The heroes were lined up in the throne room, like little bowling ball pins, as they faced Hades. Snow White was finishing a rousing speech on family and hope and a few other things. Hades was just opening his mouth for a sneering comeback; but the slow, sarcastic applause got there first.
Eyes turned to the young woman walking in. A short woman, perhaps Belle's height, she wore a dark, A-line skirt coming down to mid-calf, a tailored vest, gray shirt with button down collar, and black oxfords. She had long, black hair falling past her waist, and brown skin.
"Very nice," she said, giving a passing nod to Snow as she walked past her. "Hello, Uncle," she said to Hades, her eyes hardening. "Are things always so . . . unconventional . . . here? I notice nearly all of these people are alive."
Hades scowled. "It's a temporary condition."
"Life usually is. I'd have thought you, of all people, would have noticed by now."
"Look, Seffy, whatever you're here for, it will have to wait. The grownups have work to do."
If anything, the woman's eyes became even harder. "I'm sure they do. If you ever become one, you might try it. That's what I'm here to talk to you about. Father is not at all pleasedwith how you're running things." Her cold voice turned arctic. "Oh, and, Uncle? My name's Persephone. I know those blue flames burn little details like this right out of your brain, but try and hold onto that thought, will you?"
"Persephone,run along like a good, little girl and tell Daddy that Uncle Hades is taking care of things."
"Oh, yes, and Father has such good reason to believe you when you say things like that, doesn't he? You may have forgotten why Father locked up your heart until you could prove yourself a half-decent person, but he hasn't. And he's had enough." She held out her hand, a large folder appearing out of nowhere. "You can look through this, but I'll give you the summary: You're fired."
Hades hair turned into flames. "What? I'm the Lord of the Underworld! Zeus can't fire me!"
"You're a subordinate who's been on probation since that—what did you call it, Uncle? Oh, yes—my unfortunate visit here. You've also been clogging up the works. As the manual clearly states, which you would know if you ever bothered to read it, souls are meant to move on. This is a way station, a place for them to come to terms with death before going to their final destination. But, you can take that up with Zeus. Get your things and get out."
"You can't do this! The Underworld needs a king! What do you think will happen here without me?"
"Since nothing's been happening here for a very long time, I'm surprised you care. Don't worry, Father's got someone to do the job. That's why he sent me instead of one of the messenger gods. Say hello to the goddess of death, Uncle. I think even you will agree I'm fully qualified."
"You? You!? Zeus thinks you can rule my kingdom?"
"My kingdom, Uncle. Weren't you listening? I know, I know, it's the flames getting to your head, isn't it? This job hasn't been at all good for your nerves. You need a vacation. Starting now." She waved her hand and Hades was gone.
The young woman went over to Hades throne and sat down. Lacing her fingers together, she looked over them at the small gathering in front of her. "Yes, sorry about all that. As you can see, we're under new management. Hopefully, you'll find me an improvement. Now, I've tried to familiarize myself with some of the outstanding problems before coming here; but, perhaps, you'd like to tell me in your own words what seems to be the trouble?"