"Father," Zenas says looking up at his parents. He is sitting at the foot of their thrones with his elbow on his knee and his chin resting on his fist. "I'm bored."

"Why don't you go find someone to play with," his father says keeping his nose buried in the Olympus Times.

"No one on Olympus will play with me," the boy says. "None of the other gods like me."

"They're just jealous, sweetheart," his mother tells him.

"You could always go down and play with the mortals," Zeus suggests.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Hera tells her husband. "He is too powerful. We do not want any mortals to get killed. That would cause far too many problem."

"Well he can't sit around here all day," her husband says. "The boy needs to get out and live a little."

"Why don't you go down to Camp Half-Blood and play with the little demigods?" Hera tells her son. "If you hurt one of them, it will be no real loss, and we won't have to worry about covering things up."

"Can I?" Zenas says excitedly.

"I don't see why not," his father says looking away from his paper to give the boy a smile. "Just remember to be home before dinner."

"See ya," the boy yells then heads toward the doors.


"Leo it looks wonderful," Piper says throwing her arms around her friend and kissing his cheek.

"Of course it does," he says with a grin.

"We're so excited to have you guys living here in camp again," Crystal says as Jason lifts Iggy out of her arms and gives the boy a snuggle.

"I'm just glad your dad told you what he did to keep Zeus away from Aphrodite's apartment. Without that, we'd never keep my parents out of our business," Jason says.

"Do you really think he'll just ignore the situation with Chaos," Crystal says looking at Jason.

"He's ignored every other threat and things have worked out just fine for him," her husband says. "Why shouldn't he just ignore this one too."

"I really hoped he would at least offer to help if we needed him, but..."

"Don't let him upset you again," Piper says putting her head against Jason's shoulder. "We've got the best of all Greek and Roman half-bloods and help from the best Egyptians. If Chaos can be stopped, we'll figure out how to do it. Let's just enjoy our new home and try to prepare for the babies before you're called away."

"You're right," he says kissing her forehead.

"Hi," a new kid, who looks to be about fourteen, says as he walks up to the two couples.

"Hello," Crystal says politely. "I didn't realize we had a new camper."

"Uh, yeah, new camper," the boy says.

"Well, I'm Crystal, daughter of Iris. This is my husband Leo, son of Hephaestus. Piper, daughter of Aphrodite, and her husband Jason, son of Jupiter," Crystal says making introductions.

"Jupiter," the boy says. "You mean Zeus."

"No actually she means Jupiter. I'm Roman," Jason says extending the hand that isn't holding Iggy to shake. The boy ignores it.

"I was looking for someone to hang with," the boy says.

"A lot of the campers aren't here this time of year, but my brother Harley is about your age," Leo tells the kid. "He's at the forges right now."

"There are a couple of Ares girls about your age in camp," Piper adds.

"Ares girls," the boy says scrunching up his face like that idea doesn't thrill him. Piper wonders if he's worried they're ugly or that they'll kick his butt or both.

"So do you know who your parent is?" Jason asks.

"I'm not an idiot, of course I do," the boy says. "I know who both of my parents are."

"Well, okay then," Jason says. "I guess if you're so smart, you can find someone to play with on your own."

"Loser," the boy says then starts to walk off.

"Hey!" Piper calls after him, but he doesn't stop for her to scold him about his attitude.

"Okay, so who's kid do you think he is?" Leo asks. "I lay bets on Athena."

"No way. Annabeth and her siblings are not rude like that," Piper says. "I would guess one of Mom's, but I think she would have told me if one of hers was coming to camp."

"I bet he's one of Ares's," Crystal guesses. "Extreme attitude and smart mouth."

"Yeah, maybe," Leo agrees.

"I know who I would guess, but it would be a first," Jason says still watching the boy as he becomes a speck on the horizon.

"He does remind me a bit of Hera," Piper says with a laugh.


"Hey, you Harley?" a strange boy calls from the door to the forge.

"Yeah," Harley says bluntly like who the Hades are you.

"You're brother said you might want to hang," the boy says.

"You must be new," Harley says shoving his bronze back into the fire. "What's your name?"

"Zenas," the boy says. "Want to do some sparing in the arena?"

"Well, I was sort of working on something right now," Harley says wiping his hands on his apron.

"I'll finish it for you," Jake says walking over to his younger brother. "You know Chiron likes for us to show new kids around."

"I'm sure he doesn't need your permission," Zenas says looking at Jake.

"He wasn't..."

"Come on," Zenas says pulling Harley by the arm.

"What a little jerk," Jake says to himself as the boys head out the door and he pulls the bronze from the fires.


"That's it, keep your arm up," Percy says as he parries each of his son's strikes. "You're wearing me out."

"Do you need to stop, Dad?" Sani asks finally letting his sword down.

"Let's get some water," Percy says using his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his face. "You're doing well," he continues.

"I have to be ready, Dad," his son says poring the water over his head like Percy sometimes does.

"Hey, Percy, Sani," Harley says as he and another boy enter the arena.

"Hi Harley," Sani says.

"Who's your friend?" Percy asks curiously since he's never seen the boy before.

"What's it your business?" the boy says smartly.

"You must be new. You should know we don't treat each other like that," Percy tells him in a fatherly tone.

"Lay off, dude," the boy says and keeps walking past Percy and Sani.

"Don't ever act like that, son," Percy says looking at his own boy.

"No problem, Dad," Sani says still looking at the new kid like he's some sort of freak.

Harley and Zenas start sparing with each other and it's obvious very quickly that Zenas is much better with a sword than Harley.

"Hey!" Harley protests after Zenas clips him with the point. "We're not trying to actually kill each other."

"Shut up and fight," Zenas says continuing to swing at the son of Hephaestus. Percy watches until it becomes clear that Harley is so outmatched he's in danger.

"Whoa," the older half-blood says walking over and putting his own sword in between them to stop the fight. "Slow up buddy. Nobody wants to hurt anybody."

"Why don't you stay out of this," the boy says smartly.

"Look, I don't care who your godly parent is. Even Zeus's kids don't treat others here like you are," Percy tells him.

"I am Zeus's kid," Zenas says smugly.

"You should have told me that," Harley says rubbing his arm.

"You wouldn't have fought me," Zenas says.

"Maybe you should talk to Jason," Percy says.

"Already met the loser, thanks," Zenas smirks.

"I actually know a couple of Zeus's kids, and neither one of them are as rude as you. I don't want to talk to Chiron about how your acting, but I will."

"You think I'm afraid of Chiron," the boy laughs.

"Wait, who's your mother," Percy asks starting to wonder if this kid is really a half-blood at all.

"Hera," Zenas says proudly.

"You're a god," Sani says surprised.

"Jealous much," Zenas says.

"Hardly," Sani says.

"Son, why don't you run on home and get ready for dinner. Harley you should go get your arm looked at, and you," Percy says taking Zenas by the arm, "need to come with me."

"You want to lay off dude," Zenas snaps yanking his arm away.

"You must be a few days old at the most," Percy says looking the boy over. "If your big brother Ares can't beat me, I don't think you really want to try. Now come on." Percy starts to reach for his arm again, but Zenas pulls away and walks off just ahead of Percy.

On the way to the big house, Percy stops by Jason and Pipers new cabin. When Jason answers the door, Percy says, "Nice digs, cous."

"Thanks," Jason says taking his hand and giving him a hug. "I see you've met the new brat."

"You wanna watch that?" Zenas snaps angrily.

"I was just taking our little friend up to talk with Chiron. Thought maybe you would want to come with, since he's your dad's," Percy says.

"Figures," Jason says.

"And Hera's."

"What? You mean he's a god?"

"Duh, genius," Zenas says.

"Yeah, come on," Jason says grabbing the boy's arm and not allowing him to pull away.


"Your father should have informed me before he sent you down here," Chiron says after being brought up to speed.

"Look here old man, as a god, I out rank you..."

"Not here at camp you don't," Chiron says looking to Percy and Jason as if to say, Can you believe this kid?

"Iris my dear," Chiron calls out toward the kitchen. "Would you join us please."

"What is it my love?" the goddess asks as she enters the living room carrying a towel and drying her hands.

"I need to message Lady Hera and request a parent/teacher conference," the centaur says keeping his eyes on Zenas.

"Hera?" Iris says a little surprised. "Yes of course," she continues then opens her hand to create a rainbow.


Hera shimmers into the room about ten minutes later. "Getting in trouble already?" she asks her son.

"No," Zenas pouts. "I was just..."

"Smarting off to everyone," Jason says cutting the little god off.

"And hurting half-bloods without coming clean about who he was," Percy adds.

"Hera, my dear sister," Chiron starts.

"Sister?" Zenas says like he can't believe it.

"Yes, son, Chiron is my half-brother," his mother says like the half makes all the difference in the world.

"A heads up about Zenas would have been appreciated," Chiron continues. "I can't have a god coming into camp disrespecting and hurting my students."

"Who did he hurt?" Hera asks as if it makes a difference.

"Harley, your grandson," Percy says. "Lord Hephaestus's boy."

"Oh," Hera replies as if it really did make a difference. "You should not have done that," she says now looking at her son. "Hephaestus will complain to me now."

"You said it wouldn't..." Hera puts her hand over her son's mouth before he can finish repeating what she said on Mt. Olympus.

"Yes, well, perhaps you've played enough for one day," the goddess continues with a smile no one in the room trusts.

"But..."

"No buts, We'll just have to get your father to play toss with you or something," she says which draws a snicker from Jason which in turn draws a sneer from her.

"If he returns to camp," Chiron now says looking at the boy, "he will be required to conduct himself as our other campers do, with respect for each other."

"So I can come back?" Zenas asks surprised.

"If you can respect yourself and others," Chiron agrees.

"Mom," Zenas says looking up at Hera. "Don't you have a cabin here?"

"Yes, of course I do," she says, "but you're too young to stay here on your own."

"Please Mommy," he begs.

"You heard Chiron. You would have to behave," she tells him.

"Jason will be your head counselor," Chiron says. "You have to do whatever he says." Zenas gives Jason a dirty look.

"Or I'll beat your butt with your mom's sword," Jason says holding up Juno's gladius.

"Fine. Please Mom," the boy says looking back at Hera.

"You promise to look after him?" Hera asks looking at Jason.

"Have I ever let you down?"

"Not yet," she says with a smile. "I will miss you," she now tells her son as she caresses his head.

"I'll miss you too, Mom, but I can still come see you," Zenas says putting his arms around her waist.

"I'll tell your father what you have decided," she says quickly wiping a tear from her eye before the others see it.

"All right kid, come on, I'll show you to your cabin," Jason says motioning his head toward the doorway.

"And remember," Chiron calls after them, "everything Jason says."

"Yes, sir," the boy says and lets Jason lead him out.

"He'll be fine," Chiron assures his sister.

"I just don't want him to turn out like Ares," Hera says softly.

"Then it's a good thing he's here," Percy says with a slight smile.

"Are you trying to say I do not know how to raise my children?" the goddess questions.

"Not at all. Your daughters all seem to be okay," Percy says then bows to the queen of the gods and leaves the room.