Percy Jackson and The King's Folly

by KingKold997

AU What if Percy was sent to fix the world the greek gods destroyed. With the power of the Primordial and the void of creation on his side how will he change the world. First published work. tell me how I did.

I sat and watched with rage, and sadness in my heart for eons waiting for things to get better, hoping one of my offspring would pull together some sense and change the world for the better. But all I got for my hope was disappointment and shame. The Primordials were the first of my ilk and as such they took on the basest forms of life as their Domain. Gaea was the first of many, and as my eldest she took on the aspect of the earth. Next Came Tartarus and he became the embodiment of the pit, an eternal hell for all those who dared commit a sin so heinous that they be made worthy of it. Ouranos took the Dominion of the skies and stars themselves, using his power to govern all manner of creatures. Nyx held power over the night and held pride in her duties, as did her brother Erebus who had power over darkness.

I watched for the longest of times as they created all manner of things and with my guidance things were prosperous. Until the birth of the titans. Through some unsightly means my children married and had offspring in the name of titans. The titans took domain over many aspects of the world that my children and I had created, but their intentions weren't always pure. Especially those of my grandchild Chronos, he took the power of time as his own and used it to show how cruel that aspect of nature could be. His power corrupted him and I watched as he corrupted those around him for his own gain.

In his ambition he killed his father Ouranos and Proclaimed himself king of the Titans as his father was king of the Primordials. None stood in his path as he wed his sister Rhea in an attempt to produce strong children under his control. But Gaea and Uranus had a prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him as he had his own father. Chronos in fear of this ate the children he had sired to prevent this outcome.

Rhea could stand no more of her husband's vile actions and plotted to have her sixth child Zeus hidden away after his birth so he wouldn't have to suffer like his kin had. Rhea in turn fed Chronos a bundle of stones wrapped in a child's blanket for his meal. And over the years Zeus grew in power until he hatched a plan to rescue his siblings. He had his mother poison his father so he would… ehm regurgitate his siblings. And when they gained their freedom the titan wars began.

With Zeus at the head they laid waste to the titans until they stood before Chronos himself. They battled for years until he was felled and Zeus took his scythe to dash his father into pieces. Chronos was spread in pieces through Tartarus to suffer the most indignant of punishments. But this wasn't the end of their strife.

When Chronos bested his father he removed the possibility of him having any more offspring through castration. But upon removing his manhood, it fell into the ocean and formed the gigantes. These monstrosities were fiercely loyal to Chronos and held a very long grudge. They swore to tear down Mount Olympus brick by brick, only then would they be satisfied. And they almost succeeded if not for my last intervention they would have bested the gods.

As they fought the world was left in ruin. Mountains crumble to rubble, rivers dried, and Oceans boiled. They fought for decades, with casualties on both sides until Zeus was cornered. Zeus stood alone against Polybotes, Alcyoneus, and Porphyrion. He had lost his master bolt in the battle and stood unarmed. I knew what would happen if he fell here and now, the Gigantes would win and the Earth would suffer for it. So I gave the god my blessing so he may win or escape, this would be my biggest regret in the years to come. He laid them to waste and with none to challenge him and his brothers they swiftly defeated the Gigantes and claimed the earth as theirs. Zeus boasting of his power in defeating not only his bane but the banes of his brother was proclaimed King of the pantheon.

But power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. He set laws in place and punished all who disobeyed, save for himself. But his cruelty didn't end there, he punished mortals for mistakes he created and committed himself. He grew prideful and lorded over his own family to keep them in control, and banished his own brother over a decision that wasn't his to make.

Through Zeus, the world thrived on destruction and chaos. Until this was resolved the planet was doomed. "This world needs my help sister, you know things can't keep going this way." She looked up from our window to the world and sighed. "Peace Chaos, I know things can't stay this way but direct involvement is what started this mess. Maybe we should think further on these things." I made my face emotionless but by the look in my sisters eyes she isn't buying it.

"Order, I have thought this over and I've come up with a plan." She looked at me brightly for a moment before urging me into detail with a nod. "This started with one of my progeny. It will end with one of my progeny. I will Father a child of one of the gods through them and raise them for the oncoming storm. I will create their essence from the void and my own body and give him powers from the forgotten gods and titans before him. We will forge him into an ambassador and a soldier so he may judge those before him and decide if they are worthy for what I have planned." She looked at me softly.

"How do you know he won't be corrupted or lose himself?" I smile up at her and speak proudly. "Between his mother, godly parent, me and his aunt he'll be more than okay." She looks puzzled for a moment. "Aunt, what do you mean aunt?" MY smile grows ever so slightly wider.

"Well you of course my dear sister, You are his Aunt." She looked flustered for a moment and I felt the minutest shred of pride for a moment just from pushing her that far. "Just tell me more about his parents." She demanded. A laugh escaped my throat. "Well of course dear sister anything you want."

Montauk Beach, Late October, 1992

Sally Jackson sat on the beach held firmly against the broad chest of her lover. She practically sunk into him every time he pressed a tender kiss to the crown of her head. She had lived a relatively peaceful life without much room for romance. But now she was more than comfortable with that now that she found this man. "Sally, my brother knows of the time I've spent here, he may soon figure out why. The time has come for me to go." She looked up at him knowing this could happen. "I know Poseidon. I just wished we had more time. Will I see you again… will Perseus?" He looked down with determined eyes and spoke.

"Of course Sally, I will not raise my son with the same thoughtless attitude as my brother. I will visit you both at least four or five times a year for a week or two. My son will know his father." Sally could hardly contain her relief in knowing he would still be around for her. They sat in companionable silence together before they returned to their cabin for one last shared night of passion.

Later That Night

Chaos transported himself into the room and stood next to Sally Jackson alone in bed. "You are a strong woman Sally, I know you will guide our child down the right path even when he can't remember me." He waved a hand over her and a black essence spread from his hand into her along with gold energy that guarded and protected Sally and his child from all harm. "I can't wait to see you, my son." He turned and faded into the void he created.

Manhattan, New York, August 18th 1993

Sally had just gone through labor seemingly alone in the hospital room, but she managed more than fine. After only an hour and twenty one minutes she had given birth to a beautiful baby boy who she lovingly named Perseus. She knew it was a spit to the face of Zeus but she wasn't concerned. He was the reason Poseidon wasn't here for their child's birth.

But for now she could let that go. She just wanted to be close to her son on her first night, but she didn't know what would come as soon as she slept. As she drifted off with Percy lying comfortably in the crib beside her bed she could swear for a moment she saw a male figure step through a swirling mass of darkness before her, she shrugged it away with yawn. The man who stepped through the darkness held a calm demeanor on his face, and as he entered the light his features were revealed. He had snow white skin and raven black hair. His eyes were red with black Sclera. His black robes moved around him silently forming all manner of things. His eyes fell on the child and he stepped over to take the child.

Percy woke to the feeling of being lifted, and squirmed silently hoping to be put back down. "Hello Perseus it's me, do you know who I am?" Chaos questioned. Percy opened powerful sea green eyes and recognition burned across his face in the form of soft eyes and a wide smile.

The same sea green eyes follow his father's to see his dear aunt. She held an intimidating presence and she looked completely different than her brother. Her skin was as black as night and her hair was snow white. Her eyes were with black with blue pupils that illuminated whatever she looked at.

Chaos looked down at him and smiled wider. "My son, this is your Aunt Order. She and I will guide you through your life so we may right the wrongs of this world. But still I must apologize, you will suffer hardships in the future but it will make you a better man." Percy couldn't understand what was being said but he felt its importance. He squirmed against his blanket the best he could with no results.

His father chuckled at the act for a moment. "I know my son, you live binded to a frail body for now, but I promise you will be strong. One day soon you will be strong enough to bring down Mount Olympus brick by brick, so that we may rebuild it together." Chaos set his son down in his crib to rest knowing this would be one of the few times in his life that would be truly peaceful. With a wave of his hand Perseus grew tired and fell asleep immediately.

He turned to Sally and bent over her head. He whispered a chant and kissed her forehead. "Sally your life won't be simple either, but take these gifts from me. No harm shall come to you for as long as you may live. I also grant you the necessities you'll need to raise our son, raise him well." With this he moved into the shadows and appeared back in his throne room. With a heavy sigh he sat and waited mere seconds for his sister to appear.

"Brother, will we really leave her to raise him alone?" She questioned. Chaos lifted his head and shook the thought away. "No sister, we will raise him as well. At night we will take him and train him, teach him our ways. And when he is due to wake we will return him well rested, to him it will all seem to be a dream when he is away from us. But when he is here he will know us as he always did."

She looked at him stunned for a moment. "When will he know of us truly then brother he can't just believe us to be a dream forever?" She called, but her brother knew she would ask this. "He will know of us when the time comes, I truly hope he has the time to live a proper life before then." His tone was melancholy, but his eyes held hope.

Manhattan, New York, August 18th 1998 7:00 AM

Perseus Jackson woke early for his birthday and shot out of bed. He ran through his house following the smell of breakfast. "Percy slow down or you'll trip." Sally calls from the kitchen. Percy slides into the kitchen sideways. "But mom, if I slow down, breakfast might get cold." He whines playfully. Sally laughs lightly and turns to face her son with a plate of blue pancakes and bacon. Percy practically jumps out of his skin at the sight and rushes to take his seat. She sets the plate down and steps back so she isn't in the splash zone.

Percy grabs the bottle of blueberry syrup and pours it all over his pancakes. He tucks into his meal with reckless abandon. Sally clears her throat and watches her syrup covered son lift his head. "Now Percy, unfortunately I have to head off to work. One of the new girls called out and I have to cover her for a few hours until someone else comes." Percy smiles up at his mother, shocking and surprising her. "It's okay Mom, I understand. When will you be home?"

She smiles at her son feeling pride well up in her heart. "Well Percy I'll be home a little after noon, but when I do come back we'll go to the mall and pick up some stuff for your Birthday." Percy's face lights up and he stands on his chair to hug his mom. He kisses her cheek and wishes her a good day. She heads upstairs to get dressed for work and walks out of the door with a wave. Percy runs over and turns on the tv. Tuesday morning cartoons and breakfast, nothing beats it.

Manhattan, New York, August 18th 1998 9:45 PM

Percy was finally lying in bed to sleep for the night. He had an exhausting day with his mom and was looking forward to a good night's sleep. His eyes wouldn't stay open a second later and he finally drifted off into sleep. Moments later he woke up to his father and aunt waiting patiently for him.

"Perseus." His father spoke softly from his throne. The young boy rushed his father and leapt into his father's lap for a hug. The Primordial looked down at him with mirth. "It's good to see you too my son, now tell me how did your birthday go?" He looked up at his father and began rambling. "It was awesome dad, mom took me to the mall and the movies and roller skating. Then we went out for dinner, ate ice cream cake and watched movies on the couch." Chaos looked just as excited as the boy to hear of his exploits.

"Percy when will I get my hugs?" Order called from her throne. It took all of a second for the boy to launch himself into her lap from the other chair. "You know I'd never forget about you Auntie Order." They embraced and Order took the opportunity to tease the poor boy. With swift fingers she began tickling his sides punctuating each move with another word. "You. Better. Not. Because. Even. Order. Holds. A. Grudge."

Percy wiggled free from her playful torment and landed on the floor in a roll. "Now Percy, your father and I have a few things for you. But first we have some news." Percy looked up excitedly. "My son starting tomorrow, me and your Aunt will be teaching you about Greece, the stories, the language, and the history along with english, math, and other general studies. When you're old enough we'll start combat training to hone your skills for the future."

Percy locked eyes with his father and understood his meaning. All of this would be necessary for the future. He bowed to them both and looked up with a smile. "Well if you both think it's best, then I trust you." The two Primordials gave each other a pleased look and regarded the boy with caring eyes. "Now onto your gifts Perseus." His father boomed.

Percy looked down toward the ground. "But I didn't get anything for you guys." He spoke softly and solemnly. He didn't know they were giving him anything so he couldn't get them anything. Chaos lifted himself off of his throne and knelt next to his son. "You didn't have to, the only thing I need from you is you being here. Now are you ready to receive our gifts?" The boy looked to be in better spirits after his father's words and wiped his eyes. "Yes sir."

Chaos reached into a black portal he made and pulled out two boxes each with one of the Primordials' names on it. Order stepped over and took the one she got for him. "Here open mine first, I know you'll like it." She hands him the small box and when he opens it he sees a leather bracelet with an odd symbol at the center. He rubs his fingers over it and feels a warm calming feeling spread through him. It even smells like Olives and vanilla, just like his aunt. When he let's it go the feeling fades but he feels calmer.

"That is my gift to you. The charm is made of celestial bronze and that symbol is the sigil of Sparta, a City state in Greece long ago. They believed in Order, even in the center of Chaos. They held my favor for a long time and now I pass this on to you. If you ever feel sad or hopeless, touch the charm and I'll be there to lend you my strength and love." Percy pulled her into a hug with tears in his eyes. "Thank you Auntie Order." They pulled away and she smiled at him. "Now accept your father's gift, he's growing jealous."

Chaos threw her a glare but his eyes softened when he looked at his child. "Here my son, this is my gift to you." Percy takes the box and it oddly feels light almost like it was empty, but he knew his father well. It would be something great. He opened the box and saw a black Iron ring emblazoned with a sigil, the same one he saw on his father's throne and jewelry. It was a circle with arrows pointing in every direction, the ornate design had the arrows curved into the center creating a spiral and at the center stood an eye.

"My son, this ring is stygian Iron and holds my essence, like my sister's gift it will grant you my strength and love. This symbol is my own and now yours as well. Me and you are born of chaos and meant for balance. Together we will right the wrongs of the gods, and make the world better for it." They looked at each other with understanding and Percy knew what his father said was true, together they could do anything.

"Now that that's out of the way, Percy grab the snacks, it's movie night." Order called loudly.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 12th 2005

Percy looked around at the exhibits like he was at home. When he looked at something new information about that item would come into his head. He could even read ancient greek writing on some of the objects. He was so caught up in his own little world he didn't notice Mr. Brunner calling his name.

"Perseus." The older man said with conviction. Percy turned quickly toward the sound and saw everyone was staring at him. "Sorry sir… What did you need?" He heard a slight snicker come from Nancy Bobofit. "Well Percy I was wondering if you could tell me more about this image." Percy looked closer for a moment and read the greek inscription. "Um I think this is one of Perseus, He was the greek hero who challenged the gorgon Medusa and took her head. Then he saved Andromeda from sacrifice by turning the monster to stone."

Mr. Brunner smiled behind his beard. "Good job my boy, you are absolutely correct. But I ask that you pay more attention to what's going on up here." Percy nodded and the class continued on until lunch.

Percy sat on a fountain with his best friend Grover to eat his lunch. He had been attending Yancy academy for most of his school year, and to say it was awful would be an understatement. Even now his bully was going out of her way to bother him and his friend. Small pieces of sandwich kept flying over and hitting Percy and Grover, who were doing their best to ignore it. But when Nancy noticed she wasn't getting the desired effect she got bolder. She threw a mayo covered piece of ham at Grover's face and the boy fell out of his seat. The redhead began laughing boisterously, so much so she didn't notice the water rise behind her and snatch her into the fountain.

Percy was stunned because he was approaching her when it happened. He even felt a tug in his stomach when it happened. But now he knew things wouldn't go well. He heard a feminine voice call behind him. "Perseus Jackson!" He felt his blood run cold expecting what would come next. He knew that Ms. Dodds hated him, he also knew she loved Nancy.

So when the redhead popped her head from the water and shouted "Percy Pushed me in." He knew there was no stopping her rage. She grabbed him by the arm and all but dragged him into the Museum. "Ms. Dodds…" She raised a hand to silence him. When she reached the inside she let him go and moved further in the exhibit.

Percy didn't want to anger her further so he followed at a distance.

She rounded a corner a few seconds before him but when he reached it she disappeared. He looked around as he walked in further calling out to her every few moments. He finally spotted her looking up at a Statue of Zeus. "Tell me boy… where is it?" Percy looked confused as she spoke with her back to him. "Where is what Ms. Dodds?" She turned around and snarled at him.

"Where is the bolt boy? Tell me where it is!" Percy backed away from her with fear in his eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about Ms. Dodds I don't have a bolt." She ran toward him and her skin seemed to melt off of her. She took off into the air and swooped down toward him. He tucked into a roll and moved under her. He looked back at her with realization in his eyes. "You're a fury!"

He ran away from her but she was much faster than him. Something was nagging at the back of his mind and just as she was on him he figured it out. He focused on his bracelet and it expanded into a full sized spartan shield that weighed nothing. He lifted it and Ms. Dodds bounced off the shield with a pained hiss. He let it change back into a bracelet and ran around the last corner to the exit, but Dodds recovered faster than he expected.

She launched at him but just in time Mr. Brunner burst through the door and threw something at Percy. On instinct he caught the pen and looked at the teacher. "Uncap the pen Percy!" He shouted and the boy did just that. When he did the pen became a full size greek hoplite sword. He slid on one knee and raised the sword above him. He felt something catch on the blade and then a puff of dust covered him head to toe.

He stood to his feet and looked around to see nothing and no one. He glanced down at his hand and saw a pen with Greek letters on it. He was covered in gold dust but it stunk of ember and ash. He dusted himself off and stepped outside looking around for any evidence of what just happened. He noticed Mr. Brunner sitting in his chair talking to Grover.

He walks over and looks at him skeptically. "Um Mr. Brunner, where's ?" He asked his favorite teacher. "Uhm , who is she?" He responded. Percy looked at him oddly. "Um the other teacher here, where did she go?" Brunner looked at Grover a moment. "Perce what's going on man, I've never heard of and the only teacher here is ."

He looked down at the pen in his hand and read the inscription. "Anaklusmos… Riptide." he whispered. He missed the shocked looks on his teacher and his friend's faces and when he looked up they were stoic. "There's my pen Percy. You should remember to keep your own writing utensil." He reached his hand out and Percy handed him the pen.

Percy stayed in thought through most of the rest of the field trip, but upon returning to the dorm his confusion just multiplied. He passed by office and saw a different name on the door. He tried to shake it off and went to his dorm to sleep. But as he was going he heard and Grover talking in the teacher's office.

"Sir they know about him now, we have to tell him the truth." Grover sounded nervous but he seemed convinced it was a good idea. "Grover, Percy isn't ready for all this, all we have to do is send him home and hope he forgets before this is irreversible. The more he knows the more danger he's in." Percy couldn't believe what he was hearing, they were talking about him. "But sir it was one of Zeus' kindly ones, he knows where he is and after his display of power the gods won't just ignore him any more. He needs to know before the solstice."

Mr. Brunner seemed to mull this over. "Fine I'll call Sally, but he has to go tomorrow." Percy felt the conversation ending and moved away from the door, but his sneaker squeaked against the floor and it was clear they heard. He saw his teacher's shadow grow much taller than what should be possible. "What was that?" He called. Percy moved quickly and quietly toward the nearest open door. He slid inside and shut it just behind him.

All he saw was a tall man's shadow cross the window with a bow in hand. Percy sat silently until he was sure it was safe and rushed back to his room. He beat Grover there and forced himself to sleep just before his friend made it there.

The Next Morning

Percy was woken and taken to the office only to be told he's being expelled for what happened yesterday. He was shocked to hear this especially after what he heard last night. But oddly enough Grover was kicked out right along with him. Together they packed their shared dorm and prepared to leave campus. Of course the peanut gallery rallied together to watch them go all lead by Nancy Bobofit.

Percy did his best to ignore the girl but the bus was taking much too long to get there and his patience was nearing its end. Without thinking he rubbed his ring and felt a warm sensation, around him it felt like the world faded away replaced by a chaotic symphony of music. But at the center of the sound was a deep melodious voice. It was so familiar, but still on just the edge of his memory.

The bus pulled up and without a look to his peers he stepped on and made his way back home.

The bus ride was long and boring but Percy and Grover kept themselves busy. Whether it be talking or companionable silence they were comfortable either way. Well at least Percy was, Grover on the other hand was looking around nervously every few minutes as if he was expecting the worst.

Percy tried asking about it but no matter how many times he asked, Grover would shut it down immediately. But Percy finally reached his wits end. "Grover, what's a kindly one?" He turned quickly and looked at his friend with a stunned expression. "Where did you hear that name Perce?" He said quietly. "Grover, I heard you and Mr. Brunner talking last night, and I know it was about me. So tell me what's going on." Percy demanded.

A sigh escaped Grover's lips. "Percy, I'm sorry but I can't, the more you know the more danger you're in. I'm supposed to protect you and I can't do that with you knowing everything. But trust me Percy, when I can tell you I will." Grover looked away expecting his friend to be angry at him for keeping secrets, but he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"It's fine Grover, I get it, and I do trust you. Just tell me what we need to do here." Grover was stunned again by the kindness and understanding of his best friend. He reached into his coat pocket and handed over a simple card. "Here take this and call me if you need me. For now stay with your mom, you'll be safer there for now." Percy looked down at it and saw it was in Greek.

He opened his mouth to question the name of this camp, but he was interrupted by a long stream of curses. Both He and Grover turned to the front and saw smoke coming from the front of the bus. "Alright everybody off the bus I've got to figure this out." The bus driver orders. The going was slow but everybody got off the bus.

As Percy was waiting the loud snapping of scissors caught his attention. He turned and saw a hand knit blanket stand on the side of the road. He noticed three old women knitting a sea green blanket that could cover two king sized mattresses. One of the women pulled out a pair of gold shears and looked in his direction.

Percy had a feeling that he shouldn't be watching this, but he couldn't look away. The woman brought the blades up slowly and snapped them shut. The sound seemed to resonate through the Earth, but no one else seemed to notice. Grover caught his attention and just then the bus driver found the issue. He pulled out a piece of metal and shut the hood.

Within seconds the bus started and people were lined up to get back on the bus. Percy looked over his shoulder and saw the three old women and the massive blanket missing. He turned to Grover and tapped his shoulder. "Hey Grover, did you see the three women sitting over there knitting?"

Grover's head shot around and he gave his friend a once over. "Percy tell me what color was the yarn they were using." Percy shrugged. "Sea green." Grover blanched. "Okay did they cut the yarn with a pair of golden shears?" Percy nodded silently. "We have to get you home, now." They boarded the bus and sat silently.

As soon as they reached Percy's place Grover sent him off into his home. "Tell your mom, it's time to go, it has to be tonight." Percy grabbed his bag and headed into his home. He met his mother in the living room and gave her a hug. "Percy, I'm so sorry that you got expelled for nothing." Percy looked up at her and smiled. "It's fine mom, but there's something I need to tell you. Grover said it's time to go, it has to be tonight." He watched her face turn into a very serious one.

"Percy, keep your bag packed we're going to Montauk right now." Percy was confused at this but didn't question it, he picked up his bag and loaded it into his mom's Nissan. They piled in and took the long drive with no sound save for the radio and the engine. Percy was acutely aware of his surroundings like never before. He noticed everything that they passed in the car as he felt a nervous nagging in the back of his head.

He felt slightly tired but something wouldn't let him sleep.

It was just after nightfall when they made it to their usual cabin. Normally this would be something they greeted fondly, but today there was an anxious tension in the air as the rain poured down and his mother watched outside from the windows. Percy heard the sound of hooves on concrete and his senses were on high alert. He fell into an aggressive stance that he wasn't sure how he knew.

He stood firm waiting until the door burst open and Grover rolled into the building. "Sally, we have to go now!" He stood and I saw his legs for the first time, they were furry. I looked closer and realized he had the hind legs of a goat. "Grover you're a satyr?" He asked, confused. Grover turned and looked down.

"That's not important right now, we need to get going. Something big is coming and I'm sure I know why." They ran back to the car with bags in hand. They shoved their luggage into the trunk and climbed into the car. Before Percy shut the door, a loud bellow sounded from the distance. Everyone looked over just as lighting streaked across the sky.

They all looked on in fear as a massive bundle of muscle and fur stood at least 8 feet tall with an axe in hand. It had bovine legs that didn't look like they'd slow him down at all. The first sound to break their silence was a nervous bleat from Grover. Sally took this as motivation and started the car. She launched forward onto the street with screeching tires. She expected something like this could happen so she had the family car modified for a chase. They drove at high speeds over mostly wet roads, but Sally showed no worry. That is until she looked into the rearview mirror. She gasped gaining the attention of the other two in the vehicle.

They looked behind and saw the minotaur gaining on them. It was ridiculously quick on its hooves, gaining on the fast moving car with ease. The bull man roared loudly as it got closer raising the tension in the car. "Sally we aren't going to make it, it's too close." Sally pressed the gas further pushing the car past 120, but still the bull gained. Percy opened his mouth to speak, but before he could something hit the side of their car.

It careened from the road in a spiral they shot off the side and flipped into the ditch. Percy was thrown around, but managed to stay mostly unharmed. But the same couldn't be said about Grover, he hit his head pretty hard and passed out in a very awkward position. Sally crawled out and looked into the car at her son.

"Percy Grab Grover, the camp is just over this hill. The sooner we get there the better."Percy hoisted his friend and dragged him out of the car. He and Sally half dragged half carried him up the hill with as much speed as they could manage. Percy heard an explosion behind him that he assumed was his mom's car and risked a look. He saw the beast step through the flaming wreckage, and knew immediately that it saw them.

"Mom we need to go right now!" He saw the monster take a slow step that shook the earth under their feet. Percy stopped looking back and threw Grover over his shoulder. He ran quickly with ease almost as his friend weighed nothing. "Mom, GO!" He shouted and she picked up speed. Percy moved through the trees hearing pounding behind him. A tree launched just past him and buried half way into the dirt. Percy felt magic in front of him and ran toward it, but just before they reached it his mother screamed in terror.

Percy slid to a stop and turned only to see his mother in the grip of the minotaur. "Percy, keep going, it's okay." Her tone was soft and held no fear like she prepared for this. He set Grover down and took a step forward, but as soon as he did the Minotaur squeezed harder. "NO, LET HER GO NOW!" he demanded of the beast, but the beast just continued squeezing.

He watched as his mother glowed with golden energy and turned into particles right in front of him. He charged forward in an attempt to save her, but the Minotaur closed his fist and scattered his mother on a non-existent wind. Percy felt his heart clench, but that feeling was completely overpowered by another one. Pure Unadulterated Rage. With a rage filled shout he launched forward and summoned his shield on reflex.

The bull swung his axe hard but Percy angled his shield to force it into the dirt. He lifted his shield and smacked the monster across the face. The bull threw it's head and sent Percy flying toward a tree, but the young demi-god flipped mid air and landed on the ground. He felt a voice in his head again trying to tell him something, but he didn't have time to focus on it as the bull was gaining ground.

Percy charged forward with his shield raised and took the impact of the bulls axe. This time when he was launched the tree was closer and he had no time to adjust. His back hit it with a sickening crunch and he crumbled onto the ground. A sharp pain shot through his side, but knew he couldn't sit for long. As he sat there the voice in his head got louder and much clearer. "Perseus focus on your ring." The boy struggled to his feet as the minotaur lined up to charge.

Percy raised his shield and focused on his ring and felt weight fall into his hand, it was perfectly balanced as he raised it to take a look. What he saw was a meter long black Spartan officers sword that fit him perfectly. The blade glinted the moonlight and the young warrior used it to blind the minotaur on it's charge. He used this moment to slice through the beast's arm and roll out of it's range. The beast now stood missing an arm and it's weapon, but it didn't seem deterred in the slightest.

It burst forward faster than Percy could react and disarmed the boy of his shield. Percy swung with his sword but it clashed with the bulls horn and got stuck halfway inside. The beast roared in triumph but Percy wasn't out yet. He saw the monster's axe nearby and ran toward it. The beast thought he was running and began chasing, but Percy was hoping for this.

He grabbed the axe and halted his momentum using that to swing the axe in a vicious arc. The bull had no way of stopping in time and ran into the business end of his own axe. It sliced through it's torso like butter and the beast was separated into two equal parts. Percy looked at the beast and saw surprise on his face. He looked down at the axe in his hand and saw it shrink into something more manageable, but the handle changed into what looked like a long straight bull horn. The balance shifted to exactly perfect for him and just before he passed out he saw it become a ring on his finger.

Chaos' Library Same Time

Chaos sat on his throne filled with malice, his sister had tried everything to calm her brother, but nothing she said was helping. It was taking every one of his faculties not to smite Zeus here and now. But he knew he had other worries. He knew his son would be here any moment and he knew exactly what he'd be feeling. "Order, the time has come for Perseus to remember his time here. He will need his knowledge and training for the time to come."

She looked at him with a somber smile. "I agree with you completely, but he will be devastated, more than we are about his mother. We are the only family he has left." Chaos felt a nagging in the back of his mind but ignored it when his son materialized in front of him.

"Perseus…" The boy heard his father's voice and launched himself into his father's arms. "Dad… I'm sorry… I couldn't protect Mom. I wasn't good enough." The boy was silenced by his father's strong grip. "No son, you did all you could do, If you had your memories and powers you wouldn't have had this issue. I'm sorry, my son." Chaos didn't notice but he had tears running down his face. Order stepped over and embraced them as well, doing her best to soothe her to favorite people. The two men cried together for awhile, but when they were done both of them realized the true enemy. Zeus had no doubt sent that beast for him and Zeus was the reason his mother was gone.

Percy stood and looked at his father and aunt. "How long will I be here with you?" He questioned. They looked down at him, and Order answered. "Four full days, what did you have in mind Percy?" He looked up with anger and determination behind his eyes. "I need to be stronger, and you two are the best teachers I could ever have." They looked at the boy and knew there was no stopping him now. With a nod they all transported to the training grounds, it was time to begin.

Four Days Later, Camp Half Blood

Percy woke up to a pair of startling grey eyes looking down at him. They pulled away quickly and it was then that he noticed the beautiful blonde those eyes belonged to. He sat up and opened his mouth to speak, but she was faster. "You drool in your sleep." Percy felt slightly insulted as she turned away and grabbed the attention of a man with eyes covering most of his body.

"Argus, he's awake." The blonde said as she leaned into a corner. Percy still felt her gaze on him, but chose to ignore it for now. More pressing matters came to his mind. He shot out of bed and stood on his feet. "Where's Grover?" He looked around at the rest of the beds hoping he would be nearby, but when he didn't see him a sense of dread spread through him. Before he could run to find his friend a calm hand rested on his shoulder.

He turned to see Argus standing there. He gestured for the door and not a moment later Mr. Brunner walked through the door. Or, well… trotted. There was , but his lower half instead of being legs in a wheelchair was the lower half of a white stallion.

Percy was beyond weirded out, but pushed that to the side. He needed to know that Grover was safe. " , where's Grover, is he alright?" The centaur looked at him curiously and laughed. "He's fine my boy, but you should be more worried about yourself. You suffered a few broken ribs and massive head trauma. You probably shouldn't be standing."

"I'm fine sir, but if you don't mind answering a few of my questions I might feel a little more comfortable." The centaur looked even more confused by this but gestured for the boy to follow him out of the infirmary. As Percy stepped into the sun for the first time it took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but when they did he was faced with an ancient greek summer camp. It was exactly as his father described. Greek amphitheater, ring of cabins, strawberry fields, mess hall, and the big house. He continued to follow his teacher until they were out of earshot.

"Percy, my name is Chiron and I'm the trainer of greek heroes…" Percy interrupted mid sentence. "You trained Perseus, the first Perseus. I know who you are, but that's not what I was concerned about. I want to know why the King of the Gods is after my head?" Chiron was stunned into silence. "How did you…" Percy waved his hand. "The kindly one was a dead giveaway. Still why would he care about me?"

Chiron looked over the boy closely, he seemed to be taking all of this mythology stuff quite well. "Well Percy, You are to put it simply, the son of a god. This is a camp for training for Half-bloods like you to hone their skills to survive in this world. Hopefully in your stay here you'll be claimed by your father, but until then I'll show you around camp and hand you over to Luke to go to the Hermes cabin. Oh and here, this is yours." He handed Percy the pen from before. "I hope you remember how to use it."

Hours Later

Percy finally met Luke and he seemed like a pretty good guy, but even still there was something off about him. He seemed angry whenever the gods were mentioned, and he seemed to truly hate the fact that so many kids remained unclaimed. Even Percy didn't like it and knew it could be better, but even with that he didn't hate all the gods, honestly just two. Percy took the top bunk in one of the back corners and drifted off to sleep rather quickly. He wasn't expecting a nightly visit from his family, but he was fine with that, at least for now.

The Next Morning

Percy POV

I was woken to the sound of the Mess hall horn. I rolled out of bed and dressed myself in no time flat. I rushed down and ate a quick meal before heading off back to the cabin to meet with Luke. Apparently there was an event going on today, and everyone had to participate. When I met Luke the blonde man was quite excited for today.

"Okay Percy, today is capture the flag day. It's a good time to join up for the most part. But just so you know we'll be on the Ares team, against the Athena Team." I mulled that over for a moment. It makes sense to have the two war gods cabins lead the battle simulations.

"To go over the rules, all weapons are allowed, no major injuries maiming at most, oh and capture the enemies flag." I smiled wide. "I knew today would be a good day." I thumbed over the pen in my hand, it felt odd about carrying a pen into a battlefield, but worst case, I have more weapons to use. I was given armor that would fit me well and a shield that I tossed aside.

Everyone saw me walk onto the battlefield unarmed and a few laughed. "Look the Newbie thinks he can make it out here unarmed." I just pulled out Riptide and uncapped the pen. Everyone watched in awe as the pen became a meter long hoplite sword made of celestial bronze. The weight felt familiar and after familiarizing myself with my weapon I touched the cap to the point closing it back into a pen. People gave me some space after that, but I didn't care. I just want to have some fun.

The horn sounded over the soft chatter and everyone took off into the woods. I trailed behind to observe, but stuck close to a small group just in case. They had run for ten minutes and realized they were lost, and if I wasn't trained well as would I. I was incredibly cautious taking extra care not to be seen. I moved toward soft voices to the south and came upon a group of ten warriors prepared for an ambush.

I crept forward and faster than any of them could react and dropped in the center of them and knocked them all out silently. I moved away from the area but still felt like someone or something was watching me. The sound of a blade being drawn from behind me caught my attention and I rolled off to the side. I swung a now opened riptide through the air and knocked the hat off of the blonde I met yesterday.

I shot to my feet quickly and saw her with a dagger in her hands and a short sword at her hip. She drew her other blade and turned her dagger into a back grip. I smiled at her and it seemed to throw her off slightly. "Hey gorgeous, it's nice to see you again. Do you plan on telling me your name this time?" Her face turned slightly red.

"I'm Annabeth Chase, but I'm not sure you'll remember that when I knock you out." She lifted her weapons but I lowered mine. I even leaned on Riptide like a cane. "Oh well I'm Percy Jackson up until yesterday I thought I was just a weird kid, and now I know I'm not the only one. But hey if the girls here are half as beautiful as you I might as well be in heaven." I watched as she blushed brightly, taking pride that I could get to her so well.

I absently played with the rings on my finger wondering which one would be best, but she was moving closer, so I went with Void Ripper. I watched as Annabeth crept closer until she charged toward one of my openings. In an instant I summoned Void Ripper to my right hand and deflected her strike with it's stygian Iron blade. She was quite stunned but recovered quickly, and attacked like a swarm of hornets and It was almost flawless, but I was better, stronger, and faster.

We both attacked wildly and struck with purpose pushing each other farther and farther. I made sure to keep the conversation going mid fight which kept Annabeth on the back foot. "So do you know where your flag is?" She shifted on her pivot foot and sent a well aimed kick toward my head, but she was slightly off balance so I dropped down and swept her leg from under her. She landed with a thud but somersaulted to her feet and leapt forward with a well timed strike. If it was anyone else she would have beaten them, but this is me she's fighting.

I summoned my shield and forced her back, before sending it away with a thought and attacking again. She took a step back and began analyzing my stance looking for any weakness or opening, so I took the time to check her out, and if I'm being honest she's even more beautiful than before. The way her eyes practically glowed with fury and determination, The speckling of sweat on her arms, gods even the cuts she now sported from my blade seemed graceful and entrancing on her.

"Son focus on the task at hand!" My father's voice rang in my head. I shook away my thoughts and fell back into stance waiting for her next attack, and attack she did. Her blades moved in a blur coming at me from seemingly all angles as her eyes met mine. I parried as quickly as I could and felt my lips tug into a wide smile. She tried to force her way into my guard but a swift kick to her calf sent her to her back. She swung low with her short sword hoping to catch my ankle, but I lifted my foot and brought it down on her blade.

She tried to tug it free but I stood firm, well until she kicked out my back foot and sent me to the ground face first. I was stunned but had no time to waste. I got to my feet and turned to face her only to have Riptide thrown from my grasp. It dug itself into a tree a ways away from me but I had no time to retrieve it. She was on me again attacking hoping to find an opening now that I was down a weapon. Her movements were fluid and precise, but held a wonderful grace.

I flipped forward between her strikes and aimed a kick at her wrist. She moved to block the kick misinterpreting it's target and when it landed her sword was sent spiraling into the dirt. She lunged for her lost weapon but I was quick to move into her path. "Sorry beautiful, can't have things getting unfair now." She squared off against me and we fell into battle again. It felt so great to have a challenge again, even if she was an amateur compared to Aunt Order.

Our combat flowed seamlessly until a shout took our attention. I turned and my smile turned into a snarl at the person who interrupted my battle. "Annabeth, I see you've made a friend." A dark haired girl with brown borderline red eyes shouted from the tree line. "Clarisse." Annabeth hissed from behind me, she advanced almost as if I hadn't been fighting her this whole time.

"Hold on Clarisse, is it? This fight is mine now if you want to fight her you can wait until I'm done. OR. FIGHT. ME. FIRST." I laced my voice with malice and the girl backed off a step. It only took a moment before she composed herself and brandished her spear. "Oh the newbie has a pair. Maybe you need to be neutered!" She ran forward aiming her spear at my chest, I felt the tingle in the air from her spear head and moved to avoid it.

I knocked the end of her spear up and sliced through the shaft with Void Ripper. She kicked me away and looked down at her weapon. When we locked eyes again she leveled a steely glare at me. She grabbed the spear tip with a now foot and a half long shaft and charged again.

We clashed blades and I felt a jolt each time we did. My sword arm grew numb the longer we fought so I decided to end this. I leapt backwards and summoned my shield. I took on a stance with my blade flat against my shield. I shouted furiously and moved forward as she tried to get around my guard. As soon as I was close enough I swung the flat of my blade at her ankle and knocked her off balance. I bashed her with my shield and she fell to the ground. A kick sent her blade flying away from her reach and with my blade leveled at her throat she stared up at me with malice.

"Submit!" I command. She takes a moment to think before raising her hands in surrender. I straighten out and turn toward Annabeth with a smile. "So shall we continue milady?" I say with a deep bow. She seems flustered and confused, but there's also something else behind her eyes. It seems like… fear, only then did I notice she wasn't staring at me, she was looking past me.

I heard a deep growl and scrambled low just as a mass of dark brown fur launched forward where my head just was. I snapped back to my feet with my stance firm and my blade facing forward. I looked closer and got a good look at the beast before me. It was a fairly large hellhound that seemed to be here for me. It paced around me looking for an opportunity to end me quickly.

I lowered my shield just barely and dropped my guard to bait it in. The beast charged and at that last moment I raised my sword and dropped my body to slice through the beast. My blade struck true but the hound twisted mid air and wrenched my blade from my hand. I rolled out of the range of its claws and came up into a run. I ran toward Riptide as quickly as I could hearing the sound of the monster behind me. I reached the tree just in time to grab my weapon and threw my shield at the beast. There was a thud and a yelp from the monster as I pulled out my other sword.

I took it in my right hand and called upon my other weapon. From my left hand ring finger expanded an imperial gold axe with a bull horn handle. In my training I had to name it so I chose Dawnbreaker. I slammed my weapons together and snarled at the beast. We stood off against each other for a moment and then we charged. Blade met claw in a flurry of attacks as we fought for our lives. I could feel the desperation from the hellhound as we fought, and for the entire fight I couldn't wipe the smile from my face.

A paw swept across my ribs and pain shot through my side. I jumped and swung my axe at the beasts flank. My next move had to end it or the blood loss would get to me, so shoved riptide hilt deep into its back and held on tight. I planted my foot against the Dawnbreaker and gripped onto Void Ripper. I twisted the blades and held on as the hound tried to buck me off.

I tugged my swords toward me and felt tension relax from the beast as a howl ripped through the air. With a silent huff, it broke into golden dust and blew away on the wind. As soon as I hit the ground Annabeth and Clarisse rushed forward to check on me. I looked up at both of them and couldn't help my smile. "Damn that was fun, but would one of you mind dragging me to the creek, I'm thirsty as Hades."

They both grabbed an arm and pulled me to my feet taking care not to make my wounds worse. When we reached the water they dropped me to the ground carefully and I reached to cup some water to my mouth. As soon as I touched the water a blue light washed over me and relief spread from my arms to the rest of my body. I drank the water and looked up to see a glowing blue trident over my head.

The two girls with me looked at me with awe and knelt before me like it was normal. A crowd formed around me from the forest and as they saw me they followed suit. Chiron and Grover were the last two to enter the clearing. "Perseus Jackson, You have been claimed by your godly parent. Camp Halfblood, welcome the son of Poseidon, the sea god!" He exclaimed.

Hours Later

Well apparently being claimed by one of the big three gods is a pretty big deal. I was being herded around to collect my things from the Apollo cabin, and move into cabin three. Shortly after I was set to meet with Mr.D the camps director to speak about my future at camp. I felt power surging from the Big House since I woke up, but as I grew closer the source of that energy became more and more clear.

I was ushered in by Chiron moments later we made it into a large game room with a poker table at the center. I saw Grover standing over the shoulder of a man wearing a tacky leopard print shirt and an oddly somber expression on his face. The closer I look at him the more I feel his power until I finally realize that I'm staring at Dionysus.

I take a step back and make sure Void ripper and Riptide are at the ready. I looked down at my three rings, one for Void Ripper adorned with the symbol of chaos, one for the Dawnbreaker with a bull's horn and the last one for Riptide with a wave sigil. Shortly after my battle with the Hellhound I tried to see if I could make Riptide into a ring and surprisingly it worked. But now I was filled with dread, if this god saw my true nature I'd have to unbind myself and fight at full strength with no allies.

But luckily my fears were unwarranted. The god hardly gave me a second glance before gesturing for me to have a seat. "So Peter Johnson, to cut to the chase here you'll be going on a quest. I've gotten word from Olympus about a certain missing Item and from this information it seems you are to play an important role in all of this. So you'll be going to speak to the oracle now." With that he seemed to dismiss me.

I gripped the arms of my chair until the wood creaked then stood tall. "Chiron, where is the Oracle?" My tone is even but my eyes betray my tone. He smiles softly and points upstairs. "She's in the attic, just be careful and focus on the task at hand." I turned away with a wave and heard muttering behind me. "Chiron, that boy is dangerous, are you sure he's a demigod?" With that I moved faster ignoring the conversation.

I moved up the stairs and saw the pull string into the attic. With a slight tug the acrid smell of rot and Febreze. I pulled the set of stairs down and climbed cautiously. When I made it to the top I heard strange whispers that came from everywhere and nowhere all at once. I took careful steps navigating around the clutter up here. I rounded a corner by the window and was faced with a gruesome sight.

Sitting on a stool cross legged was a dried out deformed mummy. It seemed dead other than the slight raspy breathing that could barely be heard in the room. As I drew closer the breathing grew deeper and louder, until wispy green mist came from the mummy's mouth like snakes. The whispers grew louder until they became one voice. "You shall go west, and face the God who has turned, You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned, You shall be betrayed by one who calls you friend, and you shall fail to save what matters most in the end."

The mist went back into the mummy's mouth, and the breathing quieted down. I had questions but my father chimed in my head. "My son, this is an act of cruelty from Zeus. This poor creature is immortal and trapped in this form until a new oracle is born. Hold nothing against it and continue on your path. You will find the answers you seek on your journey My son."

With that he left me to my devices as I made my way back to the game room. I was met with curious stares from the people who now sat around the table. Dionysus had left at some point, but now it was Annabeth, Grover, Chiron, Luke, and Clarisse. I looked at them and cleared my throat. "I was given a prophecy. "You shall go west, and face the God who has turned, You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned, You shall be betrayed by one who calls you friend, and you shall fail to save what matters most in the end." I have no Idea what it means, all I know is I probably have to do it before the winter solstice."

The others in the room shifted uncomfortably, so I decided now would be a good time to get some answers. "So how does this whole quest thing work, is there anything I need to pack?" Chiron stood and smiled. "Well it's good to see you being so nonchalant about this. As for your question, pack spare clothes, weapons and equipment. On your journey you can bring two more people with you, but you don't have to if you believe you can handle it on your own. But for this quest you should pack to leave within the next few hours."

I looked up at him and took a deep breath, well then I guess I should get going then. As I walked out Clarisse, Grover, Annabeth, and Luke followed after me. I kept moving despite their presence. A hand landed on my shoulder and pulled me to a stop. I looked up and saw Luke's piercing eyes regarding me carefully. "Percy, take me with…" I raised my hand to cut him off. "No, I've already chosen my companions."

I turned and continued on my path, with three of the four following me. This time Annabeth stopped me. "Percy…" I raised my hand and her body tensed expecting rejection. "Yes go pack, you too Grover I have a feeling I'll need you with me on this. Clarisse, follow me." Grover and Annabeth broke off to grab their things while Clarisse followed me toward cabin three. I dragged her off to the side and spoke in a low tone.

"Clarisse, you need to stay here and watch over the camp. I think there's a traitor in the camp, and I might know who it is. Until I'm sure I need you here and available to take an Iris message at a moment's notice." She looked into my eyes searching for any falsehoods. After a moment she punched my shoulder. "Fine, but when you get back I want my rematch." We parted ways and as she left I took extra precaution.

Upon entering my cabin I shut the door and sealed it with magic, so no sound could leave. I began packing and realized I didn't have a bag. I took a moment to unseal the room and swung the door open. I saw Luke standing there as if he read my mind holding up a Camp Half Blood camo backpack. "Oh… hey Percy, I was coming to bring you this from Chiron. It has ambrosia squares, nectar, a couple thousand in cash, and some gold drachma." I looked at the pack and took it carefully. I sensed the wild power from it, but did my best to hide it.

"Thank you Luke, I appreciate it." Luke smiled an odd smile that didn't reach his eyes. "You're welcome bud, have a safe trip and take care of Annabeth and Grover." I watched him turn and walk away and as soon as he was far enough away I shut the door and set up my defenses. I pulled out the supplies from the bag and felt the enchantment concealing something else inside. I drew the sigil of chaos in the air over the enchantment and broke it, red mist rained down and the enchantment fell away.

I reached inside and pulled out a meter long rod of celestial bronze that sparked with power. I felt it course through my body, and set it down on my bed. I took a moment to think over what happens next. I could march into Olympus, strike down Zeus with his own weapon and declare Olympus under new management. But that would solve nothing and only put father in Zeus' place ruling in fear. So with calm breaths I chose my path, I had to follow the prophecy, it had the missing pieces I needed to figure the rest of this mess out.

I lifted the bolt and forced my will over it making it into an ornate ring with a lightning bolt sigil. I slipped it onto my finger and finished packing my bag. As I walked from my cabin I put up protection and surveillance enchantments to protect my home while I was gone.

I headed up to the hill as Chiron told me, so I could meet with Argus and the rest of my team. My newest ring is coursing with power on my finger and I held back the power concealing it behind my Aura. I made it to the top of the hill and was faced with my friends.

Grover looked nervous, but Annabeth looked nettled to say the very least. As I approached Annabeth punched my shoulder and began muttering something not so quietly. "Damn handsome half blood idiot, seaweed brained ass. I had an entire speech prepared, and he just chose me out of the blue. Gods why do his eyes have to be so green." She walked past me toward the car Argus was leaning on.

I grabbed Grover's shoulders and led him toward the car. "Hey bud, you ready to get this going?" He looked over his shoulder and forced a smile. "Yeah I guess, I'm just glad you trust me with this after my first colossal screw up." I patted his back and smiled at him. "You didn't screw up, If you hadn't shown up when you did, me and my mom would both be dead by now. You're a hero in my eyes Grover, don't forget that." He looked up at me and I could practically feel the tension leave his shoulders.

"Thanks Perce, you always know how to cheer me up." I patted his back as we walked toward the car, I knew this wouldn't be the easiest thing I've ever done but it's far from the hardest. Argus greeted us with a silent nod and opened the car door for us to pile in. He spoke in sign language telling us he could only take us as far as the bus terminal in Manhattan. I nodded and signed my thanks back to him earning a surprised and happy look from the many eyed one.

The car ride was quiet but entertaining as I signed back and forth with Argus, and even taught Annabeth and Grover a bit for the future. The sun was high when we reached the terminal and shortly after we were heading east, specifically to LA. I hadn't told the others yet but I had a dream last night, sent from none other than the lord of the underworld himself.

Apparently, he had as much interest in me as I did him. But he also had something else I wanted, specifically someone. But that would be resolved when I made it there, first I had more pressing concerns. The bus hissed to a stop and a wave of dread washed over me. I looked up and saw three elderly women walking on the bus, carrying the smell of ash and thunderstorms. "Guys, I've got some bad news for you." Grover and Annabeth looked over at me as Grover's nose twitched.

"All three kindly ones just walked onto the bus and are currently blocking the only way out." At the name my companions turned to the front looking quite scared. Then they looked at me . "Perce, how can you be so nonchalant about this? Those are three of the most deadly monsters in existence." I shrugged at him and gave him a lopsided grin. "It's only three of them…"

I stood and took a step toward the front of the bus. Mrs. Dodds saw me right away and a sinister grin spread across her face. I rubbed a finger over Riptide preparing for a fight. They kept their eyes locked on me and licked their lips in anticipation. I sat just behind them and decided to strike up a conversation.

"Hey ladies, I don't mean to disturb you but you're all gonna die as soon as I step off this bus." They snarl at me and glare as I stifle A laugh. "Does your lord want you causing a scene in front of a bunch of mortals? Look I have no problem with sending you all back to your lord as a fine golden powder, but these humans have nothing to do with this. So on the next stop we'll get off, I'll hand you all your asses, and then I'll continue on my journey."

The three of them shared a smug look and Mrs. Dodds turned back to me. "We are patient boy. I'm looking forward to peeling your skin from your body." I nodded and extended a hand that she shook and I went back to my seat between my friends. "Percy, what the hell was that!?" Annabeth whispered into my ear. I raised my arm and placed it on her shoulder. "I just had a talk with some kindly ones. Our fight will happen after we get off of this bus at the next stop."

Grover punched my shoulder quite hard. "Percy you just scheduled a fight with the gods damned Furies. That is a challenge for a battle recognized by the gods. Percy… we can't help you in this fight." I smiled over at him. "Oh I know that's why I did it, I also know it'll be a three on one fight between me and them. I had to do it to protect the humans on the bus. Besides I'm about to kick their asses and send them back to Zeus in a gym sock."

The bus slowed to a halt at the next stop and the Kindly ones waited for a moment until I stood ushered my friends forward and followed close behind. When we passed them they stood and followed close behind me. "We'll go into the woods from here, the more private the better." The only response I got was an affirmative grunt.

We disembarked and stepped into the woods until we found a clearing deep enough in. We spread out to opposite sides and they shifted to their true forms. "Okay now under the rules of this challenge my friends can't assist me and you'll all come at me at once and even upon submission, the loser's life is forfeit." Dodds and the other two nodded vigorously.

"Okay whenever you're ready." The reaction was almost instant. They flew quickly towards me, claws and flame whips bared. I called my shield and threw it toward Tisiphone and caught her in the ribs. She screamed in pain and fell to the ground as I called my shield back. I summoned Riptide and Void Ripper to my hands and stood ready for battle. Unfortunately I was beyond disappointed.

Maegera was faster and swiped at me with her claws wildly looking in shock as I dodged or parried each and every one of her attacks. With a parry from Riptide and an upward swing from Void Ripper she faded into golden dust. Mrs. Dodds (Alecto) Charged from behind me hoping to catch me unaware only to meet the pommel of my blade in her ribs. With a flick of my wrist I took her head and waited for Tisiphone only to see her groveling for her life a few yards from me.

I banished my weapons with a disappointed frown on my face as I stepped toward her. "The minotaur fought harder than all three of you. I hope Zeus has a vicious punishment for you." I reached down and took her whip from her. I turned it over in my hands and with a flick it extended to full length. I swung it around her neck and pulled until she turned into golden dust at my feet. The whip in my hand shifted in my palm until a leather grip met my skin and the whip itself sprouted imperial gold blades and retracted into a sword.

I willed it into a ring and saw the greek Symbol of the Erinyes. I mulled it over for a moment. "Angry one." I pulled the ring off and walked over to Annabeth. "Hey Wise Girl, take this, it suits you much better than it does me." I placed the ring into her palm and she blushed madly. "What the hell do you think you're doing Seaweed Brain, we just me how can you…" I raised my hand and waited until she noticed. "... Yes Percy!"

I stepped over and placed it on her right hand's middle finger. It resized itself to fit. "Wise Girl, this is a weapon called the Angry One think about that name and feel the weight of a weapon in your palm." She followed my instructions to the letter and a moment later she held the Whip sword as if it was natural. "B-but how is this possible?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Well the weapons monsters wield can hurt us so they must be enchanted or cursed to do so, meaning they used to be normal weapons like ours. Once you figure out how to break the connection it returns to its previous state." I explained. She took in that knowledge easily and then walked off muttering something about handsome demigods and practicing with her new weapon.

"Okay Grover you ready to get back on…" It happened suddenly so suddenly I only had enough time to Push Grover out of the way and call my shield. The smell of ozone filled my nose and the crackle of lightning reached my ears. I raised my shield over my head just as the lightning bolt stuck me and I took it with gusto. I began summoning my armor as quickly as I could until it covered my form and absorbed the electricity banishing it into the void. My Void Breaker armor was a gift given to me by my father when I completed my training. It took on whatever form I needed it to but right now it took on its original form. It's black with gold trim emblazoned with the faces of monsters, the right gauntlet is much larger than the left and it increases my strength tenfold. Just donning the armor makes me feel invincible.

As soon as the onslaught ceased I banished my armor and dusted myself off. Annabeth was the first one to reach me in a tackle of a hug. "Gods on Olympus Percy are you alright?!" She cradled me in her arms carefully looking over me. "I am now beautiful, thanks for the help." She blushed again and dropped my head and stood turning away from me. "Well that's good as long as you're okay we can continue the quest." I chuckled until Grover came over looking quite angry.

"Grove, what's up…" He pulled me into a hug. "DON'T EVER do anything that stupid again Perce, especially not for me." He demanded. I pushed him away just barely so he could see my face. "Grover, you are the closest I've ever had to a brother and I'll be damned if I let you get killed when I can prevent it. You're my best bud, we have each other's back till the end." His eyes filled with tears and he pulled me back into the hug sobbing gently.

It took awhile but we finally got back on our way again heading out of the woods as rain poured down around us. We followed a biking trail until we came out near a building in the middle of nowhere. The smell of burgers filled my nose along with fire and brimstone, the smell of monsters. I grabbed Annabeth and Grover by the arms and pulled them to a stop.

"Grover, you smell that?" I asked in a hushed tone. He nodded to me and I readied myself for a fight. "Annabeth, there are monsters up ahead. We need to be cautious, keep an eye out for anything odd and don't let your guard down. If we can avoid a confrontation and still get some food out of this that would be ideal." She looked at me like I just sprouted a second head.

"How are you so sure Percy?" I looked back at Grover. "We can smell them.'' He called from the rear. She seemed skeptical, but still readied herself for anything. We stepped inside and were greeted by a middle eastern woman. Well at least I assume she's middle eastern seeing as she wore a long black gown that covered everything but her hands, and her head was completely veiled. Her eyes seemed to reflect light behind a thin stretched fabric that still allowed her to see.

"Children it's much too late for you to be out and about, where are you parents?" Her eyes swept over the three of us and then I noticed a faint hissing noise. I took a second to sniff the air around me and determined the origin of the brimstone smell. "We're orphans." I said in a calm tone. "Orphans?" She said the word as if it was foreign to her. "We got separated from our circus caravan on the way around town and the ringmaster told us to meet him at a gas station near here if we got lost. But it had been a while so maybe he forgot or went to the wrong one." I lied, keeping my tone as even as possible adding inflection when needed to make the lie as convincing as possible.

"Oh my dears, you must come in. I am Aunty Em, go straight through the back of the warehouse where the dining area is." We followed instruction and Aunty Em shut the door behind us and locked it giving us space to speak. "Circus Caravan, really? Your head really is full of seaweed." I gripped her arm gently and pulled her close. "Aunty Em is Medusa, when I get an opening I'm taking her head after that we'll scavenge what we can and move on." Annabeth froze for a moment looking at me carefully.

I urged her forward and we made it into the dining area. Aunty Em came behind us and walked into the kitchen to prepare us food. I almost felt bad about what I was about to do. She served us all plates, even one for Grover that was entirely vegetarian and sat to watch us eat. We all looked at the food cautiously and I noted more frantic hissing coming from Aunty Em.

Well it's now or never. I summoned Riptide flipped over the table and in one stroke her head hit the floor. Her body disintegrated into golden dust and I lifted her still covered head. I pulled off my bag and dropped the head inside. After a moment I sat back in front of my food and tucked in, Primordials I'm hungry.

The other two seemed to want to question it, but growling stomachs prevailed and we ate in peaceful silence. But as soon as the meal was over we had to rush to find anything useful. We found more Drachma, cash and a few changes of clothes.

But in the back room I found some packing slips to Hermes' overnight express mailing service with leather pouches for payment. I looked around until I found the right sized box and headed back to the dining area to package my gift to Zeus. But on the way I saw Medusa's shipping log, her last six sales were to Lord Hades for Persephone's garden. The address was DOA Recording Studios, West Hollywood, California. I tore out the page, folded it and slipped it into my pocket.

I sat next to Grover and double bagged Medusa's head before dropping it into the box I found. I filled out the delivery slip:

The Gods

Mount Olympus

600th Floor,

Empire State Building

New York, NY

With Best Wishes

Perseus Jackson

"They aren't going to like that Perce. They'll think you are impertinent." I grinned wide at him. "I am impertinent, now they'll know it too." I shot a glance at Annabeth and she seemed impressed yet resigned to me pissing off the gods. So I dropped five golden drachma into the pouch and instantly it leapt off the table and faded in a golden mist. Annabeth looked at me for a moment before turning away just as quickly. "We need a new plan." She called.

Folly of the King

Gods last night was great, we camped outside under the sky and after I took the time to clean the trash and dispose of it Grover seemed more comfortable about the spot we picked. When I first got to camp and got my memories back I remembered My dad telling me about searchers and that Grover wanted to be one so I asked him about it and he gave me the whole story. It honestly made me even prouder to call the satyr my friend.

But after I woke up, I was greeted with an odd sight. Grover was sitting cross legged with a dirty pink poodle in his lap. "Percy say hi to Gladiola." I turned to see Annabeth offering me a bowl of something while speaking to me. I sighed loudly. "The pink poodle?" I asked. She nodded her head happily. "I'm not saying it, you can't make me." She frowned mockingly. "Percy, I said hi to Gladiola now it's your turn." The poodle growled loudly at me. I said hi to the poodle.

After a fair bit of explaining the poodle directed us to the Amtrak station with a train heading west. We made it there just before departure, bought our tickets and spent the next two day riding. Luckily there were no monster attacks, but I did see a few strange sights on the way. Oddly enough none of the mortals picked up on anything at all. Like when I saw the centaurs I expected the kid to sit in front of me looking out the window to at least mention ponies, but he hadn't said a word.

We passed over the Mississippi River into St. Louis and for the first time in hours Annabeth spoke to me. "I want to do that." She sighed. I looked out with her. "Do what?" She turned her startling grey eyes toward me. "I want to build something like that. A great monument to the Gods that will last a thousand years." I inspected the serious look on her face and smiled.

"Then I'm sure you will, your mom is the Goddess of Wisdom. Even though things are harder for you with the whole ADHD and Dyslexia thing, you're still about the smartest person I've ever met." She looked at me with glassy eyes for a moment before turning away to hide a blush. "Thank you Percy… for everything." I took a moment to shake Grover awake.

"Hey bud we have a few hours to kill and I wanna take Annabeth to see something. You coming with?" He looked at me still waking up and nodded. "As long as there's a snack bar I'm in." From there we spent a half hour walking with me leading the way to the Gateway arch. We entered through the underground and the scent of monsters filled my nose again.

"Grover, I smell it again." He looked up at me and sniffed the air. "Perce we're underground it always smells of monsters." I shook my head at him. "That's no reason to get complacent. Keep your guard up and keep an eye on Annabeth. She needs this." I stayed close to her as she read the plaques describing the construction of the lower level of the Arch.

But soon it was time to go to the top. The elevator was small and we were shoehorned inside with an older woman and her chihuahua. No one seemed to notice the dog and that began setting off every red flag in my system. I took a whiff of the air and Brimstone filled my senses. I leaned down to Grover's ear and spoke as quietly as I could. "The woman next to us is a monster, so is her pet. When we get to the top take Annabeth to the other elevator and leave. This will get ugly so get as many people out as you can."

Grover nodded and as soon as the doors opened he took off toward the elevator getting everyone else in the observation deck with him. I stepped to the side and the monster lady followed me. "Look lady I don't know what you are, but you and you pet there better put up one helluva fight, because if I'm disappointed again I'll be pissed." I turned on her and saw her arms and legs become scaly and weird, while her dog grew into a lion with a goat's face on his chest and a serpent for a tail.

"Oh a Chimera, I've always wanted to fight one of those." The woman began laughing. "Oh my child here will put up more than a good fight, this will be the fight of your life. Oh my lord will be so pleased he never let's me test you mortals in person. But for you he made an exception. So today you get to die by my hand." I scoffed at her.

"And exactly who are you?" I already had an assumption but the more time I stall for, the less people are in danger. "I am Echidna, mother of all monsters." I stifled a laugh. "Isn't that a kind of anteater." She roared indignantly. "I hate it when people tell me that, I hate the Australians for naming that damn thing after me." She pointed a finger at me and her Chimera charged full speed.

I rolled to the side and came up with Void Ripper and my shield raised high. Claws raked across my guard and a venom spitting snake lunged for any openings. I smacked the beast hard with my shield and rolled to it's rear bringing my blade to slice through the serpent.

I struck true and the serpent fell writhing on the ground in pain until it dissolved into gold dust. The Lion roared in rage and shot a column of flames at me. I hefted my shield to take the brunt of the assault and rolled away from the attack. I looked over my shoulder and saw a melted hole in the side of the monument. I turned back to the beast with a smile on my face.

"Annabeth really likes this place, and you blew a hole in it. You done fucked up now." I summoned my armor in the form of a set of heavy greek armor. The helmet slipped onto my head and the black plume reached below my shoulders. "You really fucked up now." With a smile on my face I banished my sword and shield and advanced on the beast bare handed. It blasted me with fire but I walked through enjoying the slight warmth.

When I was close enough I sent it flying with a kick to its side and immediately gave chase. I lifted it over my head and slammed it into the ground with enough force to crack the Marble underfoot. I called riptide to my hand and stuck the blade between the beasts ribs reveling in the pained scream it unleashed. I dragged it over to the hole it made and looked over. A straight drop into the Mississippi. With a final look over my shoulder at a horrified Echidna I grinned and leapt out holding onto her child. The last sound she made before the fire took her was a pained howl of regret.

I dropped wrestling the still fighting beast until we hit the water, and like every time before everything felt great. My wounds healed, I was filled with energy and above all else I could breath. I kicked the beast deeper under the water and summoned Void Ripper before shooting down and slicing it in two. It faded into Gold dust and I scattered it throughout the river.

I Heard a voice that sounded like my mother. "Percy, you must go to Santa Monica beach. Your father knows of your plan to enter the Underworld, but first you must go to Santa Monica." I search the water for the voice. "Who are you?" I called out. "I'm just a messenger child, but just know this child. Your father has faith in you. I can't hold my form here much longer. The pollution here is strong." I look around and see the truth in it. I focus and feel the power of Chaos flow through me. I push against the water and the pollution and filth is gathered and forced onto dry land.

"I will head to Santa Monica, Tell Poseidon I said thanks." With that I shot out of the water and landed on my feet ignoring the little girl staring at me. I moved through the crowd listening to any and every story about what happened up there. I crept through until I heard my name. A news woman nearby was saying the surveillance footage showed a picture of my face and something about me moving west. I searched the crowd carefully until I found Annabeth and Grover searching for me.

"Guys we need to go now, the news is plastering my face all over the city. We need to get on the train." I grabbed Annabeth's hand and dragged her along with me to the train while Grover followed close behind. We made it just in time to board the train looking filthy and disheveled. We found seats in an unoccupied private booth and began planning.

"Our next stop is Denver, from there we have to find a different way west. As it stands now they'll start putting police at bus stops, rail stops, and airports to look for me." Annabeth nodded in agreement. "Okay so what can we do? We still have a good amount of cash and drachma left." Grover spoke. "Well look, we need to rest, we've got plenty of time left to finish this quest. So how about we find a decent motel, get showers, get changed and rest up." I offered.

Annabeth was quite excited to have a shower, but she tried to hide it. "Sounds good, but we can't take much time. Anything at all can happen to push us off schedule." Together we disembarked the train and found a simple motel on the edge of town. I sent Annabeth and Grover ahead to get us a room while I went to the side of the building to make a call.

I found a water hose, set it on mist and prayed to the Goddess Iris. "O goddess, accept my offering." I tossed a drachma into the rainbow and watched as it faded into nothing. "Clarisse La Rue." I watched as the rainbow showed me the strawberry fields and big house until I saw Clarisse in full body armor. "Hey Clarry." She jumped and turned on me.

"Gods Perce, don't scare me like that. What is it, did you find the traitor?" I smiled at her confidently. "Are you alone?" She nodded at me and urged me to continue. "It's Luke, he's stashed the lightning bolt in my bag to frame me, and he stole it from Olympus with Annabeth's Yankees cap." She looked at me shocked and angry.

"Why that little snake, I'll have him flayed!" I tried my hardest to calm her. "Look just keep an eye on him, he may be planning something and if he is, we can't let him succeed." She seemed confused. "Why can't I go put him in chains?" I shook my head. "Luke is a popular guy, you never know if he has more people on his side in the camp. Going at him now could do more harm than good."

She nodded at me and a second later she told me goodbye and warned me to be safe before waving her hand through the rainbow to end the call. I laughed and turned to find Annabeth and Grover looking at me. They looked at the space just behind me. "Is it true Percy, is Luke really the traitor?"

I cringed, I didn't want them to find out this way. "Yeah, unfortunately that detail came to my attention when I found a certain Item in my bag. Let's go to the room and I'll explain further." Annabeth seemed out of it, almost broken by the news so I took her hand and walked her to the room. Grover took the room key and pushed the door open ushering us in.

I led Annabeth inside and sat her down on the bed furthest inside. As soon as Grover shut the door I waved my hand and sealed the room from any outside observation. "Luke stole the master bolt and put it in the bag he gave me so I'd bring it to Hades." Annabeth turned to me with glassy eyes. "Where's the bolt now, I mean you have it still right?" I looked at the rings on my hand and showed them the one that had the bolt in it.

I summoned it to my hand and they gasped in shock. "But how do the gods not know exactly where it is, why hasn't Zeus come to take it from you now that it's out in the open?" Grover asked. I shook my head. "He doesn't because he can't. None of the gods know that I have the master bolt; they can't even see this conversation right now." Annabeth turned on me.

"What do you mean they don't know, they're the gods they've been tracking us from the beginning?" I thought over everything wondering if I could trust these two with my closest kept secret. But a voice set me straight. "Son, you have risked your life for those two. They came with you on an impossible quest across the country to help you. I think they've earned your trust." I sighed knowing my dad was right.

"I'm not just the son of Poseidon. Shortly after I was born the Primordials Chaos and Order adopted me as son and Nephew respectively. They trained me, gave me my weapons and blessed me with powers and abilities for our overall goal." They looked at me cautiously. "And what is your end goal?" Annabeth questioned.

I looked her in the eyes and saw fear, desperation, and hope. "The usurpation of Zeus the King of the gods and the reform of Olympus." Annabeth seemed to go deep into thought, searching for any and every possibility. Meanwhile Grover walked over and gripped my shoulder. "Perce, you are my closest friend and I trust you. So when I tell you this, I mean it. If you and two Primordials disagree with Zeus' rule then I'm on your side." I laid my hand over his and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you brother." Annabeth caught my attention, by clearing her throat. "Are you removing all the gods from their seats on the Pantheon?" I shook my head.

"Only the ones who thrive on the corruption and fear that Zeus spreads. All of the others will be given the choice to side with me to bring proper order to the world." She inspected me, most certainly looking for lies, but I had none for her to see. She looped her arms around my neck and pulled me into a hug. "Then I'm with you Seaweed brain."

I felt a weight leave my shoulders and a new confidence in my chest. Now I can move forward with friends by my side. After this massive confession we took turns showering and preparing for tomorrow planning our trip west. It was late when we went to a nearby diner to eat. The waitress seemed to ignore our table until I lifted my hand to get her attention. She sneered at me as she spoke. "Yes Children." She spoke as if we were a pain.

"We've been waiting to order for quite a while now." She looked over all of us for a moment before focusing on me. "Do you have money to pay for food?" I reached into my pocket and pulled out a rolled wad of twenties. "Yes and now you just lost your tip. Now you can try to earn it back, but with how rude you've been it'll be an uphill battle."

Before she could respond, the engine of a motorcycle rattled the building. I looked out the window as a motorcycle the size of a baby elephant pulled into a couple spaces. A huge biker stepped off and gave me a good look. He wore black jeans, a leather jacket, matching boots and a red tank top underneath. He sheathed a large hunting knife on his leg and pulled on a pair of red sunglasses that seemed to glow from the inside. He took a moment to lock eyes with me through the window daring me to come out.

I smiled at my friends and the waitress before tossing the money to Annabeth. "Wait for me here, I have to have a talk with my cousin." As I stood Annabeth took my hand I turned to her and she pressed a gentle kiss on my cheek. "Be careful Percy, if you don't come back I'll make sure to kick your ass in Elysium." She pushed me away and I couldn't help the smile on my face.

"Now I have to come back." I turned and trotted down the stairs to face War. He smirked at me when I got close and snarled when I got too close. "Well, well, well Perseus Jackson son of my dear old uncle how are you?" His tone was dripping with barely concealed venom. "Well I was doing pretty damn well until I heard that some irritating little shit came riding on a shite sounding Harley across state lines looking all over for me. I wonder if you have seen him?"

The war god took a step closer to me in a sad attempt to scare me. "You know kid, I like a man with guts, but don't push it." Honestly these jokes write themselves. "Look man I don't judge, but I don't swing that way. I'm sure there's a bar somewhere in town where you can pick a man you like." He snarled at me.

"Kid, you're trying the hell out of my patience." He warned. "Well how about I try your swordsmanship. Pick a place and I'll meet you there right now." He grinned excitedly. "Fine punk how about that junkyard a mile back up the road?" I smirked at him. "Fine I'll meet you there." I stamped my foot and a black mist enveloped me, an instant later I was sitting on a car engine waiting for the Musclebound douchebag. After three whole minutes he finally pulled in.

"Damn kid I didn't think any Demigods could teleport like that." He dismounted his bike and reached into the saddlebag before pulling out a two handed longsword made of six feet of polished Celestial Bronze. "Now kid, you ready to die." I gave him a bored look. "Summon your armor." He tilted his head in confusion. "You know, your Godly set of armor. You're gonna need it against me and you'll regret not wearing it."

He burst into laughter. "Punk you way overestimate yourself. I'm about to turn you into pink paste." I pushed off the engine and stood on my two feet and stretched out my tight muscles. I summoned Void Ripper and stuck it into the ground in front of me. "Well I guess I'll have to show you then. C'mon I don't have all day." As soon as those words left my mouth he charged swinging that big sword in a hateful downward arc.

Unfortunately for him, I'm better. I parried his first strike and aimed my own at his leg. He barely dodged but didn't see my next attack till it hit his ribs. I rolled out of his range as golden Incor dripped down his jacket. He roared in outrage and launched his next assault. I expertly dodged or parried each of his attacks fitting in my own whenever I got an opening. Cuts and gashes opened up all over him spilling the blood of immortals all over the place. But after one particular close call with his throat he leapt back and bathed himself in golden light.

For normal humans this would be the point to turn away, but I have never been normal. I watched him in his true form until he descended in his godly armor. "You wanted to face me at my best boy? I'll show you how much of a mistake that was." A smile tugged at my lips as I looked at the god of war in Golden spartan heavy armor his back was covered in spartan shield suited for him and in his hand was a spear.

"Impressive, I see why you wear that in battle now. It's so no one can see you bleed." I couldn't stop smiling now, I was close to having a real challenge. This time I charged. I swung wide with Void Ripper and he tried to block with his blade. The look of shock on his face when my sword bit into his was glorious. He gripped the handle of my blade and pulled it from my grip. He smiled in triumph and swung his sword down to end me, his smile didn't last long.

I called the Dawnbreaker to my hand and blocked his attack before going full offense. I swung my axe with killing intent slashing bits and pieces off his armor with each passing second. He tried to disarm me again, when he back stepped my axe, but I sent away the Dawnbreaker and called on Riptide. I dug my feet into the dirt and swung Riptide like a bat at his wrist. A pained howl ripped through the air and he dropped his sword in the dirt.

I leapt forward and knocked him off his feet with the point of my sword leveled at his throat. "So what you gonna do now kid, you ready for the consequences of killing a god?" I was almost tempted to pull him to his feet and give him a second go. That was the most fun I'd ever had in my life. "Nope, right now I have one better for you." I reached down and offered him a square of Ambrosia.

He looked at it warily, before taking it and eating it quickly. "So how would you like some new management Ares?" He tilted his head at me. "What do you mean new management cousin?" I shrugged.

"Well I can assume you stole the Lightning and the Helm of darkness to start a war between the three heaviest hitters on Olympus. But how would you like a real war, one that involves an army of gods against my own army. One that you are all but guaranteed to win, and at the end the world would be better for it." Ares grinned at me seemingly mulling it over before he extended his hand. "Sounds like fun, I'm in kid."

I shook his hand and stepped over to his bike where a motorcycle helmet with silver skulls sat. I plucked it from its place and felt it hum with power as it morphed into a sea green beanie. I put it on my head and gave Ares a two finger salute before disappearing in a puff of black smoke. I came out just behind the diner where Annabeth and Grover were before crossing around to the front and stepping inside. Grover saw me first and stood from his seat.

"Gods Perce, what happened, you've been gone a while?" Annabeth jumped out of her seat and hugged me. "Guys I'm okay, I just got in a tussle with Ares." Annabeth pushed me away. "And you're still alive, how?" I put on a look of mock hurt. "Do you have so little faith in me that you'd believe a God could beat me in single combat?!" Annabeth and Grover shared a look.

"Yeah." They said in unison. "Look I kicked his ass, he's on our side and I got the last thing needed from him to get to and from Hades' realm. Let me just get some food and we'll continue heading to Hades after we make one last stop on the way." I grabbed Annabeth's hand and pulled her into the booth after me. I ordered food and ate in companionable silence.

The Next day Around Noon

So I can talk to horses and horse-like creatures. I guess dad forgot to clue me in on that one. Annabeth, Grover, and I stowed away in an animal transport truck heading for Las Vegas and I struck up conversation with a zebra. He was real talkative too, kept asking if he was white with black stripes or black with white stripes. I didn't have an answer for him so I just ignored him most of the way. When the truck came to a stop I slashed open the locks on the cages and let the animals free. It seemed cruel to leave em there like that and hey what's the harm?

I led the way to a certain hotel resort my father wanted me to investigate on this side of the country. I thought it might be hard to find, but honestly it couldn't have been easier with the bright neon name and flower on the sign. Not a full hour after arriving we walked into the Lotus Casino. As soon as I walked in I felt the time dilation affect wash over me.

"Okay guys, stick close we're getting a room, but don't get distracted by the games we need to stay focused." We walked to the front desk and got our free room before heading upstairs. I looked down at my watch and saw time moving roughly ten times as fast leaving us only twelve hours to finish our investigation before we'd be getting too close to our deadline.

Over the next Eleven hours I'd discovered a great many things. This hotel was ever expanding on the inside, but always looked the same from the outside. There were people from the early stages of America, to even ancient greek times. It seems once you get trapped here you're here forever. I came across two demigods, the ilk of Hades himself that seemed to have been here a while along with dozens of other demigods.

But most importantly I found the last of the lotus eaters. They thrived off of the narcotic plant this place was named after and it seemed they are still alive and kicking. I dragged Annabeth and Grover out just in time to meet all my deadlines. 'Dad, you were right, the lotus eaters are still there along with a few powerful demigods. We'll have to free them later and get them prepared for the coming storm before we deal with the hotel though.'

I was greeted with silence for a full minute before he answered. "Okay my son, we'll come together and create a plan. But you must finish your mission." I sent him a silent thanks and headed to the road to hail a taxi. Within seconds one pulled over in front of us. He wound down the window. "Where are you kids heading to?" He seemed strangely okay driving us around. "DOA Recording Studios, West Hollywood, California. Think you can take us that far?" He looked down at his system and calculated the distance. "Son, that's a hefty sum, you got that kind of cash?"

Again I pulled out a roll of cash. "The faster you get there the more your tip." He pressed a button and the doors unlocked. "Well then what are you waiting for?" Grover climbed in first followed by Annabeth. As soon as the door shut the cab driver pulled onto the road with screeching tires. Annabeth and Grover seemed shocked by this, but I took it in stride. New York cabs are more fun.

After roughly five hours and a rather illuminating stop at Santa Monica beach, we pulled up on Valencia boulevard and stood in the shadow of DOA recording studios. Of course Hades made it clear it was his place by the solid gold letters that spelled out the name. I climbed out and paid the driver the fare and a six hundred dollar tip, he drove off with a smile.

We stepped forward and pushed through the front door. I felt a wave of despair as soon as I stepped inside. The cold was oppressive but this was the only way to meet with Hades barring death. I stepped up to the podium where Charon stood to usher the dead into his lord realm. "You aren't welcome here, come back when you're dead." I smiled up at him and dug into my pocket. I grabbed three gold drachma and set them in front of him.

"You sure you couldn't make an exception, we really need to meet with Lord Hades?" His eyes widened for a moment before he pulled the drachma from the podium and slid them into his pocket. "Come with me Perseus Jackson, but don't expect to leave alive." He led us toward a single elevator and waited for us to enter. He followed behind us and pressed the button marked B-300." The elevator lurched downwards moving at some unknown speed until it stopped and the doors opened.

We stepped out to be greeted with the river Styx and a simple boat just large enough for all of us. We climbed aboard and sat before the boat seemed to pull off on it's own. We floated along the river for a while as we all tried to distract ourselves from the voices wafting from the water. Annabeth gripped my hand and squeezed it.

"Percy, how do you stand this so well?" I instantly knew what she was talking about. "I'm trying not to hear it all, between the lost souls on the wrong side and the broken hopes and dreams inside the river, it's enough to drive anyone insane." I summoned Void Ripper. "This sword is made partly from Stygian Iron, you know. The only way to cool it properly is to dip it in the Styx to bind it. This sword doesn't just banish monsters, it severs their connection to the world temporarily. That makes it take longer to reform."

She looked up at me thoughtfully. "If one of these was used to kill a god or demigod, they wouldn't go to Tartarus or face judgement. They would cease to exist for a long time maybe even forever. I know the power of the Styx, that's how I can suffer with this for so long." Annabeth seemed to pull comfort from my words as I talked.

"Thank you Percy, it's like you always know what to say. I hope you don't mind having me along with you. It feels like I haven't actually had to do anything." I smiled at her. "Annabeth, there's a reason I wanted you and Grover with me. You two are exactly what I needed for this. If you weren't here I wouldn't be able to keep a level head, and without Grover I would forget where I came from. You two keep me grounded, don't forget that."

We hit land on the other side and began walking past the fields of Asphodel, the final resting place of the Neutral. This was the home of those who didn't do more good nor bad in life. It was filled with wandering spirits wiped of their memories in the River Lithe. Shortly later we made it to the gate of Hades' palace.

I heard soft growling and turned to face a massive three headed Doberman. He stood tall, startling Annabeth and Grover. I stepped forward and greeted him like I would any other dog. "Hey buddy, how are you doing today." He zeroed in on me and lowered his head. I widened my stance and lowered my head too.

He began wagging his tail and started prancing around. I stood up straight with a smile. I summoned my shield to my hand and threw it over my shoulder. Cerberus bounded after it catching it in his left mouth before returning it to my feet. "Who's a good boy?" Cerberus barked loudly. "That's right, good boy, you are." I sent away my shield and turned to Charon.

"You gonna keep holding on to that red ball or are you gonna hand it over?" The stoic man smiled at me. "Here you go young man." He tossed it into my hand and I threw it over at Cerberus. I stepped over and pet his middle head. "Don't let anyone know yet bud, and I promise I'll come back to play with you soon." He yipped happily. As I walked back over I was faced with muttering and stunned expressions. "He just played with the guardian of the underworld, like nothing. How is this even possible?" Grover said under his breath. Annabeth was silent as I walked over and grabbed her hand to lead her to the palace gates.

Charon seemed genuinely surprised that I touched the three headed hellhound. I stepped up to the gate with friends and a guide in tow before pushing through them with ease. Again my actions seemed to surprise the boatman. He stayed at the gate and bowed.

"This is as far as I'm allowed to take you. From here you will meet Lord Hades. Perseus Jackson, I wish you the best on the rest of your journey and I hope my lord doesn't kill you on the spot." I sent him a smirk before stepping inside. "Percy, you have to be careful with Lord Hades, he's incredibly temperamental and now that you're in his realm he could strike you down in an instant." Grover warned.

I took that to heart as we stepped into his throne room where we were greeted with Hades and Persephone sat on their throne. "Perseus Jackson, it's good to see you wised up and decided to return my helm to me. It's a shame you stole it in the first place or I might have congratulated you." His eyes flared dangerously before his wife placed a calming hand on his.

I stepped forward and fell onto my knee before him. "Lord Hades, I have indeed come to return what is rightfully yours. But I have also come bearing the truth to clear my name." He sneered at me and the darkness in the room grew. "Don't lie to me boy, you are the only one with reason to steal from me in your father's name." I stood to my feet and looked him in the eyes.

"I have stolen nothing in the name of Poseidon my Lord. Nor have I ever stolen from you or Zeus." I gripped the beanie from my head and watched it shift into his helm. "Uncle, it wasn't me who stole from you it was your nephew Ares and the spawn of Hermes Luke Castellan." Hades stood from his throne and took the helm from my grip. He placed it on his head and it became a crown of bones that lit with black flames.

"That damned upstart will suffer the greatest of indignities at my hands. He will suffer every humiliation I have to offer and then I will send him to Tartarus so he may face the worst damnation he can imagine." Persephone looked at him with soft eyes.

"Husband, calm yourself. Listen to the rest of the Demigod's story before doling out punishments." He took her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles. "Thank you my love. Continue your story Percy." I looked up at him. "I believe Ares was compelled by someone unknown to all of us. He seemed confused about the details of the plot after I beat him in battle."

He eyed me curiously. "Thank you Perseus, it seems I should reward you with something… If there's something that I can do for you, within reason, it's yours." I couldn't believe it, Lord Hades shut handed me a blank check to do with what I pleased.

"All I ask, is to speak with you in private my lord." He stood from his throne and pointed me to a door off to the side. I followed him inside and when the door shut I felt it seal behind dozens of safeties. We sat in two armchairs across from each other and he seemed to be waiting for me to start.

"Uncle, I would like to make you an offer. I've learned from my true father of the indignities that you have suffered at the hands of your youngest brother Zeus. He forced the domain of the underworld upon you and punished you for it by disallowing you on the throne you built on Olympus. The kingdom that you helped him build and defend from all manner of creature. So now I offer you an alternative."

He seemed even more curious than before, but still stayed silent. "I want to usurp Zeus and change the world for the better. His reign is tyrannical and forces even his own family who help him gain power to stay under his heel. So I want to remove him and the others who thrive under his rule, so they may be replaced with a more just pantheon including you."

Hades looked stunned for a moment before he started laughing. "Okay Mortal, I'll humor you. Who do you have behind you so you would have such lofty goals?" His eyes searched mine waiting for my reply. "I have the Original Primordials Chaos and Order on my side, along with the two your wife is entertaining and my cousin Ares." His expression became serious.

"That's a high claim to make saying you have the great Primordials on your side. Do you have any proof?" I grinned at him. "My father and Aunt have given me many things to prove it, but for you my lord, I'll demonstrate." I lifted from my chair and reinforced the seals on the room. I let my aura and killing intent loose as I called on my armor. It covered me entirely save for my head and my sclera became pure black with glowing star like irises.

I called my shield to my arm that was now adorned with the symbol of chaos identical to the one on my shoulder plate. My head then covered itself with a sea green cowl that concealed all but my eyes. "I am Perseus Jackson, Son of Chaos and Nephew of Order. In me I have the power of the sea, Chaos, Order, and the Void." I stood tall and saw Hades fall on a knee and bow.

"Okay my son bring it down a notch." I calmed my aura and banished my armor. I stepped over to Hades and cleared my throat. "Lord Hades, I'm not my father and you have no need to bow to me. I want you to be my equal, nothing more nothing less." He stood and shrank down to human size. He extended his hand to me with a smile. "You are already much better than my brother. The Underworld stands with you." We shook and left the room shortly after discussing things in more detail.

When we made it into the throne room Annabeth, Grover and Lady Persephone were having tea with my mother. She saw me enter and pulled me into a fierce hug. "Oh gods Percy, I've missed you. Are you okay?" She pushed me away and looked me up and down. "Yes I am mom, but I'm running out of time. The summit on Olympus will be starting soon." I reached into my bag and handed out three pearls of travel to Annabeth, Grover and my Mom.

"Where's yours Percy." Annabeth asked. "I don't need one, just go to the roof of Mount Olympus. I'll be there right after you." They stepped on the pearls and a sea green mist covered them before shooting them out of the throne room. "Oh before I go, play with Cerberus more, he gets bored out there. I promised him I'd visit so don't be surprised if I pop in." I focused on my destination for a moment before disappearing in a swirl of black smoke.

I stepped out and ran over to the door leading inside followed by my friends and mom. I pushed the button and the elevator door opened half a minute later. We stepped inside and went up to the three hundredth floor. From there we ran hoping to make it before mass flooding and lightning storms tore the world apart. We stood outside the throne room gate to catch our breath before pushing through and making our way into the Summit.

Zeus and Poseidon sat arguing as the rest of the Olympians sat around awkwardly. When I entered Zeus turned on me and attempted to strike me down with a bolt of lightning. I expected this so in an instant my shield was in place to defend myself. Lady Hera gripped her husband's wrist and stopped him. "Husband, you can't just smite mortals without due process." She shouted at him.

I lowered my shield and did my best to mask the rage in my eyes. I stepped forward and looked him in his eyes. "Zeus, I didn't steal your Lightning bolt but I am here to return it." I summoned it to my hand and tossed it up at him. He caught it before inspecting it carefully. He sent it away to get cleaned before turning back on me.

"Well boy, if you didn't steal it, who did?" I looked up at him barely masking my disdain. "It was Luke Castellan…" I looked at Hermes. "... I'm sorry my Lord, but he has turned his back on the path of heroes. Besides him there was also someone behind the scenes that I couldn't find." Zeus looked down at me and waved his hand dismissively.

"You have done well Demigods and Satyr. You have my gratitude for returning my bolt. This meeting is adjourned for the time being, speak to your father boy." I looked at him with a frown. "Poseidon is not my father, Zeus." I saw the sea God cringe at that. My Father told me about the broken promises he'd made to my mother. I don't care that he wasn't there for me. But he abandoned my mom, so I couldn't forgive so easily.

I watched as the gods left one by one until only Athena, Hermes, and Poseidon were left. I walked over to Hermes and gave him my apologies for Luke. He smiled sadly at me. "My son Luke has been through a lot because of me. While I don't agree with his choices, I understand them. He is a good man in his heart, but all I can hope is that he comes to his senses." We spoke further and I asked him to speak to him privately another time to which he agreed before leaving.

I turned toward Athena and Annabeth and saw a deep blush on my friend's face. I scanned the room further until my eyes fell on a rightfully chastised Poseidon and my mother storming away from him. She approached me and pointed over her shoulder. "Poseidon wishes to speak with you." she walked over and stood in front of Athena and began talking rather casually with the Goddess and her daughter.

I walked over to the sea God and looked up at him. "Perseus, I know you must not like me very much, but there were reasons I couldn't be around. You were in more danger the closer I got and I couldn't risk you or your mother like that. But you have done well in the last days successfully bringing back Zeus' bolt and averting a war. For this you deserve a reward." He reached into a bag on the side of his throne and pulled out a celestial bronze Quindent.

He tossed it at me and it fell into my grip. The leather wrapped shaft felt natural in my hand and I knew that this weapon was forged for me. I spun it in my hands and turned it into a ring on my finger with a quindent on the ring's face. "I'm not angry at you for not being there for me. I'm angry at you for leaving my mom when she needed you most. She suffered against the world alone when you swore that she didn't have to. I will forgive you, when she does." He looked at me and nodded.

I walked away from him content with the way it ended. As I walked away I was faced with Athena giving me an appraising look. I stepped over to her throne and knelt. "Lady Athena, I hope I've done nothing to offend you." She reached down and tilted up my head. "I care for my children Percy, do not hurt her or she will hurt you worse. Then I will make sure you suffer in my own way."

I caught her drift and nodded to her. "You have nothing to worry about, she scares me enough on her own. Besides what kind of fool would hurt a girl so much smarter than them, she probably has dozens of ways to ruin me that I couldn't comprehend without experiencing it." She smiled at me before dismissing me with a hand wave. I stepped over to my group and together we prepared to leave.

Two Days Later

Time seemed to pass rather quickly after our quest finished. Upon arriving at camp We discovered Luke had left the camp. Clarisse took it hard that she let him go, but after a short while I got her past it. Beyond that Grover got his searcher's license after doing an incredible job helping on my quest. Annabeth was given permission to leave camp for school, and lastly I had a home to go back to.

Shortly after the quest succeeded the news seemed to regard me as a child on the run from a man wishing to do me harm. So my travel restrictions were lifted and the world seemed to forget about me. I sent a silent prayer to Hecate and Persephone knowing it was them. Now all the pieces were falling in line for the next year of my formal education and a lot more training with my father and aunt. For now I had a lot of summer left before I had to worry about school and I was absolutely going to enjoy it.

Now I walked through the forest with my new and improved Earthshaker. My father thought reforging it with a mix of Celestial bronze and Void steel world make it more uniquely me. To say he was right would be an understatement. Now the quindent appeared to have black crashing waves stretched across the bronze and it hummed with immense power that resonated with the aspect of the sea and the void inside me. It felt naturally fit for me and it quickly became my go to weapon of all of them.

I heard the sounds of a sword striking a tree deeper in the woods and followed it wondering who it was. As I got closer I saw blonde hair peeking through the trees until I was faced with Luke Castellan training with a new sword. It glinted of steel and iron as I looked on and I could sense the malice coming from the blade where I stood. "Hey Luke, long time no see." He rounded on me with his weapon held in a firm grip.

"Hey Perce, how have you been man?" I shrugged noncommittally. "Can't complain really, just looking forward to next summer. Yeah yeah I know, this one hasn't even ended yet, but it honestly feels like something big is waiting just around the corner and man is that exciting." He looked at me then brought attention to his sword.

"So Percy, do you like my sword?" I looked it over. If I'm being honest it intrigued me. "Actually, yeah it reminds me of my Quindent here. I named her Earthshaker." He smiled at me. "Yeah, I see what you like about it, it screams Percy Jackson. But this is Backbiter, it's forged of Stygian Iron, and mortal steel. It can kill just about anything with ease." The tone of his voice was odd and slightly disconnected.

"So that pearl under your foot, is that for if I attack you or if you lose?" He looked at me and flashed a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Bye Jackson, Keep them safe for me bud." I heard the crunch and an instant later he was gone. I huffed slightly disappointed, I was really hoping for a fight. I jogged back to camp and gave a report on what just happened. It seems like a war is coming, and I'll be at the center of it.