Light in the Darkness

Next Chap is up!  Hope everyone enjoys and Again... I own nothing except for Marilla!

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The rest of the day went smoothly or as much as it possibly could.  Valerius and Marilla agreed to a truce before he officially departed and then everyone sat comfortably together in the living room of Marilla’s spacious home.  There was nothing that could really be done until someone made a move in town.  They were not fully sure of what they were up against, and in this case they were sure it was not best to seek out their enemy.  Especially because everyone in the room now possessed their souls and were much more susceptible.



Hector saw everyone out as Marilla stayed in the living room with Ash.  She waited until the door clicked shut and Hector headed up the stair case.  Everyone knew it was time for Ash to have a chat with her and it was just between the two of them.



This was not a pleasant day.  Hector hadn’t uttered a word to her after they left the training room, and his face was completely impassive.  No doubt the day had taken its toll on him as well.  He ran considerable energy to subdue her.  Exhaustion plagued her and her heart ached.  He was distant and she was too afraid to ask if he was angry.  What a mess she had made.



Though it had been so good to see everyone, and that warmed her heart.  She had feared this day so much, but now that it was at last here, she couldn’t be more happy.  They had all welcomed her back as though time hadn’t passed, and immediately she felt that sense of distance erased.  



She sat quietly, her eyes closed to everyone, but she could feel Acheron’s presence baring down around her.



“I know… I’m sorry Ash.”  Whispering a sigh as she felt him settle on the foot stool in front of her.



Opening her eyes she saw his taut features, not really angry, more concerned than anything.  He had been very stressed lately with numerous activity in the area.  Both of them had significant concerns pressing against them and it had been quite sometime since they had been around each other.  Usually they didn’t go very long, after all they had been partners and friends for almost all of her life.  In truth Acheron was her best friend, and she loved him with everything that she was.  



He reached over carefully and took her hands in his own.  Too much had been happening in such a short time.



“Marilla, that cant happen again.” he whispered, stroking the top of her hand with his thumb.  It was a gentle touch, but hurt nonetheless.  After her body had calmed, she realized she had burns in various places.  Since she hadn’t had the opportunity to control her energy and reign it in herself, when Hector forced it to subside, it burned her.  Acheron currently was rubbing over one of the worst ones on her hand.  Part of her wanted to pull away, but another part didn’t mind the pain.



Meeting his swirling silver gaze she saw his concern for her.  Not concerned she almost killed Valerius, but concern that she had lost control and almost potentially killed herself.  None of the others realized it but Ash.  Had she been unreachable, she would have most likely been swallowed by her power.



“Are you going to tell Artemis?”  she murmured to her once leader and still best friend.  He moved and sat beside her, putting his arm around her and pulling him against his tall muscular body.  For the first time in a long time she  allowed the comfort and relaxed against him.  Since the underworld she had fought hard to maintian control of herself and stand on her own two feet.     



“Ash you’re freaking me out.”  touching others was not his thing.  Even though with her it was more normal than not.  They were still very private about their friendship and kept a certain demeanor in front of others.  Well she was.  She was protective of him and a bunch of questions was the last thing she really wanted to deal with.  



“Shut up and deal.”  she smile up at him.  That was a little better.



“No I am not going to tell Artemis.  For one it wouldn’t do any good.  She has no control over the other men anymore and truly none over you either.  I have no desire to be forced to protect her from you.  However I should probably tell Athena, though I’m sure she knows.”



Marilla nodded against his shoulder.  Undoubtedly her Goddess was well aware.  Perhaps Athena was right.  She was going to have to go to Apollo for guidance.  Athena had fought with her for the past 200 years to seek his help.  Of course she had refused.  Her father had never given much interest in her life, and she would be damned if she would ask him to help her control her powers.  It shouldn’t be this hard!  She had acquired perfect control over so many years, and now here she was like a child learning to walk.  It was infuriating to say the least.  



But she knew, if she didn’t get it under control Athena would take her to Apollo regardless of if she was willing or not.



“It’s not weakness to seek help.  Sometimes it is weakness to not seek it.”



“Acheron… the thought of going to Apollo is enough to kill me.  The only thing he did was remove the curse and allow me to inhert my god powers.  I realize I should be grateful, but sometimes I feel like death would have been more merciful.  Besides, he’s turned his back on me.  Becoming a dark hunter for his sister and then becoming a whore for the lord of the underworld.”



“You’re no whore Mari.”  Ash said sternly.   She could feel the tenseness in his body and the tone of his voice could not hide his disdain for the word.



“Neither are you, but still after all these years it continues to haunt you.”  she whispered, knowing the truth.  Acheron had never told her about his past and certainly not that aspect.  He wasn’t the only one Artemis called upon for visits.  Granted hers were more involving family and trying desperately to woo her back to her side, though it never worked.



Acheron said nothing.  He remembered a time long ago the night Mari died and was reborn from her curse as a dark hunter.  In her rage she bit Artemis.  The blood in the Goddess’s veins had drained her dark hunter power and allowed Athena to kill her.  He had thought then that Artemis shared things with her through the connection, but he found out later Mari pulled it from his own mind.  Mari was very powerful indeed, though she never flaunted it.  Artemis even became enraged at their friendship and the day she threw Acheron’s past in his face in an attempt to drive a wedge between them, she only strengthened it.



“Why don’t you hate me Ash?  I know you hate my father…”



“Because you little brat, you hate him probably more than I do.  You cant help who your parents are, just how you turn out.”  he murmured, lost in thought.



She knew that wasn’t the real reason why he didn’t hate her.  Truth be told, she knew Acheron loved her and she loved him dearly.  The two of them had been through hell and back, quite literally in some instances, throughout the past 4000 years.  And never a day went by that they weren’t there for each other.  Granted it had been a challenge to say the least to get Acheron to warm up to her, but once he did, he never abandoned her.



She let her mind circle around the thoughts the two of them had shared just in these few moments.  She knew she wasn’t a whore.  She was also fully aware of why her powers were so out of control.  The hundred years she spent in the servitude of Hades had wounded her more than she wanted to admit.



Sometimes when she slept, she could still feel it.  Feel his hands touching her, groping at her.  The darkness had consumed her for one hundred years.   She had lived in darkness for centuries as a dark hunter, but this was different.  Her senses no longer sharp and acute, but dulled and dim.  This was a world she could not command and could not control.  Control was lost to her here, and for the first time in her long life she had no power over what happened to her.  The loneliness and isolation drove her mad and made her ache for his comfort out of desperation for anyone’s touch, which both repulsed and nauseated her.  He drove her mad in every way possible.  Every day she felt her spirit break and her body become cold.  She forgot the sensation of warmth and light and worst of all hope in her dank prison.



That was why her energy was impossible to control.  Any emotion that reminded her of him immediately flared heat into her body.  She never wanted to feel the emptiness again and never wanted to be powerless over her surroundings.  How fitting that she was now almost powerless over herself.



Sighing she laid her head on Acheron’s lap, letting him run his fingers through her hair.  He was never one to relish this sort of attention on another person, but when they had a rare moment to themselves they would both allow the barrier down to partake in companionship.  Acheron understood her probably better than she did herself.  He had been an amazing friend all these years.  No one knew they were very close and they both preferred it that way.  Artemis included.  Marilla knew if Artemis felt threatened she would take it out on Acheron.  That would kill Mari.  While he should have loathed her for her parentage, he never held it against her.  In fact the two of them had shared plenty of midnight chats and jokes about the sun god.  Acheron had been a mentor for her as a dark hunter and while he hated it, she had broken past some of those little barriers he kept tight around himself.  Everyone needs someone to lean on, even the individuals like Acheron, though she allowed it in a way that was more comfortable for him.  She allowed Acheron to take the lead and do what he did best.  Care for someone other than himself.



“You tell anyone I’m this soft and I’ll call you a liar to your face.”  he breathed, tickling her nose with his fingertip.



“Yeah I know.”  



They sat in silence for a few more moments.  Marilla just enjoyed his companionship that he offered so rarely to anyone.  Lost in thought she didn’t even hear him begin to speak to her.



“What?”



“I said, Hector is different because your energies are bound.  When you returned his soul, he drew out your energy.  Its why you almost died.  That‘s also why his energies don’t frighten you.  Of course there are other reasons that you are close to him… granted that‘s between the two of you.”  He said, wiggling his brow at her.  



She chose to ignore his innuendo, knowing full well that their feelings for each other were well known by everyone.  It seemed as though they were the only ones unwilling to recognize it.  However, Acheron brought something very interesting to light.  The fact she had survived.



“Why didn’t I die?”



Acheron merely shrugged.  He wasn’t sure actually.  Marilla should have truthfully, but something prevented it.  He asked Hector once what had happened, but he refused to talk about it.  Acheron knew better than to push him and left the subject alone.  Undoubtedly Hector somehow saved her from death, but not before he sacrificed something of his own.  It was always that way.  An eye for an eye.



Sitting up and moving away from Acheron she stretched and began toward the staircase.  It had been a long day and all she wanted was to take a very cold shower to get rid of the ache, bathe in aloe vera gel, and attempt to sleep.



“You know Mari, one day you will be able to stand on your own and command your own armies.  Being a goddess of the sun who can command the pull of the moon and control it with Athena’s wisdom and power, you are a formidable force.  Now you just have to learn control”



She smiled, knowing it was true.  Acheron had always been supportive and kind, while at times brutally harsh he always meant it in the best way possible.  Artemis had no power over her even though she tried to and would seek any way to bind her once more to her side.  Athena would be proud to watch her flourish and support her the entire way.



“You ever want a new boss Ash, my blood’s available and I‘m pretty sure I could take Artemis.”  His laugh followed her all the way up the stairs.



Tomorrow was another day.  Halloween was three nights a way, and nothing was going as planned.  Oh well, not much she could do for that now.



Walking into her room, Marilla closed the large double doors and started directly for her bathroom.  Her home was very large and very lavish.  Each room almost resembled a mini apartment and her bathroom was no exception.  Inside the large room directly to the left was a large walk in closet that housed all of her clothes and shoes.  Immediately to the right were two sinks that rested against a solid mirrored wall.  That however was hardly the impressive part.  Along the far wall sat an open shower.  A small lip came up approximately two feet and it was built from the wall with two sides, but the front was open all for the lip.  A large shower head hung from the ceiling and four small ones, one on each side and two on the wall were built in as well.  Along a tiled path over that began at the two foot mini wall and led to an onyx whirlpool.  The entire bathroom was full of plush crimson carpet, her favorite color, and the tiling was ivory.  Everything else from the shower heads to the sinks and toilet were onyx.  



Flipping the lights on she stared at her enemy.  The large shower loomed ahead.  Oh this would hurt!  But it was necessary.   Stripping from her clothes as gently as possible she turned to assess the damage in her wall mirror.



Yeah, she looked like hell warmed over.  Along the length of her outer thighs she had first degree burns going to her inner thigh.  Her chest was probably the worst because that’s where the energy formed.  Her skin was deep red like a really bad sunburn and she knew the burns were probably 2nd degree.  The lines streaked all over her chest and abdomen, not really creating a distinct pattern.  Her arms weren’t too worse for wear but her hands were scorched and she took the time to look at the area Acheron had been rubbing.  A nice blister had formed.  Turning slowly she picked up her long hair to reveal what looked like a sunburst on her back.  That’s where the energy was pushed from, and it felt as though thousands of little needles pricked her where the marks lay on her skin.



Carefully she pinned her hair up cringing at the feeling of her skin pulling in directions it was not supposed to move in with the burns she had.  



She stepped into the shower and turned on the water, leaving the top head off.  She didn’t even think she could wash her hair if she tried.  



What a day.  Almost killed Valerius and herself, saw old friends for the first time in years and was grateful beyond belief Zarek hadn’t been killed and actually was married.  All of them looked amazing.  She should be happy, but for the first time in a long time she realized she had no real family.  The Dark Hunters had been like a tribe to her, and now the men she helped and cared for were human and no longer needed her.  They had their own lives.  



That begged another question.  Did she really feel like assisting Artemis anymore?  After the pain she caused did she really want to associate herself with the spoiled little brat?  If she left what would she do?  There was always home to Athena, but sooner or later Marilla really did want to strike out on her own and try for…



That was just it.  What would she try for?  An army of her own Ash had said.  But what did that mean?  An army for what?!  War was no longer the same.  No those battles were long dead.  Warfare was fought differently now and had no need of old gods and heroes.   Perhaps she was obsolete?  That was a frightening thought.



Time passed so slowly as she stood in the shower letting the tears flow over her cheeks yet again.  She was so lost.  After finding her old friends she only managed to feel more alone.  She really wasn’t sure where she belonged anymore.



A soft shadow ghosted over her back, she could feel the energy flow into her burn soothing the pain.  She felt Hector press against her, holding her battered body to his.  His arms encircled her waist holding her against him, mindful of her wounds.  She hadn’t even felt him enter due to how worn out she was, but she was more than grateful for his presence.



“I thought you might be angry.”  she whispered, leaning against his muscular chest, reveling in the way his body molded to hers.  His muscles moved languidly under his skin as he hugged her gently.  She felt instantly ready for him.  The events of the previous evening racing through her mind.



He didn’t say a word as he held her, just touched her gently.  His fingertips grazed over her flesh everywhere.  Up her thighs to her stomach, lingering as they drew soft circles on her flesh.  She felt her desire beginning to build, but Hector kept his touches gentle enough to create a slow burn.  Her breasts were next as he allowed the pads of his fingers to graze over the nipples, barely applying pressure.  She felt his hand close over her chin and turn her to face him.  His eyes twinkled in the low light of the room.  The look that crossed his face was calm and serene and she whimpered at the sight of his beauty.  Her body quivered under that powerful gaze and she ached everywhere to be touched by him.



“I’m not mad Mari.”  With that he brought his full lips to hers, nibbling her bottom lip until it opened and he swirled his tongue through the moist cavern.  The darkness began to creep in around her and she struggled against him.  Panic began to flood her, but his hands distracted her.



She knew this was Hector.  Pulling from his kiss she laid her head on his shoulder, turning to wrap her arms around his waist.  



Her breathing slowed as whispered words reached her ear.  Again the darkness came and she was too weak to fight it.  Sleep claimed her exhausted body easily.



Hector lifted Mari from the shower and towled her off gently.  Going into her closet he took a large robe and used the shadows to wrap her in it.  She was completely dead to the world, but still he took his care with her as he laid her amongst her plush blankets.  While she wouldn’t be too thrilled with the added help getting to sleep, he knew she needed it.  She was exhausted both physically and mentally.  



Her innocence never seemed to astound him.  A brave warrior by day, but in sleep, she was like a young girl.  Unfortunatley there wasn’t time for innocence.  Something was plaguing this city.  He knew something old and dangerous was here, he just didn’t know what.  Unfortunately Hector was also aware that it was going to put Mari and the rest of them in serious danger.  With her powers out of control Hector was  very concerned.



Lost in his thoughts he barely felt the pull of Acheron in his thoughts.  What on earth did he want?  Sighing Hector placed a soft kiss on the sleeping woman’s forehead and left the room as he manifested clothes on himself.



Walking back downstairs Hector found Acheron sitting on the couch in the darkness.  The swirling silver eyes met his as he hit the landing of the stairs and moved toward the living room.



“What is it Ash?”  Hector asked.  Sitting down in a chair opposite the large couch his companion currently occupied.



“How did you save Mari?”



Hector swallowed.  He knew what he was asking, but he played dumb.  “Today?  I pushed her energy out and protected her body from being fried.”



Acheron’s eyes swirled intensely.  That wasn’t the answer he wanted.  Hector knew it.  Normally he would not push or pry, but today’s incident was far from all right.  It couldn’t happen again and he knew Hector had the ability to connect with her and stop it.



“No Hector.  How did you save her when she returned your soul to you.”



Hector’s eyes clouded.   That day had been horrifying for him.  The sight of her reminded him of his mother.  They had both been tortured and sacrificed for him.  Mari was almost to the point of death when she stormed Acheron’s home that day.  The look in her eyes wild and her sanity was long gone.  He could still smell the blood and the underworld on her skin.  She was dressed in rags with lacerations littering her skin.  Hades had practically beaten her to death before releasing her.  As she moved past Acheron and toward his ghost like form he noticed the gem she held.  His soul was a deep purple gem with a sliver of white in the center that glowed brightly.  She didn’t even think when she reached into his transparent body when she placed his soul within him.  Once a body has become a shade, life is needed to restore the soul.  Without him being able to stop it his body claimed hers.  He could feel every memory of her life rush through him as his soul latched to him.  When it was over she was on the verge of her last few breaths.  Without a second thought Hector reached inside her body before he solidified and willed her alive.  What he used was more than mere will.



Looking up he met Acheron’s gaze, two single tears tracing his cheeks as he whispered what he had never told another soul.



“I used mine.”       

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There it is!  I hope everyone's enjoying so far!  R&R it's appreciated!