...
[A few hours later]
I slam the glass on the bar counter after downing my 435th shot of vodka.
It's been a few hours since the confrontation.
"I'd tell you to slow down, but I know I'd just be wasting my breath." Feeling quite sick of me at this point, one of my oldest and most trusted friends, Athena, who is also a fellow war goddess, decides to accompany me so I won't end up drinking myself to oblivion.
Although having over four hundred shots of vodka would've killed an ordinary human being at least around thirty times over, it's different for us.
Though between you and me, I think I'd be able to give Dionysus a run for his money.
He gets annoying about it, though, so I don't bother challenging him for something as inane as the universe's 'best alcoholic'.
Being careful not to upset me further, Athena asks me with caution, "So... what happened this time? Is it the same old, same old? Made your man feel all emasculated, so he pulled some stupid shit?"
With my cheeks painted a lovely shade of pink from the alcohol, the corners of my mouth curve into a small smile as I giggle at her words, "Hahaha... You got that right, my dear friend."
The wise goddess tries to reason with me, "Oh, screw them. This is why I don't have anyone. Just stay single like me, and you won't have to suffer through any of this bullshit. It's not worth it."
Honestly, I'm almost tempted to take her up on her offer and join her forever-alone group.
She sighs and opens her arms, motioning me to sink into them.
"If only they knew how sweet you are..." Athena's voice trails off, "If they just took the time and figured out how to bring that out of you, they would've had the best of both worlds. You sure know how to pick them, Khirelle."
"Shut up, already. Are you here to comfort me or make me feel worse?" I pout as I bury myself deeper into her warm embrace.
Just as I am about to drift off to slumberland, my ears perk up when I hear something interesting.
I lift my face and turn my head towards the direction of a group of young goddesses and demi-goddesses, on a table not far from where we're sitting.
One of the more serious women in the group pipes up, "Are you an idiot?! It's just a legend! A myth! Why would something like that exist? If it did, don't you think someone would've done it by now?"
"Awww... but how nice would it be, if it were real...?! An ancient spell that allows you to meet your destined person..." A brunette demi-goddess breathes out softly with a dream-like look on her face.
Another interjects, "No, you doofus. The spell lets you CREATE the perfect partner that you can be with for life. One that'll fully remain in love and faithful to you until the end of time. This perfect being will never, ever betray you in any way whatsoever."
The girl's voice softens at first, but she keeps going, "I don't know about you, but doesn't that mean like you're stuck with the same person for good? Doesn't that scare you at ALL? 'Cos it sounds like a nightmare to me, that's for sure."
True.
What if you get bored? It's not like any of us can 'die' or start over.
My mind starts to race as I contemplate the idea.
The dark-haired demi-goddess from earlier brings up another point, "It's a spell that's supposed to give you your other half. How could they be considered perfect if you were to get bored of them? That makes no sense!"
Hmm, sounds logical enough, I suppose. I guess she's not a complete airhead like she seemed initially at first.
The more I think about this, the more it appeals to me.
I don't have to 'find' someone anymore. I can have my very own!
All my life, I've been let down by too many people. A lifetime for us in the realm of gods is... a very, very, verrryyyy long one.
Can you imagine the string of unsuccessful relationships I've had in the past?
Even I'm close to just giving up already, but this...!
This could be my last chance.
Athena scratches her head. She's at a loss of words and has no idea what to do. I know that she's not sure if she should help me or not.
She grabs my hands and holds them tightly.
"Listen... I just want you to be happy. If I had to be honest, though, this sounds batshit crazy." She stops, closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, and opens them again.
"... I'll help you, okay? Everyone knows your love life's practically a disaster area, but when it comes to everything else, you've been unstoppable." Athena grins widely at me.
"You've always had this uncanny ability to make all things that are impossible... well, possible. Once you've set your mind to something, you haven't disappointed anyone, including yourself, so far. It might be different this time around!" My dearest friend squeezes my hands tighter.
Yes, that's right.
This is going to be an adventure of a lifetime.
I am setting off on a journey to gather ingredients to make my own husband.
It'll be a story to tell my grandchildren, alright.
I'll take matters into my own hands like I always have.
If finding love through normal means isn't working, then I guess I should grab the imaginary bull by the horns and make it submit to me this time.
Watch me create the perfect husband; just you wait and see.