Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 53

From a distance, a vague figure begins walking towards us. I soon realize it's a Pegasus.

???

"ZELUS?"

"I'm here," he tries sitting up, and I help him. He leans against the wall, holding his head for a moment before witnessing Medusa's head before us.

"I did that?" His eyes were surprised and confused.

I nod in agreement.

I used my powers to lift the bag the nymphs gave us and placed her head in it, sealing it with a forcefield where her powers couldn't escape.

"I don't understand," he shakes his head as if trying to calm a headache. "I have no memory of this."

"I was there," I place my hands on his as I share the reality I wanted him to see. "You used your father's sword. You thrust it towards her without realizing her tail had shoved you in the back, hitting your head."

The part comes where the sword decapitated her. It was also when I came in, assuming that he had failed, as I saw him lying unconscious. Her headless body nearly fell into the firepit until she caught my wing. She was too heavy that her talons ripped it off my back, falling to her doom.

His eyes shoot open, and the flashback stops by force. He stares at my broken wing, jaw hanging and voice stuttering.

"Your wings!" he got behind me.

I swallow the sob clogging my throat, a reminder that I've lost my wing and can never tell him the truth.

"It's alright," I said. "Before flying, I've lived like a mortal. And now, I'll do the same. Just this time, I'll never fly again."

"I'm so sorry," he encloses his arms around me from behind. "I was right. I shouldn't have let you follow me. No matter how much I wanted you to."

"I made that decision. It's my responsibility. And now, I bear the consequences," the first tear leaks down my eyes and onto his arm.

...

"Let's go home."

"Wait," he stands with his sword, eying the halls. "We're not alone."

Rocks rumble from a distance, and the sound of a creature rampaging catches our attention.

"Who's there?" Perseus demands.

From a distance, a vague figure begins walking towards us. I soon realize it's a Pegasus. His black coat glistens as he walks. His long, luscious mane drapes to its side, covering his left eye. His muscular shoulder gleamed with every movement forward.

"A Pegasus?" I questioned where the magnificent creature came from.

"Medusa's child," Perseus sheathes his sword. "Born from her blood."

He walks past Perseus and approaches me. He stops at my back, observing my broken wing. His brown eyes, deep like water, then look at me with strength and compassion, as though he knows I feel nothing but pain right now. His left wing spreads open and rests on mine, lightly bowing.

"What is he doing?"

"Giving his condolences to your wing," Perseus walks to his side, gently stroking his shoulder. "Pegasus could feel the pain of others. Most believe they would rescue those in immense pain, offering them a lift home. In this case, it's you."

He bows down, motioning us to get on his back. I place my hand on his forehead and run my hand all the way down his nose. His warm breath relieved the cold from my hands.

I flick myself on his back, and then Perseus. The Pegasus then begins to walk in the direction leading out of the cave. As he gets closer, his wings open as he picks up his speed. He leaps off the mountain's edge and into the sky. I turn to see the island vanishing from our sight.

I lost something on that island, and I guess that's okay.

After all, everything ends at some point.