The Path Forward

It was a quiet day, birds were blooming, flowers we- wait, wait, wait! What is the meaning of this?! WHY WERE THE FLOWERS SINGING! AND THE BIRDS-!

"GRAAH.HA.HA.HA.HA.HAAA!"

There they go again, it seems that even having matured for a while, this legendary behemoth can't help but be amazed and proud of their own prowess.

'We. Are. Strong. Bend. Nature. To. Will' They croaked in unison.

Indeed, remember when I mentioned the Hydra had mastered one of many intricacies of Chaos?

"Chirp... Chirp... Whistle.." The flowers somehow vocalized.

It looks like Chaos has the power to temporarily invert causality within a small radius.

The Hydra had discovered this right after their bout with the mysterious Red Dragon. Somehow, the Hydra had discovered the 'law of Chaos' so to speak, and discovered a way to manifest 'Chaos itself' through the surroundings.

"Chirp.. Chir-" All of a sudden, the flowers returned to normal and with it, everything else that was affected.

It seemed this power was still insufficient. Even when it was used on small animals and flora, it could only hold for less than a minute. There was no way this would hold in battle.

" Not. Enough. " The hydra chorused in disappointment.

Finally deciding it was time, the Hydra dove back into the lake. And awaited for the next day.

--- In Another Place Quite Far Away ---

"Stomp!.. Stomp!.. Stomp!"

Might steps flooded the surroundings. The Earth trembled in trepidation. Every other being present trembled in fear of the mighty Figure.

" Insolent! Unforgivable! To think that someone!- Something! Would dare do this in my territory! Who do they think we are! WHO I AM! " With might steps, and a voice as deep as brass and as powerful as the roar of the Nemean Lion.

" My Liege Kronos! I come bearing news about that 'Day Star' situation. " Said a strong Titan, with a figure no less intimidating.

With muscles that seemed like it was crafted by the personification of Art itself, and an aura that radiated power in droves.

" This better be good, Atlas " Says Kronos having calmed a little, yet no less intimidating.

" The good part was I found out the cuplrit, the bad part is that there's more to the situation than just a territory instrusion. " Atlas says calmly.

" Hmmm, Who? " Kronos says in one part worry and another in anger.

" It was a Fire Dragon. Though we could only find out from the power residues that were left behind from a distance away. We cannot ascertain if it was a Dragon King, or just a runt with mettle. " Atlas answers. " The bad news, is that I have also found traces of two other beings. One smelled like poison infused with a higher form of energy. And another, I am afraid is-"

"Who! TELL ME now! First an ignorant lizard and now what!? This better be good! " Kronos interrupts in anger and impatience.

" - I was just getting to that " Atlas answers coolly. " Unfortunately, I also found traces of your mother, Gaea herself. " Atlas replies, this time not looking forward to his liege's reaction. Kronos was often ver-

" SHE HAD A HAND IN THIS?! NO. NO. NO! " Kronos was enraged. After all, he killed Ouranos for her and did her bidding, like a loyal son. What was she planning now!? Was this related to the curse? Kronos' paranoia was at an all time high.

" Wait, I must calm down, first a plan of action.. " Despite his Tyrannic ways, Kronos was still King of the Titans. One couldn't get so far with only a temper.

" Koios! Heed my call! Serve your King! " Kronos demands.

As if in response to the Titan King's call, the wind swept up, fractals of ice churning in the wind. The wind, forming a wisp of ice cold wind and ice, suddenly converged into a figure. With pale skin, a looming frame like all other titans, and snow white hair. His eyes gleaming with intellect and cunning.

" What is it that you require, your Majesty? "Koios answers with outmost attention.

" Koios, im sure you've been listening. I order you to come up with a plan! A plan to lure out whatever machinations that wretched woman has cooking up in our territory. " Kronos orders loudly with a paranoid undertone.

" By your will your majesty! Hmmm... I suggest you flood the area where we discovered all of the residue. " Koios suggests.

" But why not send scouts? How about a few Beasts to test the waters? " Atlas chimes in from behind.

" While that would be a good idea normally, It's too obvious! I'm afraid we do not know what we are dealing with here. It's Lady Gaea after all, rather, forcing them out into the light would be a better option. A flood would force everything in that area to retreat, beast or army. Besides, that forest is connected to a shore. They would be forced into the open and out into the plains right outside the forest! Whilst they are being driven out, we can attack first, and crush them! " Koios formulates to the best of his ability.

" Hmmmm..." Kronos drawls out as Koios looks on in apprehension.

"yes.. very good.. ATLAS! RELAY MY ORDERS TO OCEANUS! AND GO WITH HIM! YOU WILL BE THE ONE TO CRUSH OUR OPPOSITION! " Kronos barks out fiercely.

--- Meanwhile ---

The troublemaker in question reared it's multiple heads, and spit. Immediately a giant fog of malicious poison sweeps through the forest, trapping the prey. The prey in question, a herd of giant boars back up into a circle in response to feeling their instincts scream in warning.

" Fwooooo~ " The ghastly fog swiftly surrounds them, inching closer by the second. And it made contact.

With nowhere to run lest they suffer a crueller death, the herd could only watch as their kin had their hides melt, muscles break down and bones crack and collapse all within seconds of contact.

One by one, they quickly fell. And the culprit of such a murder was leisurely watching with unfeeling eyes. The Hydra then moved at their normal pace, picked up each elephant-sized swine with each head, dispelled the poison, restored the flora, and went on their way.

' Much has changed ever since that pesky dragon invaded his home. ' They thought bemused. ' That lizard really won't give up. Even going as far as to abuse the fact that True Dragons cannot die without complete annihilation. ' But even then, deep inside their cold-blooded heart, appreciated the challenge their 'rival' gave.

The Hydra sighs as they notice that they too, did not leave that battle unscathed. It seemed that getting hit with an actual descended 'star' was enough to give them permanent scars and burn marks as well as a lingering sense of exhaustion. Regenerating a whole body and four heads was no easy feat.

That meant, somehow, that oaf was able to burn their soul with pure fire! Since it seemed that their regeneration always followed the figure of their soul. That went for healing in general it seemed. From the knowledge Gaea had given them it seemed.

' That Ember spitting salamander once boasted he had slain a God once. He would never shut up about his achievements even as he was beat into the ground. I wonder when we will meet again. ' They thought amused, this time. Did that mean they were just as strong as them then? The Hydra thought, quite giddy at the prospect of fights of the same caliber as them.

Finally finishing their meal, they immediately return to the lake in order to further master their attunement with Chaos. They did not truly need sustenance, but it helped growth and in healing.

--- To be Continued ---

( Finally another chapter done! Now, you may be wondering why the Hydra thinks in one voice, which is completely different from how they talk normally, with the whole multiple voices thing. That's because, like I said in chapter 1, they conscious mind is kind of like a hive mind. Also it would be extremely tiring for all of us to deal with that. I will also be posting a chapter explaining some things I thought weren't clear. That's all, thanks for reading. )