Euphemia and Astarte

Day ??, Year ????.

"Poseidon, you aren't supposed to be here."

In the grand assembly of gods, Zeus addressed his banished brother, who had been bound up in dark red chains.

"If I wanted to, I could have sneaked in."

He looked at the empty seat, which was closest to the central throne.

"But I am not here to discuss my morality, brother. I come bearing gifts."

The Crown God leaned his head on his right fist.

"Those two do not belong here. I have no interest in adopting them."

"You can't deny their heritage."

He tried to walk forward, but the chains held him back.

"And their value to this kingdom."

The more he resisted, the warmer the chains got.

"Father, what does he mean?"

Athena, his eldest daughter, questioned.

"Your uncle has brought two young demigods to us."

"Demigods?"

The woman looked at Poseidon.

"But the process required is..."

"He had Hades there to help him. Am I right?"

At the mere mention of the name, everyone in the assembly started to murmur amongst themselves. Poseidon ignored their whispers and said,

"I am not here to ask for forgiveness. Nor am I here to repent for my sins."

"I know why you are here, traitor."

A bolt of lightning appeared from the air and struck just ahead of him.

"You experimented on them, and now their seeds have been compromised. If I refuse to do something about it, they will die. Truly, your greed for power knows no bounds."

It was as if he could see through him.

'I will have to use that.'

Poseidon raised both of his hands in the air, and said,

"I am afraid that isn't the only gift, Almighty Zeus."

Zeus raised his right eyebrow.

"Oh? And what might that be?"

"Before I tell you that, you will have to help the girls."

"Are you not realizing what sort of situation you are in?"

The king stood up, and a giant sword radiating lightning appeared in his hand.

"I won't negotiate with you. Not after what you did."

His entire body was enveloped with raw, unhindered electricity. The golden threads were slowly expanding in size.

"If you don't want to be branded again, then say your piece, and LEAVE."

He brought the sword close to his neck. Countless waves of current were interacting with the giant's skin, all of which could end a mortal's life in an instant.

"HA-"

The pain was unbearable.

"Speak."

"HADES...IS..."

The intensity increased.

"Clearly."

Using up all of his breath, Poseidon screamed,

"HADES IS DEAD!"

'Zap.'

The lightning vanished. The entire room went silent.

"Repeat your words."

Poseidon grabbed his own throat. The black, charred skin was slowly starting to heal.

"Hades...ha...he is dead."

Zeus grabbed his neck and lifted him off the ground. The chains were stretched to their maximum, which started to immediately burn through his skin.

"Don't you dare lie to me!"

He pressed his neck. Poseidon was gasping for air.

"He isn't lying."

Zeus looked over towards the voice.

"Themis, are you sure?"

Her sword was glowing blue.

"Yes."

He looked back at Poseidon and threw him back to the ground. The chains loosened, revealing newly formed burn wounds all over his arms and legs.

"How?"

"Because...of...them."

The sword disappeared.

"Because of who?"

Poseidon looked directly into his eyes and smiled.

"My daughter, and his daughter. Euphemia, and Astarte."

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