Destiny is like a troublesome mistress. When you flatter her, she turns her back on you. The chain reaction it sparked caused mythology itself to shift dramatically.
However, Hades remained unaware of these complexities. Even if he did know, he wouldn't care, what mattered was strength. If others grew powerful, he simply needed to surpass them. There was no need for the frivolities of fate.
"Hades!!!"
Just then, a familiar voice called out to him. Hades entered the Heart of the Ocean and spotted a blond man approaching.
It was their first meeting, yet Hades recognized him immediately by his striking appearance and the clean white robe he wore.
Zeus!
Zeus approached confidently and said, "Hades, you've finally arrived. If you hadn't leaked a breath of your presence in the Far West, we might not have found you. Now that you're here, we need to discuss important matters."
"Agreed," Hades replied, following Zeus deeper into the Heart of the Ocean.
As they walked, they encountered several figures: Hera with her long pink hair, Demeter with her deep purple locks, a mature beauty; and Hestia, the younger sister with a charming demeanor.
Among them was a goddess of exceptional beauty and wisdom, Metis, the first wife of Zeus. She was searching for him.
Metis was pivotal in the mythos, having devised a magic potion to make Cronus regurgitate the gods he had swallowed. She was also the first Goddess of Wisdom.
Hades acknowledged her with a nod. "It's our first meeting."
Continuing on, Hades laid eyes on the owner of the Heart of the Ocean, Poseidon. With hair like the Aegean Sea and a robe that mirrored its colors, he exuded calmness and strength.
Thus, the initial alliance to resist the Titan King had been formed, led by Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus. In addition to the trio, Hestia, Demeter, Hera, and Metis stood ready to assist.
Yet, Hades knew the odds were daunting. To defeat Cronus, they needed to reclaim the powers that rightfully belonged to them: the authority of the Underworld, the might of the Sea Emperor, and the dominion of the Sky.
Only then could they stand a chance against Cronus and his formidable Titan pantheon, which included the twelve main Titan gods and the formidable Perseus and Hyperion. The road ahead would be long and perilous.
"Hades," Poseidon said as he approached, "you're finally here. Everything has been prepared for your arrival."
Hades responded calmly, "I wasn't aware you had escaped your seal. What's the situation?"
He spoke matter-of-factly, showing no desire to delve into unnecessary explanations. Their focus needed to be on the challenges ahead.
Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus formed a tenuous alliance, knowing that once they overcame their father, the Titan King, everything would shift irrevocably. Until then, they would remain united, as three intelligent beings would not risk fracturing their alliance while facing Cronus.
Zeus spoke with determination. "Then let's strategize. To defeat our father, we need a solid plan, the most critical part of which is reclaiming our lost powers. Only then can we hope to challenge him effectively."
With that, the trio moved toward the heart of the ocean, heading for a grand palace where they would finalize their strategy.