Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 51

"I clipped your wings, little bird."

???

I WOULDN'T EXACTLY CALL THIS a fair fight, but like he said, the devil never plays fair.

I dodged a venom spit from the vipers of her hair and got in the air, chasing after my powers bolting further every time I got closer. My wings were heavy on my back but strong enough to lift me, though I could only go so fast.

Medusa gained advanced speed from Dolus. She can slither on the walls and pounce high as though she could fly. The blade of her arrows had missed my body but left many cuts, weakening my strength even further.

I felt the cold sting of the arrow blade on my ankle. Blood streaks down as a loud cry exert from my lungs. Regardless of the pain, I remain in the air, reaching for my powers as time is of the essence.

My powers halt at the center of the hall. I started flying in circles to get her off my tail, and as she got dizzy, I thrust my foot at the back of her head, causing her to slam against the wall, shattering it. When the coast was clear, I aimed for my powers, only to have them scattered once again. My feathers were falling off even more, and I losing my flight every second.

My powers levitate in the firepits. I attempt to reach it, but the heat is too intense that it burns my arm. It was an inch away from my grasp. I bear the burn as I call on them. Tears formed in my eyes as I screamed my frustrations out, but it didn't help. Then, I felt my powers aligning with my emotions.

As my powers return to my body, an unbearable pain strikes on my back. My body was thrown against the wall, causing the remaining's of the cave to rain over me, cracking a few ribs in the process. I've felt pain before, many times, in every aspect, but nothing compared to this. I felt so weak that I had to crawl my way out. Medusa was already waiting for me outside the ruins. I avert my eyes, and that's when I realize the cause of my pain.

"I clipped your wings, little bird," she drops my right wing before me. Paralyzed with fear, I witness the separation before me. I flapped my left wing, but it barely responded. It wasn't long before blood puddled below me. "Literally."

"Ouch!" Dolus yells sarcastically. "That's going to leave a mark!"

My visions blur to the intense pain that's occupying my body. I force my chin to where my wing is. The feathers had transformed into hundreds of golden blades, indicating that it was now powerless.

"Oh, did I forget to mention that she can easily rip your wings off?" He cackles as he appears in front of me, pulling my hair up to meet his eyes. "Oops, I am not sorry."

He releases me and walks over to the pile of blades. He crouches in front of them and picks one between his fingers, studying it with a malicious smile.

"Such a magnificent creature you are, Jonathan," he says, tossing the blade back into the pile. "I outdid myself with you compared to my previous victim. She was a mere mortal who hanged herself on the second day of her new life. It seems like she couldn't handle pressure."

My visions turn red as the blood from my forehead oozes down into my eyes. I manage to see Medusa slithering towards him, bowing her head.

"Should I finish him, Master?" Her talons flex.

"He's all yours, baby," he stands up and caresses her chin. "Make daddy proud, and I'll give you a reward."

And with that, he disappears.

I leaned against the wall, at my weakest, that I couldn't even move my fingers. I watch Medusa as she approaches me. I avoid her eyes, but I know she's looking directly into mine. My body felt the worst pain of my life, and now, I'm numb.

I feel nothing.

Is this what it feels like before death takes over?

"I'm sorry, mom... dad... everyone," I whimper. "I'm sorry for being a fucked-up child, I'm sorry for troubling you guys, I'm sorry for always being the cause of disaster."

"I'll be sure to write them down on your will, honey," she teases.

"I'm sorry for existing."

"Finish him!" Dolus commands.

And the last thing I saw was Medusa speeding toward me. I closed my eyes and prepared for the worse, only to have my hand reach the back of my tunic. I had no control of my body as I drew out the sword given by Zeus. My legs instantly jump aside and dodge her attack. And with an instant swift, her body freezes. I watch as her head falls off her neck and tumbles down. The headless body twitches and turns about, clawing itself. Her blood pooled on the ground before dragging itself into the firepit. The larva hissed, and the body was incinerated.

Feeling relieved, I fell to my side. The sword fell out of my hand and unsheathed itself, and once again, the pain returned.

I wanted to know what happened and how did I kill Medusa. I wanted to know so much as I had many questions running through my mind, despite the pain I was feeling.

"Jon."

And right then, I knew everything.

Alex. His spirit crouches in front of me, tracing my face with his fingers. I wish I could actually feel his touch. He smiles at me and vanishes.

"I love you," I heard his voice echoing in my mind, tears streamed down my cheeks, and I found myself smiling.

"Thank you."

...

Though Medusa herself isn't aware of what she's done to you, on this day, unknown day, month or year, I have avenged you, Alex. Carry on to the afterlife. As of now, your soul will remain at peace.

I hope fate will allow us to cross paths again someday.