The castle loomed in the sky – ancient walls built from thick, robust stone. Luscious, lavish trees surrounded the magnificent palace. The scent of sweet, delicious fruits wafted through the air, mixing with the scent of freshly cut grass created a lovely aroma. Summer was here.
In the middle of the verdant forest grove, lies the imposing gateway to the breath-taking, serene courtyard. Tendrils of ivy snaked and wove their way around the marble pillars.
Through the courtyard, light flooded into the Hall of the Gods, illuminating twelve magnificent thrones. Each as unique as the God to which they belong.
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At the time this story begins, the Gods had just barely survived an attempted massacre. Their castle was one of the few buildings left standing, thanks to Hestia’s powerful magic protecting the hearth and home.
Zeus’ father, Kronos, had plotted to raze the Gods as his paranoia misled him to believe that one of his children would dare attempt to overthrow the Lord of Time.
Due to this, Kronos became more and more unhinged in his beliefs until finally insanity overcame him, resulting in him eating his children alive.
Enraged by these actions, Zeus became vengeful and tricked his father into consuming a mild poison, which resulted in Kronos expelling his swallowed children. Once the Gods’ were freed, Zeus, Poseidon and Hades banded together and defeated him.
Kronos fell – and this is where our story begins.
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“Hades”, came a voice from behind, disturbing him from his thoughts. He glanced back to see Hestia, his sister. Her wavy, brunette hair was tied back in a messy bun, making her delicate face more visible. When she smiled her warm smile lit up the room, fire dancing in her eyes. Whenever you looked at her you instantly felt at home and at peace, which isn’t surprising. Hestia is the Goddess of the hearth after all.
“Yes?” Hades replied. He wasn’t surprised he didn’t hear her approaching, Hestia was light on her feet, often travelling through open flames or drifting along. She clasped her palms together and fiddled with the bracelets adorning her wrists.
“Zeus and Poseidon wish to speak with you.” She uttered softly, not waiting for a response. As she waltzed away, Hades turned to the window again. Sighing, he let himself relive the awful memories. Being swallowed alive, suffocating in his fathers’ stomach. Gasping for air as he was released from the prison, as if it had happened yesterday. Defeating Kronos meant the Gods had to take responsibility for the world, including humans.
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Hades left his room and skulked down the steps and into the grand hallway. His footsteps echoed throughout the cavernous hallway. Statues of ancient, glorious foes lined the walls. As he ed a rather grotesque statue of the Nemean Lion, his heart started racing. He knew he was nearing the great hall. Hades was nervous. However, he wasn’t sure why. He could feel his heart hammering away in his ears.
Drawing a deep breath, he plodded into the great hall and quickly rushed to his throne.
“It is lovely to see you, brother.” greeted Poseidon. Wisps of sea salt ghosted his mousy brown hair. His sea green eyes, cast upon Hades, analysing his every move.
Poseidon hoisted Hades up and out of his chair. Hades’ had the air forced out of him as his brother crushed him in a massive bear hug. The scent of sea salt and the ocean breeze faintly danced on Hades’ senses until he squirmed away from the brutal show of affection.
“We’ve destroyed the titans for good!” exclaimed Poseidon. His tone overly joyous, his words rushed and ecstatic. Hades frowned, wondering why he wasn’t as excited. The thoughts from before crept back into his mind, refusing to allow him to celebrate what the Gods had achieved. Poseidon was right. It was finally over, they ruled the earth. They were free – so why didn’t it feel that way?
He turned and acknowledged Zeus’ presence. Zeus was perched by the window, lips pursed as he watched his brothers’ conversation.
“What do we do now?” Hades asked, sullen. Zeus sighed and glanced at Hades.
“I have conversed with my children and we have discussed what their elements must be.”
“Ares is now the God of war.” Poseidon spoke, chuckling softly. Hades scoffed at that, not being surprised.
“We must divide amongst ourselves the sky, the ocean and the underworld. How we’re going to do that though, I am not sure.”
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Poseidon paced the length of the great hall, deep in thought, for exactly four times before he came to an abrupt stop.
“I may have a solution to our problems.” He announced.
“My idea is quite simple really. There are three straws in this bag, whoever draws the longest shall rule the sky. The person to draw the shortest straw will rule the Underworld, the one in between gets to control the vast ocean.”
Zeus scowled and glared at Poseidon.
“You wish to decide our fate using straws?!” Zeus bellowed, annoyed at his brother for suggesting such a foolish idea.
“Unless you have a better idea? We could fight for it if you please, dear brother.” Poseidon scoffed.
“Hmph. We both know I’d win in a fight. Fine, we shall have it your way then.” Grumbled Zeus.
Hades sniggered at his brothers, they were behaving like insolent children. Sighing, he went to grab a straw. That is, until Zeus shoved him aside.
“The youngest goes first, brother.” Spoke Zeus, smirking at his brother. Zeus reached into the little bag and grasped the first straw he felt. Yanking it out, he barely acknowledged the straw before he pranced around, whooping and shouting.
“I got the sky! I am the master of lightning!” he hollered.
Poseidon and Hades rolled their eyes at his antics and proceeded to choose their straws.
“You first brother.” Muttered Poseidon
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Hades hands started shaking, his palms were sweaty. Shakily, he reached into the bag and gently grabbed the closest straw. Closing his eyes, he pulled the straw out and fiddled with it. He was nervous again. Why? It’s just a straw…
He tried to steady his breathing once more. He quickly glanced at the straw in his hand and chuckled nervously. Hades was officially King of the Underworld.
That meant there was only one thing left. Poseidon teared up and started laughing, he was master of the ocean! Poseidon rushed to his brothers and enveloped them in a massive group hug.
Hades grinned and held his brothers close. At least this meant less stress on their lives. Now he could properly relax and celebrate. Before his brothers could do anything, Hades dissipated into thin air. Returning to the magnificent courtyard, he took refuge in a secluded corner to reflect quietly on the days events.
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