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afincf-tirwer · 6 years

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Medusa

So I saw this beautiful art drawn by @artofcarmen and I was inspired to write a thing, hope you enjoy.

Medusa ran through her village in terror, the hiss of the snakes reminding her of what horrors had befallen her. People recoiled with shouts of disgust and fear, throwing stones, knives and releasing dogs to chase her which stung at her heels, spurring her to run faster. Not one recognised her as the woman she had once been, a priestess in Athena’s temple, devoted to her goddess and blessed by the Fates with extraordinary beauty. Now she was driven out of her home, treated like a monster and betrayed by her goddess. Athena’s face would forever haunt Medusa, the deep disappointment painted across her face that had been quickly overtaken by hate and fury. Medusa stumbled over the rocks, cutting open her leg, injuring herself further. The shouts of the townsfolk were fading the distance, and the disgraced priestess threw herself into a cave, terrified for her life.

Her pursuers thundered past her hiding spot and Medusa let out a breath before looking around what would now be her new home. To her surprise it was well-stocked with food, running water and a loom, she hesitated in approaching the items, fearful of a greater wrath being unleashed upon her but the pangs in her stomach convinced her to eat some of the fruit. When no ill effects were seen she tore into the provisions hungrily, feeling a ravenous hunger within her. After her meal, she burned some of the meat to honour the gods. Despite her state, she feared the Olympian’s wrath should she forget to thank them for her fortune. The moment her hunger was satisfied she became aware of how her skin still burned from the unwanted touch of Poseidon. She shuddered, nearly ripping her torn clothes from her skin before attempting to wash away the god’s touch on her skin.

Medusa spent hours in the pools, desperate to rid herself of the taint on her skin, yet no matter how hard she scrubbed she could still sense the god’s magic lingering upon her. Eventually, she moved out of the pool, wrapped herself in the furs and fell into a deep sleep, exhausted both mentally and physically. In her dreams she had hoped to find solace from the events of the day, but Hypnos was not kind to her, she dreamt she was back in the temple, being violated by Poseidon, still able to feel his hands upon her skin like a brand, the heat of his seed within her before she was left broken and used in her goddess’ temple. Then came the heat, the terror in her stomach when Athena appeared before her, grey eyes blazing with all the fury of Tartarus. Her goddess pointed a spear at her and an agonising pain spread through Medusa’s body as if a thousand knives of fire were being forced into her skin. She felt her hair drop away from her head only to replaced by writhing snakes, her teeth sharpened into fangs and she howled before collapsing.

Medusa woke up in a cold sweat, heart beating wildly as she ran to find a mirror where she looked at what she had become. Her face remained mostly unchanged even though her complexion was now a deep emerald green but her hair had been replaced by snakes and patches of scales could be found on her arms. Medusa dropped to her knees and sobbed, praying for a god or goddess to come and have mercy on her, come and allow her to be released of this torment. She dug through her possessions until she found a knife and she held it high before plunging it into her breast.

Or at least, she tried.

The blade was stopped inches from her heart and when Medusa opened her eyes she saw Athena standing before her, hand preventing the knife from killing her. Athena watched as her priestess dropped to her knees, crying, head pressed against the floor begging for mercy. She reached down with one cool hand, stroking it through Medusa’s hair and Medusa gasped as she felt her wounds from Poseidon’s rape and the chase begin to heal until it was as if they had never existed. She looked up, golden eyes filled with tears and confusion as Athena raised her to her feet as if she was an equal.

“My devoted priestess, you reject the gift I have offered you.” Medusa shied away from the goddess, terrified of what further torment may be in store but Athena’s grip was unwavering. “You do not understand what this means for you my child,” Athena’s cool grey eyes locked with Medusa’s as she explained. “No mortal man will ever threaten you again, this form will protect you from any man who tries to harm you again.”

Slowly Medusa stopped shaking and she sank to her knees once more, this time crying in gratitude, thanking her goddess for her gift, her protection. Athena smiled at her, stern visage flickering for a moment before she vanished, leaving Medusa alone once more but this time Medusa was filled with joy, her goddess had not abandoned her, had not betrayed her, she would be safe from Man forever.

As decades passed Medusa continued to honour the rites she had learnt from being a priestess and Athena often visited, bringing news of any men who were coming to attack her so that Medusa may be prepared before they came for her. Over time, Athena began to feel affection for Medusa as the once human proved herself loyal to her goddess over and over, refusing to let something pass without a sacrifice to thank Athena for her kindness. However, Poseidon noticed the bond between the two and plotted with his brother, whispering in his ear, poisoning him against his daughter.

Years passed Medusa by and she realised slowly that something was inside her, growing bigger and stronger, sapping her energy. She moved to her mirror and her fears were confirmed, she was carrying Poseidon’s child. She prayed to her goddess, asking for guidance yet none came and Medusa began to fear for her life. Rumours had continued to spread throughout the mortal world of a monster who had treasure beyond imagining in her cave and mortal men were still hunting her yet Athena no longer warned her. She barely slept, praying, begging for protection as the first men found her, of course, they never got far, being turned to stone by Athena’s gift but Medusa was terrified that her goddess no longer cared.

Up high in Olympus Athena raged within her chains, fighting for her freedom even as Hephaestus tightened the metal and Hecate wove her magic tighter. Zeus and Poseidon stood over the younger goddess, attempting to reason with her, trying to convince her that this was what the Fates prophesied.

“Daughter you must understand that the mortals believe Medusa is a monster. She has turned many warriors into stone, good, strong men, who only wish to bring glory to their families.” Athena shot a deadly look in her father’s direction.

“And who is responsible for Medusa’s fate?” Zeus cocked his head in confusion as he motioned to the goddess who responded by spitting at Poseidon’s feet. “No father. It is his fault that my priestess has been reduced to this. He violated her on my sacred soil and so I shrouded her in protection. She was loyal, devoted, and you would have me abandon her?” The wisdom goddess laughed in the older gods’ faces before falling silent and Zeus and Poseidon worried at the determination in her gaze.

Medusa lay in her bed, panting, holding a hand to her side as she attempted to staunch the bleeding. The warriors were getting smarter, driving her out by shooting arrows into her home while hiding, forcing her to get closer in order to dispose of them. Each statue held memories of battle and she stored each one carefully, not wanting to disrespect those she had killed. Medusa’s eyes slipped shut and she drifted off into a deep sleep once she had stopped bleeding from her wound. To her surprise, Aphrodite appeared before her in her dream and Medusa began to bow but the goddess stopped her.

“I do not have much time to speak Medusa. Beware of Perseus, he seeks to take your head, stay safe, protect your children.”

The cave rang with Medusa’s gasp of terror as she awoke, hands moving to cup her stomach, both relieved and horrified by the goddess’ advice. All of sudden she felt a deep maternal love springing up within her, and she vowed to protect her child, no matter what the cost. In the following weeks, Medusa prepared herself for battle, sharpening her weapons and resting from her wounds as the skirmishes never ceased. She could feel in her bones that the day was coming and she feared that she would not be strong enough to withstand the assault. The lack of her goddess’ support also terrified her, as she had relied on Athena’s advice.

Meanwhile, Zeus taunted his daughter as he returned from speaking with his son while wearing the guise of Athena. “He truly believes he has won your favour daughter. I have gifted him a shield that will protect him from the gorgon’s gaze. She will never be able to defend herself now.”

Athena howled in her rage and the chains creaked while the magic unravelled, and her grey eyes burned with determination. Her priestess would not be left in her hour of need. Athena would prevail and protect her loyal follower even at the risk of her father’s wrath.

“MEDUSA!” A brash yell startled Medusa out of her sleep and she grabbed for her dagger before rising, staying close to the shadows as she glimpsed a look at her challenger. “I carry with me the protection of the goddess Athena! You stand no chance against me gorgon!”

Medusa’s heart almost shattered, the thought that her goddess had abandoned her, left her to be hunted and slaughtered like an animal nearly broke her, brought her to her knees. But then she felt the slight swell of her stomach and her resolve hardened, she had to fight, if not for herself, for the sake of her child. She began to plan her line of attack.

Aphrodite slunk towards the room where Athena was being held, a key held tightly in her hand, and as she grew closer she charmed away the minor goddesses protecting the chamber before she crept in, easing the door shut behind her. Athena’s head snapped up when she heard the door open and she couldn’t hide her shock at seeing Aphrodite standing there. She was even more surprised when the goddess flashed her the key.

“Why are you aiding me?” She demanded as the other goddess began unlocking the chains that held her down. Aphrodite’s ruby lips curled up into a devastating smile, sweet and cunning as her eyes widened innocently, and Athena glared harder.

“Because I am the goddess of love and your love for Medusa is quite touching.”

Athena stepped free of her chains, still suspicious but she nodded to the older goddess and thanked her before disappearing, intent on saving her priestess. Aphrodite stood in the chamber long after Athena had disappeared, ruminating on how strong an Olympian’s love could be for a mortal, even if Medusa was no longer mortal.

Her breaths were coming in sharp, terrified pants. Medusa clutched her knife tightly as she bled from her wounds. With Perseus carrying the protective shield that prevented her from turning him, she was unable to get close enough and she got badly wounded trying. She curled tighter behind the stone as she heard him creep around her home. The battle had turned into a game of cat and mouse which Medusa knew she was going to lose. Her knife, a gift from her- the goddess Athena, slipped out of her hand with a clatter and she could hear the hero’s footsteps growing closer. Medusa prepared herself for death, sure that Athena had abandoned her to be slaughtered like a monster. She closed her eyes as her hands rested over her stomach, focusing on the life growing within her one last time.

I am so sorry I could not protect you. Was Medusa’s last thought before she felt the blade sever her neck from her body.

Athena watched in horror as Perseus decapitated her priestess before taking her head and mounting the winged horse, Medusa’s child, before flying away with his spoils. The giant seemed to be made of pure gold as he escaped into the sea, but Athena only had eyes for the body of Medusa. She seethed over the fact that Perseus was under the protection of Zeus and so she could not destroy him for what he had done. She gathered up the body in her arms and she shed tears over the woman to whom the Fates had been so cruel to. Suddenly Athena stood up straight, eyes still wet but she lifted Medusa’s body and arranged the proper funeral rites that should apply to a high priestess. Her heart burned with hatred for her father and uncle, the lack of remorse they had for their deeds, even convincing Medusa in her final moments that Athena had chosen to renounce her. Her grey eyes darkened until they resembled storm clouds and if anyone had been there to witness the goddess’ rage they would have been incinerated.

Hades glowered at the goddess in his throne room, how dare this young upstart demand such a thing from him as if he was to obey her every whim. He rose to his full height, towering over Athena but to his disappointment, she did not shrink back in the face of his rage. Rather, she matched his fury and made her demand once more.

“I want Medusa’s soul to be granted entry to Elysium.” Hades snarled at her, furious.

“The Underworld has its rules, wisdom goddess. Monsters go to Tartarus, they are not granted the privilege of being laid to rest amongst the heroes.”

“Medusa was not a mere monster-“

“She was a gorgon-“

“-who was once a priestess-“

“She died a Gorgon!” Hades’ voice boomed throughout his kingdom which caused Persephone to investigate the ruckus. She saw the goddess arguing with her husband and hesitated, unsure of the side she should take. Aphrodite had told her of Medusa’s tragedy and of Athena’s love for her priestess but as Queen of the Underworld, she was required to uphold the laws that had been in place for millennia.

“If you do not grant Medusa her just reward I will do it myself.” Hades laughed in her face, and an idea struck Athena, an idea that may grant Medusa her freedom. “I wish to make a deal with you.”

“I will not deal with an arrogant upstart such as yourself-“

“But I will.” Persephone had found a way to sidestep her duties as Queen by taking a deal with Athena who bowed before the Queen of the Underworld.

“My sweet, are you sure you wish to-“ At his wife’s warning gaze Hades hesitated, prompting Persephone to speak.

“I am Queen of this domain my husband and I wish to listen to Athena’s proposal.”

“If I succeed in bringing Medusa’s soul out of Tartarus will you grant her freedom from her death?” Persephone hesitated before nodding. “Swear it on the Styx.”

“I swear on the Styx.” A rumble of thunder could be heard, sealing the bargain and Athena descended into the pit to save Medusa.

After decades of searching, nearly dying as every abomination that had been thrown into the pit flocked to her in hopes of draining a goddess of her divinity, Athena found her priestess but to her sorrow, Medusa would not trust her.

“You assisted Perseus in his quest to slaughter me like an animal. You sat idly by as he stole my child for his own glory. You did not avenge me. Tell me goddess, why should I take your word.”

“If you come with me priestess, I swear on the Styx I shall grant you one wish, anything you desire.” Medusa hesitated but realised what she could do with such a boon and agreed.

On the journey back Medusa found herself in awe of the goddess, how she fought to protect her charge, injuring herself again and again but still jumping to her defence no matter what the odds of victory may be. Once they returned to the Underworld Hades seethed, knowing that this deal would bring the anger of his younger brothers down upon him, but his wife was pleased and he supposed the anger would pass with time. Persephone and Aphrodite were overjoyed, knowing that Athena had won her priestess back from death by her own cunning and skill which prevented Zeus and Poseidon from retaliating.

“What do you wish for Medusa?” Medusa’s golden eyes narrowed as her mind was made up.

“I want to know why you left me to be hunted.”

“As you wish.”

All at once Medusa was transported through Athena’s experiences, the pain and humiliation of being chained by her father and uncle, the agony of being unable to help, the beatings that came after she spat at Poseidon, the rage and helplessness she felt when Zeus used her face to manipulate and lie to Medusa and the fury she felt when she was unable to punish Perseus for what he’d done.

By the end of the visions, Medusa knelt at her goddess’ feet once more, thanking her for what she had done, her faith in Athena restored once more. Like she had done all those hundreds of years ago, Athena stroked over Medusa’s hair and she gasped as the constant hissing that had been her companion through those hundreds of years ceased. She watched in disbelief as she shed her scales and her skin bled back to her old complexion while her hair once again hung about her face. She looked up at her goddess’ face, infinite in her wisdom and began to cry.

Athena ran her hand through Medusa’s hair, again and again, soothing the once-gorgon before drawing her to her feet, like she had done all those years ago and she spoke gently to the young woman. “My loyal, devoted follower. You have never once strayed from your duties as a priestess, should you wish for it, you may be my high priestess on Olympus itself, a reward after all these years of hardship and strife.”

Medusa was unable to speak as her tongue was tied with shock as well as joy and all she could do was nod before she was taken to Olympus and protected by her goddess for the rest of eternity.

#artofcarmen #medusa #athena #aphrodite #persophone

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