Poseidon: King of The Sea...

Poseidon PoV:

I had no idea how much time had passed since being swallowed, and even if I did, it wouldn't have been handy considering I had no idea how much time had passed between Zeus being born and freeing his siblings, so I had kinda just resigned myself to a long wait. 

So, I'll happily admit to being incredibly relieved when the gold walls of my stomach confinement began to shake. Now, I was quite unaware when being swallowed, not so much when I was being vomited up; it was the worst experience of my short immortal life, but it was worth it, considering the alternative was staying trapped in my father's belly.

As I fell onto the vast expanse of the throne room on Mount Othrys, the chill of the cold marble floors sent a shiver up my spine. With a quick instinct, I tucked and rolled, avoiding a rather embarrassing faceplant. My siblings, however, were not as fortunate, and I couldn't help but stifle a laugh as they stumbled inelegantly behind me.

My gaze swept across the magnificent room, filled with awe at its grandeur. The marble thrones loomed majestically before me, each one towering higher than a two-story house.

However, the throne I had just been thrown at the foot of caught my eye. It was lifted an excellent few feet higher than the rest of the thrones, made of stones of pure black obsidian, with the cracks filled in with molten gold, and fitted with a variety of jewels and diamonds. The backrest of the throne held a silver hourglass containing gold sand that seemed never to end, and the arms of the chair had a sheath for the Scythe of the Titan king. 

I hardly had a moment to thoroughly examine the other thrones surrounding me before the arrival of a woman caught my attention. I could only assume she was Metis, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy towards Zeus. She strode in with an air of confidence that commanded respect. Her long, braided locks of raven-black hair cascaded gracefully down her back, each braid meticulously woven, reflecting the light in an almost ethereal manner. 

Her features were striking—her high cheekbones and defined jawline gave her an almost regal aspect, evoking a sense of nobility and strength. Metis had an athletic build that spoke of agility and power, her form perfectly curvaceous in ways that seemed to celebrate femininity and capability. 

But what captivated me most were her eyes; they were sharp and penetrating, gleaming with a wisdom that seemed to transcend time itself. Their colour was like that of stark steel, a blend of grey and silver that held an intensity capable of piercing through pretence and revealing the truth of any matter before her. 

Amidst the swirling chaos that enveloped us, her expression remained eerily serene, devoid of fear or panic. Instead, a cool nonchalance graced her face as she scrutinized each of us inquisitively, her gaze akin to that of a detective on the brink of uncovering a hidden truth. Her voice resonated with strength and resolve when she finally spoke, almost taking on a commanding tone that brooked no resistance: "We don't have much time, so try not to fight me."

Before I could even grasp the weight of her words, her hand descended upon my shoulder with the force of a vice, and an extraordinary surge of divine power coursed through my veins. It was as if the air around us shimmered with a radiant, golden light, momentarily rendering me blind and enveloping me.

I struggled against the immediate instinct to push her power away. Instead, I took a deep breath and embraced the energy around me. It wrapped around me like a warm cocoon, and after a brief moment of surrender, my vision began to clear. When it did, I found myself standing in a dimly lit cave. The air was cool and slightly damp, and my gaze swept across the rough stone walls, their surfaces slick with moisture. Green moss clung to the crevices and cracks, softening the harshness of the rock with its vibrant hue, and there was a faint, earthy smell that filled the space, hinting at the life that thrived even in such darkness.

As I pulled my focus away from the vibrant scenery surrounding me, I was drawn in by the cacophony of my siblings' voices, filled with confusion and excitement. I turned to look at them for the first time in this new life, and a peculiar wave of detachment washed over me. It caught me off guard; I had never been particularly close to my siblings in my past life, yet I knew, deep down, that I loved them. 

As I observed my new siblings, the warmth that typically blossomed in my chest at the sight of family felt conspicuously absent. Instead, an unsettling chill akin to mourning enveloped me.

I knew that family relationships in Greek mythology weren't usually warm, at least not in a platonic sense, but I still expected to feel some closeness to my new siblings. I realized that building that relationship would take effort; after all, no one wants to spend eternity alone while harbouring animosity toward their family.

As I stood there, gathering the courage to greet my siblings, I took a moment to truly absorb their appearances, each one unique and striking in their own right. 

First, my gaze fell upon Hestia. She resembled a ten-year-old girl, but there was a remarkable intensity about her. Her long, fiery red hair cascaded down her back, resembling molten lava as it danced in the light. Her skin was smooth and luminous, like the finest porcelain, perfectly accentuating her childlike features. Most captivating were her eyes; they glowed with the warmth of a crackling fire, flickering with shades of orange and gold, inviting yet fierce.

Next, I shifted my attention to Demeter. She, too, bore the qualities of youth, yet there was a wildness to her charm. Her hair flowed untamed around her shoulders, a golden hue reminiscent of ripe wheat swaying gently in the summer breeze. Her skin had a warm, sun-kissed tan, conveying a sense of earthiness and vitality. Her eyes, a deep, rich green, sparkled with the essence of the forest, reflecting a profound connection to nature's bounty.

Then there was Hera. She struck an imposing figure with her long, intricately braided hair that was so deep a black it seemed to possess an otherworldly sheen, almost hinting at a dark blue hue in certain lights. Her skin, flawless and smooth, resembled polished white marble, exuding an air of regality. It was her eyes, though, that truly captivated me—iridescent and mesmerizing, they seemed to shift like the feathers of a peacock's tail, revealing hues of blue, green, and gold, all while emanating a sense of authority.

Finally, my eyes fell upon Hades. His appearance sharply contrasted with that of our other siblings. He was unnaturally pale, almost ghostly, with a frail frame that lacked both muscle and definition. Dark circles shrouded his coal-black eyes, making them appear sunken and hollow, blending the line between iris and pupil into a shadowy abyss. His dishevelled hair, resembling a chaotic bird's nest, was as black as midnight and had an unkempt, greasy texture that carried an air of neglect, further enhancing the aura of melancholy that surrounded him. 

Each of them, in their distinct forms, conjured a blend of warmth, nature, strength, and darkness—a vivid tapestry of our shared lineage.

Realizing that I couldn't put it off any longer, I strode forward with a confidence that I didn't truly feel. I cleared my throat to get my sibling's attention, who, like me, had been captivated by our surroundings. To be fair, when you've spent your entire life inside a stomach, even a dirty cave might seem like paradise.

"Well, it's nice to see you all, I suppose..." It took me a moment to realize that I was the one who had spoken. It shouldn't have been a surprise that my voice sounded different; however, hearing myself speak Ancient Greek—a language I hadn't known in my past life—with a faint northern accent that somehow followed me across both lives, was shocking.

The reactions to my words were mixed, to say the least. Hestia looked at me with fondness and affection, making me feel like an imposter. Hera had a sour expression as if she had just swallowed a lemon, while Demeter looked as though someone had told her that nature was terrible. Hades, on the other hand, raised a single eyebrow, gazing at me in confusion.

A warmth crept into my cheeks, tinting them a delicate shade of gold, as I desperately tried to salvage the awkwardness of the moment. Yet, to my dismay, the words I wished to articulate slipped away, leaving behind nothing but incoherent babbles and nervous groans that tumbled from my lips. Hades approached with a spectral grace, his presence both intimidating and fascinating. He extended a slender, bony finger and poked me gently in the chest, his eyes narrowing in perplexity. His voice, when it came, was a raspy croak laced with astonishment, "What is that?"

"What is what?" I stammered, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected question. After a brief pause to collect myself, I finally found the right words to respond. Hades, with a puzzled expression, gestured toward my mouth and inquired with a hint of bewilderment, "That strange thing you're doing with your voice." His confusion stung, and I shot him a look filled with offence. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with my voice," I retorted, defensively. 

Hades responded with conviction, "Yes, there is; it sounds strange." For a moment, I considered hitting him on the head, and I probably would have if not for the warm chuckle from Hestia, which seemed to ease the growing tension.

Hades finally took a step back, breaking the tension of our close proximity. His intense gaze swept over me, scrutinizing every detail from head to toe. After what felt like an eternity, he smirked slightly and declared in a voice that was both surprising and casual, "You're weird, but you're alright." His words hung in the air, a curious blend of appraisal and acceptance.

A surge of petulance bubbled up inside me, and before I could catch myself, the words tumbled out: "I'm not weird; you're weird." The moment they left my lips, a wave of embarrassment washed over me, stinging my cheeks. Just as I braced myself for another nonsensical retort from Hades, Hestia stepped in, her presence a soothing balm amid the brewing tension. She positioned herself between us, her calming touch resting gently on both our shoulders. "Now, boys," she said, her voice both warm and firm, "let's be civil to one another. First, we should introduce ourselves, alright?"

"I'll go first," Hestia announced, her voice enveloping the room with a comforting warmth. As she spoke, she spread her arms wide in a welcoming gesture, her long, flowing robes cascading gracefully around her. "I'm Hestia, your eldest sister, Goddess of Family." With a flourish, she turned her hand toward me, a silent cue urging me to share my introduction.

As the gaze of my three siblings settled on me, a warm flush of gold crept across my cheeks, igniting a mix of pride and nervousness within me. Gathering my composure, I proclaimed, "And I'm Poseidon, God of Storms, and your younger brother." My attempt at confidence was momentarily interrupted by the sound of Hades snorting derisively at the mention of me being the younger brother. In a playful act of defiance, I stuck my tongue out at him, punctuating my defiance with a mischievous grin.

Hades responded with an exaggerated roll of his eyes, his voice dripping with nonchalance as he introduced himself. "I am Hades, God of Riches, your younger brother," he declared, his tone rich with a hint of mischief. Then, his gaze locked onto mine, a smirk dancing on his lips as he added, "And your older brother." I let his remark pass, sensing the quiet warning reflected in Hestia's watchful eyes.

Demeter burst forward with an exuberance that was palpable, her voice ringing out like a lively melody in the dim light of the cave. She radiated an infectious energy, reminiscent of a golden retriever bounding playfully into a sunny field. "Hello! I'm Demeter, your middle sister and the Goddess of Harvest," she proclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "And isn't this cave just wonderful?" Her face was illuminated with a bubbly grin that could light up the darkest corners. However, her vibrant demeanour elicited a visible grimace from Hades, whose stoic expression stood in stark contrast to her lively presence.

With an air of impatience, Hera cleared her throat dramatically, a sound that pierced through the casual chatter in the room. Her demeanour dripped with the regal authority one would expect from a queen, and her voice was laced with condescension as she declared, "And I am Hera, Goddess of the Starry Heavens and your youngest yet elder sister." She held herself tall, her back arched with pride, and her gaze swept over us with an expectation that we would all rise in admiration, showering her with applause and gratitude for her grand introduction.

However, the reality was far from her imagined reception. Hades let out a derisive scoff, his dark presence unyielding and dismissive. Demeter, her attention already waning, turned her focus to the delicate moss adorning the walls, her fingers tracing the verdant patterns as if they were far more intriguing than Hera's proclamation. Meanwhile, Hestia offered nothing more than a faint, half-hearted smile, her warmth dulled by the shifting atmosphere. 

I watched as the light faded from Hera's face, a clear reflection of her disappointment. In that moment, embracing my role as the ever-watchful brother, I turned my attention to Hades. With a firm grip on his shoulder that might have been a touch too forceful, I offered Hera a smile that I hoped would exude charm, though it may have fallen short. My voice, laced with genuine admiration, filled the air as I addressed Hades. "Well, I, for one, am certainly in awe. How about you, Hades?"

Hades, his brow furrowed in confusion, seemed to be missing a few essential brain cells as he struggled to comprehend my intentions. His puzzled expression hinted at a calamity that might have unfolded if not for a sudden, sharp kick from Hestia. The unexpected jolt made him snap upright, his posture rigid with surprise, as he finally managed to stammer an awkward, croaking response, "Why yes, of course."

Hera's expression shifted, her features settling back into a cool, smug mask that radiated self-satisfaction. The confidence in her eyes sparkled with a hint of arrogance as if she were a queen surveying her realm. However, before she could articulate her next thought, a sharp, commanding voice cut through the air, belonging to our potential kidnapper.

"If you are finished with your introductions, I would like to take my turn," Metis declared, her voice resonating with authority while subtle traces of warmth lingered in its tone. Her presence radiated a mix of power and grace as she stepped forward, the faint shimmer of her divine aura illuminating the space around her. "I am Metis, daughter of Oceanus and Tethys, revered as the Goddess of Wise Counsel, and I stand here as your sister-in-law."

My siblings looked visibly confused as Metis introduced herself. The silence was interrupted by my somewhat slow brother Hades, who blurted out, "Sister-in-law?" I nudged Hades on the shoulder and smiled condescendingly as I said, "Yes, Hades, were you not listening? She said 'sister-in-law.'"

Hades' lips curled into a snarl as he shot back, "Yes, I heard that part. What I want to know is how." A playful grin spread across my face, the kind that danced on the edge of mockery, as I took my time with the next words, relishing the chance to provoke him further. "Well, Hades, when a man and woman like each other very much, they may..." Before I could finish my teasing explanation, the warmth of Hestia's hand found its way to my ear, tugging it sharply. I let out an involuntary yelp of surprise, a sound so embarrassing that it sent Hades into fits of laughter, his deep, resonant chuckles echoing in the room. 

Metis, her eyes glimmering with a mix of amusement and wisdom, gracefully turned to address Hades' inquiry. "While I can't reveal too much, as your brother is eager to speak with you himself, I can share this: you have a younger brother who has been raised in the shadows, kept from your father's watchful gaze." The air thickened with palpable jealousy from my siblings, their glances shooting daggers in my direction. To diffuse the tension that hung uncomfortably between us, I stepped forward to greet Metis, hoping to redirect our focus and ease the impending awkwardness.

As I reached out with my hand, a sea of puzzled expressions greeted me, and it dawned on me that the concept of handshakes might not yet exist in this era. Sensing the awkwardness of the moment, I smoothly transitioned my outstretched hand to rub the back of my head, feeling the dense, coiled curls beneath my fingertips in an effort to mask my embarrassment. Clearing my throat, I spoke with an air of earnestness. "Well, I, for one, am truly honoured to finally make the acquaintance of my new sister" A hint of regret laced my voice. "I must apologize for my absence at the wedding; I was, unfortunately, preoccupied with other matters at the time." I attempted an apologetic smile, hoping to convey my sincerity, and was met with the delightful sight of Metis' lips twitching into a smirk, hinting at her amusement.

"No need to apologize, brother," Metis replied, her voice warm and reassuring as a gentle smile curved her lips. The softness in her eyes reflected the joy of this long-awaited meeting. However, before she could continue her words, an unexpected roar of wind swept through the air, chilling the moment. Just then, the piercing caw of an eagle cut through the sound of the gale. With a magnificent swoop, a golden eagle descended, its majestic wings outstretched. As it landed gracefully before us, a brilliant burst of golden light enveloped the creature, illuminating the surroundings and revealing...