messenger afterall!" He said with a growl.

"Just tell me what you want, cousin?" Percy just rolled his eyes at the god.

"Father, wanted to make sure you knew about the party tomorrow and that you were coming?" Apollo said, sighing at the end. He was not good in these types of environments.

"Really? That is it?" Percy was expecting a lot more to be honest. "I thought I already told dad I was coming."

"Yeah you see- wait!" Apollo raised his hands up. "You told your dad you were coming?"

"Yeah, I mean I thought I did." Percy scratched his bearded chin. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Oh huh." Apollo was going through his mind and couldn't remember if Posiddon said something or not. "Well we thought since you left before the award ceremony after the Giant war you didn't want any contact from us."

"Well at the time I didn't." Percy turned the channel to some sports. "But I have come to realize I can't ignore you guys forever. I mean we are related in some weird way. Plus it would do me some good seeing some old faces."

"Oh. That makes sense." Apollo smiled brightly. "Well see you there, cousin." The god flashed away but not in the deadly way they do that added unnecessary dramatics. As soon as he did the front door opened with Enora entering the condo. Percy just sighed. They can never leave like normal people could they?

"Percy, I'm home!" Percy thanked the gods. He was starting to get bored out of his mind.

"Hey, beautiful." He said joining her at the door. She only laughed, kissing him. "How was work?"

"It was…" She was trying to find the right word. "Interesting."

"Oh? How so?" The demigod took her suit jacket and purse for her. Setting them down as she took her heels off. He missed the way she took in the air in the condo and slightly growled out under her breath. Why did the sun god come here?

"Let's just say there were creative issues from Attie and April. That led to another mess. I'd rather just relax right now." She unbuttoned the first few buttons on her blouse as Percy rubbed her shoulders.

"When is your party for the executives?" Percy asked, leading his girlfriend to the couch.

"Tomorrow, sadly." She gave a little moan when Percy rubbed a tight spot. He chuckled at her actions. "You are going to be with your extended family arn't you?"

"Yeah. I haven't seen some in years." He admitted. He was doing his best to hide his godly side. He hated lying to her. "Wish you could come."

"I would love to but it is mandatory to attend." She said sadly. Percy was upset a little. He would gladly skip and be with her but with her job's executive meeting happening she couldn't miss it. Though it was weird it just so happened to fall on the same day as his reunion. Though it probably was mere coincidence.

"Damn. I would rather have spent the whole evening with you." He said huskily in her ear. She smirked.

"Oh?" She looked at him, finally letting her hair out of the bun it was in. "And what was something you had planned?"

"Well…" He trailed off. He smirked at her. "It had you, me, and a bed…"

Percy teased her for the rest of the night. He really loved her and by the look she gave him, he would say the same for her.

Line Break

"Otter 0-2, Approaching the door." Percy radioed. His vision was green. Without his goggles he would be blind. He was next to the door. With it's position he was going to be the first to enter. It was never easy going firs, not knowing what was on the other side.

"Otter 1-3, ready for breach." He heard Mitchum say. He was taking the front door while Percy was taking the one in the back that stairs lead up to. Most likely leading him to the upstairs section as the other team take ground floor. Percy felt a pat on his shoulder, signaling his team was ready for breach.

"Alright Otter 1-3, On my mark." Percy paused for confirmation. "3..2..1. Go!" Percy threw a flashbang into the doorway as the others did the same. He heard his go off first. When it did he pushed the door.

The first fighter that was closest to the door never had a chance. With three shots from his rifle, Percy ended the man's life. He just prayed the guy didn't feel the pain. Lee was behind him, he moved right with Michaels clearing that room. Percy and Sammy moved to the next room, Percy taking the lead as Sammy gave him the signal.

When they breached two fighters where scrambling for their weapons but never had a chance as both SEALs fired their shots, killing the two men. Lee and Michaels joined them in the hall as they approached the next door. They still had to go up one more flight of stairs. The last bedroom on the second floor was empty except for a few documents that they would come back form. Looked to be a makeshift information center.

They pushed the 3rd floor as team 2 regrouped on them. Mitchum and Swanson joined them at the back. With that Percy pushed forward. Making sure the stairs were clear. Percy and Sammy taking the room furthest down the hall as the other 4 took their rooms together.

Percy and Sammy would face no resistance. Though Lee and Michaels would have an insurgent fighter try and fail to get the jump on them. Swanson and Mitchum on the other hand would face a different problem. In their room was a mother protecting her crying child. They dismissed her. Only if they looked harder they would see her hiding a gun under the child.

"Overlord, This is Otter 0-2. Over." Percy said over his radio.

"Otter 0-2, this is Overlord. Did you get the intelligence? Over." Came the stern voice of a high ranking officer overseeing this mission.

"We cleared the building of hostels and are looking through documents now." Percy paused, watching his men rifle through files in the surrounding rooms. Mitchum came out of one room with a box. "Overlord, we may have-"

"Watch out!" Someone shouted. Though it was like time stood still for Percy. He noticed the woman that Lee and Mitchum cleared was now in the doorway of the room she was in. Now holding a handgun towards the dark skinned man. The woman fired at the man.

Percy woke from his dream drenched in sweat. He hated that night and would regret it for the rest of his life. He remembered raising his gun and killing the woman after she fired two shots at Mitchum. One hitting his vest while the other missed and hit the floorboards. It was the only time that Percy killed a female in the line of duty. It was a nightmare for him. The screams of the child rang through his head. The child would never have a mother nor ever know it's father.

The demigod could only sigh as he sat up. The sun hasn't come out yet.

He looked at the alarm clock for it to read 5:13 am. He looked over at his sleeping girlfriend and smiled softly. Even in this cruel world how could he have found the perfect woman? He moved a hair out of her angelic face. After a few moments of staring at her, he decided it would be a good time as any to get up for a run. Before he left though, he kissed the woman's forehead knowing she would have left for work before he got back.

Line Break

Percy stepped out of the shower after the water ran cold. The temperature rarely mattered for the son of Posiedon but he figured it was best to get on with his day. He did have a reunion to attend to afterall.

He dried himself with his towel instead of willing the water off preferring to let some of the water air dry. He cleared the mirror of the condensation to look at himself. He noticed he looked a lot better than he did a month ago. The color returned to his features, muscle being built back up in the areas that he lost it in. His eyes still had some darkness around them from the sleepless nights, no matter how much medicine he took or therapy sessions he went to the nightmares still came. He could still make out the scarring on his body. The ones from when he was only a teen still there but faint, he still could feel Enora's fingers tracing them as they talked in the middle of the night.

No matter how much he struggled, he at least had some anchor to help him. The last month was hard on him. Part of him missed the service, the constant go. Though he would never be able to. They gave him an honorable discharge and a service medal for his leadership and his sacrifice but that meant nothing to him. He cared little for a medal, he much rather have his fri- no family back. He sighed.

Percy went to grab his comb knowing his hair would be a mess if he let it dry without combing it. His teenage self wouldn't care but after being in the military he picked up a few things about appearance. Though as he went to grab the comb his hand started shaking. He looked down as both hands shook.

He could hear the explosions again. The gunfire, the screams, the questionion, but over all that he could see the bodies. The ones he fought with and the ones he caused. He feel the blood on his hands, the smell of the bodies permitting the air, and the looks of pain from the soldiers. The look of despair wondering if the war would ever end. Was all this bloodshed really worth it? Was the lives of his family worth fighting for a country that didn't even want there? Did he even make a difference?

These were the questions that ran through his mind as he tried to open the medicine cabinet behind the mirror. He was barely able to open the little bottle that held his medicine to calm his nerves. When he was finally able to take the pill, he splashed some water on his face to calm him. It took a minute and some breath control from him before he felt fine and he was finally able to get his body under control.

He put the bottle back in the cabinet and when he closed the mirror he instantly regretted it. There in the mirror he saw himself, though it was him when he was still in the military. He could tell from the NWU type II, the special pattern that the special operation units wore. Though that wasn't the only difference, he was more bulky after years of training his body. Although he wasn't alone. Behind him stood his unit and all those who died. The ones he should have died with and the ones he could not save. All staring at him with void eyes.

He closed his eyes and did a breathing exercise that his therapist told him to do. After a few seconds he opened his eyes and they were gone. He sighed as he gripped the sink with the water still running. He looked to the door of the bathroom where Mrs. O'Leary was watching him making sure he was okay.

"Hey, girl." The hellhound made no noise as she approached her owner, bumping his leg. "I am alright. I can get through this." The hellhound licked his hand as he started petting her. She leaned into him. "I should get ready for the day shouldn't I?"

Mrs. O'Leary barked at him, almost grinning like a dog could. He smiled at the action as he finished his morning routine.

Line Break

Percy watched the hospital bed in front of him. The monitors beeping periodically and the IV leading into the arm of the former Praetor. He watched as her chest rose and fell, his thoughts everywhere.

He hasn't seen anyone from either camp in 5 years and then on a mission he runs into the one person he always felt guilty about. The first time he ever was near her, he unintentionally took away everything she worked so hard to keep. He always regretted that decision. Why did he let those pirates run rampant? Though it didn't matter any more. That was years ago and nothing could change that.

He thought about leaving for lunch real quick but as his hand grabbed the door handle he heard her weak voice.

"Percy…" She sounded confused at seeing the man.

"Reyna!" He called, coming closer to the bed.

"It's really you.." She trailed off taking in his more mature features. 5 years in the military really changed him. He was more muscular and taller after hitting another growth spurt. He was now taller than Jason and just as wide as Frank. Reyna barely recognized the man but she never once met another with those eyes. The eyes of an endless ocean waiting to be explored, though she could see how tired he looked.

"Yeah.." He rubbed the back of neck. "It really is me."

He didn't expect what happened next. Quicker than he thought she could move, she slapped him across the face. Though before he could say anything she pulled him into a hug. She hugged him like her life depended on it. He hugged her back, smiling.

"Where the hell have you been?!" She said. She must have been feeling better because her voice sounded much better and that slap stung his face. He could only shake his head. Of course she didn't hold anything back in that slap.

"Uhm...long story?" He said it more as a question.

"I got time." She said as it was obvious.

"Well where should I start…" He grabbed a seat pulling it closer. "Well after the war…"

Line Break

"...Then we were given the mission to find you and your...team." He said. Only her and the other man survived. The others either died by the hands of the ISIS fighters or died from dehydration before they could get there. If only they could be faster.

"I see." She looked at him. She now had the bed sitting up so she could look at him without having to sit up herself. "You know we all were worried about you. The others, the seven, were everywhere looking for you. They said your mom wouldn't tell anyone. Even Posiedon kept his mouth shut. No one could find you."

"It must have happened when I was in basic." He said rubbing his chin. "I was kind of in a rough patch, you know?" She nodded her head. After the war they talked some but as Praetor she was busy. They wanted him to join her in the seat but Frank was a much better choice. Being Roman and all. "Being in two wars back to back, memories taken from me, falling in Tartarus, and my first love leaving me. I just couldn't take it anymore. I had to get away, I had to find my purpose."

"I see." The Marine was thinking now. "Why didn't you tell anyone? I know we weren't the closest but you could have told someone."

"I just didn't see a reason to. Everyone was moving on. Jason building those temples, you and Frank doing your job as Praetor, Hazel helping you guys, Piper helping out at Camp Half-blood, Annabeth...doing her thing, and what happened to Leo…" He trailed off not knowing what to say.

"So you don't know?" He raised a brow at that.

"Know what?"

"Leo survived." She said. He gave her a blank look. "Apparently he used the distraction of his death to find his girlfriend, Calypso…" Percy's eyes went wide at her statement. "...the two went off to explore the world together and they popped back up a year after you left."

Percy's face hardened. His hands balled into a fist. He was shaking from anger. Until he felt Reyna's hand on his. He faltered at that.

"What's wrong?" She asked softly.

"She should have been freed." He said, though not directly at her.

"Who should have been freed, Percy?"

"Calypso." He simply stated.

"What do you mean?" She asked with curiosity.

"Calypso was a girl I met during the titan war." He said through clenched teeth. "I washed up on her island after I caused Mt. Saint Helens eruption." The daughter of Bellona raised a brow. "It doesn't matter. Though I asked the gods to free her and every other titan that was neutral during the first war, though it seems that never happened." He breathed in. "The gods are good for nothing." Thunder rumbled outside. Reyna's face fell. She believed every word he said, would even agree with that statement but she didn't have the balls to say it out loud like him.

"Enough about me." The SEAL stated. "What happened with you? I see you joined the Marines."

"Yeah." She looked at him with a smirk. "Navy? Really?"

"Hey! It makes sense." She only nodded.

"Well I guess I should start at the beginning."

The two would talk for hours, catching up on the past. They didn't realise that this would lead to a closer friendship than he ever had with the other campers. Even a closer bond than he had with Grover.

Line Break

Percy sighed as he stared at the Empire State building. It has been years since he stepped foot into the building. Rarely he even came close to the building. It seemed there was no time like the present.

The building was empty except for the lone guard behind the desk that held the key to the 600th floor. They decided it was best to have the party at night so here he was in an empty building. He walked to the guard desk.

"Sorry kid, the tours are closed." The guard said not looking up from his book. Percy only sighed.

"Can I have the key for the 600th floor?" Percy said flatly.

"Sorry, that doesn't exist." The guard glanced at the man in front of him and froze. In front of him stood someone he hasn't seen in years. Most would think he wasn't observant with his nose always in a book but as a guard he paid attention. He was in charge of the one object people could get to access to Olympus afterall. "It is you."

"Me?" Percy asked. He was confused as hell.

"The savior of Olympus." The guard was grabbing the key without looking. "Son of Posiedon."

"You know me?" The guard only nodded.

"Kid, I have been here for years. I know everyone who enters those doors." He handed the key to Percy. "I also know a soldier when I see one. Thank you."

"You as well." Percy was confused but he thanked the man for the key and entered the elevator.

Percy just raised a brow at the music. It was Holding out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler. He only laughed as she sang I need a hero. Of course Apollo would do this. Though looking at the reflection of the control panel, he told himself he was no hero.

Once the elevator doors opened he wanted to turn and run. The streets of Olympus were filled with all sorts of creatures. Vendors selling goods, the muses singing at the fountain in the center, and crowds everywhere. One fear he gained from the service was crowds.

Crowds allowed people to blend in better. Crowds allowed people to hurt others better. Crowds allowed chaos to take root.

He thought about going back home and waiting for Enora to come home but he knew he couldn't keep running. He couldn't hide forever. He took a breath and left the safety of the elevator. As soon as he did he heard the tale tell signs of fireworks and other noise makers. His right hand shook in his pocket.

He just needed to make it to the throne room. He gave himself an hour. He will stay an hour.

He moved through the crowds as he did vendors would stop and stare at him. It was like they were witnessing a ghost. Some people in the crowd stopped to watch him pass. As he made it to the middle fountain the Muses stopped. They were watching him. Not out of fear but more out of curiosity and something he couldn quiet place. Was it respect? Or was it something else? They looked at him like they would the Olympians.

He shook it off and moved closer to the throne room. As he passed everyone went back to normal, dancing, singing, and just enjoying the peace.

Once he took the final step leading to the top being breathed in. His nerves calmed. He reached the doors leading to the throne room and with a steady breath entered through the crack in the door. He didn't know what he was expecting but was not expecting so many people. Gods and demigods and other creatures. That wasn't the surprising part. No, the dress code surprised him. Apparently it wasn't a causal event, like he dressed for.

Everyone was in suits or dresses. Some of the gods were even in the cerimonial chitons from ancient times. He looked down at what he was wearing and sighed. He looked out of place in his t-shirt, brown leather jacket, dark-jeans, and sneakers.

He never noticed the looks he received. The looks of confusion on some, the looks of awe on others, and the looks of disbelief on his old teammates. He was broken out of his thoughts by a booming voice.

"Perseus Jackson!" The man approaching Percy had him slightly agitated but was able to control the hatred.

"Ares!" Percy growled out.

It seems some things never change.

AN: Sorry to leave it there but thought it was a good stopping point and leads into an exciting chapter that I am not sure will come. Probably later this week or next.

I hope everyone enjoyed it though and can see how Percy is learning to control his emotions and what he has done to adjust living as a vetern with PTSD and survivors guilt. Hope you enjoyed the chapter and next time some questions will defiantly be answered. Until next time :)