Many years had passed since the Mysteries were established, and Perseus had grown into a powerful godling, under the tutelage of Aphros and Bythos. Aphros was his Ancient Greek and Politics teacher, and Bythos was his combat trainer. This was an education befitting that of an Atlantean Prince.
Aphros' teachings were regularly put to use as he was set to observe his father's court when he was a little as 5 years old. Diplomacy and Intrigue were skills a future King of Olympus would need, so Poseidon ensured at every opportunity, his adopted son would learn the intricacies of politics. On one occasion, two mermaids appeared before the the King's court with a baby in tow.
"My Lord, we live in the same reef, we both gave birth to a son, and the other woman's child died in an attack from the depths, eaten by sea serpents. However, she claims that it was my child that was killed and that I have stolen her child for my own."
"She lies my Lord, it is my child."
The appointed Judge was puzzled and became frustrated at the case, and dismissed them.
Poseidon stroked his beard with his left hand, right hand on his trident, upon the Atlantean throne. Perseus approached.
"Father, call them back. I have an idea." Poseidon was taken intrigued by the idea of a young child playing judge.
"Very well," Poseidon rose from his throne, causing everyone to also arise from their resting positions in the courtroom.
"Bring them back."
The guards prevented the two women and the child from leaving the courtroom and escorted them back, this time in front of the throne.
"This child has asked me to judge in my justice's stead since he will not hear your case, is that alright with you?"
Although it was clear both women were bewildered by the idea of a young child deciding their legal case, they wouldn't dare refuse the command of their god. They nodded. and Poseidon then gestured Perseus forward, who swam inbetween the women and his father.
"My Lord, can I hold your trident?"
Gasps were heard across the court, and Poseidon's mouth began to smirk, realising what his adopted son was going to do. He let go of his legendary weapon and used his water powers to push it using the currents. Perseus grabbed it tightly, it radiated with the power of the sea. Perseus turned back around, facing the two mermaids and pointed the Trident at the woman holding the baby.
"Since you cannot agree on whose child it is, I will use this power to split the child in half!"
The crowd was horrified that Poseidon had allowed some stranger child to make a mockery of the law in such a violent way, gasping and screaming at what they thought was about to take place. The judge was especially angry, his blue face went red from the outrage. One of the mothers laughed and crossed her arms.
"Ha! Fair enough, kill the baby and neither of us can have it."
However, the woman carrying the child began to cry and shook her head, holding him closer.
"Please don't do it, don't hurt him!"
Perseus smiled.
"I won't."
Perseus pointed away from the baby and at the other woman, the one who wanted the child to die.
"This woman does not care for the wellbeing of this child, she is not the mother, take her away."
Silence in the courtroom, the two guards grabbed the mermaid by her arms and pulled her away, she was swimming around trying to break free while it was happening. Perseus turned back around and bowed his head before Poseidon, offering back his godly weapon. With an outstretched hand, the Trident flew back into Poseidon's grasp.
"Rise Perseus" Poseidon then sat back on his throne and made a gesture to address the court.
"Lords and Ladies, this is Perseus, he is my son. He is a prince of the sea and must be treated with the respect of one."
Perseus turned around and saw the rest of the court bowing before him in respect. He turned back around to face his father, smiling.
"You did very well for your first court decision Perseus."
Later that day, Perseus went to the royal arena to practice his combat skills. Bythos was already there practicing his trident skills.
"Ah Perseus, nice to see you! My brother told me about your exciting morning in the courtroom!"
Perseus shifted nervously. "Yeah I don't think he was pleased with my unorthodox approach to the law."
Bythos laughed.
"Oh well, which weapon do you want to use?"
Bythos gestured to a weapon rack, where all different kinds of ancient weapons from swords, axes, tridents and strangely enough, a fishing pole. Perseus swam over and grabbed the sword.
"The sword! A very noble weapon, but not the chief weapon of the House of Poseidon."
Perseus swung the sword around in the water, it was very difficult due to the pressure of the water but eventually he got used to it.
"I'll practice with a trident another time, I thought I'd learn to use other weapons such as this."
Bythos laughed and raised his shield and his trident in a phalanx position.
"Grab a shield and lets begin practicing."
Bythos taught Perseus how to attack enemies wielding spears by utilising his shield to catch their weapons and open them up for a parry attack. After a few tries Perseus was able to do it perfectly.
"Very good Perseus, you seem to perform very well with the sword! But do you not use the Trident?" Behind him someone started clapping. It was Triton.
"I want to learn as many weapons as I can brother." Perseus said, wiping his forehead of sweat.
"You know, Father had collected a very famous sword at one point, but I don't know what he did with it. Maybe you could ask him for it some time."
Triton then drew his trident and positioned himself for a fight.
"Grab a trident and come practice with me."
The two clashed at each other, trying to stab the prongs of their tridents and massive swings of the polearm staff to try and hit the other off balance. Perseus was at a massive disadvantage, not only did he not have thousands of years of experience, he was using a simple Celestial Bronze Trident while Triton was using his godly weapon of power, albeit Triton was holding back for fairness and education's sake. Eventually Triton used the bottom end of the staff to swipe at Perseus's tail, causing him to "trip" and fall over. Triton started to laugh.
"You've still got a long way to go before you're a true warrior!"
He then gave out a hand and helped pulled Perseus up. Who was slightly annoyed and started yelling at him. Triton only just patted his dark haired head and smiled.
"You'll need to do a lot more if you're going to fulfill your destiny."
That evening a grand ball was being hosted by Amphitrite. A large host of the Atlantean aristocracy and even other sea gods and goddesses were in attendance.
Amphitrite was busy trying to get Perseus prepared by cleaning him up from that morning's combat practice.
"Honestly I should really say something to Triton about bruising you so badly."
"Please mum, he's embarrassed me enough already, I don't want to be called a mummy's boy too."
Amphitrite smiled and then kissed Perseus on his right cheek.
"You are my boy, now don't do anything ridiculous like you did this morning! There's plenty of important guests so be on your best behaviour!"
Perseus sighed and followed his mother to meet with the rest of his family. They entered the ballroom together and were announced as King Poseidon, Queen Amphitrite, Crown Prince Triton and their entourage. Everyone in the ballroom bowed and Poseidon lifted his hand.
"Please enjoy everyone!"
Then everyone returned to their discussions at their tables. The guests were vast and diverse, all sorts of naiads, sea creatures, mermen and many other sea deities. Perseus however was quite bored sitting at the head table. He probably would've tried to talk to Triton but he was busy talking with his wife Libya. Looking around the room he noticed at one end of the head table there was a lone girl looking quite alone. Perseus tugged on his mother's sleeve.
"Who is that girl at the end there?"
"That's your sister Rhodos, why do you ask?"
"Why does she look so lonely?"
Amphitrite's face darkened.
"It's probably best you don't talk to her about that Perseus-", but then all of a sudden she was pulled into another conversation. So Perseus swam over and sat next to her.
"Hello, my name is Perseus, you are Rhodos right?"
Rhodos looked over at Perseus and smiled.
"Yes, who are you?"
"I'm your brother. It's nice to meet you."
"Really? I didn't know I had a new brother. I'm usually kept out of the dark of the latest things."
Perseus was confused.
"Why would our parents do that?"
"Oh no Perseus, I do it to myself. I prefer to be alone." Rhodos frowned.
"Why is that?"
"I've... struggled with things ever since my husband died." A shadow passed over her face.
"Your husband?"
"Yes, Helios, the Titan of the Sun. Before Apollo took over his job, my husband would drive the sun chariot across the sky. I would watch him from my island."
"What happened to him?"
"He... faded a long time ago." She begun to tear up.
Perseus grabbed her hands, which took her by surprise.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." He then wiped her tears away, Rhodes still not able to speak. Poseidon had just noticed what was happening, but decided to observe for now.
"Do you need a drink or something- woah!" Rhodos stood upright and begun pulling Perseus away to a balcony.
Amphitrite along with pretty much everyone else at the table noticed from all the commotion.
"Aren't you going to stop her?" she asked Poseidon.
"No, I trust him to handle it, he needs to grow up someday."
Triton whispered something to Libya and she started to giggle.
The view from the balcony was spectacular, Atlantis and it's coral design was no doubt breathtaking for anybody. However, Perseus had other problems to deal with at the moment, mainly his sister. Still holding his hand, Rhodos was watching over the city.
"Perseus, nobody has cared about me this much in such a long time."
"E-eh?! But we just met!"
She turned around, their faces now very close.
"Perseus, I know you're a young god, but I've been missing this feeling for not just hundreds, but thousands of years. I need to know."
Perseus was very scared.
"N-need to know what?"
"Do you love me?" Rhodos' eyes flashed sea green.
Perseus broke at that moment.
"Yea-No-I mean..."
Rhodos pulled on his arms to draw him closer to her body.
"Yes or No!"
"Okay, I love you but-"
Rhodos had the biggest smile he'd ever seen on a persoon before. She pulled him in and kissed.
For Perseus's first kiss, it was definitely passionate, it was clear to him that she really wanted this badly. Perseus was still confused though, he wanted to make it clear to her that he loved her as a sister. When they pulled away he tried to tell her.
"Listen Rhodos, I didn't finish what I was trying to say-"
"We have to go and tell everyone!"
Perseus went as white and straight as chalk. It was too late now, he was powerless and Rhodos pulled him back to the ballroom, right in front of their parents.
"Mother! Father! Perseus and I are dating now!"
Normally if they were mortals, this would be seen as incredibly abnormal, but as they are gods a relationship like this wouldn't be out of the ordinary, so you shouldn't be surprised by the reaction.
Amphritite wasn't happy. "Rhodos what have you done!"
Poseidon was pleased and clapped Perseus on the back.
"Well done son!"
Triton just sniggered and held his wife close.
"Mum why aren't you happy? I can finally love someone again and have children once more!"
And with that sentence Perseus passed out.
Meanwhile on Olympus, Hestia was sitting by the hearth observing the events of that day, truly Perseus being brought up in Atlantis was the proper choice for him, he will be bred proper for his future role as King of the Gods. She poked around the coals to dissipate the vision as she heard someone walking up to her, it was Athena.
"How are you Hestia."
"Good, how are you going Niece."
"I'm worried that my father has grown more paranoid of Poseidon as of late. As stupid as he is, I do not believe him to be treacherous."
Hestia was laughing inwardly but didn't show it.
"Perhaps my brothers need to fight a bit before they can mend their relationship. Let out some hot air." The hearth crackled.
Athena's eyes narrowed, this was not something she would expect from Hestia, who was usually a peace advocate.
"I can see the wisdom in that Hestia, they need to be more direct, I feel like everyone in the council is too secretive nowadays."
Hestia just nodded.
"Indeed."