The Immortal Heart

Chapter 34

As the sun began to set, the group decided to retire for the day. Their bellies rumbled for sustenance, and each of them secretly hoped dinner would still be warm by the time they returned home. Poseidon had made startling progress with his trident, perhaps encouraged by Zeus’ insufferable self satisfaction with his equally insufferable skills. The next time the gods would practice with their weapons, the older god hoped they could attempt their abilities near the ocean. He could barely wait to see what he would be able to do with the water.

On the way back to the abode, Zeus saw something catch the light of the setting sun, and he recognized it at Hades’ helmet. He picked the helm up from the grass, brushing dirt away from its curved surface, and thought of the way his eldest brother tossed it aside in defeat.

The helmet might not be a weapon in the most conventional sense, but it deserved better than being discarded by its owner like yesterday’s table scraps. Zeus continued the walk home with the intention of returning it to Hades and simultaneously talking some sense into his brother.

*

Demeter stayed with Hades until it was time to assist Hestia in preparing supper for the returning gods and their half-brother. Hades remained where he was, not feeling the least bit hungry. He also did not look forward to facing Zeus again, as he was still angry with his brother and also suspected that Zeus was rather displeased with him. The foot he had used to kick the wall had begun to ache as well; his anger had prevented him from feeling any pain when it happened, but now it was severe enough to make him suspect a broken toe.

Hades closed his eyes in the dark when his ears caught the return of Zeus and his brothers. He hoped that no one would come in and ask him to join the rowdy bunch gathered in the common room, as he was hardly in the mood for festivities, but already after a few minutes the door opened, revealing a large shape in the doorway.

Hades had expected Demeter, or perhaps Hestia, but not Zeus. The leader’s unexpected entry made the elder god’s heart hammer in his chest, and he hoped that Zeus was not displeased enough to punish him.

“Hades,” Zeus spoke up, and it was nigh impossible to decipher his emotional state from his voice alone.

“Yes, brother?”

“I found something on my way home. Something that belongs to you.” And he proceeded to present the helm, still marked by dirt, and placed it on the dresser where it was visible to Hades.

Hades did not respond, so Zeus continued to speak in his stead. “Are you alright?”

“Fine,” Hades said, his voice low to hide his emotion.

“Then why are you sitting in the dark?”

Hades had no answer, apart from the fact that he wished to be left alone. In his sadness he wished to be utterly alone, and unfortunately he had thrown his new helm aside before he returned home, and thus he remained in darkness.

Zeus waited in the uncomfortable silence until he lost patience and took a seat on the bed, his eyes adjusting to the darkness and finding his brother huddled there with his head bowed. Unsure of what to say, the younger god finally lifted and hand and placed it against Hades’ head, feeling the soft locks of hair. Hades ignored him.

“Please talk to me?” Zeus said. “How can we come out of this impasse if we do not talk?”

“What is there to talk about?” Hades finally said, barely audible. “You want me here where I sit and wait amongst our sisters while you and Poseidon do something about Cronos. Perhaps you should have kept me in female form after all… at least then I would have some use for you. Then again, I can’t even give you children properly. Maybe as a goddess I still couldn’t.”

“Don’t talk such nonsense, brother,” Zeus said, fervent to stop the miserable ramble his fellow god seemed to be trapped within. He leaned forward and tried to wrap his arms around his brother but Hades would have none of it.

“Why did you even bring that stupid helmet back?” Hades cried, turning away. “You said yourself that it is useless… that I am useless. You might as well wear it yourself.”

I would have, had it fit my head, Zeus thought. He kept this information to himself, knowing it would only upset his brother further.

“It is your helmet, dearest,” he said instead and fought to keep his voice calm and neutral. Hades’ behavior made Zeus want to shout at the older god to stop acting like a spoiled child and face the truth, but there was genuine hurt in his brother’s eyes, not simply that caused by wounded pride.

“Go eat your supper, Zeus,” Hades whispered, his face turned away from the other. “You must be hungry after your endeavors.”

“Will you join me?”

“I am not hungry…”

He spoke the truth, and the mere thought of ingesting food made Hades want to throw up, even though there was currently nothing in his stomach to regurgitate. Two fat tear drops formed in his eyes and slowly trickled down his pale cheeks only to bury themselves in the short stubble of his growing beard.

“Hades…” Zeus took one of his brother’s hands in his own and gently squeezed it. Though warm, the limb was unmoving and lifeless. “Hades, you must understand the reason for my actions. I love you, and the thought of losing you is unbearable to me. Tell me that you understand this?”

Hades was silent for a long while, and Zeus began to fear that he was getting nowhere with his obstinate brother when the elder Olympian suddenly spoke up. “How about my feelings?” he said. “You will head out to battle with Poseidon, and I will have to stay here, not knowing whether you are alive or dead.”

Zeus lifted the hand he was holding to his face and kissed it. “Hades, you are no warrior,” he said. “Look at these hands of yours.” He let his broad thumb caress the slender, delicate fingers in his grasp. “These are not the hands of a fighter, Hades.”

“No. They are not.” Hades looked down at his hand being stroked with such care by his youngest brother and leader. “But what else are they for?” he asked, a coldness in his voice. “Apart from providing you pleasure?” The only emotion in his speech was bitterness. “I love you, Zeus. So much. But what else can I do? I cannot be there to provide such a thing on the battlefield. And to stay behind and wait like our sisters… I cannot bear it.”

How deeply, how desperately Zeus wished his eldest brother could be like himself or Poseidon. Truly Hades was more like a goddess than a god. It seemed even Rhea knew this, otherwise she would have made him something far more useful and aggressive than a helmet. Were Hades stronger… perhaps he could be happier. But would Zeus have fallen in love with him were this so?

“You will not simply wait like our sisters,” Zeus said gently. “We will return victorious, and start a new life, without fear of the titans. Our home will be bigger, and stronger, and more beautiful than anything else made by our hands before. I… I have had dreams of our future beyond the defeat of Cronos for some time now, but I had not told anyone until now.”

“A future for the gods?” Hades asked for clarity, still trapped in unhappiness, but tempted by his brother’s promises.

“For you and I,” Zeus answered. “I had planned to wait until Poseidon and I returned from battle, but now… I think you need to know this so that you will be certain I will return.”

“What do you mean?”

“I will make you my consort after our victory.”

Hades’ eyes widened at the statement spoken by his brother. Could Zeus truly be serious about what he’d just said?

“Zeus, brother, I… You are… asking me to… marry you?”

Zeus edged closer to the other and wrapped an arm around Hades’ shoulders, pleased to note that this time, Hades tolerated his touch. “You have been my chosen mate for some time,” he said. “You are who I love and want by my side; I have simply not spoken of it until now.”

In truth, even now Zeus found it quite difficult to discuss the subject of marriage. He had never had a way with words; the youngest god was a physical being rather than a verbal one, and most of the time his actions spoke for themselves. This occasion, however, demanded something extraordinary, and Zeus figured that the promise of marriage might be sufficient to keep Hades waiting for him until the battle was over.

Hades’ initial joy over the proposal was quite soon overshadowed by doubt of his brother’s sincerity. “I will never be able to give you any children,” he said gravely, gazing deep into the leader’s sky-colored eyes.

“I know this, and I have considered it for some time. My decision still remains the same. I would prefer my marriage to be one out of love rather than convenience.”

The last of Hades’ internal defenses crumbled at the words spoken by his brother, and he could no longer hold back his emotions. Laughing even through his tears, he threw his arms around Zeus’ neck and continued to cry and laugh indiscriminately with his face buried in the bigger god’s hair.

“Does this mean you accept?” Zeus asked, now laughing as well.

Hades pulled away and tried to will his heart to slow down. He felt as though he were in a dream instead of facing something very real. He strained to hold back his laughter and sobs, his face a grave expression.

“Yes.” He opened his eyes and tears fell as though held back by his eyelids. “Yes, I accept. I want to be with you.”

He lifted his head to reach up and kiss his brother. Zeus seemed to anticipate the kiss and leaned forward to take Hades’ lips against his own. At first the kiss was sweet and affectionate, but in the joy the gods shared, it became more passionate. Hands cradled one another’s face until Zeus broke the kiss, much to Hades’ surprise.

“Are you happy?” he asked.

Hades only made an affirmative noise and reached up to continue the kiss. Zeus gave a laugh muffled by colliding mouths.

“Come with me to dinner,” the younger god said when they parted a second time. “We can show how much your mood has improved. Even Hera will have to listen.”

“So… you know?”

“What?”

Hades pulled away to explain, realizing no one had told the Olympian leader. “When I returned home, Hera mocked me for my misery, for being sent back. I… I lost my temper and pushed her away to silence her. Demeter and Hestia had to separate us.”

Zeus’s brow rose, as he was surprised that Hades could even initiate a skirmish. “Did she get any blows against you?” he finally asked. “Did she cause any damage?”

“Fortunately not.”

“Did you?”

“Sadly not,” came a gruff reply.

The younger god chuckled. Hades glanced at him. “You’re not angry?”

“Hera has been taking her anger out on everything and everyone. It amuses me that she got a taste of her own venom. Now why don’t we spread our good news?”

“Zeus, wait…” Hades said, fingers gripping his brother’s powerful wrist. “Should we tell them? So soon?”

“Why shouldn’t we?” Zeus inquired. “Are you thinking of changing your answer?”

Hades’ mouth fell open in shock to such a notion and he vigorously shook his head. “Heavens, no! Never!” he exclaimed. “It is just that…” He bit down on his bottom lip, dreading to think how their eldest sister would handle the news. Hades had already been the target of Hera’s malice enough times, and he feared what the goddess might instigate in response to finding out about their planned marriage.

“Just what, dearest?” Zeus’ voice was soft, and he trailed one large finger over his brother and soon-to-be consort’s face, as if mapping out his features. After supper, he planned to take Hades to bed and celebrate the promise of their eternal union by making love to him.

“I don’t want Hera to know,” Hades confessed. “Not yet. Especially not when you will be taking off soon to… to battle Cronos.” The idea of being left on this island with his eldest sister when Zeus and Poseidon left to bring the gods victory was everything but pleasant. Hades had seen the hatred in Hera’s eyes and believed she was seriously capable of harming him.

Zeus relented, understanding of his brother’s apprehension. In truth, he did not look forward to dealing with Hera’s reaction himself.

“Then let’s wait. I suppose that the two of us knowing is enough for now.”

“Can I tell Demeter?” Hades asked. “I trust her. All my secrets are safe with her.”

“If you want to, you can tell her. At least we can be assured that one of our sisters will be happy for us.”

The two gods exchanged another kiss before leaving the darkness of Hades’ bedroom in favor of the well-lit and hospitable common room where supper was already laid out on the table. Everyone else was present, including Chiron, and the conversation died out when Zeus and his elder brother entered, holding each other’s hands. Demeter especially was surprised to see the smile gracing Hades’ lips when she had left him in such a desolate state only an hour ago.

“Dinner,” Zeus said, looking at his family. “Wonderful. Please, continue. We don’t mean to interrupt.”

Chiron’s hackles shivered, and Poseidon wondered if this was the centaur’s own version of a shrug. He shrugged as well and continued speaking with him.

“Brother, I’m so happy to see you smiling,” Demeter finally said in quiet tones as the conversations steadily picked up once more.

“Zeus has managed to make amends,” Hades replied with a small smile. “I will tell you more of it later, when we are in a more private setting.”

Demeter gave an excited smile, as though she would be given a much anticipated gift. “I can hardly wait.”

“But please keep it a secret,” Hades urged her, his voice still just above a whisper. “I would like to wait a little bit longer before everyone finds out.”

“Hades, you can rely on me,” the goddess said, lifting a chalice of wine to her lips. “You act as though Zeus proposed marriage to you.”

Hades winced at her words as though she had shouted them. And in his wince he realized the error of his response. A hand came to his eyes, knowing he would be found out.

Demeter watched the look on her brother’s face and suddenly she was choking on wine. “He did??” she exclaimed, hacking and coughing. Her reaction caused everyone to go silent again, and Hades felt the heat of the rapidly spreading blush on his cheeks.

“Did what?” Hestia asked, perplexed. “What is the matter?”

Hades groaned, thinking himself an idiot.

“Is it true?” Demeter inquired, whispering despite everyone’s ears being turned to the god and goddess.

“Have you told her already?” Zeus asked. “I thought you wanted to wait.”

“I would have if Demeter had not reacted in such hysterics,” the older god grumbled.

“Told her what?” Poseidon asked.

Zeus quickly realized that their feeble attempts to keep the news from spreading had failed and decided to make an announcement before all his siblings. Standing up, he clinked a spoon against his wine goblet a few times to get everyone’s attention and kill the buzzing of voices, and when this had been accomplished, the Olympian leader spoke.

“There is something I would like to share with all of you,” Zeus said, his expression solemn and grave. “As you may know, Hades has been my chosen mate for some time, and this evening I asked him to become my wedded consort, to which he said yes.”

Hades felt his cheeks heat up at his brother and leader’s words, but now his response was caused by pride rather than shame or anger.

Demeter was instantly there to give him vigorous hugs and congratulate them, letting her brothers know how happy she was to hear the news. She was soon joined by Hestia and Poseidon, and even Chiron approached the eldest god to give his blessings, however secretly wondering if the sudden marriage proposal was due to Zeus’ bad conscience.

The only one who did not show joy over the announcement was Hera. The goddess remained in her seat, spasmodically squeezing the goblet of wine in her hand. She would have liked to throw the contents into her wretched brother’s face and then proceed to bash his head with the goblet.

Rather than acting on her murderous impulses, Hera stayed as still as a statue, certain that she would faint if she tried to rise from her chair. The food she had eaten suddenly tasted like bile in her mouth, and before she could stop herself, Hera bent over and allowed her stomach to expel the supper.

Every head on the other side of the dining room turned to look at Hera as she threw up. Secretly, Hades was thankful that his sister’s reaction did not involve hurling a chair at him.

“Oh my goodness, Hera!” Demeter and Hestia were quickly at her side before any others. Hades remained where he was, hoping Hera did not have much strength left in her to be violent.

“Are you alright?” Demeter asked as she and Hestia tried to lift their sister. Hera was quickly to her feet before her fellow goddesses could put some strength behind their lifting, and she waved her arms at them to release their hold.

“I am alright, now let me go. I need some air!” Hera broke loose of her sisters and began to exit the room, but they followed close behind until she shouted that she needed no help. The dining room was quiet for several uncomfortable seconds.

“Congratulations, Hades,” Chiron finally spoke up again. “To find true love in such trying time must be rare, but you have not only found it, but secured it.”

“Yes,” Hestia chimed in, still preoccupied by Hera’s departure. “We all wish nothing but absolute happiness for the both of you.”

“To our brothers,” Poseidon announced, holding up his wine. “May they set an example of life beyond Titanic reign.”

“To our brothers!” the rest echoed. Hades smile, already brought back by the well-wishes of his family, grew even greater when Zeus pressed a kiss to his cheek.

The only one absent from the celebrated news was also the one who wished the cheer to be smashed to pieces like delicate pottery. Hera had managed to keep whatever food still in her from escaping and instead she struggled to hold back a scream of unlimited rage. How could Zeus choose Hades, she wondered with angry bewilderment.

HOW?!

The goddess knew she could not stand by again, laying down and simply letting her brothers to tromp all over her like dirt. She had managed to stifle Hades’ chances of giving Zeus an heir, and she would stop this marriage as well. She would simply have to calm herself and conduct a plan.

But her anger was still great. And after her uncontrolled behavior in the dining room, Hera would not be getting any release from Zeus, especially since the great clod would likely be celebrating the proposal with their rodent of a brother.

As soon as supper was over, Zeus more or less tugged Hades with him into the bedchamber shared by the leader and Poseidon, and soon the sounds of passion could be heard by all of the house’s inhabitants. Just as she had expected, Zeus ignored her in favor of the one member of the Olympian family who contributed absolutely nothing.

Oh brother, why do you waste your precious seed by spilling it into his withered, barren body? she thought bitterly. He can never give you an heir; why would you take a spouse that cannot provide you with the one thing you need most?

Hera wondered if Hades had mentioned the skirmish between himself and his eldest sister to Zeus, and if that had caused Zeus to further distance himself from her. The deceitful little rat probably lied to Zeus to bring sympathies for himself, Hera thought. He attacked me, I was merely defending myself, and yet everyone acts as though it’s all my fault.

The sounds of lovemaking eventually died out from behind the closed door, and since no Hades exited the room, one could only assume that Zeus had asked his brother to share the bed with him.

Once her two sisters had retreated into their respective rooms as well, Hera wondered where Poseidon would spend the night. Zeus’ bed, thought the largest, would not hold three, and though she normally did not sympathize with Poseidon, it would be unfair to have the rat who Zeus valued so highly steal his space.

Hera waited in the common room for her brother’s return. Poseidon had gone out to spend some time with Chiron before bedtime, and she hoped he would come back inside rather than curl up next to the stinking horse-man and sleep with him outdoors. She had been alone for too long, and if she couldn’t have Zeus, Poseidon would suffice as far as providing her pleasure.

Waiting just inside the gods’ newfound home, Hera eavesdropped. Her brother and half-brother were outside, engaging in pleasant conversation, first involving the news of Hades and Zeus’ marriage, then of the ways of a centaur.

Typical, Hera thought with irritation.

Chiron was discussing the idea of not allowing others to ride him. However, he said, perhaps he would make an exception for Poseidon.

For heavens’ sake, Hera almost wanted to shout, why don’t the two of you get married as well?

Minutes later, Chiron said good night and retired to the shelter of the nearby woods. Poseidon wished him a pleasant sleep and entered the house, wondering where he would sleep that night, and being startled out of his thoughts by Hera.

“Sister, what are you doing awake?” he asked. “Are you still feeling unwell?”

“No, I am alright now,” Hera replied, trying to ignore the unpleasant mental image of god and centaur making love to each other. “I am kept wakeful by Zeus and Hades’… celebration. I decided to wander the house.”

“Ah…” Poseidon felt uncomfortable when alone with Hera, especially since she was keen on using him for her own personal gain and nothing more. “Well, I was about to retire to my bed, but it is already being used. I am on my way to ask Demeter if she would mind sharing hers with me.”

“Wait.” Hera placed her hand against the wall, her arm blocking Poseidon’s way. He shut his eyes and grimaced, knowing what she would ask next.

“I am restless tonight after the events of the day,” she stated. “I would benefit from the attention of our leader, but he is otherwise indisposed. And since you are unable to use your bed, perhaps we could ask Hestia to leave mine…?”

The god held back a sigh, unwilling to meet Hera’s gaze. While he had enjoyed the physical experience of coupling with her the first time, her behavior afterwards had been very disconcerting. Also, the idea of being used as a second-grade replacement for Zeus did not appeal to him the slightest.

Perhaps I should have slept out in the wild with Chiron, Poseidon thought. Now if only I could refuse Hera without upsetting her…

“I am rather weary tonight, sister,” he said quietly. “I appreciate your interest, but I think I’d rather turn in and get some sleep.” He gave Hera a respectful nod and tried to pass her, hoping that she had not taken offense, but the goddess grabbed his robes and pressed herself flush against him, seemingly determined not to take a ‘no’ for an answer.

“You want me, brother,” she hissed in his ear and gave his long, curly hair an ungentle tug. “I know you want me. You have wanted me for years upon years!”

“Hera, stop,” Poseidon demanded and grabbed her wrists to disengage her from himself. “I said not tonight. And your reason for wanting me in your bed makes me even less inclined to accept.”

“Reason?” Hera snapped. “I feel lonely and I would care for some company. What is wrong with that?” She knowingly studied his visage in the dim lamp light, and a pungent smile soon came to her lips. “I think I understand, Poseidon,” she continued. “You decline the offer of company because I am not as appealing to you as your smelly centaur-friend?”

Poseidon’s face went red, but his eyes did not read of embarrassment. Instead, they were filled with anger.

“He’s far better company than you have proven to be!” he growled, pushing her hard enough so that she stepped aside. He was down the hall and undetectable in the darkness within seconds. Hera was now alone at the front door of the house, the stars a poor source of light and the equine sounds of a centaur’s snoring audible from the forests.

Hades’ kicking of the wall presently sounded like a very good idea to duplicate.


TBC...