The sun's warmth hit Hades as he crested the top of the road that led to Olympus. The heat was unlike the dank, oppressive warmth he'd grown accustomed to in the Underworld. It washed over his travel-weary body, and another wrench of longing twisted his stomach. This one didn't hurt as bad as the ones that had struck Hades when he'd first left the Underworld.
Hades pulled on the reins of the black, monstrous, mist-like horses Hecate had bred for him.
The barely tamed beasts halted. Resentment and rage wafted from their gigantic forms, and underneath was a thick layer of murderous intent. With one simple command, they'd rampage through Olympus' inhabitants.
Hades shook his head as he examined the steeds.
What had Hecate been thinking?
Even if he was careful, the beasts may still slaughter.
Did she want to launch a war with the Upperworld?
"Behave," Hades said for good measure.
Both horses whinnied; their ruby red eyes flashed.
The horse on the left spit acid onto the ground (another lovely ability Hecate couldn't resist adding). Where acid met rock, an unpleasant hiss and odor followed as the acid ate holes in the ground. Hades shuddered to think what it would do to skin.
He urged his steeds to move at an acceptable pace and took the time to gaze at the commotion before him.
Hundreds of bodies milled around as gods and goddesses arrived and nymphs raced to tend to their horses (and other creatures) and chariots or showed them to the massive golden gate that surrounded Olympus. Laughter and excitement raced through the crowd; infectious if Hades were in a better state of mind.
He examined several nearby guests and recognized none.
Where had all these gods and goddesses come from? How had their numbers swelled so much in two measly decades?
A short and stocky wood nymph materialized near Hades' horses.
They snapped at her, but instead of cowering, she narrowed her leaf-green eyes. Her lips curled back into a savage snarl that unsettled even Hades.
The nymph and horses glared at each other for many tense heartbeats.
Hades wondered if he should intervene, but he thought this was an excellent opportunity to humble his horses, if that was even possible. If it turned sour, though, Hades was prepared to jump to action.
The left horse dropped its head with grunts of protest.
The second let out a noise close to a whine but followed suit.
The nymph nodded, then smiled at Hades. "Follow me, my Lord," she said, sweet as honey.
The nymph turned and hurried through the crowd.
Hades snapped the reins, and the horses followed her.
Bodies dived out of the way as Hades passed, but the horses didn't cause any more chaos. Hades had to ask the nymph her secret, or better yet, convince her to return to the Underworld with him.
The nymph led Hades to a lengthy line of horseless chariots. She waved at an empty spot, and Hades parked there.
The horses threw their heads back in protest, but otherwise stayed calm.
"Do your horses have any special dietary needs?" the nymph asked as she helped Hades from his chariot.
"They'll only eat brimstone."
"Their bellies will be full."
"Oh, be careful of their mouths. They like to spit, and it isn't pleasant."
The nymph nodded. "Don't worry, my Lord. I believe the horses and I have an understanding or will by the day's end."
Of that, Hades knew. The nymph had a level of bravery any warrior would covet.
"Do I just go to the gate entrance?"
"Yes, my Lord. Attendants are there to aid you."
Hades gestured for the nymph's hand.
She complied, though a bit slowly.
From thin air, Hades drew a handful of gold drachma. It was enough to fill the nymph's palms.
"Oh, no, my Lord, I can't accept this!"
"You've more than earned it, and you'll deserve more once you've dealt with my horses."
The nymph frowned. "We've been instructed not to take gifts. It might jeopardize the event's safety." The nymph rolled her eyes. "Somehow."
Hades winked. "I won't tell if you don't."
The nymph didn't even hesitate. She hid the drachma in a pouch she wore and bowed. "It's been a pleasure, my Lord."
Hades bit back a chuckle. "Likewise."
The nymph trailed back to the horses, and Hades headed for the gate.
Many curious glances were cast his way as he passed.
If he wasn't recognized, Hades knew his crown and dark monochiton caused enough gossip. He was used to this level of attention, but he didn't like it. In his formidable years, blending into the background had been necessary for survival. Even after all these years, it was a hard habit to break.
Soon Hades reached the gate.
Several armored centaurs guarded the entrance. They vetted every individual that came near. Their stern expressions and steady eyes dampened the jovial mood, though it didn't last once the event-goers passed through to the city.
The smallest of the centaurs, a female with several more weapons than her companions called out to Hades when she spotted him. "Halt!"
Hades drifted over to her. "I've been invited."
Though small for a centaur, the female towered over Hades. An emotion akin to amusement danced across her face as she tilted her head to get a better view of Hades. "Do you think you would have gotten this far if you weren't?"
Hades smirked. "I suppose not."
The centaur smiled and revealed she was quite the beauty under her brash exterior. "No, my Lord, I've been tasked to inform you that Lady Hestia meant to meet you here, but not too long ago she was called away to restrain a god who's receiving a Purpose today." She frowned. "Something to do with dolphins and water nymphs."
"Am I supposed to wait here for her?"
"There was no instruction to do so, but I don't doubt Lady Hestia would prefer it, my Lord."
Hades took in the crowd. He was still a great topic of interest, and he'd be an even bigger one if he waited by the centaurs for Hestia. No, he couldn't endure that.
"I'll explore the city."
"Is that wise, my Lord?"
"Probably not." Hades smiled. "I've never let that stop me, though."
The centaur returned his grin. "Neither have I." She inclined her head, then stepped aside. "Enjoy yourself, my Lord."
Unlikely, Hades thought, but walked past the centaur and into the city.
On the other side of the gate, he took in Zeus' dream that had started twenty years ago.
A gold walkway wide enough for three of Hades' chariots to move side-by-side stretched before him. Along the edge of the walkway, silver-colored flowers nestled in the finest grass Hades had ever seen. Amongst the flowers sat strawberries, red as mortal blood.
From everywhere, enchanting music came. It pulled at Hades' heart and threatened to take control of his feet. He remembered how much he had enjoyed dancing before the Titan War had turned soured and the gods had headed in a downward spiral to a sure loss.
Most of the city was level. The main path branched off into smaller ones that wound around gardens, massive fountains, and beautiful pools. At different sections of the city, though, existed a hill. On each sat a palace, all different colored and shaped.
None held Hades' attention for long as, by design, the grandest and most awe-inspiring palace was several fathoms in front of the gate and drew his eye.
"You did it," Hades muttered, as close to complimenting Zeus as he'd ever get.
On impulse, Hades headed for the main palace. It was an awful idea, he knew, and he couldn't say what made him want to go there.
If he came across Zeus, they'd fight, with words or fists (both if Hades had his way). If they didn't kill one another, they'd try in a long, bloody war that could tear their realms apart.
Was all the death and ruin worth it?
Hades admitted the idea titillated. To strike his brother down, to see him punished for all the heartache he'd caused not just Hades but countless others, was almost enough to convince Hades, regardless of the consequences.
Yet his sense (that sounded like Hestia) overrode his blood-lust. If he acted without thought, he'd be no better than Cronus, and Hades couldn't bear it if he became his father.
Hades' destination was still the palace. But if he encountered Zeus, he wouldn't fight, no matter what the dolt did.
The palace had been half-finished when Hades had left for the Underworld, but now it was complete and the shining jewel of Olympus. Its grandeur shadowed every structure around it, but Hades noticed it lacked the depth and intimacy of the other buildings. It seemed a more sacred temple than the home of the King and Queen of the gods.
It reminded Hades of his parents' home.
No guards stood before the palace's main doors, and Hades wasn't surprised.
To admit he wasn't all-powerful was a hard feat for Zeus. He'd only ever acknowledged his limitations when he rescued Hades and the other four Olympians from their cruel imprisonment.
In reflection, Hades couldn't say if Zeus had been being honest then or just trying to win over his weary, suspicious siblings.
Hades pushed open the doors and a wave of bitter nostalgia hit him.
In the later years of the Titan War, how many times had he come back to the palace, gore-splattered and one of the few survivors of a battle the Olympian soldiers shouldn't have engaged in?
How many times had Hades begged Zeus to rethink his tactics, to see that the Olympians weren't invincible?
Maybe he shouldn't have come. The palace held too many memories, more bad than good. The longing to smash his fist into Zeus' face intensified.
But Hades didn't turn around. He pushed forward; his eyes darted around to catch every little detail that had been added to make the palace a wonderful example of architecture. Its simple elegance radiated Athena, and Hades smiled.
Of all Zeus' ilk (that Hades had met), the tactical, fiercely bright goddess was Hades favorite. Many a time Hades had wished Zeus had left the handling of the war to his eldest daughter.
As Hades wandered the many halls, unease chased away his initial awe. The entire time he'd been in Zeus' palace he hadn't come across another being. He should have at least seen servants. Zeus wouldn't have given them the day off to enjoy the festivities.
Why weren't any running around fulfilling their duties?
Did they know Hades was there and were hiding?
Maybe they'd alerted Zeus, and they were afraid of being around when the brothers met.
Without thinking about it, Hades' feet carried him to the wing used by Hades and his siblings during the war. There, he recalled the conversations he'd had with his siblings at the start of the Titan War.
Back then they'd been so hopeful. Taking on their father had been a terrifying idea but more than possible. Then, they had loved one another easily and had naively believed nothing would destroy their bond. They'd even sworn they wouldn't end up like the Titans, suspicious of one another and able to be cruel to each other without a second thought.
Hades sighed. It was incredible how much could change in thirty short years.
A figure turned the corner, not too far ahead of Hades. The young goddess paused when she saw Hades, and her pink skin paled. Her small, thin lips parted with her audible gasp.
Before Hades could comment, a thunderous, female voice yelled, "Persephone!"
The goddess' skin paled even further and almost matched her bright white locks. Persephone's head darted back and forth, but she clearly had never been in the palace before.
Hades dashed forward to stand before Persephone.
Up close, he marveled at her multi-colored eyes. Looking into them, Hades felt he'd been transported to a field of flowers.
Persephone shivered under Hades' gaze. "I—I—"
Hades extended his hand. "I can get you out of the palace without getting caught."
Confusion washed over Persephone's wide features. "Why?"
Hades shrugged. "Does it matter?"
"Persephone!"
Persephone grasped his fingers. "Hurry."
Hades swallowed his laughter and raced down the hall the way he'd come.
Persephone had no trouble keeping his quick pace, and Hades admired her composure. She didn't complain or make snide remarks like some goddesses Hades knew.
Hades led Persephone to the bathing chamber he'd used while he'd lived at the palace. They burst through the door and didn't come upon any unsuspecting bathers or servants.
Hades took Persephone over to a sizeable hole in the one wall.
"This chute empties into the laundry room, last I knew," he told her.
"You aren't sure?"
"It's been some time since I used it."
Persephone bit her bottom lip. "All right... Where do I go after I'm in the laundry room?"
"There's a small servants' door across from where the chute is located. You should be able to sneak around the palace and return to the main path without getting caught."
"I—How can I repay you—" Persephone's gaze flitted to Hades' crown, and he was surprised to see curiosity reflected instead of fear. "My Lord?"
An easy smile came to Hades. He couldn't say why, but Persephone's presence was familiar. Just from their brief time together, she felt like an old friend. He wondered how old she was.
Had he known her before he'd become King of the Underworld?
A small grin lit up Persephone's face. "What, my Lord?"
Hades pressed Persephone's hand to his lips. "You've no need to repay me further."
A blush stained the goddess' cheeks. "Further?"
Hades kissed her hand again, winked, and left the bathing chamber. He was as light as air and happier than he'd been in years. He hadn't thought he'd feel this way, but he was glad Hestia had convinced him to come to The Deciding.