Chapter 4: God of Judgement Falls

Hades

"Murder, rape, theft and a drunk. Off to Tartarus you go!"

The man in front of me screamed in agony as the malevolent souls of Tartarus enveloped him in their darkness and dragged him down into the pit. What would Persephone think of me if she were here? Would she still love me if she saw how cruel I could be? The punishments I had to deal. This is the reality she must come to accept one day. If she becomes my queen, then she too must deal out punishment.

Her green doe eyes came to my mind at that moment. They reflected the purity she held within. Would she be able to handle the horrors of my domain? I was being selfish. My feelings for her were not right. I would ruin all that was good within her. Her light would not be able to withstand my dark power. I would break her. I would destroy that which I loved the most. It was my curse.

"Curse you Zeus. You couldn't make me God of the Sun or the ocean. You just had to make me God of this wretched place."

"Dearest brother. What is the matter? What has caused this sudden anger towards me?"

Zeus's words shook the walls of my kingdom, startling the few souls left waiting for their judgment.

"Forgive me brother. My words were meant to be kept within myself", I replied solemnly. I had not meant to create a link between my brother and I with my sudden outburst.

"Have I not given you a kingdom dear brother? Have I not given you power and riches? As the eldest, I could only entrust you with the task of watching over Tartarus where our father resides. As the wisest of all the Gods, only you are fit to be in charge of where the dead will remain. Your judgement is always fair and executed to perfection. Hades you are my favorite brother and I will do all in my power to ensure you are happy."

"Damn you brother. I don't hate you, you know. I just dislike many of your qualities, such as your level headiness in any situation. Now if you'll excuse me your highness. I have souls to attend to."

His laughter shook the whole Underworld.

"I would expect no less from you Hades. You are the only God who will oppose me. That's why I love you. You are blunt and unafraid of speaking your mind. I value your opinion on matters even over Athena. Attend Persephone's birthday brother, I believe even she has the power to melt that ice around your heart. Even you will have a hard time not falling for her charms. Goodbye Hades."

I stormed out of the judgment room. Thanatos hot on my trail.

"M' Lord, the judging is not complete", he said frantically.

"It can wait!", I replied angrily.

What was Zeus trying to insinuate? Does he know of my feelings? I kept them hidden so well. I used precautions. What does my brother know? Unless he knows nothing and was merely being kindly. However, if he sees me as a potential suitor for his daughter, it would work out in my favor. Especially against the wrath of Demeter.

"I need Zeus on my side."

"M' Lord?"

"Forgive me Thanatos. Family matters and all. I will resume judgement in a moment."

"Very well Lord Hades."

Thanatos bowed his head and dismissed himself. Thanatos was the God of Death. His poweres were immense and he was a formidable adversary of mine. Everyone feared him. Yet, he was not a malevolent God. Despite the way he looked.

Thanatos was pale, nearly translucent from lack of sunlight. His hair was dark like a raven's, similar to my own. However, his was cropped short on the sides, his curls lying messily on top of his head. He had sharp features and red eyes that glowed with intensity. Had it not been for those eyes, he would've been a marvel for women. However, that was not a problem since Hecate claimed him as her own years ago. Together, they made a remarkably formidable couple. Two of my strongest subjects, together in had were a force to be reckoned with. They, along with Charon, helped bring the souls to my domain and helped keep the Titans at bay.

I walked back unwillingly to the judgement room. My thoughts focused solely on Persephone. I longed for her soft touch. The feel of her silky curls on my fingers. How my heart ached for her. I was being careless letting her get to me. I did not care anymore. She could kill me if she wanted to and I would let her. I was truly, irrevocably in love with her. She would be my downfall.