Chapter 11

Now that winter was well on its way to being over, spring was almost in the air. Soon birds would sing, and flowers would bloom. France was especially beautiful this time of year. It would be the first year Belle wasn't with her father or Meg or Hercules. But now, she didn't mind so much. She was with Hades and he needed her. So did Rhea.

Despite missing out on spring in the French countryside, Belle still had a lot to look forward to, as well as a lot to be nervous about. She knew now that she was in love with Hades, but she still didn't know how he felt, and until then, she couldn't risk it.

Meanwhile, Hades felt exactly the same way. But he wasn't as calm and in control about it as Belle was. He irritably paced the floor, throwing sparks at nearly everything in his way. Pain and Panic cowered in fear in the corner.

"Just like old times, huh, Pain?" Panic asked shakily.

"Yeah, I was hoping this would be over with Belle here, but I knew it was just too good to be true," Pain complained.

"Hades, setting everything on fire will not make you feel any better! And I am getting tired of having to replace furniture all the time," Rhea scolded. She understood how conflicted Hades was, but it would really help if he had a better way to channel that. Roasting Pain and Panic wasn't a better option, either.

"It's always worked before Mom. I don't understand why I don't feel even slightly better. This is hopeless," Hades sighed. Had he really changed so much in such a short time?

"Hades, it's not working because it's not who you are anymore. You've changed so much in these past few months. Why don't you just go and spend time with Belle? I'm sure she would love to see you." Rhea remarked.

"That's why I'm staying up here. I can't see her. Not without remembering that it's impossible. I'll never break this curse. Zeus wins, again." Hades said dejectedly.

"Well, I know that's not true. If Zeus was going to win, you wouldn't be changing at all. And I never would have expected you to be so timid. If you fought Hercules, you can tell someone you love them." Rhea scoffed.

"I lost when I fought Hercules. Thanks so much for reminding me. And besides, I don't have as much magic as I used to. I haven't made any progress, and I am starting to feel worse every day." Hades turned and looked at himself in the mirror. There he was, blue flames, blue skin, and bold yellow eyes, as if nothing had changed.

"I am looking, Hades. If you would just control yourself and have courage, you wouldn't have this reminder. Either that, or it's a reminder that we're running out of time. I can't do this for you, and you need to do something before it's too late. You should be with Belle instead of sulking."

"I can't see her like this. I'd frighten her again and everything I've done well will be for nothing. I can't control my temper very much right now."

"Hades, Belle likes you for who you are, not what you look like or how you act (although it could be better). And if this is still who you are, then she will just have to accept that, which I'm sure she will. But perhaps, if you approached this situation calmly, you might be able to control your powers again. You have two choices Hades: stay here and never have the courage to face Belle or go find her and try to break your curse." Rhea said.

"What's the point? I'd rather stay here than try to achieve the impossible," Hades said.

"Fine. It's your choice. It's too bad, though. I liked Belle a lot and she was perfect for you." Before Rhea walked out, she turned around and kissed her son on the cheek, while a tear slipped from her eye. She loved Hades more than anything, but if wasn't going to fight for what he wanted, then it was already the end and she would lose him.

"Yeah," Panic agreed. "She was the kindest person I ever met, and she cared about everyone. We'll miss you, boss." Panic said.

"Despite all that torture, those were the best years of my life. I guess now it's the end for us too." Pain said sadly.

"Why is it the end for you guys? You weren't part of my curse." Hades was confused by this. Wordlessly, Rhea handed Hades a scroll. From Zeus. Today was just filled with bad news.

Hades,

Well, I guess this is it. You failed, or at least you will, just like I knew you would. But you already knew you never had a chance. Why would you? Obviously, you can see that you've lost the progress you made. It would take a lot of hope, which I'm sure by now you're quite low on, to restore that. You only have one month left, and when the time is up, Rhea, Pain, and Panic will be summoned to Mt. Olympus for the trial, convicting them of their crimes which we (The Gods and Goddesses of the Council) had waived when both of you left many centuries ago. As for Belle, I will make sure she is able to go back to her family. Her father, Meg, and Hercules miss her very much. As for you Hades, when your time is up, you will be gone, and I will find someone else to take your place. It shouldn't be too hard…

Hades couldn't read any more. It was just too much. Without him, everyone really was doomed. The only problem was that he didn't feel that there was anything he could do. It seemed that whether he tried or not, he was destined to fail. When he looked up, everyone was still in the tower.

"I need to be alone now. I'm sorry. But this is it. Mom, I love you and I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Pain, Panic, you two may not have been the best minions, or the smartest, but you were the most loyal. Sorry for any lasting injuries."

"That's alright, boss, er, Hades." Pain said.

"Yeah," agreed Panic. "We'll keep those as memories of our time together." Everyone laughed before the moment ended. Pain and Panic left, but Rhea stayed behind.

"No matter what you choose, Hades, or what happens to me, I know you tried and I know you love her. That's enough for me." Rhea said sadly, then held her son close, the first hug she had given him in centuries, and possibly their last embrace. But there was still hope he would change his mind and would be able to gather enough courage.

"Mom, I…" Hades started to say, but Rhea had already left, crying. Hades felt ashamed of himself. Everyone still believed in him, everyone except himself. If they believe in me that much, I do still need to try. I'm the Lord of the Underworld! I faced nearly everything! The only thing I haven't done is being a hero, which is what everyone needs now. I need to talk to Belle. And Hades knew exactly where (or at least had a really good guess of where) she was right now. The library.

Hades teleported himself there before he could change his mind. As he opened the door, he looked in and saw Belle. She was more beautiful than ever. She had on a bright pink dress with a matching ribbon in her hair, and was climbing up one of the ladders to the top shelves. Before he could think about anything else, he called out, "Belle!"

However, Belle turned around so quickly that she fell off the ladder. Hades raced to catch her and was just in time. For the first time ever, he was holding her in his arms, and it made him more nervous than ever. Now she was looking right at him, but this time, she wasn't frightened. Instead, she smiled.

"Hades, I'm so glad to see you. I've missed having you around."

"You have?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I? I still care about you. I…" Belle trailed off slowly, she couldn't tell him, she just couldn't.

"Yes, Belle?"

"It's not important, Hades. Not now, anyway. I'm just so glad to see you." Belle held him closely, and slowly, Hades wrapped his arms around her. Belle really was perfect for him. I love you, Belle. I love you more than anything, and I just don't know how to tell you. Hades couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment. If only it could have lasted forever.