The mortal realm was annoying, the mortals even more troublesome.



Sweeping into the Underworld in a swirl of black smoke and deadly terror, the minions who worked there hurriedly jumped out of the way at the frustration that rolled off Hades in waves, all scattering like bugs as he took great strides past the gates of Erebus, barely noticing the attention-seeking whines that Cerberus tossed in his direction, eager for his master's pets after such a long departure from his realm.



But Hades was in his own mind. The God barely noticed the way everyone scattered, his tall form cutting a swath through the souls waiting to be judged before the Judgement table, barely sparing the cowering Furies a glance, his judges while he was away. Orpheus shook as he presented Hades a stack of scrolls, a tray that the dark God almost swept out of the way in his fit of frustration, had it not be for an apparition behind him.



"What is the matter, brother?"



The raspy voice of Thanatos froze Hades in his actions. Pivoting on his heels, the God of the Underworld narrowed his eyes at the taker of lives, as if part of his frustrations stemmed from the actions of the God of Death. The Erebus shimmered out of view, a flick of Hades's wrist transporting them to one of the many rooms within the warren that was the Underworld. Only there, did Hades openly scowl at his friend.



"Taengean's are a stubborn lot." he spat out, dissatisfaction obvious in his tone.



Thanatos raised a brow. "And why do you say that?"



If Zeus wouldn't age at him, Hades would've at that moment, cursed Thanatos into Tartarus for his obvious incompetence and pretend cluelessness. Instead, he clenched his fists, growling his reply. "Death is swift, imminent for them. But Fotios choose poison. How long do I have to wait before I could collect another royal into my halls?"



"Was the King and Crown Prince of Taengea insufficient for you? Even the imminent death of the King of Athenia?"



Hades casted a look of disbelief at Thanatos, who gave a dry humorous laugh, knowing his answer. Instead, the God of Death stepped forward, a sure smile on his lips. "If that is the case... look to Colchis, brother."



Colchis? The prompt had him looking at one of the many mirrors depicting one of the three Grecian kingdoms that the Gods had dominance over. The rocky outcroppings of the rugged Kingdom suddenly reminded him of the general that he has growing dissatisfaction at, along with his annoyance of a commander who seemed to always manage to yank that son of Ares out of harm's way. Nike of Acaris was a fool, and he wanted her out of the way.



"Colchis has been entirely too peaceful, has it not?" When Hades spoke once more, his voice no longer held the edge of frustration. Instead, it was more amused, as plans formulated in his mind, a smile that marked Thanatos's knowing one.



Extending a hand, his outstretched palms glowed, and with a crack, a black Stygian bident appeared in his hands, glowing silver on its blades.



"Well, not anymore."