Chapter 11: Tantalus

Setting: God of War III. After Kratos acquired the Claws of Hades.

Voice of Athena: You have acquired the Claws of Hades, Kratos. With them, summon cursed souls to attack your enemies.

Narrator: While Athena was advising him, a group of Olympus Senties appeared to attack Kratos. Taking advantage of the timing, Kratos killed them with the Claws of Hades while simultaneously developing his skills with them. After killing all of them, the barrier that prevented Kratos from leaving the arena vanished. Kratos placed the Claws of Hades on his back and started to walk to the nearby water. After he took a few steps, a voice interrupted him.

Unknown person (in a hoarse, miserable-sounding voice): Kratos. I figured the most damned out of all of us would be thrown in Hades one day!

Narrator: Kratos turned around. Standing in the water was a man. He had no clothing on, with the sole exception of a simple green loincloth. He was sickly thin, pale and unhealthy-looking. In his hand was a fancy cup. Unlike most of his body, it was completely dry. He had a small amount of dark hair on his head, which was already starting to gray. Wherever he walked, the water level seemed to reduce.

Kratos: Tantalus.

Tantalus: So, it finally happened. Zeus finally sentenced you to eternal torture! I'm sure Hades himself must be enjoying this!

Kratos: Hades is dead, Tantalus.

Tantalus: Hm. If you ask me, he's the lucky one, Kratos. At least his torment has come to an end. I've been stuck in this damn place for years. Zeus punished me for trying to feed him my son, Pelops, by condemning me to this pool. Whenever I try to drink from it, the water subsides. Whenever I try to eat the fruit that's above us, the branches move so I can't reach them.

Narrator: As he's speaking, Tantalus glanced at the ceiling. Kratos followed his gaze. The camera shifted, so the ceiling could be seen by the audience. Attached to the ceiling were dozens of branches, each bearing fruit.

Tantalus: My father loves his cruel punishments. It makes him quite a sick bastard!

Kratos: The life of our father is coming to an end.

Narrator: Tantalus's eyes widened. He turned back to Kratos.

Tantalus (astonished): Then, we're brothers, Kratos.

Kratos: I doubt it makes a difference, Tantalus.

Tantalus (in a much darker voice): Perhaps not, Kratos. I've been suffering for years now. This punishment will never end, even if you do kill Zeus. I crave food and water every day. It appears that the only way I can eat is to eat you!

Narrator: Kratos stared at him, but didn't react. Tantalus curled his fingers and stared at Kratos ravenously. He walked onto the dry platform that Kratos was on. Kratos took out the Blades of Exile and prepared to fight. During the beginning of the fight, Tantalus didn't fight Kratos himself. Instead, he summoned Olympus Sentries, Lost Souls, etc. to fight Kratos for him. Whenever Kratos tried to attack Tantalus directly, Tantalus tried to bite and bleed him. So, Kratos attacked him with either the Bow of Apollo or the Claws of Hades. At one point, Tantalus dropped his cup into the water. Furious, he started to throw either loose rocks or the undead enemies at Kratos (which he reflected with the Golden Fleece). Eventually, Kratos weakened Tantalus enough to attack him directly. He rushed up to Tantalus and punched him in the jaw. Tantalus briefly staggered, then tried to bite Kratos. Kratos grabbed one of his arms and his neck and tried to get Tantalus away from him. After struggling for a few seconds, Kratos knocked Tantalus back. Then, he took out the Blades of Exile and cut open Tantalus's face with them. Tantalus staggered again, then lifted his face up, revealing that Kratos cut open his jaw. Tantalus let out a raspy hiss. The fight resumed. This time, enemies didn't come to Tantalus's aid. Every once in a while, Tantalus tried to grab Kratos and a brief struggle would ensue. If Tantalus succeeded, he'd bite Kratos. If Kratos succeeded, he'd punch Tantalus. Then, throw him to the ground. Eventually, Kratos weakened Tantalos enough to launch a final attack. Kratos punched Tantalos again. After recovering, Tantalus grabbed Kratos. After a brief struggle, Kratos threw Tantalus into the water. As he fell, the water drained completely. Kratos jumped and landed next to Tantalus, who was too injured to fight back. Kratos walked over to him. When he reached him, Tantalus tried to grab him again. Before he could, Kratos took out one of the Blades of Exile and cut off one of Tantalos's arms. Tantalus yelled in pain. Kratos grabbed the side of Tantalus's face. After a brief struggle, Kratos broke Tantalus's jaw. Tantalus yelled out again, then died. Instantly, the water started to refill. When it reached the top of the platform, Kratos started to swim toward it. Before he did, he dived to the bottom and picked up Tantalos's cup (which would be used as a "godly possession)."

AN 1: I hope you all liked Chapter 11. Tell me what you think and please leave a review!

AN 2: Unlike most of the major opponents Kratos fought in God of War III (including in this fanfic), Tantalus was not affected by Pandora's Box. The misery was simply just caused by years of torment.