21. Hades

" D o you really think any of your family will come to your aid?" Pyro asks.

I sigh, it was a long shot, but I wouldn't know if I didn't ask. We are heading up the stairs that will take us to my brother Zeus's domain. If Pyro is struggling to keep up, there are no signs of it. His breathing is easy and his heart rate isn't elevated.

"Hard to say, as I am the outcast, but I believe that Ares is more hated than I am shunned. I can guarantee that he has called on his twin sister to aid him. If she answered, she will have some wicked Demis in tow,'' I reply.

"‘Demis?'"

"Demi-gods, like Harper's men."

"And what kind are they?" he asks.

"Not ones we really want to tangle with," I say flatly.

"How so?"

""Phobos and Deimos are not just sons of Ares, but one is the personification of fear while the other is of terror. They love to play mind games. Enyo is the goddess of war and Ares's twin sister. She isn't as well known, as Ares is a spotlight hog. Those four by themselves will be a lot to handle. Can you and your brothers block mental attacks? I need to remember to ask Harper about her and her crew. I think if any of them can, it is Phoenix," I tell Pyro.

"Why do you think that? And where are we heading? This is no longer the mortal realm."

"Ares is not only a sadistic army general but he does the same to all his children. He trains them and beats them until they are perfect. Did you notice that Phoenix was rubbing his arm at the mention of his father? My guess is that he has a scar given to him by Ares under his sleeves. He didn't want to dwell on them by looking at them, so he covered them up. And for your second question, Olympus. It is usually littered with gods and goddesses. The ones that don't scurry away from me will be the ones we ask if they will aid us," I reply, with a grim smile on my lips.

"They run from you? That is ridiculous." Pyro huffs.

"We each have a part to play and I'm usually cast as the villain." I shrug. "After all this time, there is no reason to fight it. Most that know the real me are aware that I'm really a softie with a temper." I smirk,

"You keep talking about this temper but I have yet to see it. Does your hair explode into fire? What makes you so scary?"

I let out a laugh, "I think it's my scythe really. I may tend to make it appear and swing it around a little."

"You did handle it well when I saw you wielding it."

Did Zeus add more stairs, just to torture me? Normally, I just pop in, but I've noticed Pyro's face when I do that and he is a little green. I can't take him to Olympus to find allies just for him to upchuck on them.

"Let me guess, your brother designed this staircase." Pyro remarks.

"Yes, did all the little statues and portraits tip you off?" I ask, another smile tipping my lips.

"Did he really have to include the naked ones? It is a staircase from the Underworld to Olympus, how many people use it and does he really think his sister wants to see his tiny pecker on each landing?"

"Not many people use this, probably Seph and Lainie mostly. Trust me, Lainie has that same complaint. I told her to break them all off, made no difference to me. She did that and they were back the next time she used the stairs. Let's just say, I don't ask her to get much from Olympus anymore. It's less of a headache for me to do it myself," I say.

"How did Lainie come to be your servant?"

"She was a lost soul that was hard for me to place, she deserved more than the fields but she wasn't a soldier. She was a teacher that gave her life to slay a dragon while protecting her children. She earned her place with the men but not even I could grant her that. So, as a loophole, I took her in and the rest is history."

"So, she is selfless. How has she put up with you for so long?" he jokes.

Well, I know it's a joke, because when I glance back at him there is a smile on his lips.

"Truth be told, I have no idea. It was a huge adjustment in the beginning for us both. There was a time that she resented me, but I told her that she was welcome to leave and join the souls in the meadow. I gave her a few days to think it over and she sat near barriers watching them mill around. That's all she needed to realize that being my helper was the lesser evil. "

This time I was the one smiling.

"Is that why you have a soft spot for her?" he asks.

"What? Me? Soft? I am Hades. I. AM. NOT. SOFT."

"If you say so my queen." He winks as I turn to face him.

"You are just trying to push my buttons aren't you?"

He smirks, "Maybe."

Just as I go to reply, the one voice I don't want to hear in Olympus calls my name.

"Hades, fancy meeting you here."

It's Hermes. Was I really this big of an idiot to think that he wouldn't be here?

I nod, but push past him. Nope, he is an asshole, as are most gods. They believe that us women are the weaker ones, but we aren't the ones with our brains under our belts.

"Harper sends her regards." I mutter as I glance back at him, running a finger down my face to mimic the scar that marks his.

His smile fades and his features darken. "What are you doing here?"

Hermes's question is gruff, my little Harper remark hit him right where I wanted it to.

"Last time I checked, you don't run this place."

Pyro is standing right next to me, so I take his hand and we are headed to find someone who might take my side in this war. And fast, if Hermes is here, no doubt he will run to Ares and tattle.

"Fuck, that douche is likely to run off and blab to Ares we are here. How is he everywhere so fast?" Pyro complains.

"Messenger of the Gods. That's his perk." I shrug. There isn't a reason to be upset but the stakes are higher with the two of us here .

There are a few gods milling around, but none of which are fighters.

"Where is everyone hiding? Normally, this place is hopping and is wall-to-wall with people," I complain, "Or at least the few times I've visited."

"So much for a quick trip. This place is massive. We could cover more ground if we split up," Pyro offers.

"Yeah, with Aphrodite here somewhere. I'm not letting you out of my sight," I tell him.

"Aww, you scared she's gonna try and steal me?" he jokes.

"Have you met her? It's kinda her thing." I shrug.

He pulls me to him and nuzzles in my neck before whispering in my ear, "You're the only one for me."

"I better be," I jest.

I hate to pull away from him, but we have to get back to our mission.

"Come on, let's get this over with. We both need some rest in case Ares does wait till dawn," I remind Pyro.

"You're no fun," he smirks.

"Focus, there will be plenty of time for that after our victory."

We make our way down a white-marble hall until we come to a door. This one is pink with hearts all over it. Are there cherubs singing?

"You said she was here. With Ares married to one of her lineage, she may be on our side."

"She isn't much of a fighter but she can turn more than a few heads," I agree.

I raise my hand to knock when the door opens of its own accord.

A musical voice sing-songs "Come in. "

I swallow down the bile and take a few steps into a puke-pink room.

"Oh hello, Hades," she smirks than tries to look around me. "And who is that with you?"

I swear she licks her lips as she asks.

"My mate, Pyro." I say, returning a smile at her. "We are here…"

She raises a hand as if to quiet me. "Yes, yes. Ares, war, blood, mess. I know about it. Do you really think that I will help you? Ares loves me and that would be a betrayal if I sided with you."

Pyro steps up beside me. "Even after he married a mortal in your bloodline?"

"For someone in the know, how is that you didn't know that?" I ask.

"He did what now?" Her face is now a flaming-red color at this point.

"Yes, he's topside living with a mortal, happy as can be," I remark.

"When do we leave?" is all she asks.

"Pyro can escort you to the Underworld now. I have only one rule," I tell her.

"I'm listening," she says, a bored expression on her face.

"No love magic on my men or Harper's. Seph is with Lainie, so he's off limits as well. Better yet, you have any lovesick demi-gods to bring with you?"

"That can be arranged. Also, Athena will join us. I'm not a hundred percent sure what Ares did to her, but I heard her plotting revenge," Aphrodite states.

Pyro and I exchange a glance when she snaps her fingers and three shirtless men appear.

"I'm ready," she tells Pyro.

"Boys, come," she orders.

Aphrodite hooks her arm with Pyro's and leads him out of the door. The men follow as if they are lost little puppies, no second thoughts in their heads.

Well, that was easier than I thought it would be and if Athena is willing to fight, Ares is so screwed. But before I pat myself on the back, I need to verify that Aphrodite is telling the truth. If I were Athena where would I be?

Training grounds are the first place I decide to look, it is the opposite way of where I found Aphrodite. I leave the pink room, closing the door behind me and head back the way I came. The last thing I wanted to do was send Pyro off with the Goddess of Love but we are on a mission to find allies and what better way for me to test her loyalties than to tempt her with a gorgeous man?

I pray that I don't run into any of the gods that I have wronged or will always side with Ares as I make my way to where the sounds of swords clanging grow louder. Just before I get to the doors that house the training behind them, Nyx and her daughter motion for me to come over.

"We two know of your plight with Ares. We want in. He has stolen some of our hellhounds and he will rue the day he crossed us," Nyx promises. The stars in her eyes glitter as if they are agreeing.

"He really is a dumb bitch isn't he?" I ask.

Hemera smirks and agrees with me. "That he is. What is the plan?"

"Do you two know how to get to the Underworld from here?" I ask.

They nod yes.

"My mates are at my palace along with Aphrodite and my niece Harper. They can fill you in once you arrive. I have to chat with Athena and then I will join you."

Without another word, they are off. Nyx's black gown sparks as she walks away and in contrast to her mother, Hemera's orange dress seems as if it's on fire. A trail of hellhounds meet up with them halfway, following with their bushy, black tails wagging.

I wait until they are out of sight before pulling on the wooden doors in front of me.

Slipping in with the shadows, I watch in amazement as Athena bests any of the challengers before her.

"Would you like a try, Auntie?" She smiles as her eyes lock on mine.

"Do I have ‘idiot' stamped on my forehead?" I ask as I pretend to wipe the word away.

This gets a laugh from her.

"So, a little birdie told me that you will fight with me, when the time comes. Is this true?"

"Aye, Ares is a fool if he thinks that any of us will allow him to rule. He is bloodthirsty and once he gets the throne, the bloodshed will never end. I can't have this happen. So I will fight on your side to prevent this. Not even my father wants him to take it from you," she admits.

"Well, I'm personally grateful to have you on my side. Now I'll have not only powerful goddesses on my side but my horsemen, maybe Ares will get the message not to fuck with me again."

"Don't be too sure, he is kinda thick," she laughs as she replaces the rapier into its holder.

"You're not wrong. I already kicked his ass once and he's coming back for more, in my domain no less. He really is an idiot. Are you ready to head out now? I need to get back and ensure Aphrodite isn't using her love magic on any of the men."

"No, you go ahead and I'll be along shortly. I have a few others that may join in, but I want to check with them first," she tells me.

"Well, you know the way to the Underworld, people are always dying to get in," I joke and give her a wink.

"Oh, gods, no more cheesy jokes or I'll take your throne," she threatens with a smile.