2. The Ascending Hum
The boys ducked into cubicles, shedding their armor. Chun
hung the sets back on their racks, then led them deeper into the hall. The air
pulsed again, a hum beneath their steps.
“Where’s Amelinda?” Heracles asked, voice low.
“With Chin, my assistant,” Chun said slyly. “Daughter of a
tree nymph. Helping her pick something special.”
They reached neat rows of uniforms—navy or black trousers,
crisp jackets, white shirts, canvas shoes. Nearly identical… except for the buttons.
Heracles caught a faint shimmer, the same glow his armor carried.
“Not much to see,” Chun said, hoof clicking. “Check the
buttons—silver, gold, even enchanted if you order early.” He leaned close.
“Those pack a punch.”
“I’ll take enchanted,” Gwen said at once, already fingering
a gold-button jacket.
“Try them on.” Chun hurried off as the bell above the door
chimed for a new customer.
“Let’s do this,” Gwen said, grin wide as he snatched a
uniform.
Heracles grabbed one too, more measured. They changed and
stepped out together, laughter spilling—like kids in costumes.
“Sharp,” Gwen said, spinning in his navy set, gold buttons
flashing.
“Not bad,” Heracles admitted. His black jacket, plain buttons and all, hugged
close. Unflashy, but right. The quiet fit reminded him of the leather—chosen
for him.
Chun reappeared. “Favorites picked?”
“Yep,” the boys said, each holding two sets.
“Good.” He jotted again. “I’ll fetch Amelinda.”
She bounded over, eyes sparkling.
“These uniforms are amazing! Look—I got a sailor collar, pleated skirt, a
neckerchief—plus a jacket for style. And my training gear? Silver guards,
leather boots—so comfy!” She twirled, skirt flaring, then faltered, doubt
flickering—was it too much?
“Nice haul,” Gwen said, smirk approving.
“Leave them here,” Chun told them, gathering the uniforms.
“Someone’s waiting upstairs.”
“Upstairs?” Amelinda blinked. “This place has a second
floor?”
Chun’s smile stretched wider, eyes glinting. “Oh, full of
surprises. Staircase at the hall’s end. Come back once you’ve got everything.”
“You’re not coming?” Heracles asked, cautious, hand brushing
his scroll. The same pull from the black leather stirred again—fate whispering.
“No. This is my post.” Chun’s grin lingered. “Someone else
will greet you.”
Heracles exchanged a glance with his friends. “Let’s go,” he
said, steady but guarded.
“Catch you later, Chun!” Gwen called, grin bright. “This
place is next-level.”
“See you!” Amelinda chimed, her excitement bubbling over
shaky nerves.
They reached the marble staircase, golden light spilling
across polished steps. At the landing, the glow faltered. Marble bled into
creaking wood, boards flickering with a ghostly sheen.
The air thickened, laced with the dry tang of old parchment.
A low hum stirred through the walls, steady as a heartbeat.
They stopped, trading uneasy looks.
“What was that?” Amelinda whispered. Her fingers dug into
her scroll, eyes wide, fear and wonder tangled together.
“The shop shifted,” Heracles murmured, scanning the walls.
His gut tightened—the same pull he’d felt with the armor.
Gwen’s grin sharpened. “This place has tricks. I like it.”
He bounded up a step, reckless as ever.
A floorboard above creaked—slow, deliberate.
Amelinda flinched, voice trembling. “Now what?”
Heracles wrapped his hand around the rail, the wood humming
faintly beneath his grip. “There’s a room ahead,” he said, caution edged with
curiosity. “We’ll see what it wants to show us.”
The hum deepened, guiding them upward.
Heracles and the Nemean Lion
The first epic in the Heracles and the Twelve Labors series — witness Heracles' legendary battle against the invincible lion. A tale of strength, fate, and immortal valor.
Heracles and the Dragon Hydra
The second chapter of the Heracles and the Twelve Labors series. Heracles faces the monstrous Hydra — a dragon-like beast with many heads, each reborn from the last. A mythic journey of courage, strategy, and divine challenge.
Heracles and the Burden of Mercy
The third chapter of the Heracles and the Twelve Labors series. Heracles faces the ultimate test of mercy by choosing to redeem the ethereal Ceryneian Hind instead of slaying it, while Avery atones through grueling labor, Lily sings the hymn that rebirths the Hydra, and the dark ocean Umbrother awakens, heralding a greater shadow to come.
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