7DeadlySins: I am glad that you were able to experiment the emotions. That meant that I accomplished my goal. Apollo will be back in the picture really soon. I just need for all of you to be a little more patient!;)

Nnbk and Jupiterpercyjack: So my spanish is very basic, so I will answer in english. First of all, I am very happy that you enjoy the story. For the question about if I will include the myth about the giants and Typhon, well, they are not planned at all. But if you allow me, I will also adress the other readers about this.

So, I received a lot of requests about if I was going to include some stories and what I can say is that I cannot include everything in the main story but... I would still like to write them. But If I do, it would be in a separated collections of one-shots. In fact, I was already analysing the possibility of doing some additionnal stories revolving around Delphina and Apollo. To write myths I could not succeed to make fit in my story or just some nice stories with my characthers as I feel inspired. I didn't want to talk about it so soon, but since I am beginning to receive a lot of questions, I think it is good to inform you about my plan. BUT... First, I want to finish this story! This is my top priority and I should finish it in 2021. So, only when it will be finished, I will come back to it. But I cannot say anything more since this is just an idea with nothing very planned at all for the moment. But at least, you will know that the myths you wanted to see may still be written.

Thank you for your reviews!

Chapter 26: Hector

Delphina had watched the funerals of Patroclus from a long distance in the tent of Achilles. She didn't want to attract the attention on her in particular since Odysseus had discovered her real identity.

For what she learnt, Agamemnon finally consented to give Briseis back to Achilles in order to assure his return in the war. The demigod accepted it and just released her so she could be free.

Anyway, her fate wasn't his high priority right now.

The goddess was melancholic and sad. She had loved Patroclus and had to grieve as well. Of course, it wasn't as painful as it was for Asclepius since she had been closer to him, but it was still hard. She had lost a very important friend.

However, in reality, she was far more worried for Achilles. Her adoptive nephew had lost his soulmate.

During the ten years she had been with them, she had witnessed the beauty of their relationship. Each time Achilles and Patroclus contemplated each other, it was like if she ceased to exist. Sometimes they would make their bodies touch and they would embrace themselves to create one entity, proing that Fates sculpted them in order to fit.

They had been connected by a magical bound. They could communicate without any sound. They would be constantly attentive toward their other half, always ready to heal their scars together. They would always verify that the other one feel well and be stubborn about helping each other if they ever felt that something was wrong.

That was what people could call true love. It did exist. Achilles and Patroclus had exactly that. But now, death had separated them.

Delphina had sometimes been a little jealous. After all, love was the pinnacle of happiness. The most celebrated of all kinds of feelings. Seeing them together had made her envious.

She could have known this with Apollo. But their differences had put heartbreak between them.

Suddenly, she saw Achilles coming back.

The warrior walked fast and soon entered the tent. She decided to stay in a corner. He looked unstable. He was sad but remained cold on the outside to protect himself.

He changed his clothes for the night. He didn't give that much attention to her presence. He kept silence as she did.

He processed to wash himself and drink some water. Once he finished, he stopped.

She tried to breathe slowly. She didn't dare to move. She didn't want to awake the volcano that composed the demigod.

Finally, he left to go to his bed. He didn't talk to her and would certainly refuse for a while. He would grieve alone.

She fell on her knees. She crumbled. Powerless. Weak. Tormented. Torn. She didn't know what to do.

"Ho! Thetis! Why? Why did you have to put me in this? I struggle to do the task you entrusted me. It is becoming so hard each passing day."

Left with these unanswered questions, she lied down on her furs and closed her eyes.

…

On the next morning, Delphina opened her eyes to find Achilles donning his armour. He looked angry but determined. And considering the fact he was going through the second phase of grief, she didn't like how he appeared so ready to fight. Certainly not good for his mental health.

"Where are you going?" She dared to ask.

He didn't respond. He was finishing to prepare himself.

Delphina stood up and approached him. She knew that it was probably not a good idea to force him in a conversation when he was going through such a great pain, but she still had to look over him. And she totally felt that he was about to take a terrible decision.

"We need to talk."

Achilles gave her that look. That authoritative stare that meant "don't you dare trying to oppose me." She refused to be intimidated though and maintained her cool.

And she repeated. "Where are you going? For what I know, there is no attack planned today."

He turned around to ignore her. Usually, in those cases, she would have Patroclus on her side to help to resonate with him… But he wasn't here anymore. She was now completely on her own.

Achilles continued to give her the silent treatment without any care!

Definitely upset, she rose her hand and used her powers to levitate the water from the vase and splash the demigod in a fast one-shot. Mission accomplished! He growled rudely and turned back on her, ready to scold her but she didn't let him the occasion to protest.

"Talk to me!" She said with a rare tone of commandment.

She just let the goddess inside her overtake her. Sometimes, she just craved some respect for Zeus' sake!

Comprehending that he would not get away so easily, he whispered on a sinister and sharp voice. "I am going to avenge Patroclus… I am going to kill Hector!"

That was what she feared the most. He was going to let his anger control him. She couldn't let him!

"Don't do this! If you do that, you will only attract wrath on you! And do you really think it will make you feel better?!"

"I don't care. Justice needs to be done!"

"What justice?! This is war! He went to fight! You knew he was at risk to get killed."

"And Hector knew he was at risk to receive revenge! An eye for an eye! You will not change my mind!" He riposted very coldly.

Delphina could flair a lost case but she was still afraid for him. "Please don't! What tell you that the Trojans will not kill you on sight?! Don't be a fool!"

"If they do, then, it will tarnish their honor! If Hector has some pride, he will come to me by himself. Trust me, I'm sure he will. Then, he will meet his demise with my sword."

He pushed her and put on his helmet, not caring about being wet. Before she got a chance to answer back, he riposted coldly angrily. "I am going to get my revenge and my glory! No one, not even you or my mother will prevent me to obtain what I deserve!"

And he hastily exited the tent to embark on his chariot. He ordered his horses to depart and he left very quickly.

Delphina stood there, all alone. She understood that it was useless to convince him otherwise.

She knew deep inside that he would win against Hector. He owned the advantage to be near-immortal after all. But that murder would drive him further into the madness and delay the scarification of his heartbreak.

She had observed it with Apollo when he killed the Cyclops in retaliation for the death of his son. What a foolish act! Then, the exile came and it helped him to calm down and gain some humility. She felt deeply in love at the time.

No! Focus on Achilles!

But he was gone already. Maybe Patroclus could have changed his mind. Maybe… She will never know.

But she knew one thing for sure… She had failed once again.

…

"HECTOR!"

The Trojan prince kept his maintenance despite hearing the voice of his ressentful enemy at the gates of his city, implicitly requesting a duel.

A messenger had recently come to him to announce the stunning truth: he hadn't killed Achilles, but his lover in disguise. And now, he had attracted his unavoidable wrath.

From the towers where he saw the warrior, he could distinguish his fate. This was probably where his life was going to meet its end.

"I have to go."

He turned to his wife with her son in her arms. Her face didn't hide any ounce of her fear. "No! My husband! Don't go! Stay here!" She couldn't lose him! No! She couldn't raise her child all by herself!

It hurt the prince's heart. He knew he had few chances to come back. Damn! All he wanted was his city to be safe! All he wanted was to live peacefully with his wife without fearing to be separated in each upcoming day. All he wanted was to see his precious son grow up and enjoy the happiness of fatherhood.

But… "I'm sorry but if I cowardly withdraw from this fight, the witnessing gods would never forgive me. I have to protect my honor in order to preserve my peaceful afterlife." He responded with sincere sadness. "I'm sorry, my Beloved. I'm sorry, my Son. I really love you!"

He went to kiss her on the mouth before kissing the baby on the front. If he died, what would become of them? Damn! He prayed the gods to protect them at all cost if he was to lose his life today!

He turned to his parents. His father simply nodded to say that he would approve his decision even if it broke his heart at the idea of losing his eldest son. He was a king who raised his heir pretty well and would gladly, even if it was painful, support him in the defense of his honor.

On the other side, his mother needed to say. "I'm going to pray Apollo! He protected you in the past. He can assist you once again!"

"No! Mother! Not this time. We cannot always entrust our fate in the hands of the gods. I have to fight him all by myself."

"But…"

Her husband, Priam, put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. It meant to say: don't insist. Despite how hard it felt, they had to respect their son's decision.

Finally, Hector turned his attention toward his young brother, Paris. The man was thin, with curly black hair and a round face. He was attractive but not shaped for war. Mainly because he grew up as a shepherd before being brought back into his biological family.

Beside him stood a woman whose beauty had constantly been sung and praised by poets. Her hair was blond with shades of orange like a fire. Her skin was creamy but a little tanned. The curves were found in all the perfect spots.

She was Helen, the most beautiful mortal woman…and the reason behind their troubles.

She kept her head down, not wanting to make eye contact, convinced her guilt would be too visible although she probably deserved to feel ashamed.

And yet, Hector didn't blame any of them, even if he should. Helen had only wanted to have happiness and Paris had been promised the most beautiful woman in the world by Aphrodite herself. So, he clearly thought he could have her with the permission of the gods.

He was wise to recognize that blaming them would have been counterproductive. They might have committed a mistake but it was too late and they all now had to focus on the actual situation.

And Paris remained his brother.

He sent him a stare. A glare that didn't intend to look menacing but to send a message. "Take care of my wife and my son." He meant. If his brother wanted to redeem himself, that was the way to do it.

Now, it was time to leave.

Once he put on his armor, he descended the stairs of his palace and walked towards the gates. Armed with his shield, his sword and his spear, he ordered to open the doors.

They did, only to bring him alone face to face to a demigod and the most feared warrior on Earth.

They both were ready to face their destiny.

…

Delphina waited and waited.

All she could do was waiting.

And so, she painfully observed the time flowing very slowly as her anxiety increased the longer it took for Achilles to come back.

Because she felt deep inside her that he would come back. And yet, knowing he would still be alive at the end of the day didn't reassure her that much.

And she was about to discover how right she was.

From inside the tent, she heard the sound of the carriage coming back. It was almost sunset. She breathed slowly. She had to face Achilles once again. How would he feel? Still angry? Deceived? Sadder than yesterday? Guilty?

Fear menaced to consume her soul but she had to get up and go greet him. And so, she did.

And when she exited, she discovered that her mind had been further of what she found when she saw the demigod.

Attached to the carriage by a rope around the feet, a corpse laid down on the ground, all dirty, scratched, broken…profaned. Dried blood covered the damaged skin. Many holes could be found on his neck, on his shoulder, on his pecs. Achilles' sword would always leave visible marks.

She gave a glimpse to the face. She had never seen it before but she could easily guess who he was.

And watching him here in such a disrespectful state, far away from his family grieving him, denied of his right to get a proper burial surrounded by the people he loved. But instead, he had been dragged here like an animal. No, even animals got better treatment than this!

She looked at Achilles with a fury she didn't express often. She forgot she was staring at a mourning man. She just visualised a monster without any sense of moral code or honor!

"How dare you?!" She spitted with venom in her voice.

Achilles seemed a little puzzled. "Why do you appear so surprised? I killed him just like I told you."

"I know that! But you never mentioned that you would treat his body like this and bring it here far away from his family!"

Delphina knew that kind of rage she was experimenting. She had felt it so many times in the past. Toward one man that had tested her patience when it came to virtues.

Achilles always managed to find manners to remind her of the one her heart had always shamefully loved. But now…she was facing the dark side once again.

And just like him, Achilles would respond without any sign of remorse. "You think after what he did to Patroclus, he deserves a burial?! I forbid this man to meet peace if I am not allowed to meet my own!"

"Are you serious? This is war! How many times have you told me that?! You knew Patroclus was risking his life every time he entered the battlefield! You cannot blame a man for something that was part of the rules!"

Achilles growled, just like Apollo when he didn't want to hear the truth. That gave her the confidence to pursue.

"Why don't you blame me instead? I was there! I could have helped Patroclus. I was about to do it, but I was too late! I got distracted easily and he got stabbed by Hector!"

"You still saved his body. And yet, I cannot blame you. Like you said, Hector was still the one who stabbed him."

"Well, you should know!"

"Knowing what?!"

"How Hector got helped by Apollo. I saw him make Patroclus dizzy for some seconds, enough to give Hector an opportunity to riposte! It is his apparition that distracted me!"

She didn't know what she expected with this kind of revelation. So far… She didn't expect him to kick his foot violently in the stomach of a deceased Hector.

Shocked by the action, she tried to stop him. "Stop that!"

"What a coward! He couldn't even defeat Patroclus without any help!"

"You have no proof that he wanted Apollo to intervene!"

"If your fellow old friend god did this on his own will, why didn't he interfere during the fight today? Why did he let him die? Was he too afraid to confront me? Could you believe that? The powerful Apollo being afraid of the Great Achilles?"

His arrogance stunned her beyond all levels. She became freaking annoyed! She looked straight at him and crossed her arms and responded with the same prideful voice. "Really? You think that? Well, let me you something. When I faced Python, it scared me. Apollo killed him. When I confronted Heracles, he scared me. Apollo fought him. Every time I see Zeus being mad, he scares me. Apollo dared to defy his own father multiple times."

She came closer to him, maintaining her stare locked on him. She was just only a few inches from his face when she finally spitted. "Look at me. You don't scare me."

Achilles was discovering a fire he had rarely seen within his aunt. An imposing halo had covered her. She wasn't truly acting as an aunt anymore but as the goddess who commanded respect.

And somehow, he did respect her but on the other side, he also didn't fear her and was also overtaken by his own wrath and pride. He could only reply. "Fine. But now? What do you expect me to do? I am NOT giving back this body! It now belongs to me."

"Don't talk like you are the only one grieving. I cared for Patroclus as well. And I have lost someone I considered as my son in the past. I know this kind of pain. And I can tell you are dealing with it the wrong way."

"Wrong?" He said and approached his face closer to hers to the point that their noses almost touched each other. Then, he confessed. "Let me tell you how it felt. When I brought my sword to cut neck and I saw the blood, I felt like having rain after a long drought. When I put my spear inside his body, I felt like cutting a good meat prepared by my slaves. When I tied his body to my chariot, I felt like I just finally killed the deer I had hunted for so long. And when I dragged his body around the walls of the city of Troy at least three times… I felt victorious and glorious like I have never been. Nothing was wrong to me."

No remorse, no regrets, no shame had tainted those words. It was devoid of any empathy. Only selfishness. The message was that arguing longer would be a waste a time.

Delphina stepped back. She lost a battle she knew she couldn't win.

Just like how she lost Apollo, she lost Achilles. She lost them to the sins of arrogance and cruelty. Anger was an emotion too powerful for her to overcome.

Deciding that the conversion was over, the demigod left to enter his tent where he would stay until the next battle.

She lowered her chin. She fought hard to not cry.

Was it a joke? She had lost Asclepius to death and Apollo to his behavior. She had now lost Patroclus and Achilles for the exact same reasons. Why every time she connected with men, events had to bring her doom?

And now, what she should do?

…

Achilles lied down on his bed. His whole body hurt more than usual. Hector had been pretty tough to fight. For once, he had found an adversary worthy of him. Someone who could last with him for more than one minute. Someone who could manage to hit him badly. Someone who gave him a lot of excitement and a feeling of true challenge.

And yet, it hadn't been enough. In the end, Achilles finished the day victorious and glorious like ever!

But then, what benefits glory did bring?

He opened his eyes. Beside him, there was nothing. A spot on a mattress completely empty, clean and cold. He raised his hand to touch the white fur.

In the silence of the room, he contemplated the sign of the absence of Patroclus. His other half. His support. His most precious treasure. His anchor. His source of happiness in his life as a warrior. His greatest source of motivation.

He grabbed furiously the fur. Gone. He was gone. No body to cuddle, hug and keep warm. No soul to make scream in ecstasy and merge with. No one to talk to. No one to caress. No one to make him feel complete.

He was left with loneliness.

The pain hit him once again like a knife. It was excruciating. And yet…

He came here knowing that he would die in this war, young but his name known for eternity. And he never told Patroclus about the prophecy.

The emotional trial he was going through… Patroclus would have experimented it if he had survived to the end. Achilles chose to come here, perfectly aware he would never be able to come back home with his love.

Now, he understood he had been selfish. To love someone wasn't to die for this person. No, it was to stay alive no matter how hard it was so the cherished person will not be left alone, mourning and sobbing.

Achilles could hate Patroclus for disobeying him and dying in the process. But he was the only one responsible here. His decisions hurt the one he had wanted to protect more than anything else.

Either he remained alive but lonely at the end of the conflict or either he died.

And Fates chose death.

He smacked the furs! He wanted to scream. If he could, he would infiltrate the Underworld, defeat Hades and his minions, bring back his lover by force. Then, he would shake him, yell at him, call him an idiot before dragging him to his bed and make love to him countless times, drinking his moans and devouring his flesh. All while he would implore to get his forgiveness.

But then again, he would remain here. In his bed, all lonely.

Not totally lonely, thought. Delphina was still going to be stuck with him. Although her presence often annoyed him, right now she remained the only constant close person in these ten years of war.

Somehow, knowing she was still there comforted him a little bit. This might be why his mother sent her to him.

But even if he appreciated her, she would never replace Patroclus.

Ho! Damn! It hurt once again!

If he wanted to survive, he needed to focus on his goal. Because, now that his heart was gone, his lone purpose of life left was his pursuit of glory.

Yes, he didn't regret having slayed Hector in front of his family and his city. He didn't regret attaching him to his chariot and carrying him behind while making the tour of the city three times, just so the Trojans could feel his rage and fear him even more as they had lost their hero.

The Trojans were his enemy. The ones who took him what he loved more than anything else in this universe. And they were the ones who would help him to get his desired fame. He will be known as Achilles, the one who put at its feet one of the most powerful city in History.

Suddenly, he heard a sound from outside.

He got up in alert. His men would not come to him so late in the night. If there was an emergency, they would yell at him from outside. That meant…

Someone was infiltrating his own place!

He didn't wait any more minute.

He arose from his bed, put on some decent clothes, caught his sword and hurried outside, ready to attack.

And… He was astounded and angered by what he discovered. He was ready to punish the offender severely!

Just in front of him… Delphina was attempting to steal Hector's body.

Thank you for reading!

Yes I know that I didn't write the fight between Hector and Achilles but like I said before, I am really not good at writting battles. And this is such an important moment in the illiad that I knew that I would never do it justice. So I have preferred to avoid that specific part.

I hope you enjoyed it.

See you soon!