Chapter Text
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Qin tilted her head, observing Hades. While Hades mirrored her, a silent exchange passed between them, the only sounds of the rustling of the wind and the birds' gentle chirping. Qin broke the silence.
"Is there something you need?" her soft voice, though quiet, carried clearly to Hades.
He blinked, a faint blush warming his cheeks. He instinctively covered half his face, averting his gaze. "Ah, no, it's just..."
Hades cleared his throat, feigning nonchalance. "Sorry, I was merely passing by, and I lost track of my surroundings." He looked at Qin, his eyes questioning. "Am I disturbing you?"
Qin shook her head, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "No, Not at all! In fact a companion would be nice, I can't have this beautiful view all by myself, It's quite boring sitting all alone in such a beauty. Would you care to join me?"
Hades's eyes widened slightly. "Me? Join you?" He was genuinely surprised. It was rare for anyone outside his brothers or close acquaintances to invite him to share their company. His surprise was cut short by Qin's soft chuckle.
"Well, of course. I cannot have someone who might be my guest standing there, now can I?" Her eyes crinkled with amusement as she looked at Hades.
Hades hesitated for a moment, then walked towards her, settling beside her, careful not to touch her. Qin smiled, a silent acknowledgment.
They sat in comfortable silence, Qin resuming her observation of the birds and the spinning pinwheel, while Hades took in the serene beauty of the garden. The awkwardness of the situation, sitting beside his supposed enemy and future wife, made him uncharacteristically tongue-tied. Where did his usual confidence and social grace vanished? After all, He barely knew her.
As Hades wrestled with his thoughts, Qin suddenly asked, "So, how did you find your way here? This place is rather secluded."
Hades flinched slightly, then composed himself. "I was lost in thought, and before I knew it, I was here." He glanced around the garden, his curiosity piqued. "Where is this place, anyway?"
Qin hummed, her eyes following the flight of a bird. "It’s near the arena. I found this place while exploring. That tall woman told me to stay in my room, but I grew bored, so I decided to explore a bit!"
Hades looked at her, his brows furrowed. "You don't know what happened earlier?"
She shook her head, her smile turning slightly mischievous. "Nope! I didn't bother watching the fights, for I already know the outcome! At least, some of it."
'So, she didn't know what happened earlier...' Hades thought. They fell into another silence, but this time, it wasn’t uncomfortable. In fact, it was strangely peaceful. Hades closed his eyes, leaning back against the tree. It was a rare moment of relaxation for him. The constant duties of ruling an entire realm were exhausting. Though he occasionally enjoyed moments of respite with his brothers, nephews, or at social gatherings, he was perpetually tense. The habit of being on guard had been ingrained in him since Kronos’s reign.
Kronos, their tyrannical father, believed his children posed a threat and sought to annihilate them. Hades, as the eldest, felt a profound responsibility to protect his younger brothers. Even after they were swallowed by Kronos, he urged them to remain hidden, to leave no trace. Thankfully, Zeus delivered the final blow, ending their father’s reign of terror.
Yet, even after Kronos’s demise, Hades couldn’t shake the ingrained habit of vigilance. Despite his brothers’ assurances that the danger had passed, he remained perpetually on guard. But now, in the presence of this unfamiliar woman, he experienced a sense of peace he hadn’t felt in centuries.
As he breathed softly, he became aware of a gentle, melodic humming beside him. He didn’t open his eyes, but he knew it was Qin. A small, genuine smile touched his lips, his face relaxing, his shoulders loosening as he sank further into the tree’s embrace, enveloped by the soothing rhythm of her humming.
The garden, with its vibrant flora and gentle breezes, seemed to amplify the tranquility. The air was filled with the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers, and the soft chirping of birds created a natural symphony. Hades felt a weight lifting from his shoulders, a burden he hadn't realized he carried.
Qin’s humming was a soft, almost ethereal melody, weaving through the stillness like a gentle breeze. It was a sound that seemed to resonate deep within him, calming his restless spirit. He found himself drifting, not into sleep, but into a state of serene awareness.
He felt a subtle shift in the air, a gentle warmth that seemed to emanate from Qin. It was a comforting presence, a silent reassurance that he was safe, that he could let go, if only for a moment.
He thought of the future, of Elijah's claims, of the war and the ruin. He thought of this woman, this Emperor, who was supposed to be his wife, and the mother of his son. He felt a strange sense of familiarity, a connection that transcended time and circumstance.
The thought should have been unsettling, but it wasn't. It was as if a missing piece of his soul had been found, a void filled with an unexpected warmth. He didn't understand it, but he didn't resist it either. He simply allowed himself to bask in the moment, in the peace, in the presence of Qin Shi Huang.
A few hours passed. Hades didn't know when he had drifted off to sleep. He was awakened by a gentle shaking, his hearing still fuzzy, registering a distant voice. He blinked, adjusting to the sunlight, his gaze first falling upon the delicate pink petals of the tree he leaned against. Then, he saw Hermes standing nearby, his voice calling out once more.
"Hades-sama, are you awake now?"
Hades rubbed his eyes, attempting to dispel the lingering drowsiness. "Hermes..." he acknowledged his nephew.
"Zeus-sama has summoned you. I searched your realm, but you weren't there. Who would have thought I'd find you here?" Hermes remarked, his eyes sweeping across the serene garden.
"You must have had a truly restful nap. The fact that you didn't sense my approach fills me with joy. You've finally relaxed," Hermes smiled, his tone genuinely pleased.
Hades sat up, his sleepiness dissipating. He then realized that Qin Shi Huang, who had been beside him, was gone. He glanced around, expecting to find her, but all that remained was the red pinwheel, its blades spinning gently in the breeze. He picked it up, inspecting it closely. The red pinwheel, with its simple yet elegant design, reminded him of Qin's red floral tassel earrings, which complemented her gentle smile. He was lost in thought, his mind replaying the moments they shared, when Hermes's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Hades-sama? Is everything alright?"
Hades shook his head softly, a subtle warmth spreading through his chest. "No, it's nothing."
He stood, tucking the red pinwheel safely into his coat pocket, a silent promise to himself to return it. He followed Hermes out of the garden, his thoughts still lingering on Qin and the unexpected tranquility he had found in her presence.
As they walked, Hades couldn't shake the feeling of a subtle shift within him. The garden, the pinwheel, Qin's gentle humming, and the peaceful silence had left an imprint on his usually stoic demeanor. He felt a sense of calm, a lightness he hadn't experienced in centuries.
He wondered about the future, about Elijah's claims, about the war, and about the woman who was supposed to be his wife. He felt a strange pull towards her, a sense of familiarity that defied logic. He wanted to know more, to understand this connection that had blossomed in such a short time.
As they approached Zeus's hall, Hades steeled himself, preparing to face the gods and the unfolding mystery. But even as he donned his usual mask of composure, a part of him remained in the tranquil garden, with the red pinwheel and the memory of a gentle hum.
The next day dawned, a grand assembly of higher-status gods, goddesses, human fighters, the Valkyries and demigods gathered within the Valhalla Council Hall. Hades and his brothers entered, their presence commanding attention as they walked towards their respective seats. Hades' gaze fell upon Qin, who, despite her white blindfold, seemed to perceive his presence. He felt her eyes on him. A small, gentle smile graced her lips, and she offered a subtle wave. A faint blush warmed Hades' cheeks, and he returned her acknowledgment with a slight nod. Behind him, Zeus wore a secret, mischievous grin, while Poseidon emitted an almost imperceptible sigh, a subtle expression of his characteristic displeasure.
They settled into their seats, the silence punctuated by the rustling of garments and the hushed whispers of anticipation. As the remaining gods and goddesses arrived, the newcomers were guided to their designated places by attentive servants. With the resounding thud of the closing doors, the assembly commenced. A palpable tension filled the hall, with many gods and goddesses casting disdainful, wary, and curious glances towards the Einherjar and demigods.
Poseidon, seated beside Hades, grumbled audibly, his arms crossed tightly against his chest. Hades understood his brother's inherent aversion to company, a preference for solitude that extended to both gods and humans alike. A soft chuckle escaped Hades' lips, an amused observation of his brother's perpetual frown.
Elijah and his companions, now adorned in clean, pristine clothing, their wounds meticulously concealed beneath immaculate bandages, took their seats. Elijah inhaled deeply, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. He recognized the gods who would later become acquaintances of his parents, his future uncles and aunts. His eyes halted upon Hades, who regarded him with a stoic, impassive expression. Elijah's hands clenched beneath the table, his eyes narrowing, a flicker of animosity flashing within them. Hades blinked, sensing a sudden surge of bloodlust. He met Elijah's gaze, a flicker of confusion crossing his features as he wondered at the source of his future child's apparent hostility. Adalee nudged Elijah gently, prompting him to avert his gaze. He reluctantly looked away from his father's intense stare.
His attention shifted to the Einherjar, and his eyes widened with longing. Seated at the forefront was his mother, a younger, vibrant version of her. His hands trembled, an overwhelming desire to gaze into her sparkling emerald eyes consuming him. Qin, sensing a concentrated gaze upon her, turned her head in Elijah's direction. Elijah's jaw tightened, a silent struggle to contain the emotions threatening to overwhelm him, to keep from breaking down in front of everyone.
"Welcome, boy. It appears you have rested well," Zeus spoke, his gaze fixed intently on Elijah.
Elijah flinched, a momentary lapse in his carefully constructed composure. He regained control, his expression becoming a mask of stoic neutrality as he looked at the Allfather of the Gods. He rose, bowing respectfully, his voice steady and measured. "Thank you for your warm hospitality, Zeus-sama."
Zeus hummed, his eyes narrowing slightly. "It appears your number has decreased. Where are the rest of your companions?" He noted the absence of some. "They are resting," Elijah replied, his voice even. "Olivia is still unconscious, and Eliza, the youngest, remains in the medical room with another of our companions."
A heavy silence descended upon the council hall, the air thick with anticipation. Every eye was fixed on Elijah and his companions, eager to glean the secrets of their future. Gods and humans alike, despite their inherent differences, shared a profound curiosity, a burning desire to comprehend the looming future that threatened to consume them all.
Elijah took a deep breath, steeling himself for the daunting task ahead. He understood the gravity of his words, the potential to shatter the very foundations of their reality. He glanced at his companions, their faces etched with the weight of their shared knowledge. They nodded, a silent affirmation of their resolve.
"Zeus-sama, and all assembled here," Elijah began, his voice resonating through the vast hall, commanding attention. "We are here to deliver a warning, a glimpse into a future that awaits you. A future of desolation, of unending war, a future where both gods and humans are consumed by a force far greater than any of you can imagine."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in, to permeate the atmosphere with their chilling weight. Then, with a voice imbued with urgency, he continued, "We were delivered here in a rush, but we will show you the reason for this."
Elijah turned to one of his companions, addressing him with a silent command. "Nicholas, if you would."
The man, Nicholas, rose to his feet. He was tall and slender, his attire a stark contrast to the opulent surroundings. He wore a black lab coat, black gloves adorned with silver rings, a black vest over a crisp white shirt, black pants, and classic black boots. The only incongruous element was a white scarf with black stripes, a splash of lightness in his otherwise dark ensemble. He retrieved a circular metallic device from his coat, his other hand conjuring a dark swirl of energy, powering the device. It floated upwards, projecting a screen, its image visible to everyone present. The screen flickered momentarily, then stabilized, displaying a chilling scene.
The screens revealed a scene of utter devastation: ruined buildings, raging fires, rubble, and ash. Some gods and goddesses gasped, their eyes wide with horror. A chilling realization dawned upon them.
"Hey... isn't that place familiar?" someone whispered.
The gods and goddesses exchanged horrified glances, their faces paling. They recognized the location all too well.
"Olympus?"
Indeed, the screens showed the ruins of the once-celestial abode, now a wasteland of ash, destroyed structures, and bloodied corpses. The vibrant greenery was gone, replaced by a scene of utter desolation.
"Indeed, this is the current Olympus in our timeline," Elijah confirmed, his voice heavy with grief. His fists clenched. "But that's not all."
The scene began to shift, accompanied by the sound of heavy, metallic footsteps. The rhythmic clang sent shivers down their spines. The screens focused on the approaching figure, growing larger as it drew closer. It was a towering figure, clad in full silver armor, radiating an aura of deadly power. It wielded a long, two-pronged bident, its sharp points glinting ominously. Hades's eyes widened, recognizing the weapon.
The figure halted, revealing a scene of abject terror. A god, visibly not human, lay before it, covered in blood, a gaping wound in its abdomen. The god desperately tried to crawl away, sobbing.
["Please... please... I don't want to die... please..."]
The armored figure remained silent, an ominous stillness emanating from it. The god, his voice rising in panic, pleaded.
["What do you want from me?! Can't you see?! I have nothing to give! Please! Please let me go!"]
Still, the figure remained silent. The god, trembling, reached out, his bloodied hand grasping the figure's armored boots. He begged, his voice choked with fear.
["I-I can get you anything! I'll do anything! Just please don't kill me! Please!"]
Finally, the armored figure spoke, its voice rasping and devoid of emotion. ["Anything?"]
The god nodded frantically, forcing a nervous smile. ["Yes! Anything!"]
The figure paused, then lowered the bident, its sharp prongs resting against the god's neck. ["Then... give me your life."] Its voice was cold, emotionless.
The God's eyes widened in confusion. ["Eh-?"] Before he could react, his head was severed, landing with a sickening thud.
The armored figure raised its arm, the bident dripping with blood, its sharp blade gleaming in the firelight. It stared at the severed head, then crushed it beneath its foot. A glowing orb floated from the god's lifeless chest. The figure knelt, grasping the god's core life, crushing it in its hand. The core dissolved, absorbed into the figure's body.
The figure rose, slowly removing its helmet.
The gods and goddesses gasped, their faces etched with disbelief and horror. The VIP section was silent, every eye fixed on the screen. Hades's eyes were wide, his fingers trembling slightly.
The screen revealed the face of the armored figure: an older, taller version of Hades, his armor stained with ash and blood. But it was his expression that sent shivers down their spines. The warm, confident, and mature Hades they knew was gone, replaced by a cold, emotionless mask.
[Future Hades stared at the lifeless god, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "Still not enough."]
The screen turned black, plunging the arena into a cacophony of chaos. Murmurs erupted from the crowd, a mix of disbelief and fear.
"Was that Lord Hades?!"
"You must be kidding..."
"...Lord Hades..."
"Are you sure it was him?! Impossible!"
"Wait, that must have been someone else, right?"
The murmurs continued, a wave of shocked disbelief washing over the council hall. In stark contrast, the seat on the left side, where the Einherjar, Valkyries and some Gods was shrouded in an unnerving silence. Göll was visibly sweating, the oppressive atmosphere thick with unspoken dread. The three Olympian brothers remained silent, their faces unreadable, while the rest of the gods struggled to process the horrifying image they had just witnessed.
The human fighters, the Einherjar, were equally silent. Although they were unfamiliar with the God of Death personally, they sensed the gravity of the situation, waiting for someone to break the suffocating tension. Qin Shi Huang, seated at the front, turned her head slightly, her gaze fixed on Hades. His bangs obscured his eyes, but she could sense the turmoil within him. She held his gaze for a moment, then shifted her attention back to Elijah and his companions. Despite her absence during the initial events, her servants and the Valkyries had kept her well-informed.
Elijah, who was still seated, watched the reactions of the gods and humans, his expression grim. He knew that the image of his father had struck a deep chord, shattering their preconceived notions. He allowed the silence to linger, letting the weight of the revelation sink in.
Zeus, finally breaking the silence, spoke, his voice heavy with disbelief. "That... that was Hades?"
Elijah nodded, his voice steady. "Yes, Zeus-sama. That was my father, Hades, in the future that awaits you if you continue down this path."
A wave of renewed murmurs swept through the hall, now laced with fear and uncertainty. The image of Hades, the god of death, transformed into a cold, emotionless killer, had shattered their sense of security.
Poseidon, his voice in a low growl, spoke, "Impossible. Hades would never..."
Hades himself remained silent, his gaze fixed on the empty black screen. He felt a chilling sense of unease, a disturbing disconnect between the man he was and the man he was shown to be. He could feel the eyes of the other gods on him, their gazes filled with a mixture of fear and suspicion.
But the thick tension of fear and suspicion was shattered by a single, resonant clap. All eyes turned to Qin Shi Huang. Her face, usually composed, was now serious, but then softened into a knowing smile. "There must be a meaning behind that vision, right?" She looked at Elijah, her voice clear and steady. "Elijah, was it? I sense that it will not be the only thing you'll show us. You said yourselves, the you and the others were summoned here to prevent such a catastrophe. The fact that you've shown us this first clip indicates that this is no laughing matter and a way to prove that you truly are from the future, am I right?"
Elijah's expression was one of surprise, quickly replaced by a warm, almost longing smile. "As expected of you, Mother. No matter the time, future or past, you remain the same."
Hades, who had been wrestling with a chilling sense of unease, now found his surprise overriding his fear. He looked at Qin, his gaze searching. The fear and suspicion that had clung to him from the other gods dissipated, replaced by a focused curiosity. Their attention was now fixed on Qin's insightful statement. They were all wondering why Hades, a god beloved by all, an enemy to none, would become a cold-blooded killer in the future.
Qin, sensing Hades's gaze, turned to him. Hades flinched slightly, suddenly nervous about holding her gaze for too long. Yet, Qin only offered him a gentle smile, accompanied by a peace sign, a gesture that seemed strangely out of place, yet somehow perfectly fitting.
The gesture, so casual and lighthearted, was a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation, yet it had a calming effect on Hades. He felt a strange sense of reassurance, a feeling that everything would be alright.
Elijah, having regained his composure, nodded towards Qin. "Indeed, Mother. Our mission was to prepare you for the worst to come. We were warned about the do's and don't's. If we fail, not only will our lives will be in danger, but they will be lost forever."
He turned to the assembled gods and humans, his voice resonating with urgency and gravity. "The future is not set in stone. It can be changed, averted. But only if you are willing to see the truth, to understand the consequences of your choices."
Elijah stood up, his posture commanding attention. "We ask you, to please cooperate with us. Let's combine our forces, humans and gods alike, to stop the future that will end all life if left unchecked." He looked directly at the deities, his gaze unwavering. "Powerful beings, your disdain and disgust for mankind must be put on hold. We must work together to stop a threat that will end all lives. This is for all of existence, for humanity, for the gods, for everything."
After Elijah's statement, a profound silence descended upon the hall. The urgency in his voice, hinting at a critical lack of time, hung heavy in the air. The gods and goddesses exchanged hesitant glances, grappling with the decision of whether to trust Elijah's claims or dismiss them and continue Ragnarok.
Zeus rubbed his beard, his gaze fixed on Elijah's stern expression and the hopeful eyes of his companions. He observed his brothers, noting their subtle shifts in demeanor. Though tense, they seemed to be processing the information. He particularly noted Hades' expression, the coldness of a killer in a future that was not yet written. Despite his reputation, Hades was not one to kill indiscriminately; he had his own code. Unlike Poseidon, who would eliminate anything that irked him, Hades possessed a sense of restraint. Zeus was about to offer comfort to his brother, but before he could speak, a loud, resonant clap echoed through the hall.
It was Qin, one of the human fighters, Hades' future wife and Elijah's mother. Her voice, filled with certainty and confidence, cut through the tension. She spoke as if casting a spell, causing everyone to momentarily forget their fear, suspicion, and wariness of Hades, and instead focus on the reason for his future state.
Zeus, observing the scene, noticed Qin giving Hades a subtle peace sign, which seemed to relax him. He made his decision even before Elijah finished his speech.
Everyone awaited his final order. Zeus sighed, "Oh dear, how can I ignore such a tragic ending and let my brother be consumed by darkness?" Hermes handed Zeus his gavel. He raised his arm. "Then, I hereby declare to stop Ragnarok, help our fellow demigods, and stop this tragic future."
His gavel struck the seat with a resounding thud. "Fighters of Mankind, we ask for your cooperation in facing this imminent threat. Will you help?" Zeus's eyes glowed, fixing on the Einherjar.
The human fighters remained silent. Sasaki nervously glanced around, as did Nikola. Jane Smith (Jack the Ripper) sipped her tea, unperturbed. Lü Bu yawned, Leonidas read a book, Raiden ignored Zeus, and Okita slept at his desk. Simo focused on cleaning his rifle, while Rasputin, beside him, was already drunk. Adam ate his apple, paying no attention to Zeus. Qin sat silently, her legs crossed.
Behind them, the Valkyries watched. Göll trembled, sensing the growing hostility from the gods. Brunhilde crossed her arms, her gaze narrowed, but she remained silent.
The gods and goddesses glared at the human fighters, their silence fueling their irritation. Zeus clenched his gavel so tightly that it broke, his eyes fixed on the humans.
Elijah and his companions nervously observed the fighters. Though the gods had agreed, their parents' refusal would render them powerless. They had been warned about this possibility and waited patiently.
The god of gods was now seething with rage, his bony frame pulsing with muscles, his veins throbbing. Lightning crackled in his eyes. "Insolent humans, answer me before I eliminate you from existence."
Hades worriedly glanced at Qin but refrained from interfering, observing the scene. Just as Zeus was about to act, a sharp tap on the wooden table echoed through the hall.
All eyes turned to Qin, her clawed fingers repeatedly tapping the surface. She tilted her head, "Hm...what makes you think we'll do as you say?"
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Hello! Welcome to my second story!
Please enjoy reading! That would be much appreciated!