It was actually kinda funny how humans could wrap their minds around things and change the facts to fit them into their version of reality.
According to the L.A. news, the explosion at the Santa Monica beach had been caused when a crazy kidnapper (Ares) fired a shotgun at a police car. He accidentally hit a gas main that had ruptured during the earthquake.
This crazy kidnapper (Ares) was the same man who had abducted me and two other adolescents (Annabeth and Grover) in New York and brought us across the country on a ten-day odyssey of terror (poor us).
Poor little Perseus Jackson wasn't an international criminal after all (shocking)! He'd caused a commotion on that Greyhound bus in New Jersey trying to get away from his captor, the crazy kidnapper (Ares). Just go back and ask the witnesses! Their fear made them forget the leather-clad man that was on the bus— "Why didn't I remember him before?" They said.
This crazy man (Ares) had caused the explosion in the St. Louis Arch (though the police were still scratching their heads over the moose and freak gardening accident). After all, no kid could've done that. A concerned waitress in Denver had seen the man threatening his abductees (us) outside her diner, and got her friend to take a photo, notifying the police (nice lady).
Finally, brave Perseus Jackson (I've gotta say I like this kid) stood up to his captor in Los Angeles and battled him, bare hand-to-shotgun on the beach. Police had arrived just in time. But in the spectacular explosion, five police cars had been destroyed and the captor had fled. No fatalities had occurred. Perseus Jackson and his two friends were safely in police custody.
The reporters fed us this whole story (very helpful of them). We just nodded along and acted tearful and exhausted (which wasn't hard) and played victimized kids for the cameras.
When I was put in front of the camera, I put on the saddest, most miserable, and most relieved face I could.
"All I really want," I said, choking back my tears (or my laughter), "is to see… my… my loving stepfather again. Every time… Every time I saw him on TV… calling- calling me a delinquent punk… I knew… somehow…. We would all… we would all be okay. And I know… I just know he'll want to reward each and every person in this beautiful city of Los Angeles with a free major appliance from his store."
I smiled brightly at the camera, "Here's the phone number."
The police and reporters were so moved that they passed around the hat and raised money for three tickets on the next plane to New York. So very kind of them, really touching that they'd do something so generous.
I hid a grin.
I knew that there was no choice but to fly. I hoped Zeus would cut me some slack, considering the circumstances. But it was still… very hard… to force myself on board the flight.
I was just glad that the police also bought me a pair of shoes before the flight, it would've been awkward without them.
Takeoff was a nightmare, and every spot of turbulence was scarier than a Greek terror.
Annabeth tried to distract me.
I gave her back her prayer bracelet, and Grover his panpipes.
They asked me about my knife (I told them how it worked), she helped me practice different styles with the veil (I decided it was growing on me), Grover tried to get me to talk about undersea culture (the turbulence got really bad then so we changed the subject), and Annabeth got me to do some word puzzles with her. She was really good at them (once we needled Grover into reading them out loud to us).
I didn't relax until we touched down safely at La Guardia though.
I rubbed my wrist, the faint curl of burning water was still wrapped there, though fainter than before. Was it still there because of Ares? Or something else? It was the oath, right?
The local press was waiting for us outside security, but we managed to evade them thanks to Annabeth who lured them away using her Yankees cap by shouting "They're over by the frozen yogurt! Come on!" and then rejoined us at baggage claim.
We debated at the taxi stand. I wanted them to go to Khiron and tell him what happened and also be as far away from me telling the Gods what happened as possible. I didn't want them to be caught in the crossfire.
They disagreed.
In the end, we agreed that they would come with me to the Empire State building, but would wait at the bottom, just to be safe.
We hopped in a taxi and using our handy dandy Lotus Hotel cards (or mine that was), we got to Manhattan.
OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO
The three of us stared up at the Empire State building. I wasn't sure how I ever missed the power here, it was buzzing over my skin.
I hadn't slept in at least twenty-four hours, but at least I'd changed clothes at the airport (so had Annabeth and Grover), so we didn't look like disasters unlike right after that mess of a fight.
We went up to the guard at the front desk, "Six-hundredth floor, please."
He was reading a huge book with a picture of a wizard on the front. I wasn't much into fantasy (I wasn't much into any language other than Halmaheran or Ancient Greek or maybe Latin. Dyslexia was murder on normal reading) but it must've been good because he took a while to look up.
"No such floor, kiddo."
"Let me," Grover said.
He pulled out a card (his camp card?), showing it to the guard.
"Percy here needs to speak with Lord Zeus, it's about the quest Lord Zeus sent him on you see. If you would let him up, that would be great. And we wouldn't have to tell Lord Zeus about how you stopped the kid he hired for a quest from completing the quest!" Grover gave him a bright smile as the guard faltered.
"Right," he said. "Uh, here." He moved to his feet, fumbled for just a moment for a key card, then passed it to me. "Insert this in the security slot. Make sure nobody else is in the elevator with you."
Grover switched backpacks with me and promised to wait there before they both wished me luck.
I moved slowly into the elevator. I double checked it was an empty one and as soon as the doors closed I slipped the key into the slot. The card vanished into it and a new button appeared on the console, a red one that said 600.
I wondered if there were any floors between the top of the building and the bottom of Mt. Olympus…
I pressed it and waited, and waited, and waited.
Chris Brown played. " Too much light in this window, don't wake me up… "
Finally, ding . The doors slid open.
I stepped out and gaped.
It was… very different.
I was standing on a narrow stone walkway in the middle of the air. Below me was Manhattan, my city, but from the height of an airplane. In front of me, white marble steps wound up the spine of a cloud, into the sky.
I let my eyes follow the stairway to the top and had to take a moment to understand it.
The undersea palaces are built into the sea, around what's there, building with nature that is already there and makes logical sense to be there.
Olympus… well, a decapitated peak of a mountain just… stood there, rising out of the top of the clouds, its summit covered with snow. The mountain was covered with a sprawling intricate city, dozens of multi-leveled palaces decorating it. All had white-columned porticoes, gilded terraces, and bronze braziers glowing with a thousand fires.
Roads twisted almost randomly up to the peak where the largest palace gleamed against the snow. I could see gardens scattered all over the mountain, blooming with all kinds of trees and bushes.
There was an open-air market filled with colorful tents, a stone amphitheater built on one side of the mountain. There was a hippodrome and a villa on the other.
It was an Ancient Greek city, except not in ruins and… well… Godly. It was new, clean, and colorful. The way Athens must've looked twenty-five hundred years ago.
I moved up the mountain slowly, looking around in awe. It's so different from the undersea. I passed through the market (so sue me, I took a winding path. It's not like I know the direct path to the top palace) seeing all kinds of fascinating wares.
There were specially flavored ambrosia, ambrosia smoothies, nectar ice-cream, candied ambrosia (was that redundant?), spiced nectar, pumpkin spice ambrosia, ambrosia Danishes, nectar and ambrosia cheesecakes, and so much more.
I saw enchanted carpets (to be eternally clean!), blackout curtains that not even Apollo himself could get through (those seemed cool), eternally light money bags, magic cloaks that could keep you warm even in the presence of Khione, a stone that would let you read minds, updating scrolls on almost every subject ranging from laws to recipe books.
There were even more weapons, fiery swords, shields that glittered with gems, staffs that they swore would create storms, whips that would burn, acid knives, and dozens more.
My head was spinning just walking through the market, everything was too much, too many Gods, too many spirits, too many magical artifacts.
I stumbled away, struggling to focus on the road.
"Let's sit you down for just a second, gamin."
I blinked when I was guided away from the market and to a private garden. It felt like Fetu (songs drifting through my ears) or maybe Annabeth (confidence in herself and determined to prove herself) or maybe Beckendorf (fiery warmth and strength).
A hand on my shoulder grounding me.
I breathed slowly, the light gentle sensations there letting me breathe.
"There you are, gamin, take a few breaths."
I sat there for longer than I would've liked, my senses soothed.
I blinked finally, looking up at the one who helped me.
I flushed.
He was lean, light but clear muscles made up His form with gleaming black eyes that you could get lost in. His wings and hair were white as freshly fallen snow, contrasting clearly with His dark skin. And I could see a lot of His skin.
My face flushed as I realized he was wearing a chlamys, like Hades. Except... Hades was wearing it modestly; this God was not. I made my eyes focus on His face, except... it had shifted.
For a moment He looked like Fetu, long hair a bright yellow gold, eyes a matching shimmery pink. But then he looked like Beckendorf, short hair tightly curled almost to his scalp and his black eyes soft. And then another moment and he looked like Zuko from Avatar, messy black hair and scar covering one of his gold eyes. I blinked and was looking at another face, a boy from two years ago in school who had been really nice to me. Soft curled blonde hair and gentle brown eyes. The God's face shifted again.
I flushed, oh no, he's hot.
He smiled gently, even as his face shifted once more.
"Are you feeling better, gamin?"
I made a sound that was not quite agreement.
The God laughed.
I noticed the bow and quiver over His shoulder.
I swallowed hard, keeping my gaze up.
His wings (the one part that stayed the same) ruffled and He stood, offering me a hand.
I took it, still rather dazed, but still keeping my gaze up .
"Where are you off to? Perhaps I can aid you in getting there without the, ah, overwhelming sensations."
I blinked, trying to force my brain to work.
"Uh, you could tell?"
The God smiled, "To sense the love of all around you is difficult, I can tell those that sense too much and cannot handle it."
I blinked, forcing myself to focus on His words rather than His… really… really… really … pretty face.
"Oh, uh, yeah, cool…"
He chuckled, "So where are you going?"
"Uh…" I was… oh yeah, "Zeus… yeah…"
"Allow me to aid you," He said smoothly.
A moment later I was scooped into His arms, my face on fire.
His wings snapped down, and we were airborne. I clung to His neck.
The chlamys covered barely anything, streaming behind Him as He flew to the top of mountain like a large scarf.
I made another strangled noise, this was going to kill me, I just knew it was. I survived the underworld, the Khimaira, Medusa, and I would die from being carried by an unknown, very pretty God.
We landed suddenly.
The God chuckled again after a moment, "You can let go, gamin."
I squeaked, letting go, and would've fallen on my butt if not for the God holding me steady.
He gently placed me down, His appearance still shifting between every pretty guy to have ever been born.
"A pleasure helping you," the God said smoothly.
I blinked, face flushed, carefully keeping my eyes on his ever-shifting face, "Um, yeah, uh, thanks."
His eyes gleamed as He scooped up my hand, brushing His lips against it.
"Until we meet again, Perseus Jackson."
"Er, yeah," My face was definitely red, I was surprised it wasn't on fire with how hot it felt. "Um… I don't know who you are."
The God laughed, expression bright and beautiful and oh would Pontus have mercy on me.
"I am Eros, God of love."
He winked, then His wings spread, snapping down once more as He vanished into the sky.
One of His feathers drifted down to land on my hand, still frozen where He'd held it.
I stood still, staring after Him for a long moment.
That was…
That was Eros…
I met the God of Love…
And made a complete fool of myself…
I'd just go drown myself, thanks.
The doors behind me opened, forcing me to focus again.
Oh yeah, meeting Zeus, stopping a war, that stuff…
The war would be kinder than what just happened.
I shook my head, focusing as I faced the palace.
Interestingly enough it was an inverted version of the palace in the Underworld. There, everything had been black and bronze. Here, everything glittered white and silver.
I shoved the feather into my pocket… gently.
Hades-ton must have built His palace to resemble this one. He wasn't welcomed in Olympus except on the winter solstice, and thus built His own underground. I felt a pang of pity. They just… abandoned Him. And why? It was unfair, He never did anything to deserve it.
I shook my head though and stepped forward.
Steps led up to a central courtyard. Past that, I could see the throne room.
The courtyard was lovely, with many trees and bushes. And yet… somehow it couldn't compare to the one in the underworld courtyard.
I moved past it, impressed but not nearly as much as I was in the underworld.
Stepping into the throne room was… something.
Hades-ton's had been grand, but only enough for what he needed. This one was… massive. It made even Okeanus' grand rooms seem small.
Massive columns, bigger than the tallest trees, rose to a domed ceiling, which was gilded with moving constellations.
There were twelve thrones, built for beings taller than houses, that arranged in an inverted U, just like the cabins at Camp Half-Blood. An enormous fire crackled in the central hearth pit (and I could see Hestia there as well, just like she was at camp).
Only two thrones had occupants. The head throne on the right, and the one to its immediate left. I didn't have to guess who those Gods were.
I came forward, steeling myself.
The Gods were in giant human form, but that wasn't the hard thing.
Hades-ton's power had been all over his realm, but these two, their presence only really hit me now.
Scorching lightning (that I had mostly grown used to with the Master Bolt so close) grew stronger. Rubbing salt and sea breeze clashed with it, making me hide a grimace.
I really didn't like this.
Looking at the Gods I could see that they at least wore chitons (thank Pontus).
Zeus wore a deep blue chiton with white threading. He sat on a simple throne of solid platinum. He had a well-trimmed beard, marbled gray and black like a storm cloud. His face was proud and handsome and grim, His eyes an electric stormy blue.
The God sitting next to Him was strikingly similar to Kronos-tito. The same sharp features, the same hair and nose and mouth and even eye shape. His skin tone was even the same deep tan that Kronos-tito's had had. The only real differences were His eyes and His clothes.
His eyes were a sea green, like mine usually were. He wore a deep green chiton with gold threading, unlike the gold and white that Kronos-tito had worn in my dream. His eyes were surrounded by sun-crinkles that showed He smiled quite a bit as well. His throne was a deep-sea fisherman's chair, but a bit... fancier, more elegant and clearly royal. It was made of Platinum as well, but Abyssal Platinum (I could feel the difference). The leather was clearly of some great sea beast. And the holster for a fishing pole held a bronze trident, flickering with green light around the tips.
Neither God moved nor spoke, but there was a clear tension in the air. It was as if they'd just finished an argument.
It did help me push past the lingering embarrassment and focus, so at least there was that.
I approached the fisherman's throne, and held my head high, twisting my hand into the proper motion of respect.
"Poseidon-ore," I said.
To my left, Zeus spoke. "Should you not address the master of this house first, boy?"
"Peace, brother," Poseidon finally said. His voice brought to mind my oldest memory: that warm glow I remembered as a baby, the sensation of this God's hand on my forehead. "My son defers to me as his father first. It is only right."
"You still claim him then?" Zeus asked, menacingly. "You claim this child whom you sired against our sacred oath?"
"I claim him just as you claimed your daughter," Poseidon said sharply. "Now I would hear him speak."
Zeus' eyes flashed, obviously displeased that His daughter had been brought up.
"I spared him once already," He muttered. "Daring to fly through my domain… pah! I should have blasted him out of the sky for his impudence."
"And risk not only destroying your own Master Bolt, but also incurring my wrath?" Poseidon asked deceptively calm. "Let us hear him out, Tatu."
Poseidon-ore called Zeus brother in Halmaheran, Percy wondered if He used Halmaheran often with the non-sea Gods or if it was just with family.
Zeus grumbled some more. "I shall listen," He decided. "Then I shall make up my mind whether or not to cast this boy down from Olympus."
I kept my gaze on the trident, staying quiet as the Gods bickered.
"Perseus," Poseidon said. "Look at me."
I did, and I wasn't sure what I saw. There was none of the approval or love that Triton's face held when I spoke with him. None of the care and kindness that Tethys-ran's face held when I saw Her. None of the pride and amusement that Okeanus-ari's face held when He sat with me. His gaze was solemn and serious.
There was nothing to encourage me, and yet… the salt rubbed gently, the sea breeze was soothing.
I thought He simply didn't know what to show or do. Or maybe it was that this was a solemn and serious occasion.
'Always know you are my son' His letter had said.
I swallowed. I wasn't sure what to think of Him, not yet, so I was a bit glad that He didn't do something grand. He simply told me I was His son. Acceptance was enough for now.
"Address Lord Zeus, Perseus," Poseidon told me gently. "Tell him your story."
And so I turned to Zeus, who sent me on this quest, who sent His terrors after me. Zeus, who's Bolt I found.
I spoke and told Him what had happened. I spoke of the beginning of the quest, of the places we went and the deities we met. I told Him of our battles and of what we learned on the quest. I spoke respectfully, but I was brief and made sure to point out that we were delayed by the monster He sent, by the lightning He sent.
He listened silently, asking no questions, His gaze never leaving me.
I took out the metal cylinder that was the Master Bolt, resisting the urge to toss it away from me as the scorching lightning arced over my body. It began sparking in the Sky God's presence. I laid it at His feet.
There was a long silence, broken only by the crackle of the hearth fire.
Zeus opened His palm and the Master Bolt flew into it with a loud crackle. He closed his fist, the metallic points flaring with electricity, making me cringe back until the bolt was much more classical in appearance. It was a twenty-foot javelin of arcing, hissing energy that made my body ache .
"I sense the boy tells the truth," Zeus muttered. "And I witnessed the oaths he and Ares took, along with the fight that followed… and yet, it is unlike Ares to act as he did."
"He is proud and impulsive," Poseidon said. "It runs in the family."
Yeah, no kidding.
"Lord?" I asked.
"Yes?" they both said.
"Ares didn't act alone. He was… controlled?"
And with that I told them of my dreams, of meeting Kronos-tito at the pit and Kronos-tito's words. Of the meeting with the unknown servant of Kronos-tito. Of the dream I'd had during the school year without understanding its importance. The dream where of Kronos-tito chiding his minion and the mentions of having to use His power to manipulate someone.
Zeus' gaze darkened.
Poseidon and Zeus shared a look, and had a quick, intense discussion in Ancient Greek.
"That… cannot be…"
"It must be…"
"The boy is…"
"Watch… my son…"
"…but Father… this is…"
"He could…"
"We… jump…"
"… if it is him we must…" Poseidon started.
"Enough." Zeus snapped.
He held up his hand, his expression thunderous as he switched to English. "We will speak of this no more. And we will speak of Ares when your son is not present. I must go to personally purify this thunderbolt in the waters of Lemnos, to remove the human taint from its metal."
He rose and looked at me. His expression softened, just a fraction. "You have done me a service, boy. Few heroes could have accomplished as much."
"I wasn't alone, Lord Zeus," I said. "Grover Underwood and Annabeth Chase—"
"To show you my thanks," He interrupted. "I shall spare your life and give you one future free pass to fly, don't waste it."
His eyes narrowed on me, "I do not trust you, Perseus Jackson. I do not like what your arrival means for the future of Olympus. But for the sake of peace in the family, I shall let you live.
"Ah, thank you, sir." Really, so kind.
"Do not let me find you here when I return. Otherwise you shall taste this bolt, and it shall be your last sensation."
Thunder shook the palace and with a blinding flash of lightning, Zeus was gone.
I stood alone in the throne room with Poseidon-ore, my Metua.
"Your uncle," Poseidon sighed. "Has always had a flair for dramatic exits. I think he would've done well as the God of theater."
Wow this was more awkward than that conversation with Okeanus.
We stood silently for a long moment.
"Well," Poseidon said after a moment. "You did very well on your quest."
"Thank you, Poseidon-ore."
He shifted.
"You need not be so formal, Perseus."
"Sorry, Posei- er…" Right, call Him father. "Sorry, Metua."
Poseidon smiled faintly.
"Metua," I started.
He raised an eyebrow.
"What will be done about Kronos-tito."
Poseidon pursed his lips, "You need not add 'tito' to his name. He is no proper grandfather of yours to be called such. Nonetheless… Zeus has closed this discussion."
"Why?"
His expression pinched.
"In the First War, my brother, your uncle, cut our father Kronos into a thousand pieces, just as He had done to His father. Our father's remains were cast into the darkest pit of Tartarus."
Tartarus, the pit, the fire and sharp edges and pain…
"The Titan army was scattered, their mountain fortress on Etna destroyed, their monstrous allies driven to the farthest corners of the Earth. And yet… the Titans cannot die any more than we as Gods can. He is left alive, in some form, conscious in His eternal pain and hungering for power."
I frowned, "That seems cruel."
Poseidon shrugged, "He was cruel. It is not pleasant, but it is what it is. He has been dealt with, He is no longer a threat."
"He's trying to rise," I murmured, thinking of the dreams. "He's gaining power and healing."
Poseidon shook His head, "He cannot. Have faith in us, Perseus. Our father will not rise. You have nothing to fear."
And yet, I wasn't really afraid. He wasn't cruel in the dreams. He didn't seem like some great evil like Poseidon said. What I didn't get is why they would leave Him to such suffering, cut to pieces and in that place…
Was He truly so mad then to deserve that?
Pain and sharp edges and burning fires.
It was not pleasant to be near, I imagined it was all the more unpleasant to be in .
I thought I would try to escape as well.
Poseidon sighed, "In the end, it matters little right now. Whether He is attempting to rise, which He is not, or otherwise, Zeus has closed discussion of it. And, here at least, discussion of Kronos is disallowed."
I pursed my lips but nodded.
He smiled faintly, "It is not easy to obey one who would not hear you out, is it?"
I nodded again.
He leaned forward to study me. "I am sorry you had to come into this world like this, Perseus. It is not the time that I would have liked one of my children being brought up."
I dipped my head, ignoring the faint pang.
"But I am glad."
I blinked, looking up at him.
He was looking down at me, his gaze soft. "You were brought up well by Triton, you have done well and fought well. I am pleased, though saddened I had little hand in it."
I licked my lips, "I am glad to have met Triton. He is very kind and taught me well."
"I am sure. For all that he avoids his tutors, he was always very good at what they were to teach him."
He picked up His trident and stood, suddenly human sized. His clothes shimmered, and he was dressed in clothes similar to mine. Clearly from the sea, but mortal styled.
"You must go, my son, before Zeus returns. But first, two things. You should know that your mother has returned, along with a package from Hades."
I jolted. "My mother?"
Did Hades-
"You will find her at home. Hades sent her when you recovered his helm. The Lord of the Underworld pays His debts."
I let out a slow breath, keeping my composure by sheer force of will though I wanted to cry in relief.
I hadn't been sure how I would get all the way back to the underworld, to fulfill my promise to my mother and speak to Hades-ton once more. But she's safe… thank goodness.
I almost wanted to ask Poseidon to come with, to see my mom at least once more. But… I couldn't. I couldn't ask Him any more than I would've asked Okeanus-ari. He was king, He had His duties and could not come. And if He'd truly wanted to, He would've before. Plus, I didn't want to deal with Smelly Gabe as well with Him.
I nodded, "Thank you for telling me, Metua."
"There is one more thing," He said. "Before you go."
I tilted my head in confusion. "I can hardly allow you to leave without an award for your quest, now can I?"
He was smiling faintly.
I blinked, surprised. "An award?"
"Of course. You completed a quest for me, and so young, too young. I would not send you off with nothing to show for it."
He held out his hand, and my eyes widened at the familiar object in it.
"This is an object I used to give my children when they're very young. It was meant to protect them and always give them a connection to the sea. I have not given it out in many years, even before the oath. I think that you should have this though."
I slowly reached out and picked up the necklace, a shell hanging from the end. It was… exactly like the one Lara had.
I swallowed and reached up, slipping it around my neck.
Poseidon smiled, "Reach home safely. And do not forget to go to the river when camp is over."
I nodded, "Yes, Metua. Havu."
He dipped his head, gaze on me as I turned away, snagged the Ares bag, and left.
"Perseus," He called.
I faltered, glancing back.
"Know that I am proud. You are a true son of mine."
I couldn't help the faint smile as I nodded, turning and walking out of the throne room.
I might not have been sure what to think of Him, but at least He seemed… not as bad as I'd feared.
I paused at the door, touching the necklace that smelled of sea breezes. I could do this.
I stepped out, walking through the courtyard, and started down the road.
I wanted to stop at the market, I wanted to look around while I'm here, but… I couldn't handle the sensations. Next time.
I looked out at the city of the Gods, looking at the many deities that wandered around. I looked at the spirits and naiads and satyrs that paused, staring at me as I passed by.
I forced myself to ignore the many sensations washing over me, to push past and hold strong even when I just wanted to curl up in a ball to make it stop.
I walked with my head held high as the many beings that lived on Olympus stared, some clapping, some whispering and pointing, some even kneeling.
I walked and walked and walked until I made it through the city, only flushing slightly when I felt the same sensation of the many people I cared for being next to me that was how Eros felt.
I reached the elevator and hit the button, leaving the city of the Gods behind.
OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO
Poseidon POV
I groaned, slumping back into my throne once my son had left.
Oh Pontus, I hoped I didn't screw that up more.
I watched him, looking beyond the walls of the palace to see him walk through the city, his head held high but his gaze flickering around.
My eyes narrowed when Eros fluttered near him, a sly smile on the deities face.
Eros was not one many were foolish enough to interfere with, but Eros should also know better than to interfere with mine and to keep His hands off of Perseus.
I sighed as Perseus reached the elevator.
Perhaps I didn't handle keeping him safe as a child properly. This was the first time I'd had to fully hide one of my children.
Never before in history had I had to hide my children from the other Gods like this time. For all Amphitrite and Okeanus insisted the sea would not have betrayed him, it seemed better to be sure they couldn't betray him. If they didn't know about him, they couldn't give him up.
I had enemies even amongst the sea after all. And even if others wouldn't have meant to, word spread quickly and one of them could've slipped.
The more that knew of him, the more danger Perseus was in.
And as for not teaching him… I feared that a God would notice the power there. I would rather him alive and ignorant than informed and dead.
Zeus returned to His daughters family after all, and that was how Hades learned of Thalia. That was how all the Gods learned of her.
Perseus was just a child, my child. I would not make the same mistake as Zeus.
He shouldn't have been on this quest or risking his life at all. We weren't in Ancient Greece anymore, I preferred my children not risking their lives until they had no other choice.
Perseus truly did deserve a greater reward than what I gave as well, but all the things I wanted to give would've brought Triton's wrath down on me. He'd already claimed being the one to give Perseus his battle trident to replace the practice one he currently had. Plus he'd already given Perseus many little presents.
Pontus I couldn't even give Perseus the ability to take a mer form, Triton already did that.
I would've given him an animal companion (a Pegasus or hippocampus maybe) but Amphitrite banned me from rewarding quest goers with animals (apparently the platypus incident was my fault but really how was I supposed to expect that outcome?).
I would have to come up with some excuse to give him more, and also fight Triton over it.
Triton needed to stop trying to parent Perseus, I was Perseus' father. Triton was his big brother, it was not the same thing.
I grimaced when Zeus returned in a flash of lightning, but I had stayed for a reason.
"Well, good that that brat of yours is gone. I'll be leaving now." Zeus grumbled, turning to leave.
"There is one more thing, brother," I called.
Zeus faltered.
"You received what you demanded but I have not received what I demanded."
Zeus shot me a glare, but I stared Him down.
"My son retrieved your little Bolt when you wrongfully accused him and me of stealing it. It was returned to you as you demanded despite us having nothing to do with the theft. You still owe me an apology."
"Poseidon-"
"And should you try to get out of it, the sea is still ready for war." I stared him down. He got his Bolt, I still wanted my apology.
He scowled but grudgingly huffed, "Fine. I am so terribly sorry I, logically, blamed you for the theft of my Bolt. It won't happen again. Are you happy?"
"I think you owe both me and my son an apology gift, something that really shows how sorry you are. Just like-"
"You're an obnoxious piece of shit, Poseidon."
I smirked, "You're the one that dragged my son into this. You owe it to him to do something to show your apologies. So, do so, or I shall make you do so."
He glared at me.
I stared right back, tapping my finger on my now glowing trident.
"Fine," He snapped. "I'll think of something for your obnoxious brat. Not like he'll live long enough to appreciate it."
My eyes narrowed.
"It's the truth and you know it. We won't allow him to reach sixteen, not with the prophecy there. It's too big of a risk."
"And yet," I said softly. "You would have demanded your daughter survive till then."
He stiffened.
"Do not presume to decide how long my son will live." I continued. "He is the only one to decide that."
"He is a threat and your defense of him will endanger us all!"
"He is my son."
Zeus scoffed, turning away. "Always so stubborn when it comes to your brats."
"Brother… tatu," I murmured.
Zeus paused.
"If one monster goes after him in your name, I will destroy that tree of your daughter's."
He was still for a long moment.
"Always so quick to anger, Poseidon." He vanished in a flash of lightning.
I turned back, seeing my son at the bottom and meeting with his friends.
There was so much still to do before he arrived at the palace.
Still… I was glad that he did well. He truly was my son.