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Post by megatude on Dec 11, 2009 21:30:06 GMT -5
Sorry. Holidays are always a crazy time.
Meg was captivated by the sky-high struggle. Forget Hollywood. This was where the real action was. But there was plenty of action taking place at ground level. Though a majority of the bunch were dealing with Hercules, there were a few stray intelligent birds abusing the citizens. While witnessing the entire scene upon her hide-away perch, Meg felt like an absolute ninny, and had a driving urge to help. It was a high possibility that she would be caught by the offenders. Still, her conscience wouldn't keep silent. Just then, a small boy stood alone among-st the chaos, his eyes darting about, looking for a familiar face. Unbeknown-st to the little guy, someone had him in their sights, closing in fast.
'He's scrawny', the predator judged. 'But he'll do, as a bite-sized treat.'
The time to act was now. Precious seconds were wasted while she debated with herself. Meg sprang from her perch, praying she could reach the unsuspecting boy first. "Watch out!"
He turned, only to see meat-tearing claws coming straight at his face. Meg dove, grappling the child, and rolled away together to safety. While the Harpy barely had time to register their escape, pulling sharply out of a dive, with nothing to show for her efforts except empty wind. As soon as she found her feet, Meg tugged the boy away from the open square. When they stopped, he lifted his eyes to Meg in awe. He'd been saved. By a woman, no less. His brown eyes held onto her in wonder and adoration. Perhaps a Goddess from the peak of Olympus itself had been sent down to protect him. Unfortunately, he was sadly mistaken, as Meg opened her mouth, confused and irritated by his gaping mouth.
"What're you looking at?"
Oblivious to her, another dive was being executed, but with a different, much bigger, target in sight. Just above her, the same creature aimed fell swoop toward her. The wonder in the boy's eyes vanished and shrunk in panic and fear. seeing what she could not.
"Do you need an invitation?" Figuring she'd played her part as hero. "Get outta here!"
Without an argument, he scuttled off to find a hiding place. Meg shook her head, still eying the spot he vacated. 'Kids.......' Then she noticed something peculiar. The shadow at her feet was growing larger and darker, like the spread of an ink stain. Either she was having an unnatural, ill-timed, growth spurt, or some force was quickly closing in on her. Thinking quickly, Meg jumped away just in time to dodge an incoming Harpy, intent on her capture. Unable to pull out of its determined dive, the creature crashed hard onto the cobblestones, causing it serious injury. Unfortunately, not all of these monsters were so wreck-less. While Meg was reflecting on her close-call, yet another flying fiend was about to take advantage of Meg's vulnerability. The slight gust of its dirty wings upon her skin caused a breakout of goosebumps, sounding off the alarm buzzers in her head. She did not glance behind to see the cause of her distress, she just took off running. The Harpy smiled a dagger grin, gladly pursuing, finding joy in the hunt, rather than the screaming easy-pickings that littered the land. Meg's legs spun as fast as they were allowed, trying to outdistance her foe. But through all the physical activity, the knot in her skirt loosened and came undone, falling to its full length. In doing so, the fabric tangled in her stride, causing her to trip hard in the streets. She massaged the swelling bruises breaking through. "Shoot! This is why I hate dresses!" She grumbled. Meg was only given a brief glimpse of her captor before being hauled into the air. She struggled to free herself from the Harpy's wrenching grip, more irritated than afraid, but this only caused the beast's talons to dig painfully into her shoulders. Now that she was up close and personal with the demon, she was able to discern its features more clearly than before; A majority of its body matched that of a bird, with gnarled, filthy, blackened feathers. Mangy wings protruded from its bony shoulder blades. What little part appeared human, arms and head, were covered in dark, violet, leathery scales. Lastly, its face had the features of an elderly woman.
Feeling bold, Meg shouted; "Let me go you wrinkled old fogie!"
Offended by her meal's insult, the Harpy twisted her head in a bird-like fashion to face her. "Is that any way to speak to your elders, my pretty?"
Meg scowled. She was not a willing hostage. "I'm surprised your hold is so firm. Considering you age, I would have assumed you'd have arthritis crippling your joints." Pumping her legs forward and back, as one would do on a swing, she worked up enough momentum to strike the demon square in the face with her kick. Squawking from the blow, she released Meg to the mercy of the skies, her one great fear. Until now, Meg hadn't given much thought of the great distance of space between herself and the ground far below. But she was greatly aware of it now, her stomach rising into her throat, as gravity forced her down. She released a scream to rock the heavens, one to compete with the shriek of the Harpies.
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Dec 12, 2009 0:51:55 GMT -5
Is Herc gonna catch her?! What happens next?! Ohh! SO suspenseful. Great writing.
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Post by toughgirl on Dec 12, 2009 12:03:13 GMT -5
O.O
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Post by megatude on Jan 12, 2010 17:48:01 GMT -5
Hercules had finally driven off a majority of the Bird-women, coming to believe the situation was resolving, until an insistent scream came abound. By natural hero instinct his head jerked toward the source, and his heart fell, much as the fast plummeting distressed, when their identity became clear. "Meg......" He whispered in horror. "What was that, sonny?" Herc ignored his passenger, reared Pegasus around, and urged him in the right direction. "Heeyaw!" He could see her now, the weight between life and death was tipping on the scales, as she descended toward the earth like a fallen angel. Even as they raced to meet her before the earth below claimed blood, the wind sweeping the breath from his lungs, he knew that it was unlikely they could reach her in time. His strategic mind was calculating a solution. It may have been fool-hearty, and there was a chance it might not even work, but it was Meg's only chance. He raised his sword overhead, and flung it with concentrated power. It sung through the air until it hit home within the trunk of a tall tree, the hilt quivering from where it stuck fast. With no explanation or value for his own mortality, the hero leaped from the safety of his steed's back. Pegasus whinnied in protest, watching in dread as his charge sank beneath the clouds, out of sight. Hercules carefully aimed his fall, counting on the flexibility and hold of his trusty blade. His feet landed upon the exposed hilt of the sword, the weight of his body bending the metal nearly in half as his knees absorbed the shock. The momentum rocketed him back into the sky, keeping his arms at his side so he could sail without resistance, to the rescue.
The wind whipped and tore through Meg's hair and clothes. She was descending head-first, giving her a front-seat view of the incoming earth. Her arms were spread before her in a feeble attempt to postpone the end. Accepting her inevitable fate, she cinched her eyes shut, a bead of moisture crept past her lids, counting down the last seconds of her life. Meg wanted to shut down, to pass-out, anything to numb the oncoming pain. She was going to die. In a strange land. During the prime of her life. It must have come, because a hard substance crashed hard against her body and the wind was expelled from her lungs.
Hercules caught Meg against his shoulder, fireman style, and gripped her tight against himself. Things were going according to plan. Only now, they were both in the same doomed predicament. Still, that didn't mean that he'd jumped into this fool-heartedly. Fortunately, he hadn't forgotten the lessons Phil had drilled into his hero driven mind. There had been too much trial and error on his part when he would try to rush through missions without taking the time to think things through. Although, all strategies have room for flaws, and this was no exception. Pegasus was straining to reach the descending pair, but it was obvious that the winged beast wouldn't be able to reach them in time. So his part was out. Meg seemed oblivious to their peril, for she neither moved nor spoke, believing herself already dead. Hercules had only one solution to save them. He had to slow down their descent, or else, even he, himself, might perish, despite his godly heritage. From the same tree his sword lay in, his fingers grappled for its branches. Several broke under his desperate grasp. Fortunately, it was enough to stall them. But the object that ultimately forestall their drop was his very own sword. Herc breathed a sigh of relief as they hung suspended high in the treetops, while he gripped the weapon's hilt. Then without warning the blade slid loose from the wood, causing the pair to complete the fall to earth. The hero rotated his body in mid-fall, so that he might take the abuse rather than have Meg injured. As they hit the ground, the jarring sensation shook Meg out of her dazed trance. She pulled back from Hercules' shoulder and gazed at him with blank eyes, seemingly confused as to why he had followed her into Limbo. She slowly shook her head. "What.......?" Interpreting her distress, Hercules gripped her shoulders. "Meg, it's alright, you're safe." But there was no time to be idle, he still had the remaining Harpies to take care of. He carried her to safety, depositing her with a group of citizens that had taken shelter within the shed of the local Blacksmith's trade. Pegasus soon followed, and dropped off his remaining passenger to join the rest in hiding. Before departing, Hercules stared Meg straight in the eye, praying that their last experience had taught her a lesson. "Wait for me, here." He turned to the others in company, "Keep an eye on her, please." They all nodded, their distracted mind buzzing with anticipated gossip. "Just stay put and you'll all be safe." With that, the hero leaped onto his steed and raced to rid the city of the intruding vermin.
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Jan 27, 2010 6:22:59 GMT -5
Oh my my my! I was on edge! Brava girl! I so wish I could write like you. That is some piece of work! I LOVE IT!!!!!
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Post by megatude on Feb 13, 2010 16:50:09 GMT -5
The city's people kept their word and watched Meg, with intense curiosity. Especially the younger women. She ignored them all, reflecting on her own problems. She shivered, drawing her knees tightly to her chest, reliving her near scrape with death over and over in her mind. It threw her back to a memory of her childhood, when she was first given the news of her parent's fatal accident; She'd felt lonely and afraid, much like she feeling now. Normally she would have been outright ashamed of her cowardice behavior, bu the images in her mind were too distracting for her to care whether others saw or not. "Home......" She whispered to herself. "I want to go home."
Since most of the Harpies had either been scared away or destroyed, the remainder of them were easily dealt with. All the better. Hercules was eager to return to Meg's side. He was worried about the condition she was in when he left. "Well, it looks like that's all of them, boy." Pegasus snorted in reply; Good riddance. Sighing in relief as he watched the creatures retreat toward their dark home, "We'd better get back."
The hero was greeted with rapturous applause as the duo touched-down. It was a successful mission; Not one casualty had reduced the populous. Everyone was safe and intact. He received their grace with quiet reverence. It was always nice to be thanked an appreciated for his hard work. When the crowd finally dispersed, only Meg was left, still haunted by the ordeal. Hercules watched the dramatized girl for a moment while he contemplated a way to approach her. It was disheartening to see her in this state. He'd only known her for a short time, but during that period she'd never before shown her vulnerable side. It was a reminder that everybody has their own personal monsters and daemons to face and overcome. Herc took a deep breath, licked his lips, and went to her. As he knelt before her, Meg didn't even acknowledge his coming, she just remained in her crumpled form. Though he couldn't be sure of the cause of her distress , he wanted nothing more than to comfort her. He gently placed a hand upon her folded arms. She finally raised her head up in response to his touch. Her vivid eyes were unfocused, like she was somewhere else. "Meg, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" She pressed her lips together, as if in full concentration, to be in control of her slipping emotions. "How can you look at me?" Her whispers barely audible, Herc drew in his distinguishing chin, confused. "I don't understand." She shook her head. "I can't do it. I'm such a hypocrite. After the pep talk I drilled into you, I can't even conquer my OWN weakness! I.....I thought I was done for." She was right, she'd come very close to dying. This realization hit Hercules like a ton of brick. (Even though a ton of brick wouldn't hinder him much) His face pinched in seriousness. "Why didn't you remain at the Stadium?" Meg didn't respond, feeling quite ashamed. Herc tried a different tactic; console rather than criticize. "We are all human, Meg. Besides, I would never let any harm come to you." Meg looked at his face and saw no sign of deceit. He was totally serious. It must have been his male bravado. "Why?" What did it matter to him if she came to harm? "Because......" He responded shyly, nervous about how she would react to what he said. 'Just one step at a time', he goaded himself onward. "Because.....you're my friend......" She was mildly surprised by this and was preparing to retaliate. But as she repeated the passage over in her mind; 'Friends...' She realized the word caused her no pain. There would be no consequences linked to such affiliations. She then gave her friend a brilliant smile, enough to melt his heart. "Friends. I think I can live with that." The hero gulped at her response. She had just accepted his friendship. That was a mighty step forward in the right direction in his book. He returned her smile, brightly. "Thank you, Meg", he said, bringing her to her feet. All the same, she released his hand when she stood sturdy with her own strength. No matter, He was determined to think positive. "Do you need me to carry you back to the Villa?" Cause he really wanted to. Meg studied the over-sized hero, waiting for the punchline. When none was given, she answered; "That won't be necessary, Wonderboy. In spite of this dramatic ordeal, I am still quite capable of transporting myself back to HQ." Meg walked ahead toward the Villa, making sure she gave him ample time to catch up. "Meg!" He held out a finger as he matched her stride, intent on asking a question. "A.a.as a friend, could you answer me something?" Her eyes went expectantly to his, showing she was willing to listen. "Please tell me why you just didn't stay put, like I asked?" She smirked, the corners of her mouth curved into an ill-hearted smile. "Honestly?" "Well....yeah, of course!" Meg hesitated briefly, letting the anticipation build to its potential. "You didn't say please......" Hercules was baffled. Was it true? Had he really abandoned protocol, just to get his point across? He was about to spout a full-fledged apology, until he caught the mischievous glint in her eye. "OK. Look, I'm sorry. Now all joking aside......." He stared her down, intent on getting a straight answer. She shook her head, exasperated, tsking with her tongue. "My poor, naive, Wonderboy. Come on. I think you've known me long enough to figure that I'm not the spectator type. Despite the risk, I thrive on the excitement of it all. I don't like getting left behind." Herc sighed, that much was obvious. "I'll try to remember that. But hypothetically, if I had said 'please', would you have stayed put?" "Now there's an interesting question", she commented, tapping her index finger rhythmically against her chin. "So.....you would have remained?" She appeared deep in thought. "Afraid not." Herc groaned inwardly, defeated. There was just no swaying this girl. "Do you have a death wish or something?" "No", she replied, matter-of-factly. "I have an opinion. Of which I'm rightly entitled to. Herc mumbled, "no doubt about that." She gave him a sideways glance. Perhaps he did have a backbone after all.
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Feb 19, 2010 23:35:21 GMT -5
Brilliant!
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Post by berosey on Mar 7, 2010 15:11:42 GMT -5
i seriously spent all day reading this and was disappointed when there wasn't anymore to read. you're doing a great job!
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Post by megatude on Mar 16, 2010 15:26:51 GMT -5
Thanks a lot for reading. It, of course, encourages me to post more.
A short distance ahead, two people, along with Pegasus and the Goat-man, were quickly making their way toward them. The pair stiffened, they could only pray that it wasn't the press. On closer inspection, Meg could see that it was Torrin and Zebra. Her best friend rushed forward and gripped her shoulders. "We just heard what happened. Are you alright?" Meg waved her off. "Sure, sure." She bit her lip. "What exactly did you hear?" Zebra planted her hands on her waist. "Only that there was a great monster raid and a young woman was caught in the middle of it", she shot accusingly. "I tried to get her to stay put", the hero added. "That has Meg written all over it." "If you two are finished talking about me in the third person..." Meg grumbled. "Its well past lunch time." She walked past the small party, intending to go on without them." And I'd hate to see Marlena's good cooking go to waste." The group exchanged looks, shrugged, and trailed after the head-strong girl.
They all arrived at the Villa without incident. Mostly, this was due to the frightening experience with the Harpies. For the time being, any admirers sought the comforting safety of their own homes. Unfortunately, they would return to their crazy routine all too soon, once the excitement died down. As expected, the housekeeper looked up from her preparations to acknowledge the incoming group, a warm smile of welcome lighting her features at their appearance. "Sir Hercules, I am please to see that you have returned well and unharmed." Herc smiled in return. "You're fabulous cooking will always bring me home with a willing and gracious stomach." Marlena shifted her gaze to Meg. "As well, I am happy to see you safe, Miss Megara." She rolled her eyes and flushed with embarrassment. "Was the entire ordeal broadcast on the local news without my knowledge? Is there anybody not aware of my involvement?" Marlena frowned, pausing her procession, confused by her choice of words. "Don't mind her, Marlena." Zebra said, giving Meg a knowing, almost suspicious, look. "She's just grumpy because she woke up too early this morning." She gave Meg a wink. "Isn't that right, Meg?" 'Great, she knows something', thought Meg, molding her face into a clueless expression. Luckily, she was sparred from any further inquiry. As of that moment, Aphitryon and Alcmene burst into the room. Hercules' face was showered in kisses of relief when his mortal mother rushed to his side. "Ahhh, Mom! Cut that out!" The hero complained, rubbing furiously at his cheeks to erase the residue. "Well, how do you expect me to react when you're exposed to such danger?" "That's what I do", he explained, as if the two of them had debated about this topic before. "Protect and defend the helpless." Phil smirked. "Yeah. And there ain't nobody more helpless than her." He jerked a thumb at Meg. Hot blood rushed into her face and her fingers curled into fists. It wasn't enough that her confidence had taken a down-turn, but this bleating goat also had to rub salt into the wound. "That's it, Tiny Tim!!" She pounded the table with her fists, causing its contents to vibrate and tremble from the pressure. "I'm gonna grill your hide on the end of a spit!" Phil leaped onto the table, getting in her face. "Bring it on, sis'ta!" She rolled her hands up her arms, as if pulling up imaginary sleeves. "Goatie, get ready to....." Before Meg could complete her threat, Zebra intervened, gripping her arm. "OK! Meg, I seriously think you need a nap. You're had quite a challenging morning." She smiled sweetly to everyone. "If you'll excuse us...." She hastily tugged a fuming Meg from the room, as kept an evil gaze focused on the hero trainer. Alcmene watched pityingly as they left the room. Pressing her hands together she commented, "The poor dear." As grand as a majestic statue, attaching his large fists to his hips in accusation, Herc stared Phil down. "Phil! Was that really necessary? Meg's been through a lot today." The Goat-man shrugged, popping a succulent stuffed olive into his mouth, feeling no remorse. "I call'em as I see'em, kid." And he carried on without a hint of guilt. As much as he respected his trainer, Herc didn't always approve of his blunt behavior. His mouth often got him in trouble. Soon, everybody followed the Goat-man's example and sat down to lunch.
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Apr 1, 2010 17:01:47 GMT -5
Oh please! More! That was exceptional! I really enjoyed it so much...especially the Meg and Phil part. That would so have been something to imagine. You always keep me to the edge of my seat. Sorry for the delay in posting, but I hadn't a chance to be on my computer lately...just moms laptop. This is wondrous work!
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Post by megatude on Apr 27, 2010 14:41:13 GMT -5
Later, in the girls' room, Zebra attempted to get Meg to relax and squelch her temper.
"The nerve of that midget!" Meg huffed, plopping down heavily on her bed. "I'll give him 'helpless' right in the tail!" Zebra sat on her own bed, facing her. "Don't take it to heart, Meg. Don't forget, he's half animal, after all." "That's for sure. He certainly smells like one." They chuckled. "So, are you going to tell me where you were this morning?" Asked Zebra, turning serious. "Nope. Besides, I doubt it would be of any interest to you." "I beg to differ", Zebra muttered under her breath, suspicion growing. She turned to leave Meg to rest, then thought to add something. "Would you like me to bring you something to eat?" Meg considered whether her stomach felt up to solid food at that point. After all, her insides felt like they'd been thrown into the rinse cycle. Then a sudden evil thought brought an evil smirk to her lips. "Perhaps you could give Marlena a special request for me?" Zebra shrugged, wondering what Meg was cooking-up in that diabolical mind of hers. "OK. Name it." "I think....a good helping of 'Philly Cheese Steaks' would be pleasing to the belly....." She spaced out for a moment as she pictured the goat-man Turing end over end a top an open flame, with a red apple stuffed into his fat mouth. She unconsciously licked her lips. Zebra glared back, unamused. "Not funny, Meg." Meg's expression was still. "Who said I meant it to be humorous?" Zebra snatched a pillow and launched it at Meg's face. Since it was unexpected, the bed accessory found its mark. "Hey!" Meg's voice came, muffled through the pillow layers. "Why am I always the brunt of your abuse?" Though she secretly admired her throw. "Because you have an offensive mouth. Sometimes your little comments go too far." Meg shrugged innocently. "That's how I am; you can love it or hate it." That much was true. When someone insists on ignorance there is little anyone can do or say to alter the other. "I'll be back to check on you later." Zebra closed the door behind her, leaving Meg alone. Somewhat irked by Zebra's scolding, Meg flopped onto her side in a pout, finding anger in everything. Why was everyone against her? She was just being herself. Someone was always on her case about something; First, it was that tricky fortune-teller, then Zebra teamed-up with Torrin for a double dose of reprimand, and finally that infuriating, half-minded, grass-grazer. She continued to grunt and mumble to herself into exhaustion. She hadn't been tired when Zebra had first brought her to bed, but all that pent-up emotion exhausted every muscle from the cramped tension she held. Her eye lids soon drooped and her breathing came more steadily, sending less oxygen to her limbs, releasing her tightened grip throughout her body.
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Apr 30, 2010 19:57:40 GMT -5
Oh, this is getting better and better. I love reading your stories.
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Post by megatude on Jun 15, 2010 15:21:47 GMT -5
All became black and limp. Meg's blank state of mind soon brought light and colors, forming into restless dreams; she found herself wandering aimlessly through the Villa at length, with no immediate destination in mind. Coming to a window overlooking the terrace gardens, she gazed beyond the glass, admiring the new spring blossoms expanding the estate. As the peace of mind settled through her, a gnarled, yet hauntingly familiar voice prompted her to turn toward the north. She submitted to its direction and did as it suggested. As she did so, she saw Hercules among the greenery, his back to her. She smiled slightly and lifted her knuckles to the glass, intending to gain his attention by rapping on the window. A new movement in the development stopped her so suddenly that her fist froze in mid-air. Two delicate, tanned arms came to surround the hero's neck possessively, and a doll-like face appeared above his right shoulder, settling contentedly into the bend of his neck. As if by instinct, the raven-haired beauty lifted her eyes and met Meg's astounded gaze. The intensity of her dark eyes caused her to fall back a step, in a state of shock. The girl, taking pleasure from Meg's reaction, stretched her rosy lips into a Cheshire cat grin and tilted her head to lay a light, yet lingering kiss, upon Hercules' thick neck. Meg was certain she would be sick, her stomach rolling over with disgust. "Stop", she heard herself whisper. Then growing in volume and fierceness. "Stop this!"
Within the confines of her bed, she wrestled fitfully, thrashing about. "No!" Her body jolted upright, fully awake though between two worlds. Meg looked about, gathering her thoughts as she pressed a hand to her clammy brow. Catching her breath between heartbeats, she again fell back into bed, reality setting in. The nature of her dream totally grounded her. She shook her head, confused. "What was that all about?"
With in the realm of the gods, the goddess Aphrodite straightened and smoothed out her designer gown as she returned from the land of dreams. After fluffing out her golden curls, she bid farewell to the god of dreams. "Thank you Phantosos, for allowing my intrusion." The brother of Morpheus bowed in respect, obviously taken by her beauty. "Anything for the cause of love. If I can assist you again in anyway...." His cloud filled eyes, always witnessing the fondest wishes of mortals, were well focused on the figure primping before him, roaming up and down her flawless form, unable to help himself. Being the goddess of love and beauty, males naturally worshiped and adored her. A blessing as well as a curse. At her will, a gold handled mirror, with elegantly carved cherubs along its edges, appeared in her hand. As she continued to inspect and approve of her reflection, she noticed the dream-maker's intrusive gaze in the reflective background. "You may as well not waste your time." She relayed into the mirror, while checking her lipstick. "As you're well aware, I've been married for quite some time now. And I don't think my husband, Hephaestus, would appreciate your devoted attention on me." He ducked his head, his night cap drooping over his eyes, and flushed with embarrassment. He knew very well of the Smith master's jealous tirades. "Pardon my carelessness, lady goddess", he apologized. "But even the divine are prone to our own weaknesses." She considered her fellow god carefully, as if deciphering whether or not he was being sincere. In the end she gave him the benefit of the doubt. After all, he was still a young god, and was yet to control and comprehend the fullness of his powers. She gave him a killer smile that would melt the heart of any being, oblivious to her own capabilities. "Thank you, Phantosos. I accept your apology." After bending her knees in a slight curtsy, she disappeared, leaving a cloud of pink dust and a melody that sent hearts on fire. Phantosos' was no exception. He breathed in a long breath to take in the intoxicating sent throughout his body, feeling it within his golden veins, and sighed as his heart raced. "Such an angel."
Meg lay still on her bed for quite some time, after her dream so rudely chased away any desire at all to sleep. As much as it sickened her to do so, she replayed the imagery over and over in her mind, determined to uncover the source or meaning. She just couldn't imagine her subconscious conjuring up such scenes at random. It wracked her brain to even seek a reason why she would even care. Besides, it wasn't as if the man were highly involved with anyone. So she had agreed to be his friend, recently, perhaps now she felt a certain obligation to protect his well being from those who would mean him harm. Her weary head collapsed into the cradle of her hands, trying to keep it together without going insane in the process. Pronounced friendship between male and female were usually a complicated issue unless the two opposites truly understood their place within the relationship. She was so deeply buried within her thoughts and calculations, she never noticed Zebra's presence at the foot of her bed. When her eyes finally took in who was before her, in plain sight, she sucked in a breath to choke her lungs and ignite her nerves. Zebra's reaction was very similar to that of her best friend; she staggered against the nearest wall, mirroring Meg's features upon her own face. In her panic, Meg toppled to the floor, entangled within her blanket, a hand hovering over her heart as she heaved great breaths, eyes wide and alert. After what seemed like ages, waiting for their blood to slow and their throats to find speech, one broke the void. "Dang, Zebra! If I were a cat I would have lost at least 8 lives just now." "so-rry", said Zebra, emphasizing the word. "You seemed wide awake to me. What's the matter?" Her bravery returning, she went to sit beside Meg, who had found her way back to her bed. "You were so deep in thought, you didn't even notice me standing there for over 5 minutes." "Really?" Zebra nodded. "Which planet were you inhabiting?" Meg shrugged. " I hardly know myself", she admitted truthfully. "It was just some wacko dream." She began gently massaging her temples, still fighting its grasp. Zebra watched with concern wrinkling her features. Rarely had she seen Meg so out of sorts, she usually had things so under control. "Do you want to talk about it?" Meg shook her head. "No. I actually would like something to eat." Hopefully focusing on something real would make the pieces fall into place. She glanced toward the window, apprehensively, fearing what she might see, only seeing the oncoming twilight. "What time is it?" There was hardly a cuckoo clock around chirping out the hours to refer to. "That's why I came in to check on you", Zebra confirmed. "Marlena has supper all ready. And Phil is NOT the main course." "Darn!" Meg cursed, stiffly getting out of bed. "And I was so looking forward to a tough lard of meat to coat my intestines." A heart-attack was a sure fire way to help forget her troubles. "Oh well. You win some, you lose some." She came to a halt in the doorway, finding Zebra was not behind her. "Well...are you coming or what?" Zebra looked on, studying her friend with true concern.Meg's sudden shift in attitude troubled the young girl. She only opened up about her feelings when they became too much and bubbled up over the surface. All she could, for now, was to be there as a crutch to hold her up. "Yeah...let's go."
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Post by Herc's_Girl on Jun 18, 2010 7:56:00 GMT -5
That had me going there.
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Post by megatude on Jul 20, 2010 16:19:54 GMT -5
Both were surprised when the two entered the dining room and only finding Amphitryon and Alcmene at the table. Meg was, in truth, relieved by the absence of the young men. Confusion was still a huge factor coursing throughout her mind. Zebra, on the other hand, had a difficult time hiding her disappointment.
"Where is everybody?" Everybody, meaning Torrin. She didn't mean to say it as if there was no one there. But those present got the hint of her inquiry.
The hero's parents had no explanation for their absence. Just then, Marlena appeared from the kitchen, carrying an open tray topped with steaming salmon.
"Good evening", she greeted pleasantly. "Master Phil has taken Sir Hercules and Torrin to a Publicity meeting", correctly guessing the questioning glances. "So they will not be able to dine with us this evening."
Zebra nodded and slumped into the seat next to Alcmene. Meg tried but, almost against her will, her eyes automatically rolled to the ceiling. This was getting ridiculous. Apparently, Zebra had an incurable disease with no hope of salvation in sight. Meg nearly lost her appetite, but then thought better of it. Food would probably settle her stomach. And she would definitely feel better without her mind fully active and on guard. Though she had to admit it was much quieter without a full dinner party. And, as silly as it sounded, she wasn't sure it was a good thing. Still, there was no sense dwelling on it, and dished herself a helping of fish onto her plate. While she was engaging in her meal, she glanced over at Zebra and noticed that she hadn't even touched her food. She just stared at forlornly at her vegetables.
"Ya know", Meg commented. "if you don't finish your vegetables, there'll be no room for dessert, young lady."
Her friend barely graced her with a reaction, by lifting her gaze. "Hmm? Did you say something?"
Meg resisted the urge to scream.
Alcmene dropped a comforting hand upon Zebra's shoulders. "Phil does tend to manipulate a lot of the boys' time. Perhaps its over due for me to have a meaningful chat with him about prioritizing his scheduling better."
Zebra gave her a small smile, initially giving her a sign of approval. To keep herself from spouting any inappropriate colorful remarks, Meg stuffed a large portion of fish into her mouth, concentrating soley on her chewing. With her mind settled, Zebra happily dug in, herself. Night and day. The difference was literally night and day. As much as it might drape a dark shroud over her pocket of sunshine, it was time that Meg sought out Zebra's intentions with the young man of her interest. One thing was sure, it had nothing to do with their search for Julius.
By the time supper had been consumed and digested, the male trio still hadn't returned. Marlena came back into the dining room to clear the table.
"Oh dear", she sighed, surveying the lack of participants. "I suppose I'll have to leave a little something out for those hard working boys."
"I'll help you", Zebra volunteered. She got up and followed Marlena into the kitchen. Meanwhile, those left saw to clean-up what was left. With a distant, unfocused gaze, Meg started stacking plates. Alcmene watched on with concern. Being a mother, she naturally felt some responsibility for the two lost girls. She took the elegant dinner-ware from her and asked;
"You seemed distressed, my dear, what troubles you? Did todays events prove to be too much?"
Meg snorted and shook her head. If only that were the case. "It's nothing, really. "Just......a little homesick, I suppose." It was becoming a real burden not telling the whole truth to such a trustworthy person. But now was not the time to unveil her soul. It just wasn't worth the risk loosing the few allies she had in this mixed-up world.
The older woman gave her shoulder a motherly squeeze. "Is there something I can do? I understand the importance of locating Zebra's grandfather, but I'm still uncertain as to why....."
Meg smiled kindly, to show her appreciation for her concern. "I'm afraid the only help we need can only come from Julius Sanders, himself. His aid is imperative to our journey."
"You're a brave, young soul, child", Alcmene complimented. "I can only hope that future events turn in your favor."
Overcome with gratitude, she embraced the hero's mother. Funny. She barely knew what it felt like to hug her own mother.
"Remember, I may be an old bitty", she chuckled. "But I am still a woman, and you and Zebra are like the daughters I've never had. If there is anything at all I can do to help, don't hesitate to come to me or Amphitryon.....or even Hercules."
Meg nodded, though still a bit unsettled. Alcmene didn't act like she believed there was much of a chance of finding the brilliant scientist. The young woman's faith was diminishing with each passing day. Still, someone had to keep the flames of hope burning.
When everything had been cleared and cleaned, the Villa's residents set to retire for the evening. But Zebra's mind was still active, not quite ready for sleep. She lingered at the door or the room which she and Meg shared, antsy.
"Maybe I should wait up for Torrin."
With some concentrated control, her dear friend refrained from responding. Instead, Meg motioned to the space next to herself on the bed.
"Zebra, I do believe we need to have a long, overdue chat."
Zebra stood silent for a moment, oblivious as to what Meg possibly had to discuss that required such intensity. She sensed the urgency in her friend's voice and figured it must be important, so she complied and went to sit next to Meg, giving her full attention. She studied Meg's face, trying to decipher what was causing her distress.
"So, what's on your mind?"
Meg took a deep breath, she'd need the oxygen to spout that which was 'on her mind'. Out of her peripheral vision, she caught sight of a pair of feathered intruders, studying the girls with great intent. They had a very unique plumage, almost green and magenta in color. Meg scowled. If there was one thing she couldn't stand, it was eaves droppers. When the birds realized they'd been discovered, they pranced about frantically upon their skinny legs and chirped up a storm, as if to compensate for their odd behavior. Further disgusted, Meg approached the window.
"Shoo!"
She swatted her arms about like baseball bat to frighten them off.
"Get outta here, ya flying waste dumps! Go find a decaying statue to use as your poo perch."
Getting the hint, the Sparrow sized fowl took to the air and fled on their small, awkward wings.
Meg brushed her hands together and shut the window. "No more privacy than a Goldfish", she complained.
"What strange birds", Zebra agreed. "You should come to expect such abnormalities from this place."
With that distraction out of the way, Meg decided to proceed with her inquiries. She, again, gathered her wits and stared into Zebra's eyes.
"Do you really want to find you grandfather?"
Zebra was stunned. "Of course! What kind of question is that?!"
"Well your heart sure doesn't see to be in our goal."
"What're you talking about?" Zebra asked, stymied, the volume of her voice increasing. "After all this time its taking to find him, I'm more worried now than ever. He could be in dire trouble. But Torrin doesn't believe there is any sense in looking, for the time being, without a clearer clue as to where he might be."
So that's what it all came down to.
"Oh he did, did he?" Meg countered. "All knowing Torrin calls the shots, eh?"
Zebra didn't want a fight to ensue. "No. I just think that his way of reasoning is more practical. After what we found in the abandoned hut, seeing that daemons could be involved, he believes that they'll have to reveal their intentions sooner or later. Unearthly beings don't work in secret. So, for now, I think it wise that we wait for a sign."
"Until when?" Meg challenged. "Doomsday?!" She knew the longer they remained stranded in that primitive time and place, the less able Zebra would be willing to separate herself from her romantic obsession.
"What is the point of wandering around without direction?"
"We're accomplishing nothing by letting each day pass without effort", Meg challenged. "That is unless you count making doll eyes at Torrin." She demonstrated by batting her eyelashes dramatically.
Zebra blushed, searching for a logical excuse. "T..Torrin doesn't have anything to do with this."
"Oh?" Meg emphasized with fake surprise. "Is that why you've mentioned his name at least three times during this entire conversation?"
"This is not a conversation, this is a full blown argument", Zebra stood to hover over Meg. She echoed her stance and matched Zebra's height.
"Don't change the subject!"
"Don't throw false accusations at me!"
They were nearly nose to nose, drawing closer in turn. When a soft, hesitant, knock came at the door. Zebra cleared her throat, to soften her voice. "Come in."
With given permission, a curled, ginger colored head poked into view.
"Hey", Herc greeted pleasantly, but awkwardly. "You girls OK in here?"
Equally embarrassed, the girls ducked their heads. They must have caused quite a ruckus to alert the weary hero.
"Every thing's fine", Zebra assured. "Right, Meg?" Giving a wide, toothy grin.
"Suuuuure", she verbally sent in her usual sarcastic fashion, minus the over exaggerated smile. "Just peachy."
Herc was obviously confused, taking-in the negative atmosphere that dominated the room. "Oookay...If you're sure."
Zebra nodded, with more reassurance. "We're fine, really. We were just having a......petty debate. Nothing serious."
Meg scoffed, expelling a snort from the back of her throat. "In that case, I'm checking out." With that, she stubbornly threw herself between the blankets and fell silent.
Zebra glanced at her friend, then carefully relaxed her features for the hero's benefit. "See? All is well."
Though not totally convinced, he wisely decided to let them work this spat out themselves. Girls sure had a funny way of working out their differences. "Then I'll say, goodnight."
"Goodnight, Hercules."
He raised his voice to reach Meg's muffled ears beneath the covers. "Sweet dreams, Meg."
Her repercussion was a cutesy wriggle of her fingers in a feeble wave.
A bit disheartened, the hero withdrew.
After he left, the girls remained silent, until....
"Are you planning to continue hiding under the covers", Zebra inquired. "or are we going to discuss this like mature adults?"
"What do you think?" Came Meg's voice from beneath the covers.
Zebra roughly turned down the blankets of her own bed and shoved herself in. "Figures", she grumbled, blowing out a candle on the bedside table. Neither liked to go to bed angry, but ignorance and differences of opinion can't always be breached.
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