We arrived at my castle just as the pale light from the ever-present Underworld sky cast long, shadowy streaks across the dark stone walls. The grand balcony, overlooking the entirety of my domain, stretched before us, and I led my small group toward its edge. The vastness of the Underworld sprawled out beneath us like a canvas of shadow and fire, its major landmarks shimmering faintly in the otherworldly light.
Brontes and the Hecatoncheires stood silently, their eyes wide as they took in the sight. For a moment, I allowed them to absorb it, the three of them likely seeing a stark contrast between the vastness here and the suffocating confines of Tartarus.
Finally, I broke the silence, gesturing toward the major landmarks. "There," I began, pointing toward the blackened expanse of the Dunes of Punishment, "is where justice is served. A place for those unworthy of redemption." My hand shifted toward the shimmering rivers of the Underworld, their glowing paths cutting through the land. "Those are the rivers that bind this realm. Do not approach them lightly—they hold power and secrets not easily grasped."
The three of them listened intently, nodding as I spoke. My gaze turned toward the glowing lights of the Upper City in the distance. "And there is the Upper City, a haven for souls rewarded for their good deeds in life. Beyond it, Elysium—a paradise for the most worthy." My tone softened slightly. "This is my domain, and it will grow under my rule. I have plans for it, grand plans that I hope you will join me in."
"It would be our honor to join you." Brontes laughed as the two Hecatoncheires nodded in agreement. "All I ask is to be allowed to create things here and there."
"I have a better idea, Brontes, I would love if you accept the potition as the Underworlds Grand Forger. I will trust in you to build whatever we are in need of. Do not worry, I will make sure to work you to death."
Brontes laughed as he wipped a tear from his eye. "Thank you, my Lord."
I nodded, pleased. "Good. In the Upper City, you'll find a blacksmith's forge. It's not yet fully stocked, but I trust you can make it your own. As the years pass, you will end up with assistance and new workers."
Brontes nodded in thanks once more as I turned to the two Hecatoncheires, I addressed them directly. "Your names?"
The taller of the two stepped forward, his arms folding across his chest in a gesture of respect. "I am Briareus,"
The other followed suit, nodding as he introduced himself. "And I am Cottereus."
I inclined my head toward them. "Briareus, Cottereus," I repeated. "Would you like to serve as the protectors of the Underworld? I will need capable knights, individuals strong enough to uphold the law and maintain order."
Their faces lit up with excitement, and they exchanged a quick glance before both nodded eagerly. "We would be honored," Briareus replied.
I turned back to Brontes. "If you're to work for me, your first task is clear. Forge armor and weapons for Briareus and Cottereus—something that befits their strength and will work for their unique ability. Can you do it?"
Brontes chuckled, his confidence evident. "Consider it done, young lord. They'll have the finest armor and weapons this realm has ever seen."
I gestured toward the two giants. "Good. While Brontes sees to that, your task is to guard this castle while I am gone. If anything dares to challenge this domain, you will deal with it."
Briareus and Cottereus saluted, their expressions resolute. "Understood, Lord Hades."
Satisfied, I turned and vanished into the shadow and appeared back on Mount Ida, the familiar scent of the crisp mountain air filling my lungs as I stepped through the shadows. The gathered crowd turned to me as I arrived, and for a moment, there was an almost collective sigh of relief. Everyone was here—including Arges and Steropes, the other two Elder Cyclopes. Brontes had mentioned them during our trek, and it seemed they'd made their way here safely.
Zeus, of course, was the exception to the relief. He crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes as if trying to gauge whether I was truly standing there or some specter come to haunt him. "How are you alive?" he demanded.
I shrugged nonchalantly. "Luck, skill—take your pick."
His frown deepened as I moved further into the gathering. I noticed something off almost immediately. My seat, the one carved from the ancient stone of Mount Ida itself, was missing. I scanned the area, the absence glaringly obvious, and cleared my throat. "Where's my seat?"
Zeus gave a careless shrug, but before he could respond, Hera cut in, her voice tinged with irritation. "Zeus destroyed it," she said. "Told us you were as good as dead fighting that monster. Thought you wouldn't need it anymore."
Poseidon, leaning casually against a pillar, chimed in with a sly grin. "Said it was only a matter of time. Something about the Underworld being one less competitor for the throne."
I stared at Zeus, who merely smiled smugly. Typical. I didn't respond. Instead, I let the shadows rise, swirling around my feet and coalescing into a tall, imposing throne of darkness. I sat down, adjusting myself as the others exchanged nervous glances. The power I'd been cultivating in the Underworld was not for show—it was mine, and it made a point of making itself known.
Poseidon snorted. "Nice trick."
Before I could reply, he continued, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Anyway, while you were gone, Zeus decided to split the domains that Mother gave us. He gave himself the Sky and left me the Sea. Only the Underworld is left...."
Zeus laughed interupting Poseidon, leaning forward with his usual overconfidence. "Sorry you're stuck with such a horrible place, elder brother."
I met his gaze with a cold smile, leaning back in my new throne. "Horrible?" I repeated. "I am the god of the dead and the afterlife, Zeus. Ruling the Underworld is only natural. You can keep your Sky. It doesn't suit me."
I could see Zeus bristling but decided to twist the knife. "By the way," I added casually, "how did you like the Dunes of Punishment?"
His smugness faltered. "How do you know about that?"
I shrugged again, enjoying his discomfort. "Brontes told me, of course. And why wouldn't I know? I created that place. Did you think I spent all my time loafing about when we were vomited out of our father's stomach? No, Zeus, I was preparing. Making sure my domain was ready for when I would rule it. Unlike you my only worry is not about being the most powerful one in the room, and let me give you a hint. You are not even close to that level yet."
Zeus grumbled under his breath, clearly annoyed but not clever enough to craft a retort. Instead, he stood abruptly, summoning a golden rod from thin air. Its intricate Greek designs gleamed as he held it up for all to see.
"This," he announced with theatrical flair, "is my Masterbolt."
I stared at it for a moment, unimpressed. Honestly, it looked like a ridiculously fancy and oversized lightsaber hilt. "What am I looking at here?" I asked, deadpan.
Zeus scowled, clearly irked by my lack of enthusiasm. "It's my weapon, forged by those two Cyclopes. It's the greatest weapon in existence."
I shrugged, turning to Poseidon. "And yours?"
Poseidon smirked and summoned a golden trident. The intricate design glimmered in the light, and I had to admit it bore a striking resemblance to the Trident of Atlan from some mortal story I'd once overheard. "Not bad," I said with a nod.
Turning to the women, I raised a brow. "And what about your weapons?"
Hera, Demeter, and Hestia exchanged looks before shaking their heads. My stomach churned with annoyance. "Why not?"
It was Brontes, standing behind Zeus, who finally spoke up, looking more than a little guilty. "Lord Zeus... said they didn't need them," he admitted. "Said the women would only get in the way."
I scoffed loudly, fixing Zeus with a glare. "You're joking, right? This war isn't just about brute strength. As gods, they need divine weapons to bolster their power. How do you expect them to fight without them?"
Zeus crossed his arms, his smug expression returning. "It's not your concern, Hades. I am the leader. I make the decisions."
I laughed, long and loud, the sound echoing off the cavernous walls of our meeting space. "Leader? Zeus, you keep making decisions so stupid that someone has to step in to fix them. If I undermine your 'authority,' it's because you keep proving yourself incapable of using it."
The room fell silent, tension crackling in the air like an impending storm. Zeus glared at me, but I wasn't about to back down. I turned to the other Cyclopes.
"I shall have Brontes start crafting weapons for my sisters, I of course will also need one." I spoke. "Tell me are you two going to stay here or join your brother at his forge and actually be of some use?"