THE RISE OF THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE: THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS

A DECISION IS MADE

The Gods are mad

I quite agree

But, no matter how daft or bad

They seem, their word is law (royal decree)

You're done with the first chapter! I guess my story must continue then. Where was I? Oh yes, Hades was summoned to the Zeus' Palace.
As I was there a few decades ago, when the fate of the most powerful non-god ever seen was decided, I feel it's only appropriate to describe what I saw before continuing.

Imagine a football field, double it, twice and perhaps you might have little idea of how high the roof of Olympus was. As for the width, I couldn't possibly describe it. Trust me, the gods are really living a fancy lifestyle.
Even immortal as I was, the combined reflection of the throne of the Gods nearly blinded me. I remember seeing twelve throne, for each Olympian, each arranged in a curve, but only two thrones caught my fancy. That of Zeus and Hera

Zeus was sitting on throne in the center. I guess it was only appropriate as the king of the Gods. What was breath-taking was the beauty and design of his throne- Da Vinci would have given both his eyes to behold its beauty for a few seconds. It was made of the purest sort of gold- Imperial gold.
It had a series of complex intricate patterns that I couldn't possibly describe, it shone so brightly it could have outshone the sun. Besides his throne lays a 6foot long thunderbolt and I'll be honest after seeing the throne, the bolt was a lot disappointing.

Also impressive, but not as impressive as the first was Hera's. It radiated power in a really feminine way- It was made of really amazing gems.

Although it a little disappointing that the gems were outshined by Zeus' gold and her throne wasn't anywhere near that of the King of Gods in terms of glory, it was no less perfect otherwise. On the left arm of the throne was a peacock so haughtily posed, I wasn't sure if it was real or just a statue.

There were other thrones in the room, all custom made to suit their owners. It would take me pages and pages to describe it to both our satisfaction-which would most likely bore us both. So I'll try my best to describe it in as few words as possible.
On the right side of Zeus' throne was Poseidon's throne-relatively smaller but also very impressive. Then there was the twins, Artemis and Apollo- their thrones were pretty cool too. Theirs's was beside Hermes who had most regular throne of all. On the left of Poseidon was Athena's and then Ares and Aphrodite. Demeter sat beside Apollos.

I couldn't possibly describe how the Gods looked- I wouldn't have my eyes if I could. All I recollect was a female voice over somewhere saying 'would all non-gods witnesses please pick a blindfold.' I turned to my left and truly, there was one hovering in the air. It was a good thing I used it, even though my eyes were blindfolded when the Gods made their entrance, I felt my eyes burning for many minutes. Many things on Olympus make the Sun look weak and dull.

When I opened my eyes again, I found the 12 thrones occupied by their rightful owners. I guess that pea-cock was real after all. It was cooing contentedly as its mistress stroked it looking down haughtily at anyone who dared gaze on her beauty.

'Why does the Lord of the dead find it pleasing to be late?' Zeus asked impatiently, working up his temper to a point he could have an excuse to hurl some bolts to some unfortunate cities of the world. 'Patience my Lord' Aphrodite beseeched soothingly oblivious to Hera's scathing look. In truth, Hades wasn't late at all, He merely fancied a grand entrance. You have surely heard of his helmet of invisibility- turns out, he was wearing it. Although I Can't be so sure how long he was there, probably long enough to catch some Olympic gist (how degrading)

'Why does my Lord, King of Gods summon me?' Hades said while removing his helmet. He could have been more handsome if only those lips parted a little more often. Unfortunately, he wore a permanent scowl. That was another thing about him, you couldn't tell when the dark lord is being sarcastic.

'You're late!' Zeus spat. He seemed to find Hades... Well, it would seem indiscrete to suggest that the Olympian champion was scared, but that's the only word that fits (sorry, rusty English again. I really need to get a dictionary).

Hades on the other hand, seemed perfectly in charge of his emotions. 'Oh well, my King summoned me' he replied shrugging his shoulders. 'Just thought it wiser to wait until we had a full house' as he spoke the room darkened. Zeus' throne didn't seem so beautiful anymore.
It was no longer beautiful pure gold, but pure gold placed in a charcoal mine. 'I see no throne has been prepared for me' he said, scowling he snapped his hands at a spot directly opposite Zeus and a new throne Olympus appeared. He took his seat sweeping his dark cape as he did in one swift move. '

Maybe because she was the goddess of wisdom, she spoke up. 'Uncle' she said, gazing at him with those intense blue eyes. 'The king of the gods summoned you as regarding the child you sired'.
She seemed to be trying to read her victim- as far as I could tell, she was failing woefully. The dark lord simple sat there, legs crossed and gazing at them lazily as if he would rather be playing catch with Cerberus than relishing quality family time with them.

'What do you want' he finally replied. 'For me to kill my only child?' His voice thick with emotions.
'You both' he continued, pointing an accusing finger at Zeus and Poseidon have sired so many children, Olympus couldn't possibly contain them. He smiled weakly at his joke. 'But, I give birth to a child and all Olympus demand to talk about the young threat.

'First off, you don't get to say that. At least not after kidnapping my princess and locking her up in your terrible abode.' You must have guessed who was speaking. As she spoke, tendrils shot out from her throne. 'Besides you off all people know the danger that child puts us all in'

'Hades, nobody is asking you to kill your child' Aphrodite said, flashing a smile that could stir feelings in an Ogre and then looking at all the Gods as if daring them to think otherwise. Ares smiled devotedly at her while flexing his muscles as if to back up her point. 'The Chair of forgetfulness would suffice.' 'And then all would be back to normal'

'That's what you Olympians always say- all will be back to normal' I detected resentment in his tone. For the first time I truly understood the pains the god of the underworld felt. Treated like an outcast and now he was forced to wipe his son's memory with one of the underworld's most sacred symbols.

'Very well then' he said putting on his helmet. 'Have it your way, doesn't really change the future.' He had gained complete controls over his emotions. 'Just know that nothing lasts forever' He said and disappeared before Zeus could even scoff. His exit had a permanent effect on Olympus- Somehow the thrones were no longer dazzling bright. Hades presence has somehow dampened Olympus glory- almost like his robes had been draped around all the thrones. (Little wonder he was rarely invited)