Athanasios Perseus Apollyon - The Forgotten Tide

Chapter 13: Reunions at The Library of Pontus

Chapter: The Library of PontusPercy's POV

The Library of Pontus was a sacred place, a sanctuary hidden in the depths of the ocean where time seemed to stand still. Ancient texts lined the shelves, each one a treasure trove of knowledge, wisdom, and history. It was here that I found solace, surrounded by the silent whispers of the past and the endless possibilities of the future.

The library was vast, a labyrinth of corridors and chambers filled with scrolls, tomes, and tablets. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings of sea creatures and ancient gods, a testament to the library's age and significance. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and saltwater, a combination that never failed to calm my mind.

Today, I was deep in the recesses of the library, studying a particularly old tome on oceanic currents and their influence on weather patterns. The knowledge within these pages was invaluable, a glimpse into the workings of the world that few had ever seen. As I turned the pages, I felt a sense of connection to the ancient scholars who had penned these words, their thoughts and discoveries preserved through time.

My concentration was interrupted by a sudden disturbance at the entrance to the library. The heavy wooden doors were flung open with a force that echoed through the halls, and I looked up to see a figure storming in. Athena, now an Olympian, was striding purposefully toward me, her expression a mixture of determination and irritation.

She approached with her usual air of authority, her spear clutched tightly in one hand. "Percy," she called out, her voice carrying through the cavernous space. "I demand access to the personal tomes in this library."

I closed the book I was reading and stood to face her. "Athena," I greeted her calmly, though my eyes narrowed slightly at her tone. "The personal tomes are not for public access. They contain knowledge that is meant for the Guardians of the Seas alone."

Athena's eyes flashed with anger. "I am an Olympian now. My right to knowledge surpasses any restriction. You cannot deny me access to this library's secrets."

I held her gaze, unwavering. "Olympian or not, the Library of Pontus is governed by its own rules. These tomes hold power and knowledge that must be treated with the utmost care. It is not a matter of rank, but of responsibility."

Athena stepped closer, her expression hardening. "You forget your place, Percy. I am the Goddess of Wisdom and War. Knowledge is my domain."

"And I am the Guardian of the Seas," I replied firmly. "The knowledge in these tomes is not for those who seek power alone. It is for those who understand the weight of such knowledge, who respect its potential to both create and destroy."

Athena's grip on her spear tightened, but she did not advance further. For a moment, we stood in silence, the tension between us palpable. Finally, she seemed to realize that she would not win this argument, not here and not now.

"Very well," she said, her voice cold. "But know this, Percy. You cannot keep these secrets from me forever. The time will come when I will claim what is rightfully mine."

With that, she turned and left, her departure just as forceful as her arrival. The doors of the library closed behind her with a resounding thud, leaving me alone once more in the quiet sanctuary.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Athena's ambition was admirable, but it was also dangerous. She sought knowledge not for its own sake, but for the power it could grant her. That was a path fraught with peril, and I could only hope that she would learn caution before it was too late.

A Reunion of Old Friends

As I returned to my studies, I heard a familiar laugh echoing through the library's halls. My heart lifted at the sound, and I turned to see a group of figures approaching from one of the side corridors. They were older, worn by time and experience, but there was no mistaking them. My old friends, companions from nearly two millennia ago, were here.