Prologue
"Don't forget what I told you," he whispered. He seemed like talking to her was the last thing he wanted to do.
"What? Do you not trust me?" she snarled, her snakes slivering around her neck as if at any moment they would strangle her. He didn't blame them. Nonetheless he still badly wanted to give her a haircut.
"Don't go there, Medusa," he replied icily. "I just want this over and done with."
"You sound as if you're making a deal with the devil," Medusa smiled grimly. "Then again he is your brother. And don't rush me. This must be perfect."
"So why are you helping me?" he asked. "I know you well enough to believe that you would never turn good."
"Because, I figure you will owe me something in return," Medusa smiled, "and after all, there are two of them."
"No, no, no!" he shouted. "There must be three!"
"There will be," Medusa said. "Patience!"
"Fine," he hesitated. "Which one do you wish to have?"
"Very good, Zeus. You are making a wise decision. I would choose the girl, because that would absolutely kill you. You've always been selfish so I'm sure you want one of each." Medusa played with one of her snakes. "I choose the boy, he shall be useful." Zeus swallowed hard.