Next Stop Olympus…

The sunset was beautiful. We drove for longer than we were supposed to because of the several stops and other unforeseen events but we had finally made it. We had arrived in New York City. It was a huge town and it gave me a bit of sensory overload, being from a little town in the UK, this was all very new to me. In fact, the entirety of the United States was a sensory overload. So many things all at once. The sounds of the sirens and car horns, the number of people moving along the streets, the smell of fast food mixed with sewers and the general smell of humans all over.

Christopher didn't seem too excited to be in New York City.

"I cannot wait to be out of this God forsaken city." Christopher said as he ran his hand through his perfectly bouncing hair.

"Why do you dislike this town so much?" Carly asked.

"Because even though there are so many people here that someone who feeds on blood would be ecstatic, our friend here is a picky eater." Greg intervened.

"You try drinking blood that is loaded with either Meth, Nicotine or Alcohol!" Christopher said while trying to hold back his disgust.

"I don't know about you guys but I have to agree with Chris on this one." Anne exclaimed.

Everyone was in shock.We all turned our heads slowly in her direction. Anne, the Anne, did not want to be in a town infested with so many people that it would take a lifetime to sleep with everyone in it.

"First of all, Never call me 'Chris' again. Secondly, Why do you agree with me?" Christopher asked.

"Well… The people here just give me an off vibe, you know? Makes me wanna coil up like a snake…" "And strike when they least expect it right?!" Greg jumped in.

"No! And just stay there. It's bad here and I feel like the only people I'd want to smash in this city are the people in this car." Anne exclaimed. She looked serious about it. She genuinely meant what she said. We initially laughed and brushed it off but she convinced Greg to read her mind and once he did, his facial expression changed.

"Guys, um… She's being serious. About both of the things she said." Gregory said with a serious yet concerned look.

Now we were all concerned about her statement but we chose to brush it off. It was a very awkward and quiet ride the rest of the way. Greg and I randomly exchanged looks from time to time. He was seated in the middle of Anne and I. We both held on to one of his arms and rested our heads against either shoulder. It didn't feel like two girls fighting for the attention of a boy, it was like genuine comfort being around each other, not just the two of us but all three of us. I felt like I was growing closer to Anne and warming up to her.

'Could things really be like this? Could I share Greg with her? Could the three of us…?'

I pondered on it for a bit but quickly brushed it off because I wasn't sure if Gregory was listening to my thoughts or not but he didn't react so I assumed he wasn't.

Carly and Christopher sat in the front seat also exchanging glances at each other but in a different way. It seemed almost like they were talking without saying words but I was too tired to ask. I felt myself slip away and fall asleep. I was at peace next to Greg and apparently, next to Anne as well.

…

"Hey… Lennie? Wake up… Lennie?" I heard as I felt a hand on my face cupped against my cheek, caressing it slowly. I slowly opened my eyes and did not expect to see who I saw. It was Anne. She looked into my eyes as I came to.

"Wake up Lennie, we're here." She said, gently to me in a soft, soothing voice. I got up from my seat and stepped out of the car. Greg and Christopher were already outside the car. They seemed to be deep in conversation, so much so that Greg didn't even bother to wake me. Just as I was about to accost Greg I finally noticed where we were. It was a big building. To be honest, big was an understatement. It was massive, I'd never seen a building this big in my life. As I gazed up in awe, my neck craned back to take in the sheer magnitude of the structure that loomed before me. Rising majestically into the clouds, the Empire State Building stood tall and proud, commanding the New York City skyline with its iconic presence. The outside was a palette of limestone and granite, accented by rows of windows that glistened like gems in the sunlight. With its towering levels and distinctive setback design, it exuded grandeur and elegance, conveying a sense of timelessness.

"Here we are!" Christopher exclaimed.

"Well, technically, not yet. Olympus is above this building and there's only one way to get there unannounced." Greg said.

I think I had an idea of what he meant but I wasn't afraid. At least not anymore.

We walked into the building like regular civilians but Greg and Christopher had to keep their faces out of sight in order to prevent anyone there from recognizing them. I was still taken aback by the building but the ambience of the interior preceded that of the exterior -exactly as I expected it to be. The lobby was a design wonder, with polished marble floors shimmering beneath the warm glow of magnificent chandeliers suspended from the high ceiling. Richly coloured murals representing scenes from New York City's history and renowned buildings decorated the walls, lending a feeling of artistic grandeur to the room.

The reception counter, an enormous marble and brass edifice in the centre of the lobby, was manned by courteous and professional staff who greeted visitors with warmth and efficiency. Classic elements like brass fittings, Art Deco decorations, and a polished plaque with the name "Empire State Building" in large letters signalled the building's elite position.

I was still taking in the majestic scene of the lobby area when my hand was grabbed by Anne as we increased our pace and quickened our steps. We reached the elevator and pushed the button leading to the top floor. The door opened and we rushed in. Anne used her powers to close the doors quickly before anyone came in. The elevator began moving up. It was still so silent. Very little conversation had gone on ever since we arrived in New York City. It was unsettling to me so I decided to break the ice.

"How exactly are we gonna get to Oly… Oh shit the cameras!" I forgot about them and almost blurted it out.

"Don't worry, I took care of that as soon as we started going up. I also made it such that no one can use the elevator. It's 'Out of Order' for anyone outside." Anne said as she tied her hair in a bun. Her neck was exposed. It was long, majestic and beautiful. I couldn't imagine how Christopher felt looking at that but he didn't seem concerned about it at all. He seemed preoccupied, a little distraught and concerned, as if he didn't want to go to Olympus. 'But why would he agree to go if he really didn't want to and how did Gregory not catch on when he read his mind?' I thought. Greg didn't react to my thoughts. Not even a glance. Not a wince. Nothing.

I was beginning to think that there was something very significant about this trip to Olympus that I wasn't aware of.

"Guys? Am I the only one sensing so…" "Would you please be quiet? Please?" Christopher interrupted me before I could finish my statement.

"I'm …"

"No, Lennie you don't have to apologise, Christopher is the one who is being weird." Anne interjected.

"Listen Anne, you don't know what's going on in his head so can we all please try to understand him and give him space." Carly replied.

"You don't have to defend me Carly, I don't need your help with this." Christopher said while changing his stance and shooting a very short glare at Greg.

"Of course she has to come to your defence. She's wanted to sleep with you since we left my father's hotel!" Anne quipped.

"Hey, don't you dare talk about that!" Carly seemed like that struck a nerve and I think Anne noticed it, so she kept hitting.

"You know you want to, you've been so deprived on this trip and you've been so smitten by him from the second you saw him and don't try to deny it. I can see it written all over your face." Anne wasn't backing down.

"I'm warning you Anne, don't push me to the edge!" Carly was getting madder by the second.

"Or else what?" Anne said as she stepped closer to Carly.

"ENOUGH!!" Gregory exclaimed. The two ladies instantly stopped.

"We're going to Olympus. To the 'gods' of Greek mythology. We're a team. we have got to have each others' backs, not fight each other. I expected better from you two." Greg said as he leaned against the wall of the elevator.

Just then the doors opened. We had arrived at the top and I mean the top of the Empire State Building. The view from the top was scary. I almost lost my footing but I calmed myself.

"Now, off to Olympus!" Greg said as he ripped his shirt off -exposing his scar- and sprouted his wings. I could never get tired of looking at his wings. They were the most beautiful I have ever seen. He grabbed Anne and I and took off into the sky. No warning, he just grabbed us and took flight. I closed my eyes. I was terrified but I didn't shout. After a minute or so, he finally landed and put us down. Carly and Christopher followed soon after. They had put on shoes that had wings attached to them so they could follow without having to be carried.

'Why couldn't we get some of those?' I thought to myself.

'Where's the fun in that?' Greg replied telepathically as he smirked at me.

"Well, here we are. Olympus!" Anne exclaimed.

"And we have the element of surprise." I said.

"Not quite." A voice said. A deep one, it sounded so manly, so raspy like aged wine. It was an unfamiliar voice. I turned around to see a man or rather a being who looked over twice my height staring down at us.

"Who are you?" He said.

"We… are fucked." Christopher said.