The Gods Still Exist free porn video

*** Growing up I loved stories about Greek mythology. There was something special about the idea that gods and humans led these interwoven lives and the god-like offspring they could have and about the mythical creatures and historical battles of eons past. What would happen if the gods still existed today? Please note that Hercules is a modernized name for Heracles and I chose to use his traditional name throughout this story. Please write a review and I hope you enjoy the story. *** The Gods Still Exist My first memory was being underwater and the peace I felt being there. I recall watching my frantic foster mother reach for me and how her hands were clear but the rest of her body outside the water appeared distorted. There was something about the water that called to me from the time I was a baby. Perhaps that's why I found myself writing my final exams in my third year of a four-year degree program in marine sciences. I'd be turning twenty-one this summer and was so excited to be able to finally be on my own and away from my ever growing foster family. Don't get me wrong, I loved my foster family for taking me in, but that's all they did. I was a government check to them, one of a dozen checks that arrived each month. My parents made a living off of doing nothing. The foster children did all of the work around the house. Cooking, cleaning, and yard work. I was one of the lucky ones to have good enough grades to get a full scholarship to college. Once I turned twenty-one I'd be left completely on my own and my foster parents would take in yet another to replace me. They fed me and clothed me with hand-me-downs. I built brotherly relationships with my siblings, but we were never a true family. At least I had not been left in an orphanage. Now, thinking back to my first memory, I saw frantic loss of income rather than the frantic loss of a beloved child. No worries. After today, I'd pack my things and take a trip of a lifetime and likely never see my foster parents and family again. I'd saved a lot through the part-time work I'd found in evenings as a lifeguard and summer work at the local aquarium. I'd earned enough to pay for my trip and enough to cover expenses for the next year of my classes. It's not like I had a real choice, my foster parents made it abundantly clear the moment I turned twenty-one I was expected to be working full-time and paying them rent or I was out of the house and totally on my own. Still, it had been with slight misgivings that I closed the door to the house, not home, I grew up in. I'd miss some of my siblings, but I was stepping out into the unknown. Would I be able to make it on my own? Would I find a good job? Would I ever find love? Surprisingly with every step I took further away from the house, I felt better and better about myself. I was looking forward to two months in Greece and promised myself to return to my final school year completely renewed. *** For my stay in Greece I'd found a family that was happy to receive the extra income from their spare room. Their home was located near the old town of Paphos on the island of Cyprus. The rent covered my room and board and was conveniently located a thirty minute walk from the beach and the Tomb of the Kings, and a ninety minute drive to Mount Olympus. The area, much like the water, had called to me my entire life. I had many options to choose from, but I decided this was where I needed to be and I wanted to have a relaxing time absorbing the culture and swimming in the Mediterranean. The Milas' family home was a small, quaint red-tile roofed building nestled in between bustling apartments. Upon arrival, I was quickly embraced by Marta and her husband Hahn. The warmth of their embrace caught me off guard. I don't ever remember my foster parents hugging me. Marta proved to be an exceptional cook and Hahn had taught Greek mythology for twenty-five years. Both spoke very good English for which I was forever thankful. It was during our first dinner after my arrival that our conversation turned interesting. Hahn had been telling me about the lovely young ladies on the island and which beaches would be the very best to find them at. Of course I was very interested in these topics but it was when Hahn began talking about all the sights he wanted me to see I perked up with focused attention. "I've always wanted to see Mount Olympus." "So you want to meet the Greek gods, Sean?" "Greek mythology has always held an interest for me. My studies are in marine sciences, but I wish I had a chance to live for a moment in the past to see how people truly portrayed the gods." "You might be surprised to find Greek people still worship the gods the very same way as they did in the past. There are many zealots here on the island praying to Zeus and Poseidon on a daily basis." "You mean they actually still believe in the gods?" "Some believe they're here to witness the return of the gods on earth. These Hellenistic believers have worshiped in the secrecy of caverns under this city for thousands of years. Thankfully these people are few, but they can be very hostile to intruders, even violent at times. You can recognize some by the tattoos on their wrists." *** Over the next few days I explored the city and swam several times in the ocean. Marta and Hahn had been so wonderful that I didn't dare tell them tomorrow was my birthday. Knowing their hospitality, they would throw a party for the entire town to come celebrate it. Instead, I booked a ticket aboard a small tourist ship to take me on a cruise for the day. It was a bit gimmicky, but being out on the open water was a great way for me to relax and enjoy myself. The all day cruise left the harbor precisely on schedule at nine seventeen in the morning. It was supposed to leave at eight thirty, but schedules in Greece are somewhat flexible. I'd seen most of the beaches around the harbor already so I lay back on the deck and enjoyed the lapping sounds of water against the boat and the heat of the sun. Soon we were far enough away from the island that I could just see Mount Olympus. I was admiring the view and wondering to myself how it all must have looked a few thousand years ago when a freak storm descended upon us. People started screaming as the wind and waves lashed the tiny boat and darkness overcame us. An older Greek man started praying. I grabbed hold of a railing to brace myself as the sea was tossing us like a toy boat in a bathtub. I'd never been afraid of the water before, but I was frightened of the suddenness of the storm. The old man was staring at me and yelling in Greek. I had no idea what he was saying, but I swear he thought this was my doing. I watched as he pulled a knife and staggered towards me, his face full of rage. I was struggling to keep my grip as the old man approached. He swung his knife towards my hand and I let go, preferring to keep my fingers. I skidded across the deck just as another wave bucked the boat. With nothing to grab on to I was flung like a rag doll over the railing and into the dark turmoil of the sea. Below the surface the peacefulness and tranquility of the ocean soothed me. I looked around to see the bottom of the boat some thirty feet above me. The waves, from this angle appeared to have abated and the darkness had been replaced by sunshine. I tried to swim upwards, but it was as if an unseen hand pulled me down into the depths. Further and further I went into the deep cold water, the glittering blue rays of sunshine giving way to a murky nocturnal twilight and finally to icy-cold, utter darkness. Still I felt at peace even though my mind was screaming for air. The darkness gave way to brilliant light and warm sunshine. My hands felt green and lush grass beneath them. I took a breath of air that was so sweet I wondered if I had died. I stood and looked down at myself. I was perfectly dry and I could see no water anywhere around me. I appeared to be in some kind of garden. I started walking looking for an elevated vista to get my bearings. I discovered a large stone building that looked remarkably like the Acropolis in Athens with the exception that this building looked new. I walked into the building noting the enormous pillars that lifted the ceiling to the skies. "Welcome." I spun and faced a vision of spectacular beauty. A woman, calling her beautiful would be an understatement, stood naked before me. Her blonde hair swirled around her body covering her breasts and private parts and her penetrating blue eyes glistened merrily. "Who are you?" "I'm your mother, Sean." "And I'm your father." I turned around to see a handsome man; his tanned skin rippled with muscles. "Am I dead?" They came to stand next to each other as they surveyed me. Their presence and beauty causing me to look away for these were not normal people. "Hardly. Sorry about the boat and the waves, I like a little flamboyance and excitement. I'm Proteus and I'm sure you recognize your mother, Aphrodite." "Now I know I must be dead or dreaming. You don't exist. You're myths." "And yet here we and you are together in the Garden of Hesperides. The people of Earth have long given up looking to us. We hardly intervene in their short lives anymore. What gifts will you bestow upon your child on his twenty-first birthday, Aphrodite?" I watched as she walked around me, her fingers skimming my shoulders. "This won't do. He takes after your looks, Proteus. If he is to represent me on earth, he must exude my very essence and Zeus has decreed some changes are necessary. His new name will be Amara." Proteus sighed. "You always make beautiful things, Aphrodite. As for me, he belongs to the water so power over water, water creatures, and transformation. I always loved the ability to fly, to swim, and to run wild through the forests." "How can I be your son?" "I swear, Proteus, that man is becoming less intelligent. Has no one told you how when a man and a woman come together they can have children?" "Of course. It's just I didn't know gods were real or reproduced the same way." "Twenty one years ago I gave birth to you after having a short-lived affair with Proteus. Zeus frowns upon making new gods so I put you on earth to be taken care of by mortals." "Am I immortal?" "Perhaps one day you could be elevated to join us, but, much like Heracles that's entirely dependent upon Zeus to decide. In a way, we've all been rather bored up here. Watching you fulfill your destiny will provide much entertainment for us." "My destiny?" "You only have three labors. Find my lock of hair and return it to me." "Find the third fork of my father's trident and return it to me." "And defeat Medusa." I shook my head. "Defeat Medusa?" "Okay, that was a joke. She's already dead. It's just the two labors you need to accomplish." "Why do I have to do these at all?" Thunder and lightning clapped around us. "That would be Zeus. All born of gods must earn their right to exist. We have so little to look forward to these days. Your labors are entertainment for us. If you refuse, you might be turned into a stone statue, or be smote by lightning." "That sounds rather callous. If you're both my parents as you say, then where is your love and compassion?" Aphrodite opened her hands and arms expressively. "You're alive and we bestowed our gifts upon you. Is that not enough?" I sighed, anxious for this dream to be over. "I have many questions." "Unfortunately Zeus is a little cranky and we have no time left. Be well." The world began to spin in front of my eyes and darkness surrounded me once again. *** Far from the pleasant smells of the Garden of Hesperides, my first breath upon waking was something rather foul and fishy. I lifted my head and opened my eyes and through the dim light I saw what could only be masses of seaweed. I was covered in it. I pushed with my hands until a small sliver of fresh air came to me which I gulped for. I kicked and pulled to extricate myself from the smelly, slimy mass. My body felt very strange. Finally I slid out of the pile and onto a sandy rock- strewn beach. It was a moonlit night and I could see the city lights of Paphos in the distance. I stood to my feet finally noticing what had been wrong with me. Long blonde hair was plastered to my back and across my stomach and chest. Large breasts protruded from my chest. My arms were slender and my hands those of a woman. I looked down past my breasts to my perfectly flat stomach and to the noticeable gap between my legs. I could almost hear the gods laughing. What had happened must have been true, either that or I'm still dead or dreaming. I was about to shout my frustration at the gods when I heard someone yelling. "There!" I looked up to see a man and a woman running towards me with a flashlight and towels. It appeared to be Marta and Hahn. The flashlight hit my face and the beam slid downward across my body. Marta tried to cover Hahn's eyes as she held out a towel for me to wrap around myself. "Marta, Hahn?" My voice was soft and sensual, like the touch of luxurious silk. Hahn pulled Marta's hand down and stared at me. It was Marta that eventually spoke. "I was cleaning a fish for dinner today when I found a note in its stomach. It said Sean is no more but he is reborn. Find Amara by the sea tonight at nine. Bring something to cover her. There was a map to this spot. Where is Sean?" "As crazy as this might sound, I'm Sean, the Greek gods of old still exist, and apparently I've been changed for their entertainment." Hahn extended his hand. "Let's get you home and cleaned up. We can debate the reality of this all night, but this is no place for a young woman, especially a naked young woman to be." *** No one spoke on the way back to the house. For the entire car ride I stared at my slender hand and delicate fingers and their perfection as they rested on my thigh. Marta had shuffled me quickly into the bathroom and told me to stay put until she returned with some proper clothing. I took a few moments to look at myself in the mirror. I wasn't a clone of Aphrodite, but I was the closest thing on Earth I'd ever seen. My own breath caught in my throat as I looked upon a vision of pure sand and seaweed plastered loveliness. Marta returned a few minutes later and carefully placed a pink dress and some women's undergarments on a chair in the bathroom. "My niece has a very good friend named Naomi. They'd come together to visit us a few times every year growing up and Naomi just kept on visiting us. She's a lovely girl of about your age and lives on the mainland. She's like family and we've kept these clothes for her for when she visits. I suspect the bra might be a little snug, but better snug than nothing. Why don't you clean yourself up in the bath and then come out and speak with us. I started the water for the tub as Marta left and I dropped the towel to the floor. I brought my hands to my heavy breasts and felt their suppleness and sensitivity. I looked back at the mirror and just asked "Why change me?" The mirror went black and Aphrodite looked back at me. "There are rules, Amara. Even for gods. Zeus would not permit you to live as you were and he thought it would be more interesting to see how you would react and survive your labors as a woman. I had no choice, but you turned out beautifully. Would you rather I change you back so you can be destroyed?" "I'd like to be changed back, but not destroyed." Aphrodite laughed. "One or the other, but whatever you choose do it quickly because once chosen there is no going back and your fate is sealed." "Life as a woman or death? This is hardly a choice. I choose life." "Then so be it, Amara." The mirror faded back to my own image and I knew there was no going back to who I was before. I turned off the water for the tub and tentatively stepped in. As I lay in the tub of hot water I looked over at the pink dress and assorted female undergarments and sighed. This wasn't what I had in mind for myself I'd never wanted to be a woman. At least I didn't have to walk around covered only by my hair. I closed my eyes, slipped under the water, and let the tranquility sooth my troubled mind. Somehow I felt no urgency to breathe as if my lungs were replenishing my air while underwater. After several minutes I raised my head above the water. Were these the gifts of the gods? Eternal beauty as a woman and the ability to be underwater indefinitely? I'd have to test this out. As I washed the sand and seaweed from my body I kept picturing the lush gardens, the sweet smelling air, and Aphrodite and Proteus standing there in all their godly glory. Of course I could still be dead or dreaming, but this body and everything felt as real as anything I'd ever experienced before. Death or life as a woman... I ran my hands over my body feeling my velvety soft skin but hesitated to touch myself too much imagining the gods staring down at me. Nothing like knowing you're being spied on to eliminate sexual desire; a desire I struggled with as I looked down upon myself. I washed my hair a half dozen times to get the seaweed out of it. Now I finally stood smelling of citrus and lavender and looked at myself in the mirror. If Aphrodite wasn't pleased by my looks as a young man before, she most certainly would approve now. My golden blonde hair cascaded down my back. It wasn't long enough to cover my body as hers had, but it reached the small of my back, lush and full. My hair shone like spun gold and my eyes were like sapphires. My breasts were large and full, my hips wide against the slightness of my waist without being fat. Aphrodite was the god of love and beauty and she made sure my body exuded sensuality. I felt her essence flowing through me just as I felt a kindred spirit with nature and water from Proteus. I should be screaming my anger but what good would it do me. My mind wanted no part of being a woman, but my own eyes lusted after myself. I was repulsed and attracted to the new me at the same time. I wanted to explore myself more fully yet I knew I must face Marta and Hahn and try to explain everything. Just like Proteus to guide them to me the way he had by hiding a note in a fish. Perhaps, in some small way this was their way of showing they cared for me. I slipped on the panties and I examined the bra. It was a C cup. I tried squeezing myself into it and it was clear the cups were too small as all it did was push my breasts up even more. I stepped into the dress before opening the door and heading out into the living room. Marta and Hahn both gasped. Aphrodite's gift might just prove to be a curse but still better a curse than death. "By the gods, Marta! She's the very vision of Aphrodite." Marta, being more motherly and concerned, asked me to sit and then questioned what happened to me and if I knew anything about Sean. I looked down past my cleavage to my long legs. My fingers absentmindedly picked at the hem of the dress. "What day is it today?" "The third of June." I'd lost an entire day. "This will sound very strange to you, and I'm still coming to terms with it myself. I really am Sean. Yesterday, June 2, was my twenty-first birthday. I didn't want to tell either of you as I knew you would have made a big deal out of it. You know I bought a ticket for a tourist cruise." Hahn nodded. "We heard stories about a terrible storm and a young man matching Sean's description falling overboard. The seas instantly calmed and yet they were unable to find him." "That was me. The storm came up and in seconds we were threatened by the wind and waves. I was hanging on when a crazy old man tried to cut my hands so I had to let go. I was thrown into the water and try as I might, I couldn't swim upwards. It felt like unseen hands pulled me down. When I woke, I was in a lush garden. They called it the Garden of Hesperides." "They?" "Aphrodite and Proteus. They met me in a temple and claimed to be my mother and father. For my birthday they gave me gifts, Aphrodite gave me beauty and said my new name was to be Amara, and Proteus gave me attunement of water, control of water creatures, and transformation. They also gave me two labors to perform." "How could you be their child?" "I never knew my real parents. I was an orphan and raised in a foster home." Hahn, who still couldn't tear his eyes off of me, put his hand to his face and scratched his unshaven beard. "If what you say is true, and you certainly have Aphrodite's beauty, then I need to hear every detail. Everything you can remember." *** It was very late that night when I finally went to bed. Marta had found more of Naomi's clothing for me and Hahn began pulling books from the shelves to try to confirm the things I'd seen. I wasn't tired at all, but I needed time to be by myself. I stripped out of the dress and confining bra and found a sexy sheer nightgown. I was beginning to wonder what Naomi looked like to keep such clothes here. There were no real options so I pulled the nightgown over my head and lay down on the bed. I could overhear Marta and Hahn discussing me. Hahn was excited, believing this to be true. He told Marta he had numerous references to similar events happening in the distant past. Marta was more skeptical and concerned that they should be looking for Sean in case this wasn't true. In the morning I'd do my best to share details about my time here with them already as a way to confirm who I was. This caused me to wonder exactly who I was now and what my future would look like. Was I Greek now? I bet the gods never thought about identification or how these changes would impact my future. "A little help would be appreciated at least in getting me a passport, some money, convincing Marta and Hahn I was Sean, and a new bra. It's not like the ancient days when I just needed a toga." I said barely as a whisper. I rolled over and felt my nipples brush against the silky nightgown as they shifted with me. They became erect and hard at the movement. I reach up to touch them and felt a burst of sexual energy pulse through my body. Was this the gods laughing at me, forcing me to feel myself up in front of them? My fingers squeezed one of my nipples and I gasped at the intense feeling it generated. I'd never felt anything like this or knew a woman's breasts and nipples were so sensitive. In moments I returned to lying on my back and my hand was up underneath the nightgown and gently massaging my breast. Each squeeze caused me to moan softly as my passion built. I felt moistness between my legs and my other hand slipped under my panties and found my warm, wet vaginal lips. My finger slid easily between the folds and found a rhythm of gently stroking back and forth. Every squeeze and stroke caused my body to rock and my back arch with ever deepening pleasure. Small whimpers and moans escaped my lips until I turned my head into my pillow to stifle my screams of ecstasy. I lay there basking in the afterglow of what was undoubtedly the best sexual experience of my life. I had to laugh slightly that I had seriously considered death to stay male when I hadn't even experienced the joys of being a woman. I had no idea what would happen to me in the future or even what my sexual preferences would turn out to be, but at the moment and as the waves of pleasure washed over me, I was blissfully intoxicated with who I was. Would I wake tomorrow feeling otherwise? *** I woke to the orange glow of the sunrise coming through my window. I quickly noted that nothing had changed and I was still a woman. This both pleased and annoyed me. I got up and dressed then quietly made my way to the bathroom. I sat down to relieve myself, surprised at how little control over the spray I had. I stopped to look in the mirror at the strange beauty that stared back at me. I was still amazed by my looks but also concerned about what happens next. Back in the living room I noticed Hahn tiredly pouring over his textbooks and a weary Marta in the kitchen making breakfast. Hahn looked up and smiled. "Everything you said can be backed up and verified. You're walking evidence that the gods still exist." "I hope so because otherwise I've no response for what's happened to me." Marta came into the room and I carefully recalled the events of my life as Sean that connected with them both. Marta just shook her head having a harder time than me that this was all real. I think finally she began to understand I was who I said I was. A knock sounded at the door and Marta found a large box on the doorstep. I helped her bring the box in and we both noted that no one had ordered anything and there was no from address. We opened the box carefully and looked inside. On top of everything was a note in ancient Greek. Surprisingly I could read it but I passed it over to Hahn. His translation left a bit to be desired, but Hahn did the best he could in reading it for Marta. 'Amara, We received your requests and realize we have not been keeping up with the happenings on earth. Zeus believes we are meddling and that you need to get started on your labors. We took the liberty of providing your basic needs in a way we deemed fitting. A & P' I frowned. Hahn and Marta looked at me questioningly. "Last night I was frustrated and asked Aphrodite and Proteus for a little help with my identification, money, since I lost my bank cards with my wallet and passport somewhere in the ocean, and with helping you to believe I am, or was Sean." "Let's see what's in the box." Hahn was anxious and I was hesitant. He pulled out a picture that looked remarkably like a postcard of me as Sean standing in front of Aphrodite and Proteus in the temple in the Garden of Hesperides. I thought it rather tacky but for whatever reason Marta and Hahn felt it was from the gods and now fully believed everything. I shook my head feeling my mass of hair slide across my back. There were brief moments that I felt normal, but then simple movements and actions like this brought the reality of my new life back to the forefront of my mind. The next items that were pulled out were two bras and panties. There was one black set, and one white set. Hahn held them up in wonder. They were remarkably sexy and sheer. I sighed and admitted I also asked for a new bra. Beneath these items was a sexy swimsuit, a dress and shoes that looked like they were made from the finest white silk, a bag of pearls and what appeared to be diamonds, and a purse. Hahn handed me the purse and I looked inside. There was a bank card and Greek driver's license and passport. The name was Amara Milas. I sat down on the couch and handed the passport and driver's license to Hahn and Marta. Marta looked stunned and ran into their bedroom where I could hear her rummaging through her closets. She came back holding several pieces of paper with tears in her eyes. I felt badly about how the gods were playing with us all. "I'm sorry Marta." "No... I'm happy." She handed me the papers and I read through them. These documented that Marta gave birth to a stillborn baby girl on the exact day I was born. The baby girl had blue eyes and blonde hair and they named her Amarala before burying her. I looked up at Marta and Hahn who were both looking at me like I was their long lost... "The gods have given us back our daughter!" I was swept into a fierce embrace by both of them. I felt tears on my cheeks and a warmth in my heart I'd never felt before. I looked up to the sky and whispered a thank you. In the span of minutes, Aphrodite and Proteus had given me an identity, resources, and the family I never had. Suddenly my being turned into a woman seemed less significant to me. Marta was still clinging to me as Hahn re-read the letter and looked at the picture over and over. "We need to celebrate, Hahn!" "Yes, but how do we explain Amara?" "I have an idea. That is if you want me to stay with you." Hahn looked over at Marta and an unseen agreement passed between them. "Of course. You 're family now." "Then we can offer the following excuse for my absence all these years. Upon removal from the hospital I miraculously recovered but documentation following my body was lost. I was placed in an orphanage and fostered by a family from the United States. I managed to track you both down and after testing, I was granted my rightful name and identification." "This will work. What are you planning to do about the labors?" "According to Aphrodite and Proteus I need to complete these labors to prove my worthiness to live. Everywhere I look on a map there are places named after Aphrodite. Where would I even begin to look for a lock of her hair?" "Perhaps you could start by looking in the Sanctuary of Aphrodite. It's about a twenty minute drive from here. You could take the scooter." *** I quickly changed out of Naomi's bra and panties and into the black set that I'd been given. They felt so much better. It didn't feel right to wear the dress from Aphrodite yet. I hugged and kissed Marta and Hahn and promised to return by dinner. Riding a scooter as a woman in a dress took quite the skill, especially since Naomi's dress was a little short and the hem fell just above my knees. I headed first to the bank and checked my account with the new card I was given. Luckily it was a national bank and the teller was more than helpful to me. He showed me the balance and helped me set up my pin for the ATM. When I saw that the balance was over a million Euros I nearly passed out. I took out several hundred Euros and struggled to extricate myself from the fawning teller. It was clear my looks might prove to be a problem. I took back roads to the Sanctuary, parked the scooter, and walked around the ancient ruins. It was disheartening to see the fragments of the ruins and the mosaics. It must have been a beautiful place once. Tourists thought I was an employee, being Aphrodite in the flesh wandering the grounds. Many pictures were taken of me whether I approved of them or not. I was very self-conscious as I walked around expecting people to point at me and say I was a man acting as a woman. I might be a man on the inside, but my body, complete with its bouncing breasts and swaying hips, was definitely all woman. There was an enclosed building that appeared to be more of a museum and a sign outside indicated a fund raising event would be held tomorrow night. As I wandered through the displays a gentleman approached me. "I never believed I would see the day when the gods deigned to walk the earth once again. To see you here, in your sanctuary, takes my breath away." "I'm no god or goddess." He reached out his hand. "Please." I offered mine and he kissed the back of my hand. There was something remarkable about the gesture. Never in my life had I been treated with such honor and respect. I noticed a tattoo on his wrist as he pulled his hand back to his side. "My name is Ianos. I'm the curator of this place." "Amara. I'm performing research as I look to find evidence of a missing lock of Aphrodite's hair. Have you heard of this?" His eyes widened slightly. "Your name means, eternal and immortal. Very appropriate. I'm aware of a story that I could share with you, but perhaps you could do me a favor in return?" "What would you have of me?" "We're holding an event tomorrow night to raise money for further excavation of the site. Your presence would bring the past to reality and I'm positive it would benefit our cause. Do this, and I will share what I know." This was my first lead so following up would be a good idea. "I'll be here. May I bring my father? Hahn Milas is a well-known professor of the ancient Greek gods." "I've heard of him. You're his daughter, you say?" "It's a rather long story, but yes." "Then by all means, bring him along. You'll be our special guests. You do have a gown?" "I believe I have the perfect dress for the occasion." I said it in a way that made me think I was looking forward to wearing the dress. I almost wonder if Aphrodite and Proteus knew about the event and that's why they sent it. "Until tomorrow." He bowed and left. The guy kind of gave me the creeps. After several more people asked to take my picture I decided to leave. I headed into the shopping district and looked for a few more clothes. Obviously nothing I had brought would fit me and if I was to go for walks, dig around in ancient places, or try to blend in I'd need some jeans and other clothing. I also felt bad wearing Naomi's clothing. I entered one store that looked like they had jeans on sale. The sales lady insisted on taking my measurements but I wondered if perhaps she merely wanted an excuse to touch me. She found several jeans and blouses for me to try on. I slipped behind the changing curtain and stepped out of my dress. I looked at myself in the mirror and took a shaky breath. Standing there in my gods-given lingerie I was stunning. I shook my head at my own disbelief and stepped into a pair of jeans. They were skin tight and I struggled to get them around my hips and over my shapely butt however once on they felt comfortable. I turned around and looked at my butt in the mirror. I don't know why I bothered as it was perfect. I put on one of the blouses and I looked like a model ready for a night out on the town. The sales lady was pleased to check the fit carefully by running her hands over my thighs. I knew women were touchier with one another, but this seemed to go beyond what I deemed as normal. I bought two pair and two blouses and asked if there was a place I could buy fitness clothing. I bought the items at an insisted fifty percent off as long as I promised to visit again soon. I wondered if all pretty women received such attention and service. By the time I arrived home it was just before dinner time. On a whim, I'd tried on a short dress and loved the way it looked and felt on me. The phrase 'when in Rome' came to mind and I silently wondered if my brain was becoming female as the dress somehow felt right to me. I kept reminding myself I had no choice but deep down I was afraid to admit I was rather enjoying myself. I could see why so many women had so many clothes. I was enjoying the shopping with the exception of the overly attentive sales staff. I'd found an additional sun dress, some yoga pants and sweater for lounging around in, and an exercise bra to keep my breasts in line as I ran or did any kind of clandestine sneaking. Marta informed me that the celebration would be in a few days and that Naomi would come from the mainland to visit and participate. I told Hahn about the event tomorrow night and he was rather pleased to be invited. I put my clothes away, changed into something more comfortable, and brought the bag of pearls and diamonds back to the living room. After explaining what I found at the bank I gave Marta and Hahn the bag. I couldn't see a need for them and I was sure Marta and Hahn could use the extra money they would provide. *** The next day I wore a pair of jeans and blouse over top of my swimsuit and headed down to the beach. The water called to me and I needed to get back into it and on with my life. Water might just bring a sense of normalcy to all that's happened and I wanted a few moments where I could turn my mind away from things. Water always did that for me. I stepped gingerly into the water at first, remembering what had happened the last time I was at the ocean. I swam around for a while letting the warm water caress my new body. I felt absolutely wonderful. I swam further away from shore and dove under the water feeling more comfortable than ever before. I had no need to breathe and felt I could stay underwater indefinitely. I swam at length spotting an old shipwreck and watched as the fish large and small moved around the hull. I even tried calling out to them and smiled as the fish surrounded me. A dark shadow passed overhead as a shark swam menacingly close. I put out my hand and the shark let me slide my fingers along its length. I knew I had power gifted to me by Aphrodite and Proteus. I could easily control people by my looks and I wouldn't dare try to make someone fall in love with me. But as I swam around the wreck I thought about what Proteus said about transformation. I pictured myself as a dolphin and in the blink of an eye I was one. The freedom and ease of which I could move through the water was exhilarating. I explored vast areas of the coastline then swam back to shore changing back to myself and making sure I still had a bikini on. I walked to my towel and stretched out on my back. I looked down past my breasts and to the slight gap of air that formed between my bikini bottom and stomach as it passed over my hips. Just looking at myself I was becoming aroused and I secretly admired the perspective. I made a note to myself to have a nice bath when I returned home. Home... I'd already begun thinking of Marta and Hahn's house as a home. I never called my foster parents place home. It was only a house. I rolled over onto my stomach and looked around. I tried to ignore the people that took pictures of me with their phones or walked by a dozen times feigning they were lost but one man was staring at me intently. I'd seen him before the day of the storm. He was the man with the knife on the tour boat. I was dry so I put my clothes on and walked over to the man. He turned to run but I called after him. He stopped and angrily advanced towards me. "What are you?" "I'm just an ordinary girl." I amazed myself at the simplicity of the statement as it rolled off my tongue effortlessly. If I pondered this I'd say that I enjoyed saying I was a girl. It was as if I could get away with something just because I was a woman. "I've seen you before on a tour boat two days ago." He scowled. "I saw you go for a swim, dive down and not come back for an hour." "You think I stayed underwater for an hour? That's a little farfetched. Have you been drinking too much Ouzo? What's that tattoo on your wrist?" "You don't belong here. Go back to the sea." "That's Poseidon on your wrist. You worship him don't you?" He pulled his knife threateningly. "Leave here and never come back." He put his knife away, turned, and left. I walked back home and found Marta ironing a suit for Hahn. "How was your swim, dear?" "It was wonderful. I've always loved the water, but today it felt like it was my second home." "If you're going to get ready for the event, you might want to start now." "I will." I headed for the bathroom and paused. "Marta, just because the gods orchestrated things doesn't mean you have to accept them. I don't want to be a burden to you or Hahn." Marta put the iron up and came and hugged me tightly. "You've brought more joy and life to my heart in, I couldn't even tell you how long. There's something special about all of this. It's very healing to have you here." "It's healing for me too." *** I had another wonderful time in the bath making it harder and harder for me to consider why being male was ever anything special. Sure, being female was a lot more work. No more wash and go hair. No more peeing standing up. Periods... I wonder when I'll get mine. However, all those negatives aside, I've never felt happier to be me in my entire life. Of course there are expectations to complete the labors looming over my head, but I somehow felt I was more commanding. It wasn't the god thing, it wasn't the powers, which were really cool, it was being female. It was as if other people had fewer expectations of me. I didn't have to be big and muscular, I didn't have to feel like I was successful or a protector, and I didn't feel it was up to me to initiate relationships. Which brought me to another topic, what did I want for myself? I could easily fall for a woman, and perhaps the gods were messing with my head, but also a guy. I pushed that thought away as I worked on drying and brushing out my hair. I slipped on the white bra and panties and noted that the bra was strapless. When I figured out where my body was supposed to be inside the layers of white silk of the dress I was surprised at how nice it felt and how it hugged my curves. A long slit showed my bare thigh as I walked and the white slightly heeled sandals were a perfect match. One look in the mirror and I looked like a very sexy angel. Something clicked in my head as I looked at myself and an unhindered irrevocable smile appeared. I felt joyful and special for the first time in my life. I left my money and identification in my room and stepped into the living room to see Hahn dressed up like he would for a wedding. He looked rather dashing even when he nearly choked when he saw me. "You look spectacular, Amara." "And you look like a Greek James Bond." He grinned. "That's 007 to you." Marta rolled her eyes. By the time we arrived at the event, things were well underway. It looked like a gala you'd see at Monte Carlo with beautiful women, fancy cars, and men in tuxedos. Ianos was nearby and upon our arrival made a grand gesture of opening the door for me. That surprised me a little as I was unused to being treated as a woman. "If ever Aphrodite looked as beautiful as you then she was easily the most beautiful creature ever. You certainly don't disappoint, Amara." "Ianos, this is my father, Hahn. You might want to be careful about what you say about Aphrodite. The gods love their entertainment." We were led to a small stage that had been erected. Ianos stepped up to the microphone and began speaking. "Thank you all for coming tonight. We're here for our love of Greece and the rich history we have. Yesterday my heart skipped several beats when I was positive Aphrodite herself roamed the land once again. I've invited her here tonight to grace us with her presence. Please welcome Amara Milas." I stepped up onto the stage amidst gasps and people bowing their heads towards me. I looked around the room and many men had wrist tattoos. I had an uneasy feeling and hurriedly turned to leave the stage when a man pulled a gun on Hahn. "Not so fast, Aphrodite." Men from the crowd pushed forward encircling us. I imagined Aphrodite's power to make people fall in love with her and with each other and pictured these people making love to one another. A dozen or more stopped what they were doing and began kissing each other, but the man with the gun, those that were nearest us, and some of the women continued to press forward. Ianos smiled. "We've worshiped you for eons. To protect ourselves from your power we've cleansed ourselves." Hahn shouted out. "Their eunuchs." "What do you want of me?" "To worship you forever." They grabbed me and dragged me off the stage and down into some catacombs. We pushed onward through the depths and further down into a large cavern with a statue of Aphrodite standing at one end. The statue actually looked a little like me. Hahn was tied and pushed to the side and I was dragged to the foot of the statue. My wrists and ankles were chained. Suddenly I wished for the strength of Heracles as I pulled against the chains to no avail. "I'm not Aphrodite. Let my father go." "You say you're not Aphrodite yet above us men and women are having an orgy. Only Aphrodite could cause that." I watched as he walked over to a large chest and unlocked it with a key from around his neck. He reached inside the chest to pull out a glass vial with gold endcaps. He held it reverently in both hands. "The hair of Aphrodite. Our ancestor cut away this lock of hair to force Aphrodite's return to Earth. His sacrifice ultimately has brought our goddess back to us." He held up the glass vial and the golden hair inside shimmered in the torchlight. He brought it close to my hair to compare the two. "It's a match! Bring on the sacrifice." A young girl was dragged to the foot of the statue. Ianos held her down with one hand and lifted a ceremonial dagger in the other. "A young virgin's blood will bind you to this place." "You think if I was a god I'd simply let you chain me or kill that poor girl? You're all sick fools! Let the girl go!" "Those are not ordinary chains, Aphrodite. They were forged in Hades. Not even Heracles himself could break those chains." He raised the knife preparing to strike the poor squirming child. If only my hands and feet were smaller. Smaller... I imagined myself to be a mouse and the world suddenly grew larger around me. I scampered away from the chains and imagined myself as a Bengal tiger. With a roar I leapt. I allowed the tiger within me to be released. Guns were fired and people ran screaming. Miraculously I wasn't hit by any of the bullets. Minutes later I surveyed the bloody carnage. I'd killed at least a dozen people. I became me again and rushed to the girl's side and held her close. "You saved me." "Stay here." I grabbed the knife and cut Hahn free who stood in shocked amazement. We turned to face the girl again. She had picked up the glass vial and in a flash of light transformed into Aphrodite. "You did very well, my daughter, proving yourself amidst difficult circumstances. These people had distorted who I was over the millennia and were willing to kill a poor helpless child. You've returned to me the lock of hair that was stolen so many years ago. Name your gift." There was a chance I could be returned to being Sean and male. I could be wealthy forever. I looked down at myself in my white dress and realized if I gave up being Amara, I'd lose my new family and my home. How would that affect Marta and Hahn? How would it affect me? Aphrodite watched me with appraising eyes. "A hug." "You could ask anything and you ask me to hug you?" "I have everything I could ever want except the only thing I never had. The love and touch of my real mother." "Then come here child." Aphrodite wrapped her arms around me in a most loving and tender way and held me that way a long time. When we pulled apart I was sure I spotted a tear on Aphrodite's cheek. "That was perhaps the nicest gift I've ever been asked for. You sure you don't want anything else?" "Perhaps one thing. To know when I fall in love that I'm being loved for who I am rather than what I look like and to know for certain that it was our choice to love each other rather than the will of the gods." Aphrodite held me at arm's length and appraised me. "Then I'll grant you wisdom. I can't promise the other gods won't interfere, but I won't direct your love interests. I must get back before Zeus feels I'm meddling too much again." She glanced at Hahn and smiled and then in a flash of light was gone. Hahn rushed over and took my arm in his and led me out of the cavern. "I've never seen anything like this in all my days. Aphrodite truly does exist, you really are her child, and remind me never to get on your bad side." I paused and started to shake uncontrollably. "I killed all of those people." "The very same people that would have imprisoned you forever and willingly murdered an innocent child. Had you not done it, I believe Aphrodite would have killed them all anyways. Come on, we need to get out of here." We had just reached the surface when we felt a deep rumbling within the earth. Dust billowed out of the opening and we surmised the cavern had collapsed. I looked out over the remaining crowd that was very engaged in amorous activities. We climbed into the car and at the last moment I withdrew Aphrodite's gift from the people. We watched momentarily as people stood and stared at themselves in disbelief. Hahn pulled away and we drove towards home. "I'm sorry, Hahn. I never expected any of this. I put your life at risk." "Don't be sorry, Amara. I've not had so much fun in a long time. I saw Aphrodite. I saw the power of the gods. Everything I've taught and studied over my entire life has now been validated." "You don't think worse of me? I'm not really human to be able to do the things I can." "I'm as proud as any real father could be of a daughter." He reached over and squeezed my hand. Hahn was as excited as a school boy at Christmas as he shared with Marta every detail of the evening. Marta didn't flinch, but rather became even more motherly and concerned for me. She was afraid for me, especially in regards to the second labor. There had been many chances for things to have gone very wrong. Tomorrow was the celebration and there was much work to do. Marta had been slaving away in the kitchen all day. I spent an hour helping her clean up. I was enjoying a new perspective on the sexes. There was a comradery in the kitchen as a woman and while I didn't agree with stereotypes, I was happy to lend a hand. I was changing by becoming more giving and loving. In the morning we would pick up Naomi from the airport. Marta suggested I take her out later in the morning to swim or shop. I was anxious to meet someone my own age and to see the person whose clothes I'd been wearing. That night I dreamt of Poseidon's trident. I was in a cave that was very wet. Looking around I could see iron bars holding back unseen minions. In the middle of the cavern was a metal object. It was unscathed and unmarked, shining brightly in the flickering torchlight. I went to reach for it, realizing it was far larger than I assumed it would be. The metal was as thick as my forearm and nearly three feet in length. My fingers touched the metal just as an incredible roar rocked the cavern. *** Naomi turned out to be a pretty dark-haired blue-eyed young woman with a perpetual smile and mischievous glint in her eyes. At twenty-three, she was a little older than me. It turned out she was born in Russia and adopted by a Greek family when she was one year old. I found her simply adorable. "Marta's gone on and on about you for the past few days. You're absolutely gorgeous. You must be a model." "I was studying marine sciences, but now I'd like to stay here for a while. Not sure what I want to do anymore. Marta and Hahn are wonderful people and have opened the door to their home to me." "Well, you're their daughter after all and blood ties bind no matter what the circumstances. That's quite the story of how you all came to be together again." Marta, Hahn and I discussed that if the time were right, we could share more with Naomi. I didn't want to hide things or lie, but who is to say what damage could be done by people knowing the truth. I listened to Naomi catch up with Marta and Hahn. It was wonderful knowing they cared for each other so much. Once we got back home it was decided Naomi and I would head down to the beach and take in some shopping on the way back. Marta had a few other ladies coming over and Naomi and I were not to help out. We were ordered to go and relax and have fun. I quickly changed, wearing my bikini under the sundress and soon we were ready to go. Naomi looped her arm in mine as we slowly walked down to the beach. The feeling was so foreign to me. Guys would never do something like this. At the beach Naomi asked if I would apply suntan lotion to her back. It was so normal for her and I was happy to oblige. She was very cute. I enjoyed watching Naomi squirm as I squeezed the lotion onto her back. "Ohhh. That's cold." I began slowly rubbing it over her back and soon Naomi was moaning slightly. "That feels so good. Mmmm. Can I do your back?" "Sure." I lay down and felt her fingers untie the back of my bikini top. The lotion did feel cold but her hands were warm. "You don't even have a freckle on your back. I've never seen anyone so perfect before. Are your breasts real?" "Completely natural." "No Botox for your lips?" "None." "Wow, you're amazing." "Good genes I guess." Naomi's hands lingered on my back, but it felt so nice. "May I ask you a question?" "Of course." "How did it make you feel when you found out you were orphaned?" "I always knew. I was never adopted, just taken in by a foster family. There were twelve of us orphans there. It wasn't a very loving place to grow up, but there was food, clothes, and a roof over our heads. How about you?" "My parents love me like their own flesh and blood. I was shocked to find out I wasn't theirs, but after a few days I realized it didn't matter." "What are your plans? Do you work now, go to school, or have any career goals?" "As much as I want to honor my father by going into accounting, I've always been fascinated by Greek history. In particular, teaching the Greek gods like Hahn. Has anyone ever told you that you look like Aphrodite? I mean look at your hair, it's spectacular." I reached back and tied my biking strap again not wanting to forget it was undone. I rolled over on my side and watched Naomi. She was staring at me. "What do you know of the gods?" "My first classes taught me how the gods came to be. People attributed natural disasters to the gods and then later, people would claim gods to be their own to frighten others." "So you don't believe they exist?" "Not at all but the history is intriguing. Angels on the other hand... I could believe that. Just need to put wings on your back." I laughed at the same moment a shot rang out and the sand flew up around us. "I told you to leave here!" Naomi and I stood as the old Greek man held a gun pointed at me. "You're mistaken. I'm not what you think I am." More men gathered around and two boats of men carrying guns drifted a short distance from shore. "I think not. We're Poseidon's own and you don't belong here." "Let her go." "You take this siren with you to the bottom of the ocean." "You're wrong about me. You'll kill us both." "What's this all about, Amara?" The old man answered for me. "She's a creature of the sea and an affront to Poseidon. You'll go into the sea together. If you show your head above water we will shoot you. If you drown..." He shrugged. "This is a witch hunt. Either way we die." "So be it. Into the water with you both or we'll shoot you now." Naomi was frantic. I grabbed her hand firmly in mine and pulled her toward the ocean. When we waded to chest deep I knew there was a deep water shelf not much further away. The men on shore stood smiling and the boats surrounded us. The old man pointed with his gun for us to go further. I turned to Naomi and whispered. "Trust me." A bullet splashed the water next to us. "Go now and never come back!" "Take a deep breath, Naomi. Swim with me." We dove under the water and I pulled Naomi deeper and deeper over the shelf and down. She began to panic and pulled against my hand. I pulled her to me and placed my lips on hers and blew air into her. I tried to speak to her. "Stay calm." A bullet streaked through the water followed by many more. I gave Naomi another breath and pulled her deeper pausing several times to give her more air. I held her cheeks in my hands. Her eyes were wide with fear. I gave her another big breath. "Hang onto me." She nodded and I became a dolphin. She screamed losing valuable air so I changed back and gave her another breath. "Trust me. Grab my fin." This time she nodded and I felt her hand on my dorsal fin after I changed. I swam quickly away from the men and boats, changed and gave Naomi another breath. I changed again and swam to a dock changing only as we reached it. I pushed Naomi up under the dock so she could breath. "Stay here out of sight." "What are you?" "I'll explain everything later. Stay hidden, I'm going to take care of you but first I need to take care of those men in the boat." Naomi nodded. I changed into a great white shark and rocketed back towards the boats with the men. I called other sharks to me and together we swarmed the waters and bumped the boats. On the surface it must have been frightening as I heard people screaming. I called the sharks away and the men all frantically rowed to shore. Then on a whim I caused bubbles to form in the water and the words in Greek appeared on the surface of the water. 'Poseidon is unhappy with you.' I changed once again into a dolphin and swam back to Naomi, becoming me again at the last second. Naomi was in shock and I don't blame her. I looked up the beach and the men had turned and fled. "Let's get our things." She nodded but she was shivering as we walked out onto the beach. I wrapped an arm around her to help her. I grabbed her towel and draped it over her shoulders, then collected our things before quickly walking towards a beach shower and an oceanfront restaurant. I had to guide her to rinse off, dry her, and then I slid her dress over top before doing the same myself. We took a booth and I ordered some warm tea for us both. "Are you all right, Naomi?" "You ask if I'm all right? You breathe underwater, become a fish, and we had men shooting at us and you ask if I'm all right?" "You're right. It's a stupid question. Marta, Hahn and I wanted to tell you everything, but needed to wait for the right time." I told her the entire story, including what happened at the Sanctuary of Aphrodite. "So the Greek gods do exist, and you're the daughter of Aphrodite and Proteus. You have a rather unique set of powers. You completed one labor and need to finish the other and in the meantime you have crazy Poseidon worshipping zealots trying to kill you." "To be fair, I didn't expect anything to happen with the Poseidon worshippers. You must think I'm some kind of freak. Let me take you home. I'm sorry all of this happened." "I can't believe I kissed Aphrodite's daughter." "When did we kiss?" "Underwater." "I was giving you air to breathe. That wasn't a kiss. Did you think it was a kiss?" "The first one. I thought it was a kiss goodbye." "That was definitely not a kiss." "It was too, you kissed me, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it." She slowly started to smile making me feel a little better. "Do you want me to take you home now?" "And miss shopping? Not a chance. No crazed god worshippers or a kiss from a goddess can stop me from shopping." I hung my head. "I'm not a goddess and I'm really sorry." "You're rather humble for a goddess. I admit it was frightening. Maybe one day you can introduce me to your parents? Come on. We're wasting valuable buying time sitting here." Naomi grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the shops. In an hour it was as if nothing had even happened. I was hooked on shopping for women's clothing and Naomi had excellent taste. We each bought a dress for the celebration. When we strolled into the house Naomi hugged me tight, thanked me, and went to shower and change. Marta and Hahn were smiling at me. "She's a nice girl." "Yes. She is." "You don't see it?" Marta stood looking down the hallway after Naomi as she dried her hands on a towel. "See what?" "I think Naomi really likes you. Don't you see the way she looks at you?" "After all we went through, I'd be happy if she didn't want to kill me." I explained the day's events. Hahn and Marta were shocked. "At least you're both all right. Why don't you go get ready? People will start arriving soon." Naomi came out and grabbed my arm in hers. "I left some hot water for you. By the looks of all of you, you must have told them what happened?" I nodded. "I'll go get my shower." "Hurry back!" I smiled weakly and watched Hahn pull Naomi aside. I suspected he wanted to make sure we keep my talents hidden as much as possible. I showered and stared at myself in the mirror again when the mirror went black and Proteus smiled back at me. "That was priceless, Amara. When you wrote the words in the water... Priceless. We all laughed up here." "I'm glad you're all having fun at my expense and poor Naomi's risk to her life." My anger god the better of me and was immediately feeling guilty for saying what I did. "She's fine and I think you make a nice couple." "I better not find out you're meddling with her feelings for me." "We all agreed. Aphrodite promised you after all." "I had a dream last night." "Yes... that was interesting. Could be that father is following your labors more closely than he's letting on." "Poseidon?" "Of course. I wanted to let you know we're proud of you." "I appreciate that." "I also think you make a better daughter than a son." I frowned but let it go realizing he was probably right. "I'll take that as a compliment." "Be well, Amara." The mirror cleared and once again I stared at myself. I brushed out my hair and put on my new dress and stepped into a completely new world. There were people everywhere and they all wanted to hug me and welcome me to the family. Food and drink were in abundance and the home was packed full. Hahn greeted me with a giant hug and kiss on my cheek and Naomi snuck up behind me. "You look smoking hot in that dress." I took her hand and we stepped outside. "What's up?" "Are we okay? You and me? I mean after what happened today?" "You're mom said you'd probably ask those questions." "Marta is pretty intuitive." "Not Marta, Aphrodite." "You spoke with Aphrodite?" "She appeared to me in the bathroom mirror. We had quite the conversation. She's really very pretty." "Spill it. What did you both talk about?" "You, of course. It was kind of sweet. I think she cares about you." "And?" Naomi rolled her eyes. "She told me if I hurt you she'll turn me into a pierogi." I looked up to the stars. "Really?" I swear one of the stars winked at me. "I told her my intentions were pure." "You have intentions towards me?" "I felt the way you rubbed suntan lotion on my back, how you kissed me, how you let me feel your dorsal fin, and how you showered with me. I can read between the lines. You like me and since I like you too I have intentions." "What kind of intentions?" "This kind." She pushed my back against the wall and her lips found mine. I could barely breathe. My lips wanted more. Naomi stepped back, smiled, grabbed my hand, and pulled me back to the party. *** It was late into the night when the last people said their goodbyes. We decided to clean up in the morning. Naomi had stayed close all night, but we never finished our conversation. My eyes never drifted away from her all night. She was exactly the kind of person I would have fallen for before I became a woman. "You coming roomie?" "Hmmm?" "There's only one spare bedroom and bed. We're bunking together." We said goodnight to Marta and Hahn and I changed into my nightgown in the bathroom. Just because Naomi kissed me didn't mean she was expecting us to suddenly be lovers. I crawled into bed and Naomi climbed in next to me. "That was the most exhilarating day of my entire life, Amara." "How long are you here for? I was hoping perhaps you could help me find Poseidon's trident piece." "I can stay a couple weeks, perhaps longer if necessary. To think I could be like Atalanta in the movie Hercules with Dwayne Johnson, supporting the goddess Amara on her epic quest. It's the stuff of legends." "As you saw today, it's also the stuff of danger. While I would greatly enjoy you being with me I'd not want any harm to come to you." "Are you always so serious? You need to lighten up and enjoy yourself more. If you ask me, it sounds like you've always struggled a little with living and loving. It sounds like you were raised with little love, felt forced to work hard to make a life for yourself, and now find your life has been completely turned upside down. My advice to you is stop worrying about other people and start living your life. Stop believing you need to earn love." "What do you mean by earning love?" "It's as if you're hesitant to put your heart out there; like you don't deserve someone's affections. You can't control that Hahn and Marta love you so just let it happen and love them back. While you were showering for the party I had a nice discussion with Hahn. You left out a few critical pieces in your story. Why didn't you tell me about the orgy you caused or what you asked Aphrodite for?" "They didn't seem relevant." "That's not the answer and you know it. You're afraid people around