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Chapter Text

I'm back! I've also recently got into Epic! The Musical and got back into Disney Hercules. Then I remembered that there was a canceled sequel about Hercules and Megara's daughter named Hebe and that's what essentially got the ball rolling for this story.

Enjoy!

Long ago in the land of Greece lived the rich history of Gods, monsters, and heroes epic battles were fought in the name of glory, and honor and to be remembered for centuries to come, and one of the heroes who achieved this victory was the mighty Hercules. After defeating his uncle Hades and destroying the Titans he became the greatest hero in all of Greece and despite having the chance to return to Olympus, he chose to remain on earth to be with Megara and his earth family, and not long after that the two of them married with the Gods and mortals as witnesses and beginning their new lives together.

Soon Hercules found himself facing a new challenge.

Hercules was rushing through the city in a panic, pulling a cart of towels, and hot water that was dangerously close to spilling, and a heavily pregnant Meg who was breathing with sweat dripping down her forehead. 

Hercules looks back at his laboring wife, "We're almost there Meg! We'll be at the hospital in no time!" he exclaimed.

Meg looked at her husband like she wanted to kill him, "That's what you said at the LAST place we passed!" Meg hissed.

"This time for sure it's around here! Just keep breathing!" 

Meg let out a yelp, holding onto the side of the cart as she tried to overcome the pain, "Breathing isn't going to cut it for much longer! I'd rather this baby just pop out of my head like Athena!"

Hercules kept looking for the hospital, he knew it was only a matter of time before the baby was born. But more than anything he was about to become a father and the thought itself was terrifying, but it was the most exciting.

Hercules immediately stopped the cart as there was traffic. Meg looked on and was just as agitated.

"You got to be kidding me?! At this hour?!" Meg groaned but was soon hit with another contraction, Meg was feeling more helpless with every painful wave in her body. She looks at her husband with pain in her eyes, "Hercules...I don't know how much longer I can hang on."

Hercules didn't know what to do, he fought monsters in the past and defeated the Titans but he didn't know how to get his wife to the hospital in time to give birth to their child. The hero looks around the busy city, and in the distance, he sees the hospital, it's so close but so far but as Hercules sees Meg in pain he knows he can't wait around, with a determined look he drops the cart and takes Meg into his arms readying himself to run.

"Hang on Meg! We'll get to the hospital in no time!"

Before anyone knew it, Hercules ran faster than the speed of light with Meg in his arms. The people he ran by had no idea what happened as the wind blew them away, tripped them, or flew food and objects at them as Hercules yelled out apologies to the bystanders. Meg felt like she was going to be sick from either the pain of labor or her husband's speed. But his efforts paid off, they made it. Hercules wasted no time getting into the hospital and immediately went to the front desk.

"Welcome to Thebes hospital, what's your emergency?" asked a deadpan nurse as she chewed her gum, barely looking at the couple as she read her magazine.

"Please, we need a doctor right away!" Hercules pleaded, "My wife's having a baby!"

"Alrighty then," the nurse proceeded to bring up a stash of papers, "just sign these forms."

Hercules and Meg were flabbergasted seeing the pile of papers, Hercules took a piece of paper while still holding onto the laboring Meg, eying it in disbelief.

"What?! I have to sign all of this?!" Hercules exclaimed.

"Yeah, it's the protocol for this establishment, sir," the nurse spoke.

"How is it protocol for a woman to give birth to her child?!" 

"That's just how things are done here."

"This is Ludacris! Ma'am I don't want to be rude but we don't have time for this! My wife is about to give birth at any minute, just please call a doctor!"

"No can do, sir."

Hercules felt his patience run thin and was about to say something until Meg grabbed the nurse, now shocked, by her collar, giving her a death glare that could rival that of Zeus himself if he unleashed his wrath.

"Lady! I have been in labor for the past hour, my husband and I traveled to the city to GET to this hospital, I don't care about your protocols and our baby ESPECIALLY doesn't care about it either cause all it wants is to come out, which is what I want to! So stop with this nonsense and GET ME INTO THAT DELIVERY ROOM SO I CAN HAVE THIS BABY!"

Hercules and the nurse were silent, Hercules gently tried releasing his wife's grip from the terrified nurse.

"Did someone call for a midwife?" 

A female voice boomed in the room, causing confusion and fear among the patients and nurses. Hercules held Meg close to protect her, and a flash of bright orange filled the room, a figure began to form, and to everyone's disbelief, a goddess appeared before them. Her skin was a warm orange, her fiery red hair tied up in a bun with a laurel crown the shape of a nurse's hat, and her white toga wrapped around her body like a nurse's uniform. She stood tall before the hero.

"How ya doin'?" The goddess spoke, "I just got word from Olympus that your wife went into labor. Nice to see you again, Hercules."

"I-I am, and who are you? Have we met before?" Hercules asked.

"I am Eileithyia, goddess of childbirth, labor, and midwife of the gods. I helped your mother deliver you years ago, you were a pretty difficult baby to get out at the time but I managed to get you out kiddo."

Meg screams out, alarming Hercules, "I don't mean to interrupt this reunion but we need to get this baby out, NOW!" Meg hissed.

Hercules looks up at Eileithyia in panic, "Please, Eileithyia can you help us?" he pleaded.

The goddess cracks her knuckles, "That's why I'm here," she whips her head and immediately goes into a commander stance, "ALRIGHT! ALL AVAILABLE NURSES ARE TO REPORT TO THE DELIVERY ROOM IMMEDIATELY! MOVE IT OR LOSE IT!"

The nurses looked at each other nervously, one raised her hand up, "Uh will there be too many of us in the delivery room?"

Eileithyia looked the frightened nurse dead in the eye, "Honey when it comes to bringing a new life into this world, both mother and child need all the help they can get and your help counts on every front. Now hop to it!"

The nurses yielded the goddess's command and helped the laboring Meg into the wheelchair, Hercules looked up to the goddess with a smile, "Thank you Eileithyia."

"Don't thank me just yet, we're just getting started and you need to prepare yourself for this too," she tells him.

Hercules realizes what she means and immediately rushes to the delivery room to his wife as her groans echo in the hallway.

Four hours later:

Phil flew open the hospital doors with Pegasus following behind frantically.

"Jeez with all the traffic you'd think we're evacuating from the Cyclops Super Bowl!" Phil exasperated, Pegasus followed behind as they headed to the front desk.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Hercules and Megara. I was told they were in this hospital."

The nurse didn't look down from her magazine, "It's not visiting hours yet, sir."

Phil felt his eyes nearly pop out, "What?! It took us nearly two hours to get here! Do you know how bad it is out there?! It's like a tornado swept through!"
Pegasus nodded in agreement.

"Sorry, sir, but you'll have to wait until it's visiting hours." the nurse simply said.

Frustrated, Phil pinches the bridge of his nose and takes a deep breath, "Alright, so WHEN will it be visiting hours?"

The nurse checks her watch, "Right now."

Phil felt like he was about to have an aneurysm, his face turning beat red, and was about to shout at the woman for wasting his time with Pegasus ready to stop him.
Until they heard the cries of a newborn baby.

Phil and Pegasus didn't hesitate and ran down the hallway, knowing who the crying baby belonged to. They found the room and gently opened the door, Phil and Pegasus were in awe at what they saw.

A tired but happy Hercules, sitting next to his equally exhausted wife Meg as she held a small bundle wrapped in purple blankets. 

Phil finally spoke, "Kid...is that?"

Hercules couldn't stop the tears of joy from falling down his cheeks.

"Phil...I-I have a daughter!"

Megara gently turned the bundle and showed them their new baby. Phil and Pegasus's eyes watered as they saw the baby's face, she had golden blonde hair that framed her round face, her rosy cheeks flushing a healthy pink with rosehip lips.

Phil gently brushed the little girl's hair from her forehead, trying to hold back his tears. He looked up at Hercules, "She's beautiful, kid."

Hercules nodded, sniffling as he looked at his daughter's face. She slowly started to open her eyes, revealing to be sky blue just like her father's, Meg smirked, "Looks like you won the genetic lottery, wonder boy, she seems to get everything from you." she said with a horsed voice.

Hercules kisses his wife's forehead, "No way, she's just like you, perfect."

Pegasus sniffs the baby and she begins to whimper until Pegasus nuzzles her and licks her forehead. She stopped whimpering and touched his snout, a small smile crossed her tiny lips. Meg turned to her daughter and smiled at her, with Hercules placing his arms around his wife as they admired their child. The door gently opened, and two people came in. Hercules's adoptive parents got the message from Phil and rushed as fast as they could, Amphitryon took his hat off and smiled warmly when he saw the baby while his wife Alcmene covered her mouth as tears started to stream down her cheeks. They went over to their son and Meg, Amphitryon patting Hercules's shoulder and congratulating him while Alcmene cooed over her new granddaughter.

On Mount Olympus, Zeus was pacing back and forth in his throne room nervously while his wife Hera was sitting on her throne and was just as worried.

Suddenly, an orange glow snapped her out of their thoughts and Eileithyia appeared before them. Hera sprung from her throne and rushed to the goddess of childbirth along with her husband.

"Eileithyia! Did everything go well?!" Hera asked frantically.

"Did anything happen?!" Zeus exclaimed.

Eileithyia placed her hands on the king and queen of God's shoulders and smiled broadly.

"Congratulations your highnesses, your son and daughter-in-law are now the proud parents of a healthy baby girl, and you are officially grandparents."

The king and queen were shocked, but it was replaced with unbridled joy as Hera laughed and became misty-eyed, while Zeus started pumping his fists in the air and flying into the sky. Lightening bolts appeared in his hands and started creating a lightening show.

"I HAVE A GRANDDAUGHTER! THIS CALLS FOR A CELEBRATION!"

All of the gods of Olympus cheered for the newest member of the royal family and soon began to plan for a grand party to celebrate since the birth of Hercules.

Chapter Text

The birth of Hercules and Megara's daughter sparked a big celebration in Thebes. The people offered their congratulations to the couple, many even leaving gifts for their child and offering their blessings for her to have a healthy life. However, the king of the gods himself was going to make the birth of his granddaughter a big occasion. After Meg recovered from childbirth and the new parents adjusted to parenthood with the help of Hercules's parents with the late night crying, feedings, diaper changes, and learning the basics, Zeus sent Hermes to the new family to congratulate them and informed them of a party Zeus and Hera will be throwing in their honor. They were surprised but Hercules had been waiting for them to meet their granddaughter, and he wanted to show Megara and his adoptive parents Olympus so he told Hermes they would be there and Hermes was delighted. The next day, they all got ready for the party and dressed their daughter in a light blue outfit with a red bow in her golden hair.

Hermes arrived along with Apollo who then proceeded to bring the family to the land of the gods, when they arrived the gods cheered for Hercules Meg and began to coo once they saw the baby girl. She stared at the god's colorful being with curious blue eyes as they all commented on how adorable she was while continuing to offer their congratulations. Though no one was more excited than the King and Queen of the Gods. Before Hercules knew it a giant hand pats his back and a tight hug was felt by his mother. "Hey, dad!" Hercules greeted.

Zeus couldn't contain his excitement, "Congrats my boy!" his expression softened, "I can't believe it, my son is not only a hero but now a father."

Meg looked up at Hera as the queen spotted the baby girl, "Oh she's darling!" Hera cooed as the baby smiled at her. Meg lets her mother-in-law hold her daughter, who begins to giggle and reaches for her crown making Hera laugh. "Behave yourself, you're just like your father as a baby!" Hera smiles. Zeus immediately goes to his wife to meet his granddaughter, "Oh she's precious! Look how cute she is!" he comments as the baby looks up at Zeus who starts making funny faces at her.

Hercules and Meg look on as the Godly grandparents admire their grandchild while Hercules's earth parents look on smiling. Zeus than turns his attention to everyone, "LET THE BANQUET BEGIN!"

The party began and as the Gods were chatting, Hercules was bouncing his daughter on his knee as he sat with his two fathers, "I still can't believe she's actually here," he starts, "It's so weird but it's amazing you know?"

Ampityron chuckles, "It's a whirlwind of emotions, son," he reaches over and lightly pinches his granddaughter's cheek. Zeus chimes in, "By the way Hercules, what did you name her?"

Hercules lifts his daughter as she chews on her shirt, "Actually Meg and I didn't tell anyone yet since things have been hectic in Thebes since she was born. Oh! and we named her-" Hercules was interrupted by Pegasus flying down with Phil on his back as he was carrying a bag, the satyr got off agitated.

"Geez the clouds cause more traffic than the carts! Almost had a collision with one shape like a Sphinx!" Phil exclaimed, his expression softened when the baby saw him and started smiling. He went over and patted her head. "Sowwy uncle Phil was wate sweetie, I had to get something special for you!" he spoke in a baby-like voice.

Hercules, Zeus, and Amphityron had awkward looks on their faces. "What? You speak like that to her too, kid!" "I know, it just feels weird when you do, you don't seem like the type," Hercules says awkwardly. "Pfft, whatever but I got a little something for my goddaughter." Phill retorts. Phill pulls out a trinket from the bag, it was a necklace with wings on each side and had the baby's name ingrained on it.

Zeus read it and was surprised. "Hebe?" Hercules nods smiling, "Yep, her name is Hebe," Hercules nuzzles his daughter, "Hebe of Thebes, it was too cute to not use!"

Amphityron smiles, "She made me and my wife feel young again. she's like a little fountain of youth."

Zeus grins big, "Hebe! Ha! I love it!"

As the men were talking, Meg, Alcmene, Hera, and a very pregnant Aphrodite were talking on the other side. "You named her Hebe?" Hera asked Meg with a smile. "Hercules and I liked the name. I thought it was cute and it suited her," Meg answered. "The girls got those rosy cheeks and already had her dad wrapped around her chubby finger."

Aphrodite, eating a bunch of Baklava, nodded in agreement, "Oh yeah, all daughters have that power over their fathers."

"Speaking of which," Alcmene spoke formally to the goddess of love, "What do you plan to name your child, Goddess of love?"

Aphrodite swallows and wipes her mouth with a napkin that poofed into her hand, " Oh! I'm not sure yet, my husband and I are still thinking of one! But lately, I've been thinking of one if it's a boy...I'm thinking Eros."

"Do you know what kind of God or Goddess your child will be, Aphrodite?" Hera asked, Aphrodite shakes her head, "We're going to wait and see what our baby can do before we give it a title. It's been ages since a God was born since Hercules, so anything is possible, "she exclaims excitedly. Before long, the smell of lamb fills her senses, and she excuses herself to find it.

"Even my cravings weren't that bad," Meg spoke. Hermes was going through the crowd, excusing himself as he passed through the other Gods. When he got to Meg she was presented with a large bouquet, surprising her. "Oh wow, thanks, Hermes." Meg thanked the messenger God as she awkwardly took the flowers, eventually admiring them.

"Anything for the new mother of the grandchild of the King of the Gods," Hermes replies, and he flies toward Zeus, Hercules, and Hebe, "Another fabulous party your Highness, I see you went all the way out on this one!" Hermes turns his attention to Hebe and starts tickling her chin, "and this little sweetie is the star attraction."

Hebe giggled and Zeus began his speech, "On behalf of my granddaughter! I want to thank you all for your wonderful gifts!" Hercules and Meg looked on to see the piles of gifts from the Gods for their daughter, wide-eyed and a bit worried. Meg looked at her daughter as she chewed on her necklace, "You are one spoiled little girl." she remarked as she smirked.

Hercules, sheepish, cleared his throat and started his speech, "H-hi everyone! I also want to thank you as Hebe's father for this party, It's a wonderful feeling that my child is being celebrated like this. Next to the day, I became a hero, and when I married Meg, becoming a father was my greatest triumph," he holds Hebe up as she smiles, him smiling back, "I know this is only the beginning and there will be challenges ahead of us but.....I'm excited to see what kind of person Hebe will grow up to be. And I can only hope her mother and I will raise her well and that she grows up kind, hardworking, and someone who can make a difference in the world."

Hebe lets out a coo, and Hera turns to her husband, "Shall we give our gift now, dear?" she asks.

Zeus nods and turns to his son and granddaughter, a semi-serious look spread on his face, "Hebe, you are the most precious one to me, your grandmother, and everyone here. When your father was a baby he was taken from us, and it was the darkest period of our immortal lives, we want to make sure nothing like that ever happens again and that you're protected always." the King of the gods spoke softly as he stood up straight and pulled down some clouds and began to form it in his hands. To everyone's surprise, he starts to form lightning in his creation, with him spreading it out like wings. When he finished, it was the shape of a bird and the curious Hebe began to touch it only to be startled by a bird's head popping out, as the clouds disappeared it was revealed to be a baby eagle.

Hercules blinked in confusion while Meg stared. "A baby eagle?" Hercules spoke as he examined it, quickly pulling away when it almost bit his nose.

Zeus chuckles, "Sorry about that, son," he turns his attention to Hebe with a smile, "Hebe, this is Brontes, your new companion and protector. Don't worry, he's going to be a lot bigger in the future."

The baby eagle spots Hebe and begins to examine her. Hercules became alarmed, nearly putting himself between the eagle and his daughter, "Uh wait!" Meg quickly sets her hand on her husband's shoulder, "Easy Wonder boy, you nearly lost your nose."

Hebe reached her tiny hand to Brontes, his beak touching her finger. Everyone was startled when he flapped his wings and flew at the baby, only to land on top of her head and nestled in her golden blonde hair as she laughed looking at her new best friend. Hercules sighed in relief along with Meg. Phil crosses his arms impressed and smirks at Pegasus, "Looks like you got competition." Pegasus whinnied in annoyance. As Brontes flies off of Hebe's head, he lands on Pegasus's head making him and Phil nervous. They knew this little bird was not to be trifled with. "Don't move a muscle!" Phil warns.

Hercules smiles as he gently hands Hebe to his father, "Mind her head, father." he says softly.

Zeus gently took his granddaughter, cradling her as she looked up at her grandfather with a huge smile. Her tiny hands reaching for his face. "...She's so tiny.....just like you were." Zeus choked, she was nearly spitting image of Hercules as a baby, a memory he cherished for many years before he was kidnapped. He is willing to do anything for this little girl. "My girl, my little Hebe."

The tender moment was interrupted when a loud bang erupted from earth, causing the Gods to be alarmed and the mortals terrified. Zeus and Hera became alarmed and immediately handed the startled baby back to Hercules as he calms her down, Brontes woke up and immediately went to the crying Hebe guarding her.

"What's happening!?" Alcmene exclaimed as her husband held her by his side.

"Your highness! Look!" Apollo called out to Zeus. Zeus and Hera rushed to see the vision of earth from the clouds, to their shock and horror they saw a volcano erupt and many humans were evacuating. Hercules became alarmed and handed Hebe to Meg and hopped on Pegasus's back, he turns to his wife and parents with assurance.

"Wait here, I'll be right back!" as he rode off.

"Hercules be careful!" Meg calls out to him.

As Hercules reached the village as the volcanoes roared he began to help the people and ten farm animals to safety as the lava started to flow to the village with rocks firing from the sky hitting the homes, getting a few burns in the process as the flames continued destroying every home in sight while Pegasus gave the children a ride to their families who hugged them tearfully.

When it was over Hercules found a few survivors and went over to them to ask them what happened, and they started to explain in panic and horror, "We have no idea what happened!" one villager hoarse, "that volcano has never been an issue for us for centuries, but it just exploded out of the blue and here we are homeless and with nothing!"

"We didn't notice anything out of the ordinary either! We paid respect to the God's and yet we lose our houses to this disaster! What did we do wrong!?" Another exclaimed.

As the villagers were airing their grievances to the hero, Hercules calmed them down as best as he could and offered places in Thebes where they can stay at until the matter of the volcano is settled. Several men from the village went with Hercules to find any survivors in the ruined village, luckily they found some but unfortunately he learnt from them that others have not been so lucky, leaving Hercules devastated for those who lost their lives and for the families who'll grieve for their loved ones once they hear the bad news.

As the hero and Pegasus lead the villagers away, they didn't notice a glow that was coming from within the caves of the volcano.

Meanwhile on Mount Olympus Megara tries calming a crying Hebe down who is still startled by the chaos. "Shh shh it's okay, It's okay daddy will be back soon." she soothes, Brontes immediately lands on Hebe and she calms down.

Alcmene and her husband look down in the mortal realm with deep sadness for the people. The other Gods went down to the mortal realm answering the prayers of their followers calling for their help in their darkest time, from Apollo healing the injured, Hephasteus building new homes and Artemis finding the wild life who survived and needed her help.

Zeus was on his throne as he inspected the Volcano from above. Hera came to his side and looked down with him.

"Something is not right," Zeus spoke to his wife, "that volcano has never been active in the last few thousand years, why did it suddenly erupt?"

"Perhaps it's from the changes in the atmosphere on the earth?" Hera pitched in, "It's common for that to happen isn't it?"

Zeus shakes his head, "I don't think so dear, Hephasteus and Aphrodite live within volcano's and his meters would have detected that one would erupt near by. This happened at random, almost as if...by something beneath the earth."

As Zeus pondered Hermes flew to them, out of breath and in panic.

"My Lord! My Lady, we got BIG trouble!"

The King and queen of the gods became alarmed, "Hermes what is it?" Hera asked.

Hermes continued, "The volcano eruption was no coincidence! It happened because of what was going on underneath, pure chaos!"

"Underground?" Zeus asked.

"Yes!" Hermes gulps, "In the Underworld."

Zeus and Hera became alarmed, Meg who was hearing the conversation froze from what she heard.

Hera was shocked, "The Underworld? What's going on down there that caused this?" when Hera turned to her husband, his face darkened as he gripped the arms of his throne.

"Are you saying what I think you're saying, Hermes."

Hermes, "I'm afraid so my Lord....Hades has returned."

The gods, Alcmene and Ampityron gasped and Meg felt her blood run cold as she held onto Hebe protectively.

Chapter Text

The Underworld was as cold and unpleasant as anyone could imagine, beyond mortal comprehension, and even worse than their interpretations of the land of the dead could ever be, which would remind the mortals why they fear death as someday their souls will be. The sorrowful moans of the mortals' souls came from the river Styx as they continued down the stream, their wailing and suffering echoing through the stone walls.

They were interrupted by Pain and Panic blowing noisemakers as they continued to party by themselves celebrating the one-year anniversary of their freedom from Hade's dictatorship. Both were each holding a piece of cake that said "So Long Sucker!" and Cerberus was happily chewing on a giant bone with all three heads panting in excitement.

As they continued celebrating their newfound freedom, Pain spoke, "This is great! It's been WAY too long since we did something like this!"

Panic took a bite of his cake with a grin, "Yeah! While there are still dead people and things are still gloomy around here, at least we don't have to deal with Hades anymore! Things are pretty peaceful around here."

"Yep! No more of his bad temper!" Pain adds.

"No more being pushed around!" Panic Exclaimed.

"And no more having to do his dirty work for him!"

"Yeah! Especially when he asked us to kidnap Hercules all those years ago! I NEVER want to get dragged into doing something that dumb again!"

"Me too! I mean, he should have known that was coming, the Fates made it clear he was going to lose!" Panic stated.

As the two demons continued celebrating, they didn't realize that their party was about to be crashed by a screaming being torpedoing through the thousand souls from the River of Death miles away. Before long, Pain and Panic watched in shock and horror seeing their former boss being spit out violently from the River Styx, landing right in front of them.

Hades, covered in slime violently coughed as he stood up and shook with disgust.

"FINALLY! It took me about a year to get out of that whirlpool of those swirling wailing schmucks!" the king of the Underworld roared.

His attention turned to his henchmen, who quickly ate their cakes while nearly choking and immediately took off their celebration hats, looking at Hades with false joy and pure terror as they joined in unison.

"WELCOME BACK!"

Hades looks at them unimpressed, slime continuing to slide off his body.

Hades washed himself off with a towel that Panic gave him, they looked at their boss nervously as he walked around.

"So I'm sure you two wouldn't want to the details of my little vacation in the River Styx thanks to Wonder boy, and quite frankly I just don't want to talk about it!" Hades spoke with a hint of irritation.

The two henchmen hastily nodded in agreement, desperately trying not to get on his bad side.

As Hades sat down on his throne, rubbing his temples, "So anyways, care to bring me up to speed on how things have been running while I was gone?"

Pain and Panic looked at each other nervously, gulping Pain spoke up.

"Oh uh, things have been running good!" he spoke.

"Yeah!" Exclaimed Pain, a forced smile spread on his face, "Everything is copasetic! more dead people coming and going as always!"

Hades was surprised by this, "So nothing out of the ordinary happened? No hostile takeover or anything?"

"Look who's crawled back from the pit of shame." A condescending voice echoed in the halls.

Hades' temper immediately flared as he recognized the feminine voice, while Pain and Panic were terrified as they held each other.

A cloud of smoke appeared in the throne room, and an image of a woman appeared with two large dogs with wings on each side of her. It was none other than the Goddess of Witchcraft herself and the one who wanted the throne of the Underworld; Hecate.

The flames on Hade's body burnt bright with anger and annoyance at her presence, "Oh look who it is, I'm not in the mood for your commentary on my absence right now Hecate, so I will have to politely tell you to beat it!"

Hecate dogs growled at Hades, a smirk crossed her lips as she walked over to him, "Oh Lord Hades! I know you're tired from your humiliating defeat, but, " she walked towards him, "I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to move from my spot."

The room was dead silent for a moment as Pain and Panic quickly hid. Hades stared at the demigoddess of witchcraft in confusion, he let out a chuckle holding his head, "Uh, I beg your pardon but what do you mean by your spot?"

Hecate crossed her arms, "I think you heard me Hades, the throne you're sitting on is mine. Move."

Hades' eyes widened, and he started laughing, "Oh, ok look touts," Hade's tone starting to harden, "I know I've been gone for a while but I think my absence made you forget one itsy bitty small print tiny detail that you've forgotten time and time again..."

Hades rose from the throne engulfed in gigantic red flames.

"I'M THE KING OF THE UNDERWORLD, AND THIS MY TURF! SO I ASSUME THAT YOU JUST LOST YOUR MIND AND FORGOTTEN YOUR PLACE AS A SECRETARY!"

While Pain and Panic were horrified by seeing their boss's wrath. Hecate however was unfazed.

She smirked as she petted her dogs, "Oh it's no mistake Hades, this place is mine as well as the throne courtesy of Zeus."

Hades' flames died down, but still angry coaxed the witch, "Wait, Zeus put you in charge of the Underworld? What did you do this time? Granted I admire your conniving personality and I give you credit for being ambitious in the past, but surely you know that you're WAY beneath me on many levels!"

Hecate forcefully pulled Hades off the throne and sat down, she continued with a smirk, "Oh on the contrary Hades, I didn't have to do a thing. All of this happened thanks to you, after your little Coup d'etat against Olympus and unleashing the Titans to overthrow humanity, which was all stopped thanks to Hercules and how it was revealed you had him kidnapped and made him half-mortal, Zeus finally realized my potential and saw that you weren't cut out to be King, especially when you tried to usurp his throne on Olympus."

"When you were sent down the Whirlpool of souls by Hercules, the Gods of Olympus had an emergency hearing regarding your treason and what will happen to the Underworld. I was called in and after much, or should I say, little deliberation and the obvious talents and potential I had and should have been recognized for from the start, Zeus and Posidoen blessed me with the authority to reign over the Underworld."

Hecate leaned forward to add more salt to the wound, "And he even told me that if you were to return, that you are not only not welcome in Olympus anymore and to never show your face to any of Gods again, you are also hereby stripped of your title as King of the Underworld. Which means you are NOT the boss of me anymore." Hecate said the last sentence with a smile.

Hades lost it.

"WHAT!?" he screamed, "YOU'RE TELLING ME THAT I'M JOBLESS?!"

Hecate became annoyed, "Well duh! You brought this upon yourself the moment you took your brother's son and unleashed the Titans, if you didn't want to be King of the Underworld you could have just given the position to me from the start."

"I DIDN'T WANT THIS STINKIN JOB FROM THE START! I'M THE OLDEST BROTHER AND SHOULD HAVE HAD FIRST DIBS ON OLYMPUS! BUT INSTEAD, I GOT THE DEAD-END JOB OF BEING IN CHARGE OF BEINGS THAT ARE BASICALLY LIKE WATCHING PAINT DRY THE MOMENT THEY EXPIRE ON EARTH!"

"And now you don't even have a dead-end job to go back to. Too bad so sad, but I'm more than happy to have this job so thanks for screwing up, as of this moment the Underworld is under new management." Hecate mocked, then she stood up with her eyes glowing.

"Now, get  out  of my Kingdom!"

Hecate's dogs began to chase the former King of the Underworld out, Pain and Panic started to sneak away until they were caught by Hecate.

"And where do you two think you're going?"

Pain began to stutter, "O-oh nowhere, your Highness!"

"Y-yes yes! We were just about to tell Hades to hightail it before you showed up!"

Pain and Panic couldn't afford to anger their new ruler. Since Hades was gone and Hecate took over things improved for the two demons, despite their disputes with her dogs Canis and Lupus, and how they disapproved of Hecate's antics in the past when undermining Hades, she was the reason why they weren't prosecuted by Zeus for their involvement in kidnapping his only son and helping Hades unleash the Titans.

They can't take the risk of taking back her mercy.

Hecate patted their heads, "Good, now back to work." she ordered.

As she left, they breathed a sigh of relief but still had a tinge of fear.

Hades was fuming outside his former palace. He couldn't believe this was happening, it was bad enough that he lost to Hercules and his throne on Olympus, but now he isn't even the King of the Underworld anymore. What irked him most was that it was Hecate, the one Goddess he couldn't stand, who is now the new Queen and has him kicked to the curb and he can't do anything about it because Zeus gave her the authority to rule, and he knew if he tried to go to his brother after what he's done he will face something worse than his son's fists.

After ranting to himself, Hades calmed himself down and began to think.

"Alright, alright, So right now the odds are against me but this is just the start of the race," he starts talking to himself, "I mean, I've been put in tight spots before. I was first on my dad's menu and managed to get out of his stomach without going out the back door, thankfully, I tamed Cerberus after he tried to use me as a chew toy as a puppy, and I got out of the Whirlpool of souls and survived! Heck, isn't there anything I can't do?!" Hades tries assuring himself.

It was unsuccessful and he slumps down in defeat. How was he going to get his throne back? He hated ruling over the souls of mortals since the day Zeus gave him the keys to the Underworld, since then he was also overlooked and seen as a dud in Olympus and is now hated even more by everyone, Zeus included for what he did. Now that he thought of it he realized how much he took for granted his position, he may have despised his realm and the reputation it gave him but he was a King who had authority and power. He may have wanted Olympus as an upgrade but it was no longer an option as he lost it, and he hated that Hecate had taken away the one thing he had left while rubbing it in his face.

The God clenched his fists and looked up at his castle, "You won this round Witch, but the game has just begun, " Hades stood up as his flames went up, "And this time, I don't plan on losing and I'm not taking any prisoners! I'm taking back what's mine!"

Hades turns around and leaves, he decides to go pay a visit to some old acquaintances.

The Fates were holding the thread of another mortal who's near the end of their life. As the sharp sound of the scissors cut eachod through the hall, Clotho gleefully announced the new soul coming through the halls as the sisters laugh.

Hades looked at them unamused, these three haven't changed a bit.

Lachesis turned her head, even without the eye she knew it was the former King of the Underworld in their presence. The sounds of his footsteps were filled with dread and exhaustion.

"Well well look who has finally returned," Lachesis remarked, "did you have a fun time in the Whirlpool of the dead after your inevitable defeat against Hercules?"

"Hello to you too, still as lively and full of encouragement as always!" Hades replied bitterly with a hint of sarcasm.

"We did warn you that Hercules would defeat you, but you decided to go on ahead with your idea to overthrow Zeus and still fail. Eighteen years of planning wasted." Atropos commented.

Hades flames went up again, "Hey! I took steps to make my plan work when I kickstarted my plans, okay!? Those two idiots didn't make the brat drink the whole vial to make him fully mortal to finish him off and lied to my face until the last minute when it was revealed spoiler alert, he didn't die! That's the LAST time I'd ask them to take care of something that simple!" Hades took a deep breath to calm himself, putting his hands together.

"But what's done is done, it's all in the past so there's no use in crying over spilled Ambrosia, am I right?"

"Even if it cost you your throne that Hecate now resides on while you now have nothing?" Lachesis remarked.

"...Any who, I'm here for some help on how I can get my Kingdom back from Hecate Talons, got any idea's come on ladies, I'm all ears!"

Clotho, who always finds Hades charming, is about to say something until she is interrupted by Lachesis.

"And how do you expect us to do that? Your brother made the decree that you are not King anymore, while we are much older than the Gods he is the King and a King's word is law. We can't go against what fate has decided, especially when brought upon yourself with your treason."

"Something that YOU said would happen regardless!" Hades snapped.

"It's because you chose to do it," Atropos retorts, "we showed you the future that you created for yourself Hades, you already decided on the choice to overthrow your brother and take over Olympus and you tried to kill Zeus's son by making him mortal because you thought that he would defeat you as a God, not realizing that whether he was a God or mortal he would defeat you as you set up your downfall yourself."

Clotho finally intervened, "But what about when we tried to cut Hercules's lifeline? It turned bright Gold when we tried to cut it. Isn't that fate being changed?"

Hades eyes lit up with hope, "Yes! Exactly so things can turn around in my favor then!" Hades had a smug look on his face, "looks like you three don't always see all with that one eye."

The three sisters became agitated.

"And you seem to be forgetful with that hot head of yours, Hades."

All four Gods became frozen from hearing the cold voice of a woman. Before they knew it darkness surrounded all of them, Clotho instantly whimpered as Lachesis and Atropos looked around in fear.

Hades looked at them with confusion, "Is it just me or is it getting darker in here?"

Suddenly a cold gust of wind blew out Hade's fiery hair.

"...Well that's just great, hang on."

As Hades lit up his hair again, he screamed when he saw a pair of giant red eyes staring at him with pure anger. The fates immediately gasped and huddled together as a giant woman stood before them, her body completely shrouded in darkness with only her red eyes showing, her dress made completely out of stars.

"It's been a long time, Hades." The woman spoke.

Hades felt shaken, he never thought that he'd see her again, while the fates were trying to collect themselves and be presentable. immediately bowing.

"N-Nyx!" Hades stuttered.

"Your ladyship!" Lachesis greeted.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, your Primordialness!" Clotho exclaimed as she bowed.

Atropos was the last to speak, "Do what do we owe the pleasure of your visit? It's been a Millenia after our last encounter since the Titan's imprisonment."

Hades looked at them with annoyance, "And why is it that I never had a greeting like that out of you three?"

Lachesis glared at him, "Be quiet!"

Nyx, the Primordial Goddess of the night, stood before them in all her glory. Before the Gods only chaos and darkness existed, which in turn caused the universe itself to expand from a ball of light in which the birth of the planets and the stars took place and brought new life to everything it touched, including the birth of Gaia who would be the mother of all life, from the Gods, man, Titans, and monsters. Nyx was there to witness all of the creation, as well as the destruction during the war of the Titans, and when man began to walk the earth building their cities and starting their wars, all from the darkness of every corner of the earth as its shadow.

She was not only the oldest Primordial being, but she was also the most feared Goddess of the ancient world that not even Zeus would dare cross. And Hades unfortunately is now at her mercy.

Nyx began to move around the room, Hades flames being the only way to spot her in the darkness as she moved along the walls whilst taking on God's shadows.

"Thank you, ladies, I know it's been a long time since we last met. But first, I'd like to have a talk with Hades about something important...like the fact he lost his throne to the demigoddess of Witchcraft after trying to take over Olympus and unleashing the Titans."

Hades gulped, "Hey, look Nyx listen," he started as he had a nervous smile, "You know how grateful I was when you helped me learn the ropes when I first came down here to start the job of ruling all the dead people, I mean we broke bread together and you helped me bunch by keeping the mortals in Tartarus which I don't have to worry about misplacing them."

Nyx's shadowy figure crossed her arms as she narrowed her eyes, "Oh really? The fact that you seemed to hate ruling the Underworld and trying to take your brother's throne tells me otherwise. Do you want to tell me another lie, little God?"

Hades sighed, he knew he had to come clean, "Alright fine! Look I didn't exactly sign up for this gig that my brother so graciously since the end of the war, and at that time I worked for countless hours over a millennia managing dead mortals that just go down the river of death or Tartarus and getting NO respect whatsoever by either Olympus or humans! Plus I'm the eldest brother, the firstborn of Kronos and Rhea! the line of succession didn't exactly go in my favor on the count's dad decided that Posidoen and I would be served fish fillet and Flambe steak due to his paranoia that one of us would overthrow him, which happened anyway since Ma did a switch with Zeus and a boulder and he got the power by default! Is it wrong that for once I just wanted someone to throw me a bone?!"

After finishing his rant, Clotho looked at Hades in pity while her sisters just shook their heads at him with pity.

Nyx, however, did not have any of it and turned into a shadow of Hades.

"Look at yourself!" she spat in disgust, "The pitiful state you put yourself in, all because you feel sorry for yourself! You complain about being King of the Underworld and the dead while wanting your brother's throne on Olympus when you could have done much more to make the Underworld your oyster that could rival it! While you managed the Underworld well enough since you became King you could have made it much better had you not complained and plotted against your family! You worked tirelessly having souls come down here but you treated it as a chore while Zeus and Posideon had made efforts to improve their Kingdoms over the years!"

"And because of you stealing your brother's son and unleashing the Titans, you lost everything you had and now my realm is at the mercy of a Witch! I almost regret getting you out of the River of Death with how whiny you're being!"

Hades blinked, "Whoa wait a second...YOU got me out of the River of Death?"

Nyx changed back into her shadowy form, her red eyes looking at Hades, "Of course I did, you fool! You may have been stupid enough to make yourself lose your crown by committing treason against your fellow Gods, but that doesn't mean I approve of Hecate ruling my territory, especially with what she's planning."

Hades tilted his head in surprise, "Wait, Hecate is planning something? Not to undermine you Nyx but didn't she already get what she wanted by taking over my Kingdom?"

"Taking your place is only phase one of what she plans to do. Her reasons for wanting the Underworld exceed far more than just wanting recognition, but rather than tell you I'd rather show you." heads towards the shadows of the fates.

"Fates, while this goes against protocol, this request is urgent. Please, show him what is to come."

The Fates, not being able to refuse the Primordial Goddess's request, decided to show the future. Clotho did the honors and used their all-seeing eye, it glowed in the air and began to tell the future.

"As the Goddess of Witchcraft rules the undead, she will be waiting for eighteen years when the Blood full moon aligns and will fill the night with Dread." Clotho starts as she shows the image of Hecate with the full moon over her head.

Hades was now irritated, "Oh great another eighteen years of planning." he remarked to himself.

Lachesis continues the prophecy, "With the essence of the Underworld she'll concoct a spell, leading an army of the dead, and on earth, she'll unleash Hell!"

Hades was surprised as he saw the image of an undead army, "Wait an army of dead people? What's that about?"

"As the mortals flee the dead and Hecate watches from afar, her dark magic with immense proneness, will break the ancient prison beneath Tartarus..."

Hades eyes widened in horror as she saw a giant being crawling out of a familiar prison in the Underworld, "Oh no, no no no no that's not good!"

"And unleash the tyrannical and infamous God of Time and cannibalistic King of the Primordial beings, Cronus!" Clotho finishes as Hades is about to have a heart attack.

"WHHAATTT!?" Hades yells out in rage, "HECATES GOING TO BREAK MY FATHER, THE ONE WHO ATE ME, OUT OF HIS PRISON IN TARTARUS AND TAKE OVER THE WHOLE WORLD!?"

"But with the darkness must always come the light, as Hecate and Cronus roam, two will be ready to fight," Atropos spoke.

Hades blinked, "Huh?"

"As Hecate and Cronus face their defeat, spectators alive and dead will witness the splendor of their savior's sheen, as the Underworld's new King and Queen."

Hades looked in shock seeing a couple in front of him, a young man who was light blue and shining like a diamond and a young woman who was bright as gold. Before Hades could say anything the Fates vanished.

Hades stood there speechless as his mouth dropped. Hecate is going to release his father in eighteen years, and while they'll be defeated a new King is going to take his place!? What will happen to him then?!

Nyx helps close his mouth.

"Hopefully you now understand the gravity of the situation, Hades. Despite your shortcomings as King in the past, Hecate is much worse. Not only do you have her to deal with to fight for the throne against her, but the fate of the entire world is now at stake." she explains.

Hades couldn't deny it anymore. He knew that he had to swallow his pride and step up to the plate, Hecate is going to unleash his father and is on the verge of losing everything.

He looks up at the Primordial Goddess with a serious look, "What do I have to do, Nyx?"

She looked at him dead in the eye and spoke sharply.

"Follow me."

The former King of the Underworld followed Nyx's shadow through the lair of Erebus. It's been eons since Hades went through this area so he had a difficult time remembering which way is which.

He spoke up, "Hey Nyx, I'm happy you're willing to help me and all, but what exactly are you trying to show me?"

"Hades, do you remember when you first came to the Underworld after becoming King and how your brothers became the rulers of their territories?"

"All too painfully well thanks for the reminder." Hades remarked.

Nyx continued, "Well your brothers were able to establish their positions by doing the one thing that guarantees stability and balance like in any Kingdom. Can you take a guess what they did?"

Hades placed his finger on his lip as he was thinking while continuing to follow her, "Uh let's see, the respect her of their subject?"

"Well yes, but what else?"

"Right what else, have resour- oh what how about-...I got nothing." Hades said defeated, "What do they have that I don't? I mean I work constantly like any King would and try to keep order, but you go ahead and tell me."

Hades nearly tripped as Nyx stopped. She gets on her knees and gently pets the ground, pressing her ear on the dead earth.

"Beloved, it's time."

Hades was started as the ground beneath him shook. To his shock, it began to shoot out something large, when the ground stopped shaking Hades saw a giant tree before him and Nyx. But what caught his attention was a magenta fruit on one of the branches.

Nyx turned her attention to Hades, "Hades, do you know what that fruit is?"

Hades took a closer look at the fruit and suddenly realized what it was.

"It's a pomegranate, but what of it?" Hades asked.

Nyx spoke bluntly, "Yes, but this is no ordinary Pomegranate. Erebus and I have been saving this fruit for a long time for you. Do you know why?"

Hades pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration, "Oh geez I don't know, is it for a Greek salad or something?! Look Nyx it's my fault that I haven't paid attention to these kinds of details of the Underworld but you got to be straight forward with me on this, what is this pomegranate important for?!"

Nyx knew that she had to be blunt with Hades on this subject. The future of the Underworld and the world is at stake.

"Okay fine, I'll tell you. This pomegranate is important because it is the key to securing your rule of the Underworld for good."

"...Uhh, so let me get the right. A piece of fruit is the key to getting back my throne to rule the Underworld? How so exactly?

"..It's because this pomegranate must be consumed by not just the King of the Underworld, but also by his Queen."

Hades expression was blank, "Huh? A Queen?"

"Now you're getting it!" Nyx exclaimed excitedly, "Hades, the pomegranate is the symbol of the undead but it is also a sacred fruit representing marriage and fertility. What your brothers have that you lack that makes them successful rulers is a Queen to rule by their side and bring balance to their realms. With Zeus as the King of the Gods who often has a temper and can act recklessly, he has Hera to balance him out as a nurturing presence to help him rule with benevolence among the Gods, and with your brother Posideon who represents the tidal waves his wife Amphitrite represents the calm sea's that brings her husband back from the chaos which saves the lives of the passing sailors."

"Which leaves you as the only unmarried brother in a realm that reeks of death."

Hades felt his eye twitch, "Wait! So you're saying that to get my throne back from Hecate I gotta get married?!"

"Yes, Hades you must find a Queen. But not just any woman will do, she must be a complimentary opposite of your "charming" personality. As Hera is the gentleness to her husband's strength and Amphitrite is the calm to Posideon's storm, your future Queen must represent the life to your death."

Hades couldn't believe what he was hearing. There was no way he could accomplish that! Being the King of the Underworld was an immediate turn-off for other Goddesses and Nymphs as the place was full of despair and sorrow. Now that he is a known traitor and lost his title no woman was going to touch him with a ten-foot pole! What Nyx was asking him is the impossible! Learning he lost his title as King was nothing compared to the pressures of marriage.

Hades felt dizzy, "Oh oh I need to sit down, this is too much!"

Nyx continued, "You don't have a choice in this matter. I'm showing you this so you can understand what needs to be done, and thankfully Hecate has no intentions of marrying or sharing her power with anyone else. But there is the matter with the vision that the Fates had shown us, you won't have much time if it comes true."

Hades' head snapped up, "Oh crud, those two punks! The ones that got rid of Hecate but also took my Kingdom too! How did THAT even happen?!"

The thought of the vision of the shiny figures boiled his blood. Just who were they?! How did they take his Kingdom, and why were they glowing?! So many questions raced in his mind but he didn't want to keep overthinking it.

"I have no idea who they are or how they'll be King and Queen but NO WAY am I allowing another pompous God to take my throne again!"

"So you're going to fight?" Nyx asked.

Hades looks up with determination, walking up to the pomegranate and observing the fruit. To think something this insignificant can have that much of an impact.

"So how does this pomegranate work?

"By consuming this pomegranate's seeds, the King and Queen will have the ultimate power by bringing balance to life and death of all beings, as well as binding each other to the Underworld with absolute authority over the land of the dead. Nothing and no one can stand against you once you eat it with your partner and obtain its power, this is the ultimate promise between not just a King and Queen but also a husband and wife. So choose your Queen wisely Hades, remember who you must stop and to gain back your power."

Hades took a big sniff of the fruit, then turned to the Goddess with a huge grin showing his sharp teeth, stroking the fruit that would guarantee his throne back, and if he was lucky have a woman by his side.

"Let's find the lucky woman who'll be Queen of the Underworld!"

Chapter Text

"And by the time he got to his old place, Hecate gave him the heads up that he's got the boot from his position as King and kicked him to the curb, that's the report I got from the Underworld, my Lord." Hermes reported to Zeus.

Zeus sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose as he slumped on his cloud throne. This was not something he wanted to deal with, and on his granddaughter's celebration no less, Hera placed a comforting hand on Zeus's shoulder while their son and his wife looked at them in worry as Hebe was fast asleep in her mother's arms with Brontes on top of her head, eyes wide open as he guards his new friend.

"So Hades was dethroned from the Underworld and Hecate's in charge now?" Hercules asked with a hint of worry as he also encountered the demigoddess of Witchcraft in the past, knowing that her lust for power in the Underworld was far greater than Hades.

Zeus looked at his son with weariness, "I'm afraid so son, the reason I put Hecate in charge was that next to Hades she is a better candidate to rule the Underworld and its residence. And after his stunt on taking over Olympus and learning he was the one responsible for kidnapping you all those years ago, I planned to strip him publicly of his title as King of the Underworld, "Zeus then let out a chuckle, "but you beat me to the punch, literally!"

Hercules let out a little chuckle, only to see his wife looking anxious as Hebe continued sleeping.

"Will he come looking for us?" Meg sputtered with a tinge of fear. The news of Hades returning had Meg on edge. The memories of being his slave and the terrible things she did under his orders flooded her mind, she remembered his sharp shadowy grip around her body as he gave her orders, reminding her of her mistake of selling her soul to him to save a man who never cared for her who soon left her for another woman, while leaving her at Hades mercy.

Zeus shakes his head, "You don't have to worry about that Megara, Hades is not welcomed anywhere and if he tries to come near you and your family..he will pay dearly for it. That's why I created Brontes for Hebe, that way he'll know to stay away unless he wants his eyes clawed out."

Hercules sighed in relief, while Meg relaxed as she held Hebe close to her as she slept peacefully while Brontes continued to nuzzle on her short blonde hair, "Thank goodness."

Hercules gently placed a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, I'll make sure that he never comes near us or Hebe. He'll have to get through me."

Meg smiled, "I know you will Wonderboy." calling him by his nickname.

"...But there is another problem." Everyone turned to Hermes. "I also got a report that during the Titan's rampage when Hades took over temporarily, a few shades escaped the Underworld. So we might be seeing some confused shades roaming around the mortal realm so don't be alarmed."

"Looks like Hecate will have a lot on her plate," Zeus remarked, "Let's hope she'll run things smoothly and things will get under control with that."

Zeus turns to his son, "How did it go down there by the way, son?" he asks.

Hercules lowered his head, his eyes filled with sadness, "I've managed to help as many as I could from the disaster...but not all of them survived...it was horrible."

It haunted the young hero as he remembered the devastating sounds of the cries of the survivors who lost everything from the volcano eruption. The catastrophic scene of the houses burned down by the raging lava, the teary eyes of the terrified villagers, and the worst was when he had to break the dreadful news of those who didn't survive to their loved ones...the loud wails, angry hits they gave to his chest denying that their husbands, wives, parents, children, and friends were killed before collapsing into his arms as they cried their hearts out as he comforts them. Hercules may have saved them, but felt like a failure for not getting there sooner to save more lives.

Phil touches Hercules's shoulder from a cloud, giving his student a reassuring look, "You saved as many as you could, kid. Tragedy comes with a hero's work, there will always be casualties in disasters like this, and it's unavoidable."

Hercules gives his coach a small smile, then Meg walks over and Hercules turns to see his wife, his smile growing warmer as he sees her and their daughter sleeping soundly despite the chaos. He gently took his daughter from his wife's arms as Brontes went onto Meg's shoulder and cradled her, after the events that took place he was grateful to be able to return to his daughter. He will never take for granted coming back alive.

Hercules strokes her hair, "I'll always come back to you Hebe, Daddy promises."

Hebe started yawning, stretching her tiny arms upwards. She groggily opened her eyes that instantly shot wide open the moment she saw her father, immediately smiling and laughing as she touched his face happily. Hercules smiled big as he held her close.

Phil checked his watch, "Hey, it's getting late, what do you say we call it a night guys?"

Hercules nodded as Pegasus readied himself for the parents to hop on him, while Phil, Alceme, and Ampityron went onto Apollo's chariot.

As they prepare to leave Hercules turns to Zeus and Hera. "Thank you for the party Father, sorry that it got interrupted by a disaster."

Zeus shook his head, "No need to apologize, son, you did what heroes are supposed to do. And it makes me know that Hebe is in good hands."

Zeus turns his attention to Brontes, who was on top of Hebe's head again, "Brontes, I'm counting on you. Hebe is precious to us as she is now to you, you are her protector and companion for life, watch out for her always."

Brontes chirped in understanding. Zeus looks at Hebe with a warm smile, "Don't you worry about a thing, Hebe, I swear as your grandfather and King of the Gods, you will always be under our protection."

Hebe giggled as Zeus tickled her chin. The family soon left for the mortal realm, leaving Zeus and Hera to watch them go. The King and Queen of the Gods held each other. The family returned home, they waved goodbye to Apollo as he flew back to Olympus.

As they walked back to their home, Phil yawned and stretched. "Oh boy, what a day, time to hit the hay." Phil announced.

Pegasus yawns as well, ready for bed. As Hercules's family went into the house, they all got settled. Alceme and Amphitryon were sleeping in the guest room and Meg went to bed, leaving only Hercules and Hebe awake in the nursery. He was on the rocking chair with his daughter as Brontes watches from the shelf full of stuffed animals of a pegasus and Satyr.

Hercules continued rocking his daughter, "Sorry your party got interrupted today, sweetie, something really bad happened and daddy had to go save some people." Hercules explained to the infant.

Hebe gurgled, looking down at the winged necklace Phil got her and chewed on it.

"You see," Hercules continued, "your daddy is a hero and when there's trouble, I go and save them and stop bad guys who cause those troubles. But today was a natural disaster." "A lot of people lost their homes from a scary volcano and...there were many who didn't make it either. A lot of people were sad and angry about it, and well...Daddy feels terrible about it." Hercules lowered his eyes, the guilt and sadness showing on his face.

When Hebe saw his sad face, she was confused and immediately reached her hands out to his face and touched his nose and cheek. Hercules snapped out of it, then started laughing as his daughter's touch tickled.

"That tickles." he laughed.

Hercules looked at his daughter for a long time, taking in everything he saw in her. Her gold blonde hair framing her chubby face, her big blue eyes resembling his, little nose, she was absolutely perfect to him.

His eyes soften, adjusting her in his arms. "Don't worry, Hebe, no matter what happens, Daddy will always protect you. From scary monsters, Evil Gods, and bad guys, I'll be there to make sure no one ever hurts you."

Hebe giggles as Hercules kisses her forehead.

Suddenly Hercules heard something outside, suddenly the ground started to shake. Alarmed, Hercules stood up holding onto Hebe with Brontes flying to Hebe, shielding her from whatever was happening, Hercules wasted no time to run out of the nursery where he encountered Meg and his parents leaving their rooms in panic.

Meg rushes to her husband and daughter, "Hercules! What's happening?!"

"I don't know! But we have to get out of here!"

Hercules led his family out of the manor, with Phill running behind them. "What the heck is going on?! An earthquake?!" Phil exclaimed.

As they ran out of the house, Pegasus flying behind the family to protect them, Thebes was shaking. Citizens were panicking, running to whatever was safe.

"What's happening?!" One person screamed.

"I don't know but I'm not sticking around to find out!" Another shouted.

Hercules held onto his family, so many thoughts rushed through his head, is this a monster attack? An earthquake. Then a terrifying thought rushed his mind, what if it's another volcanic eruption!?

Those thoughts were interrupted as Hebe continued laughing, then the unbelievable happened. Trees began to burst from the sides of the roads of Thebes, with some of the citizens unfortunate enough to end up on top of the trees as they grew, and to their amazement fruit appeared on the trees they were trapped on. Another shocking twist is when bushes started popping up and flowers began to bloom, from roses, narcissus flowers, hyacinths, and lilacs. All of Thebe's became a giant garden. Everyone was shocked and amazed at the plant life and beauty of the scenery.

At Hercules home, he and his family were stunned as they saw the rows of trees and flowers on the property. They looked around and still couldn't believe what they were seeing, Pegasus looked around and started eating the fruit from the trees and loved it.

"My goodness." Alceme said in disbelief.

"Well I'll be." Amphitryon spoke.

Meg went to the flower bushes and picked one of the narcissus flowers, still astounded by what happened. Hercules was standing in shock as Hebe was smiling and giggling.

Phil taps his leg, "Hey kid, what do you think's going on?"

"I-I have no idea," Hercules explained, "I was just in the nursery with Hebe, then everything started shaking and-"

They were interrupted by a green and pink light flashing before the family. When the light dimmed down, they saw none other than Demeter and her daughter Kore, who was looking around frantically.

"Hercules, is everything alright?!" Demeter asked frantically.

Hercules quickly nodded, "Y-yeah, we're fine Demeter. But what's going on? Did you guys do this?"

Demeter quickly shook her head, "Oh no dear! We may be Goddesses of the harvest but we NEVER flood a city like this!"

"Mother and I received a signal from the trees that new life was growing where you were, and then we saw all of this and came to see if you and the people were alright."

"We are thanks, but if you guys didn't do this, then what did?"

"That's why we're here. Kore and I plan to investigate what caused all of this, it's remarkable actually! The trees, the fruit, it's like a master gardener did this! I haven't seen anything like this in eons!"

As Kore looked around, she heard Hebe laughing in Hercules arms.

The father quickly bounced her. "Sweetheart, I know you think this is fun, but what happened was really REALLY scary." Hercules spoke.

Phil chimed in, "Yes Hebe, VERY scary."

Pegasus nodded in agreement.

Of course Hebe was still smiley and giggling, even reaching for the flower petals that were falling. Hercules sighs, "Geez, she doesn't seem scared of anything, she was laughing when the earthquake happened and she still hasn't stopped."

Kore blinked, her mother looking at Kore with curiosity, "Wait, you're saying when your daughter started laughing that's when the trees and plants started growing?" the pink goddess asked the hero.

"Yeah, why?" Hercules asks.

There was a moment of silence among everyone, Meg's eyes began to widen as she started realizing what the connection between her daughter and the plants is. "What are you implying, Demeter?" Meg asked with a hint of fear.

Hercules looked at his wife confused, "What are you talking about, Meg?" Hercules turns his head and sees his parents and Phil having the same look of realization and shock, but is still confused by it .

Amphityron cleared his throat, "Uh Hercules, I think what Demeter is trying to tell us is that...Hebe could be.."

Hercules blinked again, "Be what, Pop?"

Phil slaps his forehead, "Think kid! YOUR birth parents are Gods! YOU are a Demi-God! Think of what that makes YOUR daughter! Connect the dots!"

Hercules began to ponder, then he looked at Hebe, his eyes widened when he realized what his father and coach were trying to tell him. "Wait! Does that mean that my daughter..my daughter is a Demi Goddess!?"

Meg snaps her fingers, "Bingo."

Hercules nearly fell over, thankfully Pegasus caught him as he still had Hebe in his arms. He looks at Hebe, who had a confused expression as she had no idea what's going on or why the adults were worried, not realizing that this will change the course of her young life. Hercules shook his head, "No no, this is just a coincidence! I mean Hebe is just a baby!"

"You were too dear," Alceme spoke, "when we found you, you took down two large snakes and sent them into the air." Hercules was stunned, he looked at Demeter and Kore, "Are you two sure that she is one?"

Kore pulls out seeds from her pockets, "Only one way to find out." Hercules gently puts Hebe onto the grass, Brontes stood beside her as she looked at Demeter and Kore curiously. Kore kneels before her and buries the seed, "Alright sweetie, let's see what you can do."

As the adults watch Hebe looking at the dirt before her, she touches the top with a curious look. Nothing happened. Hercules sighed in relief, "Oh thank Dad, it was all a misunderstan-" he was cut off when he and the others watched as the plant began to grow, Hebe started clapping happily as the rose bloomed before her.

The adults were stunned, Pegasus and Brontes mouths dropped. Demeter looks at Hercules and Meg, "There's no doubt about it, your daughter is a Demi Goddess who can control plants and nature." Alceme and Amphitryon were shocked, Phil and Pegasus were wide-eyed, and Meg and Hercules were stunned.

Meg shakes her head, "Okay wait a second, if Hebe is a Demi Goddess, why can she control nature? Shouldn't she inherit her dad's strength instead? You know like father like daughter?" As Hebe happily played on the grass, Demeter examined her, "Usually yes, but Hercules only inherited his father's strength but not his ability to control lightning. But looking at your daughter's abilities being this advanced, I haven't seen anything like hers since...Rhea." "Rhea?" Hercules finally spoke, "You mean my grandmother, my father's mother?"

Demeter snapped her fingers, "Of course! We also inherit traits from our grandparents as well, and it seems Rhea's abilities have been passed on to your daughter," Demeter chuckled, "no surprise there, Zeus will have a riot when he finds out his granddaughter is part God." Hercules and Meg looked down at their daughter as the rose petals fell, Hebe was happily throwing them in the air as she continued laughing. Phil looked at the young couple with a smirk. "Looks like you got a lot on your plate guys, you have a Demi Goddess to raise for the next eighteen years."

Meg kneeled down next to Hebe, who looked up at her mother and smiled as she raised her arms for her to pick her up. Meg places her on her lap, smirking at her daughter. "Well Hebe, we got a long road ahead of us, if you're anything like your dad you'll need all the help you can get to control your powers, and besides," Meg lifts her up and gives Hebe an eskimo kiss, "I'm now the mother of a Demi Goddess that can grow a garden, next to marrying a famous hero, I got more bragging rights than any housewife in Thebes."

Phil went up to the baby and crosses his arms, "Looks like I have a new student."

"New student?!" Hercules exclaimed.

"Well yeah, kid!" Phil retorted, "Hebe is a Demi Goddess! Look what she can do already! If she's capable of this as a baby, then I want her to be able to train these powers so when she gets older she can defend herself from monsters!" "But I don't want her to be put in danger!" "She's your daughter, Hercules, when people know who she is she will always be in danger. Look around you, do you want Hebe to not be able to handle these powers?"

Hercules looked at Hebe, anxiety soared through the hero with thoughts of his daughter's life when she gets older. Being his daughter already puts a target on her back as he has many enemies waiting to hit him where it hurts, but now knowing his daughter has God-like abilities and can create life makes him more worried, what if she has trouble controlling her powers when she gets older, and she accidentally destroys something like he did when he was young and people get angry with her even if it was a mistake like what she did just now in Thebes? What if he has enemies who'll come after her and she has to fight them? He didn't want that life for his daughter, he doesn't want her to fight to survive, not when he could so she can live in peace without worry. And Phil is a strict coach! What if Hebe can't handle it?! What if Phil goes too far with her training? She's a girl! And what if she doesn't want to become a hero?!

Hebe giggles and more flowers began to bloom around them, Hercules was snapped out of his thoughts as more trees grew around them, Pegasus saw the fruit growing on the trees and ate one of them in delight. Brontes hopped onto Hebe's leg, a flower petal landing on his head as he chirps, Alceme and Amphitryon were in awe at the flower that are growing, Amphityron taking one of the flowers and placing it in his wife's hair.

Meg takes a flower and places it in Hercules hair, "Hebe is like you, Wonder boy, and I'm worried for her too. But look at all of this, how beautiful this all is, our daughter made this. If she can do this now by accident, with our help she can be capable of much more and even greater when she gets full control of them."

Hercules looks down at his daughter, who is looking up at her father curiously. Hercules smiles as he picks her up, he grabs a nearby flower and places it in her hair. "You got a long way to go, honey, but with our help, you'll go the distance."

Everyone gathered around, Demeter and Kore looked at each other as they nodded. "And we'll help her with her powers to." Demeter spoke.

"Nature is our specialty," Kore chimed in, "and she's definitely got potential. With our guidance she can reach her full power with ease." Hercules looked around him, everyone supporting his daughter like this made him relieved.

Hebe started laughing again as she threw more petals in the air.

End of chapter 4.