Time for Herc's POV, and I may do Hades' POV depending on the reception of this. One change from the canon though because it drives me CRAZY. When Herc is in the underworld and he reaches for Meg in the Styx (per movie canon… though given her unconscious state Lethe makes more sense to me) but then has to dive about a hundred feet not seconds later? So yeah slight tweak there because it's just TOO inconsistent for me. Also I can't find my copy of the movie at the moment so I apologize for any incorrect moments in the script.
So I lost my oomph for proof-reading it by page 7. So I apologize for undiscovered errors. I hope you enjoy!
"What a day," even as the words escaped my lips I wish I had a better grasp on the Greek language to express to her just what this day had meant to me. I was never good with words, and I stumbled over them even more when I was around her. She made me forget about everything that was troubling me. When I was with her the world stopped, there were only us. I guess it's childish and naïve to claim I loved her so intensely without having ever brought her on a date. But the intensity of my feelings for her could not be denied.
I had taken her to my favorite restaurant, Phil had shown it to me when we first arrived in Thebes. It was right on the water, and you knew the fish had been caught not an hour before it was on your plate. Maybe they were making special effort for me. I liked to pretend I never got preferential treatment; I hated taking advantage of my status. But the important part was she seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. I took her to a play next; it was popular and thought it would be a good show. It was called Oedipus. Though if I knew just how ridiculous it was we may have skipped the show, even Meg looked like she felt awkward watching it.
"I never knew playing hooky could be so much fun," I chimed, smiling. If she hadn't talked me into this game I would have been back at the villa listening to Phil list off duties, probably dragging me to the stadium to work out to fill the time. Not that I hated it, but it was nothing compared to this. I could forget that I was this great hero with thousands of people relying on me. That I had this dream that felt out of my reach. I forgot I was this awkward kid who always had to prove that I wasn't 'destructo-boy' or 'just another chariot chaser'. When I was with her, I was me. No façade, no pretense. I could be who I really am. "Thanks Meg,"
"Oops!" I missed the first half of her reply, she muttered it but before I could ask her to clarify she stumbled down the last few steps of the entrance to the gardens where I was bringing her to end our little outing. Date? Is this a date? Can I call it that? Or is that being too hasty? I caught her, feeling a blush rise to my cheeks at the contact. I felt an urge to pull her close, my gaze locked onto those violet eyes of hers. An exotic color, her most striking feature. She was beautiful, there was no denying that. But there was so much more to her. And behind those eyes, behind her smiles and her biting wit, there was this layer of sadness. I wanted to take that away, fix whatever sorrow burdened her so intensely that no matter how broad her grin or genuine her laugh that forlorn, almost dejected look remained.
"Careful," I say as I feel her collapse into my arms, shaking myself from my thoughts. She stands, and for a moment I think she might be leaning into me, you're over reading it, she fell that's all.
"Sorry, weak ankles,"
"Well, maybe you better sit down for a minute," I scoop her up into my arms, and felt her arms swing around my neck. That blush returned to my cheeks, and I wished the bench were just a few more steps away, so I could hold her in my arms just that much longer. But we arrived, and I placed her down and took my seat next to her. Unable to shake myself from my thoughts I daydreamed. I still felt the ghost of her touch on my neck, and wondered what the ghost of her lips may feel like, no, what the feel of her lips would be. I stared off into the distance, across the garden that was quickly falling into the obscurity of night. Wait… did she just say something? Before I was even aware that she had spoken to me her foot was stretched before my face,
"Uhh…" I stammered, glad that the damnable blush was too confused to rise. She's gorgeous… my eyes scanned her slender leg, a rare peek at a paler tone as her legs were not as tanned as the rest of her that was exposed to the daily sun.
"Weak ankles, I mean." Her voice was husky, flirting? No… she's always like that. Stop reading too deeply into everything. I felt her foot against my cheek, forcing me to look at her, and the heat quickly returned to my cheeks. Her dress was dangerously high on her knees, and I darted my eyes away,
"Oh. Uhh… no. Not really" I carefully placed my hand on her leg and pushed it back down, wondering if she was even aware of how exposed she was.
"No weaknesses… whatsoever? No trick knee?" She shifted closer to me and that biting anxiety that seemed to always live in the back of my mind took over. I shifted back, chuckling nervously wondering what exactly she was doing. "Ruptured, discs?" She threw herself upon me, and I saw the strap to her chiton had slipped, and for half a moment I was tempted to peak at her, but swallowed hard and grabbed the strap of her clothing and slid it back upon her shoulder.
"No," This close the smell of her was intoxicating, combined with how she very nearly lost her top could drive a man mad. "I'm afraid I'm uh, fit as a fiddle!" I nearly spat my last sentence in my desperate scramble to back away. I would never take advantage of a woman, let alone Meg. There was a statue a few steps away at the end of a pool of water.
"Wonderboy you are perfect,"
"Thanks," I smiled, picking up a stone and skipping it across the water. Does she know how I think she's the perfect one? But the thoughts were stopped when the stone crashed into the statue, knocking off the arms. Damnit… I'm too nervous. "Whoops!" I chuckled nervously, but felt more at ease when I heard her chuckle behind me. An amused laugh, none of that mocking familiarity I had grown up with. I felt her arm drape over my shoulder and it sent a shudder though me,
"It looks better that way," We both cocked our heads, eyeing it skeptically. Is she just trying to make me feel better? That's what friends do… they encourage and support each other. "No, it… really does," I looked at her, and once again found myself lost in her eyes. She almost looked happy, genuinely happy, without that hint of despair that followed her. But my thoughts were interrupted when the light of a surprisingly bright shooting star crossed overhead. I was told they were an omen of doom. But I never gave it much credence; people seemed to think everything was an omen of doom.
"You know, when I was a kid I would have given anything to be exactly like everyone else." And I would have, happily. The torment, the feeling that I just didn't fit in. Anywhere. Not even in my own skin. To go to school and know what it felt like to struggle with an armload of heavy books, feel the actual weight of a girl when she was in your arms, the typical aches and pains of sports, to be normal. Only Cassandra understood my plight, only she also carried the burden of a gift no one else could understand.
"You wanted to be petty and dishonest?" She scoffed, and it was the first time I had ever heard her use a mocking tone with me.
"Everybody's no like that," why would she say that? Why is she always so sad… so bitter. I wanted to reach out to her, take her in my arms. I wanted to soothe her, comfort her. Love her.
"Yes they are," Her voice cracked, barely above a whisper. The hurt in her tone was palpable.
"You're not like that,"
"How do you know what I'm like?" How do I know? The questioned echoed in my head. I remembered the first time we met, and how she was so determined to handle the Minotaur alone. I remembered how she frantically got me to save those trapped kids. I reflected back across the months. The many times we spent together. No. She's not like that. She's so much more. She deserves to know,
"All I know is, you're the most amazing person with… weak ankles I've ever met," I chuckled, taking her hands in mine. They felt so small, hiding the intense strength they held. Did she just blush? She shrugged, and took a couple of steps back. I let go of her hands reluctantly, "Meg…" I faltered. How do I tell her? How do I tell her I no longer wish to be normal, no longer feel like I need to search the heavens and the earth for a place to call home, tell her that I love her? "When I'm with you I-I don't feel so… alone." Her face fell, and I wondered if I had said the wrong thing. Did I say something to hurt her?
"Sometimes it's better to be alone,"
"What do you mean?" Why would you prefer to feel alone?
"Nobody can hurt you," that crack in her voice again. Is that why she was so sad? Did someone hurt her? Who? I would never hurt you.
"Meg," I moved to her carefully, reaching for her hand. She looked up at me, as if she was surprised I would have done this. I sat beside her, "I would never… ever… hurt you." I promise. We were so close, sitting on that stone bench. I could smell that floral scent, and an almost woodsy, outdoorsy aroma. She was beautiful in every way, and thinking ceased.
"And I don't wanna hurt you so… let's both do ourselves a favor and…" I leaned to hear, my heart beginning to pound with anticipation. Is she leaning towards me too? Dare I hope that she may possibly feel a spark of something for me too? She was saying words, but I didn't comprehend them. Our lips were so close, her breath tickled my cheek. I was ready to reach for her, a flutter deep in my belly at the thought of our lips meeting. But it wasn't to be,
"All right! Break it up! Break it up! Party's ova'!" I squinted, briefly blinded by the bright light. Phil? I sighed, disappointed that this dreamy night was over. But I was grateful for how much of it I had. I should have known Phil would catch up to me eventually. "I've been lookin' all ova' this town!" Meg stood up first, approaching Pegasus with that confidence that seemed to just pour out of her,
"Calm down mutton man, it was all my fault,"
"You're already only my list sistah' so don't make it worse!" Phil had never approved of her, although I was never sure why. Maybe Phil just didn't like the idea that I had an interest outside of hero work. Phil then approached me, his face red and his hair nearly standing on end ranting and threatening me with a series of punishments, "now get on the horse!"
'Okay, okay," I held up my hands, accepting defeat.
"I'm sorry," Meg apologized, sashaying up to me. For what?
"Ah, he'll get over it," I noticed a tree beside me, bearing white flowers. I plucked one from the tree, briefly admiring the delicate plant before handing it to Meg. I let my impulses get the best of me and kissed her quickly on the cheek,
"Bye…" I managed to mumble; only half convinced I had even managed to get the word out. I leaned back against Pegasus and felt him bump me impatiently onto his back and took the sky, Meg quickly disappearing behind the trees.
I was aware of Phil shouting at me, but I couldn't make out his words, I was lost inside my own mind. She hadn't pushed me away, hadn't winced, and hadn't told me 'I'm sorry but-'when I placed my lips upon her cheek. And was I dreaming, or did she nearly let me kiss her while sitting at the fountain? Why did Phil have to interrupt us? Could it be possible? Could she return these feelings?
The night replayed in my head, looping again and again. We arrived at the stadium, and I hopped down feeling as if my chest would burst if I didn't burn off this sudden rush. I began to sprint along the perimeter, willing to endure whichever workout Phil would put me through. I love her. I thought, the words nearly made me feel giddy. I was lost within my own world and time passed without notice. It felt like mere seconds before Phil came walking into the stadium. I just had to share my elation with him.
"I just had the most wonderful day of my life!" I started carrying on, Phil was trying to coax me into coming down to ground level so he could talk to me, as I had leapt to the top of a piece of equipment. "how can I come down there when I'm feeling so… up?" But I eventually relented and jumped down, and started carrying on about how wonderful this young woman was, I stumbled and tripped over words managing only to sound like an infatuated schoolboy. I was too excited, to enthralled, to say what I meant. "If it wasn't for you, I never would have met her. I owe ya big time, little guy I do!" But my rambling was interrupted
"She's a fraud! She's been playin' ya for a sap!"
"Stop kiddin' around…" Why does he have to be such a buzzkill? Just let me have this one.
"I'm not kiddin' around,"
"She… I know you're upset about tonight but that's no reason to-"
"Kid you're missin' the point!"
"The point is I love her"
"She don't love you!"
"You're crazy!"
"She's nothin' but a lyin' schemein'-"
"Shut up!" A flash of blind fury clouded my judgment and I swung my arm with far more force than I would have ever used. I watch in horror as Phil was flung across the stadium, stopped bluntly by a pile of equipment. I gasped, horrified at what I'd done. What he said was hurtful, but he didn't deserve what I had done. I had lost control of my strength, the asset I worked so hard to control. Why had I lost control? "Phil… I-I'm sorry…"
"That's it, don't wanna face the truth? Fine… I'm outta here."
"Wait… where you goin'?" I step forward, wanting to stop him. Wanting to apologize for what I'd done. I didn't mean it Phil… come back…
"I'm hoppin' the first barge outta here… I'm goin home" Home?! You're leaving me here?!
"F-fine! G-Go! I don'… I don't need you…" I faltered, again briefly losing control of my temper. I didn't mean it, but I didn't know what else to say. I had literally slapped him clear across the stadium. And why? Because he insulted Meg? What he said was cruel, but didn't justify my actions. We could have talked it out. But I was sure he would go back to the villa for the night and we could talk things out by morning. I would apologize after both our tempers were soothed and things could carry on like normal.
"Geez Louise hat's got his goat, huh?" I turned, confused, and stared at a tall dark figure. He was surrounded by a strange smell. Sulfur? He leapt down from the high bar and landed uncomfortably close and the smell grew stronger causing me to draw back. "Name is Hades, Lord of the Dead, hi how ya doin'?"
"Look, not now, okay?" I was not in the mood for an unexpected visit from my estranged uncle. My divine relatives had this uncomfortable habit of popping by whenever they desired, and their overabundance of enthusiasm for everything was not what I needed to complete this disaster the evening was turning in to.
"Hey, hey, I only need a few seconds, and I'm a fast talker, right? See, I've got this major deal in the works ... a real estate venture, if you will. And Herc - you little devil, you, may I call you Herc? You seem to be constantly getting in the way of it, huh?"
"You've got the wrong guy," I had never met Hades before now, how could I be interfering with his plans?
"Hear me out, ya little –" he paused, chuckling, "Just - hear me out, okay? So I would be ... eternally grateful if you would just ... take a day off from this hero business of yours. Geez, I mean monsters, natural disasters. Pssh. You wait a day, okay?" I had tried to brush off a stray swatch of fabric that rested on my shoulder from his toga but he draped his arm around me, gesturing with his free hand.
"You're outta your mind," I pushed him away and turned to leave, get away from this increasingly awkward encounter. It was no wonder my uncle was so estranged from the family. Perhaps the eons in the Underworld had taken their toll.
"Not so fast. Because you see… I do have a little leverage, you might want to know about," he flicked his fingers and a poof of smoke appeared not three bemas away from me, quickly fading away and I realized Meg was standing there,
"Meg!"
"Don't listen Herc-" I ran to her, but tendrils of smoke bound her, and she crashed to the ground before vanishing. My heart began to race, and I felt the blood rush to my head. My muscles were twitching, ready to strike. I had never thought of this; never thought that Meg would be put in danger because of me. I rose quickly and turned, lunging at Hades with every bit of force I had in me,
"Let her go!" I passed harmlessly through him, crashing unceremoniously to the ground. I turned, trying to think trying to plan. How do I rescue her? I'm a hero… I can rescue her… it's what heroes do!
"Here's the tradeoff. You give up your strength for about twenty-four hours. Let's say the next twenty-four hours, and-"He flicked his fingers and Meg, still bound and gagged, appeared on the steps. Her eyes were wide, terrified. I wanted to just run to her and pull her into my arms, promise her she would be alright. But I knew Hades would simply make her vanish again. "Meg here is free as a bird, safe from harm. We dance, we kiss, we schmooze, we carry on, we go home happy, what d'ya say c'mon?" I pondered, thinking about what this deal would mean. Without my strength I couldn't protect the town. And there had to be a reason he wanted me to have the strength of a mortal.
"People are… are gonna get hurt, aren't they?"
"Nah! I mean, you know, it's a possibility. It happens 'cause, y'know, it's war… but what can I tell ya? Anyway, what do you owe these people, huh? Isn't Meg," He paused, grabbing her and the sight of him touching her brought bile to the back of my throat and I felt my muscles tense again, but I couldn't do anything less risk injuring Meg. "Little smoochy face - isn't she more important than they are?" She is…
"Stop it" Get your hands off her!
"Isn't she!" He pulled her forward, she looked frightened. Helpless.
"You have to swear she'll be safe from any harm," If I was going to give up my strength, I had to know she would still be safe. Still be protected; because I would no longer be able to.
"Fine, okay, I'll give you that one. Meg is safe," He grabbed her again, patting her on the head and I wanted to do the same to him, with significantly more force. And a bronze gauntlet. "Otherwise you get your strength right back yadda yadda, fine print, boilerplate, baboom okay we're done. What d'ya say we shake on it," He s tuck his hand out and I faltered, just what was I agreeing too? There was a reason he wanted me without my strength. "I don't really have like, the time to bat this around, I'm kind of on a schedule here I got plans for August so I need an answer like, now… going once, going twice," I threw one last glance at Meg, and thought of her at Hades mercy. What would happen to her if I didn't take this deal?
"Alright,"
"Yes! We're there! Bam!" I grasped his hand and it was almost like being struck by lightning. All at once my muscles strained to hold myself up, a deep acidic ache spreading through my limbs. I groaned, struggling to stay on my feet before collapsing to my knees. I clutched my arm, wanting to tear it away, stop whatever was happening. And he let go. "You may feel just a little queasy, it's kinda natural… why don't you sit down!" I wasn't aware of the barbells hurling in my direction until they struck me, throwing me back and pinning me to the ground. "Now you know how it feels to be just like everybody else… isn't it just… peachy? Oh! You'll love this one more thing…" I managed to writhe out from under the barbell and watch him walk towards a still bound-Meg. Don't you touch her. Let her go, that was the deal. You let her go! "Meg, babe. A deal's a deal. You're off the hook." I watched at the smoke tendrils unwrap, finally releasing her. My heart leapt, watching her cough and wanting to reach for her, comfort her. "By the way Herc, is she not a fabulous little actress?" He pulled her close to him and she was pushing against him, fighting. Get your hands off her…
"Stop it…" She whimpered. Oh Gods she must have been so frightened, I wanted to just pull her in my arms, promise to keep her safe. But then Hades words brought me to reality, what did he mean a fabulous little actress?
"What do you mean?" I began to falter, questioning the decision I had just made.
"I mean; your little chickie-poo here was working for me the whole time. Duh."
"You're… you're lying!" I cried, feeling my chest tighten. I looked at her, reflecting back. I thought of every time we had been together, her smiles, her husky voice, the way her hands felt so small, so fragile, so natural within my own. How she made me feel so complete, banishing the bitter loneliness inside of me in a way that even friends had failed to. All of that couldn't have been an act, Hades had to be lying.
"Jeepers mister! You're really strong!" The two little boys I had rescued form a rockslide so many months ago came bounding out, and quickly shifted into two small daemons pulling on my arms, laughing. No… the Hydra? She couldn't have… she wouldn't. She wanted me to rescue the kids… But they weren't kids. They were minions of Hades; denizens of the underworld. It had all been a lie; the Hydra wasn't a freak accident. It was planned. Hades had wanted me to move that rock that had been trapping the Hydra for unknown decades. And she was in on it.
Hades began talking, but the blood rushing to my ears drowned him out. My chest tightened, a deep very real physical pain gnawed at me as if my heart itself were a creature wanting to claw out through my ribs. My stomach churned, the bitter acidic taste of bile rushed to the back of my throat, the edges of my vision closed in around me as the full reality of the situation hit me. I had traded my strength, my greatest asset, my tool for protecting the world. And for what? This woman, whom I had so foolishly thought may have returned these misplaced affections. One who had been working with Hades. Who, for the last year, had been working not to be my friend; but to drag me down. Defeat me. Take away my ability to protect this town. And she ran to me,
"No! It's not like that! I-I didn't mean to! I-I I couldn't…. I…. I'm so sorry…" I pushed her away, appalled that she would have the audacity to run to me. Sorry? Sorry! You think this is something you can just apologize for? My knees began to tremble, still aching from Hades sapping my strength and I collapsed. I had never felt such an intense anguish. The years of feeling like an outsider, bulled, pushed aside, teased, outcasted. Years of wondering who am I, why am I such a freak? Years of wishing to be one of them, to belong. It was nothing compared to this; of having true happiness dangled before me like a carrot on a stick only to have it pulled away and realize it had been poison the entire time. I had desired nothing more than to be with her, be close to her. But it was a lie. I thought back on how happy I had been, and wished I had never known her. If I had never met her, I wouldn't feel this. I wouldn't have been betrayed. I wouldn't have given up my ability to protect people for nothing. The desire to erase her from my life was so powerful it made me dizzy.
My eyes were burning, and my cheeks stung from where tears had fallen. I stood, needing to get away from this stadium. I turned, seeing Meg slumped to the ground and bit my lip, turning, needing to be away from her more than anything. I started towards the door, wondering where to go, what to do. Thinking that I may go to the villa, find Phil, apologize and tell him he was right. I would never fail to listen to him again, he was right about everything. She's a fraud! She's been playin ya for a sap! She don't love you, she's a lyin' schemin' no good all his words echoed in my mind. And only had I listened.
My thoughts were interrupted by a great crash, and my walk broke into a run. I pushed aside the door to the stadium and the sight before me took my breath away. A great Cyclops, the beast from Homer's epic poem, was laying waste to the costal district of Thebes. And I don't have my strength. This is why he took it from me. So I couldn't fight this. But he was wrong. I would fight. I would never leave the people unprotected. I was their hero, their guardian. Strength or no I would never abandon them. I started down the steps when a small figure pushed me back,
"What are you doing?! Without your strength you'll be killed!" And what do you care? I thought bitterly, realizing the small figure was Megara. Her acting as if she cared about my safety was just salt in the wound.
"There are worse things." If I was going to die, I was going to die a hero. I wouldn't turn away and live like a coward, I wouldn't be known as the man who abandoned Thebes in its hour of need. I would fight, no matter the consequence. I continued down the steps, heading towards the great beast as it called me forth to challenge him. His great size had made it difficult to assess his distance; he was only a short walk from the stadium. I approached, standing as tall as I could, eyeing him with a confidence that I lacked. I was facing death.
"You mighty Hercules?" It laughed, poking me. I staggered back, pushed off balance by an oversized finger. I had never felt a force I couldn't easily overcome. It was a foreign feeling. I stepped forward, placing a hand on my belt to reach for a sword. I had nearly forgotten to replace my scabbard after my date with Megara. No… no date. It was nothing. Empty. All those things I told her about myself… I poured my soul out to her. Let my guard down. I felt a fool. I thought about her words, 'sometimes it's better to be alone. Nobody can hurt you' I guess not everything she had told me was a lie. That much was true. It is better to be alone. But I had to learn it the hard way. I was too naïve.
My thoughts had distracted me; I was caught off-guard by the beast swinging its great arm, sending me far back, until I impacted a stone object. It knocked the wind from my lungs, a grunt breaking my voice as I fell to the ground, wrapping my arms around my chest desperately trying to take in breath. It was a few fearful moments before I was finally able to breathe, gasping desperately, pathetically, for breath. I tried to focus my blurred vision on the laughing beast. It had stopped mindlessly destroying the town. With its attention focused on me, it had finally stopped attacking the town. I may not be able to defeat it, but perhaps I could distract it long enough for the townspeople to run to safety. Already I could see whole families emerge from hiding and make for the coast. They had surely seen the Cyclops throw me like a plaything and realize their hero couldn't help them. But at least they had seen me try. They would be safe. No matter what happened to me, I had still protected the people.
I got to my feet, feeling a powerful throb coarse through my body. The impact with the stone wall had taken more from me than I had thought. I fought the urge to collapse and give up, and headed back into the fray. Never give up. I approached again, and the beast laughed,
"Mighty Hercules want more?" It laughed, and moved to swing its arm again but this time I was prepared. I threw myself to the ground and felt the wind from his hand pass over me, and I took advantage of the moment to lunge forward. Its eye was exposed, having bent town to get a better look at my imminent demise. I swung my fist and impacted the gooey material, coating my arm in a slimy liquid. It shouted, pulling back. Its cry was loud, echoing off the buildings of the dense downtown area. I placed my hands over my ears, groaning as the sound pained them; a deep powerful ache that felt as if it went straight through my ears into my head "No fair!" It swung out and I threw myself down again, but failed to get back to my feet fast enough to avoid being grabbed. I panicked, not knowing what to do in the grip of the creature. My arms were pinned by my side and I was too weak to pry them open. I did the only thing I could think of, I bit him.
Another agonized cry broke the night air, and I feared I would go deaf from the sound. I fell to the ground unceremoniously as it pulled its hand back,
"No fair! Little man bites! Not fun fight!" It slapped its hand down, and had the ground not been soft from recent rain I would have been killed. Instead, once again the air was forced out of my lungs and I was left gasping for air, "Ha! This, fun!" I tried to stand, finding my legs protesting against me. I struggled to my knees, and felt the creature lift me, and began to kick me on its ankles, knees. I felt as if I were simply breaking. I felt a pressure against my head, my exhaustion beginning to make me feel delirious. How long had it been battling this beast? Minutes? It felt like hours. "Flea, Ha! Ah Ha ha!" It flicked me, with no more effort than a man swatting a fly. I hit something, I was no longer aware of things I was impacting. But I hit the ground, and slumped against a piece of debris, panting for breath. I wouldn't be able to hold on much longer, and I hoped that not much longer would be just enough to allow the last few stragglers to escape the city.
"Hercules!" I turned, hearing my name. I looked up, and saw Phil leaping off of Pegasus. He hadn't abandoned me after all. I had so much to say to him, but where could I possibly begin? Apologize? Admit he was right?"
"Phil…" the weakness in my own voice disturbed me. When he leapt of Pegasus I was aware of the figure with him. What could she possibly want? How could she bring my any lower? Is she just here to watch the show? See all her work reach its foul conclusion?
"Come on kid, come on! You can fight this bum, this guy's a pushover look at 'im!" He wiped spit and blood from my face, and I huffed for breath feeling the ache of my ribs, my straining muscles. Here he was, my coach, my greatest supporter, my friend.
"You were right all along Phil…" I had to tell him he was right, I should have listened to him. How much of this could have been prevented had I just listened to him. "Dreams are for rookies, "I eyed Megara, wanting her to hear my words. Wanting her to understand the full extent of her actions.
"No, no no no no no, kid. Givin' up is for rookies. I came back 'cause I'm not quittin' on ya! I'm willin' to go the distance, how 'bout you?" He placed a hand under my chin, catching my gaze. My vigilant and supportive coach. I don't know what I would do if he abandoned me. He had been by my side all along, and even after what I had done he didn't abandon me.
Distracted, I was distracted. I had no chance to move, to dodge, formulate a plan. The Cylops had me within his grasp before I had even realized he was reaching for me. Panic set in, the momentary madness of my willingness to die faded and I searched for something, anything. A hero's only as good as his weapon I saw fire, and I had little time to react and grabbed a chunk of flaming wood. His eye, remember his eye a thin film still coated my hand from my earlier strike. I swung my weapon with the remaining mortal strength I could muster. It bellowed in agony, dropping me thankfully not onto the stone ground. I grunted as I crashed into a wooden cart, gasping for breath but wasting no time. I leapt up, realizing I had landed on a coil of rope. He's blinded! Take advantage of that! Exploit the weakness! I can actually do this! I ran, winding the rope around his legs, a sense of triumph burning through me as I heard it scream. I fell, throwing my weight back to pull the rope taught and smiled a weak smile as I saw the Cyclops begin to lose its balance.
Until I realized it was about to fall onto me, I gasped rolling to the side quickly. I closed my eyes, and braced for the impact. But none came. I heard the bellow grow more distant and I crawled to the edge of the cliff and watched it tumble to the rocks below. I was gasping for breath, still coming to grips with the fact I defeated the Cyclops without my strength. I did it… but I had no time to enjoy my victory,
"Hercules! Look out!" I squinted, confused, as Megara threw herself at me with surprising force. I was pushed back, tumbling several times and heard the sound of crumbling stone. What? I was on my hands and knees and saw the source of the sound. A great pillar, a weight that can only be guessed, was pinning Meg mercilessly to the ground. No…
"Meg! No!" I cried, reaching for her, Oh Gods… why would she do this? I recalled her words, 'No! It's not like that… I'm so sorry' She tried to apologize, to explain. Did I jump to conclusions? I stood, rushing to the pillar. Get it off her. You can't leave her like this, Get it off her! I threw myself against the stone, please… I realized I didn't hate her. I was so angry, so hurt at what she did, because I loved her. And I didn't stop loving her. I groaned, straining. I felt the blood rushing to face as my neck, my back, legs, protesting to stop this vain excursion. Please, please let me get it off her. Don't… My own thoughts paused, I couldn't bear the thought that she may die from this. And suddenly, the pain in my body ceased, the pillar began to lift, and I furrowed my brow. What?
"What's happening?" I lifted the stone over my head, trying to make sense of what was happening.
" H-Hades deal is broken…" I heard her voice, she's alive! But it was so quiet, strained. I heard her groan. But she's hurt. Bad. "He promised I wouldn't hurt" All too late I remembered the conditions of my deal with Hades. I made him promise she would be safe from any harm. I felt my breath begin to hitch, I dropped the stone and ran to her side. The single most important person to protect, the one life I was willing to trade everything to protect.
I wanted to wrap my arms around her, hold her close, kiss her, love her. Tell her I was sorry I didn't listen. I wanted to turn back time, to when Meg was pleading with me at the stadium. If I had listened to her, this would never have happened. She would be safe. Why Meg… why would you sacrifice yourself for me? My chest tightened, and I tried to hold back the tears threatening to come. She looked so small, so fragile. She was still, hardly breathing. I reached for her, carefully, as if she were more delicate than glass. I held up her head, resting a hand on her side. How I wanted to simply pull her in to my arms, but the way she grimaced at this slight contact made it clear how grave her injury was.
"Meg… what… what… why did you?Mm... mm…" I faltered for the words, so many words I wanted to say. I couldn't get my mind to form my thoughts into words. "You didn't have to…" I stopped as she cringed,
"Oh… people always do crazy things. When they're in love." She smiled, and I almost lost it. Oh Gods Meg… I love you. I'm so sorry; I should have listened to you. I never should have doubted you. I should have just kissed you on that fountain Phil be damned. I should have held you when you ran to me at the stadium. So many things I wanted to say to her, so many words apologies and devotions. But I could hardly manage to stutter her name,
"Oh… Meg. Meg… I… I-I"
"Are you… always this articulate?" Her voice had faded to a whisper, and despite the obvious pain in her features she smiled at me. She actually managed a laugh. I chuckled, nervously. I wanted to trade places with her. Take away the pain she was in. You shouldn't have done this Meg. Why? Why! "You…" Her voice caught, and a part of me could tell she was straining to hide something from me. She's hurting far more than she's letting on. "You haven't got much time. You can still stop Hades…" Hades? Hades was the last thing on my mind. My place was here, beside her. I had to find a way to fix her. I thought about Hippocrates, I had seen him work miracles. I could get her help. She's right though. It's the end of the damn world.
"I'll watch over her kid," Even Phil now seemed to grasp that we had all misjudged her. We were wrong about where her loyalties lie. He pushed up a small slab of debris, and I reluctantly laid Meg gently against it. Were I able to lay her on a bed, something warm. Comfortable. She deserved so much more than this. She deserved so much more than being abandoned, crippled and in agony, against a debris field as the world ended around her. How could I resign her to such a fate?
"You gonna be alright. I promise." I would get her help as soon as I returned, I could fix this. She would be alright. She had to. I struggled to hold my composure as I stood, looking up at my winged companion who was stamping his hooves, chuffing, ready for battle. I drew my sword,
"Let's go Pegasus!" I mounted my steed and we headed for mount Olympus. I forced myself to cast Meg to the back of my mind, I had to be focused. The battle that lie ahead made everything I had faced to date seem like a childish game.
The flight felt as if it were over in an instant, a mingling of fear and anticipation masking my sense of time. I was so focused on Olympus the edges of my vision were blurred. We burst through the clouds that hid the heavens from the mortal world below, and the tattered ruins before me caught me off guard. The gods were in chains, being led away in a procession guarded by the two daemons I recognized from the stadium. At the end of the chain stood a small mountain, a hill really, sided by the Titans. And there was Hades sitting on a throne constructed by the storms that were ravaging Olympus. I scowled, and urged Pegasus towards the chained gods.
"Don't get too comfortable Hades! This oughta even the odds!" I swung my sword and broke the chains binding the gods. Pegasus whinnied and I looked up just as Pyros erupted lava. I smirked, and we steered our course over Hades to coat him in the burning rock. I have to admit it may have entirely been out of spite.
We narrowly avoided being impaled by ice, spewing forth from a localized storm by Hydros, punching the large shards of ice that came too close. In another spiteful move I steered Pegasus over Hades once more, taking far too much joy in watching him freeze solid. I smirked, leaping off of Pegasus' back to the mount of solidified lava; I knew a mount like this would be nothing other than a prison. And a prison for only one. I pried it open to free my father. Seeing him, face to face for the first time, would have been a beautiful and heartfelt moment under any other circumstances. But not now, I had to finish the job.
"Thank you my boy," he placed his hands on my shoulders and I smiled knowing I had made my father proud. "Now, watch your old man work!" He began to roll his shoulders, pulling out his Hephestus forged lightning, and throwing the first two at Lythos. The part of his rocky body containing two heads was destroyed, rendering the Titan blind and uncoordinated. He stumbled blindly, startling the others. I took advantage of this and grabbed Stratos. I recalled having seen a cyclone just once, but I knew it had sucked up all material around it. I used him to suck in his brothers, and began to spin around like a shot-put thrower and launched them as hard as my screaming muscles would allow, watching them soar far into the sky before a beautiful light lit up the night leaving a nebulous red glow in the sky.
"Ha!" my father shouted, high-fiving me. It was the first time I felt I was having a true bonding moment with my biological father. I cheered with him, but our revelry was short lived. Hades was launching his flying chariot, and if I didn't follow quickly I would lose him. I mounted Pegasus, and Hades turned to speak to me,
"Thank a ton Wonderboy!" We flew down from Olympus, and I could see he was heading to the coast; to the entrance of the underworld. And I would be there ready to finish this. "At least I've got one swell consolation prize! A friend of yours, who's dying to see me!" Pegasus reared in shock, and I felt the blood rain from my face.
"Meg!" Hades be damned, I had to get back to her. She can't be dying she can't! She's gonna be alright! If I just make it back to her I can get her help, I can save her. She'll be alright. Hades is lying, to stall me, keep me from chasing him. Regardless of whether or not it was a trick, I remembered how I had left her, lying amongst the rubble writing in agony. Without any instruction from me Pegasus changed course and we headed back to downtown Thebes, to the cliff overhanging the costal district. I pulled his mane, urging him faster, faster Pegasus! And he flew, faster than I had ever seen, whinnying as he strained to push his wings beyond their limits, diving to the ground as we approached. I couldn't wait for him to finish handing, I leapt off his back. Even before I approached I knew something was amiss.
"Meg…" Phil turned, and the expression on his face told me everything. He shook his head slowly, and backed away and I could see there was no more pretending she would be alright. My breath quickened, and I approached her, falling to my knees beside her. "Meg… No…" My voice broke, and a sob caught in my throat. No… no no no. No. She can't be. She can't. I promised her. I promised she would be alright. I had never failed someone as I failed her. I promised her I would never hurt her, and I shattered her at the stadium. I promised she would be alright.
And then, in horror, I remembered my wish that I had never met her. That I could erase her from my life. I reached for her, carefully, pulling her into my arms. I take it back! I take it back! Oh Gods I didn't mean it! Please… just bring her back please. I didn't want this. I want her in my life. I pulled her close, pressing her head against my shoulder. I took in a shuddering breath, and I could still smell that floral aroma that seemed to follow her. I held her tight, and sobbed against her shoulder. Oh how I wished she would just lift her arms, wrap them back around me. Open her eyes. Speak.
I pictured her as she was at the garden. Smiling, bright, happy. Those violet eyes staring up at me, the soft skin of her hands within my own. I never told her I loved her. I realized, as my mind shifted to a scene more dark. To the last time I saw her alive, holding her in my arms as she confessed that she loved me. Why didn't I tell her that I loved her?
"I love you," I whispered, inaudibly against her ear. And the pain of knowing she would never hear me broke me once more. I sobbed, and I held her tighter. I love you, I love you! Oh please, let you hear this prayer. Know that I love you. I'm sorry. I forgive you. I don't care what you did, I love you. I drew back, letting her head fall back against my hand and I looked down at her face one last time. They always try to tell you 'they look so peaceful, like they're sleeping' but it's not true. Her skin was an unnatural pallor, her eyes only mostly closed. She was cold, clammy. Her expression slack. This is not the way a sleeping person lies. I laid her back against the slab upon which she died, and with much reluctance drew my arms back. I wrapped my arms around my knees and buried my face in my arms and continued to weep. Wishing that it hadn't taken death to make me forgive her, to listen to her. That the only time I ever got to hold her close was after she was gone. Why am I such a weak foolish boy?
"I'm sorry kid, there's some things you just can't change" I looked up, the painful sorrow collapsing into rage,
"Yes I can" I was not going to let it end like this. Hades wasn't going to win this. Whatever sad story made up Meg's life was not going to end like this. She deserved more, so much more. I stood, and for a moment I feared Pegasus or Phil would stop me. The entrance to the underworld was hidden by the sea. The idea of venturing to Hades itself should fill one with terror, dread. But I was determined. I walked, my mind too numb, too devastated, too enraged to think.
I stood before the gate, looking at the great maw ready to consume the souls of the mortal. I pushed forward. I was greeted immediately with the cold, the damp. I was forced to stop, the surroundings too dark to see. But within minutes vague shapes began to take form as my eyes adjusted to the dark. I continued on, and the vague shapes took form and it wasn't long until I could see the entirety of my surroundings. They were dark, bleak. I couldn't resign Meg to this fate.
I stepped off the last step, and a great beast emerged from the darkness. It stood near as tall as the tallest temples of Greece, and three heads lowered, snarling. I had no patience for this. I slammed my fist into each of their noses before they had a chance to react. The caverns filled with the sounds of pained yelps, and I dragged myself onto their back, pulling on the ears of the center head,
"Take me to your master," I demanded, pulling hard until the beast yowled in pain, and began to run off through a series of tunnels. They wound around different rivers, and soon I saw a skull-shaped construct. We approached it, and burst through the wall as the door was far too small for Cerberus. "Where's Meg!" A demand, not a question.
"Oh. Look who's here. Wonderboy you are too much." I leapt off Cerebus and approached him. I wasn't playing his games, dealing with his comments. He was going to give her back.
"Let. Her. Go." She's only dead because of you! You broke our contract; she was supposed to be safe from any harm!
"Get a grip!" Come here, come here, let me show you around." I followed him, and we emerged into a brightly lit room. A river lie just a short distance below the lip of the cliff and I saw her,
"Meg!" I reached in to the river, and saw my hands age almost instantly as a painful sting bit at every bit of exposed skin. "Ahh!" I drew back quickly and my hands restored themselves.
"No no no, mustn't touch. You see, Meg's running with a new crowd these days. And not a very lively one at that." The words stung; anything that reminded me that she was down here hurt. I searched for an answer, a way to save her. A way to fulfil my promise to her. She had died to save my life; it was only because of her that I saved Olympus, the Cosmos. What reward was this, being trapped in one of the rivers of Hades? Her afterlife should be Elysium. She deserved a better reward. She deserved life. I had only one thing to offer Hades in exchange for her. You're gonna be alright, I promise. And I'll keep that promise Meg.
"You like making deals. Take me in Meg's place."
"Hmm… the son of my hated rival trapped forever in a river of death,"
"Going once!" I chimed, wanting to pressure him in to impulsively taking this deal.
"Hmm is there a downside to this?" He was questioning it. Take the deal. Let her live.
"Going twice!"
"Okay okay okay okay! You get her out, she goes. You stay." I smiled, triumphant. The water wasn't far below, and I dove in. I knew it would be painful, but it was momentary. I endure anything to rescue her from this. I swam, feeling my strength sap with each stroke. My skin felt as if it were afire, my joints ached in protest of movement. My muscles groaned in response to the command to move. But there she was, within my grasp. I reached for her, my chest beginning to pain and I could see I had little time left. Please…
And all at once, the pain was gone. My skin flushed and returned to my natural youth. Meg's hand was clasped within my own. I did it… I got her. And I was glowing. Like my parents, like the gods of Olympus. Did I… did I just earn my godhood back? But this was no time to contemplate this miracle. I had to get out of this river, get out of the underworld. I swam back to the surface. I breached the water hard, reaching up and clutching the cliff edge with one hand and holding Meg close in the other. She was but a wisp in my arms. I pulled myself out of the water, and cradled her carefully.
"This-This is impossible! You-you can't be alive you'd have to be a-a-a…"
"a God," the daemons finished Hades unanswered question. I had done it. Not only had I rescued Meg from this vile fate,
"Hercules, stop! You can't do this to me you can't- " I swung my fist before I made the conscious decision to strike. How dare he. Can't do what to him? Take her back, give her a just reward for her actions? No. " Fine, okay, listen. Hah! Okay, well, I deserved that, Herc, Herc, Herc. Can we talk? Y-Your dad, he's a fun guy, right? So maybe you could put in a word with him and he'd kinda blow this whole thing off, you know? Meg, Meg, talk to him, a little schmooze" and he dared to place his hands on her. There is no word for the level of rage I felt, nothing to describe the burning desire to simply end him. And I swung my fist, feeling the bones of his face crush beneath my hand and watch as he was faulted into the waters from which I had just returned.
Outside the sun was so bright it nearly blinded me. How long was I down there? The sun has risen… I walked, cradling Meg in my arms as I made my way back to where I had left her body.
"I promised you would be alright. It's time I fulfil that promise," I whispered to her. But I had no idea if this would work. No one had tried this before. Orpheus had once, but he never got her out. I saw the rubble pile, and saw Phil and Pegasus still where I had left them. I walked past them both, dropping to a knee beside her. Oh Gods please, let this work. Let her come back to me. I let go. The sound of wind greeted my ears as her soul vanished into her body. I bit my lip, fearing it had not worked. But after a few agonizing seconds her skin flushed. I gasped, daring to hope. Her eyes flutter and I heard her take a shuddered breath. She sighed, looking startled, and her eyes scanned around her until she looked at me, and she smiled.
It worked, it had actually worked. Here she was, very much awake and alive. Whatever injuries had taken her life were healed, there was no sign of pain in that expression. Thank you… oh thank you. I prayed, to whoever may have been listening. Right now, nothing else mattered but her.
"Wonderboy…" Hearing her voice was bliss, I could have cried. "What? Why did you…" I smiled, grasping her hands in mine and pulling her to her feet.
"People always do crazy things," I smile, recalling her words to me. I won't fail to tell you this time Meg. "When they're in love," I couldn't contain my joy, my ecstasy. I saw the smile that broke her features and wanted to pull her into my arms, kiss her, and tell her a thousand times I love you. So I did, I pulled her in to my arms and leaned in to kiss her. But we were thrown off balance as a dense cloud formed beneath our feet. I pulled her close, not wanting to risk her falling. I never wanted to let her out of my arms again. The cloud lifted, and as we soared to Olympus I remembered that I had won my godhood. I had finally done it. And Father was bringing me home.
We emerged on Olympus, and the damage from the great battle was already healed. You never would have known it happened. And there they were, everyone. Everything I had ever worked for, and here it was. I looked at Meg, her bright smiling expression, so happy she was here to share this with me. I knew she was safe up here, she had been escorted by a god. I looked up, my parents looked so proud.
"Hercules…" I heard my mother's voice for the first time. It was like milk and honey. Smooth, sweet. "We're so proud of you!" She fell against me, and I could hear a sob break her voice.
"Mother," I had never met her, I smiled, overwhelmed at these turn of events.
"Fine work my boy! You've done it! You're a true hero." I chuckled nervously, breaking eye contact with my father.
"You were willing to give your life to rescue this young woman," My mother said, gesturing to Meg who stood bashful and smiling at the foot of the stair. She's the true hero. She wasn't only willing to die for me, she did die for me. I'm only here now because of her strength.
"Now at last, my son. You can come home!" The gates opened, and I gazed upon Olympus. The gods around me cheered, laughing, patting me on the back. I turned back, wanting to share my joy, this accomplishment, this feeling of completion with her. But that's when it hit me, she's mortal. I saw her walking away, and even I could see the slack in her shoulders.
"Father… this is the moment I've always dreamed of but…" I descended the stairs, jogging lightly until I caught up with Meg, reaching for her hand. "A life… without Meg. Even… an immortal life, would be… empty. " I clasped her hands in mine, bringing them close to my lips. "I… I wish to stay on earth with her," She smiled, sighing, as she fell against my chest. I brought my arms around her and held her tight. I never wanted to let her go. I loved her, more than I ever thought possible. I thought I had desired to return home to Olympus. That it was where I belonged. I worked so hard, for so long, to find my place. But I looked at the woman in my arms, Meg, who had been willing to give her life for me, and I knew my dreams had changed. She was all I ever wanted. Ever needed. "I finally know where I belong," She drew back, looking at me with tearful eyes and I leaned in to her, and this time, nothing interrupted us. With all of Olympus watching us, I kissed her. She threw herself into my arms and I pulled her close, holding her tight. She tightened her embrace and I wished for this moment to last in to eternity. I will never let you go.