Alexis wondered through the woods outside of the suburb of Athens. He wondered further into to it. He couldn't remember why he was there, just that he was. The sun began to disappear from in between the trees and into the earth. The inky black sky took over. The trees covered the stars, the ray of the moon tried to cut its way through the trees. Little beams of ghostly light shined through, giving the trees a dark outline. Alexis began to slow down his pace. The woods were becoming darker and he felt a chill ran down his spine. He felt something was watching, waiting. He bit his lip as he wondered through. His shadow disappeared and his feet crushed the bushes and plants below. Alexis wrapped his arms around his upper body. He was trying to remove his fear but it only grew.
Then something moved. Alexis turned around quickly. But nothing was seen with his blue eyes. His breath quicken, he slowly moved back. He kept his eyes in front as he walked back. WHOOSH! Alexis turned, but again only darkness. Someone or something was out there. Alexis could feel it. WHOOSH! Alexis panic and began to run. He bolted through the forest. He turned his head. He saw a shadow coming in at a lightning speed towards him. Alexis screamed as his paced quicken. He began to leap over the logs and he dashed through the plants. But the shadow pounded through. Alexis could hear shadow's breath as it pant to get close to him. He ran as fast as he could. But the creature was faster. The creature leaped into the air. Its paws pressed hard against his back. Alexis' body began to fall towards the ground. He closed his eyes and his face fell flat on the ground.
The sound of crying had hit his ear. Alexis woke and he began to pant. He frantically looked around. His eyes began to adjust to his surroundings. He calm down. The sounds of crying over took the sounds of the night. Alexis rubbed his eyes and gently climbed out of bed toward the crying.
It has eighteen months since the birth of Hebe. She has grown to be a beautiful little girl. She was looking more like a child version of his mother, with each passing day. Alexis looked down at his little sister. Her violet cat-like eyes were closed tightly as the tears fell from her face. The tears fell down her chubby cheeks. Her little fists were shut firmly. Her red hair was spread across the pillow. Her small body disguised the power and the strength that ran through her veins. She wore a white small chition similar what their father wore as a boy.
Alexis gently picked his sister and gathered her in his arms. Hebe opened her eyes as she felt herself being lifted up. Alexis smiled, 'hey, heard you crying.' Hebe looked at him as she began to calm down. She always felt safe whenever she was with her brothers. 'That's better, you had a bad dream?' He asked her so sweetly. Hebe nodded as her lip trembled and her violet eyes were soaking in water. Alexis gently sat down on a rocking chair. Cassandra used it often to calm her down. He placed her on his lap and he began to rock the chair. Hebe looked at him. 'Scary dream,' she told him. Her voice was soft and sweet. But it's was frighten and fearful. Alexis cupped her cheek, 'its ok Hebe. I'm here.' She rubbed her cheek against his hand. His thumb gently rubbed across her cheek. 'You wanna hear a story.' The little girl nodded. Alexis began telling the story of how his mother and father save each other and the world.
The sun crept through the window. Alexis rocked Hebe in his arms. She fell asleep well before sunrise. Her little eyes were gently closed and her body was turned so that her front side was facing him. Her little thumb rested against her lower lip. Alexis, on the other hand, couldn't. All he could think about was his protector and how he wished he was there. He wondered how his father would act toward Hebe. There was no doubt in his mind that he would have loved her. He remembered his parents talking about having a little girl. Now they had the little girl, they always wanted. If only they lived to see her. Their beautiful little girl lived but only knew her parents through stories and imagination.
But that wasn't the only thing on his mind. His little sister meant everything to him. To him, she was their final legacy, their final print on the world and he wanted to protect it. He gently kissed her forehead. 'I promise you Hebe. I will always be her for you.' He leaned his forehead against hers. 'I promise I will protect you.'
The day went as normal. Zack and Alexis trained with Manu in the early morning. Once it reached eight o'clock they headed for school. The boys no longer fooled their teachers. They spent most of their recess and lunch time together. They hardly spoke in school, only to answer questions and speak when they were spoken to. School seemed to have lost its purpose to get away from life. Before their parents died, it was an escape. They were safe from their father's fame and glory. They were just original kids going to school. But after their parents died, they were the two to be pity on. They were helpless ones, the lost ones, the orphans. There was no escape anymore, teachers spread their pity. The students pressed questions against them. Some of their friends were gone. Zack and Alexis decided it was best that they remained together as one.
Once school was over and done with, they returned home and trained until the sundown. When they arrived back to Cassandra's house, Hebe greeted them as always. She would run to them. She would jump into their arms and, sometimes, she would bring them both down to the floor. They laughed all together. Even Charma was smiling. Then as they settle down, Hebe was start talking to them about her day. She talked so fast, they could just manage to keep up with her. She told them about what she ate and the games she had play with Manu. All of the games were part of her training. They played a ball catching game for her to develop her eye co-ordination and mental calculation. These games were like baby training, giving the skills she would use when she was ready for the intense training. She also told them about how she helped Cassandra. Cassandra smiled as she heard Hebe's voice when she cooked dinner. Once Hebe had finished her tale of her day, Alexis chuckled and smiled at her. 'Man, you are as busy as bee.' She giggled and smiled. Her hands slightly hid her giggle and smile. Alexis smiled as an idea went into his head. A cute little nickname for her, 'that's it, I'm gonna call you that from now on.' He gently picked her up, 'bumble bee.' Hebe just giggled as he sat her on his lap. She made a buzzing noise. Zack smiled and Alexis laughed. Alexis brought his fingers to her stomach and began to tickle her. Hebe laughed out as her brother tickled her.
Later that night, everyone was sounded asleep. All but Zack, he had trouble sleeping. He tossed and turned in his bed, images of his father dying in his arms, the screaming and his final words echoing through his head. His eyes opened and closed throughout the night. Every time he closed them, the images followed back. He sighed as he laid on his bed. The responsibility had grown on his shoulders. He was left with the pressure to take care of both his brother and sister, even though Cassandra and her family were taking care of them. It did not ease the burden he felt he had to carry. He pushed the covers and slowly got out of bed. He wrapped a cloth around his shoulders and headed outside.
He went inside the stables and checked on Pegasus. The stallion rested peacefully but he had never been the same. He was no longer cheerful; he found it difficult to get up in the morning. But he was still loyal and protected Hercules' children. He gave a lick every time the children greeted him. He gave them the lift when need. There were times when he wrapped his wing around their bodies, giving warmth and comfort. Little Hebe seemed to manage to make him whined as well. The little girl reminded of his best friend, in more ways than one. She always greeted the stallion with such curiosity and delight. She would giggle whenever she was near him. Zack gently stroked his snout and Pegasus gently snorted. He felt the stallion short fur and his hand moved up to his mane. Zack remembered how he would hold the mane with strength as if it was a rope. But not once did the winged horse moaned in pain or shook him off. Zack slightly smiled and removed his hand from Pegasus.
He wondered beyond the stables, into the open air. It was a cool night as he wrapped the cloth closer to his body. He looked up and there he saw the constellation of his father. He began to tear up as the stars smiled down on him. 'Oh dad,' he began to sobbed. He missed him so much. He missed the feeling of his strong arms around him and how they were able to lift him high above the air. He missed riding on his back and their playtime together. He missed his laughter and smiled. He had missed the feeling of his presence surrounding him. But most of all, he missed him just being there. He buried his face into his hands.
Then Zack felt a slight chill down his spin, like someone was watching. Someone evil, he lifted his head. He listened. The world had become still; wind no longer blowed across his face. The crickets were silent, no cats meowed, no howls from wolves. 'What a shame,' the voice cut through the silence. 'A great hero and his children are left alone in the world. It's truly heart breaking.' The voice was strong and cruel. He remembered that voice. Zack quickly wiped around and gasped at the source of the voice. The Lord of the Dead gloomed in the shadows.
Hades appeared from the darkness. His flame hair flicked. He leaned against a tree truck and his eyes glaring at Zack. 'Now the oldest of his offspring must take care of the rest.' Hades' face was covered in sadness and remorse. He brought his arm over Zack and brought him closer to his body. Zack was fearful; he gulped and tried to gather some courage. 'And where are the people who have caused such pain? Why, they are at the top of Olympus drinking nectar and ambrosia.' He placed his hand on his forehead and breathed in deeply. He brought his hands towards his lips and began to tear up. 'Where is the justice in the world?' Zack looked up at him; there were some truth to his words. But he this was the same guy that trapped him and his brother in the Underworld and almost killed them. 'Why would you care?' Hades looked down on him. 'Oh Zack, my little great nephew, you're so much like your father. So innocent and yet so naive,' he cupped his chin and squeezed his cheeks with his fingers. 'Your father and mother were murdered by the people they trusted the most. He was slaughter by his own father. Don't you remember Zack?' Zack closed his eyes as he remembered the bolt hitting his father's side. He remembered his roar of pain and how he had died in his arms. Hades smirked as he saw the tears falling. He removed his smirk and gently lifted Zack's chin up. 'When was the last time you saw Zeus, huh? Did he even come back to tell you he was sorry?' Zack looked at him. Zeus hadn't returned at all. He just disappeared as if he didn't exist. He sighed and shook his head. 'Exactly Zack, he even promised Hercules that he will take care of you. Has he, Zack?' Hades knelt down to him. 'Did Zeus come and take you and your siblings into his arms and told you that everything is going to be alright?' Zack once again shook his head. 'Exactly Zack, instead of living up to his promise, he is up there enjoying life while you are down here, struggling.' Hades conjured up a handkerchief and gave it to him. Zack blew his nose and wiped away his tears. But then he stared up at Hades. His eyes glisten with water. 'What about you? You didn't even show up at the funeral. You come two years and three months later?'
Hades looked down at him, 'because I spent all that time creating this.'
He showed Zack a glass bottle. It appeared floating in his hand. He placed his head behind Zack's ear. 'This is the same potion that turned your father mortal.' He whispered in his ear. His voice sent chills down his spine. 'Give this to Zeus as a peace offering, once he drinks it and, unlike your father, he will be turned to dust.' Zack looked at the bottle, 'how?' Hades smirked.
'Because he had lived for thousands of years, the only thing that has kept him alive was his godhood.' He brought the bottle closer to Zack. 'This potion will take away that, making him mortal. And all those years will finally catch up to him. But he needs to drink the whole potion.' Zack stared at the potion. It glowed to him, like it was calling him. 'What do you want for it?' He knew that the Lord of Dead doesn't give anything away for free. Hades smirked. 'All I want is justice serve, Zack. We are family, after all.' He brought the bottle closer. 'Take it Zack, give the justice you and your siblings deserve.' Zack looked at him and then looked back at it. His blue eyes glow a dark purple. 'Can't you do it?' Hades sighed and brought his arm over Zack.
'I would Zack, I really would. But I can't enter Olympus and my brother has left me alone just like you. I can't even be with my wife for a full year.' He placed his hand on his forehead. Zack nodded and his small fingers gently wrapped around the bottle. He cupped the small bottle in both of his hands. Hades smirked but hid it from Zack. 'Give your parents the justice they deserve Zack.' He began to disappear, 'a life for a life.' His final words whispered against the wind. He was gone and the world returned back to normal. Zack was left there with the potion in his hands as the sounds of night came to life.
A dark purple liquid glowed in his hand. The bubbles filled with skulls danced around inside. Hades' words echoed the in his head, 'justice, a life for a life.' He brought the potion closer. He closed his eyes. The temple of Zeus was not far from Cassandra's place. They had built a new one, in the last two years. He could go and come back, no one would notice. He closed his hand and held onto the potion. He grabbed his staff and headed for the temple.
Fire and hated filled his heart as he marched on. He began to break into a run as he bolted through the town. His mind pounded with revenge and a fire burning for justice. The blood rushed through his body, his heart rapidly banged against his rib cage. Then he stopped, he had reached the temple. The potion glowed in his hand. He was at the step just outside the temple. It was so easy. All he had to do was walk in, give him the potion and walk out. Zeus would take it and he will drink it. Zack's mind told him. He took the next step as he took a deep breath. He closed his eyes. Just then without warning a memory entered his mind.
Zack was a little boy, no older than eight years old. He was spending some quality time with his father. Megara and Alexis were out for the day. Hercules and Zack were playing outside, in the yard.
Zack was top of his father. 'Got ya dad.' He said as he pushed Hercules over. His father laughed as he allowed his little son to push him over. Zack sat on top and began to tickle him. After a while, Zack rested on his chest. Hercules gently stroked his hair as he smiled. 'I love you dad.' Zack said as he snuggled up to his chest. 'I love you too, son.' He smiled as he stroked his cheek. Then a grumpy grunt came from nowhere, 'hey kid, time to train.'
Zack grabbed his father, 'no, we just started playing.' Phil put his hands on his furry hips. 'No you we playing for over two hours.' Hercules sighed and gently lifted his son. 'C'mon Phil, five more minutes,' he brought Zack close to his chest. 'Sorry kid, you need to keep up with your fitness levels.' Hercules sighed but brought Zack with him. Zack was not happy.
Later on that day, Zack was putting honey all over Phil's equipment and a chair he always sat on. 'That will teach that Nanny Goat.' Zack chuckled evilly. He worked hard on pouring honey over his seat. The seat soaked in a golden colour. Soon he was out of honey. 'Better go and get some more,' he turned around and bumped into something. He looked up and saw his father. Hercules had his hands on his hips and trapped his foot. He was not amused by his son's action. 'Zack,' he said with a stern voice. Zack smiled up at him innocently. Hercules just frowned even more. Zack sighed as he was caught in the act. 'Zack,' he sighed and knelt down. 'Why did you make all this mess? I know you meant it.' Zack looked at his feet. He didn't have the courage to face his father. 'Because Phil took our fun away,' Hercules gently lifted his son's chin. 'And messing with his equipment will bring it back? Zack, it will only make things worse. Phil will only make me train more and we would have to clean up the mess you made. We wouldn't have fun at all.' Zack looked at him. He pouted and folded his arms. 'But it's not fair, he always takes you away.' He slammed his foot. Hercules sighed, 'son, by doing this you are bringing yourself down to his level. You are no better than he is.' He cupped his cheek. Zack nodded, he didn't want to be like Phil. 'Remember this son, you are no better than the other person, if you caused the pain as they have caused you.'
The memory vanished; he looked at the potion in his hand. His father's words rang in his head. 'You are no better than the other person, if you caused the same pain as they have caused you.' He gasped in realisation. He was about to kill Zeus, like he had kill his father. This wasn't justice; this was an act of cowards. Hercules would have never asked him to do this, no matter how much it appeared to be justice. In the end, no one wins. In the end, it would never bring his father or mother back. Tears were formed in his eyes. He stepped away from the temple.
He began the journey back home. It was slow and painful. He looked at the bottle. It was somewhat warm against his skin. Zack felt disgusted at what he almost did with the potion. He had to get rid of it. His fingers wrapped around the lid and he pulled it off with such ease. He tipped the bottle slightly and all the contents began to fall into the earth. The liquid landed with a splashed against the earth, turning it into a dark colour. Zack watched until the bottle was empty. Then he threw the bottle. The glass smashed against the tree and the tiny particle fell to the earth, like snow. Zack then wrapped the cloth around him tightly. He stood there for a while, watching the earth swallow up the potion. He looked up towards the skies and somehow he knew that his father was now smiling proudly at him. It brought a warm feeling into his heart. Zack smiled as he continued his way back to what was left of his family.
Hades returned to the Underworld, he chuckled. Soon his chuckle turned into a manic laugh. It filled the Underworld; the monsters crawled away out of fear. The Lord of the Dead rarely laughed but he does, it was enough to strike fear into the bravest heart. Pain and Panic were shaking more than usual in terror. It wasn't a pretty sound. They fear for what he had done, most importantly whether it would mean suffering for them.
Hades relaxed comfortably against his throne. Pain and Panic carefully and cautiously marched up to their master. 'Your Flamefuless,' Pain asked with such bravery, but his voice shaken and broken, just like his body. 'W-what may we ask is so amusing?' Panic asked in a shaken voice that shook his whole body. Their knees knocked together like two rocks are being pushed toughly against each other. 'Boys, anytime soon my most successful plan is about to be complete.' He laughed with such joy and triumph. Pain and Panic looked at time. They began to slightly calm down. 'You mean the one with all the fake monsters?' Pain was confused and starched his head. 'Pardon us for being ignorness, but that plan didn't work. All the monsters disappear the moment the sun hit them.' Hades just laughed even harder. He placed his hand on his stomach.
'Boys, it was just a phase of my greatest plan ever,' he leaned more forward to his minions. 'Even though those monsters were destroyed, I still got the same result. Results mean everything.' Hades chuckled. 'For you see the plan was to get both Hercules and Zeus killed.' Pain and Panic was now really confusion. But Hades was so happy with the results and was not upset that he had to further explain. 'Boys, Jerkules and (bonus part) Nut-Meg were both killed during the fake monsters battle, by Zeus and Hera.' Hades crackled with laughter. 'And now, at anytime, the young and ever so vulnerable Zack will kill his own grandfather.' Pain and Panic smiled evilly. Their fear had vanished into thin air. 'How, oh great one,' Panic asked as he smirked. Hades smirked back, 'very simple boys, I gave Zack a little speech and gave him the exact same potion you little imps used on Jerkules to make him mortal. And now little Zack is going to get justice. Because Zeusy have been alive for thousands of years, the moment he swallowed the potion he will be dust.' Hades crackled out into the emptiness of his throne room. Once he had slightly calm down, Pain had one more question. 'But why did you make Hercules get the bolt?'
Hades smirked, 'glad you asked. You see the bolt has enough power to create those fake monsters and to make that potion.' He created a cigar out from the air and lit it. He blew out a smoky ring. 'I need someone to get it and my dear nephew was willing to do anything, once you know which buttons to press.' Hades laughed as he blew out another smoke. 'Soon, Olympus would no longer have a leader and that when I'll make my move.' Hades smirked as he held the cigar in his fang-like teeth. He placed his hand behind his head and relaxed. For once, everything had fallen his way.
The End
Three years of work and imagination comes to a end. I would like to thank all the fans who have enjoyed reading my story. I would also like to make special thanks to Spirit of the Earth, Tatanyablue. Thank you so much, your reviews were my motivation to continue the story. But special thanks to Nana Cloud who had help me extremely in relation to character development and creating wonderful characters. Thanks girl for everything.
Now the qestion that would probably be on your mind. Whether or not there will be a sequel. Only time will tell. Thank you for all of your support.