Shamed. Mutilated - Tarturas.
'Is this you being the hero, and killing the beast?'
His body still burnt. Eyes blood shot. A quivering mess from the once, over powering, obsessed king of Crete. Minos stood trembling, watching spirits drift effortlessly, some clutching precious coins to their chest. Always so watchful. Even in death robbery was still feared. It seemed almost comical considering, real danger stood poised just a few feet behind them. With three snarling, drooling heads. A sense of dread and foreboding washed over Minos. Everyone knew, that to cross the river, you needed a coin. For once, none loitered his smoldering clothes. There was only one thing for it. Thievery.
Picking a victim wasn't hard. Those who weren't rocking like confused children along Styx's river bank, walked in some sort of trance. It wasn't all surprising. The only light source was a small trickle between Cerberus's hind quarters, and half light wooden flames.
Truth be told, walking wasn't painful. Despite obvious wounds, they served more as a nuisance than weakness. Creeping across soot coloured sand, Minos's creepy eyes laid upon a small child. No older than nine. Its hollow, albino flesh with coal black eyes, chapped lips and frail body didn't leave much to reason of death. Thinking about touching such a diseased creature, would've made Minos vomit in disgust. Now however, he looked upon it like a starving wolf drooling over a fly, flea infested corpse. Pouncing upon the child, wrapping his arms tightly around its waist, poising his body as ready for a strike, the child barley moved. Shrugging off his prey's lack of struggle, Minos ripped a single coin from the boys limp grip. It didn't matter to Minos, that the coin was placed by its mother. All that mattered was boarding Charon's boat. A few shades/spirits turned their heads. Hollow gazes focused upon him. Shifting. A hungry growl escaped one. Much like Minos, it didn't bare a coin. Shuffling across the black sand, its withered remaining form quivering. It reached towards Minos, mouth agape in a hideously shaped roar. But Minos didn't even flinch. As it rose its hand ready to strike, Minos moved swiftly towards Charon who waited patiently for others to board his boat. Swiping his hand, the older shade scratched across Minos's back. Hideous wounds should've appeared, along with fallen burnt flesh. Instead, the shades hand simply cut through Minos like two shadows joining. It fell upon its knees, hissing, roaring in outrage. While Minos, merrily skipped, coin dangling proudly between his fingertips. Upon closer inspection, upon the fallen shade its clothing was not from the same time as Minos's. They were older. Baggy. Simple. This was a shade from the Titan era. A forgotten soul.
If the old man noticed, any heart wrenching crime, he spoke no word of it. Instead, uncoiling his hand, watching with sunken eyes as Minos dropped a simple coin upon his palm. He welcomed the fallen king, by pushing the boat away expecting him to follow swiftly. Luckily, Minos was in no mood to be dragged down to Styx's watery underbelly.
Perched on a splintered wooden seat, keeping as far from the water, which reminded Minos of a thousand arms just waiting to drag someone away from their judgement. Every so often, Minos could've sworn he saw a cheeky wink. Just maybe some saw this as an easier escape, than having their past life being retold. Looking away, in fear that such sights would render him hysterical, Minos gazed towards Charon who remained silent through out their journey. Despite his aging features, it was clear that beneath his crimson cloak, lay a healthy body. Who else could push such a boat through living water?
It felt like they'd been traveling for hours. With each push of Charon's oar, Minos's stomach churned. Guilt. Fear. Though he would defend his honor, for he was king, this wasn't his throne. What would Lord Hades bring out from his darkened past? Peering over his charcoal coloured shoulder, Minos saw the robbed boy standing on the sands uneven edge. Twisting himself around, gripping on Charon's boat, Minos watching in a mixture of horror and dark humor as the boy stepped forward. Styx's current slithered up the youth's leg. Not once did Minos witness a struggle. Both moved silently. Blackened eyes flickered shut as the boys body moved further. A faint gasp passed dehydrated lips, before a wave in the shape of a rotten arm came over his head pulling him under. No bubbles broke the surface. Falling back within the boat, Minos only just released that he was gasping for breath. Though no oxygen could be sort, he didn't panic. For within death, breath was useless.
Charon watched silently. He to had seen the boys demise. There was nothing he could do, nor should've such an act been allowed. Ever since Melione's disappearance, things had been left to rot. A sad grin stretched Charon's mouth. It was a poor pun even for him. Hearing Minos speak, Charon broke his gaze to stare down at the king, strewn upon his back gazing up at the slow moving rock formation ceiling.
"I always thought, it was either your way or dodging the terrible trio"
"It is. Those who willingly plunge, will be dragged out. Don't doubt my ruler"
Instead of becoming silent, Minos let out a sickening chuckle. Rolling over onto his side, hiding within Charon's boat shadow, Minos's body rocked in time with the waves.
"I never said I would. I look forward to meeting him."
Curling a hairy upper lip in disgust, Charon looked away. Land was gaining closer. A few shadowed creatures, seemed to hop around. Silver drool hanging from their long snouts. They knew who his boat rider was. Charon didn't doubt their ability to get Minos to Hades feet, what worried him was how Minos would slip out of punishment. It turned out that Charon, had great reason to fear such an outcome...
Present Time
Hidden away like a dirty secret. No excited whispers of a celebration feast. Melione trembled like a dying mouse upon tangled sheets. What ever logical sense her father once had, now remained covered in shadows. His once powerful voice, able to paint pictures without aid of magic, caused her dried sobs to turn into sickening heaves. She had no time to speak with him. Her mother ushered her straight past the throne room. Couldn't she understand, the amount of fear striking through her body like one of Zeus's thunderbolts? Asterion wasn't a monster. But if what Persephone whispered to her through chattering teeth, it would take a miracle for Hades to turn the other cheek.
Rolling slowly upon her left side, Melione's tears hung on the tip of her noes. Head perfectly cushioned within the crook of her arm. Everything smelt of him. She refused to change, after her mother returned with clothing; a hideous look of guilt written across her face. Persephone had been less than thrilled. Even when Melione held her breath, preparing her sharp tongue for a battle of wits, there was a small glint within Persephone's eyes. Understanding; Not just from a mothers intuition but something deeper. No words were yelled. Instead Persephone simply lay a freshly scented garment at the end of Melione's bed. If Melione looked close enough she would've noticed something hidden within the fabric. Instead she'd stared so hotly and accusingly almost as if she expected to find Asterion to crawl out of Persephone's skull. Unharmed. Grinning awkwardly to accommodate his muzzle. No such thing happened.
'What has father done with him? Why have you shut me away? When can I see him?'
Melione could've repeated the questions until she was blue in the face. All Persephone did was linger, staring first towards her feet then back to Melione. When she first found her daughter, seen her shaking, sobbing like a heart broken widow. Of course she ran to her. Held her so tightly, terrified that it was another cruel trick. Stepping towards her daughters bed with caution, as if she expected her to flee like a new born lamb. Persephone perched on the edge of the thick bed, head bowed hoping to hide away her emotions. But, Melione was her fathers daughter. Nothing could be hidden from them.
"Your ... Your father sent him to Tartarus."
Persephone could feel the air growing thick with hatred. Rising a hand sharply, preventing any curses, or angry pleas being shouted, she finally rose her head looking Melione in the eye.
"Minos played a huge part in it. Melione. You must understand, your father was stricken with grief after you were taken from us. We both were."
Melione said nothing; it wasn't because of her mothers hand. Instead she slowly rose up, stretching her hand to stroke the clothing which lay across the back of the chair. Fighting back angry tears, not wanting to weep in front of her mother, she turned sharply eyes narrowed.
"Tell me, everything."
A few moments earlier
Minos was by no means welcomed with open arms. A silent fog of fear surrounded the powerful lord of the dead. For a split second, Minos was tempted to fall at Hades feet. It sickened him. This god was able to do what took the death of his son, for him to complete. Instead of hearing a deathly whisper of words, a more disturbing sound of flapping came from thick shadows. A creature with the body of a malnourished bird, but facial features resembling a withered old hag, flew ungracefully to perch just below Hades bent knee. Minos was sure he heard bones cracking beneath oil coloured wings. It starred down at Minos like he was no more than a fat worm. Hades said nothing. Instead, dragging his fingers through a mixture of oily hair and feathers, he carefully took a small scroll from its withered mouth. There were no golden words, spelling Minos's name in brilliance. Only ashes.
Peering over her husbands shoulder, Persephone felt bile burn her throat. Inhumane acts, seemed to almost mock the readers. All that went through Persephone's mind was Melione. Their precious daughter lost in this mad mans view of justice. What little colour was left within her husbands eyes, soon became lost. He didn't conjure up ashes, soot; not even fire.
"Hades..."
Rising his hand, silencing Persephone, Hades produced a fake 'awe' of calm. But Persephone knew better. The bident to his right almost seemed to grow; like a loyal hound. Minos's tongue. His vile, slippery serpent tongue, sung songs. Praises. Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes. Hades however remained just as still. Never moving. Turning her almost fearful gaze back towards Minos, she saw the gleam glowing around his shadowed form. He truly thought, he was winning over Hades. Clouding his judgement. Persephone barely swallowed down an inappropriate laugh. Taking a cautious step forward, Minos lathered his lips. Persephone's palm turned into a fist, as his amused gaze focused on her. How she wished she could claw out his eyes. Waving his ash coloured hand, Minos licked his lips followed by a quick swallow, so as not to stutter when he pleaded his case. Like a snake changing its skin.
"My lord. I come to you, to please see mercy upon my humble form. The man who will soon follow me, is not to be trusted. It is him, who took your daughter. Terrified her for weeks on end. Through my bravery I managed to save her. I wanted to bring her to you. To reunite you both.."
Persephone's eyes narrowed in hatred. Surely he could hear himself speak. Persephone was no fool, she'd heard the threat which had been placed on his head, by a young woman wearing an ebony necklace. This pathetic excuse of a man was the true monster. Still though he continued to speak, describing himself as a true hero. How many poor murdered souls had been brought to them, driven here by his hand. 'Don't listen to him Hades. Send him away, he's the real monster.' Persephone began to mentally plead, as she glanced towards Hades who sat stiller than a statue. Almost as if he could read her thoughts, Hades spoke in a deep whispered tone.
"Persephone, see to Melione."
Looking up in shock, hands gripping hold of the thrones arm rests to prevent her body from trembling.
"Hades...?"
Turning towards her, eyes shadowed, mouth in a fixed in a narrow line. He repeated himself more forcefully. Persephone continued to look at him in astonishment.
"Please.."
No one else would've noticed the change in tone, or the small twinkle within his eye. Despite endless hours of torture, from being separated from their daughter, the wool hadn't been pulled over his eyes. But there was something else, something which made Persephone fear for the outcome. Letting out a shaky breath, Persephone nodded her head before slowly rising from her throne. The two judges who stood to the side, also rose in respect. Sparing a less than pleased glance towards Minos, she noticed his lack of respect. 'If only I could throw you into the lava's river.' Descending down the stairs, head held high, Persephone left the throne room.
Back in Melione's room
"I don't know what else they spoke of. But from what I heard of Minos, I can't say its anything pleasant."
Stretching out her hand, Persephone moved aside the fabric of clothing, exposing a smooth surface. Melione pushed herself up slightly, brow creased.
"Is that..."
"A hand mirror. Yes. Only this one isn't for doing your hair."
Handing the mirror over, Melione took with care, looking up with bewilderment towards her mother, who's response was an understanding smile.
"Say his name."
Narrowing her eyes, looking down at her own angered expression Melione wanted to throw it across the room. How was this supposed to make anything better? Persephone however was persistent. Letting out an annoyed sigh, her fingers tightening around the edge, Melione finally whispered the name which only a few hours ago had caused her heart to slice in two.
"Asterion."
For a second nothing happened, then a blue mist began to swirl within the mirror, as it faded it showed the terrifying image of Tartarus. The image began to move sharply, ignoring wailing souls even Tantalus who still couldn't reach the engorged apple hanging mockingly above his head. Finally it came to a stop. The image became slightly blurred as it tried to make out the person, wondering around. A pale hand slipped out from beneath the cloak, dragging its self across scratch covered walls. Melione's eyes narrowed as she looked closer. This couldn't be Asterion. Where was his fur, horns even his muzzle... Persephone who had moved herself to the other side of the room, standing by the bedroom door, cleared her throat, forcing Melione's eyes to roll up.
"It is him Melione. Your heart surely knows this. I can't take you to him, but there is someone who can."
Before Melione could question what her mother was up to, Persephone opened the door smoothly, revealing one of the judges.
"Aiakos..."
He bowed in greeting, a neutral expression on his aging lips. There was no small talk between the trio.
"Princess, my Queen. We must leave now, I'm afraid things are starting to take a turn for the worst."
Rising swiftly from her bed, not failing to miss the guilty expression which clouded her mothers features. Melione opened her mouth to demand an explanation, but Aiakos stood between them.
"I'm sorry but there is no time. If you want to free him, we must go. Now!"
It wasn't a pleasant departure, Melione barely said two words to her mother, furious that her take on the story of what happened in the throne room was a lie. Persephone walked with them towards the stables, where a golden horse with an ebony mane, legs and muzzle stood waiting for Melione. If this was any other adventure, Melione would've grinned from ear to ear. Arion was his name, a birthday present from her uncle. Instead she mounted swiftly without so much of a smile. Persephone and Aiakos shared a quick word, before the judge turned towards her. Melione wasn't sure, but she thought she saw disappointment in his eyes. Was it aimed towards her? She didn't care. Her mother deserved what she got.
"Be careful..."
Persephone whispered, as Aiakos joined Persephone's side, and they walked down the path towards the blackened gates of Tartarus.
As Aiakos led them through, Melione barely noticed the guards standing within the endless shadows surrounding, Tartarus's gaping mouth. Only their weapons could be seen glinting, like brave stars beneath a full moon. Keeping her head down on Aiakos's orders, they slipped through without any trouble. As the gates closed behind them, Melione had to gain control over her breathing. Despite her both right, those who wondered within these walls, lacked the better sense of judgement and care for such labels. Melione owed Aiakos her life. As her fathers most trusted judge, he was putting his life on the line, all for a man he didn't even know. In-bedding her hands deeper into her steeds ebony mane, fingers already feeling sore and blistered. The air around them had long since lost the familiar scent of home.
Aiakos led her through over grown paths, Melione didn't linger long enough to find out what sort of roots were scattered across the stones. On more than one occasion, Melione dismounted. It took both herself and Aiakos to convince Astrion's nimble hooves to climb further rough terrain. Melione's back ached. Aiakos however never complained. He always kept two steps ahead, ever watchful for anything less charming than her fathers loyal guard dog. Oh, how she wished they could've brought Cerberus with them. Just as Melione mounted Astrion, an uneasy shiver trickled down her spine. Looking around sharply causing Astrion to lazily spoke to the side, Melione realised she had every right to be concerned. Blood red eyes peered through cracks, around stones. Even above their quivering heads. One was brave enough to peer out of the darkest shadow. Melione leaned across Astrion's neck, keeping a firmer hold of his reins in case he bolted. Melione couldn't be sure but she swore she saw the head change shape, from a jackal to a hound and then... Aiakos placed a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder, pulling her back into the saddle. As she looked down at him, he kept his eyes forward. His face an expressionless mask.
"Don't look at them. They'll penetrate you with false fear, blinding you from what is really important."
Taking hold of the reins, Aiakos tugged Astrion on sharply, forcing them away. Melione tugged at her hood, not trusting herself not to look back. Despite Aiakos's warning, when she had looked at those eyes it almost felt as if they were pulling towards them. Giving them her every wish she desired. She resented and admired Aiakos at that moment. They walked on for another half an hour, before Melione finally had control of Astrion.
Their shadows stretched across the south walls. A lava stream, bubbled and growled beside them. There was no friendly boat driver to be found here. Licking her lips nervously, Melione quickly bowed her head. A few unfortunate inhabitants were wondering around, their faces shallow, eyes filled with so much anger and hate. Even Aiakos placed himself closer to her side, trying to conceal himself. Just how many people how he judged to be sent down to these pits? Shuddering at such a thought, Melione held her breath until the last shadow finally passed them.
They walked no more than a good half hour, before they all stumbled violently. Pebbles began to quiver. Boulders rolled rapidly down the rock face. A hot wave of air, blew back Melione's hood, revealing her face to the dark inhabitants of Tarturas. Almost as if she was hypnotized, Meione watched as the mountain seemed to almost be yawning. Beneath her, Arion danced on the spot, snorting fearfully. Only when it was to late did Melione realize the danger they were in. Slowly stepping out of the mouth, their heads ducked, bodies wrapped in ebony chiltons, Melione couldn't make them out. They stood in a line, like silent soldiers. Holding her ground, eyeing them up each individually. What were they? A very soft hissing noise echoed from beneath their hoods. Tightening her grip on the reins, Melione began to grow tense.
"Daughter of Hades, guider of the dead. You are far from safety. We know of what you seek, but... we've grown to admire your fallen hero. You will not take him away from us."
A coal coloured hand slipped out, fingers curled around the hood as it slowly revealed its face. Instead of a pair of eyes looking back towards Melione and her steed, thirty of them glared angrily. Their scales glowed. Small piercing fangs dripping in venom. Melione's face turned to ash in terror. Aiakos stepped back, only to suddenly bellow.
"Oh my god... Run!"
Spinning around sharply, once, twice, three times before finally bolting away, echoes of slaughter followed them in their terrified pursuit. Melione didn't dare turn to see what happened. For a moment it seemed like they would get away, but despite Arion's terrific speed, the creatures easily caught up with them just as fast. Blood shining off of their withered face. Circling the charging pair, as if they were nothing more tan remains left from a vicious kill, they dived left then right, forcing Melione deeper and further away from her preferred path.
Dragging its hulking frame through clumps of earth, (once roaring waves of lava) Melione rose within her saddle, trying in vain to take weight off of its back.
"Faster, Arion! You must run faster!"
Above them, three furies screeched and cackled. Their long talons stretched out, deliberately missing their terrified target. Spooking to the right, Arion reared in terror, as one fury swooped in front of its heaving jaws. Leathery wings flapped, an ear bleeding cry escaping its feminine mouth. Pulling harshly on the reins, sitting deep within her saddle, as her legs wrapped fearfully around Arion's quivering rib cage, Melione held on.
"Back up! Back up! Back up!"
Screaming over their insane cackles from above, Melione managed to spin herself around. Once more the pair charged. This time however there was no clear sense of direction. Meione's voice no longer spoke with firm calm. Both horse and rider, now galloped in blinded fear. Above them, the furies no longer played cruel games. This time they swooped in to close, talons slicing through Melione's back, her hands; even her eyes. With eyes closed tightly, Melione extended her hand, sending out a powerful blast. The unsuspecting fury who became caught, went hurting through the air. Though terrifying, its body easily became impaled on one of the gates spikes. Watching as their sister wriggled in agony, the furies eyes turned speckled yellow in hatred. Hissing like angered snakes, they dived in for the kill. Despite her best efforts none of Melione's blasts fended them off.
Laughter, painful howls. All mixed horrifyingly beautifully. Their talons slipped far to smoothly into Arion's hind quarters. Tearing through muscle, gripping onto bone, they heaved the bucking stallion up into the air.
"Let us go!"
They snapped at Melione's arms, preventing her from defending herself. After dodging every blast, Melione boldly let go of her reins, instead grasping a handful of spitting snakes. Their scales easily sliced open her palms, those who were free bit down upon her knuckles, attacking her nerves with poison. Blinking back the white flashes of pain, Melione twisted the snakes head, inwardly smirking as the furies screamed in pain. Still though they held on. Arion attempted to kick, but his hooves kicked nothing but air. Yelling in anger, Melione yanked at the snakes head. Hard. A stomach churning 'Snap!' muffled the yells of pain. Three snake heads continued to wriggle wildly. Without their bodies it was an amusing sight. Such a joyful feeling was soon short lived. In her pain, the fury let go of Arion causing them to plummet; the second fury still attached didn't seem to understand the danger that it was in, as its arms flapped while screeching in distress.
"Oh do shut up..."
Gasping in shock, the fury looked down in confusion towards her stomach. A gaping hole almost winked back at her. Snapping her gaze back towards Melione, she nor her snakes, didn't have time to spit out any defense as Melione easily sliced off her legs before punching her. Arion's neigh of terror snapped her out of any gloating. Extending both arms, their bodies jolted sharply in the air. A protective cocoon of ebony shadow surrounded them. Arion comically turned his head, eyes unblinking in wonder. Despite her angry tears, Melione couldn't hold back her half hearted laugh. Lessening her hold n the shadow a fraction, her breath slowly escaping, they both began to lower slowly towards the ground. Frantically she looked around, hoping for any sign of Aiakos to know that he was alright. To have survived an attack from three furies was rare, but he was a judge. Surely there was a chance...
"Aiakos! Aiakos can you hear me?!"
It was stupid, of course she knew that, but simple minded hope was hard to silence. As Arion landed on the ground, he broke out into a sharp trot ears flicking every which way. Was he looking for Aiakos to? No. He refused to listen to her kicks and tugs, instead he focused on going a different path. Melione wanted to beat him, they had to find the judge. Who knew what else lay lurking, waiting for him. For the first time in a long time, Melione longed for her father. Only he could chase away the bad thoughts and terrible nightmares. Just a whisper or a flick of his hand. Closing her eyes tightly, gripping onto whatever shred of sanity she had left buried within her heaving breast. Swallowing thickly, before gazing around their bleak surroundings, Melione nodded slowly.
"Alright boy, lets go find him. We must find him."
Like two thieves, they crept with a cloud of dread hanging over their heads. How many nights had she spent doing the same thing, in the labyrinth? The only difference was; this time she wasn't trying to hide from the beast. Clicking her tongue sharply, Arion broke into a smooth canter, his hooves almost seemed to be dancing across the strange ground, as if afraid it would awaken something below them. A few strange creatures staggered past them, some human others... Melione didn't want to find out. They never gave them any trouble. Maybe it was their bloody wounds, tear stained face or lack of a judge that kept them safe. For now.
Guilt, despair. Ugly feelings began to swim within Melione's conscious. Despite Arion's best efforts, she could feel him weakening beneath her. Melione attempted to dismount on several occasions but he'd hear none of it.
"At least your hind quarters are healed you stubborn mule.."
Melione muttered good-humouredly, giving him a pat on the neck despite his playful buck. Chuckling softly, a soft moan grasped her attention. Turning sharply, almost expecting to see the wounded judge stumbling towards them, instead it felt like someone had winded her. Tears sprung, her heart clenched painfully, as her stomach flipped sharply. Slowly descending from the saddle, keeping the reins in a lose hand, Melione starred in amazement, but also pity.
Nothing reminded her of the beast who staggered towards her with blood stained horns, spoiled fur and scarred arms. Nothing, expect his eyes. Despite the madness and rage her heart still raced uncontrollably for him.
'Beast... No, Asterion.'
The words repeated themselves over and over. They still didn't sound real. He sat, well more crouched along the edge of anther stream staring so intently into his harsh waves, as if it'd taken away his mind, leaving nothing more than a fleshy cocoon. His arms were wrapped firmly around his middle, gripping hold of the small linen cloth, giving himself some form of dignity. Despite their history, Melione stepped forward with caution. Arion snorted in concern, only to silence himself as Melione placed a reassuring hand upon his muzzle, whispering words of another language to sooth his protective streak. (A gift she was granted from her uncle) Hands trembling both from the wounds and her nerves. She was terrified that if she looked away he would suddenly vanish before her eyes. Isn't that how it was portrayed in scrolls of this same scenario?
When she stood no more than a foot behind his hunched form, Melione slowly stretched out her palm. Her fingers barely touched his hair when he suddenly spun around. Upper lip curled, causing saliva to dribble down his chin; canine teeth on display. Shoulders heaved upwards and hands curled into a fist. Of course Melione jumped back in surprise, but she didn't back down. Ever so slowly, she lowered herself into a crouching position, her hand remained out stretched but this time she cupped his cheek. Brushing away hours of dirt tenderly, as if afraid that he would suddenly break into a million pieces. But he didn't. Instead he looked back. His eyes filled with so much confusion, but also fear. Did he remember her? Melione's eyes wandered over his body, checking for any signs of damage. Only a few scrapes and bumps.
"Oh my Beast, my Asterion..."
Tears shone within his eyes. His arms slowly lowered and shoulders became relaxed. Melione wanted to squeal with joy; he recognized her. There reunion was short lived however. Just as Arion came charging towards them, not to harm but to get them out of the way another spine tingling sound was hard. Women's screams. Melione's blood ran cold as she turned around sharply, looking towards the demon black steeds pulling a large chariot. Its wheels layered with spikes, with skulls carved onto the front; all their expressions horrified. Melione moved herself to the side shielding Asterion as best as she could, while Arion stood his ground, ears pinned and teeth bared as the chariot came to a stumbling halt. There was only one person Melione was pleased to see. Aiakos. Despite his healing wounds, he was alive.
"Daughter..."
Forcing her gaze away, Melione looked towards the eyes of her father. For a moment she saw the man, who could make anything better, who let her ride on his shoulders when she was younger. All to quickly it vanished. Holding onto his bident tightly, he glared not at her but at the figure who was cowering behind her.
"If you want him, you have to take me to."
Melione spoke quickly, preventing any orders from being given out. Despite her wounds, her hands became alight with fire and ash. They swirled almost menacingly. Her hair took on a shade darker. Despite this new look, she was terrified of the out come. There was no way she would be able to defend Asterion and herself against her fathers power. Feeling his eyes wandering over her like a piece of meat, Melione angrily blinked back her tears and held her breath. His next words however, did little to comfort her.
"So be it."
Until next time everyone.
- Signed The Broken Ghost