Chapter One

It had been storming for five days straight. Heavy rain fell, splattering against the streets of New York City. Lightning seemed to flash every thirty seconds. Thunder was never far behind, rumbling deep in the dark clouds. Winds pelted the city without any respite. The bodies of water around Manhattan washed up on the ground, the waves tall enough to sweep away any small dog that happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was more common than one would think.

But the city kept running. Businesses needed to be kept running, people needed money, and the storm wasn't going to stop them. Just bring an umbrella and a warm jacket under a raincoat and you would have the most protection you were going to get from the storm.

There was only one area where you didn't need to worry about rain, or thunder, or lightning. Around the Empire State Building, there seemed to be an eye of the storm, where the clouds allowed sunlight through. You could see the sun's rays through the storm from anywhere in the city. A shining beacon in the darkness.

Percy Jackson opened the door of his apartment. He didn't bother with a raincoat, or a warm jacket, or an umbrella. After facing Titans, a primordial, and Tartarus itself, a little rain wasn't going to hurt him. He'd get wet, feel empowered for a bit, then dry himself whenever no one was looking.

The powers didn't outweigh the cons of being a demigod, but the perks were useful sometimes.

He walked down the hall and entered the elevator. He pressed the ground floor button. The elevator descended, before stopping at the floor behind him. The door opened to reveal an elderly lady dressed in three layers with an umbrella at her side. She walked into the elevator and eyed Percy worriedly.

"Dear, shouldn't you be wearing more. It's terribly cold out, and it's raining. You'll catch a cold, surely."

Percy smiled at her warmly as the elevator doors closed and the elevator began its descent once again. "Don't worry about me ma'am. I'll be fine."

The woman sighed. "To each their own, I guess. If you do get sick, and need any medicine, come by my apartment. It's number 308."

"I'll keep that in mind."

The woman made a noise of contentment. A silent beat passed between the two before she spoke up again. "Where are you going to, during this trying time?"

"I'm meeting up with my girlfriend. At Central Park."

"I hope she's dressed more appropriately than you." She said, a slight smile playing on her cracked, chapped lips.

"Well, what about you? Where are you going?" Percy asked her.

The woman sighed. "Oh, just the market. One needs their groceries, even when the world is fighting itself out there."

Percy nodded. "I feel that. Everything is going to shit, and yet..." He sighed. "Life still goes on."

She nodded in agreement.

The elevator doors opened. The main lobby of the apartment was lit well enough. Nothing fancy, but nothing too cheap either. The light seemed even brighter compared to the world that waited outside the door. Rain relentlessly pounded on the windows.

"What market do you go to?" Percy questioned as he waited for the women to get off the elevator first.

"Thank you dear." She said, stepping into the lobby. "I go to Fairway."

Percy nodded as he followed her into the lobby. "My mom goes there too."

They walked up to the door. "I guess this is goodbye." She said.

Percy nodded. "Good luck with your shopping."

"Have fun with your girlfriend." She glanced outside. "You're going to walk all the way to Central park? In this?"

Percy nodded. "Don't worry about me, ma'am. I'll be fine."

"Okay." She said, like she wanted to argue, but decided to let it go.

As the lady walked out, she turned left.

Percy went right. As soon as he stepped a foot out of the door, the rain instantly soaked him. His clothes grew heavy the way they do when they're wet. He felt the rush in his veins as the rain pelted him. His hair began to fall in front of his eyes. He swiped it to the side. He couldn't will himself dry with all the people around him.

He stuck his hands in his pockets and continued to follow the traffic of walking people. Never let it be said that the weather would stop a New Yorker.

He crossed the street and entered Central Park. The park was empty. While the rain wouldn't stop the work of the world, it certainly would stop the fun. The park wasn't something someone could enjoy when the Heaven's were weeping so openly.

Percy walked past a pond as he dried himself. The rain seemed to miss him, leaving him as dry as he was when he left the apartment. The rain splattered against the pond. He could sense the aquatic life in the pond.

He sat down at a bench and looked around. No one was around. No one was approaching him. He sighed. He would still have to wait to see his girlfriend.

Suddenly, every hair on his arm stood at attention. He looked around. There wasn't a single living soul around, neither was there a monster looking to kill him. Suddenly, white hot pain flared through him. He was on the ground, lying face down in the grass. His vision went pure white. A loud clap of thunder stabbed his ears. The thunder was the final piece of the puzzle.

He was struck by lightning.

Was it just bad luck? He had his fair share, sure, but when dealing with the Greek World, there was almost always a reason behind everything that happened. But he didn't think he pissed off his Uncle anytime recently. Hell, he hadn't seen anyone from his other life since the end of the summer. It was March now.

Even if his Uncle was watching him like an eagle, he would have been bored out of his mind. His days were spent at his high school, and his free time was non-existent. Between studying for DSTOMP and the swim team, he had no time for anything else. Hell, he hadn't seen Annabeth in months. She was finally coming down from Camp to finally see him.

And now his dumb ass had gotten struck by lightning.

His pain began to numb as he allowed himself to get wet again. The water washed the pain away. His vision slowly came back. He lifted his head to see the green grass underneath him.

He let out a breath as he slowly got to his knees. His breath was heavy as he sat there, listening to the falling rain and rumbling thunder. It felt different now though. The thunder seemed aggressive, somehow.

He got to his feet and looked around. There was a figure in the distance, down the path. They slowly got closer. As Percy's vision finally healed itself completely, he could make out some of the person's features. He was tall, taller than Percy. He had the same black hair and sea green eyes. However his hair was starting to gray. His black beard was starting to grow ragged, not much, but it could quickly become wild if left unkept. He wore green armor with his trident strapped across his back.

He stopped in front of Percy. He smiled grimly at his son.

"Father, what are you doing here? Why are you wearing your armor? Does this have to do with the storm?" He asked. He stayed in the doorway, not wanting to come any closer.

Poseidon raised a hand to calm Percy. "Your Uncle and I..." he started. He spoke slowly, like he was choosing his words very carefully. He looked up at the ceiling. "Your uncle and I aren't exactly agreeing right now."

Thunder rumbled outside as a bright flash of lightning lit up the dark room. Poseidon's eyes flicked to the window quickly. He looked back at Percy. "We're at war. Have been for the past few days."

Percy couldn't exactly say he was surprised. When he first entered the Greek world, his father and Zeus were at the brink of war. Only a few years later, they were at each other's throats once again. It also explained why Zeus was aiming to kill him. Not because he did something wrong, but instead to hurt Poseidon.

"Did his bolt go missing again?" Percy asked, finally taking a step into the room. He stood on the other side of the room, and leaned against the wall.

Poseidon shook his head. "No. That... that didn't happen again."

"So what did happen?"

Poseidon sighed as he sat up straight. The trident that laid on his lap was now standing straight up, the pole digging into the plush carpet Percy had bought just a year ago. "Zeus accused me of conspiring against him and led a vote to kick me off of the council." He looked up at the ceiling with his eyes narrowed as he recalled the memory.

"All those that think Poseidon no longer deserves a seat on this council, and should be punished for treason, raise your hand." Zeus said from on top of his throne.

Poseidon kneeled, unwillingly, in the center of the room, just before the Hearth. He looked at each of the Gods one by one, to see how they would vote. Most looked at Zeus as if he had grown a second head. They didn't understand at all why Zeus would move to vote his brother off of the council. There was no reason behind it.

But Zeus didn't have reason. He had paranoia.

When no one other than Ares raised his hand, Poseidon turned his attention to Zeus as he stood. "See reason brother, why would I go against Olympus. There is no reason for my removal. But I think there is a reason we should vote you off." He turned to the council. "Was it not my brother who refused that Kronos was waking? Was it not him who did the same thing with Gaia? Both times our world was threatened, he refused to acknowledge the threat and cost us, I mean, our children, their lives! Lives that could have been saved had Zeus paid attention to the signs, and listened to us!"

Aphrodite, Apollo, and Hepheastus were nodding along. They had lost kids in the battle of Manhattan, and in Hepeastus's case, the battle with Gaia as well. On a technicality. Leo returned to the living, but he still died. Their lives could have been saved if Zeus recognized the threat earlier.

Zeus gripped his Master Bolt tightly. His cheeks were turning gold in anger. "Before the council, you dare go against the King?! This IS treason!"

Poseidon spread his hands. "It is a council, brother. You might be a King by title, but in the end, the power lies with all of us! I'm tired of you having all of the power."

Zeus stood up. His Master Bolt was starting to buzz angrily. Little sparks began to fly from the Celestial Bronze. "Treason! I was right! You are conspiring against me!"

Poseidon drew his trident. But Zeus interrupted before the Sea God could open his mouth.

"And now you're going to attack me! Well I won't wait!" Zeus raised his Master Bolt and launched a bolt of lightning out at Poseidon. The King of the Seas rolled to the side, coming up just before Apollo's throne.

"I declare war on the seas!" Zeus yelled. He launched another bolt at Poseidon.

Poseidon flashed out of the Throne Room teleporting to the Throne Room of his own palace. He sent out a command for his commander, Delphin. The Dolphin God arrived quickly, swimming into the Throne Room only a minute later.

He bowed his head before his God. "Yes, m'lord?"

Poseidon gripped his trident tightly as he fighted to keep the disdain from his face. "My stupid brother decided to declare war on me." He gritted out. "Train the troops. Atlantis is now in total war. If it's a war my brother wants, it's a war he shall get."

Percy let out a deep breath. "And this war... between you and Zeus... is the reason lightning was targeting me outside?"

Poseidon nodded.

"So, let me get this straight." Percy looked at his father and took a step forward. "I have a target on my back, not because of something I've done, but because you and Zeus are having a pissing match?" He felt like he was twelve again, back when he was targeted for the theft of Zeus's Master Bolt. Wasn't his fault, but he still shouldered the blame.

"Percy, this isn't some pissing match between two frat guys, but a war! A war between the sky and the sea! If this goes too far, then the world as we know it will tear itself apart!"

"And what does that have to do with me? What do you want me to do about this?"

"Nothing, Percy. The only thing I want you to do is to come with me. It isn't safe here, where Zeus can attack you so openly."

"Where are you taking me? Atlantis?"

Poseidon shook his head. "No. I expect Atlantis to get raided at some point. An army of Ventus, led by the Four Winds, or something. An attack on my kingdom is inevitable."

"So where would you take me?"

Posideon let out a deep breath. He looked downcast at the floor. "The Underworld. Hades owes me a favor. I can hide you down there until this is over."

"And what about my mother? My sister? Paul? I can't just leave them to hide out in the Underworld while Zeus is being all trigger happy with lightning! He would target them next!" It hadn't even been a year since the end of the Second Giant War, and all he wanted was to rest with his family. Yet here were the Gods once again barging in, trying to steal him away. He wasn't going to let it happen again. He lost eight months last time, how long would it be this time? A year? A decade? He wasn't going to risk it.

"Do you think the Underworld will be a safe place to take mortals! They would go insane down there! It's not a place meant for the living!"

"Mom was down there, years ago!"

"She was frozen! She didn't know she was down there."

"Mortals go down there when they die–"

"No! Dead mortals are able to accept things more easily than ones that are still alive! To take them down there would short-circuit their brains!"

"I don't know, Paul was pretty open to Gods and such when we told him what I was! Maybe they'll be fine!" Why was he fighting so hard? He knew deep down that his father was right on a level. Live mortals weren't supposed to enter the Underworld. But he couldn't be separated from his family. Not again. He already had almost lost Annabeth, he couldn't lose his Mom, Paul, and Estelle.

Poseidon let out another deep breath as he gripped his trident tightly once again. "Fine. I see you won't let up on the matter. Bring them. But if they go crazy, it is on you." Poseidon gripped his trident tightly.

He looked almost terrifying in the low light, illuminated only by the flashes of lightning that didn't strike Percy. He clasped Percy on the shoulder. "Close your eyes." Poseidon commanded.

After a flash of bright light, Percy opened his eyes to see that they were back in his room in his mom's apartment. The light was off, just like he had it before he left.

"Percy?" A muffled voice came from the hallway.

"In here, mom." His voice was soft, losing the argumentative tone it had earlier.

His mother appeared in the doorway. She gasped lightly as her eyes laid upon the sight of Poseidon in Percy's room. "Poseidon." His name was a breathless whisper. She hadn't any idea why the God would be in the room.

He smiled painfully. "Hi, Sally."

"What's going on?" She asked, her voice low.

Another flash of lightning outside lit the room for a moment. Enough for Sally to see the pained expression on Poseidon's face.

Percy took over. "Gather your things, Mom. Poseidon is taking us somewhere safe."

"Somewhere safe? Are we not safe here? What's going on?" She looked between them. "Percy. What is going on?"

Percy was silent for a moment, shifting from foot to foot. "Dad and Zeus are at war." He said slowly.

She turned to the Sea God. "You're what?! And now you come into my house, making us a target?!"

"Sally—"

"I have a daughter here! She doesn't need to be caught up in all of this yet! She's only one!"

"Mom. We need to go."

"Where are we going? Where could we be safe? Everywhere is under Zeus's domain. And we can't go with you!" She looked pointedly at Poseidon. "I can't breathe underwater!"

"It's not one of those..." Poseidon said regretfully.

Sally's eyes widened. "You don't mean–"

Poseidon nodded forlornly.

Sally shook her head. "No. I'm not taking my child there!"

Poseidon turned to Percy, boring into him with a deadpan expression. Almost as if telling him, 'What did I say?'

Percy turned to his mom. "Mom, please. Zeus is going to target us. Just to get at Poseidon. This way, at least we're safe."

"Zeus isn't going to attack us, sweetie." His mom said. "His gripe is with your father." She said.

"He could kill you, just to get at him!"

"He wouldn't do that."

"Apollo killed Elder Cyclops to get at Zeus. because if a God can't get to you, they'll get someone to kill close to you, to get to you! That's how they work. Gods. So please, mom! Please. I... I can't lose you."

Sally looked at her son, who was pleading with her, something he hadn't done since he was a child. Reluctantly, she agreed.

It didn't take long for them to pack. As soon as Paul got back from a meeting at the school (about the remaining school year, and the possibility of it being online, due to the borderline flooding), they packed the essentials.

Percy looked around and felt a melancholic pit in his gut. He didn't pack any of the posters on his walls, or the trophies that he won at the swim meets he had competed in over the course of his senior year. Some pictures were still pinned to the wall. His bed was made perfectly, having decided to make it for whenever he got back.

He wondered how he was going to go to college now. He worked so hard to get into New Rome University, now he was leaving before he even graduated high school. Just like the Greek World, to interrupt his schooling career with war bullshit.

He closed the door as he left the room. In the living room, his family waited for him. His father stood by the door. Paul and his mom sat on the couch, Estelle sitting between them. When they saw him, they rose.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure the rent is paid, and that you're not evicted." Poseidon said quietly. A strange silence passed over the apartment, the air stilled despite the torrent of rain from outside.

Percy looked around. He wanted one last look, one last memory of the place.

"Close your eyes." Poseidon said.

They followed his instruction, Sally covering Estelle's eyes with her hands. A bright light shined through their eyelids, but just as soon as it appeared, it dissipated. They opened their eyes to see themselves standing in the lobby of a fancy building. Percy recognized it as the lobby of DOA Recording studios.

Poseidon walked over to the podium and started talking to Charon. As Percy looked around at all the shades milling about, a voice called out to him.

"Percy?"

He whirled around to see Annabeth looking at him. She was standing in central park, the rain bouncing off of her gray raincoat. "Annabeth!" He exclaimed.

"Where are you? I'm in Central Park, but I couldn't find you."

Percy rubbed his neck. "Something came up, I'm sorry."

She narrowed her eyes. "What happened?"

"Apparently Zeus and my Dad are fighting again. That's why there's been a storm for so long. When I went to meet with you, I got struck by lightning. Then my dad stopped by. He's taking me and my family to the Underworld."

"The underworld, Percy, that's dangerous."

"More dangerous than being on the surface with a lightning trigger happy God after me? This is probably the safest thing we could do. Besides, I've been down here twice before."

Annabeth sighed. "I guess. It still doesn't seem like the brightest idea to me. How long do you think this is going to take?"

"I don't know. I don't see either Zeus or my dad standing down. It's like the Master Bolt all over again, but I can't just find a macguffin to put an end to it."

Annabeth laughed. "It would be so much easier, huh?"

"What's another quest to add to the list?"

"Percy!" Poseidon called from the front desk.

"Look, I don't have much time. I love you, and I'll see you when this all blows over. Stay safe."

Annabeth frowned. "Okay. Be safe Percy. I love you too."

Before he swiped through the rainbow, he noticed that Annabeth looked worried. He didn't have time to think it over, as he followed his family to the elevator, where Charon was waiting for them.

He entered the elevator. Charon looked at the shades. "If any of you change the radio off of my easy listening station, I will personally make sure you wait another hundred years for entry." He threatened. The God then pressed a button. As the doors closed, the last thing he saw was his father exiting the building, going to fight a war.

As Percy stood in the elevator, he wondered how long it would be before he returned back to the apartment.

He didn't think it would be over three years later.

LINE BREAK

A small, ugly creature, with a long face covered in boils crawled up the black rock. It scaled the wall with rough grace. It moved fluidly, but also erratically, like a beast following its primal instincts. Long black talons stabbed into the rock, ensuring it wouldn't fall.

It reached the end of the wall and climbed over. It stood up on its hind legs and looked around with its black glassy eyes. Black blood leaked from a gash on its forehead and fell onto the black, rocky ground.

A river of fire flowed next to him, falling over the edge of the chasm, down into where the creature crawled out of. The creature scuttled along the ground.

Suddenly, unexpectedly, the creature was pierced by an iron spear. Black blood spurted on the ground as the creature was pinned to the ground.

Above the creature, a skeleton wearing a military uniform looked down at the creature with an expressionless face. It wretched the spear free from the creature. More black blood landed on the skeleton's white face, some of it landing in its empty eye sockets. The skeleton ignored it and grabbed one of the short, stubby legs and dragged it away.

t.