Castlewarming Chapters 621-630
by Hercules Forum Collective
Chapter 621
by Aquillea
Aquillea caught her breath at the sound of the voice in the darkness, her
body and mind frozen for a moment as well. Then the tortured soul let out a
quite, shaky giggle. 'I'm hallucinating,' she thought to herself with a
trace of gratitude. The imagined utterance had halted her spiraling loss of
control. With a deep, uneven breath, the dark Amazon unclenched her fists,
stretching her trembling fingers wide in a focused effort to relax. Then
she began weighing the pros and cons of embracing a little insanity as a
possible survival technique.
Although a useful distraction to her, Aquillea ignored the voice. The
captive presumed she had mistaken some sound in the room for human speech.
That would be a reasonable phenomenon given the circumstances, and the
rational Amazon did not honestly believe herself to be on the brink of a
descent into madness.
Then she head the voice again.
"This can't be happening," Aquillea muttered with mounting concern. A
simple, mistaken perception would not be subject to reoccurrence. What was
worse, it was as if she heard the voice both inside her head and outside of
it, and they weren't even saying the same things. The ideas, she sensed,
were shared, but the words as well as the patterns of speech were decidedly
different. The Amazon's tone changed as she tried to make light of her
newest fear. "Just as I suspected. Going crazy's not all it's cracked up to
be."
Curiously, the quip elicited no comment from Maloran. As she turned to look
at the sadistic warlord, Aquillea realized her internal communicator had
grown silent. 'Down to a single voice. . . ,' she thought hopefully,
'*Better*. . . Now no one can mistake you for Najara.'
"Silence!" bellowed Maloran catching the Amazon by surprise. She didn't
want the monster to know she was hearing voices, not even it was only one.
"I. . . I didn't. . . say that out loud. . . did I?"
Aquillea's jaw literally dropped at the astonishing response. "I think he
was talking to me, sweetheart."
Eyes brimming with tears, the fragile-hearted Amazon stared at the gallery,
disbelieving yet hopeful.
"You weren't paying attention earlier, Quilla," chided Marina in a motherly
tone. Then a sad concern laced her words as she added, "Tell me why you're
doing this."
The tears rained down so hard it was difficult for the desolate woman-child
to speak. "I can't. . . Doing. . . Doing what?. . . I don't know. . . "
"Yes, sweet baby, you can. . . . . You know."
Maloran fixed his gaze on his prisoner with an uneasy look that the dark
Amazon didn't understand. Something about his eyes was wrong somehow, and
it was not simply the warlord's uncharacteristic expression. If Aquillea
hadn't known better she would have sworn his eyes had changed color. "This
stops. . . now," he demanded.
A confidence Aquillea had never seen in her mother appeared to radiate from
her as she stared the vermin down saying, "No. . . No, I don't think so. .
. That's not exactly within your power. . . is it?"
"Don't listen to her," Maloran practically begged. Then, in a more
characteristic manner he continued, "After everything you've done. . . You know she can only want to hurt you."
The dark, overwrought Amazon was laughing once more. "Oh!. . . You have no
idea. . . ," Aquillea began then chuckled again, ". . . wha. . . what a
comfort it is to have you looking out for my welfare."
The warlord took a half step backward as if he had been slapped. Then a
malevolent smile slowly spread across his face as he leaned closer to his
victim and in deeply hushed tones spewed forth his poison. "On second
thought, go ahead. Open your heart to her. . . So what if she sat there
silently and watched while I. . . well. . . while the two of us. . .
entertained the troops. . . over. . . and over. . . and over!" Maloran
paused for a theatrical sigh. "Ah, there's nothing like a mother's love. .
. I'm getting all misty."
The silence was immense and horrible as the brutal words struck Aquillea's
battered soul like a tidal wave. The heartbroken woman turned her unseeing
eyes toward the gallery wearing the wide, blank stare of imminent death.
"You evil, lying bastard!" Marina railed showing signs of cracking. Her own
tears had started to fall as she addressed her daughter. "You can't really
believe any of us. . . wanted this. . . It's you my darling girl. . .
It's always been you." Her mother could tell Aquillea was listening, but
true comprehension had not yet taken hold, so she took a slightly different
tack.
"You were waiting for us to forgive you. . . ," Marina offered in a
tremulous voice. "We were waiting for you to realize. . . there was nothing
for us to forgive you for."
Aquillea's tears fell anew and Marina breathed a sigh of relief. Her
daughter had backed away from the precipice once again. "And as for him,"
the woman added, nodding to the apprehensive warlord, "He doesn't know you,
Aquillea. . . How could he possibly know you?"
A stunned Maloran first tensed then blanched, fully appreciating the
significance of those words.
‘This is gonna be so hard.' Eeyoraus thought. She started to shake a little
and the hair on the back of her neck stood up. She drew a deep, ragged
breath.
Seth's feet felt as if they were sinking into quicksand. He couldn't move.
He could not speak. The lump in is throat was choking him. He couldn't
breath.
Every second seemed an eternity as they stood there engulfed in the ecstasy
of misery. Both wanted to go back to the moment before, to the life before
but it was too late. Neither knew what to expect but each knew there would
be pain, terrible wonderful pain, the kind of pain that let's you know
you're really alive…just when you don't want to be.
He was there. Without word or sound Eeyoraus knew he was there. She felt
his agony. She felt great love. Neither served to make her more
comfortable. The knot in her stomach was so hard.
He had to call on practical magic to regain his composure. Even that didn't
help much. He brought her here.
‘What was I thinking?' he asked himself. 'What do I do now? What do I say?'
Just as he got up the courage to step forward she turned around. Both
lovers gasped as if shocked to find what they knew would be there.
"Eecee." He finally whispered. It sounded like the last word of a dying
man.
It made her even more uncomfortable that he had used the name her mother
had called her, the pet name that always brought back the sweetest
sentiment in her, the name only the closest ones ever used, usually in
effort to get on her good side. The more she thought about it the more she
realized he'd need that. The emotions that gripped her so tightly were
quickly being dominated by anger.
"Seth." She said again, curtly this time, cocking her head to one side to
show she was waiting for an explanation.
"Oh, Eecee, I've missed you! Not a day has gone by that wasn't touched by
the sadness of missing you. I've been so lonely. Only Amora brought any joy
to my life. Without her it would have been impossible to go on."
The spitfire Amazon had to fight with all her might the urge to jump this
man and scratch his face off! "You missed me! You lounged around in one of
your fantastic castles for twenty years watching my daughter grow up while
I pulled the carts of peasants, while I ate oats out of a bucket when I was
lucky and grass when I was not! But you were missing me? I thought you
were dead! I thought Amora was dead! Or worse! Murlock had her! Do you have
any idea how it felt to believe he had killed you, that he had my baby?
Well, I'll tell you how it felt , Seth! It was worse than death! I would
rather have been your brother's breakfast than felt those feelings! They
were so hard. They were so D**N hard, Seth, that I finally blocked them out
completely. Finally, I just pushed those feelings so deep down inside that
even I couldn't find them. Was I supposed to go off looking for a dead man?
Was I supposed to search for an enchanted castle not even visible in this
realm? It's hard for a donkey to commit suicide, but I tried. Did you know
donkey's float, Seth? Someone kept pulling me out of the water!"
She was deadly serious!
He had to cover his mouth with his hand. The urge to laugh made him choke
again and brought tears to his eyes. She was still the same feisty spitfire
he'd fallen in love with. She wouldn't like it if he laughed at her right
now. No, that would not be good at all.
"Oh, I love you, woman. And I have missed you! I have missed you so
much!"
'He doesn't know me?' Aquillea puzzled. 'What's that supposed to mean?
Gods! My mother's taking 'cryptic-lessons' from Shait!'
Shait. The mysterious Amazon had warned her about a danger, but not from
Maloran.
'He doesn't know you, Aquillea.'
Her mother had meant precisely what she had said.
'How could Maloran possibly know me?' the brunette asked herself. She was
alone the first time she had confronted Khestrany and no one but Iolaus had
witnessed the second encounter. None of the dear friends who knew what had
happened would have betrayed her to the warlord. True, Maloran might be
expected to seek revenge on the person who had killed his mistress, but he
could not be expected to know who was responsible. He couldn't know it was
Aquillea.
No, it wasn't Maloran who was obsessed with destroying her, but Shait had
given her the monster's name.
"Morpheus!" the dark Amazon hissed as she watched the coarse warlord
transform into the refined god. Aquillea sat bolt upright, unconscious of
the fact that she had pulled free of the restraints which had then
evaporated altogether.
The god of dreams managed to appear both agitated and resigned
simultaneously. "I'm impressed. But then you've always impressed me. . .
right from the start. . . Always a challenge. . . never giving up. Right
down to the bitter end. . . But don't kid yourself little Amazon, this is
the end."
Before Aquillea could respond, young Niki had jumped to his feet shouting,
"You're not gonna hurt my sister anymore."
Wike knew she should "answer", but she couldn't get away. She also knew
that the others wouldn't understand. Very few people did. It scared them.
The fear of the unknown was always scary. Unless
that was all you've known, then it was like second nature. Expect the
unexpected.
They were calling her again. It must be important for them to be so
persistent. She waited until she knew she wouldn't be missed. Knowing that
her absence would be noticed sooner now that the Amazon leader was back and
wanting an accounting of all that she'd missed.
~Wike found a quiet spot deep in the forest and sat down, crossed her legs,
closed her eyes and waited. Soon she felt the familiar slowing of her heart
and soon all she could hear was the sound of her own breathing. This was
always the hardest part. Letting go of the tight control she always held on
to. But in the end it was always worth it.
~Wike smiled her first true smile as she saw her friend and mentor coming
towards her. This was always the best part, coming "home". And after all
that had happened in her life after her parents had died, this was the only
place she'd called home since then. No matter where she roamed, she knew
that she would always be welcome here. In "The Land of The Unknown".
That's what the others called it. The few that thought it even existed. The
Elders guarded it's existence from all outsiders. Only a select few truly
knew of it. She always felt honored that she was among those few. And she
too guarded it's secret with her life.
As ~Terea approached her, ~Wike thought she looked older. And troubled.
~Terea looked into the eyes of the one she loved as a daughter and saw all
the pain and hatred she'd seen since that fateful day she'd found her lost
and hungry in the woods all those years ago. She knew then as she knew now
that it was her duty as a Guardian and now as a friend, she had to help her
with that pain and hatred. The Elders knew it too. For she was the next
Guardian.
"Why do you suppose I'm here, Worf?" Q questioned, looking at the Klingon,
his expression unreadable.
"Wait just one minute!" Joxer exclaimed as he moved away from Worf. "You
have Gods here? Sheesh, I thought, for once in my life, I would be
somewhere where I wouldn't have to worry about Gods popping in and out
every minute. I should have known better."
Q looked at this loud man from the past, disdain on his elegant features.
He sighed deeply. Sometimes, these humans could be so tedious. "Gods! I
should hope not! Those emotional little children with their petty little
powers do not compare with me. I am Q. All knowing and all powerful."
"Q, huh? So, what's so powerful about you? You don't look so tough to me. I
bet you couldn't fight your way out of a canvas knapsack!" Joxer said, his
tone a little sharper that he had intended. He had just about gone his
limit with all of this. His nerves screamed for relief, his concern for
greenie growing by leaps and bounds as every precious moment passed.
Q slowly turned to face Joxer, his dark eyes cold and calculating. Ever so
quietly, he lifted his right hand. "Q, no!" Worf shouted and dove at Joxer
just as a bright, white hot, blue beam of light cut through the air. Worf
knocked Joxer to the floor as the light flew over their heads, almost
scorching them with its burning intensity. With amazed eyes, Joxer looked
back at the smoking wall behind them, the gaping hole left by the small
beam sizzling softly.
"Um, let me rephrase that, Q," Joxer remarked, suddenly filled with a new
respect for this strange being. "I believe you could fight your way out of
anything!"
"That's more like it, oh ancient Greek one," Q replied as he lifted his
finger. In an instant Joxer and Worf were standing. Joxer blinked and made
a quick mental note to keep his opinions to himself from now on. It seemed
the smartest thing to do in this crazy future world.
"Now, to answer your earlier question, Worf," Q remarked as he turned to
face the wary trio, "I'm here to help you in your quest."
Worf laughed out loud, the sound coming from deep inside his broad chest.
"You're going to help us? Since when do you, Q, lower yourself to help ones
who are so beneath you?" he asked sarcastically.
"Since one of my own, a member of the Q continuum, is involved. It is
imperative that I be there."
"A member of the Q continuum?" Kalas repeated thoughtfully. "Now, who, in
all New Greeceland, could that be?"
"No more questions! We leave now!" Q exclaimed and raised his hand.
"Oh, By the Gods, what is happening to me-eeee?" Joxer cried out as they
all disappeared in the blink of an eye. His voice echoed throughout the
sterile, metallic emptiness of the room. So quick was their departure, it
seemed like their existence there had only been a soon to be forgotten
memory. The only reminder of their visit, the burned out wall, magically
repaired itself within seconds of their disappearing act. Q's wicked
laughter echoed eerily throughout Worf's chamber, then all fell quiet, all
signs of the time travelers removed from the small room. It was as if the
hand of a superior being had softly erased them from this time continuum,
smoothing away the ruffle in time. It was as Q intended.
The little girl moved protectively in front of the wolf. "No, Damien,
don't!" she cried.
"Miranda, get out of the way!" the voice shouted again. He didn't dare take
the shot with the little girl in the way. The wolf turned and fled into the
woods with a speed the man had never seen before. It was almost unworldly.
With the danger gone, the young man rushed to the little girl and wrapped
her in his arms. He wasn't sure whether to hug her or kill her. "What were
you doing wandering off like that? Didn't we tell you how important it was
to stay with the group?"
"But I just wanted to see the bunny," Miranda tearfully replied.
"If I hadn't found you when I did, you would have been that thing's
dinner!" said Damien.
"No!" said Miranda. "He chased the monster away. He's a good doggy!"
"He's a she," came a female voice from behind. Damien whirled around, his
crossbow at the ready. With a few fast moves from her warstaff, Maddie sent
his weapon sailing out of reach and Damien sprawling on the ground. He
looked up at Maddie, quite dumbfounded.
"Next time you make yourself a defender of the innocent, be sure you're,
um, up for the job," said Maddie.
"Huh?" the still dazed Damien replied.
"A master of conversation too, I see," Maddie continued. She was used to
the innuendo-filled remark and double back flip she would have received if
Toly was on the other end of this conversation. No such luck this time. "On
your feet." Maddie ordered.
"Are you an Amazon?" Miranda asked with awe in her voice.
"Guess so," Maddie replied. "And that was my dog you just tried to
shish-kebob, Mister." Damien quickly jumped to his feet. His pride was the
only thing that was wounded. Maddie bent down and playfully whispered in
Miranda's ear. "By the way," Maddie said, "she's a she"
"Pleased to meet you, Miranda," Maddie replied. "And you are?" Maddie
questioned the young man. "Besides embarrassed," she quipped and then
wished she hadn't. She was used to playing this game of wits. She shouldn't
do it with a man who was unaware of the rules.
"Not embarrassed," said Damien, "Just humbled before a person with your
obvious . . . assets."
Perhaps not so unaware. . .
"He's Damien," Miranda giggled. Though the remark had gone over her head,
the suddenly lightened mood made her want to jump for joy.
"You can call me Maddie," she replied.
"Where did your doggy go?" asked Miranda.
"Oh, she's patrolling the woods ahead," said Maddie, "that's must have been
how she ran into you."
"Didn't look like any dog I've ever seen," said Damien.
"Well, ah, she's specially bred for defense," Maddie replied, "Keeps those
wolf-like instincts. She's actually quite gentle - unless provoked. We've
been trying to round up the last of the enemy troops after the battle." Her
tone turned serious. "Are you refugees from Antianos? The battle is over,
you can go home."
"Antianos? No, we're from Salem," said Damien.
"Salem?" asked Maddie. "Never heard of it."
"It's about a day's walk from here," Damien replied. "Through the woods and
beyond the dark mountain."
"It's by the marshes," Miranda chimed in.
"The village by the swamp?" Maddie whispered, almost to herself. "It can't
be."
The warm glow of the candlelight softened as the sweetly scented candles
burned lower. Through the opening of the tent greensleeves watched as the
purple hues of dusk gave way to a sapphire blue night sky. A gentle breeze
moved into the tent, rippling through greenie's long hair, caressing the
softness of her skin. Its touch reminded her of Joxer and suddenly she
could feel the sadness begin to overtake her. Ah, Joxer, where are you, my
love? Why haven't you come for me? She took a deep calming breath. There
was no way she was going to lose control now, knowing Rasheen could walk in
at any moment. She would not allow him the satisfaction of knowing how
afraid she was. Her Amazon upbringing had taught her to be stronger than
that.
Pushing her fear deep down inside, she turned to Dresdin, who now stood
near the tent opening. "Do you want to talk about it?"
He turned to her, a look of surprise on his wise features. "I don't know
what you mean," he stated, rather flatly.
"Oh, come on, Dresdin, you know exactly what I mean. What is bothering you?
Has Rasheen done something to you or someone you care for?"
He looked at her sharply, his green eyes searching into her soul. "Why do
you ask that?"
She laughed, the sound unpleasant even to her own ears. "Because that would
be exactly something Rasheen would do. He is evil to the core. I wouldn't
put it past him to use innocent people to get what he wanted."
Dresdin's stern mask fell away as his weathered features crumpled in a
spasm of pain. "Tatiana, my only grandchild, is being held prisoner by this
wicked man. He has threatened to kill her if I don't do as he wishes. She
is only eight years old, my little gift from the Gods. I can not lose her!
I must do as he commands."
"Tartarus!" Greenie exclaimed, her anger at Rasheen so strong it threatened
to consume her. "How could he stoop so low?" Using an innocent child to
serve his evil purposes was beyond reprehensible. Gods, did he have no
conscience at all?
"I know," Dresdin sighed. "And I am very sorry for the things I have been
forced to do. I have never before used my powers for evil. My master taught
me to use them wisely. Please, forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive, Dresdin. It is forgotten. What we have to
figure out now is how we're going to rescue Tatiana. Surely, between the
two of us, we can think of something."
Tears formed in his expressive green eyes as he realized what she was
saying. "You would do that for me? After everything I have done. I can not
tell you how much this means to me."
Greensleeves smiled at him and was about to answer when suddenly Rasheen
marched through the opening of the tent. His wicked presence seemed to fill
the small space as his cold gray eyes looked sharply at the two of them. He
abruptly turned to Dresdin. "Leave us, wizard! I won't be needing you for
the rest of the night."
Dresdin hesitated, his green eyes searching greenie's set features. She
refused to look at him. The last thing he needed was for Rasheen to suspect
he had confided in her.
"Go, old man! What are you waiting for?"
With heavy steps Dresdin left the tent and with him went greenie's last
hope of salvation. Gods above, she prayed, please, give me the strength to
fight this monster!
"So, my pretty one, have you missed me?"
"Not in this lifetime, Rasheen! You flatter yourself."
He laughed and moved to sit next to her. Silently, he reached for her hands
and held them in a steely grip. Greensleeves resisted the urge to jerk away
from him. Slowly, he turned her hands over and his thumbs softly caressed
the marks the tight ropes had left on her soft skin. "Ah, my amazon, I had
no idea. You should have let me know the pain you were in."
Greensleeves sighed disgustedly and pulled away from him. "As if you would
care what kind of pain I suffered. Excuse me if I don't believe you."
Rasheen moved closer to her, so close she could see the flecks of silver in
his eyes. With determination, she refused to move away from him. His full
lips touched her cheek, his breath caressing her soft skin. "No, I won't
let you touch me! Back away now!" she cried as she brought her hand up and
hit him solidly, with a flexed palm, squarely in the nose. She heard a
satisfying crunch as blood gushed from him.
"D*** you, you little pagan! You will pay for that!" He drew back his hand
and hit her soundly across the face. Greensleeves stifled her cry of pain
as a kaleidoscope of bright lights swam before her eyes. She fought the
urge to scream as he hit her again and again. Pushing away from him and
staggering to her feet, she fought the dizziness and nausea that threatened
to overcome her.
"Oh, no", Rasheen cried as he stood up. "You won't get away from me that
easily." He lunged at her, and as she tried to dodge him, she dimly saw
Dresdin reenter the tent. There was an angry fire in his green eyes. He
moved with determined steps towards Rasheen.
"No, Dresdin, you mustn't! Please, I can take care of myself."
"We shall see about that," Rasheen shouted as he grabbed her shoulders. He
shook her violently. Greensleeves fought to stay conscious as her abused
body reacted to this new assault.
Dresdin raised his hands, ready to end this, when, suddenly a bright light
filled the tent. Joxer, Kalas, Worf and Q materialized in the center of the
light. This stopped Rasheen in his tracks and he abruptly released greenie.
"Oh, Joxer, you're finally here! I knew you wouldn't fail me," Greenie
cried as she ran to him and threw herself into his arms. With shocked eyes
he looked down into her ravaged face, the bruised cheeks and busted lip
proof of what this animal had done to her.
"I'll kill you, you hellhound from Tartarus," Joxer shouted as he moved
towards Rasheen, revenge in his dark eyes.
"Don't worry, Joxer, my friend," Q softly said in a deadly calm voice. "I
have plans for this one."
Aphrodite and Lyrical appeared inside one of the goddess of love's many
temples.
"Here you are sweetie," said Aphrodite, "I'll just go and collect that
brother of mine then you two can………What's wrong?"
Lyrical had started crying and her whole body started shaking. Aphrodite
placed her arms around Lyrical and gently held her asking,
"What's wrong Lyri?" Aphrodite continued, "Is there anything I can do?"
Lyrical nodded her head. " Please, can you just give me some time alone?"
she asked, "I need to sort out some feelings and thoughts that are running
through my mind."
"Of course sweetness, I'll be glad to help out." Aphrodite said. " I can
even keep Hercules occupied so don't worry. Just call me when your ready."
Aphrodite gave her a final hug and vanished in a burst of light and rose
petals.
Checking out her surroundings, Lyrical discovered that she was in one of
the chambers off the main temple room. This contained three lounging chairs
and a large table set with several bowls. Each bowl was filled with a
different kind of fruit. There were two large silver pitchers, one
containing water, the other a very fine wine and six silver goblets sitting
on a tray.
In addition, there was a large four poster bed, tons of large floor
pillows, plush rugs and a very elaborate bathing area. Lyrical wandered
around the room looking at everything then came to a halt at the bath tub.
Sitting on the edge she trailed her fingers in the warm inviting water. As
she stared into the pool, memories flooded her mind once again. Thoughts
she tried desperately to forget, bombarded her all at once. Tears started
to stream down her face and she shook uncontrollably. In her mind Lyrical
started to scream then cry out for someone to help her.
Moments later there was a burst of light directly in front of her.
"Well, what is **so** important that you had to call me?" asked Ares.
Lyrical looked up at him through her tears asked, "Please, Ares, tell me
what is going on? I don't know how to stop these thoughts and feelings. You
have to know how to deal with them."
"Let me get this straight, you want me to **help** you?" he asked.
Unable to speak, Lyrical simply nodded her head as the tears fell and her
body continued to shake.
" I should do this because?" Ares inquired as he watched her emotionally
fall apart. "And, of course, I get what out of it, should I decide to actually help?"
"You've gone through this. You know how to overcome these feelings,"
Lyrical pleaded, her voice in a tiny whisper, " Please help me."
Ares looked steadily into those terrified blue eyes for a few moments.
Reading all the thoughts in the mind behind them, then made his decision.
Crossing behind Lyrical, Ares placed an arm around her shoulders to help
steady the trembling as he led the Amazon to the closest chair. Placing a
large pillow on the floor, he eased Lyrical onto the pillow, then sat on
the chair behind her.
"Let me see now," Ares said as he started to message the tension out of
Lyrical's neck. "Just exactly what have you been through in the past four
or five days….You went to the Nether world, cast a spell defeating Hara
thus saving that retched little hunter friend of my dear brother. Next you
went into battle where, for some stupid reason, you took a sword meant
for my dear brother and almost died."
Ares continued down the list her newly acquired powers, the encounter with
Arnon, all the disturbing dreams, being transported via Air Ares, being
kidnapped by Strife and finally being poisoned and saved at the last
minute.
"My dear Lyrical, after all of that, and being a mere half mortal, of
course you would be overwhelmed." Ares stated. "From what I've been told
plus what I've observed over the years, I believe the best thing you can do
is ‘cry it out'."
Lyrical closed her eyes put her head on Ares knee and cried. Ares smiled as
he watched her slowly come to the end of her turmoil.
"Who did you learn all of this wondrous knowledge from.?" Lyrical asked
quietly.
"Mostly from Kendaa and some from Calee. They liked trying to help me
understand mortals and they different things they say and do." Ares
answered. "Now about what you owe me for all of this help."
Lyrical smiled and slowly stood up, turned and faced Ares who was still
seated in the chair.
"Ares, I want to thank you for taking all of this time to help me. I
consider you to be my friend, and I don't have very many people, or gods,
that I call my friend. So anything you want or need that I can provide, I
shall do my best." Lyrical stated, "What can I do for you?"
Ares raised one eyebrow and looked at her skeptically.
"What is this friend business? " asked Ares, "I am the god of war, I
don't have friends !" The latter was said as he rose from the chair
towering over Lyrical.
"Sorry Ares, you have one now." Lyrical said, "Oh it's all right if you
don't consider me your friend, even though I am, you , however, I will
always consider my friend. Now, friend, what can I do to return this
favor?"
Lyrical smiled at him and watched as started to pace the room. Ares went
the length of the room and back several times. Once or twice he stopped and
just stared at Lyrical, then kept pacing. Finally he stopped pacing, turned
towards Lyrical and in two swift steps he was standing directly in front of
her his face inches from hers.
"You did say ‘anything' I want, correct?" Ares asked in a menacing tone.
"Absolutely," Lyrical said with a smile, "I trust you with my life, just as
I trust all of my friends. What would you like?"
For a moment it looked as though the god of war were totally speechless.
Then he said slyly,
"What if I asked you to give up Hercules and the Amazons and become a
priestess at my temple?"
"**If** that is what you truly wanted me to do for **you** and no other
reason, like revenge on Hercules for instance, then yes Ares I would do
it." Lyrical answered.
Ares just looked at her and then slowly backed away.
"You really would do this wouldn't you?" he said with an astonished look on
his face, "Well don't worry, I won't ask you to do that, however, I will
demand, that you tell no one about this friend business."
"What ever you say Ares," Lyrical laughed, "I won't tell a soul, unless, of
course, they ask me out right. I can't lie so I will have to answer
truthfully."
Ares laughed and thought to himself, "What are the odds on that happening!"
"Just keep your word, little lady, or I will demand you become a priestess
and swear your life to me. Understand?" He said as moved toward her again.
"Of course Ares," said Lyrical, "Who would believe me anyway?"
"I have just one question for you," he said, "Why?"
"That's easy, Ares," answered Lyrical " I like you. I have seen many
different sides to you and, thanks to my newly acquired powers, I have
insight into shall we say, the other side of Ares."
Lyrical went on to explain how even though he wanted something in return
for helping her when she was held prisoner, he only wanted something that
would benefit not only him, but her as well.
"So you see, there really is a friend inside after all. A whole other
Ares, and I found him." Finished Lyrical.
"You mortals will never make sense to me. I don't know why I keep trying."
Snapped Ares. "Just keep your promise and don't tell anyone."
Lyrical reached up and gave Ares a hug, stood back and watched as he
vanished in a burst of light.
Smiling to herself, Lyrical debated calling Aphrodite to come and get her,
or taking a bath...............Splash!!
