In a realm unknown to many, in the center of a sun, there was a field of grass, wide, plain and vast as far as the eye can see; there was almost no wind, no sound and no chaos. There were only two unusual things inside the sea of green; the first was dead center, a small tree of one scaly, irregular bark of light grey color and deep green leaves. Near it's base was a bush with yellow flowers that resembled a trumpet and housed a single little chameleon that changed colors every now an then, but none that resembled the ones near him, instead he chose to become very visible.

The small tree overlooked a shallow pond with crystal clear water, still as ice, without a single fish inside. Instead, small cords were visible, dancing and changing as if they were a sea in a storm.

The second unusual thing was a walking lone figure that looked every now and then to the pond, a medium sized bald man, with deep dark skin and a perfect physique, clearly visible by his naked chest , as if chiseled to perfection by golden shining lines that adorned his body in complex patterns. the beauty of his face was otherworldly, adorned with the sorrow of someone that had learned to be wise.

His name was Olodumare, the ruler of the heavens and supreme creator of the Yoruba. And he was pondering. That was what he did, his duty as king; think, reflect, and consider all choices. Rule from afar, teach with humility.

And today, for the third time in his existence, he didn't know what to do, he was wise because he learned from mistakes, both his and those of others, and now, again he had found something that troubled him. A feeling of dread had settled slowly inside of him and refused to leave, at first he had ignored it and watched his people care for his realm, now it was the only thing in his mind.

For a god that claimed ultimate wisdom, that was troubling.

His small walk took him, just like the last thousand times, to the edge of the pond, were the lines were dancing and swirling until they all met at one point at the edge of the water, always in the opposite side of the place where Olodumare was standing, giving him the impression that the fates were mocking him.

The cords were small, of various colors and long ago, he had name then Ashe, they were the life-force that runs through all things, living and inanimate. In a way, they represented the power to make things happen.

He had watched those lines religiously, rarely venturing outside his realm, observing and learning everything he could from them. Olodumare had seen every choice, and every fate and learned. But now.

They ended.

And he doesn't know why.

Another problem he noticed, was that some of those cords, were outside his realm. He always knew there where others, in fact, his people had sometimes contacted new beings in the world he ruled. Foreign and strange souls, often from realms alien to him. But he always thought that he could see all the Ashe, all the choices, all the fates; now however, he was beginning to realize that maybe, there was… more.

And that scared him.

coming to a stop, Olodumare sat and rested his back in the tree, watching how the cords moved in the pond with eyes that shined like gentle suns, when suddenly, slowly, the chameleon appeared in the corner of his vision in shades of purple, rose, and blue.

They stood there motionless for a long time, and Olodumare reflected in silence.

…

…

…

Think.

…

…

…

what does this mean.

…

…

…

And then the chameleon shoot out his tongue inside his nose and screamed.''What. tha shit. be wrong wit' yo'. Yo' scrawny ass fool. git da hell away from me.''

With a Yelp, The most powerful king of Yoruba jumped, failed to suppress a shiver and shaked his head and hands to try and stop the feeling of cerebral violation. Sending the Chameleon a glare he began speaking with a voice that would break a heaven.

''Stop. Doing That. You useless multi-colored stain, or I will forced feed you to a vulture for eternity. I planted that tree, I made this place, I can sit wherever I want''

''Yo, dis here, is muh motha fuckin tree, take a walk an'make another if you want, maybe dat way you will stop standing there an' somethin` will fly inside dis here motha fuckin cage…is it ta much ta ask ta put a couple o' insects in here?…hm?''

''I have told yo a thousand times, I will not disturb MY realm and put one of those flies or those disgusting…ahm…whatever they are in here. The last time I did that they started flying all over the place and the noise was deafening.''

''Yo dey is called criquets an' dey is uh delicacy, but excuse me mister we's don' gots ta eat cuz we's is all-powerful, ah don' expect you ta appreciate da finer things in inmortal life. An' why da hell is you brooding so much dis here time?, did those idiots asked for powers again?…Yo, you gots ta man up, an' tell dem ta go fuq themselves! Ya' know what I'm sayin?''

Walking in circles, The ruler of the skies considered his words before he said something he would regret, after a few seconds the trepidation in his voice was clear ''Something is wrong, The fates are changing.''

Obviously unconcerned the chameleon replied''so what?, da fates is always changing, it's what dey do.''

''Not like this, there is, for the first time, a single end followed by a single beginning in the future, and I cannot see why…in fact, I cannot see anything beyond that end. The Yoruba have always tried to influence the Ashe through our realm in an effort to mold the world into a proper image of order and peace.'' Glancing again at he pond, he realized the cords had moved once more as if to be as far away from him as possible, with a sigh he continued '' It's as if every cord of the Ashe split into a thousand different paths and then…wait, look there, do you see--''

Pointing with one hand at the pond Olodumare looked at the chameleon for confirmation and then back at the pond'' look, there…do you see that, the cords disappeared from our realm, it's as if fates outside our pantheon are also going in one direction, but that's wrong.''

moving one eye lazily, the Chameleon looked at the pond and then at the god near him one at a time, followed by a good lick of the eyeball to see better ''an' dat be a problem cuz?…you know, we's really need ta get you a girl dat's into ropes, you spent waaaay ta much time looking at dis here cords an' stuff and thinking who knows what.''

Not for the first time, Olodumare tried to remember why he allowed the infernal thing here…one day, the people in his realm wanted to get powers, and of course, everyone wanted the juicy ones, after all, who wants to be the god of rice. Lost and without knowing what was the right choice for the first time in his life he asked the chameleon for his opinion out of courtesy, and was pleasantly surprised to hear that it was a very good opinion.

Five days later, ramdom power and duties fell all around the village were his people lived, some were faster in getting them, others were luckier, but at the end of the day, everyone got something and no one could accuse him of favoritism. Some became gods of war, others goddesses of the moon and so on and so forth.

After that he had always carried around the entitled little stain for his often colorful opinion and inadvertently, transformed it into a minor deity.

Of course, after the first couple of centuries, he also wanted to strangle and cook the thing, but not even a direct hit from a sun managed to tickle the annoying little pest.

''It's a problem because with so many fates coming to one single end that will create one single beginning. I can't see what cords of the Ashe caused this or why. worse than this, I can't see what cords will be born after the end. I am, for the first time in my existence…Blind.'' sitting down, he noticed the unusually slow Chameleon had somehow managed to reach his shoulder without him noticing.

''Perhaps now you will learn ta see then. All endings are sad muh friend, especially cuz we's can't control dem, not really…but da beginnings is always fine.''

…

…

…

Lifting one hand to pet the annoying little lizard, he couldn't help but give voice to the trouble inside him''I…am alarmed my friend, of whatever is coming, of losing everything after an end''

finally changing colors to a gentle green, the chameleon replied gently, with the tone someone use to calm a scared child in a storm ''ah know Oli…freedom iz always alarming. But we's will be together in da end an in that new beginning as well. I promise that.''

That managed to lift the spirit of the king, he would never say it, but it did.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

In a vastly populated realm, far in a sky, hidden amidst a sea of clouds and shimmering light with prancing long dragons, stood the the Forbidden City of the heavens. A massive rectangle, it was a wonder how a structure with such incredible scale could be hidden in a sky.

Surrounded by a moat, then on three sides by imperial gardens and finally a massive reddish wall with four immense yellow roofed towers in each corner, it was an arquitectural marvel whose exact details were lost, some said it had more than a 1000 buildings and 10000 rooms inside, others claimed there was a small sea and gigantic halls or palaces of cultivation and tranquility.

What was known was that it had four main gates, each decorated with a nine-by-nine array of golden door nails, and that the insides were separated in two, the outer court, and the inner court.

All this expanse was home to a multitude of servants, Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts, Barons, Viceroys, princes, princesses, concubines, spies, assassins, ministers, chancellors, commanders, lieutenants, generals, corporals, commoners, merchants, artisans, slaves and more.

All ruled by one emperor, the jade emperor.

Sitting in the golden throne, a tall man with deep dark eyes that showed a mountain of expectations hefted onto his shoulders, he hid his face behind beads tied to a hat and dressed in an expensive looking ornate robe, all to look as imposing as he possibly could.

For he is Qin Shihuang, Jade emperor, Heavenly Grandfather, primordial emanation of the Tao, lord of Devas, first of the three pure ones.

And today, once again.

the jade Emperor was pissed.

''Disgraceful… I have divine right to rule and enforce my will in this realm and the world, I have the loyalty and adoration of an army of gods, demons and dragons and yet--.'' Looking at the crowd, the emperor frowned heavily before glaring cruelly at his general before continuing ''How is it that this…monkey…still dares to try and make a fool out of my throne.''

Kneeling near the throne was one of the heavenly generals, Mao Sung, a monster of a man, dressed in full plate armor, currently pressing his forehead on the ground and pleading in front of the entire court for his life.

''This humble one ask for permission to speak to the exalted jade emperor.''

Ignoring him, the emperor waved both hands in frustration and slammed them in the armchairs screaming ''Was 500 years buried under a mountain and eating molten copper not enough punishment.'' Glancing to his side, he motioned to his minister herald, a shining polished man made of pure metal with a stern face and uncompromising gaze, Taibai Jinxing and continued ranting ''You, my golden star of the north, you know him better than most, once your advice was for me to grant a court rank to that, that…fool, and it ended with the loss of every peach in my garden!.'' Then he pointed to another member of the court, an old man with long hair and a pointy white beard that sat in the lotus position, and followed his tirade ''And you, Lao Tzu , the thrice dammed Sun wu Kong once stole your entire supply of heaven pills and you created one of the few artifacts in the realm capable of holding him!.''

''Now he disregards the commands of heaven yet again and threatens the Tao. And yet, even my marshal and his army is not enough to bring him here'' Looking around he noticed the entire court was doing everything they could to avoid his gaze, kowtowing and trying to hide behind bigger people, so the emperor stood from his throne and screamed to the top of his long ''Can anyone in this realm answer the question of your emperor! Where. is. Sun. wu. Kong!?''

After a long silence, the minister of ceremonies Qiao Zhou, a tall man with a golden fan and one of those voices that were a whispers and yet could be heard for miles, steeped forward and addressed the emperor ''This humble minister wishes to voice his opinion. From the past to the present, the monkey god has always been a chaotic influence on this court, wouldn't it be best to let him leave our borders in the hopes that he finds a place that calms his raging heart, a place for him to call home outside the boundaries of civilization.''

Taibai Jinxing continued after some silence ''This humble minister wishes to voice his opinion. The Tao has been in disarray for only a short time, but it is already causing chaos, and in the same way a small butterfly can create a wind, the actions of an unrestrained god can create a true cataclysmic. It is for this reason that I believe--'' glancing slowly and coldly at the kowtowing marshal he added ''that better war gods should be sent to capture and control such a barbarian behavior.''

With his forehead still in the ground, Mao Sung continued pleading ''This humble one ask for permission to speak to the exalted one.''

the emperor ignored him yet again and addressed his ministers ''The Tao is the natural order of the universe, it is the essence behind the natural world that keeps the worlds balanced and ordered, and for some reason which im sure that is the fault of the accursed monkey, the Tao is in disarray. All the paths connect into one single future, and worse than that, the Marshal of Heavenly Blessing has brought reports that new and mysterious creatures are roaming the world, some of them which apparently, claim to be gods themselves.''

Taibai jinxing once more spoke after the emperor ''This humble minister wishes to voice his opinion. It is not uncommon for demons and low beings to call themselves gods or emperors, I believe that we should ask the marshal to send an exploration army into some of this…new realms, to seek answers and information that perhaps it's unknown to this court and find the reason the Tao feels unbalanced.''

Seconds became minutes which became hours of debate and proclamations in the imperial court, most of the time revolving an irate emperor asking questions and a horde of minister and advisors trying to come up with answers even if they didn't knew anything, just so they could sound smart to the general audience. When at last everyone had enough the Jade Emperor looked down for the first time at his marshal and wondered how did a god so incredibly useless managed to become a general.

''Mao Sung, your actions have caused an inexcusable loss of face for the army and the clans of which you are a part of.'' of course, he couldn't outright blame the dragon clans of the four seas for the failure, but he could heavily imply it, after all, it was better for them to take the blow to their honor than to risk any loss of face for the imperial clan '' you once claimed you had abilities as a leader and master strategist, and yet, even after the Grand commandant Zhuge Liang repeatedly told you that you should not chase the armies under Sun Wu Kong into his mountain, you sent my punitive force into an embarrasing defeat.''

For one last time Mao Sung pleaded ''This humble one ask for permission to speak to the exalted one.''

''I shall grant it.''

''This humble general first followed the commands of the honorable Grand commandant to the letter, but even after a net was spread in the heavens, the resistance of the enemy was as strenuous and obstinate as the last time the monkey god fought against heaven, which is why this one had to make the decision to push into the mountain and force the enemy to leave their defensive positions.''

The moment the general finished speaking, a voice rings from the corner of the audience ''Giving the enemy the opportunity to surround you and separate you from your supplies, which is why this one ordered you not to attack in such a manner.'' . Sitting alone, writing in a large scroll with delicate movements sat a man with white robes and a ying yang symbol in his back; he was Zhuge Liang, Grand commandant and the sleeping dragon, tall, slim with a delicate yet sharp face and calculating eyes that were ever calm.

Looking at the general, Zhuge Liang continued ''The Monkey god Sun Wu Kong is a mighty warrior and a scholar with knowledge of warfare, medicine, astrology, magic and more…He is far more mighty than a mere dragon from a sea court. The reason why I ordered you to remain at a distance is because reinforcements were being amassed in haste, yet your rash actions have broken my strategy and affected the morale of the imperial forces. It is an inexcusable sin for which I believe you should be stripped of command and exiled out of the jade court.''

With regret and pain coming out of his voice in waves the general bowed again to the emperor and began repeating the same sentence ''My lord!, this one humbly ask for mercy!''

After the fifth time, another figure steeped forward, grabbed the back of Mao Sung's head and both their heads touched the ground. It was Ao kuang, the mightiest of the dragon generals ''This humble one ask permission to voice his opinion.''

''I grant this.''

'' Please allow me to take my forces and my clan member Mao Sung and strike at the fleeing Monkey god, to redeem the name of the dragon armies and bring glory to the Jade court.''

After some seconds were the top officials and the emperor exchanged gazes the emperor nodded and spoke ''I will grant you the right to lead your forces, alongside any might the Grand commandant deems necessary and bring the rebel god to heel. Moreover, Mao sung will be demoted to a sergeant second class…you are dismissed.''

Watching the show from afar, sitting in a table near Zhuge Liang were four gods smirking at the proceedings and speaking in a low voice between themselves, they were Erlang Shen, the mightiest of the war gods of heaven, Ne zha, the young warrior, Guanyin Bodhisattva, the emissary of Tathāgata Buddha and Zhu Bajie, known in the imperial court only as pigsy, the eater of the leftover offerings.

Erlang shen smiled when he saw the emperor dismiss the court and addressed the table ''So, why do you think our friend really left this time?''

Guanyin smiled lightly and responded ''Isn't it obvious?…Adventure calls to him.''

Ne zha laughed whilst playing with two brushes and entered the conversation ''Is it true that the Tao is moving into other realms Guanyin?''

''Yes''

''How is that possible?''asked Erlang ''I thought that all those that reached enlightenment like the Buddha could see al existence in their palm.''

The answer came slowly ''The Universe encompass everything…that is known, and perhaps, there is more to be known outside everything tat we…well…know.''

Ne Zha trembled with excitement '' If this is true then im joining that army…I also want to see whats beyond.''

Pigsy entered the conversation then for the first time ''I will join as well.'' when he noticed the dirty looks the others showed him he noticed once more the differences. where he was wearing peasant clothes, the others had pristine silk robes or astounding runic armors. Where he had a wooden rake for a weapon, the others had mythical spears and magic wind fire wheels. Where he was eating from the table with the manners of a pig, the others were following etiquette almost to the letter.

So he answered like he always did ''What, you think that I can't join or should I remind you that I'm the only one here that can hold his own against my brother Sun Wu.''

''That is exactly the problem!.'' replied nezha ''I don't want to fight Sun, I want to see whats beyond.''

''Grudges are for those who insist that they are owed something.'' recited Guanyin in a lecturing tone ''You have never rid yourself of the feeling that you have been denied your rightful place, and yet, until you do, you will never progress.''

''I was denied.'' Grumbled Pigsy ''He was rewarded when we both suffered to accomplish the task you forced on us.'' standing up from the table he shaked his clothes so pieces of food fell around him and turned to leave ''I will defeat Sun Wu Kong, and I suspect I'm the only one here who can, or want to for that matter.''

Taking that as a challenge the natural reaction of Erlang was to stand up and looked at Pigsy straight in the eyes ''I have had enough of you, I care not for you perceived notions of glory but a mere commoner will not speak to a marshal in such a manner.''

''Might Is Right'' Pigsy then looked at Erlang and smiled smugly ''Go back and bark if you can marshal, but remember what happened today at court. For the first time the Jade Empire will enter the unknown, the Tao is not giving any answers, and the first reaction is to call for war… so perhaps you should reconsider your allies.'' finished with that he simply walked away without a glance back.

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Sitting back down with a thump Erlang sighed ''I hate that pig.''

With a patient smile Guanyin spoke ''Let him trouble you no further, he is bitter and hurt, nor only because he feels the reward for his quest was lacking, but because he feels abandoned by the other member of his adventure party.''

''They have better things to do than to speak with him'' replied the ever smiling Ne Zha ''But he said one thing that was right. The Empire is preparing for war.''

Aloud, Guanyin wondered ''Against who? is the question, the monkey king?''

With a laugh Ne Zha replied ''Against what? is a better question actually…monsters maybe?, after all, rumors say that the Tao goes on one direction only; and if the Empire prepares for war, then that direction is obvious. And I don't think that Sun, for all his idiotic ideas, would plan to war against heaven.''

''Against this foreigners then?'' asked Guanyin

Obviously hearing the conversation, the Grand commandant whispered to himself, and yet all thee remaining gods heard him ''Or after some vipers inside.'' and began fanning himself slowly.

With a shudder, Erlang realized that Zhuge Liang was looking at someone in particular inside the court, at a man dressed in blue colors and the body language of a conqueror, a man with a cruel visage and the face of someone that has seen the worst of war and yet managed to remain intact all for his ambition.

He was looking at the Imperial Chancellor Cao Cao.

And as if things couldn't get worse, with a light smile and dangerous eyes, Ne Zha voiced the worst nightmare Erlang could ever imagine.

''Or war against both vipers and monsters.''

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Duty.

If anything.

Hades, was the god of duty.

For thousands of years he had ruled in the underground, the deep dark realm of the dead.

And for thousands of year he had accounted for every death, every soul and most importantly for the gods, every prisoner inside the Underworld.

Hades wasn't the god of death, not really, that was the job of Thanatos, he didn't reaped a soul from a living being unless it was a special occasion or a rather unique person. He wasn't the god of the Underworld either as some myths painted him, sure, he ruled a large portion as king called Tartarus but the abyss was large, as large as the world the gods ruled and mostly unexplored.

Unlike most beliefs Hades didn't guide the souls into the Tartarus either, that was the job of Hermes and the Charon. Normally he didn't judged them or torture any of the souls that entered, in fact, he had Cerberus to make sure no one escaped.

No, his job was that of a king, to protect his realm, make sure everything was organized properly, mediate between his often quarrelsome godly subjects, watch over the rivers of Tartarus and most importantly, safeguard the well of souls.

When someone died in the world, their soul was transported to the Underworld and judged, after that they would enter one of the geographical sites such as Elysium or the Asphodel Meadows and finally pass on to the well of souls, where they were out of the influence of any gods or power known to Hades.

It was simple in paper, but his realm was the only one of the three that required constant supervision and planning, every day a new challenge appeared and every day Hades worked zealously to make sure his realm was a well oiled efficient machine.

Alas, this last few days had been uniquely challenging, because not only was the amount of souls always increasing, but some souls, suddenly, where travelling to other ares in the Underworld…areas unknown to Hades. He hadn't dared mention this to any Olympian, drunk as they usually were in their power he feared what they would do to his realm. In fact, he hadn't spoken to any god outside of his domain for a very long time now; and even then, he only confided in a select few.

All because of Politics, if there is one thing Hades hated more than his father, it was politics. He had worked to seal his realm from the courtly intrigues of the Olympians, but that had caused him to earn somewhat of a bad reputation in the pantheon. Not that he cared about their opinion honestly, but still, he missed the days when things where more simpler.

Long ago, when he was still a young god and his realm was dark, gloomy and the solitude was affecting even him, he had found comfort in his first wife, Leuce, the water nymph. She had been the first woman he ever loved, not because she was beautiful, although everyone else claimed that, or because she was devilishly smart, that actually intimidated most other. He had loved her because her smile had made him smile.

Even now, more than millennia after her death he remembered her clearly, like how they met, in a shore with him mumbling stupidly the words Zeus had coached him to say; and how she laughed causing him to feel like a king for the first time. He remembered the color of her eyes, blue and deep with secrets and the way she walked, confident and calm combined with curiosity and kindness all in one.

Their love had been passionate, explosive, unique and to Hades regret, short. With her death in the ending days of the first gods war Hades had engrossed himself in his newfound work in a way to help his mind wander. It was only at the behest of his niece Athena and his brother Poseidon that he left his realm to serve as an advisor to Zeus and to meet the rest of the court, becoming the only god that managed to control the worst impulses of most Olympians in the Pantheon alongside Hestia.

A job he rarely performed giving the fluctuating feelings of his kin.

Hades wanted to brood a little more, but his thought were interrupted by a knock on the door and a voice.''My lord, the last souls of today are ready and waiting for you.''

With a sigh, he stopped his musing and walked over to the throne room, today was going to be a long day he thought.

Preparing himself he saw his first…guest. An old man walking with a proud overbearing manner, holding a decorated cane in one hand and a crown adorning his head; immediately he rubbed Hades the wrong way.

Coughing a few times the old man began without asking for permission or approval''Oh Lord Hades, Lord of the Underworld ''…….Agh, this is a talking one, why is every king now a days a talking one Hades thought. If there is one thing he learned is that souls of kings can be quite dramatic.

''Oh great Lord of the Dead, I am king Nestor the wise, ruler of Pylos, ancient city of scholars and the famed hunters of centaurs. I stand here before you and know what are you asking yourself, why should a god care to know of a single king, for you see, where most heroic chieftains lie disabled, valiant though they be…….'' On and on the king prattled in a court of ash and judgment whilst Hades looked him up and down. After two minutes, the god decided enough was enough and lifted one hand lazily.

With a surprised yelp, the mouth of the king closed and after trying with his hands it became obvious he couldn't open it, taking the silence Hades spoke with a cold and stern voice ''King Nestor, just a yes or no please…did you die at sea?''

Assenting with his head he gave Hades all the answer he needed. ''Poseidon has asked for you, something about you attacking a protected cyclops reservation or something….next.'' Suddenly, with a flash of light, the king disappeared, and the next person steeped forward. From the corner of the room sounds could be heard, as if someone was recording everything in the room to paper.

What appeared before the throne was a young man, with blond hair and a delicate face, holding a handful of scrolls at his side, all in all, a handsome man ''Ahmmm…greetings my lord uncle.''……..Oh no, not again. Massaging his head in an effort to stop the incoming headache he waved at the boy to continue speaking.

''My name is Agis, son of Likomedes and Aurea, mortal king and queen of skyros'' Waiting after the proclamation Hades simply lifted his eyebrow in an unspoken question, picking up on this the soul continued ''My godly father is poseidon, the reason for this is that my mortal father was already old and weak when he married, so to preserve the royal line of Skyros my mother was presented to our inmortal ancestor Poseidon so the nobility of our house could survive.''

Ah, that explained a lot. Of course, it was curious that the young idiot boy came before his supposedly old and weak father; in truth Hades wondered if Agis really believed such a stupid tale, in his experience, no king liked a queen's bastard.''

With unexpected vigor, Agis continued speaking''I stand before you, not as a prince; but as family, I have been wronged by an unknown aggressor that managed to steal me away from my kingdom before my time and---''

''quiet.''

the coldness in Hades voice was cruel and unyielding, without glancing at the boy he looked at his side and waved at the shadows. Suddenly, as if by mistake, a body appeared, unique in appearance it was as if a crow had fused with a man. Thanatos, the god of death had entered the hall.

Bluntly, Hades asked''Cause of death.''

interrupting Thanatos, Agis spoke ''I was taken in my sleep, most likely by my enemies in Sparta, they were always jealous of my conquest in their territory.'' the smirk in his face was insufferable.

without looking at the boy, Thanatos replied simply ''Poison.'' and then passed a small piece of paper to Hades, who read quietly

Taking this as confirmation, Agis continued unashamed ''It is the weapon of cowards, this is an injustice, please honored uncle can't you do something for family? I am your nephew, your blood, this act is nothing short of a crime.''

This is why he hated dealing with demigods, they always whined, sure in life most of them pranced around believing themselves to be invulnerable and played around with the gods but when they died it was always: ''oh please uncle this or please Hades that, we are family''……Bah, needy idiots. He was tempted to send them all to Olympus just for laughs.

''Obviously is a crime, sadly for you, it was no spartan husband looking for a missing wife.''

''Then it was a Thracian surely, my poems to Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty who i'm sure holds me in great esteem always attracted the attention of many in that city…in fact, if I could send her a message she surely--.''

''Aphrodite doesn't remember who you are child.''

''Wh…what? that's imposible, she often invited me to her gardens!, she told me that she loved me!''

Snorting loudly, Thanatos looked at the boy ''And how many Spartans and Thracian's wives and daughters did you claim to love kid?''

''That was different!''

''Oh really? do tell''

Still reading the paper, Hades was amused at the obvious stupidity in the court intrigue of Skyros, reports like this were one of the few entertainments he had in his job, he suspected Thanatos made them extra sarcastic just so he could enjoy them more ''Don't be so offended child, I have always believed she was more of a goddess of lust, beauty and passion than true love.''

Smirking, Thanatos advised ''Don't let her hear you say that my lord.''

Flustered, Agis tried again '' Uncle!, please! my death is a horrible injustice!''

With a sarcastic tone that could break ice Hades replied ''Oh no, the horror.''

''Uncle!''

''If she cared she would be here kid, alas, she entered my realm once when she was a child and never again…something about the dust it think.''

''It was Cerberus staining her dress with mud, Sire.'' Thanatos added

''Ah yes, that was a good day….So, here is the problem, normally, poets and demigods and such are always vying for Elysium, thing is, only unspoiled souls can enter Elysium, and you are not one of these.''

''Uncle! are you really just going to stand here and forget that I was murdered?!''

Finally looking at him again Hades replied''Yes''

''Wha..I mea..Who killed me?!''

''Aaahm, who was it again Thanatos?''

''His sister Sire''

''What?!''

Both Hades and Thanatos looked at the obviously offended boy with bored expressions, and then ignored him again ''well, this is new at least, it reminds me of this one time some kid slept with his mother.''

''Oedipus sire.''

''That's the one…bloody moron. Anyway the sister sounds like somewhat of a rebel. Why did she poisoned him again?''

''She was wrathful at Agis here, sire.''

fanning himself with the report Hades couldn't help but smile a little''Hm, yes well…she and half the people in his kingdom apparently.'' the amount of effort his subject put into making his job a little more enjoyable was astounding.

Stars he felt tired.

interrupting again, Agis was now shouting ''My sister!. She is a monster! jealous of my godly blood all because she is fully mortal. Uncle, you must strike her!, it's the honorable thing to do, give me her life and take her to the rivers Acheron, she deserves it!.''

with obvious boredom Hades motioned with his hand and a very concealed servant left the room, then he asked''Why would I do such thing?''

''Because we are family!''

''Ok. New question…Why should I care?''

The silence was astounding, Agis couldn't believe his ears ''You would…but…I am your nephew, Poseidon is your brother''

''Yes, and I can assure you that he doesn't even know you are dead. See, the thing about parents it's that they should raise you, not protect you from every little thing. And my brothers are very awful at both, you should have listened to your mortal parents more …Besides, were was this undying love for family when you forced your sisters girlfriend to be your Paramour?''

Taken aback by the sudden question Agis went silent, so Thanatos continued talking ''It's not that some gods didn't love you kid, it's just…well, your actions are more of a reflection of yourself than of them and, you see--- .''

Hades finished for him''You. are. dead.''

''It's just…It's not fair!''

''Perhaps''

''I meant for her to marry king Leander, of the nearby kingdom, that way we could secure ourselves an ally in the region and protect our people.''

''You are not being judged by what you meant to do, you are being judged by what you did. And when you forced that girl to your bed, you didn't thought about your people, you tought about yourself.''

''I just'' kneeling in front of the throne he pleaded weakly ''Let me speak with my father…Please''

''No'' Suddenly a door opened and one of the three judges appeared, watching him for a moment Hades straightened in his throne and gave the sentence ''Agis, son of Poseidon and Queen Aurea, I have seen your life, the beauty of your poems and the passion of you songs. I have seen the kindness offered to your friends and the honor you gave to your kingdom…But on the other side of the scales I have seen your uncontrolled lust, your disregard for the lives of anyone you deem lesser than yourself, and the seeds of conflict your actions have created. For this reasons I deny you entrance to Elysium. Your actions will be reviewed in detail by the three judges and a suitable sentence will be given for your crimes in life…next please.''

With a flash of light the body of the young prince disappeared into the outstretched hand of the judge that entered, Aeacus, who simply closed his hand, bowed deeply and left without a word.

Long ago, they judges had forced an ultimatum out of fear, every demigod had to be initially judged by Hades, that way, if the godly parent became enraged for some reason, they could guard themselves behind their king. Hades agreed immediately, understanding the danger his kin represented when angered. Of course, one of the biggest desires he had was to sterilize every god he knew.

Demigods were so damn needy this days, most of them gave him headaches, but idiots like Agis weren't the worst part of the job.

''Will you send any message to Poseidon Sire?'' Thanatos asked

''No, if he cares he will come to me ''

The next soul that appeared was of the worst kind.

A child appeared, small, obviously malnourished and yet, with eyes Hades saw on warriors of legends. Standing there, in a court of death, the child looked more at ease than both of the previous souls.

Appearing in a whiff, Hecate made her presence known, with a torch on each hand and a white dress, she had a beauty that was unique in the underworld with the face of an innocent maiden and the mind of a wise old crone, coupled with an aura of grief that surrounded her permanently.

Bowing deeply she addressed her king ''Sire'' and then pushed the child slightly ahead with a light touch and gave Hades a report in a small piece of paper.

''Hecate…What's this little thing you bring here.'' Hades said pointing at the child

''I am not a thing'' he said weakly ''My name is Kryptos.''

''Oh…do you know were you are Kryptos?''

''Yes.''

''Do you know who I am?''

''…Yes.''

''I see…who are your parents Kryptos?''

''My mom's name is Lylia.''

Ok so, no goddess for a mother''And your father?'' Hades asked, surprising himself a little when the child looked down and gave him only silence…That was unusual, a boy with an unknown god for a father…probably Apollo or Hermes.

''Kryptos is a demigod of the city of Tyros, Sire'' Hecate interjected

Tyros, Tyros, that name sounded familiar….Ah right, that was the name of the most recent city to be cursed with a visit from the son of Ares. Which means that this kid…

''You survived the sacking of your city.''

''Yes''

''Were you enslaved?''

''No''

Hades looked at the soul in front of him, there was nothing out of the ordinary so why was Hecate interested…ah right, of course. With a tired sigh, he realized where this was going.

''You were alone after the war?''

''Yes''

''And your mother?''

The answer came with tears''…They took her from me''

''I see. And you tried to bring her back'' the tone was said unkindly, not as an accusation, but stating a fact.

''…Yes''

''I see. You, Kryptos, are a necromancer''

''…Yes''

He would regret asking this, but it was his duty.

''Why would you break break the natural order of the realm Kryptos, son of Lylia?''

For the first time in the conversation, the eyes of the child became innocent''… I missed my mom.''

''I see, do you have anything else to say in your defense for this crime.''

The silence was heavy after the question, and Hades tried to avoid the gaze Hecate was shooting his way.

''Very well, then I assume you were executed by the citizens of Tyros because of your actions?''

The answer was curious''No''…Ok that was new, usually humans had a very low tolerance for necromancers. Alas, the child continued explaining.''They killed me because they needed to they said.''

Ah, common in recently sacked cities,to diminish the mouths to feed, unusual for a demigod to fall like this but not unheard of.

Looking at Hades, Kryptos spoke without hope ''This world seems to hate orphans, they say we are bad luck. But mommy always liked me. Can I see her again?''

After considering a few seconds the decision came to him.''No'' The glare Hecate shoot his way could kill a mortal man, Hades ignored her and his continued ''Your mother is beyond even my power to bring Kryptos of Tyros. For your crimes against the natural order, my realm, and the taint you carry, I deny you entrance to Elysium. But, for the innocence of your soul I will not place any other sentence on you. I leave the stay of your soul in my realm to Hecate until you are ready to pass on to the beyond…next''

There must always be justice, but justice must be tempered by mercy Hades mumbled to himself when he saw the body of the boy turn into a flash of light and disappear into the collar Hecate carried around ''He will leave in peace my lord'' she said before walking outside his court.

''Stars help me'' he thought, the headache was already affecting him, and no matter how much he tried to avoid it, he was feeling tired ''How many more Thanatos?''

''Just one more Sire''

Looking ahead, Hades saw a young woman dressed in white tattered robes, with a plain body and a face that wasn't extraordinary or significant, and yet, Hades couldn't help but be drawn to those serious and silent features. Though she avoided his gaze, he couldn't help but notice her clean skin and lack of makeup, along with her messy hair. Perhaps many would consider her homely, but he found her awe-striking.

Curtsying lightly the girl spoke in a whisper''Greetings lord Hades''

Replying in a business like manner ''Greetings child, who are you'' Hades took another report from Thanatos and began reading it.

''My name is Cassandra, Lord Hades, daughter of Epitimes and Helene.''

''You are not a demigod?''

''No Lord Hades, I am… an oracle''

Ah…a special case then ''By birth or by gift?''

The answer was also in a whisper''By punishment, Lord Hades''looking at her face, it was obvious she believed that.

Well…Fuck ''Apollo?''

Surprised by the question she replied slowly ''punishment by the goddess Hera, lord Hades''

With a sigh, Hades began massaging his head again. He had heard the same countless times, so much so that the gods of Tartarus had created private jokes around the matter, like the name of Quick Thunder-balls, because he finished his business before anyone could catch him.

''Let me guess, Zeus appeared, gave you a visit, left, and then Hera raged, is that your story child?''

Smiling weakly at how the judge summed the tragic events of her entire life in a few sarcastic words Cassandra chuckled and responded with an explanation''Yes my lord, I was traveling near the shores of my home when he appeared before me…I don't really remember much after that, thankfully, but it was obvious what he had done to me. In punishment the goddess Hera granted me visions…but claimed that no one would believe them in my life.''

''Of course she did.'' Standing from his throne he walked up to the woman and watched her soul, it was a heavy thing, observing a life like that, judging it fairly was even heavier. After some seconds of silence he spoke again ''My brother and sister did a cruel thing to you Cassandra, it may be to late now, it may be meaningless to you, but I am sorry.''

Cassandra remained silent, but her eyes watered a little, and she hid them in her hands to avoid showing anything else.

Tearing the report in half Hades spoke softly ''Cassandra, daughter of Helene, due to the old laws, any mortal with a foe in Olympus cannot enter Elysium…because of that, I have no choice but to deny you entrance. But despite the crimes and the solitude that you endured, you managed to remain a good person. And that makes you more worthy than many heroes I have met, for that reason, I grant you entry to the exalted isles, if you wish.''

Doubly surprised, Cassandra looked at the god in front of him up and down, every time she had meet one it had been a transaction, offerings for this, sacrifices for that. Or straight up crime like her meeting with Zeus. And here was a god that not only apologized, but gave her something she didn't expect.

''You are not going to punish me? ''

''Should I?''

''I…just, what are the exalted isles?, I have never heard of those.''

''That's because I have never revealed them to anyone outside my kingdom, not even in Olympus. The exalted islands are my true dominion, my true realm actually, where those deserving of rest can go and ease themselves before entering the well of souls, it is like Elysium, with the difference that I am the only god that knows about it.''

Doubting for a moment she asked ''You would take me into your realm?''

''Not like that, I will grant you entry if you want, inside you will meet souls like Prometheus; then you will rest away from all gods except for, well…me. Not that I enter the place much mind you. And when the time is right and you are ready to depart, your existence will leave this realm, into the well of souls, and become part of the everything.''

''And, if i say no?''

''Then I send you to the well of souls right know and hope you can traverse it with the weight of your life; or see if Hecate or the judges need a new servant, and you spend the rest of your stay here helping them until you are ready to depart. It is your choice, lady Cassandra.''

''I see. Can I..sit down for a moment?''

With a wave a a desk appeared filled with scrolls and papers and two chairs, one on each side. Without a word Hades sat down on one and started to work, taking that as a signal she sat down and watched him give a large list of names to Thanatos, who winked at her and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

For a long time they remained there, the only sound was the pen in Hades hand whilst he reviews complicated accounts and results. After what appeared like hours Cassandra spoke to the god again.

''You are kinder than most gods I have ever met, I think.''

Oh…this was new ''Very few mortals believe so.''

''We are afraid of you.''

''Most are, yes.''

''So that's it then, after all I have done, this is it''

''Yes''

''I…Don't think it's fair.''

''Such is life.''

Cassandra snorted at that ''life's not fair.''

Hades smiled a little ''I, am not a god of life.''

''You are also not living either I think, or at least you look like someone that's escaping.''

Stopping his work to look at Cassandra, Hades wondered what she saw in him ''You know, my brother would have killed you for saying that.''

''Good thing i'm already dead then''

''Hmph…you are right, perhaps I am not living as you say, and my servants certainly disagree with my attention to my work. But alas, someone has to do it.''

''You also wonder why there are souls abandoning your realm''

Well…Shit, this girl was trouble ''Yes, I do.'' Centering himself, Hades tried to forget about he headache and remembered that she was an oracle. Then he continued speaking with slow, measured words.

''There is something…or someone out there, and it is filtering souls just like I do in my realm into the well of souls. Tell me, Cassandra, daughter of Helene, do you see something that the God of Tartarus does not…And before you consider it child, know that I am not granting you life for the answer.''

Cassandra smiled and reclined a little in her chair ''I know, but now that you mention it... I do want to ask for something in exchange.''

''Which is.''

''Could you…maybe, help my son and daughter, make sure Hera doesn't harm them? Please?''

Hades massaged his eyes again and started to think on the implications, Hera was notorious for her pettiness and cruelty with the bastards of Zeus. On the other hand, he liked the oracle, she had guts. ''You ask for quite the favor lady Cassandra.''

Standing up from her chair Cassandra did the only thing she could, and for the first time in her entire existence, she knew that a god was listening. Curtsying deeply, she bargained for her son and daughter.''I beg of you Lord Hades, not as someone that was wronged by the gods or as the mother to your nephew. But as a simple woman that loves her babies… I fear for them, they are alone. I will not see them speak, I will not see them grow or make mistakes…I will not see them love or dream.''

Looking straight into Hades eyes, she saw a God that had judged millions before her, he wasn't moving. She pleaded anyway ''I wish I could give them a hundred years of my love, instead, I can only do this.''

With a sigh, Hades was thankful none of his servants was present, although he was sure that they would hear in minutes of whatever happened here. How long has it been since a plead for mercy affected him he wondered, stars he was feeling very tired.

''Very well Cassandra, daughter of Helene. Not for the answer I seek, but because is the right thing to do. I will hide your descendants from the eyes of the gods for as long as they wish it.''

Clearly relieved, she wiped the small tears in the corner of her eyes and inhaled deeply, it was funny, every prophecy she ever gave in life was ignored; and now that she was dead, her gift of sight was useful''Thank you; my lord king. Hades''

''None of that child. Sit down and tell me, what do you see, beyond even my sight.''

Concentrating, Cassandra closed her her eyes and mouth, after a few minutes, she began speaking but the voice was different, much older and distant ''Two prophecies I see, first one for he who is tired, tired for nothing, tired because of everything. the second is for everyone, because the realms have a balance, balance is maintained by keeping the world without change. the laws of origin were clear. First gods, then the rest.''

Then she opened her eyes, and only pools of white remained ''The world is being molded in this era, but it is close to it's end. Nothing last forever. For you, change comes, tired god, you will find a flower to rekindle your wish for life. And change for a flower you will, for she wants to adventure and spread it's petals.''

A tear appeared, and the expression in her face turned sorrowful''Small changes create greater ones in return, no matter how much you want to stop them, then everything changes; for The world will change, rebellions will begin, Titans will return, gods will rise, realms will clash, giants will fight, dragons will awaken, monsters will be born, the era will change, this world will be broken.''

A second tear appeared in the other eye, only this time, it was a tear of blood ''Hear me and despair, for the cataclysm comes with fire and water and earth and winds and more. The end of an era approaches, and it ends in the fields of combat. Hear me and despair, for the second war of the gods comes, and nothing can stop it now.''

Centering herself once more, Cassandra shaked herself a little and reopened her eyes, then she noticed the god in front of her, Hades was a brooding man, with a perpetual frown and black eyes with a tinge of red, the crown on his head had small lights that danced randomly giving various different ghostly glows to his white porcelain skin; giving an aura of mystery. Unlike his brothers however, he had small black pools underneath his eyes and wrinkles in his forehead, making him also look tired and somehow, older than he was, if that was capable in a millennia old god.

What surprised Cassandra the most is that she had seen him deal with a king, an idiot demigod and an innocent child without breaking his concentrated unkind look, and now, he appeared terrified.

Noticing the worried glance she had Hades tried to regain his bearings, the frown came again and he hid his face in a hand he used to massage the spot between his eyes in an effort to stop the very annoying headache he had now.

''I´m far too tired for this''.