The Spartan of Olympus

2

Zeus was elated. His son Heracles would be the child that saved the gods. Zeus had already planned out everything. Heracles would first eat an apple of immortality from the Garden of the Hesperides, and then Zeus would send him on various tasks. However, Zeus had one, sole worry. Sure, Heracles was immortal, but he wasn't invincible. He was worried that Heracles would die before the prophecy could even take place, even with the immortality. It was immortality like the Hunters of Artemis; Heracles wouldn't die of old age or sickness, but he could definitely fall in combat. To insure Heracles's safety, Zeus had to make a plan. Perhaps a god could accompany him and watch his back? No there would be too many problems. One, no god would volunteer for that, two, it was breaking the direct interference law, and three, Heracles would feel like his accomplishments meant nothing. He wanted his demigod son to feel like his tasks were completed because of his own strength and intelligence. But maybe Zeus could get a demigod to watch over Heracles as he goes on his tasks? From the shadows of course, so the demigod wouldn't belittle Heracles's accomplished labors.

Zeus's frown morphed into a triumphant smile. He had found the perfect plan. But he needed a strong demigod to play that role. One that wouldn't interfere, but one that was tough enough to keep up with Heracles and protect him from dangers that Heracles couldn't handle by himself.

Zeus walked into the throne room, proud of his plan. When he entered, only three people occupied it. Hera was sitting on her throne, her eyes closed. Zeus frowned. It had been awhile since had seen her sleep. The gods rarely needed sleep. Ares was also present, which was odd.

Zeus had noticed that Ares had been acting very differently for a decade or so now. He was quiet and reserved, and rarely participated in Council meetings unless it had to do with war. Ares didn't even have his bloodlust anymore. He was slightly more peaceful, if that's even possible. Ares just wasn't acting like . . . well, Ares. Zeus would often him zoning out and going into a trance, with a gloomy expression on his face. Zeus had never asked what was bothering him, but he wanted to know. Another trait that Ares had acquired recently was an increased respect for honor. He wouldn't mindlessly kill like he used to. And the strangest part was that Ares wouldn't kill anyone just because Zeus told him to. Ares would straight up refuse to murder anyone, and he said it with such hate and malice that Zeus didn't dare to try to convince him. Zeus might not be the sharpest god on Olympus, but he was smart enough to know when to stop pushing Ares.

The third god was Apollo. He looked deep in thought, and a frown was etched on his face. Zeus didn't dare disturb him, for he hadn't seen Apollo think that hard in centuries. What would Artemis say if she were here?

Zeus strode proudly to his throne before sitting on it and relaxing. He was just closing his eyes when a loud pop noise jolted his eyes back open. Zeus's eyes nearly popped out of his head. In the center of the throne room was Athena. But not just Athena, holding on to her forearm was Poseidon. And holding on to Poseidon's shin was a teenage boy, who looked . . . just like Poseidon.

Ares immediately focused on the boy. Ares had a hunch that the boy was indeed the same one he spared almost sixteen years ago. The boy was almost an exact copy of Poseidon: the same sun-kissed skin, the same raven hair, and the same sea-green eyes. The boy was fit, and Ares could tell that he was a strong boy, and probably a strong fighter.

The three quickly untangled themselves as Zeus shot a massive bolt of lightning into the air. The missing Olympians flashed into the throne room, only to be astonished by what they saw. Athena quickly made her way to her throne while Poseidon did the same, leaving the teenager alone in the center of the throne room.

"Father," Athena said after she sat down, "This s Poseidon's demigod child."

"WHAT?" Zeus roared in anger, "YOU HAD TWO CHILDREN!"