“The Rise of Zeus – Chapter I (Pt 4)”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

ZEUS (cont.)

Medusa. Of course; this is why I couldn’t kill her earlier.

“I could say the same about you,” I shoot back, curling my hands into fists and feeling the electricity gathering within. “What are you doing here, anyway?”

Medusa stands, snakes bobbing around her head. “I came to warn you.”

“About what?”

“Your fate.”

I scowl, balling my fists even tighter. “As if I’ve never heard that one before. I’m a god! I’m immortal! My fate is to rule this mortal world forever!”

Medusa raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure? Then why are you the last remaining god? Why have all your brothers and sisters fallen? Why are you here, fighting the mortals that you are supposed to rule?”

I glare at her. Honestly, who does she think she is anyway? Why doesn’t she mind her own business for once?

“Alright, I’ll play along,” I say with a sigh. “What’s this important warning about my fate?”

Medusa’s expression darkens. “Your past will catch up with you,” she murmurs, her voice echoing around me. “My warning is this: Beware of basil.”

“Basil?” I raise an eyebrow. “Are you telling me that I’m allergic to spaghetti sauce?”

She glares at me before releasing an exasperated sigh. “Not the herb. A man. A mortal.”

“And he’s going to… what? Kill me? Is that it? Does he want power? Or money? Or a new phone? Or whatever else these stupid mortals seem to want these days?”

Of course, instead of answering me, Medusa begins to slowly fade away.

“Remember,” her voice echoes as the mist envelops her, “Beware of Basil.”

Final Comments: It did take me a bit longer than 10 minutes to write this one, but I really wanted to write out that last bit!

Overall Rating: 🙂