Olympus and the Methods of Rationality

Disclaimer: If I owned Percy Jackson (which I don't), I wouldn't be writing fanfiction now, would I?

Chapter 2: The Philosophy of Stupidity

So this is what a god looks like. thought Harper, though I suppose they could look like whatever they want.

"A demigod, you say," said Artemis. She looked over him coldly. "What is your name, boy?"

"Patrick Harper O'Malley, ma'am." it felt weird calling someone around his age "ma'am", but he'd read enough about immortal beings to know that they were touchy about respect.

She looked deep into his eyes, searching him, his memories and the very depths of his soul, though how he knew that, he didn't know,

Then, she spoke. "This boy is no demigod."

"He is a mortal, then, milady?" asked Thalia.

"He does not have a demigodly aura, but a fainter, older one. I do not like it, it reminds me too much of the titans. I will be watching you, boy." With that, she turned and left, beckoning Thalia to follow her to her tent.

For a few moments, no one spoke. Then, "Will someone please give an actual explanation? Just, you know, so that I know I'm not being kidnapped by some deranged cultitst?"

That snapped them out of it.

"Yeah, sorry about that," said Percy, "the explanation part, not the confused and/or angry goddess part. I mean, I am sorry for that, but sorry isn't the- ah, never mind."

"So, first question," said Harper, now wondering wether this was a good idea, "religion. Ancient Greek/Roman, you actually believe in it?"

"It's kinda hard to believe it at first, but when it smacks you in the face, it that or insanity. Or being turned into a dolphin, of course."

"But it wasn't real. They're just myths."

"Oh, come on," said Percy, "you don't think the Greeks and Romans were stupid enough to believe in imaginary gods?"

Annabeth face palmed. Harper blinked. Jason just stood there grinning.

"I think I'll take over from here, seaweed brain" said Annabeth.

"What? Why?"

"Because," put in Harper, "that was a horrible argument."

"Oh yeah? Why's that?"

"Well, are the Christians stupid enough to believe in an imaginary god? How about the Muslims, or the ancient Egyptians, or the vikings, or literally every theist that ever lived? Were they all stupid?"

"Oh yeah . . ." said Percy.

"In a word," said Annabeth, "yes."

Harper turned to face her.

"But that can't be right!" said Jason, "You Greeks didn't believe in the Roman gods, and us Romans didn't believe in the Greek gods, so how do you know?"

"Exactly," said Harper, "how do you know?"

"Well, er, because, " Annabeth was obviously very flustered.

Percy jumped in, saving Annabeth, "Well, you have a point, but do you want to bring that up in front of the gods? They were kinda annoyed with us when we asked about the Romans."

Jason opened his mouth and paused. Then, "Good point."

Harper was wondering, "Yeah, but still. In all probability, it could be."

"Could." said Annabeth, "Now, it seems that everyone is ready. We'll be going soon."

"Wait, where are we going again?"

"Rome, " said Jason, grinning again, "We're going to New Rome."

"Ah, " said Harper sarcastically, "Of course."

Annnnnd Cut! Sorry for the long delay, but I was kinda busy for the last month. Chapter 3 might be here in some weeks. Maybe. Also, please don't attack me for the religious conversation. It just kinda popped into existence when I read the Kane Chronicles. Anyway, I'm not too worried since you probably aren't a religious fanatic if you're reading Percy Jackson fanfiction. But still, I don't want to be excommunicated, blown up, decapitated, smitten by lightning, struck by silver arrows, taken hostage, blinded by the glare of the sun god's teeth, or be eaten by Scarab Beetles. Please do not contact your local deity to do any of this to me.