Aphrodite the Beauty (Goddess Girls) (10 page)

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designed for these tests seemed so ... so
real
. She had a hard time remembering they were fake.

"You called this one right as usual," confirmed Athena from behind her. "Watch out, the class textscroll says they have particularly vicious talons and wily ways."

"And bad breath," added Aphrodite, holding her nose now along with Persephone.

The Geryon licked its green lips, eyeing them each in turn. Then it turned and waggled its three rear ends so its trio of long tails swept back and forth in the leaves. "Nah nah nuh
nah
nah," it taunted softly. All the while, its blazing red eyes watched them over its shoulder to see if they'd take the bait and move closer. When they didn't, it held a hand toward them. It poked one foreclaw out and curled it over and over, beckoning them to follow it into the intricate maze of bushes beyond it known as the labyrinth.

167

There was rumored to be some sort of fantastical beast-making machine in the center, which Professor Ladon had specially designed to spawn their opponents for these games.

"Ye gods," Athena whispered. "Does it really think we'll fall for that?"

"No way we're following it into that maze," Artemis agreed, her voice shaking. Then, worried that her words might have sounded cowardly, she added in a confident voice, "Let's try to lure it closer. I'd like to get a good shot at that big green patoot."

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