Poseidon: King of The Sea...

Zeus POV:

A smile, at first glance, appears to be a warm and inviting gesture, a bridge that connects us to others. However, beneath its surface, it often serves as a deceptive facade, a means to ensnare you in a false sense of security just before you find yourself betrayed. Growing up in the shadows, enveloped in obscurity, I became acutely aware of the perilous world around me—a world brimming with those who would seek to cause me harm. This upbringing underscored the profound value of a smile; it became my shield and my armour. Yet, there's a limit to how long one can maintain such a pretence. Over time, I began to feel the weight of that perpetual smile, the strain on my cheeks as I forced them upward, trying to mask the turmoil inside.

On Mount Ida, however, smiles came more naturally, even amidst the turmoil that surrounded my siblings' fates. It was a place where joy mingled with sorrow, where happiness felt both genuine and tainted by the underlying currents of guilt that tugged at my heart. Despite this complexity, I could still find moments of light and laughter that momentarily lifted my spirits. I wore my smile there willingly, although I constantly grappled with the knowledge that from the very moment I drew breath, I was burdened with a destiny that loomed over me. My true purpose awaited, a path predetermined long before I could comprehend its significance.

For a deity, the notions of fate and destiny are undoubtedly perplexing. The very idea that beings of immense power can be manipulated like marionettes, swaying to the unseen strings of a higher will, seems utterly absurd. Yet, in the face of my scepticism toward destiny, here I stand upon the towering heights of Mount Othrys—a solitary peak rising defiantly from a turbulent ocean of destiny. Around me, countless figures play their parts, each lost in a grand narrative woven from the words of an ancient prophecy, one uttered by a grandfather I have never known and who has lingered in the midst of time for thousands of years. In pursuit of this inscrutable fate, I find myself embroiled in a desperate bid to liberate my siblings and ignite a conflict against my very own father.

My fists tighten involuntarily, tension coiling within me as a simmering rage bubbles just beneath the surface at the thought of being manipulated like a marionette. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the soothing presence of Metis brings a moment of clarity. I gaze up into her luminous face, where the warmth of her smile radiates like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. The genuine affection reflected in her eyes melts away the doubts gnawing at my heart, infusing me with a renewed strength to forge ahead despite the turmoil swirling inside.

I feel the great weight behind my cheeks as I force them into a great attempt at a smile that anyone who truly knows me will know is fake as I stand behind my...Father, seeing him look at me without a glimmer of recognition fills me with both rage and confidence, rage at the fact that he can't even recognize his own son and confidence that we won't be discovered.

"Kronos, our revered king," I began, my voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within me. "I am Akakios, a son of your esteemed brother Oceanus, and standing by my side is my beloved sister Metis." I held out the ornate bottle filled with Amalthea's elixir, its deep amber hue catching the light and reflecting a legacy of craftsmanship. Forced joviality coloured my tone, masking the inner frustration that threatened to break free. How could he choose a throne over the love of his own children? Yet somehow, I managed to maintain my smile, even as the thought churned in my mind. "I bring with me a bottle of my father's finest elixir"

Kronos' face remained utterly unmoved, a serene mask that betrayed no emotion; if not for the gentle rustling of his chiton and the palpable aura of power surrounding him, I could have easily mistaken him for a marble statue rather than a living being. As the silence stretched on, unease bubbled within me, and I began to wonder if he could see right through my carefully constructed façade. Just then, he leaned down with an unexpected grace, his hand reaching out to snatch the bottle from my grip. My heart raced, anxiety sparking at the sudden movement, as he lifted the bottle to his lips and took a deep, deliberate swallow of its contents, an action that set my nerves on edge.

For a fleeting moment, an unsettling stillness enveloped the chamber, and a wave of doubt washed over me. What if the dose I had administered was insufficient to provoke the powerful response I desperately sought? This opportunity was unique—there would be no second chances. Just then, Kronos lurched forward from his imposing throne, the ancient wood creaking under his weight as he coughed violently, his voice a harsh rasp that echoed in the silence. The surrounding Titans, towering figures draped in shadows, watched him with a mix of worry and trepidation, their faces taut with concern. Yet, the palpable fear they harboured for Kronos tethered them in place, preventing them from offering assistance, even as the insidious essence of the relaxing drought Metis had cleverly infused into their nectar coursed through their bodies.

Fearing that Kronos would still have the strength to contain my siblings despite the poisoning, I gathered all my strength to release a thunderous blow into his belly. The satisfaction I felt as the great Titan folded around my fist was immeasurable. With a great cough, five figures began to come tumbling out of Kronos' mouth.

It required immense willpower to resist the urge to simply stand there, absorbing every intricate detail of my siblings, as if this moment might be the last I'd ever have to cherish their presence. Each expression was etched into my memory, yet before I could dwell any longer, Metis acted swiftly. In a dazzling eruption of golden light, she gathered my siblings, their forms flickering like fireflies before they vanished from sight. As I turned back, a chill ran down my spine at the sight of the Titan king emerging from the shadows, his imposing presence commanding attention. The rest of the Titans, their eyes widening with dawning realization, were finally grasping the weight of the situation.

With a smile more genuine than before, I looked up at the angry face of my father. I bowed deeply, focusing on transforming into an eagle, feeling the wind carry me away from Othrys. The slow journey back in bird form would give me time to think about what to say to my siblings...