Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson or any of my characters except for little Rhea
titpuce86: Thank you! I believe in trying to make my fics and characters as realistic as possible… so it's nice to hear that I've managed to do that!
Lliwglas: I completely agree, I love SI stories but hate how some are just completely stuck in denial or angsting so much that it hurts to read! You can do realistic SI's even without such reactions… I will not abandon this story I am just kinda busy for the next few months!
Hanna: Yes there will be a time-skip, although I'm still contemplating if I'll add some snapshots during those missing years… Glad I managed to convert another reader into looking forward to the sequel ;)
A/N Important! Some of you may have already realized it but I have created a little section on my profile where I show whether I have already started on a new chapter and how far I'm along! Enjoy!
Previous chapter:
The tall columns and grand walls of the building however reminded him of Olympus and Poseidon felt a flash of guilt. There was much to be discussed and Poseidon wasn't sure that millennia of dislike or indifference could actually be repaired. But Hestia was right; Poseidon did miss those times when he could still go to his elder brother for advice or a spar.
The God of the Sea opened the doors, and stepped into the throne room. The resemblance to Olympus was even larger here. Poseidon's eyes were drawn to the figure sitting on the throne, and coal eyes met sea-green ones for the first time in millennia outside of the solstice.
And the very world seemed to halt its breath.
Chapter 20 - Pride and Repercussions
''Brother.'' Poseidon looked at the dangerously still form of his brother – Hades – and tried to contain his power to show that he meant no harm. More difficult than previously thought since he was surrounded by heat and earth and everything his own domain was not.
Although judging by the fact that Hades had in fact not attacked him yet for barging into his territory with nary a warning, he at least noticed the Sea God's effort, or was curious enough to let the slight go for the moment. Or maybe it was a combination of both.
''Barnacle breath, how nice to see you.'' Hades voice couldn't have contained any more sarcasm even if he had tried.
Poseidon sighed, suddenly feeling tired. ''Brother, please we have to talk.''
''About what?'' Hades questioned the King of Atlantis, seemingly curious enough to listen.
Poseidon pinched the bridge of his nose, wondering where to begin.
''I'm sorry.'' The words felt like ash on his tongue, and Poseidon had to force himself to utter them. Apologizing to Rhea was usually effortless, it came with the knowledge that he could have done better, should have done better, but he was still a God – prideful of his knowledge and strength – and Rhea was an exception.
Hades eyebrows rose in incredulity, and Poseidon couldn't blame him. ''What for?''
''Everything.'' Poseidon waved a chair into existence, sitting down mechanically. ''I spoke with Hestia, and I realized something.''
Hades rose from his throne, half wary and half intrigued, and walked down the stone steps to sit down in the black comfortable chair that had materialized there only a moment before.
Poseidon smiled thankfully at his brother, knowing he would listen.
''And what about?'' Hades drawled, crossing his legs.
''Family.'' Poseidon answered, ''We talked about how things used to be. When we were still united in our circumstances, young but shining brightly, all trapped in our father's stomach but determined to get out of there – together.''
Hades mouth curled in displeasure at the reminder of that time, ''You did not come here to reminiscence.''
Poseidon nearly smiled at the familiar brisk manner of his eldest brother. ''I realized that I miss those times, and I would like to ask you for your forgiveness, and explain.''
Hades nearly sneered, ''It has been a long time, brother. Long since I was banished here, with only the ghosts of the dead and monsters for company.''
''I know, that's why I would like to explain.'' Poseidon nearly pleaded, but Gods did not plead, they demanded; Hades must have still heard the undercurrent of regret, for he stared calculatingly at the younger God.
''I will listen, brother. But do not expect forgiveness so easily. ''
Poseidon nodded, ''It started when we were freed from father's stomach by our younger brother; the three of us were the strongest in power and might. So we received the largest and most influential domains. I had no intention of becoming the King of Gods, so I chose the domain that I felt the most connection to; the sea.''
Hades nodded, coal eyes staring at Poseidon calculatingly; seemingly judging his sincerity. The God of the Sea knew that there was no way everything would turn back to what it was like eons ago, but this conversation would be a beginning, a foundation he could built upon if only to spare Rhea the nightmares he knew she sometimes still had.
The Earth shaker had realized when Rhea completely broke down how much the thought of him fighting against both of his brothers terrified her, the thought of him disappearing form her grasp. It made Poseidon feel rather wretched yet again when he realized how much that pleased him.
''I knew that you weren't satisfied with your draw, but both of us were still grateful to Zeus for freeing us…'' Poseidon continued, ''…so I didn't think about protesting. He had also taken Hera as his wife, and I believed that she could not have chosen someone completely unworthy of her affections. I underestimated her shallowness, her wish for influence and power. It was during that time when Zeus asked me to marry Amphitrite for Oceanus neutrality. I was young, still grateful and foolish and I agreed. I had decided when Zeus freed us that I would grant him one boon, and I honored my own oath. I married her, and everything spiraled into madness.''
Poseidon grimaced in distaste as he recalled the state of his marriage, the constant annoyance and violent thoughts swirling beneath his skin, begging to destroy the offending object in its path only to be denied again and again.
''Amphitrite always brags about how much you love and spoil her to Hera and Persephone. I could never understand how you could have married her, I thought you to have more sense than that. It seems like I was right in that regard at least.'' Hades commented, eyes still narrowed at the exhausted form of the God of the Sea; his brother.
Poseidon's lips twitched as he saw the thoughts literally racing through Hades mind; seemingly putting past experiences into perspective. His elder brother would demand more explanations and Poseidon dreaded the part where they would get to Rhea.
''Yes, it wasn't exactly my choice. Nevertheless I fathered Triton, my heir, and I loved him. But the state of my marriage worsened with every passing year, until I wanted nothing more than to rip that damned piece of filth apart. I drifted further apart from everything but my own domain, blaming the misery of my life on Zeus. I grew bitter regarding the other Olympians who were seemingly content, while I despised my life; trapped with a woman whom I despised. When Zeus decided to ban you, I was in no state of mind to protest, I initially thought that it would pass once he calmed down… I was mistaken and I regret that now, but back then I was completely submerged in my own problems, for that I can only apologize.''
Hades looked at him blankly, and Poseidon cleared his throat to continue.
''It was during that point that I began bedding mortals for more than fun and my sexual urges. My relationship with Triton was sometimes rather formal. I didn't know how to be a good father at that point, so I raised him as my heir. That's when I started craving something else, I wanted a daughter. Someone who would not adhere to me like Triton did, someone whose power could compliment my own. I wanted the kinder side of the sea. Amphitrite could not do that, and I soon realized that none of my other sons could either, so as the centuries passed, the wish for a daughter strengthened.
I did not help you back then, because you did nothing to help me. I was arrogant and most of all stubborn and hurt; and once I realized that Zeus would not change his mind I was too prideful to confess my misconceptions.''
''Then why now?'' Hades demanded sharply, ''Hestia alone would not have changed your mind as thoroughly. Nor would you have ever apologized or shown such vulnerability on her insistence.''
Poseidon inclined his head in agreement, knowing how important this part would be.
''True, it's only a part of why I am here. Truthfully I have never given up on my wish to father a daughter, and several years ago I met a young woman who I was inexplicably drawn to. I couldn't tell why and I hadn't been planning on starting anything with the oath hanging over my head, but for some reason I couldn't resist.''
''You broke the oath.'' Hades thundered in realization, rising up from his chair in fury. ''First Zeus and now you; and I am supposed to be the one who breaks the rules. The one who cannot be trusted.''
Poseidon patiently waited for Hades to calm down from his short burst of anger, knowing that his brother needed to get that off his chest. ''Yes, I did. At first there was nothing different, but when I visited my child for the first time, just to take a little peek everything changed.''
''It was a daughter.'' Hades breathed in realization, curiosity pushing back the boiling fury.
''Indeed, and during the last few years I have gotten to know her, and I love her. More than anything else, I didn't even know that such feelings were possible. It was like I was drawn to Sally in order for Rhea to be born.'' Poseidon tried to put his feelings into words, a love that had changed him so thoroughly, and involuntarily his eyes softened and lit up with a feeling so strong that Hades could do nothing but stare at his younger brother in surprise.
Hades – regardless of his banishment – had still known his younger brother's personality rather well. The God of the Dead tried to reconcile the God of the Sea he had known for the last millennia and this God whose eyes were blazing with a fierce love and protectiveness he could have never imagined.
And now the reason for this bizarre encounter became all too clear, and Hades didn't know whether to laugh in amazement or stare at Poseidon in stunned incredulity. Because he now realized that The God of the Sea was completely and utterly sincere – he would not have lied in lieu of it backfiring on his daughter.
Hades was torn between age old bitterness and an increasing amount of fascination towards the changed attitude of Poseidon.
''I will think about what you have said, and will not take action against that daughter of yours. She sounds interesting enough, judging by how much she has wrapped you around her little finger. But are you sure?'' Hades promised, the implied 'can you afford such a thing' rang heavily in the space between them. Poseidon allowed himself a small relieved smile, at both the worry conveyed in that question and to reassure his eldest brother that there was nothing to be concerned about.
The Sea God wasn't foolish enough to assume that Hades was not angry anymore, but this acceptance was more than he had dared hope for. Both Hestia and Rhea had been right after all; Hades could be reasoned with.
''Thank you, brother.'' Poseidon nodded regally, ''I will not forget that debt. If the two children that you've hidden away ever need to cross the sea, then provided they wish me or mine no harm they will not need to fear.''
Hades eyes widened minutely at his knowledge, before he nodded in confirmation, ''Acceptable.''
''I should probably get back. Otherwise Rhea will drive herself insane from worrying too much.'' Poseidon chuckled fondly, imagining his daughter pace inside of her room, biting her lip nervously.
Hades waved him off, a content air around him that had not been there before; and Poseidon rose from his chair and with only a muttered goodbye, disappeared from the God of the Dead's palace, intent on returning to Atlantis as soon as possible.
He wanted to reassure his daughter that everything would be alright.
Hades did not move from his chair for the longest time, content to stare at the spot his brother – and how long had it been since that word was not poisoned, not tinged by a hateful bitterness – had disappeared. The last minutes had been a surreal experience for the God of the Dead, and King of the Underworld.
He had been so indifferent, so bitter towards the rest of the Olympic Gods - except for Hestia – that he had not even dared to contemplate why they went along with Zeus. It had always been this missing support from those he had been closest to that hurt him so deeply.
Forgiveness was perhaps too early, too easy even without the painful sincerity Poseidon showed him; but he could accept the apology. Hades didn't think that he would ever be able to forget those long eons of painful and lonely darkness and the constant shadow of betrayal, but the apology felt good. Like balm for his angry and bitter soul, and that was fine.
He could give his younger brother a chance to prove himself, to show him that his desire was not a mere whim.
Running a hand over his face wearily, Hades returned to his throne, lips tugging upwards as he thought about the chaos that would ensue due to this revelation.
Perhaps he should even give that young demi-god a chance. Anyone who could humble Poseidon to such a degree was worthy of such consideration at least.
The God of the Dead leaned back in his throne, and contemplated what the future would bring.
He only knew that it would be interesting at the very least. The God of the Dead would look forward to the time when this revelation would bring forth change to a world that had long since stopped moving with the tide of time.
Pacing from the one end of my room towards the other impatiently, I was trying to keep my mind from coming up with any more images of Poseidon dying a violent death at the hands of the God of the Dead.
But the images of his bloody body kept swallowing up the calmness of my mind, like a great shadow hovering above me, tainting my thoughts.
I knew that it was an irrational fear; Poseidon was the God of the Sea, the Earth-shaker and King of Atlantis; he was more powerful than I could even imagine. I knew that, yet I couldn't help the images rushing through my mind.
Psychologically speaking my relationship and complete reliance and trust in Poseidon were unhealthy; I knew that too. I realized that, but Poseidon was mine. The thought halted me in my insistent pacing, but I knew I was right. In the same way I had known that Poseidon would never hurt me, the instinct I had developed during this life that sometimes seemed to whisper into my very mind.
It wasn't a thought I had ever entertained before but it was true; we were so connected to each other that I didn't think I could live without the knowledge that he was still within my grasp, and wasn't that the very definition of an unhealthy relationship?
Groaning, I resumed my pacing, eyes flickering to my bed where I would normally be already sleeping in by this time, but I was too worried, filled with doubts and fears.
Biting my lips in a nervous gesture that I hadn't managed to get rid of yet, I kept pacing if only to do something that would show the passage of time. The side of his bond was shielded and even though I knew that he was alive-
It wasn't enough. Not enough to calm my wildly beating heart, or stop the wet sheen that had gathered in my eyes. But I wouldn't cry, not again.
The sound of my door opening slashed through my morose thoughts like a sharp blade, and I whirled around something inside of my sobbing in relief when I saw the unhurt and smiling form of my father closing the door behind him.
''Dad…'' I mumbled before throwing myself at the God of the Sea as fast as I could, the water propelling me forward in my distress. The arms closing around me were warm and I clung to him tightly, grabbing his shirt as if afraid he would disappear.
''Rhea…'' Poseidon murmured, stroking my unruly hair. ''I'm fine. Everything's fine now, so you don't have to worry.''
I nodded into his shoulder, but made no move to loosen my tight hold on him. Poseidon chuckled amusedly, but obliged my silent request and secured his hold. I curled my arms around his neck, hiding my face in the conjunction of his shoulder.
''Shouldn't you be sleeping by now, hm?'' Poseidon asked quietly, steps silent as he maneuvered us to my bed in the middle of the room.
''I was waiting for you.'' I admitted, hoping my face wasn't as red as it felt like. I was rather embarrassed by my outburst, but technically I was still only eleven years old so I could afford to act childishly sometimes.
''Little one,'' he was still whispering quietly, ''I promised, didn't I? I would never leave you.''
I shrugged, still hiding my face, not willing to admit that I had still been so worried regardless. But my father had always been able to read me far too easily.
Poseidon deposited me down on the bed gently, and now that my face wasn't pressed against his shoulder anymore I could see tender amusement lightening his eyes. He sat down on the edge of the bed, a small smile tugging at his lips. ''My older brother has agreed to wait and observe for now. I believe he has accepted my apology, though he is still quiete angry with me. It will pass with time.''
''That's good.'' I yawned, exhaustion catching up with me. I tugged at his shirt, a silent request for him to join me.
Poseidon chuckled, herding me into his arms as he lay down. I sighed as I nuzzled into his shoulder, feeling his powerful energy blanket me and his love thrumming through our bond.
Tired, I closed my eyes, and let my exhaustion wash over me and as I felt my mind become foggy with sleep, I whispered those words I had wanted to say for the last few hours.
''Welcome home, dad.''
Then darkness welcomed me into Morpheus soothing embrace, and I knew no more but the comforting feeling of the Sea God watching over me.
Poseidon watched Rhea's breath deepen as she fell asleep, and thought back to his conversation with his brother. He wondered how much of Hades comparatively easy acquiesce was due to Rhea's influence over him.
Hades had spoken the truth after all. Poseidon would have never even thought of apologizing, no matter how much he knew that he was in the wrong, if only to save his pride. He marveled if Rhea knew how much of a hold she had over him, and then he smirked faintly as he remembered the slightest traits of possessiveness her emotions had contained.
The ruler of Atlantis knew that it was wretched of him to be so pleased about that, to find joy in how much Rhea had bound herself to him. But he had already decided that she would remain by his side for all eternity, and even though he could have convinced her to accept immortality, a part of him still screamed about completely manipulating her for his own desires.
Rhea was supposed to be the one thing that he would never dare harm; so the Earth-shaker couldn't help but derive such joy from the fact that Rhea would maybe wish to stay beside him even without such manipulations.
He knew that it was still too early for her to grasp what she held in her hands, too early for her to realize that he was hers as much as she was his. Poseidon would bind her to his side with beautiful lies and the ugly truth. Hades was now at least neutral, with a strong preference to his side, and Hestia was smitten by Rhea.
He needn't fear a war anymore, no Olympian would risk such odds. There would be too much blood shed over what was in their eyes a mere demi-god.
No, what Poseidon needed to worry about was that damned prophecy. He was reasonably secure in his knowledge that it was about Rhea, and his interference could complicate things needlessly.
Rhea would also have to go to Camp Half-Blood soon which would bring forth another set of problems. It was too bad he couldn't just hide her away at the bottom of the sea; but he had the strange feeling that the Fates wouldn't allow that.
He hadn't realized it until he had told Hades but in hindsight it felt like the Fates had interfered when he had first met Sally Jackson; that pull that led to the relationship, that constant and insistent whisper.
And when he had seen Rhea for the first time it had transferred to her. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, and the pull got stronger with every passing year. He doubted he held as much twisted love and possessiveness towards Rhea at first as he did now.
Poseidon couldn't help but wonder what the Fates had in store for him. Regardless of how nonexistent his regret was for Rhea's strong hold on him, the Sea God knew that there was something he was still missing, something that could explain why he felt like letting her stray from his side would completely and utterly destroy him.
Watching her peaceful sleeping face pressed against his shoulder, and her fingers grab his shirt in an iron grip; Poseidon pressed her a little closer and dark satisfaction purred tenderly along his soul.
No matter what, Rhea was his alone, and would always be. The God wouldn't allow anything to change that, even if he had to wade through bodies and death to achieve that.
A/N So Poseidon and Hades have their informative but rather unspectacular talk which will still have interesting repercussions and Rhea realizes that perhaps their relationship is slightly unhealthy… Both Poseidon and Rhea contemplate their relationship and Poseidon is convinced the Fates are playing with his life!
Hope you didn't have to wait for too long! I've just been pretty busy for the last few weeks cuz this is my last year of school and this will continue until late May at least so just a little forewarning… I'll still upload as much as I can!
Thank you for reading my story and for cheering me up when I felt down because of that stupid flamer! You guys are the best!
C'ya soon
AriesOrion