Page 2 of Hades The Unseen One

I remained silent and only spoke when a question was directed towards me. Poseidon was looking forward to the fight, but we all had much training to go through. Combat would be something worthwhile.

For all my love of darkness, I enjoyed the air and freedom of movement. This was not something I wished to lose. After studying everyone, I noticed that it was Demeter who kept a calm disposition. She didn’t hunger for vengeance but was drawn to the earth in a way that I couldn’t fathom. She wanted to create more on the landscape of the world.

Hestia wasn’t as mature in her build or manner, and there would be brief moments of darkness in her eyes. Hera harboured much resentment towards her capture. She had a childlike demeanour.

Zeus was a natural-born leader. He watched and assessed us with a keen eye, while I simply observed in order to understand. His confidence and ambition would not be swayed. The world would need a new ruling class over the old Titans’ ways to suit the new landscape Demeter envisioned.

The Titans would not relinquish their positions without a fight. It made me wonder what death would taste like if it were possible.

Would there be eternal darkness with a touch of despair?

I almost smiled at the thought.

Chapter 2

Freedom

Within days, Zeus had us all training and sent word to all corners of the world. His message was a call to arms and a warning of severe punishment if anyone chose the opposing side.

“These are the Titans. Study them all. Knowing their strength and weaknesses will assist us in our battle against them. However, we might require aid from the prisoners in Tartarus depending on the number of alliances who heed my call,” Zeus said as he glanced at Poseidon before he looked at me.

This was a dangerous feat since we might be unable to control their actions. Yes, they had been imprisoned by the Primordials and Titans, but this might not be enough to guarantee their allegiance to Zeus.

“I heard whispers about the one-eyed brothers and the hundred-armed giants,” Hestia said with a touch of sadness tinging her voice. “Our forefather, Uranus, hated his children more than our father.”

“Indeed, but they have the potential to become the perfect allies should we need them,” Zeus said with his unhinged enthusiasm.

I studied his energy in the aura surrounding him. His shone the brightest, but perhaps that was because the rest of us had been in the darkness for so long. The more time passed, the stronger we became, but we needed more to win a war against such dangerous opponents.

“Where are they, and how can we reach them?” Poseidon asked with a frown as he pondered on his question.

“They are trapped in Tartarus,” Zeus said before he cleared some papers and put a map on top of them. “Mother Earth, Gaia told me how to access Tartarus by following the River Phlegethon. It is also known as the river of fire, and its entrance will take us to the deepest part of the Underworld.”

The Underworld.

My body and mind became heightened and I realised that I looked forward to seeing the deepest, darkest place beneath this earth. The skies were too bright for me.

“When do we leave?” I asked, causing everybody to stare at me before the surprise became speculation. It was only then that I remembered his words. I would need to bide my time before I could see the Underworld.

“It seems something finally caught your attention,” Zeus said as a silver glimmer flashed in his eyes. “We won’t go there unless we need them.”

Poseidon grunted in disappointment as his initial spike of energy dampened.

“The journey would have made a fine quest,” he said, mumbling to himself.

I didn’t consider the quest to free the prisoners. My mind was still imagining how Tartarus and the Underworld would appear. Instinct told me we would all have a part to play in forging the new world, but it would be wise to remember that Cronus was the King of the Titans with a formidable force behind him.

???

“Again,” Zeus bellowed at Poseidon.

Zeus exuded power and strength. I couldn't help but admire his tenacity. Our strength made the ground tremble each time we fought with one another. After fleeing from Cronus and his fury, I knew our battle would be a difficult one. Had he not been consumed by coughing and vomiting, we might not have escaped.

Aren't you fighting today?

Hera’s voice filtered into my mind. I didn't give her the satisfaction of looking at her. Zeus held his hand out to help Poseidon up.

Come, Hades, I know you can hear me. Hera said, but my focus was on Zeus and Poseidon. He groaned but pulled himself off the ground. Hera seemed to enjoy trying to get a reaction out of me.

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