Chapter 8
New Home
[The two journeyed to the market and collected a basket filled with fruit, bread, vegetables, and meat. Afterward, they returned to the temple, where they shared their meal with the sons and pets. Once tidied up, Perball and Clardusa lingered nearby the temple entrance, settling themselves near the bridge as the sun setting]
Clardusa: [smiles] I'm thankful for everything you did for us, Perball.
Perball: [nods]You're welcome. It was lovely spending time with you, Clardusa. [smile disappears] However, I'm still concerned about what happens next, and glad we have everything prepared.
Clardusa: [sees her sons coming and Pet from the door and turns to Perball] Thank you for helping us take the final step of freedom. We are setting off on a journey to start a fresh chapter in our lives.
Perball: [shrugs] After acknowledging your whereabouts, you earned it. [To the trio] Okay, boys! Did you get everything?
[Pegasus neighed with baskets attached and nodded, Chrysaor snorted with the same, and Dioskilos barked with a bone next to him]
Perball: Good! Now, let the temple crumble!
[When the three exited, the entire temple crumbled into smithereens. The statues, traps, and structured snake heads all came crashing down to the ground. The ground trembled as a plume of dust rose suddenly. Clardusa took a deep breath and sighed]
Clardusa: That's one step of freedom completed. Let's go.
[Once Perball and Clardusa depart from the bridge, they climb onto the Flyers. Dioskilos grabbed the bone nearby and got onto Pegasus—the two flowed inside the dust cloud to a clear path. Suddenly a flash appeared from the background. The two twisted their heads, and the three did the same. Dioskilos tilted his head, and they saw a figure in the shadows turning left and right. They flew into the clouds. Perball and Clardusa squinted their eyes. The remaining sun shined on the being, and the group see Gaydes in the background]
[Clardusa gasped]
Perball: [jaw dropped] It's the God of the Dead! Hurry, boys!
[Pegasus and Chrysaor flew away swiftly, and Perball employed the mysterious power of his helmet to make the team invisible. Soon, they exited the area]
[Soon, Perball, Clardusa, the sons, and Pet headed to another village. Perball bought a new empty temple nearby the lower mountain ranges during the time, while Clardusa is Jewelia. Once the warrior purchased the home, the gorgon and her family moved inside, arranging the structure from with. The group tried settling inside the village afterward, blending in with the residents. Months passed, and Perball battled opponents while Clardusa arranged the temple to her liking as she and Perball grew closer. The sons and Pet stood guard and sometimes helped her]
Clardusa: [sighs as she changes from her Clarissa/Jewelia form to her gorgon self, carrying flowers as she puts one on her hair] Oh, family. Isn't this wonderful? We have a new home, Guides isn't disturbing us so far, and we have new friends across the village. [instantly made flowering rings and put them on her sons and Pet]
[Pegasus cheered, Chrysaor snorted as he ate his meal, and Dioskilos barked, chewing on his bone]
Clardusa: [smiles] And Perball is out battling more opponents and practicing his magic skills. [scratches head] Though, we must stay out of the gods' sight in case of discovery.
[Dioskilos mimics humping, and Clardusa squinted her eyes, glaring at him. Pegasus neighed him, and Dioskilos sweat drops. The son gazed at his mother and sat upon his bum, resting one of his feet atop the other as if trying to form a stack. Clardusa sighed as she blushed]
Clardusa: Yes, sweetie. I'm taking one step at a time to tell him when he comes. Perball's been there for us, and it won't take long before I do. [turned crimson] Besides, I wouldn't rush it.
[Pegasus nods]
[Meanwhile, Perball is fighting opponents in an arena. Crowds cheering his name]
[In the arena, Perball fought many opponents with his sword and shield. Many fell to the ground as the warrior slashed at the opponents' weak spots. He's beaten several down with his bare hands, and some opponents give him punches and left slash marks on his body. Blood spilled on his hands. He shook the blood off. Perball recovered from the ground, lunged at them, slashing each warrior, and their bodies fell to the floor. Suddenly, a massive minotaur appeared in the field. Perball cracked his knuckles. It roared and charged at him. He evaded the attack and used his sword to slash onto its legs. The beast instantly punched and grabbed him, slamming him on the ground and throwing the warrior across the arena]
[Perball stumbled, and he growled as he emerged from the floor. He squinted at the beast, and it charged at him again. Perball used the helmet and disappeared. The minotaur halted and looked around the area. Suddenly, something touched its back, and it punched, indirectly smashing the ground. Suddenly, lighting cast on its body, freezing it. Then, the force went onto its back, and Perball appeared. He jumped in the air, unleashed his sword, and slain the creature on the head. Blood spewed, and the creature's corpse fell. Perball sighed and got off the body as the crowd went wild once he stood victorious]
Crowd: [shouting] PERBALL! PERBALL! PERBALL! PERBALL!
[Afterward, the warrior cleaned himself up and gathered treasure for his skills in the arena. Soon, he returned home]
[Clardusa spread rose petals inside the home after receiving flowers from Dioskilos, while Chrysaor used his wings to tidy things up. Pegasus watched over them all]
Clardusa: [smiles]I am grateful to each of you for assisting me. It will be ideal once he arrives. [scratches chin] I'm anxious as I rush to find the perfect outfit, but I'm excited too. [gulps as she blushes]
[Dioskilos walked to her, barking at her twice. Clardusa pets his head]
Clardusa: Thanks for the comfort. I needed that.
[Perball arrived home empty-handed but soon went inside a room in the temple and opened his suitcase. He carried bulky treasure chests with strength and set them beside each other. Upon opening one, he found a dazzling array of gold, gems, diamonds, and coins inside, causing him to smirk with satisfaction.
Perball: [grinning] I don't care if people call this thing a man-purse. This pouch is the best.
[The warrior takes out a calathus basket filled with fruit and vegetables. Thus, taking out a stack of meat]
Perball: And it's good I went to the market.
[Perball enters the temple and stacks the food, only to see a table with rose petals around the table, candles, and plates with fruit, vegetables, and a cooked lamp. The warrior tilted his head as he roomed closer]
Perball: Huh.
[Soon, he lifted his head and saw a figure in the shadows. The being walked towards him, revealing Clardusa in a jet-black dress with drapes and gold extensions, black lipstick, and eyeshadow. Perball jaw dropped and huffed and puffed]
Perball: [blushes] C-C-Clardusa...
Clardusa: [smiles] Do you like my new look?
Perball: [pants] Yes! [clears throat] Yes. [places the weapons elsewhere] You look stunning, and the food you prepared is delicious.
Clardusa: [blushes]The boys and I worked together to implement this.
Perbll: I see.
[The two enjoyed their meals]
Perball: Nice meal, Clardusa. [almost burped]
Clardusa: Thank you. [laughs] Hm-hm-hm. Interesting methods for disposing of foes and the minotaur alike.
Perball: [nods] I'm aiming to keep my skills sharp.
[The sun is setting, almost into night time as the two sit together]
Perball: [sighs] These past few months have been amazing, and I am so grateful that you put together this special evening for us. Despite the dishonesty, it has still been an unforgettable experience.
Clardusa: Mm-hm.
[Soon, their eyes locked, and both became crimson. Hearts raced instantly]
Perball: So...Clardusa... Anything across your mind?
Clardusa: [gulps] Throughout the past few months that we have been together and you protecting my family, I'm considering we should take our relationship to the next level.
[Their hands touched]
Perball: [ears flopped down] Clardusa...
Clardusa: You know what? You should know my real name. Clarissa?
Perball: Your original name?
Clardusa: [nods] Yes. Though, I don't mind the Jewelia nickname.
[The two went closer]
Clardusa: And... consider this as my token of appreciation.
[Clardusa instantly locked her lips onto Perball, closing her eyes. Perball's ears and tail shot up in the air, doing the same. The two held their hands and continued kissing]
[The sons and Pet watch the scene nearby]
[Soon, the warrior and gorgon ceased kissing, looking at each other in the eyes]
Clardusa- Do you prefer Jeweila or this monster in front of you?
Perball: [smiles] I'm into the Clardusa you. In my eyes, the real you. Jewelia is more a disguise, and Clarissa is the past, though beautiful in their own right. You're intelligent, exquisite, and your cooking skills have improved. Also, you've shown excellent parental and owner skills. [turns his head as she does the same] Is that right, boys?
[The three jaws dropped, and each blushed, walking backward. Clardusa chuckled]
Clardusa: Hahahaha! Kids, am I right?
Perball: [nods] I have seen an improvement in your ability to disguise yourself in battle, and it is clear that you have gotten better at it. [sighs] I wish that the world would view you the same way that I do.
Clardusa: Yeah, I know.
[The sun setting is still fresh, and Perball scratched his head]
Perball: You know, Clardusa. I want to ask you something.
Clardusa: Yes, Perball?
Perball: [sighs] To build a strong foundation between us, we should share our respective backgrounds and stories. By starting with you. What was life like for you before becoming a gorgon? Did you have a family? Friends?
[Clardusa looked downward and took a deep breath]
Clardusa: Okay.
[Flashbacks interfere with the conversation]
Clardusa: As far as I can remember, I used to have a family before my sons and Pet. I also had childhood friends who I grew up with since I was a little girl. As adulthood reigned, I used to admire the goddess herself, Anithena. I praised her immensely for her prowess on the battlefield and held her in the highest regard, bragging that she was the most impressive deity I knew. In response to my devotion, she offered me a place of honor within her temple as her priestess. She expected me to keep my celibacy as part of the agreement.
[Clardusa started to cry]
Unfortunately, as time passed serving her, I came across the Ocean God Poseiwin. He became enamored by my looks and insisted we make a deal I wasn't comfortable with. I refused, but he hunted me down. I called the goddess for assistance, but she didn't come. I reached the temple, calling her name again. Poseidon caught up and violated me. He robbed me of my celibacy. Anithena finally arrived, but it was too late. [sniffed] He disappeared. I begged for mercy and aid, but she accused me of defiling her temple. I tried to tell her Poseiwin attacked me, but she won't listen. Because of that, she cursed me and banished me from my position. I was horrible at what she did to me, and unfortunately, I awakened my powers by turning people I knew into stone. The villagers chased me down, and I swan away, resident in an empty temple. I was all alone. [sobbing] I struggled to survive, forced to test my powers to live, bore my sons without help, collected a pet, and hunted for food. I can't contact my family anymore, as I don't know if they're alive.
[Perball wiped her tears instantly]
Perball: [ears flopped down] Traumatic, clearly.
Clardusa: [sniffs] Yes. So, what about you?
[Perball clears throat]
Perball: To begin, I was an abandoned child. I was born without the guise of fatherly protection. From what my mother Ninae (Nicole + Danae), the Queen, told me, we cashed ashore from a previous conflict. We are residents of the island I grew up in. A fisherman named Dictys watched over us, but he passed on. Throughout the years, my mother, the Queen, watched over me. She has sent warriors to train through many challenges since my youth. I even fought for her protection when a flirtatious king, the latter's brother, tried to take her, and I stained him, allowing her to take over. She used her servants to train me better. Despite the struggles, having was...difficult. For all I know, battle was the most common thing I know. I struggled to have friends until Larrius came into the picture.
[Perball looking down]
My pride had led to a failed mission to rescue a princess and destroy Cetus. A servant had stolen the credit for my hard work, and I was devastated. Depressed and helpless, I had no energy to start performing again. When my mother disclosed information about Rizeus being my authentic father, it felt like an earth-shattering revelation since he had only been a casual fling for her. [gritted teeth] I was the son of the King of Olympus! How is that NOT a great concern?! I even uncovered more gods in the making and read my father's history. Left behind...like many others! [grunts] Ugh. I grieved until Mother decided to temper my rage by sending me on a quest. I faced challenges with the assistance of the gods and slayed opponents. It wasn't long before my friend told me the mission's rigged. [gritting teeth] A death sentence, and I didn't know it until afterward!
[Perball heavily sighed, and Clardusa placed her hand on his right cheek]
Clardusa: [smiles] And yet. Despite all the struggles, you found me.
Perball: [with a small smile] I know.
Clardusa: Nobody would have ever imagined that our paths, so alike, would eventually lead us right to each other.
[The environment's getting dark]
Perball: We should head inside.
Clardusa: [nods] Yes. And when we get inside, I want to show you something.
[They went inside the bedroom with everything covered up]
Perball: [tilting his head] What exactly do you want to show me?
[Clardusa blushed]
Clardusa: [turns around to Perball] Tell me.
[The gorgon reached for her torso and showed her girls]
Clardusa: What do you think? [grins]
[Perball's jaw dropped, ears and tails rose in the air, and he grew hard]
Perball: [pants as he turns crimson] By the gods... [grabs her girls]
[Clardusa smiles]
Clardusa: [squinting her eyes] I see you're taking a liking to them.
Perball: [sweating] Yes. And they're so...soft. And more extensive than even Aphrosami and Anithena.
Clardusa: [removes the entire outfit, allowing Perball to touch her arse]
[Perball's ear flopped downward]
Perball: A more considerable arsenal that even Heracole would question. [squishing her checks as he formed legs]
Clardusa: [looking over] Well. I did gain a few after having my sons. [turned crimson] I don't mind if you enjoy it.
Perball: Yes.
[Soon, the gorgon grabbed his phallus firmly, and Clardusa looked at him in the eyes]
Clardusa: [showing her sharp teeth and pupils turned red] I want us to copulate. You may give the goddesses intimacy. But you haven't dealt with me yet. [The snake hairs hiss seductively] Now satisfy me.
[Perball gulps and remove his clothing.]
[Panting, moaning, sweating, and grunting as the clapping filled the room.]
Perball: I can tell you haven't felt this way in years.
Clardusa: [hisses] Yes!
Perball: [panting] I appreciate it! Also, I'm about to...
Clardusa: [panting] Do it. Make sure I have every last drop.
[After that, the two had sex. They where exhausted after having Perball inside the gorgon]
Clardusa: [panting] I love you, Perball.
Perball: [sighs] I love you too, Clarissa.
[The two kissed, and they embraced. Once they're covered up, the couple sees the sons and pet at the opened door]
Clardusa: [smiles] Oh! Hi, boys! I guess you heard all that?
[Pegasus neighed, Chrysaor rasped, and Dioskilos barked]
Clardusa: [sighs] Don't worry, guys. Everything's fine. I had a great time with him.
Perball: We sure do. Ha-ha-ha. [sighs] Splendid, even. Now, I advise you three to rest for tonight.
[The three nodded]
Clardusa: Oh, and my precious babies. When the time comes, he'll be another member of our family. How do you feel about him being your new...father?
[Pegasus and Chrysaor's frozed]
[The couple redressed, and Perball approached them, spread out his arms with a smile. The two sons glared at him and turned to their mother]
Clardusa: Go on, you two. Embrace him.
[Pegasus's ears flopped downward, and Chrysaor tilted his head. Dioskilos went to him barking, and the warrior tapped his head and panted]
Perball: I get it, you two. I know I'm not Poseiwin. And I may attack your mother from the beginning. There's no denying that. But guess what? She and I made a connection over time, and we crossed paths. Besides, we were each abandoned by our fathers, and we stood up. But for today, the past remains in the past. Right now, we go as a family. Me as your old man, and you as my...sons.
[The sons look at each other, and the two instantly embrace the warrior. Pegasus calmy neighed as Chrysaor did the same with his snorting. Perball smiled]
Clardusa: [scratching her chin] I thought of something. If Rizeus's your father, and Poseiwin's your uncle, does that mean you three are cousins? Oh, well. You have already chosen to be their father figure.
Perball: And I'm okay with it.
Perball: Okay, you three. Get some rest. Leave your mother and I be.
[The three creatures nodded, and exited the room, closing the door]
Clardusa: [grins] Not bad, Daddy.
Perball: [getting in the covers] Thanks. Though what we did earlier is fantastic. And it caught their attention.
Clardusa: [sighs] Indeed it does.
Perball: Yes. Though, it does come to mind to the goddesses, especially Anithena. [narrowed eyes] Should we come across again, I'd like to inquire about your misfortune.
Clardusa: [looking down] If you do that, she will discover I'm still alive.
Perball: [scratches head] Good point.
Clardusa: Besides, it's perpetual. I can only morph into my initial form due to the disguise spell. [yawns] Let's get some rest.
Perball: Okay. [yawns]
[The couple fell asleep]
[Elsewhere, the King of the Underworld sees their temple from far away]
Gaydes: [crossed arms] The Gorgon is alive and safeguarded by the warrior. [sighs] I will not disturb them by waking them up, as my presence would alert them. Therefore, I will leave a marker here for the time being. And visit when it's right. [disappears]