haha! I promised it would be up last week, tis not meant to meant to be I suppose! Anyway, here is is the last chapter of rain. Enjoy!
Milo curled up in that darkness, and he wasn't sure how long he laid in it, but he was certain that time was stretching on. He could feel it in his body, he could feel how time was passing, leaving him behind.
The thing that was nice about the darkness was that he could lay in it without feeling like he'd failed, the darkness didn't judge him, in fact, it cradled him and soothed the pain in his heart where he'd built up walls to protect him from the past. Throughout his time in the darkness he was sure he could hear voices, they whispered softly around him, and Milo wasn't sure if they were real, or if he had really gone off the deep end. The voices never got louder than a whispered, and Milo was fine with that, it was almost a melancholy symphony to his failure.
He'd failed to protect K.C and survive. He'd failed to get her to their parents, and to make it there himself. He'd failed to try and save James, he'd just killed him like he'd sworn not to. And Clio, what would happen to her and the other minor gods he'd called to help him? Would K.C fight to give them the reward he'd promised?
As Milo lay in the blackness with his thoughts, he began to feel things again. First it was his shoulder, like fire was set to it again. He'd screamed in pain and then the fire had spread to the rest of him, lighting the darkness on fire as well. Slowly but surely, he felt the world coming back to him, the whispers turned to actual voices, but he didn't brother to know what they were saying, and then he began to feel his body again. It started in his shoulder again, and then spread like soothing water across the rest of his body, bringing his nerves back to life. The first thing he felt of course, was the dull ache in his shoulder, and slowly it reoccurred to him that James had thrown the knife and hit him there. Then he felt all the pain in his chest, then all the pain in his legs and finally the exhaustion that spread through him.
By now, he was sure of time, it was early morning right now, and he felt a soft hand running through his hair softly and someone was whispering to someone else.
"Theo is sure he will wake up."
"He hasn't moved, and the wounds gotten worse."
"Do you think I moved when the same thing happened to me?"
"James missed his heart, it hit yours."
The voices stopped for a moment and Milo just reveled in the comforting gesture as the hand contained to run through his hair softly. He wanted to open his eyes desperately and see who was talking, but everything hurt so much, and he wasn't sure he would be able to open his eyes. He tried weakly and felt his eyes open a crack. For a moment the bed shifted and someone whispered, "he's awake!"
Milo groaned softly and when he opened his eyes all the way, he saw two faces that he hadn't seen in thirteen years, and for a moment all he could choke out was, "I'm not dead right?"
His mother laughed and then pressed her lips to his forehead, Milo smiled and when she pulled away he felt the weight of someone lying on his chest and he looked down slightly to see K.C sleeping on his chest, her ear pressed into the space above his heart. She looked so young right then and Milo winced slightly at the pain of her laying on his chest produced. He looked around for the other voice he had heard through the darkness and his eyes found his father's. With a pang Milo realized how much like his father he looked, the same face, hair and even the same lines running through their faces. He gave his dad a weak smile and then whispered, "how long was I out?"
"About three weeks, for two of those weeks, we thought you were not going to come out of it." He looked pained as he sat down on the edge of the bed on the other side of Milo and then whispered, "words can not express how proud of you I am though."
Milo felt his chest constrict and his throat closed up so he could barely choke out a thank you. His mother ran her fingers along his forehead softly again and then whispered, "go ahead and rest more, you're going to want all your strength."
"Why?"
She smiled and then whispered softly, "so I can hug you as hard as I possibly can without injuring you more."
Milo smiled so hard that his face hurt.
(/)
A few days later, Theo said it was okay for Milo to get up and walk, but that someone should walk with him so that he could lean on them if he needed to. Milo saw his father almost leap forward to take the responsibility, and for ten agonizing minutes, his father helped him sit up and eventually stand. As soon as he was on his feet, Milo felt like he was going to pass out, not just from the pain but from the rush of blood out of his head. His father had his arm around Milo middle and supported him while Milo took a few steps towards the door. K.C had waited there, bouncing on her toes like she was five again. Milo smiled at her weakly and she hugged him gently. Even though his arm was still hurt, he managed to lift it and lightly wrap it around her shoulders. Taking small steps after that, Milo walked with his parents on either side of him, as they walked, they told him everything that had happened while he was out. Including the fact that James had survived the blow, but he was in a worse condition than Milo was, and that his trial would be swift and the verdict final.
They also talked about the future, and the immediate demand the council had made for Milo to be coronated as price as soon as he could walk on his own.
The whole coronation idea had thrown Milo for a loop first, and then made him sick to his stomach afterward. His mother had assured that that was normal, then she went into her own coronation story and Milo was sure anything would be better than a Titan crashing in and ruining your coronation after that.
A few hours later, he was finally allowed to see Clio after he had begged his parents to tell what had happened to her. She was apparently staying up at Olympus for the time being and had been by him a lot while he was out, and according to his mother with a sly smile, she was desperate to see him.
Sure enough, the minute she saw him, Clio broke down sobbing and threw her arms around his neck. Milo had laughed and hugged her tightly to him not caring if it hurt like hell. His parents watched from a distance as Clio told Milo everything that had happened in the battle, every last detail she could remember and then she told him how she would have to write it all down eventually, Milo not caring if his parents were watching, kissed Clio to shut her up.
His mother seemed to be very amused with the whole thing and his father even offered him a smile afterward, he didn't even have to tell them, they understood just fine after feeling the same way for each other for almost twenty two years. As they walked back towards his room, Milo asked them the question that had burned his mind for days as he lay recuperating, "what is going to happen to James?"
His father had narrowed his eyes and said, "if I had any say in the matter, he'd be stripped of his title and burned in hell, but as I am not allowed to vote because of my emotional affiliation, it is undecided so far."
Milo nodded and then stopped suddenly and grabbed his fathers shoulder. Henry looked at him in worry and reached out to help him but Milo whispered, "Lux, James locked him up somewhere in the Underworld, and Casey, they're both in the Underworld, and it's all my fault."
Henry blinked for a moment and then whispered softly so only Milo could hear, "I will see to it personally that they are released, I promise."
Milo nodded and then let out a sigh of relief, it was wonderful to have that burden off his chest, to have everything off his chest. Henry smiled at him and said, "I'm sure K.C is dying to see you."
That night, Milo sat with K.C and talked with her about everything his parents had told him. The entire time she was fidgeting and pulling on her shirt, making Milo worry faintly. He reached out and whispered, "what happened?"
"I almost killed him Milo, I shot the knife at him like an arrow and almost killed him."
Milo sighed and then whispered softly, "I think things happen for a reason. And technically you didn't kill him, so you're clean."
K.C nodded to him and then whispered, "are you really going to be coronated? Like a prince and all that?"
Milo smiled and with a weak shrug said, "I have absolutely no idea what's going on there," he smiled at her and K.C laughed.
(/)
The days that followed were painful, mostly with Milo taking steps to make sure his recovery was quick, but that didn't mean painless. A few members of the council had come and talked to him, Ella had taken an immediate fancy to K.C who she deemed worthy to go riding with her one time. For some reason this made Kate laugh. And when questioned about it, Kate smiled secretly and didn't respond.
The day before Milo's coronation, James was tried. K.C and Milo were not allowed to be in the room, and neither was Kate. She ended up taking them into the underworld that day to see their home. When they arrived, K.C tentatively followed Milo up the steps to the doors and when Milo pushed the doors open he had the biggest smile on his face that K.C had ever seen.
He looked around and then whistled softly. K.C looked at him funny until she saw why he whistled. From around the corner came a black blur and a small pudgy dog that struggled to keep up with the other on it's stubbly legs. The blur hit Milo on a sprint and Kate winced in worry and crouched near Milo, whose face was being attacked by a large wet tongue. Milo laughed and then said, "down Cerberus!"
The dog complied obediently and then the little dog leaped on Milo and then with a yip of delight leaped at Kate. She laughed as she caught it and the kissed its head softly. The big dog suddenly looked at K.C and she squeaked as it leaped on top of her and sniffed her hair. She laughed and the dog, satisfied that she was not an intruder, began to lick her uncontrollably.
After that they sat off in a small room that Kate had inspected thoroughly before letting them into the room. When she had deemed it safe, they were allowed in. The room was small, but well furnished and warm. Kate sat on the couch and the little dog,who K.C Had learned was named Pogo, leaped up next to her and flopped down in her lap. Milo ended up sitting on the ground and the big dog had laid his head heavily in Milo lap. Milo smiled and scratcher he dog behind the ears, making its tail thump the floor happily. K.C ended up next to their mother who gave her a tentative smile. Ever since K.C had met her, she had loved her. Every doubt she'd had of her parents not loving her had dissolved the moment they had embraced her. Her mother had cried and her father had held her tightly to his chest, whispering softly into her hair.
Now, they were watching her nonstop, her father was the one around her more, talking to her softly and holding her close to him, she figured it was because he was trying his best to get to know her, Milo had voiced the same thoughts when she'd asked him.
As they sat making quiet talk in the room K.C noticed Milo grow quieter and quieter, until he stopped talking entirely. After she caught him looking out the giant window she whispered, "are you okay Milo?"
He looked at her in surprise, and then with a shrug and a smile he said, "I've never been better."
Their mother sighed softly and whispered, "the council will do what they see fit Milo. Sadly, I don't know what they plan for James."
Milo looked away and said softly, "he apologized to me before I passed out. I think, I think he's truly sorry for what he did. He didn't mean to hurt anyone I think-"
"But does that justify his actions?" Their mother inquired softly as she reached out to move Milo's hair. He looked up at her and said, "of course not, but, James was just doing what everyone is doing."
"Which is what Milo?"
Milo sighed heavily and then said, "he just took what he wanted, that's what the world does now, you take what you want and cut down whatever opposes you."
Kate sighed and before she could respond the door opened and K.C saw their father enter, he looked angry, very angry. Kate was up quickly and pogo yipped as he almost fell out of her lap. Kate moved over towards Henry and gripping his arms whispered, "what is the verdict?"
Henry shook his head and whispered, "we need to talk about it," he glanced at Milo and K.C and then finished, "alone."
Kate nodded tightly and then smiling at her children walked out into the hallway with Henry. A few seconds later her voice was shouting and she sounded as furious as Henry had looked. K.C looked at her brother in worry and Milo moved pogo out of his lap and moved over towards the door. Before he could reach it though, the door was opened by their mother who whispered softly, "I'm so sorry you two. James is only going to exiled which means that-"
"He can come back whenever he wants." Milo finished as he collapsed on the couch heavily. Kate nodded silently and Henry appeared behind her, he laid his hands on her shoulders and gripped them tightly, until he whispered, "James will not come near you two though. Should he try, Walter be damned, I will kill him myself."
Kate laid her hand on Henry's and Milo looked up and said, "you won't have to do anything. James must know that he can't come near us."
Kate didn't look so sure and her grip on Henry's hand turned her knuckles white. K.C shifted and Cerberus laid his head in her lap and she whispered softly, "what about Eris and Circe?"
Henry frowned and then said, "they escaped before the council could catch them, we assume they will team up with James again, but at this moment, Ella, Dylan and Nicholas are out looking for them."
Milo nodded tightly and then K.C heard him whispered under his breath, "I knew we'd never get a break from this."
(/)
The next day, K.C didn't get to see Milo, her brother was apparently getting ready to be coronated, and the council was arriving in the underworld to watch the whole thing. The only thing K.C hated about the whole thing, was the stupid ass dress he had to wear. Ella had wrestled her into it and had literally had to tie K.C down to do her hair. By the time she was done, Christian had arrived and smiling at her and said, "you look like a bull that someone caught and put bows on."
Ella huffed and said, "stubborn as one in more like it! You're worse than your mother!" She huffed again in irritation and then left to check on Milo. Christian looked K.C up and down and then said, "you look nice."
She nodded and said, "you don't look so bad yourself."
Christians was wearing a pair of tan trousers and a nice white, button down shirt. His brown hair was tamed nicely and his eyes were alight with mischief as he shrugged and said, "they wrestled me into this as well."
With a smile he offered her his arm and said, "everyone's all set up. Were just missing you and your brother."
Milo stood before the doors that lead to the throne room, his hand shaking in front of him as he struggled to push open the doors. His heart was racing in his chest and he wanted nothing more than to curl up in a hole and stay there forever. There was a gruff snort behind him and he looked over his shoulder to see Walter behind him. Milo stood up and pushed his shoulders back. Walter frowned and him and said, "nervous are we?"
Milo shrugged and said, "it's not everyday I get to be coronated at prince."
Walter snorted softly and then said, "of course, my mistake."
With a frown Milo turned around only for Walter to say softly, "those powers of yours are quite interesting. And slightly worrisome."
Milo shivered and said, "I don't see anything wrong with them."
Walter sighed and then said, "you do not, but I do. The council does not see the power you have. Should there be problems in the future though, we will have problems."
"Is this a threat?" Milo whispered, his body shaking as Walter passed him. With a shrug Walter whispered, "I would not dare threaten my brothers son right now. But yes, it might be a threat Milo."
Milo narrowed his eyes and whispered, "I'm not a danger to the council."
"No you're a danger to me." Walter replied as he walked past Milo and down the hallway. Milo blinked in surprise, and then taking a deep breath and forcing all his fears down, he pushed open the doors.
The throne room was full with both the dead and the minor gods who Milo had called in to help. He could feel his heart threatening to burst out of his chest as he walked slowly up the aisle towards the dais and the thrones. His mother and father waited for him and he kept his eyes on them as he walked. When he reached them his father smiled and Milo slowly went down on one knee and bowed his head like he had been instructed to do. Softly Henry laid his hands on Milo shoulders and then said loud enough for everyone to hear, "as my son, you have consented to take up the responsibilities of Prince of the Underworld. You shall rule fairly and without bias over the souls of those who have departed the world above, and from autumnal equinox to spring of every year hence, you shall devote yourself yourself to the task of guiding those who are lost and protecting all from harm beyond they're eternal lives."
Milo felt her chest constrict in worry, would he be able to handle this? Being prince, having to take over should his father die? With a shuddering breath he heard his mothers voice softly in his head.
Don't be afraid, you will alway have us to guide you.
He smiled slightly and Henry continued as if nothing had happened, "do you, Milo Winters, accept the role of Prince of the Underworld, and do you agree to uphold the responsibilities and expectations of such?"
Milo swallowed heavily and then loud enough for everyone to hear, he said, "I do."
There was silence and then Henry whispered, "stand up Milo."
Milo stood and turned to face everyone and Henry shouted, "my son and heir, Milo Winters, Prince of the Underworld."
Milo expected applause, what he got was something completely different. Silently everyone in the room except for himself, his mother and his father, went down on one knee and bowed their heads to him. He held his head up a little higher and then turned and whispered softly, "that's it?"
Henry smiled and whispered, "yes."
When Milo turned back around there was a swell of applause and he felt all the tension leave his chest as his mother laid her hand on his shoulder and whispered, "congratulations sweet heart."
He nodded and with a smile he whispered, "I'm glad it's over."
She smiled and pressing her lips to his forehead she whispered, "I know."
K.C came running up and throwing her arms around Milo said, "now you really are royalty!"
Clio came up behind her and said sadly, "congratulations."
Milo sighed and breaking away from K.C he took Clio's hand and said, "I'll see you during the spring and summer."
She laughed softly and then kissing his cheek she whispered, "maybe we're not meant to be-"
"You're ending this now?" Milo chocked and Clio laughed for real, then said, "that's not what I was going to say, you should really let me finish Winters."
Milo snorted and then Clio wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, "I believe with all my heart that we have and alway will be meant to be."
Milo smiled and then kissed her softly. K.C groaned and then said, "Milo!"
Kate wrapped her hand around her daughters mouth and then moved her away from her son and the young Muse. Henry smiled at them as he turned and followed Kate. When they were far enough away, Kate let of of K.C, who ran off, and then turned to Henry and said, "he's not the only dark haired boy getting kissed today."
Henry smiled and whispered, "by all means my dear, I've been waiting for thirteen years."
Kate smiled and pulling Henry's face down to hers, she kissed him. When they pulled away she whispered, "were not having anymore kids for a good thousand years. I feel like something bad happens every time we have one."
Henry smiled and said, "agreed." He pulled Kate closer to him and then cupping her neck with his hand he said, "but let's make a thousand a hundred my love."
Kate rolled her eyes and still kissed Henry deeply.
the end
and yeah. That's it, lol I'm like going to start crying because I finished! maybe I'll write another, I don't know, I think I tied up all the ends for the most part. sighs. I'm sad now that this is done. I want to definitely write more about K.C though, since I feel like I didn't close her character up enough. Hum... Maybe some one shots after this too.
Thanks so much everyone who stuck around, Skittles minx, Logan's kid, daughter of artemis 902, mellzybellzy, white fox XD, and MackenzieLifebl. Thank you to all the guest by the way that read and reviewed. You all really are the stuff that keeps writers going and I think I speaks for all writers when I say that followers are one of the reasons we keep writing.
so without further ado, thank you everyone. (:
