Chapter 32: Chapter 32

Chapter 31

CAELUM

Greeks consider it rude to barge inside their temples without paying proper respect to the gods – they consider it much disrespectful to march up to the plinth and demand a drink from the gods - yet, what I did is considered suicidal.

I’m delusional and stupid and I don’t need anyone to prove that to me for I can easily perceive it.

The marble stone pillars shakes as I materialize in the middle of the collapsed temple just within the acropolis – old Greek men and women basking about in the early dusk and I almost envy them for being so simple.

They were thoroughly engorged with their conversations until the pillars groaned, which made them scurry off. With only half a minute to spare, I ran to the other side of the temple so as to avoid it from collapsing on me. But the pillar did not fall on me, instead, it shifted as though someone has carried it to move it to the side.

it did not bother me but it rose the brows of the Greeks who witnessed it. They shifted their eyes at me; glares that are darker than olives met my blue ones – beetle black and unconcerned. The worst part here isn’t the collapsing pillars, rather it was the position it has taken – a sign of my disrespect for how it appears, crossed over the statue of Athena.

I am doomed, yet I got to try to reason out.

“Perhaps, the wind have –“

“Don’t deem us stupid or plain dumb. We saw you!”

“Oh, did you?” I asked, sarcastically, raising an eyebrow. I flicked my hand, hoping that I could disappear but it was like something is holding me here and I cannot move.

I slapped a hand on my forehead, and groaned.

I cannot materialize in and out of Athens unless my Cupid soul is strengthened. But how am I supposed to reach Iria in this state without aid?

I cursed at Aeon for not assuring that my soul is good enough to withstand the barriers. Shielding my face from the slippers and stones thrown my way, I managed to escape the crowd by running fast, barging inside another temple. I looked up and noticed the sculpture of Athena frowning down at me while she brandishes a sword.

Oh geez.

This is not the right passage. I should have checked the maps before leaving.

“Oi, you!”

“Damn Americans!”

“I’m not American, I am French!” I reasoned out with the old man but he draw his hand, making a tomato graze my cheeks as he threw them at me.

“Hey!”

The chase continued and soon enough, there were hundreds of them chasing me but it’s not the odd thing in this situation.

I find it unusual for old people to run undeniably fast – almost outmatching me, which should be impossible for I am a god. The pitchforks they were holding glinted dangerously as it catches light with their torches. I noticed their faces – pale, eyes black, unblinking as though it isn’t capable of seeing.

I wondered once again – how can there be many of them when I am sure that this place is limited to only forty people?

Damn, this could be an army of possessed!

I hastily ran to the next temple, delighted to smell the burnt offerings and its fragrant smoke ensuing from the altar. I quickly hide myself beneath the stairs, letting out a breath as the army of the possessed pass me by without even recognizing me. I can feel the burning pain in my back as I shifted, raising a tentative hand to feel feathers.

What Rubin has said was true – the possessed are just a lump of flesh and bone able to move alone but not process things, incapable of thinking.

“Cupid!”

“There he!”

“Where?”

“Chase!”

The lack of words only confirmed my assumptions as I slide under the bench and think fast – I’m currently overlooking the statue of Athena. I am about two hundred kilometers away from Dionysus Temple where I’m certain that the food and drink for the gods were.

Hoping for some kind of distraction, I feebly waved my hands and sent some stones at their way, a silly yet quite effective.

“Ow!”

“That hurt.”

“Saw him, there!”

“Where?”

“There goes!”

“Oi!” the army of the possessed trudged down the hill and followed me, their torches throwing orange light down the slope - a relief or the landscape below. The darkness seems to cover miles of land with the exception to certain parts on which their torchlight seems to reach. It wasn’t hard for me to see ahead but a matter in mind made me frown.

How am I to reach Iria when I cannot even fly?

Struggling, I willed my wings to disappear but without the potion, that is impossible to do so. I huffed, closing my eyes, willing my wings to follow my command and carry me up in the sky for it is my only chance to reach Iria. My wings shivered at first but the force I have exerted made me rise a feet, until I was high enough to soar; my heart on my throat.

I watched as the army of the possessed search the alleys – upturning rubbish bin and kicking doors as though it will help them about finding me.

It was a wonder how a city appears gloomy and cold right after the mortals cease to exist.

Smirking to myself, I shifted to the side so that I am turning to the direction of my destination. I squinted and trusted my instincts that I am somehow heading the right way.

The smell of the sea infiltrating my senses made me smile.

It felt like an hour had passed before the telltale of the less famous temple that was barely sought after, was finally visible. It is mostly composed of ruins from a few pillars that has remained standing, rubble littering the ground, tilted pillars and abandoned statues, most of them reduced to heads and faces.

I blinked once and sniffed. The fragrance of matured wine made with berries and the smell of wild honey penetrated my senses that I have to hold my breath and compose myself in order to stop myself from being enthralled.

This isn’t for me, this is for Rubin.

I crouched low and prepared to land only to be knocked over by an invisible force – as though I am a fly swatted back so that I am heading for the ground. My wings faltered and it breaks as I made contact with the rocks by the cliff. Roaring water licks the sides of the cliff, dousing me with saltwater and the mist hang on me as though is solid. It felt so cold and my body became partially numb.

I am still thankful though, for I am still able to hold on.

I crawled deftly, my hands skimming the rough edges we I tried to heave myself up. My wings were drenched and once again, it hung worthlessly on my back, an added weight that makes climbing up the cliff harder than it supposed to.

I clenched my jaw and tighten my fist on the rock, pulling myself higher while my hands tremble of the effort. I cursed the heavens as the little drops of rain blurred my vision, making my situation harder than it already is.

I flicked my hand, trying desperately to bring myself up by materializing but it appears that I have no choice but to rely on my human strength alone.

When my hands found gravel at last, I almost cried, rejoicing to the fact that I am safe. I hoisted myself up and lied down, quite glad of my wings for it has cushioned my back from the rough surface, pausing for a while so I can catch my breath.

I momentarily stared at the heavens, frowning at the cloudless night spattered with millions of stars which is shining bright with the full moon. What I thought was rain awhile ago was actually the froth brought by the wind from the waves below. I sighed.

I pushed myself up and brush the gravel off my coat as I marched down the slope, heading to the wide clearing. My legs seem to tremble with every step I take, my wings fluttering – awakening as I stopped in my tracks, trying to make out the noise that I am hearing.

How did they follow me?

The cackling and taunting voices made me ran faster than I have ever done in the past millennia, sniffing hopefully for the wine and grapes and the smell of honey.

I swiftly turned, bowing down and pressing my hands to my knees, reaching the ruins with my wings ruffled. My peculiar appearance earned me a few curious stares from the wood nymphs that are guarding the forest from the east. I nodded at them, hurrying past the brambles and to the centre of the ruins, a trickle of sweat on my brow as I exhaled.

I need to do this quick!

My hands are shaking so bad as I pulled at the vines that is covering the ground where the foot of Dionysus chair should have been.

I breathe in – it requires great power and complicated chanting to ensure that the box will appear to whomever god who will need it.

Taking an arrow from my belt, I did not hesitate to run it over the palm of my hand and watch as the golden blood poured out of the wound. I bit my lip, clenching my fist to make the blood trickle faster. I smiled when the earth from under me, shakes, revealing the edges of the box.

I moved back, watching as the box ascends and I blew at it, the lid sliding back to reveal a plate that is full of ambrosia and a nectar full cup. Not wasting any minute, I snatched both of them and pour the contents inside a smaller vial I brought with me. I resisted the urge to drink it for myself for the temptation is hard to deny specially with a dried throat and a drained body.

Pocketing the vials, I turned just in time to see the army of the possessed surrounding me. I put my hands on my back and ran my hands on my wings, asking for Aeon’s help.

I wish he would hear me.

The rattling breath made me open my eyes. I shifted my shoulders and with one swift movement, I shot up the sky – the west wind of Aeon quickly bringing me to a safer place where I can fade back to the island.

I glared down at the army of the possessed – wanting nothing but to make them suffer by setting them on fire but I remember how they are only controlled by Hades. As much as I wanted to hurt them, I couldn’t because they have no choice. They are just slaves

The west wind leads me back to the acropolis where I have previously arrived – the crowd of temple goers now gone.

It was a good thing that I was able to sidetrack the army of the possessed. I flicked my hand, not waiting for the army of the possessed to catch up to me and strangle me to death as they asked me about Rubin’s whereabouts.

Which reminds me…

I marched up the hill leading to the Hayden cottage, knocking five times to assure Rubin that it is me.

“Caelum!” she bolted in my arms the moment she has opened the door. I gratefully held her in my arms as I sniffed her hair, thankful of the calming effect that it brought to my senses.

I couldn’t help it.

I pulled her face so that I can crash my lips on her, making up for the hours I have missed for being separated from her. The response I got is as urgent as how I started it.

This was bliss and I can’t help but wish to live like this forever.

I carefully pulled away from her and pull the vials from my belt, “Here, drink it. Quickly!”

“But Caelum—”

“We don’t have much time, Rubin. I can’t wait for the third day. I don’t want Hades to take you from me. Please, drink it, now!”

She looks at my face and down to the vials I am holding. I can feel her hesitance but her will to live is stronger. She reached for the ambrosia, tucking it in her palm, “Later, Caelum. You have to talk to Hades first. I am pretty sure you can convince him.”

“Rubin, can’t you see? He won’t agree upon what we wanted. You heard Aphrodite; she warned us about you and him. Do me a favour and consume whichever of them, please.”

Her face wrinkled as a frown forms on her lips. She looks down at the vial on her hand and unplugs the cork, downing the content in one go.

“Happy?” her face appears as though I have betrayed her, green eyes condemning me of the guilt of having to force her on doing something she doesn’t want. I wiped the sides of her mouth and licked the nectar that has spilled, smiling wistfully. I leaned in, kissing her once again before flicking my hand, catching her infuriated gaze as I faded away.

*

“Hades!”

“So you came here after thrashing our temples and paying us no respect?”

“I have to do it – you have to understand.” I stated, looking around for him. The darkness is like a veil that is thrown over me, suffocating me, as though it were a hand.

“I do understand but you lack trust in me. You chose to go against me and even had the audacity to fed her some of our nectars as if it will prevent me from taking her!” Hades appeared in front of me, his hair becoming brighter – the white transitioning to blue as his anger escalated. “Shame on you, Eros, for not trusting me enough and bringing this on yourself.”

“I thought –“ I remain standing – my mind temporarily blank.

What have I done?

“I will still take her – nectar or not – for a bargain is ought to be paid no matter the consequence. She has promised me her soul therefore I shall have it.”

“But Aphrodite promised my soul to you first!” I bit my lip, having this sudden urge to drown myself from being so rapt and bold, not even thinking about the words I will say.

This is Rubin’s influence – her attitude is rubbing off on me.

I watched as Hades shakes his head and pointed his hand, his face stoic and cold. I can feel my hands trembling on my side and I tightened them into fist, trying to appear braver than I normally am. I followed Hades and frowned at him as he leads me to a room that is full of glistening rocks.

“Where –“ I gasped, my eyes widening at the sight, “That!” I pointed at the obsidian rock sitting at his left, “That’s it. Take it from me.”

Hades frowns, “But you’ll have no soul.”

“I don’t care.”

“You’ll have no memories.”

“It doesn’t matter,”

“You’ll forget her!”

I trained my eyes on him and smiled, “She’ll never forget me.”

Hades rolled his eyes, waving so that the obsidian rock soars down to his outstretched hand, “Such a lovely strong soul you have - are you sure of this? That I can have it ?”

“Yes.”

“That you’ll exchange your soul for a human who made a bargain…to me?”

“I made a new bargain now so, forget about your condition with her and get it over with!” I pulled Hades by the collar of his robes and stared at him in the eye, refusing to acknowledge the burning feeling in my face and in my arms, his hair bursting into crackling flames, “Stay away from her, okay? Promise me – after you made me forget, you’ll stay away from her.”

Hades nodded quickly and I released him, watching him as he collapsed on the floor that rippled under his weight. I may not be sure of what material it was made of but I am quite certain that it won’t fall and collapse under us.

Hades appears to have been pondering about the options I have presented him, looking at the obsidian rock in his hand then tearing his eyes away to stare at his collection – a wide variety of rocks that has different colors and qualities.

“Take it or leave it be, Hades. My soul – a forgotten god’s soul or a cupid-turned-human’s soul – which do you think is more valuable?” Hades stood, gritting his teeth as he stomped his foot, marching towards me with the obsidian rock tightly clutched in his hands.

“Alright. Close your eyes, Eros, and within minutes you shall join me.” I felt Hades’ hands descending down on my forehead and the weight of a millennia being lifted out of my brain. I squeezed my eyes shut, refusing the urge to cry as I struggled against myself, trying not to stop Hades from doing what he is doing for it hurts.

I can feel my body shaking as Hades’ chants grew louder and faster until I writhed in pain, my body convulsing before I finally collapsed. It was like every fibre of my being is being toasted and ripped apart; like there is someone who is clamping their hands on my mouth so that no sound escaped me. I wanted to thrash around but I remain immobile, paralyzed at Hades feet.

“Finally, after a thousand years!” Hades cackled but it soon died out when I felt myself being pulled away from his feet and back to the fields. Hades’ voice filtered inside my brain as he screams,

“No!”

“Treachery!”

“Cheating. You cheated me your soul!”

I smiled.

“I did not cheat, Hades. I simply tried to survive as how you told me that I should.”

I can feel my wings cushioning my fall. There seems to be nothing that matters to me now – nothing that holds me down on earth.

I am conscious but I can’t seem to make sense of anything.

I remember Hades screaming and me being pulled from his realm but before that, what happened?

What I should know about and what I should be doing is a great question mark - a great chasm.

My brain painfully throbs and I lurched back from the cold earth as though I was electrocuted – I remember now, Her!

My Psyche, my soul – her kind smile and careful gaze, red hair blazing as though it were on fire, her petite freckled face. Yet, she was begging -begging for me not to save herm

I fell back to my knees, “Oh Zeus, what did I do?”

I reached out to touch the arrow on my chest, remembering the events that happened as Aphrodite condemned me and asked for my family to be killed.

The arrow is not on my chest anymore.

I looked down, noticing the arrow as it is now placed on my right hand, gleaming under the hot golden sun. I hold unto it tight, lamenting, “Oh, Zeus! Why make me return here?”

I sat up and glared at my surroundings – noticing the beautiful field of lavenders and rose and a few that remains unfamiliar to my eyes. I carefully stand, curiously watching them as they danced with the wind, a single thought on my mind – Is this the place where gods and goddesses go to when they die?

Do they even die?

Did I die?

If I did, was it possible that they are here?

Where is Psyche...and our daughter, Pleasure?

Are we going to be together at last?

I hit the sides of my head, annoyed ay the muddled memories as I desperately looked around for any signs of my family.

“Psyche? Pleasure?”

“Psyche!” I called out – face contorted with worry, longing and pain as I marched down the slope, my wings trailing behind me. I carefully weaved through the flower field, my thoughts in a jumble.

“Psyche? Where are you?” I asked, my voice breaking of exhaustion which made me fall to my knees, eyes wandering about the field, still hoping that she’s here – hiding under the rose bushes or dozing next to the daffodils.

My mind flashes back to when Psyche had asked me to not save her and let her die – I shouldn’t have done that in the first place. I should have refused her request and now, I regret it terribly.

It seems like the sun has taken a liking about shining brighter than it was before and soon, I am drenched with sweat – tired and thirsty, my face covered with dirt, my arms and legs scratched. Not having the strength to walk a couple more distance, I resolved with crawling the depths of the field whilst chanting her name, hoping she would hear me.

“Psyche, oh please, go back to me. Psyche, my love, I never wanted to be alone. I need you here, with me…” I shivered against the heat of the sun, pausing for a while so I could catch my breath. There seems to be a lump in my throat that is restricting me to breath and as time passes by, the lump transforms like it were a weight that I chose to carry on my chest instead, small yet heavy. It was like an invisible force that is holding me down.

Slowly, I forced myself to crawl against the vines, searching for her while chanting her name, growing desperate yet muted now as my hoarse voice gave in.

“Psyche, where are you? Please don’t leave me!” I shivered once more, falling on my left arm. The thorns cut my cheek and a part of my arm was torn, making me hiss. I lean my head back for I do not have enough energy to pay any attention with my search.

“To the gods, to Aphrodite, I send to you my greatest regret and my deepest apology – I am gravely in need of your help. Please, please return my Psyche, my soul.” My prayers seems to have fallen to many deaf ears as there is no other sign that they might have heard me.

The heat of the sun remains constant; my wings were painfully twisted, my body wounded but against all these sufferings I tried to endure, it is my bursting heart that concerns me the most for I might perish soon because of how it is beating furiously in my chest.

I buried my face in my folded arms, crying, for I am weak and desperate of Psyche’s presence.

Where is she? Can she even hear me?

I continue to cry quietly, refusing to look around the field for my body is sore and I don’t want to be disappointed for I still cannot find her. The heat on my back felt like it is burning me from inside out. I still wonder how I was not able to fade away with the wind and back to the soil. It would have been better to become a nutrient for the flowers once I perished for in that way, I might be more useful.

I shifted my body and turned towards the sky, matching the sun’s glare.

Maybe it is better for me to be blind, like I had once been temporarily, when Psyche had accidentally drop some hot oil on my face after she saw me the first time.

I refused to think of the past and tried to stir away from the thoughts of death for I do not want Hades to follow me in this place no matter how it appears to be constant and bright.

Blinking, I bolt upright, surprised when I felt the wind shifting, making the flowers dance merrily as the cloaked figure emerged from afar.

It can’t be him – right?

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