“The Rise of Zeus – Chapter VII (Pt 1)”

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

Six incredibly long and uncomfortable hours later, Chiron, Athena, and Apollo wrap up their final topic of the day.

“Get a good night’s sleep,” Chiron says, his voice barely audible over the scraping of his chair as he pushes it in. “We did some good work today, but it’s just the beginning. Tomorrow, the real work begins.”

“Oh, joy,” Apollo mutters, “I can’t wait.”

“And remember,” Chiron says, “everything we discussed today stays in this room. Am I understood?” He pauses before adding, “I’m looking at you, Apollo.”

“Yes, I understand,” he mumbles.

“Good. Then get some rest. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

I hear the doors open and close before silence falls over the room.

Suddenly, a voice rings out. “You can come down now, Zeus. I know you’re there.”

Crap.

Slowly, I lift the ceiling tile and float down into the room. I land in front of Athena, who’s waiting with her arms crossed.

“Hi,” I say sheepishly. “How did you—”

“You’re so predictable,” she sighs, shaking her head. “Honestly, did you really think I didn’t know about that ceiling tile?”

“I mean, I guess I didn’t really think about it.”

“Of course you didn’t.” Her expression suddenly softens as she whispers, “You heard most of that conversation then, didn’t you?”

If it were Apollo, I probably would’ve lied and said that I just heard the tail end of it, but there’s no point trying to trick Athena.

“Yeah,” I admit. “Is it… Is it true about Medusa? Is she really dead?

Final Comments: I was debating whether I should include more of their secret meeting conversation, but it felt weird to continue in a new chapter rather than starting a new idea. So, here we are.

Overall Rating: 🤨