The End of an Olympian

27 | The Ascension

With one final blow from a fist of water and the flat edge of Riptide used more like a baseball bat, I sent Zeus flying to the edge of Olympus.

1147 words

Percy

I flashed myself to Zeus's location at the edge of Olympus. The other gods followed my lead. Zeus was sprawled on the floor or in his own Ichor. Grunts of pain escaped him.

He made a few last attempts as he got to one knee, but they were futile. I was worn out and tired and beaten and bruised. But my symbol of power remained in tact, which now made me stronger than Zeus. I shoved the tip of my sword to his throat and restrained him with water.

"Yield Zeus. It's over."

I looked like I'd been run over by a Typhon a couple of times. Yet my voice was strong. It was commanding. However, Zeus was stubborn in his pride.

"I will never yield. You'll have to disperse me," he spat. "Do you even have it in you?"

Normally, I would never consider the idea. To disperse a god was to disconnect them from the very thing that defined their being. But the rules were clear. In order to win, Zeus would either have to yield, which he refused to do, or I would have to disperse his essence so he couldn't reform immediately. It was not fading, though. More like when monsters regenerate in Tartarus. And this wouldn't be to the scale of Kronos who will hopefully never rise again. But I couldn't imagine it would be pleasant.

With a cold glare, I shoved down my doubts. "If you manage to reform, you will have to earn your throne back on Olympus."

And before the dethroned king could utter another word, I instantaneously turned his body and essence into water molecules to be separated across the waters of the earth, pulled apart by riptides.

Right after, a soft sea breeze wafted through the air. Even the mortals sensed the change down below and scientists would spend decades trying to find the source of the strange anomaly that everyone experienced.

Most gods cheered and rejoiced as they repaired the damage to Olympus. The few sore losers knew better than to try anything. Even if they wanted to, they'd wait until Zeus reformed.

The campers knew what the sign meant and also celebrated my win. Word was sent all around thanks to the nature spirits. I, on the other hand, could hardly believe it. Part of me didn't actually think I'd come out of this battle. But I found myself relived I was alive just as much as I was floating on the relief that my people would be free.

Instantly, I felt the knowledge on how to free the Maris Astérians entered my brain. The first thing I did was break the magical bond and release them from slavery. The policies and programs thought of beforehand went into place soon after as the elected officials of my court greeted the newest citizens as equals. Those who chose to stay and work at the palace were settled in and allowed to venture the large estate without restrictions.

I wanted to help them adjust, but I needed to settle the unrest on Olympus first. After gathering most gods in the throne room, I brought a meeting into session.

"Thank you for joining me," I said to everyone. Not a single god or immortal was seated and everyone was curious as to why. "First, I will pardon all who fought beside Zeus so long as you promise to support my rein unless I prove to be unfit."

Murmurs that held their disbelief made a cacophony of noise in my ears. But one voice rose above all the others.

"I, Poseidon, god of the sea, pledge my loyalty to Perseus, god of riptides, heroes, loyalty, respect, poisons, and water molecules, King of the Gods, so long as he is worthy."

To my surprise, Athena followed in his footsteps and repeated the same oath. Ares went after those who supported, and the minor gods did the same once Dionysus, Demeter, and a displeased Hera recited it.

The more gods and immortals that pledged themselves to me, the stronger I felt. Not only as King but also as a god. My domain of loyalty and respect expanded with each oath.

"Secondly," I announced after all who fought on Zeus's side pledged themselves to me, "we need to discuss the changes to Olympus I plan to enforce."

Nervous glances were shot around the room. Anytime Zeus wanted to implement change, it usually backfired. But then their rational side took over and they relaxed slightly with the hope that I would be a better ruler than him. As expected, others scoffed or wanted to argue. But no one spoke up yet. No one interrupted me.

"The Olympian council is now down to 14 thrones because Zeus has been stripped of his claim to any seat of power for now. If he reforms, he will have to earn his throne back. But true to the prophecy, 'The Age of Olympians shall come to an end'."

A modest amount of outrage swept through the crowd.

"You can't get rid of us!" Demeter shouted.

"The Olympians hold the world together!" Hers argued loudly.

More statements like those were thrown my way. Honestly, their inability to shut up for a second was getting very annoying. It was more chaotic than a classroom of kindergarteners.

"Silence!" I ordered.

Everyone grudgingly shut up at that, not yet wanting to disobey their new King. My plan would only cause more argument if I explained it, so instead, I put it into action.

I turned around and willed the throne room to bend to my will. It was only possible because, as King, I was in charge of the council.

My throne replaced Zeus's spot. The U shape turned into a circle. To my right was Hade's throne. Continuing in that direction was then Poseidon, Apollo, Ares, Hermes, Dionysus, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Hera, Demeter, Artemis, Athena, and Hestia. Hestia was seated to the left of me completing the circle.

Everyone was confused, but things didn't change too much, so they made no comment.

"The original council will remain in place. Please, take your thrones," I said as I gestured to the chairs behind me.

We all made our way to the seats of power and took our places. Just as the first time I sat on my throne, I felt a wave of power and knowledge and strength crash over me. It was energizing, to say the least. And it also gave me the courage to enact the second part of my plan.

In between each existing throne, I erected 14 new thrones. Each was identical in its marble white grandeur and sleek design. They were of equal size to most other thrones, yet had no personality to them.

The addition of fourteen new thrones definitely got a reaction from the crowd. And my next proclamation led to an even bigger one.