The Lost Child

This is what Hades looks like in case I wasn't descriptive enough.

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After I returned to my home and informed Astraeus of my task I head off for Olympus. There is a portal in New York City I can use to get there. There is a portal in Tartarus, but that one is always being monitored by the gods. Either by one of Hades' dogs or Hercules.

When I told Astraeus about the task I had been given, he was a little concerned. He knows I can hold my own, but like I was worried when Pallas has assigned it, but no one has ever been ordered to go near a god. We have had a few one on one confrontations with the gods now and then, but only a few of us could actually stand a chance. Helios and Selene can as long as they are together, but that can easily change, and I have my doubts with where their loyalty lies. Astraeus can if Pallas can back him, and vise versa. I have never faced a god on my own. I guess now it is time I try. Honestly I'm scared. Pallas can't on his own, what is there to say that I can?

I try to push those thoughts from my mind as I near the portal to the mortal realm. Once I'm there, I take in the moment to recognize it's beauty. The portal itself takes on the shape of a raindrop with large, curved stones that have a point at the end of it. I count five of them. At the bottom of the portal there is a small pool of water.

I take in a deep breathe, and step through the portal. At first I am taken back by how bright it is. My eyes will need to adjust to this new light. Especially since Olympus is even brighter, even at night. This is only the mortal realm though, so I have some time to adjust. I'm going to wait until tonight to go to Olympus, that way, most of the gods are tired and worn from their efforts from today. It will be just perfect.

***

Now is the time. It is now ten at night. From what I've seen, the gods sleep early and rise late. Now is my opportunity.

I head to Central Park to find the hidden portal to the gates. They are pretty simple to find, it's a fountain and it opens for any being with any type of godly power. I have the gift of Hades, little does he know, his little gift is going to backfire. I find the portal and go through it at once.

On Olympus, I think I honestly might throw up. It's too happy and cheery and....bright. Ugh. Nasty. Now I just need to figure out where to find Hades.

To my surprise, there is actually a map at the gates telling you where all the gods live and the throne room, dining halls. Everything. Talk about ego. From what I can tell, Hades' estate is pretty close by. Just down this hall and to the left....bingo! The door has Hades' name on it.

Now that I have found Hades' estate, now I need to get in. I go around the outer edges of it until I'm in the back. There is large open areas back there, pillars are in those openings holding up the ceiling. There is only one problem, there is also no ground back here. The only way I could get in is a swing around the corner. And then I hear them, Hades, and one other.

"Any luck in finding the lost child, Hades?" A woman asks.

"No, absolutely nothing." Hades says, almost as if he is ready to cry. "How could I have failed them? I am a god and I failed."

I almost feel bad for him, but this isn't the first time he has failed someone. He failed me 24 years ago. I was only three when my family was attacked, and now, I'm the only one left of my family.

"Hades, we were overwhelmed. I know the Lightnings needed our help, but the titans are the ones who had the numbers on both fronts. Here and there." Wait, what? They weren't trying to save us, they abandoned us.

"I know, Persephone. But we should have done more. Alana's daughter is now lost, nowhere to be found. What if....what if the titans killed her?" Hades is now sounding extremely emotional.

Now I need answers, right now! I turn and go towards the front of the estate and do the thing I thought I would never do, I knocked on the god's door. It is the woman, Persephone, who answers. She has chocolate skin and a spring dress on. Her dark hair bounces in its weave.

"Oh, hello there. We weren't expecting any visitors this evening." Persephone sings.

"I know, this was an unexpected development." I respond, kind of nervous.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Yes, I need answers."

"What kind of answers?"

"About the Lightning family, and what happened to them."

"Oh dear, come in. You will want to sit down. I am not too sure if Hades will want to talk about it, he is still upset about what happened."

Persephone invites me in, not knowing who I am, or what I had originally planned on doing. We enter their living area, and there is Hades. He is sitting slumped over in his formal black suit. His hands are going through his white hair. His hair different from what I've have seen before. It is shaved all around his head except for the top which he lets grow out. There is also hints of lavender in his hair. It goes in great contrast to his tanned skin.

"Hades, this woman wants to know about what happened 24 years ago with the Lightnings." Persephone tells Hades.

Hades perks up, looking at Persephone and then his lavender eyes lock on me.

"Who are you?" Hades asks.

"I'll tell you after I get the answers I came for." I say with a kind of snap.

"Please do not get testy with me, you are a mortal and I am a god. I don't like to fight but I will if I must. Now if you'll excuse me, I still need to locate the lost child. Who knows where she is or if she is even alive. If she is she is she'd be like 27 years old."

"About that...." I hesitate in finishing that sentence.

Hades lifts his head, looking at me with intense anticipation.

"Do you know where she is?" Hades asks me.

"If I'm thinking of the same person, then I think so."

"Where is she?"

"Hades...." Before I can finish he cuts me off.

"Listen, we need to find her. Please take us to her, now!" He is now becoming impatient, rude even. I finally just snap.

"For the gods sake, Hades, listen to me!" He stops at my words. "Hades, my name....is Cereza Lightning."