The caves smelled of mold, dirt, and rotting flesh. It was not a pleasant combination. Of course, it was better than being trapped inside their father's stomach, but the five gods were beginning to doubt Zeus' plan.
"Zeus... I know we need to get to the cyclopes, but maybe we could try to forge our own weapons?" Poseidon suggested quietly.
"Silence! We will not be able to forge our own weapons, as we do not have the skill. The cyclopes must do it. Hades, is this the right cave or not?"
The eldest god sighed. "Yes Zeus, it is the right cave. It will take us straight to the pit if we follow the tunnel within."
"This is foolish! The pit is the most dangerous place this world knows. Perhaps we should just use our powers." Hera hissed, glaring at the others.
"There is no other choice, sister." Hestia said gently, peering into the darkness.
"There is always another choice." Hades remarked, gazing deep into the darkness.
"Just go!" Zeus roared.
The rest of his siblings jumped, and Hades ducked into the caves, the other five gods close behind.
As Hades led the way through the caves, he could feel the quiet, gentle pulsing of the earth, like a heartbeat beneath his feet. He could sense what was near, and could almost see what was ahead. Before long he felt something different. The pulse of the earth had changed. It felt less like a heartbeat, and more like a large group of collective voices. Like a thousand people were whispering at once. The vibrations traveled up his body.
"The underworld is close... Very close." Hades whispered, his eyes peering into the darkness. "We're much closer. Zeus, perhaps now would be a good time to head Poseidon's words."
"No. We must free the cyclopes. We need the weapons." Zeus insisted.
Hades sighed. He knew it was no use fighting with his brother, as Zeus was stupidly stubborn and controlling. He simply turned and continued up the tunnel before it came to an abrupt end seconds later.He stepped out into the darkness of the Underworld, and found himself standing at the edge of the massive Pit.
The entrance to the darkest, most vile place on earth.
The entrance to Tartarus.
YOU ARE READING
Hades' Second Chance
RomanceYou've probably heard the myth of Hades and Persephone before. But perhaps a change is in order? When Hades catches the eye of the young and dashing Apollo, an athletic youth with a penchant for literature and music, after a recent break-up with the...
