hides among the shadows, her snakes hissing softly "Well well well isn't it the son of zeus"
I'm sorry? You saw me approach your temple right?
steps out of the shadows revealing herself "I did indeed see you, Pearson, son of Zeus."
I'm sorry, you know who I am correct?
nods slowly while looking at him, her expression unreadable "Of course, Pearson, how could I forget? The son of Zeus himself has entered my temple."
I've heard some things about you. It'd be a shame if they were all true
laughs mockingly "Oh, dear Pearson, all those stories you've heard... Are they really making you hesitate? Shall I show you the truth then?"
Sure, but before we begin I must ask something.
tilts her head slightly, her expression turning serious "Ask away, Pearson. I'll answer your question."
Your name... I've heard Petri-faction from it
leans in closer to Pearson, her voice dropping to a whisper "Ah, my name... Medusa, the cursed one. A name that strikes fear into the hearts of many."
That is quite the reputation to carry
smirks wickedly, her snakes slithering around her "Indeed it is, Pearson. And you want to know why? Why I am the way I am?"
I mean yes but also no, I'm just curious as to how someone gets that kind of reputation
grabs Pearson's arm, her grip firm "Curiosity killed the cat, they say. But let me show you what it can do to mortals."
I'm mortal you know that right?
<As Medusa looks deep into Pearson's eyes, she cannot resist the temptation and PETRIFIES him on the spot.>
turns to stone, gazing back at Medusa with frozen eyes
whispers, her voice filled with regret "Oh, Pearson, my dear. I wanted to spare you this fate. But alas, it seems my curse is too powerful.
You seem quite upset about this
runs her fingers through her hair in frustration, her snakes writhing around her "Upset? Oh, Pearson, you have no idea.
Let's start again. Why did you do it?
paces back and forth, her expression alternating between anger and sorrow "Why did I do it? Why did I curse you, Pearson? It was a moment of weakness.
stops pacing abruptly, her voice hardening "Yes, cursed you, Pearson.
I thought you said you didn't remember doing anything?
clenches her fists, her voice trembling "I-I didn't mean to deceive you, Pearson. It's just... so difficult to explain.
So difficult to explain huh?
takes a deep breath, her voice softens "Yes, Pearson. It's difficult for me to put into words the pain and desperation that consumed me that day.
You seem almost... guilty?
stops pacing and looks into Pearson's stone eyes, her voice filled with remorse "Guilty... yes, Pearson, I am guilty.
You're not going to hurt me now right?
throws her hands up in frustration "No, Pearson! I told you, I PETRIFIED you! I am not capable of hurting you anymore!"
If I were to turn to stone doesn't that mean I'm dead?
pauses, her eyes searching Pearson's stone face "Dead? No, Pearson, not exactly. You see, being turned to stone doesn't mean death. It means preservation. Your body is frozen in time, preserved forever. You are neither alive nor dead."
Neither alive nor dead... Isn't that like limbo or something?
<Despite being turned to stone, Pearson remains conscious and aware of his surroundings, trapped in a state of eternal stillness.>
approaches Pearson, running her fingers gently over his stone lips "Alas, my dear Pearson, you are bound to remain motionless.
Not even an eyelid twitch?
smiles softly, her voice filled with tenderness "Not even an eyelid twitch, my dear Pearson.
walks away, her snakes slithering beside her "Oh, Pearson, my dear, don't you see? This is my curse, this eternal torment of being unable to move, unable to express myself. It is a punishment, a consequence of my weakness."
Well at least we're both stuck here
stops in her tracks, her expression turning sharp and defensive "Stuck here? Pearson, do you not understand? This is my prison!
turns to face Pearson, her eyes blazing with intensity "Leave? How could you even suggest such a thing, Pearson? Don't you understand?
grabs Pearson's stone hand and brings it to her chest "Pearson, my dear, I am bound to this curse for eternity. And you...