Athanasios Perseus Apollyon - The Forgotten Tide

Chapter 1: The Proclamation of the Sea's Heir

The grand halls of Olympus stood in solemn anticipation, the air thick with tension as the gods prepared to convene. Only six thrones occupied the vast council chamber-Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. These elder gods, the original rulers of the cosmos, held dominion over the world, their power undisputed. Yet today, a new force would be introduced into their midst, and it was this that had summoned them together.

Poseidon ascended the steps to the council chamber, the weight of the ocean behind each stride. The sea god, resplendent in his emerald and azure robes, carried with him a presence that seemed to drag the saltwater air into the room. His trident, a symbol of his might, gleamed with the reflected light of the sun, yet there was a tempest behind his calm facade. He was here to announce the birth of his son, Perseus-an heir to the sea and a new godling destined for greatness.

As he entered, the doors of the chamber swung open with a groan that echoed like the roar of distant waves. The council chamber, bathed in the golden light of eternal day, was dominated by the six thrones. At the center of them sat Zeus, his throne a mountainous construct of gold and ivory, crowned with the crackling fury of ever-present lightning. His eyes, blue as the stormy sky, fixed on Poseidon with an intensity that could burn through mortal souls.

To his right, Hera, queen of the gods, held herself with the cold dignity of a sovereign. Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, observed with a calm serenity, though her eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and caution. On Zeus's left, the shadows deepened around Hades, whose dark robes seemed to draw in the light, leaving his throne half-concealed in mystery. His expression was unreadable, as cold and distant as the underworld he ruled. Finally, Hestia, the goddess of the hearth, radiated a gentle warmth, her presence a soft glow amidst the harsh powers that filled the room.

Poseidon stepped forward, his every movement causing the ground to tremble as though the very earth recognized the power he wielded. He stopped at the center of the chamber, raising his trident slightly, causing the air to ripple with the energy of the oceans. When he spoke, his voice was deep and resonant, like the rolling tides.

"Brothers, sisters," Poseidon began, his voice carrying the weight of the deep. "I bring news of great joy. My son, Perseus, has been born. He is of the sea, and his destiny is to join us as a god of Olympus."

There was a pause as the announcement hung in the air, and for a moment, the only sound was the distant rumble of thunder outside the hall. Hestia smiled warmly, and Demeter gave a nod of approval. Even Hades's eyes flickered with interest, though his face remained impassive. But Zeus, as Poseidon had expected, did not share in the celebration.

Zeus's eyes darkened, and the sky outside the chamber began to churn with storm clouds. His voice, when he spoke, was a low growl, filled with suspicion and a barely concealed fury. "A son, Poseidon? Another god born of the sea, another power added to our ranks. What place do you intend for this child?"

Poseidon's gaze met Zeus's without flinching, though the air between them seemed to hum with tension. "Perseus is my son, born of Amphitrite, destined to be a god of the sea. His place is here, among us, when he is ready."

Zeus stood from his throne, the motion causing the very air to crackle with electricity. "And you expect him to join our council, to sit among us as an equal? The Olympian throne is not so easily gained, Poseidon."

The tension in the room mounted, and the storm outside grew more violent. Poseidon's grip on his trident tightened, the seas responding to his rising anger. But before he could speak, Hades shifted in his seat, drawing attention to himself with a subtle display of his own power. Shadows pooled around his feet, creeping up the throne like tendrils of darkness, and the temperature in the room dropped noticeably.

"Zeus," Hades said, his voice a deep, resonant tone that echoed with the weight of the underworld. "We cannot demand oaths from a child who has yet to prove himself. Perseus is but a newborn. His destiny is not for us to dictate."

Zeus turned to face Hades, his expression darkening further. But Hades did not back down; instead, he leaned forward slightly, and the shadows around him seemed to pulse with an ominous energy. "Remember, brother," Hades continued, "the Fates have not spoken of his path. To force him into an oath now would be to court disaster."

The atmosphere grew heavier, the chamber dimming as if a storm were brewing within it. Poseidon could feel the pull of Hades's power, the cold certainty of death that accompanied him wherever he went. But before Zeus could respond, Hestia stepped forward, her gentle warmth cutting through the tension like a beacon of light.

"Peace, brothers," Hestia said, her voice soothing and calm. She raised her hand, and with it, a wave of warmth spread through the chamber, dispelling the shadows and calming the turbulent air. The hearth fire that burned eternally at the center of the room flared brightly, casting a comforting glow over the gods.

"We must not let fear guide our decisions," Hestia continued, her eyes soft and kind. "Perseus is a child, innocent and unknowing of the world's burdens. Let him grow, learn, and find his place in time. We can judge his worth when he is ready."

Zeus's gaze flicked between Hades and Hestia, the storm in his eyes slowly receding. The power struggle was clear-Poseidon had allies in the room, powerful ones, and Zeus knew that pushing further would only create more division.

"Very well," Zeus said, though his voice still carried the weight of unspoken threats. "We shall wait. But know this, Poseidon: I will be watching. And should your son prove a threat to Olympus, I will act. And you will stand with me."

Poseidon's eyes narrowed, the sea behind them churning with restrained power. "I have always acted in the best interests of Olympus, Zeus," he replied, his voice firm. "Perseus is my son, and I will guide him as any father would. But know this-if you seek to harm him unjustly, you will have to face the wrath of the sea."

The room seemed to darken once more as Poseidon's words hung in the air, the tension between the brothers palpable. The ground beneath the chamber rumbled slightly, a subtle reminder of the power Poseidon held. Zeus, sensing the shift, took a deep breath and stepped back, letting the tension ease.

"Let it be so," Zeus said finally, his tone still laced with suspicion. "The council is adjourned."
As the other gods began to depart, Poseidon felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Hades, his expression as inscrutable as ever. "Your son is strong, Poseidon," Hades said quietly. "But remember, strength alone is not enough. The Fates are watching, and they are not always kind."
Hestia approached as well, her warmth a welcome contrast to the chill left by Hades. "Have faith, Poseidon," she said gently. "Perseus will find his place in time. And when he does, he will be all the stronger for it."

Poseidon nodded, grateful for their support, though the weight of the day's events still bore down on him. As he left the council chamber, the echoes of Zeus's words followed him like a shadow. But within him, the sea roared with determination. Perseus would grow strong, and when the time came, he would claim his place among the gods-no matter what challenges lay ahead.