Hades was sent flying once again, feeling like his body had been shattered into two hundred pieces. This was not the first time he had experienced this agonizing sensation, and he doubted it would be the last.
As he crashed into the swirling sea of the void, he surfaced, sputtering and gasping for breath, though the essence of the void didn't require it. "Hate, hate, hate," he muttered under his breath, letting the waves of frustration wash over him.
Tiamat's laughter echoed through the emptiness, a melodic sound that rang with both amusement and a hint of pride. "You're getting better, Hades! You're beginning to understand the art of deflection."
Hades glared at her from where he floated, his limbs heavy with exhaustion. "Is this supposed to be a compliment? I've been sent flying more times today than I can count. How is that getting better?"
"You need to learn to harness the chaos within you," Tiamat explained, her voice calm and guiding. "You're not just a god of the underworld; you're a force of nature. Embrace it. Use it. Every time you get knocked down, think of it as an opportunity to rise stronger."
Hades clenched his fists, fighting the urge to let his frustration boil over. "I didn't sign up for this kind of torture. I'm a god, not a punching bag."
Tiamat floated closer, her ethereal form glowing softly. "Every god has their challenges, Hades. The difference is how you respond to them. Your brother Zeus thrives in the light, but you—you are born from the depths. You are the ruler of shadows, and in those shadows lies your strength."
He took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the void swirl around him. She was right, in a way. He needed to tap into his nature, to channel the darkness that often haunted him. With a grunt, he swam through the void, pushing himself upward, his resolve hardening.
"One more time," he declared, summoning the strength he had left. "Let's do this."
Tiamat nodded, her expression a mix of encouragement and mischief. "Very well. This time, I'll unleash a little more chaos."
Before Hades could brace himself, Tiamat raised her hand, and the void erupted around him. Dark tendrils of energy whipped through the air, twisting and swirling like storm clouds. They lashed out at him, relentless and unyielding.
He gritted his teeth, focusing on the shadows. Instead of fleeing, he pushed back against the onslaught. Hades reached deep within himself, tapping into the essence of the void. With a roar, he summoned a shield of darkness that absorbed the chaos, transforming it into a swirling vortex of power around him.
Hades felt the shift within him as the dark energy thrummed in response to his will. He stood firm, the chaos swirling harmlessly around him, until he felt the weight of Tiamat's presence fade.
"Now you're getting it!" Tiamat's voice rang out, filled with excitement. "Embrace the chaos, channel it! You're not a victim here; you're a god!"
With newfound determination, Hades propelled himself forward, racing through the swirling void with purpose. The world around him shifted, his confidence growing as he danced among the tendrils of chaos.
But just as he thought he had mastered the void, a massive wave of dark energy surged toward him. Without thinking, he lashed out, creating a powerful blast of shadows that collided with the wave. The two forces clashed in an explosion of energy that rocked the void, sending Hades tumbling through the air once more.
"Ugh!" he groaned as he hit the sea of the void again, feeling the familiar sensation of being broken into a million pieces.
"You know what?" he shouted into the void, frustration boiling over. "Training sucks!"
Tiamat's laughter echoed back, bright and ringing, a sound full of life in the endless expanse of nothingness. "Welcome to the life of a god, Hades! Embrace it! And remember, every setback is a step forward in disguise."
Hades groaned again, staring up at the swirling expanse of darkness above him. He wasn't sure if he could embrace this new reality, but one thing was certain: he would keep fighting. For the sake of the world—and for his wife, whom he would save at any cost.
With a deep breath, he swam back up to the surface, ready to face whatever chaos Tiamat threw at him next.
Tiamat looked at Hades, her expression a mix of encouragement and mischief. "Now try using the void. My blessing allows you to control the sea, void, and chaos."
Hades stared at her, a tick mark forming on his forehead. "I can't do it! I've been trying that for two hundred years!"
"Then it's time to change your approach," she replied, crossing her arms as she hovered above the sea of the void. "You're thinking too small, too linearly. The void isn't just an empty space; it's a canvas. You have the power to shape it."
Hades sighed, frustration welling up inside him. "It's easy for you to say. You're the embodiment of chaos and creation. I'm just… well, I'm just Hades."
"Exactly," she said, her red eyes gleaming with intensity. "You're more than just the god of the underworld. You have my essence within you now. Tap into that. Let go of the fear of failure."
Hades took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of doubt in his mind. "What if I fail again? What if I end up just making a mess of everything?"
Tiamat's gaze softened, her tone turning almost maternal. "Failure is a part of learning. Every god has faced setbacks. What matters is how you rise from them. This time, don't focus on the chaos itself. Focus on the potential within it. Feel the void as an extension of yourself."
He closed his eyes, taking a moment to center himself. As the waves of the void swirled around him, he focused on his connection to it, trying to push past the mental barriers he had built over centuries of training.
Slowly, he began to visualize the chaos around him not as an enemy but as an ally. The darkness wasn't something to be feared; it was a resource, waiting for him to command it.
"Okay," he said finally, opening his eyes and looking at Tiamat with renewed determination. "Let's see what I can do."
With that, he extended his arms outward, feeling the pulse of the void in rhythm with his heartbeat. He concentrated, drawing upon Tiamat's blessing. He imagined the void swirling and shifting, responding to his thoughts and desires.
For a moment, nothing happened, and doubt crept back into his mind. But then, he felt it—a subtle shift, a flicker of energy resonating in the darkness. Hades concentrated harder, willing the void to bend to his will.
Suddenly, the chaos began to swirl around him, forming into a shape, then another. Waves of darkness rose from the sea, twisting and coiling in a fluid dance, almost like a serpent obeying its master.
Hades opened his eyes wide in surprise. "I—I'm doing it!"
"Good!" Tiamat cheered, clapping her hands in delight. "Now expand that control. Make the void respond to your thoughts!"
Feeling emboldened, Hades closed his eyes again, envisioning the void responding like an extension of his own body. He commanded it to rise higher, to take form. To his amazement, the chaos began to rise, coalescing into a massive wave that loomed above him like a great shadow.
"Now, shape it!" Tiamat encouraged. "Let your will direct it!"
With a surge of confidence, Hades focused on the wave, willing it to become something more—a guardian, a protector. The darkness rippled, shifting and solidifying until it took the form of a colossal shadowy figure, resembling a great hound made entirely of the void.
"Yes!" Tiamat laughed joyfully. "You've created a creature from the void itself! Now command it!"
Hades felt exhilarated as he gazed upon the hound, its eyes glowing like embers in the darkness. "I command you to protect this realm!" he shouted, feeling a rush of power as the creature obeyed, standing at attention, ready to defend.
Tiamat's expression turned serious as she nodded in approval. "Excellent. But remember, this is only the beginning. Control will come with time and experience. There will be many more challenges ahead, and you must remain vigilant."
Hades nodded, still absorbing the weight of what he had accomplished. "I understand. I'll keep training, but I won't let you down again."
"Just remember," Tiamat said with a smirk, "training sucks, but it leads to greatness."
Hades chuckled, the weight of the past two centuries lifting slightly. "At least I can make some cool pets out of it."
And with that, they continued their training in the void, Hades pushing himself to master the chaos that flowed around him, determined to reshape his destiny.
Tiamat hovered above Hades, her expression shifting to one of playful mischief. "Now use the void to block."
Hades felt a chill run down his spine. He was still reeling from the exhilaration of his earlier success, and now the thought of facing her full force filled him with dread. He focused, trying to channel the void into a defensive barrier, but as he concentrated, a single thought echoed in his mind: What if I fail again?
"Shittttt!" he shouted as Tiamat descended upon him like a tempest, her fist connecting with him in a powerful strike that sent him flying through the layers of the void.
As he hurtled through the darkness, Hades felt a sensation akin to being punched by a mountain. He smashed through layer after layer, the cold and emptiness enveloping him until he finally came to a halt, his body sinking into a soft, dark mist.
He groaned, struggling to get back to his feet. "You're a good mother but a terrible teacher," he muttered, rubbing the back of his head.
Tiamat appeared before him, unfazed and smiling. "Oh, please. You should be thanking me. You need to learn that the void is not just a playground; it's also a battlefield. Your foes won't be kind."
"Maybe give a guy a heads-up next time?" Hades replied, brushing himself off as he regained his composure.
"Where's the fun in that?" she teased, her red eyes glinting with amusement. "Now, are you ready to try again? Or would you like to stay down there a bit longer?"
Hades took a deep breath, shaking off the lingering effects of her punch. He could still feel the ache in his ribs, but the sting only fueled his determination. "Fine, let's do this."
"Good. Now, focus on sensing my energy before it strikes you," Tiamat instructed, her tone suddenly serious. "This time, don't just wait for it. Anticipate it."
Hades nodded, centering himself again as he tried to block out the pain. He concentrated, tuning in to the chaotic energy around him, feeling the ebb and flow of the void. He could sense Tiamat's power pulsating nearby, the energy crackling like a storm waiting to unleash itself.
Suddenly, he sensed a shift, a sudden rush of energy as Tiamat lunged at him once more. This time, instead of cowering, he acted.
"Hades, block!" Tiamat shouted, her voice echoing in the void.
With a surge of determination, Hades thrust his hands out, willing the void to form a barrier. He envisioned a wall of darkness rising to shield him, summoning the very essence of chaos to protect him from her incoming strike.
To his surprise, the barrier formed just in time, absorbing the force of Tiamat's punch. A shockwave rippled through the void, but he stood firm, the darkness around him swirling protectively.
Tiamat pulled back, a look of impressed surprise crossing her face. "Well done! You actually blocked it!"
Hades grinned, exhilaration coursing through him. "I did it! I really did it!"
"Now, let's see how well you can control that barrier," she said, her playful demeanor returning. "Try to shape it and expand it."
"Right!" Hades focused again, feeling the void respond to his will. He imagined the barrier stretching and reshaping, morphing into tendrils that could both defend and attack.
As the darkness twisted and danced at his command, he felt a newfound confidence surge within him. "I can do this," he muttered to himself, his eyes narrowing in concentration.
Tiamat watched him closely, her expression shifting to one of approval. "That's the spirit! Remember, chaos is your ally. Embrace it, and it will serve you."
Feeling empowered, Hades released the energy, and the tendrils shot forward, dancing like serpents through the void. He directed them around Tiamat, forming a protective barrier while simultaneously preparing for another strike.
"Good! Now attack!" Tiamat encouraged, her eyes bright with excitement.
Hades surged forward, the tendrils of darkness obeying his command as they lashed out toward her. Tiamat dodged with ease, laughter ringing in the void as she playfully sidestepped each strike.
"Faster! Stronger!" she called, pushing him to dig deeper into his newfound abilities.
With each moment, Hades felt the power of the void surging through him, the chaos swirling in harmony with his will. He attacked and defended, the lines of battle blurring as he trained against Tiamat's expert movements.
Hours turned into days as they sparred in the void, the lessons filled with both pain and laughter. Hades began to realize that Tiamat's rough methods were not just a test of strength; they were forging him into a god who could withstand the coming storm.
As their training continued, Hades couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of it all. Who would have thought he'd find himself training in the depths of the void under the watchful eye of the mother of all chaos?
Maybe, just maybe, he could reshape his destiny after all.
Hades didn't know how long he was in her for. "Look at this"
Tiamat saw Hades slamming his leg down, as then from it came out Soldier that were made out of the void, but also clearly dead, it was smiler to how Hades always summoned his army of the dead, which didn't work here, Hades now had a pocket army.. or will a small version of it.
Hades stood proudly, his leg still planted firmly on the ground as the soldiers began to materialize from the void around him. They emerged as shadowy figures, their forms flickering and shifting like smoke. Each one bore the unmistakable signs of death—pale, ghostly visages and armor that seemed to melt into the darkness.
"Look at this!" Hades exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "I can summon my own army! They're just… a bit different than what I'm used to."
Tiamat leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with intrigue as she observed the soldiers. "Not bad for a god of the underworld who just learned to wield the void! You've created a pocket army, but they still lack form and stability."
Hades tilted his head, focusing on his soldiers. "What do you mean?"
"They're still tied to your essence, and right now, they're unstable. If you want them to fight for you, you need to give them more substance," Tiamat explained, gesturing toward the soldiers. "Imagine them solidifying, embodying strength instead of mere shadows. Think of their purpose and instill that in them."
Nodding, Hades focused once more, trying to envision his soldiers as more than just echoes of the dead. He imagined them as valiant warriors, ready to fight for him, each with a unique identity and purpose. As he concentrated, he poured his will into the darkness, urging it to take shape.
The soldiers began to shift, their forms solidifying as armor appeared upon their bodies, the flickering shadows transforming into tangible, formidable figures. Each soldier now wore armor that gleamed in the darkness, swords and shields appearing in their hands, their eyes burning with an ethereal light.
Hades stepped back, marveling at his handiwork. "There! Look at them!"
"Much better," Tiamat acknowledged, crossing her arms and watching the soldiers march in place. "Now they look like they can actually follow your commands. But remember, they're not just extensions of your will. They need to feel loyalty and purpose."
"How do I give them that?" Hades asked, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice.
"By sharing your own intentions with them," Tiamat replied. "When you summon them, make sure they understand their purpose and your vision. Give them the strength to fight for something greater than just your command."
Hades nodded, contemplating her words. He looked at his soldiers, who stood ready, their expressions fierce yet unyielding. "Alright, let's try it. Soldiers! You are born of the void, forged from the shadows of the fallen! You will rise to defend the realms, protect what is left of humanity, and stand with me against the chaos!"
A low murmur spread through the ranks as the soldiers responded, their voices echoing with a newfound clarity. "We serve the lord of the underworld! We rise for the fallen!"
Tiamat's smile widened. "There you go! Feel that connection? You're not just commanding them; you're bonding with them. They now have a reason to fight."
As Hades continued to address his soldiers, he felt a surge of power coursing through him. The void thrummed with energy, and he realized that with this army, he could potentially change the course of history.
"Now, let's put them to the test," Tiamat suggested, her excitement palpable. "Summon them for combat training. Let's see how they fare!"
Hades nodded, adrenaline pumping through him. "Alright! Soldiers, prepare for battle drills! I want to see your strength!"
As he commanded, the soldiers took formation, their movements sharp and precise. They mirrored Hades' commands, their actions synchronized, displaying the potential he had instilled in them. The training began with basic drills—charge formations, defensive stances, and coordinated attacks.
"Good! Now make them hold their positions!" Tiamat encouraged, watching intently.
Hades concentrated, feeling the power of the void connecting him to his soldiers. "Hold your positions!" he commanded.
The soldiers froze mid-motion, their eyes fixed ahead, ready for the next command. Hades felt a swell of pride. This was more than just training; it was the beginning of something monumental.
"Now, let's see how well they can adapt," Tiamat said, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Throw some challenges at them! Use the void to create obstacles!"
With a nod, Hades concentrated once more, summoning tendrils of void energy to swirl around the training ground. Shapes emerged from the darkness—pillars, walls, and barriers formed, creating a chaotic environment.
"Soldiers, navigate the obstacles and maintain formation!" Hades commanded.
As the soldiers surged forward, they moved with an agility that surprised him, maneuvering through the shifting barriers with ease. Some leapt over obstacles, while others smashed through, showcasing their newfound prowess.
"Excellent!" Tiamat cheered, clapping her hands. "Now, let's add some real challenges!"
Hades' heart raced with excitement. This was not just a training session; it was a forging of destiny. With Tiamat guiding him and the soldiers responding to his will, he felt the foundation of his power solidifying beneath him.
"Let's go, soldiers! Show me your strength!" Hades shouted, ready to embrace the chaos that lay ahead.
And as he commanded his growing army, Hades knew that he was no longer just the god of the underworld; he was a force to be reckoned with, ready to reclaim his place among the gods and reshape the future of the realms.
Hades then looked at Tiamat. "So when will be going back"
Tiamat looked up. "You have spent 800 years here... What do you say are you ready"
Hades felt a rush of emotions at Tiamat's words. Eight hundred years—a lifetime, yet it felt like a blink of an eye. He had trained relentlessly, pushed his limits, and built an army from the shadows. But now, the weight of his past and the uncertainty of the future settled in the pit of his stomach.
"Ready?" he echoed, looking down at the soldiers who had fought alongside him, their forms flickering with the energy of the void. "I've learned a lot, but am I really prepared for what's to come? Returning means facing my brother, the other gods, and the chaos that's already begun."
Tiamat placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You've come far, Hades. You've developed skills that many gods would envy, and your army is stronger than you realize. You're no longer just the ruler of the Underworld; you've become a force of creation and destruction, molded by your experiences. This is your chance to change everything."
Hades took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words. He looked at his soldiers, who stood ready and eager, their eyes filled with determination. "But what if I fail? What if I can't stop Zeus or the impending war?"
"Failure is part of the journey," Tiamat said softly. "What matters is that you learn from it. You have the power to reshape your destiny, to forge alliances, and to bring balance back to the realms. You are not alone in this fight. Remember, you have the strength of the void and the support of those who believe in you."
Hades nodded, his resolve hardening. "You're right. I can't let fear dictate my actions. I've spent too long running from my past, and I have the opportunity to rewrite it now."
"Good," Tiamat smiled, stepping back and raising her hands. "Then let's prepare for your return. This moment is pivotal. You will go back to the time before your birth, before the conflicts began, when the gods still had the chance to create a better world."
As she spoke, the void around them began to shift and shimmer, swirling with colors and energies that pulsated with life. Hades felt the air crackle with power as he stood at the precipice of time, the anticipation of what lay ahead surging within him.
"Are you ready to embrace your role as the harbinger of change?" Tiamat asked, her voice echoing through the void.
"Yes," Hades declared, his heart pounding with newfound purpose. "I'm ready to go back and confront my destiny. I won't let my brother's arrogance destroy everything we've built. I will not stand by as the world collapses."
With a nod of approval, Tiamat began to weave the fabric of time around him, threads of energy intertwining and forming a portal that glowed with potential. "Step through, and remember everything you've learned. Your journey has only just begun."
Hades stepped forward, glancing back at Tiamat one last time. "Thank you for everything. I won't forget the lessons you've taught me."
"You carry my blessings with you," she replied, her voice fading as the portal expanded. "Go forth and make your mark upon the world."
With a deep breath, Hades stepped into the swirling vortex of light, feeling the energy envelop him. As he was pulled through time and space, he closed his eyes, ready to face the past with the strength of the present.
When he opened his eyes again, he found himself standing in a lush, vibrant landscape. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sun shone brightly overhead. Hades felt a rush of nostalgia wash over him; this was the world of the gods before the chaos.
But he wasn't here to reminisce. With a determined look, he took his first step forward, ready to reclaim his place among the gods and prevent the impending doom. He could feel the weight of time on his shoulders, but he was no longer just Hades, the god of the underworld; he was Hades, the harbinger of change.
To be continued
Will this god longer then I expect