Chapter 20

Jeff woke up early the next morning, his thoughts drifting back to the news that Hermes had delivered from Zeus. The game was to be today. It could very well be his last day on Earth. Getting dressed, the teen walked quietly to the door and stepped outside, wanting to gather his thoughts on the upcoming contest. Standing there, Jeff noticed he wasn't the only one awake. He could see people around the tiny village stirring, some gathering water, and even a few of the warriors were sitting around the burned out bonfire, making wagers on the game. The betting on the outcome of the game didn't surprise Jeff, what did surprise him was the majority of the bets were for him to win. Turning back, Jeff went back inside the hut he shared with Sara and sat down on the bed, the growing knots in his stomach not allowing him to sit still for very long.

"Jeff?" said a sweet voice from behind him. Turning around, Jeff could see Sara wiping her eyes like a small child, trying to get the sleep from them. Going around to the other side of the bed, Jeff bent down to kiss the girl, enjoying the taste and feel of her full lips. As Jeff deepened the kiss, Sara wrapped her arms around the teen, not willing to give him up, but knowing she would have to. With a sigh, she pushed back the covers, wanting to enjoy one last time of lovemaking with Jeff. When Sara did that, Jeff stepped back to look at her. Although her pregnancy wasn't noticeable yet, Jeff couldn't help wondering what kind of life their child would have if he was to be killed. Not wanting to think about that, Jeff forced his mind back on the beautiful woman lying on the bed.

"I love you, Honey," he told her as he lay back on the bed. Climbing on top of her, Jeff began kissing her, tracing her lips with his tongue. When Sara tried to capture his probing tongue in her mouth, Jeff would back away, until finally tiring of the game. Deepening the kiss, Jeff explored Sara's mouth for what could possibly be the last time. He wanted to savor the memory. Dragging his mouth away from hers, Jeff began kissing lower and lower on her body, wanting to make this as good for her as possible.

"Ungh, I don't know if I can take much more," she whimpered, even as she pulled his head into her flowing pussy. When she finally came, she started pulling Jeff up to her, kissing him frantically as she guided his cock into her drenched cunt. It didn't take long before they were speeding toward their orgasms with words of love intermingled with moans. When they came at the same time, it was spectacular, the spurts from Jeff's cock in synch with the spasms from the walls of Sara's pussy. When they were both sated, Jeff rolled off of Sara, pulling her into his arms. As they drifted off to sleep, a shadowy figure whispered softly.

"Rest, for you will need it. I intend for you to defeat my mate's challenger. When you awaken, you will be completely rested. Sleep well."

When Jeff awoke, he felt strangely refreshed, ready to take on anything Zeus might throw at him. Leaning down to kiss Sara, he studied her features, wanting to keep the memories strong for this woman who had given herself to him.

Walking outside, Jeff found Diana, Heracles, Apollo, Leandra, and Michelle waiting for him.

"Have you decided who you will be taking?" Leandra asked.

"Yes, but I won't exactly be choosing. I don't want to order anyone to possibly die helping me."

"I would like to volunteer. I like the way you carry yourself and I would consider it an honor to fight at your side," Heracles spoke up.

"Thank you, I was hoping you would join me. I think you would be a lot of help," Jeff told him, shaking his hand.

"I would like to accompany you, too," Diana said. Jeff knew she would be a valuable asset to him.

"Okay, Diana, but I have to ask, are you sure? You aren't exactly in your normal battle shape."

"Yes, I'm sure. I don't respect many of your gender, but you have impressed me with your heart and your spirit. I would be proud to fight alongside you." Looking toward Leandra, Jeff kept hoping she would volunteer. He knew she would be the one he would rely on the most. Her abilities and insight would be valuable in the fight. When she started laughing, Jeff knew she had been teasing him.

"I think it goes without saying that I will be there. I have admired you for a long time because of your character. You are strong-willed and courageous. I know you can defeat Zeus' champion. With the three volunteers at his side, Jeff needed one more, but only Apollo could help him.

"Apollo, would you call Pegasus for me? I think the biggest thing I've learned is how much mobility in a battle can help you. I would like him to be my fourth choice." Hearing this, Apollo chuckled to himself. Zeus didn't realize what he'd gotten himself into this time. Calling Pegasus, he continued wondering what tricks Zeus might have. Apollo knew that Jeff had just countered most of them by this one act.

"Will you be riding him to the site of the battle? I think you might want to think about that. Yes, you will be fully rested if you do, but the others won't be." Apollo told him.

"Yes, I know. I planned on making him a surprise. I thought we could arrive without him and then when the battle was about to take place, I might call him to me, that is, if you think he would come to me.

"I think we can do that. I don't think you realize this, but he is actually quite fond of you. You could have used your psionic abilities to call him," Apollo replied. When the god told him this, Jeff felt a little foolish. He should have thought about using his powers for that before then. Realizing that he didn't have to repeat the same mistake again, Jeff waited for Pegasus to join them.

As soon as Pegasus arrived, Jeff gathered the different gifts the gods had given him, placing them on Pegasus' back. Sending the winged horse away for the time being, Jeff went over all of his plans in his mind. Figuring they were as ready as they were ever going to be, Jeff was about to leave for the site of the battle. About to let the others know, Jeff was surprised to see Hera standing in their midst.

"Diana, I know you were planning to accompany Jeff in battle, but I cannot let you go. You carry a child in your womb that would be endangered if you were to enter battle. I, myself will take your place. Maybe we can put the arrogant... Well, anyway, I will accompany you on your journey. Heracles, I will not do anything to hamper you during the battle, have no fear," Hera said, smirking at Heracles as she finished. The combatants left for the site of battle, only Diana and Heracles being left behind. Heracles tried joining the others, only to be stopped by vines wrapped around his legs. With a grunt of anger, he grabbed his sword and swiftly severed the tethers from his legs. Running to join them, Heracles growled when Hera laughed and pointed in his direction. Jeff could see this might be a fun journey.

When they finally reached the base of the mountain where the battle was to take place, Jeff began scaling the gently sloping walls. Reaching the top, he was unprepared for the sight before him. He had counted on a few warriors, and maybe even a god or two, but he hadn't counted on seeing at least fifty elite guards. Even worse, he spotted eight Minotaurs. Looking at the group that had been assembled, Jeff gave thanks that he'd been given the chance to at least tell Sara goodbye. His only regret was for not doing the same with Holly and his mother.

Once Hera, Heracles, and Leandra joined him, they all headed to the center of the flat plateau where their adversaries were standing.

"Hera, get out of there; you're not supposed to be part of this, and who said Pegasus could participate. I didn't give permission for him to be used in this," a voice boomed. Looking up, Jeff saw the same old man he had met that day at the docks.

"You didn't put any stipulations on who he could take with him. I thought it was about time someone won your game. This boy has something special and I'm just here to make sure that Ares doesn't try anything he shouldn't. I think this mortal has chosen wisely," Hera told her husband.