One Last Time - Apollo and Anastasia

One Last Cry

The night fell heavy over the Greek camp, the air thick with the scent of smoke and blood. I returned to my tent, the sounds of the battlefield echoing in my mind—clashes of metal, cries of the wounded, and the haunting silence of the fallen. I collapsed onto my cot, pulling a worn blanket over me, hoping for sleep to wash away the memories.

But the images lingered, uninvited and persistent. Faces of comrades lost flickered in my mind—warriors who had fought bravely beside me, now just shadows on the battlefield. I clenched my fists, fighting back the wave of grief threatening to consume me.

As I closed my eyes, the cries of those I couldn't save haunted me. I tossed and turned, restless in my thoughts, until finally, I felt my eyes closing.

Suddenly, I jolted awake, my heart racing. The tent was dimly lit by the glow of a single torch. I blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of my nightmares, and that's when I saw him—Apollo, standing at the edge of my tent, his golden hair shimmering like sunlight breaking through clouds.

"Apollo," I breathed, a mix of relief and anger flooding my chest. "What are you doing here?"

He stepped closer, his expression earnest. "Ana, I—"

"Don't," I interrupted, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "Don't you dare apologize. You were supposed to protect me. I prayed to you countless times, every time I hoped that you would come."

"I know," he said softly, his voice laced with regret. "But Zeus—"

"Zeus?" I scoffed, bitterness creeping into my tone. "He stopped you? That's your excuse?"

"It's not an excuse. It's the truth," Apollo replied, stepping closer still. "He forbade me from intervening. I wanted to help you, to shield you from the pain, but his command was absolute. I was ready, my arrow ready to shoot. What Poseidon did was terrifying, none of us could've guessed his brutality."

I fell silent, anger mixing with a deep-seated hurt. Inside, I felt the tears I had fought so hard to contain. I wanted to scream, to lash out at him for being powerless when I needed him most. But beneath the rage, there was an ache—an emptiness that longed for his comfort. If I could, I would run towards him and cry, unlike ever. 

"Why didn't you fight back?" I finally whispered, my voice trembling. "You're a god. You could have done something."

"I tried, but my hands were on his command," he said, his eyes earnest. "You don't understand how powerful he is. Every decision I make is weighed against his will. I felt helpless."

I looked away, feeling the tears brim at my lashes. The pain of loss pressed heavily on my heart, and the longing to be held by him surged within me. But pride kept me rooted in my anger.

"Why should I believe you?" I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "You could have found a way."

His gaze softened, and he reached out, but I stepped back, the distance between us a chasm filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. "Please, Anastasia. I came here to explain, not to hurt you further. I hate that you're suffering, and it kills me to see you like this. I did come when I could. I was the one who got you to safety. Please love."

"I don't need your pity," I snapped, though the fight in my voice was fading.

He sighed, frustration mingling with sorrow in his eyes. "It's not pity. It's love. I care for you. I always have."

I froze, his words hanging in the air, heavy and unexpected. My heart raced, torn between anger and the flicker of hope. I wanted to lean into him, to feel the warmth of his embrace, but my pride held me back.

"What do you want from me?" I spoke.

"I want you to forgive me," he said, stepping closer, his voice low and sincere. "I want you to know that I'm here for you, even when I can't protect you. I want to help you heal."

My resolve wavered, the walls I had built around my heart beginning to crumble. I swallowed hard, a lump forming in my throat. "I don't know how."

"Just let me in," he urged, his gaze steady. "Let me show you that you're not alone."

I closed my eyes, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. The weight of everything—the loss, the anger, the longing—crashed over me like a wave. I wanted to cry, to let it all out, but vulnerability felt foreign and frightening.

He stepped even closer, his presence wrapping around me like a warm blanket. I felt my defenses begin to slip, and before I could stop myself, I took a step forward, collapsing against him.

His arms covered me, and for the first time since the battle, I felt safe. I buried my face in his chest, letting the tears flow freely as I clung to him, the warmth of his body easing the ache within me.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, holding me tight. "I'm so sorry."

I shook my head, my voice muffled against his skin. "I don't want to feel this way, Apollo. I don't want to hurt anymore."

"Then let me help you," he whispered. "You can start by telling me about your duel. I saw you fought with Hector."

He tried a smile, as he pulled me down under the sheets, and wrapped his arms around my waist waiting for an answer. He stared at me as I debated as to whether I say that he wanted me.

I finally spoke, "Uh okay. So I was fighting and then he came over and broke my sword. He went and said, that he wanted a duel with me. He'd attacked our ship and killed most of our men, and said he would apologize if he lost." I looked at him who had a frown etched.

"What if he won? What did he want from you?" Apollo asked.

"Me." I whispered. His frown grew larger, as he asked again. "Pardon?"

"Not anything to get mad about." I said first, slowly patting his head. "He wanted me as a prize."

Apollo's body started glowing as he waved his fingers around his body trying to make it stop.  He looked at me and the entrance of the tent with a glare, and hugged me tighter. "I'll deal with that later, I want to hug you right now."

I managed a slight smile, as I turned around facing the walls of the camp rather than him. He nuzzled his face in my hair and asked. "What are you hiding love?" I looked behind and saw his face, and almost sobbed. How could I tell him I was scared of the battle infront of us? I knew I'd fight, but there were chances that the next day I fight, I might get killed right infront of everyone. How could I say how scared I was and questioning whether to use the Aegis best for me or us.

"Nothing."

-don't forget to vote and comment! it really motivates me for the next chapter-