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The Immortal Heart	By : amandalee Category: 1 through F > Clash of the Titans (2010) > Clash of the Titans (2010) Views: 7819 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: We do not own Clash of the Titans or the characters portrayed in this story, and we make no money from writing this.

Chapter List
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Chapter 48

Back inside the cave and once again wrapped up in the bear skin, Hades lay placidly on the cold stone floor while waiting for his hair to dry. Poseidon had gone out to gather fruits, berries and roots – anything that was eatable and would make a good supplement for the tough bear meat – while Zeus stayed at the cave with their wounded brother.

Currently the Olympian leader busied himself with sharpening his sword, even though the wickedly gleaming edge of his weapon was in absolutely no need of further sharpening. Zeus had gone through the same procedure as late as yesterday.

Hades suspected that Zeus simply felt the need to focus on other things except his abused, violated mate whom he was currently alone with. Pretending that he hadn’t noticed what Zeus was doing, Hades curled up into a little ball and closed his eyes, too afraid to confront his youngest brother and ask him about the truth. For now, it was better not knowing.

Poseidon returned some time later, carrying his finds in a satchel. He immediately observed the disinterested way Zeus worked, his back facing Hades, and a frown came over his features.

“Zeus, a word?” he asked, straining to keep his voice neutral.

The younger god silently put his sword back into its sheath and followed Poseidon out to the stone platform outside the mouth of the cave.

“What is it, brother?” he asked.

“Perhaps you should pay attention to Hades rather than your blade,” the older god replied. “Our poor brother believes that you’re not going to want him anymore because of what…”

Poseidon wanted to avoid using the word “happened” to describe Hades’ violation, as it was very far from accurate. “…what was done to him.”

“That is ridiculous,” Zeus said immediately, but they could both hear the hesitation in his voice.

“I understand it is difficult to share your feelings with others,” Poseidon said, crossing his arms. “Even when it comes to Hades. As a matter of fact, especially when it comes to him.”

Zeus frowned deeper at this and looked ready to dispute his brother’s words, but he was interrupted before he could reply.

“But if there is anyone you should trust with your thoughts, I would have thought it was myself.” Poseidon’s eyes narrowed to mark the gravity of his words.

Zeus would have crossed his own arms, had the image not appeared in his brain of observing one’s on reflection in a mirrored surface.

“Please talk to me?” Poseidon insisted. “I want to understand. Because otherwise I think you’re treating our brother – and your betrothed, for that matter – very poorly.”

“Do you think this is easy?” Zeus snapped, but he realized the rashness of his voice and lowered his tone. Hades did not need to overhear a conversation like this. “Do you think I find it easy to simply look away?”

“Then why do you?”

“It is the same as…” Zeus sighed. “As when he lost our child. Every time I looked at him I saw the horrible thing that he birthed, and I heard his grief. Now in my mind I see that bastard Atlas, and I cannot stop myself from imagining how he must have tortured our brother. Each time I look at him, I see pain.”

“For him or yourself?”

Once again Zeus failed to suppress the urge to raise his voice. “What kind of a question is that?”

“A fair one, considering your recent behavior,” Poseidon replied boldly.

Zeus just barely resisted the impulse to strike his brother in the face. “Since when do I have to explain myself to you?” he snarled.

“I just want to understand,” the older god insisted. “The assault has put deep marks in Hades’ body as well as his soul, but his feelings for you remain the same. He needs you, Zeus. Now more than ever. You must not turn your back on him.”

“I have done no such thing!” Zeus objected. “I… I simply need some time to think this over.”

“Think what over? Hades is alive, and that is all you should care about!”

Zeus’ gaze suddenly grew darker. “Until yesterday, I was the only man ever to have claimed Hades’ body as my own. I wanted it to remain that way. I cannot stand the thought of that brute Atlas having—”

“Having touched what you consider yours,” Poseidon finished the sentence for him. The derision in his voice was obvious.

“He defiled my mate!” Zeus hissed. “Who knows if I can ever get his stink out of Hades!”

Poseidon looked beyond Zeus in such a way that the younger god turned to look back into the cave. Hades’ back was still facing them as he lay within, and he was quite still, but said stillness did not determine that the elder god was asleep or unable to hear his brother’s words.

Returning his attention to Zeus, Poseidon’s glaring eyes nearly gave the impression that his element was not of water but rather the air, and that his vision – not Zeus’ – would illuminate with lightning.

“Did it ever occur to you that the titans have won in their efforts?”

“How so?” Zeus asked.

“Hades was the one to be defiled, not you. And yet you react as though you are the one who was violated.”

Zeus very nearly objected to say Poseidon’s accusation was a lie, but his mind lingered on the notion, and he was truly at a loss for words.

“Hades lives and breathes,” Poseidon said. “And he feels, far greater than you or I. We are not the property of anyone or anything, you saw to that when you freed us from Cronos. Do not make our father’s mistake.”

Zeus stood still as a boulder, staring down the hill as Poseidon strode past him and entered the cave.

“Would you like some fruit?” he heard Poseidon ask their brother.

Hades was moved by the kindness shown by the other god, but food was truly the last thing he craved. Shaking his head quietly, he declined Poseidon’s offer.

“Hades…”

“I knew it…” Hades whispered, again oozing tears.

“You knew what, dearest?”

“Zeus… He doesn’t… want me anymore. I overheard your little talk just now. I’m sorry… I did not mean to eavesdrop… But I know you were talking about me. Zeus hates me because they defiled me. I knew it, Poseidon. It is why I never wanted him to find out…”

The small, quiet sobs which began to sound from the scrawny little god, wounded in body as well as soul, nearly broke Poseidon’s heart. He stroked his brother’s dark hair, now almost dry, and made some tentative attempts to soothe his weeping sibling. The one Hades needed, however, was not Poseidon, but Zeus.

The Olympian leader stood at the entrance of the cave, indecisive for what felt like hours. He felt a stab of guilt when witnessing the absolute misery of his brother and chosen mate, but at the same time he was hesitant – even afraid – to be in close contact with Hades.

What if the bath had done nothing to eradicate Atlas’ vile scent from Hades’ skin? How could Zeus make love to his brother – even hold him close – when all he could smell was one of his mortal enemies?

Swallowing down his fears, he finally walked over to his brothers and knelt by Hades’ side. Zeus let his hand gently touch the bare shoulder peeking out from under the thick animal hide, and he heard Hades’ breath hitch in his throat.

Poseidon glanced at Zeus warily - suspiciously, he wondered - and rose from where he had been attempting to provide comfort, and walked out of the cave, turning his attention to the broth.

Once alone with his mate, Zeus’s hand began to caress Hades’ shoulder, but Hades seemed to pay him no attention. From the way Poseidon had been caring for him just now, the elder god was deeply upset. How much had he heard?

“Are you in any pain, brother?” Zeus asked, uncertain of how to begin their discussion. Hades made a small movement, possibly a shrug.

“If you managed to hear… what was said…” the younger Olympian began. “Oh, Hades. I am sorry. You misunderstand what I meant to say.”

“I understand perfectly,” said a voice so cold and dead that it seemed hard to believe was coming from Hades’ mouth. “You hate me. Atlas made me something that you do not love. I tried to fight them. I relentlessly struggled and I begged them not to do it…”

“Hades, I do not hate you,” Zeus vowed, trying to pull Hades so that the other god would turn onto his back. It was not a comfortable position, but Zeus needed to look at his brother’s eyes. His beautiful eyes, at least Atlas had not taken those…

“I love you.” He wrapped his arms around his fellow god’s frail little body, and felt a strength in that figure. Hades was nestling into the hold, and though he had not returned the embrace, perhaps in too much pain to try, he desperately needed to be held.

“But… you said…” Hades’ voice was heavy with tears. “How… how could you want me anymore?”

“You are my mate,” Zeus said. “What kind of husband would I be to you, if I abandoned you because of something you had no say in? If I could undo what the titans did to you, I would. Sadly it is beyond my power to do so, but I am here for you, Hades. Do you believe me?”

After just a short moment of doubt, Hades nodded against his brother’s chest.

Zeus discreetly sniffed his brother’s hair, relieved to note that Hades’ smell had much improved since he’d had his bath in the spring. The scent of sweat and fear still lingered, but at least Atlas’ stink was gone. His relief tangible, the Olympian leader pressed a kiss to Hades’ dark crown.

“Brother, I need you to do something for me,” Zeus said.

“What?”

“Eat something. I made the broth especially for you, so that it would be easier for you to chew and digest. Please indulge me.”

“Alright,” Hades whispered, despite not feeling the least bit hungry. “Just a little, then.”

The younger god smiled contentedly. “Excellent.” He left Hades by the hearth in order to bring him a bowl of the broth which simmered above the fire in its makeshift kettle. Poseidon had added some vegetables to provide additional flavor to it, and Zeus felt his own mouth water when the rich fragrance reached his nostrils.

He quickly filled a bowl and returned to Hades’ side. The older god was struggling into a sitting position, his battered muscles and tendons objecting fiercely. Zeus steadied his brother with one hand, waiting until Hades was ready to take the bowl before handing it to him.

The broth was hot, but Hades’ hunger turned out to be stronger than he expected. He leaned against Zeus as the other took a seat next to him, and he lightly blew air against each spoonful of soup before tentatively eating.

Zeus placed another kiss, long and sweet, against his brother’s head, happy to see his brother was no longer crying. The pain was still there, he knew, but wounds would heal, some better than others. The scars of the brands would still remain, but Zeus tried not to think of such a regretful thing for now. Hades was eating and he was no longer crying.

It was a start.

*

The night followed and Chiron had not returned. Poseidon volunteered to stand watch first while Zeus stayed by Hades’ side. Several hours passed and the two younger gods traded positions, but still there was no sign of the half-god.

Dawn broke and Hades found himself with the urge to empty his bladder. He regretfully awoke Poseidon, who guided him out of the cave, and they were intercepted by Zeus. Poseidon was not surprised when their leader took charge of the situation.

“I will help him,” Zeus said, and he led Hades to a patch of dirt where he could properly urinate.

Hades was about to do his business when he looked up at a noise. Something was coming their way up the path toward the cave and it sounded like it had hooves.

“Zeus,” he said. “I think Chiron is back.”

Zeus, who was kneeling beside Hades, craned his neck to see past the dense vegetation, but he would not be able to catch a glimpse of the centaur unless he stood up to his full height.

“Poor Chiron…” Hades muttered while patiently waiting for his flow of urine to stop. He had previously noticed that the fluid leaving his bladder was not its normal translucent watery yellow, but rather a shade of pale pink, as though it was tinged with blood. The god deduced that this had something to do with the titans’ abuse of him, but since his lower abdomen wasn’t hurting too badly, he decided to ignore it for now. Perhaps it would pass by itself if ignored.

“Yes, the poor horse-man is bound to exhaust himself if he keeps on galloping like that,” Zeus replied. “Which would be a great shame, since we need him to fight alongside us when the battle comes.”

Zeus attentively listened for the hoof beats, but he could no longer hear them and assumed Chiron had reached his destination. I wonder if he found what he was looking for, Zeus mused, thinking back on the centaur’s promise to find someone to watch over Hades while his brothers headed out to battle.

“Done…” Hades announced, using a piece of fabric to wipe the excess fluid from the tip of his member. He tried to ignore the way he caught Zeus glancing at his branded thighs when he was taken back into the younger god’s arms and reminded himself that Zeus needed time to get used to the brands as much as Hades himself.

Chiron was engaged in conversation with Poseidon by the time Zeus and Hades had returned from the bushes and could better see their surroundings. Zeus was looking into the cave, as he did not see anyone else accompanying the centaur and thought that perhaps whoever it was could have already been making himself at home.

“Good morning, brothers,” Chiron greeted them as they approached.

“Good morning,” Hades echoed, but Zeus seemed to ignore the greeting completely.

“Did you find an appropriate guardian for our brother?” he asked.

“I did,” Chiron replied, though his expression looked a little… reserved. Hades in the meantime had one arm around his youngest brother’s neck and was able to turn his head enough to see behind him and Zeus. What he saw made his eyes widen.

“Well, where is he?” Zeus asked.

“You said that you wished our guest to keep its distance before you approved,” Chiron answered, looking beyond the Olympian leader for a brief moment. “I have honored that part of the agreement.”

“Very good,” Zeus replied. “Let us take a closer look at…” he paused, thinking back on his half-brother’s words. “You said ‘it’, did you not?”

In his confusion, Zeus suddenly became aware of how tight Hades’ grip had become against his shoulders.

“Hades, what is…” the god turned around to see what his mate was looking at, what had caused him to go even paler than he already was. His eyes went wide as well.

Down the hill was something which stood on four legs and resembled a dog. But normally dogs were not the size of livestock.

Zeus’ squinty eyes widened to the size of small plates as he took in the sight of the horrifying creature, which looked like something that could have easily stepped out of someone’s nightmares. Not only was it shaped like a dog but the size of a large cow, but instead of one head and a huge maw full of teeth, the beast had three.

“What in the name of Gaia is that?!” Zeus exclaimed, almost ready to drop Hades so that he could get his hands free to fire lightning bolts at the creature.

Chiron, having realized that the gods’ response to their “guest” was everything but favorable, quickly stood between Zeus and the three-headed beast.

“Calm down!” he urged, raising his hands. “Cerberus is with me. He won’t harm anybody.”

“Cerberus? You brought that thing here, Chiron?!” Zeus shouted, quickly handing Hades over to Poseidon with a hissed out command to get him inside the cave and protect him by any means necessary.

“You asked me to find a guard for your mate,” the centaur said simply. “Cerberus was the best choice available. Don’t judge him by his appearance alone. He is very loyal and trustworthy—”

“If you believe for one second that I’m letting that… thing anywhere near my brother, you must be out of your mind!”

Chiron did not feel like explaining his reasoning to Zeus, as the Olympian leader seemed to already have made up his mind and decided not to listen. Instead he turned to look over his shoulder and whistled sharply. Instantly the lumbering three-headed dog-thing began to waddle toward the group of people, well-acquainted by now with the commands of its master.

“If you allow that thing any closer,” Zeus growled, and the air around his fists crackled with electricity, “I swear…”

“And I swear,” Chiron interjected, meeting the beast halfway on the path and calmly placing a hand over the leftmost head. The thing known as Cerberus welcomed the greeting and did nothing to suggest animosity, but Zeus was still not convinced.

“I promise you he is not ill will toward you,” the centaur called back. “Give him a reason and we might be treating this matter differently, but as of now, he will not attack you. You or our brothers.”

One of Cerberus’ massive maws stretched open in a yawn, exposing multiple sets of sharp teeth. Zeus was unmoving. If anything his lightning crackled louder.

“What can I do to convince you to trust him?” Chiron asked, at a loss for words.

“Very little,” the Olympian leader replied.

The half-god sighed and stepped toward Zeus. “I do not doubt you could destroy him before he so much as came near Hades. If you would only give him a chance to approach you in good will…?”

“Zeus?”

Zeus vaguely turned his head, not to look Poseidon’s way, but to show he had heard him.

“With your gift,” Poseidon tried cautiously, “as well as my trident, perhaps our concern is a little premature… after all, Chiron has only arrows and a blade. If the beast has not yet harmed him…”

Zeus’ eyes narrowed at the thought. “If this creature attempts anything…” he began, addressing Chiron.

The centaur nodded. “I understand.”

Three tongues were now hanging out of three separate maws as the nightmarish beast continued to approach, and though this was no conventional dog by any means, Zeus recognized the behavior as friendly.

Could it really be possible that Chiron had managed to tame this feral-looking beast?

When passing the centaur, Cerberus gave Chiron’s flank an affectionate nudge with its right head, receiving a pat in return.

Zeus hesitantly allowed the lightning sparkling in his hands to die out, but he was ready to summon it again at the smallest sign of aggression from Cerberus. He stretched out his left hand, almost expecting it to be gone in a shower of blood before he could react, and tried hard to keep it from trembling. The three-headed beast regarded Zeus quizzically with its six black eyes for a moment before it returned the greeting.

A wet snout touched the outstretched limb, and following it, a large, pink tongue. Zeus almost reeled back from the stench which surrounded the beast, but managed to keep his reflexes under control.

“Dare I presume you have never given him a bath?” the Olympian leader asked, grimacing at the foul odor.

“He is not overtly fond of water,” Chiron admitted. “Perhaps if you bond with him, he will allow you to bathe him.”

Hades had been placed in the far end of the cave and could see very little of what was going on, but he could hear the upset voice of his youngest brother and the noisy, guttural sounds made by the beast. Curling up in his bear skin cover, Hades shivered.

If that thing comes into the cave, I’ll scream, he thought.

“I understand your fear,” Poseidon, still at his side, whispered, “but remember how all beasts recognize our emotions. If you do not greet them in fear, they will respect you.”

“Then you do the greeting,” Hades said glumly. “I could not pretend to be fearless with that thing if I wished it.”

“Zeus would never let that animal hurt you if it meant you harm,” Poseidon reminded him. “Nor would I. You can do this.”

Hades mulled over his chances at coming out unscathed and being devoured. At least being torn limb from limb was nowhere near as humiliating as being raped until dead, and even beyond then.

“Would you at least carry me?”

Poseidon nearly rolled his eyes at the thought of holding his brother as though trying to keep him away from snapping jaws – the damnable creature could reach no matter how high he held Hades – but he complied. Presumably at least then Hades would not have to worsen his wounds by running or walking. Lifting the unfortunate god up, he carried him until they stood at the mouth of the cave. Poseidon and Zeus exchanged wary glances and finally the youngest god allowed the creature to approach.

Hades could easily imagine any of the three heads sinking their teeth into his soft belly and cut through his gelatinous internal organs like a knife through butter. He had to resist the continuous impulses to bury his face against Poseidon’s shoulder and thus not have to look at the beast, but he also remembered what his brother had said: if you do not greet them in fear, they will respect you.

Cerberus’ heads were in level with Hades’ own when the creature finally reached him, and briefly the god wondered if all three heads shared the same thoughts, or if they represented three different minds sharing one body.

Hades tried to recoil when a tongue suddenly darted out from the middle head and licked a long, dripping path along his cheek from jaw line to temple. The animal’s breath was foul enough to make his stomach turn and want to expel the miniscule breakfast he’d had a few hours ago. Hades turned his face away to shield himself from further exploring tongues when he suddenly felt the familiar wetness against another part of his body.

Cerberus’ leftmost head had explored further below and obviously it found the scent of Hades’ behind rather agreeable.

The way Hades’ eyes popped open nearly made Chiron laugh, for where he stood left him with a clear view of where Cerberus was licking. But clearly Hades was not enjoying the attention and he stepped forward before Zeus could realize was going on and make matters worse through his anger.

“Away from there, you silly creature,” he said in a reprimanding tone, and he nudged at the beast with a well aimed knee. He did not intend to harm Cerberus, only to get his attention. Chiron feared if Zeus had stepped in, the three-headed dog would be hurt, and thus irritated as well.

“Is anything wrong?” Zeus predictably asked. Chiron only chuckled.

“Only that Cerberus was catering to his canine mannerisms. He then turned his words to Hades, patting a bony shoulder with his hand. “Do not be alarmed, dear brother. He was only becoming familiar with you. He did not mean to offend. Is that not correct, Cerberus?”

Cerberus’ rightmost head only curiously nudged at Hades ankle with a sturdy snout.

“He wants you to hold out your hand,” the centaur explained. “If you could please oblige him…”

Hades was not sure he wanted to. He did not need anymore attention paid to his backside, familiar folk or not. What if this thing wanted to mate with him?

“I assure you he’s quite safe, Hades,” the half-god said. “He only wants to say hello.”

Desperate to keep his hand from shaking, Hades glanced at Zeus, who only nodded. Reaching out, he felt a slimy wet tongue lap at his palm and fingers. Based on the animal’s smell alone, the god felt the need for another bath.

Once satisfied, Cerberus stepped back and sat on its haunches. A very high whine came from one of the heads, but none of the gods were certain of which.

“What does that mean?” Poseidon asked, puzzled as his Olympian brothers.

“I am not certain,” Chiron replied, patting a furry head. “But I think he is concerned. I think he knows you were hurt, Hades.”

“…how much does he understand?” Hades asked, wondering if the beast could possibly comprehend the nature of his pain. “I mean… he is an animal, is he not?”

“Yes,” Chiron replied. “His intellect does not in any way rival ours,” he continued, glancing at the three-headed dog. “But I believe he can interpret basic emotional responses such as fear, aggression, joy, or pain… like all domesticated canines. And like all canines, he is loyal to his pack, which at the time happens to be us. He will fight till death to protect you, Hades.”

“Why have you brought him here?” the eldest god asked. “I would have assumed you would need something as fierce and loyal as this beast in your ranks.”

Chiron opened his mouth to reply, but then it occurred to him that Hades had not been present during his and Zeus’ conversation about finding a guard to protect him while his brothers went into battle. Hades was thus oblivious of the task that had been bestowed upon Cerberus.

“The battle is almost upon us,” the centaur said slowly. “And we cannot simply leave you alone while we are away. Therefore, I have brought Cerberus to watch over you.”

Hades’ mouth fell open, and he looked from Chiron to Zeus, silently demanding confirmation from his mate. Zeus merely nodded, looking slightly abashed.

“This was not exactly what I had in mind as far as a guard…” he began, but was interrupted by Hades.

“You cannot leave me alone with this thing!” Hades shrieked. “What if it makes a meal out of me?!”

Cerberus seemed perturbed by the eldest god’s outburst and stood up again, shifting its massive weight from paw to paw, but otherwise remained relatively calm.

“Dearest, give this a little further consideration…” Zeus said, but Hades would hear none of it. He pointed at Cerberus, whose tail wagged at the gesture.

“That creature could have me devoured within seconds!” the elder god argued.

“I doubt it,” Poseidon muttered, noticing the wagging tail.

“Brother, I promise,” Chiron insisted. “You can trust me when I say that Cerberus will keep you absolutely safe. If any titans were to come across this camp, they would turn their pathetic backsides and leave at the sight of him.”

“Likely because he’ll have eaten what’s left of me,” Hades said unhappily. He looked at Zeus with pleading eyes. “Brother, please? Is there no other way?”

“Hades,” Zeus’ tone was serious, but his eyes were sweet. He was not cross with his mate, but he knew the severity of what would happen should they turn down Cerberus’ presence. Hades would be all alone again, and once more a target for the cruelty of the titans.

“I do not doubt the merit of your fears,” he said, large hand stroking Hades’ hair in an attempt to calm him. “But think of how much more frightened an enemy would be to see this monster attacking them.”

“But I cannot command this beast!” Hades said in further protest. “He may listen to you…” He glanced at Chiron. “…or you, or you…” He then eyed Zeus and Poseidon respectively. “But he won’t obey me, because I am… weak.”

“To have Cerberus obey you is not required,” Zeus replied. “As long as he understands that his one and only objective is to keep you out of harm’s way. Which I am willing to believe he can.”

Hades looked at the huge canine beast, wondering what it would do if he ran out of meet to feed it. How easy it was to imagine Cerberus’ hunger overriding his loyalty to his masters and the need to protect Hades being replaced by the need to fill his stomach…

“How am I supposed to feed him?” Hades asked helplessly. “He must eat many pounds of flesh a day, and I…”

“Oh, you needn’t worry about that,” Chiron interrupted. “Cerberus does not require feeding. He gets his own food, and is quite apt at it, too. Instead you might even rely on him to feed you.”

Hades, realizing he was quickly running out of arguments, glanced warily at his appointed “guard”. The oversized canine had lain down on the stone platform, resting all three of its heads against its thick front legs.

He did not currently look nearly as threatening as when Hades first laid eyes on him, but the prospect of spending days – even weeks – in the company of this creature with no one else around was terrifying.

Besides, who was to say that his brothers would even return from the battle? If Zeus, Poseidon and Chiron were slain, Hades would be all alone in this world. Since his winged horse had been killed, he did not even have much hope of being able to cross the sea again to reunite with his sisters.

“We all trust Chiron,” Poseidon said in an attempt to reason with his eldest brother.

“Some of us more than others,” Zeus muttered, though Poseidon either did not hear him or pretended very convincingly not to.

“He sees the potential in this beast, yes?” the other god continued. “He sees its ability to do damage against our enemies, but he also sees it has gentility. Don’t you see, dear Hades?
Chiron would not bring Cerberus if he thought for a moment that it might bring you harm.”

Hades’ expression was one of defeat, and he sighed, mulling over the situation one final time.

“Alright.”

Zeus rewarded his mate’s compliance with a kiss. “Well done, dearest brother,” he said.

TBC...
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The Immortal Heart