The Beasts Within

A Gorgon and a Chimera walk into a cave… Then turn into humans. One was dressed in garments that easily screamed “evil queen” even from a mile away, her gothic make-up completed her Maleficent-styled jet-black hair. The other was a tall and sinewy barbarian complete with a b**m-looking leather outfit, a thick, fur-lined coat, and a gigantic sword that’s about his size.  ”The Lord Chieftain Khalteev, I’m so glad that you have finally agreed to meet me, sweetly hissed the woman, her voice slightly echoing in the deep cavern. “Forgive the delay but it is truly an honor to have been invited by someone who is as powerful as you, Empress Thixeus,” respectfully responded the man, trying to ignore the feeling of danger that was emanating from the pitch-black cave. “Is it safe to presume that you are interested in my little plan of gaining ultimate power here in our beloved planet Valence?”  ”Yes, I am. But I have yet to hear the details of your rebellion before I agree with anything.” The majestic-looking woman pauses meaningfully before answering in an almost seductive tone, ”Correct me if I’m wrong my lord, but it sounds that you seem to doubt my intentions.” The Chief’s voice was sincerely apologetic, ”Forgive me for sounding unsure dear Empress, but your race has a long history of crafty actions and dubious reputations. If I may be direct, your offer has the undertones of possible betrayal. The female’s blackened lips smile chillingly, “And how right you are with your assumptions, you gullible man!” Out of the blue, several deadly-looking arrows shoot from the shadowy interior of the cavern. Several of these pierce right through the muscular man’s thick leather armor and he yells in surprise and agony! The barbarian falls to the floor while the treacherous Empress’ high-pitched cackles echoing within the cave, his ears, and his head. No! I can’t change into my Chimera form! I can’t even move my body! I’ve been poisoned!   He suddenly feels someone’s high-heeled boot bearing down on top of his paralyzed and arrow-riddled torso. Her voice has now turned cruel and cold… ”Yes, you cannot change into your beast form my dearest naive Chimera Chief. We have just tested one of our potions on you by spreading it inside the cave before your arrival. Ever wondered why I can’t change into a Gorgon now? And since it works perfectly on you, I can easily conclude that it can be used on the Dragonic breed too!”  With all his might, the unmoving chief tries to speak but only manages to angrily mumble, “How dare you… do this to me! This is unnecessary… as I was willing… and ready… to join you… in your battle against… the Northern Kingdom!” “I can never be sure of your loyalty, darling Barbarian leader. Which is why those arrows have a poison that can only be removed by Gorgon magic. I will have your oath first that you will be with me when I attack the Dragon people before I heal you."  The paralyzed victim wanted to scream out an angry “No!” but he suddenly remembers his gorgeous warrior wife, now in her last month of pregnancy. He painfully gasps at the thought of not seeing her again… or his newborn son. ”You… have my word… cure me… please…” the helpless chief weakly begs. The Empress shrieks in triumphant laughter before taking out her crooked jeweled wand from the folds of her red silky cloak, “I am so happy to hear your promise dear Khalteev; since like any other Chimera in this world, you are bound to never break an oath!” And now, because of your promise, you are mine for the rest of your short-lived life…