Asclepius

Chapter 21: Everlong

Several weeks have past since I first woke up. Multiple things began to take shape. Asclepius did his diligence to research it all. He found instances when gods and goddesses used their powers and it drained them. Then, they would enter into a comatose phase like I did until I had enough charge to function.

"Hera was one of the goddesses that did it," he comments. "Maybe you could ask her about it."

I nod at Asclepius in appreciation, but going to Hera to ask about things is like walking into a lions den with a meat necklace around your neck. It's dangerous and probably not in my best interest for self preservation.

I take two steps forward into the water. Energy courses through my body. I close my eyes and savor it. The wind picks up and the ocean crashes against the rocks beside me. I let out a giggle as I feel the water dampen my shirt.

I look over my shoulder at Asclepius.

"You are so beautiful here in this moment," he comments.

I smile at him. I reach a hand out toward him. He looks at me then down at the ground never taking my hand. To show he is still with me, he steps forward into the water. I lower my hand.

The sun is setting and the birds are making one last attempt at catching dinner. One bird in particular seems more eager to get something. Perhaps he hasn't eaten yet today.

"You know, Galene, I have enjoyed our time together."

I look at him. His eyes are fixed on me. He is assessing me much like a doctor would assess a patient while attempting to give them bad news. I turn my body towards him and grab his hand despite him not wanting to grab mine.

"It's ok," I comment.

He looks at me then emotion breaks through the mask. Little flecks of water developed in the corners of his eyes. I watch the water shine and sparkle like diamonds. The shimmer is made more radiant by the setting sun.

"Lots of times, I go to treat a patient knowing that it will be simple. The thousands of years I have practiced has created knowledge and familiarity. You, however, are not that simple patient. I could see the cause of your symptoms, but I could never figure out how to remove it. I thought I did. I thought I could make you forget..."

His voice stops. He is words no longer finding their way out.

The sun casts brilliant shades of pink purple across the air leaving one last memorable performance before the night takes over. I can not help but love this time of the day where the sun sets and the moon rises. I can not help but love, as the biggest star says goodbye, that only then can you see all the little stars that are just as brilliant hovering in the sky. They wait their turn to be the light. Only then can you see the full scope of the universe. There is not just one star but many.

"I could never love another like I did my wife," continues Asclepius. "Although, In another life I could see myself falling for you. However, your heart will never truly be mine, and I can only give you fractions of my own. The whole of my heart was given away a long time ago."

I give Asclepius a hug.

"I understand."

It was all I could think to say to him. It was all I could hope to portray. Asclepius hugs me back. His cheek rests on my cheek. His wings, now pink from the setting sun, wrap around my body once more.

He shelters me a few more moments knowing it is ok. As we stand there, I feel my cheek begin to get wet as tears drop from his eyes. I hold him tighter. Sometimes, we find ways to mend the fractures while trying to help others. I pull back and look at him.

Slowly I lean in. I kiss one eye. Then I kiss the other. The last gentle kiss I give him is on his lips.

"I never wanted your heart. I only wanted to connect with an amazing god."

I pull him in for one more hug. This time, Asclepius lets go. His hug squishes me holding me tight to him. I hug him back just as tight. He kisses my forehead before pulling away.

"I got to go," he comments.

"Take care of yourself," I reply.

Asclepius leans down and gives me one more kiss on my forehead before disappearing. I only spend a second looking at the spot where he disappeared. Then, as if nothing is amiss, I look out over the ocean.

The sun has set. I am alone and somehow, I am ok with that.

I turn and walk down the beach away from the rocks. By now the colors dancing in the sky have left and darkness takes it's place. I hold on to the memories I made. I hold on to the goddess I am becoming.

I walk on. Only stopping when I find a shell on the beach. I pick it up turning it in my hands. Why doesn't Asclepius's departure bother me? It was a simple answer.

As much as we connected, he isn't the one. He can heal me, but he could never make me grow. He would never challenge me the way I would want to be challenged. He would only keep my safe and stable. I throw the seashell int the ocean.

I look out over waters teaming with life. My mind goes back to the fight with Chaos. In an instant, I found out just how much strength I have and in an instant, I was able to control it. How I was able to was a blur. Was it a look? Was it a touch? My mind reals back and forth between Asclepius and Ares.

Eventually, I settle on one. I remember the moment. His words purred in my ear. They continue to purr in my ear, yet he is absent my company right now. Perhaps even the mere memory of him could help me cotrol my new powers.

I raise my hand to the sea. The water in front of me begins to gurgle and form. I bring a small ball of it no larger than a softball up. I catch it effortlessly. With a smile, I throw the ball out into the ocean. It splashes and out of those splashes, I form circles of other balls.

I do not know how to unlock my full power, but perhaps with a little practice...

The end

Dear Readers,
Thank you so much for all the love and support I have received with Taming of Ares and Asclepius. As you can see from the release dates, Asclepius was not as well tended as Taming of Ares. Life happened and my side passion of writing was placed on the back burner.
I do however, have big plans for our girl, Galene! Yes, there will be a third book and we will meet a character from the past! EEK!
I will withhold the title because it gives it away, but expect the first chapter to be dropped in here. Then a whole new book writing process will begin! Book chapter releases for the third book in the series will begin Fall 2023! Until then!
Thank you all for all the support.
- EM