Page 3 of Deliverance
Odessa sighed. She looked at Kijani, then back to Eloy. “This one cares not of the changes you want to make. Make them and be done with it. This one only wishes to stay in this world and to have pleasures with whom she desires.”
“It is settled then, three to one,” Simeon said with a wide grin.
“With one exception,” Odessa said as she held up one finger.
“And that is?” Eloy asked.
“Let this one enjoy one last Game the way it was intended. Then you may neuter it,” Odessa said.
Eloy and Simeon gave each other concerned glances. Simeon shrugged, leaving the final decision to Eloy.
Eloy sighed. “Very well. After this month’s Games, let them only be to submission or if the other gladiator is rendered unconscious. Let them be paid for their showmanship in the arena, so that one day, they may purchase their freedom.”
“Why not just issue a declaration to set them free and never have the Games again?” Kijani asked, his tone sarcastic and cruel.
“The people need their entertainment, as do we. There was never a need to have it go to the death, Kijani,” Simeon said.
Kijani pushed himself back from the table. “This meal has soured.” He rose and walked away, leaving the other gods alone.
Simeon turned to Odessa. “Thank you for agreeing with us.”
She made an offhanded gesture. “This one happens to enjoy the cocks and tongues of these humans, male and female. This one will continue to indulge.”
Simeon held up a hand. “I make no move to take your pleasure away, Odessa.”
“See to it that the future Games do not become a bore because of your changes,” Odessa said as she rose. “This one departs.” With that, she left the restaurant.
Simeon and Eloy sat back, smiling at each other. “That went better than I could have ever hoped,” Simeon said.
“Kijani responded as I had expected,” Eloy said.
Simeon laughed. “Perhaps you should fuck him to calm him down. I would do the honors, but it is not my cock, ass, and mouth that he desires.”
“How do you know? Have you ever tried to seduce him?”
Simeon laughed. “Once, many eons ago. He has only lusted for you. It is apparent that you like him as well. Why not take him as your lover?”
“You know why I cannot.”
“Ahh, but I thought he told you to leave him be.”
Eloy nodded. “Something I cannot do.”
Simeon arched one of his perfect dark eyebrows. “There is no future for the two of you, Eloy.”
“There is if I take him from Rama. The human could not deny me.”
“And risk Kijani’s jealous rage that you take in the human he fears you fancy?”
“I will not lose him in the Games.”
“The Games will no longer be to the death after this last one. Still, are you willing to risk our immortality for this human?”
“Are you afraid to be mortal?” Eloy asked him.
Simeon chuckled and shook his head. “I long for it. I long to return to the heavens where I belong. I have grown bored of this life.”
“Maybe your feelings will change once we make things better.”
