-.-.-

5:

-.-.

The air felt heavy, thick with rage.

Hades knew he and Demeter never had the best relationship, but he had hoped their shared love for Persephone would be their common ground, something they could work together to keep her happy. And she knew how pleased the young Goddess was with him; no one could deny that.

But, to go so far as to curse everyone to keep her away from him? What did he do to anger the Agricultural Goddess? What made Demeter destroy her daughter's life?

And there was his brother.

Hades would never believe Zeus would help someone hurt one of his beloved children, let alone by this method. Breaking any God through Dark Magic was considered treason on the highest level, but cursing a Princess would lead the caster to death—no matter who they were.

So, why did Zeus cover for Demeter?

Despite being a useless husband half the time and the rumors, Zeus took pride in being the best father he could be. True, he screwed up sometimes, any father made mistakes, but he would never be cruel for cruelty's sake. Hades used to teasingly dub him the Warrior Dad for how protective he could become.

This wasn't the younger brother he knew.

Hades took a deep breath, trying to calm his flames, before shifting his eyes to Artemis' conflicted expression. For a long moment, empathy soothed the raging power as a sigh escaped him:

"Do you have any proof, Artemis?" Hades required softly, folding into his role of her loving uncle.

The young Fury sighed, pressing two fingers to her forehead. She didn't, but deep inside, something told her that something was starting and wouldn't be good. Artemis told the room this, adding a theory of her own.

"Maybe she had something over dad to rope him into helping her?"

Even that seemed unlikely. Zeus had many affairs, but none hidden—much to Hera's distaste. It would be difficult to find anything that the King of Gods felt so ashamed of that someone could use as blackmail. He was never one to hide his mistakes.

There had to be something Hades missed. This situation seemed more prominent than some petty drama, which scared him. There seemed to be more to this, something he wasn't ready to face.

What did his brother stumble into this time?

Or, better yet, what had they become, pawns in a bigger game they never wanted to play?

He growled lowly, falling back into his chair while he tried to massage the pounding in his head. Hades couldn't find the answers now, but he wouldn't stop until he did. It didn't matter what the genius had to do; he would free everyone from this hellish loop.

Because something told the Death King everyone was a pawn, a puppet with its strings pulled—manipulated into a dangerous game. Hades feared what lay at this game's end, but they had to fight.

Become the hunter, not the hunted, as his father said. That was the only good thing he taught Hades, and he kept that lesson close.

Dropping his hands back onto the desk, his eyes found the medical reports again, sending all other thoughts to a dark courter for later.

They needed to worry about Sunflower—the other drama could wait. Getting her memories back was even more critical now. In their hidden past, the curse's key must lay deep—just waiting for someone to find it and uncover all its secrets.

But how could they when they didn't know her—the core of her?

He clicked his tongue, staring at a loose report for another microsecond before his eyes shifted with steel.

"This is a big problem, and we need to do something soon, I agree. But Sunflower needs more attention right now." Hades picked up the report, revealing a photo of sweet Sunflower with a cast as he continued:

"She needs us right now. This will wait; she waited for way too long."

Artemis and Hecate shared a concerned look, barely listening as Hades barked orders at the boys. Because they both knew what that meant, and it wasn't the best idea. No one hid anything from Zeus, especially the possible return of his daughter.

They had to tell him anything to keep the questions at bay.

But, there again, how could they? Either woman knew how involved their King was, or even if there were a hidden puppet master silently pulling his strings. If they revealed something too early, it might start another loop, setting them even further behind in this damned game:

Giving this masked puppeteer precisely what they needed—power over their destinies.

Focusing on Sunflower's recovery gave this small resistance group an advantage in this war they didn't know they were fighting. Hecate herself knew the benefits of having a head start in a battle; any knowledge they had above their opponent would aid them in the war.

But Hades was taking a considerable risk.

If he didn't tell Zeus something about the discovery, his anger would put Sunflower in even more danger. The King was usually cool-headed, nothing bothered him, but when someone hid anything about any of his children—everything changed:

Hecate saw it for herself one time.

Persephone had lived many lives, and most weren't the best. Abuse soaked almost every life she entered.

And Hades was furious each time, not knowing how a father could put his daughter into those situations, even for a punishment. After a few timelines, he kept the reveal to himself to protect her from further harm. Hades didn't know if Zeus would hurt Persephone, but he couldn't risk her mental health.

But soon, Zeus found out Hades found Persephone, only to keep her hidden—and all Hell broke loose.

Thunder cracked through the sky as the rain and wind swirled madly around the innocent people on the ground. The storm was so bad it killed over three hundred people, but Zeus's anger didn't fade until Persephone calmed him with a simple hug and a whispered:

"I'm okay, daddy."

And that slowly calmed the rolling storm, but the scars remained. So the Queen ordered her to clean the damage before the human world caught up on the Gods' true identities and powers, the others wanting to ensure their safety. However, even Hecate's magic couldn't erase every scar Zeus created in his powerful anger.

They had to create a lie, another reason for the damage, to protect their secret world.

But, next time, it might not be as easy to cover up.

Hera made the Gods vow they would tell the royal pair when the lost Goddess was discovered. The Queen knew this vow might become problematic in the future; this situation wasn't as clear-cut as it seemed; it never was. But Hera didn't know what else to do to protect her people.

She couldn't see this coming; she couldn't even think it would become so complicated.

And now, the Goddess of Occult felt torn between her two friends. She could understand both sides; she could go either way. But this was about Sunflower's safety. She couldn't voice the discovery lightly when there might be a deeper scheme. Hecate knew she had to handle this with care, but she couldn't reveal everything:

Hecate looked from Artemis' worried expression to Hades with a fierce flash in her eyes, her hold on his shoulder tightening.

"Very well, but we need to tell Zeus something, Hades. You know what happened last time we tried to hide this."

Hades growled, massaging his temple. He did know, but he needed to prioritize Sunflower's care right now; he needed to show her the love she didn't know for years. His brother could blow up all he wanted, but Sunflower's well-being mattered more.

But it wasn't that easy.

He had a more significant role than a technological tyrant in the human world—Hades was still one of the three Kings and had much more responsibilities. Zeus might be his baby brother, but he also was King of All, someone Hades needed to report to, no matter how annoying his brother was.

And that frustrated the Death King to no end. But that was how things had to be, the way the Royal Three kept things in order before the world fell apart. He needed to recognize that, no matter how annoyed or angry it made him.

Hades released a sigh as he leaned back in the chair, nodding at his assistant before turning back to the other three in the large office:

"Very well, Hecate has a point. But it doesn't change the plan. She will report to my brothers that there might be a lead—however, all three of you are not to speak any more than what she gives them, understand? We need this time to understand Sunflower and her past." Hades' voice was steel, but there was a fatherly note.

The three younger Gods shared a look before nodding, fidgeting in their spots.

"Yes, sir."

"Good, you can leave now. We will speak again as soon as you boys uncover more."

The young men accepted their orders with a bow, turning to leave. But, the lone female remained in her seat, rolling her lip between her teeth. Noticing, Hades raised a brow.

The uncle and niece pair had never been close, but he still knew her enough to know when Artemis wanted to say something. And, to his destrin, her eyes burned with one single question—one he himself didn't know the answer to yet:

"Uncle, when are you planning to tell her about your needs?" Artemis seemed to push the loaded subject out with some force.

But how did one answer that when they didn't know themselves?

For as long as Hades could remember, he liked to have control—he needed to have power.

Not just in his positions but in every aspect of his life, especially in his romantic relationships. That was when he realized he needed something more than vanilla romance. Back then, that kind of mastery didn't exist, but he knew he wasn't like his two brothers, who were content with the ordinary aspects of love. Hades needed more.

The dominance called to him, begged him to let go and embrace the beast inside. But, still, the rough side of this world didn't fully appease him. Yes, control was in Hades' blood, but there was a softer note to his brand of dominance. And soon, he found the subsect; the cherishing side of this face of the community screamed to him to join—to explore that side of himself. When he told Persephone, her eyes lit up with curiosity.

Soon, the pair became the healthiest couple in the Heavenly Court.

Many asked how they did it while countless problems plagued many other Godly couples. Other than having to be separated for six months a year, the Underworld Royal couple loved each other endlessly; no cracks appeared in their decades-long marriage. As the question met their ears, they would share a look and grin, saying:

"That's our secret."

But, their fairy-taleique life ended abruptly when the 'punishment' came down on them—throwing Hades' life into Hell.

Having to find his heart, his personality changed from an open and kind one to this cold, closed-off person they came to know. This was because he knew his lifestyle wasn't easy to accept.

His heart was open to it, but she wouldn't have any memories of their lives together. How could Hades explain it to someone who viewed him as a stranger? How could he open all aspects of his life to a scared soul?

He didn't know if her new versions would love this lifestyle, so Hades would cautiously approach the subject. However, that didn't work out well many times. And seeing how fragile Sunflower was, the King feared this time wouldn't be any different.

He breathed a deep breath before popping a cigarette between his teeth, thinking for a moment until his mouth opened, his voice holding a tone of pain:

"I don't know, dove. I don't think she could handle it right now." Artemis chewed harder, seemingly thinking, before she walked to his desk and reached to grab his hand.

Hades' eyes snapped to hers, seeing a smile on her lips. She squeezed his hand as she gave a wink, stepping back until her back faced the door. Then, with one last smile, the female God let her voice linger in his mind like an unsaid prayer—a promise to a broken soul.

"I don't think you have to worry about that, Uncle. Just be patient, and she will come back to you."

And then, the blonde left, leaving the pair in shocked silence. After a few moments, Hecate chuckled as she moved to sit in front of Hades' desk, crossing her legs:

"Well, at least Artemis is coming around," Hecate paused, pulling a cigarette of her own from her suit coat's pocket, "so, what's the plan? We need a solid plan." She mumbled around the cigarette, lighting it as her eyes stared into Hades'.

Leaning his head against the chair, Hades released a sigh, rubbing a hand over his face.

He didn't know. It was essential to get to know Sunflower when they didn't know about Sunflower's hideous past—but now, they did, and the darkness of that past stretched over all prior plans he carefully crafted. But, no matter how angry the information made him, Hades would do anything to erase any pain the small creature still felt.

However, that wouldn't be easy. Sunflower seemed to be extremely shy, not seeing herself. Hades wasn't going to rush their relationship, but now, he needed to approach this vigilantly, fearing he might cause her even more trauma.

He knew he couldn't put it off for long because Sunflower called for the care she didn't have in her childhood. She didn't know how special she was, only knowing the cruel lies the people who should've loved her told her.

And Hades wanted to be the one who gave that care, that love her eyes screamed out for. He just had to be patient; show Sunflower he wasn't going anywhere—he would be forever in her life.

Hades' eyes moved to the wide window, watching as the fading sun made the city sparkle like the stars in the night sky.

"I need to be there for her, Hecate. Winter is coming soon; who knows what her holidays were like in her childhood. Right now, we need to focus on Sunflower's happiness. The drama can wait for later, but what's important to me is giving Sunflower the attention she needs."

Hecate smiled around her lit cigarette, nodding in agreement. That was such a Hades thing to say. She knew he wanted to scream, to rage against all the wrongs Sunflower went through—but Hades wouldn't. He saw how fragile the young creature was right now. His anger would only further her fear.

The Death King might come across as cold, but he never touched her with a firm hand—a cruel intention. He would punish her when Sunflower needed it; yes, however, Hades was the gentlest soul toward her. And this time wasn't any different.

If Sunflower was what he needed to focus on to keep his anger under control, then Hecate wouldn't deny him.

"Then, that will be what we will do," Hecate paused, leaning forward to tap her cigarette against the ashtray with a sigh, "but we do need to tell Zeus something. Do you want me to call?"

Hades growled deep in his throat, his hands rubbing over his face before nodding slowly. He wasn't even ready to hear his brother; he didn't know if he could keep his growing rage from his voice. But, on the other hand, Hecate knew how to interact with the frustrating King when angry appropriately.

A skill she had come to learn while acting as his assistant, as the brothers fight more than agree on most days:

"I don't know if I could talk to him right now. Of course, I will discuss it with him when it is certain Sunflower's Persephone. But right now, I'm just so confused and angry. I fear I might uncover our theory."

Hecate shushed with a gentle hand, smiling as she shook her head like a comforting mother to her upset child:

"Don't worry, H, you worry about our girl while I deal with the battle for now."

Hades sighed at that, a wave of relief washing over him. He knew he was the King and must act accordingly, but at this moment—the mere thought of his brother fueled the fiery rage boiling underneath his skin, and it wouldn't be helpful in this situation; maybe even inject more chaos into it.

Right now, Hades knew his energy would serve it better if he put it into the core of the situation, Sunflower. Her memories and heart were the keys to uncovering the storm that gathered from this single conversation.

Hades sighed once more before switching modes for a while. The company had many projects in the wings, and the search for his heart took all the foucs for a few months—years, perhaps, if he was honest. It slowly fell into the shadows of his mind, but now, Hades had to get his mind right.

Before the sharks smelled the blood in the water.

Many other tyrants would gladly take anything to dethrone him. But he needed to push his anger and sadness into a dark corner, raise his head, and get to work. This job started as a front to find Sunflower, but now, it meant much more.

After all, Hades had a little girl to care for and spoil rotten now. He needed to show her he would do anything for her.

-.-.-.

"No way, he's back? Why her?"

Underneath the sounds of the cutlery, Hades heard the harsh whispers of the fellow waitstaff acting as a bad song taunting him. It was the same two from the day before, so cruel that they seethed with jealousy over a man they didn't know, and their shrill comment caused the fire to burn again.

Not only Sunflower had to deal with these immature idiots, but she also ran into a creep after that? Why couldn't the little elf catch a break?

From what the boys told them, it drove Hades insane that she had more crap to fight against when all she ever wanted was acceptance. He couldn't understand how the world could throw so much trouble at this sweet creature when she tried to gain approval from anyone. Hades had to wonder if it stemmed from the curse or just her luck:

Either way, Hades had his work cut out for him.

After pinning a glare on the female pair, he growled before fixing his shirt and heading to the check-in desk with his usual charming smile. When Gloria saw him, a grin appeared as she moved around to Hades.

"Hades, I know you'll be back, I'm so glad to see you. Usual table, yes?" Hades laughed, nodding.

"Yes, please, if it is alright?"

"Of course, Sunflower will be thrilled to see you.'

The man felt fire crawled over his face, clearing his throat nervously while they moved through the crowd to the table. As they drew near to the seat, Hades let his eyes roam the restaurant for a red-head in the sea of people, smiling when he found her shyly working with another customer…

….Until one of the crueler waitstaff obviously knocked purposely into her, sending their order all over them. Sunflower gasped as she tried to apologize, but both the customers and the waitstaff scolded her. She bowed lowly, trying to hide the tears forming in her before running out. She could hide them from anyone else, but Hades couldn't miss the wobble of her liips.

And white-hot anger rushed through his veins, heating his whole body. But he knew how to fix this situation—in his own way. So, squaring his shoulders, Hades made his way to the table while the woman tried to make the diners like her better than Sunflower.

And by the looks of it, she almost got her wish as the male customer was about to give the waitress Sunflower's tip, stating:

"Gloria should fire that girl, she clearly doesn't—"

"Excuse me?"

The woman growled annoyed, turning to find Hades smiling gently, but anyone could see the chill behind that smile. Her face paled as the man moved closer to the table with his hands beind his back.

The man looked up at the towering firgue with a mixture of confusion and annoyance before all eyes at the table widen as the father opened his mouth, trying to speak, but all the words were trapped in his throat. Hades smirked.

Time to use his power.

Hopefully Hecate wouldn't mind this, but Hades couldn't just stand back as the fellow waitstaff contuined to rage war against his sweet little heart. He had to do something, anything, to help make her life easier until Sunflower was fully under his care. Then, no one could touch her with harm.

But right now, this bitch needed to realize she messed with the wrong girl.

"I believe that belongs to Sunflower, sir." Hades smiled charmingly as he pointed to the crisp bills in his hands, earning a snort from the woman behind him.

The tyrant frowned for a second, clicking his tongue when her shrill voice filled the silence as he crossed his arms.

"Mr. Hades, she screwed up. Look at this mess, I was taking charge—"

"You mean, the mess you made?"

"W-w-what? No, she was the clumsy one." This earned her a low growl as he marched right up to the shaking girl with a finger in her face:

"I saw you knock into her, and if I must, I will bring Gloria in too. I know you don't want that, she saw it as well and she is not happy already, what do you think what will happen when she figures out you tried to steal her tip?" Hades paused to the table.

"Was Sunflower treating well before this happened?"

The parents shared a look before turning back to the pair with a firm nod. The man looked ashamed as he took his hand back, graining a smirk from Hades before the latter turned back to the paling woman. He recrossed his arms with an eyebrow cocked.

This girl might be dumb, but it seemed she knew she couldn't win against him. Not when it was plain as day that she caused the problem; it wasn't something she could charm herself out of with her beauty. She tsked with her tongue, crossing her arms.

"I didn't do anything wrong; I'm not lying—she's just a clumsy dumbass." The woman stated stubbornly, her chin jabbed in the air.

Brat, he growled innerly as that statement sent his blood a boil. Someone needed to teach this little girl a lesson before she landed herself into a situation that her attitude would end her ass in a cast.

He opened his mouth to rip into her before—

"Carla, you are this close to being fired. I will not tolerate anymore of you and Diane's shit, am I clear? You have one more chance."

Gloria's voice boomed throughout the restaurant, making all customers shift their eyes to the scene as the older woman stomped her way right up to the seething waitress. No fear appeared in her eyes while the two women held each other's glares.

"Why are you offending her? I've been here longer, and she can't even talk right. Come on, Gloria, you know she's nothing but a—!"

"Enough of that! That's it, you are going to go home. You have no clue what Sunflower went through, how do you know what kind of an person she is?" The elder seethed, "You hadn't once given Sunflower a chance."

Carla turned a burning red as she opened her mouth, but she noticed that all eyes were on her. She growled, admitting defeat before her eyes turned to the wide window where a hunched figure sat. Hades noticed the tiniest softening in her eyes, taking her lip between her teeth.

Despite his seething anger, he could see Sunflower's influence slowly set root in Carla. The young woman sighed, hugging herself while she shared a look with her friend before nodding:

"I'll go apologize and leave. But if she proves me wrong, I'm quitting."

With that, Carla walked into the back, Diane following close behind. Gloria seethed, taking a step forward before Hades put a hand on her shoulder. With a shake of his head, he told her the fight was over, it was time to move on. The older woman clicked her tongue, but she nodded before she shouted to the others to go back to work.

Hades watched for a few, smiling at this corner of Sunflower's world. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't bright—but it was hers, and he would do anything to make it perfect.

After that thought past through, Hades heaved a sigh, stepping into the chilly air and towards her.

"Sweetheart?"

It was as if his voice brought Sunflower back to reality, her face shooting up from her, tears still glinting midst her freckles. He frowned, gathering her into his arms as he gently shushed her tiny cries.

"Shh, love, I'm here. Shh."

He held her for a moment more before they both heard the shuffling of feet coming toward them. Hades cursed the timing as he stole a look over his shoulder, spotting Carla making her way over with her hands in her pockets. He sighed before he smiled down at the shaking creature.

"Don't be afraid, love. I'll always be right here." Hades promised into her ear, pushing her forward.

And he would keep that vow, no matter what darkness came.