THE UNSEEN

From his domain in the region of Olympus, he watched in silence. Watched as Ulysses destroyed the giant Cyclops and knew the wrath of his brother, Poseidon would be terrible.

He watched the trials of Ulysses carefully, but not without anger as he regarded his oldest brother, Zeus. But he said nothing as he remained in his dark realm, holding his two pronged sceptre.

* * *

He did not let on how impressive he found Ulysses, his extraordinary resolve, but more so his devotion to his crew and his children, one of which was not even his own species, yet he looked after little Yumi as if she were his own daughter.

* * *

Hades sensed another presence in his realm. He gripped his sceptre and stood.

"Zeus. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

The King of the Gods mouth changed somewhat to something that remotely resembled a smile. "I wish you to direct the full power of Tartarus at the Odyssey."

Hades' eyes widened a tad. "That will destroy them utterly."

"That is my wish."

"Ulysses will not stand a chance."

"And his soul and the souls of his crew will never leave Olympus."

"Brother, that is not a fair ordeal."

"Who said it has to be fair?"

"Ulysses has defeated every challenge we have bestowed upon him. How long must this continue?"

"Do not tell me you are developing a soft spot for this mortal, Hades."

The Lord of the Underworld glared at his brother.

"His only crime-"

"Was to defy the Gods!" Zeus thundered. "He destroyed the Cyclops, Poseidon's followers."

"To save his children, not for power or glory."

"Nevertheless, he defied the Gods and he is being punished, though I must admit his resolve is stronger than most."

"Agreed, but I refuse to do what you ask."

"You too defy me, Hades?" A dangerous pause followed.

Hades looked Zeus in the eye. "You do not frighten me, Brother. The domain of Olympus needs an Underworld, for where are the Dead to dwell? If it was not for my realm, Zeus, yours would not exist. The very fabric of time and space depends on a balance of life and death."

Zeus stood back.

"What you have asked me to do in unjustified. I am the Lord of Justice as well as the Lord of the Dead. I will not do it."

'None have defied me as you have, Hades. You realise with a flick of my hand I can have you made mortal - or dead or throw you into the realms of oblivion?"

"Have you heard nothing I have said?" Hades said. "Yes, you have the power to kill me, or make me mortal, but I seriously doubt you will."

"You could have had that power, My Brother," Zeus said. "When myself, Poseidon and yourself chose our realms, you chose the Underworld."

"The dead too require a home. Power without meaning is misguided. I choose to use my power wisely. I urge you to do the same. There will come a time when you will regret your cruelty and oppression of the mortals. My realm is a sanctuary for the Dead. The evil are punished the, the virtuous rewarded as it will be for the Gods."

"Gods cannot die, Hades."

"Immortality is a gift, Brother," Hades said. "And the longer it is abused, the shorter we will have it."

"Believe what you will, Hades. You are far too indulgent with these mortals. You have tremendous power, second only to my own. Why do you not use it?"

"But I do, My Brother, though I choose not to abuse it. There is no need."

"I doubt the other Gods will see as you do. You are indeed wise, My Brother. I have no doubt Ulysses will eventually find your Kingdom, and when he does, his final test will befall upon you."

Hades regarded his older brother with a nod. "Thank you, My Brother, but if Ulysses passes the test, then he and his companions will go free."

Zeus gave a nod and his form shimmered as he disappeared from Hades' Kingdom.

* * *

Would Ulysses return home to his beloved Penelope, thus leaving his companions to dwell forever in Hades, or remain with them in Hades? When the time came, Ulysses chose the latter. And passed the test with flying colours.

As he had promised, Hades granted Ulysses, his children and his companions passage back to Earth. The Sovereign of the Underworld looked at the distant blue planet, a beacon of light in a dark Universe. The Odyssey departed and Hades returned to his throne room and when it was no more than a flicker in space, the mists of Hades Kingdom closed.

She smiled lovingly as she approached her beloved. His stony complexion melted as she traversed the stairs.

"Persephone, My Love. Once again you come to me."

"How could I not, Hades. I am bound to you, not only by oath, but by love."

Gently he kissed her.

"Ulysses will be safe, Hades," Persephone said. "He will return to Earth and his beloved. You have nought to fear as the other Gods will uphold their end of the bargain. You fulfilled your duty. You stood your ground. I expected nought less of you, my Beloved."

"I only hope the other Gods have learnt their lesson from Ulysses."

"I am sure they have, though it may take time," Persephone said. "Far be it for a God to admit that they have learned something from a mortal."

Hades gave a rare smile. "Perhaps they have learned. Only time will tell."

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