The Goddess Within

Guardian Angel

I felt a cool hand on my forehead, “Come on, Ariane, wake up.” He shook my shoulders lightly and I opened my eyes. I heard him sigh, a slight smile showing on his face. “You’re okay!”

I pulled myself up and rubbed my head, “Well, that was inconvenient. Where is everyone else? What happened?”

“Well, we saw him take you. As soon as he grabbed you, you guys vanished. I asked Gaia what I should do, and she sent me after you. She said she and Lilith wouldn’t be able to help you, because good magic is useless in this lair.” He bit his lip, “So I came after you. One of the God’s let me borrow his Pegasus, and, well, here I am.”

“And the battle?”

He shook his head, “I don’t know.”

I frowned. “Alright, I’m sure we’ll know soon enough. Thanks for coming after me, Mikey.” I pulled him into a hug. “But I need your help with one more thing, okay?” he hugged me tightly back, and helped me stand.

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                        I led him into the dungeon, “We have to get them out of here.” Glancing into one of the cells, I noticed that their eyes were no longer pure white, but back to normal. His death most have released them from his spell.

“How do we get them out?” Mikey glanced around the room, looking for something to pry open the doors with.

“Wait a minute, good magic couldn’t be used here as long as Tartarus was alive... but now that he’s dead...?” I bit my lip and focused, willing the doors to open themselves. Using my magic to the best of my ability in my weakened state. I heard a click and pulled my outstretched hands towards myself, causing all of the iron doors to swing open, letting out the confused and weary inhabitants. As soon as they saw me they smiled. They knew it was over.

As soon as we were sure that every single person was out Mikey and I led them, hand in hand, out of the cavern. Past the torture devices, and past the pile of ash that had become the only sign of Tartarus.

We let them go out first, smiling at their reaction to sunlight. Clearly, they hadn’t seen it in a long time. And their reaction had also brightened the faces of a tired looking Gaia and Lilith.

Gaia wrapped me in her arms as soon as we had followed the last of Tartarus’ captives out. “Oh darling, I’m so sorry. Are you alright?” She held me at arms length, glancing me over, “Slight head injury, but nothing to fret over.”

I pulled her back to me, “Did we win?”

“Yes, we did. Tartarus’ army was defeated.”

I released my grasp on her, “how many did we lose?”

Her bright eyes beamed at me, “Only 10, and they’re in Summerland, safe and sound.” I smiled back at her. That wasn’t too bad, considering how large our forces were.

“It’s over, isn’t it? It’s finally over. Tartarus is dead thanks to Mikey, and his army is defeated. There’re no other bad things that can happen, right?”

“Yes, it is. We have nothing to worry about, for the time being.” Lilith chimed in.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Mikey pulled me against him and kissed the top of my head, “I think, its time for some pizza.”

Lilith giggled in excitement. Gaia shook her head and smiled. Would we always have our victory pig outs?