Chapter 1

Hades strode into his great room so he could break his fast. His robes glided on the ground just barely showing his feet. He stood at six feet four inches. His hair was a short shoulder length dark brown almost black. As he sat down the schedule of how his day would be spent kept running through his mind. He sagged against the back of his chair rubbing his chiseled chin and then running his hand over his neck as he sorted through things through his mind. Never had he been as stressed as he was now. His brothers and sisters were to arrive at any moment of the day. He was nervous and anxious to get it over with. Never had his four siblings ever come to stay for the day. If anything they stayed for a moment to update him on what happened up above but even then they rarely showed up in person.

Somehow something above has become so important that they have to show up. Together at that! Whatever it could be it has them so upset that they would put their presence in front of him. Why couldn't they send a messenger like normal? Why does it have to be the beginning of spring for them to show up? All his servants would be or should be cleaning the castle up and preparing the underworld for the new souls that arrived during the summer. He dropped his head against the back of the chair cursing his relatives under his breath. Then he heard it. The thunder of horses' hooves pounding on the ground.

Hades groaned then signaled for the waiting servants to bring out more food so that he could serve his guests and not hear complaints. His gray blue eyes shut as his head fell back against the chair. He knew what the first thing out of Zeus' mouth would be. "Hey Lord Death!" Of all the things he could be lord of why did his mother make him lord of the Underworld? He wasn't that strong or that serious about ruling over all the gods. Let alone fond of that job but why couldn't it be of the sea? His mother must have hated him.

"There you are dear brother!" Hestia said as she strode in with a smile she always gave Hades. It was a loving and warm smile. That was the only good thing about seeing his siblings. Or rather this one sibling. "I feared I would have to set your room a flame just to wake you!" Hugging Hades she whispered. "You were always my favorite brother! And I would never do such a terrible thing!"

"I know, Hestia. And it is wonderful to see you, too!" Hades said returning the smile and the love in the hug. As he pulled away Demeter the eldest of his two sisters walked up and hugged him with the same strength as his youngest sister and just as much love. "Demeter! It is a nice surprise to see you here in my realm during spring!"

"I know it! But when I heard Poseidon and Zeus say they were coming down here Hestia and I had to follow with them! They would have picked on you! Such terrible elder brothers we have!" Demeter said showing a sly smile at the all knowing brothers she spoke of.

"Hello youngest brother!" Poseidon said walking his six four frame up to Hades patting his shoulder as he did. "How are the dead? Not complaining are they?"

"Very little! Some do when I open my doors to handle such complaints others just ask help from me for something in the place that they rest now." Hades said returning the slap and looking towards Zeus awaiting the hello he knew was coming.

"How are you feeling Lord Death?" Zeus said with a smile.

There it was! The introduction he always got from Zeus! No `hello younger brother how has life been treating you?' Or `how have you been faring?' Nothing but a how are you feeling with that stupid smile and name he made for him. Just let it roll off you back Hades! It's his way of being witty. Just because the jerk is ruler doesn't make it right but don't show it to him! He'll use it against you like he does everything else in your life.

"Zeus." Hades said slightly bowing his head at the supreme ruler of the gods. "I have been feeling fine. And no I'm not working myself to death. But thank you for being worried about me."

"You hear that Zeus? I think Hades has finally shown you that he knows you care for him!" Poseidon said laughing at the respectful tone mistaking it for a submissive one. The only reason I do that tone is because only Zeus and Hestia know it's of pure respect! You and Demeter think I jest! Well I don't dearest Poseidon!

"Please! Will you join me for breaking our fast?" Hades said pulling from Poseidon's arm and extending his hand to the banquet on the table.

"Why Hades! This all looks so wonderful! But I do not see your favorite food! What was it again? The pomergrant?" Hestia asked sitting down at the seat Hades held out for her.

"You are close my darling sister! It is called a pomegranate! And I do not eat them when I have guests! For you know the rule Zeus has made! No eating the food that goes with the realm lest you wish to stay in the realm."

"Oh! Of course! So you will not be eating your favorite food because of us?"

"No, darling sister! I will not!" Hades commented as he helped Demeter into her seat. Then walking around to his seat he sat down and began to describe the different foods to Hestia and Demeter so they could chose what they liked and would like to eat. As they ate Hestia and Hades talked to each other then Demeter joined into the conversation causing Zeus and Poseidon to join in as well. As the five children of Rheia ate and talked the bond between them grew stronger. For though they rarely saw each other or talked with one another or when they did they argued…they would always be what they were. A family!