Bonjourno people, long time no see, for the 22 bots who follow this story Welcome back! Over half a year it's been but who cares because no one actually reads this shit.But I want it get me ideas out and on paper and maybe someone will even read it!
Perseus felt the water of the ocean propel him downward toward the seabed, the water growing darker as he and his grandfather ventured deeper into the Aegean. As the cerulean of the sea faded to black, Perseus felt his vision begin to adjust to the depth, the seabed coming into sharp focus as though someone had switched on a light.
Raising his head, he looked ahead and saw a glow in the distance. As they approached, he saw a sprawling city spread across miles of the seafloor a magnificent octopus, each borough of the great underwater city reaching out like the tentacles of a colossal cephalopod.
He felt his grandfather grip his arm as he steered them toward the centre of the great city, toward a grand palace that towered above the rest of the already magnificent city.
His grandfather gently grasped his shoulder and steered him towards a towering set of double doors, ornately decorated with images of what Perseus knew could only be Poseidon's victory over Oceanus in the Titanomachy. His grandfather ignored this entirely in favour of slamming open the door with a flick of his wrist, the water lurching to obey his command, not dissimilar to that of an obedient puppy.
They strode through the door side by side and only then did he see the courtiers seated in a great circle of tiered seating, a plethora of sea creatures, nymphs and gods lined the walls, looking on as Perseus walked beside his grandfather to stand in the centre of the room.
Poseidon raised his arms, his presence commanding the attention of all in the room. The murmurs of the courtiers fell silent, their gazes locking on him with rapt attention. With a deep, resonant voice that rippled through the water itself, he spoke.
"As you know, my beloved daughter passed onto the next realm not too long ago, and just today, we also lost my son-in-law." His tone softened for a moment, a trace of sorrow flickering across his features. "It is with a heavy heart I introduce Perseus, a bloodline born of Helios and Rhodes, a bloodline of fire and deep water. His mother was beloved by all who knew her, her existence a joy that the sea itself cherished. She has been lost to us, her light dimming too soon."
There was a brief pause as Poseidon's eyes seemed to darken, his gaze flickering toward the distant horizon beyond the palace walls. "And Helios, my dearest son-in-law. A Titan, yes, but a powerful god and an even better man who brought warmth to the world his light has now faded as well, leaving a darkness in the sky that we shall not soon forget."
A heavy silence fell upon the court as the courtiers, sea creatures, and gods alike absorbed the weight of his words. Poseidon, ever regal, turned to Perseus and placed a hand on his shoulder, guiding him to the centre of the room.
"Though the stars above may grow dimmer, the blood of both my daughter and Helios runs strong in him. The legacy of their power, their love for the world, will live on through Perseus."
The gods in attendance exchanged glances, some nodding in quiet acknowledgement, others with a glimmer of curiosity in their eyes. Perseus could feel the weight of the moment, the expectations pressing down on him, but his grandfather's grip remained steady, a silent assurance that he would not falter.
Poseidon's voice broke the silence once more. "It is no small thing to be the child of such giants, but Perseus has come to stand before us not as a shadow of those who came before, but as a force in his own right."
With a wave of his hand, Poseidon dismissed the court, and as they left, Perseus overheard their mutterings about his parents and their passingâ" The sorrow felt at his mother's death, and the quiet respect his father had garnered, now voiced for the first time. The murmur of voices lingered in the air, a weight that seemed to press down on him even as the courtiers dispersed.
Dropping to a knee, Poseidon laid his hands on Perseus's shoulders. At that moment, Perseus saw the darkness that lurked beneath his grandfather's jovial, amenable exterior. The simmering fury at the loss of his daughter, barely restrained by millennia of training and the calming counsel of his wife.
As though she had been summoned by the tension in the room, Queen Amphitrite rose from her throne, her movements graceful and fluid, like the tides themselves. She knelt beside her husband, her eyes filled with concern as she regarded Perseus with gentle but perceptive scrutiny.
"Perseus," she said softly, her voice warm yet edged with worry, "you have spent days grieving your parents' loss. Your heart is heavy, and your body bears the strain of it. You must allow yourself rest, child. The pain of loss is deep, but it need not consume you." Her hands, cool and comforting, reached out to gently lift his chin, her touch light but firm.
"Your grandfather and I have watched you carry this burden alone for days. We know what it is to lose those we love," she continued, her gaze shifting toward Poseidon before returning to Perseus. "But you are not alone, my dear. We are here for you, and we will not allow you to carry this sorrow in silence."
After the brief exchange with his grandparents, Perseus was quietly escorted to his room by a merman guide. The palace halls were vast, and the rhythmic swaying of the water around them gently caressed his skin. The merman was silent, his movements fluid and practised, as if navigating the palace's labyrinthine corridors was second nature to him.
Once they reached his chambers, Perseus nodded his thanks to the guide before the merman disappeared into the depths of the palace. The room was as magnificent as the rest of the palace a large, circular space with windows that opened into the inky ocean beyond, casting dim light into the room. A large bed made of coral and soft seaweed rested against the far wall, and shelves lined with treasures from the depths filled the space.
After washing away the salt and grime of the ocean, Perseus changed into fresh clothes simple yet elegant garments fit for the son of gods. He stood in front of the mirror, his reflection staring back at him, pale and tired but still determined. The grief was still fresh, but he could feel the faint stirring of something else a sense of duty, of legacy beginning to take root.
With a sigh, he decided to explore. The palace was vast, and the halls seemed to stretch on forever. His footsteps were quiet against the soft stone, the water around him creating an ever-present hum. He moved without direction, lost in the beauty of the surroundings, the massive columns of coral and the intricate mosaics depicting scenes of ancient myth.
As he turned a corner, he nearly collided with someone. A tall figure stood before him muscular, regal, with a crown of seaweed woven into his long, flowing hair. The man's skin shimmered with the same iridescent sheen as the sea, and his eyes, a deep, stormy blue, were fixed on Perseus with an intensity that caught him off guard.
For a moment, Perseus stood frozen, unsure of who the stranger was. The man's presence was commanding, and the waves around them seemed to calm in his presence.
Then, the stranger's lips curled into a smile, recognition lighting his face. "Well now, who do we have here?" he asked, his voice rich and warm, like the sound of distant thunder. "A young one, lost in the halls of the palace?"
Perseus blinked, trying to place the figure in front of him. He hadn't seen him before, but there was something familiar about his features strong jaw, and piercing eyes. It wasn't until the man chuckled softly, noticing the confusion in Perseus's gaze, that he spoke again.
"I suppose introductions are in order. I am Triton, your uncle," the man said, his voice filled with affection and authority.
Perseus's eyes widened. Triton. He had heard the name before his mother's brother, Poseidon's son. But he had never met him.
Triton watched the realisation dawn on Perseus's face and gave him a knowing smile. "I understand. It's a lot to take in, young one. But we are family, and family always looks out for each other." He studied Perseus for a moment, the concern in his gaze softening into something gentler.
"You should not wander these halls alone, little one," Triton continued, his tone shifting to one of quiet counsel. "The palace is large, and the currents can be treacherous for those unfamiliar with them. If you get lost, there's no telling how long it might take you to find your way back."
Perseus nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed. He had been so eager to explore, to escape the weight of his grief, that he hadn't thought of the dangers lurking in the vast palace.
Triton gave him a fond look, his smile returning. "But for tonight, I'll let you off the hook. Get some rest, Perseus. We have much to discuss when you're ready."
With a final pat on Perseus's shoulder, Triton turned to leave, but not before giving a playful wink. "Goodnight, young prince. Don't let the current carry you too far."
As Triton disappeared down the hall, Perseus stood there for a moment, the oddity of the encounter settling on him. He was surrounded by family" by gods, by beings of incredible power" and yet, there was a part of him that felt lost, adrift in a world he had only just begun to understand.
But for now, he would heed Triton's advice. The palace was vast, and he would find his way through it slowly, piece by piece, with that in his mind he turned towards his room and prepared himself to sleep.
There is chapter 2 as always read and review and all that jazz.