The God of Gravity part 1: Demigod District

Win or Depths of Tartarus

The woman on the speaker said it is fine, so I went out of the queue to go to my family. I wonder what that, "Go to the East Tower" meant. Maybe it was just a trick of the light, or it is just my mind playing tricks on me. But I am not even sure if I actually saw what I saw. If it was true, who could it be? Let's see, black smoke, it's a power, and gods have powers... It couldn't be... Well, I just have to find out.

The place before the queue where the relatives of the warriors and other VIPs stay, almost looked like a bar, or something. For there are drinks, food, and even party music and lights. The place is under the bleachers, so most of the people here are audiences that came down for a break. It seems that they are having fun, but I need to get somewhere.

I struggled to slither my way past these partying guys. Then someone accidentally pushed me from behind and I collided with a man in front of me. I looked up to see his face. He's all red, and I think not because of anger, but of intoxication. He's a middle-aged man with a long beard.

"Hey," he said drunkly. "If it isn't the God of Gravity." I just raised my eyebrows, smiled, and passed by him, but he grabbed my shoulder. "Wait a minute! I am-" He hiccuped. "talkin' to you."

"I'm sorry sir," I said politely. "but I-"

"Don't give me your crap, boy!" he said while poking my chest with his finger. Then the people near us looked at me. "This is not a place for weak humans! You're just lucky that Darius saved you!"

Everyone around laughed, and I looked at the person at my right, and it is a woman, smoking a cigarette. "He's right, so just go home and sit this one out. You're just gonna waste our time."

I am really offended, so I said, "That's not-"

"You don't have a hope to win this, boy!" yelled the man again. "Icarus of the Nephos family will win this-" He hiccuped again. "tournament after he beats the crap of that Darius!" He laughed very hard. "I bet all of my money for his win, so I am gonna be rich if he does!"

"That's right," said the woman. "a Nephos winning the tournament is already been expected. Every champion of the tournament in this last decade, carry the name of Nephos."

All of the people there danced and agreed to what they said. I didn't say anything but continued to walk on my way. They laughed at me, but I didn't listen to their insults. Some even poked my head. I am angry right now, but this is not where the fight is, I will take everything on the ring. I will change their thoughts about me!

After I passed through that stupid crowd, I went to the cafeteria that Mom said they will be watching from. Then I saw them there, Eating peacefully at the table near the fence-like entrance.

"Leo!" called Hera while getting off her chair, and hugged me. "You're going home with us now?"

I smiled and said, "Not yet, Hera. I haven't even shown you how strong I am."

"Son," said Dad, turning his whole body to face me while sitting. He looks unusually serious. "Don't die," he said. Then Mom angrily punched his head. He scratched it, and said, "I mean... It's because there are so many powerful guys out there."

"Don't worry Dad," I said. "I am just as strong as them. I have somewhere to go, so I just have to let you know."

"To where?" asked Mom.

"I need to visit my friends at the infirmary."

"But you just went past it."

Yikes! "Uh... One of my friends isn't there, so I am headed to where he is."

"Okay, let's go together."

"Uhh, no thanks! He's a shy person, so I wouldn't be considerate if I bring so many people with me to meet him."

My Mom narrowed her eyes in suspicion. I instantly had goosebumps before she said, "Okay, just be back before your fight."

I nodded and went on my way after I said goodbye. Thank goodness, she actually bought that. The East Tower is not that far away, because I am on the south side of the coliseum. I quickened my pace because there are only twenty minutes left. Not a moment too long, I reached its stairs and noticed that there are no people around the area. That's unusual. I climbed all the way to the top using the spiral staircase. I looked up above, and I saw no one, but the faraway ceiling of the tower. I can tell that it is very tall. Sometimes I looked at my right because there is a series of windows. I finally reached the top of the tower, and there's no one there. I am sure that this is the East Tower. Well then, I conclude that it was just my imagination.

The roof of the tower is like a canopy, as four columns supported the tiled roof. The wind is very fresh here, and the view is spectacular. I can see the whole coliseum from here, and the fields of the District. Then I sensed something behind me.

It was Lady Mila. I knelt down before her presence, but she asked, "What are you kneeling down for?"

I looked at her in confusion, because I was taught by everyone to do this if ever I meet a god or goddess. She still looks like how she was yesterday, but the black dress is different.

"Only humans kneel down before our presence," she said, and oh, she considers me as a god. "But don't think I consider you as a god," she growled. "because you were so pathetic yesterday."

I don't know why, but I can't get angry if she insults me. I stood up and said, "For what did you call me here, Lady Mila?"

She looked to the side with a frown. "I thought you are as strong as my first impression on you, but I guess I was wrong. You almost lost."

"Yes, but thanks to my friends, they-"

"You will never become strong if you depend on them."

"With respect, my lady, I don't believe in what you say." She looked at me. "Because my father said that no one becomes strong just for themselves."

"How so?" she asked.

"He said that having someone to fight for, is putting weight for your punches."

"That's absurd. Becoming strong is something you are born with and trained for. My father, Enzo, my sisters, and all other powerful gods on Olympus know that."

"Yes, my lady, we train to become strong, but then what for?"

She gritted her teeth while averting her eyes. "I called you here for a reason," she said with a slightly angry tone. "that is... it's uh.... don't."

"What is it, my lady?"

It took her a while to say this, but she didn't look at me and said in a calm tone, "Don't lose."

I am surprised to hear that from her. Why doesn't she want me to lose? What is the reason? This may be, she likes me? No way, no way... A goddess liking a human like me is definitely impossible. But she said she doesn't consider me as a god, nor a human, but a demigod. And I heard some demigods were married to other gods, and Lord Enzo and Lady Danae are in a relationship. My heart throbbed a little bit.

-

*

Leo got the wrong idea.

*

-

"I don't plan to, my lady," I said shyly.

"So," she said after gaining her composure. "if you say that others make you stronger, then I will help you to win."

"What? How?"

"Using my powers to injure your enemy while fighting, of course." She said it in an evil manner with the smirk on her face.

"That's crazy!" I exclaimed.

"You're saying, I'm crazy?" she asked threateningly.

"Uh, that's not it, my lady. I mean I am fine on my own in the ring."

"You're contradicting yourself, you fool. What happened to your, 'stronger together' motto?"

"Fool? Uh, that's not what it literally means, my lady."

"Then what is?"

"I don't know, but to describe it, it's something like a feeling I carry in here," I pointed at my chest. "as something that gives me strength."

"Tschh!" she said in disdain, folding her arms, rolled her eyes, and turned around. "You're just like him."

"Who do you me-"

"Just don't lose, or I swear as the ruler of the Underworld, I'll chain you deep in the depths of Tartarus, myself!" She turned back and walked towards me. "That is if you lose," she said with that threatening eyes. I can tell that she means it, so I swallowed, and nodded. She narrowed her eyes and instantly flew off the tower with her smoky power.

She just motivated me even more.