“Zeus, my daughter isn’t going to be a killer!” Poseidon’s voice thundered through the council chamber as they deliberated over Kaimana’s fate. “The prophecy has spoken, Poseidon. You know it’s right,” Zeus retorted, his tone unyielding.
“Maybe it’s the right thing,” Amphitrite, Poseidon’s usually serene wife, spoke softly yet firmly. Poseidon’s gaze turned to her, a flicker of disbelief and hurt crossing his features. How could she suggest such a thing?
“You have to, brother. It would be for the best,” Hera’s voice, filled with reluctant agreement, echoed around the chamber, aligning with Zeus and Amphitrite’s stance.
“I refuse!” Poseidon’s defiance rang out, his stance unwavering in defense of his daughter. “You have no choice! It’s either death or sending her away!” Zeus’s ultimatum hung heavily in the air, Apollo standing silently in dissent.
“Fine… she will leave,” Poseidon conceded reluctantly, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. He couldn’t bear the thought of his daughter meeting such a fate.
– A few hours later –
“Hello, Carmelina,” Poseidon’s voice was heavy with sorrow as they sat together in the quiet of their home. Carmelina cradled baby Kaimana in her arms, her touch gentle yet protective, rocking the infant back to sleep. Poseidon struggled to meet her gaze, his resolve faltering.
“You need to give her up,” Poseidon finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper, unable to face the pain in Carmelina’s eyes. Her grip on Kaimana tightened involuntarily, the baby stirring in discomfort.
“I will not give up my child!” Carmelina’s voice quivered with emotion, her defiance unwavering despite the tears that welled in her eyes.
“You have to! It’s either she leaves or dies,” Poseidon’s voice cracked with anguish, the weight of their situation bearing down on him. Carmelina’s tears fell freely now, the reality of their dilemma crushing her resolve. With a heavy heart, she agreed to part with Kaimana, choosing to leave her in a safe place. It was a choice born of desperation and love, yet tainted by the unjust decree of the gods.
– A few years later –
Carmelina’s life spiraled into a blur of pain-numbing substances and hollow distractions after that fateful day. The void left by Kaimana’s absence was a wound that refused to heal. She knew she needed to stop, but the ache in her heart only grew stronger with each passing day. Poseidon, too, was consumed by grief, his once-vibrant spirit dimmed by the guilt and sorrow that haunted him.
Amphitrite, ever the steadfast companion, tirelessly sought to lift her husband’s spirits to no avail. Their daughter, Kymopoleia, brought a fleeting semblance of joy, yet even she couldn’t fill the void left by Kaimana’s absence.
The gods and mortals alike could feel Poseidon’s sorrow, a palpable aura of mourning that lingered like an unshakable shadow. Until one day, Apollo uncovered the truth—the prophecy was false. With a heavy heart, he hastened to rectify the grave injustice.
“Where’s Poseidon?” Zeus inquired of Amphitrite, noticing the absence of his brother.
“Resting,” Amphitrite replied softly, her eyes betraying a glimmer of hope.
“The prophecy wasn’t real,” Apollo declared, his voice carrying a mix of relief and remorse as he shared his discovery with the council.
“Really?” Artemis’s disbelief mirrored the sentiments of those assembled. They had condemned an innocent child based on falsehoods. Zeus clenched his fists in frustration, regret washing over him for his hasty judgment.
“Damn it!” Hera’s frustration was palpable, her usually composed demeanor cracking under the weight of their collective guilt.
“You can see her,” a voice interjected, causing heads to turn in surprise. “I’ve already informed Kymopoleia and Poseidon.” The mysterious figure appeared before them, their presence commanding attention.
“I’ll take you to her,” they declared, transporting the assembly to a vast chamber where demigods congregated.
“Hi, Leia,” Annabeth greeted warmly, a smile flickering across her face as she recognized the newcomer. A brilliant light enveloped them momentarily before fading.
“Okay, I’ll bring some of your children. Let’s get going,” the figure announced, their actions setting events into motion once more.
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