Chapter 9 – Really, Zeus?


A/N: Yeah, another chapter… I'm regretting not planning this fic more but there will probably be about five or so more chapters.
To be more specific about the time frame, this is early October 2012 (just pretend that HoO happened in 2012 rather than 2010).
You know the drill – please read, enjoy (hopefully) and review.

Disclaimer: I'm not a New York Times bestselling author (at least, not yet) – therefore I'm not Rick Riordan and I don't own any of this...


It was not until the next morning that I remembered to be worried about Zeus wanting to reveal us to the world. By then, it was too late.

From the minute I woke up (at the unearthly hour of 7am… thanks Grover), I was insanely busy; not only did we (well, OK, the Athena and Hecate cabins mainly) have to try and solve the whole fiasco with only Hermes' all-so-helpful information for aid, we also had to carry on like Camp was completely normal, whilestill under military observation and keeping the details from the younger campers.

At least, that's my excuse for not warning Chiron sooner about our impending doom. In fact it was the Stoll brothers who first found out that Zeus had actually carried out his ludicrous threat: they had somehow procured a TV and been watching something-or-other on it (knowing the brothers, it probably wasn't suitable for the crowd of younger demigods who had been attracted by the entertainment) when a news report live from outside the Empire States Building came through.

As the TV was confiscated immediately ('What were you thinking you two, you could have attracted monsters and caused more problems!'), we had to watch the report via Iris-message.

At any other time, the sight of all of us – demigods, satyrs, centaur and nymphs alike crowded together in the amphitheatre, wearing a bizarre assortment of clothes from the activities that had just been interrupted – would have been funny. However, we were all fixed upon the misty screen in place of the campfire.

An incredulous Mortal with an excessive amount of hairspray was saying 'and in the ridiculous conclusion to this week's events, we have a confession from the alleged 'Greek gods'. Have they really been here for the last few thousand years, watching over us and avoiding detection?' She giggled derisively before continuing. 'or is this some sort of stunt? Could it be from the camp our army bravely attacked on Friday, who style themselves as Camp Jupiter? Or is this just an elaborate hoax?'

She continued in this style for a while, while my brain decided that it would be a great time to zone out. I started paying attention again when she announced. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, here is Jem Reynolds, an expert in the Ancient Religions and ex-magician – perhaps he'll be able to shed some light on the situation. Jem, what do you think?' The camera cut to a young man with a shock of dark hair and glasses.

'To recap the facts, this morning at 11:10am EST, a twelve-foot tall figure wearing a business suit appeared in a wreath of fire and water, calling himself 'Zeus'. This 'Zeus' announced that he was the king of Greek gods and that they have been alive and thriving for the last five thousand years. When questioned on his location, 'Zeus' said that they were tied to Western civilisation and moved as the centre of the West changed – currently residing on Mount Olympus above the Empire State Building. He said that the reason for them revealing themselves now was that their protection – the 'Mist', a barrier between the real and 'godly' – had been rendered useless. When asked for proof, 'Zeus' exploded seventeen cars and disappeared in a shower of sparks. The police have expressed the desire to apprehend him for destruction of property.' Jem spoke slowly as if he was trying to figure it all out.

'So, what do you think Jem?' interrupted the reporter, her fake smile slipping off her face as she frowned in impatience.

'I think that this would be very hard to fake, from a magician's point of view – although tricks of fire are easy, our forensic scientists haven't found any sort of means of exit for this 'Zeus'. The character of this 'Zeus' also fits the Zeus from Greek mythology, although of course anyone well-versed in the myths could fake this. However, since the public incredulity has risen, a storm has set in.' He gestured at the rain behind him. 'Some may view this as a coincidence, although there was no cloud cover only half an hour ago. Zeus, as god of the sky, would have that sort of power. So, I think that the authentic details like that mean that this is the only possible explanation.'

'So, Jem Reynolds is optimistic.' The reporter scowled – this was evidently not what she hoped Jem would say. 'But he remains in the vast minority – after all, in this predominantly Christian nation we can't expect those with faith to abandon it because of the proclamation of an obvious madman. However, the president has announced that he is willing to discuss matters with this 'Zeus' in the Whitehouse. Of course, this is not the first time the president has been accused of being naïve, as Romney has pointed out during the presidential campaign …'

Chiron swiped through the connection and regarded us all gravely.

'Campers please return to your activities… Counsellors come with me, we must discuss this.' The centaur said, trotting off to the Big House.

We all followed, numb with shock. I had reached my limit – the Mist disappearing I could deal with, just about, and the attack on Camp Jupiter was bearable in comparison. But this? This was too much. Zeus had just decided to reveal us all, despite reason, and put everyone at risk. Of course, the Mortals might not believe him, but how long could they deny it when confronted with proof.

When the Mist had disappeared there was still some hope – after all, we had thought that it could be reversed somehow. Now, however, I knew that our lives had been irrevocably changed.