Chapter Text
Percy and her Dad were walking through Corinth. The Golden Fleece around Poseidon’s shoulders was attracting a lot of looks from those that could feel its energy, but none dared to approach a god, an Olympian going about their day. Percy just had broken the ‘twin’ ice cream stick in two and they stood at Poseidon’s now legendary temple, staring at the Central Library just opposite, the actual heart of the city. The shape of a Pentagon, spanning several levels both above and below. The grandest of all buildings in the city, it preserved the knowledge that kept the human civilisation going. A group of teenage interns sat on its steps, talking and snacking to the bemusement of adults walking around.
Once they had enough, Percy took him on a tour of his temple, the spiritual heart of the city where a lot of sacrifices were held throughout the year. A salt water fountain, the salt water fountain from the contest of Athens proudly took its place in the centre of the courtyard, after it was found by the Romans in Greece. Poseidon took all of it in quiet pride, telling her frankly, “The number of times we survived in Tartarus just because of this place and its worship cannot be understated.” He looked a little wistful and had been sentimental since his return. So much so, that it was Kym who had suggested Percy take him out and show off the premier city built under his banner.
They walked around taking in the views and snacking. Percy didn’t dare breathe a word of a similar walk, centuries ago, in the same city. Somehow, their conversation turned to how she managed to get the fleece into her possession. Her father’s brow furrowed, “So they used this to mitigate the effects.” Percy was a bit worried about this train of thought, it was okay if ‘young and hip’ gods like Apollo and Artemis tried out something new, but Poseidon despite his outwardly appearance was old as dirt. “Yes, they suffered withdrawals for nearly a century and a half”, she said that solemnly with a big emphasis on his long it took.
Poseidon looked at her amused, he had guessed her line of thought, “They look better now.” As if feeling his name being evoked, Apollo joined them, not losing a stride as they walked on the pier. “I am better. Powerful and steady. I feel like a person instead of a formless entity.” Her father turned thoughtful, stroking the fleece resting over his shoulders and she glared at Apollo who winked.
You know it will be good for him.
Eventually, yes. But he is fine the way he is right now and it will change nothing. He just came out of Tartarus, a few centuries of torturous withdrawal immediately after…
What if he wants this?
You know? After hitting a certain age, mortals turn senile…
Are you going to tell that to his face? A feeling of laughter passed through her.
No. Ha! I’m just worried he wants to punish himself for Zeus and the war.
And for you and your siblings. He knows he screwed up and that’s his burden to bear. Trust me.
She sighed, she didn’t need to reply to that. Olympians and Titans and every immortal in between had terrible coping mechanisms. Most of them slept through most of their problems, Percy was actually preparing for new half siblings instead of whatever was now going on in her father’s head.
Poseidon looked between them, standing at the end of the pier waiting for him, “I will do it too. If there is ever a need…”
Percy blanched, “Please don’t complete the sentence. He already hates that I spend time with you.”
Apollo seriously nodded at that. It was an open secret that Kronos hated that Percy spent any time with Poseidon. On one hand he admired her filial piety, knowing and relishing in that quality of hers when it suited him, only to hate it now that it was focused an Olympian. It didn’t matter, that the man was his son. Whenever she returned, she would be assigned extra work, wrangling other immortals, negotiating alliances or reworking treaties that had gotten too old. It would take another few moons before she would be free enough to have some fun.
Also, it was easier in theory than practice. While the twins were extremely powerful they had time to adjust before their worship increased after the apocalypse. Centuries had passed since the event and now was the golden time for any gods that thrived on worship, no less than what they received in Ancient Greece, and for an Olympian like Poseidon who had numerous cities on the east coast under his banner it would be an incredibly difficult endeavour. Other Olympians did not have the support of a gaggle of Athena’s children who made it their lives work to support her rivals as a fuck you for her terrible parenting. Percy explained all this to Poseidon, who smirked, “I know, that’s why I want to do it. It’s not like anyone will be missing me.” He rolled his eyes, Oceanus had given him the Pacific Ocean while taking the Atlantic and the Mediterranean for himself, which meant way less traffic. At least Triton got the Indian Ocean which was a good enough deal according to her dad.
“It will also make my daughter, and nephews and nieces, proud of me.” He clapped Apollo’s shoulder and gave her a half a hug before steering them around for a meal. Refusing to hear anything else now that he considered this topic closed. Apollo chose a good restaurant, and she spent the rest of the dinner cursing out the stubborn streak that passed on from grandfather, to father to daughter. At least he didn’t plan for a rebellion. Small mercies, really.