"Aella! Wait!" Mother called out to me as I ran out of the palace.

I ran through the corridors and into the palace garden. I tripped into the bushes, bloodied and scraped; I stayed on the ground and rested. I felt the wind movement change flowing outwards from one spot. I looked over the bushes and saw what looked like a mortal, his face frightening, but he was beautiful. There was a regal aura around him and his outfit wasn't from anywhere I could recognize. However, what got me the most was his facial features. Scary as he seemed, there was a loneliness of some sort to him. The man's black hair was stunning; his beauty could be compared to a god. I'd even say he could compare to my idol, Hades. The sunlight angled his figure perfectly. He sat under the tree beside the bushes I hid in. The man seemed to be resting. After I was sure that the man was asleep, carefully and slowly, I moved in closer to him. On my knees, I studied his face. His beauty was even more visible up close and in person. I was completely mesmerized, almost trapped by the man's beauty. Uncontrollably, I reached to touch his shiny, silky hair. However, as a reflex, the man woke up and grabbed my hand. He squeezed tightly, his glare fixated on me. His reactions were normal, but I wasn't scared much less frightened.

"Do you want to die?" He asked angrily.

I smirked, mockingly, "Would you grant my wish if I did?"

His eyes narrowed, "Strange mortal." The man moved on his side away from me.

I chuckled, "Are you a god? Do you know Hades?"

The man flinched a bit, but remained still after. The man snorted, "Are you serious? Me? A god? Anyways, shut up! I'm trying to sleep."

"But why would a god need sleep? I mean if you are one," I asked curious.

"Gods aren't that different from mortals you know, they're just immortal," the man sighed, "Just be quiet for a while."

I smiled. A few hours passed and I didn't move an inch. I stayed as the man has caught my interest or at least to waste time and get away from the palace. The man rolled on his side again and yawned, "You're still here? Leave! You're a nuisance!"

I smiled, "You interest me. I feel like you'd be far more interesting than life in that boring palace."

"I interest you? Most people are afraid of me," he chuckled.

I laughed, "Ah-ha! I got you to smile! See, you're by far the most interesting person I've ever met!"

The man blushed and averted his gaze. "Aella! Aella, where are you?!" Mother yelled throughout the palace.

I sighed, "Do I really need to go? I'd rather be free from my caged life." I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Your name's Aella? Isn't that a girl's name?" the man said insensitively.

I laughed, "I may not look it because I'm wearing men's clothing, but I'm actually a woman. However, I do enjoy fighting and adventure! It's so much fun!"

His eyes widened, surprised. "Now that you know my name, will you tell me yours?" I asked curious to know more about the mystery man.

The man's eyes narrowed and he turned away. "Not a chance! Mortals are never to be trusted!" The man said stingily.

I pouted, "Stingy."

"Ugh!" He looked my way. I gave a small smiled. "Then would you mind if I called you, 'Hades?' He's my hero. I look up to him more than anything and you are the kind of person I'd want him to be like," I chuckled.

Hades seemed annoyed or was it angry. He looked away. I'm not really sure why. Did he not like the name I gave him? I got up from the ground and brushed off the dirt from my pants. "Hades, will you be here again? I'd love to know you better," I said happily.

Hades eyes narrowed, "No…" I gave him a sad teary eyed face and he sighed, "…promises."

I jumped up with my fist in the air. "Yay!" I laughed.

Hades sighed again, "Just what am I in for?"

I smiled, "A new world."

I waved goodbye and walked into the palace. Mother was waiting at the palace gates. "Why did you walk out on me?" Mother asked grabbing my arm, stopping me in my place.

I turned around to face her and smirked. "You already should know the answer by now. As I have said once, I shall say again, I refuse to marry a man whom I have no relation to!"

"Ugh! You ungrateful brat!" Mother slapped my right cheek, "Relation this! Relation that! Lord Zeus should be your purpose for living! You have every relation to him!"

I didn't flinch or fall. The pain felt difficult to bear, but I stood my ground. "I despise Zeus! He's the one who rigged the lots drawn between him and Hades! Zeus practically sent Hades to the Underworld. I hate him for it! I wish Zeus was never born!" I closed my eyes waiting for mother to slap me again, but all I heard was mother shrieking. I opened my eyes and was astonished. Hades was holding Mother's hand back.

"I'd very much appreciate it if you didn't use violence against Aella," Hades said angrily.

Mother's eyes were more frightened than shocked. "Who are you?! Let me go!" Mother yelled frantically.

"Hades!" I smiled happily.

"Hades?" Mother freed her hand and ran off.

Hades smirked, "Are you alright?"

I nodded. Hades put a hand on my cheek. His cold hand cancelled out the burning sensation of my cheek. He sighed, "You're more trouble than you're worth especially for me and my younger brother."

"Is that a bad thing?" I asked teasingly.

Hades smiled, "Not at all. It gives us gods something to look forward to."

I laughed, "If it's for your sake, I'm more than happy to help."

I walked over to the window and looked outside, leaning against the railing. "The moon is beautiful tonight. The full moon's so beautiful and my favorite. It's so strong and bright. I want to be just like it. I wonder if the real Hades is watching. I hope he is. I really just want to see the moon with him. If I were the moon, I wonder if I could see him from up above even just for a little while. I've fallen hard for Hades, so much that no other god would do for me," I turned towards Hades, "Do you think that if I were to meet Hades that he would fall for me? That would be my wish."

Hades looked both sad and happy. His expression was happy, but his eyes told an uncertain sadness to them. Did I talk too much? Did Hades not care about my love life? I frowned and he walked over to me. Hades embraced me in his arms, "That's all up to you, isn't it? You choose your destiny, no one else."

"I see. You are strong like the sun. You support me in my time of need," I smiled grabbing Hades back and tightening my grip.

"What would you say if I really was Hades?" Hades asked.

I looked up at his saddened face, "Then I'd fall in love you immediately. When I first saw you, you're beauty enticed me. I think I wish that you were actually Hades."

I leaned up to kiss him, but he pushed me away. The moonlight made Hades gleamed. He was far more beautiful than ever. I knew the reason he pushed me away was because I could never love him, the way I love Hades. I guess he thought that he; himself was Hades replacement and couldn't accept that fact. I never meant to hurt him, but even the slightest thought of him being Hades hurt him. I want to know more about this man. His real name, his true feelings, everything about him, yet he's locked himself away. I want to break the barrier that keeps us from knowing.

That night, I went without supper, but as long as I could meet Hades again, I'll be alright. I had a strange dream as well. Both the real and fake Hades was there and I had to choose which was more important. I couldn't choose between the two and they both faded away from my sight. I tried to run after them, but my feet wouldn't move. I tried to reach out to them, but I could never reach far enough. And then, a man whom I'd never met appeared. He was dressed in god-like clothing. The man had bright blonde hair and shiny light blue eyes, the color of the moon. I asked who he was, but he just stared at me, no reply. I woke up, tears clouding my sight. I ran outside to the garden and found Hades under the same tree. I was so relieved that he never left me. "Hades!" I called out to him.

He looked over and smiled. I sat next to him, "What are you doing?"

"Waiting for Poseidon," he said, "He wanted to meet the mortal which Zeus and I have taken an interest."

"Eh! Poseidon? Like a fake Poseidon? Like you're fake Hades?" I asked surprised.

Hades chuckled, "If you want to see it that way, then I suppose. However, that's actually his real name."

I gasped, "He shares the same name as a god? That's so awesome!" I pounced on Hades and he fell back with me on top. "This is going to be so much fun!" I exclaimed.

"Wait! Hold up! What if he sees us?" Hades blushed, trying to push me away.

I just couldn't suppress my excitement. To be able to meet Hades brother, it's just like the real gods! There was a very strong wind, but my attention was all on Hades. "Hey! You two aren't even married, yet you do such adult-like things in public?" A blonde haired man with orange eyes teased.

I looked over surprised by his beautifulness. "Wow! So gorgeous!" I exclaimed.

The man looked at the knocked over Hades, who seemed so embarrassed that he averted his gaze. "Is this Aella?" he asked.

"Must you ask?" Hades made a snide remark. I got up off of Hades and walked over to the man.

"You must be Poseidon. It is a pleasure to meet you," I smiled and bowed.

Poseidon sighed, "Seeing as though you've been calling my older brother Hades, I shall do the same and our younger brother's name shall be Zeus, I presume?"

I nodded. He knows a lot already. Has Hades been talking about me? "Surprisingly, Hades has opened up to you and Zeus doesn't want to meet you. Usually, it's the other way around." Poseidon ran his fingers through his hair.

I laughed, "That is indeed a surprise!"

Poseidon ruffled my hair, "You're a cute one as Hades says, but also very beautiful."

I blushed, "Hades said that I'm cute?"

Poseidon winked at me. Hades hopped up angrily and embarrassed. "Stupid brother! Aella doesn't need to know that!" Hades attacked Poseidon.

Poseidon and I laughed happily as Hades chased down Poseidon. Quite some time had passed by and we were all sitting under the tree's shade. I asked them both what they would feel like if they were gods. Their answers were different, but entertaining. Their quarrels were very childish for men of their age. "Well, it's about time I left," Poseidon got up on his feet.

"Aw!" I pouted, "And we were having such a fun time!"

Poseidon smiled gently, "You're tempting, but I already have a wife."

I was confused by his words, but I soon understood as he took the side of my head and kissed it. Hades and I blushed as Poseidon winked before leaving. "Hey Poseidon! Keep your hands off Aella!" Hades scolded.

Poseidon snickered, "Take care of my bro! He's a handful!"

Poseidon left and Hades and I were left astonished. We looked at each other and laughed. "Did I hear that right? Did Poseidon just accept me into your family?"

"It appears so," Hades smiled.

I blushed and looked away. I've become conscious of Hades being a man, now from what Poseidon said. We're just friends, I think? I mean, Hades still hasn't told me his real name yet.

Months passed and the strange dreams keep occurring. I've gotten used to Hades and sometimes believe that he actually is Hades or another god. Hades has stopped referring to us as mortals or immortals. If Hades really is god, then I'd probably think that he was more to me than any other god, possibly even the real Hades. That day, we set out to find our own secret place. However, what awaited us was another person, a woman I should say. Her hair was as red as fire, but also as blood. I looked up at Hades and he looked mesmerized. I knew well of my feelings for Hades, but I guess he was too dense to notice. I've lost to a woman named Persephone.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. God of the Underworld?" She asked.

Hades knew this person otherwise how else would she have known that I call Hades, Hades. "We were merely taking a stroll. Is that so wrong, Persephone?" Hades asked king-like, regal and of nobility.

A world where only those two exist and I am left out. Watching them has made my heart ache terribly and I just want to run away.

"Is this mortal kitten, you and your brothers have taken a liking to so interesting?" Persephone teased as though to point out that she knows more about Hades than I do.

"Is that such a bad thing?" Hades raised his eyebrow.

"Who's to say? I'm just saying not to get too attached for your own sake, Hades. Mortals die far too easily. They're fragile beings, but seeing as though she has a strong hold on you, you should just lock her up to keep her from the dangers," Persephone laughed.

"I'd rather not cage up Aella. She is a whirlwind, free to do as she pleases," Hades smiled.

Persephone was shocked to see Hades smile. "I never knew a demon could smile," Persephone said.

"If I be the demon, then that makes you the devil. Aella will be my moon that gives this demon its strength," Hades smirked.

"You've surely changed. Not that I'm surprised since you spend most of your time with a mortal. You've lost that edginess and fright to you. I like you better now," Persephone smiled.

Of course, they'd fall in love. They're meant for each other. They're beauty and wisdom. I knew well enough that the dream I had of Hades and I being together would wither away if another woman came into the picture. Somewhere along the way, I found out that Hades really was a god, it made sense as well. Gods and goddesses beauty surpasses all and their strange powers as well. I bit my lower lip. I couldn't listen to this. I need to get away from here. I ran back into the forest, not caring where I went as long as I didn't have to see those two together. Even though Hades kept calling out to me over and over again, I kept running. I was too selfish, wanting to keep Hades smile all to myself. I cried and cried. When was the last time I cried? I can't remember, but that didn't matter. So why? Why is it that I only cry when it comes to Hades? I came to a cliff which oversaw my entire kingdom. I smelled smoke and saw terrible things. What I saw was not to my appeal, fire everywhere, my people screaming for help. I fell to my knees and even more tears fell. "NOOO!" I screamed.

2: Aella, the Choice

"NOO!" I screamed from the top of my lungs.

Hades came running from the bushes and stopped in his tracks as he saw Troy's demise. "What is this?" Hades looked at the moving bushes which also caught my attention.

An injured soldier approached us. "Princess, you're safe…" the soldier fell dead.

I was wide-eyed by the person behind the soldier as he approached us. Odysseus, my ex-betrothed, who chose Penelope over me and left me, was my enemy. "Who are you?" he asked.

I reached for my short dagger and got to my feet. This isn't the time for tears, it's the time to fight and protect! I lunged after Odysseus. "Are you serious? You can't even remember the face of your old flame?" I shouted, "Not that I even loved you, though!"

Odysseus's eyes widened, "Aella?" He blocked my attack and my dagger flew from my grip. I fell to the ground, almost off the cliff. Odysseus's long sword pointed at me. "Aella!" Hades yelled, moving forward. "Move and Aella dies!" Odysseus yelled.

"You think I'm afraid of death? I've been prepared for death since the day Paris returned. If my country falls, so will I!" I tilted my body off the cliff and fell. I closed my eyes, accepting my fate. However, it seems the gods did not wish for my death for Hades jumped after me. I heard Hades calling out to me, telling me to open my eyes. Opening my teary eyes, I gasped. "You're going to get yourself killed, idiot!" I yelled.

Hades extended his arm, "Just shut up and let me rescue you!"

My eyes widened. His voice like a drug, which entices me so much that I don't have a will of my own. I extended my hand, "Hades!" "Aella!" Hades reached for my hand and pulled me closer to him. He put his arm around me so that I faced the sky and his back faced the ground. My eyes widened. I knew his plan; he planned to take the full blow of the fall by himself. Why? Why risk your life for me? "What are you doing?" I asked scared for what's to come next.

Hades whispered very close to my ear, "Have you forgotten that I'm immortal? Heh, how cute. Don't worry. I don't plan on leaving you behind."

I sobbed, "Why do this for me? Why risk it to save me?"

Hades put a hand over my eyes. I saw darkness. "You really are dense. Can you really not tell how much I care for you?" Hades chuckled, "Just look at what you're making me say. I must be out of my mind to fall for you."

Fall for? Hades has fallen for me? That's not possible. He's in love with Persephone. Hades squeezed me. I could tell that he was scared, frightened. Closing my eyes, I braced for impact. "I love you," I whispered. I could feel Hades smiling face. There were trees snapping and I felt us coming to an abrupt halt. There was a warm movement of something. The smell of blood clouding my senses. Who's bleeding? It isn't me, I don't believe so. I quickly opened my eyes and got off of Hades. He was bloodied and bruised. My eyes widened, "Hades!" I shook him, "Wake up!"

Hades slowly opened his eyes and I gave him a relieved smile. "Thank goodness!" I hugged him with all my might. He gave me a pained look. "I get it already! I'm sorry for worrying you!" Hades sighed when I let him go, "Man, you're a piece of work." Tears strolled down my face. I was happy that he was alive, but he didn't need to be so rude. Hades was taken aback and unsure of what to do. He frantically waved his hands about. "Wait! I didn't mean it like that! Sure you're a lot of trouble, but I hate it when you cry. You're much cuter when you smile!" Hades tried to reassure.

I smiled and laughed, "What an odd way to get me to stop crying."

Hades's head hung low and he grabbed his hair, frustrated. "Honestly! When I'm with you…" He quickly glanced at my happy-go looking face, "Ugh! Why'd it have to be you?"

I smiled, "What do you mean?"

"You weren't listening when we were falling were you? Why am I not surprised?" Hades said in a monotone, "It'd be better to just show you." Hades ran his fingers through my hair. He smelled it. I blushed and looked away. Hades saw my embarrassment and chuckled. I looked down, "What's there to laugh about? This is really awkward!" I said my face burning a bright red.

Hades laughed and leaned towards my face, "Because you're just so cute, it's unbearable. I've been holding myself back for months now and I can finally express this feeling that I've had since the beginning." His lips connected to mine. Hades soft, burning lips touched mine. There was a slight metallic taste probably because his lip was bleeding, but I was fine with it. My first kiss was brief, but meant so much to me. Hades stared at me and searched into my eyes, a way to my heart. "I love you, Aella," He said sweetly.

I blushed, "I… love you, too."

Hades closed his eyes and put his head on my lap. "Let me rest here," he said.

I smiled, "Okay."

As Hades rested on my lap, I tried not to disturb him as I applied some medical cream on his wounds. The wounds weren't serious, but I still worried. The sun began to set and a person appeared from the bushes. It was my older brother Paris. He looked dejected and wide-eyed. "Aella, I'm sorry. This is my entire fault," Paris fell to his knees. My eyes widened, "What happened, Paris?"

"I abducted Melenaus's wife, Helen. I'm in love with her and she feels the same way. Please understand! I didn't mean to bring ruin to Troy!" Paris bowed.

"Raise your head, Paris," I said and Paris did. I looked down at Hades, "You see dear brother. Love knows no boundaries no matter what shape or form," I smiled, "You did what was in your heart and…" I looked at Paris, "…for that I am proud to call you my brother."

Paris's eyes widened at the man who was resting. He was surprised to hear me of all people to talk about love. Paris smiled gently, "Love knows no boundaries? Even if the other person was of a worldly birth?"

I smiled, "That's right. Not even the gods have a say in the matter. If the two were meant to be, then it's fate, destiny. The red string of fate ties the two together for all eternity."

Paris sat stunned at my words. I chuckled at his expression. "Mm…" Hades slowly woke up and stared at Paris, "We've barely even started dating and you're already cheating on me." Hades sighed, "Okay, spill it. Who is he?"

I whacked Hades for being so rude. "Idiot! He's my big brother! His name's Paris and he's already in love!" I scolded him.

"Ow! You shouldn't kick a guy down when he's already injured!" Hades verbally attacked back.

"I'm sorry! What was that? I couldn't hear you very well, jerk!" I yelled.

As we kept attacking each other with words, I guess Paris couldn't keep in his laughter. "You two get along so great! I can see how the thread of fate brought you two together," Paris laughed.

Hades and I stopped, staring at each other. I blushed and looked away. He did the same. It felt weird having someone say that about us. We went back to the palace and rested. Hades was bedridden with a fever for the next few days. I hope his wounds didn't get infected. I've stayed by his side, awaiting his return to reality. He slept in the guest room and I persistently slept in the same room despite my family's wishes. "Aella, get some rest now. He'll wake up soon, I know it," Mother said worriedly.

"But what if Hades wakes up in the middle of the night?" I asked.

"Don't worry. Even if he does, he'll know that you're by his side already. Literally," Mother joked to try and crack a smile.

I chuckled, "Thank you, Mother. I won't stay up much longer. I promise."

"You know it's odd. Before, I thought of this man, Hades as a monster, but seeing you put so much effort into staying by his side, I guess that you have an inseparable bond. However, what to do about Zeus?" Mother accepted Hades, but had difficulty on how to handle my betrothed.

I smiled, "When the time comes, I'll confront Zeus and tell him that love should be something natural, not forced. I'm sure he'll understand."

Mother smiled kindly, "You've grown into a fine woman and a fine warrior. I'm proud of you. It's high time I start trusting you," Mother hugged me, "Good night, baby girl."

By the time Mother left, I faced Hades. I pushed strands of hair behind his ear. The nightstand next to the bed held a water bucket. I removed the towel from Hades's forehead and drenched it into the water. Squeezing the water out, I placed the towel back on his forehead. I moved over to the window, pulling over the drapes and opening the window. A cold wind blew in. "It's cold tonight… cold… just like the hearts of the men out there. I wonder how long this constant fighting will last," I sighed.

The bed creaked and I immediately turned around surprised, thinking it was Hades awake. To my disappointment, it was Poseidon. A blue light hovered over Hades from Poseidon's hands. It looked like magic or sorcery of some sort like in the fairy tales I used to read. "Poseidon, is that some type of magic to heal a person's wounds?" I asked.

"Indeed it is. Usually a wound like this could heal in a matter of seconds, but because Hades comes to Olympus so little a time, his energy has run short. I've come to share some of my own. You may call it magic as some do," Poseidon explained.

I smiled, "Well, thank you. I appreciate your help."

Poseidon stared at me and sighed, "Honestly. I can see why they are fighting over you, but it should be you who chooses."

I was dumbfounded by Poseidon's words, utterly baffled. "I'm not sure I follow, Poseidon," I said a bit afraid of his dark glare.

Poseidon smirked, "Zeus or Hades?" My eyes widened and Poseidon came closer too me. I shuddered and he rested a hand on my shoulder. "Choose carefully." Poseidon whispered before jumping out the window. I quickly turned around towards the window. "Wait! Poseidon! How can I choose when I haven't even met Zeus?" I yelled, but Poseidon was already out of my reach, vanishing with my question left unanswered.

I looked over to find Hades staring out me with liquid black eyes."Are you feeling alright?" I asked tending to him, giving him something to drink. "I feel fine." Hades answered casually.

Cassandra came running into the room. "Aella! Please help us." She pleaded.

I reached for my sword and jumped up alert. Hades took hold of my wrist rubbing circles with his padded thumb. "Be careful, Aella. Stay alive." I nodded kissing his lips brushing lightly against them. "I promise." I ran out, but I thought I heard Hades mumble something. I think it was along the lines of, 'Of all the people to fall in love with...' I couldn't hear the rest. I jumped out through the balcony and for a moment, I felt Hades's presence disappear from this world. I didn't dare turn back and calmly walked onto the field with one thought crossing my mind. Poseidon, you said to choose and to choose soon. However is it possible to add another choice? If that be true... an enemy was in my view and just as he came close, I raised my blade moving to the right, twisting and swinging with all my might. I sliced through flesh, blood splattering everywhere to the ground, my face, my sword. The man fell to the ground silently... then I choose to fight! For my country!

To Be Continued…

3: Aella, the Immortal

Aella, the Immortal

The battles were long lasting as the enemy’s tacticians were very smart and devious. I could feel my people falling short in numbers as well as strength. I had known all along that Troy would fall soon as long as Paris lives. However, I cannot blame him for believing in his heart and what is right. At the start of the war, I was but a mere, naive 16 year old and now with four years gone passing, I am 20 years of age past the age for marriage. I grow lonely without Hades by my side, never once seeing him under that same tree again. Doubt grew deep within my heart. Will he never come back for me? But there was still much hope since that night. I had been peacefully asleep when Hades visited me. Was it reality or a dream? I could not remember quite well now, but it feels me with a lust of desire to see him again. He didn’t say anything, but silently he put a necklace around my neck. I couldn’t move and it felt like a struggle just to breathe. It was a beautiful tear drop necklace that I keep hidden under my clothing. It shines under the full moon and I soon began to realize that it was actually the tears of Hades himself. His tears fill me with the hope that he still feels for me. However, at the time, I never dreamed of what that necklace was capable of. And just like that 5 more years passed right by with no Hades in sight since my dream. Not only that, but it seems that everyone around me is aging whereas I have remained age 20. It’s weird and confusing, but it feels as though I’m stuck in time where Hades and I were together and unable to face the reality of him being gone. I ran to the balcony as another battle had broken out. I encountered Helen, who seemed to also be aging, but her beauty remained intact. “What’s the status?” I asked.

“It’s not looking well. Our forces are falling slowly one by one. It’s painful to watch…” Helen explained. Her voice sounded strained and concerned. I could see cold sweat beading down her forehead.

“You’re not looking well yourself. Get some rest. I’ll see if I can be of service to the men.” I said trying to reassure her. “You haven’t been getting much sleep either I see.”

Helen nodded. “I’ve just been so nervous since Paris left to fight. He hasn’t returned yet and it’s making me so anxious.”

I didn’t realize how much this war has affected everyone else besides me. I felt guilty being so selfish about my problems that I hugged Helen. “Don’t worry. I’ll definitely find him and bring him home.”

“Thank you.” Helen mumbled almost inaudibly and headed back inside towards her bedroom. I sighed and went to change into my armor, holding my necklace close to my chest. I prayed that Hades give me strength. I headed out to join the battle. As I fought my way through various great fighters, I stumbled upon Paris. We moved back to back. “Shouldn’t you be home with Helen?” I joked trying to ease Paris of fighting with full strength.

“Aella? Has something happened to Helen?” Paris asked worriedly.

I nodded. “She’s exhausted with no return of her love. Paris, you’re old, it’s time to settle down.”

“I’m not that old!” Paris snickered fighting his way to victory.

“35 is old enough.” I countered. The enemy swung his sword. Using my own, I deflected the attack. Another charged towards me and I chuckled, hearing a faint countdown. After counting to three, I’d jumped and Paris bent down, sliding under me and tripping the enemy. I used him as a stepping stool to jump over shifting my body and blade. My enemy was in sight falling forward and defenses exposed. I cut through the man and he fell before me. Paris and I high-fived each other with praise. However, that wasn’t the end of the battle. I hadn’t completely finished my target and he went to attack Paris. My eyes widened, my body moved with no effort and my brain blanked as I forced Paris out of the way. I can’t remember what happened next. It burned hot and scorching throughout my whole body. There were swords clanging and shouting out to me. I was suffocating unable to force the air into my lungs. It was overbearing and my strength to gain oxygen, depleting. It wasn’t painful, just difficult and I succumbed to the darkness.

What is this? Where am I? My body feels completely bare and lifeless. I floated underneath water, but when I opened my eyes and looked around, it hit me. The rush and feel of water, but I could breathe surprisingly. There was a bright light and Poseidon appeared before me. I tried to speak, but my voice was soundless. “You chose your country over your own happiness? Not many choose the happiness of others over their own. That’s very noble of you and for that, I’ll present to you another chance, but this time, for yourself. First, tell me something, who gave you that necklace?” Poseidon asked.

It was Hades, wasn’t it? Well, thinking back, his image was hazy and moreover, I was dreaming. Then it happened, the water was draining fast. I opened my eyes to the smell of volcanic fumes. My eyes widened. What is this? Where am I now? This time, I was confronted by Hades. Hades, my love. Another man appeared, one I’d seen before. Yes! The one at the crossroads between both Hades. “Say Zeus. Are you gonna settle down with that Aella girl?” Hades smirked.

Zeus? Him? He looks the part, but I thought Zeus was more aggressive. “I am. What of it?” He spoke quietly in a husky low voice.

Hades laughed. “Marrying a mortal must be a pain.” My eyes widened and my dream of Hades shattered into millions of glass pieces. This is not the Hades I know of. “Be that as it may, this human is quite entertaining. I’m more than satisfied to call her my wife.” Zeus spoke defending my honor. Hades smiled deviously. “I never imagined she’d have you wrapped around her finger.”

“There’s more to mortals than meets the eye. I disguised myself as a servant boy today and she treated me with no malice or ill intent whatsoever. I felt at peace with her.” Zeus smiled softly to himself.

“Then how ‘bout a wager?” Hades smirked, his eyes showing nothing but a cold, deep abyss. “You and I compete for the girl’s love. Whoever wins gets this Aella person.” Hades wagered.

Zeus started to walk away. “I refuse to bet her life on this.”

“Afraid to lose her?” Hades challenged.

Zeus turned his head. “What was that?” He asked angrily.

Hades walked behind Zeus going side to side of him. “It’s simple; make her fall for you like she did to you.” Hades said touching Zeus’s shoulder and whispering in his ear. “I’m sure I’ll win.”

Cruel. Such cruel words. Not even. To bet someone’s life. Hades is…a monster. I gasped at my thoughts. There was an earthquake and tremors brought the dream to a halt. The hot lava connected to my body, yet it didn’t set my body ablaze. I felt no pain and closed my eyes, the lava covering my body. When I came to, there was an elegant flower garden where the wind blew hard and petals hit my face. Zeus was sitting, enjoying the sun? Maybe? Before it was the past, that much I could tell, but what is this? Hades appeared before Zeus. “I wasn’t expecting you to be back so soon. How’s your wound?” Hades asked sincerely concerned.

“I’ll survive. Anyways by now, you should know why I even made that bet with you.” Zeus spoke, his voice a bit shaky.

“Yes.” Hades closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened them again. A certain light shimmered in them. “You were right. She’s something. You win.”

Zeus smiled. “It seems I’m not the only one who fell for a mortal.”

Hades turned his head. His ears slightly red. “Watch your mouth.”

Zeus chuckled. “I won’t be able to go back down for awhile now.”

What? Why not? Were you the ‘Hades’ I fell for? Why can’t I see you? So many questions unanswered. Zeus! Gak! Water? I can’t breathe! Before I knew it, water overpowered me forcing me away from the scenery played out for me. I felt the presence of someone. It wrapped its arms around my shoulders. “Now do you see?” the voice asked. “The man you love is none other than the man you hate.” It whispered. “But who gave you the immortality necklace? Even I do not know that answer. Still, it is your choice to love Hades or Zeus.”

I was lost in the depths of that water. I lost consciousness. “Aella!” A voice yelled. I recognized it as mother’s voice and immediately woke up realizing I was holding my breath. Everyone around me was in tears. Mother was the first to hug me. “Thank goodness!” Mother cried.

“Mother?!” I looked around at everyone and then saw Paris. “You’re alive?”

“With your help.” Paris smiled.

I snorted. “I’m not really sure how I survived but it must be the work of the Gods.”

Everyone’s faces suddenly became sullen and I didn’t realize what was going on. Mother got off me and looked into my eyes. “Aella…you’re an immortal.” She spoke slowly enough for me to understand.

I nodded. “I already knew.” I smiled.