Title: Pomegranate (1/4?)

Author: crazyauthoress

Summary: As the God of the Dead, Kurt knew that he was meant to be alone, unlike his brothers Puck and Finn. Afterall, who in their right minds would willingly choose to live in the Underworld with him? A retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth with a Klaine spin on it.

Rating: T

Warnings: Spoilers for Glee episode 1x22 (Journey), "kidnapping", Greek gods and goddesses as our favorite Glee characters, angst, fluff, and a twist on multiple realities.

Author's Note: I took some liberties with this stories, especially when it came to the Greek gods and goddesses. One thing is that only Kurt, Puck, and Finn are related to each other as the three brothers. The others aren't related to each other unless they were born as twins like Artemis and Apollo. Another thing is that Blaine was born from Quinn and the Earth - Puck had no part in giving birth to him. This is mostly for me as I can't see Kurt getting with anyone he's related to, which none of the Greek gods had a problem with.

I realize that there are many differeny versions of this myth, some of which involve Hades tricking or forcing Persephone into eating the seeds and all of them have him kidnapping here. I chose to do it where she decided to eat the seeds in order to stay with him because she loved him. I'll admit, this is probably because of my romantic side, but I also believe that this version fits Kurt and Blaine the best.

'I thought this was suppose to be a diplomatic meeting,'/i Kurt thought, rubbing his temple gently as he listened to the shouted argument about which child Mother Rhea loved more. 'Not Finn and Puck fighting over who Mother loves more.'

Finally, he couldn't take it anymore and Kurt rose from the stool that had been provided for him. "If you both don't shut up about Mother right now, I swear neither of you will live to see tomorrow!"

Finn and Puck fell silent and turned to look at him. "Come now, Kurtie," Puck cackled, ignoring the way Kurt twitched at the much-hated nickname. "You can't do anything to me!"

Kurt raised a delicate eyebrow, standing taller. "You may be the King, Noah," he snapped, reveling in the way his youngest brother flinched at the use of his true name. "But you're still my younger brother. I can do whatever I want to you and Mother would be on my side. Honestly, you and Finn have gotten too big for those thrones you sit in. None of us care whether Rhea loved who more; we're here because you called a diplomatic meeting. Either get to it, or I'll walk out and I'm sure the others will follow me. We all have much more important things to do than listen to you and Finn squabble."

He eyed his younger brothers in irritation. Half the time, Kurt couldn't believe he was related to them; none of them looked at all alike. Finn was tall and lanky, Puck was broad-shouldered and a couple of inches shorter than Finn. Kurt, on the other hand, was small and slight with blue eyes to their brown and hazel. Their mother swore they all came from the same man and none of them ever argued with their mother; they knew better.

"Are you going to finally act your ages or am I just going to walk out?" Kurt demanded, crossing his arms firmly over his silver-covered chest. "I, unlike most of you here, have things to do. The dead don't rule themselves, after all."

Finn flinched when Kurt mentioned his job. "Kurt, I thought we said we weren't going to-" he started to say, but Kurt cut him off.

"I'm sorry, Finn," he snapped, letting his anger boil over. "I didn't realize that I wasn't allowed to talk about my Realm when that's all you talk about. I guess being the god of the dead means I have to shut up about it, hm? But, of course, the gods of the blasted isea/i and the cursed isky/i get to talk about their Realms as much as they please. Right, Finn? Noah?"

With his lips compressed into a thin line, Kurt shook his head and scooped up the sequined black fedora next to him. "It appears I've overstayed my welcome, as usual," he said, eyes narrowing as he stared at his brothers. "Enjoy Olympus, brothers. You know where to find me if you actually want to see me - but somehow I doubt that'll ever happen."

"Kurt, you don't have to leave," Mercedes said from her seat next to her twin Tina. "We want you here-"

"But your King doesn't," Kurt murmured, smiling at Mercedes. She was one of the few Olympians he could actually handle being around. "It's fine, Mercedes. I have some important things to do anyway. I'll see you later, alright?"

She frowned a little but settled herself back into the golden throne she sat in. "Alright... I'll miss you, boo," Mercedes said, wiggling her fingers at him in goodbye.

"I'll miss you too," he said before placing his fedora on his head and vanishing.

Within moments, Kurt found himself at the edge of the River Styx, his ferryman waiting with more souls of the dead in his boat. "Go on, Charon, I'll wait until the next one," he said, nodding at the black hooded figure.

The ferryman nodded to him. "As you wish, Lord Kurt," he intoned before pushing off from the shore and beginning the journey across the River Styx.

The Lord of the Dead sighed and sat down by the side of the river, staring into its murky depths. "I wish you were still as clear as you were when I was a child," Kurt murmured to the river, watching it. "But the world seems to be intent on clouding you even more."

He stretched out his legs, ignoring the dirt he knew was getting on the dark fabric of his pants. "They just don't understand," Kurt murmured, watching the water swirl around. "What it's like down here. If only Puck or Finn knew what I've given up so they can live in their world of bright sunshine. If only they knew the truth."

Sighing, Kurt stood up and looked down at his reflection in the water. He couldn't see it clearly, but he knew his hair was perfectly messy with his fedora resting on top of his head, that his shirt was black and silver with a fake vest sewn on the front with a gray bow tie at his neck, and he knew his pants and boots were black.

Without seeing himself, Kurt knew that he was the image of the god of the Underworld.

But, his reflection began to change. There was someone standing next to him. He couldn't see their face, but he saw bright, warm sunshine and soft green and blue clothes. There was no point in turning to see if anyone was beside him, because there wouldn't be.

The River Styx was showing him his future, not his present.

Swallowing weakly, Kurt shook himself and dusted away the dirt on his backside. "That future will never come to fruition," he whispered, watching as his reflection kissed the mystery figure. "Nobody would willingly choose a life in the darkness with me."

Kurt turned away just as the river showed him sitting at his throne with a smile on his face as he turned to look at the person sitting in the slightly smaller throne next to him.

"Charon," he called briskly, smiling a little when he saw the man waiting for him. "Can you ferry me across? I wish to see Cerberus before I have to tend to my other duties."

Charon nodded briskly. "Yes, Lord Kurt," he said, carefully helping Kurt into the boat before pushing off. "My Lord, if I may, what did the River Styx just show you?"

Kurt licked his lips and shut his eyes. "A future that will never happen, Charon," he replied softly. "It showed me with another, someone from Olympus who had willingly left the sunlight to live with me in the darkness. There is no Olympian who would willingly live here with me; this future will never come to be."

Charon was silent for a moment. "I would not be so sure, my Lord," he said softly, causing Kurt to turn and look at him. "I have heard that the goddess Quinn's son is unhappy, although that is not the right word."

The god smiled a little and shook his head. "Charon, Quinn's son is curious about what it is like, like every other god and goddess. But, once he discovers what my world is like, he will flee back to the world of eternal sunlight," Kurt said heavily as the boat ran into the opposite shore. "I appreciate the sentiment, but you know that nobody would willingly live here with me, present company excluded."

Charon bowed his head to Kurt. "If that's what you believe, my Lord," he said, his deep black eyes staring into Kurt's for a moment. "But, perhaps you underestimate the Olympians. Specifically her son. He is not like the others and you know that."

Kurt was silent. "He may not be like the others because of his birth," he said heavily. "But he will be like the others in regards to this. Few of the Olympians crave my company and those who do feel as if they are indebted to me."

"The Lady Mercedes is not just indebted to you," Charon argued. "She truly cares for you, regardless of your intervention when it came to her lover."

"It was my intervention that caused her to care for me in the first place," Kurt replied dryly before shaking his head. "Charon, please, drop it. If something comes up that requires my attention, come get me but otherwise I'll be with Cerberus."

Charon bowed lowly to him. "As you wish, my Lord," he said.

Kurt nodded to him before he walked away with his head held high and back straight. Only when he was out of Charon's eyeshot did he slump and let his head drop. Shaking himself after a moment, the Lord of the Dead walked over to the carved out area in front of him, whistling softly. "Cerberus, c'mere boy," he called softly, patting his thigh.

There was a soft yip and a Rottweiler puppy with three heads scampered out of the nook and full out ran toward Kurt. He ran into Kurt's legs and tumbled back before righting himself. He stared up at the god with six pairs of adoring eyes, his three tongues lolling out of his mouths and his tail wagging at hyper speed.

Laughing, Kurt knelt down and let the puppy clamber into his lap, three tongues all trying to lick him at the same time. "No, Cerberus!" he cried, trying to push all three heads down but failing at it. "Down, boy! No, I do not want puppy slobber all over me!"

Cerberus whimpered softly but plopped down on his butt with his tail still wagging furiously. Kurt smiled and stroked Cerberus' back before pulling a ball out of his pocket. "Cerberus, what's this?" he cooed, watching the puppy bounce excitedly and tumble over his own feet. "Go get it, boy!"

Kurt threw the ball as hard as he possibly could, watching the small dog race after it with a bark. Leaning back on his heels, he watched the Rottweiler chase after the ball before his left head grabbed it. Cerberus ran back to him, the middle head snapping playfully at the left one.

"Drop it," Kurt said, pointing to the ground and Cerberus obediently set the ball down in front of Kurt's black shoes with his tail wagging. Laughing, Kurt picked it up and threw it farther this time, watching Cerberus chased after it enthusiastically.

"My Lord."

Kurt wanted to groan when he heard Charon's voice and he turned to look at the male, irritation written across his face. "What?" he snapped at the cloaked male. "Charon, I truly appreciate all your help, honesltly I do. But, if this is because of a trivial matter, I'm going to kill you and send you to Tartarus for the rest of eternity."

Charon didn't looked phased by the god's threat. "Quinn's son, the god of the spring, has entered the Underworld," he said softly.

At Kurt's side, Cerberus began to growl deeply and the puppy began to grow until Kurt was as tall as his paw. The beast began to bark, loud booming barks that caused Kurt to wince weakly. "Cerberus!" the god shouted, placing a hand on the side of the giant paw. "Down, boy. Where is he, Charon?"

"In the throne room," the ferryman promptly replied. "Will Cerberus accompany you?"

Kurt huffed out a breath. "I wish he could," he murmured, stroking the soft fur under his fingers. "He needs to stay here, though. Even if he was a smaller size, the godling would be terrified of him."

Charon bowed deeply to the Lord of the Dead and stepped back. "Shall I accompany you?" he asked softly.

"No. I need you to contact Mike; I want this godling sent home immediately," Kurt replied as he began to walk toward the throne room.

"If I may, my Lord?" Charon said softly. "What if this godling is the one in the vision the River Styx showed you? He willingly came into the Underworld and-"

Kurt spun around and slashed a hand through the air. "Enough, Charon!" he shouted, causing Cerberus to growl. "If I know anything about Quinn, it's that she's smothered that boy because of what my brother did to her after Beth was born. This is just a way for him to rebel against her and against the rest of Olympus. I want him gone."

"Yes, my Lord," Charon said with a deep bow, a frown on his handsome face.

Taking a deep breath, Kurt turned around and began to walk toward the throne room again, running a hand down his face. "Stay, Cerberus," he ordered when he heard the pounding steps of the giant hound following him. A whimper came after his order, but Kurt wasn't having it. "Stay."

Glancing back to make sure Cerberus had done as he'd ordered, Kurt nodded and smiled at him gently. "I'll come play later," he promised softly before disappearing into the entrace hall of the palace.

He strode toward the throne room purposefully, his casual clothing changing with a simple thought. Gone was the gray, silver and black outfit, only to be replaced with a rich black half-cloak that fluttered slightly as he walked, partially covering the black toga he wore beneath. The boots had melted away, leaving laced sandals that curl around his calves underneath the black pants he wore.

Kurt looked down at the sequined fedora in his hand and flipped it once, watching the shape melt into a laurel wreath made of onyx and silver. With a touch of regret, the God of the Dead placed it on his head and pushed open the doors to his throne room.

At first, he didn't see the godling that had entered his domain. But then he heard it, a soft strain of music that echoed in the cavernous room. Kurt walked passed the black marble pilars with an air of arrogance, searching. He found the godling sitting on the tiled floor in front of the twin thrones at the back of the room and he stopped, amazed.

Quinn's son was nothing like he'd imagined. Kurt had thought that the child would take after Quinn, golden locks and a delicate bone structure with green hazel eyes. This man looked nothing like the goddess of agriculture.

He had dark curls that were pressed against his head with a type of gel that was not unlike what Kurt used to tame his own thick hair. There was a guitar in his lap and strong hands were strumming the instrument with care, the arms in his muscles flexing slightly as he played. When Kurt looked at him, he couldn't see Quinn in him at all.

Clearing his throat, the god stopped near him, an eyebrow raised. "And why, may I ask, has the god of the spring entered the domain of the dead?" Kurt asked blandly.

He looked up and Kurt stared straight into warm hazel eyes, eyes that were warmer than the sunlight that Kurt vaguely remember. "My Lord Kurt," he said, setting his guitar down next to him and standing. He bowed deeply to the other. "Forgive my intrusion... I was curious."

Kurt fought back the urge to groan. "That is perfectly understandable," he replied, walking passed the godling. "However, I must as you to leave. This is not your world-"

"Blaine."

"-Blaine and I'm sure your mother is worried sick. Charon has sent for Mike and-"

"I don't want to go back," Blaine said softly, cutting him off. "I want to stay here."

Kurt gaped at him. "No. Absolutely not," he said, sitting down in the marble throne and staring down at Blaine. "Your presence here will upset the delicate balance that I've managed to create. When Mike appears, you will go with him. Is that understood?"

Blaine frowned and ducked his head. "I can't go back there, my Lord," he said softly. "My mother-"

"I don't care," Kurt said, glaring down at him. "I will not be drawn into a quarrel between you and your mother. I have too much to worry about as it is without you. Besides, if you need some place to go, I'm sure the Muses will take you in. If I remember right, they enjoy your company, or so your mother told me."

He looked up at Kurt, his face hard. "Wes, David and the others would be more than willing to let me stay," Blaine admitted. "But they will be the first place my mother will look. I can't go back to my mother. I'm sorry, Lord Kurt, but I'm staying."

"Even if I order Cerberus to attack you?" Kurt asked, leaning back in the uncomfortable throne he sat in.

Blaine paled and looked scared. "Yes," he said, although his voice shook slightly.

Sighing, the god looked down at him. "You're either very brave or very stupid," Kurt replied dully. "Fine. I'll allow you to stay here for the time being. I have the right to force you to return to Olympus if you do anything, and I mean anything, that bothers me. Understand?"

Blaine's face lit up and he beamed at Kurt. "Yes. Thank you, Lord Kurt," he said, bowing deeply to the other.

Kurt just waved his thanks away. "Don't thank me yet, godling," he replied softly. "Charon will show you to your rooms. Explore if you wish, but do not go near Tartarus or the Elysian Fields. Cerberus will chase you off if you do and I will not stop him. Clear?"

Blaine nodded. "As crystal, my Lord," he said, bowing again.

Kurt stifled as sigh and summoned Charon with a wave of his hand. "Take the god of spring to his rooms," he ordered, ignoring the other's surprised looks. "He will be staying with us for a while."

"As you wish, my Lord," Charon said with a puzzled look on his face. "Any room specifically?"

"Keep him away from Cerberus," Kurt said. "At least until Cerberus knows we have a guest. Perhaps the room overlooking the River Stxy. I don't really care, Charon. I trust your judgement."

Charon bowed. "I am humbled by your trust in me, my Lord," he said before leading Blaine our of the room.

As soon as the doors to the throne room slammed shut, Kurt groaned and let his clothing melt back into his every-day clothing. "What've I done?" he groaned, resting his head against the marble behind him. "Puck is not going to be happy about this. He hates cat fights, unless he's one of the contenders."

Shaking himself, Kurt stood up and slowly left the throne room, heading back to Cerberus. Hopefully this would be over soon and Kurt could forget it. But, as he looked into the River Styx again, he saw the same vision, but the person beside him was clearer. "You're not going to let me forget this, are you?" he grumbled as he stared down into the river. "Even if he is the one, he won't stay."

The river just gurgled in reply.