Misery's Smile Chapter 5
From Rin and Art
Well hello again, my laptop LCD was bit smashed in… but now it's fixed:-D. So I humbly apologize for the delay, and hope that you enjoy the next instalment of Misery's Smile.
I hope you enjoy J
There was only absolute silence. Perseus grimly walked through the island, awed by the sheer death that happened here. An acrid smell filled the air, as a haunting breeze blew. He could only growl, as he found out just what he did to the island.
Delos withered.
While the air was poisonous, the once beautiful clear springs were polluted to a menacing dark green. Nothing was alive. Dead leaves and animals littered the dark grey forest ground as night started to fall. It looked like a place of nightmares.
'No... A place of death, more like,' Perseus thought, looking at a diseased, dead tree.
Perseus walked, following the cracked stone path. It was just yesterday that the withered island was a paradise. He would normally see animals moving about, not to mention the springs that yielded clear and pure water. The sound of trees rustling would usually be heard, and Perseus would frequently catch the sound of the animals hustling in the forest.
Now though, there was only absolute silence which only broke when a quiet voice sang a haunting tune. Except, this tune seemed to make the air vibrate, and Perseus could feel a power suddenly calling out to him as more voices joined the tune. It was then, Perseus knew – Tartarus was open, and it was calling out to Perseus. The darkness seemed to deepen, and more whispers, dark whispers could be heard. They quickened as Perseus approached nearer to the north, as if in anticipation for the young immortal.
Reaching the end of the stone path, Perseus' necklace glowed and shook as he found his destination. The voices stopped, and it was silent. The darkness deepened, as Perseus squeezed his necklace. Hazy memories filled his mind, the same memories that tormented him even before he met Leto. Except, they were much clearer. Doubt started to gnaw at him, but he remembered his promise to Leto and Artemis.
He jumped.
Akhlys smiled in anticipation as the dark power of Tartarus seemed to shudder – it meant her son had reached his destination. Whispers started to sound as the immortals in the pit wondered what exactly caused the sudden shock. It wasn't everyday that Tartarus was shook in such a way.
Then, a low grunt suddenly sounded, and a presence could be felt stirring. It was here Nyx widened her eyes. While she knew Perseus' dormant power was potent, she never expected that to happen. The Lady of Night looked at her sister, who was smirking, and she could only wonder what the cunning Poison Mistress was planning, now that one of their most powerful brothers were awakening – one that was not friendly with Akhlys.
"Akhlys?" Nyx raised an eyebrow.
"It is of no concern, Nyx. Our brother always had an interest for powerful immortals," Akhlys smirked.
"He will be no friend to Perseus, Akhlys. And we both know that Perseus as he is now, is no match for him," Nyx narrowed her eyes.
"I know that. But I do have my ways," Akhlys said wryly, causing Nyx to shake her head.
"Stop gambling with Perseus' life, Sister. Your luck might just run out," Nyx said harshly.
Akhlys remained smirking, but doubt began to seed in her heart. Nyx was right. She was going to gamble with Perseus' life. Her brother was unpredictable and ruthless, and it didn't help that she had an extremely unstable relationship with him. But if her plan worked, it would be extremely helpful to Perseus' training. Well, assuming he survived it.
Perseus could only growl as he faced the female spirits that continually harassed him. Fed up, he dug deep, and flared his Primordial power, and brought them to their knees. Suddenly, Perseus almost fell back, he swore he could hear a low grunt coming from deep beneath the pit. It was here, a shade suddenly appeared and whispered.
"Begone, Arai."
"Who are you to interrupt us, lowly shade!" the arai hissed.
"A servant of Nyx. Who are you to assault Lord Perseus, child of Akhlys?" The shade retorted.
It was then the Arai was silenced, and Perseus could only watch, bemused, as their eyes widened in fear. They bowed, and finally left.
"Um, thank you," Perseus said, not knowing what to say, earning a curt nod from the shade.
"Lord Perseus. I am but your guide to the Mansion, and my name is Lykos," The shade bowed.
"Lykos… Erm, don't call me Lord, and what was-"
"Those were others taking notice of your power, Lord Perseus."
"Don't call me Lord-"
"You are being too humble, Lord Perseus. Yet, you are not a Primordial yet, so perhaps you are right in being humble," Lykos pondered, and Perseus could only wonder whether that was an insult.
"Calm down, Lord Perseus, I was only jesting. As I was saying, I am but your guide to the Mansion of Night, where Lady Akhlys and Lady Nyx expects you. And I will tell you this – Against my advice, I am ordered not to aid you in battle should we meet enemies," Lykos said sadly, as he cupped his walking stick.
It was here Perseus took a proper look at Lykos, and examined him. The shade looked like in his late fifties, with his beard trimmed and his long hair tied up in a small ponytail. His armor seemed to pulse in the dark pit as he fingered his sword that was strapped to his waist.
"Good, I came here for training… The experience will prove valuable," Perseus muttered.
"Do not underestimate this place, Lord Perseus. It does not tolerate arrogance. Your power is potent, yes, but it appears you have barely any control of it-"
"What do you know about my powers?!" Perseus snapped, and Lykos fixed him with a cold stare, silencing him.
"Lord Perseus, you must be humble in this place. Those spirits were just small fry – even I can defeat it with ease, and you think wrong. This place was not meant for training, and it never will be," Lykos said softly.
"What do you mean?" Perseus asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Tartarus is a place for punishment. And I will warn you here, as you go deeper, there will be older and fouler things, some even greater than the Titans. I would advise that you stop flaring your power as you did, until you gain better control of your powers, Lord Perseus. Lady Akhlys has many powerful enemies, and I will not be lying when I say that as you are, you stand no chance against any of them," Lykos warned.
"What a troublesome Mother… What must I do?" Perseus asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Lykos let out a chuckle at Perseus' comment, before answering, "You must reach the Mansion of Night."
"Just one thing, do not ever forget this is a dark place, Perseus. Dark things happen here. And I am not only talking about the punishments," Lykos' face took a grim look, and Perseus nodded.
"Follow me, Perseus," Lykos said.
The air grew more acrid and heavy as Perseus went deeper. Perseus had a new fear for this place, as he listened to the distant screams, and shouts of pain, and the sound of rumbling deep within the dark place. It was there Perseus had essentially agreed to listening to Lykos' advice.
"Shroud us within the Death Mist. One of the Titans is imprisoned here, and you are not ready to fight his jailor," Lykos warned, as Perseus complied.
What Perseus saw horrified him, a giant Cyclopes who wore a great mace guarded the gates. It was clear he was mad, from the wide, red eye that he saw. Power seemed to seep from him, and it was clear it was unstable. With Lykos guiding him, Perseus went past the Cyclops undetected, and he sighed in relief, before Lykos quickly reprimanded him.
"Don't, Lord Perseus. They will smell your scent. Strengthen the Death Mist, Perseus."
Suddenly, the Cyclops stood and smelled the air, as Perseus froze. Lykos, sensing his panic, put a cold hand on the young boy's shoulder.
"Do not fear. Calm down, Lord Perseus. Believe in your Death Mist," Lykos whispered.
"But-"
"Silence. He will hear you. I cannot be heard, for I am a shade formed from darkness. Calm your breathing, Perseus. Take long deep breaths. Do not exhale through your mouth. Instead, exhale through your nose. Strengthen your Death Mist. Yes… Like that. Remember, Lord Perseus, the Death mist will falter should you unknowingly stop the constant stream of power with your fear," Lykos advised calmly.
Perseus, let the stream of Death Mist flow, and he steadied his breathing. Then, something happened. Perseus felt drawn to something beneath his feet. Quietly whispering a silent spell, the sand, shrouded by the Mist, gave way and revealed a hilt, which read 'Νύξ'(Night). Lykos' eyes widened as he saw it, and before he could speak, Perseus held it.
There was a deep resonance, and a vibration hummed around Perseus. Perseus pulled the hilt, and it revealed a curved long black blade with no guard. The blade was simple – A guardless black, smooth hilt, and a long black blade with a smooth, menacing edge that looked even darker than its' name. The engraving shined, as Lykos' eyes widened, before he immediately looked at the Cyclops.
Perseus almost forgot the situation, awed by the simple beauty of the sword, before he saw the Cyclops looking directly at him. The unstable, wild power was suddenly pointed to Perseus and he nearly fell to his knees under the pressure.
"Lord Perseus, do not make any sudden moves, and follow my every command. Everything you do is about life and death now. There will be no coming back if you die here, immortal or not," Lykos said calmly.
"Point that black blade to his eye, now," Lykos continued.
"Are you mad? I can't!" Perseus said incredulously, as Lykos paid no heed.
"Do as I say," Lykos eyed the blade.
If the rumors were true and if it was that blade… The jailor started to charge, and Perseus' eyes were narrowed with fear. Then, he had a resolved look, as Lykos spoke.
"Concentrate your power, and use that blade as a conduit."
"Use as much power as you can, you will not be able to use much – given your control. But you must use a massive amount if you wish to escape from this alive."
Perseus raised the blade, and dug as deep as he could into his pool of power. A green aura trailed the blade as his yellow eyes glowed.
"Do not hesitate, Lord Perseus. He is coming."
Perseus did not hesitate. Instantly, he released it, and it struck the monster in the face, bringing it down. A huge explosion was sounded and a mist of poison surrounded the Cyclops. Lykos looked at Perseus, and nodded quickly. Perseus, well, he saw the Cyclops start to rouse.
"Run."
Recognizing the shade's message, Perseus ran as fast as he could with the shade, who looked awed as much as he was relieved. Then, a hard look crossed the shade's face, and Perseus felt guilty. Even with the Twins, he could never satisfy his curiosity, or what Artemis liked to call, itchy fingers. It cost them more than a few hunts.
Here though, it nearly cost him his life.
"You are extremely lucky. I hope you have learned the fragility of the Death Mist. Do not do that again. If you want to do something, refer it to me first, until Lady Akhlys claims you at the Mansion. This is Tartarus, and I hope you remember that," Lykos said harshly, before he saw that blade.
"Though, I must say this is quite a find… Lady Nyx will explain. We must go with haste. The darkness is fading, and the Mansion of Night is extremely elusive. I must say, I expected you to question me more. Young godlings tend to be arrogant," Lykos commented.
"Not in Tartarus," Perseus retorted, earning a ghost of a smile from the shade.
Perseus smiled at his small pun(ghost of a smile), before Lykos said, "You are learning, little godling."
"This is the first time you've stopped calling me 'Lord Perseus'," Perseus cheekily said.
"And it shall not happen again," Lykos said seriously, as Perseus sighed.
Then, the path seemed to stop as the darkness seemed to spread across, and memories of hurt and anger began to rise. Perseus tried to ignore it, but the screams started.
"We are close."
Then, Perseus asked, "What was that monster?"
Lykos smiled, "One who is cursed."
"Stop talking in riddles, old wolf. Who is that monster?" Perseus was exasperated.
Lykos ignored him, but Perseus caught the words 'impatient' and 'godlings'. His vein twitched, and Lykos broke into a chuckle.
"I have forgotten his name. But I know, he was once a fine servant of the Titans, and was blessed by the great powers of the Sea. When Lord Poseidon took control of the seas, he cast all servants of the Titans of the Seas into Tartarus, and this creature was no different."
Lykos sighed, as he continued.
"As I have said, dark things happen here. Surely you hear whispers? Those whispers are for the punished. Dark magic lie in those whispers, Lord Perseus. The Titans are strong, and can resist this at great pain, but the weak are not so lucky. The weaker of the punished are in the end consumed by the whispers, and their power twisted by the magic, making them nothing more than mindless, but dangerous drones," Lykos explained.
"Couldn't he tell that he was guarding his old masters?" Perseus asked, and Lykos shook his head.
"I'm afraid he cannot, Lord Perseus. He is but a mindless puppet, who only answers to Tartarus himself. Such is the fate of all cursed to be punished," the shade said with finality, before stopping.
Perseus squeezed his necklace, as he wondered why Lykos had stopped, before he saw it. It was so dark Perseus could barely see. Suddenly, more memories began to attack his mind as he clutched his forehead, and Lykos nodded in understanding.
"This is the effect of this place. I am afraid I must leave you here, as you must meet the Ladies alone. Good luck, Lord Perseus. I will see you again," Lykos bowed before fading, and Perseus bit his lip – Lykos was a good companion.
Suddenly, as the mental barrage intensified, a shack appeared. Perseus blanched – This was the Mansion of Night? It was decaying, and looked to be falling apart. The wood looked to be rotting. However, the power emitting from it was unmistakable, and Perseus knew he had to go in. Suddenly, he saw the face of Artemis.
'Why did you leave? You promised, and you broke it.'
Perseus gasped, as he started shaking.
'I thought you loved us. I thought you loved me. But you were selfish, and played hero. Are you so naïve to think your power would not go undetected? Zeus is not at fault. You broke our promise. Perseus.'
It was here, Perseus went on his knee, he had no answer to that. He continued shaking. Whispers started to sound, as he felt cold. Memories filled his mind, and when he opened his eyes, he only saw darkness. Black. Nothing else. Fumbling, he knew he had to enter the Mansion before he lost his sanity. Squeezing his necklace with his left hand, he reached out with his power, and the necklace glowed.
Suddenly, his mind felt clearer, and he suddenly remembered his last promise. The necklace continued glowing.
'Leto…'
Then, Perseus, with a new resolve, and guided by the necklace, found a weak point at the power imprisoning him, and cut it apart, releasing him from the darkness that tormented him. Squeezing his necklace gratefully, he found the knob of the door.
'Thank you… Leto.'
Though, there was a little problem. The door was locked. Frustrated, he began to charge his power up, before a highly unamused, but gentle voice sounded in his mind.
'Nephew, please do not blast my Mansion doors down. There is something called knocking the door, which I think is common courtesy. I am sure that Leto has taught you that.'
Perseus sighed, before knocking the door softly.
'Close your eyes while I lead you in. Do not open them.'
The door clicked, and a beautiful, dark haired woman led him in, but not before making sure Perseus closed his eyes. Perseus could only hear screams and hisses as he went in, but he kept his eyes shut, remembering what happened with Lykos and the monster.
"Open them," Nyx said gently, as Perseus opened his eyes, only to gawk.
The Mansion was in a word – Stunning. Firstly, Perseus had to say, it was bigger than it looked from outside.
"B-Big," Perseus gawked, as Nyx raised an eyebrow in amusement.
It was basically a really, really, big house. Black, delicately designed pillars supported the edges, while the walls on the hallway were decorated with art that seemed to depict wars among great warriors, a big panel illustrating the Titan war. Perseus took a bitter look however, when he saw the last panel, which depicted Perseus holding the hand of a dying Leto.
"How did you get that?" Perseus asked sadly.
"The art adds on its own, even I do not fully understand its power. After all, this was a gift to me from my father," Nyx smiled, as she eyed the painting of a tall hooded figure who had his back turned.
"Come, Perseus, we have one more Lady to meet," Nyx winked, as Perseus nodded.
The black haired lady led the godling through, and as Perseus entered the entrance to the living room, he was almost too afraid to open it, as flashes of his memories started to attack him. Nyx noted this, and sighed.
"All will be answered in due time, Perseus. I swear it," Nyx said with a hard look.
Perseus nodded, confused, as Nyx opened the door. Then, a familiar-looking shade led the duo through, and Perseus gawked.
"L-Lykos?!" Perseus exclaimed, as he stopped.
"Ah, Lord Perseus. We meet again. Do not be so surprised – I am a servant of Nyx," Lykos said, though he did wink, his wolfish eyes gleaming.
Nyx smiled, and continued leading Perseus through the massive house, as Perseus observed the different weapons, and gold that decorated the red walls. Then, a room opened, and a familiar power flared. Perseus widened his eyes as he saw his mother – Akhlys.
"Mother?" Perseus said with a small voice, unsure of what to say.
"It has been a long time, Perseus," Akhlys said gently, with a voice full of love, something that Nyx had never heard ever since she gave birth to Perseus.
Then, both yellow eyes hardened as Akhlys continued with a cold tone, "We need to talk."
Though Akhlys said that they were to talk, Nyx and Lykos interrupted, both insisting that Perseus needed rest. Noticeably grumbling, the great goddess complied, and Perseus was allowed to rest for a time, until he regained his energy. Succumbing to his fatigue, Perseus leaned back into his chair, where he slept.
That time, he had a dream.
It was in a magnificent room, and Perseus saw two figures. Nyx and Akhlys. Nyx looked like she was reprimanding her sister, but no voices were heard. It was here Perseus noticed he could not hear anything.
Then, all hell broke loose as different images suddenly rushed along, and they displayed more scenes of the two goddesses, eventually ending at the last one. This time though, he could hear voices, and they were frantic.
'Sister, the Death Mist is out of control!'
'Use your powers of darkness, Nyx. Force the Death Mist to submit!'
Then, an explosion sounded, and even more images began to rush, before it ended in darkness. As Perseus woke up in a start, he found that he was in a large room, and there was a large painting on the wall, depicting an hooded man who had his face shadowed. His long blade could be seen strapped to his back. But a striking characteristic was the yellow eyes that shone under his hood, though his face was still shadowed in darkness. It was an intimidating painting.
Forcing himself to look away, Perseus examined the rest of his room. His magical hunting pouch could be seen hanging on a door, while his newly-acquired sword leaned on the wall. It's black blade seemed to shimmer as Perseus eyed it, as if greeting the young immortal.
Perseus also did notice the piercing headache and the continuous stream of images that followed. It was more vivid now, and Perseus wondered if Nyx had something to do with it. It was then he remembered about Nyx's vow that everything would be answered, and he could only wonder if it had something to do with his memories.
Walking out of the room, Perseus followed a trail of darkness, and found a polished, black door. A pulse of power seemed to thrum as Perseus let his curiousity get the better of him and pushed the door, only to be grabbed by his Aunt.
"Perseus, you must be careful around here, even in my mansion. There is more than three immortals dwelling in here," Nyx chastised.
Perseus was still reasonably surprised, as Nyx motioned for the immortal to follow him. About three turns later, Perseus found himself in the living room, where Lykos and Akhlys could be seen arguing silently.
'Why do you insist on this mad plan, My Lady? He is not ready!'
'He must be, as soon as possible. I have already claimed him.'
'You take too many chances, My Lady.'
'He is my son, and I have full confidence that he will excel.'
'My Lady, Tartarus is not fit for training an untested, unexperienced and young immortal such as Perseus.'
'Have you forgotten, little servant of Nyx, that he is my pure-blooded son, and a Protogenoi? I think you underestimate him, Shade.'
'He has the power, but he does not have the control. Surely you have considered that?'
'I have a plan for that, Shade. My brother has agreed to – Ah, he is here.'
"Welcome back, Perseus," Akhlys said.
Perseus regarded her with a nod, as Akhlys straightened.
"I understand you have become strong, Perseus. However, you have yet to truly realize your awakened power," Akhlys said dryly.
Perseus did not question it. He was almost made mincemeat by the Cyclops jailor. Not to mention the fact that he would never admit it, but he had trouble defending himself against the Arai. And the fact that he was unable to protect those close to him
It took all his willpower not to express just how bitter he was.
"You should have better control over your emotions, Perseus. You are a mighty Primordial immortal, not a lowly hero trying to prove himself to others he perceives as 'higher'. After this training, I expect you to be already proven. I will not have a son trying to prove himself among the weak. I will not have my son bow down to anyone," Akhlys said coldly, as Perseus began to feel determination bloom in his mind.
Perseus had to admit, his mother had a kind of dark charisma. Everything she said, everything she did, was calculated and cold, and designed to bring out a reaction that benefitted both parties – at least to people she favoured. It made the young immortal scared. He hated to think how manipulative Akhlys could be to her enemies.
"Thus, I will have you trained by my brother," Akhlys added, drawing a defiant shout from Nyx.
"Sister!" Nyx shouted, already briefed by Akhlys.
It wasn't long before Lykos added his input.
"There is no such thing as 'fast' results or training, My Lady! Bringing the boy to this pit was enough, and now you are going to lead him to his death by the hand of your accursed brother," Lykos growled.
"Silence, Shade. I have my reasons for this. After the debacle in Chaos' plane, darker minds, and powerful deities would have already known of Perseus' existence. We must prepare him," Akhlys insisted, drawing a snort from Nyx.
Perseus could only watch, as the trio argued over his future.
"And at what cost? Slow down, Akhlys. The powerful deities you talk about are in no rush. They are still asleep, still ignorant of Perseus. Let him grow on his own pace. You risk weakening his power – This pit is no place for training!" Nyx added harshly, but Akhlys refused to budge.
"You think I would have done this if I had no choice, Sister? Do you really think I am so blind to the affairs of immortals! I am one of the greatest of the Primordials! Did you both think, I had not the foresight to see this?!" Akhlys boomed, as she flared her power, shaking the pit.
"No, Sister. I am merely concerned for your son. As a mother, you should be, too. Do what you will, Akhlys. If your mad plan fails, I will have you answer to me. I hope you haven't forgotten that I am the Night. Do what you will, on one condition," Nyx hissed menacingly, as the Mansion dimmed considerably.
"You will give Perseus his memories today. He will need to – " Nyx said, before Perseus interrupted, having enough of this conversation.
"There is no need, Lady Nyx. I remember it all. I remember how my mother cast me into the earth too early. I understand how she made a mistake, and accidentally poisoned me using her Death Mist, before Aunt Nyx blessed me with darkness to seal away the poison, and in so doing, sealed my powers. And I know how Lady Akhlys hid from her mistake, simply because she was too prideful to admit that she administered it to her son, no less, and how her hubris indirectly caused all of these problems," Perseus whispered.
"What in – " Akhlys started to splutter.
"If not for your hubris, we would not be having this conversation," Perseus added coldly, as Akhlys stared back, her anger growing.
The only reason why she didn't blast him to bits was because it was true, and the fact that he was her son. If she had contacted him earlier, perhaps simply admitted her mistake to her son, she could have prevented these problems. Leto knew how to suppress powers, yes, but to suppress Primordial powers was a little more difficult. Something Akhlys could have done.
However, Akhlys did find something that could hammer in her argument, "And if not for my hubris, you would not have met Leto, and her Twins. One in particular, whom I know is waiting for you?"
It was then; Perseus looked at her with a trace of anger in his eyes. Akhlys was worried for a moment, but instantly felt relief as she watched Perseus sigh. He was listening.
"You want to get back to her as long as possible, yes? But how are you going to survive, as weak as you are now? You were almost outclassed by a third-class piece of filth, and was ultimately defeated by a weak immortal," Akhlys said, raising a hand to silence her sister, and giving her a telepathic message.
Nyx gave her a warning look, before leaving. Lykos stayed, studying the young immortal.
"And I must tell you this, Perseus. You are an enigma. Your birth was an enigma by itself. The Fates did not decree your birth – they did not create your life string, nor do they hold it. It is my father Chaos himself, who created and holds your life string, much like how he holds our life strings, the life strings of the mightiest of the Primordials. I myself asked him for his consent, and watched him weave your life string," Akhlys explained, drawing a look from Perseus.
"What does that mean?"
"It means you will have many powerful enemies. Even the Fates themselves – they never liked having someone they can never control," Akhlys continued.
"You must be ready."
"Basically what you are saying is that, I should never be born? Was I just a tool to spite the Fates, Mother?!" Perseus shouted, before Akhlys' eyes widened, and she grabbed Perseus' hand.
"No… Never. I would never do that, Perseus. Never. Please, understand this. My father, Chaos, decreed you were born. Please understand that I begged him to create your life string. Please," Akhlys pleaded, as Perseus softened.
Perseus stood up. Akhlys was extremely afraid at this point, wondering if she went too far. Perseus was right, in the fact that her hubris caused no end of trouble.
"Very well, Mother. But we will see. I am certain, with Fate interrupting or not, truth will unravel no matter what. I will train with your brother. Just say his name, Mother. Besides, it won't make a difference if I did die, you'll just make another child to spite the Fates again, and lose an asset, perhaps," Perseus sneered, referring to Leto.
Akhlys met his glare with her own. It wouldn't do any good if she could not stand up to someone weaker than her. Her son was brave, and had a sharp tongue, but it was time to give him a demonstration. A reality check.
Perseus watched her for a moment – Her hypnotising yellow eyes seemed to turned as suddenly, the mansion shook. Lykos' eyes widened as he saw what Akhlys was doing. It was necessary, yes, but he had a hand on Perseus' newly acquired sword, in case of the great goddess going too far.
Suddenly, Perseus was forced to his knees as a pressure pushed him down. Images of absolute misery filled his mind, as poison started to ravage his body. He was being killed, and he was helpless. As he looked up to his mother, he found no pity. No remorse.
"I cant die here, I can't… Artemis… A-Artemis… L-Leto…" Perseus trailed off as his eyes rolled into the back of his head.
The misery was overpowering, as Akhlys continued her pressure. It was too much, and Perseus finally gave up fighting. He felt like a mere ant against Akhlys. A final pressure seemed to crush him finally, before it was silent, and a gentle hand picked him up. He looked up and saw Akhlys, a concerned look in her eye. He suddenly felt better as Akhlys healed him. As he started to speak, he saw Akhlys raise a weary hand, her face wrinkled with guilt, and pain.
"That… Was an example of power. Your enemies will not be so merciful, Perseus. Remember that. Worse, they can do this to your loved ones. There are many who already know your relationship with the twins – you must protect them, yes? As Lykos have said, I have many enemies for no other reason than my powers, and you will be too. You will fight many things, Perseus. I cannot guarantee you will win all, but I want you to be prepared, at least. And as powerful as you are now, you need guidance, or you will be crushed as you were under me…" Akhlys clasped his hand softly, and Perseus couldn't help but grip it tightly, feeling the vulnerability in her voice.
"I am your mother, Perseus, and I cannot bear to lose you. Go to the heart of Tartarus. Find my brother, and train under him. There is no need to prove yourself – you are already worthy if you make it all the way there. If you make it, no, when you make it, Tartarus will take you under his wing, and you will learn under him for as long as he sees fit," Akhlys said, as Perseus nodded.
Though, he couldn't help but feel nervous. He remembered the stories that Leto told him when he was younger, and he remembered one of them saying that Tartarus was one of the most ruthless of Primordials.
"Do not fear, Perseus. Tartarus respects strength, and he will hate to see it go to waste. He will be a fine teacher, but you must be careful. He is also manipulative, and you would do well not to be tricked by his more deceitful plans. Also, do not oppose him, or you will be punished. Tartarus is strong – perhaps even a match for me, and you will be destroyed should you anger him enough. I hope you don't forget Leto's stories, as most of them are all true, for they are told by me," Akhlys said with a note of amusement.
As if on cue, Nyx went out of her room, grabbed the black blade from Lykos, and handed it to Perseus.
"I expect that you will find a better use for this than I ever could – I don't use swords anyway," Nyx said, before tracing the engraving.
"Νύξ… It will have a new wielder now to bring its darkness to all enemies…" Nyx said, as the engraving glowed.
The sword changed shape too, and when Perseus held it, it couldn't be more well balanced. The blade now had a delicate leaf-shape, with a black guard that held the engraving of the blade.
"This sword was made for me, as a gift from my sons, Thanatos and Hypnos. It has been blessed by myself, and it was forged by the very Cyclopes who made Zeus' master bolt. The immortals at Chaos' plane have a lot of favors they owe me. It should serve you well," Nyx smirked, as Perseus bowed.
"Tartarus… You must be careful with him… You will do well in your training, I know it. Artemis is waiting for you, isn't she?" Nyx laughed, before she left, leaving a flustered, but slightly pained Perseus.
Akhlys, who was watching the scene, felt embarrassed, wishing she was there to comfort her son, to encourage him. It wasn't the fact that she was too prideful, or too bitter. She was simply afraid. She was afraid of how Perseus would react, and how he would say to her. After all, she had done her share of mistakes, and had alienated her son. At least, that was what she thought.
Perseus had never felt those thoughts. He was bitter, yes, but he could not help but pity his vulnerable, and fragile mother. He knew that while Akhlys was powerful, and feared, deep down she was simply scared, insecure, and lonely. She only had Nyx as her companion, and Perseus could nearly feel her hurt when Nyx threatened to turn against her.
"Perseus, were you listening?" Akhlys suddenly hissed, as Perseus turned.
"Oh, yes, what is it?" Perseus said guiltily, earning an exasperated sigh from Nyx and Lykos.
They had clearly seen this behavior before.
Akhlys pinched the bridge of her nose, as she readjusted herself, "Lykos will be accompanying you to the heart of Tartarus. It would do no good if you go alone and get lost in the pit. You will lose your sanity, no matter how powerful you are, if you wander blindly in Tartarus."
Perseus nodded, in fact, he was relieved. While Akhlys was brutal and effective, Lykos was strict, yes, but he was calm, and patient. Not to mention he saved Perseus' life more than once.
"You will leave tonight. Oh, and before I forget," Akhlys continued, before suddenly touching Perseus, and flaring a huge amount of his power.
"What happened..?" Perseus asked, feeling winded.
"I have claimed you. You are the pure-blooded son of Akhlys," Akhlys proclaimed.
"And…?" Perseus said, knowing there was a catch in this.
"More powerful enemies would hunt you in this place. This is training – you must survive until the Heart of Tartarus. Once you reach there, you will be safe. No one will dare try to combat my brother, no matter how powerful they are. Survive, Perseus," Akhlys had a grim face.
"And as a mother, I have full confidence that you will do it," She suddenly sported an encouraging smiled, as Perseus sighed in resignation(He apparently inherited his mood swings from her).
"We'll see," Lykos grunted, before gesturing the young immortal to get his things and leave.
Sighing, Perseus got his things, before looking at the hall of paintings for what could be the last time. Looing at the painting where he held Leto in his arms, he squeezed his necklace, and as Nyx opened the door of the Mansion, he walked out with Lykos with a note of determination in his eyes.
Your Writer and Whiskey Barrel Art AKA Rocky
As always, I hope you enjoyed, and I must say I am very thankful for all your support. I do apologize for the delay. Note to everyone, aye? Do not throw a Sony phone(accidentally) to a Fujitsu Laptop. Apparently, it completely rapes the LCD xD. T
The reason why Perseus is not grieving so much about Artemis and Leto is simply because he's in Tartarus.
I hope you enjoyed, thanks to all.
Yours Truly, Art
My Partner and Sour Grapes AKA Rinne
Rinne's A/N
AN: Its been a boring month without Bossman's writing, i suppose this chapter is what you can say "Back with a Vengeance"
xxxxxxx
We thank you all for your support. If you wish to ask questions about this story, or point out careless mistakes, do PM me, rockyroad69. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
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Spoon - Rindu Serindu Rindunya