Ladies, gentlemen, monsters of all ages, welcome to chapter nine, Homecoming. Or as it will more likely be known. That time we actually got answers. Rest assured it's still me.

Now I need to sign for a plus sized delivery of irony. We're gonna need it for the next couple of arcs. You'll see why.

Homecoming

Percy POV

Planet Earth, New York City, Manhattan

My plan to land in the center of a busy city street and create chaos and confusion. Yeah seaweed brain that I am I didn't really think that through.

The problem was that I'd underestimated the sheer volume of people that gathered. Nor did I think about the traffic problems it created at rush hour. I did manage to pass to pass Matthew off to the police officers who'd inevitably showed up to try and get handle on the situation. I felt kinda bad about just passing him off like he was someone else's problem, but I had something I needed to do while I was on earth.

Ignoring the multitude of people shouting questions like. "Do you intend to meet with the UN?" No I didn't.

"What are your feelings on our current administration." I didn't even know who was in office.

"What planet are you from?" I couldn't exactly tell them I was actually from earth.

Retreating back into the safety of the shuttle. Which was something that I never thought I'd here myself say. I lifted off the ground, taking off I flew the ship into a cloud bank. And that's was when I started worrying about Zeus. I mean I'd already flown through the atmosphere once without a problem. But those kinds of things rarely mattered to the gods. Hiding the ship above the clouds so the mortals below wouldn't see it, I set the auto pilot and teleported down to a secluded alley.

I'd recovered enough from my ordeal earlier, to be presentable in normal clothes, and not the armor. Anyway from there I started making my way towards the Empire State Building.

Walking into the lobby I went straight up to the security guard and said tiredly. "Six hundredth floor please."

"No such thing kid." He said not even looking up from his paper as he turned the page.

"Do we really have to do this?" I asked deadpanned and then snatched the newspaper from him while turning on my wolf stare.

Meeting my gaze he hurriedly handed me the keycard.

It'd been over three years since I'd ridden the elevator to Olympus, I hadn't been here since the war with Kronos ended. You would think that in that time the gods could've gotten some better elevator music.

When the doors opened at the top, I practically flew out to escape the torment. Even Scorpius wouldn't be so cruel as to use that music as a means of torture.

Steeling myself, I made my way towards the gods throne room. Along the I couldn't help but look at the temples, palaces, and statues dedicated to various gods. They were all beautiful pieces of design. Exactly the sort of thing that Annabeth would've marveled at and lectured about until my eyes glazed over. And she'd been the one to design most of this.

Letting out a sigh I shook my head. It won't do any good to dwell on the past right now. I told myself as I enter the hall of the gods.

"My son. You've returned." Poseidon spoke the surprise and joy in his voice plainly apparent.

I just nodded.

"I imagine you have questions." Said Athena.

"Many." I agreed. "First off, what do you know about the Power Rangers?"

"Only what's come over the airwaves kid." Said Hephaestus.

"Which isn't much." Said Hermes. "But the reports coming through right now are insane. Something about a giant robot and monster fighting." He finished sounding incredulous. And I couldn't blame him space was nuts.

"I'd love to get a look at those Quasar Sabers though." I heard Hephaestus mutter to himself.

"What's happened out there?" Asked Apollo.

Catching Athena's gaze I tried gauge whether or not she knew anything more. Subtly I tapped my the pocket containing the coin. She smiled and nodded seemingly agreeing to talk more later.

"Everybody thought that you were being tortured in some dungeon out there." Mr. D. Said lazily flipping through his magazine.

"Well they let me out of every couple of weeks to clean the room." I answered, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

While my Father looked at me with concern, The other gods all just looked at each other and shifted in their seats uncomfortably.

"Now what are your plans with Terra Venture." I asked

"That's a little complicated." Started Hermes. "But ever since the mortals set they're sights on the new world, things have been changing.

I nodded and motioned for them to continue.

"Our control over our domains has been expanding." My father spoke up.

"How so?" I asked.

"As the boundaries of western civilization grow so to do our domains." Poseidon continued. "Exerting our influence on Alaska would've been impossible before, but now." He trailed off and I got the idea.

"Did Leo find you." Hephaestus suddenly spoke up.

"I didn't even know he was on Terra Venture." I answered surprised.

"He begged and begged to be allowed to go, along with Calypso." Said Hera.

"He was determined to save you." My dad said.

I'd admit that Leo and I hadn't parted on the best of terms two years ago. The idea that he'd rush off into space first chance he got was honestly surprising, heartwarming, and concerning all at once. But Leo and Calypso had no idea what was out there!

"Which brings up something important." Said Zeus.

"While our spheres of influence have been expanding, somethings haven't kept up." Started Apollo.

"You mean Iris messages" I asked. "I already knew that." But the answer they gave stunned me.

"The mist." Answered Artemis.

"Wait wait." I started. "That can't be right I've used the mist in space.

That's because your a demigod, you're very existence in a collision of the mortal and divine worlds." Athena explained. "The mist is created when when aspects of the divine world comes into contact with mortals. You naturally exude the mist even if it's only in minuscule amounts it's enough for you to use."

Since the mortals will be able to see through the veil we've had to take precautions. Said Ares.

"What?" I asked an edge creeping into my voice.

Hera raised her hands placatingly and said. "All we did was make Leo and Calypso both swear an oath on the Styx, to not reveal anything about Olympus."

"Bringing things back to focus." Zeus interrupted. "While our influence has grown we can't exude any real power over Mirinoi."

What went unspoken was, yet.

"So that's the plan expand and explore outer space." I asked voice rising. "You don't have any idea what it's like out there.

Son why did Scorpius keep you? Asked Poseidon.

Largely ignoring him I continued my rant. "The things out there, monsters that would Typhon look tame." A hint of mania creeping into my voice. I could all too easily imagine some of the monsters under Scorpius, rampaging on earth at giant size. I could think of several that would definitely be far worse than Typhon.

"Olympus has survived countless challenges before now and it survive its current trials as well." Zeus declared proudly.

"Percy you need to tell us what you know. What is this Scorpius planning?" Poseidon asked tenderly.

"You want to know what I am to Scorpius?!" I asked. "I'm his proof of concept. That he can take a demigod and make them into one of his soldiers. He wants to take over earth and use its resources, particularly demigods.

"Then why hasn't he just invaded?" Asked Ares with a surprisingly good question.

"I don't think he just wants to conquer earth." I explained. "He wants earth's governments to submit to him without a fight. Greater rewards and it leaves us easier to manipulate."

The gods all gained looks of concern at what I was telling them. But the worst was yet to come.

I took a shaky breathe before I continued. "And the really sickening part. Scorpius is the least of our problems. Compared to some of the other factions out there, he's down right tame. The Machine Empire, The Troobians, The Masked Reich, they'd kill us all and strip mine the whole planet down to nothing, all without a second thought.

The god all looked appropriately disturbed by that.

And I didn't even mention the pirates and other criminals and what they might do.

"And Scorpius is better?" Asked Hephaestus skeptically.

"Scorpius will just assign some warrior he's favoring at the moment to rule the planet in his name and keep things running smoothly. Problem is that they're typically cruel and power mad as rulers." Letting out sigh I said quietly. "I hate to say it though, but that might our best option."

The gods sat back stunned by everything I'd told them.

"We need to take precautions and start preparing our defenses." Zeus finally decided after everyone had been quiet for several minutes.

"I've been working on something that should help." Hephaestus offered. "But it's slow going, I don't think it will be ready for months still."

"Then we need something else to dissuade them attacking us." Artemis said.

"The Quasar Sabers." Declared Ares standing up from his throne.

"If you could acquire them for us, we could gift them to worthy demigods." Mused Hera.

I didn't say anything even though I'd had similar thoughts.

For though now though no one can argue that you have earned your rest Percy." My dad said. "You should return to camp and see your friends."

I shook my head. "I can't, if I'm gone too long Scorpius…" I trailed off and they seemed to get the idea.

I may of mentioned Scorpius but he wasn't who was thinking of. It was Trakeena I was really worried about.

But somehow I didn't think the gods would appreciate me being in a relationship with their enemies daughter. Out of the corner of my eye though I saw Aphrodite give me a knowing smile and an encouraging wink.

"Then you shall return to Scorpius and gather any information you can to aid Olympus." Zeus commanded.

Nodding, I hurried out the door before anybody could ask anything else.

The gods weren't done with me yet. Athena was there waiting for me by the elevator.

"Perseus." She greeted.

"Lady Athena." I said in reply.

"So you have the coin." She said.

Pulling it of my pocket I held it up. "What's it for I tried to use it to send an Iris message but that obviously didn't work.

"That coin is supposed to represent forgiveness." Athena said.

"Your talking about what happened in Greece." I said.

"What happened wasn't your fault." She said becoming uncharacteristically choked up, I thought I might've seen a tear actually roll down her cheek. "Annabeth died a true hero."

Examining the coin a moment longer I put it back in my pocket and said. "If this coin is supposed to mean forgiveness then I want to give it to Leo. I blamed him back then for what happened.

"If you give it to him next you see him I have no objections."

"I do have questions though." I started. Why did you give it to the red ranger a mortal to give to me? Did you somehow know he was gonna be the red ranger?

"I assure you Perseus I know nothing of about these Rangers. Let alone that the young man question would become one." Athena stated. "I can't make the journey myself it's still too far from my seat of power. So I needed an intermediary. I only gave the coin to him because the oracle told me to."

With that Athena flashed away likely back to her palace and I entered the elevator in silence.

On the way down however I kept thinking about what the gods had said about their sphere of influence growing. Somehow the idea of the gods on Mirinoi made me uncomfortable.

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts I stepped out of the elevator. I had another surprise waiting for me in the lobby however.

"Rachel." I greeted.

"Percy." She replied smiling.

We walked outside together probably looking like a young couple on a date. "I have to ask." I started as we headed down the street. "Why did you tell Athena to give the coin to the red ranger.

"Well I didn't know that he'd turn into some kind of superhero." Rachel said. "I just knew that he would be important to the future somehow.

That wasn't particularly helpful, and gave me a host of new worries about the rangers. "So." I started awkwardly. "Do you have any words of wisdom you wanted to offer me.

"Yes and no." She answered looking uncharacteristically down. "My prophetic abilities have been rather hit and miss lately. Best I've been getting are flashes, images and impressions."

"So what does that mean?" I asked in concern.

"I think it means that whatever's going to happen. It's going to happen out there beyond the power of the gods." She said looking up at the sky as if she could see what was out there and it might give her answers.

"Not to be rude, but that's not particularly helpful." I said.

"No." She agreed. "But it does mean one thing."

"Which is?" I prompted.

Rachel turned to me and smiled. "It means that your free from worrying about any prophecies. "For what's probably the first time in your life, it can be about what you want and not what fate demands."

I just stopped and stood there, trying to take that in. I'd honestly been imagining that there would be some prophecy about all this. But now I was free from having a prophecy of impending doom hanging over my head.

I imagined just walking away from it all. Just staying on earth and finding some deserted island somewhere to live out my days away from everything. Not worrying about, gods, aliens, or monsters.

But I couldn't just leave the camps to fight a war they couldn't win. I knew better then most the impossible odds demigods had overcome before.

I especially didn't want other demigods to be torn apart and put back together again, as they were made into one of Scorpius' little servants like I was.

"So what are going to do." Rachel asked me.

Looking up at the sky I could almost imagine that I see Mirinoi. I didn't relish the thought of going back to Scorpius but there was Trakeena to consider. I had this fantasy of showing her the sights on earth. Taking her on a date in Paris. Then I remembered my own goals for Terra Venture.

We entered a secluded alleyway but neither of us were worried about getting mugged. Looking at Rachel again I told her. "I'm going back, but you already knew that didn't you."

Rachel nodded and said "Prophecy or not Percy, your a hero to the core. We all know that you'll do what you think is right.

"I don't consider myself much of a hero anymore." I said Looking up at the sky again.

"You don't have to go back you know." Rachel said worriedly.

"What would I do if I stayed? Join the Hunt or something? Artemis doesn't take males." I snorted.

"Do you know when you might be back?" Rachel asked.

I'm afraid not." I said shaking my head. "But one day." And with that I teleported back to the ship.

Leo Corbett POV

Mirinoi, Terra Venture, L & C's Garage

We stood around the back of the shop none of us sure where to start. The garage was somehow even more cluttered and disorganized than before.

"So how have you been?" I finally asked lamely.

"Oh fine." Valdez said fingers drumming the side of his leg. Business has been a little slow, but I came up some new projects to work on and keep myself busy.

"I've been trying to expand the garden." Calypso offered.

"You ready to tell us about yourself?" Kai asked sternly with his arms folded.

"Look I know that me and Calypso not being able to tell you about ourselves doesn't exactly help our trustworthiness." Valdez said. "But believe me when I say that we're on your side."

Damon sighed and said. "I guess if it wasn't for you then we would be here right now."

"Guys, if he was against us then we'd be dead already." Maya agreed.

"You guys are trying and succeeding really, to be heroes." Valdez answered. "I just kinda think it's the right thing to try and help.

I knew we needed all the help we could get. But I still had to know one thing.

"Why did you come to space?" Kendrix said asking the question for me.

"You know I can't tell you that but." Valdez trailed off and was quiet a moment before he answered. "I think I can tell you this much though. Years ago when we met Scorpius we had to leave one of our friends behind." Valdez shook his head. "I don't know what's happened to him the last few years but I can't imagine it's been good. I need to help him."

We just looked at each other, trying to imagine what it would be like if one of us found ourselves at the mercy of Scorpius. It wasn't long before I made a decision.

"I'll help you find your friend." I declared. "And I think speak for everyone here when I say that.

Looking at Valdez, Kai asked him. "Do you really think we can work together when your keeping secrets?"

"It won't be easy." Valdez admitted. "But I think it's something that we have to at least try."

"If we're going to take on Scorpius and company we'll need all the help we can get." Damon admitted.

"I don't know about that." Valdez said a wry grin growing on his face. "You guys seemed to be doing pretty well in your giant robot. How did you guys do that?"

"We're not entirely sure." Kai admitted.

"We were trying to infuse the animals with energy from the Transdaggers." Maya said. "Last thing we expected was for them to transform.

"Or combine." Added Damon.

"A lot of people are already asking questions about everything that's happened." Said Kendrix. People are scared and looking for answers.

"Answers that the GSA is already under a lot of pressure to find. Said Kai.

"I think we're gonna need to find a new meeting place." I said. "The GSA is probably going to keeping a closer eye on it's personnel."

And if they see the five of us constantly gathering in Kendrix's quarters anytime there's a crisis. Damon added.

"I'll give you guys all the help I can." Valdez said. "Your free to use my garage as your home base.

We stood up all night talking about everything from actions the GSA was likely to take. The damage done by Bombabeetle. Whether or not Scorpius was really involved in the last incident. (Group consensus was that he most likely was but no one was entirely sure, which was most likely the point.) Valdez showed some of his new inventions.

Somehow this starting to feel less like a group forced together by circumstance and more like a team, or maybe even a family.

Percy POV

Scorpion Stinger

When I brought the shuttle into the hanger bay I found myself strangely relaxed at the familiarity of it. Trakeena was there waiting. Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself for this and went to face the music.

"So your back." Trakeena said icily. But it wasn't her usual aloof tone. There was something off about it, some emotions there I couldn't quite place.

"Yeah." I said simply and tried to get a read on her.

Trakeena just glared at me in response and crossed her arms. Obviously this was going to be like pulling teeth.

"So be honest with me." I said pushing forwards. "Was that explosion meant for me or should I be feeling jealous."

Trakeena huffed and answered. "The Rangers, or failing that the sabers."

"So I guess that should be feeling jealous then." I joked trying to lighten the mood. "What I want to know is why?"

"You know why." She hissed. "If I destroyed the quasar sabers then you wouldn't go to earth."

I knew that was only half of it though. She'd been hoping to have won her Father's favor if her scheme had worked. She was a lot like me and most demigods that way. Just wanting a parents approval.

Before I could figure out how to safely respond she asked. "So what are you going to do now."

That's when it finally hit me that she hadn't thought that I was coming back. And now she was worried I was gonna be mad about her messing with my plan. That's what I heard in her voice earlier. Surprise, happiness, anger for leaving in the first place, and now a fear of abandonment. At least I assumed. Still it was at least something to go on and my mind raced trying to figure out how to fix this.

"Do you remember when you originally started trying to kill me." I started. "It was because I talked back to you.

She just gave me a curious look and didn't say anything.

"But eventually you actually realized that you liked that somebody dared to treat you like a normal person, and not a princess." I continued. This was obviously an extremely simplified version of events. I was skipping over a lot of yelling, violence, screaming, and me getting some of my appendages sown back on. Not necessarily in that order.

"I remember." She deadpanned. "Are you going somewhere with this?"

Gods I hope so. I thought before saying. "My point is that if that's how our relationship started, and if we've stayed together in the face of great adversity.

Trakeena let out a sigh and said. "My father certainly hasn't made it easy."

"Exactly." I agreed. "Now I'm not gonna just throw this away like that."

"Why? I know you see this ship as a prison. Even I do sometimes, that's the same reason I kept sneaking away, following you on missions so I could see the galaxy. Making things harder for you." She argued. "The Scorpion Stinger is still my home though. But it's not yours why would you come back."

Everything she said was true and I wasn't used to her freely showing her emotions like this. My demigod senses were all shouting, danger! This was it the make or break moment. "Because." I started. "The whole time I was on earth all I could think about was you, and how much I wanted to share it with you."

Trakeena looked at me surprised before giving me a rare genuine smile and somehow in-spite of myself, even so far from earth, I felt like I was home.

The author is seen climbing down from an impossibly tall ladder that stretches past the atmosphere, wearing workmen's overalls with a number of red flags sticking out of the back pocket.

"Oh! Hi there." I say startled and hastily chuck the flags away letting them fall several hundred stories. Rapidly grabbing a hold of the ladder again I quickly ask. "So what do you guys think of that sword of Damocles I just put in? Really goes with the wormhole doesn't it. Could come down on the earth at anytime."

So yeah, somewhat shorter chapter this time. Quick note here, I know that the minor gods should've had thrones here but that just seemed like it would be too many characters to handle. Also in this chapter we see a little more the extent of the AU. Something went very very wrong in this timeline.

Read and review.

Arc 1 Prologue and Quasar Quest

[Arc 2 New Heroes on the Block]

Arc 3 Magna Defender

Arc 4 Diplomacy

Arc 5 Spoilers

Arc 6 Spoilers

Arc 7 Spoilers

Arc 8 Infrastructure

Arc 9 Spoilers

Arc 10 Spoilers

Arc 11 Mutiny

Arc 12 Spoilers

Arc 13 Endgame