Misery's Smile Chapter 7

From Santa and Rudolph

Hey guys, my apologies for the delay, I was held up by some networking exams, haha. However, there is no need to wait any longer, coz my exams are over, and I have a 3 week break =) Without further ado, sit tight, have some popcorn, and I hope you enjoy the new instalment of Misery's Smile! J

Fear. It was the only thing Perseus felt, as he stared at the Lord of the Pit. It was no wonder, that Lykos had titled him as the greatest of the Primordials. Tartarus oozed power, and dominance. A gray aura seemed to surround him as he tilted his head at the sight of Perseus. Dark, abyss-like eyes stared at Perseus, further unnerving the young immortal.

"I sense fear from you, Perseus," Tartarus said, an arrogant and regal tone in his deep voice.

Perseus did not answer. Rather, he could not answer. The Primordial's power seemed to suffocate him before he could speak. Lykos stepped forward, but was stopped by a glare from Tartarus' deep, dark eyes.

"As my student, I expect you to act with precision, Perseus. Understood?" Tartarus continued with an odd tone.

Perseus caught the tone. It was as if Tartarus was trying to give him a hint to something. To act with precision… Perseus flared out his power to screen his surroundings, and he found it. A barrier of power was trapping Perseus. Taking a deep breath, Perseus attempted to blast himself out of the barrier, only to gasp in pain, as his power bounced back and forced him to his knees.

"Did you not hear me, worthless godling? I said, I expect you to act with precision! Do you understand?!" Tartarus boomed, as the barrier tightened around Perseus.

Perseus started to panic, as the barrier started to tighten around Perseus. Perseus tried to look at Lykos, but the Shade was unmoving. The godling knew that he was running short of time – his consciousness was fading. It was then, Perseus remembered Nyx's advice.

'You must be calm as you face Tartarus. Else, he will crush your spirit. Always be aware as you face him, for he is always two steps ahead.'

Then, it hit him. Lykos trained under Tartarus. No doubt, he went through the same treatment, and told Nyx about it. Calming down, the youth followed Nyx's advice, and screened the barrier, but this time with more urgency. Channelling his power to ease the pressure a little, Perseus looked for vulnerabilities within the barrier.

Perseus was extremely lucky to see it. The vulnerability was heavily layered beneath darkness, and was located near the small of his back – his blind spot. Tartarus had to suppress his chuckle at the sheer luck Perseus had, to unknowingly flare just the right amount of power to locate the flaw in the barrier. Too little, and the power would not penetrate through the layers of darkness. Too much, and the flared power would unwittingly mask the flaw while killing the wielder.

After all, Perseus had the powers of potent poison, and his aura was no different. Tartarus folded his arms as he watched Perseus' yellow eyes start to glow. The noxious air crackled, as potent green energy smashed a hole through the barrier.

"I ask once again, do you understand?" Tartarus asked.

"I t-think so," Perseus answered shakily.

Lykos, who was watching, couldn't help but be relieved as he watched Perseus manage to pass Tartarus' test. It seemed just yesterday, when he first set foot in this throne room, as one of the chosen warriors to serve the Primordials.

Meanwhile, Tartarus continued to study the son of Akhlys. The boy clearly needed to be physically stronger. Even with the minimal control he showed to resist Tartarus' pressure, it should have been easy for a child as powerful as Perseus. Yet, he struggled, and was close to falling unconscious. Though, minimal as it was, Perseus had at least demonstrated some control with his colossal powers, which was a start. Tartarus' dangerous gamble had worked, at least.

The son of Akhlys caught his stare, and quickly looked away with an uncertain expression. Tartarus was quick to catch that movement, and could not help but glare with his dark eyes. It was clear that the young godling held fear for many things. Fear that needed to be eradicated if he was to survive his possible reign as a Primordial lord.

"When do we begin?" Perseus blurted, before his mouth tightened.

"So eager. So confident," Tartarus crooned mockingly, before his eyes darkened.

"Very well, you will start now. Lykos, bring him to the Fields, and we will begin."

"Of course, Lord Tartarus," Lykos bowed, before leading the godling out of the palace.

Lykos sighed, as he escorted the godling outside. He wondered what was in store for Perseus, seeing that he was not a mere shade, or monster, but a primordial godling with endless potential. The old shade did note however, that Tartarus was much harsher to Perseus than he was to Lykos and the other warriors. The pressure that Tartarus brought down told him that much.

Perseus had to suppress a grimace as he tiredly followed Lykos. He had no rest since Phlegethon, and could literally feel his strength slipping, as he limped his way outside. As he stepped foot outside, however, he suddenly felt Tartarus teleporting him away with his powers.

As Perseus came to, he found himself in what looked to be a barren wasteland. The immortal groaned as he saw Tartarus' castle in the distance. The ground seemed to shake as Tartarus spoke in his mind.

'Find your own way back.'

Suddenly, total darkness filled Perseus' vision. His exhaustion seemed to intensify as he felt Tartarus' immense pressure again. Only, this time, he was far less capable to handle it.

'Use your power as a guide, Perseus. Your senses will not be effective, for my castle is already shielded. Do not weep for your exhaustion. There may be a time where you have to face powerful enemies as exhausted as you are now. I expect you to reach the castle before Nyx returns.'

Perseus balked. Nyx had already left the pit when he left Tartarus' castle (He couldn't sense Nyx's power). He was in complete darkness, and had barely any energy left. Using his powers sapped his energy when he tried to ease the pressure, and it basically meant Perseus could only use his power to find his way back. Perseus sighed as he managed to see what this was. It was cruel, but effective.

Perseus flared his power to find a way, only to gasp as a large amount of energy left him. Perseus groaned – he hadn't even moved past his spot and he had already exhausted half of his remaining strength. Throughout this, Tartarus remained silent.

Perseus was in a hard position. He knew he had to use his power to find a way back, but he couldn't if his energy was sapped, considering how far the castle was. He had to somehow control his powers effectively, while trying to navigate through the pure darkness that seemed to engulf his senses.

Perseus drew his sword as he limited his power usage severely. After all, Night was above all else, a power conduit. A powerful enhancer, blessed by Nyx herself. It was risky, but Perseus had to try. Forcing his powers to a trickle, he channelled it through the blade, and flared it. Perseus nearly sighed in relief. It worked, and Perseus could finally see and locate Tartarus' overwhelming aura.

It took all his immense concentration, but Perseus managed to follow the path. Though, he knew he did not have much time, judging from how his muscles were burning under the pressure. Another thing, was the fact that the complete darkness was taking a toll on Perseus. It took all his willpower, and determination to keep his sanity in the darkness that was slowly consuming his mind.

Suddenly, something rustled. Perseus quickly looked up cautiously, as there was no wind in Tartarus. Instinctively raising his sword, Perseus felt a powerful force that slammed against his sword. As he felt the weapon sliding, Perseus saw his chance. Assuming that his enemy was still in front of him, Perseus quickly countered, and swept away his foe's weapon, before following up with a wide slash. Perseus knew he could not make a mistake here, as he was still blinded by Tartarus' darkness.

He followed Tartarus' advice – to follow his instincts. As Perseus slashed, he felt something, and quickly moved forward. A sound of slicing could be heard, and Perseus sighed in relief. Though, he did not falter, as he once again, judged his opponent's position, and angled a stab. Again, it was pure luck, as Perseus almost missed, but felt his blade sliding over his wounded opponent. Reacting quickly, the young godling slashed downward, and felt satisfaction as he felt his blade cut through.

Then, it was silent. Perseus knew he was alone this time, and grimly continued his walk. This time, he was truly on his last legs, as he approached the gates. The fight had taken the last of his energy.

Tartarus was fingering his staff as he watched the boy limp towards his gates. It was an excellent effort, and a good show of awareness from the godling. Perhaps, Perseus was not such a hopeless case that Tartarus led himself to believe. The idea to use his sword as a conduit to flare his beleaguered powers was admittedly impressive. As the Primordial watched the godling finally go past the gates, he finally lifted the darkness that covered Perseus' eyes, before the young immortal finally collapsed. Then, he sent a servant to fetch the godling, and bring him to a proper room to rest.

Tartarus did remember Akhlys' threat to him after all.

'Should something happen to my son, you will pay the consequences.'

The same training continued on for about 3 years. The only thing that really stopped Perseus from falling into madness was sheer stubbornness and willpower, something that he apparently inherited from Akhlys. The constant darkness Perseus had to endure took its toll over time. Worse still, Tartarus started to introduce the whispers into Perseus' training, and it very nearly drove Perseus into insanity.

Though cruel and dangerous, the training paid dividents. Perseus became extremely tough physically and had drastically improved his control over his powers. Lykos was impressed that Perseus managed to survive the brutal training regime, and couldn't help but silently thank Artemis and Akhlys for it. No mind, Primordial or not, could have survived that peril alone, or without an anchor to keep it sane.

Perseus managed to return to the castle standing, this time. Seeing this, Tartarus finally decided that the Perseus did not need such training anymore. The godling had proven himself to be mentally tough, and fit to continue into the next, finer stage of his training. However, Tartarus needed to call in some favors. Standing up, he called upon some of his subjects in Tartarus.

Instantly, two figures manifested in the throne room, where they waited for Perseus. Lykos turned his head to take a look, and was shocked. Standing there, was two powerful titans, Iapetus and Perses, who bowed before Tartarus. Of course. Any one dwelling in Tartarus are directly under the Primordial's rule, save for Nyx, Akhlys and the other Primordials.

"Is it time, my lord?" Iapetus asked.

"Yes it is. He should be coming soon," Tartarus rumbled, as Lykos understood.

"My lord, what is the meaning of this! Perseus is not ready to face those two!" Lykos exclaimed, as Tartarus remained unmoving.

"Silence, Lykos. Do not question me," Tartarus hissed menacingly.

"However –"

"I hope you do not make me repeat myself again, lowly shade. Be silent," Tartarus whispered dangerously.

Lykos sighed, and conceded. Tartarus' wrath was something he had no wish to endure. All he could do now was wait, and hope Perseus survived this.

"Calm yourself, Shade. If Perseus has indeed progressed in his training, he will not die," Tartarus said, earning a raised eyebrow from Lykos.

As if on cue, the door opened, and Perseus went through. Sure enough, he had already drew his sword and blocked a sudden strike from Iapetus' spear. Perseus, as winded as he was, knew he could not let his guard down before Tartarus. Knowing that Perses was following up behind him, Perseus quickly used his strength to shrug off Iapetus, before dodging under a powerful red blast that seemed to consume the air as it passed.

Seeing the danger, Perseus quickly dodged under, aware that Perses' aura would corrode anything in its path – or near it. Cursing, Perseus quickly formed a barrier, but could already feel Perses' power corroding into his skin. Flaring his power, Perseus had removed it, but in doing so, he had wasted precious energy and power.

It was then, Iapetus struck with his spear, thrusting towards Perseus' unprotected back. Perseus anticipated it though, and blocked it, but had to quickly jump to dodge Perses' follow-up.

Perseus knew that he needed a plan, or he would be overwhelmed by the two Titans. As he went into the defensive against the two Titans, he formed a risky, but bold plan, where he would use his powers of poison to disable the Titans one-by-one, then finish them off. It was risky, as he was already running low on energy, but he was confident in the fact that it would disable them. After all, his poison did effectively kill Leto.

He didn't have much time. Perseus was on the defensive, and it was taking it's toll on the young Primordial. He needed to finish the fight quickly. As Iapetus made a rare mistake and left himself open, Perseus quickly counterattacked and made a small cut on Iapetus layered with potent poison, before he parried Perses' strike just in time. With Iapetus down, Perseus could effectively turn his full attention on Perses, who remained silent throughout.

This was the hard part. Without Iapetus to unknowingly cover him from Perses' corrosive blasts, it meant that Perseus had to be more careful. Worse still, Perseus began to feel fatigued, and he knew he had to finish this duel quickly. Suddenly, Perses slashed with incredible speed, and Perseus could only gasp as he struggled to parry the powerful blow. Perses' onslaught did not stop there, and he quickly gained the upper-hand over Perseus' fading defence.

Perseus had the advantage of the length of his blade though, and kept a distance to limit Perses' attacks with his shorter sword. However, as Perseus backed off more, the Titan saw his chance to lead Perseus into a trap. Tartarus began to feel displeased that Perseus had not heeded his surroundings.

Suddenly, Perseus felt his back to the wall, and knew he was in trouble.

"You were complacent, Son of Akhlys," Perses whispered, before he attempted to forcefully break Perseus' defence.

Perseus saw the danger. Instinctively, he commanded his power to alter Perses' blow towards the side, allowing the youth to get out of the corner quickly. Jumping forward, Perseus managed to get himself out of the corner, before being forced to concoct a barrier to block a powerful red blast that was aimed towards his heart. His power was utterly exhausted trying to block the attack. Perseus gritted his teeth. He underestimated them, and allowed himself to fall into a trap. Though Iapetus was effectively down, Perses was proving to be extremely tough.

Suddenly, Perseus buckled as a spear thrust into him from behind. Gasping, he turned his head, before looking at the Titan he thought was defeated.

"You underestimated us," Iapetus said simply, before forcefully extracting his spear.

"Enough," Tartarus boomed, before waving a hand to fix the destruction in his throne room.

Tartarus could only look with disapproval at his young student. The boy had started out well, but made extremely crucial mistakes against Iapetus, and the fact that he had underestimated Perses' strength.

"W-What," Perseus gasped, as Tartarus walked towards him.

"After all this training, this is what you show me, Perseus? I expected more," Tartarus spat, as his dark power swirled around Perseus.

"It is now completely apparent that you have inherited Akhlys' arrogance. I expect you to learn from this experience. You underestimate your opponents, and overestimate your beleaguered strength. Such feeble poison will never harm strong immortals, Perseus. I had thought you would have seen that much."

Perseus looked down and bit his lip, while Lykos moved to tend to his wounds.

"Stop, Lykos. Let his wounds scar, and be a reminder of what would happen if he does the same mistakes. You are merely a son of Akhlys, not my father, Chaos. You have no right to have such hubris," Tartarus continued ruthlessly, as Perseus continued to grimace.

He couldn't be more relieved, however, when his powers started to slowly recover and heal the wounds that was inflicted. Not that it alleviated any of the pain though. Perseus could only suspect that this was Tartarus' doing.

"Others will not be so merciful, Perseus. I expect to see you, healed or not, when Lady Nyx returns," Perses sheathed his sword, before leaving the place.

Iapetus regarded Perseus, before finally saying, "It was a good fight."

"From now on, Perses will lead your training, along with Iapetus and Lykos. I fully expect you to obey their every command. You have made significant progress with the control of your powers and physical strength, but it is clear that you must improve," Tartarus said coldly.

Perseus sighed, but he smiled inwardly.

'Soon, Artemis, soon…'

The following years progressed quickly, as the three men trained Perseus, under Tartarus' watch. Perses and Iapetus were strict and extreme in their training methods, but were fair. Together, they taught Perseus the finer arts of battle, and led him to have a much deeper understanding of his power. Tartarus' early and brutal methods was crucial, as it allowed Perseus to keep up with the Titans' equally strenuous training regimes, and it allowed them to guide Perseus into perfecting his control over his powers easily. Perses noted that had it not been for Tartarus' brutal methods and effectiveness, it would take at least more than a decade to teach Perseus to control his already massive powers.

With Lykos though, Perseus faced different challenges. Instead of training his combat capability, Lykos taught him philosophy and the ways of the world. If there was one question that Lykos had kept asking Perseus, it was what he truly believed in.

Perseus, for all his experiences, did not have an honest answer to that. He could rattle on about 'true love', and other things that Leto had taught him, but he always felt hollow as he tried to answer Lykos. He was left pondering, as Lykos allowed him to ponder over the question. As Perseus relived his journey, and studied the art that decorated the castle, Perseus could only ask himself.

'Was all this fated?'

He did not receive an answer. However, as he walked through the castle, he couldn't help but remember Akhlys' words.

'You were never fated to be born.'

He couldn't help but laugh in dark amusement at that sentence, but his heart fully believed it somehow… Perseus couldn't help but feel that there was something in those words that his heart chose to keep very close to. It was then, he remembered something Artemis had said.

'I wish we were free from Fate. I don't want to die knowing that it was all Fate that led me there.'

Perseus' heart clenched. He wanted that. Deep down, Perseus realized that he wanted freedom. Freedom from fate, and everything influencing him. Perseus wanted to be free to make his own decisions, to make his own path. It was then, he realized it, and finally told Lykos.

"I believe in my freedom and future. For no one controls them," Perseus proclaimed, as Lykos raised an eyebrow.

Perseus did not waver at Lykos' questioning look.

"You are foolish to believe that you can question Fate, no, not Fate… Rather, Destiny. But you have passed my test nonetheless," Lykos shook his head, as Perseus looked up.

"It wasn't a belief, old wolf. It was a promise," Perseus said, his voice layered with power.

"Such arrogance and conviction… You are truly your mother's son," Lykos smiled, as a look of sadness briefly crossed his face.

Perseus caught it, however, and wondered what Fate could have done to the old wolf to make him look so haunted.

Timeskip…

Perseus had to duck before he brought up Night to deflect a spear thrust. Perseus knew that this was his last sparring session with the Titans – only this time they weren't holding back. Perses' eyes became red as he shot a red, corrosive beam towards his student, who jumped and returned the favor with an equally corrosive flare of sickly green energy.

Unlike before, Perseus was well-rested and not hindered by fatigue. He quickly overpowered Perses' flare of power before following up with a powerful thrust with his sword. Perseus was forced to retreat however, when he saw Iapetus' spear thrown into his direction.

"Have you already forgotten our lessons, Perseus?" Perses mocked.

Perseus gritted his teeth, as he forced himself not to react to Perses' mocking tone. It had cost Perseus on many occasions. Then, Perseus saw it. Iapetus had made a mistake by waiting a little too far away from Perses. Perseus knew he had to act on this to isolate Iapetus. Else, he would be hard-pressed trying to outlast two Titans, and with his power already partly suppressed by Tartarus as a training measure, it would be extremely difficult to defeat them.

Perseus understood that he was taking a big risk, and knew that he could not afford to underestimate Perses' strength here. Shoving his sword into the ground, Perseus erected an extremely powerful barrier to temporarily hold off Perses, as he moved to isolate Iapetus, who saw through the plan and quickly assaulted him with fast, quick strikes.

Iapetus, with all his experience, knew the danger, and put Perseus on the defensive to buy time for Perses to break through. He had to admit to himself, though, that the boy had learned some tricks. Fooling Perseus with a feint, Iapetus quickly tried to follow up with the butt of his spear, only for Perseus to catch it with his bare hands. The titan cursed, as he recognized his mistake for being predictable.

He should have known that Perseus would have studied his signature methods and techniques through their previous sparring sessions. In an effort to free himself, Iapetus tried to burn Perseus' hand by channelling his power through the spear, but was quickly overwhelmed by the young Primordial who quickly reversed the situation and with his massive power, shattered the spear.

Perses was gritting his teeth, as he finally came close into breaking the barrier. The boy had invested a massive amount of power into the barrier, and it was taking a lot of time to break it. The black sword acting as a conduit to strengthen the barrier did not help matters. Iapetus was effectively trapped.

Iapetus, without his weapon, and with his arms grabbed by Perseus, knew he was in deep trouble. Perseus took a deep breath, as he delicately controlled the Death Mist to cloud Iapetus' eyes and effectively blind the Elder Titan. This time, Iapetus was blinded, weakened and weaponless. With a wave of a hand, Perseus rendered Iapetus unconscious with the power of the Death Mist.

Turning back, he saw an angered Perses, whose power was already corroding the barrier. His yellow eyes glowed as he regarded the Titan, while his power flared to counter Perses' corrosive powers. Perseus knew that he had to end the battle quickly this time. He had exhausted a massive amount of energy erecting the barrier and fighting Iapetus. He had time, as Perses constantly tried to force through the barrier, to no avail. Perseus saw his frustration, and was ready to take advantage. After all, Perses did teach him to do so. As Perses got more frustrated breaking down the barrier, Perseus saw it – The amount of vulnerabilities in Perses' aura that the young immortal could pierce through.

'Act with precision, Perseus.'

It was a one-in-a-million chance though, as Perses' power was extremely unpredictable. Perseus, however, was confident he could do it this time, as green tendrils of power surrounded him. Gripping Night, Perseus deliberately weakened the barrier, surprising Perses who gave a smirk. However, in Perses' haste to finally assault Perseus, the Titan failed to cover his vulnerabilities, and left himself open.

Perseus pounced, as he could not believe just what transpired. The Titan of Destruction, leaving so many openings. As his yellow eyes gleamed, Perseus quickly took advantage and successfully pierced through the red cloud of corrosive aura that surrounded Perses, stunning the Titan momentarily. In those moments, Perseus managed to finally thrust his sword through the Titan, ending the duel.

A slow clap sounded, as the robed figure of Tartarus walked across the room. The great Primordial seemed to siphon off dark energy to the two Titans, who looked to convulse wildly on the black floor. Perseus started to speak, only to be silenced by the wave of the hand.

"Peace, Perseus. They are merely healing."

Sure enough, the heaving Titans, stopped convulsing, and slowly rose. Iapetus looked frustrated, but Perseus saw the brief glimpse of pride in the Elder Titan's eye, as he looked at his student. Perses merely grunted, but regarded Perseus with an approving look. After all, it was the first time, that Perseus managed to defeat the Titan of Destruction without outright overwhelming him directly with his powers, something that would never work when he fought together with Iapetus.

Lykos reappeared alongside them, and flashed a rare smile to Perseus. Tartarus, though, remained unmoving, as he observed the scene. Suddenly, his dark eyes flashed as he called.

"Damasen!"

Perseus was stunned. He had never seen Tartarus' eyes with such anger and coldness. The power Tartarus emitted seemed to darken the room, as a large figure manifested, and knelt before Tartarus. The newcomer was extremely large, and Perseus could literally smell the Earth that he was formed from. Looking at his three mentors, Perseus could tell that they too were puzzled about the newcomer.

"Father," Damasen answered carefully, surprising Perseus.

"Did I ask you to speak, Giant?" Tartarus spoke coldly.

"Giant?" Perseus blurted, earning a cold, dark stare from Tartarus.

"I told you a long time ago, Perseus. Speak when you are spoken to. Yet, you continue to disobey me."

Perseus gulped, as Tartarus' dark power swirled around the room dangerously. Perses stepped forward, and put a hand on Perseus' shoulder, as he stared at Tartarus. The Primordial lord seemed to calm down, before he spoke.

"However, if I must answer your question, Giants, are failures and weaklings who do not deserve to call me 'Father'," Tartarus whispered dangerously, with a tone full of anger and disappointment.

Perseus shrunk back. The stare he received from Tartarus was something that he would never forget for a long time. Perses faced his student, and gave him a silent warning. The Titan was barely able to telepathically calm down his master, who was ready to strike down Perseus for his rudeness.

Lykos drew his sword silently, as he observed the situation. Tartarus was clearly deep in anger, and was unpredictable.

"Stay your sword, Wolf. I do not wish to destroy anyone. Yet," Tartarus said, as he regarded the Giant.

"Titans. Your purpose here is over. Damasen will escort you accordingly. I expect no dissent."

"Understood, Lord Tartarus," Both Titans bowed, before turning to Perseus.

"It was a good fight," Iapetus said, with a proud tone in his voice.

"Ruthless, and strong indeed… Perseus," Perses said with a toneless voice, before the Titans turned to follow Damasen.

Perseus looked blankly, before realizing that this was the first time Perses had referred to him by name, instead of 'Son of Akhlys', or 'Godling'.

Lykos was worried. Though the Giant had already left, the ominous atmosphere was not lifted. Tartarus' back was faced towards the duo, and the dark energy that swirled around the Primordial seemed greater than ever.

"You have been here for two decades already, Perseus," Tartarus started in a dark tone, as Lykos gripped the pommel of his sword.

"I have watched you, a foolish boy, grow into a powerful immortal. At least, that is what Lykos tells me. Prove it, Perseus," Tartarus whispered, as he drew a sword that looked to be made out of darkness.

"Lord Tartarus!" Lykos shouted in horror.

"I have been patient with your defiance, Lykos," Tartarus continued to whisper.

"You are but a lowly, insignificant Shade… You have no right, nor the power to disrespect or defy I, Lord Tartarus... Wolf of Nyx or not, I am still the mightiest of Primordials."

"You would do well not to underestimate me, Lord Tartarus," Lykos growled, as the room pulsed with his power.

Tartarus raised his sword.

"I am not underestimating you, Lykos. I am merely showing the difference in our power," Tartarus said, before slamming his sword down.

Suddenly, the room filled with darkness and pressure, and Perseus could not help but fear for Lykos. The Shade's aura managed to frustrate Tartarus for a moment, before it was finally engulfed by Tartarus' dark aura. Perseus was about to jump in to save his friend, but couldn't find him as the darkness lifted. Lykos was missing.

"Will you save him, Perseus?" Tartarus said in a mocking tone.

Perseus was stunned, but quickly drew his black sword.

"I know what it is you saw in the Acheron, Perseus. Will you prove to me that you will fulfill your promises, right here and now? Lykos, after all, will be consumed… Unless you defeat me," Tartarus continued, as his robe seemed to flutter in the darkness.

"Time is running short, Perseus."

That did it. Before he knew it, Perseus found himself leaping towards Tartarus, before bringing down his blade. His yellow eyes gleamed with power as his blade crashed upon the great Primordial, who blocked it with little effort. The room shook, as both powers fought to match each other. With his experience though, Tartarus quickly had the upper hand, and pushed away Perseus with a small pulse of his power, before he went on the counter-attack.

Perseus gripped his sword tightly as he struggled to hold down his fear – There was nothing scarier than seeing Tartarus charging, with darkness billowing around him, and the deadly point of the sword aimed towards your neck. He barely managed to raise his blade to parry the strike as he stumbled.

Tartarus saw this immediately, and took advantage by striking a massive flurry of quick attacks, one of which sliced Perseus across the abdomen. Perseus gasped, but raised his blade just in time to intercept a beheading strike from the great Primordial.

Acting on instinct, Perseus counterattacked. Tartarus was momentarily taken aback by Perseus' ferocious counterattack, and was made to pay for his lapse in concentration as Perseus viciously slashed across his face, tattering the hood.

Tartarus was livid, and it showed on his dark eyes. The Primordial decided enough was enough, as he raised his hand. The great Primordial then released a massive amount of power, that pressed down upon Perseus, who started to struggle under it.

Perseus though, had known this was already going to happen in the battle. With careful silence, he commanded the Mist to mask the poison filling the air in the throne room. As he was forced to the floor, he felt the pressure weakening, which meant Tartarus had not noticed it yet. Perfect.

Acting quickly, Perseus focused the power around the poison, and he finally felt the pressure disappear. Tartarus growled. The lord of the pit looked at his young student, and could not help but narrow his eyes. The Death Mist within the child was incredibly powerful, such that even he, did not notice the large amount of poison that dulled his senses and potency.

Perseus saw his chance, and attacked. Tartarus was still disorientated, and visibly slower than before. The primordial barely had time to counter, as his young student ruthlessly increased the pace of his strikes. Growing in anger, Tartarus stepped forward and caught the boy's hand.

"Enough," Tartarus growled, before throwing Perseus with a powerful pulse of darkness.

Perseus gasped, as the darkness seemed to engulf him. Images of his failures plagued his mind as he struffled to stand up. Something started to whisper in his mind, reminding the boy of every broken promise, and his failures. The young godling sighed when he moved to clutch a non-existent thing on his neck, before he swept his hand away.

'Misery's Smile…'

'I will be waiting…'

Failure was not an option this time, and he knew it. The Acheron had already guided him to the right path, and he refused to stray from it. His eyes glowing in anger at Tartarus' games, Perseus exploded. With a focused pulse of power, Perseus dispersed the darkness, just in time to see Tartarus' black sword striking down at him. As he dodged, he suddenly spotted something at the corner of his eye.

The pit leading to the Void, the realm of Chaos. Tartarus had once told him, anyone not permitted would immediately dissolve into oblivion as they fell into the Void. Perseus looked to take advantage of this, as parried another dangerous strike from Tartarus.

The youth knew that he had to finish this duel quickly, as he was tiring. Tartarus had seemingly unlimited strength, as he continued pummeling the young boy. Perseus had also observed, as time passed, Tartarus' strikes grew more powerful and precise.

However, what Perseus had bet on was succeeding. Tartarus, with all his experience, had made the mistake of being moved across by the young godling, who was purposefully retreating. Suddenly, as Tartarus moved to strike, Perseus dodged and flared a large amount of power, sending a slightly surprised Tartarus a few metres back.

Perseus knew that this was the move that decided the duel and it had to be. The youth had barely any strength left, and the wound on his abdomen was starting to take a toll on him.

However, this further angered the Primordial, who mistook Perseus' action for rashness and arrogance.

"You have not learned!" Tartarus boomed, as darkness engulfed the robed Primordial.

The lord's dark eyes became darker, as he grew larger in size. Perseus could only look in awe, and fear, as the Primordial grew into his full size, and the darkness dissipated.

Tartarus radiated power and dominance. It was no wonder, that the Primordial was known by some to be the greatest of Chaos' children. His presence seemed to suck in everything near, and his strength was overwhelmingly powerful. He seemed to radiate darkness as he stood, as his hood came off, and showed his face. Or rather, it showed an inward spiral of darkness.

It occurred to Perseus, that Tartarus had been holding back his power for the length of the duel. If the Primordial had used his full strength, Perseus would have probably been destroyed. However, Perseus had to somehow hold the Primordial there to secure his victory, or rather, survival.

Perseus somehow regained his composure as he recognized his purpose. Heaving a deep breath, Perseus focused on the Primordial power deep within him. Using Lykos' teachings, he relaxed his mind with deep, subtle breathing, before he opened his fiery yellow eyes.

'Akhlys?' Tartarus thought suddenly, before shaking his head quickly.

Tartarus could not help but be slightly taken aback by Perseus' sudden show of power. It nearly made the Primordial huff – The boy was finally awakening his Primordial strength, and it was massive. He couldn't help but start to understand why Akhlys was so intent on him training the youth.

Suddenly, the air around Perseus exploded, as his power pulsed. Suddenly, Tartarus felt darkness across his vision, and his eyes widened as he looked behind him, only to find the pit.

"Lord Tartarus…" Perseus started to say, as Tartarus cursed.

The Primordial couldn't believe his mistake of letting Perseus move him around so subtly around the battlefield. The boy had purposefully flared his power such that it temporarily masked the pit behind him. Tartarus was finally vulnerable, and it would only take one push to destroy him.

"One push, Lord Tartarus, and you will be dissolved by Lord Chaos himself," Perseus said bluntly, as Tartarus scoffed.

"Don't be too arrogant, Godling. You do not have the strength to push me, after overexerting yourself as you just did. However, I am in a dangerous position… Very well, I give the victory to you. A stalemate, if nothing else," Tartarus said with mild amusement, as he pointed a black talon toward his student.

"You are a Primordial, Perseus… We will see what Ananke decrees," Tartarus said with a dark tone, before he shrunk back into his usual form, and waved a hand to return an unconscious Lykos.

"I will send you to Akhlys now… Remind her, Perseus. You are a Primordial lord." Tartarus declared silently, before the world warped.

"Wake, Perseus."

Perseus heard the familiar deep voice as he stirred, and he found the shade sitting by his bed, while Akhlys and Nyx observed them. Akhlys looked to be shaking, while Nyx looked like she had some sleepless nights.

It wasn't long, before Akhlys stepped forward shakily and said, "Don't do that again, Perseus. Don't anger Tartarus in that way again.. I thought you had died. I thought you ha-"

Apparently, Tartarus' outburst of power had darkened the whole pit. Monsters and immortals were consumed in the darkness as it happened. Naturally, both Primordial goddesses were extremely worried. Akhlys herself was tempted to go down to find out what happened there. Moments later though, Perseus suddenly appeared.

"I'm tired, mother. Besides, Lord Tartarus sla-" Perseus was about to say, before he realised that he wasn't wounded.

In fact, he did not feel fatigued at all. Rather, he felt powerful, more alive since Tartarus had declared him a Primordial. It was as if a dam had opened, and Perseus could literally feel power raging in him.

"So, you have awakened your Primordial strength… Did my brother say something, Perseus?" Akhlys asked, her voice calm this time.

"He said to tell you I am a Primordial lord," Perseus said, relaying Tartarus' message to the sisters.

Nyx sported a proud look, while Akhlys looked triumphant.

"As expected of my son," Akhlys said, before she continued.

"Tartarus has declared you a Primordial lord, and one of the masters of the pit… You have been granted great power, Perseus, and great recognition. Don't waste it," Akhlys finished, before Nyx stepped forward.

"I understand you want to be reunited with someone, eh Perseus?" Nyx winked, as Perseus gave a pale blush.

"Umm… I'd like to rest first… How are you, old wolf?" Perseus wondered what Lykos had to say about all of this.

The old shade merely grunted, "I've been better. Go find Artemis. You've been mooning over her the whole trip anyway. We'll meet again, Lord Perseus."

Following that, the warrior winked, as Perseus tried to figure out what he meant by that.

"Huh, I'm going now?" Perseus asked, baffled by the sudden goodbyes.

Akhlys shook her head and merely said, "Well, I assume that Tartarus has taught you how to mask your aura with the Mist?"

"Umm…"

"We'll meet again, Perseus. Don't worry – we have our ways to keep you in check."

Suddenly, the world warped again.

Perseus didn't know how long he was asleep – all the young immortal knew was the fact that he wasn't in Tartarus, and using what he learned, he quickly masked his presence with the Mist. He had to admit, Chaos' plane wasn't so bad. There was no deceitful whispers, nor the rancid smell of death and torture. He could smell flowers, leaves, and the air felt safe.

Getting up, he walked through the field, as he kept himself invisible. It was then, he felt it.

Artemis' aura.

Remembering his promise, he wasted no time in levitating himself, and floating amongst the mist to follow the huntress' aura. As he floated through the cold, night air, he could only wonder how much time had passed in the world, and how Artemis was going to react to seeing him again.

The night seemed to darken as Perseus used the mists to carry him to his destination. Squinting his eyes at the moonlight, Perseus smiled as he felt Artemis' aura becoming stronger. His hand clenched as he looked forward to finally fulfilling his promise.

Then, he saw a chariot. A moving chariot that seemed to emit powerful light, that illuminated the darkness Nyx had bestowed upon the world. Familiar red hair could be seen, and Perseus broke into a bright smile. His yellow eyes gleamed in anticipation as he floated up to the chariot. Pulling himself up, he was ready to greet the huntress, before he froze.

What he saw left him in utter shock. His chest tightened as he observed the scene of Artemis leaning on another man, with their hands interlocking. His black hair seemed to billow in the wind, and he had a brilliant smile plastered on his face. He was pulling her closer, so close, Perseus could barely see her face hidden under his arms.

"I love you, Orion…"

Perseus gasped as he listened to Artemis' muffled whisper. The couple stiffened, and Artemis' silver eyes widened as she recognized the visitor.

"W-What is.. What…" Perseus spluttered, but couldn't find the words.

He took some time to gather himself as he finally asked as calmly as he could, "What is happening here..?"

I hope you enjoyed this chapter =P Shit's about to go down, and it's gonna be real bad xD!

From the both of us...

A Merry Christmas and have a happy new year fellas! We hope you're having a great holiday =P La la la ~~

REVIEW!