Misery's Smile Chapter 6
By Daffy(Art) and Donald(Rinne) :p
Hello everyone, how are you? Welcome to December, aye? My, how time flies xD Without further ado, let's go! Sit back, eat some Chill Pills, and I hope you enjoy this story ;-)
Sniffing the air, Perseus winced. The smell of rancid flesh, and smoke filled the air, as screams sounded out in the distant darkness. The whispers of Tartarus became more gentle, and seductive. Lykos looked worriedly at the young immortal. This was madness. Even for a son of Akhlys, Lykos couldn't find a sure way to keep the both of them alive and well until they met Tartarus. To make matters worse, Akhlys had claimed Perseus publicly, probably alerting all her enemies to his presence.
It was for fast training, no doubt. Lykos sighed. Were the Primordials always so stubborn? There was no such thing as 'fast training'. Not to mention everything leaned on Perseus. Akhlys' plan was mad – and her sister did not like it. If Nyx and Akhlys had a serious disagreement… Lykos shuddered. He did not want to think of it, as it would not be pretty. Not even the might of Tartarus would be able to hold their disagreement in.
"It's insane isn't it? Mother's 'plan'. I can see it in your eyes," Perseus said with a hint of a smile.
"Let's just continue, and hope we survive this," Lykos told sternly, earning a huff from Perseus.
"What's going on with her anyway? I mean, she said it herself, we are immortal, and we're not in a rush. Then she sends me into probably a suicide training trip, which I'll probably die in," Perseus grumbled.
"Then why did you go? You have mine and Lady Nyx's support otherwise, so why take Lady Akhlys' side, Lord Perseus?" Lykos asked, wondering why.
"Akhlys really thinks before she speaks. She got the reaction out of me, and went with the flow," Perseus shrugs, as Lykos raised an eyebrow.
It was amazing how the young boy could see through such subtlety and explain it in simple words.
"So, why did you react?"
"Well, you heard her questions. I would be really cold-hearted if I didn't react, now did I?" Perseus smiled, as Lykos struggled to hold back a laugh.
"Lady Akhlys is indeed very subtle, and a master manipulator. So do you want to go back? It's not too late," Lykos spoke.
Perseus laughed, "I don't break promises."
"Never again."
Lykos shook his head, as he saw Perseus' clenched fist. Quickening his pace to keep up with Perseus, he prayed to Lord Chaos to protect the vulnerable young boy. Hopefully, the great deity would listen, and prevent Tartarus from breaking the son of Akhlys.
So far, the journey was uneventful. It was to be expected – Akhlys' name invoked much fear here. The small fry did not dare attack Perseus, fearing that they would anger the powerful goddess. However, she did have powerful enemies – who dwelled deep in Tartarus, no doubt waiting for their prey, now that Akhlys had claimed Perseus.
Lykos was naturally nervous as the darkness deepened, and the volume of the screams went louder. They were getting deeper into Tartarus. Then, he saw a glow. He couldn't have been more surprised as he saw it emanating from Perseus, who looked to be walking towards a river. Then, it hit him. The river Acheron.
"Perseus, no!" Lykos shouted.
Perseus ignored him, and continued walking to the river, entranced by its call for him, its power enhancing his own, making it more potent. Perseus walked, as the hectic screams grew softer, until it became a quiet, heartbroken whimper. Suddenly, it stopped too, and it was deathly quiet.
Perseus waited, wondering what would happen. Suddenly, images ran through his head, and he felt empty. Familiar voices whispered in his head, except they were cooing, in a language Perseus could not understand. The cooing of the whispers was haunting, dark, yet gentle. Perseus felt drawn to it once more, as his power reacted. He could almost hear Lykos shouting to stop him, but in that instant, the voices became louder. There was nothing the old Shade could do, seeing Perseus' powers react like that. He could only hope the spirit of the River would save the young godling from being swept away into darkness.
'Lady Akhlys…' Lykos begged the great goddess for help.
It wasn't long before Akhlys studied what happened, and gave her answer.
'Perseus must face this alone for now, Lykos,' Akhlys answered with conviction, as Lykos lowered his head.
In the river, Perseus suddenly awoke as the screams of despair filled his ear. He had no memory of what happened – only that something was calling him. Perseus tried to feel around, but only found water, and was relieved when he saw shore. Climbing out, his eyes widened as he saw the familiar sight of Leto, and the Twins waiting for him in the cottage. A beautiful forest surrounded it, as Leto held out a hand, her silver eyes gleaming as if to welcome an old family friend. Perseus stood there in shock. This had to be a hallucination, it had to be. He saw Leto die. Then, Leto suddenly spoke, and Perseus instantly melted, wanting to feel her warm arms again.
"Join us," Leto smiled warmly, as Perseus' eyes started to brim with tears.
"C'mere, Perseus, where have you been all this time? We were waiting for you," Artemis gently told, as Perseus started to remember those memories of separation.
He never wanted to feel that way again. Hallucination or not, he wanted to feel Leto's warmth, and the Twins' affections. Especially Artemis.
Perseus missed them terribly.
"Hurry, we don't have all day," Apollo laughed, as Perseus started to walk.
It was so real, and Perseus couldn't help but want to believe that this was true, no matter what his instincts told him.
Suddenly, the world darkened, and a shadowed, hooded man came. Perseus recognized the danger, and quickly ran, not wanting to lose his family again. At least, he tried to. He found that he couldn't move, and the hooded man, with a long black sword, struck down the twins with little effort, before he beheaded a helpless Leto.
Perseus fell apart at the scene. To lose them once, was bad enough. But to lose them twice, hallucination or not, was the breaking point. Screaming in anger, he leaped at the unsuspecting murderer, as he plunged Night into the man's heart. The hooded man fell, and Perseus couldn't help but notice how both blades looked the same. Looking at the engraving, Perseus immediately dropped his sword. It was Νύξ, his sword.
Eyes widening, Perseus immediately flipped the man's body over, and gasped. There was no mistaking the yellow eyes that clearly displayed shock. Perseus fell into a kneeled position, as he observed the mutilated, bloody bodies of his family, and the blade that was covered in ichor. Misery, and confusion filled his heart as whispers sounded.
'You killed them. You killed them. You killed them.'
'You could not even save a memory.'
'You are weak and broken.'
As memories of Artemis flooded his mind, Perseus laughed half-heartedly. It was ironic – The son of Misery broken by misery, and hopelessness.
'The sword… It will free you from your pain… It will let you meet those you have lost again… Use it.'
Perseus, who was by now feeling hopeless, reached for his sword, before a gentle, pale hand clasped his wrist. Suddenly, power rushed through him as his necklace glowed. He grew bone-thin, and deathly pale, as Leto's necklace glowed. As his mouth opened, his free hand clasped Leto's necklace, as her words filled his mind.
'Misery's Smile… I love you, Perseus…'
As her words sounded, Perseus felt his confusion end, as he began to understand Akhlys' words. Her last wish was for Perseus not to ever lose hope, never to be brought down by grief and self-loathing. Suddenly, the surroundings changed, and Perseus found himself in a familiar room – Leto's room. He remembered the Twins and him caring for Leto while she was getting weaker here, singing lullabies to her, and feeding her horrible-tasting tea. Though it made him sad, Perseus smiled, before finally letting go of his sword.
Squeezing his necklace even more tightly, he looked up, and saw a smiling, yet wistful looking dark-haired woman. She looked at him for a moment, and Perseus recognized. The misery and hopelessness reflected in her glassy, yet wet sapphire eyes.
The spirit of the River Acheron.
"Let go of her, Perseus. She is not of this world anymore," Acheron said gently, as Perseus weeped.
Acheron knelt, and touched the young man's chest.
"But she is alive. She is alive in you, and her children. She is alive here. Your memories of her, her love for you, nothing will ever take that away," Acheron gently continued.
"But –"
"Remember what Leto said to you, Perseus… True love for another outlasts all, and I truly believe that Leto had true love for you. She would never blame you for what wasn't your mistake, nor would she want you to lose hope," Acheron smiled sadly, as she touched Perseus' chin with a cold, pale hand.
"Let go, Perseus. Your feelings of hatred, your feelings of guilt, release it all. It is quiet here."
Perseus bit his lip, before finally crying. He hugged his knees as he weeped, before rambling about how he loved his 'mother', and did not want to ever let go of her. To Acheron's credit, she simply stood and listened. Perseus was thankful for her silent support, though he did not show it. Then, as he continued weeping, a hand reached out.
"I think it is time, Perseus… Leto might be gone, but her children are not. I believe, you have a promise to fulfill," Acheron assertively said, as Perseus' eyes lit up with determination.
Taking her hand, Acheron showed him a mischevious smile, before Perseus felt himself thrown out of the river, much to the relief of the waiting Lykos. With a smile, Perseus fell unconscious on the dark floor, the events of that day catching up to him. Lykos shook his head, but stood watch to protect Perseus.
That night, he did not experience any nightmares. It was blissful, and dreamless.
Perseus woke up to a waiting Lykos, who was studying him with a curious look.
"Did you have any dreams, Perseus?" Lykos asked, suddenly.
"No, not really," Perseus said, and he swore he could see a smile on the stoic shade.
"Good."
Before they moved on, however, Perseus decided to do something. He took off his necklace, and gently lowered it into the river. The necklace glowed, as if approving with Perseus' decision.
"Acheron is kind. She deserves a gift," Perseus smiled, and Lykos nodded.
"We must go, Perseus. If you linger for too long, your awakened power will draw powerful beings. Especially in that form," Lykos said, as Perseus began to notice a shade of silver aura covering him.
Then, he notice his bone-thin arms and deathly pale skin, before he squealed. Lykos groaned. What was with young people and things they weren't used to?
"W-what happened!"
"That, Lord Perseus, is a sign of your full power awakening. Lady Akhlys also has a form like that. Now, please be silent as I teach you how to reverse it. Before that however, what do you feel?" Lykos asked suddenly, as Perseus reached out with his powers.
"Everyone's so sad… It's so hopeless around here," Perseus said, as Lykos nodded.
"Very well… Do not reach out too far, or we'll –" Lykos said, before a distant roar sounded, and Perseus looked away sheepishly.
"What happened, Perseus?" Lykos pinched the bridge of his nose.
Those two were so similar at times – Even if Akhlys tried her best to suppress it, she did 'slip'.
"I felt a mind, and tried to go in – the door looked open, and he found me," Perseus said.
"We must go, now. We are being hunted," Lykos rose, before touching Perseus in the forehead.
Perseus went back into his normal form. His muscular arms showed, as he regained his tan. Before he could ask, however, Lykos had already departed. Perseus chased him, muttering about 'impatient old men', and when he tried to grab hold of his necklace, he stopped himself. Touching his heart as he ran, he finally spoke.
"Goodbye, Leto."
Lykos, who heard that, couldn't help but break into a proud smile. The boy was learning.
"From this point on, Perseus, never trust the whispers. When you see movement, you must tell me immediately. And, you must always expect the unexpected from this point on. Arrogance will cost you your life," Lykos said assertively, as Perseus nodded.
He had learned not to trust them ever since they tried to get him to commit suicide. However, it didn't mean it was any easier. As they got deeper into Tartarus, Lykos explained the power behind the whispers. It was unknown who created the dark magic, but what was understood was that it was powered by the misery, and hatred of the inhabitants that were tortured.
Needless to say, Lykos' first suspect was Akhlys. Perseus did try to half-heartedly defend his mother, but only got this reply.
"There is only one who can do something that powerful, and specific. Lady Akhlys, in all respect, is the Goddess of Misery. She will be the only one with the domains and powers to weave such dark magic related to Misery. And Perseus, you misunderstand, Akhlys was – and still is – one of the most cruel, ruthless and feared of Primordials," Lykos retorted.
"However, even for all her flaws, she truly cares about you. I know that at least. Be kind to her, Perseus. Lady Akhlys has had a hard life," Lykos said softly.
"A hard life of being one of the strongest of Primordials?" Perseus laughed.
"No domain comes without a cost, Perseus. Lady Akhlys' domains are no different," Lykos replied, as Persues began to feel guilty.
Just then, someone shouted in the deepening darkness, as Lykos gripped his pommel. The pair was surrounded. Perseus had already drawn his sword, as he looked at the assailants that had already surrounded them.
"They smell like dirt," Perseus said.
"Earthborns. Of course. The servants of Gaia," Lykos muttered.
Just then, the leader of the numerous Earthborn moved forward and looked at the duo. Firstly at the shade, and finally at Perseus. His eyes seemed to narrow as he looked at the boy, before he laughed.
"So this is the son of Akhlys?! The man who Mother commanded us to slay?! This BOY?!"
"Silence, filth," Lykos said emotionlessly, as he drew his sword.
"And you, Lykos. The Wolf of Nyx, and aptly named indeed, seeing how you are simply the dog of Nyx, bowing to her every will!" The lead earthborn said, before Perseus walked forward.
"I see no difference in your relationship with Gaia, Earthborn," Perseus said blankly, before he thrust his sword up the leader's throat.
However, something went wrong. The leader did not dissolve. Instead, he only smiled, and said, "You cannot send me to Tartarus if I am already in it, foolish boy."
"Attack! Show that arrogant son of Akhlys why he should fear the power of Gaia. Perhaps, his mother will learn some humility," The leader said, as 20 Earthborns charged.
Lykos readied his stance, before Akhlys whispered.
'Do not aid him, Lykos… He must learn the perils of this place, and he must face it alone, unaided.'
'Are you mad, Akhlys, these are no normal Earthborns! They are the strongest of them!'
'You will refer to me as 'Lady', Shade. And I am sure you know, Perseus is no 'normal' immortal.'
Lykos sighed, before sheathing his sword. The lead Earthborn hissed in amusement, but did not speak. The old shade looked at Perseus, who got the message. This was a test. The only difference from this and the normal ones, was that if Perseus failed, it meant death.
Perseus felt scared for a moment, but quickly clamped down on that, before he charged. He counted himself lucky, the Earthborns charged at him from all sides. Using his sword, he beheaded one, and let out a frustrated growl as the Earthborn reformed. He knew, he could not defeat them in a normal way, he had to -. Perseus gasped, as a club hit him in the chest, and set him flying.
"How weak, for a son of the 'mightiest' of the Primordials."
"Hah, he cannot even use his mother's domains, and he dares call himself the son of Akhlys."
"My mother is-" Perseus started to say, before being cut off.
"Your mother is a half-rate Titan, who fell to a weakling's poison! Lady Gaia has told us all about you, all about how you poisoned your mother. Son of Akhlys, bah! I'd rather worship Zeus than accept that!" An Earthborn said, as Perseus gripped his sword tightly.
"Indeed, and if the son of Akhlys is this weak, I shudder to think when she finds out. Perhaps she will kill him, for pride, if nothing else. Let use kill you, boy. It will be a mercy," the Earthborn behind the leader said, as Perseus seethed in anger.
"You do not understand-"
"No, it is you, boy, who does not understand. Lady Akhlys' name, so feared that every monster in this place will shake in mention of her. Her arrogance will not allow a weakling like you to call yourself 'her son'" The leader hissed, as Perseus gripped his sword tighter, a black aura covering him.
Then, the leader struck, and Perseus, who was distracted, took a full blow to the face. Perseus could still hear speaking, but a voice suddenly entered his mind. The familiar voice of his mother, Akhlys.
'Focus, Perseus. Do not give in to your anger. Your power has already awakened, and it is waiting on your call. Call to your strength, Perseus. Concentrate, show those scum of Gaia what it means to have humility!'
Suddenly, a touch of Akhlys' tendril touched Perseus' reserves, and Perseus' power reacted.
"Hah, standing there! Giving up already, Perseus?!" The lead Earthborn said, before swinging his club.
Perseus saw through his movements, and dodged. Channeling his power through Night, Perseus slammed the flat of the blade on the leader's head, disorienting him. As the majority charged at him, Perseus stayed calm, and held his position. Tuning out their taunts, Perseus dug deep, and flared his power. The Earthborns were disorientated, giving time for Perseus to reach deep within himself.
It was then, he found it. The constant pulsing of his deep strength, as if calling its master, Perseus. With a deep breath, Perseus forcefully drew it out, and the whole pit shook, as Perseus nearly stumbled. The strength he was moving with, was heavy, and this was what Lykos feared would happen. Perseus simply had too much power, and without control, he would fall apart under his own strength. Perseus had to end this quickly.
Then, turning to the Earthborn, Perseus, who was sweating, smiled sinisterly. Then, forcefully grabbing a thread of his now raging aura, he channelled it through his black sword which gleamed with dark green aura. Then, he stabbed the sword into the ground, as he directed the aura to the cowering Earthborn, who by know realised, it was too late.
The leader looked at Perseus totally in disbelief. He thought he saw the familiar cold look of Akhlys, one she sported before striking down her enemies. Except – It was Perseus. It was the same look, the emotionless face, and the glowing yellow eyes. As the glowing green aura reached the monster, powerful poison disintegrated his body, and he had only enough time to say one word.
"P-Perseus."
As the rest of the Earthborn faded, Perseus could only gasp, before falling unconscious. He had succumbed to his wounds. Lykos could only look grimly as he quickly grabbed hold of Perseus. That flare of power shook the pit. There was no hope in secrecy now.
Hades was in the Underworld with Hestia when it happened. It was decades since the son of Akhlys went missing, and Zeus had decreed. Hades was to look for Perseus, as he was the only one who was directly linked to Tartarus. Hades scoffed at that – he knew his brother did not dare brave Tartarus. There was many other entrances other than the underworld, namely the new one in Delos, which was sealed by Demeter.
"I wonder what our brother is planning. I for one, would not want a war with the Primordials. They will crush us. Especially with the Fates suppressing us with domains," Hestia said grimly.
"Zeus has always been power-hungry, especially when he led us to victory against the Titans. Not like Father… Hmph!" Hades said bitterly, as Hestia turned away.
Then, a flare of power shook the underworld. Hades noticed that it was uncontrolled, and wild. However, one fact remained and it was the fact that it was massive. Hades looked at Hestia, who nodded and instantly understood. It wasn't long before he drew his conclusions. Looking at the some of the older, cowering souls, who recognized the aura.
"The son of Akhlys. There is no doubt. Akhlys would not have flared her power like that," Hades muttered.
"He is powerful. And this sour smell… Poison," Hestia murmured, uneasy.
"Pure-blooded indeed. I will not tell Zeus," Hades said, as Hestia looked in shock.
"Why, brother?"
"Because I have not been given a reason to," Hades said, before looking at Hestia.
Hestia sighed, "To keep the peace, I cannot tell Zeus."
"You must not tell the Twins, Sister. I know he is very dear to them, but you must not tell them of his whereabouts. They are young and will act rashly, and I have no doubt that Zeus is waiting for that. Though, I must admit they show a lot of promise," Hades said with a trace of amusement, remembering their antics of constantly disappearing at meetings.
"I know that, Hades," Hestia sighed.
Hades nodded in approval. Though he had to wonder how the son of Akhlys was like.
"Wake, Perseus."
Perseus moved, but his muscles and body felt extremely rigid. Just then, Lykos sighed, before placing two fingers into Perseus' stomach. Perseus gasped as he suddenly felt more… Balanced.
"I rearranged your power, Perseus. Do not pull that stunt again, we cannot linger. Your power shook Tartarus itself," Lykos explained, as Perseus gaped.
"But I'm only a godling!" Perseus protested, as Lykos snorted.
"You are the son of Lady Akhlys, one of the First-born of Chaos, Perseus. Figure it out."
Lykos did not wait for Perseus as he roughly took Perseus with him. Perseus huffed in pain, then coughed in confusion.
"Wait… I should be healed by now, so why-"
"This is a place of punishment for immortals, Perseus. There is no normal way of being healed here," Lykos huffed, impatient.
Lykos sighed. He was usually calm and assertive, but there was no time for that now. Perseus' stunt had rendered him almost helpless and wounded, and with the Pit aware of his presence(As if Akhlys claiming him wasn't enough), it wasn't long until more powerful enemies came. They had to reach Lord Tartarus as soon as possible to begin Perseus' training, and to ensure his safety. At least, if Tartarus was interested.
Following Perseus, Lykos led the demigod to the Phlegethon. Perseus had learned how to use his powers more discreetly, and to use it to his advantage. In fact, the old shade did not have to lead Perseus to the river itself. Perseus did it by himself, when he sensed the river, and it's healing properties. Lykos merely guided Perseus to that conclusion.
Although, after a couple of battles with another group of monsters, Perseus was more fatigued, and wounded than ever. It was here, Lykos began to feel worried for the youth. The air of Tartarus would be corroding and poisoning his body, weakening his mind to the whispers. Yet, the boy remained unflinching and sane. Taking a closer look, Lykos saw an outline of very faint, but visible dark green aura that covered Perseus' wounds.
Akhlys.
Lykos thanked the goddess telepathically, as Perseus began to approach the Phlegethon. Looking at the fire, Perseus hesitated, but something happened. His wounds suddenly reopened, and Perseus kneeled before the river in sheer pain, as he heard Akhlys' voice.
'Hesitate, and you will die, Perseus.'
It was then, Perseus knew he was in deep trouble. The poisoned claw that got him was potent, and it was clear that it was now or never. Perseus screamed in pain as he put both hands in the river and drank the bitter liquid. Trying not to gag at the bitterness, he forced it down as he waited for its effects. Instantly, he screamed again as he felt the liquid from the river forcefully burn the poison and his wounds away. Fire crackled as his wounds closed, and the poison was purged.
Then, the healing stopped. The poison was purged, but the wounds he suffered from the Earthborn was still raw. Perseus began to take more, and it started becoming dangerously addictive, despite the burning pain. It was because, despite the pain, Perseus ended up feeling better. When Lykos stopped him, Perseus was nearly unconscious from the pain. Then, it all hit him when he stopped.
Simply put, it took hours for Perseus to stop convulsing in sheer pain and suffering, and stand up. Lykos shook his head.
"Enough of that, Lord Perseus. That is another punishment… For over-indulgent immortals. Sooner than later, if I had not stopped you, you would have been consumed by the fire of the River. This is the punishment of the immortals, and the punished," Lykos said darkly.
"Mortals?" Perseus coughed, curious despite the pain he was feeling.
"No sane mortal would dare set foot here," Lykos replied.
Perseus found no argument for that.
"Though, you are learning, Perseus. Faster then I expected. This will benefit you, Perseus. Training under Lord Tartarus is perilous. Far more perilous than what you have been experiencing," Lykos grimaced, as Perseus seemed deep in thought.
"Old wolf… Have you trained under Tartarus? You seem to know an awful lot about him," Perseus asked suddenly.
The only reply he got was Lykos' rigid look. Other than that, Lykos acted like he never heard what Perseus said.
Perseus chose not to press, as they walked. He had to admit that the Phlegethon, although painful, really worked. Perseus felt in his best condition since even before he left Delos. Hearing a sound, Perseus gripped his sword, but Lykos stopped him.
"Only speak when you are spoken to. Nothing else. I will do the talking. Remember Perseus, Tartarus is not like other deities. He is unpredictable and dangerous," Lykos warned, as Perseus nodded.
He remembered his mother saying that Tartarus was a match for her in strength. And seeing how Akhlys brought her son to his knees with little effort, Perseus chose not to argue.
It was then, they stopped walking. It was near pitch black at this point. The whispers, that were plaguing his ears throughout had finally stopped. It felt empty and quiet. Perseus also noticed, the familiar acrid smell that he had been used to in Tartarus was also missing. There was nothing. Just darkness
Just then, Lykos called out, his voice layered with power and conviction.
'Give us your welcome, Lord Tartarus, Master of the Pit, greatest of the First-Born! We come here to your dwelling, by order of Lady Akhlys!'
Suddenly, a dark voice laughed softly, and whispered, 'The Wolf of Nyx. And our favourite young immortal, Perseus, son of Akhlys. You still dare to come here, I see. By order of Akhlys… Very well, you may enter.'
"That whisper…" Perseus said in awe.
"Is Lord Tartarus, and is the very same whispers that disturb the punished," Lykos said, before muttering an incantation.
Instantly, a gate suddenly manifested, and slowly opened. Instantly, Perseus could feel the aura emanating from it, and he would be lying if he said he wasn't afraid. Lykos went in, and motioned Perseus to follow.
"There will be no turning back. The gate will not reopen without the permission of Lord Tartarus. Do you want to turn back? I assure you Akhlys will understand, no matter how stubborn she is," Lykos said seriously.
This was Perseus' last test of character. Perseus looked to be deep in thought, and fearful, but managed to look at Lykos with a determined look.
"Nope," Perseus said nonchalantly, before walking into the gate.
What greeted Perseus, was something that had him gape. A magnificent black palace stood in front of him, as the air hummed. There was no whispers, but humming. A humming of a massive, and huge amount of power. It was no doubt – this was Tartarus' dwelling, and he wasn't shy of showing it. The pressure of the strength made Perseus struggle even to stand.
It was here, he saw Lykos, who was sweating.
"I am not an immortal like you, Perseus. I am a shade," Lykos grimaced in frustration.
"Well, you're the Wolf of Nyx, aren't you?" Perseus shrugged.
"Just go, before you are eventually forced to your knees," Lykos sighed.
The duo continued to struggle, as Perseus felt like there was something watching them the whole length of the way. Reaching out with his power, he could only groan, as his probe was ruthlessly snapped.
'Patience, Perseus.'
It got much harder as Lykos couldn't hold it, and was forced to his knees. Perseus knew he couldn't carry the old shade. However, he couldn't really bear to leave the man there to suffer under the pressure.
"I'm sorry, old wolf," Perseus muttered, before wrapping Lykos' arms around his shoulders.
Lykos quietly growled. He was one of Nyx's greatest warriors, and here he was being dragged by a godling. He wondered why Tartarus wanted to display his power so badly. He wasn't the type to be that arrogant to try and force them on their knees like that. It was then, Tartarus whispered in his mind.
Perseus was nearly fading, and he did try to blast his power to at least relieve the pressure, but it was only for a few micro-seconds. Panic started to fill him as he felt himself buckling. It was then, an amused whisper reached into his mind.
'It was no wonder my sister wanted me to train you so badly. Such poor control over your massive powers. Flaring it mindlessly will not release my hold, youngling. I am not afraid of your powers, there is no need to flare it.'
Perseus growled at the mocking tone, as he unknowingly flared his power again. It was then, his power stopped flaring, as if refusing his commands. He tried it again, but couldn't. Perseus, who was buckling, asked the great deity for help, but was refused.
'You are the son of Akhlys, no? Yet you cannot let your power submit to you willingly with your strength. Weak, and arrogant immortals do not deserve my aid.'
It was so close, so close to the gates, but Perseus felt his willpower erode. Desperate, he roused his strength, as he tried to interpret Tartarus' words. Then, it hit him. In his earlier battles, Perseus was extremely forceful with his immortal powers. Taking a deep breath, Perseus concentrated on his blade, Night, which was strapped to his back.
"Just… Calm down… Perseus," Lykos panted.
Following his advice, Perseus drew from the deep pool in his power, and started channel it through the sword, gradually making it denser, to counter Tartarus' strength. The pressure started to relieve, but Perseus felt his energy sap fast. Recognizing the danger, Perseus quickly decreased his effort, but made sure the pressure was at a bearable level.
Perseus, who was by this time panting ceaselessly, said, "Just hold on a little longer, old wolf. We're almost there."
Reaching the gate, Perseus quickly pushed open the gate, but realized it was locked by magic. Grimacing, he struggled to hold his consciousness as he probed the door for a weakness, and he found it. Taking another deep breath, Perseus released Lykos from his shoulder, before wrapping the shade with his left arm. With his left arm, Perseus pointed the blade to the small point, before his eyes widened. The small point was not there.
'Lord Tartarus!'
'If you cannot even find the flaw of the door, you are not fit to train here. Die outside, weakling.'
The connection stopped, as Perseus groaned. Perseus, without a plan now, and losing consciousness, decided to blast the door through. It was a mad plan, but Akhlys' plan was a mad plan too. Perseus bit his lip, he couldn't give up now. He had so many things that he hadn't done yet. He didn't want to fade.
Deep in the palace, Tartarus started to sigh in satisfaction as he saw the young immortal finally figuring it out. Though, he had to wonder if the young immortal had enough power after walking through such pressure, or even enough energy at all. He was learning, though. Perhaps, this weakling had some raw strength and spirit after all.
Tartarus smiled. He hated to see potential wasted. Perhaps, he would go along with his sister, for now.
Perseus was barely holding his consciousness. That is, before Lykos intervened.
"Take my strength, Perseus, or we both get destroyed. Tartarus' strength has already started to erode our powers," Lykos breathed heavily.
Perseus bit his lip, before he remembered Akhlys' words.
Hesitate, and you will die.
Making a decision, Perseus took a chance. Drawing strength from Lykos, Perseus figured, with Night enhancing his powers, it would be just enough. Lykos by this time, was already nearly transparent.
Heaving, Perseus released the powerful blast of power. The door finally gave way, as Perseus entered, exhausted. He swore he heard something say 'satisfactory', but dismissed it as his exhaustion getting the better of him. Suddenly, Perseus felt a presence, before he found himself and Lykos suddenly being warped into a throne room. The throne room was quiet and simple, with black walls, a simple hallway, and a black throne. One of the most defining traits however, was the artwork throughout the black walls, which showed war, violence…. The worst of living beings. Those that needed to be punished.
Suddenly, a deep voice boomed, and a frightening presence engulfed the room.
"Perseus. You have done well to reach here, still standing. Welcome to the heart of Tartarus, my dwelling, Perseus… And my old student, Lykos. We have much to talk about."
Okay we're done, I hope you enjoyed, yeah? Hope to see you soon. I will be on a relatively short hiatus, as I have exams next week. Have a great day everybody, and stay pinky! Regards from Art =D
Rinne's A/N
The Feels are High nuff said.
Alice in Chains – Rooster(Live 1992 at the Moore)
And one last thing
REVIEW!