She went quickly. As quickly as her attack had come. In one instant, her smile radiated in the dismal hellhole they had traveled through. And in the next, she was lying on the ground dying. He had fought as hard and as fast as he could to be with her, but he hadn't been fast enough. Nothing could be done to save her. He was forced to hold her in his arms as she faded in a mist of golden dust to join her brethren on Olympus. She had left him to the final moments of his journey. The woman, who had watched him all his life, was gone.
As Perseus stood on the ridge where his journey first began, the faces of those he had lost flashed through his mind. His father, his mother, and sister. Draco and his fine men. The Djinn and Io. Fine people, heroic people, ones who did not deserve their fate cut short by the war with the Gods.
Zeus joined him on the ridge, still intent on taking Perseus back to Olympus. But Perseus was no god, even if he was a demigod. He was simple man, a fisherman. He did not belong on Olympus. And as Zeus accepted Perseus' wish, a bright ray of white caught his eye.
As the light faded, her figure came into view. She stood tall, smiling brightly at him. Perseus smiled back and walked toward her. She walked toward him, eagerly meeting him halfway. Perseus reached out to touch her face. He was hesitant, as if his touch would send her away once more. Yet as his hand stroke her soft cheeks, she remained before him.
Perseus pulled her into his arms and touched his lips to hers. Her hands held onto him as she leaned into him. He stroked her cheek as he pulled from her, savoring each moment he held her in his arms.
"What will happen now?" Perseus asked.
"The war will not be over in your future, nor in anyone's future. Your defiance had showed the gods and men alike that one cannot live without the other, but conflicts will tear the ties apart." Io explained. "You will be called upon again and again as time passes to right wrongs of men and God. That is the way of your path, Perseus."
Perseus nodded. "Then where does your path lead you, Io?"
"My path, my destiny in life, has always been to watch over you as your guardian." Io explained. "But I wish to join you, if you'll have me."
"I could not ask for a more trusted guardian to watch over me." Perseus said. "Or a greater woman to accompany me; If she'll have me."