Week Eleven: The Hydra's Heart

  Xeq put his hand to his heart.

  “You miss your brother?” He asked as he observed Xeq. Xeq sighed. “Yea. I do. But if you can tell me about this Hydra’s heart then he’ll have to wait.”

  “You took something of his.” Mioko said as Xeq sat Indian style by the river inside the mountain, the same place Mioko had brought him to when he first fell from the sky.

  “No?” Xeq said in confusion.

 “The wind tells me that he had fallen into the Atlantic.”

  Xeq got up in shock. “What?”!

  “He’s hurt?” Xeq questioned in panic.

  “He’s okay.” Mioko said with an assuring gesture to indicate that Xeq should sit down. Reluctantly, Xeq obeyed.

  “Before you go. I shall tell you why your connection is severed. No?” Mioko glanced at Xeq seeing that he had his full attention.

  “Yes.” Xeq said exasperated. “Please.”

  “You are Feng and she is Shui.” Mioko started.

  “What does Zamer have to do with this?” Xeq interrupted in confusion.

 “She is the Phoenix. The one who heals.” Mioko continued. “She told you what was required to heal someone, yes?”

 Xeq smirked. “Something significant, right?”

“That day she did not tell you what she took now did she?” Mioko wondered.

  Xeq frowned. It was one of the only days that he had yelled at Zamer. The two weren’t a couple then. He didn’t know who to turn to. He flew everywhere to find people to heal Vile. Finally, he found Zamer.

“No.” She walked away and since I found out that we lived only hours away from each other she set out and went home.

“Did you want to know?” Mioko curiously asked

  “Well.” Xeq frowned as he thought of his bother. “No. Because he was healed and that was all that mattered to me.”

  “What brought you and him close?” Mioko questioned. “You two aren’t blood. You’re an only child. Did he know that?”

  Xeq shook his head. “No… He doesn't knew about that. Besides,” Xeq smirked. “He’s always been around since birth. There’s no way he would know that we’re not really blood related…” He muttered.

  “A silver dragon of the sky related to a dragon of the sea? Unheard of.” Mioko said simply.

  Xeq frowned. “Our parents aren’t dragons.” He said sternly. “It’s possible.”

  Mioko shook his head. “The Phoenix’s parents are not phoenixes.”

  Xeq nodded. “That. I knew.”

  “Her great grandfather on the other hand was a phoenix.” Mioko added.

  “But phoenixes don’t die?” Xeq asked now the one confused.

  “You’re right.” Mioko nodded. “They great reborn.”

  “Wait...” Xeq raised an eye brow. “What?”

  “Her grandfather said he had seen enough in the world and thought that it was time for a new era. He gave his life to the baby that his granddaughter was having. In turn, she became the next phoenix, the power being reborn within her.”

  “Ew.” Xeq said as he thought about dating Zamer’s great grandfather. “So basically?”

  Mioko nodded with a smile and laugh. “Don’t worry. She only has the memory of the past phoenix’s but
 she is still her own person.”

 “Better be.” Xeq said with a sigh.

 “She took the nightmare.” Mioko remarked sternly.

 “What”, Xeq said in surprise. “How could a nightmare be significant?”

 “It told him who he was and would one day lead him to his true brothers.” Mioko explained.

 “What do you mean?” Xeq asked now starting at his true self.

 “The hydra’s heart.” Mioko pointed at Xeq’s stomach.

 “You will gain power, you lose your ability to breath fire, if you can consume the hydra’s heart.” Mioko said.

 “But it’s beating inside me.” Xeq frowned and feeling a little sick in knowing that he was now part hydra.

  “You and your brother can become one.” Mioko continued. “He is what you’ve consumed.”

   “No.” Xeq looked at Mioko is disbelief. “Vile’s a hydra?”

  Mioko nodded. “That would be the only reason why you two can’t communicate anymore. The hydra
inside him wants his brother. Each part of a hydra can be separated but in the end they all need each other. 
They’re each other’s life source.”

  “But that doesn’t make sense.” Xeq protested. “Vile was ad-”

  “Adopted? Through a foster home?” Mioko guessed.

  Xeq nodded. 

Week One: Xeq

  The burning sensation erupted within the core of Xeq’s heart. The cold scales infected his skin, replacing it with shimmering scales. The day was now in a television form. The aromas around him escalated tenfold. Xeq could see thousands of different shades, ones that were not visible to the human eye. Normally, he would not change like this (not in broad daylight) but he had to escape. It was the only way.

   Xeq’s body was coated in silver. The breath of the air surrounded him as he took flight. Xeq needed to find her, his friend. They would be after her too. He wouldn’t allow a hair on her to be harmed. So help him, if he saw her the way he did that night he didn't know if he could contain himself. Last time he was nice and stayed in his reflection form. Next time, if there ever was one, Xeq wouldn’t be so sure of himself.

  He landed on her roof. They hadn’t arrived yet. Xeq smiled as he tap the glass four times. Good. No sign of them yet. Their scent was still far, he had time to be with her. This would only have to last a moment though, he knew that if he stayed too long they would see him before he would see them. That, would be a problem.

  The window creaked open, and Xeq slowed his way in. She was nowhere to be found. His eyes shimmered the luminous silver that his body reflected moments ago. There. A smile. Hide and seek never worked on him. In mid thought, he slide his foot back, and took her at the waist. She’s hot. The fire on her stomach brushed his reflection skin.

  Quickly, he coats his body in silver. Using his back foot, Xeq boost himself. Purposely, Xeq nails her against the wall. As She gasped, he smiled. Fire doesn’t work on a fire resistant body. Now, if her flames were stronger, that would be another story. But, as playful as she was, Xeq knew she wouldn’t do that to him.

  She coughs. “Xeq..!”

  Grinning, he meets her eyes.

  “You know, I’m better at partial transformations. You will never be able to sneak up on me."

   Her arms wrap around his neck.

  “A woman can dream can’t she?” She said with battered eyelashes.

   He laughs as his hands set on her hips.

  “Dreaming is for those who know what cannot be done isn’t done.”

  She smirks but that quickly fades as her eyes gaze upon the scar on his cheek.

  “Did they get to you?” She frowned.

   Xeq stares deep into her eyes, she knows what he wanted to say. He wanted to lie. No, he hit another windmill while he was out flying last night. Xeq had done it before. Xeq’s gaze drops to her lips. Silently, she pushes them together. He smirked.

  “Yes.” He says slowly. “But that’s why I came here.”

  “It’s getting out of hand.” She says, moving her hands to his shoulders and touching one of them on his scar.

  “Don’t worry.” He say but stopped himself from continuing as their lips meet. She’s his. No one else can have her. His arms pull her closer. No one can harm his love. No one.

   They stop for a moment, lips close but not touching he speaks. “I can only be here with you for some time. After that, I’m going after them.”

  Their eyes are locked. She searches his eyes for any hint of doubt but there is none. She frowns and silently averts her eyes. But then, she kisses him again, retracing them.

  Letting go, she speaks. Her voice is stern. “You better return to me.” She said simply. “You don’t want me to go out there but you know I won’t hesitate.”

   He smile in response to her care. She is his and he is hers. How could they have it any other way?

   He nods. Their lips meet again. This time, he carries her to her bed and lays her down. Her body in his arms, he kissed her neck. They touch each other, each knowing how to touch and where, as if we are one in mind, and one in soul. His senses strike him and his hand meets hers. Our eyes meet for the last time, this time, her eyes are a deep amber. The eyes of her true self, a phoenix.

  “Return to me.” Her voice echoes in his head. He take flight and head for the nearest park. They await his arrival.

  The victim is weak. His wings shimmer as the shadows cast over it. Xeq’s eyes widen. His brother. They beat his brother. He screeches in response. They roar and spit.

  Reflectioned self. They try to communicate but he show his claws.

  No. Not this time. He sends back as they spring at him.

  They tried to hurt his love and now they have abused his brother. Xeq isn’t a negotiator. Hissing, Xeq growls as he thinks only of the Hydra’s death. One head snaps at him, it has a beak for a mouth. It screeches as it misses and he claws at it scorching its neck with his fire breath.

  This Hydra’s weak spot is the connection to each head. He sinks his teeth into the head with a beak so he can locate it. Odd, normally on the right side but the soft spot is at the center but more leaning towards the right. He darts for it, seeing that his brother is conscious. He lets out a breath directly at the neck of three other heads.

  Thank you. He thinks and slashes at the other. Xeq’s eyes give off a silver glow more intense than the normal. He gulps for a moment but he knows what he has to do, the taste in his mouth is no longer fire, it is a burning sensation unlike fire, it is stronger, and it is bright. A beam of light leaves his mouth. He burns through their protective armor and darts into the corroded spot. He snaps, and swallows. He can feel the heart beat as is slithers down his throat, his skin feels the wind brush against it as his brother slowly approaches him.

  His brother's watery blue eyes meet Xeq's silver ones. Take...me home, I can manage.

Nodding, Xeq does as requested and takes him home. Laying in the tub and he watches the bubbles that it creates as his wounds heal slowly.

  You won’t be the same after that. His brother mutters.

   Xeq smirks as he shut the door behind him. As long as his brother’s okay. He'll be okay.

Week Twenty Four: Lerna Part IV

Vile slammed himself into Heracles with all his might. He didn’t want to fight but Heracles sure didn’t seem like giving in any time soon so Vile did what he had to. He felt the emotions twist inside him. I’ve killed before but I never wanted to do it again. He thought as he coated his body with poison.

  Heracles cringed and slammed into the sand. “Iolaus!” He exclaimed.

  Vile shook his head. “His name’s Curt.”

  Awaiting a reply and not getting one, Vile turned to look for Curt. By surprise he found no one, not even Taco.

  “They left?” Vile said in amusement.

  “They what?”! Heracles said, he could feel the poison infect his blood.

  “They left,” He said reaching into Heracles back pocket.

  “Don’t mean to violate you there, bud.” He shrugged.

  Heracles glared. “You poison me and you’re worried about touching my gluteus maximus?”

  “Glut-?” Vile flipped open the reincarnated Heracles wallet. “No one says that.” He shook his head.

  “I will come back,” Heracles growled. “I will kill you next time.” He said as he gagged into the sand.

  Vile sat him up in effort to help.

  “I didn’t want to do this to you, Llyod.” He said closing the wallet.

  Llyod looked at him with wide eyes. “My name is-“

  “Llyod.” Vile said putting the wallet in Llyod’s hand. “Llyod Estaras.”

  Vile tried to make it easier for him to go so he held the Llyod’s hand send more poison into his system. Every time he threw up Vile sent a small current of water to wash it away. At one point, Llyod said thank you and began to slip away.

  Vile sighed.

  “Hydra! Heracles!” Curt yelled from a distance.

  “You two done with your little fit? We got Gelatos!”

  Vile squinted his eyes. “They left to get gelatos?”

  Llyod gave a small laugh and then gagged again after Vile sent it away, Llyod smield. “We are in Greece.”

  Vile shook his head. “Now you have time to be funny?” He shook his head. “You’re on the verge of dying man.”

  Appraoching them, Curt and Taco exchanged glances.

  “I take it the Hydra won?”

  “Name’s Vile but yet.” Vile smirked. “He was seriously going to kill me and I poisoned him.”

  Taco looked at Vile’s hand holding Llyod in curiosity and then turned back to his gelato.

  “Well…” Curt shrugged. “Didn’t know what you wanted kid so I got you vanilla…” He gave a small smile.

  Heracles shook his head. “I will die soon.” Muttered, leaning back. “Don’t bother.”

  “Iolaus?” Heracles said, a few moments later with his eyes closed.

  “Yea, Heracles?” Curt said with a smirk.

  “Thank you for supporting me even though it reminded you of a game.”

  “A book actually.” Curt grinned but then nodded.

  “I don’t worry.” Curt smiled. “You made a good Don Quixote.”

  “I am heroes of heroes.” Llyod shook his head to the best of his ability.

  “Right!” Curt grinned. “You make a good Heracles too.” He smiled.

  Hand going cold, Vile released it and turned to Taco and Curt.

  “You left to go get gelatos?” He said with an eyebrow raised.

  “They Hydra says as he finally kills off the enemy.” Taco added.

  Vile rolled his eyes. “I already told you my name’s Vile and what was I supposed to do, I wasn’t exactly going to test the theory about the asexual thing.”

  “You’re asexual.” Curt said in amusement.

  Vile put his palm to his face. “Ugh.”

  “Hey man, all I’m trying to do is lighten the mood.” He shrugged. “After all, Zeus is probably going to be pissed off that I left Heracles die like that.”

  “You mean Jupiter?” Vile looked up in confusion.

  “Who?” Cirt questioned.

  “The roman version of Zeus.” Vile replied.

  “Actually, when I read over the myths it never mentions Jupiter it always says Zeus.”

  Vile looked at Curt with a nod. “I noticed that too.” He raised an eyebrow. “But it always says Heracles not Hercules.”

  “Hercules!” Curt exclaimed, dropping some of his gelato in the process. “That’s who the other person was!”

  Vile again looked at Curt in confusion.

  “It’s nothing.” Curt grinned handing Vile the Vanilla and Caramel gelatos. “When I first met Heracles he introduce himself as Heracles and I couldn’t stop laughing. It wasn’t until he didn’t leave that I found out he was dead serious. Curious, I went with him. He kept talking about how many adventures we had in the past and I wasn’t sure what he was talking about considering the kid’s younger than me but anyway. I had this thought that Heracles sounded like a mixed up version of a name I had heard as kid while watching Disney.” Curt smiled. “And now that you say Hercules I remember!” He grinned.

  Vile shook his head taking a bite of the caramel gelato and setting the vanilla one in Llyod’s hands. “You didn’t bother to look it up?”

  Curt shook his head. “The guy wasn’t always with him. He came only around this time and kept talking about that lion first and then you once I saw him rip the lion apart.”

  Vile sighed. “This gelato doesn’t seem as tasty anymore.”

  “Maybe it’s because you’re sitting next to the guy you killed?” Taco questioned.

  Vile frowned. “No shoot Sherlock.”

  Taco tilted his head. “I like Sherlock Holmes.”

  Vile sighed and Curt laughed.

  “We should probably do something with his body so that no one find it?” Curt suggested.

  Vile shook his head. “Isn’t he supposed to be immortal?” He said looking back at Llyod who was getting more pail by the second.

  “He sure is decaying fast for a mortal,” Taco said with a mouth full. “That’s for sure.”

  Vile sighed. “You two are hopeless.” He said letting a drip of poison fall from his finger.

  “Oh!” Taco noded. “I was wondering when you were going to do that but since you kept feeding it to him I guess you were doing him a favor.”

  Vile frowned and Cut raised an eyebrow. “Feeding it to him?”

  “I was holding his hand for comfort.” Vile smirked. “But I was also trying to get him to get it over with.”

  Curt nodded in understand. “Ah, hey. It’s the kid’s wallet. Did you find out what his name was?”

  Vile nodded. “Llyod Estaras, Eighteen, December Thirteenth was his birthday.”

  “Son of Jupiter, huh.” Taco nodded.

  Curt and Vile looked at Taco in bamboozlement.

  “Jupiter is the ruler of the end of November and most of December.” Taco smiled. “Read your Zodiac every now and then, it might give you some clues as to what you should do for the future.”

  Vile sighed. “I think my history’s pretty well written for me.” He smirked.

  Carry Heracles in his claws, Vile flew over the Argolic Gulf.

  May we meet in the next life. Vile thought and Curt shouted. Taco agreed. The two sat steadily on his back. Watching Heracles hit the water made Vile cringe.

  Curt patted Vile’s back, part of it anyway, and yelled so the dragon could hear him. “It’ll be okay buddy. But hey, we should hang out a but so that you can recover before you go home!”

  Home. Vile thought as he looked out at the aimless sea and sighed. 

Week Twenty Three: Lerna Part III

  Taco watched as Vile pinned Heracles and Iolaus then began to taunt them with his poison. What made Taco wonder was why he didn’t send the poison to his claws and end the battle? Instead, he found Vile looking gripping Heracles and Iolaus and laughing hysterically.
  Eyes reverting to their normal green. Vile looked down at the new Hercales and Iolaus. “Do you really want your lives to end this way?” Vile shook his head.
  “Why don’t you end it already, serpent scum?” the new Hercales glared.
  “Because Heracles isn’t who you are and I am not the reincarnation of the Lernaean Hydra.” He said shaking his head. “Why do we have to reenact history? Isn’t that what history books are for?” He sighed. “So we don’t make the same mistake twice?”
  Getting off Heracles Vile stood at a good distance allowing the two to stand. Beside him, Taco made an astonishing face. “What do you think you’re doing?”! He shook his head. “Take them while they are weak!”
  Vile shook his head. “My reflectioned name is Vile. This here is Taco, he’s quite amusing. What are your names?”
  The reincarnated Heracles. “I’ve been living as him for so long…” He muttered. “I…” He smirked. “I don’t remember my human name.”
  Vile shook his head. “You’re not…” He shrugged. “Well, you’re not  creature so I guess you don’t have a reflectioned self and a trueself.”
  The new Heracles looked at him in confusion. “You do not consider yourself human?”
  Vile shook his head. “I may live amongst the humans but I will never be human.” He said allowing a smaller version of his wings to arch out.
  “My name is Curt.” The reincarnated Iolaus shrugged. “Heracles here has been dragging me along for five years now. I think the guy’s twenty but I never really checked his wallet. I thought of this more as a reliving Donquixote. You know, when the guy lives as a knight and has all his adventures, fighting giant windmills?”
  The reincarnated Heracles looked at Curt. “You think of me as a madman?”
  “I’m not as stupid as the squire.” He shrugged. Then he smirked. “Actually, I’m not stupid at all but I find you too amusing to leave on your own.”
  Turning o Vile he began to laugh. “I’ve seen so much since I’ve met this guy, it’s incredible.”
  Vile smirked. “You are the reincarnated Iolaus though.”
  Curt shrugged. “Sure! If that means I can have his wife later? I’ll go for it. But at this rate of hearing about her killing him with your poison after you die? I don’t think I want to be a part of that.”
  Vile shook his head. “I don’t want to kill him.”
  Curt nodded. “And I’m sure if the dang kid remember who he really was he wouldn’t want to kill you either but we met five years ago, I felt bad for the kid and then I realized I could shot an arrow or two.” He shrugged. “So I left my life and hung out with the little guy until he met the real Nemean Lion.” He smiled. “Now that, I have to say was impressive.”
  Vile grinned. “How easy was it?”
  “Well.” Curt looked at the new Heracles who was still stirring in denial of his broken destiny. “He straggled it to death.” He shrugged.
  “Yup.” Taco said with a clap. “That’s how he did it the first time too!”
  Shrugging, Vile looked at the new Heracles. The guy was older than him but he couldn’t be by much.
  “There is more to this life than destinies, Heracles.” Vile said taking a friendly step forward.
  “Maybe it’s time to actually go and be with your,” He coughed, “Wife?”
  Heracles looked up at Vile, after looked at his feet. His eyes shimmered and he tightened his fist. “No.” He growled.
  Vile looked at Curt in amazement. Curt shrugged and stepped back as if telling Vile good luck. Taco looked at Curt with a small laugh. “No reason, huh?”
  Curt grinned. “I guess not.” He said knocking an arrow into his bow. “Back you vital beast!” He yell and Taco dodged. “Oh no!” He exclaimed. “He got me!” H said pretending to fall and then knocking the arrow away with his claw. The two laughed and then turned to Vile and Heracles, who had both changed in aura.
  Vile stood his ground as Hercales charged. Dodging but slamming his tail into Heracles, Heracles grabbed onto Vile’s tale and in attempt to save himself, Vile turned himself into his trueself but still slammed into the ground a few feet away from Heracles who had thrown him.
  “I am a demigod!” Heracles growled. “I am to be hero of heroes!” He exclaimed.
  Vile reverted to his reflectioned form. “It’s not real, Heracles. We don’t have to fight!” He yelled.
  Taco shook his head and Curt sighed. “There’s a gelato place close to here, you want to go?” Curt asked with a grin.
  Taco looked at Hercales and Vile. “Well…” He shrugged. “I don’t want to annoy the fates being all buddy buddy with the enemy…” He grinned. “But…”
  Curt shook his head. “I can always get someone to go get it but I doubt this fight will end any time soon.”
  Taco shrugged. “I doubt that.” He smirked.
  “Why’s that.” Curt said looked at Vile who wasn’t changing into a dragon again but dodging the rocks that Heracles was throwing at him.”
  “Because, Vile has a kind heart. He may have the blood of a monster but I can see that he doesn’t want to kill Heracles.”
  Curt shook his head. “You see, that’s where you go wrong.”
  Taco looked at Curt in confusion. “Heracles wants to kill the poor guy.”
  Taco sighed and looked up at the sky. “I shall return with you after my galato!” He grinned looked over at Curt who was already on his feet.
  “Let’s rewrite history.” Curt said showing Taco the way to his car.
  “Indeed!” Taco grinned, glancing back at Vile in Heracles one more time before joining Curt.
  “What flavor do you think they’d want?” Curt said as they walked away.

  Taco shrugged. “The two can go get their own for all I care.” He grinned. 

Week Twenty Two: Lerna Part II

  Emerging out of the water was another man, around the age of Xeq. Vile stared down at the man in hope and somewhat confusion. Smiling, the man transformed waved at the reflection in the water and Vile looked to see his trueself and the man’s trueself. Vile sighed, he didn’t remember a crab in the story. Then again, he didn’t remember Heracles having any help either.
  “Summoned by Hera and at your service!” The man said with a grin. “My, it took you longer than I thought to get here, I’ve been waiting for some years now. Those two always sit there waiting for their fight to show up but you never come. I do, but the tragedy is yours, as well as mine, however!” The man grinned. “I am not one of Heracles twelve labors so even if I fight him alone, and beat him I might add, there’d be no point to the fight.”
  Vile rolled his head. “And your name is?”
  “Taco!” He grinned. “My mother named me octopus because that’s what she thought I was but I am no octopus I am a crab.” He beamed.
  Vile shook his head. “I’m supposed to go into battle with you? Aren’t crabs a bit small for the job?”
  Taco shook his head. “When I reveal my trueself you’ll see that you’re mistaken.” He paused to inspect Vile once more. “Well, Hydra, why are you alone, Hydras have more than one head you know?”
  Vile gave out a long sigh. “I have a brother but we’re not blood apparently. And if I did have siblings…” Vile smirked. “They’re long dead.”
  Taco shook his head. “You could cut off your head and then you’d have two!” He exclaimed. “I think they call it asexually reproducing.”
  Vile’s eyes went wide. “I rather not think about that.” He said feeling sicker in his stomach. “Rather…” He sighed. “Are you ready?”
  Taco looked at Vile shrill thrill and happiness. “I’d die for you. That was why I was taken from the stars!”
  “Like the zodiac?” Vile asked in amazement.
  “That’s exactly what I am!” Taco grinned.
  Stepping onto the sand, Vile and Taco walked over to the said Heracles and his partner. Once there, the pairs stared at each other. Heracles looked at Vile in amusement.
  “You…” He muttered, reluctantly keeping his hands. “I killed a lion some years ago and I’ve been coming here since. No one told me that the next labor would consist of waiting.”
  Vile shrugged. “Well, I’m not necessarily in the mood to kill you either Heracles.” He shrugged.
  “Lernaean Hydra has nine heads. Where are your seven other halves?” The man reincarnated as Heracles glared.
  Vile sighed. “They’re not halves because half means two…” He paused to shake his head. “But there is only me, and this is my ‘gifted’ partner sent by Hera to make sure you don’t kill me.”
  “This is impossible.” The guy said with furry. “I am to defeat all nine of your heads not only you!”
  Vile laughed louder than he thought he would making even Taco look at him in confusion.
  “You want to know why you don’t see my other ‘halves’?”! He shouted and gave himself a small laugh. “Because my brother killed them all and not my blood brother either.” His eyes gleamed green.
  “My own brother that I’ve been living with for all my life killed my actual family.” He smiled, feeling his blood rush through his veins. “Now there is only me and I am all powerful.” He hissed switching into his trueself.
  Taco stared in fear along with the reincarnated Heracles.
  “There was a rumor that if you eat another dragon’s heart you gain the powers of that dragon and more!” He shouted. “My brother tested that theory and now he has gone missing.” He grinned. “I went out to go find him and then landed in the Atlantic where I then was lead to here to fight you.” He smirked
  “Did you know that Atlantis is beautiful?” He began to growl and laugh hysterically.
  “Iolaus.” Hercales muttered as Vile went on. “Now.” He nodded.
  Changing into his trueself Taco blocked the arrow and then slashed at the two.
  “That’s what you get for forgetting me!” Taco grinned.
  “In the original death of this hydra, we cut off his head and burned the neck.” The reincarnated Heracles said to the reincarnated Iolaus. “Are you ready my nephew yet not nephew?”
  Reincarnated Iolaus smirked. “I’m so older than you.” He shook his head as he shot another arrow.
  Vile looked down at the battle. No one had taken a second glance in their direction and it made Vile at ease. No one had to see him do this. Lifting himself off the ground with his wings he looked down at the reincarnated Heracles.
  “Do you honestly believe you’ll get anything out of this?”! He shouted.
  The reincarnated Heracles shouted back in glee. “I am the hero of heroes!”
  Vile shook his head and shot a current of water at the new Heracles and his helper Iolaus.
  “I don’t want to kill you.” He said as he watched the two scramble for ground.
  “You’re not supposed to fly!” The new Heracles yelled and then curse at Zeus.
  Vile shrugged. “Well too bad.” He said as he reverted to his reflectioned form and spiraled down. Confused, the three stared at him in amusement.
  “Do you want to commit suicide?” The new Iolaus asked waiting with an arrow ready.
  Vile grinned as he slammed his tail into the new Iolaus and new Heracles. “No,” He smiled. “Reckless is what I would have called it.” He grinned as he pinned them both down with his claws and felt the poison drip from his lips.
 “Do you remember how you were killed the first time?” Vile grinned at the new Heracles.
  Heracles squinted his eyes. “My wife had poisoned me with jealousy.”
  “Actually.” Vile’s eyes gleamed a deep oceanic blue. “It was my poison.” He hissed.

  

Week Nineteen: Reincarnation, A Historical Replay Part II

I want to mention that right after I wrote Week Eighteen I found out that the bible is Greek and Hebrew. Most of the old testament is in Hebrew while most of the New testament is in Greek. But, I’ll work that to my advantage.

--

  The only education that Vile actually had over the Greek Gods and Roman Gods were from his childhood series Percy Jackson And The Olympians. There, he learned that demigods didn’t have it fair and Luke, son of Hermes, wanted to destroy all the Gods because his own father, a God, didn’t pay attention to him. Nor did the Gods in the first book pay attention to any of their children so for the sheer fact that Hera was talking to him was a surprise. Even if she wasn’t a real mother to him he felt that she was. An inner instinct also ticked inside him. He assumed it had to do with being part monster instead of God. Eventually, after the many quest Percy and his friends got the Gods to pay attention but in Vile’s book he didn’t believe that these stories were real. Now, he was doubting but he also knew that if Kronos had emerged he would have noticed something.

  Hera smiled, “You do realize Heracles is still half 'not' God, correct?”

  Vile nodded. “Yea?” He raised an eyebrow. “He’s half mortal. Like me somewhat not really?”

  Hera shook her head. “You have a reflectioned self. This is a process similar to magic. Water is known to reflect one’s trueself.”

  Vile nodded. He knew that. Any creature who had a reflectioned form would find out one way or another. That’s why most of them stayed away from water.

  Tapping his fingers on the table, Vile looked up. “So you’re saying if you stand by the water then people will see who you are?”

  Hera shook her head. “No.”

  Vile tilted his head. “How? If I stand by the water anyone can look and see who I truly am, a dragon—or since you’ve cleared—a Hydra. Why can’t they see who you are?”

  Hera smiled. “It all depends on a person’s perception but mortals, unless part God, cannot process the thought of what a ‘God’ or ‘Goddess’ looks like so they would only see who they would think as most beautiful.”

  “Wow.” Vile said shaking his head. “Like…Right now?”

  Hera grinned. “Who do I look like to you? Who is the woman of your desires?”

  Vile looked away in dismay. “You look similar to a girl back home.”

  “Who.” Her said again.

  “Her name is Gwynne.” He muttered.

  Hera smiled. “You have the capability to see past this gorgeous woman of yours because you are not human.”

  Vile shrugged. “Well, I’ll keep you looking the way a human perceives. It’ll help me in the end.”

  Hera nodded. “If that is what you wish.”

  Vile shrugged, thinking about how he left Gwynne behind that night. “What I wish is for you to explain why Heracles is on your bad side. As I said, he is half God. But then you said he still is half…” Vile raised an eyebrow. “…half human.”

  Hera smirked as she watched Vile realize what she had meant.

  “You were jealous!” Vile exclaimed in shock.

  “What?” Hera shrugged. “You think I’m okay with having affairs?” She raised an eyebrow. “Name one person, God, or creature that is okay with having affairs. Name a mythology. Go ahead, Vile. Enlighten me.”

  Vile shook his head. “You were jealous.” He said again with a sigh. “We can do this the easy way, where you tell me what actually happened, or we can do this the not as reliable way and look up what it say on the internet here.” Vile said as he tapped his laptop.

  Hera smirked. “I tried to kill him while he was young. Although, somehow he managed to escape that.”

  Vile looked at Hera in confusion. “He…was a baby. How?”

   Hera sighed. “I send two snakes to kill him. He was found strangling a snake in each hand joyfully.”

  Vile shrugged. “Sound half God to me.”

  A grin met Hera’s lips. “He couldn’t escape what I planned next however.”

  “I wouldn’t be surprised about Gods turning dark side. I mean, you make Gods and Goddesses sound human but immortal.”

  Hera gasped. “Vile! Did you call me ‘human’?”!

  Vile smirked. “Only humans have emotions. I have emotions which proves that I may be a hydra but that doesn’t mean I can’t be human.”

  “How dare you!” She exclaimed in anger. “I am immortal. Gods and Goddesses are immortal!”

  “That doesn’t mean you don’t have feelings.” Vile replied. “After all, this wouldn’t have happened if Zeus didn’t decide it ‘get it on’ with a human. But you do realize that sex, emotions, and ‘living’ are all human interactions. If you Gods and Goddesses weren’t human to an extent you wouldn’t have the time to care about kids or had the thought of what mattered to you and what didn’t. In my eyes, I see all of the Gods and Goddesses as partly human, maybe never dying humans but human when everything boils down to it.”

  “How dare you insult the Gods.” Hera frowned and then sighed. “But it’s not my place. You are not of my birth right. I can see why you wouldn’t understand our ways of living.”

  Vile shook his head. “Oh no, I get it. All of you are invincible and control certain aspects of the world. People pray to you and they get blessing. People work against you and they cursed. No one can escape the Gods. Not even the Gods themselves.” Vile smirked. “Which is why I’m wondering, what was that plan you had that managed to be successful?”

  Hera grinned. “I drove him mad and he killed his own children.”

  Vile paused for a moment and then sighed. “Whoa, Hera. Good one. I’ll remind myself not to have children for you to kill.”

  Hera shook her head. “Don’t you see Vile, we are together in this. I am not here to hurt you, I am here to bless you and make sure that you, unlike your predecessor, actually defeat Heracles.”

  “Here’s the one issue that’s driving me into a not confident conclusion.” Vile replied. Not hearing anything from Hera, Vile continued, “Even if we go to the cave, how will we get Heracles there?”

  Hera smiled. “Vile, around this time of year do you ever feel the need to fly somewhere, anywhere?”

  Vile looked at Hera is concern. “How did you know that?”

  Her nodded. “See, you’re not the only one with that instinct, Vile. Any unfinished business between a reborn demigod and a reborn creature causes tension. You two will always want to meet each other. I’m only making it easier for you two do so.”

  Vile shook his head. “But I’m not his first trail. So…” Vile paused. “Does that mean Herakles already did the first trail?”

  “Indeed.” Hera nodded. “Otherwise, your sixth sense wouldn’t have been activated to go out and end up where you are now.”

  Vile frowned. “I flew out there because my brother was missing. I didn’t fly out there to crash land into the Mediterranean. I wasn’t planning that.”

  “Oh course! Of course!” Hera nodded. “But it was meant that way. Besides. Brother?” Hera raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you mean brothers? A hydra has more than one head you know, the Lernarean Hydra specifically had nine to be exact.”

  Vile shook his head. “No. I meant brother. As in, Xeq? You should know him. He’s Greek too isn’t he?”

  Hera looked up at the ceiling as if searching her memory. “No.” She shrugged. “I don’t recall one of the heads being reborn as ‘Xeq’. He’s your brother but he’s flyer.” She examined. “And he doesn’t swim?”

  Vile shook his head. “What do you mean he doesn’t swim? Yea, because I have gills and he doesn’t. So what?”

  Hera raised an eyebrow. “Brother you say? An interesting concept if you ask me.”

  Vile sighed. “He went missing and this happened. All I hope is that he’s okay.” Vile smirked.

   

Week Eighteen: Reincarnation, A Historical Replay Part I

    Vile awoke to the sound of spirits. Heartbeat still silent, Vile sat up in his bed and looked out the window. To his surprise, Lerna wasn’t as green as he had expected. But as a West Texan raised American (as he liked to declare even after learning his decent) he expected any place outside of west Texas (other than the obvious dessert biomes) to be greener than west Texas.

  According to Hera, as the reincarnation of the Lernaean Hydra, he was to guard the entrance of the Underworld and thus defeat Heracles. However, according to every online story that Vile could get his hands on, the Lernaean Hydra was not exactly the chosen winner for humanity.

  We shall be saved! Exclaimed a voice.

  Oh, the Gods be in our favor! Said another.

  Curse Zeus! Curse him! Shouted another.

  Vile shook his head as he looked over the books and papers scattered on the table top of his hotel room.

  “Hera?” He asked aloud.

  What is it, my dearest?

  “Do these spirits even understand that if they get to entrance of the Underworld they’re not exactly going to ‘heaven’?”

  Hera laughed. Dearest, what is this heaven you speak of?

  “Heaven…?” Vile questioned. “You know, the opposite of Hell?” He added. “Angels, demons, all that jazz?”

  In the opposite seat across from him, a shimmering light exposed, making him cover his eyes. Light dimming, Vile took away his arm to see the result. Sitting across from him was a young woman similar to his dear Gweyne from back home.

  “We have the home of the Gods.” The woman said, her voice rich. “Then there is the world of the living.” She paused. “And then the world of the dead, the Underworld.”

  “Hera….” He muttered. “Where does Heaven and Hell come into play?” Vile asked in utter confusion, skimming his papers for answers.

  “There is none.” Hera shrugged. “Why would one want a world of the dead in two worlds?”

  “Well...” Vile smirked. “There’s also Purgatory if you want to get technical.”

  Hera shook her head. “I am Greek. What you speak of must not be Greek.”

  “The Bible?” Vile wondered. “I’ve always known about it. I never thought that the Gods wouldn’t know about ‘The Bible’.”

  With that, an idea popped into Vile’s head. “There’s always one hidden in a hotel drawer. I never cared to read it but I know its stories.” He said as he searched.

  “Does this ‘Bible’ you speak of have a God?” Hera questioned.

  “Yea!” Vile nodded dumbfounded after closing the last possible drawer and finding nothing.

  “What is his name?” Hera smiled. “Or hers if the one is a Goddess?”

  Silent for a moment, Vile took his seat again and tapped his finger searching the stories in his head.

  “You mean to tell me that you know not of our stories in your culture and you know of this ‘God’ that has no name?” Hera raised an eyebrow.

  Looking up and gazing Hera and her shimmering self, Vile shook his head. “No…” He paused. “In America…” He paused. “Where I’m from anyways, there are churches everywhere of every kind. I don’t know how to explain it but they always talk about their ‘God’. They never speak of his name of even if there is a possibility that ‘God’ could be a ‘Goddess.’ The only case I can think of where that is true could be who they call ‘the Virgin Mary’.” Vile shrugged. “I’m not Christian so this subject isn’t my stronghold as you can see.”

  Hera nodded in comprehension. “No.” She shook her head. “You are Greek. This ‘Bible’ of yours. You should be digging more in the papers before you and the books on this table more than this ‘Bible’ that doesn’t even seem accurate.”

  “Hey now.” Vile put up his arms. “Not all Christians are bad and I’ve never actually read the book so don’t judge it based on what I’ve told you because I’m not a reliable source.”

  Hera frowned. “And this nameless God is?”

  Vile rolled his eyes. “Do you want me to look up it’s orig for you? Maybe then you’ll figure out why you don’t know of this ‘God’.?”

  Hera nodded. “That would be pleasant.”

  Scooting his chair over to his laptop, Vile opened up a new tab and began to type. Next to him, appeared a small silver cup. Looking up at Hera, Vile raised an eyebrow.

  “Try it,” Hera smiled. “You seem stressed.”

  Vile sighed. “If you wanted to kill me you would have already done it.” Vile shrugged and took the cup in his hand as he began to read.

  Eyes widening, Vile parted the cup from his lips and looked at Hera in amusement. “Nectar?”

  “Do you like it?” Hera questioned.

  Vile took a moment to take in the taste and nodded. “That’s… The most amazing nectar I’ve ever had.”

  “I’m afraid you can’t have more than that sip.” Hera smiled. “It is the drink of the Gods and you are no demigod like Heracles but I did allow you to taste through me the beauty of our nectar.”

  Vile nodded as he held the empty silver cup. “It says here that the Bible is originally Hebrew.” He said looking up again at Hera. Every time he set his eyes on her, he felt calm and didn’t feel the rage deep down inside him. He could also ignore the rambling of the thousands of spirits in his head awaiting for their doom.

  “Hebrew?” Hera questioned. “You mean Jewish?”

  Vile shrugged. “I guess so. I honestly don’t trust have of what’s popping up in half the results here but it looks like the Bible is Hebrew.”

  Hera nodded. “Would you believe me if I told you that the ancient Greeks were first?”

  Vile shrugged. “Well, it doesn’t look like their God’s speaking up any time soon.” He smirked. “But I wouldn’t blame him. If I’m Greek and he’s Jewish what business does he have with me?”

  Hera smiled. “You are the reincarnation of the Lernaean Hydra. What business does he not have with you?”

  Viile shook his head. “I think I can live with knowing that one demigod is meant to kill me and I am meant to kill him. But bear with me, I looked up more than the history of the bible. Tell me…” Vile smirked. “Why choose me, the son of Typhon and Echidna, over a demigod? He is half God isn’t he?”

  Vile shrugged. “After all, I’m full monster over here. He’s at least half God.”

  Hera nodded. “Yea… half.” She smiled.

  Vile sighed. “I don’t understand you, Gods.”

  “I’m a Goddess.” Hera corrected.

  Vile shook his head. “However you prefer it, your majesty.”

  

Week Thirteen: Convinced

  Xeq shuddered in disbelief. Mioko let the information settle in before he spoke. Watching the agony spread through Xew, Mioki pitied him.
 "Vile has now lost his kin." Mioko continued. "What will you do?" He asked, eyes on Xeq in curiosity.
  Xeq shook his head. Staring into his true self he could feel the aggravation from the Hyper Beams that he tried to control. He contemplated the power but he also yearned it. A power that no other had developed. On top of that, he could regenerate and never die. Immortality took a whole different meaning if it meant losing his brother forever.
  "Do you still wish to hear the options of gaining the power you see?" Mioko shot at Xeq.
  A frown spread across his face. He felt selfish. He didn't know what to think. His brother was everything to him right after Zamer.
  Gasping. Xeq fell to his knees in agonizing pain. His breath was low and his vision began to blur. Gripping the edge of the river, Xeq could barely stand the agony.
  "The heart wants you to choose." Mioko said slow and firm placing a hand on Xeq's back. "For the sake of your brother and yourself you must choose soon." Mioko sighed. "If you want power and regeneration you first must be consumed by what you want."
  Xeq's breath hardened and his hands dug into the side of the river as he bared to listen.
  "Or, you can rid of it by taking your brother and letting him be reborn instead."
  Xeq's wild silver eyes met Mioko's concerned gaze.
  "Either I'm killed or he's killed huh?" He managed to grunt after letting the tears fall from his eyes.
  Mioko nodded. "With death comes rebirth." Mioko replied.
  "What happens if I die and become stronger as you say..." He choked, hurling himself into the water anything to sooth his pain.
  Emerging, he grabbed at the side of the bank and sighed, the water released some pressure but not all of it.
  Then you gain power the power you seek. Us dragons are strong and protectors of wealth as well as wise. However, some of us forget these abilities through our reflections. In a way, the water does us a favor. It allows us to never forget who we truly are."
--

  Vile thrashed about. His heart beat. He couldn't hear it. Other times when he jumped into the water to face his fear he would hear it perfectly. Sometimes the rush would sooth, other times it would fasten and he would realize how panicked he really was but currently, there was nothing.
  You bear weakness.  Said the thicker voice. Your strength is at its peak. 
  Vile shook his head. "If I were on land I would be afraid." He sighed. "But right now I am not and this is unnatural. What is going on?"
  You are being reborn within the sea.  Spoke the voice.
  Vile grumbled. "English, please."
  Actually, we're speaking Greek. Replied the voice. You are the true descendant of the Lernaean Hydra. The moment you appeared and spoke to us proved your lineage.
  Growling, Vile turned away. You have your heart. It has been silenced for your focusing reasons. Continued the voice. Guide us, dear descendant. Guide us. 
  How?!  He screamed in his head.
  Only you know the way.  Replied the voice of the spirit.
  Sighing, Vile closed his eyes. Around him, the water seemed to calm as he found his concentration. Suddenly, Vile's imagination infected his vision.
--
  "I'm sharing my memories with you, descendant." said a man to his right. Vile returned to his reflectioned form and was standing on a white slab of stone.
  "We are in the central court. Around us you will see what we had before the gods decided to end our dystopian society. "
  Vile gawked as he observed the red pillars and stone ceilings.
  "Whoa. There's natural light coming into all the rooms." Vile commented. "How did...?"
  The man smiled. "Our structures are made to withstand anything." He smirked. "Except the Gods of course."
  Shrugging, Vile followed the man. "Do you mean Zeus and all them?"
  Abruptly, the man stopped. "The descendant knows nothing of his natural culture?"
  Vile sighed. "Look. I'm from America. If anything, I had this dream and then it disappeared. I can't-"
  The man turn to face Vile in astonishment. "You know nothing of your origin."
  Looking away in disdain, Vile shrugged again. "I pity you." The man shook his head. "But we must do something about this!" He exclaimed. "Come, you shall present yourself to the Titaness Mnemosyne."
  "Whoa there buddy." Vile exclaimed throwing his hands up. "I thought Titans were bad?"
  "You are human." The man spat.
  Shrugging, Vile put down his hands. "More than I'm supposed to be, yes, I know but according to Percy Jackson..."
  "Stop your rambling!" Exclaimed the man now in anger. "Do you want your memory back or no?"
  Contemplating this, Vile replied. "In a way, yes. But what if it was taken away from me for a reason?"
  The man glared at Vile in annoyance. "A reason you did not choose?"
  Smirking, Vile sighed. "Well..." He paused. "Yes. But then again, it's only a dream. Can't I live without it?"
  "Your memory is a staple in your life. Do not pretend like you do not yearn for this. Even if your heart has numbed, I still can feel the plead that you have no sense to."
  Vile growled. "Look." He balled his hand into a fist. "I can't feel my heart beat. That worries me. But I don't see how we can be alive in your memory to a God that doesn't even exist!" He began raising his voice. "After all, I'm not alive in this time period if you don't remember, Sir. So even if we go to this Mnem blah I don't even know how to say the rest then how am I going to regain my memory through your memory?"!
  The man was in Vile's grasp now. Shirt firmly in his hand. Around him, eyes trailed to the scene. Biting inner lip after the silence and stares, he let go.
  "They..." He muttered. "They can see me..." He commented in astonishment.
  The man stared at Vile's fist, afraid that the rage within Vile might kill him before the memory was truly over.
  Covering his face with his hands, Vile stepped back. "My anger gets the best of me." He sighed. "I'm sorry."
  Silence rang in Vile's ears. The stares around him made him feel the light of the spotlight burn his confusion.
  "Please." Vile balled his fist. "I didn't mean to scare you." He paused. "I can normally handle myself but right now my fuse is shorter than usual."
  The man nodded, fear still in his eyes. Looking into Vile's he smirked. "You truly are a descendant."
  Rolling his eyes, Vile shook his head. "Say what you want. I won't believe you until I see it."
  The man shook his head. "Forsake yourself from the Gods. Maybe they will understand if you take us to the gates of the Underworld."
  Vile raised his eyebrow. "You highly believe that I'm this Hydra's descendant. It's amusing."
  "Change." The man shook his head.
  "Change?" Vile questioned.
  "Expose yourself to the people of Atlantis." He replied. "Reveal to your true self."
  Vile's eyes glossed. "If you really want me to destroy the contents of this mesmerizing place I shall do it but since I do appreciate it I will not." The words left him as he turned to face the way he came and spirited to the central court. Hitting open space, Vile jumped and morphed in midair. Wings extending and reptile skin coating his refectioned self Vile decided to partly transform.
  Keeping his human body he faced the man who could not catch up with Vile. Appearing under the building, he grinned and opened up his arms.
  "I bring you the descendant of our savior!" He exclaimed.
  Even at a distance the whispers were clear. "The Larnaen Hydra!" He continued.
  Vile growled but soon heard a voice. "Heracles has yet to prevail."
  Shaking his head, Vile frowned.
  Laraen Hydra. Defeated by Heracles sent by Hera to slay Heracles. 
  Vile's eyes widened as he uncontrollably finished his transformation.
  "Behold!" The man spoke in awe. "Reincarnated!"
  Vile thrashed and roared feeling the stone vibrate bellow as he was forced to land.
  My sweet heart.  Vile closed his eyes in disbelief. What power did these Greeks have over him?
  Do not be afraid. The sweet soft voice reminded Vile of his mother back home.
  He is right. Lead these people. The voice echoed in Vile's mind. Lead them and serve me.
  Who are you? Vile thought to the voice.
  I am Hera, Queen of Olympus. 
  Vile shook his head vigorously. "No." He spoke out. All around him the Greeks stared.
  Do not be afraid, my Vile. The voice continued. I promise you will live longer than you predecessor. 
  Yea because Hercules isn't alive anymore. Vile laughed. It's the year two thousand fourteen what Ancient beast bestows my falter?
  Heracles. Hera corrected. Hercules is Roman. 
  Vile shrugged. Same difference. 
  But to answer your question. Hera sighed. No. You were created to kill Heracles. You are not one without him.
 Vile shuddered. So that means...
  I'm afraid so.  Replied Hera. Go. You must lead these people. 
  To my death?! Exclaimed Vile. What. No! He exclaimed in furry.
  You will not die. Hera replied softly.
  Vile sighed. Convincing but not promising. He muttered.
  You are guardian of the Underworld but your wings prove otherwise. You have been blessed by Zeus. God of the sky and ruler of Olympus. 
  Your husband...? Vile wondered. All I know is that he tended to 'get around'. Vile replied feeling sorry for Hera.
  Yes. She replied with a sigh. But he has blessed you with flight. To him, you are welcomed into the world. 
  Vile frowned. I never prayed to you-or him. Why would either of you bless me into this world? 
  Hera lightly laughed sending a surge of happiness through Vile's blood.
  My dearest. Her voice lit up his mood. The challenge that has been placed before you is a test. Zeus would never allow such greatness to be bestowed upon someone I love. 
  Vile's eyes open as Hera said love. Around him stood the Greeks, silent now.
  "Curse Poseidon!" Exclaimed the man meeting Vile's gaze.
  "Curse Vulcan!" He exclaimed again.
  Isn't cursing going to get me into trouble... Vile stared wondering to Hera.
  Again she her laughter warmed his cold blood. You have been blessed by Poseidon and the people of Atlantis have paid their punishment. If Poseidon does not believe of their worth then Hades will assure the great punishment. 
  Vile nodded. But they are technically still alive so shouldn't they be happy? 
  Hera laughed again, this time not as sweet. You are a bright one. Maybe even blessed by Athena herself. 
  Vile shook his head. I don't even know who that is either. He sighed.  But for some reason I don't feel like you should be laughing at that remark. 
  You have many qualities, my child. Hera commented. Serve the Gods. You may learn something of use. 
  Vile felt his body transform back to him reflectioned self. The memory in which you seek will be recovered in the Underworld. Take them. There, you shall make a choice. 
  Vile's eyes reverted back to the oceanic blue. All around him were cheers and screams.
  "Curse Poseidon!"
  "Curse Vulcan."
  Inside him, Vile could feel the challenge. Approaching the man, Vile sighed. "Hera tells me to take you." He replied, speaking loud enough so everyone can hear. "I shall take you. But only because I have another way of finding my memory."