Chapter One: A God's Angels

Screams of terror echoed through the stiff air, one had to count their breaths just from breathing into it; the Underworld wasn't a place that drew breath after all. The howls of those whom were sentenced to such torture for integrity merely bounce back on the black stoned palace, where there is said to be a God. Though, this was no God that you would like to come face to face with, for he was Lord Hades, ruler of the Underworld. The Dead. Heavens and Hell.

Inside the bitter-cold palace, a large room with a throne of gold and bones which was seated before a similar theme fireplace. Between said fire and chair, was a man. Dressed in dark robes plastered with faces of scorn souls threaded in its fabrics; the ends trailed behind the dark-haired man as he paced around front if the burning fire. An irritated look copied the rest of his stance.

"Where's that blasted Oracle? For someone who can predict the future, she's bad tracking time." The dark man gritted his teeth. Just as he said it, a green vortex emerged behind him. A portal-like mirror casted itself between the man and a young girl standing the other side of mirror. Not a day over fifteen, the young girl's bright green eyes gazed the man, looking a bit annoyed but nonetheless, drew a respectful bow before speaking.

"You call for me?"

"Yes, and it's nice of you to finally answer, too." The man resisted a eye-roll. "You're late."

"As any other future, I come at my own time." A giggled wasn't bother to be hid, specify the girl's flexibility when around powerful beings. Noting the man's unamused, serious glare she was givin, jokes were set aside. "What is it you seek out of me, Lord Hades? Wait, let me guess, it's about the prophecy isn't it?"

The man, Lord Hades, held his glare that could make a normal person shrivel in fear. "You know exactly it would be the case. I want that prophecy to be diminish at once. Go to my brothers and tell them it was a fluke."

"They'll have my head if I'm caught lying. I don't need to see into the future to know that'll be the outcome."

"Then what good are you for anyways!?" Hades refuted with a snarl. Though the Oracle blinked unresponsively, unnerve of the God's rage at all. Sighing helplessly, Hades turned himself facing the flickering fire. "Forget it, I was ridiculous for asking. You're dismissed." He stated with a wave of his hand. Words answered by moments of silence, only the sparks and howls of torture souls from the fireplace filled the room's atmosphere.

The Oracle let out a tch, crossing her arms awkwardly as she responded. "Look, I'm sorry things have fallen on you like this. You worry out of love, it's normal." Catching the God's shoulders scrunching, obviously embarrassed by her reason. The Oracle let out another giggle: leave it to the God of Death to deny himself from actually showing signs of caring. "Don't bother hiding things from me, Lord Hades, I see through everything. You fear for your family, correct?" She teased. Hades cleared his throat before responding back.

"What difference does it make? They're doom throughout life anyways. I'm a fool to think I can actually protect them…I've failed so many already." Pale hands rubbed themselves together, guilt drifted slowly in his eyes. "What makes them any different? They're my angels. My first ever real family. How can I prevent anything from happening to them? Please, oh great spirit Delphi, tell me what to do!" The God practically begged.

"Well, the first thing you should do is stop whinny and start being the God people view you to be." The girl spat from her side of the portal, Hades actually was taken aback. "Plus, you know I can't do anything to prevent the future from happening. The Oracle line will be demolish if I do so. I can't help you, Hades, the future's fate shall fall upon us one day, and on whoever's child of the Big Three reaches sixteen first; starting now."

"But all of my brothers' children are already grown past that age! And Zeus made us swear on a oath to never have children anymore and has order me to give up mine to Camp Half-Blood."

"Then the deed has been done. Bianca - or Nico - are destined to be the child of the prophecy."

Yeah, like that'll ever happen. Hades rung his hands through his black hair, a thing he did when stress. The possibility of his children being a future threat weighed more on scale than actual heroes in his brother's eyes. It made him sick, honestly. How sickly the idea Zeus implanted in Hades' mind might actually be true. Could they really be a threat? Hades didn't want to believe it. As a father, he must have some faith in his kids. No one else ever does.

"Zeus won't allow it, I know he won't. He won't take the chance for them to reach sixteen, not with the history behind all of my offspring. He'll kill the second he get's the chance!"

The spirit of Delphi shrugged. "My only suggestion is act quickly before Zeus gets a hold of your family. Hide them somewhere safe. A place where time is trap, where they will never reach the age of sixteen." She implied. Though deep down, she was totally against the idea. For she knows, if Hades goes through with it, she can only hope for the sacrifice would be worth it. Changing fate, is something even the Gods shouldn't touch with. Hades was one of the few that took the rule of fate seriously, his whole business is fate for starters. Hades poundered, is he really willing to go against his own morals?

For his family- it wasn't a question to ask twice.

"The Lotus Casino. It'll be perfect." Hades concluded. He ignore the pointed look the Oracle sended to him. "They'll be safe from my brother and the war also. I just pray that Maria will agree...Our children means the world for her. I praise for your service, you may be excused."

The Oracle sigh, for she knew there was nothing she can say to change the God's mind. Admittedly, she wasn't surprised the outcome of this since the beginning. Nevertheless, it's her job as Oracle to follow the Gods' word, no matter how extreme they could get. "Glad to be an assistance. But Lord Hades, I must warn you - escaping fate comes with a coast. You out of all people should know that by now."

"If it'll protect my children, it's a price I'm willing to pay."

Again, a response she already saw coming. "Alright. But don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, the vortex swirled and the Oracle's presence disappeared; leaving a gust of green smoke behind.

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Weeks have past since the God has spoke with the Oracle, and Hades took upon himself to take action as she suggested he should do. Now, Hades seated himself on one of the many couches in an abandoned hotel outside of city Naples, Italy. Just outside of the building, soldiers of war marched through the city, evacuating its citizens. Distant sirens sounded off, warnings of enemy planes closing by.

Hades nervously twisted his right arm's sleeve, not bother of the going-ons (he could easily avoid that) but for the conversation he feared of starting. Though he took more an interest staring the tiled floor - careless loud giggling would stirred him to glance forwards every few minutes or so. The source coming from other than the two young children (at the rightful ages of four and six) who were playing around the marble columns that held the empty hotel. Completing unaware of the horrors happening just beyond these walls.

Hades took notice of the small Italian woman sitting beside him on the couch, shuffling in her large purse. Seconds later she pulled out a makeup powder and started patting her face with the brush, covering visible spots where sweat formed at. Hades was nearly baffle at this. Only Maria would do her makeup at a time of crises. Satisfy with her reflection in the tiny hand mirror, Maria packed the powder and brush away. Closing the small bag, her dark eyes landed to the rambunctious children, a disapproving look formed upon her soft features before a hard Hmph sounded across the room. The children paused what they were doing by the sound of the woman's call. Maira responded with a finger on her lips, indicating for them to be quiet. The siblings, catching her warning, went back playing in their mother's standards. Hades watched the heart-felt scene, it help calm himself a little. The small family had that effect on him; even during times like these.

"There's no need for that, darling." Hades gently teased Maria, turning to fully face her. "It's not like they're bothering anyone." He says smoothly, gesturing towards the empty employee's desk to make a point. Maria though didn't take the God's words as gently than he performed.

"Yes but what if the soldiers hear them?" She corners him. Though, her eyes gleam the same playfulness in the children. Hades drew his hands of fake surrender before they both shared a chuckle. Chances of the soldiers hearing the kid's laughter behind a thick wall of brick along with alarms blasting on the other side was very little. Unfortunately, Hades couldn't keep the serene act up any longer in order to not worry anyone.

For their safety, he reminded himself.

"Maria, love, I believe there is something I have forgotten to explain to you" Hades began. Taking her eyes off the children, Maria turn her head to the God in wonder.

"Oh?"

"Once we leave Naples, I made arrangements for you and the children to stay with me in the Underworld." Hades elaborated. He tugged on his sleeve subconsciously, never have he felt so ashamed of what he just said. After Nico was born, and the whole Hitler situation, he made a promise to Maria that their children's ties with the Underworld would not collide until they get older, so they would have a normal childhood. For once, demigods that weren't haunted by their godly heritage. Now, that life is taken from Bianca and Nico, because of his own mistakes.

Maria blinked, "The Underworld? What for? You said we will be going to America!"

"And you will, my love, but right now it's dangerous here, my son's plans are unpredictable, as of now the whole mortal world is a potential target for Hitler, including America. And my-..." Hades stopped himself there. He didn't want to risk of mentioning his brother's name or any god's existence when Zeus could be listening right now. Apparently though, Maria didn't grab hold on the idea.

"Are you really condoning this? I would just love to see the look of Persephone's face once she see us!" She asked, her hands on her hips and head tipped, looking at him as if he was insane or a clueless toddler. Hades couldn't tell which, but still felt shame from it.

"Maria..." But she never let him finish.

"You promised! You promised me our children a normal life! Persephone will not allow it either." She stated, folding her hands on her lap, singling she made her point. It was only a matter of seconds before Hades was leaning towards the woman, using his hands as he talked in agitated gestures.

"Please, my dear," he said. "You must come to the Underworld. I don't care what Persephone thinks! I can keep you safe there."

"No, my love!" She spoke, her Italian accent that is usually soft and soothing was now hard and fluent. "Raise our children in the land of the dead? I will not do this." Why must she be so stubborn? Hades ponder.

"Maria, listen to me. The war has turned the other gods against me..." He took in a deep breath, the truth ready to be revealed. If only I told her sooner. He added, "A prophecy has been made. Poseidon and Zeus have forced me into an agreement. None of us are to have demigod children ever again." Because of me.

"But you already have Nico and Bianca. Surely-"

"No! The prophecy warns of a child who turns sixteen. Zeus has decreed that the children I currently have must be turned over to Camp Half-Blood in America for proper training, but I know what he means. At best they'll be watched, imprisoned, turned against their father. Even more likely, he will not take a chance. He won't allow my children to reach sixteen. He'll find a way to destroy them. I won't risk that!" His children. His little King and Queen, in the hand of his ruthless brother, crying for help as they are electrocuted by Zeus' lightning till they are smoked to smithereens. Just thinking about it makes Hades want to gather his children in his arms and lock them in his palace where they'll be safe. Oh my little ones!...

"Certamente," Maria said. "We will stay together. Zeus is un imbecile."

Hades looked at the ceiling nervously. As much he is head-over-heels for this little lady's courage, he wished she would just watch what she was saying. "Maria, please. I told you, Zeus gave me a deadline of last week to turn over the children. His wrath will be horrible, and I cannot hide you forever. As long you are with the children, you are in danger too." And Hades knew there was no way of separating them either, Maria would not have it at all. Neither did he, to be honest.

But Maria just smiled, Hades noticed how much it reflected from his daughter as well. "You are a god, my love. You will protect us. But I will not take Nico and Bianca to the Underworld."

Hades wrung his hands, afraid what he will say next, it was the last option he really wanted to avoid, but was the only one that was the safest. "Then, there is another option. I know a place in the American desert where time stands still. I could send the children there, just for a while, for their own safety, and we could be together. I will build you a golden palace by the Styx."

Maria Di Angelo laughed gently. "You are kind man, my love. A generous man. The other gods should see you as I do, and they would not fear you so. But Nico and Bianca need their mother. Besides, they are only children. The gods wouldn't really hurt them."

Obviously, your father never tried to swallow you whole...Hades decided against saying that.

"You don't know my family," he says darkly. "Please, Maria, I can't lose you."

She touched his lips with her fingers. "You will not lose me. Wait for me while I use the powder room. Watch the children." She ended with a kiss to the lord of the dead, and rose from the sofa. Hades watched her as she walked upstairs, each step she took away from him was painful to watch. Please, don't leave me...

He recounted the day he met her; frail and close to death, it was no wonder why she'd prayed for a god to save her. Unfortunately, those types of prayers are sent to Hades, known to be merciless to all dying souls. But Maira's was different; she sounded like an angel who lost her wings. And a God never ignores an angel's cry. He had to help her. He healed her in his own palace, and soon before anyone fully realized, Maria's visit lasted longer than intended. Few months later, she was pregnant with Hades' child. Few years later, another came along. Maira was the first out of all Hades' mistresses to bare more than one child with him. It proved the true love they held for each other, noramly being Hades' mistress happened on accident and want nothing to do with the God afterwards. Maria, however, saw the hidden man beneath him; automatically causing her to fall for.

The memory was short livid when suddenly he felt a strong presence in the air. A moment later he tensed, and at the corner of his eye he notice his children stopped playing, staring into space as they copied his scrunch up shoulders, indicating they also sense something too. Then, it hit him. Literally.

"No!" Hades yelled. But even his godly powers were too slow. He only had time to erect a wall of black energy around the children before the hotel exploded.

As the ash finally cleared away, Hades quickly dashed over to Maria (thanks to his god of death senses) and was shock what he found. There she was, in what could only be a coincidence, was mangle on the floor. Blood spude around her body in a pool. Her eyes open, lifeless, and mouth ajar as if she was about to say something, but no words were form, but only the last breath that left her body. Hades felt tears running down. He kneeled down to his beloved lady, taking her in his arms, for she was to pure to die on the cold, ashing stone floor.

"Zeus!" Hades raised a fist to the sky. "I will crush you for this! I will bring her back!"

A sniffle brought back his sanity. He glanced behind and saw his children, staring at their mother uncomprehendingly. The Oracle's warning voice rang in the God's head: escaping fate comes with a coast. For once in his life, Hades, the Lord of the Underworld, felt powerless.

No...I failed them once again.

All of a sudden, Alecto, his top commanding Fury, appeared behind the mourning children. They didn't seem to notice her, instead they huddled close each other's sides, disoriented at the sight of their mother's lifeless body that hung limply in the God's arms. Alecto observed her master's grief, she was summoned right after Hades had vowed revenge to bring his beloved Maria back to life. These were one of the times that Alecto had no choice but avoid her master from such actions.

"My Lord, you cannot," Alecto warned. "You of all immortals must respect the laws of death."

Hades glowed with rage. The last thing he needs is to be lecture by a bird (even though she was right.) Literally watching the soul escaping its eyes of his Maria, something crumbles deep inside him: a heart- started out cold stoned until then melted away from this little lady- has freezed once again and shattering into a thousand pieces. Hades glanced over the creations his and Maria's love brought; they were staring after him with looks of desperation for some kind of hope only their father could provide now. Hades found himself what felt like standing between Tartarus and the goddess, Demeter: he dreaded both sides and can't decided which one sounded worst.

How?..How do you tell two innocent children that their precious mother is never coming back? Heh, Hades wished it were that easy; he can say that while punishing fifty souls if he could. No, as a God of Death, he had to face a more complicated situation than most parents go through. Like telling said children there was nothing you can do to bring her back, even though you could, but it went against your own rules. It really did leave a foul taste in his mouth, Hades could say, he's ashamed to be call a Lord of the Dead. To be call a father. What father allows his children to suffer the loss of their own mother?...

Then again, you can't suffer without remembering it….

"Take them." Hades ordered Alecto, words were horse by trying to choke back a sob. He couldn't take the thought that this was to be the fate of his children because he didn't have the power to stop it. "Wash their memories clean in the Lethe...and send them to the Lotus Hotel…" His hold tightens around Maria, her lifeless body gave covered in his dark robes. "Zeus will not harm them there."

Grateful for the Fury not arguing back at him, and instead took the God's word without question then vanishing into the shadows. Hades shared one last glance towards Nico and Bianca before they disappear along with her. His gaze trailed down on each like the tear-stained cheeks of their faces; memorizing every individual detail from both.

His daughter Bianca, his oldest, showed so much of her mother's appearances. From the sparkling deep brown eyes to the dimples that formed when she smiled. Hades will miss those smiles; full of life and childlike happiness, you wouldn't think that her father was the Lord of the Underworld. Then there's Hades' youngest son, Nico. As of now, he is Hades' most recent child (and probably the last) who did have his mother's smile like his sister, but that's all there is. Everything else, Nico got most of his looks by Hades. Darker than a stormy night for eyes and a much paler composer than Bianca's more olive-toned skin. Both had ebony hair and were on the short size than most children their age.

Like their surname, they were angelic.

A pit of sorrow formed inside Hades once his children vanished with the Fury leaving him alone with the dead body of his true love (don't tell Persephone though.) He lost them. He lost them all in just one day. Weaken from loneliness that dwelled inside him, tears finally started to form in his eyes.

Forgive me, amore mio! Hades thought with a cry. The room's darkness streamed it's way towards him, representing the river of sadness flowing inside him. No one could say they saw the Death Lord Hades that day but a man who has lost his family.

A God who has lost his angels.

tbc

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I rewrote this chapter bc I just HATED it so much. I hoped you like the improvements. And in case you forgot, the spirit of Delphi appears right after and Hades curses her. You can reread that scene in the TLO if you want. I use it to explain why he did so. (the best I could at least).

Hope you like the changes! Review your opinions PLEASE! Tell which version you liked better. For those who have already been reading, don't worry, the next chapter is on it's way!

R&R and see ya'll next time!