''I can't believe you would so such a thing, like wow, that was brutal.'' Cassios said as he trudged down the dimly lit, musty, hallway of the dark, damp, palace, his heart heavy with sorrow, and surprise towards his boss. His heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces as he whispered, barely audible to himself. His voice cracking and his eyes appeared bloodshot as he walked closer to keep up with the monster who had just committed the most heinous act imaginable. '' I can't believe you actually did it, you kill your own son,'' he said, his voice barely above a whisper. ''How could you be so cruel? It was beyond brutal. I may have wanted to kill him, but you actually performed the act. And you were supposed to be his father. The weight of his disappointment was crushing, and he couldn't stop replaying the horrific events in his mind. The way the blade sliced through flesh like butter was too much to bear. How could anyone be so heartless they'd feel completely stone cold towards just an act of killing their own child?
''Listen closely to what I am about to tell you. You are oblivious to the truth, though it stands right in front of your face, Cassios.'' Vader Scar peered at him through the harsh, heavy - looking mask he wore, his eyes gleaming through it with a malevolent glint. ''I don't understand,'' Cassios replied, his voice dripping with confusion. Cassios felt a chill run down his spine as he realized the true nature of his boss's intentions. The mask obscured his features, yes, but Cassios could sense the malevolent lurking beneath it. He knew he was in grave danger, and that this man was capable of unspeakable horrors. He'd just admitted one. And that was killing Seiya. For a moment, Cassios was just realizing the the deep shit he was in, just as his heart raced as he struggled to keep eye contact with the man.
''Listen closely to me, Cassios. You are painfully oblivious to the truth, even though it stands right in front of your face. Seiya's father perished ages ago, I have simply taken his face. You see, I am not who I appear to be. I am a master of deception, a puppeteer of souls. My motives are shrouded in darkness, and my methods are ruthless. You have been played like a fool, Cassios, and now you will pay the price for your ignorance. Your fate is sealed, and there is no escape from my grasp, now that you work for me. The next is near, and I am the harbinger of you and everyone else's demise. Don't think you can get away from me, Aaron.'' Cassios found himself trembling in fear as he uttered, 'H-H, how do you know that name?'' His eyes widened with terror as he realized that this monster had somehow uncovered his true identity, without him ever divulging the information to anyone before, not even a single soul. it had been tucked away in the deepest recesses of his mind, safe from prying eyes. Or so he thought. But now, this sinister being had unearthed his darkest secret, and Cassios began to realize just how fucked up the situation he was in was.
''Now that we've cleared the air, lead me to Seiya. I yearn to lay my eyes on his lifeless form,'' he hissed. ''It's only fitting that I pay my respects to my own flesh and blood, don't you agree?'' His laughter echoed through the room, sending shivers down Cassios's spine. The man exuded an ominous energy, one Cassios hated, one Cassios couldn't help but wonder who he truly was. A monster? Some sort of demon? An evil spirt from some horror movie? As he passed by him, Cassios felt a coldness settle in his chest, and he knew that the man was certainly far from human. Vander Scar's voice was low, like a menacing growl as he spoke. His eyes boring into Cassios's, as he searched his face for any hit of deception. However he wouldn't find any. ''You did keep the body for me? Right?'' he asked, his voice dripping with malice. Cassios could feel the weight of his gaze upon him, like a predator sizing up its prey. The air around them seemed to grow colder, as if the very atmosphere was trained by Vander Scar's dark intentions. Cassios swallowed nervously, knowing that he was in the presence again of a dangerous, inhumane, man.
''Yes, he replied, I kept the body.''
Cassios followed foot in front of the other, the many ominous markings that appeared etched into the earth, leading him to the prison where the dead bodies were kept. The patterns resembling that of congealed blood, which sent shivers down his spine as he tried to walk quickly past them. The realization that Seiya's lifeless body lay within those walls made his skin crawl with unease. Despite his malicious intentions towards the boy since their initial encounter, the thought of his demise was a fate he never wanted to come to fruition. Bu now, as he approached the prison gates, Cassios couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction at the thought of Seiya's demise. He wasn't sure if it was because it meant he no longer had to deal with the annoying teenage knight, or if it had something to do with the fact he no longer had to feel pity for the boy. With a father like his boss, how could you not feel bad for him?
''Seiya!''
''Seiya!''
''Seiya, please wake up, answer me!''
''What is that?'' Cassios asked, his eyes drawn over his shoulder, just as Vander Scar appeared in his sight. That same dark aura polluting the air around them. The air thickened with malevolent energy, suffocating and corrupting all that it touched as Cassios felt his heart racing in his chest as he realized the true nature of the darkness that now surrounded him. Vander Scar's presence was one of doom, just like he'd stated, a harbinger of darkness, a sign of the impending destruction yet to come. Cassios knew he had to act quickly and get out of there, so as fast as he could. Summoning the last of his strength, he pushed open the massive doors leading to the prison, his eyes fixed on the opening as it slowly revealed the horrors within. The air was thick with the stench of death and decay, and Cassios knew that he had entered a realm of unspeakable evil. ''The foul odor that permeates the air, Aaron, is the unmistakable stench of malevolence. If I were you, I'd retrieve your jaw from the ground before the wandering souls seize the opportunity to infiltrate your being,'' he cackled with a sinister tone, as he sauntered past Cassios, leaving behind a trail of darkness in his wake. The mere sound of his laughter was enough to send shivers down one's spine, for it was the sound that echoed with the essence of wickedness. Beware, for he is the harbinger of doom. and his presence is a sigh of impending darkness, as he'd already said for than once. Cassios thought to himself.
''I am Cassios, not Aaron. Speck not that name,'' he snarled, his voice dripping with venom. The darkness in his eyes seemed to swallow the light, just as his lips curled into a menacing sneer. ''For those who dare to cross me, there will be consequences. Pain and suffering will be their own companions.'' His voice echoed through the empty, hallowed, room. Cassios was not a man to be trifled with, sure Aaron had been a coward, but Cassios wasn't Aaron. And those who dared to challenge him would soon learn the error of their ways.
''Speck as you may, tough guy. Your attitude is pleading, but beware the tone, for we are not equals,'' Vander Scar hissed with a menacing grin. His eyes glinting with darkness past the mark, sinister, as he towered over Cassios's leaning frame. ''You may think yourself strong, but next to me, you are but a mere mortal in my presence. Remember your place, for I am the one who holds the power here. Cross me, and you will suffer. So i warn you to choose your words carefully, or they may just be your last.'' His voice trailed off into a chilling silence, leaving Cassios in a trembling fear as his eyes tried to focus on the surroundings inside the prison rather than the threat in the air.
''Seiya!''
''Seiya, please wake up, we need to get out of here!'' There was the voice again, this time louder.
''Seriously what is that?!'' Cassios snapped, annoyed.
''That my friend, would be the hopeless voice of Sienna Kido. Reincarnation of Athena the goddess of war and wisdom.'' ''Sienna's Kido's voice echoes through the halls, in a mournful melody that chills the bones of those who hear it. Her past life as Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom, how it haunts her every step. Trapped in a mortal body, her soul veterans for the power and knowledge she once possessed. The weight of such a burden, so suffocating, as she lies trapped here, searching for a way to break free. Her voice, stands as a haunting reminder of the tragedy of her existence, as it lingers in the air like a ghostly apparition. Sienna Kido, forever cursed to live as a mortal, haunted by memories of a divine past she can never unleash. It probably also doesn't help that she's forced to stare at the lifeless corpse of the boy who did nothing but try to protect her, tied up next to her..'' Vander Scar was cackling now, his voice booming off the walls, as his laughter increased, as if he had just been told a hilarious joke.
''You goddamn soulless beats! Get the fuck out of my sight!'' Sienna barked, fury contorting her features. If those damn, chains weren't holding her back, she'd tear Vander Scar's throat out with her bare hands. How dare they treat her like some kind of animal to be chained up and paraded around like some trophy? ''Let go of me, you worthless scum! Why don't you just end me now and save me the trouble of dealing with your pathetic existence!'' Sienna roared with fury, her veins pulsing with rage. The sheer injustice of it all made her want to tear the world apart. They would pay for what they had done to her, and Seiya, one way or the another. No one would ever dare to treat her like this again. ''I'll make you regret the day you crossed me. I'll find a way to rectify what you did to him, and when i do, you'll wish you were never born!''
''Are you kidding me?'' Vander Scar bellowed, his face contorted with fury as he loomed over Sienna. ''You think I'm just going to allow you to prance around like your a little princess? I can't wait to see what pathetic excuse for a move you try next,'' His eyes blazed with anger as he sneered down at her. You're nothing but a weakling without your precious knight to protect you, a mere shadow of the god you want to be. I'll crush you like the insect you are before you can even figure out how to use those powers of yours. Face it, without Seiya, and without Athena, you'd be nothing. I'm surprised you even made it this far.'' ''I honestly wasn't expecting my machine to do what it did to you, but it ended up working in my favor, for your boyfriend wouldn't stop obsessing over ways to bring you back. I suppose because of Athena's cosmo inside of you, my machine managed to active it. I suppose what we all saw, was her way of trying to protect her host.'' Vander Scar let out a guttural growl, his eyes blazing with fury as he knelt down to face Sienna. With a sneer on his lips, he gazed into her pale blue eyes, relishing in her fear. But then, something unexpected happened. The chains that had held her captive for so long, came crashing to the ground in a deafening clang. Sienna stared at him in confusion, her eyes wide with disbelief, as she began rubbing her painfully raw wrists. Then Vader Scar let out a chuckle, reveling in the shock on his captive's face. ''Go on,'' he told her. Ain't no way I'm keeping a dead knight and powerless goddess around here. You're lucky I'm even giving you the chance to leave in one piece. So, get the hell outta my sight before I change my mind and turn you into a couple of lifeless statues instead. Move it!'' Then he let out a mocking cackle before storming off, leaving Sienna seething with fury and shame. She rose to her feet, body quivering with anger, as she slowly undid the ropes binding Seiya's corpse to the wall, taking his lifeless body into her chest.
''Seiya,'' she growled through gritted teeth, her eyes blazing with a fiery rage. How dare he treat her with such disrespect. How dare he continue doing what he was doing? The tears started to flow uncontrollably down her cheeks from her red eyes, as she whispered something into Seiya's ear. ''Thank you for trying to protect me.'' Her voice quivered with the weight of her emotions, and her heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces. ''You were always there,'' she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. '"Even when I knew you didn't want to be.'' The words hung heavy in the air, a testament to the love that had once been there. But now, as she stood alone, she realized that it was just a memory. A memory that would haunt her forever, a reminder of what could have been.
''SEIYA!'' Her voice trembled as she cried out with a powerful scream, one powered enough to create a ton of energy. For the surge of power magic began overtaking her, engulfing her in its embrace. She felt her body being consumed by it, burning her muscles and skin, as she felt everything around her become white. It was a painful sensation, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel a twisted pleasure in it. She didn't know what was happening to her, but she didn't want it to end. As she magic consumed her, she realized that she was losing herself, and with it, the love she had for Seiya. As the agony, slowly subsided, Sienna found herself left in hollow emptiness. But then, a she was instantly overcome by a surreal sight that greeted her. A stunning woman, draped in a shroud of white, stood before her. Her hair was a soft shade of lavender, and her eyes were a deep violet, radiating strength and power, as Sienna took her in. She smiled at her with a warmth that thawed the helplessness in her heart as she spoke, with the softest voice Sienna had ever heard.
''Sienna, my dear,'' ''I've been waiting for you for an eternity now.'' Sienna's heart shattered into a million pieces as she realized who she was talking to.
''Athena? Are you the goddess Athena?'' she asked, puzzled.
''That's not all,'' she said. And just as she said that another figure emerged before her.
''Sienna, my love,'' he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. ''How we both have been waiting for you.'' Sienna's heart felt like it was being ripped apart as she looked into his eyes, spotting the pain and longing that had been etched into them for centuries.
''Are you the god Zeus?'' she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper. ''I don't understand, how can you be here?'' She asked, as Zeus simply nodded, just as the tears started streaming down his face. ''I've been waiting for this day for a long long time. And now that is has come, I fear that it may be too late. The world has moved on without us, and because of that we are left to suffer in this enteral loneliness..However, I believe with you and the help of your friends, we can bring the world back. Bring it back to how it used to be. A time before the wars. We gods and goddess don't want war with the humans, as much as they believed we did. It was the humans who wished for war, when they realized we wouldn't share our power with them. Eventually one selfish god and one human decided to team up and try to create a human with god like powers. They were eventually able to overthrow and kill Athena. But what they didn't know was she could be reincarnated. Reincarnated into another body. Yours, Sienna.''
''Does that god and human have anything to do with the harbinger of darkness, this Vander Scar?'' Sienna's vice was hushed, as if afraid to awaken some ancient truth. The air around them seemed to thicken, as if the very universe was holding its breath in anticipation of the answer. The question hung in the air, unanswered, as if the very mention of the name had invoked some forbidden magic. The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint whisper of the wind, carrying with it the secrets of the unknown. ''The harbinger of darkness, Vander Scar, is that selfish god from centuries ago. He's had all this time to perfect his power, most importantly to perfect his plan of chaos. He wants to bring the world to chaos. All of us, gods and mortals. He thrives on destruction.'' Zeus finished.
''But I don't understand, how can I stop the harbinger? I'm all alone. He killed my friend, how do you think I can help earth? Besides, you said it yourself no one believes in gods anymore. They've all given up.'' Sienna said, wavering sadness behind her voice as she dropped her eyes to the ground.
''That couldn't be further from the truth, Sienna.'' Athena spoke up, whispering. As she brought her hand down on Sienna's shoulder. ''They haven't given up, we can feel their hearts. Their are those who still believe, but their afraid to come forward, worried they will stand alone. As for your friend, there is a destiny set in stone for the two of you. There was always a plan for you. A plan hat meant so much more than just being a god or knight. Together, you two can prevail.''
''Oh, Athena,'' Sienna sobbed, her tears breaking into a million pieces along her cheeks. ''How do I get him back?''
''We possess the ability to resurrect him. At deities, we hold this formidable power. But beware, if any of you should perish once more, there shall be no more revival for you,'' she spoke with an icy tone, her words shrouded in enigma. ''I am sorry.''
''One chance is all I need.'' Sienna nodded.
''This worlds need you two more than ever now. You are the light in the darkness, Sienna. You are the hope that we all cling too. Without you, the world will fall into chaos and despair once more, and we may not be able to go back and change it. Please, my dear, don't give up on yourself. You must carry on, for everyone who still believes the world can be fixed.'' Sienna simply nodded, the tears still flowing down her cheeks. She knew what she had to do. She had to keep on fighting, no matter how hard it was. She had to bring the world back, to how it once was. For herself, and for everyone who'd lost their hope. ''Tell me what I must do, and I shall do it with all my might.'' Sienna said.
''We will bring back your knight for you. But first you must take this,'' Sienna gasped at the sight of a powerful - looking sword, its sparkling frame, causing her eyes to glimmer, as she stared at the beautiful sword as if the most majestic thing she'd ever laid her eyes on. ''Behold, Sienna, the weapon of legend. A sword of crystal, crafted with the power of the moon. It's blade, sharp as the fangs of a serpent, glimmers with an thermal light that prices the darkness. The hilt, adorned with an intricate bronze pommel. As for its guard, is it a testament to the skill of its maker. The weapon is not for the faint of heart, however, for it holds within it the power to vanquish even the mightiest of foes. With this sword in hand, one can conquer any challenge that dares to stand in its way. Truly, it is a weapon for a god.'' Athena said, bringing the sword closer to Sienna, slowly sliding it into her palm. ''All you must do now, is accept my cosmo inside of you as truly your own. Accept it, and finally awaken to your full potential. Do not hesitate. For the time is now. Awaken from your slumber and let the cosmo inside you guide you towards your destiny. The universe is waiting for you to take your rightful place among the stars. So, heed the call and accept the cosmo. Accept yourself as the new Athena goddess of war and wisdom.''
''I accept,'' Sienna declared, and just as she said this Athena and Zeus both vanished from her sights. But she didn't freak out, instead she straightened her shoulders and spoke. ''I am Athena, goddess of war and wisdom.'' Her long chestnut locks shimmered as they began to transform before her very eyes. Turning from light chestnut to a deep, regal, violet, violet that matched the intensity in her new eyes. The sword at her side glinted with a fierce, otherworldly light, as if it too recognized the divine power that coursed through her veins. In that moment, Sienna was no longer just a girl unable to control her power - she was a forced to be reckoned with, a full goddess among mortals, with a mission to unleash her wrath upon any who dared to cross her path. Starting with the harbinger of darkness, Vander Scar.
''Sienna..''