Kronos (Book Two)

Falling In Place

Elysium

Jars shatter as arrows plunge through them but magically restore themselves to normal. 

"Nice to see that you haven't lost your touch", Chiron tells Heracles.

"I will never forget your lessons. Teacher, I'm sorry for what happened to you", before shattering another jar.

The centaur readies an arrow and fires it. "It's not your fault, my student."

Heracles prepares an arrow but lowers his bow to stop.  "If I told you about the hydra's poison, you wouldn't be here."

Chiron lowers his bow. "I don't blame you for what happened. I lived a great life. I trained many people who later became great heroes. That's the dream of any good master: seeing their students surpass them. Look at me, Heracles."

He listens and looks up.

"I'm glad you surpassed me. You faced your fears and won. That's the biggest sign of strength that very few have."

The student and teacher embrace with tears falling down to the grass. The demigod sniffles and steps back.


An idea comes to his mind. "Teacher, would you like to be brought back to life?"

"No", without a hint of hesitation.

"But why not? You can keep training more heroes or maybe even be a grandpa to my sons."

"I do love your family, but it was about time for me to move on. I accomplished all my life goals and I lived with few regrets. I'm staying here so please respect that."

"I understand."

"Besides, my other students are here to keep me company. So don't worry."

"That's good to hear. Thanks for everything."

The demigod bows to him and packs his bow to leave.

"One final lesson."

Heracles stops in his tracks and turns his head.

"Don't lose sight of what's important. You will know what that means."

The demigod nods before returning to his family's home.


Chiron trots off and picks up a spear to spar with a student. "Ready?"

The bandaged left heel pushes back against the ground. Their spears clash repeatedly.

Heracles sees his family upon entering the door. He lifts his sons and wife up into a warm bear hug.

"Are you leaving?", Therimachus asks him with sadness.

"I am, but we will be reunited soon. It won't be too long. Continue to listen to your mother."

"We will!", Ophites asserts.

"We will be waiting", before Megara kisses him on the cheek. 

He puts them down and kisses them on the cheek. Megara hands him his Nemean armor and he throws it on. He goes out to leave, but he bumps into a woman with green hair. The woman catches herself on the railing.

"I am so sorry", he apologizes.

Something about her seems familiar to him. She feels the same way despite the fear of the Nemean armor. Megara introduces them.

"Honey, this is my friend, Medusa. Medusa, this is my husband, Heracles."

He stares at her. No snakes or anything resembling a Gorgon. She's completely human.


"H-Hello. You must be surprised to see me down here. Oh, are you leaving right now? Let me get out of your way", she speaks quickly.