1 H.E.R.A

I wonder if Zeus is in a bad mood the weathers a little funky today. Either way the walk through manhattan to work is a wake up call. Something has been up for a while, the weathers been changing alot. When you work for the gods you know when to get a hint. The weather sometimes changes depending on Zeus' mood. You also look at this world in a new way. My names leek and i work for H.E.R.A (Hell/Heavens and Earth Relations Agency). It's our job in making sure all gods and monsters behave in the human realm. Or at least most of us make a report about them in my case...

"Leek! Hey leek you okay?"

I turn around and see Leo and Aurora.

"Hey guys, im fine."

We've been friends since we started working in my department.

"Didn't you guys double-date last night?"

Leo is dating a demigod named Clymene. (The half daughter of Athena; goddess of fame) Leo used to be a bit of a player til he met Clymene. Aurora is dating a demigod named Aeneas ( half-son of Aphrodite; god Jupiter Indiges). Auroras last relationship wasn't good for her it's nice to see her smiling again. What's funny is our boss is also the kid of Aphrodite ( goddess of beauty), we've known each other for a long time.

"Yea, we had fun, said Aurora.

"If you made time to keep up a dating life you'd join us, said Leo.

They both laugh jokingly. They both have a thing for monsters, well gods, but they're right. I could never keep one up I just didnt have the time. We all continue walking and turn into H.E.R.A HQ. It fits just right in with this New York cityscape. Nobody would ever think this is where all matter of relationd between Olympus & Earth are investigated, settled and ultimately put to rest. As we're about to walk inside a group of H.E.R.A fiekd agents are on their way out of the building. Each one wearing a badge that represents what god they report to. As they walk past us they don't even acknowledge us. I can't help but sort of linger after them.

"The one with the long brown hair had a lightning bolt badge, said Aurora.

I guess they had to work real late to prepare for the summit. I don't know when, but one of these days... I'm going to wear onr of those badges.

"Ahh, I almost forgot could you help me file that paperwork to get that summit pass for Achilles ?, Leo asked me. I'm sure I'll be busy, but i'll do my beat to help.

Until i do get my badge one day... 'godly paperwork is my job. We enter the building through the revolving doors. Head to the elevator hall through the main lobby, I see people entering the elevator.

"Guys, we need to make that elevator."

"Wait, Leek it's too crowded, said leo. "You know it takes a while for these things to come down." I slip in just right before the doors close. Too bad I accidentally left Leo and Aurora behind, I mumbled. As i step out in the main hall it's swarming with people. There are different departments going over last minute paperwork before shift change. I know better to know I won't get in my cubicle til it clears. An agent walks by seeming upset and mumbles to himself.

"What am i a babysitter, a gorgon whisperer... " he trails off walking to the elevator. Hmm, I wonder what that was about. Sometimes this job in any department can get stressful. A group of agents are taking Cerberus away. I wonder what happened with him. I make it to my desk with plenty of time to spare.

"I guess I have time for some coffee." I walk to the coffee maker to get some coffee. Of course the machine is messed up again, so I press two of the buttons simultaneously. You got to press both it's a weird safety function. As I turn and walk back to my desk I see Leo and Aurora made it to their desks finally. They sit on both sides of me, funny huh. I set my bag down on my desk, I almost jumped when there's a light tap on my shoulder. I turn around to find Ash my boss standing there. Perfect hair, perfect teeth and a wardrobe GQ would envy... Demigods really get all the perks , fortunately Ash is one of the nicest semi- divine superboss H.E.R.A had to offer.

"Hey leek, once you have a moment, my office please," Ash says with a dashing smile.

"Sure, just let me clock in."

Them smiling must mean its good news, well maybe. Ash' office is the only one with a door in our department. I walk inside and they gesture for me to sit. The chair has so much padding you could get comfortable and sink into it.

"First things first I'd like to pass on Hestia and Demeters thanks for your hard legwork on the last case." The cornucopias are extra ceremonial these days.... "Even so Olympians get sentimental," Ash says sitting at the chair next to mine.

I had found it just in the back of a pawn shop after almost a week of searching. Don't see alot of people have the nerve to steal from a god and be successful. But thankfully they lost the courage and sold it in cheap. "I'm just happy it's back in the right hands."

"Oh speaking of... Works most likely going to be piling up this whole week," Ash says looking a little frustrated. "Everyone from Hercules to Poseidon should be at this weeks summit. Although it appears Hercules goes m.i.a sometimes," Ash says looking a little puzzled. "Everyone elsw who didnt get an invitation has to pick up the slack."

I'd give to be m.i.a like Hercules. I notice an empty container hiding under a pile of of paperwork on Ash' desk. "Glad you enjoyed the gift I left you." At first Ash doesn't catch on til their eyes land on the container  and they turn pink and flush.

"Ohh yea, honestly it was the boost I needed after the situation with the Cyclops." "Thank you Leek." But how did you find time to make cookies and the muffins when you were swamped last week?, Ash asks.

"Honestly its because I was so busy, I bake or cook alot when I'm busy or stressed." It helps me relax, take the edge off and everyone here gets overworked some days, least i could do to help.

"I still greatly appreciate it, your performance and the sweet delights," Ash says smiling.

I glow with pride and blush.

"Besides the fact that you most likely might be employee of the month, with these hours you've been taking I'd really like to discuss.."

A loud persistent beeping interrupts the boss before they could finish.

"Hmm sorry bout that I have to take this, it'll be a minute agent, Ash says standing up to take the call.

All i see on the holographic image is a well tailored dressed suit for a couple moments before the man focuses into view. ( Gosh, he's beautiful). I wonder who he is.