“Trial By Fire”

Genre: Dealer’s Choice - Mystery/Thriller

Protagonist: Heroic

Antagonist: No antagonist

Subgenre 1: Young adult 

Subgenre 2: Mafia 

Must Contain: A Jojo reference

Trope: Greek God Retelling

Man was subservient to the Olympus Crime Syndicate. The intricate network of warriors, manufacturers, and guardians prevented the humans from achieving greatness. In this world, the gods hoarded their power and technology to hold their rule for the rest of time. But this would hopefully not last for much longer. 

The Grecco family built their reputation through three generations of leaders. There was its founder, Vassilis Grecco, a steadfast fighter and an intimidating presence. After his death at the hands of Olympus’ godfather, Zeus, his son Evander took over the role of Boss. With his tactical prowess, he fended off Zeus’ many attacks and even eliminated Hermes, a key messenger for the Syndicate. The family continued to grow, and eventually, Evander would have a son named Konstantinos. However, due to his body count against Olympus, Konstantinos would only play a supporting role while his father held dominance. 

But one day, the Syndicate would launch their most coordinated attack against the humans. Ballistas operated by the Titans and commanded by Zeus’ second in command, Ares, were loaded with balls of coal and lit on fire before being launched toward the city. The lighter balls would explode on impact, sending flaming shards toward crumbling buildings and claiming innocent lives. But the ballistas did their job; they drew the Grecco family out of hiding. Many officers and grunts were killed in the attacks, and Evander’s consigliere was found disfigured from burns among the rubble. He could no longer handle the losses suffered at Zeus’ hands. 

All of his capos were called to attend a feast that even the gods would envy. In the main ballroom, a selection of cured meats, fruit, olives, and cheeses filled an oblong table. However, most of the spread was ignored as bottle after bottle of wine flowed into crystalline glasses stolen from one of Olympus’ supply chariots. In fact, most of what the Grecco family owned was acquired as loot from their defense against the gods. But this was about to change. 

Evander’s whistle echoed throughout the hall, only interrupted by the shattering of a wine bottle. The room stopped and focused on the Boss, whose navy, gold-trimmed suit glistened against everyone’s black attire. 

“Gentlemen,” Evander projected. “Thank you for your attendance at this meeting and your continued loyalty to the family.” 

A round of applause burst through the room. 

“I want you all to celebrate this day and enjoy this feast in honor of your brothers who have fallen to the latest attack by the gods. They can linger in their clouds and laugh at our existence, but they will never see the white flag raised from this family.” 

Another applause interrupted him. 

“We had a defense for every kind of attack that the gods threw at us. But those ballistas…I’ve never seen such destruction in my life. Going forward, your objective is to come up with a defense system that will counter those flaming balls of coal. I don’t expect an answer immediately. This complicated attack requires an advanced solution from a brilliant mind…”

“I have an answer!” a prepubescent tenor yelled. The capos muttered to each other as they eyed a fifteen-year-old boy wearing a tan linen button-up, khaki pants, and brown sandals. His sprawling curly hair bounced as he ran toward the front of the room toward his father. 

“Konstantinos,” his father glared. 

“Dad,” he whispered. “It’s just Dino. What you called me sounds too uppity and formal.”

“It’s a name worthy of a future Boss like you,” Evander sternly responded. 

“Well, that’s not exactly set in stone, right?” 

“What do you want?” his father growled. 

“You asked for a defense system against the ballista’s projectiles, right?”

“There’s no way you designed a weapon. You barely know the hierarchy of the family.”

“I do too! Grandpa’s the Godfather, you’re the Boss, I’m your consigliere…”

“You are an associate who just so happens to be my son. Just like me, you have to work your way up the organization to be the Boss.” 

Dino paused a pulled out a notebook. “Can I skip some of those steps if my weapon works?”

Evander sighed. “What is your idea, Konsta – I mean – Dino?”

“This!” he flipped through the pages until he landed on a crude yet recognizable drawing of a soldier flinging what looked like a spear with a ball on the tip. “It’s a specialized javelin. It would be just like the ones our roof guards use, but when you combine it with this amentum, you can launch it straight into the sky and into the clouds, tripling the distance as opposed to just throwing it!” 

“I see,” Evander maintained his composure despite questioning his son’s unorthodox intelligence. “And how did you come up with this?”

“I learned it from one of my friends,” Dino excitedly said. 

“Friends?” Evander hesitated. “Like someone from outside of the family?” 

“Yeah! He said they have these kinds of slings all over Olympus.”

“Olympus?” his father growled and grabbed Dino by the collar, prompting some shocked reactions from some of the capos. “On your grandfather’s grave, you must swear to tell me the truth, boy. Where is your friend from?” 

“Please don’t get mad at me.”

“That depends on how much you lie to me. Now, out with it.”

Tears welled in Dino’s eyes as he was forced to reveal the truth. “He’s from Olympus.” 

The capos gasped, and his father dragged him out of the ballroom by his hair. “Enjoy the rest of the feast,” Evander yelled to the capos. “I will be dealing with this immediately.” 

He opened a side door and shoved Dino into his dressing room. His bronze skin was cast over with a furious red tint. “Son, you have ten seconds to explain what you’re doing hanging out with an Olympian scum.” 

“Dad, it’s not like that.”

“And why would you embarrass me in front of all the capo? Someday, those are going to be your underlings. They need to respect you and know you’re going to strike fear into those bastard gods. And yet, you claim one of them is your friend. Explain yourself. Now.”

“He’s not with them, I swear. He left Olympus after the ballista attack; he said they went too far.” 

“That’s what he would want you to think. He could be a spy, and you wouldn’t know it.”

“Dad, he gave me these plans to combat the ballista attacks. Why would he do that if he was working with the Olympians?” 

“Because…well…”

“And you didn’t even let me finish talking about the javelins! See the ball on the end?”

“Yes, why is it a ball instead of pointed?” 

Dino slammed the notebook shut. “Because if we load that with saltpetre, sulfur, and charcoal, it would cause an explosion that would turn the ball into smaller chunks, lessening the destruction.”

“And what would this ball be made of?”

Dino shrugged. “Probably bronze?”

“We need fire to cast bronze like that. As I said, our weapons have been stolen from the gods. We can’t fashion our own weapons if the gods are hoarding fire on Olympus.”

“Hey, Dad,” Dino quietly muttered. “Could I bring my friend in for a meeting so we can talk strategy?” 

Evander paused in consideration. “Yes, he may meet with us…on my conditions.”

The next day, Evander gathered a group of Capo around a table for a luncheon of cured meat and salad while they waited for their special guest to arrive. Dino picked at his fingers in anxious anticipation. His father didn’t lay out the “conditions” for how his friend would arrive for this meeting, and a terrible feeling created a hole in his gut. 

A muffled honking startled the capos. They recovered and rushed out of the dining room. Dino started to follow, only to be held back by his father, who took a seat in a velvet cushioned chair on a platform overlooking the table. 

“Is that my friend?” Dino asked. 

“It seems so,” Evander stoically nodded. 

One of the capos held open the door while the others guided a blindfolded man toward Evander’s feet. The blindfold was ripped off to reveal the mossy green eyes of a red-headed adolescent, who looked at Evander with an uncaring frown. He nodded at Dino, who stood horrified at the treatment delivered to his friend. 

“This was your condition, dad?” Dino screeched. 

“Hush,” Evander held up his hand. “We don’t know if this kid can be trusted, so this ensures that our location cannot be found.” 

“The Olympians already know where you are,” the kid smirked. 

Evander slammed his fist on the arm of the chair. “Be quiet! You do not speak until I permit you.”

“For someone fighting Zeus, you sound a lot like him,” he continued. 

“What was that?” 

“Hey, Dad,” Dino nervously interrupted. “If I can, I’d like to speak for him.” 

Evander sighed. “Go ahead.” 

“This is Prometheus,” Dino pointed. “He used to be part of the Titan Family until their war with Zeus.”

“This kid was in the Titan Family?” Evander interrupted. 

Prometheus scoffed. “I’m 18. I’m not really a kid. Besides, I didn’t participate in the war. I was caught in the middle, and Zeus made me one of his cronies instead of giving me to Tartarus.” 

“Tartarus? You mean the Butcher of the Olympus Syndicate?”

“Yeah, the same one that killed my father.” 

“He did?” Dino gasped. “I didn’t know that, Theus. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault,” Prometheus sighed. “Listen, man, Zeus is going to continue to attack your squad, your family, and your territory until he gets what he wants. That’s just his nature. Dino told me what he did to your family, and I can’t watch his destruction anymore. I know you can’t trust Olympians. But I want to help you take the fire and counter their weapons.” 

Evander nodded slowly. “And what would you ask for in return?” 

“Protection,” Prometheus answered quickly. “I sneak out of Olympian territory to hang out with Dino and experience humanity. If Zeus finds out, I’m going to be handed over to Tartarus and left chained for the eagles.”

Dino cringed. “That won’t happen!”  

“Quiet, son,” Evander rose. “How would you suggest we take our revenge on the Syndicate?” 

Prometheus’ eyes twinkled with an ignited yet dangerous passion. “We steal the Fire of Olympus.” 

The crowd of capos gasped before exploding in muttered concern and surprise. Evander shouted over them. “Are you mad?” 

“At the Olympians?” Prometheus smirked. “Yeah.”

“No, you imbecile!” Evander roared. “You want to steal the Fire of Olympus? That’s suicide!” 

“Not really. I got this,” the kid said confidently. 

“How in the world are you going to sneak into Olympian territory, take the Fire, and escape unharmed?” 

“Because I’m only the distraction. Dino’s going to steal the fire.” 

“What?” Dino’s body was shocked with nervousness. He maintained his composure so as to not upset his father. 

“Absolutely not,” Evander jumped from the stage and stomped toward Prometheus. “I refuse to put my son in danger. If you want to be caught by Tartarus and Zeus, then fine. But Konstantinos will not be involved in this hare-brained, idiotic scheme.” 

“Fine,” Prometheus shrugged. “Then suffer.” 

Evander groaned with restrained anger. “Hold him in the interrogation room.”

“Wait!” Dino yelled. 

“Again with this, son?” Evander glared. 

“Dad, it’s not like that.” Dino puffed out his bony chest. “Look, the Olympians are attacking us left and right. If something happened to you, who would be the next Boss of the Greccos?” 

“It would be you,” Evander paused in realization. “You would take over the family.”

“And be honest with me: am I ready to be a leader of the family?” 

Evander cautiously held off answering. “Where are you going with this?”

“Because Dad, I haven’t accomplished anything huge for the family. I was never given an opportunity to because you were always so protective over me. But I love the family, and if you ever die a gruesome death in a truck-sized ball of flames, then I want to make sure I have the respect of the capos, the associates, and the rest of the family. If we can steal the Fire from Olympian territory, this will be huge for me. And look, Theus is willing to help us! We should take this opportunity. We’ve already stolen our supplies from the Olympians. Why not their Fire?” 

Evander stared in awe at his son’s newfound courage. “Because Zeus will hunt you down and torture you. And then who will be next in line to take over the family?” 

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take. If I don’t, our family will see more death than we can deal with.” 

“Okay,” Evander hugged his son. “Get with your friend and lay out a game plan. I’m going to search our warehouses and see if we have any tools from the Olympians that will aid you. I’ll give you two an hour at the table while me and the capos leave.” He turned to Prometheus, who was still kneeling on the ground with his wrists bound by rope. “Did you hear what I said, Olympian?”

“Yeah,” Prometheus scoffed. “You’re loud.”

Evander frowned and pulled Dino closer. “And while you two are talking, remind him that sarcasm won’t be tolerated with me.”

“Got it, Dad,” Dino nodded. 

Evander let go of his son, gestured for the capos to follow him, and left Dino and Prometheus alone in the room. Dino grabbed a knife off the dining table and cut the rope from around Prometheus’ wrists. 

“They didn’t even have the decency to let you go,” Dino puffed. 

“You ever think stuff like that is why the Syndicate doesn’t like the Greccos?” Prometheus slapped Dino’s shoulder. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, dude,” Dino moved back toward the table. “They even left their mess of food.” He moved various plates and serving trays out of the way to clear an area to outline their plan. Dino stole a clipboard of paper from the stage while Prometheus picked at the leftover charcuterie. “Really?” Dino sighed. 

“Yeah,” Prometheus seemed confused. “I’m not going to let this food go to waste.” 

“Get over here and help me,” Dino urged. 

“Okay, okay,” Prometheus plopped in a chair. “Sorry for wanting a snack after being kidnapped and all that.” 

“I’m sorry my dad did that to you. Right now though, we have to come up with a plan to steal this Fire.”

“Can I see your paper?” 

Dino slid the paper across the table and watched Prometheus furiously scribble a rough map of Grecco territory in relation to Olympian territory. Silence echoed through the room as Prometheus focused. Dino finally interrupted. 

“Why didn’t you tell me about your father?” 

A sharp inhale ended the scratching of pencil against the paper. Prometheus paused before returning to his work. “You never asked.” 

“I guess I didn’t, did I?” 

“Nope,” Prometheus popped his lips.

“I’m sorry,” Dino’s voice bordered on a whisper. 

“It’s not your fault. I’m not mad at the Greccos. I’m mad at the Olympians. You know what they do to the humans is what they say the humans do to them?” 

Dino raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Like, they’ll say that humans attack first. That’s not true. The Olympians always provoke fights and invade territory that’s not theirs. They say that Grecco associates violate Olympian women. But have you ever met Zeus? He has illegitimate children all across the Syndicate. Some of his kids might even be part of your family somewhere.” 

“They would tell us, right?” 

“Why would they? They’d be kicked out, or worse, executed.” 

“We wouldn’t do that.”

“The Olympians seem to think you do. To them, humans are vicious killers with a prejudice toward Olympians. If they show any sign of mortality…” Prometheus made a cutting gesture across his throat. 

“But you gave me the plans to counter their ballista attacks. You’re willing to defy them for the sake of the Grecco family and for humanity. Why?” 

Prometheus paused, blowing off eraser shavings off the hand-drawn map. “Because I want to live among the humans. You all are so humble, so kind, so diverse in your perspective of the world. The Olympians just care about power. Nothing else. They tried to make me a part of them, but I guess I’m too different.” 

“Tell you what,” Dino smiled. “If we succeed, you’ll fit right in. And I’ll make sure no one bullies you for who you are.” 

“Thanks, Dino,” Prometheus cleared his throat before showing Dino his map. “Here’s the plan: the fire is here, a nightclub called the Forge. Hephaestus has this place on heavy security, so we’re going to have to pull a few tricks to get inside.” 

“Like?” Dino leaned forward. 

“The only way you can be let into the club is by having an escort, so that’s where you come in.” 

“But…I’m a dude!” 

“Eh, the Olympians don’t care.” 

“If you say so.” 

“But the Forge is in the middle of Olympian territory. There’s no way you’re going to be able to walk two steps in there without being noticed.” 

“Because I’m the Grecco Boss’ son?”

“Exactly! So along this route on the outskirts, there’s a supply truck that drops produce at a restaurant. There also happens to be a bush along that route that we’ll hide behind until that truck starts moving. When it does, we hitch a ride.” 

Dino nervously nodded. “I hope this works.” 

“Do you think it won’t?” Prometheus folded the map and stuffed it into his pocket. 

“I’m not saying that. I trust you,” Dino smiled. “My dad wouldn’t have brought you here if I didn’t think your plan will work.” 

“If you say so,” Prometheus shrugged as the room’s doors flew open. 

“Prometheus,” Evander beckoned. “I’ve prepared a room for you. Don’t worry, the bunkers are heavily guarded. Whenever you’re ready, come with me. My associates will escort you.” 

“Well,” Prometheus slapped Dino’s shoulder. “We should probably get some rest. Meet me at that bush at 9 AM sharp.”

“Is that when the delivery gets there?” Dino asked. 

“No, it’s at 9:30 usually. But be there on time. Those truck drivers are about as consistent as Zeus’ parenting.” 

“So…nonexistent?” 

Prometheus chuckled. “9 AM, Dino. Goodnight.” 

Dino followed Prometheus’ escort to the bunkers. In the past, the bunkers had been confused for a prison by the Olympians and had been attacked ruthlessly. With the gray cinder blocks forming the outside walls, it was easy to see the resemblance. The Grecco family attempted to paint the brick a terracotta orange to make it seem more like a living space, but that did not stop the Olympians’ assault. As a result, a border wall had been erected and guards now stood at the entrances. 

Prometheus scoffed as they passed through the security gate. The car pulled up to the front door, and Prometheus exited with three associates. Evander handed him a key and waved him toward the building’s entrance before returning to the passenger’s seat. After another fifteen minute drive, they arrived at the Boss’ mansion. Evander and Dino exited the car, and the driver wished them both a great night before they retired to bed. 

The alarm blared at 8 AM sharp. Dino slammed his head back on his pillow, begging the universe to let him sleep more. Throughout the night, he had tossed and turned, his anxiety peaking as he continued to think about the plan. He worried about everything going according to Prometheus’ explanation. But he was more nervous about a fact that he hadn’t considered the day before: he had never crossed into Olympian territory. 

His racing thoughts were interrupted by a thud on his window. Shrugging, he assumed it was a bird and laid back down. Another thud hit the glass. He jolted toward the window and opened it, his jaw dropping at an unexpected sight. 

“Theus?” Dino yelled. 

“You’re not even dressed?” Prometheus chuckled. “I told you. 9 AM sharp.”

Dino paused in confusion. “How did you get here? Did they escort you?”

“Nope, I snuck out of the bunkers myself.” 

“You did what?” 

“Practiced.” 

“Huh?” 

Prometheus shook his head. “I had to practice sneaking around. That’s the whole point of this day, isn’t it?” 

“You’re crazy!” Dino shut the window and shuffled toward his closet. Another thud against the window drew him back. “What?”

“What are you wearing?” 

“Why do you care?”

“You gotta be inconspicuous if we’re going to succeed.” 

“I’ll make sure to do that,” Dino sighed and shut the window again. He opened his closet and pulled out a white v-neck shirt and some loose khaki pants. Another thud. He ignored it and located a pair of sandals. Another thud. An exasperated groan echoed through the room as he slipped on the shirt. Another thud. He slammed his pants on the ground and opened the window.

“What?!” he yelled. 

“Before you get all dolled up,” Prometheus pulled a bag off his belt and threw it through the window. “Your guys gave me these garments as pajamas.” 

“Let me guess,” Dino huffed. “Those aren’t pajamas.”

“Nope!” Prometheus smirked. “But they’ll make a great disguise for you.” 

“If you say so.”

“Now, come on! We have 45 minutes.”

Dino pulled out the chiton and chlamys and slipped them on. He struggled to adjust to the bagginess of the cloth, but with no time to waste, he slipped on his sandals and stumbled toward the mansion’s entrance. Evander was nowhere to be seen as Dino passed the kitchen and the main dining table. He ran out the door and stopped at the sight of Prometheus at the top of the steps. 

“Took you long enough,” he sighed. “How do those fit?”

“Terribly,” Dino adjusted the chiton around the waist. “Do I have to wear this?” 

“If you want to face Tartarus head-on, then sure, take it off.” 

“I’d rather be in my underwear than this stupid thing.” 

The two continued to bicker as they walked toward the edge of Olympian territory. Dino could have called a driver, but they didn’t want to risk being spotted or sabotaged. So in Dino’s blistering sandals, they walked over five miles to the river that divided the two territories. Prometheus located a wooden barrel and goaded Dino into sitting on it. Without warning, he pushed the barrel into the water and hopped on its back. The river was so narrow and calm that with enough balance, they safely crossed the river without the barrel tipping over. 

“How did you do that?” Dino awed. 

“How do you think I come over to the Grecian side?” 

They located the target bush and knelt behind it. 

Prometheus quietly groaned. “We’re ten minutes late. The delivery could have already been made by now.” 

“We don’t know that,” Dino argued. “Besides, you said the deliveries were at 9:30.”

“That doesn’t excuse how slow you walk. We don’t have to be stealthy yet.”

“Dude, you try walking five miles in a dress.”

“Who says I haven’t?” 

Dino paused. “Have you?”

Prometheus winked. “I’ll leave that to your imagination.” 

The screeching of old brakes interrupted their conversation. A grizzled, bearded man opened the rear hatch of the truck and climbed into it. Prometheus watched intently as boxes were unhauled and wheeled inside the restaurant on a dolly. 

“So how many more stops does this driver make after this?” Dino asked. 

Prometheus shrugged. “I don’t know.” 

“What do you mean you don’t know?” Dino raised his voice. 

Prometheus shushed him. “I only know two stops along this guy’s route. This one and his final stop.” 

“Which is?” 

“The Forge.”

“Oh,” Dino jumped in surprise. 

“Look!” Prometheus turned Dino’s head to the closing of the truck’s door. The driver turned the corner, and the clank of the driver’s side door shutting echoed against the clay and concrete structures. “Now! Go!” Prometheus pulled Dino towards the back of the truck. While the engine sputtered awake, they used the noise to cover themselves rolling into the dirty truck bed.

“So much for your clean Chiton,” Prometheus laughed. 

Dino brushed off layers of dirt and straw. “This is disgusting. Now I’m expected to walk into a nightclub looking like a mess!” 

“Nonsense,” Prometheus dismissed. “You’re barely even dirty.”

“You can’t even see me,” Dino yelled as quietly as he could. 

“Which is good! Now hush,” Prometheus said. 

“Hey, Theus,” Dino whispered. “How are we going to tell when we’re at the Forge?” 

“I found a box with a slit on its side. I’ll hide under here, and when I see the Forge, I’ll wave you out.”

“Okay,” Dino huffed, his anxiety returning. “So, I’m going to wait it out until you say so.” 

Prometheus scoffed. “Yeah, pretty much.” 

“Alright, well, I’m going to be behind this sack of potatoes,” Dino shuffled along the floor. They waited in silence while the driver made his stops. Each time the brakes squealed, Dino’s heart sank into his stomach. Prometheus’ hiding spot was perfect, and yet the only thing between him and Zeus’ vengeance was a grumpy old driver. His inexperience manifested as a nervous energy that forced him to pick at his fingernails each time the door opened. However, he used this downtime to strengthen his resolve and think about his father. The Olympians’ attacks on the Grecco family killed hundreds of members, and his father was almost one of those casualties. Thankfully, Evander was able to evacuate the board room where he had gathered several capos and his consigliere, who turned out to be the casualty. “Father,” he muttered. “I can’t let the Olympians hurt you. I’d rather be the one who suffers at their hands. At least you can continue to lead the Grecco family effectively. If you die, I won’t be ready.” 

A rustling startled Dino out of his thoughts. The light flooding in from the crack of the truck’s door lit Prometheus’ waving hand. “Come on,” Dino could barely hear as the box was heaved toward the back of the truck. Dino crept toward the door while Prometheus slid out. Gathering the excess cloth of his chiton, Dino slid out of the truck right as it was driving away. The two bolted for an alley to recompose themselves. 

“Are you good?” Prometheus looked over his suit. 

“Yeah, I’m good,” Dino wiped more dirt off the chlamys. “Is this it?” 

“Just around the corner,” Prometheus grabbed Dino’s shoulder. “You made it through part one of your first stealth mission. Congratulations.”

“Thanks, I hate it,” Dino said in exasperation.

“You can go back if you want,” Prometheus smirked. 

“No,” Dino snapped. “Absolutely not. We’re going in there, stealing that fire, and finishing this mission.”

“Okay, calm down,” Prometheus eased his friend. 

“No, I’m fired up now!” 

“No pun intended?”

Dino glared in disgust. “Just let me grab your arm, damnit.”

Prometheus held out his elbow, and Dino awkwardly wrapped his arm in the loop. The two stumbled as they tried to coordinate their steps. 

“Let me take the lead,” Prometheus commanded. After a brief countdown, the two found their stride and walked toward the entrance, which was guarded by two bouncers. They wore bronze chest armor trimmed with the curvature of pectoral and abdominal muscles and sported a helmet that covered their entire head, minus a giant trident-shaped opening that allowed their eyes and mouth to peek out. 

“Name?” one of them boomed. 

“Prometheus, adopted son of Zeus.”

“Mhm,” the guard mumbled. “And your escort?” 

“His name is Demetrius.” 

“Uh huh,” the guard leaned to look closer at Dino’s light face, a far cry from the tanned skin of the Olympians. He turned toward Prometheus. “And where did you find your escort?”

“Zeus gave him to me,” Prometheus said stoically. “He told me that I’d find the ‘Seeds’ here. And I need some. I’m looking for some action.” 

Dino’s eyes widened. “What?” he whispered. 

Without warning, Prometheus slapped him across the face. “Quiet, laikas!” 

Dino froze, stunned by Prometheus’ actions. However, his defenses lowered when Prometheus slipped him a little wink and mouthed, “Just go with it.” 

“Damn,” the guard snorted. “You really know how to control him. Alright, go in. If you want the ‘Seed,’ just head to the bar and ask for a PomPom Spritz. They’ll know what you’re talking about.” 

“Thanks for the advice,” Prometheus said before nudging Dino. “Come on, move!” 

“Yes…yes, sir,” Dino, still processing the unprovoked slap, said as he passed through the doors and into the bustling nightclub. A brazier of fire on an elevated platform painted the entire dance floor an auburn orange with occasional waves of yellow. Cacophonies of laughter and clinking glasses resonated through the crowded bar and various booths lining the walls of the dining area. 

“This way,” Prometheus tugged Dino by the wrist. They managed to find a table overlooking the dance floor. Dino tried to concentrate on his friend while the promiscuous dancing of the Forge’s patrons distracted him. Prometheus snapped him back to attention before leaning in closely. “Nice job, escort.”

Dino fumed. “Shut up! You slapped me.”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Prometheus said nonchalantly. “If I hadn’t done that, we may not have gotten in.” 

“But that wasn’t part of the plan,” Dino raised his voice. 

“Hush, you imbecile,” Prometheus snapped quietly. “We’re so close to the Fire. We can’t fail now.” 

Dino’s gaze swept the club. “How close are we?” 

Prometheus pointed to the back of the dance floor. “See that hallway on the backside of the dance floor?” Dino nodded. “Those are the private rooms,” Prometheus smirked. 

Dino’s eyes widened. “You mean where people…?”

“Yup,” Prometheus chuckled. “Sometimes it’s tame, sometimes the smell is wretched, and sometimes it’s brutal, hardcore, bloody, and kinky.” 

“Thankfully, none of the Grecian clubs are like that.”

“You don’t know that. I dare you to go to one when you’re eighteen.” 

“I’m good,” Dino repressed the thought. “So how do we get back there?”

A waitress wearing gilded peplos interrupted their conversation and addressed Prometheus exclusively. “Good evening, sir.”

“Good evening,” Prometheus shifted his weight to face her. 

“What would you and your escort like to drink today?” 

“Actually,” Prometheus turned to Dino and winked. “You know what we really want?”

“Yes, sir?” 

“One of those rooms in the back.”

“Yes, sir,” the waitress responded cheerfully. “We just cleaned room number 3. Here, take this banner and hang it on the front of the door. After you do so, I’ll turn the hourglass, and once the last grain of sand hits the bottom, your time will be up. I’m sure that’s enough time to finish your…activities.”

Dino nervously sat back, placing all his trust in his friend. Prometheus nodded at the waitress. “I understand. That will be plenty of time. Also, would you mind bringing a bottle of Rhodomel as well?” 

“Yes, sir,” the waitress smiled while handing him the banner. “Head into the room, and I’ll bring your bottle directly there. And please, sir, don’t start any ‘action’ until I’ve brought your bottle. That’s all we ask.”

Prometheus rose and gently grabbed Dino’s hand, lifting him out of his chair. Dino submitted and played along. 

“Shall we?” Prometheus led them through the dance floor, navigating the sea of drunken, horny couples grinding and groping on each other with no concern for others. Dino sensed that with one blow of a horn, the crowd would collectively strip off their clothes and pass each other around. Maybe they all consumed that PomPom Spritz the bouncer mentioned. 

Dino stepped down off the other side of the dance floor. Renewing his focus, he bolted toward the hallway leading to the private rooms. He quickly located room number 3 and threw himself onto the satin sheets that covered the circular mattress. Prometheus caught up to him and chuckled. 

“And you judge me for getting too into it?” Prometheus teased. 

“Hey,” Dino slyly smiled. “It’s all part of the plan.” 

“Now, you’re starting to get it,” Prometheus sat on the edge of the mattress and pulled the map out of his pocket. A glass vial subsequently fell to the floor before Prometheus lunged for it and shoved it back in his pocket. “I hate to kill the mood, but if we look at the map, you can see just how close we are to the Fire. See that room just around the corner?” 

“Yeah,” Dino peered over his shoulder, ignoring the distant moaning and heaving.

“That’s the utility room. The Fire is being kept there to light every brazier in the Forge,” Prometheus elaborated. “We just have to grab it!”

“Isn’t that going to burn our hands?” Dino asked. 

“They have safety gloves down there,” Prometheus assured. “They move it at night, so protective gear is always provided.”

“Got it,” Dino nodded before changing the subject. “Hey, Theus?”

“Yeah?”

“What were those vials in your pocket? The ones that fell out?”

A friendly female voice reverberated in the tight quarters. “Gentlemen, sorry to intrude.”

“It’s alright,” Prometheus waved. “Come in.” 

“Here is that Rhodomel and two glasses as well,” the waitress gently sat them down and filled the glasses. “Will we be needing any ‘Seeds’ tonight?” 

“No, ma’am,” Prometheus pulled out one of the vials. “I brought my own.”

“Alright, gentlemen, have fun,” the waitress winked before shutting the door. A low sprinkling sound indicated their hourglass had been turned. 

“Why did you bring along aphrodisiacs?” Dino aggressively whispered. 

Prometheus smirked. “You’ll see.”

“Theus, no,” Dino panicked. “I’m not doing that with you.”

“Relax, it’s not for that,” Prometheus stood and grabbed a glass of Rhodomel. “Listen, there’s something I didn’t tell you about that back room. It’s guarded.” 

“What?” Dino moved closer. “By who?”

“Rather,” Prometheus took a sip. “By what?”

“Huh?” 

“They have a minotaur.”

“A minotaur?” Dino yelled before retracting it to a whisper. “Are you insane?”

Before Prometheus could answer, stomping joined the chorus of moans, rumbling the ground as the heavy footsteps moved closer. As it passed, Dino heaved himself over the top of the door and saw the lumbering horned creature, decorated in bronze armor and carrying a spear. 

“I think that’s him,” Dino hyperventilate.

“Cool. Well, no time like the present, right?” Prometheus cracked the door as the minotaur turned around. 

“What are you doing?” Dino scolded. 

Before he could receive an answer, the creature's horns peeked above the door. The minotaur ducked to enter the room before returning to his normal towering stance. Dino stood stunned into silence as he examined the curvature of the creature’s muscles and the ornate decoration on its armor. 

“Alright, redhead,” the minotaur boomed with cautious intent. “Is your escort giving you trouble?”

“What?” Dino yelled. Prometheus raised his hand as if he wanted to slap Dino again. Instead of standing his ground, Dino reeled, causing his friend to lower his hand and play it off as a threat. 

“He’s a little feisty, but he’s a good boy,” Prometheus chuckled.

Dino cringed. “Never say that about me again,” he muttered. 

Prometheus continued. “In fact, I’m finding that this boy is more of a freak than I thought. Catch my drift, minotaur?”

“No,” he responded blankly.

“Tell me,” Prometheus paced. “What’s it like being placed on guard duties while listening to pleasure all night? It sounds like misery.”

The minotaur paused before lowering his guard. “Yes. That’s why they hired me.”

“Because intercourse with a male minotaur is forbidden except for other minotaurs, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Prometheus grabbed the other glass and exchanged the minotaur’s spear for the mead. “Listen, big guy. I’ve been coming to this club for years, and I’ve always felt like you got the short end of the stick. So here’s what I’m proposing: I’m about to pay good money for this room, and I could really use that money for something else. You, big guy, can do whatever you want with my escort, and I’ll keep that secret so Zeus’ cronies don’t come after you. In exchange, you convince the owner to comp this room off my tab. Do we have a deal?” 

The minotaur looked at Dino and nodded with a sinister smile. “Deal!” he growled as he stripped off his armor. 

“Hey,” Prometheus showed the minotaur the vial. “Want something to keep you going for a while?”

The minotaur held out his glass and begged. “Yes. Is that all you have?”

Prometheus procured more vials from his pocket. “True, you are a beast. Here, three more doses should do the trick. Now, make sure you drink all of it. You'll know it's worked when you feel that rumbling in your loins.” 

In an instant, the glass had been washed down. The minotaur helped himself to a refill and guzzled that down just as quickly. Prometheus casually crawled on the mattress and whispered into Dino’s ear. “Give it about 10 seconds.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Dino whispered back. 

A choke broke the silence in the room as the minotaur froze, unable to breathe, scream, or break his fall toward the mattress. Prometheus pulled Dino out of the path of the minotaur, who had foamed at the mouth and stopped moving. Dino tried to process what happened. 

He finally managed to speak. “What the hell just happened? All from aphrodisiacs?”

Prometheus took a sip from the clean glass of mead. “Nope. Poison.”

Dino’s eyes widened. “Poison?” 

“He asked for four doses, so that’s what I gave him,” Prometheus shrugged. 

“Oh my gods,” Dino shuttered. “We’re going to be dead too.” 

Prometheus hushed him while grabbing a keyring from the dead minotaur’s waist. “Not if we can get that Fire. Come on.” 

They gathered themselves and left the private room, allowing the sounds of panting to cover their footsteps. Slowly, they located the utility room. Prometheus tried several of the keys before the eighth attempt finally turned the knob. As the door opened, a wave of heat pelted the boys’ faces, but they slid inside, closing the door softly. A bright light prevented them from descending the short staircase. Their eyes focused, revealing a bronze orb with a thumb-sized pillar of fire bursting from a hole on its north axis. Dino ran towards the orb, only to find it trapped in a glass case. 

“I think this is how they light the braziers,” Dino sighed. 

“You know what that means, then?” Prometheus cracked his knuckles. 

“What?”

“As soon as we take the Fire, we need to bolt,” Prometheus scanned the room. “However, there’s one thing I haven’t mentioned about the Fire yet.”

“What’s that?” 

“The flame can go out.” 

Dino paused. “Are you kidding me? So, I have to keep the Fire alive until I get back to Greccian territory? While on the run?”

“Listen to me,” Prometheus grabbed Dino by the shoulders. “When we grab that orb out of the case, when the lights go out in the Forge, when every guard is sent after us, I don’t want you to think about what will happen if the Fire goes out. I want you to think about what’s going to happen when you bring the Fire back to the Grecco family. You’ll be hailed a hero, and you’ll be able to stand beside your dad with pride. Damnit, Dino. Grab the orb.”

Gathering his courage, Dino took a deep breath before breaking the glass blocking the orb. As he reached out, Prometheus smacked his arm away. 

“Hey, you wanna keep your hand?” Prometheus laughed, handing him bulky rubber gloves that glowed with a gold aura. 

“Thanks,” Dino slipped the gloves on. “Did the Olympians bless these gloves themselves? What’s with the glow?”

“It’s a special enchantment used by Hephaestus, but that’s all I know.” 

Dino nodded, eying the orb in anticipation. “Do we have a way out of here? Is that on your map?” 

Prometheus opened the door and pointed to the left. “There’s an emergency exit.” 

“And then what?” 

Prometheus shrugged. “We’ll figure it out. You’ll just have to trust me.” 

“Great,” Dino smiled before pulling the Fire out of the case. Before they could blink, the utility room was shrouded in darkness except for the pillar of flame illuminating Dino’s triumphant expression. “Hold that door and cover my back.”

“Yes, sir,” Prometheus chuckled. “After you.”

Dino launched himself into the hallway, turned the corner, and charged through the exit. Prometheus followed behind and tried to slam the door closed. Instead, the door bounced off the forearm of an armored guard, who led a squadron into the alley. 

“Avenge the minotaur,” the lead guard shouted. “After them!” 

Dino froze, ensuring that the Fire was still in his grip. A pull at his chlamys forced him into running blindly away from the encroaching guards. He recollected himself, noticing Prometheus dragging him toward a running van. The trunk opened, and Dino jumped in, carefully keeping the flame from smothering. A distant thud revealed the driver writhing on the ground while Prometheus climbed into the seat. Dino turned around to see the guards readying their spears while approaching the van. The heat of the Fire tempted him to look down and directed him toward a button pressed flat into the orb. Without thinking, Dino pointed the pillar out of the trunk and pressed the button. The pillar burst into a billowing stream of flames that launched directly toward the guards.

They all scattered out of the path. Blinded by the leftover smoke, they stumbled away from the van. Dino laughed hysterically, sweeping the flame from side to side. 

“Hang on to something,” Prometheus yelled before jerking the truck into drive. The flame returned to its finger-length state as Dino let go of the button and adjusted his balance. 

“Stealing the Fire of the Olympian Syndicate and now carjacking?” Dino shouted toward the front of the car. 

“Did you have a better suggestion?” Prometheus jerked the car to the left, narrowly avoiding hitting a street lamp.

“No, I didn’t,” Dino relented. “Thank you.”

“Yep,” Prometheus returned to his erratic driving. 

“Hey, Theus,” Dino said gently. “I just want to say that if we get caught and are left chained for the eagles, I just want to say that it was worth it.”

Prometheus scoffed. “How?” 

“Well, this is the first time I’ve done anything like this. For once, I feel like I’ve contributed something to my family. This is going to change how the family operates for the rest of our reign.”

“You’ll be a hero,” Prometheus nodded.

“You will, too!” Dino leaned over the back seat. 

“This adventure started with your dad blindfolding and gagging me,” Prometheus laughed. “Do you really think he’s going to take in a former Olympian as his own?” 

Dino reeled. “Yeah, obviously. You did the family a huge service.” 

“And I’m not the one holding the Flame.” 

“Shut up about that, man. This is a victory for both of us.”

Prometheus paused, his mood suddenly coming down from its high. “Your dad will be proud of you.” 

“What do you mean?”

“I risked my life to steal the Fire from the Olympians, all to take revenge on the Olympians for killing my father.”

“Prometheus…” Dino sighed.

“Hey,” Prometheus intensified. “We’ve got company!” 

Dino turned around to see two horses pulling a chariot with a heavily guarded warrior pursuing the vehicle. Although Prometheus’ driving could have outpaced a normal horse, these horses, graced with the gods’ power and bloodlust, relentlessly charged forward. Dino readied the orb and shot a stream of flames toward the chariot. However, a golden glow reflected the flames away from the creatures. Furious, the guard hurled a javelin into the car, missing Dino’s head and piercing the front windshield. 

“Be careful back there!” Prometheus yelled. 

“The Fire’s useless,” Dino panicked. “What do we do?” 

Prometheus paused. He stopped the van at the top of a hill and changed the transmission to neutral. Eventually, gravity forced the car to roll down the hill at an uncontrollable speed. Dino tried to stay rooted while Prometheus climbed toward the trunk. 

“Dino,” Prometheus urged. “Take the wheel.”

“Are you crazy? What are you doing?” 

“Making sure your dad sees you again. Now, get the wheel.” 

“Okay,” Dino carefully wriggled his body into the back seat, being mindful of the Flame. Eventually, he lifted himself into the driver’s seat, holding the wheel with one hand and protecting the Flame with the other. In the rearview mirror, he could see the guard preparing another javelin. Dino jerked to the right, allowing the spear to fly past the van and into the window of an unsuspecting house. Down the road, Dino couldn’t believe his eyes. “It’s the river! We’re almost there, Theus.” 

“Yeah, I saw.” 

“We just have to shake this chariot, then we’re home free.” 

A long silence allowed Dino to concentrate on keeping the van steady, only interrupted by the occasional javelin hit to the side of the van. Dino peered into the rearview mirror and watched Prometheus crawl to the edge of the trunk and heave himself onto the roof. 

Dino rolled down the window. “What are you doing?” 

“Making you a hero,” Prometheus said contently. 

“Theus, don’t be stupid. We’re both heroes.” 

Prometheus dodged another javelin before smiling at Dino. “When you see your dad, tell him I said, ‘You’re welcome.’” 

“Tell him yourself,” Dino shouted. “Why wouldn’t you tell him yourself?” 

“Because,” Prometheus sighed. “I’m about to become my own hero.” 

Before Dino could ask him to elaborate, Prometheus ran toward the trunk and leaped at the chariot, stepping on one of the horse’s heads before tackling the guard. The horses tripped, causing the chariot to flip and shatter into splinters. Dino cried out for his friend as Prometheus and the guard disappeared from view. Dino hit the brakes aggressively, but the worn pads caused sparks to fly from the wheels. Knowing he couldn’t stop the car, he climbed to the roof and replicated Prometheus’ stunt. As the van crossed the road and over a dock, Dino jumped toward the Grecian side of the river. He landed on the river’s bank, rolling onto his back to keep the fire away from the mud. The van sank slowly into the river while he scurried up the bank and into an alley, effectively evading the Olympians’ chase. 

Three weeks later, the thundering footsteps of the Titans alerted the Greccians of another ballista barrage. From the Boss’ mansion, Evander and Dino marched side-by-side wearing matching suits with velvet flower accents and a bronze breastplate. Evander placed a hand on Dino’s shoulder as they watched both capos and associates climb onto the roofs of the office buildings and warehouses, prepared with a basket of javelins with spiked bronze balls at their tips. As they readied their amentums, the clouds barely obscured the Titans cranking the ballistas backward and loading the coal. 

With a whoosh, the flaming balls of coal followed their trajectory toward the Boss’ mansion. Dino stood firmly beside his father, trusting the new spears and the abilities of the associates. Their view of the ball was interrupted by a soaring spear creating an explosion in the side of the ball, causing it to shatter into thousands of smaller pieces. Although a few windows were shattered and the walls painted with ashes, the structures remained intact. A renewed confidence washed over the associates as the amentums launched javelins through the sky and negated the Olympians’ assault. 

“They’re almost like some twisted version of fireworks, aren’t they?” Dino nudged his father. 

Evander shook his head before letting out a reluctant laugh. “You did well, kid.” 

“Thank you,” Dino said shyly.

Evander patted him on the back. “Your efforts have saved our territory from destruction, and the Fire has provided so many advantages that we have not had before.”

Dino smiled before hanging his head. 

“What’s wrong, Dino?” 

A large sigh escaped him as the sight of a colony of eagles at one of the peaks of Olympus’ mountains distracted him from victory. He pulled a pair of binoculars out of his pocket and held them up. By the eagles, he noticed a lone rock. Although he couldn’t make out the features of the human that seemed to be lying on the rock, the rusted chains were defined clearly as they writhed with the human’s tortured jerks. 

“We might be in a better place now that we have the Fire, but what did it cost us? If there’s any legacy that should last longer than any Fire, it should belong to the one who sacrificed himself to bring us the Fire.”

“And who is that?”

“Prometheus.”

© D. S. Bertolo Books | 2023

This short story is provided for free for entertainment purposes. Please don’t ruin the fun.

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