CONFRONTATION

When I came to, I was still on the chariot. The thing was the size of a house. Helen and Vittoria sat right in front of me, with a gagged-up Ares behind. He tried to talk, but I couldn't make sense of the words he spat out. Helen saw me and jumped to hug me. If I hadn't grabbed her tightly, she would have fallen off. "Easy there, little sis. You could have died."

"I thought you were going to die! You were bleeding all over, and..." She hugged me even tighter. Vittoria made a face. She mouthed the words, "Why does Helen have to be your little sister?" I stuck my tongue out, and her mouth slowly curved into a smile. But it faded quickly. "I do hate to be the one to ruin the moment, but we need to talk." She filled me in on what was going on. The gods had all witnessed the fight between Ares and me. They now knew that Hades was innocent and that I was trustworthy. Now they suspect Zeus of setting up this farce, although he adamantly denies it. Poseidon is still not clear, but the gods don't believe he was the one who orchestrated the theft. He had no real motivation other than his disapproval of Zeus. He was content with being the god of the seas. Hades was the only real possibility, but now that it's clear he's not involved, there could only be one other option. That Zeus planned the theft to weaken his brothers and ensure the stability and safety of his authority. The gods still find this hard to stomach, but what else could have happened? But it was just a start. More disaster for the gods was to come from Kronos and me.

Vittoria was looking at me weirdly. "Is something wrong?"

"You were grinning like a madman a couple of seconds ago. It was almost scary." Idiot, I told myself. If the gods saw me smiling like I just did, Zeus would realize I was involved in the theft. I could get giddy over my victory later. What happens now is crucial, and I can't blow my cover.

"Sorry if I scared you, Vittoria. I was just relieved that this whole thing is resolved now." I faked a smile, and Vittoria appeared to buy it. "Yeah. Now we don't have to worry about World War III breaking out." She saw something, and her jaw dropped. I looked to see what it was and understood why she was shocked. Olympus was stunning.

A massive citadel made from gold hung in the sky. It shined brightly, and as we flew higher into the sky, we saw golden palaces reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture, beautiful fountains, gardens, and small shops. Nine oddly dressed people jumped around, singing something in greek. It sounded like a well-written poem, so I thought they had to be the Nine Muses. The floor of the place was also made out of gold. As we flew higher, we saw a flight of stairs that led up to one giant golden temple.

Hades landed his chariot at the entrance, picking up Ares and dragging him on the floor. "Come, Yiannis. Zeus wishes to speak with you." He looked over at Helen, then Vittoria. "Your name's Vittoria, correct?"

"Yes, sir. Is there something you need?"

"Only Yiannis needs to follow me. The two of you can do as you please. If Helen wishes to explore Olympus, do keep an eye on her."

"Yes, sir. I promise I won't lose her."

"I appreciate it. Come now, Yiannis." I followed my father into the temple, where the gods were waiting. The building was supported by several pillars and columns. We came to a big red door. Written on it was "Only Gods allowed. Enter at your own peril." The gods were ever so kind.

Hades pressed his palm on the door, and it slowly slid open. Now we were in the throne room of the gods. Twelve thrones meant for giants were situated in an upside-down U, and two of those thrones were occupied. On one was a white-haired man in a pin-striped suit and a business vibe. He was arguing with someone who had a tan and looked like he was ready to have a fun time at the beach. These two turned out to be Zeus and Poseidon, and they both stopped talking when they saw me.

"Well, if it isn't my problematic son," Zeus said sourly. "Trying to cause another war." The king of the gods looked down at Hades disdainfully. "I thought you were never going to come back here, brother."

"Well, certain events forced my hand. I had no choice." Hades pegged me forward, and I kneeled before Zeus, describing to him what had happened on my quest. "That's all," I finished.

"Are you sure that's all?" Zeus stared right into my soul. "Tell the truth, boy. I feel quite a lot is missing. For example, did Hades whisper a ploy in your dreams? Was this a setup?"

"That really is all. I don't get why you suspect that I, out of all people, would betray Olympus."

"Your father has wished for my throne for quite some time now. Given the prophecy, most wouldn't think twice about you. A son of Hades will save Olympus," he said with distaste. The way he said my father's name made it clear he was bitter that Hades's children, not his, would save Olympus. " You would be the best pawn for Hades to use to secretly gain power among the gods."

"Except I didn't use him," Hades said. "I'm not sure whether this will get into your thick skull, but I am in-no-c-e-n-t. Or perhaps, you know this because you are the mastermind behind this." Zeus jumped out of his seat, but Poseidon grabbed his arm. "Sit down, brother."

"Poseidon! You know Hades is guilty!"

"Are you sure about that? Ares IS your son. Why on earth would Hades give the weapons to him? Why would he entrust Ares, your problematic, erratic son, with such a plan? Why would Hades go so far only to have his own son foil him and return your beloved bolt? Could you answer those questions for us?" After a moment of silence, Poseidon continued. "Go check the tapes. The whole battle at the Mississipi has been recorded in the video room. Yiannis tells the truth."

"Fine. I will check the recording and see for myself," Zeus reluctantly nodded. He gave my father one last hateful glare before walking out.

"Zeus has such a hot temper, don't you think, Hades?" Poseidon sighed. "It's difficult to reason with him."

"Yes," Hades grumbled. "And I always get blamed." He turned to Ares. "It's all over now. Tell the truth, and I might spare you from Tartarus."

"Ok, ok!" Ares gulped. "Zeus told me to do it, ok?"

"So you're admitting to your father's crimes?"

"Yes. Zeus told me to hide Poseidon's trident under his throne. It should still be there." That got Poseidon's attention. His eyes darted around the room, probably to make sure Zeus wasn't in sight. Then he lifted Zeus's throne, and sure enough, a shimmering golden trident was there. Poseidon gently let go of the throne. "So Zeus really has lost his mind," he laughed. "I admit I thought it was Hades as well, but everything that happened recently changes that." He offered his hand to Hades. "Glad to know you're on our side, brother." Hades shook it. "On your side. I don't support Zeus, and I plan to permanently break from Olympus."

"Are you sure?" Poseidon gasped. "I can't say I understand how you feel, but it may be too soon. Think about it a little more."

"Think about what a little more?" Zeus was back, and he was wild with fury. "Ares, what have you been up to?!"

"No-nothing," Ares stammered. "I did what you told me to, Father!"

"You little-" Zeus grabbed him by the collarbone. "You're accusing me?"

"But you told me to hide Poseidon's trident under your throne!" Poseidon lifted Zeus's throne again. "Zeus, what exactly is the meaning of this?"

"What the hell are you saying?" Zeus took a closer look and realized Poseidon's weapon was under his throne. He looked shocked. "I keep telling you, it wasn't me! Someone set this all up!"

"You've set this all up," Hades declared. "Now that you've been caught, justice will be served."

"But it wasn't me!"

"You're still going on with that? Pathetic!"

"Pathetic indeed," Poseidon said. "It's clear as day that you are not fit for the throne." Zeus pointed at me. "You! You clearly had something to do with this!"

"Not at all," I declined. "I've told you over and over again, I've got nothing to do with the theft. I just returned your stupid bolt to you." Zeus didn't like that last comment. Lighting flashed in the corner of my eyes. I thought I was a goner, but I realized my father had formed a shadow barrier around me. The lightning bolt bounced harmlessly off. Before Zeus could strike again, Poseidon judo threw him to the ground. "That's enough, Zeus. Admit to your crimes."

"For the last time, I swear that I didn't do anything!"

"Enough!" Hades roared. "You have turned Olympus against me. For centuries I was treated like a disease. I was an outcast in my own family. Yet you think being king of the gods gives you special treatment, even when you've done wrong?"

"I swear on the Styx that I'm innocent!" Zeus cried. Hades punched him. "Oh, really? Even after everything that's happened? Well, fine by me. I no longer associate myself with Olympus! The only thing I've faced here is discrimination and torment!"

"Don't do this! Yiannis was probably the thief. He had to be." He sounded so lost and hopeless, I almost felt bad for him.

"Probably? Blaming me was bad enough, but trying to shift it on my son is far worse. Don't involve my children in this! They have proven themselves to be innocent!"

"Indeed they have," Poseidon acknowledged. "Whereas, you, on the other hand, are completely guilty, Zeus. There's concrete evidence against you, so don't try to widdle your way out of this." Zeus clenched his fists. He opened his mouth but didn't say anything. Instead, he kept his head low and gazed at the golden floor. Hades patted my back. "Before I send you off, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Hades took me to a hidden room underneath the throne room. "Nobody will hear our conversation now. I'll be brief. Yiannis, come live with me in the Underworld."

"What? Where's this coming from?"

"I know it's sudden, but hear me out. Zeus will most likely go after you. He thinks you're responsible, after all."

"But all the evidence points to him. Nobody could deny that."

"Yes," Hades nodded. "But he's still the king of the gods. Nobody will ever trust him again, but he'll most likely keep his throne, no matter how hard Poseidon and I may argue."

"What? What happened to justice being served?"

"He may still be the king, but the other gods may limit his influence. He did try to plunge us all into war. Besides, if we do dethrone Zeus, he might start a coup."

"Still... are you sure about this, Father? Keeping Zeus on the throne won't do you any good."

"No, I'm still against it, but I'm in no mood to bicker about it with my siblings. More importantly, Zeus will come after you. He may not be able to kill you directly, but there are plenty of loyal zealots who can do the deed."

"Zealots? What are they, cultists?"

"Actually, yes. These zealots hold ceremonies celebrating Zeus. However, the one they really worship is Gaia."

"Gaia?" Kronos mentioned how the ancient myths surrounding the Titan war were all lies made up by Gaia and Zeus. I dismissed that, but was he really telling the truth?

A horrible thought dawned on me. "Wait, are the demigods who live in DGH part of this cult?"

"Yes," Hades said grimly. "Some of them may be your friends." Soon, I would find out which one of my "friends" would backstab me. If it's the one I think it is, then Helen's safety would be in jeopardy. No, even if it was someone else, everyone at camp knew Helen was my little sister. One of them had to have reported it to the gods or was planning to. Did Kronos know this? Why didn't he tell me?

The answer hit me when I looked at Hades. My second dad was offering me another place of refuge, somewhere where Helen could be safe. Helen would miss camp and Amelia, but I had no choice. Safety was still the foremost priority. "Alright," I sighed. "It'll be difficult to persuade Helen, but I'll see what I can do. Give me some time."

"How does a week sound?" Hades asked. "Plenty," I was satisfied. I should be able to convince Helen by then. "What about you? You broke your ties with Olympus. Won't Zeus come after you too, dad?"

"The gods never wanted to associate themselves with me, to begin with," Hades snorted. "I just made it easier for them to do that. Anyways, you should head back to the hotel for now."

"What about the zealots? They won't throw me a welcoming party."

"Certainly not, but they won't do anything for now. You've done a service to Zeus, even though he was responsible for the theft all this time. They should leave you alone for the time being. Now, let's head back. Your friends are waiting."

"Ok." The last thing I wanted was another problem to surface, right when everything had gone how I wanted. If I turned out to be right about my backstabbing friend, though, things could get ugly. I hope that doesn't end up being the case.