I don't have a lot to say here today. But, since this story is a bit short I will include the last two stories in the same story. Enjoy!
WORDS OF THE DIVINE
STORY # 4: A DEBT OWED
A short story set towards the end of The Lightning Thief
What exactly is my brother's game? Hades thought after the Sea Perls Spirited away his intruders. What exactly did he think that he would accomplish?
It made little sense. First, he sent his son and his two friends right to his doorstep. Then gave them the tools to escape 'if things got too rough.' Which meant that Perseus and his friends ended up accomplishing very little. They just ended up running at the first sign of trouble. Utterly pathetic. But also infuriating. For Hades knew his brother better than this. He knew that there was more to this game then what met the eye. Poseidon would not send him his precious son without a reason. He would not risk the boy's life without a plan. No, there was more to this than met the eye. Poseidon was up to something. Scheming something. He couldn't figure out what that was.
Still, this was almost what he wanted. He wanted to capture the boy to force him to give up the bolt. Then he would have killed the boy and returned the darned thing to Zeus. For as he told Perseus, he did not want either of his brothers' domains. They could have it. He has far too much going on down here to even bother. Humanity's population had exploded in the last century or two. Now, there were so many dying at a rate that he could barely keep up with. Plus, there were rumblings of trouble from Tartarus. Ancient enemies were stirring. He had too much on his plate. His forces were stretched thin. He did not need extra burden. He did not want their domains. He just wanted to right the scales agains
It was funny how the boy protested his innocence while possessing the very bolt that he claimed not to have. For a second Hades almost believed him. The boy was quite sincere. He believed every word that he said. His anger at being accused was quite genuine as well. In that way, he was most like his father. Prideful and arrogant. No, Perseus Jackson believed that he didn't steal the Lightning Bolt. He was even shocked when he found it in his backpack. He did not know that it was there. That was real, not faked.
Which ended being the most interesting part of the story: Perseus Jackson didn't know that he had the Lightning Bolt. Which would suggest that he was perhaps, not the thief after all. And instead was the patsy sent to carry it. If that was true, then why was he sent here? Did Poseidon think that this would somehow save him? Or was this someone else's game?
He thought about it for a bit. This wasn't Poseidon's style. He would never play with one of his children's lives so frivolously. Particularly one as young Perseus. His pearls proved that. That was his backup plan incase things went south and his son got into trouble. For him, the only thing more precious than his pride was his children. He would never frame his children for a crime that they did not commit. Nor would he use him as a gopher. That was not the kind of father that he was. No, he would jealously guard the boy. As proved by the gift of the pearls. Poseidon fully intended to protect his son. He would never play him for a fool.
That would suggest that the boy spoke the truth. That he didn't steal Zeus's Lightning Bolt or his Helm. And he didn't know who did. He was played for a fool. Which begged the question: Who did? Who was using Perseus Jackson as a escape goat and what was their true aim? He thought about it for a while: If it wasn't Poseidon and it definitely wasn't Zeus, then who was it? Who would gain from the brothers fighting each other? What did they hope to accomplish by sending this boy to his palace?
He decided to look at what would have happened if Percy hadn't gotten away. It was obvious, Hades would have killed the boy. Which would have enraged his brother, Poseidon. But would have made his brother, Zeus, happy. For he would have returned the Bolt to it's owner. Afterwards he would told him that Percy was the thief. Which would have set Zeus upon Poseidon. Then there would have been war. A terrible three way war that would have left them all weakened and ripe for takeover. The more he thought about it the more it became clear: Someone was trying to force the brothers to fight each other. But who was it?
There was disturbance on the surface. A fight between Ares and Poseidon's whelp had broken out. Something that he normally would have never noticed. But his Furies were nearby, watching the boy. They found his helm. IT WAS ON ARES' HEAD! Rage bubbled up from inside. He screamed the name of the god who dared to steal his helm! Hades would not soon forget this insult. He would get his helm back. His nephew better be wary, for he would find him.
The fight ended with young Jackson being the victor. He stole the helm back from Ares. Then he did something that Hades could not believe: He gave him back his helm. Just as he promised to do. Perseus Jackson kept his word. Something that his uncle did not believe that he would do. After all, why would he help him? They were not father and son. They had no bond. Nor had he sworn on the River Sticks. He had no reason to keep his word. If anything Percy had more than enough reason to spite him. Hades would expect him to go out of his way to defy him. It's what he would expect for a son of Poseidon. Yet, that was not what he did. It was very unusual behavior indeed.
It made him believe that the boy spoke the truth. That he had nothing to do with the thefts. That was he was innocent of all charges. And that Zeus had gone overboard again. He didn't make sure that the boy was guilty before making accusations. Making Hades' treatment of Percy that much more ridiculous. Percy had done nothing to warrant his treatment. He drove the boy to his domain. He forced him to go on a quest that he need not complete. He was just as guilty as Zeus. He let his anger cloud his judgement. The boy could not help being born. That was Poseidon's sin, not his. Just because he was born of sin didn't mean that he was automatically guilty. It doesn't matter how a life is born or who it is born to. What matters is what they do with that gift. Hades had forgotten that. Perhaps, he had spent too much time mired in death to remember that lesson. Perseus may yet prove worthy of that gift. Only time would tell if that would happen. For now, Hades would reserve judgement. It was the least that he could do. It was the least that he could do.
He could also return to the boy what was stolen from him. Hades took his mother as punishment for his crimes and to make the boy come to him. Sally had done nothing wrong. He had no reason to take her beyond punishment for the boy. Since he had been proven to be not guilty then this he had no right to hold her anymore. He could not keep the living. Only the dead. She had to be returned. It was only right. He owed Perseus Jackson a debt of gratitude. That could not be ignored. Even if he didn't like the brat or the fact that he was born.
So, he released her. Returned her to her apartment that shared with her lout of a husband. He knew all about him. For his death was fast approaching. Soon, he would be joining Hades in his realm. Then he would get the punishment that deserved. Down to Tartarus he would go. Cursed to enjoy all of eternity to suffer horribly. As was the fate of all the damned. Hades would await him. For everyone always eventually visited the Lord of the Dead.
WORDS OF THE DIVINE
STORY # 5: Son of a Sea God
A story set at the end of The Lightning Thief
Meeting Percy for the second time was an experience. He had a lot more sass than his father remembered. The last time that Poseidon had seen his son in person was when he was a baby. Babies don't talk back. They don't argue. They don't tell you that you're wrong. Like children do. They can't. They haven't developed the power of speech yet. Clearly, Perseus grasped that concept very well. What he didn't grasp was the importance of a filter. A common problem among demigods. They just had to get themselves into trouble.
To be fair Poseidon didn't mind Percy's antics. It reminded him of himself. Percy was passionate, opinionated, and so very bad at taking orders. He just had to question everything. He didn't understand why the grownups said no. And that meant a great deal to the boy. What he experienced in Hades' domain was very disturbing. That threat was very real. He didn't understand why he had to drop it. If he could then his father would have explained it. But that would make things worse. Zeus did not take kindly to being ignored. It was not wise to discuss this further in his house. He did not feel like dealing with the wrath of Zeus right now. So, it was best to drop it. Leave it open for another day. For that issue would come up again.
Poseidon did not doubt his son's words. He saw something horrible rising from the pit. Something that could destroy the gods themselves. He felt it's rage and it's power. His instincts were correct: It was Kronos, King of the Titans and Percy's grandfather. If he was rising then this was not good. Poseidon would have to ready. For war was coming whether they wanted it or not. It was coming. Now was not the time to fight amongst each other. It was time to stand together or fall. It was too risky right now to push Zeus too far. So, Poseidon would give him what he wanted then deal with it quietly on his own. Prepare his domain for war. Zeus be dammed. He had to be ready. He just couldn't tell Percy that. It was better that he didn't know.
Poseidon had ensure that Percy was ready for war too. For they would need his son's help in the upcoming war. Perseus had to prepared. He needed to get stronger. So much stronger. As he was now, he would be useless in the coming battle. He barely understood how to use his powers. Sure, what he accomplished was impressive, but it was not enough. Not against his Grandfather at least. Percy would need to be a hundred times stronger. Poseidon intended to ensure that he gained that power. His father planned to send his son on as many quests as he could. That way he would build the knowledge and the strength that he needed to succeed. It might also suggest as to what he might do when he turned sixteen.
This was certainly not what Poseidon wanted for his son. He hated risking his children like this. He was not a cruel god. He did not enjoy pain. Particularly the pain of his children. He loved them dearly. If he could he would shelter them from harm. Alas, that was not the heroes fate. They had to risk their lives for Olympus! There was no other choice. Particularly, in times like this. Percy would have to face death over and over again. There was no other way. Otherwise, he would either die or make the wrong choice. That was the last thing that his father wanted. It had to be prevented at all costs.
His father knew that Percy would not appreciate being used very much. Not that he blamed him. No one likes to be used. Mortals even less so. Their lives are so short and fleeting. They didn't want to spend it fighting off monsters and doing the gods' dirty work. Yet, that was his fate. He could not escape it. He could only rise to challenge and prove himself worthy. Which Poseidon had little doubt that he would. He was so damned proud of that boy that he could burst. It had been a long time since one of his sons had such potential. Percy was honest, humble, and powerful. His father honestly did not know what he did to deserve a boy like him. Percy was proving to be so much like his name sake. He might even make it to he was old and gray. Not all of his siblings were that lucky. Poseidon hoped that Percy did not share their fate. For he loved his son. Even if they still kept each other at arm's length. He wanted him to survive.
So far Percy was shaping up to be his favorite son. He was so much like his father that it was ridiculous. Hell how he pissed off his uncle was just like him. It was precious. Zeus deserved it. He was kind of an ass. He had no proof. No evidence that Percy was guilty. Only a 'feeling' that the boy was guilty. He shouldn't have accused him until he had proof. Which he would have never gotten. Since Poseidon never sent his son on that quest. He didn't want his power. And he wasn't angling to humiliate him. He made a point not to steal the weapons of other gods. Zeus should have known that. Yet, somehow, he didn't care. That hadn't gotten past Poseidon. He knew that his brother had no proof all along. This shame was all his own. He didn't need help from anyone. His brother made an ass of himself and Poseidon loved it! It wouldn't stop him from trying something like that again, but it was still priceless. It almost made up for everything that happened. Almost, but not really. He would not soon forget the insult, the insinuations, and the attempt on his son's life.
His son.
His son was understandably angry at both at his uncle and at his father. Percy tried to hide it, but he forgot that Poseidon was a god. He could sense his rage bubbling up from underneath the surface. He could see how hurt he was. He wasn't there for his son. He was angry about that. He didn't understand that he was there for him. Not in a human sense at least. Then again Poseidon was not human. He couldn't spend every waking moment with his children. He had too much to do. Too much to manage. Plus, Percy had an army of brothers and sisters that he didn't even know about. Even if none of them were mortal. His father couldn't pour all of his attention on one child. It wasn't fair to the others. Poseidon had to be neutral when it came to his children. He could not favor one over another. Even if that child was secretly his favorite. Alas, his children rarely ever understood that. They just wanted more than he could offer. It wasn't fair, but that was the way it was. He could not change that. For Poseidon was not mortal. He could never fill the role that Percy wanted. He could not become mortal. There was no way for that to happen. Gods could not be killed and they could not become mortal. Poseidon would never be the dad that his son so desperately wanted. There was no way. He was what he was. He could not change that. No matter how much he tried. His son will have to come to terms with that one day. Or else they were never going to have a good relationship.
Poseidon may be a god but he was not perfect. He made mistakes. Like telling Percy that he was mistake. He was but that that did not mean that he wasn't wanted or loved. Children often take things the wrong way. Mortal children even more so. He loved Perseus. As he loved all of his children. It didn't matter that he was a mistake or not. More than half of his children were born of a mistake. That did not make them unwanted or unloved. He wanted all of his children. Not just some of them. There was no way in Hades that he was going to leave Perseus to his fate. That was not in his nature. He would protect his son no matter what. He would even go to war for his son. It was his duty as his father. Hell, he almost did already. The boy just didn't realize it. It was better that way anyway. His father didn't want him to think of such unpleasantness.
Honestly, Poseidon didn't really know how to interact with his son. It had been years since he had a mortal son. And in that time the world had changed greatly. Children were different now. His son was no exception. They expected different things from their fathers. They no longer understood the concept of a godly-father. Or how it differed from an earthy-one. That Poseidon could never become as involved in his son's life as a mortal father. Both his nature and celestial law forbade it. Instead, Poseidon's role in Percy's life would be a bit different. He would support him from afar. Watch and provide guidance from time-to-time. Then offer his assistance and power when needed. All he need do is ask. That would be his role. In time, Percy would understand this. Maybe even accept it. If he didn't then the consequences may be grave. For the life of demigod was often short and violent. They needed the help of the gods if they wanted to survive. His children were no exception to that rule. His son needed to learn this quickly or else it would all end in disaster. That was the last thing that Poseidon wanted.
There was one other issue: The Prophecy. It foretold that a child of the elder gods would make a decision what would either save Olympus or raze it. It was foretold that this would happen on that child's sixteenth birthday. Which was still a few years away. He did not know if the Prophecy referred to Percy or not, but he couldn't take the chance it didn't. He had to prepare Perseus. He had to test him. He had to find out what kind of man he will be. That way Poseidon could be clued in to what kind of choice he may make. As well as whether or not he would remain loyal to the gods. That was a detail that could not be overlooked. It was possible that Percy would turn on the gods. Damming them all to oblivion. His father refused to believe that a son of his would do that, but he could not silence the voice of doubt. His children had turned out badly before. This one could be no different. Right now Poseidon had no way to tell. He just had to wait and see. For he was not going to harm his son unless he had no other choice. That was not what a good father does. Still, it gave him pause.
For Zeus was right about one thing: If a child of the Elder Gods were to go rogue then there would be trouble. Poseidon, Zeus, and Hades all brimmed with power. They naturally tended to give their children more of it than other gods. They couldn't help it. They just had so much to give that even a small fraction of it could be devastating. Their children had to be kept in check. If they got too out of control then it would all be over. Poseidon knew this all too well. If Percy got out of control then he may have to end his life. Which was the last thing that he wanted to do. He abhorred such things. He did not harm his children. Not unless he had no other choice. He hoped that Percy never made it necessary to take that step.
Poseidon would do anything to ensure that it never becomes a necessity. He would guide Percy from afar. Teach him how to be a demigod. Show him how much he cared. Entreat him to remain by his father's side. That way when the time came Percy would make the right choice. He would save Olympus and prove that his naysayers wrong. He would prove that he was worthy to be a son of a Sea God.
Alright, that is it for today. I hope you enjoyed the two stories!
