First Winter Solstice (1)

4 months had passed since the completion of his throne room and Hades been spending his time exploring the limits of his own powers. He discovered that he was capable of becoming shadows as a result of taking on Erebus' divine authority, which made him question whether he was part Primordial and if taking Tartarus would make him more Primordial than Olympian.

He also discovered that he and the Underworld were very intimately linked, to the point where he could summon the Underworld within Tartarus and trap monsters into his own domain. Whether that would work on the surface was yet to be determined, but that would probably land him in a lot of trouble with Zeus.

His powers over death were far stronger as well, thanks to Thanatos' divine authority. With a simple thought he could make monsters die instantly. This ability would probably be stronger if an aspect of himself wasn't constantly roaming the Olympians' territory and reaping souls. Ot wasnt even that much land right now compared to the rest of the Earth, and it would only grow with time. Especially when the Romans came along.

He also moved the Doors of Death to be on his person at all times. How that was possible, he didn't know ('How the hell does a teleporting magical elevator even stay in my hand!?'), but what he did know was that this would prevent Gaea from chaining them down and keeping them open, because Chaos help him if he has to deal with that problem.

With a simple thought, Hades discovered he could control the landscape of the Underworld. He raised colossal walls and mountains surrounding all three sections that souls inhabited (Fields of Asphodel, Fields of Punishment, Elysium). He took monsters from Tartarus and had them placed all over the mountains with the Furies to keep them in check.

Hades knew that Zeus had gotten wind of this by now and would probably question him on his actions when he went up to Olympus, but he couldn't care less. Zeus wouldn't be able to do anything because all his actions were to everyone's benefit. Sure, he'd be angry and grumble a lot, but that was all useless.

Finally, the time came where one of Zeus' subordinate air spirits came to the Underworld to call him up to Olympus for the Winter Solstice council. He presented a letter from his kingly brother inviting to Olympus. From the general wording of that letter, he could understand that Hades was being ordered to come, and that he couldn't skip this meeting like he had others.

Nodding to the messenger, he teleports to the surface, right at the base of Mount Olympus. He could teleport straight onto Olympus but it would be considered rude to teleport directly into the palace, especially for him, what with his necromancy and phobikinesis. Unless they had permission from Zeus, no one teleported in or out of the palace and its surrounding territory.

Making his way up, he saw other spirits and immortals making their way to Olympus, for the festivities. It was the darkest day of the year and the day where the Gods' power was at its lowest, so they all came together on Olympus for feasting and enjoyment, finding strength in numbers. It was also a useful way for Zeus to keep track on what was going on in his kingdom and what those he ruled over were thinking. He was king after all, no matter how the Gods felt, or how many kings the humans would have. Ultimately, they came under Zeus' rule.

Near the top, he came across Hecate standing alone and gazing out into the distance, watching the clouds and the sky above. Hades decided to quietly make his way towards her, feeling that he may be able to interact well with her.

"Hello Hecate," he said.

Turning around, her eyes widened in surprise seeing Hades' smiling face.

"Greetings, Lord Hades. To what do I owe the pleasure?" she warily asked.

"Oh, nothing much. Just felt that we might be able to relate, so I just wanted to talk." That seemed to throw her off, if her surprised look was anything to go by, but she hid it well almost instantly.

"I don't think I understand what exactly you mean by that?" she asked, suspicion become more apparent in her tone of voice as her feet shifted. "Could you be a bit clearer?"

"Are we both not feared for our powers? For what we can do? For what we have control over?" Hades said, noticing the contemplative expression on her face. "How is it fair for them to judge us as they do? To ostracize us as they have?"

"Hmm, you speak true, Lord Hades. We did not have control over what are divine authorities would be for, yet they all shun us in fear," she said. "But I have grown used to such treatment, and I had thought you had too. So what brought this on?"

"Umm," he began. "I heard your powers were greater in dark environments, which is why you tend to inhabit caves."

"Yes, that is true. I can't see how this relates though," she replied.

"So why not reside in the Underworld?" he asked.

'I hope I didn't mess this up. I hope I didn't mess this up. I hope I didn't mess this up.'

He could see the surrounding spirits and satyrs' ears perk up at that. They would probably be talking about this amongst themselves, but Hades didn't bother himself about that at all.

"Hmm? The Underworld?" she asked.

"Yes. Why not live in the Underworld? Would it not be better there away from judging gazes and prying eyes? If you're worried about interference, I guarantee you'll have the freedom to practice your magic better and more openly down there," he said.

In the distance, Hades could hear his mother's voice calling out to him. Judging by the fact that the voice was getting louder, she was probably coming towards him.

"Sorry, but it appears I must leave you now. Do think on what I have said. The offer is still on the table." And with that Hades turned and walked away, leaving a stunned Hecate behind. He figured that it was the first time anyone had extended such a gesture towards her before.

In front of him, Hades could make out an excited Rhea making her way through the crowd of spirits, an eager gleam in her eyes. When she finally spotted him, her face lit up and she came running to him.

"Hello moth-"

Before he could get a word in, Rhea had already run up and glomped him. She was so overcome with joy from seeing Hades that she was beginning to squeeze the air out of his lungs. All he could see was her glossy black hair that cascaded past her shoulders.

"Oh Hades you came you came you came you came!!!" She squealed into his chest.

"Cant...breathe...please...stop," he let out, unable to speak properly from all the squeezing. It appeared his mother realized and softened her grip on his chest.

"Sorry, Hades. It's just that, well, umm, after you took the Underworld you, umm, didn't come out at all if you weren't ordered too. I never get to see you."

Looking down, he could see her sadness, her face on the verge of tears as her forest green eyes began to become wetter.

'Stupid Hades being a stupid edge lord letting his own mother become this way. How dare you! If only I could meet that Hades and punch the piece of crap in the face!'

"I'm sorry, mother," he soothed, gently rubbed his hand her back as they hugged. "I haven't done right by you, I know that now. I've been a terrible son to you and I hate that I behaved in such a way. I hope you could find it in your heart to forgive me."

Her grip became tighter at that as a warm smile appeared on her face.

"No, it's okay. I understand why you did it," Hades felt like an arrow had pierced his heart. He couldn't handle such kindness. "Just promise you'll visit me more often."

"I promise, mother," he said. "By the River Styx I swear to visit you more often and spend more time with you."

Thunder could be heard rumbling in the sky with his oath.

"Hihi, I guess you finally decided to lighten up."

Hades spun around to find the source of the voice only to find a giggling Hestia. "Follow me, brother. The others are waiting for you."

She extended her hand towards him and gave him a loving smile. He looked back towards Rhea and found her with a look of resignation on her face.

"Go, my son. The others are waiting." A cheeky smile appeared on her expression. "We'll have to continue this later."

Hestia took hold of his hand and slipped towards the peak, dragging Hades behind him. He couldn't help but get a bad feeling about everything.

'What exactly does Rhea want to do after this? And why does it make me feel so suspicious?'