Before we begin, I want to make it clear that this fanfiction was started before the last few HOO books were published, so some things may be a bit AU.
I would also like to recognize that this is a collaborative project between my best friend and myself. And no, we did not purposefully write ourselves into this story. Basically, all OCs appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
Finally, enjoy and please review!
SUMMER 2000
In a cavern, in the Underworld, a man in a pinstriped suit appeared before a dark haired woman in an ancient Greek styled dress.
"Hello Zeus, what brings you to my humble abode?" she asked, her black eyes full of pleased surprise.
"You left your spring completely deserted and undefended," Zeus said angrily.
"That happened over three years ago. Boy, are you Olympians slow," the woman grumbled.
"Therefore, I am left with no choice but to forbid you from ever leaving your post again," Zeus thundered.
"Don't you storm at me, nephew! You let our daughters live on Olympus as minor goddesses and I am not even allowed to leave my little sphere of influence for a few hours!" the woman snapped indignantly. Zeus grimaced.
"Of course, when my spring was open to whomever I deemed worthy, I never needed to leave it! I remember a time when the Fields of Asphodel were filled with lively chatter and laughter! Festivals and Feasts every other week! There was even a university until Hades tore it down and built his horrid palace! Spirits used to come visit me all the time, but not anymore! Now you and your brother have set up a system where only the best and the worst may visit me so that they may either bask in their glory or know the sins for which they repent! Even if an unapproved spirit wanted to find me, they never would! Persephone guaranteed that, like I'd ever make advances on Hades!" the woman ranted.
"Nothing you say will change what will happen," the man sighed wearily.
"You wouldn't!"
"I hereby ban you from leaving your post for any reason," Zeus proclaimed as thunder sounded within the cavern.
"I will never forget this you know!"
"I know."
"Well, I ban any of the Olympians from ever showing themselves in my presence again!" the woman said spitefully.
"That would include Hestia, I presume," Zeus shrugged nonchalantly and disappeared. A few minutes later, the woman gasped in horror.
"What have I done!" she whispered fearfully.