Alright, time for a new story! I've always been interested in Greek Mythology and finally decided to write my own take on the Hades and Persephone myth. I try to stick with the original Homerian version, meaning that I will start with Persephone's back story as a prologue. I know that it might be a bit rushed first, but that's just because I didn't want to waste too much time and go straight to the main plot.

Persephone goes by the name 'Kore' as well, so I decided to just let her mother and Godesses like Hestia call her like that. I'll always call her Persephone, so don't be confused. Also, English is not my first language, so there might be mistakes inside.

Please review, I'd love to hear your opinion!

Prologue
It had been a dark, stormy night when Persephone had been born. Her mother Demeter had thought of it as a bad omen, considering the circumstances of her conception and her insolent producer.
A look at the tiny, rosy baby in her arms had been enough for Demeter to be sure that she would hide her little girl from the world. She was too pure, too sweet to ever interfere with her calloused family, a bunch of drinkers and whores. Still it was tradition to introduce new Gods and Goddesses to the Olympus, to allow the other Gods to gift them. Demeter tapped her chin while rocking her baby with the other arm. She couldn't deny her little girl such a blessing, but at the same time she feared the bad influence they might have on her. Well then, it would be the middle way. She would have a little party at home, she lived far away from the Olympus in a cozy old farm house surrounded by meadows and fields, and invite the members of her family she considered at least half decent. Athena, Hestia and Artemis, the eternal virgins who had sworn to never be with men? Perfect. Hephaestus, God of fire and crafting? Maybe. He wasn't known for having too many parties, after all. Aphrodite, the goddess of love? Surely not. And then there was him. The father, as you might consider him. Zeus. She would rather let all humankind starve than invite him to the party for her sweet daughter. He knew that she had been pregnant, of course, but she would not lower herself so much and have him here, no matter what gifts he might bring.
Demeter smiled down at the girl in her arms and stroked her cheek. The baby giggled and stretched her right palm towards her mother when a tiny flower appeared in it. The Goddess of Harvest let out a surprised gasp.
"Oh my sweet girl, you must be the Goddess of Flowers...I shall call you Kore then, the maiden. For that you will be. Always."

Demeter watched Persephone's crib when the first guest arrived. Flowers were adorning the crib, with beautiful petals in all imaginable colours. It was Persephone's work, she was an extremely talented little girl indeed and her mother's whole pride. Hestia entered the room, smiling at the sight.
"Oh what a cute little girl you have there! Well, well, I will gift her with a home that she will always come back to, a warm fire in the hearth that will gladly welcome her whenever she gets home."
Demeter smiled at that gift, being sure that this fire could only be the one at her own home and it helped her to relax. Persephone was her little girl and she would always stay with her mommy, with no man ever standing between them. At least she was sure of that.
The other guests arrived and each god had a special present prepared for the girl. Athena gave her wisdom to always see the important things in life, Artemis promised her good night sight. Demeter wasn't exactly sure how this would benefit a Spring Goddess, but it was a lot better than any present Persephone would have gotten from the other Gods. Just imagine Aphrodite gifting her with a lively love life! No, no, she knew exactly why she had carefully chosen the guests.

They were chatting and laughing, eating ambrosia and amusing Persephone with little rattles, when a thunder started to roar outside. The door was ripped open and hit the wall with a loud pang and in the door frame was him, looking as majestic as ever. His dark blonde hair was combed back, he was dressed in a white chiton with gold embroidery and his beard was neatly trimmed. His eyes were piercing, though. Usually the grey orbs were sparkling with amusement and arrogance, he always looked as if the whole world was his playground alone – which it kinda was. Today they were different, though. Full of anger, they stared at Demeter and then at the tiny Persephone in her bed.
"So. I have a daughter. And you didn't even bother inviting me and introducing me to her? Her father?"
He barely controlled his voice, in fact he nearly yelled. Little Persephone started crying in her bed. Demeter lifted her head, arrogantly staring at the King of Gods.
"You have no saying in this, Zeus. She is my daughter and I decide whom I want around her. I surely don't want your bad influence on her."
Zeus grinned in a very cold way, went to the bed and lifted Persephone up before anyone could interfere. The little girl started to cry.
"No? Then let me tell you something, little sister. She is my daughter too and I'm your king. I do whatever I want and you can't stop me. I could have blessed our little girl with the greatest things, but now you have drawn my wrath onto both of you. You made your decision, now it's my turn. And I am a patient man. I will leave you be. But know that some day I will return and have my revenge. You made a big mistake, my dear."
His voice dropped with sarcasm when he used the pet name. He put Persephone, who was still crying, back to her bed and with a snip of his fingers he left. Silence fell over the room, suddenly no one wanted to party anymore. Demeter slowly shook her head, but knew she had lost. No matter what she might try, Zeus was stronger than her. She could just keep her daughter as close as possible and hope for the best.

The years passed and Persephone grew up to be a beautiful young woman. Demeter kept her under her protection all the time, she would never leave her daughter alone. They would sleep in one bed at night so she could be sure that no man would try to sneak into her room at night. When Demeter had to go to work and make the plants grow for the humans, she would either take Persephone with her or leave her with a bunch of nymphs. Persephone never had privacy for herself. She never knew anyone that wasn't her mother or those stupid, giggly nymphs.
One morning Demeter dressed in more elegant clothes than usual, wearing a displeased expression on her face.
"What is it, mother?", her daughter asked innocently while combing her long, brown her. Brown as the soil, brown as the trees.
"Ah, it's nothing bad, my dear. It's summer solstice, though, and I was ordered to come to the Olympus for a meeting."
"Isn't that interesting? I'd love to be there too, I'm so b-"
"No!", Demeter interrupted her daughter harshly.
"You shall not come with me! You will be a good girl and stay here with the nymphs. The Olympus isn't the right place for a sweet and innocent girl like you. It's full of indecent people who drink, party and...entertain themselves in other sinful ways."
"Is my father on the Olympus too?"
"Kore! I thought I forbid you to ask about him. He shall not be of your concern."
"But mother! I don't even know who he is...is he a mighty God? Maybe Apollo or Ares? Does he look like me?"
"I will not answer your questions, and it's better that way. Your father hurt me in a way no woman should ever experience and he cursed you after you were born. He is an evil, horrible man and lost every right to meet you long, long ago. So do me a favour and don't ask about him. Stay here and behave, I will be back tomorrow evening. I made sure that the nymphs will stay with you all the time so that you won't be lonely."
Rather so that you can control me all the time, Persephone thought grumpily, but nodded with a low sigh. Demeter finished dressing and gave her a sweet kiss before disappearing to the Olympus. She had a bad feeling about this. There was a reason why she never left Persephone alone, after all. Gods, ha! They were supposed to be generous and caring, but in reality they were just a bunch of horny idiots who only ever cared about themselves. Zeus, honoured as the king and God of storms, was a narcissistic rapist with over hundred children, only few of them conceived willingly. Hera, the Goddess of marriage and family, had thrown her son down on the Earth because she thought he was ugly. And the story went on and on.
Many different gods greeted her when she arrived at the Olympus, she barely ever visited, after all. She ignored all questions about her daughter and stopped to chat with Artemis, one of the few goddesses she actually liked.

Persephone sighed and sat in the room she shared with her mother, surrounded by a bunch of giggly young girls who were busy braiding flowers into their hair. Her mother had locked her in, so she couldn't even enjoy the company of her flowers outside. She sighed and continued stitching tiny roses onto white fabric that should be a new dress for her later. She was so bored. If she was just allowed to go outside, to...
Suddenly there was a low creak and the door opened. Persephone frowned.
"Mother? Why are you back so soon?"
"No, I'm not your mother", a dark voice said back and caused her to look up. A tall man with blonde hair was standing in the door frame. The nymphs jumped up and screamed, but a snip of the man's finger caused them to explode in a pile of dust.
"So, my dear Kore, now I finally get to meet you again. Although I personally think this name never fit you. You were destined to be named Persephone and I shall call you that", the man said and got nearer, smiling. Persephone stumbled back until her back met the wall.
"W-Who are you?"
"Ah, I should have known that your mother wouldn't tell you about me. I'm Zeus, king of all Gods and the God of thunder. And your father."
Persephone gasped, but smiled.
"You came to meet me? I thank you, father. Mother never told me who you were. I can't believe that I finally get to meet you!"
Zeus smiled and gently stroked her head.
"Ah, yes, your mother. She still hates me. But that doesn't matter now as she isn't here and we can finally enjoy each other's company. I can't believe that you have grown to be such a beautiful young woman."
His gaze wandered over Persephone's features, which made her feel slightly uncomfortable. But he was her father, she didn't need to afraid, right?
"So, my dear daughter...I have waited for this day quite long, you know? Demeter hid you from me all the time, but I waited patiently. I knew that one day she would feel too safe and move away from you..."
Persephone froze in shock and moved back again.
"Dad...? What is this about...?"
Zeus grinned.
"Ah, you'll see soon enough. Now sleep my princess, sleep."
With a snap of his finger, Persephone collapsed onto the ground, deeply asleep from one second to another. Another snap and his own figure changed. His clothes suddenly got too big for him and fell to the ground, where a giant snail emerged from them. It was as thick as a young tree and five metres long. The snake lifted it's head, the split tongue coming out of it's mouth and tasting the air. Tasting Persephone's scent. It slowly crawled closer to the sleeping girl and slid under her dress.

Demeter had had a bad feeling all along. She tried to convince herself that her paranoia had reached a new peak, but the bad feeling simply wouldn't fade. She forced herself to relax when the Gods entered the throne room and each of them sat down at their personal throne. Her own one was made of braided spike trisetum, adorned with fruits and vegetables. She looked around. Everyone was there. No. Nearly everyone. Zeus was missing.
That's when she knew it. It had been a great, great mistake to come here today. She jumped up, everyone staring at her.
"No! My daughter! She is in danger!"
Hera frowned.
"Your daughter? Surely not, why would she?"
"Your husband! He's with her, I know it. Your husband!"
Within a second she disappeared, leaving the smell of ripe wheat. The other gods followed and they all arrived at Demeter's house within seconds.

Persephone was still lying on the ground, slowly awakening. Her body hurt. She had a headache and felt a confusing pain at a certain part of her body she didn't even dare to name. Eleven Olympic Gods had gathered in the room, looking at her curiously. But that wasn't what confused her the most. A big snake had rolled up next to her, covered in blood and looking very satisfied with itself. The second everyone noticed the snake, it disappeared with a low sound.
"Kore! Oh my Kore, what did he do to you?!", her mother cried out.
Persephone sat up slowly, wincing at the pain that washed through her body.
"What...", she muttered lowly. She remembered her father visiting her and then...she just fell asleep?
"Go! All of you, go! Leave me and my daughter alone!", Demeter yelled at the other Olympians who slowly disappeared one after another. She hurried over to her daughter and lifted her up from the ground to carry her to her bed.
"Mother? What happened?"
"I'm so very sorry, my dear. Now you know why I tried my best to shield you from your father, but I failed. I'm so sorry, my dear, mommy failed. I couldn't protect my sweet little girl!"
She cried as she sat down on the rim of the bed, holding Persephone's pale hand.
"Mother! What even happened? What about that snake?"
Demeter bit her lip.
"There are some things I didn't tell you until now, my sweet. Things about men and women. And it seems like I should do that now..."

Persephone looked at her mother with a light frown, when she started to explain
"You see, your father Zeus did the same to me. He didn't use the appearance of a snake for it, but that's how I got pregnant with you...he is an evil man, my love. He has forced himself onto hundreds, maybe thousands of women. When you were born, he promised that his wrath was upon both of us, but I never thought that he would..."
"But...why did he turn himself into a snake?"
"I don't know. He likes transforming into animals. He used the appearance of a swan when he...interacted with Leda. She later gave birth to Helena. Just be glad that he made you sleep."
Persephone nodded slowly, silently staring at the blanket that covered her slim body. She felt cold. And hurt. Reality was slowly sinking into her mind and the sudden realization of what had happened to her made her feel sick, disgusted of her body. Zeus was her father! How could he ever do such a horrible thing?!
As the weeks passed, Persephone's body started to heal. But not her mind. She had nightmares at night, awoke screaming and crying. Nightmares of her father whispering to her from the darkness. Nightmares of a giant snake swallowing her whole. Nightmares of what might have happened while she had been asleep.
At the same time she started to see some...changes. She had always been a small and slender girl, but out of the sudden she started to gain weight. The change scared her, but she was too afraid to talk to her mother about it. Ever since the happening – she had decided to call the meeting with Zeus like that – she had started to get informed about things. Her mother was still locking her away and kept her from the eyes of the world, but she couldn't deny a young goddess knowledge. At least not when the young goddess had the ability to make books appear just like that (as the paper was made from trees, she had some kind of connection to them). Persephone knew how to read the signs. She knew what it meant that she was gaining weight and that her monthly bleeding had stopped.
Demeter acted as if she didn't notice the fact that her daughter was pregnant. She decided to just ignore it and act as if everything was fine, as if the happening had never...well, happened. She didn't know if Persephone was aware of her situation and if, what she thought about it. When she had found out that she was pregnant herself many hears ago, she had been as happy as maybe never before. She hated what Zeus did to her, but the thought of having a baby had delighted her, no matter the circumstances.

Several months later, Persephone gave birth to a baby boy. It was tougher than she would have expected, maybe because she was still young and had a small pelvis. She had suffered for hours, panting and sweating, until it was finally over. She stared at the tiny baby in her arms. It was somewhat ugly. Demeter ran around and prepared something to drink and eat for her, absolutely delight about her grandson. Persephone tried to find anything beautiful about the baby, but she simply couldn't. She never wanted this baby, it hadn't been her own choice. She didn't love this baby. Sighing, she pulled the little boy closer to breastfeed him, feeling guilty inside. No matter what, it wasn't the baby's fault that it had been born. It did nothing to deserve being loathed by it's mother. The young girl carefully stroked the dark hair on the baby's head. She decided to give her best to love him. Or at least act like it.
"Well, then. If we are stuck with each other anyway, you need a name. I shall call you Zagreus. And I promise you to give my best for you."
Little did she know that she wouldn't have much time to do so.

"Now, now, what do we have here?", a certain male voice said. It hunted shivers down Persephone's spine and made the fear wash through her again. Demeter shrieked and grabbed a broom from the corner of her house, trying to slap Zeus with it.
"My dear, Demeter, you know that this is ridiculous. Sit down, I have something to tell."
A chair appeared all of the sudden and Demeter was forced to sit down when it crashed into the back of her knees. Golden ropes wrapped around her wrists and kept her on the chair.
"Now, that's better. So. I didn't even know you were expecting, my sweet Persephone. The last part of 'Kore' in you has vanished as you aren't a maiden anymore. Your mother did her best to hide that fact though, mh? But anyway, I don't care about that name. I care about my son, though. Zagreus is his name? I like that."
Persephone glared at him, hugging her baby closer to herself. She didn't dare say anything, though, too scared of what might come.
"Leave us alone, you already cause enough trouble!", Demeter said angrily. A gag appeared in her mouth when Zeus stared at her.
"As I said, I came because of Zagreus. It's been a while since I had such a handsome son. Hand him over."
"What? No", Persephone exclaimed, her eyes wide of fear now.
"No? You don't seem to understand, Persephone. I intend this to be of benefit for both of us. A...win-win situation. I can read your feelings, my sweet daughter. I know that you don't want the baby, although you try to hide that. So this is my offer to you: give me the baby and I will make sure that Zagreus will be well cared about. I can't have him on the Olympus as my wife hates all of my children, but I will hide him. I promise you that he will get everything he needs."
Persephone hesitated. This sounded like a good offer indeed...
"Why do you want him so badly?"
"As I said, it's been so long since I last had a son."
"But I don't trust your word. Why would I? After everything you did to me..."
"Ah, I have an easy solution for that. You know that swearing on the river Styx binds you to your word, even as a God. I swear to the river Styx that I will do everything to keep Zagreus from harm. I will give him the best nannies and provide him with everything he needs. How does that sound to you?"
Demeter on her chair tried to say something, but due to her gag she only managed to do mh-mh sounds. Persephone looked at her, then down at her baby. It was true, she didn't want a son. And Zeus was right, his vow was binding. She hated her father, but it would be the best for her child...rather live with a father who cares for you than with a mother who doesn't love you, right?
"Okay", she said after a few seconds, touching Zagreus' tiny hand.
"I agree to the deal. But if I ever hear that you didn't treat him well..."
"Don't worry, this will not happen."
"Good. But I...I have another condition. Never...never t-touch my mother or me again. Swear it."
Her lips were trembling, but she forced her voice to be firm. Zeus pouted, what made him look like a little boy.
"Fine, fine. I swear it on the river Styx."
Persephone nodded and handed over her baby. She really hoped she was doing the right thing. She watched how Zeus disappeared and Demeter got free again.
"Kore! What did you do?!", her mother yelled at her.
Persephone stared back, her eyes tired and old.
"I did what was best, mother. Now we can pretend like this all never happened. The other gods don't need to know that I was pregnant at all. We can pretend that nothing changed at all. I can still go by the name Kore."
Demeter stared at her for a while before nodding slowly.
"Yes...maybe you are right. Now you are my sweet Kore again. No pregnancy, no baby. You are just my little Kore."

I hope you liked the prologue, I'll publish the first real chapter soon!