Mania

The Lost Love

“If touched by a human hand, Herba Lucem will absorb into their skin and give them super human strength, speed and mind control. Humans are not used to powers like that. They will soon take over the world and end things as we know it.”

“Has this happened before?”

“Yes, but thousands of years ago.”

“What would happen if I touched it?”

Nyx smiled at Mania and took her hand and brought it up leaving her hand suspended in the air just inches away from the grass.

“Touch it.” Nyx urged her.

“No, I’m too scared now.”

“Don’t be. It isn’t bad for us. It awakens your powers to its maximum potential.”

“Nyx?”

Nyx turned around and her smile dropped. As did her current form. She now looked very much like Mania. Nyx had long black hair, green eyes and full lips. Her black loose dress hanging freely off her body but the bottom of her dress still looked like shadows. Her slightly pale cheeks had now gone red and a small smirk played at her lips.

“Why, hello Ares.”

Ares had wet hair, and no shirt on and it was obvious that Nyx was enjoying the show based on her eyes continuously running up and down his body.

For an old man, he isn’t bad, Mania thought to herself. Ares came closer and towered over Nyx and Mania.

“Is this your true form?” Mania asked with genuine curiosity.

“It is not, my dear. Only half. What are you doing here?”

Mania looked up at her mom, expecting her to answer, and when she didn’t she returned her eyes to Ares only to find him staring at her suspiciously.

“I don’t know why I’m here.”

“Were you about to touch the Herba Lucem?”

Mania looked down and her feet and mumbled an apology.

“Go inside the door. I want to have a word with your mother.”

Nyx was still as silent as ever. So, Mania entered the doorway and as she walked through, her feet would step on the grass and only where her foot was, would it light up.

“How Et Scitis was wrong. I miss you every day.”

Mania looked back at hearing Ares words and saw them through the water. His hands were cupping her face and he was leaning his forehead against hers. Mania had decided to mind her own business and kept walking, watching the grass underneath her feet.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Mania looked up at the stranger talking to her.

“Excuse me?”

“The grass, its beautiful. I often come walking here just to see it light up like that.”

“It is rather beautiful. Forgive me, but I can’t see your face and I have no idea who you are.”

“Of course, how rude of me. Please follow me and I will lead you to the light.”

His voice was like nothing Mania had ever heard. It was so firm yet gentle and Mania could listen to it all day. They were walking for a few minutes when she eventually saw some light. Covering her eyes from the brightness as she walked outside she could make out a faint village with a huge castle in the middle. Her eyes adjusted to the light and she saw the village was surrounded by a waterfall. The walls of the village were at least 100 feet high and the waterfall dropped to at least 3 miles down. The land Mania was standing on was separated from the village.

“Is that Olympus?” Mania asked the stranger without taking her eyes off it.

“Indeed, it is.” The stranger replied.

The castle was glistening in the sunlight as though the whole thing was made from diamonds, crystals and pearls.

“I thought the grass light was beautiful.”

“Beauty always lies with each individual. One beauty to me, could be a beast to you.”

Mania started laughing.

“My name is Les, by the way.” He said with an outstretched hand.

Mania finally stopped looking at the castle and turned to look at him. He had dark brown hair and brown eyes and a mesmerising face. Mania tried not to blush as she took his hand and greeted him.

“I am Mania.”

“Ah yes, Nyxs daughter, right?”

“You know my mother?”

“Your mother raised me. There has been rumour in and around Olympus that she is my blood mother, even though she isn’t. Zeus confirmed it. I don’t know who my parents are. No one does.”

“That’s awful.”

“Not really. It used to bother me, but not anymore.”

“Well I am glad my mother has decided to look after you. Where is she anyways?”

“If she is with Ares, they will be a while. They thought they were meant for each other. But they were both wrong. So, for thousands of years, they have kept their love a secret. They never physically show their love for one another, but they long to.”

“That’s a terrible love story.”

“It’s a true story.”

“Ares is a dominus at school.”

“Really? Can’t see him doing that.” Les said with a small laugh.

“Why not?”

“He is the God of war.”

“I guess it is something for him to do in his spare time.”

“Suppose so.”

“Did you attend tertiary school?”

“I was kept here.”

“How old are you?”

“I am twenty. And you are almost seventeen. Am I correct?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

Les gave a small smile and asked if Mania would like to go explore town with him.

“I would love to.”

“Greg, we would like to leave here and return to Olympus.”

Mania looked around but could not see who Les was talking to. From above where she was standing, she heard a loud c***k and she immediately looked up. A gargoyle was protruding from the wall and he landed with a thud on the ground next to her.

“Mania, this is Greg the gargoyle.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Greg.”

“Pleasure is all Gregs Miss Mania.” The gargoyle said with a small bow.

“Miss Nyx is with Mr Ares?”

“She is, Greg. You know about them too?”

“Of course, everyone here does. Terrible what happened to their love.”

“Will you be joining us?” Mania asked suddenly, trying to change the subject.

“Greg cannot do anything else besides accompany Gods and Goddesses across the clouds.”

“That’s a pity. I would have loved to spend time with you.”

Greg smiled a full smile, showing off the three teeth he has left.

“It would have been an honour, to be spending time with Miss Mania.” Greg had said with a low bow. He then got up and walked to the edge of the cliff and whistled a tune. A cart rose from the clouds and landed softly besides Greg. He opened the door and waited for Mania and Les to get in. As they climbed in, he closed the door behind them. Mania looked through the glass right behind her and saw Greg climbing on top of the cart and grabbing on to the rails. She then turned to face Les and saw him devouring the food that was given in the cart. As he ate the last éclair, Mania was very surprised to see the golden plate had refilled. Mania took a piece of Turkish delight and popped it in her mouth. She looked out the window and saw that they were now floating through the clouds. Mania couldn’t take her eyes off the view. Olympus was definitely one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen.