All Kinds of Life

by Melinoe's Heir

Nico destroys souls; that's his job. He helps Hades and Thanatos with the dirtier side of their duties, and all he wants is to bring life instead of destroy it. Hadriane haunts; that's her job. She brings terror to anyone who dares take life for granted, and all she wants is to experience the life she has been denied for so long. Maybe they won't be let down.

Being the son of Hades had its perks. I could travel to Earth, the Underworld, and anywhere in between. I had my own cabin at both camps and a room in Hades's palace. The greatest perk, however, was that no matter what power Percy and Jason held in the palm of their hand, I was the son of Hades, and their abilities couldn't rival mine unless I let them.

All of these thoughts passed through my head as I watched my sword soak up a Hydra's soul like a sponge. Psuche had turned from sword to guillotine, and I wielded it with the mastery only procured after extended contact with death.

Not that I had to.

I had an army at my fingertips. With a wave of my hand, the dead would rush to do my bidding, without the hesitation rooted in fear. They were already dead, after all. What more did they have to lose?

But all power comes at a price, and when I accepted my place as Prince of the Underworld, I had never guessed it would cost so much.

I sheathed Psuche, and stepped forward. Into the shadows, into the space between.

…

Some would say being Melinoe's daughter had its perks. I would say it has measured perks. Sure I talked to my mother everyday, but I never talked with anyone else. Sure I was allowed contact with mortals, but only to haunt them. Sure I had incredible power at my fingertips, but all power comes at a price.

No one wanted to talk to me. I reminded them too much of someone: family, friends, lovers. I only saw myself in the mirror, a freckled girl with pigeon eyes and dirty blonde hair. I only wish everyone saw me too.

I know some did.

The ghosts had all lost too many to grieve much. They had left many behind, and seen the rest go. I could hear them and speak with them, and they told the most amazing stories. They were the only indisputable perk. Days passed in that fashion and nights were filled with haunting.

Life was filled with zoe, but I was doomed to live without bios. That was reserved for people very unlike me. And, naturally, for those whom I could never connect with. I was forced to watch life through one-way glass, and be content with my own lot regardless.

I stepped forward, onto the boat leading down the Lethe, heading towards the Fields of Asphodel, of death.