The council room stood empty except Athena, sitting her throne. Her phase came upon us as she noticed our presence. She scowled at Poseidon. Her flaming eyes forced Poseidon to flinch. He looked away. Athena seemed happy of her results, probably enjoying the game of tormenting Poseidon. Even that, wouldn't quench her rage... I guess, since she is similar to... no, I mustn't be reminded of her now. She looked at me, her eyes sheared my soul open and like my... father, I looked away. I guess the phrase like father, like son is true after all.
For some reason I wanted to run. In Athena presence, my throat burned, my muscles froze, I couldn't move. I truly feared her… sure I was frightened of her but now I can't even describe it any more. My body trembled as she watched me. I watch her every movement in terror.
Hermes, like a miracle of God...Gods, my bad, interrupted the showdown. New air flooded my longs, my lung desperate for it. I held my breath since the initial showdown.
"Athena, where is the council?" Hermes asked.
Granting me some freedom, she turned toward Hermes. "The council is indisposed as in the moment." She said, facing me, "they will return shortly, after certain mattered were... taken care of. And before you ask why stayed behind, well... to put it simply, I am here to prevent that seaman cowering in the corner and his son to from escaping."
"Oh... I see," Said Hermes.
"Well...take a seat Poseidon...mighty Lord of the seas," she said.
Poseidon stood still. He looked at Athena with fear... and maybe a bit of guilt. Like his guilt will save him. Quite ironic really, normally Athena and Poseidon would be at another's throat but now it seems Poseidon holds some fear for Athena... She is the goddess of wisdom. After all, wisdom can be wretched at times.
"Why do you hesitate? You are not on trial, unfortunately "She spat.
Probably holding some sense of pride, he took his seat. Turning back to me, she said, "By now, you should be aware of the current situation... Quite an annoyance, isn't it Perseus."
"What does she want with me? Doesn't she hate me? I don't understand her. Her attitude toward me changed completely to the attitude she had with my poor excuse of a father. If I did not know any better, Athena seemed... excited? For what reason exactly.
"Aware of what exactly, if I may ask?" I said," Since wisdom miss you forte."
"Oh a snarky child, luckily I am in a swell mood or else you would be punished by now."
"Then may I ask why you are so elated?" I said
"Soon... you will receive your answer," said Athena, "... but there are much more important matters to attend to at the moment."
Almost as if were on cue, golden flashes filled the throne room, the council has returned. Apollo, noticing me, walked toward me. Head low, shoulders droop, with a slight limp.
"Percy...I am sorry." Began Apollo.
Noticing his face… slight bruises littered his face, almost as if he got into a fight… Artemis probably got to him first… saddening wasn't it? Speaking of Artemis, I don't see her present. Did Zeus, keep her from the meeting. No… this meeting is more of a formal one. The actual meeting has already taken place, so my judgment is set. Zeus being the god of justice or something along those lines finally did his job right by holding a trail without Artemis present or any bias… or so I guess. Well… that is resolved but I still have some business with Apollo… very impactful business.
"Too late... Apollo," I hissed. Rushing forward, I swung my fist with all my strength, punching Apollo in the stomach. He fell back clutching his stomach. Rage coursed through my entire being. I wish to have him writhe on floor in front of me. Pay back everything he did to me. But what would that solve? The past is set in stone, ungovernable to even the God's except maybe Cronus but he is now back in Tartarus. I walked to the center of the throne room.
The eyes of the Gods fell upon me. I shrugged them off quite used to such pitiful eyes. Apollo hard breaths resonated throughout the room. He stumbled about, his deep, gasping breaths indicating he was out of breath. Eventually he made it to his throne, quite pitiful to be rendered useless by one hit even if he were injured, that was pathetic.
The Olympians returned to their thrones after my little spectacle. Zeus looked, straight at me. His face, neutral almost indifferent. Normally Zeus would be extremely vocal of his emotions no matter how hard he tried. It unnerved me. Strange how I have discovered some hidden part of many God, lately.
I stared straight at him. No body moved, silence permeated through the air. "Perseus... why you are before the council?"
"Don't know... Will you enlighten me, Lord Zeus?"
The meeting is adjourned over the series of incidents that occurred during the victory celebration along with several other matters," said Zeus.
"I see… it would seem I rather occupied that day." I said
Zeus looked straight at me. His eyebrows crunched in curiosity, silent. Unusual of someone of his rather explosive temperament. Why is damn near everyone acting different? Pitiful eyes meet my gaze at every turn. Damn you gods unable to take responsibility for you mistakes.
"Why are you beating around the bush Zeus? You know what happened. Your favorite daughter Artemis took advantage of me. Don't blame it all on Apollo. It is all of you gods damn fault. Always disrupting my life… I only wanted peace, and live a normal life. That is all but shattered. Even now I tremble when I remember when… Damn it… I only want to shut that memory away... I feel like a caged animal unable to escape its iron prison. I want it all to end… this fear, anger, sadness, and betrayal."
"But it will… you will not be punished since you were not at fault. Also, us gods, owe you for your services for Olympus… And Artemis was given the appropriate sentence." Zeus said.
Wait…Artemis was punished. Not me, what will happen now? Will I return to camp like nothing happened? Of course nothing will be the same… This lingering fear hasn't disappeared. At first I thought it was minor panic when met Athena. That same feeling only grew…Even Hestia, triggers that uneasiness. I believe I know why, Women frighten me.
"I see…" I said
"Setting that aside… What do you wish for? We haven't rewarded you for you victories…"
What do I wish for? Only one word came to mind." Peace," I said.
"Then I will grant you your wish… under a series of conditions," Zeus said, "First of all, you will return to protect to Olympus in twelve years when the prophecy takes effect… And secondly, don't plan harm toward gods…. As for you reward, your memories will be wiped, and you demigod heritage along with your powers will be taken away."
I smiled. I should have known there would be strings attached. I have seen it many times. But the offer is quite tempting, any ways. Twelve years of peace is quite a luxury for a demigod. Well… screw it, what do I have to lose?
"I accept," I said,"
"Alright… Athena you know what to do?" said Zeus.
Athena with the gracefully stood up, and in a blinding flash, she became human-sized. As she stood in front of me. Leaning toward me, our fore heads connected. My mind wend blank. Memories of my live flew by, almost as if I pressed a fast forward button. Eventually my memories were all gone, leaving nothing but blackness.
Mornings sure are annoying. Why does school have to be so early in the morning? I slowly slipped out of bed. Not wanting to leave such enticing mattress. Even through my unbearable love, we could not remain together, saying math goodbyes, I left the room. Walking from the hallway, I entered the small living room.
My mother sat on the couch speaking with a blond haired women. Sensing my presence, she looked at me. Her eyes are dark, soothing grey. What a weird eye color? A shiver traveled down my spine. My throat constricted, I could not breath.
Why does she frighten me? Why does she seem so familiar? I want to leave, be away from her.
My mother noticing me said, "Percy... it seems you are finally awake, I know it is a Saturday but you woke up late... it already two in the afternoon. You were in a car accident, so I will cut you some slack"
A loud piercing wail resonated through the room, the blond women attended to the bundle in her arms. It was a child. Why does she have a child? Is it mine... no I would remember something that. She gently calmed the child, hold that child as it were a delicate flower.
"Mom...who is she?" I said.
"Percy... what do you mean? Don't you remember me...Athena? We have been friends since middle school. I heard you were in an accident so I came to visit you..." she said.
"I think I do..." I said.
I don't remember her for some reason. I feel like I should but I feel there is more than I know of her.
"Don't force yourself... I heard you hit your head pretty bad, so don't worry..." she said. She smiled.
"Percy take it easy..." said Sally.
"Ok... but I don't remember that you had I child, Athena," I said.
"I became pregnant a bit before your car accident. It took you about a year to recover. Since it was a delicate pregnancy, I could not visit you till now. And I wanted to tell you about your... daughter..."
I understand now... so it was my child but why does it feel all wrong. I feel like I know her but from my fear toward her, she is no friend. And what accident? I seem fine except for the fact that I have a nagging head ache. What is going on? But she does have a funny name, named after Athena, a Greek goddess if I remember correctly.
"My child… I don't remember anything concerning you, Athena, especially over having a kid… but can I see the child." I said
"Her name is Cordelia, meaning…Daughter of the sea," she said.
"Athena, don't you have something to tell Percy," said sally.
I trembled under her fierce gaze, nevertheless, gaze met hers." Perseus… you might not remember but we had intimate relations before your accident. We didn't use protection. So what I mean to say the child is yours…"
I had slight feeling that is what occurred. Still a nagging feeling lingered at the deepest recesses of my mind bothered me. I did not believe whatever Athena told me. I knew there was much I didn't know, or forgot. But I knew, I held no trust toward her.
I sort of guessed it… but what will happen now?"
"To be frank, I have no clue. I only wanted you to meet your daughter,"
Gently, she passed Cordelia into my arms. Her dark grey eyes, watching my every movement. She was a small speck in the universe…. But I felt drawn to her. She is so young and innocent, knowing nothing of this cruel world. I will protect her…from those that wish harm to her. A sharp pain filled my head. Blurred Images of an auburn haired person slipped through my mind. Her face blurred. For some reason, rage flowed through my veins. Who is that person?
Looking back at Cordelia, her eyes filled with worry. Don't worry I won't leave you, I will always be by your side, my dear daughter, Cordelia.
*Had this chapter in hidden in another file... hadn't had a chance to update since midterms cam around and i have had a lot of homework. so i haven't had much practice writing. next chapter will clear things up... and then a time skip... and if i made some mistakes, point them out. Shorter than i expected but i still working on my writing skills. Have a nice day...