*A Few Days Later *
“No.” Thanatos responded glaring at Hades.
The God threw up his hands. “Understandable, and I’m not here to debate it. I made an agreement to you all and it’s up to you how you want to play things.”
Romulus rubbed the back of his neck. “Thanatos- “
“NO!” His voice boomed across the room. “I don’t give a fuck who she is. It’s dangerous and for all I know, she could be plotting with Zeus.”
Evie placed her hand in Thanatos’, and he looked down at her. “Poppet…please don’t make me feel guilty about this. I’m just trying to protect everyone.”
Silently, Evie nodded her head towards the frame of the door. Looking outward Thanatos’s eyes widened as he saw Adam’s eyes fully white glaring at him. “Adam-”
“You’re right Uncle. She probably is nothing more than a lying pawn of Zeus.” Romulus pursed his lips, seeing the sadness on his son's face as he left the room.
Derrick patted Romulus back. “Just let him get some fresh air. I’ll speak with him later.”
Hades clapped his hands together. “Well, that was all I needed, so now if you will excuse me.”
Evie folded her arms to her chest. “And where the hell do you think you’re going?”
He looked at her in confusion, “To my beautiful dark castle where all my belongings are.”
“No, you’re going to train Kore. You said it yourself, you’re the best person to further her lessons. So, get to it.”
He stomped his foot, “BUT THAT NOT FAIR!... She’s as mean as her father, and I actually like him.” Hades leaned his head on Thanatos’ shoulder, laughing when the Grim Reaper pushed him away.
“Why must you make it your mission to piss me off KNOWING I could literally destroy the Earth.”
Hades shrugged, “Call it my lack of socialization. I want us to be friends, yet I’m hesitant to make the first move so I opt for aggressive flirtation instead.”
Thanatos’ growled at him. “Fucking nuisance,” he muttered before walking away.
Evie shook her head, “Get out there and train our daughter. And apologize for whatever you did to her.”
“What I did?! Your demon is mad at me because she tried to play chicken and I bested her.”
Evie arched her brow. “Did you really best her? Or did you do something you secretly wanted to, under the guise of teaching her a lesson.”
Hades cut his eyes, “You’re worse than the other two…you’re like a mind ninja. Now, I’m not sure what my intentions were.”
Derrick laughed, “I think you are.”
Storming outside, Hades looked around for the demon who’d managed to get under his skin even without being around. He dropped to his knees feeling himself go momentarily blind as a piercing white light tore through the courtyard. Breath ragged, he gained his bearings, trying to figure out where the light poured from.
“Oh, hell no!” He shouted. Adam's eyes white, stood among six large trees with angered faces. Hades rolled his eyes, “Of course he could make trees get up and walk. AS IF I DON’T ALREADY have my hands full with the little pyro. “HEY!” He shouted, cautiously walking down to Adam. “Can you like maybe put the ancient tree beings back to sleep?”
Adam stared at him, “I-I don’t know-how. I was upset and this happened.”
“YOU DID THIS BY ACCIDENT?!” Adam nodded and Hades shook his head. “Look, when it’s my turn to die, can it be death by teddy bears or something because this-I don’t want this at all.”
Adam chuckled, making the trees laugh as well. “YOU ARE FUNNY GOD!” One boomed down to him.
Hades moved his hair from his face and extended his hand for the tree to shake. “Thank you. Hades' pleasure to meet cha…listennnn…would by any chance you know how to go back to sleep?”
The tree nodded and pointed behind Hades. He felt her before he saw her. Eyes blackened, Kore moved past him and extended her hands to Adam.
“It’s okay Da-dem,” she said making him smile, as he placed his hands in hers. Feeling himself slowly calm, Adam heard a yawn from the trees.
“Thank you.”
Kore nodded as the six made their way back to their slumber. Hades stared at her, “How did you know that would work?”
She shrugged, “I didn’t, but you said it yourself. Adam can take the brunt of my rage, why shouldn’t the opposite be true? If I’m calm and he’s upset, and our powers are tied to our emotions one would reason-”
Hades nodded, “That you two can counterbalance one another.”
Her green eyes glistened at him. “Be careful God, for a moment there you sounded proud of me.”
He tilted his head. “Adam, could I talk to Kore alone for a moment?”
Adam nodded, “Yeah, I need to tell my dads about this anyway.”
Hearing his footsteps descend, Kore looked at Hades confused. “Why are you looking at me like I have three heads?” Instead of responding, he reached up and pulled the tie from her hair, smirking as her long raven hair fell to her shoulders.
“Your mother said I am to apologize for upsetting you the other day.”
“It’s fine. No harm no foul.”
Hades shook his head, “No. I do in fact owe you an apology. I’d like us to have a truce. Not saying we won’t continue to fight, just perhaps not intentionally hurt the other’s feelings in the process.”
Kore's lips parted. “You didn’t-” She paused and then sighed, “I agree.” Extending her hand for him to take, her eyes widened as he pulled her into his arms.
“You know, since my honesty has also been called into question by your mother, who is perhaps more terrifying than your father,” he chuckled, “I feel inclined to also apologize for something else.”
She searched his eyes. “What?”
“For pretending that the reason I kissed you was to best you at your own game.” His hand caressed her face, and Kore placed her hands in his hair. Hades murmured against her lips, “May I?” She nodded. Connecting their lips, the kiss immediately took on a life of its own. Releasing her, Hades kissed her cheek. “We’ll train tomorrow okay? There’s something I need to do.”
“O-okay.” Kissing her again briefly, Hades disappeared, leaving Kore to wonder what in the world just happened between them.
-----------------------------------------
“So in conclusion, the big man said no, the Soul Tie is pissed, and yeah, you're not invited to the party.”
Aphrodite rolled her eyes, “I watched the replay Hades, I don’t need you to keep saying it.”
Hades chuckled, “I actually enjoyed the part where he called you a pawn for Zeus…that man of yours certainly knows how to throw an insult.”
“FUCK YOU HADES!”
Hades folded his arms to his chest. “Play nice Aphrodite. I didn’t call you just to gloat. I’m calling to say I’m vetoing the decision.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
He nodded, “Adam literally brought trees to life today by accident. ANGRY TREES! I don't wish to fight trees Aphrodite, but I wouldn't mind seeing them kick my brother's ass." His face hardened in seriousness, "They’re running out of time and he needs to learn to control his powers...they both do and I…I need your help. Say that you will come to Earth.”
Inhaling sharply, she finally shook her head yes. He clapped his hands together. “Perfect. I’ll unseal everything in three days' time. You have to be quick Dite, it takes a lot of energy and I can’t leave the seal open too long.” Nodding feverishly, she agreed to be there in three days. Hanging up, she looked to Zeus who stood in the corner. She smiled matching the same one he wore.
“Soon, my love.”