More Than Just Little Soldiers (PART 2)

CHAPTER 18: OH MOTHER GOTHEL

Athena POV

When I magically popped right into the Avengers' common room, I would like to say that I made somewhat of a panic. All but Thor, Percy, and my daughter jumped up at my appearance. The archer boy even dropped his burrito onto his lap.

"Who are you?" the female questioned in a poised yet dark tone.

"I would refrain from speaking to me that way again Natalia Alianovna Romanova. But for your information, I am Athena, goddess of wisdom. I am here to speak with my daughter, Annabeth."

I looked over at my daughter who was staring at my face, but not really meeting my eyes. That boy was holding her hand, as if trying to give a little bit of comfort.

"Annabeth, come here," I called out, motioning for my daughter to come to a separate room for us to talk.

"I'm good here," was the curt reply that I received. Anger blared into my eyes.

"Do not forget that I am a goddess Annabeth. I do not appreciate such an attitude with me."

"You're also my mother!" she cried out, sadness lacing her words. Throughout the very few times we've talked, she has never had such an outburst. It's the Poseidon's son, I'm telling you. "Even after you disowned me and sent me on the quest to follow the Mark of Athena, which later left me falling into Tartarus, do you still expect respect? You haven't even come to talk to me once!"

"I don't have time to be worrying about such trivial matters Annabeth. There was a war at hand, you know that, and all of the gods had the splitting issue."

Annabeth's eyes filled with tears, but before she could speak, Percy stood up.

"My lady I know I am not one who should get between your relationship, but I will not let you simply call Annabeth something that's not worth your concern. She is your daughter. You left her with a father that neglected her and she ran away. She lived in the streets till she made it to camp. She has fought through many quests and two whole wars. She is your bravest warrior and my best friend and my soulmate. I will—"

"Silence Sea Spawn, this does not concern you. Yes, Annabeth is a brilliant soldier. Her skill and tactics are unmatched. Olympus is grateful for the two of you. But she cannot reject my call because of her mere emotions. I have sent the Mark to numerous children of mine. They have died trying. Be grateful that you've succeeded and are alive."

"Is that all I am to you? A warrior? A soldier? I am a 17 year old woman, Athena. I've never had a mother. Chiron was my father figure, but Percy was the first one to have shown me that love doesn't come with conditions and it doesn't always end badly. There is more to my life than just sacrificing everything for you gods. I am grateful that I'm alive, but that's only because of Percy. I would have been long dead in Tartarus, my body never found, if he hadn't jumped in after me."

I did not speak for some time, but anger was radiating away from my body.

"My relationship with you is exactly as it should be," was all I said in reply. "Mother knows best."

"Oh, are you Rapuzel's evil step-mother now?" Percy just retorted. My eyebrows furrowed in disgust. What?

His face flushed pink when the idiot finally realized that his words were inappropriate.

"Sorry, I was watching a lot of Disney princess movies with my new baby sister, Estelle."

"I suggest you leave now, Athena," my daughter told me.

"I would advise you all to close your eyes," I said, directing my words to two mortals in the room. In a billionth of a second, I showed my true divine powers and flashed myself out of the room.

How is it that my own daughter talks to and treats me in such a way? I am the goddess of wisdom, I do not make errors. But have I truly pushed her away?

I sat alone in my sacred area on Olympus when I suddenly heard a pair of feet walking in my direction.

"Uncle, I'm truly not in the mood right now," I said to Poseidon who was walking my way.

"I know what happened right now between you and Annabeth. I know you think this isn't your fault."

"Then this isn't really much of a discussion now is it? Case closed. You can leave now."

"But it is your fault," he told me. I snapped my head over to him, my anger over taking me.

"Have you really come all this way to rub this mockery on me?"

"No, Athena, when will you ever see that now that Percy and Annabeth are in a relationship, I will make an effort to make things better with you. I care about my son and his happiness."

"Are you saying I don't care about my children, Poseidon? Because—"

"Yes, Athena, I am. You hardly ever show that you have any interest in them other than when you want something. Remember the Second Titan War? Do you even remember why that had even begun?"

"That's easy for you to say Barnacle Beard! You have only sired one child. Your beloved only child. Don't you see that his boy will die soon? Being your child is a curse. He is cursed with your power. He is hunted day and night by monsters. And he will die, just like all the other mortals. And then what will you do? You will have no one. You've placed your love onto a target painted red."

Poseidon didn't speak. I knew my words were harsh, but they were true. We were immortals. Even if we have so many children, none ever last. What is the point of loving them?

"I know my son will die, but, till then, I'm proud to call myself his father. At least he loves me back," he said softly, pain evidently present in his eyes. "I know he will die but, until then, I will try to help him. I will be there for him. I have failed him in the past, but no longer."

"Just leave Poseidon. This is different for me. I have many children. None of them have had their spot for glory like yours."

"Do you really think so lowly of me? That I wouldn't care for my child if he hadn't been the leader of these wars and if he hadn't accomplished what he had? Percy is my son. That's all he is to me. The other gods may see him as a warrior, but to me? He is just my son. I ask for nothing more. That's the difference between you and I."

The god of the seas had left at that, leaving me alone. I struggle with putting my love and trust into a mortal. In a couple of years, Annabeth and Percy would be nothing but a memory. A tale of bravery and loyalty to be told to the next generation of heroes. Poseidon will have his heart broken then.

But I?

I don't even know what I'll have because, right now, I have nothing.