A/N: What's up guys and gals. wanted to let you know that next Thursday I will be posting my new story Shadow of Tartarus. Here is the summary to give you guys an idea.

Percy Jackson is dead. Lost to the endless fields of Tartarus. That's what the Olympians thought. But deep within the bowels of the abyss, the Hero of Olympus lives on. Bloody, beaten, broken, he will rise, stronger than ever before. Yet power always demands a price. Who will be the one to pay the toll?

I would appreciate you guys checking it out. I think y'all will like it. Anyways Reviews are appreciated. I like to know what you guys think.

Percy watched as Liam sparred with David. The two boys clashed bronze on wood as David's broadsword swiped through the air. Liam diverted the blow deftly with his spear and returned with his own strike. Liam had gained an interest in learning to use other weapons and Percy was happy to oblige. The son of Zeus seemed to favor the spear over all others except his sword. Percy wasn't sure if it was a Zeus thing or because of Thalia. The Ares cabin sat in the stands, watching the two fight closely. Percy had been pushing all of the counselors hard the past year or so, and for good reason. They were the leaders of their cabins. They had to project strength and competence to their siblings, lest the younger ones lose hope. It was a big burden to bear, and Percy wished they didn't have to, but the Fates had other plans. Would it be enough? He wasn't sure. The enemy hadn't been able to secure the Doors of Death this time, which was a plus. But given their original plan was to use his life force to open a new gate into Tartarus, it seemed they had found a way around that hiccup. They had to be creating a new one, somewhere. The question was where and how long. Percy didn't consider himself an arrogant god, but he knew, by his own estimates, he was just about on par with Athena, and it took weeks before the new gate was about to open. There were hosts of minor gods they could pull from, not to mention if they wanted to use any titans or giants. Surely if they were trying, they would have done it by now. Maybe he was right, and they were waiting.

"They will wait for you to come to them." That's what Pallas had said. What could that mean? Did they expect him to open the gate? No. Pallas was referring to Nyx and Annabeth, of that, he was sure. They captured him for Nyx after all, opening a new gate was just a bonus. Grunts of exertion drew Percy from his thoughts. He looked up to find Liam and David's sword fight had devolved into pounding each other. Liam's form was terrible. Percy wasn't the least bit surprised when David pinned him into the sand.

He let David land a few blows before stepping in. "Enough," he commanded. David instantly looked up at him as if he had forgotten he was there. He climbed off of Liam and helped the younger boy up. Percy briefly examined the two boys. To his surprise, Liam had managed to land a few blows. The bruise forming in David's jaw was proof of that. Liam was worse for wear though. His eye was swelling, and he has a small cut in his cheek. Nothing Will couldn't patch up. At least David hadn't broken his nose. "Anyone care to tell me how a sword match dissolved into fists at cuffs?"

Liam smiled before wincing. "David is a sore loser."

David scowled at the son of Zeus. "I'm not going to let a pipsqueak beat me."

"Enough," Percy interrupted their squabbling. He turned to David. "You need to reign in your anger David. You're a great warrior, but even the best can be beaten if they let their emotions cloud their judgment," he scolded the Ares counselor before turning to Liam. "Liam, your form was terrible. You stood no chance once David made it a fist fight. You have wanted to learn to use different weapons, yet you have failed with the most basic ones you have." He wasn't mad at them, not even disappointed, but they needed to be taught. "David, we will work on your anger at some point soon. You'll see me soon as well Liam. Can't have you becoming helpless just because you don't have a weapon in hand."

"I have my lightning," Liam defended himself.

"And a titan won't care," Percy countered quickly. He gave Liam a calm but firm look, like what Chiron use to give him when he was being stubborn. "You hit the Minotaur with everything you had and didn't kill it. You can't always rely on your powers. I don't expect you to go toe to toe with a titan or giant in a fist fight, but I expect you to not be helpless. Your skill with a sword and spear is impeccable, but there is more to fighting than weapons," he reprimanded. He then waved the two off. "Go see Will. I'll find you guys for training later." The two boys nodded before they left the arena, the Ares cabin close behind.

"Don't you think you're being too hard on them?" a familiar voice reached Percy's ears.

The god gave a small smile as he turned to his oldest friend. "Maybe, but these are hard times," he told Grover. The Lord of the Wild smiled back, kicking off the wall and joining Percy. He looked good for his age, certainly better than the lords when Percy was young. "Find anything?" he didn't need to specify.

Grover's smile fell and concern took over. "Find? No. I was found," he revealed. Percy remained impassive as his friend rubbed the back of his head. "He wants to meet."

Percy raised an eyebrow at his friend. "Excuse me?"

Grover held his hands up defensively. "He wants to meet," Grover repeated himself. "Don't ask me why. He swore on his honor it was not a trap."

Percy's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Despite everything, Percy knew he could trust what his friend was told. That it wasn't a trap. It didn't mean he liked it though. "Where and when?"

"Kansas, tomorrow. He said you'll find him," the satyr answered him.

Percy groaned, his hand rubbing at his hand. "Alright," he said as he turned away. "Come on, I'm hungry."

Percy rocked back in his rocking chair. From his place on the porch of the Big House, he could see all of Camp Half-Blood in all its glory. New Athens rising up at the far end of the territory like a pillar of hope. He spotted many different groups of demigods and legacies at work, sharpening their skills for the coming games, and the war he supposed. He lifted his glass of nectar and took a swig. Blue chocolate chip cookies. He tried not to dwell on those unpleasant memories. She was in Elysium. It was okay. The clopping of hooves on wood panels interrupted his thoughts.

"Enjoying yourself Percy?" Chiron asked as he approached the sitting god.

Percy smiled at the old horse. "Trying my best. Just thinking of what trouble Zoe will get into with the Hunters."

Chiron nodded. "She does draw trouble to her. Almost like a young demigod I once knew," he said with a smirk.

"Oh, please don't insult me," Percy antagonized the centaur with a smile. "I was much worse."

Chiron chuckled and joined Percy in his sightseeing. "You have a guest."

Percy looked at his former teacher in curiosity. "Guest?" He, of course, knew who Chiron was referring too. He could sense his presence from the moment he arrived. Not a lot could get past him. Not in his domain. He wondered if this was what Zeus felt like when he flew on the plane to return the Master Bolt. Chiron raised an eyebrow at the god. He knew that Percy knew and wasn't playing his games. Percy huffed and downed his nectar. Always, chocolate chip cookies. "Fine I'm going." He pointed down towards the archery range "Tell Nathan to lift his arrow higher. Boy will shoot someone on accident." And he departed into the house.

Inside the living room of the house stood a man roughly Percy's size. His jet-black hair was disheveled and when he turned, sea green eyes looked back at him. "Brother," Triton said, his words clipped. He wore an immaculate black suit with an ocean blue shirt and sea green tie.

Percy nodded in acknowledgment and approached his brother with an extended hand. "Triton, been a while. What brings you?"

Triton took the extended hand. "Father has requested your presence. We have..." he looked over the room, "a problem."

Percy looked at his brother in confusion before nodding. "Sure, just give me a minute. Need to tell my assistants."

"I will wait," Triton left it at that.

Percy flashed next to the pegasi stable before entering. He found Piper teaching the younger campers about proper grooming techniques. "Piper," he called out.

Piper looked up to see Percy standing with a serious look. "Hey Perce, what's up?"

"I'm leaving, I'll gather the Heralds and inform you afterwards," he informed her, having no intention of telling her where he was going. Which she knew.

Piper nodded in understanding. "Should I mobilize the camp?"

The god shook his head. "Don't know what's up yet but shouldn't warrant that. I'll find you when I'm back. See you later," and he was gone, out of the stable and flashing back to the Big House to find Triton hadn't moved from his spot. "Alright man. Let's get this over with." He held his hand out for Triton to take it.

Triton grinned humorously. "Stressed little brother?"

"You would not believe how much so," Percy deadpanned his brother. The older god chuckled before clasping his hand and both disappeared in a blaze of light.

Strength surged through Percy's form as he appeared in the throne room of Atlantis. The cavernous room of stone was carved with the legends of the seas. He needed to bring Zoe here now that he thought about it. It had been a couple years. "Yes, you should," a deep, friendly voice spoke up behind him. Turning, Percy found himself looking in a mirror, if he was about five thousand years older. Percy's father sat on his throne with a wide smile on his face. Amphitrite sat next to him in her own throne, her own bright smile upon her face. "I would like to see my granddaughter again in more pleasant circumstances than at Olympus."

Percy returned the smile. "I'll bring her after the Olympic Games," he promised them. "She is training with Artemis as we speak."

Amphitrite's smile turned into a displeased frown. "She's not going to join their little band of wayward girls, is she?"

"I highly doubt it," Percy consoled the queen. "Zoe just needs the chance to stretch her legs against an opponent she can't beat."

"Why not bring her here?" Triton asked with an eyebrow raised. "Zeus may have limited your ability to train your daughter but here in Atlantis we are away from his prying eyes."

"She needs training away from the water," Percy explained, even though he knew Triton was right. Zeus was a prick for telling him he couldn't directly train his daughter after he brought her to camp. Something about favoritism and how being the God of Heroes meant he had to stay impartial. Really, he was just trying to get a little pay back for what Percy did to Heracles. He was sure of it. "This war is going to be fought on solid ground, against opponents who don't have huge displays of power like her, or I do when we fight. She needs the experience of fighting someone who's just better than her." As Percy spoke, he felt a deep anger rise within him. How dare Zeus try to limit his ability to train his daughter. How dare Nyx try to force this war on them. How dare Tartarus target his daughter. How dare-

Amphitrite's small hands lightly grasped his face in her hands. Her eyes filled with concern and motherly love. Percy felt his anger vanish and leaned into the touch, wrapping one of her hands in his own. "It's okay Perseus. It's okay."

Percy felt a tear escape his eye, slowly floating away in the ocean water. He felt the hurricane forming over the ocean dissipate. "I know. It's just...I'm afraid Mother. I am afraid of what I will do."

The queen smiled gently at her adoptive son. "You will do what is needed child. Nothing more, nothing less. We will be here to guide you as I promised Sally when she gave me permission to adopt you."

Poseidon appeared next to Amphitrite, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We are family, Perseus. We will handle this together."

"As much as I appreciate that Dad," Percy began with a smile, feeling much better. "I think we all know this is going to come down to Zoe and I." He removed Amphitrite's hands carefully. "But this isn't what you called me here for, what's up?"

Poseidon's face turned sour. "Oceanus is back."

Percy's eyes widened. "Really? After so long?" he asked rhetorically. "Is he joining the enemy?"

"We don't know," Triton answered with a shrug. "It's probably a good bet but he hasn't made any moves yet. We only became aware of him two days ago when he stopped hiding his signature."

"All in all, we think he will be mustering his forces again for another attack," Poseidon speculated briefly. "It is concerning, but we have dealt with him before, and we will again. We tell you this both because you are family, and so you can be cautious. It would not be surprising if he targeted you or Zoe in order to get to me."

Percy laughed a in genuine humor for the first time in a while. "That overgrown mermaid can try all he might. He wouldn't beat me on the ground."

Poseidon chuckled at his son's confidence. "Don't underestimate him Percy, he is the eldest titan. We will try to keep him contained to the seas, but between the war and Zeus' ever-increasing paranoia...we might be in between a rock and a hard place."

Percy nodded. "Well, if you need assistance just give me a call."

"We will," Amphitrite told him, placing a loving kiss on his cheek. "Remember, we love you son. Now go be the best warrior and teacher you can be."