Percy Jackson, New Beginnings

Chapter XXV

Poseidon listened to the meeting with rapt attention, at first feeling proud for the accomplishments of his son, Xander, as of course, he had managed to catch the other that was, unfortunately, his other son. But as he sat and listened a weird feeling descended upon him, as if a cloud had been lifted. The longer he thought, the more he realized the irrational anger that he had been displaying, as well as a deep love and sense of loss for Perseus. These feelings were those he hadn't felt in years, and as they flooded back into his system, Poseidon realized the worst question of all, why did he think Xander was his son? he has had no children since Percy. 

As the other gods and goddesses sat in awe of Hestia as her surprisingly intimidating aura permeated through the council chamber, Poseidon slowly stood to his feet. A sudden intake of breath was heard from the majority gathered, as they watching him walk slowly to face Percy, who all the while was still in the centre of the room. 

Percy, who now fully focused on his father, analysed every one of his movements, in the case that Poseidon might finally decide to stroke him down. But there was something different in the god that now stood before him. His eyes seemed clearer than before, something that Percy hadn't picked up until the change occurred. yet, there was one thing that stood out the most, and that was the love. Love, which was shining through Poseidon in an unconditional love that a father should feel for his son. And this was the sign that Percy knew meant his father had returned, and once again saw his son. 

His tense stance relaxed and only curiosity remained. As father and son stared at each other, deciphering hidden feelings and messages the rest watched on, believing in a fight to be upon them. hestia and Artemis especially stood at the ready, to protect Percy against what his father might do. 

Yet, this was unnecessary as in the next moment, after a nod, Poseidon swung and pointed his powerful trident on Xander. Simultaneously, Percy had shifted with teeth bared. 

'Who are you, imposter?" Poseidon growled, not paying any attention to the shock that rippled throughout the chamber as he held the trident to the neck of his so-called son. Percy stood at the ready to attack Annabeth if she in any way attempted to aid in Xander's escape.

Xander, who till this moment seemed to be a snotty demigod shifted. he shifted in an almost imperceptible way, yet suddenly each and every god sat on edge in their seats. A wave of power flew through the room, sending shivers down their back with the pure malicious intent that now loomed throughout. 

"Well, well, well. It seems that my spell has broken," 'Xander' smirked, not in the least worried of the trident so close to ending his life. "You took your time Poseidon, I almost believed that you would break through earlier, as you were the hardest to get under my thrall," and with that, the eyes cleared of all the Olympians, excluding Artemis and Hestia.

Now realisation cam to each and every one of them. Memories of heroic deeds, kind words, and compassionate action came flooding back. Perseus returned to their minds, as the hero they all knew him to be. 

But with this revelation came the more frightening thought, that something, someone, was powerful enough to turn them all against the hero, and this being was here for a nefarious purpose. 

"Ah I see you're are all now free, except you two women, somehow I was unable to capture your minds, and I didn't even attempt to influence Hades as none of you would have believed anything he had said anyway, as he knows all too well. " everyone lurched for their weapons. 

But before anyone could act, as quick as lightning, Xander stepped back from the trident, took a patronising bow and disappeared leaving behind only the echoing of a terrifying chuckle, that rang deep in their very souls. 

Not a single being moved. 

Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed. 

I own nothing but the plot. 

Also announcement, I am posting a new story as well, so check it out! It's called  "Without Bounds". This story will also have slow updates yet I have an entire plot worked out so it will be only a matter of phrasing and posting, I hope you will enjoy! 

-Gaiaraven