A Daughter’s Sorrow

Seven

With his head in his hands, Poseidon sat on his throne in Olympus. He had aged considerably, not knowing where his daughter was. So much worry and anguish.

The throne room doors opened and the God of the Sea looked to his niece and brother.

"Poseidon. I think maybe you should call off your search. It's been a year now, " Zeus called softly, so much unlike himself.

Athena stood next to her father, her face emotionless, a cold air surrounding her, "I agree with Father, Uncle. If she's still alive, after all this time, she doesn't want to be found."

Perci's father stood and bellowed at the two, "Are you saying my daughter is dead? Are you? I know she's alive, I do!! And how dare you even think she is not!!"

Zeus and Athena stepped back at his rage, slightly fearful.

"The two of you never liked Persephone. You feared how much power she had. What she was capable of! How much influence over our other children she had! You both wanted her out of the way!!"

Zeus looked to the floor in shame, while Athena just closed her eyes and sighed.

"You blame her for the death of Jason, Thalia and Annabeth!! But you forget how much she herself has sacrificed for the Gods!! You are selfish and have no right to say anything bad about her!! So help me I will destroy the both of you..."

Poseidon stormed out of the room, the Empire State Building shaking under his anger at this brother and niece, his threat hanging over father and daughter pair.

Zeus pinched his brow and turned to see Hera, Ares, the twins and Aphrodite looking at them with disgust.

:3

Perci was strolling along the beach, the white sand tickling her feet. She smiled, playing with her bracelet. The girl turned her head to look over the ocean. It was grey and wild. The crashing waves and rushing sea made her worried... has she been gone too long? "Hestia?"

"Yes, sweetheart?" The Lady of the Hearth appeared beside her.

"Is Dad okay? The sea, " Perci waved her hand over at the salt water. "It doesn't look too good."

“Your father is worried. He's searching for you. Hera and Ares are too. And Apollo and Artemis."

"They really care that much?"

"Of course Perci. You've done so much for all of us. And you are family." Hestia smiled and cupped the girl's cheek.

The demigoddess leant into her hand and closed her eyes, then sighed.

"The Muses told me you have the gift of the Siren."

The Saviour nodded, "The girls were so proud of me and amazed as well."

Hestia smiled and almost talking to herself, said, "You are beyond talented. Why must so much be placed on your shoulders? Why do you have to suffer so much?" The goddess paused, glowing with pride at the girl, "Calliope is coming."

Perci looked to the Mansion and saw the Muse waving her over, "It's time to sing, young one!"

The demigoddess turned to face Hestia again. But she was gone, "Still hate it when they do that." The ravenette grumbled.

:3

When Poseidon had left the throne room, he closed his eyes and fought back a sob. Every night he would go to Perci's room. Amph would find him there sitting next to the bed, crying. She would hold him and cry with her King.

Amphitrite would always comfort Poseidon. Telling him the girl was alive. She is. The Queen can feel it.

That night, she said to him, "Arthur. Go to Arthur. He can help us find her, him and that little team of his."

Poseidon nodded and looked into her eyes. He kissed her deeply and put his forehead on hers, "I just want her back Amph. I love my little waterdrop and I have no idea where she is."

"You will find her. She will be with us. I promise."

:3

Arthur Curry was walking through the halls of Poseidonis. Diana Prince had called him and had said she wanted help with something. Something important.

He entered the council room, to find Diana in her Wonder Woman outfit and leaning over a map spread across the table. Arthur frowned at her, "What did you want to speak to me about? Why not Bruce or Clark?"

"Because this is not their domain and none of their concern."

"Wh-"

There was a flash of light at the head of the large table. Arthur and Diana looked to it and kneeled immediately.

"Lord Poseidon." They both murmured with respect.

"Rise."

The two rose and studied the God. There were deep age lines on his face and grey hairs in his beard. His sea green eyes, tired and depressed. Poseidon just seemed to hunch over with worry and sorrow.

Diana stepped forward, "I am so sorry, my Lord. For your loss."

Anger flashed across his face. "She is not dead!!" Poseidon roared.

Diana bowed her head with a gulp, fearful.

"Who is not dead?" Arthur asked, confused.

"My daughter Persephone Jackson. She has been missing for a year and I want her back or at least proof that she is alive and safe." He then turned to the sss and sneered, "Why are you here, niece?"

"Father, told me and sent me here to help you," Diana spoke calmly, sympathetically.

Surprise flashed across the God's face for less then a second, "Zeus? Why would he..."

"He told me that he felt guilty for demeaning you. And knows you would not give up."

Poseidon nodded then smiled for the first time in months, "Just...please find her."

"Yes my Lord."

Aquaman and Wonder Woman kneeled again and the God was gone.

:3

Perci opened her eyes to find herself on a cold wet floor. The young woman sat up and looked side to side to see she was in a dark hallway. She swallowed her fear and stood, Riptide in her hand, "Hello?"

The demigoddess decided to go left. She found a door with a golden handle. Biting her lip, Perci turned the handle.

The door swung open and a hell hound jumped at her. With a yelp of shock, she swung her sword and the monster turned to dust.

Perci cursed under her breath, before brushing the ash off her face and neck. She turned around and walked the other way. Then on the right, another door came into view.

A silver door handle. Knowing she shouldn't, but Perci just couldn't help herself, because she opened the door. There was a roar and the young woman's eyes widened as the Minotaur lunged at Perci. On instinct, Riptide flew out and slammed into the monster's chest.

More gold dust.

This time she spat it out, coughing and blowing raspberries at the horrid taste. Perci spun around when she heard a baby's cries. Shutting the Minotaur's door, the ravenette raced towards the screams. There was another door, but this time with a bronze handle.

Perci turned it, but it was locked. The baby's cries were louder and the demigoddess began to breath heavier.

With a flash of anger, Perci kicked in the door. And there sat a tall, pale man in a white suit with white hair in an old leather, high back chair. He was holding a bundle of pink blankets. The man was looking down at it and Perci came closer.

She looked down at what he was holding, the man completely unaware of her presence.

Perci began cry herself.

Hestia.