Chapter 9
[In Tartarus...]
[The figure clambered out of the underworld, struggling against the claws that sought to restrain it. No matter how much they clung and attempted to keep it from reaching the surface, the figure pushed forward, refusing to succumb to the grasp of the depths. The figure slowly crept up the side of the cliff and, finally, pulled itself over the top with one arm. It collapsed onto the ground, quietly groaning and breathing heavily. After a brief respite, the figure got back on its feet and stood up. It growled]
?: Finally, I have managed to get away from the darkness. Now, I must find a route back to the world of the living. Soon, I will recapture my dignity. And take revenge on the warrior who assassinated me.
[In Mount Olympus...]
[Heracole, Anithena, and Poseiwin on their knees before the Lightning God]
Rizeus: [crossed arms] Such blasphemy! Infamy! You four have turned against your king?! I will not stand for this! Heracole! You're attempt to take my throne is futile! No one takes off the throne of Olympus but me! And your conf
Heracole: [hissing] I grew tired of you messing with the mortals, Rizeus!
Rizeus: [growls] Such irony, coming from the goddess bearing the youth of my son Perball.
Anithena: [laughs] Hahaha. Like father, like son. I guess you know where he got it from
Rizeus: [narrowed eyes] You are lucky you and Heracole are in the condition you're in! Otherwise, I would've killed you for trying to take my place!
Poseiwin: [sighed] I knew overthrowing him was a terrible idea...
Lespollo: I agree.
Rizeus: [points to Poseiwin] Poseiwin. You and Lespollo (Leslie Apollo) will go to work to serve Laomedon, king of Troy, as a punishment for a year. [To Heracole and Anithena] As for you two, I'm sentencing you back to my son. I'm in no need of raising his seed.
[The king sees Aphrosami with baskets nearby]
Rizeus: Hmm. I witnessed Aphrosami has already prepared for the occasion, so take your leave!
[Heracole and Anithena went with the Goddess of Love and teleported elsewhere. Rizeus turns to the other gods]
Rizeus: That includes you...
[Poseiwin and Lespollo left]
[Perball and Clardusa spent more time together, exploring the village, flying with the sons, playing fetch with the dog, and the couple spent some time alone in a lake as Perball played the harp and watered the plants. Inside the temple, the two bred like crazy, and the sons walked away, taking the pet with them as he whined. Later on, they lay on the grass]
Perball: [smiles] At the arena, I slay a few opponents with my bare hands beforehand. No magic, no sword, nothing. Just myself.
Clardusa: [gasped] No weapons available? Is that even possible?
Perball: [nods] Yes. The people who run the arena see my brass and brawn and desire to see brains. I questioned this, and they said I got a little sloppy in planning an approach. Thus, to challenge me more.
Clardusa: [narrowed eyes, laughing] Hm-hm-hm. I guess they want you to keep your mind sharp.
Perball: [shrugs] True. Also, there are more tasks they have me do. Like, they want me to show young warriors to use a sword. Adorable little ones. [blushed] And...I also fought Amazonians.
[Clardusa froze, and she glared at her]
Clardusa: [hissed] Excuse me?
Perball: [sighs] I felt extremely uneasy, especially since they were unaware I was with you. A few of them attempted to flirt with me, while others wanted to flaunt their chests to me in secret! [facepalmed] I soon discovered they had done this to see how well I could withstand temptations. Ugh...
Clardusa: [squinted her eyes] Should I suggest finding another battleground?
Perball: [looking down] I would indeed. [narrowed eyes] I am frustrated they placed me in that predicament.
[Soon, they rose upward as Pegasus called them]
Perball: What's wrong?
[Pegasus rush to Perball and signals his mother. Clardusa changed into Jewelia/Clarissa]
Perball: Are we found?
[Pegasus neighed, and the warrior followed him. The creature showed him what he saw, and Perball gasped, jaw dropping]
[Anithena, Aphrosami, and Heracole rubbing their large abdomens]
Anithena: [blushes] Hello, Perball.
[Chrysaor saw the three goddesses and snorted in confusion]
Perball: By the gods...
Aphrosami: You looked shocked. Though, that's a normal reaction.
Heracole: [scratches head] In case you haven't know, Rizeus told us to come here.
Perball: [gasped] What the?! [clears throat] Sorry about that. Why?
Anithena: [sighs] Well, Heracole thought it was a great idea to overthrow the kings, getting upset with him messing around. [sweat drops] Thus, the rest want the throne out of envy. The strappings didn't work.
Aphrosami: [rolls eyes] Luckily, it didn't work out.
Perball: [To Heracole] Really?
Heracole: [blushed] I was just considerate of my..condition.
Perball: Well, that's on you. But, anyway. Let me make preparations as you come in.
[The goddesses enter the temple, and Clardusa sees them, jaw-dropping. She hid in the shadows]
[Pegasus led with them, and Peball went to the gorgon. She had flashbacks with Anithena]
Clardusa: [whispered] Them again?! [gritting her teeth] Also, what is SHE doing here?!
Perball: [looking down] Rizeus threw them out. Thus, we've seen their conditions.
Clardusa: [grunts] Ugh! Just as we're enjoying ourselves, this happens.
Perball: It's ridiculous, I know. But, all of them are carrying my youth. I guess we have to consider parenthood early.
Clardusa: [sighs] Easy for you to say. Aside from Aphrosami, the goddess who cursed me and the queen, is right there! Letting her in is the last thing on my mind! And the queen too! I don't know what she did, but I'm afraid my revelation will make her contact Rizeus.
Perball: [narrowed eyes] I can't allow that. But for now, proceed with caution.
[Pegasusled the goddesses to the table. Perball and Clardusa sat with them]
Aphrosami: [smiling] Jewelia! I haven't seen you in a while. Has Perball taken good care of you?
Clardusa: [narrowed eyes] Ah, yes. He and I have gotten close as the months passed.
Aphrosami: I'm glad you two made it official.
Anithena: [raised an eyebrow] Wait. Did you meet this villager?
Aphrosami: [nods] Yes, while making my rounds. Why, you ask?
Anithena: [tilted her head] Because I can't help but get a sense of familiarity from her.
Clardusa: You don't know. I used to reign in an arena.
Anithena: [scratched chin] Hmm. I recall Julmes saying something about that at one point, but then, I was busy planning battles for warriors and guiding the champion of the gods. And, of course...[rubbing belly] taking consideration of my state. I never got the chance to tell Perball until now.
Perball: How long you've been like this?
Anithena: For several months.
Heracole: I tried overthrowing Rizeus, and it backfired. Even Lespollo and Poseiwin were punished for assistance.
Clardusa: [rolls eyes] I don't care about the Ocean God. What happened to him is his own doing.
Aphrosami: [scratched her head] Interesting. He figured the plan was a bad idea.
Clardusa: [crossed arms] He should've walked away. No excuse.
Heracole: I would've killed him if he did.
Clardusa: I prefer that.
Perball: With that settled, we should discuss our children.
Anithena: [smiling] I never thought of being a mother until now. Since you and I bred before, I will likely give birth ahead of them. So preparation is needed. [blushes] Besides, you have me to yourself now.
[Perball blushes and ears flop down. Clardusa clenched her hands into tight balls]
Heracole: I've seen you in the arena before. So I know you'll protect us from harm. Though, I advise Warriors in case you're unavailable.
Perball: [nods] Good, because I need extra hands to set up a room for you three. I got plenty of gold to spare and our sons to keep them company.
Anithena: I also know war and wisdom. To train our children, of course.
Perball: [smiles] Excellent. [To Aphrosami] What about you?
Aphrosami: [shrugs] I don't mind having a legacy. Perhaps I can demonstrate magic usage since I accepted I won't be the center of attention forever. Also, I won't have to spend my rounds alone.
Perball: [To Clardusa] Anything to say about this?
Clardusa: [narrowed eyes] Despite the arrangements, I'm telling you I refuse to clean up someone else's mess. Especially you, Anithena. After hearing about Rizeus, you don't earn my sympathies.
Aphrosami: [nods] I'm with her! Attempting to take his throne is already risky. No sympathies, indeed.
Anithena: [scratched head] What's your deal, villager? Because judging from what I'm hearing, you sound very familiar to a priestess. I once turned a gorgon. Haven't you known she died and the temple was destroyed?
Clardusa: I already did, due to Julmes.
Perball: [placing his hand on hers] Calm yourself. [sighs] I want you three to show you something before we continue. And since Rizeus threw you away, there is no need to tell him anything.
Heracole: [shrugs] Well, we can't go back. So, what is it?
[Perball looks at Clardusa, and she sighs. The gorgon revealed herself. Heracole and Anithena froze and gasped]
Heracole: What?! You"re still alive?! But...I saw the creatures take you away! Right?
[Flashbacks interfere within Anithena]
Anithena: [panting] No... No, no, no, no.
Clardusa: [hisses, then cries] Yes! The same priestess you threw away is still living! Perball here has freed me from my confinement, and I have been given a new chance to have a life again. [narrowed eyes, sobbing] Since you're here, you own me.
[Anithena gulped, and Clardusa grabbed her chest armor, taking her off the table, hissing further as her eyes turned red]
[Perball gulped, and the goddesses covered their mouths. The sons and pet's jaws dropped]
Perball: [yells] Clarissa! Stand down! [rushes to her]
[Pegasus neighed]
[A black tint appeared on her face, and Anithena shaken]
Anithena: [shivers] Wait! I'm carrying a child here!
Clardusa: [clenching her fist] You... have no idea how much you ruined me. So, to clear things up.
[Clardusa slapped Anithena in the face. A red mark appeared on her face]
Clardusa: [shouting] That was for putting a curse on me! [slaps her again] That was for not listening to my pleas! [hits her again] That was for not going after Poseiwin! [smacks her again] And that's for my agonizing loneliness! I served you, and that's how you thank me?! [hits her the final time]
[Anithena's cheeks shed blood, and Perball stood next to her]
Perball: [his hand on her shoulder] Release her. Put her down.
[Clardusa glares at him, sniffs]
Perball: I know she ruined you, Clarissa. But it's not worth it! Calm down. What's in the past is done.
[Clardusa calms down, and Anithena feels the pain in the other cheeks. The gorgon turns to her]
Clardusa: Are you going to treat your "priestess" better? Are you? Are you?!
Anithena: [stuttering] Y-Y-Yes...
Clardusa: [sighs] Good.
[Clardusa puts her down and returns to the table]
Aphrosami: Talk about getting it out of your system.
Heracole: And I thought Rizeus and I were vicious.
Clardusa: Sorry about that.
[Pegasus comforts her, and Perball treats Anithena's injuries]
Perball: [wiping] Hold still.
Anithena: [wheezing] My cheeks...
Perball: She has pent-up anger, as you can tell.
Anithena: [sniffs] I know! I regret my decision.
Clardusa: Just like I said before: you own me, Athena.
Anithena: Note to self. Don't screw with you.
Clardusa: That's what I like to hear. Now, are you guys hungry?
Heracole: [sighs] I haven't eaten since we got here.
Aphrosami: [smiles] I got baskets.
Perball: Okay, Goddesses. After the meal, we should discuss preparations.
[Elsewhere...]
[The mysterious being fought endlessly. It stabbed and killed many beings across the underworld and walked to the upper sections. It passed many obstacles, slashed the grabbing hands, and murdered many creatures. Blood, grime, and dirt attached to its body, but it still passed through. It saw an opening that looked like it was attached to the ceiling. The being climbed into it, smiling viciously. Minutes it was passed. Soon, the being seen fresh air, land, and structure surrounding him. It laughed]
?: [screaming] Hahahahahaha! Yes! I returned to the living! At last! [looked around further and saw a destroyed temple and a river below. The being looked down at the river, seeing the reflection] I see. I cannot have my revenge without preparation. I must regain my pride and joy before I find him.
[Back to Perball's temple...]
[The goddesses screaming and panting as the sons and pet comfort them]
Anithena: [panting] Is this what childbirth feels like?!
Aphrosami: [panting] You tell me!
Heracole: [panting] Help us!
Clardusa: [yelling] We're working on it! See anything?
Perball: [nods] I do! Keep pushing!
[Anithena screamed as she pushed, and a baby cry is heard]
Clardusa: [smiles] It's a girl!
Anithena: [gasped] Bring her to me! Please.
[Clardusa gave her the newborn]
Anithena: [crying] She's beautiful!
Perball: How's this for a name? Minerva?
Anithena: [smiled] Yes! [kissed him on the lips] Get the other two.
Aphrosami: [screaming] My turn!
Perball: Push!
[Aphrosami screamed as she pushed, and a baby cry is heard]
Clardusa: It's a boy!
[Aphrosami gasped]
Aphrosami: A son?! Hand him over!
[Perball rushes over to Heracole as Clardusa hands her the child]
Heracole: [panting] I must call you my husband now!
Perball: Nevermind that! Push!
Clardusa: Pegasus! Support!
[Pegasus neighed after seeing his brother and pet comfort the goddesses as he allowed Heracole to grab her legs]
[Heracole screams as she pushes, and another baby cry is heard]
Perball: [smiles] Another son!
Heracole: [crying] Yes! Bring him to me!
[Perball passed the child to Heracole]
Perball: Nice work, boys! You too, Clardusa!
Clardusa: [sighs] One day, it'll be my turn.
?: Yes. And I want to discuss how you didn't perish yet.
[The warrior, gorgon, and goddesses gasped as they saw Gaydes across the room]
Gaydes: I don't mean to interrupt the beautiful moment, but I questioned how come your demise is fabricated and halted.
Perball: [growls] Gaydes...
[Gaydes sniffs in and out]
Gayde: [sighs] Ah. The sweet smell of precious life. With the implications of death. Perfectly balanced. [shurgs] Should I give my congrats?
Perball: [narrowed eyes] What do you want, Underworld King?
[The babies noticed the God of the Dead, tilting their heads]
Gaydes: [smiles] Simple. I decided to give my nephew a little visit. [narrowed eyes] And needing a concrete answer of why Clardusa's name is on my list. Her interaction with me was inevitable.
[Clardusa hissed]
Aphrosami: [looking down] I figured your intervention didn't go unnoticed.
[Gaydes turns to the Goddess of Love]
Gaydes: [smirks] Isn't it interesting that the first thing these three saw was the king of the underworld, while the Goddess of Love lived up to her name, creating a lasting legacy and leaving behind a fresh bun? [sees Heracole] And what's this? The queen of the gods is no longer reigning.
Heracole: [sighs] Hello, Gaydes.
Gaydes: [sees Anithena] And Anithena. The Goddess of War and Wisdom has become a mother of her own. I guess Rizeus will find a replacement to guide our champion Pratos.
Anithena: [narrowed eyes] I don't mind, Gaydes. Besides, I already made a connection with another. [smiles at Perball] And I'm thankful for crossed paths. Is that right, Minerva?
[Minvera cooed]
Gaydes: [to Perball] Taking notes from your father, I see?
Perball: [shrugs] Yes, yes. Like father, like son.
Gaydes: [clears throat] Anyway, despite the fabrication that even Rizeus would question, care to explain why her death's halted?
[Perball stood in front of Clardusa]
Perball: I spared her after seeing her humanity. Despite the curse, I freed her from her confinement.
[Clardusa hid behind him]
Gaydes: [scratched chin] Hmm, I recall there was supposed to be a severed head in your collection, Perball. Yet, it's subverted.
Clardusa: [hissed] I lost too much to die, Gaydes! Months of enjoying this new life are too much to throw away!
Gaydes: [nods] And that, I agree on. I've seen taking your soul now won't work. I'm examing you and Perball now.
Perball: [raises an eyebrow] Inspection, I suppose?
Heracole: True. In case you haven't known, Gaydes can examine the lives of anyone: mortals, demigods, creatures, and even us.
[Gaydes reached out his hands, casting a cloud onto the pair]
[Flashbacks between them appear for the God of the Dead]
Gaydes: Ah, yes. I can see what a striking resemblance you two share. May I explain?
Perball: [nods] Proceed.
Gaydes: I'll start with Clarissa. [The flashbacks disappeared] Clarissa, your selfish motives cause your circumstances. For instance, you transformed into a gorgon because of your admiration for Anithena. Your pridefulness let you down in the end. The terrible acts of Poseiwin and the aftermath of your form are awful but averted with better judgment.
[Clardusa looking down, crying a little bit]
Anithena: [sighs] I still regret what I did to you, Clardusa.
Clardusa: [looking down] There is no need for me to deliver further repercussions, as I have already administered punishment for your actions.
Gaydes: [narrowed eyes] And Perball. You were ironically unseeing by your laziness and pride, leading to the untimely deaths of your men. Your cohort took credit for the rescue of the princess, and you lost your tools due to your misjudgment when conquering the monsters. Despite your efforts to slay the grey sisters, Rolibos, and inform Heracole of her appearance, the damage's finished. No one can escape accountability, including you. Not to mention, I can smell the blood of the warriors you fought. [chuckled] And amazons too.
[Perball sighs]
Perball: [facepalms] Don't remind me.
Aphrosami: Wait. Did you fight Amazonians?
Perball: [growls] To resist temptation. Otherwise, it was an unfunny experience.
Heracole: [narrowed eyes] Perhaps I can help out with that.
Clardusa: So, what? Do you come to claim our souls?
Gaydes: [shakes head] After examining both of you, I can only say one thing: live your life. [turns around] Make the most of them; live them to the fullest. [turns to them again] It's not yet your time to pass away.
Perball: We can settle with that, Gaydes. [nods]
[Gaydes disappeared]
[Clardusa grunts, feeling her belly]
Clardusa: [pants] It's my turn...
Perball: Pegasus! Chrysaor! Dioskilos! Support your mother!
[The three rushed to her]
Clardusa: [panting] This is it, Perball!
Perball: [smiles] I know. Take a deep breath, and push.
[Clardusa held on to her sons and pet, and she screamed as she pushed. Two baby cries were heard]
Anithena: [jaw dropped as she regained Minerva] Twins?
Clardusa: [crying] Indeed. Tiffamia and Balleus.
Perball: Perfect.
[The warrior passed over the newborns]
[Elsewhere...]
[The mysterious figure walked across Greece, searching for available magic stores, assuming that'll help its condition. It wears a cloak on its body, steals gold for food, and keeps its identity a secret. In the shadows, the being was eating bread and drinking water. It gulped and sighed afterward]
?: Perhaps it is more troublesome than expected that escaping after so many months of suffering has led to this. Who would have thought? [chews the final bits and swallows the remaining water] [wipe its face] But I won't give up yet. My time will come. For now, I must continue.
[The being went onto the road, swallowing a vital that shortly helped its condition. Until it noticed two gods across the area]
?: What's this? Two gods in my vision? [It roamed closer, hiding in the shadows]
[Poseiwin and Lespollo buidling a wall]
Lespollo: [sighs] I wish we had not listened to them, as our attempt to overthrow Rizeus was disastrous. If we reject their advice, we won't face these dire consequences.
Poseiwin: [rolls eyes] Oh... Keep the sad music to yourself. All this because we grew tired of his rule? And yet, here we are. [looking down] And that cursed that Heracole and Anithena! It's a shame we lost our immortality. I do anything to get it back.
Lespollo: [sweat drop] Okay, but let's keep this quiet. We don't want to draw attention to ourselves. Troy can be listening, and we're gods! Ugh!
Poseiwin: [narrowed eyes] Just cut the sunshine, and let's continue this wall.
[The two proceeded to build the wall]
?: [tilted its head] Disgraced gods. Hmm.
[The being walked towards them, and they noticed the latter]
Lespollo: Excuse me! This area is off-limits! State your business!
?: I overheard you two got disgraced by the king of Olympus.
Poseiwin: [rolls eyes] Yes. And why does that matter to you?
?: You see, Ocean and Sun Gods. I faced the same problem.
Lespolo: [tilting his head] Hmmm...I'm not familiar with you here in Olympus. However, judging from your appearance, you must have been through some weighty abuse from Rizeus.
Poseiwin: And missing a hand.
?: [nods] Similar to that, but no! I'm a fighter attempting to make up for the hardships I've once endured. Furthermore, I have seen two others going through a similar tragedy. Perhaps we can help each other.
[Poseiwin notices the vital on its hand and takes it]
Poseiwin: What's this?
?: [gasped] Wait! I need that for nourishment!
Lespollo: Nourishment, huh? I guess you faced much worse than I thought.
[Poseiwin observed and saw a mist from the vital]
Poseiwin: It's magical. [turns to the creature] You're trying to survive. [passed it over to the being]
?: Yes. Let's say months of torment can do that to you. I've risen from my prison and sought retribution. So, to not waste your time, I advise us to meet elsewhere as I assume you're busy.
Lespollo: Alright. Our shift will finish soon, so we'll catch up.
?: We'll meet in a hut. I'll be seeing you soon.
[The being disappears]
Poseiwin: Why does a mortal want to help us?
Lespollo: [shrugs] I don't know, but it's better than what we got here. Besides, we saw the latter's condition.
[Troy saw the two]
Troy: [yelling] Hey, you two! Get back to work!
Poseiwin: [sighs] We're certainly seeing this mortal later.