Would I be willing to give my life for the life of others? This is where my name and I differ. I would do this. I was going to Olympus. I am going to Olympus. And I'm gonna teach a few Greek gods some lessons.

   There was only one problem. My parents. They wouldn't just let me leave.

   "Run away, I'm sure they'll be gratefully when their house isn't electrocuted," Hermes says.

   "But. . .," I can't pinpoint what is making me so hesitant. And then I realize. "Hermes,  I'm gonna die. I want to be able to say goodbye. I hadn't acted like I appreciated them, even if I did. I don't want to leave like Narcissus."

   Hermes opens his mouth, but then closes it. "Whaddya say we leave in two days. That gives me time to work out the kinks and you time to appreciate your family," he says softly.

   "Thank you, Hermes," I say. He gets up off of the bean bag chair and walks up to me. He doesn't do anything for a bit, but then he kisses my forehead.

   "I'm sorry," his voice comes out rough.

   "It's for the greater good," I reply weakly.

   "Yeah," he says flatly.  He doesn't look me in the eye and walks out my window. I can't imagine how he feels.

   He's separating someone from their family, and leading them to their death. I truly don't mind. I'd rather be the only one to die because of this instead of kill many more.

**********

The nest day, I hear Adam enter the house. My mom's voice follows his arrival.

   "Why don't you spend some time with your daughter?!"

   Oh no.

   "I asked but she was busy. I'm not about to force her into anything!"

   I run downstairs in time before my mom says anything she'll regret.

   "Hey now! No need to fight. I don't like fishing anyways. Remember? Fear of water?"

   "I was hunting...," Adam says.

   "Puddles! So sad," I begin to rush my words. "Anyways, you know what I don't have a fear of? Movies. We should watch one!"

   Vanity used Distraction.

   Mother is confused.

   Vanity wins!

   "Well what movie, sweetie? I'm sure the movie rental place is open."

  "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters would be great. And, um, can we get popcorn?" I ask.

   "I don't see why not. Adam, you get the treats. Vanity tidy up the living room so we can watch the movie. We'll be back as soon as possible."

   Everyone sets off on their own path.

For my task all I have to do is move a pillow. Silence rings loud in the house.

   "Hermes?" I call out. This could turn out two ways: me sounding crazy, or me sounding crazzy but having company.

   "Yeah?" I hear him answer. And score.

   "Come out!"

   "Can't, not gay," he says appearing he comes from the direction of the stairs.

   "That's a shame 'cause you have no chance with the ladies. What are you even doing here? Where were you?"

   "One: I distinctly remember you calling me hot, which is why we couldn't be seen in school together. Two: I came back because. . . I don't know. Three: I was in your room," Hermes concludes.

   "Oh. Have you figured out the kinks?"

   "Yes," he says. Something's not right. . .

   "What were the kinks, anyways?" I ask.

   "Just some, uh,  travelling problems."

  "Oh," I say lamely.  A few seconds are spared to the silence. Quiet spreads like a blanket. I look at the counter.

   "I'm so sorry," Hermes whispers.

   "What?"

   "I'm tearing you apart from your family, and ending your life. I've told you things one can count as burdens and all because one guy asked me to. I'm so sorry," he finishes. His fist is clenched and his eyes look hard into the marble of the counter.

   "I- it's fine. I agreed to go. I agreed to it all." His fist clenches tighter. That hair that raced the wind looks like the wind has flown out of it.

   I hear the door open, and Hermes disappears.

   "Mom? Dad?" I shout to the direction of the door.

  "Yeah, it's Mom! I have the movie," she says as she enters. Soon after, Adam comes in. He says something about a broken radio, but he also whips out the treats. Ice cream, whipped cream, m&ms, Hershey's chocolate, and popcorn. Everything a girl needs. After we create our treats and get all sorts of odd colors, Mom and I sit on the couch while Dad puts the DVD in the player. I smile slightly. I would rather call Adam my real father than Narcissus. Narcissus wouldn't have loved me more than himself.

   Adam plops down beside me, and gets his bowl of cavities.

   "I love you both, you guys know that right? And I appreciate you guys," I say. I have to. I want to. I won't be able to.

   "Of course, honey," my mother offers a squeeze. Adam on the other hand takes a different path.

   "Are we about to watch a bad movie?"

   "Adam!" my mother scolds. I bust out laughing. Soon they join in. We all laugh together. I look up to a screen,  to see that it's black. It's transitionimg previews. But I also see Hermes. And a tall, dark man. I stare puzzled, but then I realize.

Hades.

************

M'kay, so I want to do this thing where I put a picture of like the process of writing. I make a lot of whoopsies and some are funny to me so why not share them with those who read this? (Bonus: if you know Matthew Santoro, read "sexual" the way he says it. Totally worth it.)

MFC: Zeus pussed out on deciding who the fairest goddess was, so he had Paris do it. He had Aphrodite, Athena, and Hera to choose from. (IF I REMEMBER it CORRECTLY)