(ENG) Lapis the Child of Sea

Chapter Seven: For the Sake of a Child

[Author note: I've noticed that writing 'brother' word about Hades (and about some other characters) might be confusing. In my native language 'brother' means little brother and also big brother, it's up to how you mentioned it in sentence. I'm ,as how it should, using it as big brother. I don't want to write big brother all the time because it looks weird to my eyes. So please accept it like that. Thank you.]

The more he thought about it, the more stressed Poseidon became. When he shared with David the idea of Hecate investigating again, David couldn't answer him immediately. His silence scared Poseidon even more. He didn't know what was going through David's mind. He broke the silence and asked him directly what he was thinking about it. "Well... Lady Hecate might try that. Lapis is older now, so Lapis could talk to her about it. And over time we have seen its effects on Lapis more clearly, we can talk together about where there might be a problem and work on it. And Lady Hecate..."

As David was speaking, Poseidon unintentionally disconnected from the conversation. As he remembered Kebele's words, he remembered things that supported his worry. David fell silent when Poseidon worry showed on his face. He tapped Poseidon on the shoulder, lightly and pulled him back to his senses. "I don't think there's anything wrong with her trying. The more we can learn, the better for us. Don't worry too much."

"Kebele said it's risky. Why do you think otherwise?" Poseidon wasn't doubting David, of course. He had always trusted him and still doing. But he had a feeling that not even David would be able to ease his worries about this.

"If you'd listened to me, you wouldn't have asked that question." Even though he hadn't been listened to, David repeated himself. "The more we can do and the more we can learn about this, the better it is for us. Okay?" Poseidon whimpered a little. "Lapis isn't going to get hurt, is she?" "We'll be there to make sure she doesn't get hurt. But if you still want to think about it, think about it. We'll talk to Lapis about it later too," David said. He had a feeling that Lapis would be excited about this. Once she knew they could help her, Lapis would accept the offer regardless of the risks.

Poseidon took a deep breath. "All right, I'll try to convince myself." Even as he said this, he realised that he couldn't convince himself. He was in deep thought, trying to consider every possibility. Even at the meeting in Olympus, his mind was elsewhere. He definitely wasn't hearing what was being discussed. Luckily, no one had asked him anything about what was being discussed.

As he left the meeting and was heading to Marilla, Athena stood in his way. "Don't shout and just tell me how Lapis is." Although Lapis sent her a letter saying she was well, Athena couldn't convince herself. She was afraid to go and see Lapis in person, and every time she dared, something came up. Now that she had caught Poseidon, she wanted to ask how Lapis was doing, even if she was going to be scolded.

Poseidon's lack of interest in the meeting and his thoughtful expression caused Athena to worry. Of course, he never paid attention to the meetings, but today he had something else on his mind. He was only physically attending the meeting, his mind was completely elsewhere.

"You were lucky Lapis intervened that day," Poseidon murmured. If Lapis hadn't come, he would have been more angry with Athena and would have taken all his anger out on her. Only Chaos knew what would happen to Hermes who was stuck between them. Maybe he would get his part in the anger of Poseidon while trying to separate the two.

Athena took a tired breath. "I just want to know how she's doing, not talk about that day." Poseidon looked at Athena before saying anything. Athena was looking as worried as he was. "Lapis is fine. She's practising what you taught her and has started taking sword lessons. Is that enough?" Athena breathed a sigh of relief. "I haven't had a chance to reply to her letter, but she can write to me whenever she wishes. If I may ask..." Athena fell silent, thinking she had gone too far. "Don't overstep your bounds," Poseidon said. "I am still very angry with you."