~Hades~ A Christmas Special

The Underworld wasn't typically known for its seasonal charm, but I was determined to change that. Standing in the Garden of Styx, I took a deep breath—or as deep as one could in a realm of spirits and shadows—and looked up at the colossal pine tree I had dragged down from the mortal realm. It was perfect. Towering, symmetrical, and the kind of green that made you forget you were surrounded by eternal gloom.

"Let it snow," I muttered, snapping my fingers.

Flurries began to fall, swirling gently in the air before settling on the ground. It was enchanting, even here. The Garden transformed into a winter wonderland, the usual grey tones brightened by a soft blanket of white.

Zagreus was the first to approach, his brow furrowed as he examined the tree. "Father, what exactly are we doing?"

"We're celebrating Christmas," I said, grinning as I levitated a string of golden lights and began wrapping them around the tree.

"Christmas?" Melinoe appeared beside her brother, her ghostly form flickering in the dim light. "That's a mortal thing, isn't it? Something about... birth and gifts?"

I nodded. "It's a time for joy, togetherness, and a bit of magic. And yes, gifts. But don't get too excited—whether or not you receive anything depends on Santa."

"Santa?" Artemis stepped forward, her silver hair shimmering like the snowflakes in the air. "Who's that?"

"Well, I will tell you exactly who this man is."

"Is he's a mortal?" Apolla quipped, smirking as she joined her twin. 

"Oh a mortal?" I said, rolling my eyes. "He is a man who travels the world giving gifts to good children."

Zagreus crossed his arms. "So... we'll get presents?"

I raised a brow. "That depends. Have you been nice?"

"Define 'nice,'" Melinoe said, looking far too innocent for her own good.

"Don't test me," I warned, though my smirk betrayed my amusement.

Hecate's laughter rang out from behind me. "You're really going all in on this, aren't you, my love?"

I turned to see her approaching with a box of ornaments, her dark hair catching the soft glow of the snow. "If we're going to do this, we're doing it properly," I said, taking the box from her. "Besides, it's fun."

She raised an eyebrow. "Fun? You? The Lord of the Dead?"

"Even I am allowed to have a little cheer now and then," I replied, hanging a sparkling star on a low branch.

Our moment was interrupted by a loud thud followed by boisterous laughter. Turning, I saw Poseidon ducking behind a large rock, a snowball the size of a small boulder sailing past him.

"MISS ME, LITTLE BROTHER?" Poseidon bellowed, summoning a wave of snow to launch at Aeolus, who retaliated by whipping up a small blizzard.

"By Tartarus," I muttered. "Do they ever grow up?"

Hecate sighed. "You should probably do something before they destroy the entire garden."

I raised my hand, summoning two colossal snowballs—massive, compact, and perfect for chaos. "Poseidon! Aeolus!" I called out.

They paused their battle to look at me, curiosity—and a bit of fear—on their faces.

"This ends now," I said, and with a flick of my wrist, the snowballs rolled forward, gathering speed before slamming into each of them with a satisfying whump.

The garden fell silent except for the sound of snow settling.

"Well," Hecate said, suppressing a laugh. "That's one way to handle it."

From beneath his snowy mound, Poseidon's voice rumbled. "This isn't over, Hades."

"Oh, it is," I replied, brushing snow off my cloak. "Now, everyone gather around, for this is the story of Santa, the Red God—the man in the Red Coat, the Lord of Christmas, the Bringer of Winter."