Chapter 12

I sat on my throne, my fingers drumming lightly against the polished obsidian armrest. The stygian black armor I wore had been forged by my Cyclopes in preperation for the war, the armor was actually the complete set for the Helm of Darkness. They dubbed it the Lich King Armor and I really did like the slim form fitted look it had.

The Cyclopes themselves stood near the entrance to the throne room, each clad in armor of similar design. Brontes, Steropes, and Arges each held massive hammers, their armors were simpler than mine, but no less intimidating. Even Briareus and Cottereus, the Hekatonkheires, had this berserk type armor that remolded itself when they transformed into their hundred handed forms.

Abel knelt nearby, absentmindedly petting a Hellhound he'd bonded with over the years. The massive beast sat obediently beside him, its armor fashioned to protect its vulnerable points while still allowing it to fight freely. Abel wore light armor—practical for a rider—with a xiphos strapped to his waist. Despite his casual demeanor, I saw the focus in his eyes.

Abel changed alot through the years, I had taken to bless Abel and granted him some control over the shadows, a gift that he took to mastering quite fast. He had gotten these red tribal tattoos with several runes that he said would inhance his body and abilities. I taught the young boy to fight and I was amazed with how well he took to weilding his new powers over the shadow.

Cain, on the other hand, looked really nervous. The first killer, when he had first arrived he had tried to apologize to his brother, and still after 100 years Abel refuses to forgive his brother. He wore only the armored pants leaving his chest and arms exposed showing several blue tattooes that covered his body similar to his brothers. The mark of cain branded on his forehead. I had also belessed Cain and granted him the gift over the dead, making him the first Necromancer.

Even the Grimm Reapers were present. They stood in solemn silence, their new weapons gleaming. Each bore armor, but theirs was sleeker and had a skeletal design to them, designed for speed and precision. Thanatos carried a scythe, Keres had two curved daggers, and Moros the man who dressed like a mummy he had a nine-ring broadsword.

The doors creaked open, and Nyx entered, followed closely behind by Erebus. Due to the ancient laws they were not allowed to join the battle as Primordials. So I had asked them to watch over my castle while everyone was gone.

I stood, drawing everyone's attention. 

"We stand on the edge of war," I began, my voice steady. "A war against the Titans, against my father, Kronos. This will not be easy. Many of you will face challenges you've never encountered before. Some of you may not return."

The room was silent, save for the crackling of distant flames.

"But," I continued, letting my voice rise, "know this. I am proud of each and every one of you. You are not just my allies—you are my family. And I could not ask for a greater one. Together, we will endure. Together, we will triumph."

There were nods, murmurs of agreement. I could see resolve forming in their expressions.

"Prepare yourselves," I said. "We move now."

The throne room dissolved into shadows, replaced by the rocky cliffs of Mount Ida. As the darkness faded, I saw Zeus standing before a small gathering of our allies, delivering one of his grandiose speeches.

The scene was almost laughable. The army he'd managed to cobble together was pitifully small—nymphs, satyrs, a couple of Titans who'd refused to side with Kronos. There were barely fifty soldiers gathered.

I stood at the edge of the crowd, watching with a mix of frustration and bemusement. Zeus's voice boomed, his words filled with the arrogance only he could muster.

From the distance, I saw them—a group of over a hundred mortals, armed and armored, marching toward us. The leader of the group stepped forward, his expression resolute.

"We've come to speak with your leader," the man said.

Zeus puffed out his chest, stepping forward. "You're looking at him. I am Zeus, the future King of the Gods."

The mortal leader's face twisted in distaste. "We're here to speak to the real leader. The one who deserves that title."

Zeus's face turned red with fury. "How dare a mortal tell me I am not worthy! I should kill all of you here and now and wipe you and your families off this damn planet!"

The mortal snorted, his confidence unwavering. "We are not afraid of an idiotic god like you. You are nothing compared to our savior and true god—Hades."

Zeus's face twisted in rage. He raised his Master Bolt, the crackling energy illuminating the area. But before he could act, I stepped in front of him, my own power flaring to life.

"That's enough," I said, my tone brooking no argument. Zeus faltered, lowering his weapon reluctantly.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice calm.

The leader bowed deeply. "My name is, Theon, we are the Aidonians, my lord. An army created by your followers to always serve you when you go to war. Our lives are yours to command, my Lord."

"What generation are you?"

"We are a mix, my lord," the leader said. "From the third to the fifth generation. All men between the ages of 16 to 100 are here. A grand total off 218, Sir."

"And the women and children?"

"They are back at home safe. Guards were left to protect them and also protect your scriptures."

I studied them for a moment. "This war will not be easy," I said. "We fight against Titans. It will be long, and it will be brutal."

"We understand," the leader said. "But we are ready to fight for you."

I nodded slowly. "Very well. I will grant you half-immortality. When you die, you shall be reborn as demons and serve me in the Underworld."

"By your will, Lord Hades! Glory to the God of the Underworld!"

Zeus stalked over to me, his fury barely contained. "You can't just—"

I cut him off with a glare. "Enough, Zeus. This army is mine to command. And as the eldest I shall take charge and lead us through this war."

"I am perfectly capable to lead us, brother." Zeus argued.

"Capable? Please. Your brain is as small as your patience, Zeus. All thunder, no thought. If you could think before you struck, I wouldn't have needed to overrule you at every turn." I turned to the assembled gods. "I will be taking over from this moment on, Poseidon will serve as my right hand. If anyone has objections, speak now."

None did. Even Zeus, seething though he was, remained silent.

I raised a slab of earth, summoning a map and spreading it across the surface. "We'll set up base at Mount Olympus. The Titans are at Mount Othrys, and the battle will likely begin there."

Someone raised a hand. "How long will it take to set up base?"

"It's already built," I said. "Brontes and his brothers prepared it years ago. We just need to move in."

The questions continued, and I answered each one, ensuring everyone understood the plan. Finally, I looked around the gathering.

"Move out," I commanded.