043. Heartache
Perhaps because he had lost his divine power and it was too humiliating to condescend to help mortals build the city wall, Poseidon wore a short cloak called a clemis, which covered his entire body and face. He closed his eyes and stood silently to the side.
The downtrodden god of light Apollo still appeared very decent at this time, but facing Poseidon's silence, he felt helpless and had to come forward to negotiate with the Trojan king Laomedon himself.
Laomedon heard that two strange men volunteered to build the walls of Troy. Although they asked for a certain amount of compensation, the king, who was known for his untrustworthy nature, looked kind and agreed very readily.
After all, the people building the city wall are just two mortals, and no one knows when it will be completed. By that time, who will care about the agreement at this time?
The handsome Apollo did not notice Laomedon's thoughts, but was satisfied with the Trojan king's understanding. Then he and Poseidon left the king's residence and prepared to take action.
But what King Laomedon of Troy did not expect was that these two "people" were actually the main gods of Olympus. Even if they were deprived of their divine power, they were still far more powerful than mortals.
In order to complete this punishment as soon as possible, they would even work day and night without eating, drinking or sleeping.
This was what Poseidon, the god of the sea, planned. He was eager to restore his original power and status. Not only that, there was also an inexplicable concern that always hooked him, invisibly urging him to complete it as soon as possible.
But on the other hand, the god of light Apollo was much more relaxed. Although he had received such a humiliating punishment, his heart was still bright and optimistic. Since he was sure that he would be able to restore his divine power and status after completing the punishment, why not enjoy his time as a mortal to the fullest?
Therefore, when doing this arduous task, Apollo preferred to combine work and rest, stopping from time to time to play the beautiful harp gracefully, and occasionally he would break off a laurel branch to make a laurel wreath, which he would wear on his head with interest to admire himself...
Facing his hardworking uncle Poseidon, Apollo couldn't help but sigh, "My respected uncle, why are you so anxious? We should enjoy this ordinary life together and not let this punishment take over our lives."
Poseidon raised the stone and looked with distaste at Apollo, who was slacking off in front of him. Seeing that Apollo was still looking radiant and beautiful even under such circumstances, with a laurel wreath on his golden curls, he just sneered, "If you like being deprived of your divine power so much, then you can experience it yourself after you complete your punishment. I'm sorry, I can't enjoy such a life."
Apollo smiled noncommittally. Although he did not have the power to rule the ocean like Poseidon, he was also a powerful god on Mount Olympus. Apollo's handsomeness and bravery were also recognized and worshipped by gods and mortals.
Then, He chuckled with an ambiguous tone, "I heard that you, Uncle, have a beloved lover who is so beloved that she's even willing to go up against the powerful Athena. You must be anxious to return to her, right? I'm truly curious about what kind of woman she is."
Poseidon stopped and the graceful figure of Medusa immediately flashed in his mind. Her every frown and smile when she was crazy about him made his heart move, but he soon felt uncontrollable annoyance.
Perhaps it was because he had suddenly fallen to such a state, or perhaps it was because the handsome and charming Apollo in front of him dared to mention his belongings.
But even so, Poseidon acted unconcerned and just sneered, "I'm anxious to go back because of my power and status. How could I care about a mere lover?"
Apollo raised his eyebrows elegantly, nodded in agreement, and didn't ask any further questions.
But Poseidon continued to carry the huge stone, pretending to be indifferent on the surface, but where Apollo could not see, a sinister look appeared on his face.
He thought about this problem when he knew that he was about to face such punishment, and even couldn't help but laugh at himself for worrying too much. But Poseidon was surprised to find that at this moment, he thought about her over and over again.
If Poseidon had met such a lover in the past, they would have broken up. They would have just had sex and at most she would have given birth to a few children for him. In fact, there was no deep affection between them.
But at this moment, Poseidon felt indescribably anxious, worried that she would betray him, that she would be harmed by other gods, that she had unknowingly become pregnant with his child, that she would grow old or even die over the long period of time...
Poseidon didn't know what was wrong with him. He was almost torturing himself by thinking about these questions because of her. His movements in moving stones became more and more violent and rough, which made the delicate and elegant Apollo beside him confused.
But all these anxieties and changes that he himself could not understand were finally unified into one idea: Poseidon must end the punishment from the king of gods Zeus as soon as possible.
Most of the citizens of Troy lived in mud houses they built themselves. The roads were rugged and dusty when they walked on them. Moreover, Poseidon and Apollo were carrying out construction activities outside Troy, making the area outside even more barren and desolate.
The sun was scorching. Although Apollo was the god of light and had even replaced the original sun god Helios, he was still sitting with his legs bent under the shade of a tree. In order to calm his uncle down from his anxiety, he casually plucked the strings of his harp and played beautiful music.
But suddenly, Apollo noticed a small figure in the distance out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head casually to look at it while playing the piano.
In the dazzling sunlight, the figure slowly walked towards them from afar, her skirt fluttering in the wind. They could vaguely see that it was a woman wearing a veil that blocked out the sun, hiding her figure.
Apollo looked at her. In the hazy wind and sand, he seemed to see a lyrical and exquisite painting on this woman. He was just walking, but the more he looked, the more he could feel the difference.
His fingers couldn't help but dance along with it, and the sound of the piano went from soft and soothing to fierce and high-pitched, and finally gradually became bleak and solemn, as urgent as a sudden rain, and as sad and sorrowful as autumn and winter, and finally stopped at a harsh clanging sound, which suddenly dissipated in the air, and nothing could be heard.
Poseidon frowned in annoyance at the noise and was about to scold Apollo, but soon, he looked over and saw a figure walking in the distance.
But unlike Apollo, Poseidon did not see anything bleak and hideous in it, but quickly recognized the other party's identity from the increasingly clear outline.
At that moment, it was difficult for Poseidon to describe his feelings, but he still caught a sense of joy and excitement that was hard to ignore. He stopped and looked deeply at her approaching figure, not wanting to miss even a glance.
He never expected that his wife and children did not come to look for him, but she - the Medusa whom he always looked down upon and despised, actually came here across such a long distance!
Poseidon, the god of the sea, was determined to make Medusa fall deeply in love with him, devote everything to him, and become unable to extricate herself.
At that time, He was certain that he was filled with dissatisfaction and malice, and was determined to hold the woman in front of him tightly in his hand, forcing this unyielding woman to absolutely submit to him, and then mercilessly torture and humiliate her, or even abandon and destroy her.
But the moment he saw Medusa, the complex emotions finally turned into satisfaction and sighs that reached every limb. He found that he had already achieved this unknowingly with his own charm, but Medusa was also different. She surpassed all his lovers, even his own offspring, and became the character who loved him the most.
Poseidon's thoughts at this moment were completely different from before. He even felt a hint of regret and bitterness. He felt regret that she was just a mortal, and bitterness that such deep love would eventually disappear with her passing.
This was a feeling He had never experienced before, and it even gave Him a crazy idea.
After he regains his status and power, Poseidon will give her supreme glory and status. He will make Medusa his queen of the sea, give her the most beautiful things in the sea, let her give birth to his most powerful offspring, and share his power in the ocean!
This is obviously a very difficult thing to achieve. It is very likely just an impulse caused by being moved. After all, Medusa is only half the blood of the original sea god Phorcys. Even if she becomes the Queen of the Sea, it is really difficult to convince the people, and even her rule is useless.
But all this no longer mattered. Poseidon only wanted to possess her completely and fully, leaving all these punishments, even the previous anxiety and urgency, behind...
*
When Medusa finally walked before the eyes of the once almighty Poseidon, the god of the sea, she looked at his embarrassment and his shattered pride with her desolate and deep eyes, and then curled her lips from the bottom of her heart, wantonly venting her mockery of him.
However, perhaps Poseidon, the god of the sea, did not realize the meaning behind this smile, but suddenly strode towards Medusa, eagerly and greedily holding her in his arms.
Although he had lost his divine power, Poseidon's strength was still very great. If the other party was really just a mortal, he might have been hurt by him long ago.
Fortunately, Medusa was not like that. There was annoyance in her eyes. Poseidon, the god of the sea, could not notice it due to his perspective, but Apollo, the god of light sitting next to her, saw it clearly.
Medusa sighed, reached out her hand, and pushed Him away forcefully.
Seeing a hint of doubt in the eyes of Poseidon who was pushed away, Medusa slowly said, "Don't touch me, you make me feel sick."
As soon as the words fell, Poseidon was visibly stunned. The huge disparity made him frown in disbelief. He even felt doubt and amusement at Medusa's words, and asked, "What did you say?"
Medusa patted her clothes, her eyes, the ones that Poseidon loved so much, shimmering and flowing, like beautiful flowers fully blossoming into their most vibrant form, growing wildly and vigorously. But the words she spoke made Poseidon feel as if he were sinking into an icy cave. She paused for a moment, "I find you disgusting."
Poseidon suddenly felt furious. He refused to believe this fact and grabbed Medusa's hand, which had just been patting her clothes. He gritted his teeth and said, "If you disgust me, then why did you come to me specifically?"
Medusa easily pulled her hand back thanks to the strength within her body. She couldn't help but chuckle with pleasure, a small smile suppressed from her throat, but it soon disappeared from her bright and radiant face. She asked, "My respected Poseidon, you don't think I'm really in love with you, do you?"
Medusa frowned hard, her expression delicate and sorrowful, but her words pierced her heart. "I only deceived you out of revenge. I will never forget the coercion and humiliation you inflicted on me."
As she spoke, Medusa approached the god in front of her with an indifferent face, but at this time Poseidon had long lost his original arrogant appearance and capital. His face was ugly and solemn. He just looked at her with his deep blue eyes, ferociously and resentfully.
Those who are hated by Poseidon, the god of the sea, are either gods more powerful than him or have already paid the price with their lives. Medusa is the most special one among them.
He wanted to strangle Medusa to death immediately for daring to deceive him, but he couldn't. This "incompetence" became an excuse to cover up the fact that Poseidon didn't want to kill Medusa at all.
At this moment, Poseidon could only grit his teeth with immense anger and hatred and said, "You are such an ungrateful woman. You should be thankful to be my woman, yet you dare to betray me like this!"
"So what?" Medusa stretched out her hand condescendingly, and her fingertips slid across His eyebrows and eyes frivolously as if she were examining an object, with the same contempt and disdain that Poseidon had once done to her.
At this moment, she was finally able to reveal her truest feelings and thoughts, pouring out all her disgust and resentment on the culprit, "I never, never did this voluntarily. You... forced me."
If possible, Medusa even wanted to take out a knife and stab it deep into His body.
But unfortunately, gods cannot die. Even if they lose their divine power, their bodies are still extremely strong. Therefore, Medusa can only disgust him with words at this moment.
Poseidon turned his face away angrily, unable to believe that he had been deceived by such a lowly, dissolute, shameless and deceitful woman. He even developed special feelings for her and wanted to give her everything he had!
Compared to the punishment handed down by the God King Zeus, this... is the true shame!!
Medusa took a deep breath, swallowing the pain and sorrow that she couldn't hide, and transformed it into a light laugh. "But it doesn't matter. You will lose your divine power forever and become a mortal. Then, you will surely feel the pain and resentment that I feel."
Poseidon frowned slightly, realizing something was wrong, and he finally calmed down a little from his rage and resentment.
The previous Poseidon was too powerful and didn't seem to realize that Medusa seemed to have gained a power. Until now, because she was able to suppress herself who was stronger than a mortal, Poseidon discovered a clue.
He even began to doubt that his rebellion failed because of her, and that his complicated feelings for Medusa were fake.
Not only that, she also misunderstood the punishment she suffered, thinking that she would forever be a mortal without divine power, immersed in such pain and resentment.
Thinking of this, Poseidon couldn't help but sneer in his heart. He was such a vengeful god. Since she mistakenly thought that she had completed her revenge on him, let her continue to misunderstand like this.
When he has fully recovered his strength, he will completely imprison Medusa, this cunning and ruthless woman, in his territory. In the darkness, he will let her experience true pain and torture, and become his own bird in a cage, a forbidden delicacy that longs for his body. No matter whether she falls in love with him or not, he will eventually tame her into a dog that only has eyes for him, and make her regret her actions at this moment.
"Beautiful lady, you must be mistaken."
However, just as Poseidon was imagining how he would make Medusa regret her actions in the future, Apollo, the god of light, suddenly stood up, looked at Medusa and slowly said, "My uncle, Poseidon, the god of the sea, and I have only temporarily lost our divine power. Once we have completed our punishment, the merciful king of gods, Zeus, will restore our power and status."
Apollo, the god of light, is recognized as the most handsome god on Mount Olympus, but perhaps the hatred in Medusa's heart was too deep. When he spoke kindly, Medusa finally realized his existence and was stunned by his handsomeness.
Poseidon turned his head sharply and glared at Apollo with a warning and angry look, but Apollo didn't seem to care. Instead, he continued, "And our punishment has nothing to do with you. All this is the will of the merciful God King Zeus."
Medusa suddenly came to her senses. She looked at Apollo in front of her warily. Of course, she couldn't say in front of others that she had deliberately seduced Poseidon to rebel against Zeus. Otherwise, let alone revenge, even surviving under the hands of the king of gods Zeus would be a problem.
But this question is no longer important. After realizing what Apollo had just said, Medusa's face suddenly turned pale and ugly.
...Poseidon, the god of the sea, wasn't permanently deprived of his power; it was only temporary!?
Medusa couldn't understand it no matter how hard she tried. How could the God King Zeus be so merciful, allowing them to return to their original positions after completing their punishment, given such a serious and unforgivable crime?!
What the hell kind of punishment is this?!
At that moment, her original beliefs and persistence seemed to collapse in an instant, as if the shackles of fate had been binding her deeply from beginning to end, watching coldly all her seemingly decadent efforts, and then stepping into the predetermined fate inescapably.
Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Athena, the goddess... For Medusa, none of them paid a real price, nor did they have to pay a price for the harm done to them by mortals.
Yes... She was just an ant. No matter how unfair it was, how could she really think she could take revenge on the gods?!
Medusa's chest heaved violently, and the joy and relief that originally came from the bottom of her heart in her eyes seemed like a living mockery, completely extinguishing the little hope in her heart.
Impossible... Impossible, this is the great Olympian god!
Poseidon was right. They hadn't crushed her to death, which was the greatest mercy! What more could she ask for?!
But...even though she had understood all of this and even tried to convince herself, why did she still feel unwilling?
Apollo looked at the woman in front of him who was almost on the verge of collapse, and a trace of pity arose in his heart. He was about to step forward to support her, but his uncle Poseidon glanced at him gloomily, stretched out his hand and pulled him behind him.
But the Medusa in front of them, whose originally joyful and charming eyes were now filled with tears, looked at them angrily and unwillingly, trying to hold back her tears and not let them fall.
But it was at this moment that Medusa remembered the story of Pandora told by the sea goddess Thalassa, and the great flood that submerged all mankind at that time. She also remembered other legends and everything she had experienced...
Medusa seemed to finally understand that it was not Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, or Poseidon, the god of the sea, who was corrupt, but all of them, all the gods in power, everything.
Because of their great strength and power, they wantonly toyed with and bullied humans. Some people were lucky enough to live their lives in peace, while others could not escape. She was just one of them, and it just happened to her.
Thinking of this, Medusa raised her eyes and looked deeply at them. Her will, which had been worn away, burned even more fiercely. "I will make you pay the real price."
After saying that, Medusa stopped pestering him and turned away.
However, the god of light Apollo noticed that when she turned around, a few crystal tears fell.
Watching Medusa's leaving back, he turned and glanced at his uncle Poseidon who was standing beside him without saying a word. His eyes were always on her, but his whole body seemed to be shrouded in an extremely dark and depressing negative emotion, which was completely different from his previous anxiety.
As expected, it was because of her...
When Apollo saw the lover that Poseidon cared about, his curiosity did not seem to be relieved at all. Instead, he felt even more confused, and it even left a deep impression on him.
He even felt that anyone or any god who saw her eyes would be unable to help but feel concerned.
However, for Apollo, he only cared a little.
"Come on, my dear uncle, let's continue to build the city wall. This way we can complete the punishment as soon as possible and recover our divine power."
Poseidon was originally just impatient with Apollo, but at this moment, he didn't even look at Apollo. He turned around sinisterly and indifferently and walked quickly towards the city wall.
Thinking of how Medusa had even lost herself in front of the most handsome god in front of him, Poseidon could hardly contain his anger, but at the same time, in the most hidden corner of his heart, he felt extremely sour and painful, which almost corroded this powerful body from the inside.
If his feelings for Medusa were false, then why did he feel this way?
Things shouldn't be like this. He should have become the most powerful god on Mount Olympus by now, and then accepted Medusa's admiring and adoring gaze. Even if he failed, he shouldn't be as disgusted and resentful as he is now.
Just because he forced and possessed her?
Poseidon numbly repeated the steps of building the wall, but he was still puzzled and asked himself over and over again...
——Why couldn't she accept and submit joyfully like her other lovers, but instead had to be the most unique and unruly one?
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