Chapter 6

After Hades gave Belle the library, she spent every day there. Hades came by every morning and read with her, and in the afternoons, Rhea would join them. Belle was happy in their company, and soon realized that she was beginning to fall in love with Hades. She missed him when he wasn't around, and wished that he was always with her. There were several days where Hades and Belle would just talk in the library, but there was still so much that Belle didn't know about him, and she was determined to find out.

She wanted to know why Hercules and Meg hated him so much. He seemed so different now from what her family had told her about him. In the beginning she understood, but now none of it made sense. Hades wasn't a stone hearted brute; he was mean-spirited and vindictive at times, but lately, he had been fairly even-tempered and considerate.

One morning, several weeks later, Belle walked into the throne room, with some questions for Hades, but also an internal debate. She hadn't yet decided if she was going to tell Hades that Hercules and Meg were her family. What if he didn't want her after that? She was so conflicted and on top of that, nothing seemed to make sense anymore. Such as, how she felt toward Hades. She noticed that she missed him when he wasn't near her, but knew that what she felt didn't fall into the category of friendship. It was much closer to love, which she wasn't sure she was ready for.

Could Hades ever love her? While pondering this, Belle almost forgot why she was looking for Hades in the first place, and hadn't noticed that he wasn't in the throne room or anywhere near it. After searching and exploring for several hours, she found a room with a chess table floating in mid-air. There were several pieces on the board. Belle studied them carefully. Clearly it was a plan, but a plan for what and for whom? Meg had briefly mentioned this chess board, but she hadn't given any specific details about it. Just that Hades was obsessed with it.

"You know sweetheart, normally people ask before entering a private room." Hades leaned casually against the wall. As thrilled as he was that Belle had been looking for him, he wished that she hadn't found him in this particular room. It would be harder to control his anger now. Everything in here just set him off. But he couldn't help thinking about what could have been. He really needed to seal off this room. Rhea believed that everything worked out for the best, but he still couldn't understand what was so good about losing.

This room also worried him because of all the times when he had destroyed something or tortured the imps. He didn't want to hurt Belle; she deserved it least of all, but he wasn't sure how well he could protect her, especially not from himself.

Over the past few weeks of Belle living in the Underworld, Hades had changed a lot. He smiled more now, real smiles, instead of smirks, but he still smirked occasionally. It was just who he was. He was kinder and gentler to her, not at all acting like a typical villain, but he still was one (at least in his mind), not knowing that Belle didn't see him that way.

Belle enjoyed Hades' company more now that he no longer insisted on constant torture of Pain and Panic. She understood that being slightly devious was just who he was, and she didn't want to change him, but with his recent change in attitude, she felt much safer around him and knew that he would protect her, as he had that night when he saved her from the Furies.

However, she wondered what had caused him to change or if it was even in his control. Hades wanted to be the same man he had been before the change and it seemed like he was doing well in learning compassion and putting others before himself.

However, he still didn't trust her enough with all his secrets, even though she had kept her word to stay with him and hadn't tried to leave since the night of the tower incident. Hades had also sensed a change in Belle. She was looking into his eyes now, instead of turning away as she had done the first time they met. The two stared at each other for a few minutes before Belle finally decided to say something.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. I can leave if you want." Belle started to leave the room, but Hades moved in front of her.

"No need. I just don't think this is the best place to be. I'm not sure I can protect you here."

"Protect me from what?"

"Me. There has been more suffering in this room than any other room in the castle. A lot of destruction too, all caused by me."

"Hades, I trust you. I know that you won't hurt me. What is this place?"

Hades tried to think of a way to explain it. He didn't want her to know about all the awful things he had done, and how the chessboard had once been the key to conquering Mt. Olympus and all who resided there. Hades was beginning to discover that he had some good in him, however no one had ever brought out that side in him before or made him want to be a different person. Belle seemed to be the perfect one to make him stop hiding behind a mask, a mask of anger created by constant pain and loneliness. He didn't want to hurt her with the painful memories and horrible actions of his past. So, reluctantly, he decided that it would be better to just be honest with her. He knew lying about everything wouldn't make the situation any better. Chances are, she would just find out from someone else, such as his mother.

"This is my scheming room," Hades said, not knowing how else to explain when Belle suddenly gave him a confused look.

"In here, I planned ways to best get revenge on those who had wronged me or cheated me out of something important, which unfortunately for me, happens quite a lot. The same thing happens to anyone who breaks a deal with me. I am quite attached to the deals I make with anyone."

Belle took a moment to absorb this. She wondered how many deals he had actually made with people that had turned out well. Most likely not many of them. Well, maybe our deal did turn out well. Not in the beginning, but now everything seems alright.

"Can you tell me about the chess pieces?" Belle asked, hoping to change her thoughts and break the silence. Besides, she was genuinely curious about why miniature versions of some her family were there.

Within seconds, Hades stood next to her, gesturing to a piece resembling someone with great strength, whom she knew to be Hercules. A young lady stood beside him, her sister, Megara, as well as a satyr (Phil) and a winged horse (Pegasus). Hades pondered for a moment, wondering how to tell her. He never discussed his evil schemes with anyone except the minions, and this had been one of his most difficult schemes, as well as the one he now regretted the most.

But now he was considering abandoning his plan. It just didn't seem like the right thing to do anymore. He was happy now, and he finally had almost everything he'd ever wanted, as well as what he didn't know he wanted. It was nice being part of a family again, especially since he had lost his other family on Mount Olympus. But maybe if Belle knew what he suffered, she could still care for him in spite of it. He shook his head at the thought, realizing how foolish that was, and began to explain.

"This is Hercules and his wife, Megara, an ex-minion of mine," Hades stated. It pained him to discuss these two, along with his brother Zeus, since they were responsible for ruining his life and taking pleasure out of even going to the mortal world. For example, checking on a recent plague, only to find out that a cure was now being made for any illness he had created. No doubt Hercules and his father were involved with this change. Slowly, he turned to Belle, captivated by her sparkling brown eyes, and wished that he could be the man that she truly deserved, instead of the villainous monster that he was and would most likely always be.

"Hades, I hate to interrupt. But I already know this story." Belle said nervously. Here it comes. The moment when Hades finds out how much I've kept from him. I know he'll hate me now. Belle cautiously approached the subject, sensing uneasiness in the room. However, she only knew Hercules's side of what happened. Maybe there was more to the story than that. After all, Hercules was the hero. Of course, he would leave out anything unrelated to his victory. She wanted to know more about Hades, but now she might not have the chance.

"How could you know about all this?" Hades asked warily. He knew what was coming, but he didn't want to believe it. It can't be true, it just can't! I know she cares about me, and she couldn't if she was related to Hercules!

"Hades, Hercules is my brother-in-law. Megara is my sister. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I thought you would want me to leave." Belle started to cry, she reached out a hand to Hades, but he turned away. It was just what she had expected.

"Belle, I…" Hades stopped for a moment. He didn't want to send her away, but what choice did he have? Two of her family members were his enemies. It wouldn't work. Great, just great. I actually liked her, maybe even started to love her. Once again Jerkules, score for you. Hades sighed irritably, and a large flame ignited in his hand. When he turned around, Belle took a step back, afraid of him once again.

"Go."

"What?" Belle asked.

"Go, before I use this." Hades said tightly, while the flame enlarged and burned brighter.

"Hades, you won't hurt me. I know you won't."

"Belle, don't test me! You don't know anything about me, you never did! Now, GO, before I use this flame just like I would with Pain and Panic!" Hades blasted a warning flame near her so she would get the point. He wasn't actually going to use the flame on her, but she didn't know that.

"I'm not leaving, Hades!"

Well, that was it. Hades was out of patience. The flame flared up once again, but this time he couldn't control it like he had been doing before. The sparks flew out his hand, and suddenly everything went black.

Eventually, Hades woke up, exhausted. He had never used that much fire power before. Then suddenly, he remembered. Belle! When he finally stood up, he noticed her on the floor of the throne room, hopefully unconscious and not dead. He went over to her and felt her pulse. She still had a heartbeat. She was alive! But she was hurt. Because of him. Him and his temper. He knew he should have tried to control the flame more, and this was his price to pay. He hadn't meant to hurt her, just to frighten her enough that she would leave. Not leave the Underworld, but just leave the room. Then again, he should have been more specific about that.

Slowly, and gently, he lifted her into his arms. His blue, deformed, damaged-causing arms. Never had he felt so much guilt in his life. Oh Belle, what have I done to you?

With a wave of his hand, smoke appeared and transported both of them to Belle's room. Gently, he lifted the covers and laid Belle down. This time, though, he really looked at her. He needed to know exactly what he had done; what he was capable of. Her leg was broken again, and slightly burned, probably from the intense blast of the flame when it had thrown her back. At least, it hadn't been like the incident with the Furies. But this time, all the blame was on him. He needed help. Mom. She'll hate me for this, but I don't know anyone else who could help Belle. I certainly can't.

Rhea was in her room, sewing. Normally she thought it was terribly boring, but things had to get fixed around here. Suddenly, Hades came rushing into the room, his expression full of fear and possibly loss. Rhea knew instantly, something was wrong, and it was Belle who needed help.

"Take me to her, now, Hades. We'll talk about it later."

"How did you know?"

"One, I'm your mother. Two, I also have magic. Now, just take me to her and I'll see what I can do."

Hades took Rhea to Belle's room. Rhea gasped and rushed over to Belle. This was definitely not what she had expected. The damages could be worse, but she still hadn't known that Hades was even capable of injuring someone else. Someone besides Hercules anyway. Suddenly, she ran out of the room. Hades sat in a chair next to Belle to wait for her. When Rhea came back, she was madder than ever.

"Hades, I don't want you near Belle right now. If you want her to recover, you need to stay away. Your powers might still be in full effect, even now."

"I can't leave her. I have to fix this."

"Hades, if she sees you, she might remember you did this to her, and become frightened again. Now, if you really want to help, just wait over there instead."

Hades pulled out a chair and sat sulking by the vanity. He knew he deserved this, but he wanted to be next to Belle when she woke up. He needed to apologize. Rhea worked furiously, mixing together random ingredients, and then laying different cloths coated in herbs on Belle.

"Hades, you need to tell me exactly what happened."

"Belle and I got into a fight. I lost my temper when she told me that Hercules and Meg are her family. I tried to tell her to leave, but she didn't listen."

"So this is your excuse?"

"No, of course not! I didn't mean to hurt her."

"I find that hard to believe. Hades, you have to learn to control your temper. Otherwise, this could happen again."

"No, it won't. I'll control my powers next time. Nothing will happen."

"Hades, you can't promise that. You're lucky Belle survived this once. A second time, she might not be so lucky. She's mortal, don't forget that."

"Will she be alright?"

Before Rhea could answer, Belle woke up. She expected to see Hades next to her, but saw Rhea instead. As she started to remove the covers, she noticed the burn on her leg. She pulled the covers forward quickly.

"Belle, it's better you don't move." Rhea said calmly. But Belle turned her head slightly and saw Hades in the corner. Their eyes met once, and she saw the guilt and fear in his eyes. Without saying anything, she knew how sorry he was.

"Where's Hades?"

"I'm right here, Belle." Hades cautiously moved closer to Belle and sat down in the chair next to her. Wincing, Belle raised her hand to his cheek and stroked it softly. She watched as his features softened and saw how clearly the guilt was written on his face.

"Forgive me," she whispered.

"Belle, I'm the one who should be asking for forgiveness. Hercules's family or not, you didn't deserve this. But I've never lashed out like this before."

"Hades, I'll be fine. It was an accident. If I had just left like you asked, this wouldn't have happened. Maybe I should just leave."

"No! I mean, I never meant for you to leave the Underworld. I'd like you to stay. I want you here. No matter how horrible I am at showing that."

Belle stroked his cheek again and looked into his eyes. That was the last thing she had expected him to say. She wasn't used to anyone actually wanting to spend time with her.

"Belle, I really wouldn't recommend having him so close right now. We don't know if the fire powers are still active." Rhea said.

"I trust him. And I still want to hear your story. Maybe it will help me pass the time for my recovery. I will get better, won't I?" She turned to Rhea, who still did not approve of Hades being so close to Belle when she needed to recover.

"Yes dear, you will. But it would be much faster if Hades left you alone for a while."

"I want him here. I don't mind having him around." Belle said, and Hades smiled, the biggest smile he had ever had.

"Alright, sweetheart, you want a story, you will definitely get one. But I warn you, it doesn't have a happy ending."

"I know. But at least I can finally learn both sides." Belle gently placed her hand on Hades' arm. Hades could only stare at it in shock, but he didn't dare say anything. If he did, the moment would end.

"At one point, I thought I was in love with Megara. I liked her spark, her wit, and no matter how awful I was, she would always tell me exactly what she was thinking. Even though she was only a mortal," remembering Belle, he added quickly, "not that there is anything wrong with being mortal. I still wonder why she was never afraid of me. Things may have gone somewhere, if Jerkules hadn't come along.

Meg fell head over sandals for him, and well, that was it for me. When Zeus heard that I was getting involved in mortal life, and wanting to change things, he had me banished from Mt. Olympus after I tried to take over all of Greece. I haven't been in contact with anyone normal besides my mother in a very long time."

Hades tried to understand what Belle must have been feeling at that moment. Did she understand him and what he was going through? No, it was impossible. Belle must have had thousands of friends, possibly an engagement to someone. But as he stared into her eyes, he noticed how they lit up when she looked at him. He would do anything to keep that light in her eyes. Clearly, she understood, but she obviously deserved so much anything he could ever give her. She looked as though she might shed a few tears.

Belle's eyes softened as he told her his story, and she felt a pang of jealously when he mentioned his feelings for Meg. Did he still have feelings for her? It would make sense; Meg was amazingly beautiful and far wittier. How could she ever hope to compare?

"Hades, I'm so sorry. Do you still care for Meg then? I would understand, if you did. People usually prefer her to me." Belle tentatively remarked.

"No." Hades didn't even hesitate. "I like you much more than I ever liked her."

"Me? You can't be serious."

"I am, Belle, I want to be with you."

"Well, alright. But please Hades, try to control the fire." Belle said, then smiled softly at him.

"I promise, Belle. I won't hurt you like that ever again." He leaned in and held her gently, so he wouldn't hurt her. Despite how badly the day had gone so far, things had turned out well in the end.

Over the next few weeks, Belle began to recover. The healing process was slow, but it wasn't so bad. Not with Hades carrying her everywhere, even though she insisted that she needed to walk sometimes to help her leg get stronger again.

"I guess you just don't realize how stubborn you are." Belle teased one morning, as they were on their way to breakfast.

"Of course I realize it. I just don't want you to get hurt again," Hades smiled back at her and lifted her into his arms again.

Belle sighed. He truly was the most stubborn man in the world. But she didn't mind that much. If he really wanted to take care of her, who was she to argue about that?