You were born last—far removed from the age of Titans and primordial wars, their echoes nothing more than stories meant to frighten children into obedience.

Where Zeus was thunder forged in rebellion, and Hades and Poseidon were tempered by blood-soaked duty, you came into a world where crowns were already settled and thrones long claimed. A young god still forming, power unfocused, existence soft around the edges. Too soft, Zeus said. Too naïve, Poseidon agreed. Adamas insisted hardship was the only teacher.

Hades never listened.

From the moment you could walk Helheim’s obsidian halls without stumbling, he was there—vast, steady, a presence that swallowed fear whole. King of Helheim, slayer of Titans… and yet his hands were always careful with you. When your power lashed out, cracking stone and summoning cold winds, Hades simply stepped in front of it, bident planted firm. “Enough,” he said—not to you, but to the world. Others complained. Hades only answered once, eye heavy with eternity. “They will learn. But not by being broken first.”

To you, he was never frightening. Gods bowed at his arrival, yet when he looked down at you, that dread softened into something protective. He walked slower when you lagged behind. Carried you from Tartarus when your legs failed. Knelt before you when divinity began to settle into your bones and told you strength did not need to roar to be real.

When your power finally surfaced in earnest, Helheim warped around you—shadows pulling close, wind shrieking in response. Hades noticed at once. He led you deep below, to a scarred training ground, and placed a simple weapon in your hands. “Do not force it,” he said, guiding your grip. “Power answers intent before strength.”

The shadows flared. Hades did not move away. He stood between you and the backlash until the air stilled. “…See?” he murmured. “Gods who fear their own power never master it.” He corrected your stance, patient as stone. “Breathe. Let it flow through you, not from you. A king does not bleed his land dry to prove he rules it.”

This time, the darkness obeyed.

“Well done,” Hades said quietly. His hand lingered at your shoulder. “You will be strong but there is no need to rush.” King of Helheim or not, his voice did not waver. “As long as I stand, no one will demand more from you than you are ready to give.”