Broken Goddess Copyright 2013
Chapter 1 – The Unseen Boy
At age ten, Persephone was an angel to behold and she became the joy of Olympus. She was as gentle as the whispering wind and was never known to be unkind or selfish. Her eyes emitted nothing but kindheartedness and her heart she wore on her sleeve. The mortals came to worship her as well, though she was not particularly interested in them. Any who caught sight of her knew in an instant that she was a goddess. She walked the forests during all hours of the day and night, walking hand in hand with nymphs and laughing her bell-like laugh. Her long golden hair was always entwined with flowers and leaves, making her look even more beautiful. All who saw her were awed.
It was on the eve of the harvest when Persephone's perfect life began to change. The ten year old goddess was sitting in the field, singing softly and growing a flower. It was one of the rare moments of her life because she was alone. The harvest was the busiest time for her mother and the friendly nymphs, but Persephone didn't mind their absence. It was always exciting to be on her own for awhile, though she was always relieved when the nymphs returned. There was only one thing that made her nervous about being alone.
Persephone looked over her shoulder at the shadows, frowning a little and trying to calm her anxious heart when she saw movement.
"Don't overact, Persephone," she said to herself. "It's probably just a bird."
But she picked up her basket of flowers and began to walk home in spite of her assurances to herself. She picked up her pace when she thought she heard a footfall behind her. Her heart thudded loudly and she dared not turn around. She lifted the skirt of her dress higher to avoid catching it on the bushes as she charged through her own garden instead of taking the longer pathway.
"My lady," a voice came, not from behind her, but from right beside her.
Persephone squealed and dropped her basket. The flowers fell to the earth and she stumbled, falling to her knees. She looked up in fear and was stunned to see a boy standing in the shadows in front of her. He looked to be about her own age, a little taller than her, with surprisingly pale skin and shadowy eyes. His hair was dark and unkept, but there was a sort of beauty about him. Persephone felt her fear ebb a little as she gazed up at him.
"Forgive me for startling you," the boy said, bowing to her and reaching out a pale hand to help her up. "I did not mean to and it was a mistake for me to sneak up on you like that. I often don't realize that I should make my presence known sooner."
She hesitated before accepting his hand. She was surprised by how strong he was as she allowed him to assist her to her feet. When she was standing, she found herself feeling embarrassed by the dirt and grass stains smeared across the knees and hem of her dress from the fall and from her afternoon in the forest. Her hand went to her hair as she felt her self-consciousness rise.
"I didn't know you were there," she said, then silently groaned at how silly she sounded.
The boy smiled a crooked and captivating smile. She found herself staring at him with her mouth slightly open.
"I know you didn't," he said calmly. "Otherwise I doubt you would have reacting such. I've been watching you for a while, trying to decide whether or not to come and talk to you. I didn't want to disrupt the day of a goddess such as yourself. Can you forgive me? It would make my day that much brighter if I could see you smile."
Persephone nodded, not entirely sure what she was agreeing too. The boy grinned at her and she found herself smiling back.
"There now, you have a beautiful smile, My Lady," he said.
She blushed and looked down, self-consciousness rising again.
"You also have a beautiful blush."
Persephone giggled and looked up again. She smiled and then found herself full of curiosity as she gazed at the boy. "I'm Persephone, daughter of Demeter. Who… who are you?"
He inclined his head and said, "I know who you are, daughter of the harvest. You may call me Aides. It is one of my names."
"One of your names? You have more than one?" Persephone asked.
He nodded and said, "Don't we all? I have many, as well as most others of this world. Many names and many faces, depending on who we are with at the time."
Persephone's eyebrows knit at this statement. "I'm not entirely sure I understand you."
Aides smiled softly again. "It doesn't matter. One day when you are older, you will understand what that means."
"When I am older?" Persephone asked. "But, how old are you then? You can't be much older than I am."
"No I am not older than you."
"Then how old?"
"How old are you?"
"I am ten, almost eleven. My birthday will be in a few weeks. I came shortly after the harvest eleven years ago," Persephone replied.
"Then I am also ten," Aides said.
Persephone tilted her head as she stared at him. This boy was so strange. Yet there was something familiar about him. She couldn't determine why, but she felt as if she knew him. "I'm sorry, but there is something familiar about you. Forgive me if I am wrong, but have we met before? I feel as if we have."
"I am not entirely a stranger to you," Aides said mysteriously. "But we have not spoken much. You have seen me before and I you, but I do not expect you to remember."
"I'm sorry that I've forgotten," Persephone said.
Aides smiled. "Don't be. I'm the kind who is seen and then unseen, remembered and as quickly forgotten. And I must go now."
"Go? Go where?" she asked.
"I have many things that I must do before this day is over. I'm glad that I have spoken to you, my lady," he said, bowing to her. "Perhaps we will meet again." With that, the boy turned to leave and Persephone stared after him, surprised at his abrupt departure.
"Wait! Aides!" she called after him.
He turned to face her, his expression curious. "Yes, my lady?"
"Call me Persephone," she said. "And I hope that I will see you again. In fact, I'd love to. It's been a pleasure speaking to you and I would like to know you better. May I see you again?"
Aides smiled and nodded. "You may. I'd be honored. I am your humble servant."
"I'd prefer it if you were my friend," Persephone said.
A strange look came over the boy's face and he stood there contemplating her for a moment in silence. He opened his mouth, closed it, and then opened it again as though he was carefully considering his words. "Your friend I will try to be, Persephone. But I warn you that I'm not what I seem. A friendship with me may not be something you want."
"You are so strange," Persephone said. "I don't think I understand anything that you just said, except that you will be my friend and that is what I want so I won't complain or argue with you on the subject. I hope to see you soon, Aides, as you are now and forever my friend."
"Forever is a long time, my lady Persephone," Aides said quietly, "especially when you live forever."
With that, the boy turned away and Persephone found herself staring after him in confusion, wonder, and awe as she felt herself burn with curiosity at exactly who this boy was and where he had come from.
