The Tales of Darkmore

The Gorgons of the River

Lucian was led much deeper into the woods, the three gorgons leading him onwards. He stretched out his fingers, taking a deep breath.

"There's more moisture in the air this way..." Lucian muttered. Maya turned; an eyebrow raised.

"How do you know so much... No human should have your knowledge or feel what you feel." she queried, looking him up and down as they continued walking.

"I'm not a normal human that's why." he sighed, looking around for signs of anyone else.

"Even so, the knowledge you possess, the power you wield, that would take centuries to master. How and why are you the one with so much power..." Maya pondered, continuing onwards.

"Grief is one hell of a motivator, and I'm a quick learner." he sighed, lowering his head slightly.

"Who did you lose?" she asked, her voice sounding slightly less cold.

"Everyone. I lost my closest friend... and I caused everyone I ever cared about to burn with her..." his voice broke for a second, a teardrop hitting the ground.

"I'm sorry for your loss..." Maya lowered her head slightly.

"I keep going for them. Until I fall, they're still with me." Lucian forced a smile, looking up to see a small village. The houses were made of mud and stone, a river running through the houses. They pushed him forwards, towards one of the bigger houses. They walked through the door, face to face with an older Gorgon, sat in throne. The two that escorted Lucian shoved him to his knees and walked out.

"What have you brought me this time Maya." The gorgon spoke.

"He offers us revenge Mother. He seems to think he can get back at the gods, and he needs our help." Maya answered, bowing her head.

"Disappointing as always Maya. You should've killed him the second he entered our grounds." The Mother snarled.

"He's strong. Just feel his magic Mother. He knows far more than any other mortal." Maya asked, looking at Lucian.

"You don't have much of a right to ask me for anything girl. However, he intrigues me." The Mother closed her eyes, outstretching her hand. Her head twitched slightly, her hand shaking as she felt the power Lucian wielded.

"Do you understand now Mother? This could be our chance..." Maya started but was quickly interrupted by The Mother.

"SILENCE GIRL." she shouted, turning her focus to Lucian. Maya knelt before The Mother, tears streaming down her face. Lucian went to open his mouth but quickly stopped himself.

"You. Why do you seek our help. I mean specifically my people." The Mother glared, her eyes piercing Lucian's soul.

"I knew Medusa was horrifically wronged by the gods. Cursed by Athena and cast out. I know Perseus was sent to kill Medusa. However. I know Perseus couldn't take her life. He hid her away. Medusa then gave birth to children, a son and a daughter. Both possessing a small aspect of their father's powers. And that's why you have your village near the river. You all still have remnants of Poseidon's powers." Lucian smirked, The Mother and Maya looking at him with wonder and confusion.

"Impressive. Now answer my question properly before my patience wears out." The Mother snapped.

"I want the help of the gorgons because you know what it's like to feel hurt. Your entire species is hidden away because of the selfishness of the Gods. Not to mention you are amazing fighters." he answered honestly, Maya looking at the great mother.

"Sending anyone with you would risk the exposure of my people. We could lose everything, sacrifice ourselves on the hope that we stand a chance. What could you lose that's worth that much? What is your sacrifice?" The Mother asked, anger in her voice. Lucian paused for a moment, then stood up, his voice strong and unbreaking.

"Serenity. Warmth, Friendship. Love. I've given up all chance at a peaceful death, I've made my mind an empty space. I share my hopes with ghosts. I wake up every day to a choice I made 10 years ago from which there's only one conclusion: I'm damned for what I do. My rage, my hero-complex, my unwillingness to give up, my eagerness to fight, they've set me on a path from which there is no escape. I yearned to be a saviour against abuse without contemplating the damage it could do, and by the time I looked down, there was no longer anyone left for me to save.

What is... what is my sacrifice? I'm condemned to use the powers of my enemy to defeat them, the same powers that took everything from me. I burn my humanity for someone else's life. I burn my soul, to make a peaceful world that I know I'll never see. No, the rage that started this fight will never have the moment of satisfaction, or an applause, or even be remembered. So, what do I sacrifice?

Everything."