“The Rise of Zeus – Chapter III (Pt 6)”
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.)
Just as I’m about to enter the Citadel, another voice calls my name.
“What is it?” I sigh, turning to see Hermes leaning against the wall beside me.
“You’re planning on going up the elevator shaft, aren’t you?” he says, that annoying ever-present smirk on his face.
“Is everyone trying to stop me from going to this meeting?” I mutter.
Hermes pushes off from the wall and saunters over to stop in front of me. “Stopping you?” he says with a chuckle. “Oh, no, I wouldn’t dream of stopping my beloved king from getting to where he needs to go.” He performs an exaggerated bow, his arms flicking up over his head as he leans forward.
How is it that even after all these years of knowing him, Hermes is still the most annoying person I’ve ever met?
“Either make your point or get out of my face,” I spit.
His eyebrows raise. “Now, you wouldn’t raise your voice at your lowly subject, now would you, oh majestic king?” But when he sees that I’m not going to satisfy him with a comment, he sighs and says, “Alright, fine. I just thought I’d mention that you don’t need to go through the elevator shaft. There’s another way.”
I wait for him to continue. When he doesn’t, I mutter, “Really? And are you going to show me this other way or do I have to guess?”
“Well, you could guess if you want,” he says with a shrug. “That would actually be quite amusing. I should attach a camera to your head and watch you fumble around all over the Citadel.”
“Fine,” I scowl, “don’t tell me. Now get out of my way.”
“Okay!” He puts out his hands to stop me from walking past him. “Okay, I’ll tell you. But I want something in return.”
“Of course you do,” I say, rolling my eyes. “What is it this time?”
“Well, you might remember a few weeks ago, Chiron confiscated something of mine. All I want is to have it back.”
“And let me guess: this thing that Chiron confiscated is somewhere in the Citadel, probably along this new path that you want me to take.”
“Ding ding ding,” Hermes says with a wink. “See? It’ll take just a second of your time. You know what? I’m feeling so generous that I’ll even allow you to grab it on your way out.”
“Oh, well thank you,” I say dryly. “Is there anything else you’d like while I’m in there? A soda maybe? Some pizza?”
Final Comments: I’m realizing now that he’s taking so long talking to everyone that the conversation he’s so desperately trying to listen in on would probably be over by the time he got there… Oops… Oh well, maybe I can fix it.
Overall Rating: 😬
