“The Rise of Zeus – Chapter III (Pt 7)”

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.)

“Nope, just my sketchbook should be good,” Hermes says.

I glare at him. “This is about your sketchbook? Can’t you just get another one and put some more drawings in?”

Apparently, I didn’t say the right thing, because for the first time I think ever, Hermes’s grin fades. “You wouldn’t understand,” he mumbles, looking at the dirt as he nudges it with his shoe.

“I didn’t mean anything by it,” I mutter.

His grin snaps back onto his face. “Wow, I think that that’s the closest thing I’ve ever gotten to an apology from the great Lord Zeus,” he says with a wink.

“Shut up,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Okay, fine, I’ll grab your sketchbook on my way out. Now can you please tell me how to get in there before they finish their conversation?”

“Right.” He sidles up to me and leans in to cup a hand to my ear. He whispers, “Go through the kitchen.”

I swat him away and glare at him. “The kitchen? Are you insane? Hera’s in there, and we both know she’ll tell Chiron.”

“Well then don’t get caught.”

I roll my eyes. “Right, as if it’s that easy.”

Hermes dramatically copies my eye roll. “Fine, here’s a little something that’ll help.” He pulls a small packet from his pocket and hands it to me. “When you need a distraction, snap this and then throw it.”

The little packet in my hand feels suspiciously like a prank bomb. “This won’t hurt her, right?”

“Of course not!” He gasps, as if insulted that I would even suggest such a thing.

“Had to ask,” I say with a shrug.

He shakes his head before pushing me toward the door. “Alright, now go on! No time to waste! I’m going to grab a coffee while I wait, but I’ll be back later to pick up my sketchbook.”

Without waiting for me to reply, he turns on his heel and walks away, whistling as he goes.

Taking a deep breath, I turn to the door.

“Well, here goes,” I whisper, walking into the Citadel while holding a package that may or may not be a bomb.

Final Comments: I feel like this chapter might’ve been a bit too drawn out… I’ll have to see on reread whether I might even combine it with the next Zeus chapter.

Overall Rating: 😥