Forbidden Love

I moved quickly to follow him, unsure of what I could actually do to a God, but I needed to stop him. I reached the deck but he was gone. Only the faintest trace of smoke lingered as proof of him even being here. I returned to the cabin and Herophile was crying. I grabbed a towel and began the art of drying a mermaid's tail. Every drop of water needed to be removed from it for her legs to reappear. "It will be all right in the end, my Love." I said it as much for my sake as hers. When her tail magically transformed back to human flesh, something I may never get used to by the way, I moved up and cuddled with her. "Maybe we can run and hide."

"Father will find us," Herophile wiped away a tear. "Even crueler, he would make sport of it and request Artemis to pursue after us."

"Artemis?" I shook my head in confusion. I really wish I took Greek mythology in college.

"The Goddess of Hunting," Herophile shuddered just mentioning her name. "She is brutal. She will hunt us down, slay you, and haul me back to my father for reprimand."

"Herophile, I love you, but maybe we shouldn't see each other anymore," my body tensed up at my own words. "I hate it, but I don't even want to imagine you living a life of despair for an eternity, married to someone else. If we separate, at least you will be free."

"No!" Herophile's embrace felt as if all the air was being forced out of my body.

"Okay, okay, I'm convinced. We'll find another way," I chuckled. Frankly, no matter what she said I would have been convinced to find another way.

Herophile let out a gasp, her eyes turned yellow, and gave me a cringing smile, "Might I intrigue you in traveling to Mt. Olympus and engaging in a conference with Zeus?"

I was so stunned I briefly choked on air. Actually, it felt as if I was coughing up a lung. Herophile rubbed my back as I regained my composure. "Zeus? You mean the head of the Gods? That Zeus?" It barely registered that she said we would be going to Mt. Olympus.

Herophile gave a playful giggle, "If we procure Zeus' covenant with our being together, my father will be obligated to receive us." Her demeanor then went solemn, "The disadvantage is if Zeus does not sympathize, he may have you executed."

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself and digest the proposal she made. It didn't take long. I knew Herophile was worth fighting for, even if it meant Zeus sticking a lightning bolt up my ass. I lightly kissed her cheek, "You are worth it."

*

I awoke the next morning to an empty bed. I panicked. I stood quickly and grabbed the first pieces of clothing I could find, a pair of boxers and a t-shirt.

"Pleasant morning sleepyhead," Herophile appeared at the doorway. "I was just embarking to rouse you. We are all packed, but we need to get to the airport. Our flight to Turkey leaves in two hours."

"Flight? Turkey?" I was beyond confused. "Mt. Olympus is in Turkey?"

"No. Only the Gods have direct access to Mt. Olympus and since I am a humble sea nymph, we have to be creative. Our travel accommodation is located outside of Tarsus, Turkey."

I didn't ask. I simply accepted her vast knowledge and finished getting dressed. After one really long flight followed by a short flight on one of those nightmare airlines, a quick train ride, and a several mile walk; we arrived... in the middle of nowhere. All right, now I had to ask. "Why are we at this decrepit farm?"

Herophile gave me a knowing smirk, "Aetos? Are you present?"

After a few minutes, a short elderly man wearing glasses, a Gatsby hat while carrying a cane came strolling out, smiling and laughing. "Herophile, is that you?" The man readjusted his glasses, "It's been ages, child!"

Herophile ran up to the old man and gave him a hug, "Salutations, Aetos. How is your being?"

"I'm well and who do we have here?" The man readjusted his glasses again as he walked up to me; seemingly sizing me up. "You chose well with this one Herophile."

"Thank you, Aetos."

"But somehow I don't believe you are here for me," Aetos chuckled. "C'mon, I'll take you to him."

We walked to the farthest stall in the farthest stable. Aetos cleared the hay from the floor and revealed a large trap door.

"I don't get to take him out for exercise as much as I would like, but he is just as friendly as ever." With that, he slid the door over and a ramp appeared. "I'll let you two go. You know how he is when meeting new people."

When Herophile reached the bottom, she was immediately attacked by the largest white horse I've ever seen. I took three steps forward when she giggled, "I love you too, Pegasus." I realized the horse was licking her face and rubbing lovingly against her.

"Pegasus? I may not know much about your history," I long since stopped calling her ancestry mythology as it offended her, "but didn't Pegasus get turned into a constellation?"

"But if you also recollect, a feather of his fell from the sky and landed in Tarsus."

No, I didn't recollect that. I was confident it was true, but I felt fortunate that I even knew who Pegasus was.

"My father, the Sea God is also known as the God of Horses. He acquired that feather and fashioned this magnificent creature and christened him Pegasus in his honor. He even bequeathed the caretaking of him to Bellerophon's ancestors as he was the one who rode him to many triumphs." Herophile turned to Pegasus, petted his mane, and squealed in a childish voice, "Such a good boy." She giggled as she got licked again. "Pegasus, would you resent transporting my friend and I to Mt. Olympus?"

Pegasus' demeanor went from playful to serious. He strode up to me, and for the first time, I could see his impressive wings. He sniffed all around and then looked me dead in the eye. He started growling and inching closer to my face. I took a step back and he followed. I was soon up against the wall. His sneer grew. Right as I thought this animal might cause me an injury, perhaps even death, he licked me and I swear he started laughing, followed soon by Herophile. I took a deep breath and looked over at Herophile as I began petting Pegasus, "I almost had to change my pants."

"I pray he didn't disconcert you significantly. Pegasus is fond of thinking himself as tough and aspires to observe how considerable he can intimidate new acquaintances." Herophile then hopped on his back. "You ready?"

"I am always ready to fight for you." I got on and did my best to get comfortable.

Herophile snapped the reigns and Pegasus went up the ramp and out of the stable. "Grasp on tight."

As soon as I did, Pegasus' massive wingspan spread open with a jerk. He stampeded a short distance and took off in flight. I thought I was holding on firmly, but it wasn't enough for my mind as with each flap of his wings felt like I was going to fall off. "How long?" It was all I could say without vomiting as my fear of heights was now kicking in.

"It is that cloud that is perpendicular to us."

It was a small transparent cloud above a mountain. How could that be it? As we entered, it felt like a mist and the cloud added depth. A bright light shone and suddenly we were there. Everything on the outside was an ivory white. A huge cathedral of a building complete with pillars and in the middle was a huge archway. Pegasus landed on a marble platform and Herophile and I got off.

"Stay close to me," Herophile held tight my hand and my stomach became twice as queasy as it was on the flight up.

We entered into a huge room. The furnishings were exquisite and the tapestries were rich with color. There were statues of the twelve Olympians above gates, a half dozen on each side with a thirteenth room straight ahead.

"Each gateway leads to a personal palace for each God and Goddess to be able to relax and spend time. The room we are in is the Grand Hall, where any formals take place. The last one was a Greek/Egyptian God mixer three hundred years ago," Herophile stated as we marched through the massive room.

I looked at her suspiciously and chuckled, "Seriously? A Greek/ Egyptian God mixer?"

"Yes. Zeus and Ra thought it would be polite if we got to know one another so we wouldn't mettle into each other's affairs."

"Really? And how did that work out?"

"It didn't. Zeus felt Ra disrespected him at one point - Zeus never could conduct himself during his liquor consumption - and there was a huge conflict." Herophile then looked up at me and smiled. "But some of us did become friends. In fact, Hike, the Egyptian God of Magic and Medicine is who I asked to clear your amnesia."

"Remind me to thank him if I ever see him."

We finally made it to the thirteenth room. "This is where Zeus hears all matters up for debate."

"Is he here? Will he hear us out?"

"The cherubs have notified him of our presence," Herophile pointed to several places and I saw the most angelic beings. They were small, baby-faced creatures with little wings and they were all over, hiding.

It was just another instance today of me being in complete awe. Knowing what is next, I'm sure it won't be the last. I shook my head and took a deep breath as Herophile opened the gate. The room we entered was plain, with a simple mahogany table and a pair of matching chairs placed in front of a large horseshoe style table that was raised four additional feet in the air with twelve place settings. The design was meant to be intimidating, and I certainly was. It made me think I was going to be interrogated by Congress.

There were only six Gods present, all of them more than pleasing to the eye and all but one with serious expressions. Zeus was tall and chiseled, and oozed masculinity. Hera, also tall, but slender had a motherly atmosphere about her. Aphrodite, Herophile's Mother, was the epitome of beauty; simply the most gorgeous woman one could behold. Apollo seemed to be the youngest and looked like a teenager. Demeter gave an earthly essence and appeared to be the most humble. The only one I did recognize without reading the nameplate was Hermes, and he gave me a cryptic smile as he slightly shook his head.

I leaned in to Herophile's ear. "Where are the other six?"

"The Gods do not reside here all the time. For instance, my Father is taking care of affairs in the sea. If we had a scheduled meeting, they would all be present."

"Sit down," the thunderous voice of Zeus spoke. We did and he continued, "First, Herophile, I am extremely displeased in your actions. Bringing a mortal here is inexcusable so you better give a more than adequate reason for your behavior."

"I apologize Sir," Herophile started, "but we have a dilemma we wish for you to consider."

"And what is that?"

My turn. I stood to address the council, my stance was defiant and my face sincere, "We wish for you to allow us to get married. We love each other and want to be together."

Herophile placed her hand atop mine, her engagement ring sparkling in show as she stood up and pressed her body into mine.

Zeus rolled his eyes and shook his head. "You already know the answer Herophile. You will return to the sea and I will leave your punishment for the disgracing act of bringing a mortal here to Poseidon. As for the human, ah, Apollo, how creative of a death can you conjure for him?"

"How is it dissimilar?" Herophile shouted as her eyes turned pitch black. "Explain to me how what you have done is better than what I want to do!"

"To what are you referring to?"

"You raped Europa as a fucking bull, you piece of shit." So this is the eloquence in which Herophile speaks when she is angry. I hope I never receive that fury. She then stared at Aphrodite, "And you, dear Mother, you had six boys rape their own mother, Halia, all because the sons wouldn't let you dock on their island." Herophile lifted her arms in the air, "Most of you have had encounters with humans and most ended with dire consequences for them. So how is my wanting to marry the man I love, who happens to be a human, worse than any of that!"

Aphrodite appeared enraged but Zeus seemed to chuckle at the memory Herophile stirred in him before a sternness unlike I have ever seen before fell upon his face. His right hand kept flexing. I wasn't sure what that meant, but it couldn't be good. "Little brat of a child. You have no right to disrespect us. You come in here unannounced and insult us. Having our fun with the mortals is completely different from inviting them to live with us as our companions." Zeus pounded his fist into the table and a lightning bolt appeared. "Now for punishment, I think you should witness his demise."

"Wait, he saved my life!" Herophile stormed toward Zeus, "Please do not kill him. Punish me for both of us."

I ran after her and gave her a warm embrace. "It's all right Herophile," a few tears trickled down my face, "If I can't have you, I've died anyway."

"I agree with them." The voice of Demeter was soft and gave a comforting feeling when heard.

"He doesn't belong among us and I for one have a wonderful way for us to witness this humans demise," Apollo gave a leering sneer as he spoke.

Hera, ever the display of calmness, simply put her hand on her husband's shoulder. It was obvious that after centuries of being together, they knew each other's mannerisms. That simple action caused Zeus to take a deep breath and the object of death disappeared from his palm.

"What an incredible show of sacrifice; the two of you willing to die for each other. I'll tell you what; to show you I am not devoid of compassion, I will allow the mortal to fight to cancel your punishments. " Zeus began tapping his fingers on the table. "Hmm, what would be an adequate challenge? I know... Prepare the chimera for battle. In two hours mortal, you will prove your worth."

"No!" Herophile screamed, "Please Zeus! Let him live."

"I'll do it." Herophile looked at me with a pair of pink, sobbing eyes, pleading for me to reconsider. "If that is what it takes for us to be together, I have to try."

"Hermes, lock the mortal in the spare chambers and then send word to the other Gods that there will be a battle in the arena."

Herophile and I kissed each other in tight embrace, knowing it very well may be the last time we see each other. Hermes hauled me from behind by the shoulder and Herophile was pulled a couple steps by the force, causing only our hands to touch, and then finger tips, and then finally nothing at all.

*

I was placed in a small room with only a bed, a nightstand, and a couple wall decorations , but like everything else here, those furnishings were stunning.

"You must have a huge set of balls," Hermes said as he locked the gate. "Made of steel." He added as he walked away, laughing.

As I laid on the bed contemplating my survival, the gate opened and shut quickly. I sat up, and there stood in front of me was a woman of true angelic beauty, Aphrodite.

"So you're the one that has Herophile acting in this absurd manner."

"Ma'am, I'm sorry you feel that way but your daughter and I love each other. I will honor and protect her until my final breath."

"That's kind of sweet. But considering your last breath will be in two hours, it doesn't matter." Aphrodite stripped and I scooted as far back on the bed as possible. I wanted more than anything to not be here right now. She then walked toward me in a way that radiated seduction. "I really only came here to see firsthand the tricks you've played on my daughter." She then cupped my face with her hands and leaned in to kiss me.

"No!" I forcefully turned my head and leaned back against the wall, desperate for as much distance I can muster.

"Really? That's a first. Why not?" Aphrodite tilted her head as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Perhaps you are nervous about making love to a Goddess? Or is it you do not find me attractive?"

"No, it's neither," I stood and went to stand at the gate door, "I love Herophile and I will not break her trust in me."

"You know, if I wasn't so infuriated with her right now, I might have actually helped the two of you. Oh well."

As I turned to ask what she meant, a pink smoke wafted over me. I now saw her in a new light. This woman, this heavenly woman staring at me is simply the most gorgeous being I have ever seen and I just realized I desperately needed her. I don't know what it was or why I didn't see it before, but I am absolutely in love with her. The corners of her lips curled upward as she spread her legs and I swear her sex was like a beacon. My mouth was salivating at the vision before me. It was as if my whole life I was searching for the Holy Grail and now it was right before me.

"Come on, Jeff. Please don't keep me waiting."

I ran to the bed, eager to prove myself. However, I didn't dive right in like my body demanded. No, I wanted to make this about her. I wanted to be memorable enough so that she would at the very least want to see me again. I kissed tenderly her thighs, massaging them with my lips. My hands began to lightly caress her smooth skin from her stomach to her upper legs, going everywhere and nowhere at once.

My mouth finally made it to the Promised Land. My tongue snaked out and as light as a feather went from south to north against her slit, ending by brushing against her pearl. Aphrodite's body squirmed at that and I smiled knowing I was having at least some affect. I continued my soft explorations, barely touching her but not allowing a single spec of flesh go untouched.

"Mmm, I see you're a gentleman in bed," Aphrodite groaned in delight. "Most men either want to ravage my body or are too timid because of who I am and I end up having... Oh yeah, that's what I love."

I drove two fingers down her tunnel while my mouth sucked on her clit with a fervor I never knew I had. Aphrodite's body was writhing above me. The secretions coming from her womanhood were my own sexual heroin and I desperately tried to catch every drop. My taste buds were telling my brain they were in a euphoric bliss as her hands clasped my hair, her legs clamped around my head, and her hips lifted off the bed.

"Oh fuck!" Aphrodite screamed.

I kept going. An unrelenting assault the woman I love deserves. And then I found her g-spot.

"Shit!" Aphrodite wailed. "Really, two? Uhh!"

With that, her body tensed and her pussy gushed a seemingly never-ending river of nectar. I slowed my ministrations, allowing her to enjoy this one.

"Please stop," Aphrodite panted. "Just give me a moment."

I moved up her body and wrapped my arms around her.

"That was wonderful."

"It was my pleasure, My Lady."

"I may have to convince Zeus to let me keep you around for a while," Aphrodite pushed her body further into mine. "You do know you have way too many clothes on."

I stood and started unbuttoning my shirt, Aphrodite's eyes undressing me faster than my hands could.

"Damn it," Aphrodite quickly got up. "Someone's coming and I'm not supposed to be here." She grabbed her clothes and hid under the bed as I buttoned my shirt back up.

The gate opened and there stood a tall, extremely tanned man. He had a deep voice as he spoke, "Let's go."

I hesitantly took a couple steps, not really wanting to leave my love under a bed.

"Hurry!" The man demanded as he grabbed a hold of my arm.

We were running down the hall. "You do know I am in no hurry to fight whatever the hell a chimera is, right?"

"This is an escape, you idiot."

An escape? Who would want to help me escape and I now wondered if I really wanted to. "Who are you and why are you doing this?"

We stopped at the beginning of a winding staircase. "I'm Helios, God of the Sun and I am helping you because I do not wish to spend the next five hundred years sleeping on the couch." He then pointed downward. "Take this to the very end and she'll be waiting. Be quick."

I gazed back down the hall at my former cell. As much as I love Aphrodite, if I stay, I die. I ran down the steps, taking two at a time, my heart yearning for the love I was leaving. I was in darkness when I took the final step. "Hello?"