I don't even know where this came from. I guess sleeping at 4 in the morning, and being crazy obsessed with Greek Gods and Goddesses helped. Or maybe it was just the chips and sweet buns I ate. Well here it is. Disclaimer: For Good, is copyright to Wicked Musical, written and composed my Stephen Schwartz. The Greek Gods and Goddesses … they just don't belong to me. Anyways, I edited and revised a few grammar mistakes and spelling errors. And If you read this and want to here my musical inspirations, listen to the one by Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth or the cover by Sam Tsui and Nick Pitera
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
Hades stared at his captured prize, wondering if what he had done was really the right thing. Persephone sat on her throne curled into a ball, crying loudly. She kept her head down and low, and chose not to look him right in the eyes, or even look at him, for that matter. He wondered why he had abducted, wondering if she would ever forgive him. He looked at the way Persephone's hair was tied, with vines decorated by spring flowers. He winced. How could he be so cruel? He took her away from the very things she loved the most. Her mother, her friends, her earth. He frowned slightly, keeping his distance from her, knowing she would reject him, and hiss him away. Just like the first time. It hurt so much, when she pushed him away. It stung him, her words; they whipped like the flaying of his immortal skin. What hurt the most was her hate. So intense and strong, so true and firm. Hades knew he would never earn her love. His own, cursed to forever be unrequited; he knew that forever is a long time. He's already lived for so long. He wanted to make her feel better, comfort her, take her in his arms, and soothe her. But he could not. If she did not want him near, he would not come near. He would not try to enter her presence, knowing she would not accept his kind efforts. He should have stopped her from eating the six seeds, he thought.
Persephone kept on crying. She hoped maybe he would realize what he has done. She recalled all the moments he tried to console her. She had yelled at him and Lashed out at him. She hissed and pushed him away, cursing him with her hatred and disdain for him. How she loathed him and his domain. How she longed for sky, sun and freedom. She wanted to dance in the fields and be happy. She wanted to sing to the world, not Hades. She wanted to hear the song of the nymphs and fairies, not the moan of the dead as they passed the halls to their destination. Her sobs came to a halt, and she simply breathed, but still covered her pretty little face. She inhaled, exhaled. Persephone thought of the first few weeks she stayed. How she was weary, and wanted to eat. She found the pomegranate, and split it in half. She remembered Hades' face, and how he had such a look of turmoil. At first she wondered why, but now she realized, it was because he knew what would happen to her. And now it is too late, she can no longer stay with her mother forever, only half a year. Another memory planted itself in her brain. The day after Zeus proclaimed her half year stay, Persephone was to return back Under. She was angry. Hurt. She looked up and looked to her new husband. She wanted to hate him. She wanted to hurt him. But, you already have. She did not know where that thought came, but she knew it was true. The way she spoke to him, when he was first captured her, it was so vile and acidic. It was so hurtful. Her tongue had become a blade, meant to pierce his heart. She felt her own heart grow heavy, guilty. Why? She wondered. Why?
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Persephone walked the halls of the grand, dark underground palace. She let her hand fall on the random desks and table that's littered the halls. Persephone glanced around, so much empty space, so much dark tapestry, and décor. There was too much darkness. It made everything so gloomy, monotonous, just like it's ruler's own lacklustre personality. Persephone had grown accustomed to Hades since the first month of her stay. There were only three months left until she could return back to her home. She could remember the colours and taste the sweet taste of honey and nectar. A thought strayed into Persephone's mind, she wondered if Hades would hate her if she allowed a flower to grow in the empty vases that littered his halls. When she reached her destination her heart aberrantly beat quickly. Why? She wondered. She did not like this man. True she had grown comfortable with him. Yes, Hades' presence was not unwanted, not disliked. Rather, she had grown to appreciate his company. She rather liked listening to the way he spoke in riddles, ensuring that he would tell her the things she wanted to know, yet keeping his secrets and feelings to himself. She always figured out what he was saying, but he never outright acknowledged that she was correct. Persephone pushed open the door to his room.
Hades looked up, to see Persephone enter his bed chamber. Her appearance altered slightly. She still had her innocent face and slender frame; however, her hair now cascaded down a little past her waist. Her eyes mature with new knowledge. Her beauty, more radiant. His heart pounded. It always did that. It was not because he was scared of the hurtful whips of her words, nor scared of her heart wrenching rejection. He was scared of his hopes; that they may rise up, to a place where he may hope for his love to be returned. He made sure to burn it into his mind, she would never love him. She would never care to be his.
"Good afternoon, my Lord." She said softly. He nodded his acknowledgement. She smiled. This was routine for them now. She would enter his room, or he would enter hers, and they would converse. She would ask him a range of questions, and he would answer, and he would inquire about the above world, she would respond. It always started out awkward and uncomfortable, like gratuitous small talk. Yet, he still enjoyed her being there. Sometimes he would say something, perhaps sounding awkward or witty, and she would smile, or laugh. For the first time, she knew what it was like, to laugh at something that was not a falling nymph. She knew what it was like to smile at things, her mother would usually disapprove of.
"May I ask, my Lord," She began. "Are you a Person, named after a place? Or is this place, named after you?" He looked at her. Nobody had ever wondered this, it amazed him, that she would ask this.
"It was chosen, for me as it was for this place."
"You have another name then?"
He nodded. "Aidoneus."
She smiled at him. "Kore."
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
He twirled a rose between his fingers. Hades was found slouching on his throne, his arms resting on their rightful armrest; the rose in his left hand, his head, resting on his right. He lifted the rose close to his face. It was the work of his lovely Persephone. He wanted to do something for her, something that would make her happy for her last month in the Underworld. But what? He was not sure how to woo a lady with gifts, or how to shower her with affection. He could only think of one thing. He raised his eyes to a closed door. A door that has never been opened since the first time he got to the Underworld. He lifted himself off his throne and approached the locked door. With a wave of his hand, a surge of black light ran through the door's openings and unsealed it. With a second wave, it opened slowly. The huge groan of the doors caused several stares his way, but he did not care. He entered.
"My Lady Persephone," Hecate called. Persephone looked up from her bed. Hecate, the Goddess of Crossroads. "Lord Hades calls for you in the throne room." It must have been urgent if Hecate herself acted a servant, a messenger. Persephone got up and followed the lesser Goddess down to the throne room. "Continue." Hecate whispered and vanished in a cloud of violet. Persephone opened the doors to the throne room, and tilted her head at her husband. For once, she did not shiver at the title.
"You called for me, my Lord." She announced. Hades nodded and beckoned her to continue her way to him. She obeyed and kept moving till she was right in front of him. Hades held his hand out in front of him, leaving it limp before her, so she would not feel in any way threatened. She lightly placed her hand in his. He felt warmth surge through his body, from his hand. He smiled lightly, and looked into her eyes. She returned his small smile, with a tiny one of her own. "Please come with me?" he asked, and moved ahead of her towards the door. She smiled and followed. So they walked together hand in hand, as if in a dance toward the door.
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
When the doors opened, it was a small lonely path, with nothingness at its sides. The path led to a small empty glade of dead trees, and burnt out bushes. As the two made their way to the glade, Persephone wondered why Hades would be showing her this. Persephone looked at the glade then to Hades. Hades directed Persephone's hand towards the glade, which she followed into the dead garden. She looked around the glade and she circled herself to get a full panorama sight. She then turned to him, and gave him a questioning look. He smiled, having predicted her reaction almost perfectly. He thought she would be disgusted, not curious. Hades stepped into the meadow as well and stood by a dead tree. He lifted a hand and began to play with a lone branch. Persephone shifted her focus to a bush, dried and withered.
"It's been bare since I got here." He stated. Persephone giggled lithely.
"Yes, quite obviously, my Lord." She floated to a dead tree and took two dead branches and let them rest on her fingertips.
"I thought, if it pleases you," He looked at her; he could tell she wanted to do something about the deadness. She wanted to heal the dead botany, and let it come to life again, just as she had unknowingly done to his heart. "Perhaps… you would like… to bring a piece of your home… into mine."
Persephone's eyes widened. A wide smiled parted her mouth. She could hardly believe what Hades was saying. He is the God of the Underworld, yet he was allowing her to bring flowers into his gloomy home. He was willing to allow her to bring sunshine, into the melancholy world, they called home. Her heart throbbed against her ribs. Adrenaline and happiness flowed through her veins; she excitedly turned to her husband, to announce the happiness he had given her. She wanted to scream her excitement to him, and dance for him, but when Persephone turned around, she was greeted by a lone black rose, left on one of the dead branches of the tree Hades had stopped beside. Persephone went to the rose and picked it off the branch. It had no thorns, but instead a small note attached to the stem. Persephone unfolded the small note and read: I hope this makes you happy. I love you. –Hades. Persephone could not help but smile softly at the rose. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She looked up from the rose and looked at the glade, knowing exactly what she would do.
Who can say
If I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Ever since he had given her the glade, Persephone always went it, to work on it. Every day, after breakfast she would work the glade, until it came time for lunch, and even after that, she would work till dinner, the only time she had given him was after dinner before bed. Even though it took time away from him, he was happy he had given Persephone something that made her happy to do. He was happy to see her finally smiling, laughing, even dancing. He never bothered to follow her to watch her work, or see her progress. The first day she started working, at the start of the month, she had stopped him, asking him for privacy. Although it somewhat hurt him, he did not to probe any more. He simply watched her get up, and cheerfully open the large black doors. This day, however he had hoped she would spend some time with him. It was the last day of her first half-year with him, yet she still went off to her little garden to keep working. Perhaps this was a sign that she still did not accept him, or his love. A way for her to express how much she'd rather her world, much more than his. Ours, he thought to himself.
Persephone never wanted Hades to accompany her. She wanted to surprise him with her newly germinating abilities. She wanted the first time he'd see to be a pleasant surprise, to introduce him to the foreign life she had created, just for him. Without his knowing, Persephone always took his black rose gift with her. Always making sure it was in her flower basket. Persephone did not know why she wanted him to be pleased. She did not understand why he was her inspiration, her muse. All she knew was that she wanted perfection, just for him. Today she worked particularly hard, it was her last day, and she wanted to show him the first day she got back. After all, the flowers needed to cultivate in the dark underground. Persephone raised her hand and allowed artificial sunlight to fill the room. She realized the only thing in it, was the glade. Everything else was void. For once, the emptiness pleased her. She kept on working in her self-made sunlight.
A knock echoed through her private paradise, she turned around hoping Hades had not entered. She smiled seeing the door remained closed; he stayed faithful to his unsaid promise. He did not enter. She picked up her basket and ran down the narrow rocky path to the door. "Shut your eyes, My Lord." She giggled as she pressed herself against the door. Hades sighed on the other side, stepped back, and shut his eyes. "Are they shut?" She smiled. She felt like a silly love-struck nymph. When she heard Hades' grunt she stepped back and waved her hand, bidding the door to open. She stepped out and waved her hand once again. This time, the door shut closed and sealed itself. When the door was completely closed, thorny, thick vines wrapped over the opening crack and tangled over each other. Persephone moved to Hades' side and gently touched his arms, which were folded across his chest.
"May I open?" He asked. Persephone smiled at him. He did look rather handsome. She had to admit, she was beginning to really like the God of the Underworld, who was now also her husband. Persephone whispered a gentle yes, to that Hades opened his eyes and looked down at her. It crushed his own heart to know that she would never love him back, and yet as he looked into her eyes, he could almost see love. Love that was the beautiful deceit of his heart, he thought. He could only force himself to know that she would never love him, the way he loved her. He watched her sadly as she stepped into Charon the Ferryman's boat. Persephone clutched her flower basket close to her, hiding the black rose Hades had given to her. Persephone gently placed the delicate basket on her lap then she looked up to bid her husband goodbye. When she looked into his eyes they were already stained with loneliness and sadness. Her departure was torture, if he could die, she would be the cause. Persephone smiled at him awkwardly and raised an unsure hand to give him a small wave. Hades in turn lifted a hand as a gesture of a wave. Persephone giggled at the motion and smiled at him. He returned her smile, with a smaller one of his own, however his still held that lonely trait. At Charon's grunt, Persephone looked to the ferry man and nodded.
Charon pushed of the landing and rowed down the River Styx. They were already some distance away. Not wanting to turn around to see her husband's sadness, Persephone looked down at her flower basket and whispered, "Goodbye, Husband." Hoping he would somehow hear her words. She kissed her fingertips and reached into the basket and touched a black petal, allowing her energy to flow through the entire flower and keep it healthy and living. As the petals expanded themselves once again, and the flower's stem stiffened, Persephone involuntarily thought of Hades' eyes. She fought her own desperate urge to turn around and look at him, but should she look, she would have surely jumped out of the boat and ran back into Hades' arms. Persephone would have irrefutably stayed. But, why? She shook her head. She refused to fall in love with this man. Persephone looked down at the rose. Its dark petals fully bloomed, once again. Her light has brought life.
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
Persephone sat on her bottom, looking like princess with both her legs together beneath her. The delicate gift of her husband twirled between her index, ring finger and her thumb. Her hair was again, tied back by vines and decorated with flowers. Persephone did not appreciate that her mother had forced her to retie all her long hair. She loved how free it was in the Underworld. She remembered how it flowed lightly on her shoulders and swished against her back. She missed running her fingers through the silky strands. She loved how Hades tenderly stroked her hair, after she brushed it. Her eyes widened at her mindless thought. She laid the rose lightly on the grass, her hand still floating over it. She stared out into the open. She lay down on the grass to look up into the sky. There was no sky in the Underworld. But there was a Sun. There was a moon. Persephone shut her eyes, hoping to clear her mind. But when her eyes were closed she could only see darkness. Darkness, like her new home. Like her room, her garden, her husband. His dark eyes, which held everything in him. His secrets sheltered by a cloud of mystery. Only if you could decipher him, would you be able to find his true feelings. His eyes spoke the most. Like the day she left. His action made seem as he could care less. His frown-less face was betrayed by his eyes. She knew he did not want her to go. She knew he was hurt, and heartbroken. Persephone opened her eyes as she rolled onto her side. She held the rose closer to her face. The black petals reminded her of her husband. The dark lord of the Underworld.
She got up and placed the rose back into her basket, and covered it with other flowers she had gathered. Her friends had returned to her side, laughing and dancing. "Persephone, join us once again!" They cried out to her. "Yes, we have missed you so much, darling miss Persephone." The addressed girl smiled and got up to her feet, and brushed of her beautiful new flowing white gown. After dusting off her bottom, Persephone picked up her flower basket, arranging the flowers to hide the rose. She did not want her earthly nymph friends to see her Underworld memento.
"Help me gather flowers again?" Persephone smiled up at the girls. They all squealed with laughter, some hooked onto Persephone's arms. One took her hand and led her to her mother's new garden.
"You're mother did this for you." One of the flower nymphs smiled. Persephone smiled at them, and looked up. It was a glorious, large garden. It was beautiful, but unlike the gift from her husband, this garden had already been done and made for her. This garden, was not her own to freely create. This garden did not please her, the way Hades' garden did. "Don't you love it, Miss?" The nymphs called excitedly. Persephone smiled and nodded.
"Yes," She started feigning enjoyment. "I do." She lied right through her teeth. She did appreciate it, but she did not love it the way she did her dead Underworld garden. This garden was filled with flowers. Agrimonies, Bellflowers, Pink carnations and Rosemary, snowdrops, White lilacs and Magnolias decorated the entire field, all for Persephone. They were all declarations of her mother's love for her, each representing a different feeling. Although it was sweet, it was like her mother still babied her.
Hades sat on his throne, calling for his gates to be shut, not welcoming souls in until he felt like it. Hades felt like a child, but his heavy heart could not listen to anymore stories. He would not be able to give the souls what they deserved, in his condition. He did not want to be unjust. Hades looked at the empty throne beside him. He recalled how Persephone sat in it. When she got used to the idea of being the Queen of the Underworld she sat regally on her throne. She would listen to cases and give her opinions and he would take them all into consideration. He stared at the table with a fruit bowl on it. There was the pomegranate, which bound Persephone to him. As he looked at it, Hades feared she may not come back. Why would she? She did not have anything here. She did not love him. His heart sank even more. Hades stood from his throne and walked around his palace. The dark looming images of his tapestry filled his eyes. His dark furniture in his shadowy hallways seemed to greet him. He stopped in front of the large door. The door which was now sealed by Persephone. There was something necessary to opening the door. A certain trigger to open the seal. Something which Hades did not have, he wondered what it could be. What was she doing, that he was not allowed to view it. Hades sighed and trudged on, feeling more and more tragic.
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
Her room remained the same. Untouched. Persephone took a look around. How it was so different from her room in the Underworld. In the Underworld, she had her own personal room. It was regal, matching her title as the Queen of the Underworld. She looked at her current bed. It was small. The frame was made of unrefined wood, as if branches were just put together to create a makeshift bed. The blanket was yellow and had a floral design. It was soft and thin, unlike the one in the underworld. The frame was tall and refined stretching all the way to the ceiling, with a canopy of fine black silk with gold embroidery. The bedding was beautiful, with downy soft pillows all decorated with golden silk. There were several layers of blankets to shield her delicate skin from the Underworld's harsh cold. The thickest comforter was the only visible one. It was also gold, but had silver and black embroidered flowers and vines running in random patters across the velvety field, that embraced her as she napped. It was like a more royal version of her own blanket on her current bed. This one was so childish. She compared her two rooms. Although she loved her room on earth, she loved how mature and distinguished her bedroom in the Underworld was. They were both home and comfort to her. Persephone got off her bed and moved to her desk, where an empty vase was resting. Persephone dug through her flowers and pulled out her black rose, carefully placing it into the vase. "It's a new home." She whispered. She kept looking at the rose. How it reminded her so much of her husband.
Though the petals were black, the rose itself was not evil. It was harmless. It would not hurt her, there were no thorns on it. Yes, it had black petals, but that did not mean it had a sinister meaning. Black roses, she knew, could mean rebirth and rejuvenation. She smiled at how the rose was more like Hades than she thought. Hades did rejuvenate her. He let her grow up, although it hurt at first, she needed to escape from her mother. She grew and saw things she never thought she would see. Felt things she never knew she could feel. Her powers had grown exponentially; she never knew how much power she had, until she was with Hades. There was so much of the world she had not known of, until Hades opened her eyes. Although he would never let anything harm her, he let her explore, he let her venture, and experience new things. Life was not all song and dance, he indirectly taught her. It had hardships and burdens as well. She was no longer a child. And Persephone rather liked growing up. Persephone looked at the rose once again. Another similarity she realized, the rose warmed her heart. It was mysterious like him, and held so much meaning. It was hers. He is hers. She had fallen in love wit her dark rose, without noticing how just how much she loved her rose.
Hades lay on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. He had not realized just how much Persephone meant to him. Before her, he wanted nothing to do with the above world. He kept relations and business to his buried domain. When Persephone came, he was so curious about the sun and light. He wanted to know about the flora and fauna of her world. Hades wanted to venture out of his domain and explore.
A commotion was heard outside his chambers, his bedroom doors flew open with Eris looking rugged. "My Lord, Cerberus is inconsolable. We cannot contain him." Hades shut his eyes and sighed. He got off his bed and went to visit his guardian monster. The large three headed dog growled at any one who approached. Hades walked out of his gates calm and collected, hands behind his back. The dog immediately tensed upon his arrival. Hades lifted his hand and held it out. The middle head put its nose into his palm and whined. "I miss her too." The two other heads lay by his side. He looked at all three miserable faces. Counting his own face as a fourth. "But do not be a tousle, she would disapprove." How had one girl tamed two of the most feared creatures? Hades wondered.
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend
Hades knew he had changed. He knew his life was changed forever because of one girl. One woman. He could hold an entire conversation now, and did not feel as awkward as before. He knew how to portray emotions, but chose not to. One thing he realized that changed the most, was he knew loss. Usually when he heard the story of a soul's life he would not value who they left. Now, when he listened he could feel their pain of loss. He could reach his heart out and truly know how much they were hurting, because of leaving behind family. When someone spoke of loneliness, he could not help but respect them a bit more. He could not help but relate. It truly did hurt to be lonely. Sometimes it was scary. He felt scared that Persephone would not return to his company once again. He was fearful that on the day of her return, she would not come. At the same time, he learned to trust. He trusted that she would come back. Although she may not love him, they may now be friends. He trusted that she would return to him and his gloomy world. Not only that but he trusted her with things he'd never told anyone else. He shared things with her, that he had never dreamed of sharing. Hades always thought he would live his entire immortal life as the lonely, aloof God of the Underworld. How wrong he was, for Hades' life was changed forevermore by Persephone. His Beautiful Goddess of Spring, the love of his life.
Persephone never dreamed she would ever fall for the God of the Underworld, but without her knowing, her heart had given itself away to him. He did not know he owned her precious treasure, but he did. Persephone greeted her old suitors, whom her mother rejected. She waved at them, and spoke with them, but on her mind and in her heart was her beloved husband, Hades. She was often found in her room, tending to that single black rose. Everybody wondered when and where she got it. Everyone was curious as to whom she had received it from. Whenever anyone asked, Persephone would simply smile, and say "Secret." Just like the new love she had for her husband.
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Charon seemed quite puzzled by the happy return of his Queen. Hades warned everyone that Persephone may not be the most pleasant thing to deal with. Everyone knew he was not lying, for Lady Persephone was a mess when she first arrived as Queen. Today Persephone smiled and kept on chatting and laughing. Charon felt slightly uncomfortable as he was used to moans of the dead. He, like the rest of the beings of the Underworld, did not know how to laugh. Persephone looked up at him and smiled. Charon only bowed to her, but continued to row. A grunt from Charon let Persephone know, they had reached her destination, just in front of the gates of Hades. Some of Hades' minor gods and goddesses who resided in the Underworld ran to the boat to greet their queen. Eris, Hecate and Thanatos stayed to her right, Hypnos, Morpheus and Moros to her left. "Good Evening, My Lady." They all greeted. All of them, although gods and goddesses, personifications of things that mortals feared, they feared her, and she was just the Goddess of Spring. They all waited for her reaction, even their brother, Charon, stayed behind to watch if their Lady would explode.
"Good Evening," She smiled to them. Everyone's hearts lightened by her easy attitude; however everyone prepared themselves for Persephone's soon to come rage. "Where is Hades?"
The minor gods and goddesses looked at one another, puzzled by Persephone's change. She seemed as if she actually missed the Underworld, them and their Lord. Hypnos cleared his throat to speak up, although fearful of his Queen. "Uh… Lord Hades is in the Throne Room."
"I see." Persephone started. Perhaps Hades had given up on her. Maybe he decided persuing her and her love was but a lost cause. Her face became down cast and she looked suddenly saddened. Charon quickly pushed of the landing and continued to row down Styx on his way to Acheron. Eris and Hecate moved by her side. Thanatos, Hypnos, Morpheus and Moros stood behind their sisters. All of them looked a mix of concern and fear. "W-we… can take you to him, My Lady." Hecate began.
"Mh-Hmm, Indeed My Lady, we shall escort you to Lord Hades." Eris agreed with her Half Sister. "You four, go see what else you can attend to." Her half brothers nodded, and went off to do their own bidding in the Underworld. Eris and Hecate took a glance at each other then Persephone; small and sad. They took her arms and led her to the throne room. Although, Persephone knew the way around the palace, they thought perhaps she had forgotten. But, she did not. In fact Persephone spent her summer days, remembering and recalling her home in the Underworld. Persephone did not return sad because of her return to her Underworld. In fact, she returned hopeful that Hades had not given up on his love. She returned hoping she would be welcomed back warmly by her husband. She returned nervous about her news.
Hades remained in his throne room, knowing Kore would not want to see his damned face after so long in the summer sun. He slouched on his seat, head resting on one arm as the other lay limply on its rest. The doors were thrown open and he saw Hecate and Eris, between them, his beloved Persephone. He felt his heart race, she looked so disconsolate. Did she really hate this place so much? Hades waved the two minor goddesses away. When they left and closed the doors behind them, Persephone looked up to her husband. He looked so crestfallen; he really has given up on her. "You… have returned." He faltered. Persephone couldn't help but smile. She never noticed how awkward he really was until now.
"Yes, I'm home." She looked into his eyes and gave him a nervous smile. He smiled timidly as well. He held out his arm for her to hold. She took it gladly. "Will we be taking a walk, my Lord?"
"Please, Hades."
"Will we be taking a walk, Hades?"
He nodded. "But first, let down your hair, Persephone." She gladly obeyed.
Who can say
If I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Hades took Persephone on a walk around familiar corridors and hallways, however this time, they were together almost as if he had never been rejected by her. There were times when she would let go of his arm, to put a flower into an empty vase, or revive a dead one. Somehow she was able to put life into a place where life is foreign. It amazed him. What also amazed him was the wave of warmth that crawled through his body, whenever she returned to his arm and held it with such a grip. He felt as if he was flushed, but the God of the Underworld, would not dare be seen with red stained cheeks. He looked down at his wife, she continued to talk and chatter about things, her days back above Earth. He'd always respond to her, when a response was expected. Up in Olympus, the Olympians knew that Hades was not one to talk. If you asked him question he'd either respond with a single word answer or not reply at all.
Persephone hoped that by holding him and talking and staying close to him, he would realize that his unrequited love wasn't so unrequited anymore. He kept looking at her, she was well aware of that, but every time she tried to make eye contact, he'd swiftly look away. She wondered what else there was to do. She stopped talking momentarily to think of a way for him to realize her affections. "Are you… happy… for my return, Hades?" She glanced up at him. He stopped walking. How was he to respond? Of course he was happy. He was ecstatic. But he knew by now, she did not love him, she did not want his affections. She wanted nothing more to do with him, other than maybe be friends; if he was so lucky. He gazed at his wife. Her heart sank at the confusion and pain in his eyes. He was going to say...
"Yes." He stated and continued their walk. "I am very happy about your return." Persephone smiled, and rested her head on Hades' shoulder snuggling closer to him, embracing his arm tighter. Hades eyes widened, and he looked down at her shocked and surprised at the sudden act of affection. Why would she be doing this? She did not love him. Or, perhaps, maybe she did. He did not dare raise his hopes, but he did put his free hand on her hands. She smiled to herself, a light blush blanketed her cheeks. Maybe he was piecing together her little puzzle. "Let's have dinner, Persephone." She nodded against his arm.
Dinner was not awkward, but it was silent. A Comfortable silence. Persephone couldn't help but keep sneaking peeks at her dear husband. She smiled to herself. He truly was handsome, especially in candlelight. The light defined his chiselled cheek bones, and the perfect structure of his nose. His eyes, though prosaic and vapid were mysterious, oracular and smoky grey-black. His lips were the perfect shade for a God of the Underworld. He did in a way look similar to his brothers, one being her own father, but he had a caliginous, arcane attractiveness. His wavy dark hair framed and covered his face and neck wonderfully. Even his eye brows were perfect. The way they were arched was superlative. She sighed as if she had been day dreaming. She had never realized how becoming Hades really was until now. She looked back at him again, she giggled under her breath as he scratched the back of his head.
Hades shifted. Nobody has ever watched or looked at him the way Persephone was. He felt strange having someone gaze at him so dreamily. He knew he wasn't bad looking, but he didn't dare think he was good-looking enough to have the beautiful Persephone stare. Maybe he had something on his face. He brushed his hand against his lips, to that Persephone tittered. He loved that sound. It was like music. No instrument could facsimile her laugh. Nothing could describe the sound of her voice. One had to hear it, to understand. He wanted to gather her attention away from whatever it was she was looking at so he started a conversation he knew she would engross herself in. "How is the glade?"
Persephone gasped, she had been so captured by her plan to get him to recognize her affections, she had almost totally forgotten about her garden. "Oh, it's-it's fine. Perfect." She put down her utensils and stood up. "Would you, excuse me please?" Persephone stepped aside and moved past Hades. She was suddenly stopped by him.
And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for
His heart was racing, what was he doing? Hades grabbed her hand on impulse. There were things he wanted to tell her, but not now. It wasn not yet the right time. She gave him a questioning look. He stood up and pulled her closer to him. She was only a distance from him, he held her arms, tightly, but not enough to hurt, his bent at a ninety degree angle. His eyes darted from her to a random spot in the dining room, and back to her. She continued to watch his eyes, feeling a bubbling nervous feeling in her stomach. Hades looked down at her eyes. There was a sort of melancholy feature in the way he looked at her. Not melancholy, apologetic. "Persephone," he began, searching for the words he had and wanted to say. "I-I'm sorry." She stepped back and looked even more puzzled than before. "I captured you, took you against your will. I'm sorry." Images of her kidnapping replayed. The fearful look on her face when his chariot and horses came, her scream as they plunged underground, and shades and shadows of creatures of the Underworld grabbing at her. "I'm sorry I forced you into this marriage and tricked you into eating the pomegranate seeds. I'm sorry to keep you chained here." Hades' eyes fell with his heart. He did not deserve her forgiveness, yet he still asked for it. He felt ashamed of himself, and loosened his grip on her arms. A new sensation traced his face causing him to look back at Persephone.
But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore
She looked like she pitied him. He didn't want her pity, just her forgiveness. He searched her eyes, hoping maybe there was something a little bit more than pity. He waited for her response. He looked down to her lips and watched as they parted. "I forgive you." She breathed. His heart began to pound again, a rush of exhilaration filled his immortal soul. "And," she began. His heart stopped, she'd tell him she hated him. She'd tell him she wanted compensation for her loss. "I'm sorry too." Persephone felt so embarrassed at the way she behaved when he first brought her to his Underworld. The way she cursed his name, and cried and whined. The way she acted like a child with a bad temper. She was humiliated by her tantrums and immature taunts. Persephone preferred not to recall the way she acted like a spoiled little brat. "For my childish behaviour. I acted so spoiled and bratty." What stung her the most was how she was so rude and cold to his kindness. He never hurt her or abused her. He was always sweet and gave her most of what she wanted. "I was terrible to you, and you did not deserve that." She looked up at him. "Forgive me, Husband."
He smiled at her. How could he not? She was so sweet and humble. He tilted her chin up to look at him, "I forgive you, Wife." She flashed beaming grin at him, sliding her hands down from his face to his wrists.
"Come with me, Hades." She pulled him with her.
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Together, they halted at the door to her glade. Hades watched in awe as Persephone brought a bright light of pinks and greens to her hands, the light brightened and a shape formed from within. Hades tried to catch a glimpse of what she was holding but she moved in his view, obviously not allowing him to see what she was holding. She moved to the door and waved the object in front of the seal. The vines which enwrapped the door curled away from the seal shrinking and shrivelling to the frames, the door groaned as it lurched itself open. Persephone turned around again, the object vanished, and grabbed Hades' hands. "Come, quick my Husband." Before she could start again she stopped, and waved her hands in front of his eyes. A silky handkerchief of black folded itself against his eyes. "So you do not see, yet." She giggled.
He smiled at the nothingness. "Your powers have grown." He allowed himself to be lead by her up the narrow rocky path, trusting her not to let him fall into the void. Persephone felt her stomach bursting with butterflies. She truly hoped her synthetic sunlight worked. To her delight, it did. The flowers had all bloomed perfectly. She was glad with her choice of flora. She knew the meanings by heart and would gladly explain them to him, should he wonder. She turned around sharply to face her blindfolded husband. "Are you ready?" she grinned.
Hades, not knowing what to expect simply nodded.
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Once the blindfold came off, the sight of the glade blinded him a tad. Persephone had created her own contrived sunshine to nourish the plants. The glade that was once limp and dead was now alive and beaming with flowers and plants of all sorts. He stepped into the center and turned around to take a full view of his wife's garden. It was beautiful, stunning, remarkable. He was simply awestruck, fascinated. He turned back around, and stretched an arm out to Persephone. "It's magnificent." He proclaimed and she took his hand and they interlocked fingers. He did not seem to notice as he was so immersed in her garden.
"They all mean something." Hades looked at her baffled. She giggled again. "The flowers, Hades, the flowers." Hades glanced around at the flora. Flowers had meanings? He knew that some gods, himself included had flower symbols, but he never knew flowers had meanings as well. Persephone began to blush again as she moved to a bush on their left. She kneeled down to rest the flowers on her finger tips. Two different kinds on each hand. "This, is a pear blossom." She shifted with her left hand and turned to him. "It means lasting friendship." She then gestured with her right hand. "Buttercups, mean riches." She stood up and paced to another bush. "Red daisies and Hibiscus. Beauty, unknown to its possessor and rare beauty." Her heart pounded in her chest, she was moving into the flowers which would speak of her love. "Orange lilies. Red Carnations. And white. It means passion and innocence." Persephone blushed and went to the remaining bushes and plucked one flower from each bush.
Who can say if I've been
Changed for the better?
"Honeysuckle. Devoted affection." She began, and handed Hades the flower. He sought out her intentions. What was she trying to say? Hades stood still as Persephone circled him. Picking out her next flower. He wondered if she could feel his heart racing and dancing in his body. "Acacia. Secret love." She handed him the second flower. Love. They both let the word and emotion echo within their spirits. "Jonquil. Return my affection." Persephone looked at him with pleading eyes. She bid him to understand her hidden message. Hades thought he was imagining things. She could not possibly mean, what the flowers were saying. "Red and White roses." She gave him. "Alone, they mean true love and eternal love respectively. And together, they mean unity." She stepped close to him. They were only a kiss away from each other. She stood up and looked at him. The last two flowers she held to her heart. "Narcissus and Forget-me-not." She looked into his eyes, her breathing became ragged. His breathing as uneven as hers. "You and-"
"True love." He finished for her. She hadn't noticed how close they were, one more movement and their lips would gently touch. Her eyes were half lidded, as were his. "I love you, Kore." He breathed.
She inhaled, gently sucking in the sweet air that surrounded them. "I love you too, Aidoneus."
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better
Without wasting another second, Persephone and Hades moved in and shared their first kiss. It was simple and sweet. Their lips touching lightly and dancing against each other. His arms enveloped around her small curvy hips to pull her closer, when she was completely pressed against his chest, he brought his hands together behind her hips and let them fall limp behind her. Persephone's right hand remained on Hades' chest, feeling his heartbeat, gentle but swift, the other gliding up his chest behind his neck and into the tangles of his wavy hair. As if their minds had been synced, they both pulled each other further into the kiss. Persephone let her right hand drape around his shoulder. Hades picked her up and spun her in his arms, as soon as he put her down they broke the kiss, and she laughed and nuzzled his chest. Hades, buried his nose in hair, smelling the sweet flowery scent of his wife.
Hades thought of how she called him by his birth name. It sounded so delightful. Of course it would, coming from her lips. They tasted so sweet and ripe. Like Pomegranates. They were just the perfect moisture and feel, glossy and supple. The way they moved over his was absolute pleasure and sent him to Olympus and back. Hades pulled Persephone off his chest to give him a good glimpse of her. She was smiling the most pulchritudinous smile he's ever seen her smile. "Kore, may I know what your seal was?"
"Hmm?" Persephone blinked up at her husband, snapping out of the daze of their first kiss. It was amazing. The feel of his warm lips against hers. They were softer than she had ever imagined. The firm grip of his kiss sent her in a frenzy, it was like he sent her to a dream world, btter yet, the Elysian fields. She enjoyed the taste of the sweet nectar his gentle kiss gave her. Their act of osculation was more perfect than any moment she had ever lived. And the gentle way he handled her, as if she were his most precious treasure. "Oh, my seal?" She pulled away from him and brought back that pink light, the object formed once again, in the fading light a blur of black and green revealed itself to be the black rose he had presented to his wife the day he gave her the glade.
"You kept it?" He asked, pulling her against his chest once again, arm around her waist.
"Of course, it's a gift from my beloved Husband." She smiled looking over her shoulder, up at him. "Plutos Hades."
He smiled at her and closed the distance, once again sharing a swift chaste kiss, their second one. Soon followed by a third, fourth than fifth. He pulled them down and let her sit on his lap, her back to his chest, and they continued on with their fifth kiss. She turned herself around, still on his lap, but now her legs dangled off of his left side. She enfolded her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her. Hades, of course, let himself be dragged closer.
And because I knew you
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
Thanatos, Moros and Hypnos stood outside waiting for their master and mistress to exit the dark chamber. Hecate, Eris and Morpheus sat in the chairs which were pulled away from the dinner table. Even Cerberus in his smaller state waited under the table for his favourite master and his favourite lady.
"Just try opening it." Moros pushed Thanatos to the door. "It isn't sealed."
"They'll hear." Thanatos whined, as he pushed Moros back.
"No, they won't. The Glade is such a distance away." A voice said behind the seated sisters. It was Nemesis, their other sister.
"Yeah? Well if you're so brave, you open it." Eris challenged. Hecate laughing. "Yeah, Nemesis, go ahead."
Nemesis obviously irked, crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine," she said with a huff. "I will." She strode towards the unsealed door and pushed it open. Unfortunately for the personified siblings, the door did groan out loud, as it slowly and heavily opened. Everyone hid behind Hecate. After all, she wasn't really their sister, so her sacrifice wouldn't be so heartless, as they did not want any of their beloved siblings dead. "Go peek." Hypnos nudged Hecate's arm. Hecate looked behind her. For deities that are feared in the mortal world, these guys sure are cowardly. Then again Hades and Persephone alone were quite frightening, their fury together was not something to imagine. Hecate slid her feet towards the door and peeked in, afraid of what she might receive as punishment, but she had to satisfy her curiosity. As she spied into the void room, she gasped then released a hopeless romantic sigh.
The other gods and goddesses looked at each other, then pushed their way to see what Hecate saw. The goddesses blushed and breathed out the same sigh. The gods snickered and hit each other's backs. They saw Hades on top Persephone, one arm acted as a balance and the other rested on her stomach. One of Persephone's arms remained around his neck, the other gripping his hair, holding his head in place.
"He scored!" Morpheus exclaimed, as all three of Cerberus' heads began barking rapturously.
"He got her!" Thanatos called.
"That is so romantic." The girls and Hypnos sighed. Everyone stopped to stare at Hypnos. "Seriously…" Moros stared at his brother.
"So what," Hypnos put his hands on his hips. "I'm a romantic!" he raised his arms in exasperation.
"Well, I have feeling things taken a new road." Hecate started.
Thanatos nodded in agreement. "Things around here sure are going to be different."
"Yes, things here have changed for good." The deities of the Underworld turned around to see the three fates, smiling. Past, Present and Future grinned at the surprised deities. They winked and laughed, and with a cloud, they vanished.
After an awkward silence Moros suddenly broke out. "They're gonna get some tonight." The other deities proceeded to hit him, Cerberus joining in by pulling and chewing Moros' sandals; leaving Hades and Persephone to their well deserved privacy, delightedly unaware of their previous witnesses, advancing their kisses even further.
Finis
Okay, that is my longest one-shot ever. My goodness. So not everything is completely accurate, if you're wondering: Hecate- Goddess of Crossroads, witchcraft and ghosts. Moros- God/Personification of impending doom. Morpheus- God/personification of dreams. Hypnos- Personification of sleep. Eris- Goddess/personification of strife. Thanatos- God/Personification of death. Nemesis- Goddess/Personification of retribution. I think that's semi accurate. Not meant to insult Wicked: the Musical. Actually I loved the musical. But staying up until 4AM and listening to musical songs sets of a tick, yenno?
Please, if you're going to review, Helpful Criticism, and kind commentary only, NO FLAMES PLEASE, I'M SENSITIVE.
THANK YOU FOR READING