An Isle's Advocate

Chapter 10

Unfortunately for Carlos, he's at the front of the group when the god of the Underworld stops in front of them.

Hades holds out one pale hand and they all take a subconscious step back, wary of any possible deals.

"The name's Hades. Hi, how you doin'?" he says. 

As Carlos tries to figure out how to politely reject a handshake from the king of the Underworld, the man laughs and drops the offered hand. 

"I'm joking. I'm joking," he claims with a slick grin.

They all exchange nervous looks while Hayden watches in amusement.

"I'm not looking to make a deal," Hades continues. "Look at you. You don't have anything to offer me. Well, you've got one thing. Hey, just let me know if you're ever tired of that soul of yours, yeah? I'd be happy to take it off your hands. Seriously. Just ecstatic."

He says it all very quickly and leaves Carlos with the vague feeling that he's about to agree to buy something he had no intention of getting and can't afford.

Hayden rolls his eyes. "Dad, we don't need any more souls down here. The judgement line's already full enough," he reminds him.

Hades groans and closes his eyes as he starts to rub at his temples. "Ugh, don't remind me. So much paperwork!" He sighs and opens his eyes, dropping his hands with a nonchalant shrug. "Ah, well, what did I expect? I'm a businessman. Paperwork comes with the job. 'Course, I didn't really choose the job. It just kinda got pushed on me by Lightning Boy up there," he says as he gestures vaguely upward with a particular finger.

Hayden snorts derisively. "Well, it's not like Zeus could handle it. He's got clouds for brains," he drawls with a smirk.

Hades gives him an identical smirk back. "This kid," he says as he wraps one arm around his son's shoulders and pinches his cheek mockingly. "I tell you, he makes me prouder every day. Really. It just- it brings a tear to my eye. It really does." He wipes away a fake tear as Hayden slips out from under his arm.

"Alright. Alright," Hayden mutters. "Enough of that."

The others just stare, not sure how to handle the god of the Underworld acting like, well, like a dad.

"So," Hades says, locking his fingers together and pointing at them with both index fingers, "you four have got yourselves into a bit of a situation, hm? Need Hayden here to bail you out?"

They trade glances, trying to decide who has to respond.

"Right, uh, Lord Hades," Evie finally says, her tone hesitant.

"Oh, I like that," he drawls, glancing over at his son with a smirk. "They've got manners, how nice." He turns back to them. "Sit. Sit," he says, reclaiming his own seat. "We've got things to discuss."

They all nervously take seats, well, except for Hayden who sprawls in the seat to his father's left, boots kicked up on the table like usual. He takes that particular seat like it's second nature to him and they know, especially after seeing the throne room, that Persephone must always place herself on Hades' right.

It occurs to them, for maybe the first time, just how dangerous the little family can likely be.

Hades snaps his fingers and a tray holding several wine glasses along with a bottle of dark red wine appears on the table. He pours himself a glass and sends them a slightly twisted grin.

"Help yourselves," he offers.

None of them move, all fully aware of what happens to those who eat or drink from the Underworld.