'The world crashed...'

Blue-bathed Revelations

The day after the beer festival we were back at Aurora's hilltop house.

The weather was a bit too misty for swimming and the girls wanted to show me this human contraption called a 'gaming console'. I had no idea what it was, but after they'd set it up and Trita and Aurora explained the instructions to me, I grabbed the small, black device and watched as the television screen started up in blue.

Sonya popped a CD into the console and grabbed the second device; "So my brother has a few games we can pay, but let's start easy so you can learn how to work with the controller."

I nodded sceptically and Aurora snickered at my confused expression. I gave her the finger.

"Thane, press X."

I looked down and did as the platinum-haired girl instructed. The screen boomed with the words 'FIFA'.

"Football?" I asked with interest.

"Is that fine?" Trita asked from behind me as she nibbled on a piece of pizza. I'd grown to love the smell of the disgustingly fatty and oily food.

"Anything is fine, let's play." I shot Sonya a competitive look and she smiled back with conviction. Aurora stood behind the couch. I turned to look at her as Sonya organised our settings and the players.

Trita pretended not to notice as I mouthed to her blonde friend to come sit next to me. Aurora smiled, but shook her head; "I'm off to the kitchen so long..."

Aurora's mother had asked her to bake a cake for a children's birthday party she had planned. The caterer had cancelled at the last minute, leaving Aurora's mother with no other choice but to get it done herself, but she was busy with another venue at the time. Aurora had agreed to help, but didn't want me to be bored while she did. I, of course, argued that I wouldn't be- covering her with sugar and frosting would've been quite the distraction, but Aurora had insisted that Sonya and Trita entertain me.

I reluctantly agreed.

Aurora was acting strange ever since the incident at the restaurant- I'd tried to pry it out of her, but she'd closed up quickly.

Perhaps she was just scared? Or thinking...

"Earth to Thane, can you hear me?" Sonya kicked my leg.

I jolted back to reality and whipped my head back to the petite girl next to me on the soft carpet.

"Sorry..."

Trita chuckled knowingly with her mouth full of pizza; "You're going to burn a hole through our friend if you continue staring like that..."

I scoffed; "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Sonya giggled as we started the match. I'm fairly sure they could tell just how obsessive I was around their angelic friend.

It took some time to get used to the controller- the buttons all looked the same, and by half-time, I was losing quite badly against Sonya. I cussed as Trita cheered us on.

No matter- I knew I'd pick it up fast.

It was sort of the same feeling I had when I'd first met Aurora's friends. I'd felt slightly left out and definitely out of place. They weren't my kind of people- then again; neither was Aurora in the beginning.

But soon enough, I grew used to them; even to a point of actually liking them. They were genuinely kind-hearted, fun to be around and they treated Aurora with the utmost care. I valued the love they offered her. She seemed so relaxed around them.

I hated myself for once trying to break that trust and reliance they had between each other. I was a monster back then, the feeling of ripping them from her immensely satisfying, but now...

I only felt shame.

I could still feel that familiar monster inside me; I knew it would never completely leave me, and I was glad.

The things I had to do everyday weren't for the faint of heart.

I needed that dark, sinister side of me, and Aurora knew it too. She didn't try to change it, but instead, she accepted it- even encouraged it sometimes, allowing that side of me to resurface and to breathe.

She was perfect for me; letting me be the creature I was, while also bringing forward a side of me I thought to be long gone.

Like I'd told her before- I'd be the beast to her beauty, no matter how cliché it sounded, it was entirely true. Clichés existed for a reason, because they sparked a truth other words couldn't ignite.

She was my salvation, I was her destruction. I didn't want to change that- not one bit.

I would consume her and my monster would lust after her for an eternity, and with that, I was perfectly content. I never gave her the image of an angel, far from it.

She knew what I was when she fell for me.

I had no desire to change; I felt she had no desire to change me either. We we're similar in many ways- cold, detached, sometimes cruel, crazed and curious..
Why have us both be the hero?

Where was the fun in a coin with two of the same sides?

It was a game- sometimes the darkness won, and sometimes the light. Sometimes Aurora pushed back my demons, and sometimes I brought hers tumbling down.

At times I saved her from reality, and other days she brought me back down to earth.

We were a team. I'd fight to keep it that way.

"How are you doing this?" Sonya groaned in frustration as I scored another goal.

The game was nearly done and just like with Aurora, I'd figured out exactly how to work the controller's buttons. I didn't spare a glance to the open-mouthed girl as I annihilated her.

"Anyone ever tell you that you're really competitive?" Trita asked with a wide grin.

I smirked, my eyes fixed on the screen as another goal flew into Sonya's net; "Oh, many times..."

The last whistle blew and Sonya sighed with a sad smile; "Dammit... I thought I finally found something you're not good at."

"It's a lost cause, girl..." Trita said as she handed me a slice of pizza.

I tried not to think of all the grease I was consuming, but I couldn't help but devour it as Sonya shot me an annoyed glance; "Okay, let's go again, but this time I won't go easy on you."

I laughed; "Loser makes me coffee."

Sonya scoffed with a smirk; "Be very lucky Aurora likes you, or else I'd make a formal notice for this small group to kick your ass."

I knew she was only teasing- Sonya had a darker side to her than she let on. Trita cleaned her hands and held them up as the game loaded; "Are you ready?"

The whistle blew; "Get ready to eat dirt, golden-boy!" Trita jumped on the couch and cheered Sonya on as she watched the screen with keen concentration. I, on the other hand, lazily flicked my fingers of the buttons.

A goal for me.

The game's crowd cheered and I shot Sonya an arrogant look. She rolled her eyes.

After some time I was winning by a mile. Sonya looked defeated as another goal flew past her player and Trita was laughing as Sonya cussed loudly; "I've never heard you swear this much!"

I smirked at the platinum blonde; "I prefer my coffee black- no sugar, no milk."

"The game's not done yet."

I smiled at her child-like fervour; "Oh, for you my dear, I think it is."

After a few more minutes of punishment, the final whistle flew. I leaned back into the base of the couch and watched as Sonya sighed. "No sugar, no milk?"

I laughed, "Relax, I only meant it as a jest. Rest, you must be weary."

"You talk like a real English-man, you know that." Trita said as she looked down at me with keen eyes.

I furrowed my brows; "Is it peculiar?"

"It's... so formal." Sonya said as she stared at me with a sheepish smile.

"Oh," I hadn't really noticed. I suppose after a couple hundred years of not staying in the loop with 'mortal colloquialism' I did sound slightly strange to them.

"But I like it- I wish guys would talk more like you. It sounds so much better than being called 'babe' or 'chick'." Sonya said as she flicked her ponytail.

Trita smiled; "Right? I love that you call Aurora 'darling' and 'angel'! It's so sweet!"

I smiled sheepishly; if I blushed easily, I probably would be right now. Sonya giggled and Trita eyed me with a small, sly grin as she asked; "So since the three of us are finally alone, I think it's time we ask you the important questions..."

I raised a curious brow as the two girls shared a shrewd look.

Sonya was the first to speak; "What are your intentions with our best friend?"

I smiled softly. They were worried- naturally; I didn't exactly look like a man they were used to- older, refined, dangerous...

"I just want to make her happy." It was the truth, and it seemed to be the right answer.

"Sooo... How would you go about doing that?" Trita shot me a curious look.

"Whatever she wants, I'll give her. I'll always be there for her and I won't ever let anything harm her."

All more than correct as the two girls shared a girly squeal. I chuckled.

It wasn't hard to admit.

"You two are so in love!"

My heart froze.

"What?" My own voice sounded panicked.

The room shook to a halt and I felt my blood slow down in my veins. The world crashed. I knew, because I felt the flames lick at my feet- urging me to run.

"In love?" Sonya said as-a-matter-of-factly. "You're in love, right?"

Aurora was. I, however... I couldn't? I felt a nervous laugh bubble up my throat. They're joking right? Right?

"Ah, no..." I said with silent alarm.

The girls shared one last look of realisation. "Oh, wow..." Trita said with a growing smile; "You haven't realised it yet, have you?"

I shook my head, my expression one of complete apprehension.

Sonya tucked her fingers in front of her lips; "You've never been in love before?"

I gulped; "Um, no. I don't really believe in love..." For myself.

Trita laughed. I felt a bit taken back. "I'm sorry; I don't mean to laugh at you, but..." Trita shook her head and fixed me with the first serious expression I've seen from her; "Thane, you're in love. Trust me- you have it bad."

Sonya nodded in agreement and I felt the room close in. I struggled to breathe. "I... How do you know?"

Sonya smiled softly; "Do you think about her a lot?"

"All the time."

"Do you miss her when she's gone? Do you feel your heart speed up when she laughs? Do you smile whenever you think about her? Do you want to give her the world and more?"

"Yes." It was barely a word, but I felt it hit me upside down.

"Then," Trita sat up straighter; "You're in love."

The silence of what followed was deafening.

I felt nauseous.

Something had its hand wrapped around my throat- suffocating me...

"Excuse me." I shot up from the carpet and stormed towards the bathroom. I threw the door open and shut it just as quickly. I threw myself at the basin and ripped open the faucet. I felt my insides burn.

The water against my boiling skin was icy. My mind shook.                 

No.

I don't believe it. I'm always prepared for everything! Every single thing! I don't do 'love'! That's for mortals and... and- weak people. Right? I mean... That's what Nyx always said? Gods, of course that's what she'd say.

I closed the tap and ripped at my shirt. I threw it on the floor and panted at the shaken figure in the mirror. My eyes were gold...

Unfamiliar.

I changed them back to red- staring into the monster again. At least he was meant to be recognisable, but... he wasn't.

I opened the tap again and stuffed my head under it; I pleaded with my own mind.

Okay- I need a plan!

Think!

Alright, Thanatos, just don't be in love with her- there! Problem solved.

Ta-da!

I growled- NO! Dammit, you bastard!

You want to be in love with her, don't you?

Okay, okay, new plan!

Just roll with it- it can't be that terrifying, right?

Good gods, is talking to myself a side-effect?

Don't be ridiculous; it's not like I'm diseased!

Right?

I sighed as the cold water did no more now than irritate my skin. The burning in my head still blazed on and my hands clenched around the porcelain sink's edges.

I felt my back muscles tense up.

Thick tresses of black hung over my eyes and I raked them back with my rigid hand. I felt drops of water slide down my bare chest and reach the hem of my underwear sticking out from my jeans.

It all suddenly felt too much- too strange. Too different! My clothes, the food, the house, her fiends- I'm a god! When did I let 'mortal customs' rule my daily life? Even as I stood clasping onto the basin, I felt the alien clothes on my body contract and smother me.

Fuck. How did I get myself into this mess?

Two orders Thanatos- that's all you had!

One; don't kill her.

Two; don't get attached.

Hades hadn't mentioned the second, because it went without saying.

And you managed to, not only fall in love with Aurora, but you fell in love with her to such an extent that your love is suffocatingly deep.

So you're killing her too- with your love...

And she doesn't mind, even in the slightest!

Reckless!

Both of us!

I swore under my breath and looked back up into the mirror for some sign of hope, but there was nothing but fear written in my dark eyes.

A knock shook me awake, startling me straight up.

"Thane? Someone is at the door to see you."

I blinked, but didn't answer.

Sonya tried again; "He says he's your brother?"

Hypnos.

I wanted to laugh at his comedic timing, but instead I quickly threw my shirt back over my head and swung the door open. Sonya's eyes widened at the sudden movement; "Did you shower?"

I smiled tightly and walked past her; "Sorry for being so rude earlier."

I didn't bother to see what her reaction was. She followed behind me; "That's alright, I can see you were shaken. I just hoped you wouldn't run away..."

"Never." My quick response shocked me and my feet momentarily paused, but swiftly I made up the fast pace.

We neared the front entrance and I could clearly see the familiar figure of my brother. Trita was standing in front of him with wide eyes and a big smile on her face and Hypnos was trying hard to avoid her piercing stare.

As I got closer, I noticed something odd. Hypnos was tapping his foot.

Something was direly wrong.

"What is it?"

"No 'hello, how are you brother dearest?'" Trita asked from the side, but Hypnos ignored her.

"Something's happened. It's big. Huge, Thanatos."

I swallowed hard, "What? What is it?"

"Thanatos?" Trita wiggled her nose at my real name and frowned up at me. "Your full name is Thanatos?"

Hypnos scanned the foyer, ignoring the young mortal girl; "Where's Aurora?"

Sonya spoke up softly from the back; "In the kitchen? I can call her if you'd like?"

I turned my head; "Please, Sonya."

She nodded, realising the thick layer of tension in the air. Trita, however, didn't. "So you two are brothers? You don't really look that alike?"

I was staring into Hypnos' grim eyes as I replied to her; "Trita dear, why don't you go and play some video games?" I waved my hand at her and instantly she was in a trance.

She mechanically nodded her head and walked towards the lounge like a lifeless doll. Hypnos opened his mouth to speak, but Sonya's anxious voice echoed through the hall as she jogged around the corner; "She's gone."

"What?" My bark shocked Sonya back a few steps and her eyes popped open with fear; "S-she's gone; the kitchen is empty. There's no baking trays, or a cake, or-"

"Sonya," I snarled, "Go join, Trita in the lounge and stay put."

The young girl nodded and her eyes glazed over as my magic took effect. She looked almost indifferent as she walked away towards the living room.

I swung my head back to Hypnos; "Where is she?"

"Calm down! I don't know, but there's something you need to know before you run off on a rampage looking for her again!"

My patience was gone; "What. Is. It?"

Hypnos stilled his breathing and took a step closer; "The killer struck again."

I blinked, fear rising to my stomach. "Who?"

Hypnos looked down momentarily and back up with hatred; "Zeus."

My knees buckled. "What?" My voice was a shocked whisper- barely audible.

Hypnos shook his head, but didn't say a word. I felt the walls close up again. "When?"

"Last night. No witnesses. No evidence. None, but his corpse."

We shared a long, foreboding look.

The man who had practically saved us from our previous lives was... How could this be? Zeus was all powerful and... No?

Hypnos opened his mouth to speak, but suddenly the flash of a dark blue light ripped through the sky and my black portal opened up in mid-air without so much as a touch from me.

The portal tore open the air and the silver flames licked at the humid hall. Hypnos gasped, but the air was knocked from my lungs as the realisation of what was happening hit me all at once.

Aurora had used the portal-summoner I had given her.

Aurora's in danger.

I roared loudly, shaking the walls with my growl. I instinctively grabbed my brother's sleeve, yanking him with me towards the deep, dark mass of chaos.

"What about Zeu-"

"Forget Zeus! The woman I love needs me! Now, brace yourself!"

NEXT UPDATE- 23rd of July

The king is dead- now that spells major trouble. No one's playing around anymore. Are they getting impatient?

Just 5 more chapters to go! (^.*)