Chapter Two: In the Underworld

(Hades)

Tomorrow was the Winter Equinox Banquet. Yay, that's all I want, is to sit amongst my brothers and sisters and their ungrateful spawn. I took a deep breath and scratched behind Cerberus's ear. He looked to me with a whine when I stopped. I stood and sighed. It had been a millennia since my brothers and I defeated Cronus and I took over as Lord of the dead. I looked over the gardens in my kingdom. Despite what many believed, the underworld could be quit beautiful the orchard in the walls of my palace's grounds filled with Pomegranate fruit and the Immortal flower from which our Nectar is made we in an eternal bloom. The white blossoms where the only bit of white purity in my kingdom.

From the window in my throne room you could see the Elysium Fields. The happy souls of heroes and the just clothed in white, as they played carefree in the apple groves of the garden of paradise in this hell. Sometimes I wished for something to brighten up this gloomy existence of mine but most of the goddesses found me too intimidating or frightening to even speak with me. The only goddess that would consider being my consort was Aphrodite and she was far from faithful. Not to mention she was married. I wasn't like my brothers and their sons; I would not bed another man's wife. The doors opened to my advisor and dear friend Thantos, Death himself. "Sire Hermes is here to see you." I nodded. Hermes was one of the very few gods that ventured to my realm that didn't mean he was one of my favorites. "See him in. Thank you Thantos." I sat down on my ebony throne of black quartz and onyx. I leaned back against the backrest and mentally prepared myself. Hermes wasn't the worst of the gods, not at all, he was more of an innocent child in personality who didn't seem to be afraid of me. But that's where the problems came.

"UNCLE HADES!" the young god screamed as he launched himself into my middle. I was sure I had one of those sweat drop things going down the back of my head. "Hermes," I said in an exasperated voice. This wasn't the first time this has happened and it won't be the last. "I've asked you before not to do that." He jumped back and stood before me. "Sorry Hades, you just don't get out of here very often and I'd like you to know that someone is happy to see you every now and then." I gave a small smile then nodded. "Thank you nephew but please no more ramming into my stomach. I always have a bruise after you leave."

The boy god gave me a bright smile. "Okie Dokie!" then he became serious. "I'm sorry to disturb you uncle but Zeus asked me to retrieve your answer to the invitation to the Winter Solstice Banquet." I took a deep breath. Of course Zeus wants to make sure I'm coming. "Yes, I'm looking forward to it." I answered. Honestly I wasn't considering last year Zeus made the comment that I needed a woman in my bed to make me more… relaxed, I believe his words where. Not to mention I was usually ignored at the banquet, especially by Demeter, Athena, and Artemis.

Not many wanted to befriend the god of the underworld that and I was far more mature then the others. I mean come on I have to judge the souls of the dead and put them where they belong for all eternity or until they are reincarnated, I had to be mature. But I would go just as I said. The Winter Equinox was a very important time and I had to be there in case they had to make any decisions that would affect my realm.

I left the throne room and made my way to my room but before I made it there when Hecate the moon goddess of old and magic intercepted me. She was also a servant to the fates.

"Greetings Dark Lord, the Fates require you presence." I tilted my head back and groaned. Why can't people just let me sleep? I turned and followed the dark haired goddess to the cavern where the fates kept to themselves.

"The dark Lord comes." Rasped Clotho.

"Yes dark one, King of the dead and Eldest god." Agreed Lachesis.

I sighed. The Fates are even older then great mother Gaia. They decided the fate of those who live in this world, even the gods. "What can I do for you, mighty Fates?" I asked as I bowed my head to the three sisters.

"You Lord Hades have always been the devoted son." Whispered Atropos. "Rhea's most beloved son."

I closed my eyes and tried to not be affected by their murmurings. Yes it was true I had loved our mother deeply. I still remembered hearing her scream at my father to allow me life when I was an infant as he swallowed me to prevent me from betraying him. I had only been a day old and I was the son who most resembled Cronus. The dark hair, the moonlight silver eyes even the brooding glare my face was usually sat in was that of my most terrible father. Where as Zeus, my youngest sibling and brother, he resembled our loving and beautiful mother even more so then Demeter did.

"I already know whose son I am, please state your business with me fates."

They cackled.

"At the time of the gathering of the gods comes to pass," Clotho Whispered.

"A woman that remains a girl shall be brought to the circle." Lachesis took up.

"Two lonely souls shall find one another. The goddess trinity now complete." Atropos. Finished.

And I got none of that but like always I merely nodded and thanked the Fates for revealing what they had.

Finally I made it to my bedroom. I looked around and I felt the that lonely feeling sink into my stomach. But instead of thinking on the feeling any longer I removed my top robes until I was in just the pure white under robes and laid down to sleep.

Tomorrow was going to be hell.

No pun intended.


So what do you think? I have always had such a deep infinity for the Greek myths and I have always felt that Hades was a misunderstood character of Greek Myths. In fact the original Myth of Persephone and Hades was not titled the Rape of Persephone but the abduction of Persephone. Abduction doesn't always have to be by please read and review an let me know if you have any facts or suggestions on the story - AliBelikov