Timeless Legacy

Daddy issues

Mal and Celia cautiously made their way toward Hades' lair, a place Mal hadn't visited in years. The entrance loomed ahead, a dark and foreboding cave, with an old, weather-beaten sign that read "Beware of Dog." Mal paused, glancing up at the sign with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"How big is that dog?" Mal asked, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness. Celia didn't miss a beat as she turned the handle on the heavy door.

"You'll see," Celia replied, her tone serious, before opening the door and stepping inside.

As the door creaked open, they were immediately greeted by the distant, echoing sound of barking dogs. The cave was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the rocky walls. Celia turned to Mal, whispering, "Stay quiet. It echoes like crazy in here."

Mal nodded and followed her lead, the barking growing louder and more intense with each step. They moved deeper into the lair, the sound almost overwhelming now. Celia grabbed a miner's helmet with a light attached, handing another to Mal. The two of them put on the helmets and climbed onto an old, rickety mine cart that stood waiting on the tracks. With a jolt, the cart began to move, electricity crackling ominously in the air as they descended further into the lair. The barking persisted, echoing off the cavern walls, making the space feel even more claustrophobic.

When they finally reached the bottom, they got off the cart and crept forward on foot. Hades was sprawled out on a shabby old couch, sunglasses perched on his nose, and snoring loudly. The ember, the object of their quest, glowed faintly on a table just behind him. Celia pointed silently toward it, and Mal nodded, her heart pounding in her chest.

Celia motioned for Mal to be quiet as they carefully tiptoed closer. But the incessant barking was driving Celia mad. Frustrated, she abruptly stopped the vinyl player that was causing the noise.

Hades stirred, his voice suddenly breaking the tension, "What are you doing here?" he asked in a sing-song voice, his eyes still closed.

Mal froze in place, her breath caught in her throat. Celia, trying to think quickly, stammered, "I noticed you were low on canned corn," though her voice lacked its usual confidence.

Mal, seeing the ember within reach, made her move. But before she could grab it, Hades' hand shot out, catching her wrist. Mal gasped in surprise.

"Hi, Dad," Mal said, her voice laced with a mix of sarcasm and suppressed emotion as Hades finally opened his eyes and turned to face her. Celia's eyes widened in shock, watching the exchange.

Hades took off his sunglasses, a slow grin spreading across his face as he sized up his daughter. "Quite a show you put on the other day," he remarked, his tone almost teasing.

Mal didn't back down. "Right back at ya," she shot back, her voice cool and collected.

Hades chuckled, rising to his feet, the ember still clutched in his hand. "I was just coming to see you," he said, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Really?" Mal replied, her skepticism evident. "Is it because I'm the royal advisor now?"

Hades shrugged, unfazed. "Now, Mal, don't be bitter," he said dismissively, waving her off like her feelings were nothing more than a minor inconvenience.

Mal's eyes narrowed. "You abandoned me when I was a baby," she retorted, crossing her arms defensively.

"No. No, I left your mother," Hades corrected her, his tone growing more serious. "She's... well, she's not the easiest person to get along with." He paused, muttering under his breath, "I still don't know how Blanc could stay with her all these years."

"You think?" Mal said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "She may be an evil lunatic, but at least she stuck around."

"Aww, boo-hoo," Hades mocked, his voice filled with false sympathy. "Wake up and smell the stink, Mal. You think you've had it rough? I used to be a god! I had an entire world that bore my name, and now I have nothing! You have no idea what that feels like."