Misery's Smile Chapter 12
By Art and Rinne
Hey fellas, what's up? How about you sit back, eat some good ol' Hersheys Cookies 'N' Crème, and enjoy this chapter, eh?
It had already been a week since the follow-up meeting. As Perseus watched over the building of the camp, he couldn't help but remember what he felt at that time. He knew that he had seen some shadows, and heard whispers in the breeze, but could never find its source.
There was something out there, and he knew it. Ever since Perseus had felt that dark presence, he couldn't help but feel he was being watched, even when he was under the protection of the camp barrier. Not only that, the night felt darker, and the shadows that filled the camp looked deeper. It looked as if Nyx had personally set foot on the earth, but Perseus knew that it wasn't true. Nyx would never lower herself to walk the same earth with mortals.
It was clear that whatever was causing this was powerful. After all, to darken the very land in this way was no easy fit. Another thing was the whispers. Perseus could never recognize or discern the whispers, but the seductive and layered mocking tone it held heavily unnerved him. After all, the last time that he heard such whispers was when he was in Tartarus.
If someone had replicated its power and released it into Chaos' plane, there was no doubt that the consequences would be extremely dire. He wondered who exactly had the power to replicate it, but only came up with Tartarus and Akhlys. Both of them had probably little interest if any, for the matters of this world. Perseus thought of Hades or maybe some other Olympian, but scratched away that thought immediately. The presence he felt was clearly too powerful to be an Olympian.
He knew he could not drop his guard. The dark power was successfully blocked and fooled by the Death Mist in the barrier, but Perseus could certainly feel its reach. It was as if it was trying to reach into a cage from outside, and Perseus was just out of reach. It was something he'd note, before he spotted the distant light of Apollo's chariot, which meant the Sun God was starting his duties.
Which also meant, it was time to start training the demigods. He had already gave enough time for them to build the cabins, which was a week. And even he had to admit it relatively impressed him.
He took a deep breath, before shouting, "Fall in!"
Chiron very tiredly emerged from the Big House with an annoyed look. The Big House was something of a practical joke from the sons of Hermes. Perseus had requested for a large, menacing look on the 'headquarters', but the pranksters chose to build it in a very homely manner. Naturally, this ruffled Perseus' nerves, but he grudgingly let it go as they were still children.
"Did you have to layer your voice with power?" Chiron grumbled, earning a small smirk from Perseus.
Before long, the field was filled with very tired-looking demigods, as Perseus spoke. This training session was something he and Chiron had agreed with beforehand. Though, Perseus did have to persuade Chiron extensively for him to agree.
"Demigods! We will start training from today onwards here. From today onwards, I expect you to fall in here, by the time Apollo does his duties. Anyone who does not follow that rule, or other rules, really, will find himself fending on his own outside for a night," Perseus' eyes flared, as he heard gasps throughout the camp.
"However, since this is our first training day, I will add a special term, which is the fact that you are all forbidden from taking food or water until Hemera descends," Perseus narrowed his eyes, knowing that demigods by nature, need more energy to satisfy their immortal power.
Especially today, when the pair of trainers planned to test the constitution of these demigods, and the control they possessed over their power. Also, he needed to weed out the weaklings, and choose which were to be trained under Chiron, who was better equipped than Perseus to train slightly less prepared demigods. Besides, the unprepared and weaker demigods would never have the endurance to withstand Perseus' methods.
"If you cannot withstand this, you might as well die, or be thrown out of the barrier," Perseus warned, as he took a very close look at the reactions of the young children.
As he expected, most of them looked nervous and jittery, but there was a few who kept their composure. Taking a breath, Perseus probed their thoughts.
'What does he know, he's a Primordial!'
'This is too much – we will die!'
'We can't survive outside like this, surely he will know this!'
Perseus had to hold in a chuckle as he heard that last thought. He wasn't really going to throw them outside. Well, he wasn't throwing them outside unprotected, at least.
"In Tartarus, aside from the deity himself and the Primordial Lords, everyone is vulnerable. Even immortals. I was but a young immortal when I trained there, with Lord Tartarus. This exercise is pitiful compared to Tartarus' methods. Remember, if any of you try to break the rules, I will know," Perseus said, before he stood beside Chiron.
Touching Chiron's shoulder, Perseus gave him a limited amount of his power.
"Use this power to put pressure on them as they train. I will be away for a day, Chiron. Today, will be pure physical training, as you see fit. As the day progresses, use the power that I gave you to put more pressure on their bodies. Tomorrow, tell me who passed or failed. I will deal with both accordingly," Perseus whispered, as Chiron raised an eyebrow.
"I have some errands of my own to run, and some answers I am seeking. I am sure you have felt it?" Perseus asked in a dark tone.
"Yes, I have felt it, especially when the night is darkest," Chiron answered, as he realised what Perseus was talking about.
"I am going to investigate this a little, Chiron. I have personally sensed that it is trying to get past the barrier. While I am confident that it will not get through, I am not going to take any chances. I will return tomorrow," Perseus whispered, earning a small nod from Chiron.
In that instant, Perseus quickly flashed away. Though, not before releasing an amount of power to put pressure on the demigods, while Chiron ordered them to run a hundred rounds around the lake.
Lykos' spectral blue eyes looked around as he walked across the streets of a mortal city. It was clearly a militaristic city, though it was odd that no walls surrounded the city. The shade had taken on the form of a cloaked, middle-aged mortal warrior, as he tried to feel the dark power that Lady Nyx had described.
Lykos grew even more frustrated as he finally reached his destination, only to find that there was nothing. It was another false lead.
Often, Lykos would detect the familiar imprint of power. When he reached those locations though, all he would feel was an echo, as if it was there, but wasn't either. He knew he was being fooled by something, perhaps something in the shadows. The shade couldn't be sure who it was, though.
The probable candidates who were powerful enough would usually be Erebus or even Lady Nyx. However, Erebus was still asleep somewhere deep within Tartarus, while Nyx would simply not deign to do such things.
Such echos though, couldn't be ignored, as Lykos observed the mortals around the area.
"Those arrogant Athenians will get their own soon enough!"
"Athens is plagued with greed!"
"Those Athenians dare challenge us? Those weaklings certainly forget that WE were the ones who saved them in Plataea!"
Lykos could only wonder if the echo of the dark power here was contributing to the strife that was evident among the mortals, though he couldn't be certain. It was highly probable though, as he felt the echo of the darkness react, as if feeding on the hatred these mortals were feeling.
To think that a simple echo could affect mortals this way baffled Lykos. Their weak minds were something the shade could never get used to. However, it was a testament to the darkness that lay in his powers.
Suddenly, Lykos was driven out of his thoughts as he felt a sudden surge of a different kind of power from somewhere in the north. Far north, perhaps at the city of Delphi. Though it felt different, Lykos was not about to ignore it. He needed another lead.
Perseus was almost giving up his search. It was near sunset, and all he sensed were mere imprints and echoes. The presence he felt completely disappeared. It was a game of cat and mouse, with Perseus losing.
He could only find himself chasing shadows. Flaring his power didn't work, as he could find nothing. It was like the whispers and the ghouls in Tartarus. They were simply void and empty – and barely radiated any kind of power.
He wanted to think it was a ghoul that possibly escaped Tartarus, but knew it wasn't true. Compared to a ghoul's emptiness and though small, but distinct chaotic aura, the one that he felt was controlled, deep and calm. Perseus thought of going into Tartarus to ask Akhlys and Nyx for their answers, but knew he couldn't. Nyx was doing her duties as Goddess of Night, while Akhlys would probably refuse to answer Perseus, after that last spat.
Perseus sighed – it looked like he had to wait for Nyx after all. Sighing, he stopped searching for the presence. The Death Mist masked Perseus' presence in the midst of Misery, something that was in abundance around the mortals. However, Perseus' paranoia took over, as he strengthened the barrier around him. It was an extremely unlikely assumption, but Perseus wondered if he was being hunted.
Sighing as he got nothing again, Perseus finally gave up his search for the day. It wasn't for naught though. After all, he at least knew how the shadowy being evaded detection. It was mainly because throughout his search, Perseus was potentially only chasing shadows. At least, shadows of where his powers once was.
The fact that the echoes were so powerful as to fool Perseus' senses unnerved him a little. There was no doubt that the mysterious being was a strong being. At least, stronger than any Olympian. Added to the fact that he could somehow use the dark magic of Tartarus… It was clear that whoever this was, he was not to be trifled with. And it was hunting, somehow.
That thought continued to plague him as he flashed to Olympus, to look for his sultry friend. After all, he had a whole night. The young immortal would wait until midnight to continue his investigation, as that seemed to be the time when it hunted. Also, Perseus would never admit it, but he had missed Aphrodite's company.
As the Primordial walked through the streets of Olympus, he could not help but notice a large building which seemed to hold a great library that held an emblem of an owl. Perseus wondered if it would help his search, before entering. The large amount of artwork depicting the owl and scholars basically told Perseus that this was Athena's palace.
The young immortal saw plans – grand plans – at the study in the library. Most of which, were probably impossible. There was a pile of notes which indicated that Athena wanted to create something, to recreate the dark magic of Tartarus, which nearly made Perseus laugh. Some of the Elder Primordials themselves could not even dream of trying.
After all, it wasn't like Perseus could expect anything less from a child of Zeus. Their arrogance knew no bounds.
Though, looking at the notes, Perseus couldn't help but be impressed at Athena's detailing of Tartarus' magic. The goddess of wisdom even wrote about the layered voice behind the whispers, but she probably knew as much about it as Perseus did.
"Perseus? What are you doing in my palace?" Athena's voice rang out with a wary tone, as Perseus gently put down her notes.
"I am merely browsing, that's all," Perseus answered evenly, before getting ready to leave.
Before he left, though, he stopped at the door. There was something he wanted to clarify with Athena.
"Why do you seek the knowledge to recreate the darkness within Tartarus? Surely you know of the consequences if it is released here in this plane?" Perseus asked, his back still turned to Athena.
"Tartarus… Tartarus? That was what the darkness here was all along?" Athena asked, causing Perseus to raise an eyebrow.
"The faceless shadow…." Athena continued in relative confusion, convincing Perseus as to what might have happened.
"By any chance, Athena, did you hear voices and whispers of knowledge that drew you to a shadow?" Perseus pressed, as it grew silent.
"No… NO! There w-was no shadow. This is research, yes, research! Something that my father put me up to," Athena said, her voice riddled with uncertainty, which made Perseus turn around.
"Are you sure it was your father? For all we know, there are darker minds at work here. Or are you betraying the Olympians?" Perseus asked with a dark tone.
Perseus had to know what was going on. With the days growing darker, Athena's sudden interest in the dark magic behind Tartarus, and a shadow hunting him, it made Perseus even more uneasy. It could not have been a coincidence that all those were happening at the same time. The silent whispers carried through the cold air did not help either.
"I-Impossible. I am not betraying my father, nor the Olympians. I am merely doing as he wishes, by researching the magic of Tartarus, to prepare for wars that may come in the future," Athena's voice remained uneven, though she tried to hide it.
Perseus was convinced that the wisdom goddess was telling the truth, but was hiding something nonetheless. However, her sudden slip of composure had told him many things indeed – one of which was a clue to the nature of the being – or rather – the deity that hunted Perseus.
To influence the Olympians in that way, and to leave such echoes of darkness, there was no doubt that it was someone who controlled the domain of shadows. Perseus further gritted his teeth when he knew there was only one who controlled that domain that possessed enough power to carry the dark magic of Tartarus above.
Erebus, Primordial of Darkness.
However, Perseus knew that it was impossible. Had it been Erebus himself, Nyx would have known immediately. Also, his very presence would probably leave the world in total darkness. Though, it had to be something related to the great Primordial, seeing that it could control the domain of Shadows to such a degree.
He pushed away his thoughts, as he finally said, "I take my leave."
"Wait," Athena said, her cool voice clearly showing that she had regained her composure.
Perseus stopped, as he readjusted his hood.
"Why do such things for our children?" Athena asked, with a note of softness in her voice.
"I am merely keeping a promise I made to a friend," Perseus answered with a level tone, as Athena continued.
"But you hate us," Athena murmured.
"I do not like too much misery, Athena, Goddess of Wisdom," Perseus answered.
"However, you are the son of misery," Athena retorted, as Perseus finally turned around with his yellow eyes glowing.
"You know too much, and have seen too much knowledge indeed, Pallas Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. So much knowledge, indeed… Leto once told me about what it does to great minds," Perseus started, before he paused.
"Perseus..?"
"It twists, corrupts, and makes them miserable. Worse, it blinds them to many things in the world. Until we meet again, Athena. Rest assured, your children will be safe under my hand. Unlike some, I do not go back on my promises," Perseus finished calmly, before leaving.
Athena remained deep in thought, as she replayed Perseus' last words in her mind.
(Somewhere dark in Greece…)
"Father, he is going to be on us. Already he is suspecting our hold over Athena," A robed figure said, as he knelt towards a stone chair, where a dark figure sat.
"I know. We have been underestimating the young Primordial, indeed. Lord Tartarus has taught him well…" The shadow murmured.
"What do we do now, Father? Shall we move?"
"Patience, my son, for the night is still young. Though Perseus has more knowledge than he is meant to have for now, but it does not damage our plans. We will just have to speed up our plans for the time being…" The shadow mused with amusement, as he fingered a black sword with a gloved hand.
"My Lord!" A voice suddenly sounded, as a Cyclops stood forward and knelt.
"Rise, and report, Archos," the shadow commanded, as the one-eyed monster shifted.
"Thank you, my lord. Your faithful servants has done as you wished. They have already arrived on Delphi, and are on their way to capture the spirit," Archos said.
"Good. Now, we will begin to draw out Perseus. Shall we, son?" The shadow whispered, as he raised a hand, which was readily accepted by the robed figure.
"The time for cat-and-mouse is over."
(Back in Olympus…)
Perseus was thinking deeply about his suspicions, before he was suddenly pulled into the palace by a hysteric Aphrodite.
"Y-You came!" Aphrodite squealed, as Perseus felt himself suffocating in her large bosom.
"mmffff!" Perseus managed to let out, before the goddess finally released him.
Perseus looked at her venomously for a moment, before he finally sighed. Aphrodite didn't really mind Perseus' death stares – she rather enjoyed annoying Perseus. The love Goddess quickly led Perseus to a chair, as they talked about mundane things in general, before Perseus suddenly paused the conversation.
"So… Let me get this straight. You're a daughter of Ouranus, made from his ba-"Perseus said, before Aphrodite gave him a look.
"Let's not talk about my birth, Perseus. Now, continue," Aphrodite smiled sweetly, as a feeling of cold rushed over the Primordial a little.
"Oh, Chaos… I meant, you are a daughter of Ouranos, and a Primordial? Does that mean you are the strongest of the Olympians?" Perseus asked, earning a coy smile from Aphrodite.
"You flatter me so, Perseus," Aphrodite's eyebrows fluttered sexily, but Perseus would have none of it.
"Aphrodite…" Perseus warned.
"You're no fun, Perseus," Aphrodite pouted, but Perseus waved a hand for her to continue.
"I'm not the strongest of the mighty Olympians, Perseus. Far from it. In fact, I am the weakest, in terms of my power," Aphrodite said sadly, as she raised a glowing hand.
"However, that does not mean I am not without weapons. Love, is my weapon," Aphrodite said, as she shot a beam of light towards the fireplace, which showed Perseus images of mortals killing one another for love.
"Love is powerful indeed… This has been… Interesting, but I must take my leave. The night grows dark, and I must be off. Until we meet again, Aphrodite," Perseus said in a small smile, as he wrapped himself in darkness.
"Be careful, Perseus," Aphrodite said, though she did not know why.
Somehow, the night air unnerved her.
It took a while, but Perseus finally found who he was looking for.
Hermes, God of Messengers.
"Oh, hello Perseus. Apollo spoke highly of you," Hermes said cheerily, as Perseus' yellow eyes stayed icy cold.
"Apollo never spoke to me about you, Hermes. But I digress," Perseus retorted evenly, as Hermes sighed.
Before Hermes could continue, Perseus quickly took out a small package, to which the messenger god sighed even more.
"Oh Zeus… Another message?" Hermes grumbled.
"Yes, another message. Or rather, message. Could you bring this to Zoe Nightshade of the Hunt?" Perseus asked politely, to which Hermes' groan grew even louder.
"Just great. Just great. Send me to that manhood-shooting group. Just do it," Hermes moaned, as Perseus resisted the urge to smack the immature god in the face.
For some reason, Hermes reminded Perseus of a very, very young Apollo, and not in a good way.
"Shut up, Hermes. I'll buy you… I'll buy you three bottles of pure Olympian ale…" Perseus grumbled, remembering Apollo's addiction with that stuff.
Instantly, Hermes lit up, as he said, "Done!"
When Hermes flashed away, Perseus couldn't help but feel like he was duped.
(In Delphi…)
It was near midnight, as Lykos reached the city, and witnessed the flames. He could see the Mist of the Olympians failing, as the monsters tore into the mortals' dwellings, as if looking for something. Lykos could swear that he had heard a slither, a hissing voice, but it was quickly drowned out by the screams of fear, and death.
The Wolf of Nyx walked through the burning streets with his sword drawn, as he cut down every weakling who dared cross his path. His spectral blue eyes glowed as he walked towards what looked to be like the source of the flames.
"It's a hero! Please, help us! PLEASE!" A mortal screamed, only to be met by cold indifference from the shade.
After all, the two Elder Primordials had already charged him with a duty. The mortals would only slow him down, and it would cost him dearly. He had already been through false leads, and he did not want to go through another.
Lykos followed the strange aura to a small temple, where the crowd of monsters seemed to gather at. The temple seemed to be guarded by a green barrier, and a host of mortal guards clad in red cloaks could be seen lying dead around it. Though, it appeared that they put up a fight, seeing the sheer amount of dust that could be seen around their bodies.
However, for all their efforts, it wasn't long until the barrier was broken. Lykos finally reached the place, and nearly roared in frustration when all he saw was a group of monsters carrying a robed girl – presumably a priestess.
"Save me," The priestess called in a strange voice – like a few voices speaking together.
The Shade drew his sword and narrowed his glowing blue eyes at the now fleeing band of monsters. Suddenly, three familiar voices could be heard in his mind.
'Stay your hand, Night Wolf. Turn back to the Mansion of Night.'
'We have decreed that only the Children of Olympus will have a hand in this matter. Not those of Tartarus, and the lords that rule it.'
'However, you may inform them of the Shadow. He has indeed returned, under a mask of darkness.'
With that, the Fates withdrew from Lykos' mind. The shade sheathed his sword in resignation, not having a choice. However, it was not all for naught.
Events were moving too fast for everything to be a coincidence. Not to mention the Fates' hint about the Shadow returning under a mask of darkness.
He had to report this to the Primordials.
(In the Hunter's Camp)
Zoe Nightshade,
This is a gift from me, Perseus. The gift is layered with my power. Use it well.
Be safe, and be wary of the Night. I sense something is amiss.
Perseus
Zoe chuckled as she folded the letter and opened the little box, which showed Perseus' gift. It was a chain fitted with a crescent pendant. Naturally, the girls around her were suspicious, but let it go after it was safely appraised by Aegle, who was a sorceress.
Artemis passed by, as her eyes narrowed at the gift that Zoe received.
"It's from Perseus," Zoe murmured, as Artemis' face darkened, before she turned.
Phoebe nudged her with a look of 'that wasn't wise, Zoe.'
Zoe gave her a coy look, as she clasped the necklace around her neck. She could feel a rush of warm power seemingly covering her, as she gasped.
"Get ready to move out, girls! We hunt for the night!" Artemis shouted, as the girls got ready.
Zoe was still smiling though, as she wondered about Perseus' kindness, even under all the misery and pain that he had been through.
(Some distance away…)
Hermes was grinning in victory as he left. Truthfully, escaping the Hunt was much easier than he'd said, seeing that he was by far, the fastest God in Olympus. He wondered how the great Primordial Perseus didn't notice that, as he whistled for Apollo.
It was worth it, though. Three bottles of Pure Olympian Ale…
(Finally, at CHB…)
It was dawn. Chiron continued to gallop around to observe the group of demigods who managed to go through the day. The others who didn't were, as per Perseus' instruction, left to their cabins to rest, and given as much nourishments as they could to recover their strength. For now, Chiron was merely overseeing, and leading the training.
The only reason that Chiron had agreed to this brutal start, was because Perseus was fair – though he was rash at times, and as stubborn as a Minotaur.
Then, a wall of darkness formed, as Perseus stepped out of it. Chiron regarded him with a nod, as Perseus quickly stood beside him. The Primordial peered at the demigods, as he observed every single one of them.
As expected, most of them looked absolutely haggard, and exhausted. There appeared to be forty who lasted the day, which surprised Perseus, who expected less. It was clear that he hit a nerve the previous day, or perhaps Chiron had been a little slack.
"Perseus, you aren't being too subtle. I pushed them harder than I usually do to other demigods," Chiron pointed out, as Perseus sighed.
"How is it that you always know what I am thinking, old man?" Perseus grumbled silently, as Chiron gave him a wry smile.
"You are young – no matter what you say," Chiron whispered, as Perseus spotted a rather strange sight – a demigod that looked rather unaffected.
Perseus took a look at the pale, yet powerful-looking boy who looked almost indifferent. The immortal was surprised at the demigod's composure. The young demigod would have certainly fooled Perseus, if not for the heavy, slow breathing, and the slightest of winces as he readjusted his sore arms.
"Chiron, who is that boy?" Perseus said, as he pointed to the boy.
"That is Aita, Son of Hades. He hails from Sparta," Chiron said quietly.
"Any more that I should know, Chiron? He seems to have breezed through this challenge, unlike many of the others here," Perseus asked.
"He has went through the Agoge…" Chiron added.
"Ah, that explains things indeed," Perseus nodded his head, before he stepped forward.
The demigods quickly rose in attention as Perseus started to speak.
"Sons of Olympus! You have passed this test, by hook, or by crook," Perseus proclaimed, as he shot a warning eye to the demigods, who were ready to celebrate.
"Those who passed this test, will train under me. Be warned – I will not go easy on you. In fact, by Chaos, I will make sure that you will fear me over the Gigantes themselves once this is over," Perseus' eyes flashed, as he observed the wide eyes of fear among the demigods.
He struggled to hold him a smirk, as he continued.
"The ones who failed this test… I trust that all of you will bring the news to them that they will train under Chiron," Perseus warned, as he probed the minds of the demigods.
"Am I understood?!" Perseus asked in a deep voice, as the demigods responded quickly.
"Yes, Master Perseus!" The demigods chorused, before they dispersed to their cabins, save for Aita, who chose to sit by the lake.
Perseus continued to eye Aita, who remained composed throughout Perseus' threat. Needless to say, the son of Hades heavily interested Perseus.
After all, it wasn't all the time that a mere mortal would shrug off a power-enhanced threat as if it was nothing.
(In the Mansion…)
"Are you sure, Lykos?" Akhlys pressed, as the Shade nodded.
"Yes, Lady Akhlys. The Fates have spoken – The Shadow has returned," Lykos reported, as he rose from his kneeling position.
"His name was Amauros. At least, that is what he was known by all those millennia ago, before Akhlys destroyed his identity with endless tortures. I doubt he remembers his own name now," Nyx said bitterly, as she looked at Akhlys.
"It was the order of Father himself," Akhlys retorted coldly, as if challenging Nyx to oppose that.
Nyx lowered her head, but did not reply.
"Under heavy torture, Amauros slowly lost his sanity, and his name. He was simply known only as the Shadow. However, he has somehow escaped, and has returned... I suspect his son, Nyctos, has something to do with it," Akhlys continued.
"However, if what Lykos said is true, the game of cat-and-mouse is soon going to be over. The Shadow is moving quickly, for whatever reason. Perseus must be warned. Amauros is not an enemy to be trifled with. He is, after all, the most powerful son of Darkness," Nyx said with a dark tone.
"He is growing in power. Throughout the strife, and unease in the mortal world, I could sense his darkness. It will not be long before he shows himself," Lykos cut in, earning looks of deep thought from both Primordials.
The silence of the room could be cut with a knife, as they wondered about the implications of the Shadow fighting Perseus.
"Indeed, and you say that the Fates have foreseen this? At times like this, I wonder if Ananke herself has awakened," Akhlys steadied her black hair, and her yellow eyes blazed.
"We however, cannot interfere. Perseus is the only one who can stop him," Akhlys finished.
Nyx stood up, "Akhlys! I shall admit that Perseus is powerful – but Amauros once held you, mighty Akhlys, at the throat!"
"And I returned the favour by cutting off his hand and dissolving his face in darkness. All the same, Perseus will handle this. Lord Chaos and Ananke has already decreed that we, First-Born, are forbidden from acting in the realm of Mortals," Akhlys pointed out emotionlessly.
Nyx sighed, "Lykos, you said you felt the Shadow's imprint. What did it feel like?"
"Deep darkness, and strife. Mortals were easily corrupted, but the Night wasn't affected," Lykos told.
"There is still hope yet, Sister. The Shadow is still weakened, and the punishments still plague him. Had he been at full strength, his presence would have caused the Night to be much darker, indeed, much like Erebus' aura. However, it will not stop Perseus from destroying him and his traitorous son, full strength or not," Akhlys growled in conviction.
"What are you planning, Akhlys? If Perseus dies, what then?" Nyx asked in a dark tone, as her sister met her eyes with her own yellow ones.
"I am not planning anything, Sister. If not Perseus, then who else? I doubt the children of Gaia can defeat the Shadow. Even I recognize the strength in that child of Darkness, Nyx," Akhlys told.
Nyx sighed, as she recognized the truth behind Akhlys' words. The goddess of Misery looked at her for a moment, before finally turning to Lykos.
"Lykos. Go to the Camp that Perseus is dwelling in, and request for his permission to pass through the barrier. Warn him of the Shadow that hunts him. Perseus must not be caught off-guard, or he will certainly not survive," Nyx told with absolute seriousness, as Lykos bowed.
As Nyx watched her Wolf flash away into the world of mortals, she couldn't help but hear herself praying to Chaos for Perseus' sake.
Eh, finished xD! Okay, this chapter is pretty slow and developmental, but you will come to see that it is necessary. Things WILL start speeding up soon enough, so don't worry, yeah? :) I hope you liked it.
Oh, and I'll be personally collaborating with Rinne on the Legend of the Maelstrom story too, for the fans of that story who might be reading this ;)
We hope you enjoyed this chapter.. Again, if any of you guys have any questions about this story, feel free to PM me :D
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