Farewell
'I think its best to leave the past in the past. A prince does not look back: only ahead.' - Bambi
"How long did you think you could keep this charade on for?"
Hades bellowed angrily from his throne. Minos shifted around on his knees, to terrified to speak. How easily had it blown up in his face? Rising his hand, Hades flicked his wrist forcing Minos to remain in his kneeling position. An angry force of power consumed Minos's pathetic excuse for a body. Ripples of terrified, agonizing screams did little to dampen the humiliation, loss even anger Hades felt for so many months. The ground shook, thick soot flew in through eerie shadows; showing horrifying images of screaming skulls. Forming as one above Minos's twitching body, their jaws twisting into broken grins sparks formed within their hollow-less sockets. Hades slowly rose. With an expression better off suited to a statue, he rose his hand, fingers curling itching to bring the final death blow. His eyebrows however rose, waiting in mockery anticipation for Minos to plead his case. (A sly smirk stretched his lips, as if it would have any lasting effect on his judgement)
Minos scrambled onto trembling, bloody knees. Tears dribbling down twitching cheeks, his lips puffed from previous bites in a failed attempt to drown his screams.
"Ple- Please Lor- d Hades.. I... I.. did what I thought was best. Your not human, I.. I.. didn't think you'd care about love!"
For a moment Minos thought he was in the clear, only when the skull gave an angered screech did he understand his mistake. Hands started to flap in distress.
"No you don't understand!"
Hades didn't bother to listen to what-else the sniveling little human wanted to say. Hades however wasn't a being, who could be easily read. To much blood had been spilt on his hands.
"I understand perfectly. Judgement you see is something that despite your earlier actions, has given you a third eye into others... So for that, I won't kill you but neither shall I grant you freedom from my domain. Instead, you shall be trapped here forever, as one of the three judges for passing souls." - Pausing for just a moment, he lent forward: his noes almost crushing Minos's. - "This is really going to hurt."
Cracking his fingers, the skull once more took on disturbing grin. Faster than Arion's hooves it dived towards Minos, entering his gawping mouth. It swirled like a wriggling eel deeper inside Minos, its sharp teeth snapping, tearing away at anything which made him King Minos: Power, fear even his character. Hades wouldn't leave anything to chance. Eyes grew dark as he lowered his head, watching with vague amusement as Minos thrived on the ground kicking his legs, ripping at his chest: just like a child trying to get away from a painful punishment. Turning his back slowly, retracing grand steps Hades took his rightful place back on the throne. Fingernails dug harshly within artistic arms, an amused smirk turned into a scornful scowl. Below, twitching and twisting Minos's body started to change.
A once soulless coloured being, began to turn darker than coal; pure white chilton turned deep violet, bloodied hair became slicked back - comically whiter than terror.
Laying still, heart racing chest heaving, Minos gazed up at the ceiling. Nothing left his body. Pain vibrated through him like the oxygen he breathed. All he could hear, over the dull hum was Hades. His new lord.
"Welcome Minos, the third judge of the dead.. Show him the ropes, there is something I need to tend to."
He was trapped. Beside him, a second being began to chuckle gravely; Aiakos stepped out from the side lines. Looking down towards Minos, his healed form almost glowing with pride to finally see the lowest scum on his back like a kicked over turtle.
"Well, lets get started, we have all of eternity no point getting behind."
Tightening the girth a third time, Persephone gently patted Arion's golden neck whispering a quite word of 'good boy' before turning towards Melione who brought a limping Asterion towards them. He hadn't been beaten, nor tortured by Hades hand. In fact the whole ordeal had been rather quick: Hades had allowed them both to speak, not that it'd been easy, to many times Persephone had squeezed his wrist to calm his firery spirit. Of course she was by no means any saint during the ordeal, but she knew what it was like to love someone others shunned.
Greeting Melione with a gentle smile, she stood aside after Asterion was on board safely, Charon's sarcastic yet fearful muttering enough to rest their own unease. They were doing this behind Hades back, neither truly knowing how he would react.
"I won't let Charon get in trouble for this. If anything comes back, I'll take full responsibility."
"You know despite everything, you really should give your father more credit. He just might surprise you..."
Persephone tilted her head, smiling softly as Melione scoffed under her breath. Giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze Persephone gave the silent figure behind Melione a reassuring smile before turning muttering about something to do with Hecate and learning how to brew new healing remedies.
"You won't get very far like that..."
His voice sounded different; tired, strained. Never the less, her body tense, hands curled ready for a fight, Melione turned. The sight that greeted her, matched whispered words.
Sunken eyes, hollowed cheek bones, parched lips (at least his clothing still created an awe of power) Hades lord of the dead, was starting to look like his residents. Both father and daughter stood, staring at one another, neither wanting to be the first to make a move. Even as her eyes continued to flicker, Melione began to walk forward. Tears pricking her eyes, threatening to fall. A walk soon turned into a jog followed by a sudden leap. Wrapping her arms around Hades neck, quickly burrowing her flushed face into the crook of his neck. Comically her feet swayed above the ground. For a few seconds Hades stood stunned; his daughters warmth and racing heart had long since become a distant memory. Melione didn't let go, though her brow started to crease in concern.
Peering under a shadowed hood, a sleep filled gaze twinkled with amusement. "Hug her you fool..." Astreion quietly chocked; Even Arion snorted in agreement.
'o' shaped lips gawped a couple of times, as his brain tried to process what was happening his arms were already starting to move. Curling firmly around Melione's middle, keeping her elevated, his cheek rested on top of her head. Everything around them seemed to slow down. Inhaling her fathers scent, feeling his warmth, hearing that little voice promising her over and over again that everything would be alright returned. Burying her noes into his greying hair, Melione whispered softly.
"I love you father..."
Hades wasn't known for weeping over sentimental words, but not even his pride prevented the tears from falling. Eyes closed tightly, he pulled Melione tightly almost afraid that she would suddenly vanish from his very grip.
"Charon, please help this young gentleman down. I think its time he returned home."
A smile a young daughter has only for a father, curled Melione's lips as she tightened her hold, heart leaping with joy at her fathers words.
Charon bowed, mumbling a silent 'as you wish my lord' before stepping upon the shore. Trotting by his side, Hecate's dog - the young mutt had taken a liking to the boat master. Reaching Arion's side, Charon stretched his hands resting one upon Asterion's lower back and the second on his middle. It was a bit of a stretch, but Charon didn't even grimace.
"Come on now young lad, help an old man out.."
Flinching, Asterion twisted himself side saddle. Lanky arms stretched to rest upon Charon's shoulders, his body tense afraid that if he was to rest it would harm the boat master. Ever so slowly, he started to slide from the saddle, gnawing on his lower lip in over thought concentration. A faint growl, snapped Asterion to attention. Guilt festered within his gut like a plague. Apologies made of stutters slipped from bruised lips. Charon however ignored them all, as he looked towards Asterion with an arched brow. Behind them Melione covered her mouth to stifle any childish giggles.
"I might be old, but you can stop with the over dramatic caution. Now get your hind down from this beasts back."
Giving her fathers hand a gentle squeeze, Melione gracefully stepped out from his arms standing instead by Charon's side, aiding the boat master in taking Asterion down. As the young lovers meet, Charon dared a glance over his shoulder arching a brow towards Hades who in return nodded his head slowly: He too had seen and knew that look, but it only made his heart twist more painfully.
"Steady, steady..."
Hushing, Asterion's pained whimpers as they eased him into Charon's rocking boat, Melione stood towards the side, eyes ever watchful. Gently taking Charon's wrist, his palm opened willingly, two black seeds no bigger than ants fell lazily.
"Pomegranate seeds, my fathers key. You'll both need them."
Though Charon, was a master of the underworld waters, never before had he tried to take anyone out of the forbidding gates. The current beneath the boat was already starting to grow restless, its thick waves shifting around hungry for innocent souls; almost how everyone imagined the first sign of Typhoon re-awakening. Though Charon trusted Melione's judgement, there was still a small pebble of fear resting in the back of his mind. Placing one of the seeds underneath his tongue, Charon's eyes closed tightly, lips became pursed as if sucking a lemon. Rejecting his natural gag reflexes, Charon allowed the seed to dissolve. Its bitter taste, made him long for a goblet of nectar. Cheeks lightly blushed, catching a muffled chuckle from Melione.
"I should've warned you, about their fowl taste..."
Charon simply arched a brow. As his body shuddered, he turned grimacing a little before guiltily forcing the same fate upon Asterion. The young prince, had no doubt tasted many foul things, but this was something a little more unique. Much like the boat master before him, Asterion's body tried to fight back, Charon however remained kneeled just long enough to make sure nothing to important was spat back out. Setting a pout more suited for a toddler, Asterion pushed himself further into the blankets, eyes harder than coal. Charon, rolled his eyes followed by a snort, mumbling something about 'un- grateful living souls' Flashing Charon a smile of thanks, as he stepped to the side, suddenly finding his boat oar much more interesting.
"Your.. Your not coming are you?"
Asterion choked, a slight pout still clear on his lips. Melione smiled gently, giving his hand a gentle squeeze eyes glistening with tears she refused to fall.
"I am. I'll be watching you from the river bank, this first journey you must do alone. Don't ask me why, this maybe my home but even I don't fully understand it yet..."
Melione softly chuckled her cheeks glowing as Asterion joined in briefly. Brushing his hair aside, allowing her to look more deeply into his eyes, Melione planted his forehead with a gentle kiss before slowly rising. Asterion watched Melione and Charon, he felt pathetic, nothing more than a fifth leg. Shaking himself mentally as Charon wondered over, he peered up towards the boat master, lifting his body slightly thinking it would help as the boat was pushed back into the darkened river (Asterion could've sworn he saw a pair of angry eyes glaring at him from below)
"Come on now lad, lets just hope these foul seeds work. Oh and remember, don't spit them out They could be the only thing keeping you alive; at least lets hope Archeron is in a good mood, there's no guaranty this will work..."
'Well... That certainly settles my weak bones...' Asterion thought to himself as he laid back down, listening to the sound of the waves gently rocking the boat towards freedom. Or so he hoped...
Half an hour passed peacefully. At one point Asterion managed to drift off, though unfourntley as was the way of the Underworld he was jolted rudely awake.
Just as Charon feared, River Acheron fought back. Despite their passage of clearance, Underworld rivers found it hard to obey rules which bent the old. With teeth gritted and sweat causing his cloak to stick like a second skin, Charon cursed none to gently under his breath as he pushed the boat hard through furious waves.
"Come on you piece of junk! Fuck"
Roaring over the waves, Charon rose his arm blocking his face from liquid coloured water. Just as he lowered his arm, he slammed his oar into a boulder, pushing the boat violently to the left. Wood splattered as the boat creaked. Small damage; luckily not enough to sink them. At least not yet. Looking down briefly between his feet, Charon's features remained stern, but his eyes betrayed him. Asterion, he could do nothing but turn, curling tighter as each toss of the waves made his stomach flip dangerously. Melione's words prevented him from relieving himself, at least until they were past the gates. Crouching down suddenly, Charon's body shielding Asterion from a particularly large wave, which sent them hurtling toards the Underworlds roof: whoever said, there was only one way of getting out? Crying out in agony, Charon fell harshly onto Asterion's chest, knocking the wind out of both of them. Staring in terror, at Charon's blood soaked robe Asterion didn't have time to come up with a logical plan. Beneath them, Acheron heaved back its wild wave; almost as if from its own amusement, Archeron allowed the boat to hover for a second before it came crashing back down.
Ignoring every vibe in his body, Asterion pushed Charon none to gently from his sickly body. Despite being underground, the Underworld its self didn't play by physical law. It changed shape, even scenery at its own will. Whatever short distance sent both boat riders up had now extended, causing their fall to far more greater. Asterion clung on for dear life, as he extended Charon's boat oar, hoping he could steer the boat away from collusion and ultimately keep them afloat. Eyes weeping, lips curled tight. His blood began to burn, veins pulsed against his flesh as if threatening to burst. He wasn't going to die, not this close to regaining his freedom.
Running along the river bank, heart in her mouth Melione raced beside Acheron's ruthless waves. Only when they were thrown into the air, did she stop. Eyes bulged in terror.
"No!"
Screaming like an Amazon warrior, she ran into the rivers thrashing waves, hands pulsing with magic. Acheron however was having none of it. Waves began to swirl and bubble around Melione's ankles, becoming thicker almost like tar. Every move became harder. They snapped into the rivers underbelly, a second wave formed into a hand sprung out, grabbing Melione around her middle. Quicker than Medussa's snakes, they coiled binding her arms smothering any punishing magic. Acheron was no fool, he knew who was trying to protect those fools: no water made its way into anything to important least it choke and he suffered Hades wrath.
"Asterion!"
Turning his head, Asterion saw Melione fighting against Acheron's waves. They consumed her, leaving only her mouth and eyes free; mocking him.
"N'ahhh!"
Letting out an angered cry more familiar in his beast body, a blackened cloud poured from his roaring jaws. The waves yanked themselves back in shock, some rippled giving the illusion of cowering. It dived within Acheron's waves, turning left then right; forming into an unknown beast with powerful jaws that bit at Melione's restraints. From above it all that could be seen was churning water; like the mouth of a rabid dog. Gigantic claws rose, grabbing hold of Charon's boat causing its occupants to lurch forward. Asterion almost laughed with joy, as they were settled gently back down. However as his eyes settled on Melione he couldn't stop himself from gasping. Standing beside Melione, nuzzling her throat was him. The old version; Minotaur. It lightly snorted, shuddered in both pleasure and happiness as Melione stroked the back of its neck. Her own body was shaking from fear, but also cold. Tears trickled slowly down her face, as she turned to look towards Asterion smiling softly. Gently tugging on the Minatour's shadowed ear, it turned none to willingly. Colourless eyes starred bitterly towards Asterion, as it dragged its hooves through calm water.
For a terrifying moment, Asterion feared his old self would strike him down, despite a brief burst of adrenaline there was no way in his weakened state, he would be able to fend himself from that... However it seemed that fate decided to take a different turn. Instead of skewering him on one of its all to familiar horns, it stepped straight into him. Dissolving back into his veins. Looking down at himself in fear, expecting to see coarse fur growing over pale flesh. Instead Melione's hand lightly gripped hold of his wrist, dragging him back into reality.
"He won't hurt you. When you turned back into your human form, a part of the Minotaur remained inside of you. Use it wisely."
Nodding shakily, Melione turned towards Charon quickly seeing to his wounds. Lowering himself back down, body shivering he did perk up when he heard Charon groan, followed by a confused query on what happened.
For a little while Melione drove the boat under Charon's shaky guidance. There they all spoke, Melione mainly assuring Astreion that the Minotaur wouldn't rear his head unless he called him.
"Sometimes magic will actually listen to you.. Sometimes."
Flashing a wink, Charon laughed. It took a moment for Asterion to catch on, but after the stressful events he couldn't help but laugh.
"Come and sit, my bones may be turning brittle but I won't have the future Queen doing to much hard labor."
Nodding gently, Melione took a sit beside Asterion. With her heart in her throat, she snuggled up against his side wrapping an arm around his middle. She didn't say anything as Charon deliberately slowed down their ride.
There's never an easy moment allowing your loved one to leave you. Despite Archeron's calm, Cerberus's bowed head; he did however watch Asterion very carefully and Melione sat beside Asterion stroking his knuckles gently. Their journey together felt so short. Menacing gates creaked spiked ends dripped with water as the river bed seemed to almost sigh in relief. Charon paused, face hidden beneath his hood in a bid to give the young couple some form of privacy: He would later deny the tears pricking each eye.
"Well, I best not hold either of you up anymore. Crete is waiting for its rightful king."
The more rebellious part of Melione wanted to curse Crete, maybe even persuade Asterion to stay. Hecate knew many potions, maybe there was one similar to her mothers they could use? She knew of course it would never work. Goddess's and mortal men weren't meant to publicly claim their love, everyone remembered what a mess Aphrodite had gotten herself into. Asterion seemed to have the same thoughts, as he turned grasping hold of her wrist; his body briefly tensed at Cerberus's warning growl. Melione rose her hand easily hushing all three heads. Looking up into her eyes, he was taken back to the night he first laid eyes on her. There was fear, but it wasn't aimed at him. The countless nights she woke him from nightmares, never once fleeing from his pit or turning her noes up at him when he devoured on sacrifices. She saw past the beast.
"Come with me, they'll love you at Crete your everything they need. Everything... I need.."
Melione felt her heart being torn in two places. Every vibe in her body, screamed at her to take his offer; how close would she ever get to being with him again? Before her heart ruled her head, she tearfully shook her head. A thin smile stretched her lips, as she lent forward, stopping any babble of pleads with a soft, gentle kiss. Pulling back slowly, her head resting against his beating heart she wiped away her tears which fell upon his pale cheeks; this world was slowly sucking away what little strength he had left. They had to hurry. Brows creased, eyelashes damp with tears Melione swallowed down a sob as Asterion shakily rose his hand cupping her cheek gently, as if she was made of glass.
"They need you more than they need me."
Seeing his face darken, Melione closed her eyes and carefully removed her hand from his breast.
"I'll always be with you..."
Slowly re-opening her eyes, she watched as black mist covered Asterion, Charon and finally the boat. Covering her mouth, muffling any sobs which forced themselves up her throat. Cerberus's pitiful whimper, followed by his wet noes softly nuzzling her lower back allowed the flood gates to open. Watching through watery eyes as the chain wheel began to slowly turn, the gate groaning in protest before the river bed shuddered almost as if in pain. He really was gone, only this time he wasn't coming back. Lowering her hand, resting partly against Cerberus's middle head as her legs trembled suddenly finding her slim figure to much to carry, Melione whispered into the darkness, her words carried away by the remaining black mist before anyone within the Underworld heard them.
On Crete's sea shore
The first thing that Asterion noticed was blazing heat, followed by a blinding white light. Everything around him buzzed with life, even his weakened body started to feel lighter. Carefully opening his eyes, he turned his head hearing a mixture of confused but also joyful cheers. Teeth gritted, Asterion tried to rise only to cry out in pain; it seemed his trip back hadn't healed perfectly. Laying back down heavily, he finally allowed his tears to roll down his face. Melione was gone... No one knew an entrance, speaking of such a place was shunned upon.
"Your Highness!"
Cheers from rescuing soldiers did little to brighten Atserion's bleak mood. He should've been grateful, even joyous to finally be back home. Ruler. A king. It didn't feel right.
Their hands, despite being hardened by years of training, gently hoisted their new king from the ground, to be carried bridle style, was by no means anyone's idea of getting Asterion home; though when do you expect to find your wounded leader washed up on a beach? Asterion felt no shame, his body far to weak to fight back. Turning his head slowly, hiding away in a strangers shoulder he finally began to weep. The young solider who carried him, didn't even grimace. Instead he took the liberty of gently tugging, the make shift blanket tighter around him, though he paused when he noticed a small glint on Asterion's chest.
"Your Highness, if I'm not over stepping my boundaries, what is that?"
Forcing himself to turn his head, Asterion looked with a creased, angered brow at what the solider was mentioning. For a split second his heart stopped. Raising a shaky hand his fingers lightly grazed over the perfectly sculpted stone, not a dent or scratch could be felt. Picking it up with care, he brought it closer to his face examining it with narrowed eyes. Only his reflection starred back.
"Its nothing just-"
'I love you Asterion. With all of my heart.'
Instead of causing more tears to flow, they stopped. What had already fallen began to dry on his flushed cheeks. A tired smile stretched his lips, as his fingers curled around the precious object. In front of them, Crete's magnificent caste was growing higher. More men ran towards them, this time they brought proper equipment for carrying their wounded leader. Asterion though couldn't bring it in himself to care.
"A gift from a true friend..."
The solider didn't push any further, though he knew there was something Asterion was keeping, he wouldn't be the first ruler to keep secrets. Reaching their greeting party, Asterion winced as he was settled down onto the makeshift bed. Keeping the heart close to his chest, his eyes closed against the blazing sun. Loud footsteps, shouts from market crowds. All perfect distractions. Bowing his head, trembling lips brushing against the precious stone he finally whispered the words he'd been to afraid to say.
"I love you too, my beautiful Melione..."
He whispered, his words already drowned out by celebration cheers, and orders. Some part of him felt foolish, while another held onto some glimmer of hope, that somehow she heard his words. If he bothered to look over his shoulder, he would've noticed two figures dressed in black watching. One of them smiling tearfully, as she waved goodbye, before they turned into nothing more than passing shadows.
The End.. ?
Well there you have it. I know some scenes seemed short, but I really wanted to get this story finished. Please leave a review.
- Signed The Broken Ghost