I sensed Cain before I was able to see him. He wasn't alone either and so I left my eyes closed, kept my breathing as steady as I could; listening to what was going on around me. Nieve was shouting something, yet she sounded far away, maybe not where we were. Not much else was really happening, so while I didn't have to, I avoided the reality that awaited me. 

"She is an immortal now, who knows what Alfie will do if he tries to heal her." Apollo sounded tired, and hearing his voice,  I risked sneaking a peek.  We weren't on the battle field anymore that was obvious, and moving my fingers slightly, I felt the soft fabric of bedding. 

I was on bed, not dead, and Alfie was here. All these things earned big ticks as far I was concerned.

"Alright. Alfie, you're up. Cover her in spit, we'll get a funnel and get it down her throat. What ever you gotta do." Cain sounded pretty happy about all of that, but I wasn't.

Tensing my left, then my right arm, my body obeyed so with another tick joining the list of things going right, I coughed. Once, twice - opening my eyes, to slowly blink and look around a little better. Alfie's face was the first thing I saw, followed by Annipe's who were pushed aside by Apollo. He looked, normal. No bruises, no cuts or swelling. His smile was a touch too bright, and there was something about the look in his eyes that made my stomach do funny things I didn't appreciate. 

"Rise and shine Bunny!" He chirped and looking away, Cain sat on a chair beside the bed smirking.

"You knew I was awake?"

"Oh yeah. Saw your light return about an hour or so ago. Figured you had enough beauty sleep for now."

"What happened?" Sitting up, my side still hurt and I was too scared to look at it. Dropping back down, I regretted waking, yet Apollo was instantly there to help, gently moving me so I had a mountain worth of pillows at my back to lean on.

"Long version or short version?" Cain asked.

"Short."

"Killed Cronus. He fixed you up. Here we are a week later." He looked at his hands, inspecting a finger nail before glancing my way. Well, that was that then.

"I'm going to need the long version."

"Cain broke through the wall Cronus put up, and he was too busy fighting you to realise. If you hadn't gotten stabbed when you did, you would have seen him be beheaded and been okay." Apollo told me.

"Right. Next time I'll try to avoid the being pummeled part."

"Well, let's aim for their not being a next time." He grinned. "The spikes weren't solid gold. They had flakes of gold covering them instead, and some of these came off in you when your rib broke and got into your lungs. It was bad, Bunny. Real bad..."

"I'd have been able to follow dear old great grandpa to the Otherside?"

Apollo frowned at that. "Yeah. Pretty much, but I got it all out."

"You're probably hungry. I'll be back shortly with lunch." Cain got up and disappeared, taking Alfie and Annipe with him, so Apollo and I were alone. Again I could hear Nieve yelling and looking at Apollo he only shrugged.

"So is it the same deal as before? No Alfie spit, slow healing and a new scar to add to the collection?"

"Take a look." He suggested.

"I really don't think I want to."

"Trust me." 

Reluctantly I lifted the edge of my tank top up and then higher until it practically all rolled up under my arm. "There isn't anything there."

"I told you one of my traits is healing." Apollo practically boasted. "Cain can do what all of us can do. He only needs to see us do something once, and the ability is his too. Last time, he knew what to do because I'd shown him, but while he is able to do it all, he isn't always as strong as we are."

"That's why I got the scar and had to heal naturally." Plus, that had taken a lot out of him too. He'd vanished for days recovering after that and yet Apollo looked as though he could go another twenty rounds with Zeus.

"Exactly. I told you before I'd never been more thankful of him than that night, but here, as me, it wouldn't have mattered how you were hurt. I would have fixed it." He took my hand and kissed my knuckles. "The stiffness will wear off on its own. The pain is just left over in your mind, an after thought. You think you should be sore because of what happened."

"Thank you." I leaned over and wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him close. I didn't know what else to say, feeling ashamed for actually considering the easy way out. Worse than that though, this, now was breaking my heart. "Thank you, for bringing me back."

"Always."

He held me as tightly as I was holding him, and keeping my head tucked into his shoulder, it would be so easy to stay like this. I was one of them, an immortal. We could stay here, help Cain sort out his realm. Alfie and Annipe could go home, look after my family. I wasn't sure about what was happening right now, what would happen for us in the future. Trying to make myself see something, anything, was pointless. So much for super Fate powers.

Apollo ended up moving so he was on the bed, and I was leaning into him instead of the pillows. It was so familiar, yet different. I wanted it to last. I wanted to go back to how things had been with us and yet, the part of me that had been running to that door, now told me there was no going back. It's what made me want to give up, but for as broken as that Elise was; the rest would keep going. There wasn't any other choice.

The sound of something smashing got my attention, followed by Nieve's yelling as she was still carrying on. 

"What is her problem? Oh shit, Adala didn't die or anything did she?"

"No, we're all good. Cain's take over was rather, smooth.  She ah, wants to take you away. Training or something. Cain said no, we all say no."

"Right. The Fate thing." That was all going to have to be sorted out too. If only there was a way to strip someone of their- "Oh my god!" 

"What?" Apollo let me go as I half rolled, half fell off the bed. 

"I know what to do!" I started of at a run before zapping myself into the living area. Apollo was right behind me, and I paused at the sight of the food being brought in and left on the dining table. The smell of roast chicken had my mouth watering and ignoring the looks from Nieve, Adala and Artemis, I headed over.

"You are looking well!" Artemis exclaimed as she came to stand at my side. "Hungry?"

"Starved." I let her hug me, still slowly moving to the table. Alfie and Annipe were already hovering, and a girl who didn't look much older than I was stood between them with bottles of cola. "You're kidding me."

"They deserve it. They to fought well, Hunter." Cain mused from behind me.

"You tell that to the vet when they diagnose him with diabetes!" Imaging a plate, I clearly still had some powers and started to load up. "So, I hear we won?"

"Yes, so now we shall go-" Nieve started.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about that." I cut her off and took a seat on one of the lounge chairs. Portia came in then and the relief on her face made me smile. "Ah, just the person I wanted to see!"

All eyes turned to her and Apollo came to stand behind my chair. "What are you plotting?"

"Nieve, let's face it. I'm not Fate material. We all know I only agreed because well, I didn't really have a choice at the time. Did I Cain?" I shook the chicken leg in his direction as a sea of blank faces looked back at me. "So, what about Portia. She comes qualified, you know being an Oracle and all."

"You were chosen. You were joined-" Adala began to talk, yet stopped. Even Nieve finally stopped her mumbling.

I saw it as they saw it, the play by play of me joining them; standing together on the battlefield. Only then as the trio stood before Cain, who sat on what had once been Zeus's throne, the hoods all fell back to reveal Nieve, Adala and Portia.

"No!" Nieve gasped, looking around dazed as I rubbed my eyes and Adala flopped down into the chair closest to her. "How is that possible? Only death ensures another can take their place. The powers are-"

"I did die. Saw a dead ancestor and everything." I told her unhelpfully. The poor old lady looked like she was about to have a stroke. "This is chicken right?"

Cain nodded. "What exactly are you saying?"

"Really? You didn't just- okay. So, I don't want to be the Maiden. These, powers have served their purpose. I want to go home, I want to be me again. I vote Portia to take my place and well, what has been seen can not be unseen, right Nieve?"

Portia came closer. "Elise, just because you don't want this gift, doesn't mean you can just give it up. It doesn't work like that."

"How do you propose we do this? Kill you again?" Adala asked in slight disbelief.

"No." Apollo voiced from behind me.

"She clearly still has the gift and she even said she died!" Artemis spoke up. "Killing her won't release the power."

Everyone started to talking around me. All had their opinions and their pro's and con's; except Cain who sat quietly in the corner, listening and watching as I was and once everyone ran out of things to say, my now empty plate vanished from my lap. He signaled for me to stand so I did.

"Elise, what is your plan?"

"I want you to strip me of my powers and give them to Portia." This time when everyone burst into discussion, he shut them up quickly.

"Silence! And how did you get this idea?"

"You did it before. To Sobek-Ra. You removed his magic or what ever, and gave it to-"

"That's enough." He gave a little shake of his head, and clearly I had said too much. "To do this, you will die."

"Then bring me back."

"Cain, a word." Portia interrupted and the pair disappeared.

"You can't be serious. That is again, a huge risk! Sobek died from that. What if I can't save you?" Apollo demanded.

"Then I can't be saved."

"I'm not going to lose you, again!" He yelled.

"I'm sorry. You saved my life, and I am eternally grateful for that. Trust me, it will work out in the end. This is how it should be. I don't belong here. This isn't my world!" I yelled back. "You think you know me? Then you should already know I have to do this."

Cain appeared then, but not Portia. "The God Killer has returned to good health. We will celebrate with a dinner in her honor. End of discussion."

Everyone nodded, bowed and then disappeared. Apollo opened his mouth to say something, only I beat him to it. "End of discussion."

_______________

Everyone was scared of me. It was obvious in the way they'd make sure I never caught them directly staring; the space that was left around me where ever I went. Fear and respect showed on their faces when they looked at Cain; their new ruler. It was how it should be and in time, given he didn't go on a power trip, the fear would pass. Me? I wasn't so sure about. Gone were the smiles and congratulations that came with being labelled as Apollo's bride. The title of God Killer was here to stay.

Standing outside I managed to get some time alone. Glass of wine in hand, I prayed none of the bitches inside had poisoned it.

"All alone?" A slightly familiar voice asked.

Turning, Ares was heading over. "It's my party and I'll hide if I want to?"

He laughed, a big, deep real laugh that helped ease the anxiety I had been trying to ignore since arriving.

"My wife and I were impressed by your talents on the battlefield."

"Athena right?" He nodded. "Well thanks. I kind of got killed, so don't know how great I was."

"We're immortal. We don't get, killed. We merely, take a break from life." He laughed again.

"I like that." I laughed with him. "So, god of war. How'd you get that title?"

"I go to war. A lot. This land is not the only one here. Like your world, it is a vast place. I miss your realm, it was a simpler place and there, all were impressed by our abilities. I don't get a chance to show off so much these days!"

"We have evolved a bit since then. If you came back now, you wouldn't recognise it." I filled him in on what I could remember about the era he would know, and may have got a few dates wrong. He didn't seem bothered by any of it.

"Where did you learn how to use your sword?" He asked after I ran out of things to make up and was up to the third Cleopatra in our history.

"Cain taught me most of it. I prefer more, modern weapons."

"I taught him you know. I bet he never told you that. Perhaps, we can train together one day. My wife would enjoy fighting another. Artemis for all her talents, does not do so well in hand to hand combat."

"Of course. I'm not sure how long I'm staying here for, but if we can, I'd like that." We said our goodbyes and I was left alone once more. A few times I could sense Apollo hovering, and Hermes, but ignored them both.

"Enjoying your party?" Cain asked, appearing out of no where.

"Don't suppose you have any bourbon in this place or is it all mead and wine?" He clicked his fingers and the smell in my glass changed instantly. "Neat trick."

"I did work in a bar for a few years."

We stood in comfortable silence, while behind us the party kept going - oblivious to our lack of attendance.

"You took your time in coming back." He finally broke the quiet.

"Did I?"

"I was wondering if you would."

"Does that seem like something I would do?" I offered him a weak smile and took a long gulp. 

"Well, your injuries were bad, but you are an immortal now, so given how quickly you were healed, I would almost start to wonder if you were resisting it?"

"Nope."

"At best, you should have passed out, not left compl-"

"Fine. I wanted it okay? I literally stood there, staring at this thing in my side that was tearing everything inside apart and I was done. I had enough. Are you happy now? Want to know the shit I had to put Alistair through so I could get to that fucking portal? I want that. I want that peace, and to know that for once I am completely safe. That I can be happy, and not wait for it to be taken away, because it always is! Always!" I screamed at him.

"Elise-"

"No! Don't, Elise, me. You don't get to act like you care, because face it. All of it was for this. For you to be back here, with that fancy little crown on your head. Do you know how hard I ran and ran and ran, to get to a place where none of you could reach me ever again? Alistair was right. You did all win, because despite coming back, I am broken! I don't know how I can go home and be, just me, again. I don't know-"

My voice cut out and without saying a word, he put his arms around my shoulders - letting me cry. There were  a lot tears. I cried for the years I'd never get back, I cried stupidly for him and for being stuck in this situation too. Cain simply stroked my hair or patted my back, ensuring I had a tissue when I reached for one and when I finally stopped in a fit of hiccups, looking like I'd just gone through a tornado, he let me go.

"Where are we?" I asked, blowing my nose for the hundredth time.

Gone was the balcony and the party. In their place was an off white bedroom, with soft, pastel blues adding a few hints of colour. The room could afford to be simple, because turning around there was fish tank in place of a wall. Entranced like a kid at an aquarium, I walked towards it with my mouth open in surprise and awe. Schools of brightly coloured fish darted around, while the base was covered in all sorts of coral and sea life. In the depth of it, I was positive there was even an outline of a whale or two going by.

"The ocean calms me. My wing, when I first lived here, was underground. You know the saying, out of sight, out mind. After I went swimming with Poseidon, I realised my room was positioned beside all of this so, this happened." He reached out and touched the glass, only his hand was now wet.

"That's not glass there is it?"

"No. It's a shield of sorts, similar to what Cronus used. I can pass through it as I wish, like I said, I find the ocean calms me and I like to swim." He smiled, handing me a small glass before getting himself one too.

"This is, beautiful." I gushed.

"Artemis told me after she saw this, our mother liked the water too. She found refuge on an island when they were born so when you're surrounded by ocean, I guess you learn to appreciate it." He mused.

"I'm sorry, about before. If anyone should be entitled to a meltdown, it's you."

"Oh don't worry. I had one. Killing Cronus really helped get it all out of my system." He sipped his drink and I mimicked his actions.

Then I remembered something else too. "What did you get off Hades before? You got that, potion bottle thing on the balcony."

Now he really smiled. 

"That was on my sword when I cut off his head. There will be no white light for that bastard. Hades has a special place all ready for him."

"Really?" Apparently Zeus had him banned to another realm too, yet he was back when he arrived.

"Really. Hades once had a family of his own. His wife was, well, everyone in that family was a little messed up, but his kids, they were something special. They were happy on their own, but when Zeus declared war on Cronus, and Hades refused to get involved, they killed them all. He never knew which one was responsible, didn't care either. He just wants his vengeance and now he shall have it." 

"Wow, talk about reality check. Thanks for that."

"I didn't tell you for that reason. We all have our own pain that we keep buried."

He had a point, and with nothing to say to that, I gathered up my dress and sat down on the floor - reaching out to find my hand easily slipped through into the water. Surprisingly, Cain sat down too.

"You are going to make this realm a better place aren't you. Especially for the Others?"

"I am. I have already started by sending Ares troops through the Low Lands to start breaking down some of the crime there. New laws are being issued as we speak, and so far, the people are welcoming of the changes."

"He seems nice."

"Don't get on his bad side." Cain winked.

"Noted." I took another sip of my bourbon and stared out into the great blue nothingness. "Will you really give Portia the power I have?"

"I will, but Elise, there is something else too."

"Oh?"

"She will be staying here if that happens. Nieve and Adala can have their say, but they rarely venture into your realm anyway. In order for the Treaty to work, it needs to be there. That power can not remain hers."

"Oh." I say again.

So, all of Alistair's legacy is now just, gone?

"I will give it to you, when we do this. You will remain immortal, and while your abilities will not be as strong, you will still have them." He spoke slowly, as if he knew it all needed to sink in. "What I am going to do is dangerous. You both need to retain some kind of magic in order to recover from what will be done to you."

"Will I be an Oracle?"

"No."

"Okay, I'll do it."

"Are you sure? You'll still be immortal, but it's one way I can ensure nothing will happen from removing your powers, since they will be replaced."

"I know, maybe it's this drink, but I'm kind of okay with all of that."

"You just had a meltdown about us ruining your life. You want to sleep on this?" He asked doubtfully.

"To stand a chance at beating one of you Powers, again, I have to be something more. If the treaty comes under threat, again, then I can defend it. This is important for my world. There is more to it than meets the eye and to imagine a place where it doesn't exist, well, I'd rather not."

"Since day one, I've believed in you, you know. I wouldn't have even considered this otherwise. As someone older, wiser and well, I'm a king now." He laughed as his tone lightened. "Life is hard. It's unfair and when you're ready to give up, remember it wasn't always this way. If you keep going, you can make it back there, someday."

It was obvious he was talking about the here and now. He waited forever to come back home and that couldn't have been easy. As corny as it sounds, Hermes was right when he said Cain had hope. I was naive to think I could keep in my world. He belonged here and it showed. I'd never seen him, so relaxed and content. Maybe I'd never seen him getting a bit tipsy.

"As someone younger, prettier and who could maybe one day be a king, or queen. Hey I'd settle for princess, it's not about going back anymore. It's all about moving on." I raise my glass. "A toast. To bigger and better things."

We clink glasses and take a sip. 

"You say you're broken now, but one day, I promise that feeling will go and you'll be stronger than ever."

I turn to him and smile. knowing that he's right, but also that I'm not alone. "You too, Cain."

We sit together until dawn, watching dolphins go by with the sun silver on their backs. Down here, nothing else exists or matters, and whether he meant to or not, Cain had revealed more to me about himself than he had the whole time we'd known each other; and he didn't have to say a word. It was in the way he looked as he drifted off into thoughts he'd never share with another person, the basic styling of his room and how being so isolated from everyone and everything didn't seem to bother him. More than that, it was the way he seemed so at ease when he slept, like he had found the peace I still longed for. 

Stretched out on the carpet beside one another, with heads resting on folded arms, it didn't feel so hard to achieve. Maybe, given enough time I would be that way too - even if only when I slept. Reaching over, I smooth away a small curl of his hair that fell over his eyes and leaning in, kissed his cheek.

"Sweet dreams Cain. You earned them."

______________

So, despite being so close to the end... this feels like a filler chapter. Just kind of skipped the end of the action stuff, and yeah. Hope you guys aren't disappointed... Then that last bit all just happened. Damn Elise, seriously, she has a mind of her own - never mind what I want or try to plan!