Story of Bellerophon - Part 1
As aspiring heroes began their training in the underworld, the number of them becoming my followers steadily increased. Perhaps it was due to being constantly exposed to the aura of the underworld, though Persephone's power had somewhat neutralized it...
"Pluto, if you can hear me, please show me mercy! Aaargh!!"
Boom!
"Iarytos! Are you alright?" "This guy's completely lost it. Hey, snap out of it!"
Hmm. The human whose voice I just heard seems to have become my newest follower.
In fact, it's not unusual for heroes who constantly suffer at the hands of mythical monsters to call out my name. When facing monsters that are nearly impossible to defeat with mortal strength, it's only natural to turn to a god nearby.
However, no matter how desperately they call for me, I never help them. Unless they call me from the living world, the trials of the underworld are merely training exercises.
"Pluto, yet another soul has passed through today's trial and entered the underworld..." "Thank you for your grace..."
Meanwhile, the priests connected to the living world through the outskirts of the underworld were also doing their part. Occasionally, spies sent by Gaia, tainted by madness, were discovered, but they were well-filtered with a stone imbued with Dionysus' power.
As I watched the heroes' training from my throne with my eyes closed, a soft voice called out to me. It was the voice of Styx, the goddess I had grown accustomed to hearing.
"Hades, are you available?"
"Goddess Styx...? There's no one here in the audience chamber, but what brings you here?"
She quietly opened the door of the chamber, glanced around, and entered.
"Have you heard that a new hero is attempting to kill the Chimera?"
"Chimera... one of Typhon and Echidna's offspring."
The Chimera, a terrifying beast that combined the forms of three animals, was indeed one of Typhon and Echidna's monstrous children. It had the body of a lion, with a goat's head protruding from its back, and a snake for a tail. The lion's head breathed fire, the goat's head was known for its cunning, and the snake's fangs dripped with deadly venom.
Come to think of it, Typhon's offspring are all incredibly strong.
Take Cerberus, who guards the underworld's gates, or the Nemean Lion that lived in the valley of Nemea... Even the Sphinx, which was taken in by Hera and later killed by Oedipus before coming to the underworld, fits the category.
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"So, a hero is going to kill one of Typhon's children. I imagine many gods are watching closely."
"Yes, Olympus has reached out. They've suggested we lend Pegasus to the hero—the winged horse born from the blood of the beheaded Medusa."
Pegasus, a magnificent white horse with wings, had been born from the blood of Medusa when the hero Perseus severed her head. Unlike ordinary horses, Pegasus could soar through the skies with the wings on its back.
The last time Medusa, who had become a minor goddess of the underworld, visited the surface, she brought Pegasus back with her. Apparently, when she approached him, Pegasus recognized her as a mother figure and followed her calmly.
Thus, Pegasus now leisurely resides in the underworld alongside his "mother."
"Alright then, let's summon Medusa and ask her opinion. Since Pegasus was born from her, after all."
"I think she's with Mente right now. Shall I call for them?"
"There's no need. I'd like to see Pegasus myself. I hear he's grazing in the Elysium Fields."
Since Pegasus had eaten the food of the underworld, he's long been bound to this realm. Still, depending on Medusa's wishes, it might be possible to lend him temporarily to the hero.
The Elysium Fields, where I soon arrived, exuded warmth more comforting than the goddess of spring and cozier than the goddess of the hearth. A vast, endless plain, with gentle breezes and the chirping of insects in the air, greeted me.
Elysium looked no different from the fields of the living world. On a distant hill, a man lay enjoying the scenery. As I approached, he noticed me and stood up with a pleased expression. It was Cadmus, the great hero who had tricked Typhon and now lived here in Elysium.
He smiled and spoke as he recognized me.
"Lord Hades! What brings you to Elysium?"
"It's been a while, Cadmus. Have you seen two goddesses with a winged horse around here?"
"If you mean them, they passed by not long ago."
Cadmus pointed in a direction, and I assumed the goddesses had taken Pegasus to graze. Since the horse would return once it finished grazing, I figured I could wait here and chat with Cadmus.
I decided to ask him how he was enjoying life in Elysium. After all, it's only proper to gather feedback from the residents of a paradise I had carefully crafted.
"How is life in Elysium? Are you satisfied?"
"Haha! My wife, Harmonia, never stops smiling. These days, even more so. Life here is far better than in the mortal world..."
Cadmus laughed heartily, showing his teeth. It seemed his relationship with his wife, the goddess of harmony, was still strong. Even in death, they lived in harmony—a mortal couple that remained close beyond the grave.
"Even after all these years, you and Harmonia are still so close."
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"I may not be Aphrodite, but that's the true essence of love, isn't it?"
It had been many years since their deaths, yet their love had not waned.
Is this what love truly is? If so, perhaps I...
"But Lord Hades, what brings you here?"
"I've come to ask Medusa if we can lend Pegasus to a hero in the mortal world."
"The mortal world is still full of unrest, I see... Could this have anything to do with the serpent monsters I mentioned to you long ago?"
I told him about the Gigantes and how heroes were being trained in the outer reaches of the underworld. I also updated him on the status of his descendants and the people of Thebes still living in the mortal world.
"Ah... so that's what's happening. In that case, may I make a request?"
"A request? What is it? Speak."
"Since the heroes are training on the outskirts of the underworld, I would like to lend them my assistance."
"...You should rest in Elysium. There's no need for you to concern yourself with such matters."
I rejected his offer outright, but Cadmus laughed heartily and spoke again. This place is a paradise, a dreamland for all...
"Lord Hades, guiding future generations on the right path is the duty and pride of any hero. Sometimes, helping them is more fulfilling than simply living in Elysium."
"But you've already completed your tasks and severed all ties with the mortal world..."
"Ask the other heroes. If they're true heroes, they'll give you a similar answer."
The first hero to steal Typhon's sinews and save Olympus, even after all these years, still had the same unyielding gaze. If this is what it means to be a hero, and if that's their wish...
"...I'll consider asking the others."
"Haha! Please, call on me whenever you need. I'd be more than happy to pass on my humble experience to the younger generation."
As we continued our conversation, I heard a voice from afar—a goddess calling out.
"Cadmus~! Where are you?!"
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"That voice...! It seems Harmonia is looking for me."
"Indeed. I'll be off to collect Pegasus now. Enjoy your time with your wife."
"Please, come visit again! Next time, I'll have something prepared for you!"
It wasn't long after I resumed my walk that I found the goddesses and Pegasus. The winged horse, with its beautiful white wings, noticed me and immediately whinnied, hiding behind Medusa.
"Whinny!"
"Oh! Lord Hades! Did you come to see me?" "You've come all the way to Elysium?"
Mente and Medusa greeted me with bright smiles, and I nodded in acknowledgment. Though it seemed Pegasus was still frightened of me.
"Medusa, I came to discuss lending Pegasus to a hero in the mortal world."
"Huh? Oh, you could have just commanded me..."
Medusa trailed off, and I remained silent. After all, she had been beheaded by a hero, and it was through that act that Pegasus was born.
After a moment of silence, Medusa seemed to realize something and bowed her head.
"Ah... There's no need to consider my feelings. Pegasus belongs to the Lord of the Underworld. You may lend him as you see fit."
"...Thank you. Once the hero has slain Typhon's child, I'll return him to you."
"Whinny!"
The clever animal seemed to understand, but after Medusa stroked his back a few times, he quieted down.
"Does he still follow you around everywhere you go?"
"Hehe... That was when he was just a foal. He's grown up now, haven't you?"
"Whinny!"
"For some reason, though, he's still scared of Lord Hades. Perhaps because he's a sky horse?"
Mente's suggestion could be right. A creature like Pegasus, tied to the skies and oceans, would indeed find it difficult to adjust to life in the underworld.
Though he's getting used to it, he still seems wary of me. Perhaps it's because he senses the underworld's aura, which conflicts with his nature. Regardless, he's becoming more accustomed to the environment here, even if he remains a bit fearful around me.
I gestured toward Pegasus, and, despite his fear, the intelligent creature moved cautiously closer to my side.
"Well then, I'll be taking Pegasus with me."
"Yes, of course. I look forward to seeing you again, Lord Hades!"
"Understood, Hades. Take care."
Now, it was time to pass this magnificent creature to the hero. But who should I entrust with the task of delivering him—Hermes? Athena?Story of Bellerophon - Part 2
When I returned to the citadel with Pegasus after leaving Elysium, I was greeted by Goddess Styx. She had been managing urgent matters during my brief absence and was now taking a moment to rest.
"You're back. Hades... and you've brought Pegasus."
Whinny!
Some might think it overstepping her authority, but I was the one who granted the goddess Styx the right to make decisions in my stead as a gesture of gratitude for her help during the war against the Titans. As such, she often acts as the final decision-maker when I'm not present in the underworld. Still, for issues too complex to resolve on her own, she always waits for me to return before making a final judgment.
"Now all that remains is to hand this over to the hero. I was thinking of sending Hermes or Athena."
"Shall I send a message to Olympus?"
"Yes, please do."
With that, I began to return to my usual place, but something about the sight of Goddess Styx caught my attention. Her long black hair and her tired, yet striking, blue eyes stood out, and she was holding a parchment in her hand.
Come to think of it, I owe her quite a lot.
A very long time ago, during the war with the Titans... she helped me manage the underworld and supported me during my inexperienced days. The feeling of Styx's sword hanging at my waist was somehow comforting. Along with Goddess Styx, there were Lethe, Mente, and Persephone—each of them precious to me in their own way. Yet, have I ever truly repaid them for their kindness?
Her beautiful eyes were filled with trust, affection, and devotion toward me. As I gazed at her, lost in thought, she let out a small laugh.
"Pfft. Hades, what are you staring at so intently? Have you become entranced by my beauty?"
"...Yes. You look particularly beautiful today."
"Wha—?! Huh?! What... did you just say...?"
The parchment slipped from Styx's hand as her face flushed bright red all the way to her ears. She covered her mouth with one hand, unsure of how to respond.
I, too, felt a bit of nervousness creep into my voice as I continued. This was just a walk... yes, that's all it was. A way to show my appreciation... Nothing more. Probably.
"Since Pegasus is heading to the mortal world, would you like to take a ride through the skies with me?"
Gasp! "I-I'll get ready right away! Wait here!"
Thud, thud, thud—crash!
In her rush to leave, the goddess brushed past me, only to trip on the audience chamber's door, causing part of it to break under her divine strength. As I stared at the splinters scattered on the floor, one thought crossed my mind:
"Should I change my clothes too?"
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I expected her to return soon, but even after a while, Styx didn't come back.
...?
Just as I began to worry and considered checking on her, the door suddenly flew open, and Styx rushed in, breathless. She bent over, hands on her knees, panting as if she had been chased by something—or someone.
Who could have possibly made Goddess Styx so frantic here in the underworld?
Surely it wasn't some sudden war with the Gigantes?
"Gasp... Hades... let's go quickly!"
"What happened? Did a war break out in Olympus? Or has Poseidon started a rebellion again...?"
"No... huff... no, it's not that... Lethe... Lethe was giving me suspicious looks, so I had to make a full lap around the underworld to lose her... huff."
"...Perhaps you should have some water first."
As Styx explained the situation, it became clear that while she had been changing, Goddess Lethe had shown up unexpectedly...
"Styx, why are you dressed like that? Where are you going?"
"Le... Lethe?! It's nothing!"
"Hmm... You're acting suspicious."
And so, Lethe had followed Styx around for quite some time, dumping a load of work on her before finally leaving her alone. Styx let out a small sigh as she finished her explanation.
"Ugh... Lethe can be so persistent..."
"It might have something to do with what you're wearing..."
Unlike the casual attire she had been wearing earlier, Styx was now dressed in a chiton that revealed much of her legs and chest. Her face shone with olive oil and honey, while delicate golden jewelry adorned her slightly blushed ears.
"...Hades."
"...Yes?"
"Please stop staring so much..."
Her soft blush, combined with her already radiant beauty, made her even more enchanting.
"Shall we go, Goddess Styx?"
"...! Of course."
And so, I left the underworld briefly, bringing Pegasus with us.
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Whinny!
Pegasus seemed delighted to be back in the mortal world, galloping around in excitement. After letting him run around for a bit, I halted him and extended my hand to Styx.
"Please, climb on."
"...Yes!"
I grabbed the reins as Styx wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head against my back. The soft sensation of her touch made the moment even more awkward, but I focused on controlling Pegasus.
I gently stroked Pegasus's glossy white mane and gave the command. The intelligent celestial horse would surely understand.
"Let's go. Up into the sky, but not too close to Olympus."
Whinny!
Pegasus kicked off the ground and soared into the sky, his majestic white wings creating gusts of wind as they flapped.
Whoosh—
Higher and higher we climbed. I could see nymphs watching us from the nearby mountains. I waved my hand, making sure we couldn't be seen by mortal eyes, and then turned to Styx, who was sitting behind me.
"Riding a chariot through the clouds is nice, but there's something special about riding a horse and feeling the wind. I wanted to show you this view."
"Now that you mention it, Hades, wasn't this the reason you fought the Titans?"
"Yes. Well, more specifically, it was for the view from the summit of Olympus. But this is quite similar."
Whinny!
We continued to ascend until the clouds floated by our sides. We had almost reached the same altitude as the divine palace on Olympus, but since I had no intention of visiting the gods, I gently pulled the reins, signaling Pegasus to slow down.
As I looked down, I could see vast plains and the distant dots of human cities.
"I spend so much time in the underworld... I don't often get to see such views."
"Now that things in the underworld have stabilized, you'll have more time."
"...Thank you. Being with you, Hades, even a simple ride through the sky feels enjoyable."
I turned to look behind me, only to find Styx leaning in even closer, her face inches away from mine. As our eyes met, she slowly closed hers, a clear indication of what she desired.
Her delicate, red lips—if I moved just one step forward, what would happen?
I halted Pegasus in midair and slowly leaned in. My heartbeat thundered louder than Zeus's lightning as I inched closer. The sound of the wind, the chirping of birds, all faded into the background. My focus was entirely on the goddess before me.
"Huff..."
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I took a deep breath, feeling nervous yet eager. I couldn't deny that I found it pleasing to have goddesses who cared for me. But... could I truly make them happy? Not just one goddess, but several?
I knew the truth. This hesitation, this reluctance—it was my own fear, nothing more.
As I battled with these thoughts, a sudden, deliberate gust of wind blew through the air.
Whoosh—
"Wha—!"
"Hmm?!"
Pegasus stumbled in the strong wind, causing both Styx and me to lose our balance. I gripped the reins tightly with one hand while the other wrapped around Styx's waist to steady her.
And then... in the midst of the chaos...
Smooch.
The soft sensation of lips meeting. The sweet scent of honey lingered as I tasted the warmth of the goddess in an unexpected moment. It was a small accident caused by the sudden wind, yet it pushed us together.
Styx's eyes widened as she opened them, her pupils dilating in shock. I, too, quickly turned my head, my face reddening.
Whoosh—
It didn't take long to figure out who had caused the sudden wind. In the distance, I saw a god flying away, giving me a thumbs-up with a nod.
It was Euros, god of the east wind, son of the goddess Eos of dawn. It seemed he had stirred up the wind while passing by on his way to bring warmth and rain to the world.
You're not the god of matchmaking, you know...
Just as we were about to head back, we encountered the messenger god, Hermes, flying toward us. He looked surprised to see Styx and me riding Pegasus together and couldn't hide his curiosity.
"Well, if it isn't Uncle Hades! And Goddess Styx behind you?"
"...Hermes."
"What brings you to the skies? Wait, don't tell me... were you having a romantic moment? Oh, I've interrupted, haven't I? Haha!"
"..."
Neither Styx nor I could say a word. After all, the sensation of that soft kiss still lingered on my lips...
"...Is it true?"
"Stop with your nonsense. Here, take the reins and deliver Pegasus to the hero."
"Huh? Oh... Thank you for lending Pegasus, Uncle Hades."
"Once you land, release him in the mortal world and leave him somewhere appropriate."
I need to test whether this hero is truly worthy of handling Pegasus. If he can hold the reins and stay atop the winged horse, only then will he be worthy of borrowing him.
"Understood. I planned to do that anyway. But... seriously, were you two really—"
"Quiet."
Why is he so quick to notice things that don't concern him?Story of Bellerophon - Part 3
After the brief but intense journey through the skies, and having handed Pegasus over to Hermes, I glanced back.
"...Ugh."
Styx, still unable to meet my gaze, had her head bowed. Despite the countless times she had approached me first in the past, this time, after I made the move, she seemed unsure of how to respond. Her shy demeanor was somewhat endearing, and I almost smiled, but her soft, trembling voice made my expression harden.
"Hades... about what happened up there... was it an accident?"
"...It wasn't an accident."
"Wh-what?! Then... that means..."
Once more, I decided to take a step forward. Slowly, I moved closer to the beautiful goddess, and though she flinched slightly, she didn't pull away. Gently, I placed my right hand on her waist and my left hand cradled the back of her head. In this moment, I revealed my true feelings to the goddess of oaths.
A whirlwind of emotions filled my mind—embarrassment, courage, hesitation—but my movements were smooth, flowing as naturally as water, and the result washed away all those feelings.
Smooch.
This time, it wasn't the wind from Euros pushing me, but my own will.
Bellerophon.
Born with great strength, Bellerophon had originally aspired to become a hero and was on his way to Thebes. However, after accidentally killing his brother, he sought refuge with Proetus, the king of Tiryns. But there, a new challenge awaited him.
Queen Anteia tried to seduce him.
"Bellerophon, just for one night... will you not be with me?"
"...I'm sorry, Your Majesty."
Out of loyalty to his benefactor, Proetus, Bellerophon firmly rejected her advances. But who could have predicted that the queen, out of fury, would falsely accuse him before the king?
"My love, Bellerophon tried to seduce me! He invited me into his chamber and..."
"What?! That scoundrel!"
Although the king believed the queen's lies, he couldn't bring himself to kill Bellerophon directly, as he was bound by the sacred custom of hospitality. He couldn't harm a guest who had sought his protection.
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"Bellerophon, take this letter to my father-in-law, King Iobates of Lycia."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
King Proetus devised a cunning plan: he wrote a letter to his father-in-law, King Iobates, requesting him to kill the bearer of the letter—Bellerophon. This way, Iobates would deal with the problem for him.
"So, you've brought a letter from my son-in-law?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Here it is."
However, after reading the letter, even King Iobates hesitated to kill Bellerophon directly. Instead, he proposed a dangerous task.
"Bellerophon, can you slay the Chimera?"
"Chimera...?"
"It's a terrifying creature that has been devouring people. My son-in-law mentioned in his letter that you are a man of great strength. If you succeed, I shall give you my daughter Philonoe in marriage and bequeath to you the kingdom of Lycia."
"Is that true? If so, I will take on the challenge!"
Thus, King Iobates sought to use the Chimera, a man-eating monster that had been terrorizing Lycia, to get rid of Bellerophon.
Confidently leaving the palace of Lycia, Bellerophon soon realized that the location of the Chimera, as well as how to defeat it, was a mystery. Knowing that his own strength might not be enough, he decided to visit a nearby temple of Athena. He hunted a few deer in the area, offering them as tribute to the goddess of wisdom while praying for guidance.
"Athena, goddess of wisdom, I must defeat the Chimera with my own strength. Please grant me your divine insight..."
The news of a mortal attempting to slay the Chimera, one of Typhon's monstrous offspring, reached Olympus through Athena. The gods, excited by the prospect of a new hero rising, began to talk.
"Typhon's offspring are not easily defeated by mere mortals."
"It would take someone like Cadmus to stand a chance against the Chimera."
"Such a formidable beast... should we not give a little aid? Perhaps we should send Pegasus..."
"Pegasus? To a mortal? And isn't Pegasus a sacred beast of the underworld, born from Medusa?"
"We could ask Hades for permission. If the mortal can tame Pegasus, it would be a worthy test."
"I agree. Let the mortal prove his worth."
The decision of the gods was soon relayed to the underworld, and the plan reached Hades' ears. As a result, Hermes was tasked with delivering Pegasus to a meadow, while Athena appeared in Bellerophon's dream to offer him guidance.
"Take these reins and go to the nearby meadow. There you will find the winged horse, Pegasus. If you can place the reins on him and hold your ground, the divine steed will become your ally."
"A winged horse... Pegasus...?"
"And as for the location of the Chimera..."
When Bellerophon awoke, he found the golden reins in his hand, decorated in splendid detail. Realizing that the dream had been a divine message, he rushed to the meadow and quickly spotted Pegasus. The winged horse, with its pure white coat, was grazing peacefully, as Hermes had instructed. Bellerophon carefully approached the divine beast.
The horse, still asleep, didn't notice Bellerophon drawing near, and soon, he managed to slip the reins over its head.
Click.
Whinny! Hii-yah!
"Ugh! You're a stubborn one, aren't you?!"
Having secured the reins, Bellerophon quickly mounted the horse and began the struggle to tame it. Pegasus, flapping his mighty wings, fiercely resisted, trying to throw him off.
Whinny!
With a powerful flap of his wings, Pegasus took to the skies, ascending higher and higher. The hero clung to the reins with all his strength as the clouds passed beneath them.
"The clouds... they're below me now! But I won't let go so easily!"
The fierce winds battered Bellerophon's body, and the vast, intimidating view of the sky threatened to overwhelm him. Yet, the golden reins gifted by Athena and his own strength were all he had to rely on.
Once Pegasus had ascended to a great height, the winged horse stopped flapping and suddenly plummeted toward the ground, wings tucked in. Was the divine beast trying to kill both itself and its rider?
Whooooosh—
"Arrghhh!"
But Bellerophon refused to let go. Even as the fierce wind whipped around him, and the ground rushed toward them, he held on tightly.
Whinny!
Just before they reached the ground, Pegasus, conceding defeat, spread his wings wide and slowed his descent. The hero, gripping the reins, sighed in relief and wiped the sweat from his brow.
Pegasus, now acknowledging Bellerophon as its master, landed gently on the ground.
"Heh... you're not running away anymore, are you? Thanks, Pegasus."
With Pegasus now tamed, Bellerophon set off toward the location where Athena had told him the Chimera resided.
When they arrived at the location Athena had described, Bellerophon saw the terrifying creature—a monstrous amalgamation of three animals, including the head of a lion. Riding Pegasus, he drew his bow and nocked an arrow.
Whoosh—
The arrow flew straight toward the beast, but—
Thunk.
"What?!"
The arrow bounced harmlessly off the Chimera's thick hide. Born of Typhon's bloodline, the Chimera's skin was far too tough for a mortal's weapon to pierce. Despite firing several more arrows, Bellerophon couldn't leave so much as a scratch on the beast.
The Chimera let out a low growl, as if mocking him, and then spewed fire from its lion head. The flames roared toward Pegasus, who was still hovering in the air.
Fwoosh—
"Tch. We have to retreat for now, Pegasus!"
With no other choice, Bellerophon turned and flew back to the village, leaving the enraged Chimera behind.
Grrr...
What a shame. The Chimera, being one of Typhon's children, is like a child to me as well. But, alas, it is fated to die at the hands of a hero.
Suddenly, the Chimera heard a voice rumbling up from the earth. Confused, the beast hesitated. Where was this voice coming from? The voice seemed... familiar.
Grr?
Despite its confusion, the voice continued, reverberating within the monster's mind. It wasn't coming from any particular direction—just a presence that seemed to speak directly to its thoughts.
You are fated to die at the hands of a mortal hero, but fate allows you to choose the manner of your demise.
The goat's head, possessing cruel wisdom, whispered to the other heads. This voice felt unmistakably similar to that of its parents, Typhon and Echidna.
Let me guide you.
With that final message, the Chimera's eyes glowed red, and it suddenly bolted off in a new direction.
Back in the village, Bellerophon pondered over how to defeat the Chimera, eventually coming up with a plan. He headed to the local blacksmith and asked for an unusual weapon to be made.
"Can you forge me a spear with a lump of lead on its tip?"
"Lead? What are you planning to do with such a weapon? And can you even carry it?"
"Of course. I'll use it to kill the monster."
Armed with the heavy lead-tipped spear, Bellerophon smiled, convinced that if he could thrust the spear into the Chimera's mouth while it breathed fire, the lead would melt and kill the beast from within.
However, when he returned to the location where the Chimera had been, the monster was nowhere to be found. Had the creature fled in fear of a human? Had he come to the wrong place?
Frantically, Bellerophon searched the area, but there was no sign of the Chimera. Just as he was about to give up, a voice echoed from above. A voice from the heavens? Who could it be?
"Bellerophon, the Chimera has fled in this direction. Hurry, you must catch it."
In the distance, a fully armored goddess stood on a cloud. She pointed her spear in the direction where the Chimera had gone.
"Thank you! Who are you, gracious goddess?"
"I am Athena, goddess of wisdom."
After offering his thanks, Bellerophon mounted Pegasus and flew in pursuit of the Chimera.
But wait... wasn't this the direction toward Lycia?