Chapter 10


Perball: Let's see: Three sons and two daughters. And names so far are Minerva, Tiffamia, and Gumeus.

Aphrosami: [points to the newborns] What about our son and Heracole's?

[The sons cooed]

Perball: [scratches chin as he sees the cloud-like extensions mixed with a feline's] Hmm. This one is soft and embraces you the most. [lets the baby hold his finger] And smiles at my presence. To continue the attachment aspect, why not call him...Sussaros? [Sussano + Eros]

Aphrosami: [smiles] Perfect.

Heracole: And ours, Perball?

Perball: [scratches head as he sees the dark purple hair] Hmm... He has that eggplant-looking color. [notice the fur as steaming sensation] I feel the heat, and it doesn't bother you. I guess...Arsopher? [Tristopher + Ares]

Clardusa: [gasped] Named after the God of War?!

Perball: [sweat drops] And courage, despite the vibrant aspect. Otherwise, I refused to let this kid suffer the latter's fate. [looking down] I feel for Pratos, though. [clear throat] Now, it's settled.

[Pegasus brought in a cradle, and the gorgon and goddesses placed the newborns on it]

Perball: [sighs] This is the start of a new journey for us. Right, Clardusa?

Clardusa: Yes...

Heracole: Now, Perball. Should we discuss protection? [narrowed eyes] And the men operating the arena?

Perball: I'll join you when that happens. Right now, let's embrace this moment.

[The warrior, gorgon, creatures, and goddesses each smiled]

[Elsewhere...]

[The mysterious beings and disgraced gods are inside the hut]

Poseiwin: Okay...mister? Why do you want to help us?

?: Because I struggled to overcome my obstacles, and after hearing about you, I figured we could help each other's conditions.

Lespollo: Really?

?: [nods] Yes. Tell me. Do you desire payback for what happened to you?

Poseiwin: [narrowed eyes] Heracole and Anithena presented an absurd suggestion, and I am determined to regain my immortality, so I am willing to do whatever it takes.

Lespollo: [scratched his head] I share your concern, but I'm worried our progress will get noticed. Troy will report to Rizeus.

?: Yes! We must join forces and carry out ground combat to seek retribution for our humiliations. Do you agree?

Lespollos: [scratched chin] Speaking of which, did Rizeus take our powers?

Poseiwin: He likely rendered us mortal, as I cannot even sense my hydrokinesis. If we were to pass away, Gaydes would come to visit us.

?: Gaydes. [sighs] I'm repulsed by that name.

Lespollos: You met him during torment?

?: Oh, we have. And it was...a terrible experience.

Poseiwin: [narrowed eyes] Wait. I recall torment happening in the pits of Tartarus. [jaw dropped] Hold on a second.

[The being remove the tarp from its body. Scars, whip slashes on the skin, broken teeth, ash, grime, dark spots, burnt skins, stab wounds, and a missing hand. Some areas healed, and the gods recognized the being]

Lespollos: Rolibos?

[Rolibos laughs]

Rolibos: Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! I'm glad someone remembered me, especially considering I have no interest in the underworld and assumed I wasn't known.

Poseiwin: How did you escape?! No one escapes Gaydes! His wife is down there!

Rolibos: [sighs] It wasn't easy. I tried bypassing her, not alarming my presence.

[Flashback as the one-eye being hiding from Margaphone]

Rolibos: I was lucky to escape her unnoticed. I even distract her just to be sure.

[Another flashback of him using noise to attract her and follow it. Rolibos came out of hiding and dashed away]

Rolibos: I found an opening and rushed to it. Though not without obstacles.

[Another flashback shows the warrior screaming and slashing the arms with one hand. The flashbacks end]

Rolibos: And then, I removed myself from the grave, found a destroyed temple nearby, and a lake underneath. I saw the impact of the pain, so I used a restoration potion to heal my wounds. But only for now. I'm still not the warrior I once was physically. That's where you two come in. I'm sure with your magical wisdom; you can help me restore myself properly.

Poseiwin: [narrowed eyes] Too bad we can't do that. We have to gain magic the old fashion way.

Rolibos: Hence the teamwork. I can work with you to help restore your strength and abilities, and in turn, you can help me reclaim my former form. I can even stand with you as you take down the goddesses who wronged you. Then, I'd finally have a chance to face off against the warrior who bested me.

Lespollo: [shrugs] Who?

Robilos: [gritted teeth] Perball...

Poseiwin: The warrior who faced you before you reached Clardusa? That reminds me. I recall Heracole and Anithena being banished for overthrowing Rizeus and impregnated by Perball. Aphrosami left too.

Robilos: [gasped] What?! The same warrior who killed me has a family?!

Lespollo: [nods] Yes. And his battles are widespread around Greece. And he has another combatant under his wing.

Rolibos: [scratched his head] Hmm. I suppose I need to think this one through.

Poseiwin: [sighs] I thought so as well. Let's discuss the part of the regaining power.

Rolibos: Yes. [clear throat]

[The three discussed the plan]

[Inside Perball's temple...]

[The warrior, gorgon, and goddesses surround the table with the plan on the temple while the creatures watch the newborns]

Perball: Okay, girls. We must arrange the temple and plan the future of our children. As we know, they'll become the next generation of gods. Heracole, you're in charge of security since you are experienced with running a temple, and we'll discuss those running the arena of their questionable methods. Aphrosami, you're the magician. Your passion for resources will help kids learn how to use them. And Anithena, you're the co-teacher. We need your wisdom in the battle to prepare for potential combat. [narrowed eyes] If you mess up, Clardusa will slap you.

Clardusa: [hisses] I might do worse.

Anithena: [sweat drop] Ha ha. Yeah...

Perball: Also, you're responsible for each baby's diaper. Thus in case they cry. The sons and dog will fulfill their roles as protectors.

Clardusa: And prepare for long nights.

Heracole: [shrugs] Eh. I'm not returning to Rizeus any time soon. So why not?

Anithena: [scratched chin] I wonder how the gods' are settling the champion since I'm not there.

Perball: They'll find a replacement.

Clardusa: [narrowed eyes] And if you seek to appease him, you must bypass me first. [snake hair hissed]

[Anithena gulped]

Clardusa: [with black tint on face] I might even let you once you completed your roles. [smiled as it disappeared] Or having fun with Perball and I. Hm-hm. [crossed arms] Thus, we got kids, and I need help passing food, milk, and baths.

Anithena: [rolls eyes] Fine...

Aphrosami: [shrugs] Sure.

Heracole: [nods] Fair.

Perball: [nods] Good. Now, Heracole. Are you ready to pay for the arena visit?

Heracole: [narrowed eyes] Yes.

[Back to the disgraced gods...]

[Poseiwin and Lespollo working]

Troy: [yells] Keep doing the good work, boys! [walked away]

[As he left, the two turn to each other]

Poseiwin: [whispers] You got the disguise magic?

Lespollo: [whispers] Yes. The warrior wants us to pull our forms to two strangers, and then we leave. But first, we must make a scene.

[The two see two bystanders]

Lespollo: Bingo!

[The god rushes over to the shadows and hides, waiting for the Spartans to pass]

[They walked past them, heading to the shade. Poseiwin signals the sun god, and Lespollo casts the magic onto the warriors]

[They became the gods themselves, and Lespollo placed them nearby unconscious]

Poseiwin: [smiling] Perfect!

Lespollo: Shh! Be very, very quiet. [taken the pair's weapons] This is our chance.

[The gods disguised themselves as fellow villagers and exited the area rapidly]

Poseiwin: How long will it last?

Lespollo: Long enough for us to escape.

[Soon, the two disappear]

Troy: Hey! Get up and finish the walls, you two! It's not break time yet!

[The fakes awoken]

Spartan #1: Oh, my head... What happened?

Spartan #2: I don't know. Why are we on the wall?

[The gods looked behind]

Poseiwin: [grins] Suckers...

[The two ventured further]

[Back inside the hut, Rooibos watched the disguised gods change]

Rolibos: [tilted his head] Did it work?

Poseiwin: [nods] Yes.

Lespollo: Though, I advise we shouldn't stay here long. Troy would question them and discover the differences. We must make haste now.

Rolibos: [grins] Indeed. [points to nearby weapons] I also bought guns and magic in case we face trouble.

[The three took their arsenals and left the hut with disguises]

Rolibos: So, where do we begin?

Poseiwin: Let's begin with my temple. I know where it is. [scratched chin] I recall Rizeus taking my trident elsewhere in Olympus, so I imagine it'll be heavily guarded and many watching it. Thus, the loss of my powers cost me access. Luckily, I have secret spare tools to get inside my temple.

Robilos: Good. Lespollo?

Lespollo: Same for my arrows, bow, and instruments. Rizeus robbed us of divinity, and it sucks I can access mine, either. Thus, I advise we enter my temple at night. I'm not risking getting unwanted attention from Tolios.

Rolibos: [narrowed eye] He took your place.

Lespollo: [clenched fists] Yes! And I'm very irritated with that egomaniac taking the spotlight. I earned that role! [sighs] I guess I have to start all over again.

Poseiwin: [rolls eyes] Relax. We'll be back to our old selves in no time. But now, head for my temple.

[The three ventured the Poseiwin's Temple]

[Inside the arena...]

[The folks running the arena bowed before the goddess except for the runner]

Heracole: [crossing arms and narrowed eyes] My dear warrior wants to know why you sentenced him to an embarrassing task that caused Amazons to go crazy.

Perball: [ears flopped downward] Indeed. Especially in the "aftermath" of the situation.

Arena Owner: [sweat drops] Oh, that! You noticed. [clears throat] We were trying to teach him to resist temptation. It was part of the Amazonians' offer to join the arena. [looking down] Unfortunately, we realized too late they only did it to see him for...lascivious reasons, envious of the warriors under his wing, and others seeking to challenge him. [narrowed eyes] Furthermore, they are the descendants of the God of War.

Perball: [rolls eyes] No wonder...

Servant #1: [blushes] I witnessed their admiration as they removed their chest armor, but they went too far in expressing it physically.

Heracole: [deadpan] You got to be kidding me...

Servant #2: Despite the best results, we should've known their true intentions. [sighs] Worshipers, am I right?

Perball: [scratched head] Yeah...

Arena Owner: To make up for this, we contacted their leader Hippolyta, and she was not impressed by their foolish behavior. Some who had common stayed behind for battle and refused to go ballistic.

Perball: [shrugs] Well, that's a relief.

Heracole: [hands heading downward] Anyway, I'm here to guide how to run a triumphant arena. I have witnessed honorable battles among warriors at Olympus, not simply foolishness. [take out a scroll] I also have a few ideas.

Arena Owner: Of course. We shall discuss this matter.

Perball: [narrowed eyes] Good.

[Elsewhere...]

[The three went to Poseiwin's Temple, seeing it heavily guarded, minotaurs, cyclops, chimeras, warriors protecting the entrance, and harpies on watch. The three hid in the shadows]

Rolibos: [scratches chin] I say. You weren't kidding when your temple's guarded.

Poseiwin: [nods] Yes. I anticipated the same thing with my trident. Gladly, I got spare tools to do so.

Lespollo: [shrugs] What do they do?

Poseiwin: [finger pointing upward] They're shaped like my trident, bangles, and symbol. In case my temple's overrun or here guarded, I hid them somewhere nearby the secret passage only I find. I'll lead you to it, but proceed with caution.

Rolibos: [tilted his head] We're looking for your keys. And you've tried keeping Rizeus from discovering them.

Poseidon: That's the idea. [Sees Lespollo] I advise not targeting the harpies, as their deaths will trigger attention.

Lespollo: Fair enough.

[They saw soldiers walking by]

Rolibos: Let's give the disguising another go.

Lespollo: [points to the monsters] The issue we face is that minotaurs have an excellent sense of smell, enabling them to detect intruders.

Poseiwin: [narrowed eyes] Glady, I wasn't aiming for the frontier. Come on.

[The warrior and sun god followed the ocean god in the shadows, heading to the lower sections of the temple. They see harpies standing nearby and crawling underneath. Poseiwin grabbed a few rocks and threw them away from the predators. It causes noise to distract them. The wolves looked around curiously, trying to figure out what had made the sound. Upon not seeing any potential threats, they flew away. Poseiwin and the others could safely crawl away from the harpies]

[Poseiwin and the other two descended to a lower level. The ocean god bent his knees and opened a hatch. What remains is a three-pronged, bracelet-looking, and symbol-shaped rock. He grabbed them and covered the hole]

Lespollo: You kept them under your temple?

Poseiwin: Yes, and you tell no one. We can't risk getting caught.

Rolibos: Fine by us.

[They ventured further into the terrain and saw the ocean god inserting the rocks into hollow sockets. Water nearby rose into the wall, creating a blue-illuminating essence. Immediately, the wall behind them began to rise]

Lespollo: [scratches head] Huh. That's what they do.

[The trio immediately entered as soon as the entrance shut, and they sprinted along the path until another opening appeared. As they do, and the wall closed, entering a room]

[Perball and Heracole returned from the arena to a bustling home, with Aphrosami arranging the environment, Anithena changing diapers, Clardusa picking flowers from the garden, and the sons and pets shrieking happily. They spotted their beloved father come back.]

[The babies saw Perball and started cooing. Anithena turned around, and she smiled]

Anithena: Oh, look, kids! Daddy is home.

Miverna: [reaches out for him as Heracole picks up her son]

[Perball smiles as his children]

Perball: [laughs] Hm-hm-hm. Hi, my lovely ones! Did you miss Daddy while he was away?

[He knelt on the ground as the babies reached out to him, happily cooing with anticipation of his attention. He responded in kind, giving them playtime until the room filled with laughter.]

Perball: Oh, is that so? Well, same here!

Heracole: [joining] Don't forget about Mama Heracole. Hm-hm.

Perball: And technically grandmother with Minerva, Sussaros, Pegasus, and Chrysaor.

[Heracole shrugs]

[Clardusa enters the scene and gasps]

Clardusa: [smiled] Beloved! [kissed him on the cheek] How's the arena?

Perball: We discussed with the administrators, and I gained insight into the Amazonian's experiences. As expected, the system was flawed. Heracole then handled the conclusion of the meeting.

Heracole: In light of the countless bloodshed, I have made arrangements to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. They'll handle the events with more manners and respect and fight with proper conduct.

Clardusa: [nods] Good. Whenever I enter the arena, I'll confidently jump in without any hesitation. [sighs] I would rather be present for our babies than anything else. Is that right, Tiffimia and Perball Jr?

[The babies cooed]

Clardusa: Oh! I made some flower rings when you were gone. [smiles]

[The gorgon puts one on Perball]

Perball: Thanks.

[Back to the trio...]

[Rolibos, Poseiwin, and Lespollo cautiously wove their way through the maze-like corridors of the ceremonial temple, carefully avoiding all obstacles and guard patrols. Even with the carefulness of each of their steps, the trio was sure to be pursued by the temple's security systems, which included motion sensors and alarms. After what felt like hours, the group slipped through a series of patrolled guards and detectors and emerged on the other side unnoticed. As their hearts pounded in their chests, the group continued to move forward, never allowing their level of caution to diminish. They sneaked across many rooms the Ocean God had: trophies, pictures, an art gallery made in his honor, weapon storage, and one for lovemaking]

Robilos: [smiles] Despite sneaking in, I'm embracing this tour we're in, Poseiwin.

Lespollo: [nods] Yeah. I never knew you had a buffet.

Poseiwin: [sighs] It sucks Rizeus has taken control of it. Otherwise, we would've feasted on what happened to us so far.

Rolibos: Also, your lovers down below. Several goddesses, women, and even some men. [narrowed eyes] Should I question further?

Poseiwin: [growls] No. [Sees a door with his face on it. He gasped] This is it! My magical shrine room!

Lespollo: Is this where you restore a portion of your powers?

Poseiwin: Yes! However, I would recommend taking precautions. We have already gotten past the security measures of the lower area, so I wouldn't be surprised if my secret room has the same.

[Poseiwin tried to touch, but suddenly, illumination brightened the room]

[Rolibos gasped]

Lespollo: [screamed] You weren't kidding! We must hide!

[The group of men had their tridents stained with blood, and in their hands were swords and shields. As the trio hid in the shadows, fear began to fill their minds for what punishment could their captors bring to those who had wronged the great warrior? Would their captors sentence them to death, or would they find a way to imprison them? Either way, their situation seemed dire. Just as it appeared the trio was about to be discovered, a bright illumination filled the room as a mysterious force cast a powerful light upon the area. The trio noticed the source of the morning—the gods had descended into the caves, and the warrior who Pyrcon sought stood at the center of the glow]

Poseiwin: [whispers] Noo...

Lespollo: [points the finger to the being] Is that your servant?

Poseiwin: [nods] Yes. Pyrcon.

Rolibos: [sighs] How are we supposed to get to the room now?!

Poseiwin: [pants] We have to move quickly! Since we're mortal, we cannot fight them directly.

Robilos: [rolls eye] Oh, come on! You've built a wall before, and you're taking the cowardly route! [clenched fist] I say we take them out.

[Lespollo sees magic cast on the warriors]

Lespollo: Are you sure? That's the reason we can't. Besides, I'm sure that'll alert our presence.

[Rolibos grunted]

Rolibos: [sighs] This sneaking around is killing me...

[Poseiwin, Rolibos, and Lespollo had been on a mission to get inside the room, and their biggest obstacle was getting by the guards. Soon, the warrior used disguising magic. Posing as the warriors, the trio armed themselves with swords, tridents, and shields and put on a casual attitude]

Pyrcon: I sensed someone unfamiliar had been in this temple as the secret hatch opened below. We must search the area to find the intruder.

The Warriors: Yes, sir!

[The warriors left with the servant. As they inched closer to the entrance, they could hear the stern warnings from the guards to be sure to let no one pass. Taking a deep breath, Poseiwin, Rolibos, and Lespollo had to focus on passing without being spotted. Step by step, they moved ahead, carefully avoiding the gaze of anyone who might be watching. Holding their weapons, they walked right past the guards without raising suspicions. Once inside the room, the three of them shared a hug in excitement and relief that their plan had worked]

[The door closed, and the trio sighed as the disguised disappeared]

Poseiwin: [smiled] Good work, boys. We're inside the room!

Rolibos: [hissed] I still wish we executed them.

Lespollo: [narrowed eyes] We just got in from the guards! No need for that!

[Poseiwin gazed around as blue illumination spread from the statues within the shrine. As the light shined upon the stone monuments, it felt like a sacred divine power emitted from the sculptures. They engulfed Poseiwin in its beauty. Suddenly, a loud rushing sound filled the area as a stream of water silently emerged from the ground. This stream flowed towards the center of the shrine before gradually rising into the air and forming a cascading archway of water around the neck of a massive statue of a god. Poseiwin suddenly felt a newfound courage and looked up at the divine being in awe. The blue illumination continued around the area, lighting up the shrine and providing Poseiwin with the opportunity to feel closer to the god than ever]

[The sounds of the water rushing caught the guard's attention, and Pyrcon rushed to the room. The god flopped to the floor, panting. as illumination radiated from his skin. He smiled as he lifted from the ground]

Poseiwin: Excellent! I got half of my powers back!

Rolibos: Half?

Poseiwin: Yes. My shapeshifting, superhuman strength, water-breathing, electricity, regeneration, and teleportation. [raised hands as some water leviated] And my hydrokinesis, though not on a cosmic scale.

Lespollo: So, you're only a fraction of what you used to be?

Poseiwin: Indeed. Also, I can share a portion of my powers.

[The water god touched Rolibos, and the warrior's body instantly healed. His muscular frame, skin, bones, jaws, and hair became stable. His body radiated, and he gasped]

Rolibos: [yelps] What did you do to me?!

Poseidon: [smiles] I've given you my powers as a reward for helping me.

Lespollo: [tilted his head] Um...what about me?

[Poseiwin cast lighting and arranged the weapon into a lightning bow]

Lespollo: [grins] Nice!

[Suddenly, they heard footsteps rushing in behind the door]

Poseiwin: Come on, men! We must leave! [grabbed the two]

[Poseiwin teleported, and the guards entered the scene. Pyrcon rushed in and gasped]

Pyrcon: [gritted his teeth] This temple's been breached, and the intruder escaped! We must report this to Rizeus!