Chiron

Antares feels that it's time to leave, but he knows it will sadden his mother, and that breaks his heart. That's why he thinks it's time to have a serious conversation with her. Thetis tries to delay the issue, but Antares won't let it go. Finally, it was nighttime, and the moon was in the sky. Thetis sat alone, gazing thoughtfully at the moon, and then Theo sat beside her.

Antares: "Is something wrong, mother?"

Thetis sighs: "No, Antares, it's just… these years were the best of my life. Before you came, there was nothing much to do, but with you around, life had meaning. I don't know what I'd do if you left, maybe I've become too dependent on you."

Tears start to fall from Thetis' eyes, and Antares wipes them with his hand.

Antares: "It's okay, mother. But every young bird has to leave the nest at some point. People my age are getting married around this time. At least support me in becoming a hero. I'm not asking you to leave me, but how about coming with me, mother?"

Thetis' eyes widen, and a hint of joy appears in them.

Thetis: "Really, Antares? Can I come with you?"

As she says this, Thetis looks like a helpless mother, and seeing this makes Antares heartache. Unable to bear it, he thinks of what he could do.

Antares: "Well, why don't you become a teacher where Chiron is? You would make a great teacher for Poseidon's demigod sons. After all, you are a water goddess, and you wouldn't have to part from me."

Thetis is happy to hear this, but one name sticks in her ear—Chiron. So it was Chiron who had caught the interest of her dear son.

Even though Thetis was friends with Chiron, she realized he had charmed Antares. Should she try to kill him? Impossible, even for her.

For her son, she decided to endure and vowed to take revenge on Chiron later.

Thetis: "I'll have to ask Chiron about this. Even though it might be in his favor, we can't be sure he'll accept."

Antares hugs his mother willingly: "Don't worry, mom. I won't leave you. I'm sorry for causing you trouble by bringing you with me, but since you've done so much for me, how about I grant you one wish?"

Thetis laughs because she feels in her heart how much Antares cares for her, and this makes her happy. With a smile on her face, she speaks:

Thetis: "Can I use this wish now?"

Antares smiles back: "Of course, what's your wish, mother?"

Thetis: "Play the violin like last time, but this time, make it just for me, okay?"

Antares' violin appears in the air, and he takes a proper stance. Thetis leans forward: "As you wish, mom."

Then Antares chose the perfect violin piece for this moment: La Campanella by Paganini.

As the music played, the surroundings became greener, and the light of the moon shone directly on them. Antares performed a spell, making the violin float and play on its own as he imagined controlling it in his mind.

The violin moved completely according to his will.

Then Antares extended his hand to Thetis: "May I have this dance, my lady?"

Thetis took Antares' hand.

Thetis: "It would be my pleasure."

They danced together under the moonlight, looking into each other's faces, completely focused on the dance. The moonlight was even more focused on them as if some gods were watching. Nyx sat in a corner above, watching Antares and Thetis, enjoying the music.

She felt that this little boy was somehow connected to her, but she didn't care and simply enjoyed the moment.

Eventually, Antares and Thetis finished their dance and bowed to each other again.

Antares: "That was fun! Let's do it again sometime, okay?"

Thetis: "Of course, I would love to."

They sat shoulder to shoulder, and as they waited for the sunrise, they fell asleep.

Some gods watched with smiles, while others didn't like this scene.

One of those was Hera because Antares was Thetis' child, and Zeus had once courted Thetis, but she had rejected him.

Despite her hurt, Hera had always treated Thetis with special care and kept her distance, knowing that if it were anyone else, they wouldn't have escaped so easily.

Still, Hera watched Thetis and Antares, and her impressions of the boy were good—for now, she wouldn't interfere.

Apollo, too, had been watching Antares from afar.

Every time Antares played his violin, Apollo's heart warmed. He wanted to go and talk to Antares but now wasn't the time, especially with Thetis by his side. Who knows what could happen?

The sun rose, and a new day began. This time, Thetis and Antares packed their belongings into Antares' sub-space, and together, they arrived at Chiron's training ground.

Chiron noticed them from afar and allowed them to enter, waiting at the door to greet them. When they arrived, Chiron was personally quite fond of Antares, as Thetis had told him about her son. However, Thetis threatening to strangle Chiron was a serious matter. While she couldn't kill him, she could certainly cause significant harm, which was unnecessary.

Chiron wanted to train Antares himself and make him a perfect hero, and he was determined to do so.

After all, Chiron was a man who achieved what he set his mind to. But what he didn't expect was for Thetis to attack him with nearby water the moment they arrived. Even Antares was surprised and put his hand on her shoulder.

Thetis: "Stay out of this, Antares. This guy tried to take you away from me. He must be punished!"

Antares looked stressed: "Please, mom."

When Antares said this with sad eyes, Thetis stopped, and Chiron stopped trying to escape. Thetis still looked angry, but it was understandable.

Antares looked at Chiron: "Sorry, mom can get emotional sometimes."

Chiron sighed: "It's okay. No harm was done to the training ground. But still, Thetis, why did you attack me?"

Chiron spoke with a smile on his face.

Thetis: "Because you tried to take my son. But maybe I overreacted. I'm sorry, Chiron."

Chiron scratched the back of his head: "It's okay, I understand. So, what brings you two here?"

Antares explained what he wanted.

Chiron looked thoughtful: "Having Thetis as a teacher here would be useful. There are many demigod sons of Poseidon here, and they could all become great heroes in the future. You would be a good example for them. But I have one condition: I'll train Antares as I see fit."

Thetis was about to refuse, but Antares stopped her and gave her a look. Thetis sighed: "Fine, I hope you know what you're doing."

Chiron was pleased and in a cheerful mood: "Let me show you to your quarters. You'll meet some new friends there—Jason, Hercules, Atalanta. They're all under my training, and though Hercules is the oldest, they're all around your age. I hope you'll get along well."

Antares: "I hope so, too."

(I hope this satisfies those who wanted more chapters, and please, don't hold back a blessed comment or a fanfic review!)