Misery's Smile Chapter 8
By Layne and Jerry
Hey fellas, I understand that I left you on a bit of a cliffy? I feel bad for ya, but here's a chappie to make up for it! So, as usual, sit tight, have some cookies, and I hope you enjoy!
It wasn't long until Perseus' shocked expression turned into a dark glare. After all these years, all these suffering to fulfill a single promise… It was clear that both Fate and Destiny hated him. The man called Orion suddenly turned sour, and glared at Perseus.
"How dare you interrupt a private moment! Who in Tartarus are you to do such?!" Orion shouted arrogantly, as Perseus turned.
Instantly, Orion shrinked. The look Perseus had given him was one of nightmares. The absolute darkness and menace in those yellow eyes was something he'd never forget. It felt like forever until the Primordial finally spoke, with a hard voice.
"I am Perseus, and I am here to fulfill a promise. A promise, she did not keep," Perseus whispered, rousing Artemis from her shocked state.
Orion huffed, "I am under the impression that you broke the promise, Perseus. Where were you when she cried? Where were you when she yearned for you, Godling? You will face the facts, Perseus. I was there, and you were not."
Perseus' yellow eyes blazed as he heard Orion's arrogant and triumphant tone.
"Silence," Perseus ordered softly, as he focused his power on Orion.
Instantly, the demigod crumpled, and Artemis' silver eyes deepened in anger. She was about to speak, before Perseus took over, and glared at her. The huntress nervously shook as she took in his steely glare, before finally speaking.
"P-Perseus."
"It has been a long time, my little huntress. I expected many things in our reunion, but certainly not this, Artemis. Will you please explain why?" Perseus asked, his black cloak billowing in the cold wind.
Artemis still looked shellshocked. The air seemed to darken as the silence drew out. Perseus continued to look at her in feigned anger. Feigned, because he did not have the heart to look at her that way. In fact, he was not even angry, merely pained. Seeing Artemis with Orion in that way pained Perseus in a terrible way. Finally, Artemis' expression changed to anger, and she spoke.
"Two hundred years. TWO HUNDRED YEARS, PERSEUS!"
Perseus wanted to make a retort, but choked. Meanwhile, Artemis continued.
"I have waited for you, and you never came. You never did try to understand me, Perseus. Or us. Orion makes me happy, and he understands me. And he damn sure did not leave me alone, and lonely for TWO HUNDRED YEARS, on a foolish escapade for more power!" Artemis shouted, as Perseus' eyes hardened.
"Artemis-" Perseus started to say, before being cut off.
"My little huntress is right, Perseus. It was your fault. Just accept the fact that she is now beyond your reach, Perseus, and let her be happy," Orion said, as he pulled Artemis closer.
"Speak when you are spoken to, scum," Perseus rumbled, as he flared his power.
The whole air went cold as he focused his power towards Orion. Suddenly, Perseus felt his shoulder being touched, and saw that it was Artemis' hand.
"You were my first love, Perseus… I accept that. But now I have something equally strong, if not stronger... Please, it does not have to end this way. We can still be companions, like before. We can still hunt together. Please, Perseus… I beg you, let me be happy," Artemis begged.
Perseus went slack, as he listened to Artemis' words. He shook as he observed the couple, who were obviously happy to be together. He felt something squeeze his heart even more, when he saw Artemis' silver eyes, full of resolve. Orion smiled in contempt. Perseus wanted to wipe it off his face, but he couldn't bear to do that, somehow. He didn't know why, but the pain he felt in his chest was too much for him to do anything.
"As promised… Artemis," Perseus bowed his head, his vision starting to dull.
Without a word, Perseus turned around and floated away into the darkness. Artemis never did see him finally shedding his tears. The world seemed to weep as he left a trail of cold in the darkness.
"Perseus!" Artemis called out sadly, but she received no answer.
"Leave him be, Artemis. We are together now… No one will hurt you again, I promise," Orion comforted, as he once again pulled the goddess closer to him.
If there was something Artemis never could forget, it was the slow, dark rain that followed Perseus' departure.
In Olympus, Apollo woke. Stretching, he felt strangely sad about something. It was strange, since he never did feel sadness. Well, not since that incident. However, he couldn't help but feel a little hollow inside, at times. Ever since Artemis had run off with that hunter, the god never really had any companions. Hermes made for good company, but it was never the same without those two.
Artemis and Perseus.
Apollo laughed – It was a long time since he had thought about Perseus. He remembered how the older immortal would ruffle his hair and encourage him in his fights. More than Artemis ever did, really. Or maybe, that was just his bitterness speaking.
Recently, ever since she went out on her trysts with Orion, she never did really talk to anyone else, not even her handmaidens. Her own brother had effectively become a stranger. Apollo remained deep in thought, before he suddenly jerked, and fell back on his seat in a trance.
As he watched the vision that was passed to him, he couldn't help but be surprised. Perseus was back, and Artemis rejected him. Deep inside, he felt guilty. If he had at least known that Perseus was back earlier, he could have stopped his friend from witnessing such a scene.
However, he knew he had to meet him. Firstly, because he wanted Perseus to catch up regarding the recent events, and the ways of Olympus. Secondly, it was also because he had a bad feeling about Orion, and wanted to relay it to Perseus.
"My Ladies… I humbly request for Perseus' whereabouts," Apollo prayed.
"Fate must run its course, Phoebus Apollo. Such is our will," Lachesis whispered in Apollo's mind.
Apollo sighed. The Fates could have just said 'no', and it would have meant the same. He continued to mull over his thoughts, as he pondered on how to find his friend.
Perseus was lost… Again. After that conversation, he flashed as far away as he could. It did not matter where he flashed – as long as he was away from Artemis and that little friend of hers. His heart seemed aimless, and empty, somehow. Anger had filled his mind, but he couldn't vent it. Instead, it further pained his heart, and a familiar emotion grew.
Simply put, Perseus felt betrayed, aimless, and empty. It was a promise that he had took to Tartarus, and when he actually came back, Artemis just wasn't there anymore. He remembered how his heart hurt, when Artemis essentially told Perseus to leave her with Orion… The man to apparently make her happy.
Bitterness filled Perseus' heart as he thought about it. He had suffered in Tartarus to get stronger, and partook in an insane, and impossible training plan to fulfill his promise, only to come back and be betrayed. Deep inside, he felt significant hatred for Orion, and very nearly intended to drive Orion insane with his powers… Until he saw Artemis' pleading, hurt eyes.
He never had been able to resist those eyes. And he didn't know what to make of it, even if he tried.
Perseus continued to mull over his thoughts, until he heard a rustle. Drawing his black sword, the Primordial walked towards the location from where he heard the sound. As his presence scared away the wildlife surrounding the place, Perseus could only wonder if this was a possible enemy Akhlys had warned him about. Probing, Perseus found a familiar imprint of a Titan, hiding in a bush.
Perhaps this was a good time to vent his anger…
Perseus crept closer, only to realise that it was not rustling. It was crying. Or rather, she was crying. The girl seemed no older than a few centuries old, and just nearing her adulthood. She was hugging her knees, all the while presumably mourning over the loss of her family, and the fact that it was her fault. Perseus sighed, as he looked at the beautiful Titan girl. While he was bitter and moody, he never could resist.
"What's wrong?" Perseus asked gently, as he knelt.
"G-get away! O-Or else!" The girl shouted, with a hostile tone.
"Oh Chaos… Not another one… Have it your way then," Perseus turned to walk away, seemingly not really caring for her plight.
"Erm.. Wait! Don't go!"
Perseus stopped, as he sheathed his black sword. It wasn't like the young girl was any threat to him anyway. Sighing, he turned, and saw a relatively odd expression on the girl. As if she was puzzled and scared, at the same time. As he scrutinized her, he could notice the look of desperation, and utter sadness hidden deep beneath her dark eyes.
"What is it, little girl? I have better things to do than to wait here meaninglessly for you to make up your mind," Perseus grumbled, earning an annoyed huff from the girl.
"Erm…"
Perseus sighed, "Just tell me your name."
"Z-Zoe… Zoe Nightshade. You aren't going t-to do anything to me, r-right?" Zoe timidly asked, as Perseus raised an eyebrow.
"And what makes you think I would do such things, Zoe Nightshade?" Perseus asked, wondering what happened to the girl to leave her in such a state.
"Umm… Nothing. S-sorry, now I must go-"
"Wait, wait, wait, you aren't going anywhere, Zoe," Perseus said, pulling her chiton.
"Why?!" Zoe shouted.
"I have my own reasons. Now, Zoe. Tell me, what happened to you?" Perseus asked seriously this time.
He knew heartbreak when he saw it, and Zoe was no different.
"N-Nothing," Zoe started to say, before Perseus glared at her with those blazing yellow eyes of his.
It was silent, until Perseus finally sighed, before taking her trembling hands gently.
"You can tell me, okay? There's no one watching here. I swear on the Styx, and my powers, I will keep what you say secret, alright? Now… What happened to you, Zoe Nightshade?" Perseus asked.
Zoe took a deep breath, before she told him the story. About how she was once a Hesperide, guarding the Golden Apples. About how she had tricked Ladon and her sisters to aid Heracles, a child of Zeus. About how he betrayed her, and left her to face her angered family. Finally, she also told how she was cast out of her family, and had to fend for herself recently. She gripped her hairpin tighter as she described her story, while tears streamed down her cheeks.
As Perseus listened to her story, he couldn't help but feel his chest tightening. So she too, had been betrayed. It was something that he could relate to. Though, his eyes immediately hardened, as he refused to show any of it.
"Foolish girl, you had it coming. You trusted a Child of Zeus… They inherit their deceit from their father," Perseus chuckled, with a bitter tone.
Zoe couldn't help but notice the hidden bitterness behind Perseus' voice. She couldn't help but wonder if the immortal had understood. The nymph couldn't help but wonder who he was. As she reached out, she could feel his dark power raging beneath, even more powerful, and deeper than her Atlas', her father. She felt how lonely he was, how alone he felt after his betrayal. She wanted to know what it was, and she dug deeper with her probe, until it was finally broken.
"That is enough, Zoe. I've allowed you too much information already," Perseus said, as he continued to stare at the distance.
Rain started to fall as Perseus seemed to look at somewhere in the distance. The moonlight seemed to gleam even brighter, as it reflected of Perseus' glazed over yellow eyes. It was then, Zoe noticed. Perseus was looking at the moon, but with such longing, and sadness.
It wasn't long until the sky grew even darker, and the rainfall intensified. Perseus quickly fell out of his trance, before looking at Zoe.
"Let's go inside, Zoe," Perseus said, before taking off his black cloak, and offering it to Zoe.
"Y-You want me to come with you?" Zoe asked meekly, as Perseus sighed.
"I wouldn't mind leaving you here, you know?" Perseus chuckled lightly, before he turned around.
"P-Perseus! W-Wait!" Zoe called, as Perseus threw her the cloak, which she gratefully wore.
Thunder sounded, and Perseus quickly masked both of their powers, before they entered the small building, which was nearby to a mortal village.
In the building, Perseus quickly guessed that it was a tavern, judging from the strong smell of alcohol, and the large amount of noise. He couldn't help but notice some glazed over, and hungry eyes looking at Zoe, who was still walking closely behind him.
"Keep close, Zoe," Perseus whispered, as he used his powers to discourage those who were disturbingly interested with the Titan girl.
Perseus was almost relieved, when the bartender confirmed that it was also an inn, and there were vacant rooms. However, he would apparently need something called Drachmas to pay for the rooms, something he was completely baffled about. It was here Zoe could barely resist her laughter, and saved Perseus from utter embarrassment.
"Where were you all these centuries, eh Perseus?" Zoe laughed, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably.
"You don't want to know, little girl," Perseus lightly chuckled, as he remembered Tartarus.
"Stop calling me little gi-" Zoe was about to shout, before Perseus clamped her mouth with a strong hand.
"Be quiet, Zoe. Your senses are dulling. There is an immortal here," Perseus whispered, earning a silent nod from Zoe.
As they carefully went upstairs, Perseus couldn't help but keep a hand on his sword at all times. He did not want to fight here, but he couldn't be too careful. Akhlys had taught him not to let down his guard at all times, at the presence of an immortal. As the door opened, Perseus could not help but gasp, as he saw the familiar blonde hair, and lean figure of his old hunting companion.
"A-Apollo?"
"Perseus!" Apollo shouted, before engulfing Perseus in an embrace.
Perseus couldn't help but return the embrace, as he broke into a rare smile. Zoe could only look in confusion, as Apollo laughed.
"Fancy seeing you here, Perseus! It must have been Fate – I was looking for you all over, and I find you here in this mortal tavern… Err, who's that pretty little girl, Perseus?" Apollo asked mischeviously, as Perseus punched him in the shoulder.
"It wasn't fate… And quit that tone, Apollo. We all know it never worked on the river nymphs anyway, much less on an immortal," Perseus said blankly, as Zoe looked even more puzzled.
"Apollo is a terrible flirt. Anyway, this is Zoe. Zoe, go into the room we rented, and stay put for a while. Rest, or whatever. Just stay put. I need to have a talk with Apollo." Perseus pointed to a room, before Apollo nodded seriously.
Zoe nodded, and walked.
"I have seen what happened, Perseus. Come in," Apollo opened the door wider to let Perseus through.
"The gift of prophecy has strengthened in you, Apollo. You could barely remember all your visions before," Perseus observed.
Apollo seemed not to hear, as he poured two cups of nectar, and laid it out on the small, round table.
"So, Apollo. Care to explain what happened while I was gone? And this Orion character, do explain to me about him?" Perseus asked.
"I don't really know anything about him more than you do, Perseus. I only know that he is a powerful Son of Poseidon, and one hell of a hunter," Apollo said, before he continued.
"It was about five years ago when it all started. Artemis and her Hunters…"
"Hunters?" Perseus asked.
"Artemis' handmaidens. Hunters trained directly under Artemis. Or rather, Huntresses. Your friend Zoe would make a good Huntress, Perseus," Apollo leaned back on his chair.
"Will you please go back to the subject, Apollo?" Perseus sighed.
"Alright… It wasn't long until the Giant War – Perseus, don't interrupt. Alright, it wasn't long until the Giant war, when we were counting our losses. Artemis lost much of her huntresses, and she was going through some terrible grief, Perseus. Those huntresses were like daughters to her. She needed you."
Perseus sipped his nectar, as his yellow eyes seemed to dull, even when it reflected the hearth.
"It wasn't long until she ended up being lonely. The remaining huntresses managed to pick up the pieces, but Artemis never had been the same. I remember her calling out for you, but you never really came."
"I was-" Perseus protested, before Apollo raised a hand.
"I know, Perseus. Just, let me finish. It was kind of a chance meeting. Orion was hunting, when they met. And trust me when I tell you this again, Orion is a fantastic hunter. And we both know how competitive Artemis is."
Perseus smiled, as he remembered the hunts the trio had when they were children.
"As they competed, it wasn't long until Artemis was beaten. Only, instead of being jealous like she usually does with us, she was really impressed with Orion. Eventually, she really became smitten with him. It was so sudden; before you know it she was going on trysts with that demigod," Apollo said, with a touch of anger in his voice.
"What's wrong about that, Apollo? It looks like you hold a lot of anger for him," Perseus chuckled, before Apollo scoffed.
"My sister is smitten with a defiler, an insolent, arrogant defiler. And she dares to call me jealous over her love for Orion. I'm her brother, for Zeus' sake!" Apollo shouted, as he ran his fingers through his blonde hair.
"A defiler, you say?" Perseus was beginning to feel interested.
"I got a vision over him a long time ago, but I never did know how to warn my sister against it. She is blinded by love, Perseus. We must stop it," Apollo said with finality, as Perseus shook his head.
"You know I can't do that, Apollo. S-She is happy now, and it is our duty to protect that happiness, even if we hate what she is doing. Anyway, you cannot deny that you are jealous, Apollo," Perseus said, earning a glare from Apollo.
"My visions do not lie, Perseus!" Apollo retorted angrily, as Perseus stood up.
"It may be an empty dream, nothing more. Think on what will happen if we follow through with this plan, Apollo. You Twins would never be the same," Perseus returned his argument, as Apollo clenched his fist.
"How about you, Perseus?!" Apollo was standing up this time, a fiery aura surrounding him.
"I have no longer any interest in her," Perseus said quietly, as Apollo laughed mirthlessly.
"We both know you're lying, Perseus," Apollo said.
Perseus continued to walk, seemingly not hearing. However, Apollo had already seen the tight clenching of both his fists, and the tears threatening to fall from his yellow eyes.
"What's wrong, Perseus?" Zoe sleepily asked, as Perseus gave a small smile to her.
"N-Nothing. Go to sleep, Zoe. You need your rest, before we move out tomorrow," Perseus said, as he ran a finger through his sword, before he finally closed his eyes.
That night, he had a dream.
It looked like a hunting camp, with silver tents, and lined with torches. The dream seemed to pan around, as if he was merely flying over the camp. He felt something around his neck – a necklace. Looking down, he saw a glowing pendant of a crescent moon, and he gasped. It was supposed to be thrown into the Acheron.
The necklace started to glow, as it seemed to lead Perseus across the hunting camp, deep into the corner, where two hunters stood. One was a huntress, while the other was an extremely tall, but handsome hunter. Perseus growled. He would have recognized those green eyes anywhere.
Orion.
It appeared to be a kind of an archery competition between Orion and the other huntress. And Perseus had to admit here – Orion was truly what Apollo said. He never missed a shot, as the huntress looked like she was starting to struggle.
Then, it happened. Orion had made a mistake, and missed just shy of the bullseye. The huntress smirked, before she shot, and hit it. A flash of anger darkened Orion's face, and disbelief took over his frame, as he started to shake in sheer anger. As the huntress smiled, and celebrated her victory, she was suddenly dragged away.
What followed was disgusting. Orion, angered and sour over his seemingly impossible feat of being defeated, punished the young huntress.
The damned sea spawn raped the defenseless huntress, and in doing so, broke her oath to Artemis.
After he did the disgusting deed, and washed himself clean with his powers, Perseus saw Artemis flash in to see the crying huntress. The huntresses were under her domains after all. Orion had to explain himself somehow, and he did.
"It was Zeus, Artemis. She was seduced by Lord Zeus, and blindly broke her oath!" Orion cried, as Artemis' eyes deepened in anger.
"I expected you to have more control. You took an oath, Callisto! And yet, you betray me like this?!" Artemis bellowed, as the huntress continued to sob.
But this time, she was sobbing from resignation, and acceptance. Perseus felt further disgusted. At this point, blinded as she was, Artemis was never going to take the word of a disgraced huntress, over her lover. He knew, if Artemis had perhaps, tried to extend her senses and investigate, she would have probably felt Orion's trace all over her. However, nothing like that happened.
He helplessly watched, as Artemis turned the weeping huntress into a bear, and killed her with Orion.
Then, there was a sudden jerk, as Perseus woke up from the terrible dream he just had. Right then, he had a bad feeling about something, and resolved to see Apollo.
"Apollo!" Perseus said with urgency in his voice.
"Perseus? What is it..?" Apollo looked at him tiredly, as Perseus gathered himself.
"I… Thought over what we talked about yesterday. I have come to the conclusion – Orion must not be allowed to consort with Artemis," Perseus said with conviction.
"You saw it too?" Apollo asked curiously, as Perseus nodded.
"She betrayed me, and broke my, no, our promise for a worthless defiler," Perseus whispered bitterly, as Apollo packed his hunting swords.
"Why can't I go with you, Perseus?!" Zoe shouted, as Perseus tried to calm down the hothead.
"Calm down… It's only for one night. I'll be back tomorrow, I promise," Perseus said gently, as he wore his cloak.
As Perseus left the tavern, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of worry for the young Hesperide. However, he shoved those thoughts away as he saw Apollo coming down off his chariot. The god handed Perseus a pair of hunting knives, and a bow, as he nodded.
"Thanks, Apollo. So… From what I saw and heard, Orion is competitive?" Perseus asked, as Apollo sneered.
The full moon gleamed fiercely as Perseus finally said, as if to convince himself, "Let's go, Apollo. After all, we promised to ensure her safety, whatever the cost. Grab hold, Apollo."
Perseus wasted no time floating away, as Apollo grabbed hold of his cloak. The mist seemed to lead him to Orion's location, as it parted accordingly. As they floated across the air, they were careful to mask their presence, so as to guard themselves from being noticed by Artemis, who was doing her duties as Goddess of the Moon.
His black sword seemed to glimmer as he finally found the bastard – who was hunting in a forest valley. Apollo then flashed away, to a hidden location, before Perseus slowly lowered himself down, and the mist that carried him dissipated.
"Orion!" Perseus called.
The demigod turned, before finally turning towards Perseus.
"Are you here to reclaim your lost love, Perseus? Like I said, she is beyond your reach now, Perseus," Orion sneered, while Perseus fought to keep ahold of his powers.
It wouldn't do for him to lose his composure to scum.
"I'm afraid I am not convinced, Orion. Rather, I have heard that you are a… Decent hunter, yes?" Perseus mocked, as Orion turned, this time fully interested.
"How about we have a competition, Orion? You did say Artemis was beyond my reach, yes? After all, it wouldn't do to have the man courting her to be… Incompetent."
Orion's anger started to grow, as he stared at the man who was outright calling him a weakling, and saying that he was not worthy to court Artemis.
"And it wouldn't do, Orion, if you rejected my request. Else, Artemis might see sense, and recognize you to be a coward, much as I do. However, I am not unkind. You are free make the rules," Perseus said, as Orion seethed.
"I'm offering you a challenge, Orion. Will you take it? If it helps, many of Artemis' hunting skills, were taught by me, when we hunted together," Perseus lied.
It was a lie. The fact was, Artemis was naturally talented, and self-taught many of her skills. However, Orion ate it up. The prospect of a challenge with someone who apparently taught Artemis was too much to resist. Not to mention, he had his own honor to save, after Perseus had taunted him in that way.
"Hmph. Very well, Perseus. Down there, are a herd of beastes. We shall compete there. The one who hunts most by midnight, will win this challenge," Orion said with a smirk.
"We shall gather our kills… There," Perseus pointed at a spot just in front of him.
Perseus took out his knives, as he observed the valley, which was full of natural springs. Of course. This was Orion's natural hunting ground, with the amount of springs and the powers he wielded. The Primordial knew he wasn't going to win this challenge – he was heavily out of practice in terms of hunting, and the fact that Orion was admittedly better than him.
However, though Orion was a mighty hunter, he was easily manipulated, and this was what Perseus wanted. The plan he and Apollo had hatched was going extremely smoothly. As he drew, and twirled his sword, he flared his power minimally.
Apollo instantly stood beside him, as Perseus smirked.
"Do you see him, Apollo?" Perseus asked.
"He hunts with as much subtlety as a bear," Apollo sneered, as Perseus smirked.
"Kill him," Perseus said with finality, as Apollo drew a bow.
By this time, Artemis' chariot was directly overhead, unbeknownst to the pair of conspirators.
It was silent, but deadly. Orion, who wondered where Perseus was, could only look in horror as he saw the immortal standing beside Apollo, who had a bow directly aimed on him. His momentary state in shock cost him that moment, as Apollo released the arrow. The anger Apollo felt had made him unwittingly focus his power in that arrow, and he watched as it powered towards the stunned Orion, burning a hole through his chest.
"Apollo, we must go now, or-" Perseus started to say with urgency, before a scream sounded.
"ORION!"
Looking up, Perseus cursed, but kept his composure. It was the full moon, and Artemis was supposed to be on her duties, yes, but as luck would have had it, she was directly above them when this happened. No doubt, this was the work of the Fates. Clenching his fist even harder, he called towards Apollo to join him immediately, as he readied for Artemis' coming rant.
His face started to tighten as he saw the red haired figure bend over in grief for the scum, but he refused to show it. Together with Apollo, they walked solemnly down the valley, as they sought to make the huntress see Orion for what he was – A liar, and a rapist.
"T-The both of you.. I thought you would l-leave me alone, I thought you would let me b-be happy, as you promised," Artemis cried, shaking with anger, as she struggled to heal Orion.
"Don't bother, Artemis. That piece of filth is already dead," Perseus said ruthlessly, only to flinched when the huntress turned her head towards him.
"That piece of filth? THAT PIECE OF FILTH?! I thought you were different, Perseus. I thought you would understand!" Artemis ranted, as Apollo stepped forward.
"We swore to protect you, Sister. No matter the cost. This… Man is a liar, and rapist, who would only seek to use you for his own ends, Artemis," Apollo said sternly, only for Artemis to glare at him.
"And who told you that? Perseus?" Artemis scoffed, only for Apollo to sneer at her.
"The Fates told me, Artemis, of how you killed an innocent huntress for Orion's sins," Apollo retorted, as Artemis' eyes widened.
"You are lying.. YOU ARE LYING! You know what? I curse you hypocrites. You might feed me your words of 'protecting', and 'caring'… But now I know better. It is clear that you both don't care for my happiness. It's clear that you both are jealous liars. I thought better of you, Perseus. And you, Apollo. Are you so gullible to believe Perseus? The Fates cannot tell you something that is untrue, Brother. Surely, Mother would have told you that?!" Artemis sneered, as Perseus shook in anger.
Artemis had essentially called Perseus a liar, a hypocrite, and a manipulator. Perseus had enough of her nonsense.
"Artemis, are you so blinded by your love that you cannot see sense? Are you so blinded that you forget what we were in the past, the oaths we made, on the Styx? Even if you do not accept it now, Artemis… Deep down, you know that with the oaths we made, Apollo and I would never do anything that would cause you harm," Perseus said with a hardened look.
There was a pause, as Artemis seemed to think Perseus' statements over.
"J-Just get out of here, Perseus. I never want to see you again," Artemis sobbed, as Perseus lowered his head, before wearing his hood.
"Perseus!" Apollo called, as the Primordial paused for a moment.
"Fate is a cruel mistress indeed, Apollo… One that I intend to rectify, before it tears anybody else apart again," Perseus said, with a trace of steel in his voice.
In a flash of darkness, the Primordial finally disappeared.
The huntress scoffed, although a flash of guilt flashed across her eyes. Quickly putting away her slight guilt, Artemis cupped Orion's face with her hands, and whispered a spell. She ignored the small growl, as she sent Orion into the stars.
(Apollo's POV)
Apollo looked back in his sister in anger, before taking a deep breath.
SLAP!
Artemis could only stare in shock, as she saw Apollo's red hand, and the tears streaming down his face.
"NOW LOOK AT WHAT YOU'VE DONE, SISTER!" Apollo screamed, before using his two fingers to touch his sister's forehead.
Artemis screamed, as Apollo forcefully penetrated her mind. The god then transferred all the memories of Orion's dastardly act into her mind, with such force it was basically imprinted in her memory. The god then steadied her, and waited for the memories to absorb.
When it did, however, it did not have quite the reaction he expected. Instead of seeing sense, and finally accepting the truth about Orion, Artemis curled over, and her silver eyes were filled with hatred.
"Men… Are all the same… Lies and deceit… Let you down… Their nature are to blame… Perseus…" Artemis blabbed in hatred, while Apollo stood over her, feeling as if he had done something wrong.
"I will leave you here to think, Sister," Apollo said with finality, before he flashed as far as he could, away from this horrible scene.
When he was sure he was far away from any immortal, and any living thing, Apollo finally began to weep, as guilt started to worm into his already pained heart for whatever reason. Perhaps, it was because he blamed himself for tearing apart the family again. Perhaps, because Artemis had effectively rejected him as her brother.
He didn't know.
As Perseus flashed back into the tavern, he did not know what exactly happened, really. His yellow eyes were glazed over as he entered the building.
"P-Perseus! H-Help!"
"Shh… Be quiet, girlie! No one is going to save you here… Let's have a little fun, eh?" A disgusting, slurred voice shouted.
Perseus, who was already unstable, effectively saw red. His yellow eyes effectively blazed as he started to lose control of his powers.
"Let go of her, scum," Perseus whispered dangerously, as the man laughed.
"And what exactly are you going to do, boy?" The whole bar laughed, as his yellow eyes glowed with more intensity.
"H-Hey Alcaeus.. I-I think w-we s-should let go o-of the g-girl. T-Those eyes… They are not human!" A young man shouted, before he ran out of the tavern.
"Wise choice. Now, for all of you… Too late," Perseus said menacingly, as he erected a powerful barrier around the tavern, trapping the inhabitants.
Focusing his raging powers, Perseus raised a hand, used it on their minds. It was something Tartarus had taught him… To use the domain of Misery to drive them into suicide.
Zoe could only look in horror, as the men responsible for her peril started to draw knives, or any sharp object… Some even used rope… All of them committed suicide, as the misery overwhelmed their sanity. She could only look at Perseus in renewed fear.
"P-Perseus?" Zoe called timidly, as Perseus seemed to go out of his trance.
Instantly embracing the young girl, Perseus quickly flashed out of there, before he finally sat down in front of her.
"I'm sorry for letting you see that, Zoe Nightshade. Will you forgive me?" Perseus asked, with pure sincerity, and sadness in his voice.
"Y-Yes… What's wrong, Perseus? Were you… Betrayed a-"
She could not finish her sentence, as Perseus laid his head on her shoulder, and cried. He started to sob about a lost love, and an apparent mistake. Zoe was shocked for a moment, but let him cry into her shoulder, and tried her best to comfort him. Perseus did not want to let go – it was as if the powerful immortal was afraid of Zoe leaving him too.
"Shh.. It's alright, Perseus…" Zoe cooed.
It seemed like forever until Perseus let go, and recovered.
"Now look at what you've done to my chiton. It's all sopping wet," Zoe laughed, as Perseus gave her a sad smile, before reaching into his pack, and giving her a spare chiton.
The chiton that he took from Leto.
"Use this. It belonged to someone very special to me," Perseus said with a sad smile, as Zoe smiled and thanked him.
"Zoe… I cannot protect you forever… I am going to send you to an… Associate of mine that can protect you more than I can ever do," Perseus said.
"W-Will we meet again?" Zoe asked sadly, as Perseus smiled.
"Of course… Of course…" Perseus said with conviction, his eyes still brimmed with unshed tears.
"Oh, Perseus…" Zoe whispered.
It was then, they embraced. Zoe could never forget how cold Perseus felt, even through the thick, black cloak that he wore. When they separated, she saw a warm smile on Perseus, who immediately kissed her forehead and whispered softly, "You have been kind to me, Zoe Nightshade… I'll miss you, really."
"I'll miss you too. Until we meet again, Perseus," Zoe smiled.
"You'll make a fine huntress, Zoe," Perseus said, as he touched her shoulder.
Instantly, Zoe was gone. And Perseus was finally alone. Strapping Night, he looked at the full moon one last time, as his eyes immediately lost that last twinkle – something that would never happen again in a long time. The once gleaming yellow eyes was now dull, steely, and cold.
Turning away from the moon, Perseus walked aimlessly into the darkness ahead, wondering where it all went wrong.
Hehe done. Again, I'm sorry for that cliffy earlier, but oh well *shrugs*. I hope you enjoyed. This is quite an awesome adventure we're both undertaking, and you are all bloody amazing. Thanks for all your support :-)
Rinne said : dat cliffy eh?
Alice in Chains – Nutshell
PS. Did i mention that i really hated Blood Of Olympus? Lol... And one final thing...
REVIEW!