Medusa: Love Me ✔

Epilogue

The cave was pretty much ruined. Medusa guided Lara to the tree near the river. They decided to spend the night there while searching for a new place.

"There goes our palace," Medusa joked while shooking her head.

"Who needs that when we have a sky full of stars?" Lara shrugged nonchalantly.

"Did you just make a joke?"

"I didn't. It's a fact," Lara paused. "I used to look at the stars. I climbed a tree and got lost in thought. It was comforting, to know that we're not alone in this big world. I always think the stars are humans in other forms. They live in the sky, big and small. They have red, yellow, blue or white skin. When their time comes, they die. If that makes sense," Lara giggled.

"You're so adorable."

Medusa engulfed Lara in a warm embrace. She caressed her and planted butterfly kisses.

"I have a question. How did you kill Salazar? He was bigger and stronger than you. His men were fully armed."

"The almighty Athena helped me. She lent me her spear."

"That is so nice of her. How about we give a dedication to her?"

"Good idea."

*

After the ritual, they lay side by side. Medusa was quiet. It was not her character and Lara knew something must be bothering her.

"What's the problem?"

"Nothing."

"Medusa, lot of problems can be solved through good communication. So, talk to me."

"It's something that Salazar said. He said that you two are married. He was your husband."

Lara offered a small smile. "Unfortunately, it's true. He took me from my parents, forced me into marriage as a payment for their debts. I'm sorry I keep this secret from you. I don't want to look back at my misery life. Living with him was hell."

"Thank you for being honest. Anyway, he's gone and..."

"I'm yours,"Lara leaned in but she missed Medusa's lips. "Argh. I miss my vision." She groaned in annoyance.

"I'll be your eyes," Medusa kissed her pout. 

.

"Have I ever told you that I learned about stars and galaxy when I was in the academy?"

"Nope. Can you show me what you see right now?"

"Well. I gotta find the Big Dipper first, the easiest to spot. It's a part of Ursa Mayor Constellation. Its highest peak is on summer but it's spring so it should be lower," Medusa looked up to the sky. "Aha found it. Now, not far from the Big Dipper, there will be the Little Dipper. Its brightest star from is the Polaris."

"The North Star," Lara said.

"Yup."

"Do you know there are stories about the constellation and stars?" Lara shook her head. "Brace yourself, it's gonna be a long night."

"I'm all ears," Lara giggled.

"There are Cancer and Gemini right under the Big Dipper. Cancer has dull stars so it's a little difficult to locate. The Greek imagine Cancer as a crab who bites Hercules when he fought against a giant snake. Hera gave a place in the sky for it as an award. As for Gemini, consists of two very bright stars, known as Pollux and Castor. The myth tells us that they are twins. Pollux is an immortal while Castor is a mortal. They are so close and Pollux is so sad when he learns that his brother is going to die. So, Zeus lets him to share some of his power to Castor. That way, they can live forever together. From our place down here, it looks like they're hugging."

"What is your favorite star?" Lara asked.

"Orion," Medusa answered. "It is the biggest and the brightest constellation in the night sky. Orion is pictured as a soldier who stands straight and carries his weapon to the battlefield. Orion wears a belt which made of three stars. Betelgeuse is the giant star, located on his shoulder and Rigel, another star marks his right knee."

"What's its story?"

"He is a lonely traveler who searches for love. I see myself in him," Medusa draped her arm across her knees and leaning her head on it. "For so long, I live alone in the dark with my darkest thoughts. I lost hope and I gave up on love. Until you came along and made me realize that love was always here waiting for me."

"You better look for another star because Orion doesn't fit you anymore. You found love in me," Lara suggested.

"I don't have to because at this moment, I see a star that shines bright like a diamond." Medusa flirted.

"Is it Sirius?" Lara smiles sheepishly.

"No. The star called Lara. She is my star," Medusa brought her face closer. "Only mine," She whispered the last part and nibbled Lara's earlobe. This action elicited a moan from Lara. The sound was music to Medusa's ears. What she loves the most is when Lara says her name in such pleasure and that night she made Lara screamed it.

*

The next morning, Athena showed herself to the lovely birds.

"You did your job well. Those men deserved it. Women are not objects. Our place is not under men or behind them. We are equal. They learned it the hard way," Medusa and Lara nodded.

"I am here to retrieve my weapon and lift the curse," Athena explained.

"You will?"

"A promise is a promise. I see that you find someone who loves you unconditionally," her gaze went to Lara. "A beautiful woman," Lara blushed.

Athena lifted her spear and murmured something. Medusa's body jolted. Her green skin turned to its original white skin. She got her golden-haired back. The blood-shot, furious orbs turned into soft blue eyes.

"Thank you," Medusa said.

"You look disappointed," Athena stated.

"Actually, I'm sad. I miss Polypes. He is a good friend. I don't get to say goodbye."

"He's still here," Athena pointed her spear to the ground. Medusa's face lit up. She caressed the snake and kissed the top of its head.

"One more thing," the goddess walked to Lara. She placed her fingers on her eyes. "Open your eyes."

Lara did as she told. This time, she did not meet darkness. She blinked a few times to adjust her vision.

"I can see again. Oh my god. Thank you," Lara bowed.

Athena left the scene.

.

"Hey," Medusa greeted.

Lara turned back, and she held her breath. She looked every inch of Medusa's body from head to toe. She was awestruck.

"Are you done checking me out?" Medusa teased.

"Can you blame me? You're gorgeous. I'm so lucky that I get to call you mine," Lara played along.

Medusa stood in front of Lara. Their eyes met for the first time. "Beautiful hazel eyes," Lara's cheeks got red and she hid her face.

...

"My whole life was planned whether it's my own plan or my parent's. There was just one thing I didn't plan," Lara remained silent for a bit. "I fell in love with you," Lara bit her lip.

"And I love you too," Medusa smirked.

Medusa met Lara's eyes for several moments. She grabbed her waist, pulled her closer. She looked into her eyes and at her lips. Her finger lifted Lara's chin and then slowly lean in and kissed her. Their eyes closed to feel the moment. The kiss was sweet and tender. When their lips separated, they had the biggest smile on their face.

"What's next for us? Are we gonna spend another night under the tree or we go on a journey to every part of the world?" Lara asked.

"I'll go wherever you will go," Medusa answered.

AN: This is it. The story is finished. Thank you all for reading :)