Chapter Two: As the Sparks Fly Upward,
Now descending, making their final approach, Asclepius carefully guides the chariot by pulling on the reins gently and as it lands just on the outskirts of the fair city of Rome. Selene climbs out of her seat and makes her way to the front of the team of oxen and patted them fondly.
"Good boys," she cooed, "Wait here for us to return."
"Alright, let's hurry," Asclepius said as he took Selene by the hand, leading her down the dirt road into the city.
At this hour the city would be a bustling packed metropolis with people bent on rushing about minding their own business going to and fro with various agendas in mind. The marketplace would be shutting down for the day as carts traveled past with their goods by now. But not tonight. The streets were all but deserted. However, Asclepius and Selene carefully and quietly kept to the shadows as they moved about the city's streets. Overhead lines of mortal's laundry flapped in the night breeze and an occasional rustle of street cats going through the mortal's garbage was heard. Looking down every alley way before they entered was necessary because a stray human talking to himself in a drunken stupor was just now making his way through it noisily.
"We must not be seen, Selene," Asclepius warned in a whisper, "If they notice our otherworldly appearance and dress it may cause a stir of panic. Besides, if they recognize us it could prove difficult to complete our task as they would swamp us, they may prevent us from getting there in time."
Selene nodded. The only light to guide the way were made by meticulously placed street torches and the occasional inner glow of a mortal's window here and there where someone was present within a home. Going around the next corner, Asclepius held up a hand in warning for Selene to halt her steps. They had come to the funeral at last. Thousands of people gathered around to witness the final farewell of their fallen hero Maximus.
It was indeed a huge elaborate affair; it was clear to them that all that could be there was there. Maximus was laid out on the funeral pyre in his soldier uniform respectively. They had placed his sword in his hands and was now clutched at his chest in solemn reverence. Flowers sprayed all round the hero gracing him from head to feet. As the Senate made their honorary speech regarding Maximus, the torches' flames danced in the breeze of the night and were held at the ready for the final signal to light. Upon the speech ending, a victory tune with stringed instruments and flutes were played as the collective voices rang softly into the air.
Using this moment wisely, Asclepius nodded to Selene to go as they ducked under the Eclipse Cloak. The enchanted item shielded them from anyone's notice as they stealthfully made it through the tight crowd. At times they elbowed their way through unavoidably in order to make room. At one point someone steps on Selene's foot, squashing her toes. Stifling her gasp, she placed a hand over her mouth and kicked the offender in the shins. A cry of pain is heard as he hobbles away confused from Selene's side in distress. Asclepius gives Selene a look of annoyance and warning as he guides her away towards the white stoned steps leading upward to Maximus.
Drifting past the mourners successfully unnoticed, Selene pauses a moment to gaze at Princess Lucillia. Her natural beauty was flawless yet only marred by the streams of maskara coming down within droplets of tears for Maximus's sake. Suddenly, the past's pain came into Selene's mind uninvited. Lost love and a betrayal so bitter is unavoidably felt and it flooded her all at once. The horror of seeing her human lover eternally asleep haunted her heart as she watched over him by the light of the moon in mourning. If it were not for the urgent reaction of her brother she would have been noticed by the crowd because if he had gone on without her the cloak would have slipped off of her. Ascelpius could sense Selene not right behind him. He nudged her arm and did not hesitate grabbing Selene, helping her along. Soon she shook the intrusive feelings out of her mind and focused on the task at hand. Guiding them upward they ascended the steps and soon came upon the body of Maximus.
Now at the pyle, they climbed carefully down onto it and waited for the moment they needed to act unnoticed. They hunched together as Ascelpius whispered the plan. "Listen Selene, when the soldiers light the funeral pyre, we must be patient and act when the time is right." Selene nodded. "The smoke will rise and give us the cover that we need, okay?"
She gave Ascelpius a small smile of encouragement. She was impressed that he really had thought this thing through. She almost chuckled at the thought, he was proving to be more thoughtful and not so rash in his actions as she first perceived he'd be. Selene took this moment to look upon the hero Maximus in curious fascination. He had been handsome to be sure, in a ruggedly barbaric kind of way though. Nothing to the fair exotic beauty of the gods. However, it seems to suit him, being a gladiator and all. She suspected he had a kind smile, almost cheeky if it was ever elicited. He looked peaceful now, almost asleep. A lump of unexpected emotion formed in her throat. Why must mortal's die? It was a cruel thing really. So little time to do anything or see the beautiful world that they live in. Time was the enemy, always just ticking away with no regard for its mortal victims' plight. Unheeding in its march, designing life and aligning with the side of the fates.
When the mournful song of victory ended, the signal that they had been waiting for had been made. The guards moved into position and lit the sticks upon the pyre. Soon the flames greedily licked and devoured the sticks underneath, as predicted, the violet smoke began rising all around them. "Now!" Ascelpius whispered in haste. Selene quickly uncovered them and moved to help her brother.
Selene had difficulty prying Maximus's sword from his death grip. As the smoke became thicker it stung the eyes and a harsh coughing ensued. Ascelpius hurried to assist her and with a little more effort he managed to uncurl the fingers, careful not to damage Maximus, and then pulled the sword free. With the heat and smell of smoke becoming overwhelmingly uncomfortable, swiftly Selene help place Maximus into Ascelpius's arms. Carrying Maximus's body with little difficulty, Ascelpius and Selene climbed to safety below away from the now raging inferno getting smaller and smaller in view as they raced back to the way they came. Running down the lonely dark dirt road, Selene assisted Ascelpius time and again as the bulk of Maximus was starting to become taxing.
"Here, let's remove the armor."
Ascelpius laid Maximus's body down and they worked together to remove the heavy extra weight.
"That was a brilliant plan, brother," Selene said grunting from the strain as she worked the last piece off.
"Was there any doubt, sister? After all, I am quite efficient at thieving bodies from unsuspecting humans." Ascelpius beamed now with such pride and the arrogance of a true immortal.
Sighing in apparent exasperation from her brother's blatant disregard for not being as humble as he should be, she helped place Maximus back into the god of healing's arms once again.
The night was still, quiet even but when a sound of horses' trotting along came to them they looked at each other in alarm. Something's coming. Upon seeing a cart and horse approaching in the distance, Selene wrapped the trio in the Eclipse cloak again and moved to the side. They traveled slowly along as the creaky cart passed lazily and wobbled from the many bumps and holes in the dusty road. When it disappeared around the bend they made haste to the awaiting chariot hoping it was not discovered.
To their relief the chariot stood undisturbed and glowed handsomely in the light of the moon. Seeing that the coast was clear, Selene whipped the cloak off. The sudden appearance of the trio startled the once peaceful team of oxen causing them to whine and stamp fearfully. Selene rushed to them concerned they may bolt.
"Hush, it is only us, do not be afraid, my pets." She coaxed them soothingly. As she patted and calmed the beasts, Selene looked up in a nearby tree as she heard the sound of rustling wings and the mournful hooting of the night bird Owl. Its large expressional eyes blinked and glowed in the dark in their direction. Silently observing the scene before it with seemingly mild curiosity as they hurried about to get on with their mission. She came to Ascelpius's side again to help him. "Let's hurry," Selene said, glancing nervously over her shoulder, "We don't want to hang around here too much longer, someone may see."
"Agreed."
Only aided now by the light of the full moon, the pair worked to load Maximus onboard. "Get in first Selene and you pull him in." She nodded and climbed in first, seated herself and reached for Maximus as he was hoisted up by Ascelpius. Selene pulled the body of the dead man into her arms trying to avoid harming the body further. Selene gulped down her disgust as the cold clammy skin of Maximus came in contact with her own. She gasped as his head hung to the side like a rag doll. After steading the bobbing head against her body, she pulled Maximus into a morbid embrace.
Ascelpius ran around and hopped in next to her grabbing the reins. He slapped them in command and the team lifted off into the night sky once more.
"Where are we headed now, brother?" Selene asked, frowning in discomfort.
"We are heading to my temple here in Rome, it's just there," Selene's eyes followed his gesture to the horizon. There suddenly came into view some mountains and at the base she could make out the stone temple all aglow with the flames of various torches and fire pits surrounding the place. "I see," was all she could manage to say. Her short reply was so out of character causing her brother to look her way. She saw his concerned face morph into a cheeky smile at her apparent serious expression. "Now, wasn't that fun!" He boasted leaning back smiling without shame or care as he guided their descent.
Her reaction was plain as she only pursed her lips into a straight line, determined not to give him the satisfaction of the response that he wanted. His attitude was misplaced, if they were discovered or prevented from completing the task at hand Jupiter would punish them for sure.
"Let's make due haste, this corpse is not getting any fresher if you know what I mean?"
Laughter burst forth from the god of healing that startled Selene, he was clearly amused by her discomfort. "Okay then, get up!" Ascelpius slapped the reins and the team of oxen raced on to the destination ahead.
Leaving behind the chariot in the edge of the forest, Selene and Ascelpius carried Maximus making their way into the entrance cloaked and undetected by the guards as they stood in attention protecting the sleeping servants and priests within. Creeping along soundlessly, they moved along narrow dark corridors. Drawings and painted murals of Ascelpius in various acts of healing and resurrection were reverently on display as they carefully passed along. Integrate placement of torches lined the walls, its flames licked up the wall leaving with it black soot, lighting the way down into the depth of the temple. Coming finally to the antechamber, the very heart of the place, where ceremonies in honor of Ascelpius took place, was an enormous statue of the god himself. It gleamed and seemed so alive caused by the effect of dancing flames looming over them in the darkness. In the center of the three tier dais stood the altar of healing elaborately decorated with candles, flowers and draped with a velvet red cloth.
After climbing the stairs, Selene looked cautiously round before whipping off the cloak, then when she was sure they were alone, they gently placed Maximus's body upon the altar. Minding the care of his head, Selene slipped a silk blue pillow lined in golden lace under his head to offer some comfort when he wakes.
"Step away now, Selene," Ascelpuis ordered her cautiously, "No one must touch him as I begin the act of restoring Maximus to life."
Selene did as he had instructed and backed away from Maximus. She looked at the body that lay so cold and pale before her and one could almost believe it was too late for such a divine intervention at this stage. Death has truly made its mark on the man. The air around his body had soured by the stench of decay. Yet, the tides were about to turn in favor of life, Ascelpius's powers were not so limited by time. Time was a man made measurement created by mortals in an attempt to make sense of things, so it was invented. Yet, it held no such power against the gods for they can move in and out of that reality without limit. Selene watched with anticipation as Ascelpius stepped forward and lay one hand on Maximus's stark white forehead and over his heart together. She watched her brother close his sparkly green eyes in concentration.
"Come forth Maximus Decimus Meridius, once great General of Rome to the land of the living. Receive unto you restoration from my life giving breath," Ascelpius parted Maximus's pale lips with his fingers and leaned down, breathing into the dead man's lungs. She watched in growing fascination as the chest rose and fell from the breath transferring from the god of healing to the lifeless mortal man. Drawing back, Ascelpius laid again his hand to forehead and heart. "I hereby restore you to this life bestowed by my blessed healing and power. Arise, I say, arise!"
Knowing his task was completed, Ascelpius drew back away from Maximus and stood with Selene by his side. He looked over at his sister a moment and saw her visibly gulp down. He knew her emotions were raw and saw its effect creep up into her eyes displaying her nerves and fear. He offered his hand in a way of comfort and she looked down and took it most thankfully.
It was really happening now and there was no turning back. Selene could feel it in the very fiber of the atmosphere as the charge of power circulated like electricity in the air causing the burnt scent of ozone to permeate the room. A rip or tear in the fragment of two dimensions formed visibly to the two great deities as they observed the extraordinary moment in time where fate was defied and miracles did happen. Suddenly, Selene sucked in a gasp as she felt Maximus's spirit coming forth from the ripple. His commanding, powerful and loving presence was known to them without a doubt. It flowed in the form of a blue illuminating mist gathering in strength and will as it surrounded his former body. Then in the wake of a mighty wind coming out of the vortex, the blue mist descended and absorbed through the half open lips of the body of Maximus.
A short all consuming silence fell upon the observers as the vortex between worlds closed and the noise from the dimensional winds died away into the night. Time seemed to stand still as they waited for a sign that the ceremony was a success. Selene expected immediate results, and by now in her opinion, something should have happened. She glanced toward Ascelpius and saw him smile in a peaceful assuring way that confused her as he was still looking in the direction of Maximus. Soon, just as she was about to speak to him about her concerns, she stopped. Shocked from the unexpected timing, she fell silent as she saw the fluttering eyelids of Maximus drawing her attention back, followed by a small twitch of a finger and then systematically every muscle and limb began moving. Then it came to the ears suddenly, a painful sound from the first intake of breath ragged forth between dry cracked lips. Then without warning, Maximus sat straight up.
The sight and sound of fitful coughing followed between desperate gasping causing sputtering phlegm flying out from Maximus's gaping mouth was difficult to witness. With every painful breath he labored to get control of himself. His hands flew to his throat, shaking and trembling trying to make sense of his chaotic new existence. Selene glanced at her brother unsure of what to do. Ascelpius only shook his head as she started to move and caught her by the arm to prevent her. In no doubt of her heart she wanted to ease the man suffering from distress. But Maximus needed some space; he knew this by experience.
Soon and to Selene's relief she could see Maximus breathe easier as his moment of hardship declined. Blinking for clarity, Maximus took in his surroundings with intelligence for the first time. With the scant fire light of the darkened chamber he could see everything now. Seeing his confusion replaced by disappointment was shocking to the pair. The candles were kicked violently away and crushed flowers tumbled down to the stone floor as he attempted to move. In his growing dismay and anger he noticed them and then he shot the immortals an alarmingly hateful stare.
"Where the hell am I?" He whispered hoarsely. But before the pair could recover their shock, Maximus moved, still clutching with one hand at his throat and with the other on the edge of the altar to get momentum. Maximus was trying to get down from the altar and stand.
Rushing with alarm, Ascelpius came to his aid. "Oh, not so fast Maximus, you have to recover from the effects of the resurrection and get your bearings." The god of healing said gently as he sat Maximus back down on the edge of the altar.
"How could you? I was almost there, just a few more steps more and I could have reached my family. I waited so long!" Maximus paused as he realized Ascelpius's hand rested still on his shoulder. Growling out loud, he grabbed it, prying it from him and threw it off. "Fools! All I wanted was to go home!" Maximus looked at each in turn intensely. "What did you do to me?" he demanded, "Tell me, damn you!"
Ascelpius cleared his throat and raised his head in dignity and a proud manner. "In answer to your question, I must tell you that Jupiter, the great god of justice, saw your plight and suffering. He has ordered that your life be restored to you and I have obeyed him." Ascelpius explained calmly, and seeing Maximus's face morph from anger to a devastating sadness affected the god so deeply that it was felt beyond words. "Justice has been served, but we will not leave you alone and vulnerable. We will assist you as you find your way into this new life and perhaps you can see how much you are blessed."
"Blessed?" Maximus said in a mocked tone as tears streamed down his face. "That's a laugh! I almost held them in my arms again. It's all I ever wanted, you moron!"
"Now, Maximus, please be calm. No!" Ascelpius shot out a helping hand to prevent Maximus from falling as he tried to get up again. "You are not ready for that yet."
"Lay off!" Maximus yelled as he lunged at the god of healing without care or thought of the consequences.
Smashing into Ascelpius with his unsteady footing causing him to fall, was a feeble attempt and it was more of a loss of balance than a formidable attack. The god easily blocked Maximus's fury of assaults that quickly lost their strength due to the ordeal of resurrection and set the disturbed human on the edge of the altar once more. As he moved to step away from Maximus, the desperate man swung at him one more time for good measure. Ascelpius shook his head as the defeated warrior crumbled to the floor beside the altar, how he felt sorry for him then. He thought this would be an easy and simple thing once it was done. How could they have predicted this? Has Jupiter made a mistake at last?
Selene came to Maximus's side as she was moved with empathy and compassion, embracing the now depressed man, anger seeped away but left its cruel mark on the man as he seemed defeated now. She pulled his sagging body closer to her, determined to aid him by the power of her tender heart. Maximus' surprise had not gone unnoticed by the moon goddess. As the tears rolled down his cheeks, the goddess hushed him gently to calm the raking sobs coming now in waves. Selene stroked his back as she observed emotions running so deep and the effect of the harsh reality so cruelly thrust upon him.
"I had them. I almost did." Maximus said, continuing to cry miserably into the chest of Selene.
"Brother, this seems wrong somehow." Selene whispered against Maximus's soft black hair.
Ascelpius sighed sadly to her concern. "No matter what, our opinions do not matter. Jupiter will have his way. We will help him sis, don't worry. It will come out right in the end, we shall see."
Selene cradled Maximus even closer at that moment. "I hope you are right, brother." A sigh escaped her as her thoughts plagued her some more giving her doubt. "This is supposed to be a blessing, not a curse."
He nodded and helped the pair to stand. "Come on sis, let's get out of here. Before someone sees us."
Together they assisted Maximus supporting his weight, helping him walk. Cloaked and in the dead of night, they made their way back to the forest unnoticed.
Meanwhile, in the depths of the underworld, Pluto rises from his black throne of the dead suddenly. All along the magnificent chair's frame were depictions of bone and skulls of humans in precious gold and onyx stone. In the center of the back support piece was the engraving of the death bird raven with a red ruby jewel for an eye. Glittering with seeming intelligence by the light of the flames roaring in the great pit in the center of the room. The sparks fly upward as if disturbed from the great god's voice going as loud as thunder with his rage.
"Alert my minions at once! Another soul has escaped me, it must be Asclepius! Only he alone possess the power! I will not be made a fool of again!"
As his wrath echoed beyond the vast chamber, his wife Persephone appeared.
"What has happened that has caused you so much distress and anger, my love?" Her golden curly locks draped over her shoulders almost reaching her waist. Her tender blue eyes glittered with emotional pleas for her husband to remain calm. Her white gown with golden trim was a splendor that seemed so out of place in the dark gloom of the underworld.
Pluto whirls around to face her and approaches menacingly as his black cape billows behind him. "Treachery! This goes too far and opposes all of our rules. I will not just sit back and let another mortal escape their fate!" Pluto stops in front of the wall and slams his massive fist through it, sending a spray of dust and stone flying around. "Am I the god of death or not?!"
"Yes, my lord. You are right and it is an offense that Ascelpius must answer for." She answered quickly to avoid an escalation. Her husband was tough and unwavering when it comes to the order of the universe and rules. Not to mention having a very bad temper.
"Yes, he must," Pluto's reply is cut off suddenly and simmers down a notch as his wife takes his face in her hands and kisses him lovingly. He gives her a small smile as he continues. "He hates me for what comes natural for me to do. It's my purpose to govern the dead. It is I who decides who ends up where in the end. Elysium fields or the hellish realm of Tartarus! And I will not be mocked!"
"Um hum…"
A small timid cough came to the angry god's ears and suddenly caused him to turn around on his heel.
"Yes, my king, how may I serve you?" Said Thanatos the reaper, coming forth. The reaper was tall and thin, with eyes sunken deep in its pale skull, always black like the color of its soul. Draped only in a midnight black cloak and hood, he stood in attention now, and within his hand lies a scythe.
"You! Are you not my loyal servant?" Pluto thundered.
"Why…yyyyes…my lord." Thanatos said, stammering in fear, bowing deeply in respect.
"Then I command you go…. go take with you all that you need to find and capture my lost mortal servant Maximus and bring him back." "Yes sire," Thanatos bowed once more. "And Thanatos," Pluto called as Thanatos was about to turn and leave. "Bring me Ascelpius and all that has helped him this night. They will all pay a great price for this outrage!"
In the darkness the god of the dead eye's burned like the fire and intensity of hell itself into the soul of Thanatos. "Yes, my lord, it will be done." Thanatos bowed again and left at once, disappearing from sight.