Chapter Two

(Adonis)

Hades is egotistical and conceited. He put his manor at the entrance to his realm just to show off that everything past this point is owned by him. He even has a guard out here, his son Cerberus.

"Hello, brother. I see you've brought me a treat." Cerberus hums as he licks his lips to flash his fangs at Dion.

It wouldn't surprise me if he really did eat mortals for breakfast, but the last thing I need right now is this silly banter.

Cerberus is around the same height as Dion, if not taller. He has long pitch black hair that cascades down his back in waves. His facial features are sharp, and his body chiseled just like Dions. He'd be a more youthful copy of Hades had it not been for his robotic silver eyes. All artificial beings that Hades creates have metallic colored eyes.

Cerberus is extremely attractive, but being Hades' eldest child hasn't made him any more mature than the average 10 year old.

"Move, beast." I grumble.

He smirks and snatches the leash out of my hand, yanking Dion closer to him. He pulls Dion close and sniffs him the way a dog would sniff someone he just met.

"Your mortal smells like sex. Delicious." He laughs maniacally and even goes as far as to lick a stripe up the side of his face.

Dion cringes at the attention, but stays silent. He doesn't want to annoy me by saying anything to my brother. He knows how I like to handle things without his help.

Although Dion stays silent, Cerberus keeps running his mouth. "How about this? Give me a magic word and I'll let you in."

Dion gives him a disgusted look and tries to come back to me, but Cerberus just yanks the leash.

It's frustrating to see someone handle Dion that way, but I really need to pick my battles when it comes to my siblings. He's Hades' favorite, and doesn't miss a single chance to rub it in everyone's faces.

I step closer and growl deep in my throat before snapping my fingers to make the chain disappear and reappear in my hand. "The magic word is to move before I tear you open and feast on your entrails, dog! Get out of the way unless you'd rather me have my mother come out here and ask you to. You would want to disappoint one of your owners would you?"

He clenches his jaw as the anger flares in his eyes, but instead of retorting with another round of banter, he steps aside and uses his magic to open the sky high gates. "I hope you enjoy your visit, brother."

I smile and walk past him with my chin raised. Cerberus is Hades' child alone. He has no mother, but Persephone has always shown him kindness and love. He sees her as his mother. He hates upsetting her maybe even more than he hates upsetting Hades.

Dion had thankfully kept quiet during the whole ordeal, but now as we walk down the long path up to the doors of the palace, he decides to strike up a conversation. "Why did we need to come here, Master Adonis?"

I turn to him, and reach up to wipe his cheek where Cerberus had left his revolting germs. "My mother asked me and a few of my brothers here for a meeting of sorts. I'm sure they brought their own right hand men, so don't be alarmed. Be respectful, but don't act scared. If you do they'll jump on you for it. Hold your head high and walk with confidence but don't speak unless spoken to. Do you understand?"

"Yes master. I'll do as you say." He agrees easily, reaching over to brush his thumb over my cheek as well. The difference is that I don't have germs on me, so he must be doing it out of affection.

I smack his hand away and sigh. "What we do has to be a secret, Dion. Don't touch me that way or talk about me like anything more than just a master. I can't control what they'll do to you if they find out."

That's how my step brothers work. They hit below the belt, and stoop low enough to hurt the people you care for just to get the upper hand. I don't want that to happen to Dion.

"I can handle it-"

"No you can't. They're gods or demigods or whatever else. They'll kill you without a second thought. Hades is already going to be mad that I brought a mortal here. Maybe I shouldn't have you come inside."

I ponder the thought for a moment. Hades is going to be pissed that I brought a human to the underworld. They aren't supposed to know about it, let alone be here. I can't leave him out here though. What if someone else gets a hold of him?

A deep sigh escapes my mouth as we stop at the steps of the dark, gothic style manor. If it were halloween, Hades would surely win a scary house contest.

"I'm going with you. They're mean to you and they all have people with them, right? I don't want you to be the only one who's alone. Especially since your mother can only do so much. I don't like how they bully you." He insists, smiling as he starts leading the way up the steps.

What a childish way to see it. Teasing? Yes. Bullying? No. It's not elementary school. It's the underworld.

I tug on the leash gently before taking the lead. Dion is strong. He's one of the strongest humans out there, and I don't doubt that he won't back down from a fight even if it's against a god. What scares me is that he'd rather die protecting me than let me handle things on my own.

Once we reach the top of the steps, I throw open the doors and step inside, making my way to the meeting hall. Hades' manor is big and he's got a room for just about everything. The meeting hall is what he uses to rally my siblings and I together, so we'll actually sit at a table with one another.

Once I arrive, I'm greeted by glares, sneers, and looks of utter disgust.

"Great to see you all." I say sarcastically, looking around at the pairs seated at the large round table.

Of course Cerberus is seated right next to Hades. He probably used magic to teleport here just so he wasn't after me. Being the eldest made him more pampered and loved than the others.

Next to him is his right hand, and our brother, Orthrus. His story isn't told very often. He was an attempt to make another Cerberus, but his beast form only has two heads. Now he acts as Cerberus's right hand man.

Orthrus is tall, and he exudes so much confidence that it's hardly noticeable that he's shorter than both Cerberus and Dion. He's about 6'2. His hair is an inky black color just like Cerberus and Hades's, but cut short and very modern. He's got the same olive skin, but copper colored eyes.

The biggest difference between the two is their style. Orthrus is much more modern wearing a white button up and black slacks. He has the top few buttons undone and a gold chain necklace around his neck.

It's not uncommon to see them together, but what shocks me is the boy next to them. He has shoulder length stark white hair and grayish blue eyes. He has a small pair of fangs and pale skin. A pair of cat ears peak out of his hair and a tail sways behind him.

Judging from his facial features, I'd say he's of Japanese decent, and he looks very young. He could be a teenager. He's wearing nothing but a small pair of tiny black shorts. If it weren't for the ears, I'd mistake him for an imp.

Looking at him makes me start to feel sick. I'm not sure how old he is, but he looks like a kid. Sure there's creatures that maintain their youthful appearance no matter how old they get. The creatures that look the youngest are imps, fae, and pixies.

The bad thing is that his attire means that he's probably a sex doll for one of them. Or worse... both. I don't know why they'd bring that thing in front of Hades anyways. He despises cats, and hates when there's 'dolls' in his manor that aren't his.

Next up is Alekzander. He has me to thank for being alive if I'm being honest. Hades was so pissed when I was born that he got back at Persephone by cheating on her with a fire demon prostitute in Hell. 9 months later Alekzander was born. You're welcome.

Alek is much shorter than the others and even me. He only stands at about 5'8 with extremely long, bone straight, blond hair that's tied back with a black and red leather string. His hair isn't corn blonde or golden, but more of a platinum color. His entire eye is black save for his irises that are red. A trait he got from his mother that is sure to creep out some people.

He's wearing a skin tight latex catsuit that shows off every part of his small body. The sleeves trail down to his hands before turning into a pair of fingerless gloves, and his long legs go down into a pair of clunky red platform boots that add a few inches to his height.

If I didn't know any better I'd think he was a servant since most of Hades' workers are forced to wear black catsuits as well. It's common for servants to wear more sexualized uniforms because men with power like to have something nice to look at. It almost shocks me that Alek is wearing that on purpose. I've come to expect it though. He is a demigod of sex and love after all.

His right hand man is seated next to him, rigid and observant as if he's just waiting for a fight. Usually Alek brings his head servant, Ariella, and he always said that it was because he had more important things for his right hand to do. If we're being honest, it's really because last time he brought his right hand, one of our brothers murdered him after the meeting. He's scared.

I've never met him before and I'm not sure what his name is, but I can feel the raw power reverberating off of him from here. I can tell that he'd Egyptian due to his appearance and the numerous tattoos littered over his body. His dark caramel skin is covered with black and gold tattoos. I don't recognize most of them, but I do see a scarab beetle and an ankh. His curly black hair is in a ponytail like Alek's, but his is much shorter.

I can tell that he's more laid back than Alek is at least when it comes to appearance. Alek has every little strand of hair in place whereas the Egyptian has a few loose pieces that hang by his face.

Although all of his features are extremely exotic, the one that stands out the most are his eyes. They're heavily ringed with eyeliner and solid gold. There's no pupil or iris. It just looks like a pool of liquid gold. All he's wearing is a loose pair of black harem pants and golden cuffs on his biceps, wrists and ankles. It seems like he's the tallest person in the room at about 6'6 or 6'7.

"Take a seat, my little one. We have much to discuss." My mother informs me.

She is beautiful, so it isn't hard to imagine that she gave birth to me. Her hair is a light ash brown tone adorned with different types of flowers tied together in a crown resting on her head. She's in a pure white leotard with a light green mesh cape coming off her shoulders. She's short and petite, around 5'5 tops. Her eyes are the same green shade as her cape, and her lips are rosy pink and always turned upwards in a smile.

My mother, goddess of the spring and flowers, queen of the underworld, is the only goddess that is half beauty and half death.

"Can we talk about how Adonis brought a human as his right hand. That puny little thing couldn't even fight Alek." Orthrus grumbles under his breath. Earning himself a nasty look from both Alek and his Egyptian.

"You boys sit and introduce yourselves so we can get started." Hades demands with sheer authority in his tone.

I obey and take a seat, gesturing for Dion to follow. Hades is terrifying. He's buff, with muscles bigger than anyone else I've seen. He's always dressed in all black, like he is now. He's wearing a black button up that is completely undone, and low rise leather pants that show off every bit of his torso.

Had it not been for their eyes, Cerberus and Orthrus would be his clones. Hades has red eyes and a wicked grin. His hair is pitch black and cut just below his shoulders.

It's shocking that he and Persephone get on so well, but they make each other happy when they're not being spiteful of each other.

"I'll go first." Orthrus sighs. "This is Cerberus, obviously. I'm Orthrus, and the little one is Lemuel. He doesn't talk unless I say he can."

"What is it?" I ask, looking the boy up and down. I've never seen a pet quite like him. "An imp?"

"A Neko. Part cat. Japanese creature." Orthrus answers as Lemuel looks around at everyone. "And it's He. Not it."

"Why is it here, Orthrus? Who said we were allowed to bring sex dolls to professional meetings?" Alek asks, crossing his arms over his chest as he gives Lemuel a disgusted glance. "And a dirty Japanese one at that."

"Coming from the one who brought an Egyptian. It's none of your business anyway. Get on with it." Cerberus snaps at him in response.

In a room full of powerful and opinionated people, it's hard to keep a conflict from arising. I always try to stay out of conflict, but I have a feeling it's going to be centered around Dion and I.

"Well I'm Alekzander and this is Dakarai. He's a witch thing. Egyptian obviously." Alekzander informs, nudging him.

Dakarai clears his throat and speaks with one of the deepest voices I've heard in my life. "Hello. It's nice to meet you all."

"Oh don't lie to them." Alekzander laughs. His voice is a stark contrast to Dakarai's. It's much higher and almost childish in a way.

Finally the introductions get around to me. I force a smile for everyone and take a deep breath before talking. "I'm Adonis, and this is Dion."

"The mortal." Cerberus adds, smirking at us. It seems as though nobody can rip their eyes away from Dion and I can tell it makes him uncomfortable. "Are you sure I can't play with him, Adonis? I won't break it! I promise."

"If you want a human so bad then go to their relm and get one yourself." I snap in response. My mother is quite fond of humans. As a matter of fact, she was only spotted by Hades because she loved being on earth. As do I.

"Why did yours smell so good? Do you let him touch you? He smelled like he'd been awfully close to you. Maybe even inside you." Cerberus mentions. I keep any reaction off of my face and Dion follows my lead.

"I have a knife that can be inside you if you keep spewing such absurd ideas. You truly are psychotic if you think I'd choose a mortal as my consort." I answer swiftly just as Hades gets fed up with the arguments.

"Adonis... you're always getting on my last nerve, but I'll let you keep your little pest. Orthrus, if you bring a pet into my palace ever again, he'll be searching for a new owner because you'll be dead. Capeesh?"

"Yes father." Orthrus answers, pulling Lemuel into his lap. Lemuel cuddles close to him and wraps his tail around his leg. He lets out a soft mewl and starts falling asleep with his head on Orthrus's chest.

Alek and I share a look of disgust before turning back to Persephone and Hades. "Mom? What did you guys call us here for? A ragtag group like them can't possibly be helpful."

Dion snickers earning a nudge and glare from me. Any sound or move he makes is truly like playing with fire. I can make fun of my brothers because that's just what siblings do. If Dion does it they'll take it as a personal insult.

"Hades and I have decided that each of you be lords of the underworld along with a few others who were too busy to show up today. Things had been running smoothly, but it's getting out of hand. The souls are ending up in the wrong places and we don't know who or what is causing it."

My eyes widen. I don't want to live here. Not where Dion is so vulnerable anywhere we go. I love humans and I want to stay up there.

"Menoetius would never let me stay here without him. Besides, how am I to keep Dion around in such a dangerous place?" I answer, looking over at his worried face. He hardly ever shows emotion so times like these make me fully aware of how scared he is.

"I too quite like where I reside. Dakarai and I must refuse your offer unless there's something in it for us." Alekzander agrees, giving me a look that says we'll both fight to stay on earth rather than here. He seems extremely fond of Egypt and I love Greece.

"I'm assuming I'll stay here, guarding the Gates?" Cerberus asks, making Hades nod in response.

"I'll agree only if I can stay at my palace in Asphodel. We have friends there, and I refuse to leave." Orthrus negotiates. His little pet is fast asleep in his lap, making me roll my eyes.

Of course those two would agree with daddy dearest. He made Orthrus and Cerberus with his own hands, so of course he'd only care about them and completely overlook us.

Especially me. I'm not even his kid, and everyone can clearly see it. No amount of being lumped into a group with the devil spawns would ever make Hades call me 'son'. Most of my brothers don't accept me as that either. I'm not one of them, and it's obvious.

"We know that you two aren't going to be easy to sway, but we have offers. Adonis, my sweet baby, you would be the Lord of Elysium. It is the most safe and angelic place for you and your sweet mortal. You'll enjoy it there. I assure you. As for you, Alekzander. You would help Charon guard the rivers. You would get a palace on each river, and would never be required to help him ferry souls. You're simply going to make sure that no souls escape and go to a place they aren't supposed to be."

I glance at Dion again who still looks wary, but Alekzander has no care in the world about us anymore. "Wait! I'd get a palace in Styx, Archeron, Lethe, Phlegethon, Cocytus, and Oceanus? Alright. Send us wherever as long as we can visit Egypt every once in a while."

I can see that Dakarai doesn't completely agree, but he stays silent as I sigh.

I wave my hand to make a sound barrier around us, and block the others from hearing us. "What do you think? I know you still don't quite understand everything here, but Elysium is a nice place. It's like the heaven that most humans talk about. Everyone lives in peace and all things good and pure reside there. It would be safe for you, but I'll only agree if you do. Would you be okay with living in a place like this?"

He smiles at me and nods. "I'd follow you anywhere, Adonis. I'd follow you to Tartarus if that's where they sent you. I don't have anyone else. I'd love to be with you especially in a heavenly place."

I nod again and hum, waving my hand again to get rid of the barrier. "And what of Menoetius? He seems to think he owns me."

Persephone gives me a sad look and walks over to run her fingers through my hair and kiss my cheek. "I'm sorry for not being there for you sweetheart. I didn't know about the things he was doing. The lives he took. Hades and I will take care of him and he won't be around to hurt you anymore. I promise."

I look around at the eyes staring at us and just shake my head. They always think that she babies me, which she does, but I don't want them to think I'm just some spoiled kid. Menoetius raised me, and although I do care for him with some part of me, I can't say that I won't be happy for him to be gone. Maybe they'll finally throw him in Tartarus with the rest of the titans who defied them in the war. If I'm being honest, he deserves to be there more than some of the other titans. "It's okay, mom. Don't get so worked up." I answer, pushing her hands away.

I look at Dion once more. He's a human. He will always be in danger here, but I know he's not happy on earth. Although it is quite peaceful there, I know I won't truly be fulfilled if I'm not with my people. I've always lived isolating myself from other gods because I thought they'd never accept me, but they do. Hades wants me to guard his land with his sons. Maybe that means he truly sees me as one of them. I take a deep breath before giving my last and final answer. "We'll do it too. Who is stuck with Tartarus and the Mourning Fields?"

Persephone returns to Hades' side and looks to him to give the answer. "Carlisle and Volkan." He reveals, earning a groan from everyone in the room including the queen herself. I know they're the only two sons left, but I'm not sure that they're fit to run anything.

"Only fitting for those cruel bastards. They may even hold a candle to you step daddy." I sneer, rolling my eyes at the thought of working with them. They're arguably the most vicious of all of us. Another thing is that they're identical twins, and used to have fun confusing people.

Hades glares at me as Cerberus and Orthrus laugh together. The first of the two decides to speak. "It'll be difficult separating them long enough to rule over two completely different sections of the underworld."

"The mourning fields and Tartarus are surprisingly low maintenance because hardly any souls go in or out of either. They wouldn't have much to do which is one of the reasons we chose them for the job. Another reason we brought you here was to let you know that Hades and I can't stand for your silly bickering any longer. You boys can exchange banter all you want, but do it amongst yourselves. I'm sick and tired of you boys coming to us for problems between you, and I'm tired of innocent lives being lost because of petty spats." Persephone explains, sighing in frustration. She's kindhearted and sweet, so it's not shocking that she feels that way.

"Volkan started it." Orthrus starts, rolling his eyes at Persephone once everyone looks over at him. "He killed my favorite servant! I couldn't just let him get away with it!"

"So you murdered half of his servants in retaliation? They're only doing that they're forced to, Orthrus. If you have a problem with your brother then you talk to him!" Her temper doesn't rise often, but when it does, she can get just as angry and terrifying as Hades himself. Her yells actually managed to shut every one of us up long enough for Hades to say his piece.

"Persephone and I are going to retrieve Volkan and Carlisle ourselves since they can't seem to show up on their own accord. Don't kill each other, but wait here until we get back. The servants will fetch you anything you may need." He informs us, standing from his throne-like chair and taking Persephone's hand to help her out of hers. With the snap of his fingers, He vanishes, leaving me alone with them. As if my day couldn't get any worse.