Passed Mistake
I got the idea for the characters Zack and Alexis from the talented fan fiction author, fantasylov3r. She legally owns Zack and Alex. I just was given permission to write this story. To read the real thing in action, here is her home page. .net/u/1443632/fantasylov3r
Check out her work, I'm telling you all you'll love it, i know i did. ;)
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A building stood proud and tall. Strong pillars held up the monstrous construction. A mighty case of stairs leads up to its powerful doors and opened to a room full of wonder and knowledge. Many long and vast corridors twists and turned like a maze. But there is one corridor that leads to an old, yet new world, exploding with adventure and danger. Vases and statues were polished and looked like they had just been made. Each object holds a story that has been kept a secret for thousands of years. A vase revealed a loving couple and a voice boomed over as Bob began to tell the story.
'After striving his whole life to return to Olympus. Hercules turned down immortality in favour of a mortal life on Earth with the woman he loved, Megara. It has been 10 years since then and now Hercules and Megara are about to take on the most challenging journey of all…'
'Parenthood, baby,' Thalia, the short and plump Muse of comedy's voice could be heard. The muses on the top of the vase began to move, 'that's right all. Hercules and Megara have just become the proud parents of identical twin sons, Zack and Alexis.' Calliope, the Muse of epic tales, explained as she turned the vase around to see a picture of Hercules and Meg each holding their baby boys. Her hair was big, black and curly. She wore a cream coloured headband that lifted her hair up just above her head. It looked like a fan was on her head. 'Now aren't they just so precious!' Terpsichore, the dance Muse with the short, kinky hair exclaimed. 'Oh they sure are.' Thalia commented.
'Our new story...' begin Clio, the Muse of history, with the ponytail. 'Begins at the celebration held at Hercules' home in the suburbs of Thebes. It's been one whole month since the twins were born, and the big man Zeus spared no expense at throwing his new grandsons a huge party.' She smiled as she and the other muses jumped down to the next stand, where was a bronze colour plate that showed a picture of Hercules' home.
'This is no ordinary party girl, no.' Melpomene, the long-haired Muse of drama explained. 'This is even bigger then Bacchus' Bacchanals. Just not as wild, remember this has to be g-rated for the twins.'
'All of the gods and goddess had come to pay their respects to Zack and Alexis. All of them were having a joyful time, unaware of the danger on the rise.' Calliope's voice changed its tone from joy to a warning as the image became alive.
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The picture began to change and turned life like. Fireworks exploded throughout the day sky. Beneath the colours was a large, golden brown mansion with green vines that curled around its brick wall. It had a marble fence around its boundaries. It was like Olympus was thrown on earth. Outside in the large backyard, the gods and goddesses arrived and brought array of amazing presents. They mingled and waited to see legendary Hercules' sons.
Inside, Hercules walked calmly up the stairs and into a room where Meg was just putting on a fresh dipper for the little boy. He couldn't help but smile at her and the small human that laid on the bed. 'There Alexis, that otta hold you for a while.' She said as she brought the baby's face to her eye level and smiled. The baby giggled and squealed as his mother brought his face close to hers and lovingly rubbed her nose against his. Hercules' attention was soon taken by another sound of laughter from the window. Zack was inside his crib with his small arms reaching out. Pegasus had poked his head through the window and his snort was rubbing against Zack's cheek. The small baby, much like his brother, giggled and squealed at the stallion. A big horsey kiss was given to him by Pegasus. Hercules slightly chuckled at the sound of their laughter.
'So how are the guests of honour?' he asked as he came in the room and began to walk to the giggling child from the crib. 'I just finished changing Alexis's dipper, so Zack will need changing in an hour or two, give or take.' She said as Hercules gently lifted up Zack and brought him close to his face. 'Alright boys, I have a question for you. If you're wet, you're dry. If you're hungry, you're full. If you're awake, you're asleep. If you're identical twins, then why don't you do something identical.' she said in a joking, sarcastic voice. Alexis was now lying inside his mother's arms.
Hercules just laughed as he settled Zack in his right arm. Zack was positioned so that he was lying down but was able to see everything. Just then Hermes fluttered in through the window and flew up to Hercules. Zack stared at the blue god with wonder. Unlike his mother or father, a blue aurora surrounded him and he was floating in the air. He wore a white chiton and blue sandals. In his small hands he held a golden staff and wore a helmet with wings, to match.
'Hey Herc babe, fabulous party you got going down there. There's just two things missing, the guests of honour.' He stared down at Zack and lightly tapped his small nose. 'All the gods and goddesses are totally hyped to see the little guys, man' he said as he pointed out the window and peered over his sunglasses at them.
Hercules glared outside and saw his large family. Zeus and Hera were speaking to Amphitryon and Alcmene. Ares and Athena were at each other throats and Poseidon was playing with the foundation. He was transforming the water into different shapes and figures. The other gods and goddesses were getting restless. 'OK, OK. Well boys, ready to meet everyone?' Hercules asked as he looked back at Alexis. A loud 'Ah' came from his mouth. His father laughed and headed to the door. Meg smiled and lightly kissed her baby on his cheek as she followed Hercules down into the backyard.
As they walked through the door and Hermes announced their arrival. 'Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention for a just sec? All of you have been very patient. Without further ado, it is my honour to present to you all the men of the hour (well kinda). Please give a fabulous and warm welcome to the sons of the legendary and amazing hero, Hercules and his beautiful, mystifying wife Megara. The next generation of the Olympian race, Zack and Alexis!' Cheers and applause arose as the boys entered into the yard, in their parents' arms. A coward gathered around them, all waiting to see the babies.
The new parents were first greeted by Hercules' best friend from high school, Icarus. 'Wow Herc, you sly dog. Two on the first try. Going for three next time?' In his usual high pitched voice. Icarus had grown taller since Hercules last saw him. His hair was still fried and his left eye remain the same. He wore a blue chiton, similar to the green one that he wore in high school. He reached over to Alexis and dangled his fingers in front of him. Alexis grab his finger then laughed as Icarus started making funny faces at them. 'Ok, how about you carry them next time?' Meg smirked at Icarus as he slightly was caught off guard. 'So you're the famous Icarus my husband can't stop talking about. He has told me so much about you,' she said as she re-adjusted Alexis. 'Yeah that's me, the wax wing king, and Herc's best buddy and the guy that flew too close to the sun. Oh man, I never get tired of saying that.' He said proudly as he puts his hands behind his back and stretched it out. A slight cracking noise came from his back. Standing behind him was Cassandra who smiled and shook her head.
'Well Hercules, I have to say that you've done quite well for yourself, congratulations.' She said as she patted his arm lightly. 'And to think, you were the guy who couldn't get a date to the prom.' He turned bright red and gave her a shy smile. She lightly stroked Zack's cheek and then turned around and leaves them so that others can see the new arrivals.
'Hercules, how is my former student?' Daedalus asked coming up right behind Icarus. Hercules had seen he'd gotten older. He was still bald but had gray facial hair and hair at the bottom part of his head. He was still muscular and still wore a dark green toga. 'Very well thanks.' Hercules replied as he shook his hand.
Daedalus then turned his attention to the twins. 'And these must be the offspring I've heard so much about. Healthy and happy they both appear to be.' He closely examined them both. First he stroked his chin as he moves more forward to their faces, his gaze focused on the rest of their bodies. He had made a face that Hercules knew all too well. His mind was turning as calculations and measurements were made. 'As I expected they are the perfect size of the bassinets that I designed for the boys!' He exploded in excitement as he turned around and pulled out two round shaped bassinets. 'This has many features, including size changing for when they get older. This is what I like to call a "Mobile". It rotates in a slow manor and plays soft music to lull them to sleep.' He explained as he demonstrated. He pulled a grin and it began to spin and play a soft lullaby. Hercules and Meg smiled as the boys seem to like it, laughing as they reach for what hanged from the strings on the mobile. The objects were made of a solid crystal that sparkled in the sunlight. The objects looked like crescent moons and stars. 'And no need to worry about the moons and stars falling on them. It's on good and tight so they can't possibly fall off.' He demonstrated as he slightly pulled the string that they dangled from. 'They are shinny so they capture the attention of their tinny un-moulded minds.' He said as he slightly tapped on Zack's noise.
'It's a wonderful gift. Thank you.' Meg replied as she too checked on the bassinets, running one of her hands inside to see if it was comfortable. Hercules peered over. He wasn't sure about this. He respected the man and his work but his inventions weren't always the safest. Hercules did the same and was surprisingly satisfied. He pulled against the object slightly to see if it could stand it. It simply bounce back undamaged. The reason he had done this because there was no indication that the boys have inherited his strength. One of Zeus' theories was that they would develop their powers if they had any. Then he turned to Hermes who was tapping his finger against one of the shinny objects. 'Hermes can you place the bassinets in the boy's bedroom?' he asked. Hermes saluted Hercules and stood up straight in the air and whistled. 'Yo Hephaestus. Can I get a hand here?' he called out as he flew over where he saw Hephaestus standing.
Coming up to them next was Zeus and Hera who smiled happily. 'Well my boys this turned out to be a smashing success.' Zeus said as he gently rubbed Alexis head. Hera placed a kiss on each of her grandsons' foreheads. 'How the years fly by, our baby boy has babies all his own.' Hera said as she looked down at boys. 'May we?' Hera asked opening her arms. Hercules and Meg smiled at each other. Hercules placed Zack in Hera's arms as Meg placed Alexis in Zeus'. 'Hello precious, hello. How are you? You two are so handsome. Yes you are.' She smiled as she brought Zack closer to her chest. She lightly tapped his small nose and Zack giggled with such delight. "You did good son, you sure did good." Zeus said as he started to make baby noises to Alexis. Alexis laughed and reached up and pulled at his beard.
As the day went by about everyone had their chance to hold or play with the babies. There were a few incidents' where Phil, Aries and Hephaestus accidentally scared the boys. Aries by being loud, Hephaestus just by looking at them, and well Phil, he never was that good with kids. But he did tell Hercules that the boys looked like him. After he gave the boys his gift, he tried to chase a few girls that he met at the party. He had little success.
Aries got the boys each a thin sword that had a leaf shaped blade which was quite popular throughout the ancient world. 'These beauties will be perfect first weapons for them when they get older.' He commented with cockiness in his voice as he placed them on the table side by side.
Hephaestus crafted the boys each an amulet. Zack's was made of gold in the shape of the sun and rested in the middle was a large sapphire. Alexis' was made of silver in the shape of the moon and had a large emerald. 'If the boys ever call for help while wearing these, any god or goddess in the area can hear their plea. Zeus and Hera will be able to hear it from any location. I wouldn't recommend giving it to them until they are teenagers at the least.' He suggested as he placed each amulet in two specially designed boxes made of metal with special patterns crafted on them. With it came a lock and keys in the keyhole.
Soon afterwards, Aphrodite and Athena both enjoyed playing with the twins, kissing them, pinching their cheeks. Their cheeks were now rosy red and were covered in red lipstick. Once Zack and Alexis were returned to their parents, Aphrodite and Athena presented their gifts. They were a different kind of gift compared to what other gods had brought. Athena smiled as she slightly stroked their faces with one hand. 'I shall give the boys the gift of wisdom.' The boys began to glow a blue colour and it become brighter. Then it died down and they returned back to normal. 'There you go. They will be wise beyond their years. That way they don't get us into as much trouble as their father did.' She slightly chuckled as she looked at Hercules as the blood rushed to his cheeks, causing them to turn bright red.
Aphrodite brought her hand over her mouth, slightly chuckled and shook her head. 'OK, let's see if I can top that.' She said as she walked up and slightly placed her hands under their chins and, once again, they glowed a bright red colour. 'I place upon these boys the gift of charm. The boys' personalities will shine and everyone will be able to see their inner beauty. This way it'll be easier for them to make friends. Plus wisdom and charm will make a great combination when they start meeting girls. As being the sons of Hercules they will meet plenty of them.' She placed her hands on her hips and looked down at the boys with a satisfied smirk.
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The party went long into the day. Dusk approached but there was no sign that suggested that the party will finish. The twins were now settled in their father's arms. He stared lovingly into their eyes. How could something so small bring so much joy into his life? 'Hello sweetheart,' a calm and lovingly voice broke his glared. Megara seated herself next her husband and took Alexis from his arm. Hercules smiled at her and gently kissed her lips. A small noise broke their kiss and small laugh came from their mouths. 'Hey, you guys got your attention.' Meg began to tickle Zack with one hand. Hercules laughed and did the same to Alexis, 'yeah, now its mommy and daddy's turn.' The small babies laughed and giggled until their parents removed their hands. Then Zack and Alexis' eyes began to close and stretched their little arms and legs. They opened their small mouth and took in a deep breath. Then they relaxed and curled in their parents' arms, towards their bodies. Hercules and Megara slowly stood up and walked towards their home. They felt their parents moving and slowly began to stir back to life. Many of the invited guests started drawing their attention back to the little ones. Hercules and Megara politely explained that they needed their rest. They went upstairs to find Daedalus' bassinets was set up and ready to be used. Hercules and Meg smiled at each other then turned their attention to the fussy little babies in their arms. They whispered softly and moved their little arms around. 'You boys had one heck of a day, huh?' Hercules stated as he placed Zack in the bassinets.
'Yup, they really are good sports, putting up with all the kisses, pinching of their cheeks, and all the baby talk.' Meg agreed as she placed Alexis next to Zack and covered them up with a woolly blanket that Hercules' mortal mom knitted for them. It had the symbol of the gods and a light blue background. Hercules pulled the grin and soft, gentle and calming music began to play.
As the music was playing, Meg was gently singing to her children. 'Close your eyes until the new day.' She stroked the top of Zack's head as his eyes wondered at the objects above his head. Hercules placed his arms around her waist and his chin rested on her shoulder. He watched his little sons yawn and their eyes began to close as he joined in the lullaby. 'Let the magic of Morpheus whisk you away, to the stars in the heavens where dreams all come true. On a top of Olympus, Zeus is watching over you.' Hercules released Meg and leaned down. He placed a kiss on each of their foreheads then stroked the top of Alexis head, 'Sleep tight, my little sons.'
Hercules' birth and mortal parents awaited down stairs for their son. He slowly turned away from the bassinets, he noticed Meg wasn't following. 'You coming, honey?' Her husband's voice brought back to reality.
'Umm, oh, I'll catch up with you later.' Hercules smiled and left the room. Meg leaned down and kissed the top of her sons' heads. She pause for a second, leaning against the railing slightly. She gazed down at her boys and treasured the moment. In her wildest dreams, she never thought that she would be this happy. Nothing in her past would have ever brought her to believe she could love anything more than her family. It all seemed too good to be true, like a dream she didn't have to wake up from. She then stood up and took one good glance at the boys before she left. She walked over to the lamp and blowed the candle out. As she opened the door, she glanced back once more. 'Sweet dreams my little darlings.' She whispered as she slowly and quietly shut the door.
Now the boys were fast asleep, but the party didn't end yet. Hestia, the goddess of the hearth had prepared a huge banquette in honour of the boys.
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As they continued their meal, Hercules stood up and raised his glass. "OK everyone, may I have your attention.' Once all of the talking had died down Hercules continued, 'On behalf of my sons, I want to thank all of you for coming to help me and Meg celebrate their birth. I want you all to know that it means a lot to me that you all came. I would also like to thank my birth parents for arranging such a big party.' He turned his head to Zeus and Hera who were sitting next to Megara. 'Thank you mother and father, I know you put in a lot of effort to make this such a success.' Then turned to his right side where Amphitryon and Alcmene were sitting. 'And my mortal parents, ma and pop thanks for raising me and teaching me how to raise a family with love and support. I know I messed up a lot, but you never gave up on me. I hope I can take all the good things you four have taught me and be able to teach my boys as well.' He turned towards Phil, seated just after Amphitryon and Alcmene. 'I also want to thank my coach and friend, Phil. If it weren't for him I never would have met the most beautiful woman in the world and I wouldn't have my boys. I have the best family and friends a guy can ask for. Thank you all and...'
A strong wind blew into the scene, cutting Hercules' speech. Cloths were trying to get off the table and the light from candles disappeared. People stared at each with fear and anxiety, but they seem to settle after a while. Meg looked around; every mortal was slowing down, until they had stopped moving completely. Her husband and she were the only mortals alive there. The candles flicked back on and a small puff of smoke roamed over the middle of a table. Then it began to twisted and turned. It was like invisible hands making a person out of clay. It was a beautiful young woman with grayish-green skin. Her black hair flowed around her head, like it was under water. She wore a sleeveless, purple dress that turned into smoke at the bottom. What made this stranger seem alarming were her red eyes and the way she looked at him with that sinister smile. All the gods seem to be on edged now. However Meg seemed to be very startled, like she had seen a ghost.
'Bravo. What a touching speech.' she said as she clapped a few times.
'Oh please no!' Meg whispered slightly, not loud enough to be heard.
'Who are you?' Hercules asked.
She shifted her size, enlarging herself to rise above them. 'I am that little bit of destruction that makes life worth living. I am the wings that gave Icarus' flight. I am Medusa's gaze both beautiful yet deadly. I am Eris the goddess of discord.' She floated down and graced her fingers across Hercules's cheek, like a tear rolling down his face.
'Eris? I haven't seen you since before Hades tried to take over.' Hera responded as she sat up straight in surprise. 'What are you doing here?' She asked. Eris turned around and smiled at Hera. 'Yes, it has been so long, your highness. I'm sorry to interrupt such a feast. But I'm here on business.' She turned slightly to catch Meg trying to sneak away. Then Meg felt a chain griped tightly around her waist and she was roughly dragged to a table that was the closest to Eris. 'Hello Megara. You're looking well.' Meg tried put on a brave face, but Eris could see the despair in her eyes and cherished it.
Hercules was about to charge, Eris stretched her hand out and shoved him down back to his seat. 'You can relax hero, I have no attention to hurt your precious Megara. I'm here because she's finally able to pay her debt.' She taunted as she turned her attention back down to Meg. Meg in a moment of weakness flashed a desperate glance at Hercules.
'It's OK wonder boy, I can handle this.' Meg whispered with all her strength as she struggled out of Eris' grip. 'You know Eris you need to work on your intro's a bit. Not as flashy as they used to be.'
'Un-Hun, now...' Eris started to get serious. 'About that debt, where is it?'
'Please give me more time. Anything but that...'
Eris yanked on the chain, pulling Meg closer to her. Eris gripped Meg face, turned so she was staring into her eyes. Fear was burning into Meg's heart. 'No I'm afraid you don't understand. For Starters, don't lie straight to my face! Secondly, a bargain is a bargain, Meg dear. I've kept my end, now it's time to pay up. Just because your husband is the son of the all powerful Zeus, doesn't mean I'm going to let you off the hook. Now stop playing games and tell me where is it?'
'ERIS!' Zeus beckoned as stood up, his voice made the room rumble. 'How dare you cause such a disturbance here, what is so important that it couldn't wait until the celebration of my grandsons' birth was over!' He demanded to know.
Eris rolled her eyes to gaze upon the all mighty lord of the gods. She started to chuckle slightly. Then it turned into a burst of uncontrollable laughter. It infuriated Zeus immensely. 'You dare laugh at me!' Zeus yelled angrily.
Her laughter faded, as she now calmly presented herself to him. 'Humans are so pathetic, aren't they my lord? They make promises without thinking them over.'
'What do you mean?' Hercules asked concerned.
'I mean your beloved wife has gotten all your hopes up and now I'm about to shred them into tiny, little pieces.' All the gods and goddesses began to murmur amongst themselves at the words they just heard.
'Eris, you better explain yourself this instant!' Zeus' voice boomed over the room, silencing all the other Olympians.
'Oh course. You see, Great Zeus, I met Megara about 15 years go. That's when she made her little deal with Hades to sell her soul to save her boyfriend's life. Once she had realized her mistake it was far too late. That's where I made my presence to her known. I presented her with an offer that would cut her sentence with Hades in half. But, of course, my services are not free.'
'And just what did she promise you?' Zeus asked angrily as he folded his arms across his chest. 'What I asked from her was something that is extremely precious. It's something when it's gone she could never regain. Something soul shattering,' her eyes met Hercules'. She looked deeply into his eyes as Meg looked away in shame. Fear entered his mind. What could his beloved have possibly promise that was so valuable? 'The deal was IF she ever had a child... I would have it as my own.'
Hercules was stunned. He couldn't believe what he heard. Meg promised to give up her first child, his child. His body completely shut down for what seemed to feel like an eternity. Eris has come to take his son away from him. He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to get over the shock. The other gods where talking among themselves trying to make sense of the situation. Finally, after moments of silence, Hercules opened his eyes. His face was covered in pure anger and rage. 'HOW DARE YOU MAKE SOMETHING LIKE THAT UP?' His voice was even stronger than Zeus'. All the gods were in stock. They had never seen Hercules like this before. 'MEG WOULD NEVER PROMISE TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT.' Meg was even frightened of him. The gentle husband she married had faded away. Hercules was now panting from his explosion and took deep breathes. 'Now I think it's time for you to leave.' His fists were shut tight near his sides and stared into Eris' eyes. She just looked at him, she felt offended by his outrage.
'You think I'm lying?' she asked with a calm voice. She held out her hand just above her head. A scroll appeared in it and she opened up so he could read it. 'Here's the contract to prove it. It's all there; it's legal, binding and completely unbreakable, even for you and your parents.'
Hermes then came up and took the contract from Eris. 'OK, let's examine the evidence, shall we?' He said as he read through the scroll. He read softly to himself, looking at everything carefully. When he finished he looked back at Hercules with a very unhappy and surprised face. 'I'm afraid she's telling the truth, babe. Everything is here. It's pretty rock tight too, Herc. According to this, Eris cuts down half of Meg's sentence and in exchange Meg is to give Eris her first born child. There is more emphasis on the child part. Meg only promised one. So she can only claim the twin that was born first. Which one was that again?' He asked as he showed the contract to Hercules. 'Zack is the oldest. Mother said he was two minutes older then Alexis.' Hercules said.
'Twins? You had twins, Meg?' she asked Meg, who nodded once. Her head was still in shame and her cheeks stained with tears. Gears began to turn in Eris' head, 'interesting.'
Hercules turned to Meg, he felt betrayed. How could she do this to him, again? 'Meg? How could you?' he asked. His voice was quiet and soft.
'I was desperated. All I wanted was my freedom. When Eris purposed this I was still upset about my boyfriend leaving me after I sold my soul to save him. All she asked was for my first child. The child I thought I never would have. I didn't want a family so I thought I never had to pay it up. I never thought at the time that I would change my mind and have my boys.' She turned around to look at Eris. 'Eris you can forget it, the deal is off! You can't have my son!'
Now Eris just laughed. 'Excuse me Meg? Did you just tell me that you're breaking our deal?' She asked as she got right up close to Meg's face. Meg with full confidence just looked her straight in the eyes and said. 'Exactly, I'm free of Hades so you can't send me to work for him anymore...' Just then Eris placed her finger on Meg's lips silencing her. 'That's correct.' Eris stated, 'However according to the contract, if you refuse to pay up, the punishment is death. At least if you co-operate Meg, perhaps in the future would be able to see your child once more.'
Hermes then zipped through the contract again to find where it stated that. 'Yep it's here, in the last paragraph.' He pointed to it out to Zeus and Hera.
'Eris, this has got to be the lowest thing you have ever done!' Zeus said as he stood up and gripped the smoke like chain and broke it, freeing Meg. She jumped off the table and ran to Hercules who wrapped his arms around her. Zeus held a thunderbolt in his hand and brought it up to Eris' neck like the sword.
Hera arose from her seat and crossed her arms. 'You took full advantage of this woman who was in a very vulnerable state! Now you think Zeus and I will let you just waltz in and take any of our grandsons away from their parents! Well think again!' She stood next to Zeus as she defended her earthly family.
Eris shrugged and backed away slightly 'Oh please, like you two can criticize me. Wasn't you great Zeus who punished Prometheus for taking fire from Mount Olympus and gave it to mortals to help them survive through winter. And what did you do? You stuck him to a rock for all eternity. Then again that was nothing compared to all the other times you lost your temper and done something out of disapprobation. And let's not forget about you, Hera.' Eris turned her attention to the queen of the gods. 'Do you remember Polytekhnos and Aedon? They claimed to love each other more than you and Zeus did. For this you sent me to rack discord upon them. Remember how their love turned into such hatred and disaster that Zeus had to turned them into birds. All of that would never have happened if it weren't for you, your highness.' Now Zeus and Hera looked back at each other with insecurity.
'Besides that, these are your laws. The contract is legal so you can't interfere with this, Zeus. Just because he's your grandson, that doesn't mean he's pardoned from your laws, does it?' She asked quite calmly. Zeus just looked at her with complete hatred and disgusted. Eris just crossed her arms and smiled 'Just as I thought... Now.' She turned around to look at Meg and Hercules. 'I got places to go, things to destroy, stuff to steal. So if you're not going to hand him over...I'll just take him myself,' with that she disappeared.
The mortals in the room started to move, all looking around in confusion. Hercules and Meg looked at each other in fear and ran for the stairs, heading for the babies' room. Phil turned his head watching Hercules and Meg take off. 'Kid what's wrong?' he called out, but no answer. Amphitryon and Alcmene looked back at each other and ran after them. Icarus and Cassandra soon did the same. 'Everyone surround the mansion. Do not let Eris escape!' Zeus commanded and the gods took action. Each one went straight outside and made a wall of protection, keeping everyone inside. Zeus, Hera, and Hermes quickly followed Hercules and Meg up the stairs.
As they reached the babies' room Hercules tried to open the door but he found out it was locked. As he tried to fiddle with the knob, Meg banged against the door. Little cries of terror could be heard from behind the door. Meg banged even louder as their cries increased. 'Break the door down! DO IT NOW!' Meg demanded and backed away from the door. Hercules without a second thought took a step back and brought his right arm back ready to punch it down. 'Herc! Wait just a moment!' Icarus yelled as he, Cassandra, Amphitryon and Alcmene caught up, breathing heavily.
'What's going on son?' Amphitryon asked his son. Hercules ignored him and punched the door down. In the room Eris just stood over Zack's bassinet, with a sinister gaze she looked upon the baby. Both of the boys were crying out of confusion and fear. She then turned her gaze on Hercules with an impatient look on her face. 'You again?' she asked, her right arm resting on the bassinet's rim.
'Leave him alone!' Hercules demanded with a furious voice. He charged at her but she turned into a puff of smoke and appeared right behind him. She laughed as she blasted him in the back, sending him crashing into a wall. Seeing their father motionless on the ground, they began to cry even louder. Meg with a desperately examined the room for anything she could use. Then she noticed a large broken piece of the door and bent over and reached for it. 'Get the boys out of here now!' She commanded the others and charged at Eris, using it like a club tried to whack Eris. Eris just dogged every swing and laughed at Meg's pathetic batting.
As Meg fought Eris, Cassandra and Icarus got to the bassinets. Cassandra picked up Alexis and Icarus picked up Zack. When they tried to reached the exit, Eris extended her arms and grabbed Icarus by his back collar and pulled him back to her. Meg brought the club high up and she swung it once more. But this time Eris caught it in her right hand as she held Icarus in her left arm. 'Still trying to stop me? Oh please Megara. Don't embarrass yourself more then you already have.' She said as she pulled it out of her hand and punched Meg hard, throwing her into an empty bassinet. The bassinet broke and Meg laid there unconscious.
Cassandra looked over her shoulder in shock, then handed Alexis over to Alcmene. 'Get downstairs or somewhere safe. Go!' she pointed to the exits. Alcmene nodded but before she left she pleaded to Cassandra. 'Please save Zack.' Amphitryon placed an arm around her and they ran for their lives. Alexis was held tightly in his mortal grandmother's arms. Tears ran down his cheeks because of the noise and destruction that was happening.
As Amphitryon and Alcmene ran down the stairs, they bumped into Zeus and Hera. 'What's happening?" Zeus demanded as he saw the elderly couple. 'That crazy goddess is attacking Hercules and Megara and now she has Zack!' Amphitryon told him as Alcmene tried to calm down the frightened little baby. 'Hermes, take the three of them to a safe place and have Apollo, Aries and Hephaestus guard them. Do not let Alexis out of your sight!' He boom out to his messenger. 'Got it Big Z. Alright everyone follow me,' he led them back to the dining hall, as Zeus and Hera continued on.
Meanwhile back in the babies' room, Eris turned her attention back on Icarus who was holding the baby. Eris lightly chuckled as Icarus tried to squirm his way out of her clutches. 'Now I think you have something that belongs to me.' She said with an innocent look on her face as she pulled Icarus closer to her. Her hand lightly but violently cupped his cheek. Icarus screamed in pain because her hand felt like tips of blades scraping against his cheek.
'OK, crazy lady, I'm letting you know right now that there is no way you are getting your creepy sharp hands near this baby!' Icarus screamed out in rage as he held Zack in one arm and tried to hit Eris with his other.
She just laughed at his efforts. She had her share of dealing with stupid humans before but this one takes the cake. 'I'm sorry if I disagree.' She removed her hand but only to place it against his neck. Her hand gripped around it and blocked his wind pipe. She lifted him up above her head. As he started to suffocate, his grip on Zack began to weaken. The baby began to slip from Icarus. Zack was just about to hit the ground when an invisible force saved him. She threw Icarus away and Zack floated up towards her. She gently took him in her arms. At that moment, Zeus and Hera were at the door and ran towards her. Eris noticed their present; she opened her palm and created a Green clear barrier over the door. Zeus and Hera went flying back. They rosed and slammed their fists against the barrier but it didn't seem to make any difference. Eris just laughed as she turned around looked at Megara, who was still unconscious. Her head resting against Cassandra chest as she slightly tapped her cheek trying to wake her.
'Your mother is pathetic, isn't she? She loved you so much. She promised you to me before she even knew what she'd done. Then she set herself up for such pain.' She turned her glance to Zack and re-adjusted her hold on him. The small boy was crying uncontrolly in her arms. 'Shh,' soothed gently and wiped away his tears. 'You will find, little one, mortals are extremely idiotic, selfish and predictable. You will also find how fun it is to manipulate them.' Zack screaming began to get louder. Then Meg's eyes snapped opened, hearing her baby's cries. She turned her head towards the direction, but she found she didn't have the energy to get up. 'No,' the word moaned out of her mouth as she reached out for her child. A river of tears began to fall down her eyes. Eris turned and smirked evilly at Megara. 'Pathetic mortal, you actually believed you could control the situation. In the end you're just like every other mortal. Pathetic and useless,' she taunted and gazed upon Meg, enjoying every bit of her suffering.
Icarus on the floor weakly grabbed his throat and as he slowly opened his eyes. He noticed the club that Meg dropped earlier. Icarus reached for it but Eris enlarged her hand and swatted him aside like a fly. Hercules started to regain consciousness just in time to he see his best friend fly across the room. 'Icarus!' Hercules cried as Icarus went into the wall and become unconscious. Hercules turned his head and saw Meg next to Cassandra, reaching out for Zack.
Hercules tried to get back up but he felt a strong pain in his side. He grabbed the spot where he felt it. Thick liquid covered his hand, turning it dark red. 'How the mighty have fallen.' Eris taunted, and manically laughed. Zeus slammed his fists against the barrier one last time and leaned onto it for support. Hera slid down to her knees and her hands covered her face as the tears fell.
Hercules made one more attempt to stand up but the pain from Eris' blast was too much. He fell back on his knees, he felt hopeless and helpless. He had to do something, anything. Tears rolled down his face and tried one last time to save his son. 'Eris, please I'm begging you don't to do this! I will do anything you ask! Just name it. I'm begging you please just don't take my son!' He looked up at his little boy who was crying his eyes out, screaming at the top of his lungs.
Eris looked down at Hercules seriously for what seemed like an eternity. Then she turned her head towards Megara, who now praying for a miracle. A plan slowly began to take place and smirk was formed on her lips. She turned back to Hercules. 'I always was a girl with an eye for a bargain. Alright, I might be willing to make an exchange...' She said as she knelt down and placed her hand under Hercules' chin. She gently lifted his head and looked into his eyes, '...for something else, something with a little more personal value.'
'Whatever it is, I'll get it for you.' Hercules replied without a second thought. The room became completely silent as Eris began speaking again.
'Many eons ago at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, I was furious because I had been snubbed because of my trouble-making inclinations. So I crashed the party and without anyone seeing me I tossed onto the party table for everyone to see a golden apple inscribed "To the Fairest One". It provoked the goddesses who begin quarrelling about the appropriate recipient. At the end it ended up in Aphrodite's possession. If you can get me back that apple in three days...' She gets closer and stroked his face with her finger. '...I'll release Meg from our deal, and you can keep your son.' A ray of hope filled Hercules' eyes. 'However if you don't get the apple back to me in three days...I get both your sons.' At the one statement Hercules gasped and his eyes became wide with fear, Eris cherished the moment. She placed two fingers on his lips and continued. 'Also you can't have the gods assist you in anyway. They can only tell you what you need to do but they can't personally assist you. That goes double for your parents.' She backed up a few inches and the scroll in her hand appeared. It glowed brightly as she opened it up to Hercules to see. 'Just a few little changes to the original contract, it's all explained right here.' A new paragraph began to appear at the bottom of the scroll. It was like an invisible hand was writing the paragraph. Once the final word was written, Eris spoke. 'Do we have a deal?'
Hercules looked back at Meg, who now looked very horrified and fearful. If he couldn't get the apple in time, he would lose both of his sons. But if he didn't agree he would lose Zack right here and now. He thought about his decision very carefully and looked back at Eris. 'Alright, but they both have to stay there,' he responded with determination. Eris smiled as a feather pen appeared in her hand and she placed it in his. He sighed and placed his signature next to Meg's. It was the most painful thing he had ever done, both mentally and physically. Once it was done, the pen and contract disappeared. Eris looked into his eyes and slowly placed Zack in Hercules' arms. Hercules calmed him down, making soft cooing noises. He brought him close to his face and kissed his cheek. Megara tried to get up but struggled. She leaned against Cassandra and strived to reach her husband's side. Cassandra placed her next to Hercules. He handed Zack to his mother. She cried tears of joy as she held Zack close to her. She rested his head close to hers and placed her hand on his head holding him tightly. She brought her lips close to him and gave him several kisses. Hercules brought his arms around her protectively and he held her close. He looked back up at Eris with pure hatred. She just smiled back and placed a hand on her hip and began to fade. 'You have three days, starting now.' Eris reminded him as she disappeared into a puff of smoke. There no traces of the goddess being there, expect for the damages that surrounded them.
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OK this is the first story I've done in a while. I had some writing classes and I think they helped quite a bit. I do hope you all like it and once more if you want to read more on Zack and Alexis go to their creator's page at .net/u/1443632/fantasylov3r