Athanasios Perseus Apollyon - The Forgotten Tide

Chapter 22: Hydlona to the Trojan War: Messages from Atlantis and Beyond

Percy's POV

The waters around Hydlona shimmered with the vibrancy of life. Schools of fish darted between the coral reefs, and the city itself pulsed with the rhythm of a thriving metropolis. It had been years since my last encounter with the gods of Olympus, years spent fortifying and expanding the city, ensuring that it would remain a stronghold beneath the waves. My friends—Aegon, Thalossios, Kyra, Melia, and Zerek—stood by my side, loyal as ever, their bond with me unbroken by time or trials.

Life in Hydlona had settled into a steady, almost peaceful rhythm, but the tranquil facade was shattered when messengers began arriving from Atlantis, bringing news that unsettled me deeply.

The first message was from my family in Atlantis. My sisters, Malia, Kymopoleia, Rhode, and Avani, all sent their regards, but their words carried an undercurrent of concern. Malia, now engaged to a powerful sea god from the Norse pantheon, spoke of rising tensions between the Olympians and other pantheons. Kymopoleia, ever the stormy one, warned of brewing conflicts, while Rhode mentioned whispers of discord among the gods. Avani, now married to a Hindu god, expressed unease about the shifting alliances and the rumors of war.

Their messages hinted at a world on the brink of chaos, and I could sense the weight of their words pressing down on me. The news from Atlantis was troubling, but what concerned me more was the subtle reminder of my estranged marriage to Artemis. The bond between us, never strong to begin with, had only grown more distant with time. Our marriage, forced upon us by the gods, had become a mere formality—a title without substance.

Despite the turmoil around me, I had tried to bury my feelings about the marriage, focusing instead on my duties as king. But the messages from my sisters served as a stark reminder that my marriage was far from over. It lingered like a shadow, a constant reminder of the tangled web of alliances and enmities that I could not escape.

The next wave of messages came not from my family, but from messengers bearing news of a conflict that would soon engulf the world. The Trojan War was beginning, and the gods were already choosing sides.

The messengers spoke of Paris of Troy, the fateful judgment that sparked the war, and the gathering forces from both sides. The Greeks, led by Agamemnon, were amassing a formidable army, while Troy, under King Priam, prepared for a siege. The war was poised to be one of the greatest conflicts the world had ever seen, and the gods themselves were taking an active interest in its outcome.

As the news spread, I found myself at a crossroads. My connection to the world above was tenuous at best, and I had no love for the petty squabbles of mortals. Yet, I could not ignore the significance of the war. It would reshape the world, and the gods would be deeply involved, their influence shaping the course of history.

For now, I chose to remain neutral. Hydlona was my priority, and the safety and well-being of its people came first. The war, while important, was not my concern—at least not yet.

But neutrality came with its own challenges. As the war escalated, messengers continued to arrive, urging me to take a side. Some came from the Greeks, seeking my support for their cause, while others arrived from Troy, imploring me to defend their city. Even the gods began to weigh in, each seeking to sway my allegiance.

Aegon, ever the voice of reason, urged caution. "The war is not ours to fight," he reminded me as we stood on the balcony overlooking Hydlona. "Our duty is to our people. Let the gods and mortals wage their battles."

Thalossios, always the strategist, agreed. "If we involve ourselves, we risk drawing Hydlona into a conflict that could destroy everything we've built."

But Kyra, with her fiery spirit, was less certain. "The gods will not allow us to remain neutral forever," she warned. "Eventually, they will force our hand."