Another Path

Chapter 3

Hades POV

My life hasn't been the best since my son died. I blame that wretched Zeus for causing it! If only I jumped in front of him the time it happened, he would still be here.

I sighed, even more said than I am now. I haven't eaten, slept, or traumatized mortals. It's just not my day or week or months.

I was interrupted of my train of thought when Persephone came in with..a...young boy by the looks of it.

"Persephone? Who is this peasant you have bestowed upon me?, I spit out as dryly as it sounded.

I guess my choice of words must have corrupted the boy into anger, because before I knew it he was set ablaze by my shock.

"Why do you think you have the right to call me a peasant you worthless peace of trash!!! You don't even know who I am!!, the boy spoke angered.

I narrowed my eyes at him. I didn't know what clicked inside me but I snapped my fingers releasing a couple of hellhounds. If the brat wants to talk, let's just see if he'll live to say another word.

Alex POV

All I could think of was to get out of this place before those things attack me.

I turned around but was interrupted with one of the snarling beast in my face. I whimpered and yanked at the necklace my dad gave me before his disappearance. It transformed into a 3 foot Stygian iron sword with a black diamond incrusted in the middle of it. It even had a weird smoking aura surrounding it. I have to admit this was one pretty cool sword.

Just as the beast was about to lunge at me I rolled over and got up facing it. Spotting me it jumped and I did a quick slash of my sword barely missing it. I must have startled it because it's eyes glowed red with hatred. It's buddies must have scent this because they joined in on the fight.

Well then I had no choice but to call Persephone. Pfft! Please! I would rather fight to the death.

I summoned a ball of Greek fire and threw it at the nearest one automatically making it turn into dust. Repeating I didn't know there was a beast behind me so when it lunged I didn't feel any pain. Only the initial shock that I was clawed at didn't sink in, which I thank the gods I didn't scream or I would be dead by now.

I dropped to the floor on my knees before glancing at Hades seeing a look of concern in his eyes.

Then I blacked out.

Hades POV

As soon as the hellhound sunk his claws in the boy I felt immediate concern for him. I don't know why but he was holding my son's sword in his hands. This sent a wave a grief in my throat but I quickly chunked it down.

"Persephone!!!!," I bellowed. My wife came bursting through the door and as soon as she saw Alex's condition she freaked.

"Hades what did you do!?!," she yelled.

Sighing I replied, " I thought to teach the boy a lesson because he didn't know respect towards us gods. I'm sorry Persephone.. I really am. I'm just going through hard times right now." I glanced at the ground with a sad tear rolling down my face.

Persephone left the boy to come up behind me and give me hug of comfort. I gladly took it.

" Hades look at me.. you didn't need to throw out hellhounds to prove a point. He's only 8 years old dear. Annnd also...," she walked in front of bending down grabbing my shoulders, " He is your grandson Hades! Your grandson. Nico didn't leave without occupying your life with something. Remember when you visited and he was babysitting. Well he lied, it was him all of along."

I was in total shock just staring at her in the eyes. The boy I attacked was my son's child and he might be dead for all I know.

I got up out of my seat strutting over to the child quickly. It's been a while since I gotten up from the throne. Bending down I examined his face.

It was startling looking at his features. He looked so much like Nico. He had his olive skin tone but it wasn't as paled. His nose, eyelashes, lips, hair color, you name it looked just like Nicos'. Only thing different was his eyes they were green with little specks of brown and blue in them. Yep, the lady's are going to be swarming him more than that wretched Percy Jackson.

Examining his back he had a somewhat deep cut in his back. if I didn't get help soon he could die from blood loss.

"Persephone, w-what is his n-n-name?" I asked her.

"Alex Di Angelo," she replied back.

"Alex Di Angelo.." I spoke softly. That was the name I wanted to name Nico when he was born, but Maria insisted on a Nico so yeah.

No matter how weak I looked I still had the strength to pick him up. Grunting I told her to set up a room for him and that he could stay.

I took him to the infirmary having a couple of spirits work they're magic. After the job was done I came up and rubbed his hair feeding him some nectar. He responded quite well, because his eyes fluttered open a couple of seconds later.

Staring up at me I could tell he had fear in his eyes. I shushed him and told him how I was sorry and that I'm am his grandfather and I care for him very very much. I didn't think he believed me but the next thing took me by surprise.

He reached up and gave me hug while crying into my robes.

"I'm so sorry. I-I didn't mean to disrespect you. It's just I lost my dad and I didn't know how to react please forgive me!" he said as he had uncontrollable sobs and sniffles.

I rubbed his back and let out a few tears before pushing him gently away saying, " It's ok I'm not mad anymore. I miss your father too."

He smiled sadly and continued to cry. I held him close to my chest not wanting to let go. I made a promise that I would never leave this kid under any circumstance.

I swore this on the River Styx....