Athanasios Perseus Apollyon - The Forgotten Tide

Chapter 2: Growing Up in the Depths

Perseus grew quickly, his childhood marked by the endless blue expanse of the ocean and the shimmering lights of Atlantis. The city, a marvel of ancient architecture and divine craftsmanship, was a place of wonder for the young godling. As the heir to the sea, Perseus was not just another child of the deep—he was revered, respected, and watched closely by all who lived beneath the waves.

Atlantis was more than just a city; it was a kingdom, an empire stretching across the depths of the ocean. Built from coral, precious stones, and metals found deep within the earth, the city glittered like a jewel on the ocean floor. Its towers spiraled upward like the arms of a great sea anemone, and its streets were paved with smooth, luminescent shells. The people of Atlantis, both mortal and divine, were fiercely loyal to Poseidon, and by extension, to Perseus.

From the time he could walk, Perseus was trained in the ways of the sea. His father, Poseidon, took a direct hand in his upbringing, teaching him the ancient arts of controlling the tides, communicating with sea creatures, and wielding the ocean's power. Amphitrite, his mother, instilled in him the wisdom of the sea, teaching him to navigate its currents and understand its ever-changing moods.

But even a godling needs friends, and it was not long before Perseus began to find companions among the children of Atlantis. The children of the generals in the Atlantean Army were some of his first friends. Even though his previous attempts to be befriended by the children of governors, councilmen and women failed due their arrogance. These young demigods, mortals, and Atlanteans were raised in the shadow of war and duty, trained from a young age to be warriors, strategists, and leaders. They were tough, disciplined, and fiercely loyal, but they also had a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood that drew Perseus in.

One of his closest friends was Thalassios, the son of General Nereus, one of the most respected leaders in the Atlantean Army. Thalassios was a strong, confident boy with a quick mind and a fearless attitude. He and Perseus quickly became inseparable, spending their days exploring the coral reefs around Atlantis, sparring in the training grounds, and testing the limits of their abilities.

Another close friend was Kyra, the daughter of General Proteus, a shape-shifter and master of deception. Kyra inherited her father's gift and often used it to play tricks on Perseus and Thalassios. Her transformations were always impressive, whether she became a sleek dolphin, a formidable shark, or a school of tiny fish. But beyond her playful nature, Kyra was fiercely protective of her friends, always ready to stand by their side in battle or in peace.

As they grew older, the three of them were joined by others: Aegon, a skilled swordsman with a quick temper; Melia, a healer with a deep connection to the sea's flora and fauna; and Zarek, a quiet but deadly archer whose arrows never missed their mark. Together, they formed a tight-knit group, bound by their shared upbringing and their loyalty to Atlantis.

Their days were filled with training and adventure. Poseidon often tested Perseus by sending him on missions across the ocean, sometimes to calm a storm threatening a coastal city, other times to retrieve a lost artifact from the depths. His friends accompanied him on these missions, each playing their part in ensuring their success.

One of their first great adventures came when they were still young, not long after Perseus had first begun to wield the trident his father had given him. A massive sea serpent had been terrorizing the outskirts of Atlantis, attacking ships and devouring entire crews. The serpent, a descendant of Typhon, was a creature of immense power and fury, its scales as hard as diamonds and its breath as poisonous as any venom.

Poseidon tasked Perseus with dealing with the creature, a test of his growing abilities and leadership. Perseus accepted the challenge, but he did not go alone. Thalassios, Kyra, Aegon, Melia, and Zarek all volunteered to accompany him, each eager to prove themselves in battle.The journey to the serpent's lair was treacherous, taking them deep into the darkest parts of the ocean where the pressure was immense, and the light was scarce. As they ventured further from Atlantis, the water grew colder, and the sea creatures more hostile. But Perseus and his friends pressed on, their determination unshaken.

When they finally reached the serpent's lair, a massive underwater cave filled with the bones of its victims, the creature emerged with a roar that shook the very foundations of the ocean. The serpent, a leviathan with eyes like molten gold and fangs as long as a grown man's arm, coiled menacingly as it prepared to strike.

The battle that followed was fierce and chaotic. The serpent's tail lashed out with powerful, crushing force, sending waves of water crashing through the cave. Perseus, gripping his trident tightly, moved swiftly to dodge the tail, using the ocean's currents to propel himself out of harm's way.

Thalassios and Aegon flanked the serpent, their swords flashing in the dim light as they aimed for the creature's vulnerable spots. Thalassios struck with precision, each swing of his blade aimed at the serpent's underbelly, while Aegon's sword cleaved through the creature's scales with a fiery determination.

Kyra, ever the trickster, transformed into a sleek dolphin and darted around the serpent, confusing it with her speed and agility. She leaped in and out of the serpent's reach, drawing its attention away from her friends and giving them the opportunity to attack.Zarek, the archer, stood at a safe distance, his keen eyes tracking the serpent's movements. He fired arrows with deadly accuracy, each one striking the creature's exposed scales. The arrows were imbued with the essence of the ocean, and they burst into steam upon impact, causing the serpent to writhe in pain.

Melia, the healer, remained close to her friends, her hands glowing with the soft light of her healing magic. She used her powers to mend wounds and boost the strength of her comrades, ensuring they could continue fighting without faltering.

The serpent's roar grew more desperate as the battle wore on. Its movements became erratic, and its attacks more frantic. Perseus saw an opportunity and signaled to his friends. With a determined look in his eyes, he summoned a powerful wave, directing it with his trident to crash against the serpent. The wave struck with immense force, pushing the creature back and leaving it vulnerable.

Seizing the moment, Thalassios and Aegon charged forward, their swords blazing with divine fire. They struck at the serpent's heart, their combined strength driving their blades deep into its flesh. The creature let out a final, agonized roar as it thrashed wildly, but it was too late. Perseus, with a powerful thrust of his trident, delivered the killing blow, piercing the serpent's heart.The serpent's body convulsed one last time before collapsing into the sand. The cave fell silent, the only sound the gentle lap of water against the rocky walls. Perseus and his friends stood together, their breaths heavy and their bodies weary from the battle.

They had succeeded, and their victory was a testament to their strength and unity. The creature's body was a grim trophy of their hard-fought battle, and as they prepared to return to Atlantis, their spirits were high. Poseidon's test had been passed, and they had proven themselves as capable warriors and loyal friends.

But as they made their way back to Atlantis, Poseidon observed from afar, a proud yet contemplative figure. The battle had shown him that his son and his friends were growing into their roles as defenders of the sea. Yet, Poseidon knew that this was only the beginning. Greater challenges awaited them, and the sea was vast and filled with dangers both known and unknown.The years passed, and Perseus and his friends continued to train and grow, their bond growing stronger with each adventure. They faced new threats, explored uncharted territories, and honed their skills. And as they stood together, facing the challenges of their world, they knew that they were not just children of the sea—they were the future, ready to rise to whatever challenges awaited them.