It was an unexpected turn of events that led to Mithos possessing Kratos' body instead of Colette. The fusion of the angelic being with the formidable warrior created an unusual amalgamation of strength and mischief.
Kratos found himself in an internal battle, his consciousness trapped within his own body as Mithos took control. Despite his attempts to regain dominance, he could only watch as Mithos began his plan to teach him a lesson for what he perceived as betrayal.
"You think you can use me and toss me aside, Kratos?" Mithos' voice resonated through Kratos' lips, laced with both anger and amusement. "Time to see how you like being on the other side of manipulation."
Kratos struggled, his voice a mere whisper in his own mind. "This is not your fight, Mithos. Release me."
"Oh, but it is my fight," Mithos chuckled. "You and your constant betrayal, always looking out for yourself. It's time you learned a bit of humility."
The first lesson began in the most mundane of places: a bustling marketplace in Meltokio. Kratos, known for his stoic and serious demeanor, suddenly found himself compelled to engage in behaviors completely out of character. Mithos, with a smirk plastered on Kratos' face, sauntered through the stalls, picking up various trinkets and loudly haggling with the vendors.
"Twenty gald for this fine piece of craftsmanship? Surely you jest!" Mithos bellowed, holding up a small, intricately carved wooden bird.
The vendor, an elderly man with a bushy white beard, looked bewildered. "But sir, it's worth at least fifty—"
"Twenty, and not a gald more!" Mithos insisted, slamming the gald on the table and snatching the bird.
Kratos internally groaned, feeling the embarrassment radiate through his every fiber. "You're making a fool of me," he protested within his mind.
"Exactly," Mithos responded gleefully. "Consider this payback for your betrayals."
The next lesson took place in the grand halls of the Meltokio Castle. Mithos, still in control, had arranged for Kratos to attend a formal banquet. Kratos had always detested such events, preferring the solitude of his thoughts or the thrill of battle. Yet here he was, or rather, his body was, mingling with nobles and dignitaries.
"Ah, Kratos, how splendid to see you!" exclaimed a noblewoman adorned in a gown of emerald silk. "Do share your thoughts on the recent political developments."
Mithos, enjoying the spectacle, made Kratos' face twist into a mischievous grin. "Ah, my thoughts? They are simple," he said, raising a goblet of wine. "More wine, less politics!"
The hall erupted in laughter, though Kratos could feel the sting of his reputation being tarnished. Inside, he seethed, but Mithos merely laughed it off, taking another gulp of the fine vintage.
"You'll thank me later," Mithos quipped internally. "Perhaps this will teach you not to double-cross those who consider you an ally."
Days turned into weeks, and the pranks continued. Mithos made Kratos perform in public squares, dance with villagers during festivals, and even participate in a cooking contest, which resulted in a kitchen catastrophe that had everyone in stitches. Each humiliation was carefully crafted, each more elaborate and embarrassing than the last.
But amidst the chaos, something strange began to happen. Kratos, initially mortified by Mithos' antics, started to see the humor in the situations. The stoic warrior, known for his stern demeanor, found himself internally chuckling at the absurdity of it all.
One evening, as Mithos made Kratos juggle flaming torches in the town square, Kratos couldn't help but laugh. His booming laughter echoed in his mind, startling Mithos.
"You're laughing?" Mithos asked, incredulous. "I thought you'd be furious!"
Kratos' mental voice was steady, with a hint of genuine amusement. "Perhaps I needed this. To see the lighter side of life, to understand that not everything needs to be so serious."
Mithos paused, caught off guard. "This wasn't the reaction I expected."
"Maybe you're teaching me more than just humility," Kratos admitted. "Maybe you're teaching me to embrace life in its entirety, the good and the bad, the serious and the silly."
The admission seemed to diffuse some of the animosity Mithos held. For a moment, the internal struggle ceased, and an understanding passed between them. Mithos slowly relinquished control, allowing Kratos to regain dominance over his body.
As Kratos stood in the town square, torches still in hand, he felt a strange sense of peace wash over him. He placed the torches down and addressed the crowd with a genuine smile. "Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, we need to embrace the chaos."
The townspeople cheered, unaware of the internal battle that had taken place. Mithos' voice lingered in Kratos' mind, softer now, almost contemplative. "Perhaps I've learned something too," he mused.
Kratos nodded inwardly. "We all have our lessons to learn. Even gods and angels."