The New Demigods

Chapter 17: The First Rule of Demigod Fight Club

I sat upright in bed, hesitant to answer my door, remembering the last time I answered knocking which led to a midnight kidnapping. Horace laid beside me, eyes wide with the same fear I had.

The knocking continued, sounding impatient for an answer.

I slowly stepped down the oak footholes, out of bed, and made my way across the room to the door. I looked back at Horace for reassurance before grabbing the handle and opening the door slowly.

"About time you answered," remarked Acacia, entering the room. I hadn't seen Acacia since the breakfast on our second day at Olympus, and she looked more stressed than ever. "We have to get you to the throne room immediately, there has been quite the commotion this morning, it appears Horace is missing."

I looked over my shoulder, at Horace laying in bed, Acacia followed my gaze and looked startled when she saw him.

"Oh my, well I didn't know you two were... together" she cleared her throat, "well that clears everything up now doesn't it. You two get dressed and meet me out here immediately." She closed the door firmly.

I turned back to Horace, feeling confused, as I stood fully dressed from the night before. "Well that was weird."

Horace stayed wrapped in the covers longer than I expected.

"Sounds like we should really get going," I said. Horace rolled over, still in the blankets, facing away from me. "Horace?" He didn't respond.

Horace had never been particularly eager during our time at Olympus, but it was unlike him to be so quiet, I could tell he was still shaken from last night's tournament.

I climbed back into the bed and sat with my legs hanging over the edge.

"Horace, I know last night was really-" I was interrupted by Horace sitting up abruptly.

"Nah man, I am just tired, I wanted to hit the snooze button." He climbed out of bed without looking at me.

We met Acacia outside, where she was pacing.

"Okay, Thea has the girls, we have to get you two to the throne room immediately - or Hera will have all of our heads!" Acacia ushered us along the stone pathway and up the stairs to the main building.

"Wait!" Horace said, just as Acacia put her hand on the door. "I forgot my..." the end of his sentence was inaudible as he ran off down the steps and back to the cabins.

I took a seat on the steps, as we waited for Horace to return, Acacia went back to her pacing. There was a coldness in the air that I had not felt since being at Olympus, in fact every day had clear skies and warm weather with a refreshing breeze; except for today. It was overcast and I could hear the faint roar of thunder in the distance - I wasn't sure if it was possible to rain on Olympus, but if it was, it felt like it should be storming.

"What is taking him so long?" Acacia asked nervously.

I shrugged.

"Gemini, I don't think you realize how serious this is. The other Demigods are claiming you and your friends attacked them in the middle of the night. The Gods are furious - and I know it can't be true, since none of you have a scratch on you. I have to get you and Horace to the throne room immediately, to prove you're innocent."

I felt a pit in my stomach. Of course it was really them, who attacked us, but would the Gods of Olympus believe that? Feigning innocence seemed like the best option, as it did seem unlikely that four Outcasts could show up the next day, after attacking twelve demigods, without a scratch on us.

"I'll go get him, you wait here." I rushed down the steps before Acacia could respond - I needed to get to Horace to explain what was happening without her overhearing. If I knew Piper as well as I thought I did, she was likely stalling for us in the throne room, with the same plan.