A/N: Rewrite for Rangers of Apollo! I hope you guys like it. Please leave reviews for plot ideas and other things like pairings, etc. Just thought I would let you know. Enjoy! This will start in Ancient Greece, by the way.
3rd Person POV
A woman ran through the forest. Her chest was heaving, and her breaths were ragged. She felt like her lungs would explode and her chest would split open if she kept sprinting. Her legs burned as if they were lit on fire. Her calves screamed for rest, but the woman wouldn't allow it. She continued to stumble through the forest, tripping over tree roots and shoving her way past low branches. She was so close. The woman was almost safe. Almost.
The woman came to the edge of the forest, finding the beach she had been so desperately looking for. She gasped for air and her knees buckled. She collapsed face-first onto the beach, accidently dropping a small bundle that she carried in her arms.
The woman was completely depleted of energy, and she knew she didn't have much time left. She could hear the yells of her pursuers getting progressively more audible. The woman weakly scooped the bundle into one of her arms, as she frantically dragged her entire body forward with one hand, nearing the ocean. The voices were so near that she could hear the words distinctly, which only inspired her to move quicker.
"Find that demigod! I don't care if you have to burn down the forest to find that sea spawn! Find him!" A gruff voice shouted.
The woman reached the ocean. "Poseidon," she whispered, "Save our boy."
With that, she placed the baby so the incoming waves could touch him. Crunching leaves and snapping twigs alerted her from behind. She rolled over on her back to see three men. The one in front held a massive broadsword, and was wearing full, Greek-style armor. He was abnormally tall, and his eyes seemed to burn with a raging fire, and radiated power. His mouth quirked into a sadistic smile as if he had been waiting a long time to do this. The woman knew this man was divine. She knew her life would end soon, but she need to save her son.
"Poseidon, please," The woman prayed quietly, "Help our Perseus."
The two men behind the taller one had spears and shields, dressed in armor that covered their entire bodies. Their helms were the regular Greek-style as well, and shielded their faces from view.
The woman stood protectively in between Perseus and the three men, who were approaching slowly, prolonging the woman's time with the living. She put a determined scowl on her face stood defensively.
The tall man laughed and the fire in his eye sockets seemed to grow larger. "You've got guts, mortal, I'll give you that. I see why Poseidon picked you."
The woman attempted to look brave, but she was utterly terrified. "W-Why do want to kill us?"
The tall man sighed deeply, and it sounded sincere. "I'm sorry. I really am. But I follow orders. Lord Zeus ordered me to find and eliminate the boy because of a prophecy that has been spoken by Apollo's oracle. The boy will have the power to topple the gods. Zeus won't allow the boy to live. I'm sorry."
The man stepped forward and before the woman could react, the broadsword was driven through her chest. She felt unimaginable pain, and then the cold release of death. She felt her soul draining from her body as her blood splattered the sandy beach. She collapsed on the ground, exhaling her last breath in the over-world.
The tall man stepped over the woman's lifeless body, sending a silent prayer to Hades. Truthfully, the man felt awful about murdering the two. Sure, he may have been the war god, but he promoted war, not murder. In war, armies clashed and honor was a highly valued attribute in both armies. But what Ares was doing wasn't honorable, in any sense of the word, and he knew it. And he despised it. Every molecule of his being fought against his orders. But he couldn't disobey a direct from the king of the gods. He would be punished severely, possibly kicked off the Olympian Council. Nearly every god voted for the boy's death. The only ones who voted him to live were himself, Hermes, Demeter, Poseidon, and Apollo. Ares couldn't disobey the orders, because not only would he be disobeying Zeus, he would be disobeying seven of the other Olympians. It would be an act of treason. It had to be done. But Ares didn't have to like it. Killing an eleven-month old, defenseless baby? It wasn't righteous. It was cruel.
As Ares stepped forward to the baby, a colossal tidal wave rose on the beach, drawing all the nearby water into it. It loomed treacherously over Ares, like it was threatening to swamp him and drag him off into the ocean. Ares understood what was happening. Poseidon wouldn't let his boy die. Fatal flaw of Poseidon. Loyalty. He wouldn't let his own flesh and blood die without a fight. Ares got the message.
"Take him, Poseidon. You know I didn't want to do this. Keep him hidden. I'll tell Zeus he is dead. I swear on the Styx I won't betray you." Ares said.
Thunder boomed in the distance, solidifying the promise.
The tidal wave lowered, scooping up the bundle and carried him farther out into the ocean. A figure rose from the sea, who then picked up the baby. Ares gazed out at the figure, seeing the familiar emerald eyes filled with hate and grief. His salt and pepper beard and locks of hair seemed to turn even whiter as his gaze fell on his dead mortal lover. His tan arms tightened around the child and Poseidon sent a meaningful look at Ares. Ares nodded in recognition and turned to the two men behind him, who were watching the interaction with awe. Ares didn't even hesitate as he killed them both. He couldn't have witnesses. They were weak-minded mortals who would tell any god the first chance they got. Ares turned back and looked at the sea, but Poseidon was already gone, leaving the sea swirling angrily.
Ares sighed deeply. He knew he had done the right thing, whether the gods were overthrown in the end, or not. He just hoped it was the former.
Poseidon's POV (3rd Person)
Poseidon hurried into his palace at Atlantis. He shoved past the throne room doors to find Amphitrite sitting on her throne, next to Poseidon's. Her eyes widened as her eyes landed on the bundle in his arms. She rose slowly from her chair and hustled to her spouse.
Poseidon had a pleading look in his eyes. Amphitrite had absolutely no chance against that look. But she was furious; he was unfaithful. He had found a mortal, instead of being with her. Amphitrite was tired of his traitorous ways when it came to love. There was no way in Hades she would raise that . . . half-breed.
"I won't let you keep him." She stated harshly.
Poseidon's eyes darkened. "Amphitrite, my dear, his family is dead! Zeus wants to kill him! We can't let him out of our sight!"
Amphitrite's face twisted into an expression of pure betrayal and anger. "If you hadn't gone and had a child with another mortal, you wouldn't be in this situation in the first place, Poseidon! Are you not happy with me? Am I not good enough to satisfy you?"
Poseidon's eyes lost all anger and remorse filled them. "Amphitrite, I—"
"Do you know how much it hurts, Poseidon? To be betrayed over and over? To feel like you are inadequate?" Amphitrite inquired.
Poseidon didn't know his wife was hurt this much by his actions. He felt incredibly guilty, like a three-hundred pound weight had just fallen onto his shoulders. His heart felt like lead, the guilt eating away at his insides.
Amphitrite's eyes stung with tears. As soon as they began to leak out of her eyes, a thumb gently brushed them away. Poseidon gazed at her, the sea-green eyes that she loved filled with remorse and tenderness. He leaned in and kissed her softly, before pressing his forehead against hers. He carefully held Perseus in one of his arms.
"Amphitrite, I am so sorry. You're right. I have been a horrible husband and I'm ashamed. I will make it up to you in any way possible. But please, my wife, raise the child with me. Hold him for a moment before you decide." Poseidon said.
Poseidon gently handed Amphitrite the child. As soon she got the baby, she held him close to her chest. He opened his little eyes to reveal familiar sea-green eyes, just like his father's. He had a messy little tuft of jet-black hair on his head, much like his father's. Amphitrite gazed at the child with affection as she softly ran her index finger along his cheek. The small boy moved his tiny hand out of the blanket he was bundled in, and gripped Amphitrite finger tightly.
The small child let out a delighted squeal and giggled as he played with Amphitrite's finger.
Amphitrite found herself smiling lovingly at the boy. "What is his name?"
"Perseus." Poseidon replied quietly as he wrapped an arm around Amphitrite and pulled her close to his chest, so Perseus was in between the two.
Amphitrite looked up at the man she loved. "We can keep him. I will raise him as my own."
Poseidon was so elated that he leaned over and planted a huge kiss on Amphitrite's lips. She smiled cheerfully at her husband's happiness and leaned her head into his chest, carefully making sure that she didn't drop Perseus. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
~Fifteen Years Later, Training Area, Atlantis
A sixteen-year-old boy stabbed forward with his spear, only to be blocked by a shield. The boy recovered fast enough to turn his spear sideways and catch an overhead swing that was aimed for his head. The boy feinted left before slamming the butt of his spear into the ribcage of his opponent, eliciting a pain filled, "Oomph."
His opponent lifted his shield just in time to block the follow up blow. The sixteen year old swung his spear in a staff-like motion, sweeping at his opponent's feet. His opponent skillfully jumped over the spear before slamming his shield into the boy's face. The sixteen year old stumbled backwards in a daze from the sheer force behind the shield bash. His opponent stabbed with his sword, but the boy sidestepped and retaliated by driving the blunt tip of his spear into his opponent's exposed side, effectively pushing him back. The boy swiped with his spear like a sword, slicing a shallow gash across his opponent's chest. His opponent responded by nicking the boy's arm with his sword. The boy clenched his jaw and ignored the pain as he held his spear horizontally, forcefully shoved his opponent backwards, and then swung the blunt end of the spear like a baseball bat; the end of the spear connected roughly with his opponent's head. The sixteen year old could see his opponent's eyes rattle in his skull before falling to the ground without much grace.
His opponent tried to swing his sword at the boy, but he blocked it with the shaft of his spear and the knocked the sword from his opponent's grasp. As one last attempt to stay in the fight, his opponent lifted his shield and tried to block the boy's onslaught of attacks, but the boy ended up wrenching it from his opponent's grip by using the spear for leverage, like a crowbar. If his opponent wanted to hold on to the shield, it would have broken his arm. The boy didn't hesitate for a second as he straddled his downed opponent and put the point of his spear to his opponent's throat.
"Yield?" The boy asked, an amused glint in his eye.
His opponent sighed in defeat. "Yeah, I yield, little brother."
Perseus grinned as he got off Triton's chest and extended his hand to his immortal brother. Triton grinned proudly and seized Percy's hand and got pulled to his feet. He ruffled Percy's jet-black hair.
"Nice fight little brother. Now go fetch me some Ambrosia." Trion ordered with a grin.
Percy rolled his eyes while an amused smile was plastered on his face and grabbed a square off the medicinal cabinet inside the training area. He split it in half and tossed one half to Triton. They both ate their halves, their wounds healing themselves.
"I don't think the spear is my weapon, brother." Percy remarked.
Triton raised his eyebrows quizzically. "Are you kidding? You demolished me!"
"Yes, but I demolished you faster with the sword." Percy pointed out, his lips quirking into a small smirk.
Triton sighed as Percy chuckled with amusement. "Wipe that grin off you face, brother, or I will have to wipe it off for you."
Triton grinned and waggled his fingers, challenging Percy. Percy's grin broadened as he took a defensive stance. As Triton prepared to throw the first punch, a voice interrupted them.
"Boys, no more fighting." A feminine voice commanded.
Triton and Percy turned to see Amphitrite, in the arms of Poseidon. They had apparently been watching them the entire time, but the brothers didn't even notice. Poseidon had a proud grin on his face as he had watched the two spar and banter; he was proud of both his sons. In a way, Percy solved all of Poseidon's problems. Percy fixed his marriage with Amphitrite, healed his relationship with Triton, and Percy managed to bring out the kindness that everyone knew was hidden in the depths of Triton's heart. Triton tried to act like he didn't care, but Poseidon knew good and well that Triton cared a great deal for his younger brother, whether they were related by blood or not.
Percy grinned and hugged his mother. "Hey, mom."
Amphitrite kissed Percy's cheek. "Hello, dear. Hello, Triton."
Triton smiled and hugged his mother with the same love that Percy did. As Amphitrite conversed with their sons, Poseidon's thoughts drifted back to the events that happened earlier that day.
FOUR HOURS EARLIER
Poseidon was reading over a couple of war maps that Delphin had brought to him. It seemed that Oceanus's forces were beginning to grow in number, which slightly frightened as well as peeved the lord of the seas. If they were growing in number, that meant that Oceanus was planning something. Poseidon wasn't sure what it was, but it couldn't be good. Delphin had assured the lord of the seas that Oceanus's forces were still miniscule, even with the new recruitments and reinforcements. If the army kept a steady growth rate, Delphin approximated that Oceanus wouldn't have a formidable army until the year 2015 AD. Poseidon sighed deeply. It was only 464 BC, so it was a long way off. As he as reminded of the date, he couldn't help but remember Percy's date of birth. September 10, 480 BC. It was the same day that the battle of Thermopylae ended. It was the day that the 300 bravest warriors in Greece fell to the Persian assault.
The Spartan 300. That's what had been on Poseidon's mind for the past sixteen years. He did think it quite strange that Percy was born on the day that all the bravest and strongest warriors died. It was a bright contrast to a dark day in Greece. Percy didn't even know—bless him, he can be a little dense—that he was born on the same day as the battle ended. His mother was a Spartan, so Percy was as well. Poseidon couldn't help but smile when he thought about the fact that he had raised a Spartan demigod. Percy certainly had the looks of a Spartan: sun-kissed skin, athletic body, sturdy muscles, and an attractive face. He had the attitude of a Spartan as well: stubbornness, fierceness, honor, kindness, but also asperity, valor, and most important of all, loyalty.
Poseidon didn't think he had sired another kid before that was even relatively close to Percy in terms of loyalty. Poseidon knew that Percy would fight to the death for his family and friends, the thought of leaving them behind never crossing his mind. Percy would probably sacrifice himself at any given time if it meant saving someone that he cared about. Percy was Poseidon's pride and joy, but he would never tell anyone for the sake of hurting Triton's feelings. Don't misunderstand, Poseidon loved Triton equally as he did Amphitrite and Percy, but Triton couldn't hold a candle to Percy's fighting skills. Triton was the fiercest warrior before Percy came; Triton was unbeatable. Until Percy.
Poseidon was shaken from his thoughts when a prayer greeted his mind. In was a request to enter his realm, from another Olympian. He couldn't tell who it was, but hoped to the gods (which would be himself, in this case) that it wasn't Zeus. Poseidon was tired of Zeus anyway, but Zeus could absolutely, under no circumstances, come to Atlantis for the small chance that he could discover Percy. Ares had kept his word to the day, never speaking to anyone of Perseus's existence. Poseidon had found a new respect for the war god that day, and was often kind to Ares whenever he had the chance. It was all thanks to Ares that Percy was here. But should Zeus find him, he would take Percy before the Council and execute him immediately. The stupid, paranoid fool was afraid that Percy was the child of the prophecy. It might not even happen in Percy's lifetime, for Hades's sake! It could very well refer to Heracles (who was alive currently as a demigod) as much as it could refer to Percy. Heracles was nineteen at the time, and very much mortal. He was clearly Zeus's favorite child, but he disgusted Poseidon, and Percy and Triton felt the same way. Heracles used people to get what he wanted. He would make empty promises of make up "white lies" that would get him whatever he desired. But enough about that.
Poseidon weighed his options. This god/goddess could very well be someone who would turn Percy in with the blink of an eye, or it could be Ares or someone neutral, like Hestia, for example. Since Percy and Triton were in the training room, he decided to let whomever it was in.
After a couple dull moments, a bright flash illuminated Poseidon's war council room, to reveal a cheery man with an optimistic, blinding smile. He had bright blue, upbeat eyes that seemed to carry all the happiness in the world. The man had curly blond hair, and a fit body, with a golden bow slung over his back.
Poseidon grinned and his nephew. "Hello, Apollo. To what do I owe the honor?"
"Hey, Uncle P. I just decided to drop by and ask if you heard." Apollo replied.
"Heard what?" Poseidon asked back. He apparently missed the gossip today.
Apollo's eyes widened. "So you haven't heard? Wow."
Poseidon sighed exasperatedly. "Out with it, Apollo."
"Okay, okay, Uncle P, I'm just trying to have some fun," Apollo said with a happy grin, "Okay, back to business. You know Heracles, right? Of course you do. Anyway, Zeus just gave him the task to steal an apple of immortality from the Gardens of the Hesperides! He'll be going in a week or so."
Poseidon's brain almost exploded as he tried to comprehend what Apollo had told him.
"Zeus wants Heracles to be the prophecy child, huh?" Poseidon guessed.
"Bingo, Uncle P! Zeus wants him to be immortal so he can be the prophecy child whenever the prophecy comes into play. I, of course, being the god of prophecy, know when that is, but I don't want to ruin the surprise! But since Heracles is the only child of the Big Three alive, that means that he will definitely be the child of the prophecy!" Apollo said, all while smiling joyfully.
Poseidon bit back a nervous chuckle that would have been obvious. So that's another reason Zeus wanted Perseus dead. Zeus thought that Percy would seek to be immortal so he could be the prophecy child, but Zeus wanted his own kid to be the one who destroyed or saved Olympus. Preferably the latter. Zeus didn't know, but his kid had a rival now. Perseus Jackson, son of Poseidon.
"Ah." Poseidon responded simply.
Apollo's grin died. "Oh Hades! I'm sorry, Uncle P! I didn't mean to remind you of your boy that died last decade. I'm sorry."
Poseidon had to resist the urge to tell Apollo that the kid was alive. But he needed to play the part.
"It's no problem, Apollo. There's nothing I can do about it now." Poseidon said, trying to sound wistful.
Apollo just nodded sadly. "It was unfair."
"You're right. It was prejudicial for Zeus to kill my child just so his own could be the prophecy child." Poseidon said.
Apollo frowned for a moment, but his features relaxed once again. "Well, I should get going. Expect a visit from Athena soon, maybe even today. Zeus ordered her to write a couple reports on Oceanus's army. Be ready, Poseidon, because I know how much you two love to argue."
Apollo flashed out of the room, and Poseidon muttered the one thought on his mind.
"Heracles, huh? Looks like I need to train Perseus a little harder. He needs to be ready." Poseidon mumbled to himself as he rose from his chair. But what he didn't notice was the eight-year-old girl sitting by the hearth in the room, absentmindedly poking at the fire with her finger. Hestia, goddess of the hearth, heard him mention Perseus, and he didn't even know that he just revealed his possibly most well kept secret by accident.
BACK TO PRESENT TIME
Poseidon was brought back from his thoughts as Amphitrite suggested going eat lunch. The boys agreed that they were hungry and everyone made his or her way to the dining table, in a room off of the main hall that leads to the throne room. Poseidon walked with his family until a merman called him over.
Percy, Triton, and Amphitrite continued to the dining room while Poseidon followed the merman into the throne room.
"Yes?" Poseidon asked.
"Delphin wanted me to show you this." The merman said.
He pulled a letter out and handed it to Poseidon.
My Lord,
Poseidon, I'm growing wary of Oceanus's forces. Scouts reported earlier today that the Kraken is now missing from its prison in the Indian Ocean. If Oceanus has the Kraken on his side, his army will be much more powerful. My prediction still stands; His army won't be ready until 2015. However, I worry. I will inform you of any more information that I acquire through reconnaissance.
Your advisor and friend, Delphin
Poseidon's face paled and his heart beat faster in his chest. The Kraken? Oceanus clearly wanted to win whatever he was planning, whether it was a small battle or a war. Poseidon was deeply troubled by this news.
Poseidon dismissed the merman and sunk dejectedly into his throne, resting his chin on his fist. Before he could ponder the matter more, someone asked for permission to enter his domain. Poseidon sent a silent message that he allowed it, and the room flashed grey.
Standing in front of Poseidon was a woman. She had long, dark hair and fair skin. Her eyes were an intimidating, yet attractive, color of grey. She wore a bronze chest plate over a white chiton that fell to her ankles. Her eyes held unimaginable wisdom and her face was calm and calculating, like she was analyzing his every movement. Her stormy-grey eyes flitted around the room before finally falling on Poseidon's sea green ones.
Poseidon straightened in his chair and his neck began to tingle, like a warning. He knew something was about to happen. Poseidon just had this feeling. This wasn't going to go over smoothly.
"Poseidon." The woman greeted stoically.
"Athena. Are you here to discuss Oceanus?" Poseidon asked, already knowing the answer.
Athena nodded. "Yes. Zeus wanted me to see about the—"
"Hey, Dad! Mom wants to know why you're taking so . . . long." Percy's words trailed off as he stepped into the throne room. He froze as he saw Athena, who was gazing back at him with a genuinely shocked expression.
Athena was dumbstruck. Here she was, looking at an almost identical copy of her Uncle Poseidon. The boy was tall, maybe 5'10" or 5'11", had sea-green eyes, and jet-black hair like his father. But that wasn't what shocked Athena so greatly. The boy called the Poseidon Dad. As in his father. But his only immortal son was Triton. So that meant that this boy was . . . a demigod.
Poseidon felt like he was about to have a major panic attack. Athena. Was. In. The. Same. Room. As. Percy. And they saw each other. Athena slowly turned to Poseidon with an astonished expression.
Before Poseidon knew what he was doing, he was diving at Athena. He grabbed her arm just as she flashed out of the room. Right before Athena completely flashed out of the room, he felt two hands grab his shin, before he was sucked out of the throne room.