[A morning dawns, and Prometheus awaits the inevitable return of the crows to feast upon his regenerating liver. Suddenly, a voice echoes from above.]
Achlys: Oh, dear Prometheus... What has become of you?
Prometheus: And who might you be?
Achlys: I am your stepmother, the caretaker of your father in days of yore. Do you not recall?
[Hearing those words made Prometheus sick to his stomach. Despite his inner turmoil, Prometheus maintains his composure.]
Prometheus: What is your purpose here?
Achlys: I have heard of your curse and felt compelled to check on my stepson.
Prometheus: You can offer me naught. Begone!
Achlys: What if I were to claim I possess the means to break the curse?
[Prometheus's interest is piqued.]
Prometheus: How so?
[Achlys wears a smug grin.]
Achlys: Consume this elixir composed of lemon juice, spices, and a dash of my magic. It shall deceive the crows into believing your liver is inedible. Once done, I shall release you, and we may begin anew, for I am the sole ally you possess.
[Contemplating the loss of his family and the looming enmity of Epimetheus, Prometheus considers the offer.]
[Before he can partake, an arrow shatters the bottle, causing the liquid to spill and emit smoke upon contact with the ground.]
Achlys: Hercules...
Hercules: (grinning) Surprise, grandmother.
Prometheus: Grandmother? What treachery is this?
Hercules: That sorceress poisoned me, claiming kinship and offering a draught to augment my strength. Greed led me to imbibe, only to find myself weakened. She deceived me and sapped my vigor!
[Achlys's frown transforms into laughter.]
Achlys: Haha! You have uncovered my ruse.
Prometheus: What do you mean?
[FLASHBACK]
Iapetus: You ought to join us now that your mother has passed, Prometheus. My nation eagerly awaits your presence alongside Epimetheus.
Prometheus: You allowed my mother's demise. Why presume I would heed your directives?
Iapetus: I am your father. Duty compels you to comply with my wishes.
Prometheus: Since your departure, I no longer regard you as my father.
Iapetus: You are my offspring, and forever shall remain, Prometheus. I offer you a life of prosperity, renown, and a realm to govern. All this I shall bestow upon you.
Prometheus: Then, can you resurrect my mother?
Iapetus: Your mother took her own life. Only through the hand of another could she be revived, as you well know.
Prometheus: Then the answer is no. We shall not accompany you.
Iapetus: You cannot make decisions for your brother!
Prometheus: I am fully capable.
Iapetus: Do you believe you can safeguard him and provide for his every need?
