Athanasios Perseus Apollyon - The Forgotten Tide

Chapter 17: A Trial on Olympus

Percy's POV

The grandeur of Olympus's hall, with its towering columns and glittering gold accents, seemed almost suffocating today. Each deity's throne loomed over the space, as if the very air was heavy with divine judgment. Zeus sat at the center, his face a mask of wrath and authority. Around him were the elder gods, including the cold, calculating Athena and the proud Artemis, flanked by the ever-imposing Hera and the stoic Hades. The tension was palpable, each deity's gaze fixed intently on me.

I stood in the center of the hall, feeling the collective weight of their scrutiny. The accusations were serious: my interference in Heracles' labors. I had been summoned to explain, and I knew that my defense would need to be compelling.

"Perseus, Son of Poseidon," Zeus's voice boomed, echoing through the chamber, "you are here to answer for your actions during Heracles' trials. Explain your reasons for interfering."

I took a deep breath, meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve. "I intervened because Heracles, consumed by his rage, was about to commit a grievous injustice. He was attacking Zoe Nightshade, a daughter of Atlas, without cause. As a god, I could not stand by and allow such an act of violence to go unchallenged."

Zeus's eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. "Heracles was not in his right mind. His actions were driven by Hera's curse. You had no right to interfere in the trials set for him."

"Perhaps," I countered, "but does that justify allowing him to harm innocents? If we, as gods, are to maintain any sense of order and justice, we cannot stand by while one of our own commits such atrocities."

A murmur of voices rippled through the assembly of gods. Some were nodding in agreement, while others looked displeased. Athena leaned forward, her expression one of disdain. "Perseus, while your intentions may have been noble, your actions were reckless. Heracles' trials are not to be tampered with, regardless of the circumstances. You've disrupted the balance and questioned the authority of Olympus."

I felt a pang of frustration at her words. "And what of the balance of justice? Is it not our duty to ensure that divine justice is upheld, even if it means intervening in mortal affairs?"

Athena's eyes flashed with irritation. "You dare question my judgment, Perseus? You think yourself so wise, but your actions show nothing but arrogance. The gods have their order, and your interference is a threat to that order."

Her tone was condescending, her arrogance clear. "You are not as infallible as you believe yourself to be. The gods have set the trials for a reason, and you are not above the laws that govern us all."

Before I could respond, Hera spoke up, her voice calm but authoritative. "Perseus's actions, while bold, were not without merit. Heracles' behavior had reached a point where intervention was necessary. We cannot afford to ignore the plight of the innocent."

Zeus shot Hera a sharp look, but she remained unyielding. "Yet, Perseus, your interference cannot go unpunished. The council must address the disruption you've caused."

I met her gaze with gratitude, understanding the precariousness of my position. "I accept responsibility for my actions, but I stand by my choice. I acted to protect those who could not protect themselves."

Athena's expression grew colder. "Your actions may have been driven by a sense of justice, but they have revealed a disturbing arrogance. You wield great power, and with that power comes the responsibility to respect the divine order. Your behavior is a threat to the very fabric of Olympus."

Zeus's gaze returned to me, his voice filled with frustration. "We must take action, Perseus. Your interference challenges the authority of Olympus, and we cannot allow that to go unchecked."