Misery's Smile Chapter 16
Beta-ed by December Sapphire
Rocky & Rinne (he's called The Sorrowful Deity now btw)
So… Fast update anyone? (It was supposed to be fast, I'm really sorry guys) XD
I hope you got ready your jelly beans… We hope you enjoy! Flashback is in italics.
Apollo wasted no time. Leaping forward, he let loose another volley of powerful, golden-tipped arrows. The Sun God knew he had to finish this quickly. Python, among other things, was a child of Gaea. However grievous his wounds were, he would regenerate extremely quickly. If there was something Apollo did not want, it was for his son's sacrifice to be all for naught.
Recognizing this, Apollo shot volley after volley in quick succession, effectively stunning the serpent. While he could fight just as effectively blind, owing to his other senses, his other wounds heavily slowed him down, leaving him vulnerable to Apollo's attacks. The Sun God quite literally struck with a vengeance, pounding upon Python at every opportunity. The serpent— as powerful as he was— had little or no time to react quickly enough. He knew there was only one way of escaping this.
Python looked completely defeated. His black blood rapidly flowed to the ground, and his breathing was laboured. However, he gritted his teeth defiantly, as he prepared for his next attack. Apollo returned the look with ice-cold blue eyes, as his arrow blazed.
"Go to Tartarus," Apollo whispered, before releasing the arrow.
A huge explosion sounded. Apollo used a massive amount of godly power into that arrow, and it absolutely devastated the landscape. Charred earth filled his vision, and burned flesh permeated the air. It went completely quiet, and as the smoke cleared, Apollo finally saw it – the blackened body of Python.
Or so he thought.
Suddenly, the ground gave way beneath and a talon struck out in blinding speed. Apollo barely had any time to react. He managed to move away, but not before the talon grazed his ankle.
Apollo screamed. His ankle felt like it was touched by a Keres. However, he had no time to dwell on it as a second talon struck out, presumably to finish him off.
Fortunately, the God rolled away, avoiding the blow. He did not understand how Python could have escaped that last attack. Then, he saw the burning body, or rather, skin dissolving, and revealing a large hole that looked like it was buried into.
"Surprised, Apollo?" Python chuckled, as he finally emerged from underneath the Earth.
Apollo bit his lip, fighting off the pain that was slowly worsening.
"You should not have underestimated a child of Gaea. Already, I am regenerating," Python sneered.
It was true. One of his eyes had already reformed, and Apollo could clearly see how his movements improved in speed. Apollo readied himself to strike, only to find himself unable to move. His legs seemed to give way and he stumbled. The growing heat in his body confirmed his suspicions.
Poison.
Without warning, Python struck. Apollo clumsily raised his bow to parry the fangs, and could only look in horror as it shattered. He was given no time to amend his mistake. Python leapt forward again, but Apollo was able to avoid it, attempting a counterattack with his dagger. However, he wasn't prepared for Python's follow-up, and was flung away with a powerful swipe of his tail.
"You may be the God of Medicine, Apollo, but the poison is of the Earth. The power of Lady Gaea far outstrips yours," Python hissed in amusement.
Apollo scrambled to his feet, as Python seemed to stalk towards him slowly.
"I have never eaten an Olympian before…" Python licked his lips. "I can only wonder how they taste with all the power they possess…"
A rush of cold went down Apollo's spine at Python's statement. He felt something he never felt for two centuries – fear. The hunter knew at this point, depleted and weakened, he had no chance of fighting against Python.
Apollo tried to tap into his already depleted power, only to gasp in sheer horror, as he noticed it. His godly power was cut off from him. The poison was already making quicker progress. His strength was failing.
There was no escaping, and Apollo could only think of one thing – survival.
(Meanwhile, in the Camp of the Hunt…)
Artemis left, and charged Perseus with guarding the Hunt – albeit very unwillingly. Perseus agreed – much to the surprise of Lykos.
"Do you think she will do it, Lord Perseus?" The Wolf asked, with a sceptical tone.
Perseus did not answer, but Lykos understood the uncertain look in his yellow eyes. Perseus readjusted himself, as he looked towards the distant moon.
"She will, Lykos," Perseus finally said. "Artemis is many things, but she will not turn her back on her brother, especially if he is in mortal danger."
"Her bitterness and anger might blind her to the situation," Lykos reminded. "You cannot be so certain. That is simply naïve."
Perseus, however, remained unflinched in his view, causing Lykos to shake his head. While the Wolf understood Perseus' intentions, he was worried. He wondered how the boy's devotion—almost blind— in faith, for the good of others, would cost him.
Artemis wasn't all convincing, either. While Lykos could clearly see the conflict, and worry in her silver eyes, there was also deep anger, and indifference. It was almost as if she'd let Apollo rot, to sate her bitterness and pride. It was something Perseus should have caught. Among other things, the Primordial was excellent at reading others.
Lykos wondered if Perseus had lingering feelings for Artemis that might've been clouding his judgement of the situation. It would certainly explain his unusual behaviour. However, it wasn't like they had another plan. Perseus was unwilling to break the Ancient Laws for whatever reason; meaning Artemis was the only candidate among the Olympians who could interfere in the quest.
"She will save Apollo, Lykos… I hope," Perseus said.
"If you insist…" Lykos sighed. "Perseus, I have another thing to tell you. It's about the enchantments of Delos. They have fallen."
Perseus immediately stood. "Are you sure, Lykos?"
"There is no doubt. I was forced out of Delos, by the Shadow," The Wolf nodded.
"What of the children, Lykos?" Perseus narrowed his eyes.
"I do not know, Perseus," Lykos paused. "Aren't you going to do something? Amauros might personally interfere."
Perseus gritted his teeth. Amauros was starting to become unpredictable, and it made Perseus uneasy. Lykos was right – if Amauros had indeed disabled the enchantments to Delos in such a way, it probably meant he would be equally willing to interfere personally.
The Primordial started to panic. He had the sudden urge to flash immediately towards Delos to save his students. He thought about what Tartarus would do, and remembered what the Lord of the Pit said.
"Never be caught unbalanced. It is extremely easy to take advantage of those unbalanced."
Steadying his breathing, Perseus analysed the move. There was something wrong – Amauros would never be so… blatant. A thought hit him as he continued musing over it.
"No, Lykos. Amauros will not interfere – and neither will I," Perseus said, alarming the Shade.
Lykos stayed calm. "How would you know this?"
"Amauros did not outright interfere with the quest. He simply disabled the enchantments of Delos," Perseus pointed out. "I refuse to be drawn out in such a manner."
Lykos raised an eyebrow, giving it a thought. "So it was a charade after all."
Perseus nodded his head. "Amauros wants me to panic, and directly interfere. For all his power, he will not take a chance against Ananke. However, if I interfere…"
"He will act accordingly, and hold you responsible before Lady Ananke, sealing your fate," Lykos completed.
Perseus nodded, before saying, "I am not foolish enough to face the wrath of that Elder Primordial. We just need to believe in the demigods… and Artemis."
Lykos sighed – this was going to be a long night.
(Meanwhile, at Delos…)
Behind a boulder, Apollo coughed out ichor, as his wounds became grave. His ankle was pretty much useless now, and he was practically fighting with one leg.
Python was relentless, and Apollo was not getting any better. He could already feel the poison overwhelming his powers, and knew he did not have much time.
The sun god checked his arrows – and immediately cursed when he saw that there weren't much left. He could conjure arrows, but it would consume much-needed power, something he could ill-afford to risk.
"Come out, Sun God!" Python sneered. "Hiding will not save you from your fate, Apollo. The poison will ravage your depleted power, and eventually, you. You will die nonetheless."
Apollo quietly cursed – Python was right.
The Sun God could feel it. His power was depleting quickly, and it was getting harder just to stand, let alone fight. He knew he did not have much time until collapsing. Apollo cursed himself again, for being as complacent as he was.
If he had swallowed his pride and asked his sister for aid, he would not have been in this predicament. At least, he would not be shaming his son's memory in such a way.
Then, Apollo heard Python coming. The serpent was finally onto him.
"This has been entertaining, but I'm afraid I do not have time to watch you fall over your weakness. I will end this quickly," Python hissed.
Apollo could hear Python slithering towards him, and sighed as he found himself unable to stand. However, he was able to notch the last blessed arrow, which greatly pleased him – it was more than enough.
He turned his body just in time to see Python's leaping figure, meaning the serpent was vulnerable. With blinding speed, Apollo shot the explosive arrow towards Python's face. He felt relatively satisfied as he heard the explosion, followed by an angered scream. The god finally slumped, as the poison started to consume him. His vision started to blur, but he could still see Python approaching him.
This time there was no hint of a sneer, or a mocking expression, on the serpent's face. Apollo couldn't help but be transfixed at Python's eyes. The large eyes were cold, and blank, barely covering the sheer hatred, and menace laying within the indifferent expression.
Apollo was paralyzed. He involuntarily shivered as Python opened his mouth, revealing stained teeth with flesh clearly stuck within them.
"Again, Apollo, you have failed. Do you see it, the blood of Anaxos staining my fangs?" Python chuckled.
Apollo looked down in despair.
"I have failed against Leto, and I have failed against you – once. I assure you, Apollo, it will not happen today," Python began to bask in his final victory, against the one labelled as his 'bane'. "My revenge is complete."
Python unhinged his jaw, ready to consume Apollo.
Suddenly, there was a flash of silver, causing Python to suddenly stop. The tell-tale sound of a chariot could be heard, not to mention the presence of the Moon.
"You!" Python shouted.
The last thing Apollo saw before he lost consciousness was his sister, who was looking at him with an expression described as worry. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and her silver eyes seemed larger than they usually were.
(Slightly earlier, with Artemis)
'Impossible. Apollo should have been more than capable of handling a monster such as Python alone.'
However, against her pride, and conscious, Artemis did it. She rode to Delos, on Perseus' word. Apollo was in mortal danger.
However, she found she simply couldn't let it go. Artemis would never admit it, but the lingering feeling of seeing her brother dead frightened her. Artemis wouldn't usually believe men, but deep down, she knew Perseus wasn't one to lie. She knew Apollo was declining in power. The sun wasn't as bright as it once was, and the visions Apollo received were less certain. Had he been at full strength, he would have easily predicted the burning of Delphi, and stopped it.
It was the reason why the huntress had jumped to conclusions, and presumed he was careless – until she noticed the sun dimming. Needless to say, the guilt she felt was horrible. After all, Artemis nearly cost Apollo his throne and domains, and even humiliated him in front of her council. She knew deep down, she had probably contributed to Apollo's declining power, and in turn, endangered his life.
Facing the guilt, the huntress couldn't help but give in to her conscience, and ride to Apollo's aid. The mist thickened, and she knew she was extremely close to Delos. The first thing she noticed was the lack of enchantments.
The second thing Artemis noticed was the fading power of her brother. She could still feel it, but it was quickly fading –being consumed. Panic started to seed in her heart, and she urged her chariot faster, towards the probable sight of the battle.
It wasn't long before she saw it, the scene of Python, opening his mouth to consume the slumped form of her brother. Without delaying, Artemis quickly and roughly shot a volley towards the monster. It surprised him slightly, but gained his attention. She followed up with another powerful volley – this time using her power and precision, but Python had already disappeared underground before she could attack.
Artemis quickly went down to check on Apollo, who was unconscious. Fear and horror overtook her as she knelt down beside her brother, and saw he was becoming translucent. Acting out of desperation, she quickly shoved ambrosia to his mouth, only to back away quickly to dodge Python's strike from underground.
Hatred filled her as she looked at the serpent.
'How dare he do this to Apollo?! My brother!'
Python was licking his fangs in anticipation, wondering what sort of challenge Artemis would give him. After all, Apollo was rather… disappointing.
Artemis wasted no time jumping on her chariot, before charging towards Python.
She knew she had to end this quickly. Apollo was already translucent; she did not have much time left. Artemis wondered why Apollo didn't use his true form to end this quickly, but remembered Apollo was probably too weak to use it, deepening her guilt.
"Your efforts are fruitless. Your brother is already fading," Python hissed.
"Silence," Artemis growled, turning into her true form. "You have no right to speak, scum."
Python's smile dropped. Being an ancient monster, he survived her presence, but knew he could not to play around as he did with Apollo. He was about to speak, but quickly moved to avoid a powerful volley of silver arrows. The serpent let out a shiver, feeling the power within the arrows.
Python stayed stunned, and Artemis took advantage. Jumping forward from her chariot, she quickly went for a powerful kick against the serpent, sending him careening into the distance. Drawing her knives, she looked towards Python, whose eyes were already blank.
With a flash of silver, Artemis appeared above Python, and prepared to drive her knives towards his chest, before being swiped away by his tail.
At least, he tried to.
Artemis' blazing presence burned his tail off, causing him to scream in agony. Acting quickly, Artemis used that moment to drive her silver knives into Python, channelling her power into it. Python continued to scream, before he suddenly started to laugh madly. Unshaken, Artemis quickly willed her chariot under him to prevent the serpent from touching the Earth.
"I-It does not matter, Huntress. Your brother will still fade and by Chaos," Python grinned. "Soon… The Shadow will finally emerge from the darkness and destroy you all… Such darkness, indeed…"
"Silence!" Artemis shouted, beheading the laughing monster with a powerful swipe of her knives.
Python turned into dust, still his voice ringed in Artemis' head.
'Your brother will still fade.'
'Such darkness, indeed…'
However, Artemis didn't dwell on it, and she rushed towards Apollo. The goddess gasped in horror, observing how Apollo was slowly growing transparent.
"A-Apollo!" Artemis screamed in panic, desperately pouring her power into saving the God.
However, it wasn't working. Something was blocking her powers from doing anything. Apollo's breathing was minimal, and she could feel the heat of an intense fever as he got more translucent. Getting a hunch, she opened his eyelids, and saw it. The tell-tale dilated eyes, and when she tapped into his spirit, she felt the power of the earth. There was no doubt.
It was poison, blessed by Gaea herself, judging by the sheer power it held.
Artemis clenched her fists, observing her dying twin. She had little or no expertise in healing such a powerful poison, but she knew someone who did. Someone she never wanted to have anything to do with again, the very same person who prompted her to save Apollo.
The goddess forced herself to subjugate her pride again. She couldn't lose her twin – at least, not like this. She remembered how Apollo killed Orion… only recalling how the hunter took advantage of her trust, and made her unjustly kill a huntress. Her conscious reminded her of Apollo and Perseus' betrayal… for her to remember how Orion betrayed her too.
However, she swiftly left those thoughts. There was no time to lose. Either way, she had to bring Apollo to Perseus immediately.
She prepared to leave, before a silhouette of a hooded, cloaked figure suddenly appeared in the mist, and walked towards her. He had an extremely powerful aura, and he seemed to taint the air with darkness every step he took. The air seemed to grow heavier as he drew closer. Artemis protectively put Apollo behind her, backing away towards the chariot.
A soft chuckle seemed to echo through the air as the hooded figure stopped. Suddenly, there was a rush of wind eradicating the mist, revealing a man in a black cloak with a bloodied curved sword in his hand.
"Who… Who are you?" Artemis asked warily.
"My name is Nyctos…" The cloaked figure's voice soft, but seemed to ring throughout the air. "I suggest you hurry, Huntress. That boy's life will not wait for your dallying."
"What are you doing here?" Artemis put Apollo into her chariot carefully.
"I am simply observing," Nyctos said with a small laugh. "It was a rather entertaining battle."
'How did he…?' Artemis was caught off guard – a massive aura like that would usually be sensed immediately and yet, he managed to hide it effortlessly.
However, the goddess paid no heed to it. She couldn't waste time, while Apollo continued fading. Jumping on to her chariot, Artemis flashed away.
(Some moments before in the Hunter's Camp…)
Most of the Hunters had already retired from their tents – well, except for Zoe and the couple of girls who still had their bows pointed towards Perseus. Lykos was rather annoyed, and volunteered to kill them, but Perseus simply refused.
Meanwhile, Perseus was inwardly watching the battle in his consciousness, feeling the three auras: Artemis', Python's, and Apollo's. The sun god's aura seemed tainted – with what, Perseus did not know. However, he didn't dig deeper to find out, wishing to keep himself hidden.
The reason was Perseus wanted to take precautions. While he knew, no, suspected it was simply a charade from the Shadow to disable the enchantments guarding Delos, he did not want to take a chance. Amauros was unpredictable, to say the least.
The only reason why Perseus wasn't caught out in this trap was the presence and threat Ananke posed. In a sense, Destiny saved Perseus, making him slightly bitter.
Suddenly, Artemis' intense aura engulfed the battlefield, throwing Perseus' concentration off-balance. She must have turned into her true form. Sighing, the Primordial did a last sweep over the island to check for other possible watchers before he left the battle. His loss of concentration had given his aura away.
"Less than impressive, Lord Perseus," Lykos looked in amusement.
"Just watch the battle, Old Wolf, and tell me if you sense something odd," Perseus grumbled, earning a laugh from the Shade, and lowering his voice into a whisper, "After the battle, sweep the island, and check for a possible footprint of Lord Tartarus' power."
"Understood, but why Tartarus, Lord Perseus?" Lykos asked.
"Just a hunch," Perseus waved his hand, narrowing his eyes.
'There's no way Python could have resurrected that quickly, not without Tartarus' help. Only he holds such power over the monsters in the pit…'
Pushing the thought to the back of his head, Perseus looked up to see his old friend – Zoe Nightshade. It seemed just yesterday when he journeyed with her throughout the lands of Greece.
This Zoe seemed a far cry from the lost, grieving Hesperide that Perseus journeyed with. She had a confident stance and her face looked content. Clearly, the Hunt was good for her, and Perseus could not help but wonder.
However, Perseus was knocked out of his thoughts as he heard her voice. "Hello, Perseus."
Perseus silently regarded her, rather coldly. Zoe was alarmed at first, but noticed the small twinkle in the yellow eyes, and the slightest of smiles on his face.
"Do you still have the necklace?" Perseus asked telepathically – he didn't wish to upset the huntresses unnecessarily.
Zoe raised her eyebrow at Perseus' unwillingness to talk aloud, but nodded nonetheless. Afterwards, Perseus shooed her away. In their minds, they talked as best friends would – chatting away about how they were, and their plans. Zoe couldn't help but smile at Perseus' sudden change of tone.
Lykos noticed the silent telepathic conversation, and simply shook his head. However, he couldn't deny the content expression on Perseus' face. That familiar twinkle in those eyes was something he had not seen for a long time. It was no wonder that Lady Nyx had requested for Zoe to be spared.
However, the Wolf didn't have the chance to linger on the thought. He continued to observe the battle from the camp. It seemed Artemis won the battle, but Apollo was fading fast. It was just as predicted.
Lykos couldn't be more surprised when he felt a colossal, dark aura suddenly manifest. At that instant, he was violently blocked, causing him to double over in pain.
"What happened, Lykos?" Perseus furrowed his eyebrows.
"I-It was my mistake. Some… something forced me off the place…" The shade seemed to regain his bearings. "It was quite a powerful attack – I was lucky to escape with a mere headache…"
Lykos slumped, his eyes turned blank, and he was motionless.
"A mere headache? Don't make me laugh," Perseus whispered, tightening his lips.
What in Tartarus happened? The question continued to ring in his head, but he had no time to continue thinking over it, he could feel Artemis' power.
The silver chariot descended, and Artemis quickly dragged out the limp form of Apollo towards Perseus. The huntress' face was stony and indifferent, but her wide eyes betrayed her. Perseus quickly rushed over to Apollo's side, but quickly faltered when he observed his friend's state.
Apollo was already near transparent, and Perseus could make out the small core of gold within the fading form – Apollo's immortal power. Right away, Perseus saw the tendrils of black approaching the core.
"Heal him," Artemis said quietly. "He is my brother."
Perseus widened his eyes; he did not quite expect the sudden outburst of emotion from the goddess. After all, she clearly made it clear she hated her brother.
"I know you hate me, but –"
Raising his hand, Perseus cut her off. "I must concentrate."
Artemis looked hurt for a moment, but quickly readjusted herself rigidly. Perseus closed his eyes, and used his power to probe Apollo's body. For a moment, he thought about the demigods, but quickly stopped dwelling at the thought.
For now, he had his priorities.
Grabbing a hold of the black tendril of poison, he purged it from Apollo's body with his power. At first, Apollo seemed to be recovering. His core seemed to brighten, and his body seemed to be slightly translucent. Apollo was on the way to being healed with his domain of medicine speeding the process. Perseus seemed to slump contentedly as he performed his last checks on Apollo.
Immediately, he found a problem.
"Impossible," Perseus whispered. "This poison…"
"What is it?" Artemis asked.
Perseus used his probe, and surveyed the poison. His yellow eyes narrowed. The poison was supposed to be of the Earth, yes, but this was more than he bargained for.
"How did…" Perseus bit his lip, before he concluded, "I… I do not have the power to heal this. This poison was blessed by Gaea herself. I can only slow it down, but…"
Perseus' face grew pale as his yellow eyes started to dull a little. While his face and posture remained calm, it was clear he was at an utter loss.
"Perseus!" Artemis shouted.
"I don't know, Artemis," Perseus shakily whispered. "I cannot reverse a poison made directly from the Elders. Only my mother, Akhlys would have the power to… Akhlys!"
Perseus slumped as he thought about it. He knew he wasn't on the best of terms with his mother… But he had to try.
He flashed towards Tartarus.
(Somewhere…)
"Awaken…"
Aita opened his eyes groggily as he tried to witness his surroundings. His memories came back to him, and couldn't help but grieve at the absolute failure of the quest.
Anaxos was dead, the Oracle was still missing, and he was still far away from finding a way to defeating the Shadow. Hades, he hadn't even seen the Shadow.
He lifted his arms, only to find out he couldn't. Aita could feel the soreness in his arms. The recognizable clanking of chains confirmed his fears.
He surveyed his surroundings once more, only to see there were no surroundings. It was pitch black. The son of Hades could feel bead of sweat running down his brow, meaning he was chained vertically. The chains seemed to tighten whenever he moved his arms.
Aita steadied his breathing, trying to keep his calm in this situation. He was unsuccessful. He continued trying to pull himself off the chains, only for it to tighten even further. It wasn't long before he knew it wouldn't help.
The silence was almost maddening. Time seemed to slow while Aita tried to do something to allay the need to listen to. The demigod listened desperately for something to cling upon. He could feel the pitch black darkness almost eroding his sanity – his senses.
It didn't help when he saw the image of Anaxos berating him for his failure.
As if to add salt to the wound, his brother appeared, with a mournful expression. "You disgrace us, little brother. Was my sacrifice all for naught? I expected better from you…"
It turned to an image of Perseus, who had a disapproving look. "It appears my trust in you was misplaced, demigod. It is as expected for such a disgrace, after all."
While Aita knew they were merely a trick of the darkness – a hallucination, – he couldn't help but feel at an absolute loss. Deep in his heart, he knew there was some truth in their words after all. If he hadn't been so careless and rash against Python, Anaxos would have lived. It was the same with his brother. He lied to Perseus – his brother never did get dishonoured for something he did in the army. It was something Aita had done.
(7 years ago, in Sparta)
"Why did you do that, Aita?" Deimos asked gently.
Aita looked away – he knew he shouldn't have been goaded as he was. As son of Hades, the young boy should have been more dignified as his father would be. He told his brother this, only to cause a small laugh.
"Father was never subtle in his hatred, Aita," Deimos shook his head. "Let it go, little brother. I swear it will be better if you do."
The younger boy bit his lip. He knew Deimos already was beaten by the elders – for taking the blame for what Aita did to those other boys. Aita had always wondered why his brother would defend him in such a way, and he would usually only be given this answer.
"Because it is my duty as a brother to protect you," Deimos would always say, with a smile.
Aita knew Sparta was unforgiving. There was only so much Deimos and he could get away with, and after their mother passed away, they were practically alone.
The days passed by. The goading was worsening – especially when word had broken out that both brothers were the sons of Hades. They were especially shunned, and the Agoge had become especially harsh on them. Even Deimos stopped smiling, but held his anger down. Aita could see that his eyes would grow much darker.
Aita, however, was not so controlled. He had resorted to retaliating harshly and quickly, and it heavily worried Deimos. The man knew some of the Spartans were looking for a way to oust them from the land in disgrace, and what Aita was doing did not help their cause.
"Aita, you need to be calm," Deimos laid a hand on Aita's shoulder.
"Even when they called our mother a whore of the underworld?!" Aita retorted loudly, with tears lining his eyes.
"Even so, you need to be calm," Deimos could understand his brother's anger – he would be lying if he wasn't. "Do not sink to their level."
"But –"
"I cannot protect you forever, Aita," Deimos said. "Remember, the bane of Hades is and has always been hatred. Have you wondered why Hades was always shunned? He never did let go of the insult given to him by his brothers."
Aita bit his lip.
"Why does Father not protect us from this? He is an Olympian!" Aita said.
"I wonder too, Aita," Deimos lifted his brother's chin and broke into a smile. "How about we go to a spar, Aita?"
Aita couldn't help but notice the small change of tone when Deimos spoke of their father. It was almost… bitter.
The days continued to pass, and Aita did try his best to follow Deimos' advice. He was extremely skilled with the sword – owing to his demigod instincts and constant – but constantly found himself further victim to various, and more infuriating slurs.
It did not help that this time; the elders were in it too. Aita tried to ignore them, and constantly prayed to Hestia for protection against such influences, but like others, he had a breaking point.
It was a few days before the anniversary of the great battle of Plataea – the battle where the Spartans delivered a crushing blow on Persia. It also coincided with the day Aita would complete his Agoge, and not to mention the fact Deimos was quickly rising up the ranks of the army, heavily observed by many.
"And so we drink to the gods, and the warriors that fought for the country that day," Lord Plestiarchus proclaimed, taking a sip of his wine.
The warriors followed, including Deimos. Soon after, it became a drunken party. After all, Aita's batch of warriors had also just completed the Agoge.
It wasn't long before they had returned – Cleon and his fellow companions, their chief tormentors.
"So, the spawn of Hades is also here," Cleon slurred, clearly in a drunken state. "You do not deserve to be here, you disgrace! You and your brother!"
Aita knew he could not retaliate. Cleon was the son of an Elder, and it would be detrimental if Aita had done anything rash. Deimos, seeing the danger, quickly pulled his brother away.
"Let's leave, Aita," Deimos whispered. "The Gods will repay for their sins soon enough."
Aita bit his lip, but complied. He left with his brother, hoping for this to stop, only for the slurs and insults to worsen. They seemed to follow the pair as they crossed a dark alley.
Suddenly, a voice shouted. "Are you running away, Deimos?! What a coward! Clearly, you did not deserve your position as officer!"
Aita lost it. He turned around, and drew his sword towards Cleon, much to the horror of Deimos. Being called a coward was one of the greatest insults towards a Spartan after all.
"You will pay for that," Aita growled, as darkness started to engulf his form.
"AITA!" Deimos shouted.
At this time, the man knew he had to make a decision to save his little brother.
"My father is an Elder, you will be –"
Cleon never did finish his sentence, as a sword went through him. Except, it wasn't Aita's, looking in horror towards the form of his crouched brother. Instantly, the Spartans acted, and attacked Deimos, who was more than ready to receive them.
Being drunk, the boys were much more predictable, and Deimos took full advantage. With a few, swift strikes with the sword, Deimos quickly killed them. At this moment, Aita dropped his sword.
"Why…" Aita asked desperately.
"Let the Gods judge, Aita," Deimos said kindly. "However, you are too young to stain your blade."
Suddenly, an Elder who heard the ruckus, dashed into the alley where he heard the ruckus. It was Cleon's father, and Deimos look darkened..
"YOU! THE SONS OF HADES! YOU KILLED MY SON!" The Elder screamed.
Afterwards, the sounds of running could be heard, and before they knew it, Aita and Deimos were surrounded by a battalion of soldiers.
"I swear on the River Styx…" Deimos began, "…that I murdered these boys, and my brother had nothing to do with it. I would suggest you leave him be, lest you draw the wrath of Hades."
"BROTHER, YOU CAN'T!" Aita screamed.
"The Gods will judge if what I did was right," Deimos finished, his eyes steeled and full of resolve.
The Elder smirked. "Do not be arrogant, boy. As Elders, we hold the favour of the Gods. Your words mean nothing to us."
Deimos looked down, as if in resignation. Aita looked in anger – how dare his brother surrender like this?!
"Take him away," The Elder said, "and his brother, too."
"No!" Deimos shouted, but the Elder would have none of it.
"Your brother is also responsible for this senseless murder," The old man sneered, "am I right, soldiers?"
Deimos growled at the sheer prejudice the Spartans held for him. He watched as the soldiers ruthlessly kicked Aita down, and chained him. Deimos struggled, but found he couldn't move. The chains were fastened firmly around his arms, and his sword was already confiscated.
With a desperate voice, he pled to his father, Hades, 'Save Aita.'
However, nothing happened. Aita growled as he saw the defeated expression on Deimos' face. He could only lament he had a terrible father, who probably couldn't care less about their current plight. They were being wrongly framed by these cowards, and the bastard wouldn't do a damn thing.
"So much for being a Spartan elder, coward!" Aita screamed. "It's disgraceful how you use your position instead of your mettle to –"
"SILENCE!" The elder shouted, kicking Aita in the temple. "Now, we will bring the both of you to face the council. You will be judged."
Deimos shook his head, and continued praying. Suddenly, the atmosphere seemed darker and heavier, causing the man to finally smirk. The Spartan soldiers decided to throw their insults at his expression, but Deimos didn't care. His prayers were finally being answered.
The sound of large wings could be heard, and it was followed by the descent of three winged creatures, and the Spartans looked in horror.
"The Erinyes!" A soldier shouted, as they got their weapons ready.
Aita was still dazed, but he remembered being taken away by the arm. He regained his bearings, and looked at what was pulling him away. It was a winged creature with a whip tied to its belt. Aita observed his surroundings, only to see Deimos wasn't present.
"Where is brother?! Put me down this instant! I have to –"Aita shouted desperately.
The Erinyes carrying him cut him off. "Silence, boy, did you know how much trouble Lord Hades went through to save your life?"
"W-Who are you? What trouble! He is an Olympian, I doubt he cares about us anyway," Aita bitterly said.
"He has rules of his own to follow, boy. You were the only one he could save. Do not make me drop you back in there," The Erinyes warned. "My name is Alecto."
"But –"
"They will be judged. And I will enjoy judging them," Alecto smiled maliciously, "for dishonouring the line of Lord Hades, an Olympian."
"What..?"
"You cannot return, boy," Alecto said. "That Elder has already rendered you a traitor, and a fugitive of Sparta."
"That can't be true," Aita spluttered.
"It is," Alecto said. "I will take my leave."
Right then, Aita realized what happened. He was exiled from Sparta, and disgraced. His brother had suffered for what Aita should have suffered for.
The demigod couldn't help but kneel in shame, remembering the defeated look his brother had shown. Aita bit his lip, as he laid a hand over his face, doing something he swore not to do, ever since Deimos had lectured him over retaliating.
He wept.
Aita didn't know why he was reliving that particular memory. Perhaps it was the Fates being cruel to him, as Perseus would say. Or perhaps, it was simply the darkness playing in his mind.
Needless to say, he was trapped, and it did not feel like he was moving. Suddenly, the air felt heavier, and Aita slowly looked up. He regretted it instantly – the fact he couldn't see anything was playing on his sanity.
"You have fascinating memories, mortal. To unwittingly slander your brother's name as you did..." A deep, velvet voice rang around his surroundings. "Delicious."
"What are you talking about?!" Aita shouted.
"I am simply talking about the time when you said the Council banished your brother for being accused of cowardice in the battlefield." The voice seemed to be the brink of laughter. "Shame is indeed, a fascinating emotion."
"I didn't –"Aita started to say, before remembering what he said to Perseus. However, he refused to give in. "Who are you?!"
"Keep it down, mortal." The voice sighed. "My name is Nyctos."
(In Tartarus…)
"Mother, I will say it again. I… need your help to purge the poison of Gaea from Apollo," Perseus gritted his teeth, swallowing his pride.
Akhlys seemed to muse over it for a moment – it wasn't every day her son would swallow his pride in such a way. However, she would have none of it.
"And why would I sully my hands with an Olympian?" Akhlys turned up her nose. "Wasn't it you who made it clear you did not need my help? Or was I mistaken?"
"Mother… This is poison –"
"Blessed directly by the strength of Gaea, yes. Do you now know the difference between our power, you arrogant boy?" Akhlys hissed.
"We have no time for this, Akhlys," Perseus growled, clenching his fist. "We need his vision of prophecy."
"Whose fault was it that he rashly went ahead alone?" Akhlys retorted.
The sheer venom in Perseus' eyes could barely be matched by Akhlys' own as their frustrations began to grow.
"Arrogant boy, do you think that you are Lord Chaos? You do not order me about," The Lady of Misery growled.
Perseus, who was blinded by his desperation to save Apollo, lashed out in frustration. Nyx was not present to keep order, being on her duties. Akhlys raised her eyebrow, as she observed the yellow eyes of her son.
"Your hubris will be your downfall, son," Akhlys hissed.
Suddenly, Perseus found himself matched by Akhlys' power. Akhlys tried to make him submit the same way she did when he was but a godling, but Perseus would not allow it. With a roar, the Primordial retaliated with his own power as the whole Pit started to shake under the pressure.
What was once dark turned to pitch-black. Tartarus himself could only be amused as he felt the two powers were shaking his whole pit. However, he kept a close watch on the situation – in case it spiralled out of control.
"I am not as weak as I once was, Mother!" Perseus shouted.
"Perseus, do you think what you are doing now will force me to heal the filthy Olympian?" Akhlys laughed.
Perseus took one look at Apollo, and bit his lip. The god clearly did not have much time left. He took a look towards Akhlys, but the goddess was infuriatingly resolute.
"You left this pit a strong, powerful Primordial," Akhlys said, with a tone of amusement, "Yet, you returned an incompetent immortal too easily swayed by feelings. The immortals in Gaea's domain have corrupted you."
"He needs to be healed, Akhlys," Perseus insisted, "for Destiny to be clear, if nothing else. If Destiny is clouded because of your lack of action, can you imagine the anger of Lady Ananke when she returns?"
Akhlys took her time to think. Perseus chose his words well. It was true Ananke would be less than happy if Destiny was interrupted.
Akhlys could clearly see how important Apollo was to her son, to force him into playing such a bold card – to say nothing of his show of power when she refused. She was still bitter over Perseus' decision to slate her over that traitor – Artemis.
Why couldn't Perseus see she was actually trying to protect him? Wasn't a betrayal enough to convince him of the Olympians' deceit? And here he was, siding with them over his own mother!
Suddenly, a voice spoke in her mind, leaving her in a state of shock. It was a voice she had never heard in millennia. A voice filled with such power, it shook her Primordial soul, the voice of Destiny – Ananke.
"Heal the boy, Daughter of Chaos. Don't judge your son so harshly," Ananke whispered, before she disappeared. Akhlys was in a state of shock, but did not show it.
"What was that?" Perseus asked, feeling something like a passing storm.
Akhlys stayed silent, but she stepped forward, "Very well."
With a quick flick of her arm, she purged the poison from Apollo's body. His pale face seemed to have slightly more colour when Akhlys was done.
"All the boy needs, is rest," Akhlys said. "Now get out of here."
Perseus was still surprised at Akhlys' decision to help them.
"Did you not hear me? GET OUT!" Akhlys screamed.
Perseus opened his mouth, but was cut off by the goddess.
"This will be the last time I will help you, child," Akhlys turned up her nose at Perseus.
When he heard his mother's tone of sheer contempt, Perseus couldn't hold back his feelings anymore. He had withstood his mother's constant insults at him, but not now. Akhlys was basically disregarding him as a son, judging from how she emphasised on the word "child".
"I could not care less about your useless charity, Akhlys," Perseus hissed venomously.
SLAP!
Perseus reached his hand towards his cheek, and turned his head to look at his mother, whose yellow eyes were damp.
"Get out," Akhlys said softly, looking towards Perseus, "please."
Perseus was already too deep into anger to see the hurt in her eyes, and he complied. He did not want to see her face any longer. The young immortal flashed away with Apollo in his arms, leaving Akhlys, slumped on the chair. Besides, he had his questing demigods to worry about this time
"My son…" Akhlys covered her face with both hands and wept.
(Somewhere…)
In his throne, Amauros was almost pleased. He had just received word from his allies in Tartarus that Akhlys and Perseus had a severe disagreement.
Nyctos appeared before him. "The demigod has been captured, Father."
"What of the Voice and the God of Prophecy?" Amauros asked.
"The Voice is dead – I killed her myself. But the God of Prophecy was rescued by his Twin," Nyctos reported. "Why don't we just kill him quickly, Father?"
"You have done well, Nyctos. Our gamble worked. To answer your question, Ananke will act if we do such a drastic act," Amauros said darkly. "If Apollo is healed – which I expect he should – the poison will weaken his mind, rendering him useless as the God of Prophecy. Python was perfect in this role. Olympus is blinded, and their domains tainted. We are tightening our hold."
Nyctos was pleased, but he noticed the gradual change of his father's motivations. While he knew Amauros still wished revenge on Akhlys, he wondered why he wanted to topple the Olympians too. It was completely pointless to take the battle that belonged in Tartarus, towards Olympus.
Nyctos," Amauros said, "keep the Son of Hades alive. That boy is more useful to us alive. We might even finally manage to draw out Perseus from hiding. He has kept us at bay long enough."
"Y-Yes, Father, anything else?" Nyctos asked.
Amauros kept his 'face' trained on Nyctos, before he stood up to leave. Nyctos seemed alarmed by his father's sudden action.
"Where are you going?" Nyctos asked.
"I will need to clarify a few things. I hope that you do not doubt about my actions, Nyctos," Amauros told.
"Where?" Nyctos pressed.
"Don't ask too much questions, son," Amauros' darkness seemed to intensify, laughing, "Calm down, Nyctos – I was simply jesting."
Nyctos let out a breath, while Amauros turned away.
"I am going to Tartarus," Amauros said with a serious tone, "to speak with the consciousness of my father, Lord Erebus. With any luck, Lord Tartarus will not renege on our deal – I paid a high price for this. You know your orders, Nyctos. Prepare yourself, nonetheless. It is likely that Perseus will emerge ahead of schedule. Do not underestimate the son of Despair."
"Yes, Father," Nyctos bowed, and Amauros flashed away in a mass of shadows.
Nyctos looked at the place where his father stood. Although the immortal had his doubts over Amauros' intentions, he knew that he could not question it. Still, he had orders to fulfill.
Flashing away to the cell, Nyctos glared at the defiant eyes of the son of Hades, surprisingly resilient for a mortal. It was of no matter, though – the boy would break soon enough.
"Awaken, Aita," Nyctos said, engulfing the place in darkness.
Damn, long chapter. I certainly didn't expect this when I first wrote it. But no matter. I hope you enjoyed it. I have set the stage for a ton of things in this chapter. It was one hell of a job, I tell ya ;)
I hope you liked it. Do PM me or The Sorrowful Deity if you have any questions. We do listen to your grievances, and will do our best to fix the ones within reason. Full apologies for the slow update - I've been hit with some relative exhaustion and more personal stuff, but it is all settled, and I have my hunger for writing back :)
Ella – Penawar
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