Chapter Six: Getting My Ducks In A Row

I came home for dinner, exhausted from another hard day's work but relieved that I had a plan. I would have to let Rhea know somehow.

Mom had her golden blonde hair tied up as she served my brothers and me. Things have been icy between me and my brother since the night we all got drunk. Pallas, who was always level-headed, seemed to lose his temper with me every time we talked. Dad was with Cronus, discussing things. I wish I could have gone so I could have kept tabs on what was going on. 

Mom was the only one who talked, asking us questions, to which we gave short answers. Once we were all done, Mom wouldn't let us leave the table, giving us a stern speech about how we were being bothered and needed to get over it.

Perses went off about how I betrayed them, leaving them out when I got buddy-buddy with Cronus. Pallas just said in a calm matter that he didn't understand why I changed all of a sudden.

I explained to them that it was all by accident. I helped Rhea with the herbs for her health when I had a vision about Cronus drinking something and throwing up all of his kids. It just sort of snowballed.

"Why tell him when you got into a fight with everyone last year?" Pallas asked, looking me dead in the eyes.

"I realized I was wrong. Cronus has brought an age of peace for all, including mortals. I want to show that I truly regret my actions." I smiled weakly.

"I'm sorry we shunned you, but I'm glad you come to your senses." Pallas apologized.

"I'm sorry how our uncles treated you two that night. It bothered me." I replied, looking at them both.

"That's not your fault you did try," Perses admitted with a sad smile, to which Pallas agreed. Mom demanded that we all hug, but the titans of war and destruction were not about to hug it out.

I said we were all good and that I was ready for bed. I asked Mom if she needed help with the dishes, to which she told me no. I was relieved that she didn't need any help so I could rest.

I headed to my room so I could take a hot bath. I also wondered if Eos had replied to my many letters of apology. I have been sending them ever since that day, but no reply. I wish she would forgive me.

In my room, I checked my desk, but there were no letters, not even from Rhea. I was wondering what was going on with her, but it was probably a good idea not to communicate with each other. It's not like we have anything in common.

I got in the bath and then went to bed. In the morning, I sent another letter to Eos. I started off apologizing again, but then I started talking about all my progress I had made in the underworld and my idea for mining gems. I ended it with my hope she was in good spirits.

I headed downstairs, where Mom and Dad were waiting for me. It made my stomach twist, but I managed to keep my face neutral. I needed to stop overreacting over everything, but with the birth being so close, I was on edge. I was thankful it was them telling me there would be a party in two days.

They told me the party was to bring Rhea's spirits up, but the official reason was to celebrate me talking over the underworld and doing a good job. I nodded and asked Dad if he wanted to go with me to see Cronus, to which he agreed.

We hitched our pegasus to the coach, not the gold one I was given but to two brown ones, one in front of the other. We got in the roofless coach and took off. Pegasus are extremely fast, so no matter how far apart we live, they can get us there quickly.

It took about thirty minutes to arrive at Cronus's house. It, like all the others, has large marble pillars, walls, and everything adorned with gold decor throughout. All titans have the same taste. 

One of the people came out and took our pegasus while another led us inside, where we waited while he let Cronus. Cronus hurried down to us excited to see us. 

He pulled us inside to his office, where tea and cookies were served. He started telling us about the party and how excited he was. I was glad he brought up the underworld.

I told him my ideas about aging the children up and aging down the older people so we could use them as miners. I told him extensively about the gems and ores I found. He and Dad listened to neither one of them interrupting.

"What do you plan to do with all these gems and ores?" Cronus asked slowly. I knew he was worried I would use it to make the southern pillar's land more powerful than it already was.

"Well, this is why I brought it to you. I planned on giving you everything." I stated flatly.

"What do you get out of this?" he asked skeptically. I knew I had to ask for something cause if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

"I need help," I replied, my shoulders and head dropping, making them both lean forward.

"What's wrong?" Dad and Cronus asked at the same time.

"I.." I started but stopped.

"What is it, boy?" Cronus asked, leaning forward even more. What do I ask for? I could feel their concern staring at me.

"Whatever it is, we are here for you," Dad replied, grabbing my hand.

"I know I shouldn't be, but I am worried about my future. I know we titans live forever, but what do I do with forever?" I asked, still looking down. I wasn't lying. Whenever I had a free moment, I tried to use my powers to see the future, but it shifted from me being imprisoned to me raising their child. I could hear them pause like they were looking at each other.

"Everything will be ok. Hyperion and Oceanus felt like that a few hundred years ago. I've seen what you've done to the underworld, and it's amazing. I will need someone like you by my side." Cronus assured, getting up and pulling me into a hug. My dad also decided to wrap his arms around both of us. This was the first time in a long time that I had been wavering about the plan Rhea and I had discussed.