Misery's Smile Chapter 4
Rockyroad69 and xRinneandSharinx
Beta-ed by Sapphire, and a special thanks to Igenlode Wordsmith for helping me in this chapter :D
Hello guys =) I hope you had a great week, and what better thing to do then to give ya all a nice long chappie? I hope you enjoy the 4th instalment of Misery's Smile =)
Perseus awoke as he felt something wet rub across his forehead. He smiled, observing the strands of wavy red hair framing the beautiful heart-shaped pale face with stunning silver eyes and a concerned expression. He saw the eyes widen like saucers as his own opened. Perseus gasped, he felt something build up deep within him. His yellow eyes started to glow, alarming the girl taking care of him.
"Perseus, are you okay..?" Artemis asked nervously .
Perseus gave a smile to Artemis, who suddenly turned gold as she looked away. Then, a groan sounded as Apollo moved in his sleep. He looked terrible, with his black eye and the massive amount of bandages that was used for his stomach. Not to mention the large bowl of ambrosia and the jar of nectar that was now empty, after being used to heal him. Needless to say, Apollo was in a horrible condition, being wounded as he was by Echidna. It took Leto a massive amount of godly energy to purge the potent poison out of Apollo's body.
Artemis winced in guilt as she once again kissed her younger brother in her forehead. She softly sang a soothing tune while she dabbed his forehead with the wet cloth, and fed him even more ambrosia. Apollo's breathing steadied, causing Artemis to smile tenderly, almost in relief. She continued to sing with her soft, velvety voice as Perseus went back to sleep, fully content, and satisfied with the fact his family would be whole again.
Perseus was the first one to wake. He almost laughed as he eyed the form of Artemis She was sprawled out across the floor with a small amount of drool trickling from her pink lips and a peaceful look on her face. With a small tsk, Perseus nudged Artemis with his foot, earning a familiar growl, to which Apollo suddenly sprung from his bed, ready to run away. Perseus sighed when Apollo's expression turned hard and sad as he eyed his sister.
With a tender sigh, the young godling softly carried his exhausted sister and gently placed her on the bed, before facing Perseus nervously.
"Are you going to forgive her..?" Apollo asked sadly, remembering the more terrible words Artemis had spoken.
Perseus waved a hand and smirked, "Already have."
Apollo clenched his fist, "I will never be weak. Never again."
Perseus sighed sadly, as Apollo returned the look. "Apollo, you were never weak… Do we have to go over this again?"
Apollo's blonde hair seemingly dulled as he spoke, "It's different this time… I've been having nightmares, bad nightmares! There were so many bad things, bad things!"
"What nightmares?" Perseus questioned, narrowing his eyes.
"I have these nightmares of men and women killing each other for no reason! Then there's t- No, I think that's all. It's not like I'm having other horrible n-nightmares! It's not like we're leaving each o-" Apollo said, before shaking his head and closing his mouth with both hands in horror.
Perseus sighed. Apollo could never lie. He was without a doubt, the most horrible liar to ever be born among the immortals. Perseus almost laughed as he saw his surrogate brother shake almost uncontrollably and look sideways, desperately trying to lie as best he could.
"What is it, Apollo?" Perseus asked curiously, "And don't lie. We know you could never fool a dog. Even with a piece of meat anyway."
"I saw that we were going to get separated – happy?!" Apollo shouted, tears forming in his eyes.
Perseus was alarmed. He could only find himself wrapping his arms around the shaking godling as he kept whispering, "We won't, Apollo… I promise… Artemis promised… never."
Apollo looked up at the older godling with a look so vulnerable; Perseus couldn't help but tighten his hold. Apollo took in the older godlings' scent of rain, almost like a sign of relief.
As Perseus released his hold, he couldn't help but wonder about what Apollo had just said. Leto did tell Perseus, in one of his midnight conversations with her, there were some with the gift of prophecy, given to them by the Fates themselves. However, he couldn't dwell on it, as he saw Artemis stretching.
Perseus gave a bright smile as he said softly, "Thank you."
Apollo however, refused to look at his sister. His face contorted in guilt and shame as he eyed Perseus, who was clearly still in pain from his injuries. Artemis, who was still heavy with guilt, couldn't bring herself to say anything. She silently tried to slink away from the room, but Perseus quickly grabbed Artemis' hand, and gave her a pleading look.
"Your brother needs you, my dear red-haired little Huntress," Perseus said softly.
Perseus sighed, inciting another small blush from the girl, who quickly moved towards Apollo. The siblings were both equally as stubborn as each other. Apollo refused to look at Artemis, while the latter refused to budge. In the end, it was Apollo who gave in.
"H-hello s-sister," Apollo said nervously, before wincing.
It was as if the young godling expected another tongue-lashing from his sister. Artemis softly held Apollo's hands, her silver eyes peering at her brother.
"I-I'm sorry, okay? For everything I said," Artemis whispered, shaken.
There was a pause, and Artemis furrowed her eyebrows.
"T-there is no need to apologize… I was weak and-"
Artemis cut him off. "Don't you understand, Brother? I was wrong, I was-"
"Please, Sister. Let me finish. I was weak, but I promise you, I will get stronger. I'll be so strong, I can be beside you and Perseus once again," Apollo said, with a determined gleam adorning his bright blue eyes.
Artemis looked at Perseus, who winked. Shaking her head with amusement, she walked toward Apollo where they had a warm embrace.
"Perseus! Join us!" Artemis called, and Perseus joined the embrace.
"We will be always together, won't we?" Apollo asked.
"Again, Apollo? Do I have to say this again? Always," Perseus answered, teasing Apollo to blush in embarrassment.
"Promise?" Apollo asked again, with a note of sadness.
"Promise," Artemis said with utmost certainty.
Perseus was confused. Right after the embrace, Artemis suddenly blushed and tugged at his arm, pulling him into the relative privacy of her room. He followed, noticing a glare from her brother. Apollo was watching them leave with a knowing look, and Perseus was sure he'd heard him snigger.
"Hey, um, Perseus... I haven't thanked you yet for saving me..." Artemis trailed off, clearly uncomfortable with apologizing.
Not sure how to handle this, he reached out and ruffled her flaming red hair in a comforting gesture. "That's okay..." He shrugged awkwardly. "I'd do it again."
She'd gone scarlet like they'd never touched each other before. He frowned, pulling his hand back.
"P-Perseus... S-stop playing with my hair," Artemis protested, trying to pull the rebellious waves of auburn hair back into place.
He couldn't help but laugh. He'd always loved that little indignant look she got. Most importantly, he also couldn't help but be aware of how much she'd changed in the time he'd known her. Her sleeveless white chiton hugged slim young curves, and the fiery hair was tied in a delicate side-braid. The gawky, indomitable girl had grown into herself, and her coltish eagerness had warmed into the fierce beauty of a hunting lioness.
"It's amazing," he blurted without thinking.
Artemis blushed even harder. "I-is it my hair?"
He reached out again to take a strand of that wonderful hair in his hand. A little hesitant in case she pulled away again..
"Not that-" he started, managing a crooked grin. Her eager eyes fell, hurt as he continued hastily, "Not only that - the whole of you, Artemis. You're so beautiful, beautiful in every way..."
He caught his breath at the look in her face, feeling his heart turn over. "You know I would always forgive you... my little huntress."
He kissed the warmth of her cheek almost shyly and felt a smile begin, spreading to encompass his whole face as she gasped a little and burst suddenly - ridiculously, adorably - into tears.
He held out his arms to her, letting that smile wash away all her guilt and regret. "Stop crying, Squeaky Arty... Come here. How 'bout you let me make you feel better?"
It was the old teasing tone, and for a moment he thought she would snap back in response. But the small giggle won through the tears, and she came into his arms, sharing warmth and comfort as he pulled her close. He heard her laugh and caught the familiar scent of her hair.
"Let's sit down, eh?" He eased her down beside him and gave her a reassuring wink. "You know, a lot has happened today, and it feels kind of weird inside..."
He realised then that his knees were trembling, as if they'd just jumped off a cliff together. But Artemis gave him a dazzling smile and leaned her head on his shoulder.
The sunset that followed couldn't have been more beautiful.
Timeskip
Perseus was smiling as he cleaned the monster blood off his sword. It was another successful hunt, and the trio were clearly enjoying it. It was nearly a century since the incident with Echidna, and it was clear that the godlings were much closer than ever. Not to mention they were much more powerful than before, which meant the monsters of the island didn't dare to approach them, instead preferring to hide, which made the hunt more entertaining (at least for Artemis). Though, Perseus thought it was boring, as he liked the thrill, while Artemis liked the challenge.
Apollo, though, had changed. He looked more gaunt and haunted over the years, while his nightmares began to get worse. He also constantly overexerted himself in their hunts. This started to frustrate Artemis, who started to feel worried for her younger brother. Perseus read from the library, hoping to find out what exactly was with Apollo and his nightmares, found an answer to his behaviour.
Apollo's powers were awakening.
Not his godly powers that he inherited, but the powers that was gifted to him. Cross checking Apollo's nightmares and the events that happened later, Perseus gaped, his shoulders shaking as he suddenly remembered the very first dream Apollo had described to him. He clenched his fist in anger, using his powers to burn the book that talked about Apollo's Gift—The Gift of Prophecy.
Perseus knew he was in denial, but he didn't care. At this rate, the only thing he cared about was the promise the trio made, and Leto.
Leto.
There was something she was hiding, and Perseus could feel it. She kept fidgeting when the trio was nearby, and every now and then, she would shed a tear at the sight of them. Perseus knew, the only one that knew of it was Apollo, and he refused to elaborate, saying he promised his mother to keep it quiet. Although, Perseus could detect a small quiver in Apollo's voice while he was talking about it.
"Perseus! Are you even listening?!" Artemis yelled, tired of her companion's daydreaming.
"No," Perseus replied dreamily, earning an exasperated sigh from the girl, and a rare laugh from Apollo.
"I said— who is the nymph there talking to Mother? I mean, no one's supposed to be here, right? Except for the three of us and Mother," Artemis said, pointing at a golden haired nymph standing outside the house, talking to Leto.
"I don't know," Perseus answered, although he clearly had a bad feeling about the lady. Looking at Apollo's face, he knew the other boy had the same feelings.
"I told you to tell Lord Zeus, I will not let them go to Olympus as long as I live. They deserve their own path in life, undisturbed by the politics and cruelty in that accursed place" Leto seethed.
"You know as well as I do that I can only relay Lord Zeus' orders, I cannot change it," the nymph, Aella, said without emotion.
Leto was unmoved. It was then Aella sighed.
"If you must insist, Lord Zeus, in all his kindness, has given you an alternative choice. Bring that Primordial spawn to him, and perhaps he will allow you to keep the children for a short time," Aella's eyes narrowed, as Leto grew even more angered.
"Are you suggesting that I betray Perseus? Get out of my sight, or I will destroy you. You can tell Zeus he will not pry away my children, and tell him to beware of Akhlys' wrath!" Leto spat, as the Aella stayed emotionless.
"I did not want to do this, Leto, but you force my hand. However, Lord Zeus has anticipated you would say such things, and he has ordered me to act upon it," Aella said, before roughly grabbing Leto, and cutting her with a small, bronze knife that had a hint of silver on it.
Leto gasped as she suddenly felt incredible pain deep in her chest. Ichor continued to flow from the seemingly shallow wound as Leto felt her immortal power decrease exponentially. Aella had the barest hint of a smirk when she watched this, causing Leto to growl in anger.
"What have you done?" Leto growled, as thunder rumbled above.
"That knife is covered with poison, the very poison which the Primordial spawn used to slay Echidna… That is your ultimatum from Lord Zeus. The Twins must go to Olympus. So must the Primordial Spawn. Choose, Leto, or die. Zeus has sworn on the Styx that he will give the antidote to you, only if you follow his orders" Aella said ruthlessly, as Leto remained unflinching.
"Go to Tartarus, scum," Leto croaked weakly, as Aella smirked.
"As I have said, I only relay the orders, I cannot change it. Although, personally, that Primordial spawn could be a dangerous threat or a powerful ally if he matures. You are blinded by your unfounded love for him, Leto! Bring him to Olympus, and. Lord Zeus will know to educate him wisely," Aella said, as Leto shook in pain.
"Listen, you-" Leto whispered.
Aella continued her statement. "Again, you are blinded, Leto. With Lord Zeus as his master, Perseus will be turned into an efficient warrior of Olympus. No army will dare march against Olympus with an asset like Perseus, a pure-blooded son of Akhlys, and one of the strongest of the Primordials! This is for the greater good, Leto. Surely you remember the war with the Titans?! Surely you remember how the ground was bathed in blood with our loved ones?! Lord Zeus has understood, and I wholly agree - Perseus is the answer! He will be our greatest hero, our peacemaker! Are you so blinded as to deny him of his glorious life?" Aella asked, with a disapproving tone.
"From what I understand, Aella, you want Perseus to be Zeus' puppet—A mere weapon of Olympus. You and Zeus are no better than the Titans that once terrorized the world with their cruelty," Leto said in anger.
'Akhlys, I need you right now!'
"I may be severely weakened, but I still have the strength to destroy you. Get out of my sight now, or I swear on the Styx, I will send you to Tartarus," Leto hissed.
Aella sneered, "By your order, my Lady. However, this does not change things. Bring the twins to the meeting point by your death, and you may keep Perseus. After, I will give you the antidote Lord Zeus prepared himself."
As Aella left, Akhlys gave her answer.
'Remember your promise, Leto. If anything happens to Perseus because of your indecision, I will raze Olympus to the ground. I will not discriminate, even if your children are there.'
'And be careful, my old friend. I suspect Zeus is trying to draw me out, to make me do something foolish. Should you be unable to guard Perseus any longer, alert me immediately. I will need to call in a favour if I am not ready to step foot on this plane yet.'
Leto bit her lip, 'I'm afraid I don't have much time, my Lady. Zeus somehow managed to salvage poison that Perseus had used on Echidna. Even now I can feel it ravaging my soul. I don't think that there is an antidote capable of healing… this.'
'Do not believe the lies of that feeble son of Kronos. There is no antidote, and you will f-fade…'
'Are you crying, my Lady? I've never thought you'd feel such compassion for a lowly titan like me, hmm?'
'Silence, Little Titan. I would n-never cry. Besides, you are now on borrowed time. My only solution is this; you have nothing to lose, since you are dying… You will turn the Twins to Olympus to buy time, and I will directly intervene with Perseus as you fade. Zeus is an immortal. He is in no rush to wait, and Delos is one of the most well-guarded places, so Perseus will not be going anywhere.'
'You heartless goddess… Surely there is a way to save the Twins?'
'I will only act for Perseus, no one else. Not even that little girl who he has grown so fond of.'
'Please, Akhlys, save them… It is my last wish.'
It was here Akhlys truly had a tone of regret, 'I'm sorry, Leto. Even if I tried, I cannot. If I brought them down to Tartarus with me, what then? The imprisoned Titans and their allies still hold hatred for Zeus and his family. They will not last a day there.'
'Do not worry, Leto. I have silently given your children my blessing to help safeguard them, and to strengthen their mind. Especially the child gifted with prophecy, Apollo. I am trying to save them too, but the one truly at risk here is Perseus. I fully know that Zeus will do all he can to break Perseus and bend him to serve Olympus. And I suspect he holds no care for the wrath of Styx.'
'Hmph, his statement to Hera during their wedding was an oath to Styx after all, and look what happened,' Leto huffed, earning a chuckle from Akhlys.
'Indeed… Very well, I will act personally then. Zeus wants to draw me out; he will get what he wants. When you near your demise, alert me immediately, and I will shroud Delos with a powerful Death Mist. I will take Perseus. And Leto…'
'My Lady?'
'I'm sorry for burdening you so much, my old friend… And know this, I have been watching, and I swear on my Father, I have never wanted you to fade… Just remember this; you are very important to me… not just as an asset… But as a fellow immortal too. Farewell, my dearest friend.'
'Farewell, my Lady.'
During that dinner, Artemis had felt something seriously wrong. She couldn't place it, but she knew something was wrong. Leto would usually be upbeat, and cheerily ask them about their hunts. At times, she would also tease Perseus and Artemis, and perhaps placate a pouting Apollo (who was usually the butt of most of their jokes), but this time, it was nothing. Her mother simply served the food, and went upstairs. Not only that, but she seemed to be breathing heavily, and her usually bright blue eyes were pale. Not to mention, when they tried to ask about the nymph, Leto, she would immediately evade the question.
"There's something wrong with Mother," Apollo said curiously, as Perseus nodded.
"She seems sick," Perseus added, which added to Artemis' worry.
Artemis wanted to visit her mother, and ask what was wrong, but felt she wanted to be alone right now. However, there was a common thought in their minds – Something was terribly wrong.
The next morning, Leto pulled the trio aside and embraced them tightly.
"I hate the Fates… I hate Ananke… I hate Zeus… But make no mistake; they have given a gift to me. Three gifts I would never replace, three gifts I would hold in my heart dearly. And that is the three of you… I am not going to be here forever, and I want to tell all of you that I love you all so much, and I am so proud of all of you… And I hope, if, no, when I leave, you will all find your own paths, uncontrolled by anyone, unshackled by anyone," Leto continued to embrace them tightly.
"Mother… You are immortal… Why are you not going to be here forever?" Artemis asked innocently, as Leto laughed softly.
"Nothing except one thing lasts forever, my little Huntress," Leto whispered.
Holding his mother tighter, Apollo asked, "One thing?"
"Love, my son. True love. Unlike our fragile lives, true love endures, and stays with us forever," Leto smiled brightly; as she saw Artemis and Perseus look at each other awkwardly. Releasing herself from her young children, Leto smiled at all of them, "I couldn't have asked for better children."
She remembered the time when she asked a dying mortal why he was so upbeat. Even when he was near death, he gave her an answer, one she did not understand at that time due to being immortal and young.
'Life is precious.'
Artemis looked at Perseus, who seemed to be troubled about something. Wrapping an arm around her friend, she asked him if there was something wrong.
"Leto. It was like she was saying goodbye," Perseus said sadly. Artemis bit her lip. "You don't think she is-"Perseus started to trail off.
"She's immortal, Perseus. Don't worry, okay?" Artemis comforted, leaning on Perseus' shoulder.
Ever since that sunset, Artemis and Perseus had grown even closer. Perseus fondly remembered how Apollo walked into the room and squealed at the couple commenting how it was 'about time'. Although, acting like that didn't do him any favors, as Artemis, who was heavily embarrassed at being caught by her brother like that, knocked him out with a hard haymaker.
"I did apologize, Perseus, now stop asking me about it!" Artemis sighed, as Perseus chuckled.
"Oh Artemis… We have come so far, have we, since that day with Echidna?" Perseus said.
"More like ever since you saw my hair," Artemis cooed.
"Very true, Artemis," Perseus sighed, stroking her hair gently, as he observed his friend, before nearly gaping at what he saw.
Artemis had truly grown into a stunning beauty. Perseus could only admire his friend as he looked at her silver eyes that now had a slight glow. Her wavy red hair framed her breath-taking face. Her flawless pale skin seemed to reflect the sunlight, not to mention her-.
"Eyes up, Perseus," Artemis raised her eyebrow, looking unimpressed.
"Well I wasn't-"
"Don't lie to me; I was watching your yellow eyes moving about." Artemis laughed, before she swung her arm.
Perseus, who didn't expect it, gasped as Artemis started to laugh, an infectious, melodious laugh that had Perseus smiling a stupid grin.
"Squeaky Persee," Artemis said cheekily, as Perseus' eyebrow twitched.
Perseus, with a sinister grin, pinned Artemis on the ground, tickling her. Although he could hear a disapproving 'tsk' being said in his head, he didn't care as he heard Artemis laughing along, while she struggled to try to exact revenge on Perseus. Perseus, who was so caught up with the fun of pinning down a struggling Artemis, and not watching where he tickled, did something that made his blood run cold. He didn't know what it was – all he knew was that he accidentally poked something that was quite soft, and Artemis went crazy.
Now fearing for his life, Perseus ran as fast as he could, while Artemis gave chase.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, PERSEUS!" Artemis screamed.
"Not today!" Perseus squeaked, as he ran away from the hot-headed huntress.
Little did the two know they were smiling the whole time they were chasing each other.
"What is it this time…?" Apollo woke up tiredly – although he was relieved. He had a horrible nightmare he wanted to talk to Perseus about.
Leto smiled sadly as she watched her daughter running after the fearful son of Akhlys. She touched her chest, which throbbed in pain, and knew it was almost time. Aella, this time accompanied by Athena, were scheduled to come in the evening to remind her of the deadline.
Perseus was now plain worried. It was a month since Leto started to become ill. Before it was simply minor, and she only had occasional fevers, but this time, it started to get worse. She started getting thinner, and became whiter as the days passed. There were times where her usually bright silver eyes would glaze over and dull in the middle of a conversation, and she would shake while gritting her teeth, as if in pain. Additionally, her senses heavily dulled. She would jump by movement that she would have sensed immediately before. The fact there was no longer that familiar twinkle in her eyes, added to Perseus' worries.
Needless to say, the young immortals were extremely worried. Leto was clearly not her former self. Worse still, Apollo's nightmares seemed to worsen, and Perseus knew it was not a coincidence. Apollo however, refused to elaborate, simply because he didn't want to remember it.
"Something is horribly wrong with Mother," Artemis said, earning a nod of agreement from Perseus.
"Everyone! Come down, we have visitors!" Leto called, as the trio shrugged.
They went downstairs to find Leto, the nymph, and a black-haired woman, who immediately took Perseus aside.
"I will speak to you," the black haired woman, who introduced herself as Athena, said.
"You are Perseus, yes?" Athena asked, as Perseus nodded, clearly puzzled. "What are the Twins to you?" Athena asked, her stormy grey eyes trained on the young godling, who both instantly grew wary.
(Meanwhile…)
"It is time… Leto," Aella said tonelessly, as Leto glared at her.
"It is not. I have until the solstice, and time runs differently here. And you forget, I have the power to manipulate the island if I so wished, as decreed by Lord Zeus himself," Leto whispered weakly, the poison was taking a heavy toll on her immortal soul.
Aella smiled sinisterly, "I'm afraid time is running out, even for you, Leto. You no longer have the strength, and Delos will soon fall back under Zeus' rightful rule and there will be no escape."
"Get out, Aella," Leto croaked.
"For now, Lady Leto, I will be back, and if you still refuse, it will not be me, but Lord Zeus himself that will collect the children," Aella warned menacingly, before leaving.
It was then; the Twins reached the living room, and asked, "What is it, Mother?"
"Nothing…" Leto muttered, before smiling a weak smile to the children. "Oh by Chaos… I love all of you," Leto continued to murmur tiredly.
Artemis grew worried, and Apollo's eyes widened in horror.
"No…" Apollo whispered, as Leto turned to him apologetically.
"You have foreseen it, haven't you, my son?" Leto whispered, as Apollo started to shed his tears.
"This c-can't be, it isn't supposed to happen," Apollo whimpered, while Artemis grew even more frustrated.
"WHAT EXACTLY IS GOING ON, MOTHER?! You are getting sicker, Apollo seems to know what is happening, two odd women come to this place… WHAT THE HADES IS GOING ON?! TELL ME, MOTHER, APOLLO!" Artemis screamed.
"Two odd women… But we only saw one?" Apollo asked.
"Yeah there were two. And where the hell is Perseus?" Artemis asked roughly, as Leto's eyes widened.
'Perseus… Athena… DAMN IT!' Leto thought frantically, as she dragged herself to Perseus' room as fast as she could. What she heard nearly broke her heart.
"I heard everything… Why did you lie to us? Why didn't you tell me the Twins were leaving?!" Perseus shouted, amidst his tears.
"And why didn't you tell us that YOU WERE DYING?! BY MY POISON!" Perseus continued angrily, as Apollo fell to his knees.
Artemis could only be seen shaking, as she eyed her mother.
"Athena… What did you do?" Leto whispered dangerously.
"I merely told him the truth, Leto. Something that was your duty to tell," Athena said harshly.
Perseus began to flare his power as he continued bitterly, "This past month, we have asked, we have begged you to tell us what was wrong, and only now we find out we're going to be separated…in exchange for your life?! I thought you cared for us, Mother?! You told us you loved all of us, and we would have our own paths, but what is this?! The Twins are going to Olympus, and I'm…staying here."
"Is this true, Mother?" Artemis said disapprovingly, as Leto started to shed her tears.
Athena smirked, earning a hard glare from Leto.
"She will tell you three the truth and intervene… She promised… As a last gift," Leto whispered.
It was then Athena's eyes widened, and Apollo continued to bite his lip.
"Who is she, Leto? I order you to say it!" Athena asked menacingly, as Leto smiled.
"She is the reason why you, for all your mighty power, cannot touch Perseus. And you misunderstand, Perseus. I was never going to be healed by that poison. It is too powerful for measly Gods like Zeus to comprehend and heal," Leto said, smiling weakly.
"Mother is right… She is telling the truth. It is Lady Athena who is lying, trying to turn us against Mother," Apollo whispered, having foreseen this in a dream.
"How would you know this, boy?" Athena asked with amusement, as if scolding a naughty child.
"I have foreseen it," Apollo said simply, silencing her.
Artemis, who was still stunned, spoke, "W-we are leaving..?"
Leto was about to speak, before Athena cut her off, "Yes, we are leaving. Now."
"Athena. Don't you dare," Leto dangerously whispered, as she drew her bronze dagger.
"I have been patient with you, Leto. But no matter, I will end this quickly. You are not even a tenth of what you were a century ago," Athena sneered, drawing her spear, as Leto focused the Death Mist on her dagger.
"The Death Mist… It appears you have betrayed us, Leto!" Athena said with triumph, as Artemis' eyes widened.
"No, Mother! We will go, we will go! Please, Mother!" Apollo begged, as he had foreseen what would happen if the fight had begun.
Leto, with all of her blessings, would fall under her own Death Mist. She no longer had the strength to rein it in due to the poison that heavily weakened her.
"Apollo, how could you! You promised!" Artemis screamed, as Apollo's face darkened.
"I'm sorry, Sister, but I-I saw it in m-my dreams. If this continues, Mother will die, and Perseus-" Apollo started to tear.
"Perseus? What of Perseus?!" Artemis asked pleadingly, as Apollo bit his lip.
"How touching… But it appears I have fulfilled my objective," Athena sneered, as Perseus looked on in horror.
Leto was dying, and the twins were forced to leave… Perseus fell to his knees as he watched the scene, not even noticing the growing smirk on Athena's face. Tears started to fall from his eyes. His world was falling apart, and he didn't know who to blame. He couldn't bring himself to blame Leto. His misery began to overwhelm the place.
Perseus could only hear the gasp as Athena raised a spear to kill the helpless Leto, who was reacting to Perseus' powers, and was drowning in her guilt. Athena also seemed to react to Perseus' powers as her face changed from an arrogant smirk, to a small shade of insecurity and pity.
"You are dying anyway… And will not be worth my time to kill. Ten minutes, you have ten minutes," Athena conceded, clenching her fist.
When she walked out the door, the dam broke. The Twins were crying their hearts out as they embraced their dying mother, who told them the truth.
"W-why didn't you tell us?" Artemis murmured brokenly, as Leto shushed her.
"I couldn't… Go to Perseus, my beautiful Huntress. He needs you more than I," Leto said sadly, pointing at the shell-shocked godling.
"P-Perseus?" Artemis asked, before being crushed by a powerful embrace, as Perseus cried into her shoulder.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," Perseus cried, as Artemis' tears started to fall.
"I'm sorry, Perseus," Artemis said nervously.
"J-Just promise me s-something, o-okay?" Perseus murmured.
Artemis nodded into his shoulder, earning a sigh of relief from her friend.
"P-Please w-wait for me, alright? I'll find a way, I promise," Perseus promised, which drew a small shush from Artemis.
"Of course, Perseus. I will wait for you. After all, Mother said, true love lasts forever… And I am willing to take a chance," Artemis whispered tenderly.
"You will?" Perseus vulnerably asked, his yellow eyes brightening.
"Of course. No matter how long it takes," Artemis said, before softly kissing Perseus' lips.
Perseus remained stunned as his lips touched Artemis'. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before. His blood rushed to his face as the sweet taste and forest scent enveloped his senses. He could only break into a sad look as they separated. Suddenly though, he broke into a rare smile, and said, "I'll hold you to it."
Apollo, who gave the couple space, tried to walk away, before being pulled back by the demigod, who clasped his hand and said, "Take care of Artemis. Protect her; promise me, you will protect her!"
Apollo solemnly nodded his head, before he said, "I swear on the Styx."
"I'm sorry we weren't able to keep our promise, Perseus," Artemis said.
Looking at their leaving figures, Leto could only inch forward, as she watched her now transparent arm. Ignoring it though, she summoned all her strength to move as she embraced the broken godling, who was now kneeling on the ground.
"I'm sorry."
"I-I can't u-understand this," Perseus sniffled, as a voice sounded.
'Do not cry, Perseus. You must be strong. At least be strong for Leto. She has also lost her family.'
It was then, Perseus turned his head to look at the now dull, wet eyes of Leto. The dull silver eyes that used to gleam in happiness and content, the dull silver eyes which used to twinkle whenever she told or heard a clever joke, or when she teased Artemis and Perseus.
"L-Leto…" Perseus whispered.
Suddenly, Leto seemed to leave her trance, as she smiled sadly to Perseus.
"I never told you who your mother was, Perseus…" Leto trailed off.
"She abandoned me… She caused me pain," Perseus said bitterly.
Leto shook her head. "No, she is protecting you, Perseus. Even now, she watches."
"Then why didn't she prevent this?!" Perseus raged.
"She has her limits… We all do," Leto whispered wistfully.
"Is it true, what they were saying? Are you d-dying?" Perseus asked.
Leto, who sported a resigned smile, held out her hand, which was translucent and flickering. Then, as if on cue, she coughed ichor. Except this ichor did not glow like others. It was dull and dark, so dull it was almost bronze in colour.
"Yes," Leto said, closing her eyes.
"By my poison?" Perseus whimpered, while Leto shook her head.
"No, child… This is Zeus' poison," Leto whispered.
Suddenly, the rain outside intensified. The surroundings grew cold as Leto shivered in guilt. In her silent anger, she let slip the name of Zeus.
"I'll kill him… ZEUS!" Perseus growled.
"Perseus! Stop! Revenge will do nothing! It never did," Leto said.
"But-"
"Perseus… I do not have much time left. Can we please not argue, child? I need to contact someone, someone you should know very well now. Please don't judge her too quickly," Leto murmured weakly.
She was close to her limit.
"W-what do you mean?" Perseus gasped.
Suddenly, an image shimmered, and a woman appeared. Perseus couldn't see her properly at first – it seemed like she was changing forms. One minute she was a beautiful black haired, powerful-looking but stern woman, with a grey chiton, and thenext , she was an emaciated and miserable, with tear tracks down her face and deathly pale skin. However, there was something common among the forms. Her eyes. Gleaming, piercing and calculating, yellow eyes.
Perseus' eyes.
'It has been a long time, my son. I am Akhlys, your mother,' Akhlys said blankly, as Perseus gritted his teeth.
Perseus didn't know what to think. He almost wanted to explode, but stopped when he saw the pleading eyes of Leto, who was leaning against the wall, and flickering. Akhlys seemed to give a grateful smile at her friend, before continuing.
'I would like to explain everything to you here, but I am afraid I do not have much time. Even us mighty Protogenoi have our limits… And I am sorry for your loss, Perseus. However, I cannot linger. Leto does not have much time left, and I will have to save my strength for you.'
"What do you mean, Akhlys?" Perseus asked, emphasising on the word 'Akhlys'.
Akhlys nearly smiled. It was as expected for her son. It wouldn't do if Perseus had accepted the truth, and gave respect to her too easily.
'In midnight today, go to the north-most point of Delos. There will be a dark pit there. Jump in it. Nothing else.'
"But how about-" Perseus said, before being cut off.
He was getting sick of it.
"I am already dying, and I fear that I will not last the day, Perseus. Listen to Akhlys. She has only your best interests at heart, Perseus, and truly cares for you," Leto pleaded, as Perseus reluctantly nodded.
Akhlys couldn't help but thank Leto telepathically as she continued to speak to Perseus. Although she would never admit it, Akhlys was frightened of talking to her child. She was frightened he would remember what happened when she brought him to this plane. Not to mention bringing him back to Tartarus was a giant gamble. There was no guarantee whether the same things would happen. But she had faith. She needed to.
'Like I said Perseus. At midnight, go to the north-most point of Delos, and jump into the pit. Should anything chase you, I will intervene personally.'
"Where does that pit lead to?" Perseus asked, raising his eyebrow.
'Tartarus… My home. Do not fear that name, Perseus. We Protogenoi rule that place, and you will be no different. We will give you training. Training that you must have if you are to set foot in this world again. Training you must have to survive those that will try to harm you. I understand you have someone waiting for you, no?'
Perseus shed a tear at this, the memory of Artemis leaving still in his mind.
'Do not cry, Perseus. It shows weakness. And weakness is unfounded in son of mine. You will be strong for your friends, and Leto. My old friend just lost her family, Perseus. Yet, she is not crying. She is being strong for you. Be strong for her, Perseus.'
"It's my poison that killed her…"
Leto's heart broke as she heard the guilt and self-loathing in her son's voice.
'You will understand someday it is not. My time grows short here, Perseus. So is Leto's. I will see you tonight.'
The image flickered, and disappeared.
"How dare she, suddenly come here, say 'I'm your mother', and force me to follow her!" Perseus ranted, as Leto weakly shook her head.
"To protect you, Perseus. Zeus would have taken you. You, who is one of the most powerful of godlings, a godling with such massive potential,he would have broken you, and turned you into a weapon of Olympus. Obviously, she didn't want that. Didn't you know that, it was she who requested me to advise you to find your own path, to fight your own fate?" Leto reminisced, as Perseus softened.
He couldn't find a flaw in her explanation.
"I am going to die soon, Perseus, but how about we have a last dinner, okay? A last smile," Leto smiled, as she dragged herself to the kitchen, before collapsing, finding she was too weak to even cook.
"M-Mother!" Perseus suddenly blurted, before he lifted the flickering form of Leto and laid her against the chair.
"A-Akhlys is your mother, Perseus… Chaos… I'm so tired," Leto whispered, as Perseus fed her the ambrosia.
Perseus started to shed his tears as Leto's skin grew translucent, and her clothes fell through her translucent form. Not caring, he continued to desperately feed her ambrosia, as the poison finally started to take its toll. Suddenly, as she was dying, the Death Mist started to surround her, and she solidified once more. Perseus, who was more than relieved, quickly covered her with a blanket to cover her modesty. Leto only looked mildly amused.
"You are kind, Perseus. Yet, you are crying?" Leto silently murmured. "Don't cry… Even though you are the son of Misery," Leto continued to mumble softly, a very faint twinkle in her dull silver eyes.
"I c-cannot lose you, Leto… I can save you… Please…" Perseus said softly.
"You already have... for a time. Do not judge Akhlys, okay?" Leto said kindly, as her form flickered again. "Don't cry, Perseus. Don't be sad over me, I have no regrets."
"B-but, I c-can't lose another one," Perseus cried softly, as Leto used what little remaining strength she had to stroke his hair.
"Perseus… Nothing lasts forever. Not even Immortals. Please remember this."
"Don't say this now, please. Please," Perseus muttered miserably, earning a wry smile from Leto, who again became translucent, signalling she had only seconds left.
""Perseus... I have seen what misery has done to immortals and mortals alike, and I do not want that to happen to you... You are the true, pure-blooded son of Akhlys, Son of Misery," Leto pondered in a shade of amusement, as Perseus gritted his teeth.
"Just prove me wrong, okay? Don't forget you have others who hold you dear. Show me your smile... Misery's Smile... I love you, Perseus," Leto's mouth curled, as if she told a good joke, before she faded from the world, and the blanket finally fell.
It was then, Perseus wailed, and the tears finally fell. In anger, pain, or even misery he did not know. All he knew was he lost his family. He clenched his fist as he curled up on the floor, crying into Leto's warm chiton. His tears seemed to increase, and the island withered as Perseus finally released his pent-up feelings he tried to guard—his depression, his grief, and guilt.
It seemed like forever before the rain stopped, and stars could finally be seen. He folded Leto's clothing neatly in his magical hunting pouch, and took her necklace that lay on the chair, the chair where Leto faded.
Perseus wore the necklace, and wiping his last tears, deciding this was the last time he would be weak. There was someone waiting for him, and he intended to keep his promise this time.
It has finally ended, and I hope it wasn't too cliché. We will personally say that we are very proud with this chapter. =) Perseus will be a little different after this, just be warned.
Rocky's A/N
However, we thank you all for reading, and this is pretty late, but I would like to thank TheGooseMaster for endorsing this story. And i would like to thank all of you wonderful readers, who i must say have been wonderfully supportive of this story hehehe. And if you have any questions about the story, do PM me, and i will do my best to reply accordingly, aye.
Eyes, how about you say something, aye?(Rinne's A/N)
Play the naruto song Decision while reading he Leto and Perseus conversation, theGoosemaster is a god, now that the confines of Delos are over its time for bigger and better things lol and a better Perseus xD
The Cardigans – Erase and Rewind
And Finally One Last Thing,
REVIEWS ARE LOVE(Mr Eyes prefers favs/follows, though xD)!
2/11 Update: Bad news guys. My laptop was damaged yesterday, so i will be on a short hiatus. So please bear with me while it is getting serviced, yeah? LCD issue xD. Thanks for all your support.
24/11 Update #2: Hello guys! My lappie's back, and i will update soon. As i write this, i have about 1000+ words already written, and i assure you by this week it will be ready for release... Thanks for your patience =)