Forbidden Love

"Shh." A hand grabbed my wrist and I was led down the long corridor. As the light crept up on us, the woman next to me slowly came into view. She had several attributes similar to Herophile, except her skin had more color and her blonde hair was without a tint.

We were met by Herophile and Pegasus on an outside platform that was located in the underbelly of Mt. Olympus. The brightness of the outdoors was now causing me to squint as Herophile jumped in my arms. I embraced her back, wishing this woman was someone else.

"I am so jubilant to have you back safely in my arms." I felt Herophile's tears against my cheek. "We need to be expeditious, swiftly mount."

I did quickly, while trying to hide my disappointment.

"Thank you Rhode. You're the best sister anyone could ask for." Herophile then hugged her, "I'll miss you."

"And I you." The tears were flowing freely among the two. "Now hurry before someone finds us."

Herophile climbed onto Pegasus, taking the reins. "Grasp on tight my Love. Onward our noble steed" She shook the leather in her hands and Pegasus took off. I couldn't help but look back over my shoulder and think about what could have been.

*

When we landed, we were once again in the middle of nowhere, only this time we were in a desert standing in front of a simple mud brick house that sat next to a small area of water, about the size of a swimming pool.

"Where are we?" I asked as I wiped away the sweat already accumulating on my forehead. After not getting a reply, I turned around and saw Herophile petting Pegasus' mane. "Thanks for the lift, friend," I added and was licked in kind.

"Welcome to the Sahara desert." I turned to see the body of a man with the head of a hawk standing before us. I took a step back in freight and almost fell to the sand.

"It's so pleasant to be here, As." Herophile gave the being a light, friendly hug. "We cannot thank you enough for the hospitality of allowing us to inhabit in your aegis."

"Nonsense Herophile." I could feel As smile more so than see it. "I meant what I said when you told me of your plight; I am honored to protect the two of you in my desert. It is the least I could do for all the kindness you have shown me." He then chuckled, "I doubt your single minded, ego driven superiors will search for a sea nymph in such a dry place."

As, who I learned is the Kindly God of the Desert and someone who apparently Herophile helped find love with a Goddess named Mafdet, showed us around. It didn't take long. This was going to be our new home. It was small and quaint with only a single bedroom, living room, and kitchen.

We were there a week and Herophile was doing everything she could to turn this into a home. I tried to hide my despair, but she picked up on it. She thought it was because of the living arrangements, but I knew better. I still loved Herophile. I did. But it did not compare to the love I felt for Aphrodite. My heart yearned for just another glimpse of her.

*

"I apologize about having to live here. I should have asked first but it was the only way I could think for us to be together. It is less than ideal for me as well. I need to be in water quite a bit and I feel so confined in that small area we have," Herophile kissed me lightly, "but I am willing to withstand it because I love you."

"It's not this place," I shook my head. "I am grateful to be here. And I do love you, I just...I just... I don't know what is wrong." I struggled with how to tell her.

Herophile gazed in my eyes as we spoke and she knew. Her hands became fists and her head fell, "Mother," she exclaimed through gritted teeth. She took a deep breath and looked back at me as a mother would look at a sick infant. Her hand cupped my face, "I will remedy this Jeff."

"Remedy what?" I was not so sure.

The next day I screamed as I awoke. What would you do if you were face to face with a man with a hawk head, a woman with the head of a cheetah with her hair braided and ending in scorpion tails, and an old man with a staff and knife were staring at you first thing in the morning? I did feel the soothing hand of Herophile clutching my own.

The man with the staff had his palms to my temples with his eyes closed. After a few moments, he pulled back, "There is an abnormal chemical spike in this man's limbic system."

"What does that signify, Hike?" I heard Herophile ask.

"It means Aphrodite fucked him up," the woman with the cheetah head responded.

"In layman's terms Mafdet, you are correct," Hike countered. "An indiscernible amount of time may cure him, but more than likely, Aphrodite herself will have to cure him."

"No." It was barely audible, but it was all Herophile could say before she started crying.

Four days went by and I tried. I tried to put Aphrodite out of my head and focus on the feelings I still had for Herophile. She even forgave me for what happened between me and her mother. She was still hurt, but understood it wasn't my fault. Every moment that passed, however, I could see her heart break a little more. I gave warm glances and tender touches. I was spontaneous one morning and picked some flowers that grew by the oasis and put them on her nightstand so she would see them when she first woke up. Even though I had no clue what I was doing, I volunteered to help her continue to make this a home by assisting with sewing and making pottery. She appreciated the attempts, but we both seemed to know they were hollow actions.

*

I couldn't take it anymore. Every time I looked into Herophile's amber eyes, I saw love and heartache. Every time she looked into mine, I knew she was seeing the affects that someone else instilled in me. I was a mere pawn... a pawn for Aphrodite.

I now refuse.

*

I kissed my still sleeping fiancé on the forehead, now hoping this wasn't the last time I saw her.

Pegasus eyed me curiously as I approached. He actually took a step back and as I stepped closer; he lowered his head and showed his teeth at me as a dog would before an attack.

"I need a ride."

His hoof patted the ground as if he were a bull about to charge. I stopped in my tracks. Smart horse... or whatever he is called.

"Pegasus," my voice was soft, doing my best not to aggravate the beast before me. "I need to fix this. I have to confront Aphrodite and Zeus... not just for me, but for Herophile. Look around; she's a mermaid living in the desert."

Pegasus did look around and his face softened. He strode up to me and nudged me. Gently at first, but then a second time more forcefully.

I took the hint and mounted him. "Now I'm going to need your help, as I have no idea where... Whoa!"

Pegasus took off. It wasn't as subtle as my first ride, which wasn't subtle in the slightest. My eyes cinched shut as I held on for dear life. I not only held onto his reigns, but I wrapped my arms around Pegasus's neck. He tried shaking me in hopes I'd loosen my grip in the slightest, but that wasn't going to happen... in fact, it probably made my grip even more vice like.

We arrived at the dock in which we had left; the back door. I slowly put my feet to the ground, thankful that I was on something solid. I was bent over, holding my stomach as I panted, "Thank you, Pegasus."

Pegasus actually rolled his eyes at me and shook his head.

I took one final deep breath to steel myself. After all, I knew I needed to have my wits about me if I were to be facing not one, but two Gods. I took a small, slow step and then quickly another. I was unsure of where I was going, but was certain that if I wandered long enough, someone would find me, take me to Zeus, and then ultimately my death.

It didn't take long. I was just out of the stairwell that linked the dungeon to the second floor. The hallway was immaculate; decorated in various statues of owls and of a blindfolded woman holding scales as well as fantastic works of art and full suits of armor. Every room I passed seemed to be a library with an incredible amount of books. The lone exception was the last door that was before a massive corridor that led to the next part of Mt. Olympus. It was a bedroom. And in it came a voice that reverberated in my heart as if it were the very reason of my being.

"Over here, Lover."

Aphrodite looked as spectacular as ever. Seemingly on its own accord, my body ran to be next to her. I cupped her hands in my own; just her touch was intoxicating for my soul. I stared into her bewitching eyes, nearly lost in their radiance.

"I love you, Aphrodite."

"I know." Aphrodite gave me a look full of bemusement, her smile one of victory.

And it was that smile that reminded me of why I was here.

I pried myself away from the Goddess and turned my back to her. "I also hate you. I hate you more than I hate Triton... and he beat the shit out of me. But at least he was forthright with his actions. You... You... You are despicable. What's worse is that the person you stole me from was your daughter. How could..."

Aphrodite embraced me from behind. "That is exactly why I did it."

"What?"

Aphrodite clutched at my heart, her nails making indentations into my skin, before making a slight pull. She finished off the awkward movement by rubbing her palm hard into the spot and then patting it twice. "There. All better."

I pulled from her grasp and turned around, "What did you just do to me?" My eyes glowed with anger as they pierced the Goddess.

"It took you some time, but you finally passed my test," Aphrodite stood with a satisfied smile and a tear in her eye.

"What?"

"Well I had to make sure you truly loved my daughter," Aphrodite shrugged. "And now that you are back to normal... well, normal except that I solidified the bond between you and Herophile to a point that not only will it never be broken, but you will be able to assist each other whenever either of you are in need. It's the least I could do for the first human to break through my charm and reject me. I approve of your wedding."

"First to break through your charm?" I stood paralyzed in shock. "Your test for me was something no one has ever achieved?"

"What can I say? I'm a God and not easily impressed." Aphrodite sauntered over the few steps separating the two of us, "But you impressed me... in more ways than one." She then playfully gave my manhood a quick squeeze. "Pity you and Herophile are going to last. We could have had fun."

There was hatred in my eyes as I stared at Aphrodite. "Wait? Did you say I was back to normal?" My hatred quickly went to hope and my hands swiftly grasped at my chest before landing on my heart. I didn't care for Aphrodite anymore. I felt in control over my emotions again... and my emotions were only for Herophile. I could actually feel a part of her soul inside me.

"This is very touching, but we have work that needs to be accomplished."

The voice came from behind Aphrodite. A tall, enchanting looking woman wearing a crested helm, a snake skinned aegis cloak who carried a spear and a shield, was standing in the corner of the room.

"Artemis." I charged. I wasn't going to be dragged back to my death without a fight.

I lunged at the woman with my fist aimed in tow. The woman moved slightly to the left and I easily punched the wall behind her. "Ouch!" I flexed my hand, hoping it wasn't broken.

"You should save your energy Jeff," The woman patted my shoulder. "That was a sound strategy if I was who you thought I was."

Aphrodite laughed at my predicament. "Jeff, this is Athena and she has agreed to help us."

"Athena? The Goddess of War, right?" I rubbed my hand before extending it to her, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Athena took my hand and gave it a firm shake, "Ares is the God of War. I am the Goddess of Wisdom, Crafts, and the Strategy of War as I prefer to call it."

"Oh, sorry," I cringed. "I hope I didn't offend."

"Not at all," Athena offered a small smile. "You are just uneducated. A man does not know what he does not know."

"Athena is so skilled; she knew that if you came back, she knew which route you would take. She also only goes to battle if she feels the cause is just," Aphrodite expounded. "And she feels the cause in which you fight for Jeff, is most honorable."

"Yes," Athena smirked. "Once I heard of your plight from this irritating Aphrodite... Underworld, she wouldn't shut up about it... I have come to sympathize and will disclose onto you what you need to procure success."

*

It was a large arena. It reminded me of what the Roman Coliseum looked like in all the movies. And I stood in the center of it. Athena gave me all the knowledge and when I was asked to choose my armor and weapons, I chose the ones that she had recommended to me... or at least I hope I did. This will be a short match otherwise. Whom am I trying to kid? This will be a short match regardless.

Last time, I was given two hours. This time, fifteen minutes. As soon as I left Athena's room, I was grabbed by a trio of women, the Horai, the guardians of the conditions required for farming prosperity and also, as it seems, the gates of Mt. Olympus. Who knew three humble patrons of farmers could be so forceful. I was vigorously marched to Zeus and his only response was a sinister smile. Looking around, I am surprised at how full the stadium was. Fifteen minutes and everyone seemed to be in their seats, even after a trip to the refreshment stand for popcorn and soda.

Zeus sat center in a box seat with the other twelve Olympian Gods on either side of him. He stood, fabricated a lightning bolt in his right hand, and used it to point to a massive gate which began to rise. As it lifted, an immense roar echoed through the arena. The sound was intimidating and it caused me to take a step back. All too quickly, the gate disappeared into the ceiling and the beast emerged.

I nearly soiled myself.

The chimera was a composite creature, with the body and head of a lion, had a goat's head rising from its back, a set of goat-udders, and a serpentine tail.

And it was looking directly at me.

My fear caused me to grasp my spear and shield with an iron grip.

The chimera charged.

I spun to the ground as I deflected its enormous paw with my shield. I stood quickly, adjusting my helmet as I did. I wasn't prepared as the head of the goat lowered and then pushed forward, hitting me square in the chest.

I flew back ten feet and landed painfully on my back. A cloud of dust seemed to encompass all around me as I felt something wrap around my ankle. Quick as a whip, I was airborne again, this time by the creature's dragon tail.

I landed this time on my stomach, my spear and shield flown to who knows where, and the punishment causing me excruciating agony. What did I get myself into?

I stood... or at least I tried to. It was more of a hunching over as I assessed the situation. The beast was in front of me, my spear to the right and the shield seemed to be just gone. My death was imminent.

I shook my head as I peered at the now raucous crowd. How could they find so much happiness in watching death? And they call themselves Gods? All of them were cheering for the chimera. All but... Is that Herophile?

Herophile was crying. Worse than that. She was sobbing into her mother's arms.

Something happened. I have no idea how, but I started to feel stronger with Herophile's presence. Her aura was invading my own... Is that what Aphrodite meant by assisting each other whenever we're in need?

I dove to the right, barely avoiding the chimera's second charge. I scrambled to get some distance, but I could hear the echo of its feet right behind me. I dove again, this time turning quickly as I landed. The chimera had lunged forward, its shadow blocked out the sun as it arched nearer.

I twisted the warm metal in my hand and angled the spear upward and closed my eyes.

I felt the spear penetrate the beast. One incision. That is all Athena said it would take to fell the beast. One incision anywhere and the poison she added to the weapon would be my saving grace.

I opened my eyes to find the chimera not as dead as I hoped. It was still on top of me, spear in its midsection, but his massive paws were swinging; first the left and then the...

*

Beep...

Beep...

Beep...

That was the sound I heard as I groggily awoke to consciousness. I was in an immense amount of agony; my body sore all over. The worst however, was the intense pounding in my head. I felt it was a chore for just my eyelids to crack open.

"Ta-da! He's alive. I knew I could bring him back."

"He wasn't dead, Asclepius," Aphrodite rolled her eyes. "Some God of Medicine you are."

Asclepius shrugged his shoulders, "He could have been."

"Move aside and let me see him." The voice came from a large, imposing man with long deep, raven colored hair with his beard having a light blue tint. His muscles seemed to have muscles and he carried a trident in his grasp.

I couldn't move. I simply lacked the strength.

The man stared at me for what seemed like an eternity. He shook his head before he ran a hand through his hair. "I do not approve."

"But I..."

The man held up his hand to silence me. "I do not approve of my daughter marrying a human. I never will. But you have shown much courage here today. You have earned the right to wed Herophile. I don't approve, but I will not stop you either. Just know this, human... You hurt her in any way, your demise will not be brief and it will be excruciating." Poseidon turned and walked out of the room.

"All right, all right," Asclepius clapped his hands. "Let's clear the room. The man needs his rest." I then heard him whisper, "But you can stay."

"I was never going to depart."

It was Herophile. My smile would have been bigger if it didn't hurt so damn much to smile.

Herophile sat on the side of my bed, her palm covering my hand, her amber eyes showing a deep concern, "How is your constitution?"

"I feel like I got ran over by a truck."

"It was a chimera," Herophile smiled weakly. "You were fortunate the poison Athena put on the spear worked so quickly."

I chuckled, which hurt, "Not quickly enough apparently."

"Well, you shouldn't have come... if you would have told me your plan I would have been able to tell you how foolish it was; you wouldn't have gotten hurt."

"I wasn't myself and the desert is no place for sea nymph." I raised my hand to her cheek, "You are worth it. I love you."

Herophile pressed her cheek further into my palm before collapsing on top of me in a heartfelt embrace. "I love you too."

"I suppose now it's time to plan for our wedding?"

I felt Herophile smile, on my chest where her head was but also in my heart.

We beat the odds and we won. We won each other. Two entities fated to be apart but destined to be together. Our love will overcome. Our love will survive. Our love will strengthen. Our love will flourish.

And I don't give a damn what any God says about it.