The Betrayed Hero

Chapter 16

The campers felt the most uncomfortable and intimidating moments over the next fifteen minutes. The elite team sat there talking among themselves and trying to come up with strategies, and after a while, Rachel Dare joined them. As she did, she couldn't help but cast worried glances in the direction of the elite team. There were murmurs going around the camp, and even though Zale could hear them, he chose to tune them out.
Zale noticed the tension in the air as Rachel's concerned glances only added to the campers' unease. It was clear that the elite team's presence was causing a ripple of anxiety throughout the camp. The campers exchanged worried glances, unsure of what to expect next.

A few moments later, Apollo arrived in his bus and drove them to Olympus without even looking at anyone. Olympus was dull; it did not resemble how it used to be. The previously bright and active home of the gods now appeared empty and lifeless. The once-impressive palace now appears old and neglected. It was a stark contrast to its former glory.

As soon as everyone stood in the courtroom in front of the gods, the campers went and stood to the side, and the members of the elite team stood in the center of the court in front of the gods, taking their positions as the tension in the room grew. Hades, who was also present at the meeting, grew tense, which did not go unnoticed by Nico. He knew that his father knew something, but he had no idea what it could be.

Bessie the hippocampi was swimming in the pool happily, oblivious to the growing tension around her.

Zale's eyes landed on his father, who looked as if he had grown much older over the years, his face etched with lines of worry and stress. Zale couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for his father. Poseidon looked old; his usually mischievous smile was gone as he sat on his throne. As if sensing his stare, Poseidon looked up at Zale. He knew he felt something towards the boy when he entered, but he just couldn't point at it exactly.

Zeus was the one to break the silence and ask, "Who are you? What is your business at Camp Half Blood?"

Zale stepped forward and said, "We are the Elite Team of Lord Chaos; he has sent us to assist you in the war. I'm Zale, commander of the team and assassin of Lord Chaos." His introduction received some raised eyebrows and murmurs of surprise from the gods. Zeus, still sceptical, leaned back on his throne and crossed his arms.

"Assassin of Lord Chaos, you say?" He questioned, his voice dripping with suspicion. Zale nodded confidently, meeting Zeus's gaze head-on.

"Indeed," he replied coolly. "I have been trained by Lord Chaos himself." The tension in the room grew palpable as everyone awaited Zeus's response.

Zeus, still sceptical, spoke again: "Why would Lord Chaos send his elite team to aid us? What does he gain from this?"

Zale maintained his composure and replied confidently, "Lord Chaos believes that the balance of power in the universe is at stake. He sees this war as a threat to that balance and wishes to restore order. Our mission is to ensure victory for Camp Half Blood and maintain harmony."

"And it would also be bad to let someone destroy what Lord Chaos had worked so hard to build." Vèlos quipped from behind, "I'm Vèlos of the Elite Team," and soon the introductions continued.

As soon as the introductions were finished, Athena demanded, "You must remove your hoods; we need to see who you are."

"No, we won't; our identities will remain hidden; as long as we wish for it, you cannot demand anything from us." Ìoras responded swiftly, his voice stiff and defiant. Athena's eyes furrowed, but she chose not to press the matter further. These visitors were clearly keen to maintain their anonymity, and for the time being, she would have to follow their wishes.

"And how will you punny little things help us, the gods, in a war? Are you capable of even fighting?" Ares snorted, his eyes blazing with fire, looking for a fight to start. Ìoras chuckled, his laughter echoing through the room. "Do not underestimate us, Ares. We may be small in stature, but our skills and abilities are far from puny. We possess knowledge and strategies that can turn the tide of any battle. We offer our assistance not as warriors but as allies who can contribute in ways you may not expect."

"But say a word, and we are out of here, and you can find yourself new allies." Astèri interrupted her voice, scarily calm. Ares glared at Astèri, his expression hardening. "You underestimate the power of our alliance," he retorted, his voice laced with defiance. Astèri maintained her calm demeanour, her eyes locked with Ares'. "We are not here to be underestimated or taken for granted; we are here to stand as equals and demand the respect we deserve," she declared, her words dripping with determination.

"You have Riptide on you." Hephaestus stopped the argument short, and Ares looked at him, annoyed and frustrated. "Don't think for a second that a weapon will save you," Ares warned, his voice dripping with disrespect.

Fotià, unfazed by his threats, just turned to Hephaestus and answered, "Well, the sword chose our commander."

When the sword was mentioned, everyone's attention was drawn to the commander and his swords. Poseidon's eyes narrowed at the Riptide, and he spoke for the first time since the meeting began: "The sword has an owner already." The tension in the room rose as Poseidon's remarks lingered in the air. All eyes stayed on the commander, waiting for his reaction to this unexpected information.

Percy took a hesitant breath as his father addressed him directly, and he gazed down at Riptide with a mix of pride and anxiety. He knew that the sword had chosen him once again and had stayed loyal to him for all these years that he had not been here, but he also understood the implications of his father's words, and Skià made a step forward to reassure him, which was barely noticeable to others. Zale noticed it right away. Slowly, Percy raised his head and met Poseidon's gaze from under the mask, determination shining in his eyes to keep his identity hidden as he spoke, "I may not be the owner, but I believe I can wield Riptide with honour and protect those who need it."