The Mission

Hades' throne room was beautiful and terrible at the same time. The three residents themselves couldn't help but be intimidated by the local architecture.

Steps rose in the middle of the room showing a magnificent marble throne, where Hades was sitting, now wearing a beautiful black suit. Another throne was by the side, this made from wood and adorned with plants and flowers. White pillars lined the path to the throne, each with exposed torches. Each torch was covered by a humanoid skull, the lighting only came through the cracks in the skulls and every movement of the fire felt like ghosts passing through the room.

The three of them met at the base of the steps and this time Hades' expression wasn't quite so friendly.

“Did you have fun today?” asked the god.

None of the three had the courage to answer. Hades didn't look angry, just serious and yet none of them wanted to test his limits.

“Very good. I hope you've had time to think about your actions today.”

Mac had a lot of things she wanted to say, like he was unfair, that her life was a prison, forever in the underworld, with no chance to truly live. She controlled herself knowing that Hades would never take her seriously.

“Okay, since you guys are quiet I'll talk. You will go to the surface.”

In a moment of surprise the three looked at each other, wondering if they had all heard the same thing.

“You know about the Olympics?” asked the king.

“Of course,” Angela answered without thinking twice, and only then did she notice Mac and Mel's gazes.

“Well, for those who don't know, it's a competition that takes place between the gods of Olympus. The greater gods summon eight of their children or followers to participate in various competitions. You will participate in the next one.”

Obviously, the news generated more questions than answers.

“Are we going to the surface to participate in a sporting competition?” Mel asked.

“Exactly. The Olympics are four months from now. I will open the Chthonic Academy, where you and the other five members will train. Remember that winning is of utmost importance to the underworld.”

The randomness of the information left them bewildered. Hades never cared about what happened in the upper world, let alone something like competitions between the gods, he always kept himself isolated, which in itself was suspicious.

“Did Zeus invite you to join?” Mel asked, trying to decipher Hades' intentions.

“He invited me to the first ones. As I always declined the invitation, it was no longer offered, but I have enough influence to make the Chthonic Academy become one of the eight teams.”

“And why did you decide to participate now?” Angela asked, trying to be delicate with her question.

“The prize is a wish to Zeus. I think I have a use for it.”

Mac, who until now had been silent, decided to speak out.

“So you're going to send us to the surface, not because we want to, but to win a wish? And I thought you were the most selfless god.”

Hades sighed helplessly.

“I'm killing two birds with one stone. The surface world is very dangerous, Mount Olympus even more so if you don't know your way around. I'm taking a lot of risk with this, but you'll be accompanied the whole time.”

She felt hurt. It seemed that now that there was a use for Hades she could have what she wanted. Even so, the excitement of going to the surface was enough to cover this disappointment.

“So we're going to train?” Mel asked. “Like, in magic and stuff?”

“You will practice many things. The competitions are a surprise, but it is possible to get a general idea. Magic is probably not essential.” Hades' speech disappointed Mel. “But if the instructors decide that learning magic is necessary, that's what will happen.”

A ray of hope flickered in Mel's heart and the three of them kept bombarding Hades with too many questions for him to answer.

“One moment. I will not be responsible for your training. You can clarify doubts with your instructor or team leader. By the way.”

He snapped his fingers and they heard firm footsteps approaching a door at the side.

Mac couldn't hide her impulse to tuck her hair behind her ear when she saw Thanatos approaching. His skin was black like his brother's and the similarities ended there. Thanato's posture was impeccable and, even though he appeared to be only seventeen years old, he commanded respect with his walk. His black hair was tied up reaching down to the middle of his back, where there was a curved blade attached that didn't resemble any weapon they knew. It was technological, looking like it was retracted to be carried more easily.

“I believe that everyone knows Thanatos. He often brings the souls of the dead here and will lead this operation.”

Thanatos bowed to the three of them, remaining serious the entire time.

“A pleasure to see you.”

The information was so much that none of them knew how to react, so Hades continued.

“I hope this is not a problem. Even though you are the princesses, Thanatos has more experience, both in combat and in the outside world. Please respect him as a team leader.”

Seeing that Mac and Mel didn't comment, Angela responded.

“Of course. We will do our best for you, Lord Hades.”

A weak but sincere smile appeared on the king's face.

“Excellent. Classes start tomorrow. Be at the palace gate before eight and someone will guide you there. That is all.”

Thanatos bowed once more and immediately left the room. The other two were gently pulled along by Angela who was the only one showing responsiveness to events.

They arrived at the pentagonal hall that led to their rooms and started talking, something unusual for the trio.

“Are we really going to the surface?” Mac asked.

“It's Lord Hades's orders. I don't think he would lie about that,” Angela replied.

“We're going to see Mom early!” Mel realized that making Mac happier and calmer.

“That's too good to be true.”

Angela seized the moment and hugged the two tightly. None of them reciprocated and none walked away.

“You'll see, the surface is incredible. They have a lot of cool gods. And mortals too, usually people here are dead.”

Despite the odd display of affection, they were content and excited about what the future held on this journey. They went to bed without being able to sleep, thinking about what they would live like in four months.