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Chapter 3: Calm before the Storm

After hearing Gaia's explanation, Mayson felt much better and more at ease with herself and the situation she is in now. Though, she still must admit that she is still afraid of this new found reality and the sight of the two Minotaur. From the moment they appeared, both Arkadios and Zopyros had remained quiet. From her view point, Mayson could see the two giants sat themselves on the carpeted floor with their legs crossed and hands on their knees like little children listening to their teacher. Their tails lay on the soft carpet and would occasionally flap as if to flex its muscles. She admitted that she would have found such posture amusing if their figures were not so imposing.

As if reading her thoughts, Gaia planted a kiss on Mayson's naked shoulder and say, "Dearest, give yourself a bit more time, changes take time to get used to, even in nature." Mayson nodded in agreement wholeheartedly. It is one thing to believe that she is in the company of a goddess, but it is quite another for her mind to fully comprehend such reality. Then she felt Gaia's hands rubbed her lower abdomen gently, "Dearest, how about a bath? I know you always loved one when you need to relax and think," the goddess suggested before she let Mayson out of the sexually intimate embrace they had been in.

Turning around to look at the goddess in surprise, Mayson opened her mouth to ask how Gaia could have possibly known. The she reminded herself that she if in the presence of a goddess, and if Gaia can resurrect her from the dead, then it would be a cake run for her to known her habits and…desires. Again as if their minds are linked, Gaia nodded her head and said, "Yes dearest, I know all about your life. I know your feelings toward the one with unique heritage and desires for him, and there will be time for those once you are more settled and ready." Finding herself with nothing to say except yes with the goddess, Mayson agreed. Smiling, Gaia called to the Minotaur, "Arkadios, prepare a bath for us." Immediately the Minotaur who sat near the bathroom door stand up, with arms open and palms up turned like a servant. For herself, Mayson could not help but to gasp in surprise. She had expected the giant to burst through the ceiling or sink through the floor but none those happened. Instead, she found the ceiling seen to have extended to house the impressive height of the Minotaur.

"As you wish my goddess," came Arkadio's reply, his voice is deep, and sounded like a rumbling from a deep well to Mayson. As her eyes followed, she saw it open the bathroom door with his giant hand and walk through it as the door frame flex to fit his statue. Now more curious than afraid, Mayson focused her attention on her surroundings. However, to her frustration, she couldn't find anything special about the ceiling or the door frame. To all outward appearances, she is in an ordinary hotel room with no special features and certainly not designed to house a fourteen feet tall giant. "It is one power which man has yet to master, the control of space and time," Gaia's reply came just as Arkadios came out of the bathroom and spoke in his rumbling voice, "The bath is ready for you, my goddess." Gaia flashed the Minotaur a bright smile and said, "Very good Arkadios, you and Zopyros may leave me and my dearest be until you are summoned again." Zopyros by now had stood up and waited next to Arkadios as both bowed reverently to Gaia before they walk toward the large window and disappeared into the thin air.

Jumping off the bed like a giddy school girl, Gaia walks around the bed to the side that is closest to the bathroom and extended her hand in invitation, "Come dearest, I bet you are just dying to get a hot bubbly bath!" and winked mischievously at the blonde. Blinking her eyes several times, Mayson found herself thinking how relaxed and un – godlike Gaia is. Time spend with Gaia is more like time spend with one's favorite sister than with an all powerful goddess. Shaking her head to dispel such thought, Mayson smiled at the raven haired goddess and somehow managed to wrap the sheet around her body as she took Gaia's hand and let the goddess guide her through the bathroom door.

Once she step through the door, Mayson could not help but to marvel at the sight before her. Her bare feet touching warm white marble floor, the blonde woman looked around her as she found herself stand next to Gaia in a greek styled hall made of white marble. The great hall where she stood is of rectangular shape, the roof reached high into the sky for she could see white clouds obscuring the ceiling that is being supported by marble columns with green vines grow and wind up their impressive height. The marble floor is made of one single piece of marble that served as the foundation for the columns. Deep dark colored circular patterns were woven into the white marble, contrasting the pale white with vibrant dark of moist soil. Each pattern has no design of its own, but collectively they wove and tangle like vines growing inside the marble.

In the center of the hall, a huge bath is carved down into the marble in a square shape with short stairs stretching down to provide access and serve as seats for the user. Steam rise up from the surface of the water as both the goddess and Mayson walk casually toward it. Her bare feet touching the floor, the blonde felt the white marble cool on her skin while the dark rich earthly patterns felt warm. As they come to stand next to the bath, both saw red and white flower peddles flow on the water as faint fragrances fill the air surround the tub. Letting go of her dearest's hand, Gaia smiled and let her child explore the wonders of the scenery. She is in no hurry to do anything, for time has no meaning for her. Though she has to admit that it is a very acceptable idea for her to use the bath first and wait for her girl to join her, since her dearest appeared to be embarrassed by nudity. It is a concept which Gaia herself would have frowned upon, however, as of now, she decided to make her girl as comfortable as possible.

Mayson walks toward the column that is the nearest and touched the marble surface and the green leave of the vine. Each single column has the breadth of two adult man stand abreast with carefully carved lines decorated the surface. The green vines attached tightly to the columns' surface, tiny white colored roots sinking into the carved lines as they climb and wind up the entire length of the structure. Heart shaped leaves with dews moist from the bath steam grow on the vines and cover much of the surface of the columns, giving the pale white marble a breath of color. Both felt vibrant and alive as she press her palm against the smooth surface and as her fingers touch and feel the leafy green. And if she closes her eyes, she can almost hear a song that is without words like wind without shape.

Stepping between two columns to see what is out there, Mayson's hands let go of the sheet wrapped around her and come to rest between her breasts. She stood naked in the open but she does not feel it, nor does she care at this moment in time. Her eyes are wide with wonder. The hall is raised above ground on a platform with a short stair of three steps. Beyond the marble, right in front of her, green grass dotted with various flowers ran as far as her eye can see next to a great lake that surrounds the hall on three sides. Tall and ancient looking trees lined the shores of the lake, stretching far and wide while low shrubs branching out on the forest floor. The branches and leaves sway and dance as the wind blow like ballerinas dance to the music. Gentle breeze blow through the meadow as each leaf danced to shake off the dew on them from the night. Beyond the meadow, a mountain range ran parallel to the hall itself, its summits capped with snowy white. Turning her gaze around to look upon the lake, Mayson could not resist an urge to take the short flight down the stair and plant her foot into the water and touch the sandy lake floor. The water felt cool but not chillingly so. The surface shone and glitters, reflecting the light like finest mirror. Staring at her own reflection in the water, Mayson couldn't help herself but to feel young and free.

Clark lay on his bed and tried to get some rest, but the bliss of unconsciousness eluded his grasp. Tried as he might, he couldn't fall asleep. However, he does feel less guilty about Mayson's death after talking with his parents. Taking a deep breath, he managed to calm himself and get off bed to pace around in his room. Light trickled in from the window where the curtains have been pulled together, but the room is still bright enough to see clearly in the early afternoon sun. The countryside is quiet and peaceful, a far contrast to the busy streets of Metropolis where millions lived and worked all within a few square miles. Clark welcomed this short reprieve wholeheartedly. For now, he is not superman, who has to save the world, he is not even Clark Kent the reporter whose job is to investigate stories. Right now, he is only Clark Kent, a farm boy from Kansas. Thinking back on his father's words, Clark slowly and carefully examined his actions since Mayson's death. Afterward, even he has to grudgingly agree that there is nothing he could have done to save the assistant DA's life. Though he allowed the belief that he should have been able to prevent the sacrilege done to the blonde woman's body and grave after it had been laid to rest.

Clark knew himself to be a non – violent man, but what had happened went far beyond what he can tolerate in the regular crimes of murder, robbery and theft. Using his super hearing, he can hear his parents quietly discussing what he had just told them earlier in the living room. They are equally shocked and outraged about what had transpired in the cemetery. His father, Jonathan Kent even heatedly commented that those who committed such deeds can expect to "eat bullets" from a shot gun if he himself caught them in the act. His sensory perception even picked up his mother shaking her head in disapproval of her husband's comments. However, Martha Kent also commented that such acts went far and beyond any kind of crime she had heard of. A total loss of decency is what she had said to her husband. Nodding his head in approval, Clark felt much better now that he knows his parents whom he looks up for moral guidance agrees with what he felt when he had first learned of what happened.

Pulling the curtains aside, Clark looks out the window at the countryside where he grew up. He smiled to himself. It is so peaceful he thought, what wouldn't I give to marry the woman I loved and live quietly to the end of my days? It is then his thoughts turn dark and gloomy. The thought of love is now like a thorn to his heart. Each heart beat feels painful when he thinks about the women in his life. Aside from his mother, two had stood out more than any others. Lois Land and Mayson Drake, both are beautiful, independent and fiercely intelligent. He couldn't help himself but to compare between the two. Despite his strong feelings for Lois, Clark found himself thinking now that perhaps Mayson would have been a better choice. It was true that he had evaded and rejected the blonde's advances, but it was not as if Lois had much interest in him from the start anyway. In fact, Clark thought darkly, Lois adored superman and ignored me, while Mayson loved me, Clark Kent as a person while dislike superman because he is not officially part of the legal system and too much a vigilante. Shaking his head, Clark groaned, "Maybe I should have chose Mayson…" and continued dwell on his thoughts until he heard a knock on the door.

"Clark, are you feeling ok honey?" Martha Kent asked worriedly through the door. She is not a statuesque woman, but she has a strong will that can not be ignored by anyone, and also far more perceptive than she appears to be. Particularly when it comes to her beloved son, Clark. It pains her great deal to see her son suffer like he does earlier when they were in the living room. Like most mothers, she cared about his son's happiness and also his romantic life. While she had met Lois on many occasions and liked the brunette woman quite well, Martha also likes Mayson Drake. It had been obvious from what she observed at that one time when Clark/Superman was blinded by an evil doctor's light beam that the blonde woman cared a great deal about his son and loved him deeply. What equally impressed her was the fact that Mayson had loved her son as the mind mannered reporter, Clark Kent instead of his alter ego. From the many phone conversations, Martha had guessed that her son is not completely cold toward the young blonde woman. Although she allowed that Mayson's dislike of superman's vigilante ways did pose a bit of problem in the possible relationship.

Opening the door to answer his mother, "Yeah mom, I am alright. Just need to think a bit, that's all," Clark said wearily. Giving her son a hug, "Honey, do you want to talk more about what happened?" Martha asked. Hesitating for a moment, but nodded in agreement, Clark took a step back so his mother can enter his bedroom. Mother and son sat on the bed, and it was Clark who spoke first in a low yet determined voice, "Mom, I am going back to Metropolis first thing tomorrow morning. Those who did this to Mayson are there and I swear with all the power that is at my disposal, they will pay for their crimes!" As she looked at her son spoke with his hands linked together, knuckles white as his hands tighten together, Martha Kent could not help but to shiver involuntarily. Like what Lois had seen before in Metropolis, there is now a hinge of darkness that rippled just under the sunny persona that is Clark Kent.

Shaking her head and sighing to herself, Martha decided that it was perhaps the best to let Clark do what he believes to be the best in this situation. Though what she had been disturbed her, but she has absolute confidence on her son's integrity and good nature. Extending her hand to give her son a squeeze on the shoulder, Martha said, "Clark, as long as you believe what you are doing is right, then do it. I am no less outraged by what happened to Mayson, she was a fine young woman who passed away before her time." Turning his head around to look at his mother, Clark was surprised by what he heard, but deeply appreciated the trust his mother has in him. "I will do my best, mom," He said, "and can I have something to eat? I can't remember the last time I eat properly." Laughing wholeheartedly, "I will go fix you something to eat honey," his mother said before she left the room and went into the kitchen.

Meanwhile in Metropolis, Lois Lane was finalizing her plan to sneak into DA's office tomorrow in order to find out more about resurrection. It had took quite some work and calling in a few favors before she managed to hook up with the cleaning crew for the government building and arranged for her and Clark to be in it. Looking at her watch, the lovely brunette noticed it's already mid – afternoon and hours after Clark suddenly took off on some kind of leave. Think about Clark made Lois felt angry and upset at the same time. She was angry with him for putting her aside and focuses all of his attention on Mayson. She does not like the feeling of being ignored, particularly when the one who was vying for the attention is a dead woman whose reach apparently extended beyond her grave, literally! Despite thinking the best of herself as a person, Lois couldn't help but to feel a strong sense of jealousy toward Mayson.

The night when she was murdered, everything was going well between her and Clark. They were out on a romantic date and were kissing as a couple for the first time when all hell breaks lose. Lois can understand that Clark is upset. She can understand his desire and need to get those who committed the crime. She can even understand how guilty Clark felt, a little bit. However, Lois Lane can not stand and will not accept being brushed aside when the need arises and being put on ice indefinitely. Being an independent modern woman who outperforms many of her male counterparts, Lois Lane's pride could not swallow too much hits and blows by the cold attitude from her partner. In her darkest thoughts, where she rarely treads, a thought creeps up from the depth of her mind, "If Clark likes Mayson so much that he can ignore a living breathing human being like me, then he can go kiss Mayson's dead ass for all I cared." Her heart felt like the ocean in a hurricane season, when huge waves brushed against every shore in its reach.

Far below the rippling surface of the oceans on earth, it is a world entirely to its own. It is a foreboding place to most surface dwellers. To them, it is dark and lifeless, and served as the home of monsters in many children's tales. However, such thoughts are merely the wishful thinking of those who have not witness the grandeur of life in all its glory. Underwater volcanoes provided the only source of heat and acted as the basket of life where countless oceanic lives dwell, hidden from the sight of men. Clamps grouped together as far as the eye can see where gas bubbled up from the sandy floor, deflecting light, together with heavy gases creates the illusion of a lake with the ocean. Even in the deepest and darkest places under the sea, color and diversity bloom where there is life. Meanwhile, in such depth, changes brew that is unbeknownst to any above. As the world of humankind went on business as usual, tiny fissures had opened in the depth of the ocean floors where no light penetrate since time uncounted. Tiny life forms and whatever life dwelled in such depth stayed away from the fissures by an instinctual will to survive. Dark red light glowed eerily from the fissures as the sandy oceanic floor was pushed aside and brushed away by an invisible force.

Expanding both in length and breadth at a slow pace, the tiny fissures glowed brilliantly with each passing moment. Much sand had been brushed away now, revealing debris and bones accumulated since there is life in these oceans. The dark red light flashed brilliant onto these ancient proves of life, and slowly, faint red veins began to grow onto the pale white bones, pulsating with the ocean currents. The veins grew like cobwebs, forming patterned as they radiate outward from the fissures and eventually encompass all that is within the light's reach. Steadily, it pulsates as it grows in size, and reaching out to cover more ground with great thirst for whatever tiny bit of life that still lingered in these ancient bones. Each vein burrowed deep into the marrows of the bone, connecting and rooting to its own. They have a purpose that is yet to be revealed, a collective will that is bent toward their goal. But now they need to grow like saplings grow from tiny seeds, time is on their side and life will bloom even in the darkest of all places.

While Mayson went on to drank herself eyefuls of the wonders of the sceneries, Gaia slowly loosened her sash and let it fell to the marble floor. Gently kicking off her sandals and slip the sleeveless robe from her shoulders, the goddess stepped down the marble stairs and into the hot bath, immersing herself nearly breast deep in water. As she observed her dearest looking at the place, a faint smile was on her lips. "It has begun," Gaia thought, "To survive is a contest of wills, and nature is both nurturing and cruel. The fittest shall survive…but for now, I shall enjoy the company of my dearest." Diving under the water, Gaia swam to the other side of the marble bath, breaking water as she surfaces like a mermaid, calling out to her child, "Come dearest, the water is just right."

Sprung her head around when she heard the goddess, Mayson smiled cheerfully and take her time to slowly walk back into the hall to join Gaia. On her way back, she picked up the bed sheets and wrapped it around her feminine body. It was one thing to enjoy nature in all of her very naked glory, but it is quite another to stand in front of an immortal being, naked like a baby. Standing on the edge of the bath, Mayson blushed when she saw Gaia came out of the water to greet her. There in front of her, the goddess stood in all her naked glory, curly, raven colored hair lay matted, clinging to her back, dripping water onto the marble floor. Her breasts are firm and round, tipped with rosy red nipples that are erect from the cool air in the hall. From the tips of her bosom, Gaia's curves trailed down to a slender waist which Mayson has a sudden urge to pull Gaia into her arms and experience just what it feels like to hold the goddess. It is the first time she had looked at another woman's body with sexual longings, though that is not to say that she had not seen her share of naked bodies, both men and women. However, only Gaia managed to inflame her desire for the fairer sex.

With a smile on her face, Gaia showed no shame regarding her nudity. Instead, she took Mayson's hands in hers and allows the sheets to fell into a pile around the blonde's ankles. Finding herself standing nude in front of Gaia, Mayson flashed a shy smile as Gaia lead her into the bath. Soon both are immersed in water, with Mayson stand breast deep in water while Gaia let water rise up to her chin yet somehow manages to stand without floating about like a leaf. It was wonderful, the blonde thought, to stand in a bath this size with hot water soothing your muscles. The luxury represented here, wherever here is certainly went beyond all her past experiences. She moved her hands to wash herself, acutely aware of the faint fragrance from the flower peddles and Gaia swims like a fish around her. She wondered how a Minotaur can have such sensitive side as to do something like this. "And how in heaven did Arkadios' huge, four fingered hands pick these small flowers?" Mayson wondered with an amused grin on her face as she allows herself to sink under the water then surface again. As she smoothes her curly blonde hair back with her hands, she felt Gaia came up behind her, embracing her in an intimate position.

The bodily contact made Mayson draw a sharp breath, "For a powerful goddess, Gaia seen to like cuddling as much as giddy young girls…I wonder if all gods are like this…" the blonde woman thought to herself. But it was a welcomed gesture, Mayson felt secure and very much loved when Gaia indulges in her very intimate touches and caresses. Smiling, the blonde woman placed her hands on top of Gaia's like she did in the hotel room. It was a feeling like none other. It was as if she can feel the goddess' presence in the air, in the water, in all that is around her.

"Dearest, we need to talk," Gaia spoke softly as her hot wet breath blow against Mayson's ear. Nodding her head, the blonde was lead to one side of the bath as both goddess and woman sat on the stairs side by side, with Gaia's arms wrapped around Mayson like vines grow on a tree. "Tell me dearest, now that you walk again among the plane of mortal existence, what do you plan to do?" Gaia looked at the blonde woman, her voice soft and kind. Their naked bodies, pressed tightly together skin to skin are moist and wet from the rising steam as it cools to form droplets on them.

Lowering her eyes, Mayson began to consider for the first time since she found herself alive what her future might be. She bend it left to right, looking at it from top of bottom, and to her regret, she found herself in a dilemma. It was obvious enough that she can not simply silhouette back into her old life, too many people know about her death, and too many questions would have been raised. Unless Gaia erases or changes everyone's memories, otherwise she can never go back to being Mayson Drake, assistant DA of Metropolis. However, like Gaia told her before, such intervention would mean the loss of independence of humankind as a whole, as the power of goddess exerted into every fabric of life.

Turning her head to look at the goddess, the blonde woman flashed a bitter sweet smile, "I…I don't know what I want to do, Gaia. Part of me wishes to be able to return to my old life, to just be Mayson Drake, but that is not possible now, isn't it? Not without your direct intervention." "Yes," was Gaia's simple reply, "unless you so wish to be changed, and begin a new life elsewhere." For a moment, Mayson's eyes lit up with hope, but it dimmed as the blonde mulled the idea over and over again in her mind. As much as she wishes to return to the world of…mortals, for the sake of lacking a better word, she has no wish to alter and change herself in the pursuit of that goal.

She wanted to tell Gaia that she wants to be returned to her old life, and damn the independence issue. Let the goddess rule over mankind for all she cared, besides, life under Gaia couldn't be any worse than what it is now…if her fondness of intimacies is any indication at all. Even more so, she wanted to be able to tell Clark that she doesn't mind he is superman, the biggest vigilante of the world. She wants him and loves him so much. Then a thought hit her like a stone fell from the sky, "Gaia, why was I resurrected? I mean…I am very grateful for everything you have done for me, but why bring me back when I could not return to my old life?" Throwing her child a mischievous smile, "You are brought back because you are dear to me, child." Gaia's voice was low and enticing, "A chance is given to you for another life. A life with me, share my world as my child."

As Mayson chatted with Gaia, the sun had set in Metropolis and the day is turning dark for both Lois Lane and the Kents. The Kent family sat together by the dinner table and said a little prayer before they began dinner. The atmosphere is cheerful as Clark recounted other happier times and events than previously discussed with his parents. Troubles of the world seen far and away from this quite Kansas town at his moment. A sense of peace enveloped Clark as he munched on his mother's home style cooking. "It's good to be with family," Clark said loudly to himself as he listened closely to his father telling him about the farm and so forth, feeling one tad guilty of not being here to help out. Meanwhile, Lois walked slowly back to her apartment, briefly debating whether or not to take a detour to see how Clark is doing, but then abandoned the idea both in pride and preference for a nice bath. As she walked, Lois gave her plan for tomorrow a bit more thought, silently praising Jimmy Olsen for the good hook up he did with the cleaning crew. "I ought to ask chief to give him a bonus…" Lois mused to herself.

As the full moon crept up the night sky, the streets of Metropolis quieted down somewhat as its citizen leave their work and head toward home. After a day of work, time spend with family is a welcomed reprieve. For most people, going home meant rest and food. Hot meals awaited husbands, wives, fathers and mothers returning home to their love ones, enjoying the luxury and comfort provided by the modern world. However, not all is well and fine. In the shadows of alleys and street corners, those who are less fortunate came out from their hiding place, unsteady hands extended, asking for spare changes so they can survive another day. Some searched the garbage collectors for food, ignoring the putrid smell and the rats running freely in their domain, fat with foods wasted without a second thought.

Across the globe, war orphans struggle to find scraps of food in their war ridden homeland, calling for parents that they shall never see again in life. The sound of mortar fire and gun shots rang far and wide across the now barren landscape where farms and houses once stood. Wild dogs run in packs, hunting and scavenging, feasting on the bodies of the dead. Amidst the violence created by men, innocents were slaughtered. Lives were lost without reason other than to end it. Killing no longer has a purpose except for the sake to kill and kill some more. Brutality and cruelty became the norm of their lives, where violence stripped a person down to the most primal and beastly thoughts. Law, decency, and civility became luxuries which they can no longer afford to have. To survive then, became less than a right, but rather a contest of wills, where the strong dominates.

Hate brewed in the air as the world became more and more divided, and people lost the ability to listen. Wars are waged on conflicting ideals, where only the innocents were caught in between. Warriors, inflamed by their leaders throw themselves into the commitment of violence, ignoring all others. Against this tide, even the power of superman seen pale compared to the collective will to commit senseless violence. Ideas could not be destroyed by the physical force of either man or superman. Dread and fear were in abundant supply now. Civilizations that took millenniums to build now seen to crumble inward on themselves as humans warred on each other in all forms.

Many miles away, across the desert sand, infants lay next to the hard packed dirt road filled with refugees where grieving mothers wrapped their tiny bodies in ragged cloth, and then put them down on the sun baked ground. The mothers' bodies are bags of bones, skin thin, no longer able to give milk to their child. Despite this, they tried nevertheless to press their shrunken nipples to their children's mouth, even when they lay dead in their arms. The collective, soundless wails from their parched lips added to the tragedy, praying for relieve that never came. They wailed without tears, for even a drop of tear for their children had become a luxury their bodies can not afford to lose. The earth showed many cracks here, baked dry and devoid of moisture. The sun unleashed its full fury at its zenith. Unrelenting heat cover this drought ridden land where the line of refugees dragged on for miles, as far as human eye can see.

Bloated bodies, animal and men alike lay in the open, infested with flies and maggots feasting on the rotten flesh and bone, prosperous on human misery and the abundance of food. The sickening smell permeates through the air, spreading diseases as flies attaching themselves to the nostrils, mouth, eyes and ears of those who still cling to life yet have not the strength to repel them. With each step forward, uncounted many fell to the ground, either dead or dying on the spot where they had stood mere seconds ago. The others went pass them, sparing not a glance to their fallen fellows, for none could afford the strength to offer any last rites or even a simple burial. Famine, drought, and diseases have reduced these people to less than what they were. Their eyes are dull and unresponsive as they inched forward, toward a destination where help may came.

Distracted by their own problems and deceived by those who conceal the truth, very little aid came from those with the ability to help to relieve the human tragedies brewing everywhere. Those who suffered the most, prayed to their gods, asking for mercy and help. Yet the gods do not answer. They have not answered for a long time. This is after all as many would say the world of humankind.

The rampant misery and suffering of so many are pooled together, the ugliest aspect of the world today unleashing its color as invisible dark threads rise from those who suffered the most then being drawn down into the ocean and the extremities of earth's landscapes. Under the everlasting ice sheets, the tiny red light grew, burrowing out caves under tones of ice, cobweb veins grew inside these cavities, pulsating. In the ovens of the world, under the merciless desert sun, the little cobweb of red light grew steadily. It felt the pulse of the shifting sand, and the misery of those who suffer from the heat, drought, thirst and famine. It expands more and more until the abandoned well is filled with the cobwebs. The tiny fissures, absorbing the dark threads over the decades and centuries now grow at alarming speed. The dark red light flashed ever more brilliantly, turning into a bloody red. The cobweb veins thicken, pulsating with hunger for more of the dark threads of misery and suffering, collecting the painful wails of the world. Time is finally right for them at last.

Uncertain as to the meaning of Gaia's words, Mayson asked, "As your child? As those old Greek gods who are your…err…other children?" though she has to confess that she knew very little regarding the ancient deities of Greece, the so called Olympian gods. The goddess simply laughed, and shake her head, "Of course not dearest, you are nothing like those…so called children of mine!" Gaia rolled her eyes, "Besides, strictly speaking, they are not my children in your biological sense per se. They are beings who are more evolved than humans were, despite being able to trace their origin to the same source as you do."

Ignoring the look of shock on her blonde child's face, Gaia continued her tale, "Those gods and deities that your ancestors once worshipped are humans as well, though they had taken a different road to evolution. In a very strict sense, they are your cousin in the process of evolution. And because I am the foundation of world, mother of life, they can be counted as my children as well, though not as those funny and complex family trees they had managed drawn up themselves." Mayson looks at Gaia, eyes wide with wonder for the tale she had heard, "So…the myths are true? Gods did roam and rule the world in ancient times?"

Gaia smiled in affirmation to her child, "Yes indeed, though I must say that mankind grew out of it faster than any had anticipated. The gods of your ancient myths eventually returned the rule of this world to your ancestors and left to pursuit other more interesting goals. But I remained. I was here when life began, and I shall be here when the last light of life go out, then I will rejoin Chaos and wait for life to begin again." Mayson looked at the goddess, her face drawn, surprised by the underlying saddened voice in Gaia's tone. It is the first time she had ever heard the cheerful goddess spoke in this voice, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around Gaia's body as both fell silent. Mayson found herself enjoyed this silent moment together with Gaia immensely. The world seen to fade away in this wondrous place, there is no other sound except the tussling branches in the wind and their gentle breathing.

After quite some time, Mayson turned her face upward and gasped in surprise to see that the clouds had parted and allowed her to look up to the ceiling with all possible clarity. The ceiling appeared to be dark like the night, with stars shining intermittently. Whispering to the blonde, "This is a place I created for myself, a place where my will controls all," Gaia's breathe tickled Mayson slightly around the ear as she placed her hands on top of Mayson's and lead the blonde back into the water. Letting out a small cry of surprise, the blonde let the goddess take lead as they finish their bath. As they come out of the bath, Gaia called out, "Arkadios, Zopyros, come to me." At once, the air in front of the two whirled as the Minotaur step out of the thin air and bowed to the goddess, "We are here to serve," they spoke together in their deep rumbling voices that rang far in the marble hall.

Mayson gasped and hastily covered her breasts and crotch with her hands while Gaia stood there casually naked in front of the two giant beings. The goddess waved her hands and instantly dried herself and her girl child. Smiling widely, "Ah, much better don't you think dearest?" Gaia called for the two Minotaur to approach, then stand with their arms spread wide. With a single thought, many Greek styled robes, Indian sari, and various ethnic clothing with hangers appeared on the giants' arms. "Come dearest, choose one," the raven color haired goddess invited the blonde to join her in selecting wardrobes. For herself, Gaia chose a light cream colored sari which is a two piece set composed of short sleeved blouse and a long flowing skirt.

When wearing it, the long flowing skirt would first snugly wrap around her waist before elegantly went up to her left shoulder to be either draped over her back or held in her arms. Only a glimpse of the midriff would be exposed when this sari is worn properly. Small lavender colored crystals form circular patterns dotted the rim of the skirt and decorated the entire blouse, giving an air of mystique to the sensual outlook of the dress. Mayson walked slowly toward the Minotaur, Arkadios who stood towering over her and began to look through the choice of clothes with her hands covering the more sensitive parts of her body. Despite the intimacy with Gaia earlier, she is still not used to the idea of going full frontal in the company of these two Minotaur.

Cocking her head to one side, the blonde finally made a decision in choosing a silver colored Greek style robe similar to the one Gaia wore earlier. For its credit, Arkadios was very helpful in arranging and showing her various robes and sashes to go with them with its huge fingers that appeared to be too big for such delicate work. After dressing herself properly in the robe and tied the light brown sash around her waist, Mayson felt refreshed and bubbling with energy. Turning around to look for Gaia, the blonde woman found the goddess talking softly with Zopyros. A silver tiara now adorned her head, making a pleasant contrast to the curled, raven colored hair that cascade down the goddess' back like a waterfall. Walking over bare foot, Mayson placed her hand on Gaia's shoulder, whispering that she is finished with the clothes now. Turning around to give Arkadios a nod, the goddess sent the Minotaur away, and when it came back, all the clothes are gone from the massive arms of the giant.

Smiling at her child, Gaia looked at Mayson from head to toe. The silvery tiara sat securely on the goddess, with a small round sapphire settling in the center of her forehead slightly above her delicate brows. For her part, the blonde woman fumbled slightly in the unfamiliar dress she now wears. "You look wonderful dearest," Gaia said, "Are you ready to go out and have a little dinner? If your memory is any indication, Metropolis has much to offer in terms of food." Looking surprised, Mayson didn't think that as a goddess, Gaia would need to eat, but then she shakes her head and laughed, remembering that it is she who needs food. "Yes, I can definitely use some dinner right now," the blonde agreed wholeheartedly, "but…I don't have any money with me right now, and I would imagine that everything I had would be gone after my…death." Hiding a smile, the goddess assured her blonde child that money is not an issue, "Aside from money, the world of men will soon face a problem that is far beyond anything imagined. Money then, will be the least of their worries…if things go on as they are now," Gaia quietly thought to herself.

Taking Mayson's hand in hers, Gaia leads her child out of the hall as the very air and space whirled and bends to the goddess' will. The two Minotaur followed two steps behind the two women as the four left the world that was the goddess's private domain. Back on earth, everything goes on as usual like a well oiled machine, ignorant of the blood tide that is set to rise and threaten to overwhelm all that exists. People across the globe either begin another day or just finished their day at work stay secured, thinking their world will go on as it is, save those who struggle to stay alive and prayed for change.

to be continued...