Devour

by the-voiceless

Your a girl living in 2011. What happens when your suddenly sucked into a world where Zeus and other gods exist? What happens when the Lord of the Underworld falls dangerously in love with you? Let's find out!

2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2:

(Writer: Just FYI Persephone doesn't come into this story! Just to make things less complicated! ^_^)

I had walked for hours and the sun was still in the sky, but it slowly dipped towards the other end of the sky. The sun in the sky seemed to be at a different position from where I lived. The angle of the shadows were different, it seemed. And the temperature was way different, too. Like it was the beginning of spring. There was a slight possibility that I was halfway across the earth, or maybe I was beginning to hallucinate. It would be dark soon and I had to find some place to stay. There was a thought in my head that I would have to sleep on the ground. There was a possibility I would find no one to help me.

"Keep going… Keep going… Keep going… Gotta keep going to…somewhere. Keep going… " I said to myself all day.

The starvation in my belly got more sensitive. As I walked further, huge cracks were embedded into the ground. Like an earthquake just happened. I walked looking around cautiously in each direction, then coming towards a rather large tree. The tree was standing erect, and the difference of the elevation due to the cracks did not bother it. I climbed the large branches, which wasn't hard. A tree house could easily be placed on the branches.

I reached the top, hanging on tightly. The wind swayed the tree back and forth, so I was careful not to slip. There was large green hills that had rocks pointing upwards, a large forest to the West, and where the land ended and I could see the ocean again. But then I noticed that this land wasn't perfect after all, I guess. The green scenery…looked destroyed at the most.

I looked further and…the land looked like it was hit by an earthquake or something. There were more than cracks in the earth. And a large storm was headed North, carrying its black clouds along with it, looking like purple and blue bruises in the sky. The earth beneath was squished together so much that jagged rocks stuck out in random places like sprouting flowers.

But what caught my attention was the mountain. There was bright red lines running down the mountain, bleeding it looked like, glowing neon lights it resembled. Heat waves sizzled from the mountain, shimmering in the sun. The air around the mountain was more foggy and blurry. Was that lava?

"Wow!"

It was my first time seeing an active volcano, so I stood there for awhile. But then I went back to my search.

There was still some land that wasn't destroyed. But beyond the grassy hills, a small thin line of smoke rose. From the language of the smoke, it wasn't wild fire or out of control. A campfire? A house with a chimney? Whatever it was, I knew that I could get help from there. I climbed down the tree, headed in the direction of the smoke. I quickly grabbed my bag, and dusted off my clothes.

There was a feeling of relief in my stomach that overpowered me, so I didn't run or jog or overwork myself anymore. I took my time, feeling confident that I had found help and there was no need to stress anymore. I could contact a rescue team, or call any other authority that could help me get home. Wherever my home was at the moment. I bet my mother was worried out of her mind. I walked and reached the hills, crossing over them in a slow fashion. My stomach still didn't feel any better, but I knew it was going to be ok. I was out of breath when I reached the top.

It was then I stopped, not noticing my bag had dropped from my shoulder and plopped onto the ground. My eyes were shocked, astounded, flabbergasted! Whoops. Did I accidentally run into the middle of a movie shot? I had to apologize to the producer if I found him, tell him sorry I accidentally went into one of his movie scenes. Bet I'm wasting some film right now. I laughed to myself.

"Wow, this is cool!"

Down the grassy hill was a small village, per say. There was 5 houses. Some cows were grazing around lazily. Goats were being herded by a shepherd and his faithful dogs, along with 3 other boys with large sticks. Women were walking around, feeding chickens by throwing grain around and let the chickens fight over it. There was a large river that was being gathered by a large wooden wheel.

"Wow…!" My eyes beamed.

The men were working on their spears and swords, at which I assume was at a place where blacksmiths work. It was a small workshop. I looked around and saw other men walked towards the large forest to the West with spears and bow and arrows. Hunting, I assume.

"This is so cool!" I smiled. These people were comfortably settled.

I walked down calmly and with a smile on my face, as I took in the whole scene. Must've cost a thousand dollars to put enough detail into this place! There was bundles of clothes surrounded by buckets of water and clothes hanging on a long string tied to wooden poles. The women doing laundry. They were even by the river, patting out clothes with sticks. I looked around and didn't see any movie cameras anywhere. I didn't see a crew. Must be in hiding or something, which I didn't understand. That's when I noticed they were all staring at me.

I stopped walking, and looked all around me cautiously. This didn't really make sense. I was sure that a director with a large microphone would've come out by now and scolded me. But no.

"Uh, hi! My name's Evey Thornton and I am so sorry that I ran into this whole thing. I just need help. Um, apparently something freaky happened and I… ended up at the beach. I have no idea how…I just did. Now, can I use your phone, please? Or could you tell me where the nearest pay phone is? I have money!"

I think I was embarrassing myself.

"Anyone? Hello?"

I think they're laughing at me.

"Does anyone have a cellphone?"

They didn't respond.

"Can you understand me?"

I narrowed my eyes.

"Hello?"

Women quickly ran into their houses, closing the doors.

"Uh, hello? Seriously, I'm sorry I interrupted…whatever the hell this is. But I seriously need some support here. Can I talk to the manager or something? Someone in charge, I'm sure we can straighten this whole thing out."

They all still stared.

"Uh, hello? Anyone! And listen up, I'm starving too. Maybe I can get some food and then I'll get… No? No? No?" I began to feel uncomfortable," Can I get some food at least? Please? Is that so much to ask for? Yes? No? Maybe so?"

I felt like an idiot.

Then a man with a grey beard came forward. He wore a tattered old cloak that was smudged and rotten, that showed his skinny arms and legs. His face was clean, but his hands were dirty. There was some blood on his forehead, like he had been beaten. Not to mention the other men did too. As if they came back from a big brawl. My attention went back to the old man. He carried a large stick with something carved on it, and he observed me with curious cautious eyes. His head tilted on one side, then to the other.

He looked like a beggar. He smelled unpleasant too. The smudge on his face that was mixed with the wounds and the blood, looked like heavy makeup. Did actors always do this in movies? The other people waited for something to happen. He was the leader I assumed. His wrinkled features told me that he was wise and all knowing somehow. He was the eldest, and he had a serious expression on his face. He didn't intimidate me, if that was his idea.

"Hi?"

Then out of nowhere he poked me. In the belly with the stick.

Zeus's POV:

The mortals.

Those pests. Those fools. Those wild things. Living on the sweet earth. Going about their business handsomely. Them. Slowly forgetting who he was over the years. They disgust him. Destroying their temples? That was beyond excuse. Much had to be done about those pests, whom he had loved so much. Yet, would the King of Gods still call it love?

Such selfish beings who have forgotten who had created them. That was disrespectful. They are agonizing creatures of selfish fortune! Selfish. Uprising. Resistant to fold hands, kneel, and whisper prayers. How long will they go? No matter. Their punishment is in place. Drought.

The other gods had disagreed it would be called punishment harsh enough for the mortals, but Zeus thought otherwise. Other gods questioned his action of judgment towards the mortals, but Zeus thought it wise to wait. Be patient. They are mortals after all. They should give up hope and come crawl back to them. Pleading in mercy. Begging for food and water.

Zeus had the imagery of the Kraken run through his mind, to unleash it upon the mortals once again. But, alas, the Kraken was slain by his demi-god son, Perseus. In a way, he was glad.

But then a something happened… Something had disturbed their world. Zeus rose up from his throne, looking out beyond the clouds. The light of the sun and stars jarred, almost shifting in discomfort. One thing lead to the other. The sky shook, almost blurring his sight. The Universe. His universe was jarred by some spectacular force! A spectacular FORCE that knocked the ocean around like stirring a spoon in a small bowl!

Booms of power rolled in after each other so powerful the clouds around their Heavenly Kingdom began to flow in different directions, disappearing on sight. Zeus looked at the land below. Birds were frightened, fleeing their homes in another direction. Animals knew it as well, for they screamed, yelped, and fled their nesting grounds in search of another home.

The trees were lifted from their roots, thrown from mountain tops! New hills were randomly formed! Avalanches fell and slid off mountains! Ugly cracks opened the earth rapidly! Even the mortals knew it! They panicked and ran here and there, bouncing around each other like lottery balls! They screamed and screamed and screamed, shouting the end of the world.

Immediately the King of Immortal Gods called upon a meeting in the Head Room, within the heavenly palace. God after god appeared most hastily. The whole room was hummed with curious, yet enraged, and shocked gossip. Their minds were set on nothing else. All the gods attacked Zeus with suggestions, questions, ingenious suppositions, concern, and curiosity. Nothing went by unchanged nor unnoticed.

All the gods knew something was wrong. They immediately went to blaming the mortals, and they did not hesitate to persuade Zeus to rise up and punish whatever they had done this time! All gods set their minds on all sorts of punishments, both cruel and unusual. But Zeus, a wise god, knew somehow the mortals were not to blame, of course. They could not, would not, have the power to shift the Universe, or yet, change the face of the earth.

The mortals were beginning to hate them, yes, but what other thing could have done this? What was happening? Why was it happening? The mortals below thought this jarring was of their doing. Of course it wasn't, but all mortals believed it to be the end of the world at the moment.

"Silence!" boomed the voice of Zeus," What has come over your minds! Stand still, and do not fret no more! This injustice…- What is this!" said Zeus, angry," Fear? Is this fear I see? Rise up to your standards… This convulsion in the Universe is unknown, yes, but we must find ourselves and solve this…No more disturbance, this will be…! Gather round! Hear me!"

The gods reasoned with Zeus that this was an unnatural, and almost frightening. The Universe was the most fragile and powerful thing there was that Zeus had created. Of energy and space. More and more they talked to each other, amongst themselves, and to themselves. Zeus silenced them once more. But the more he silenced them, the more all the gods began to make panicked conversation among themselves. Athena, Demeter, Hera, Aphrodite, Poseidon, Apollo, Ares, Hermes all spoke to Zeus about where the energy had came from.

Earth.

They argued and spoke more. Apparently, everyone didn't sit well with this new energy. This was unbelievable power. Zeus, from his throne glanced across their faces. He observed their actions. He gave up on telling them to quiet down. Their faces glanced across the room, looking at each other. Glancing away. Looking back. Their heads tipped down. They glance again. Of course, Zeus came to know that these gods feared whatever had come into their world. Fear. He chuckled at this. All these gods fearful of something? They will be consumed, like poison.

It was even unbelievable that Ares and Athena seemed to be extremely uncomfortable with whatever jarred the Universe. With their talent and skills of tactical planning and calculating moves within the arts of war, they still doubted themselves worthy of facing this energy. Even Zeus himself seemed quite frightened of this. His mind set itself somewhere else. Was something threatening his throne? Was something or someone going to overthrow him? Was their reign soon to be over? Is this power a test to keep us trapped in greed?

"Set our courses. Check every corner of the planet. Find this disaster! I shall search also, and go in find of my son, Perseus…Maybe he knows the cause of this…" Zeus was ready to spring up into an eagle.

"My Lord, but why should we search for something that we fear? All should find hand and arms! We should-"

"We all know that this energy source is more powerful than anything we have ever witnessed… Assured? We must discover our threat and destroy it. If not, then I shall decide otherwise. Go!"

All scattered.

You're POV:

Ok, I was wandering the woods. Climbed up the village. I found the village. One thing lead to another thing. An old dude approached me. Then after the dude poked me right in the belly.

10 Minutes Later.

"AAAAhh! Please put me down! I didn't do anything, I swear! Leave me alone! AAAAhh! I didn't do anything!" I yelled at these bunch of idiots who kept yelling out nonsense and pointing at me like I was a pig with wings!

"What the hell is wrong with you!" I ran!

They lunged for me, and my arms trying to swing them off as if chains were tied to my arms. My legs dashed in a series of zigzags, desperately looking for an exit from the forming crowd! Every man formed a circle around me, preventing my escape. Each had swords, ropes, spears, and cloths the size of a regular towel.

"Leave me alone, please!"

The men swung the ropes over their heads, targeting either my feet, arms, or any other part of my body! The spears were like a wall, a warning, if I tried to escape, they would stab me. The men yelled at me with the cloth in their hands, getting my attention and distracting me, threatening to throw the cloth over my head.

Finally after a few minutes of chasing me around the village like a headless chicken, they caught me. Bounded me to ropes, and covered my head with the cloth. Tied the ropes to poles, to bind me down! Were they gonna punish me like this, just for running onto a movie set! Did they want money? Did they want me to be a movie extra? Were they gonna sue me! Were they gonna eat me!

"I think you've got the wrong actor!" I shouted! I ran in little circles, my eyes looking for a way out!

Finally, a deep hush came over all of them. The crown of men made way. The old man from before came up with that damn stick. He came up. He moved my face from side to side, using the stick. I jerked my head the other way. All the men…for some odd reason…flinched back. I jerked my head the other way, to swing my hair out of the way. They flinched back, as afraid of getting stung or something. What's wrong with them? They waited.

"What are you?" asked the old man.

What kind of question was that? Did I look weird? Was my hair ok? I didn't wear makeup, so nothing could be smeared under my eyes. Did I spend such a long time in the forest, that I looked like a wild woman?

"Um… I don't know what you want me to say…" I blinked.

"It's simple, child. Are you a mortal, one of us. Or a goddess? A goddess in disguise?"

My mind tried to reflect that question. Part of me thought it was flattery. I looked at all of them. So…this isn't a movie? There's no producer? These aren't actors attacking me? There's…no rescue crew anywhere? Was this real? This isn't a filming movie stage? There's no donuts near a jug of water? Omg.

"Um…I'm mortal," I said very slowly," Mortal…"

"You better not be lying!" He snapped!

"I'm not! I swear! I swear I'm not! I'm a terrible liar! I couldn't possibly be lying about what I just said! Just…please…" I gasped. Hoping to hesitate their attack.

Truth was, I was a good liar. But it seemed to be just the right thing to say. I saw the hate in them. Was it such a bad thing to be a goddess or a god? In a way I still thought it was a compliment.

"What…happened to you all?" I asked, hoping they didn't mind.

"What happened to us? What happened- The lot of us were sent into the abyss…" one man said, his arm was slightly bleeding.

"We have not sent our prayers in weeks… The gods desperately starve of it. Even Zeus does. And this bleeding we all have is the doing of the gods most cruel punishment, yet…"

In a way I felt sorry for them.

"The earth rumbled. The seas rose. The skies shattered. We had no idea they held this kind of power… What new god could be up there now?"

"Where are you from, child?" asked the old man in front of me.

"Um…"

The men stopped talking, upon hearing the old man's question. They all waited for an answer. Everyone was looking at me. They were distracting me! I couldn't think. And the word 'god' was still itching in the back of my head. Zeus? He didn't exist. The man looked like the impatient type.

"Um…" My lips mumbled," Um…I'm…Uh… Um…"

"Speak, child…!"

"A long ways from here. A place….really….far away from here… From a place, any of you won't be familiar with…"

Obviously.

"Across the oceans? From the North? West? East? Southern lands?"

"Yes, from the…West. And from how you've been treating me so far… I don't mean any harm. I swear. I promise you. You can trust me. I'm just an average girl. I'm not capable of doing anything dangerous. I would know…"

The old leader narrowed his eyes, all knowingly. He stepped back, as if afraid I might bite him. When I meant I won't hurt them I really meant it. All I hope is that they don't kill me. The men tilted their heads, as if children would to a new toy. Were these people thinking I'm a threat?

"Strange. Odd cloth…" commented a man, looking at my jacket. But he did not touch me.

"This too. Strange stitching this is…" commented a man, looking at my jeans. He didn't touch me either.

From what I could see, the men seem to look comfortable. The men were just as curious as the women hiding in the huts I suppose. They didn't think about the old motto: Curiosity killed the cat. They were circling me now, looking at every angle of me. But the leader looked like he still had his suspicions.

He looked to my face. The leader, trying to detect any hint of lies. Looking for any hint of danger. Looking for deceit. Looking for any reason that he would have and then he would kill me. Or something.

He would keep a close eye on me.

But the other men didn't think so. All dropped spears and swords. They didn't seem to look for their leaders opinion anymore. Maybe they didn't see me as a threat anymore. And they didn't see me as a goddess anymore, which was kind of disappointing.

"Are you a princess?"

That was not disappointing! Aww! They think I'm a princess! That brought strange memories of my childhood.

"What palace do you hail from?"

They could come up with 1,000 compliments I bet! In a way I was comforted by all this. I didn't feel attacked anymore.

"Aye. Is she, there, a princess…?"

"Are you here to help us?"

"How did you wander from your palace? Were you kidnapped?" asked a concerned man.

"Are you Aphrodite's latest creation?"

"What's in this travel bag here?" asked a man.

My bag! I almost forgot! Then warriors of this village poked at it with their sticks. There weren't any snakes in there! It held everything I needed. It was a rather large bag. I could fit a dog in there. A large dog. With a cat. And a gerbil.

"Hey! Don't look in there! Back off, man!"

But there were some strange things in there.

My cellphone, I-pod, camera, and PSP. I-pod charger. Cellphone charger. I also had some leftover Hershey bars in there along with a bottle of red Snapple. Lotion. Nail filer. Some pens and pencils. Dollar bills and change. Gift cards from birthdays and Christmas. Some music CDs I bought from the day before. My fashionable hat with a scarf with golden lining. Bracelets, well more like silver and black danglers. Nail polish (I forgot why I had that in there) along with some small jewelry (Forgot I had that in there as well.) and hair bands that pretty plastic jewels on it. Pictures of friends back home. Along with the picture of my father.

"All my things are in there. Don't touch it! I need those to get home!" I warned.

I couldn't afford to lose my phone! It was my last connection to my world! It was my last hope!

"What is in there? This strange bag! Answer me!" exclaimed the leader, already feeling threatened.

"I don't have to answer you if I don't want to!"

The man's jaw tightened quickly. Feeling threatened. I could see a vein on his forehead. After a few minutes of being in this village, war is already raging between me and the leader. How lovely!

"You…are…beautiful…" commented a very handsome man out of nowhere.

My eyes beamed. These guys can be so sweet! The handsome man smiled. Obviously not threatened. All the other nodded in agreement. At least someone was treating me like a guest!

"Son! Quiet!" hushed the leader angrily, "Don't let her fool you, my son! You don't know if she-"

"Father…! Forgive me to defy you. Maybe she does need help! Maybe she is a princess! We can not treat royalty like this! How can we live with ourselves if we do not help this poor princess…?"

They were son and father! Where was the mother I wondered.

"Princess, my name is Marco. And this is my father-"

"Do not say my name to this stranger! What if she's from the Southern Kingdom? The queen might have bore a princess! Her father might be the one making out lives horrible! Hear me now!" yelled the father," Are you all so-"

"She does have the beauty of a fair princess…" mumbled a man from the crowd.

"But no other princess in the world has such a beautiful set of hair on that fair head such as hers!"

"Aye! It shines! Must be smooth to the touch!"

Of course all these men wanted to touch my hair. For them it was like touching the softest silk in the world or something. All due to the secret of shampoo and conditioner! Dandy stuff. The leader put his stick in front of them, ordering them all not to touch me.

"She must have some disease on her! Her strange clothing and accent tell of a bad omen! Send her away!"

I wasn't sick! I didn't look too ugly did I? This guy was insulting! If I get out of there, I needed to avoid him.

"See her skin! Soft as a petal of a rose!"

Due to the secret of lotion.

"Her eyes of strange beautiful color!"

I didn't wear any contacts.

"Her skin is as delicate as a newborn infant!"

"Is she the paramour of Zeus?" asked a man.

"Look here men! Look here! She has the most beautiful set of teeth I've ever seen!" exclaimed Marcus, pointing at my mouth.

"Has Zeus put sunshine in her teeth?"

Due to the secret of toothpaste.

"What gifts she has! Splendid gifts!"

"Smile for us, princess!"

"Smile! Smile for us!"

"Please, princess! Smile for us!"

I giggled, with my mouth closed. I thought it was really cute how they thought I was a princess. Anyone else back in my world would've thought I was a normal girl who ate last year's Halloween candy all the time. In a way it was like they were humiliating themselves for my enjoyment. They still looked at my mouth, waiting for me to show my teeth. But it was all due to wearing braces for a long time when I was younger. Thank you orthodontist!

I smiled.

Somewhere Else:

(Writer: Ok, in this story I'm too lazy to look up kingdoms and kings and queens and all that jazz. So I'm just gonna make up some things. Just go with it…)

The lonely King of the Southern Lands was grieving for his lands and his people's wellbeing. Ocean rose over their heads. Lands split open, eating houses and farms. Destroying their livestock, fields, and other precious belongings. The lonely King also had another problem. His people were starving. Children died. People began riots. What a fool he had been to refuse Zeus his prayers. Was this his punishment now? What other punishment will Zeus do? Take away his son?

The King of the Southern Lands won't take it. If Zeus did decide to take away his son, he will surrender, put away his pride, and fold hands and pray. His son was his true treasure. His queen, deceased.

Suddenly there came a knock at the door. The King opened the door. There was a woman servant. Of course it was her. That small figure. Those grey eyes of loyalty. A woman servant he had been thinking about taking without her permission. She bowed her head.

"My King, there comes important news."

"Is this about my son? I won't hear it! He's been stubborn for months! He deliberately disobeys me! He must chose a girl and marry!" shouted the King, his back hunched and eyes angry.

The servant woman bowed her head in respect before entering his chambers. The King's son had to marry soon. (Writer: Bad timing huh?) The servant woman had more to say.

"No, my King. There comes word from the country."

"The country? Peh! What news so important lurches from the country…?" spat the King, thinking the idea ridiculous.

"There goes word of a princess, my King. With unnatural beauty unmatched to all the women in your kingdom."

A princess? A fair princess? Did he hear right? The King's small lust for the woman servant vanished. This was a perfect opportunity. All he has to do is bring the princess here, and his son can woo her. He'll have a wife for his son, and the Kingdom will soon have another Queen! Was this a gift from Zeus? Was Zeus taking mercy on him for once? This was too good to be true! He must see this princess. See if the rumors of her beauty is true.

"Send out my chariot. Call my guards. Fetch my son. Prepare drink and food! We must have a feast in honor of this princess! Get ready now! I must see this princess. Is she from a handsome palace? Is the name of her father known? How did she end up in the slums of the country?"

"Right away, my King. A palace? I do believe so, my King… Her palace must be great! Her father, though, I do not know, my King… In the country? Perhaps she ran away, that's my guess…"

The King of the Southern Lands made ready his finest jewels with the crown placed most handsomely on his golden locks. He fetched his finest furs around his shoulders. His transportation of chariot and horses at the ready. All servants preparing the feast already. All things were prepared.

"Very well. I shall return within the hour. Have my son ready for me…"

"Yes, my King…"

"Tell him I shall return with a gift…"

"Yes, my King…"

Your POV:

It's been a 2 hours since I've been here with these people. The feast was a sensation. The celebration, incredible. The happiness, inexorable. They treated me as if I was a distant beloved relative finally coming back home. It was their welcome wagon. The women gave me gifts such as beets, squash, corn, and animal meats. The men lurked around me as of that of a shadow, but still did not touch me as they still followed their leader. They were all sweet and nice! It was adorable. The women played their music with strange instruments I've never see before. Great fires were made. Everyone laughed. The men gave me small bowls one by one of different meats, bread, and fruit and flowers as a welcoming offering.

The son of the leader, Marco, offered me wine, which I kindly refused. I was too young to drink of course. Then he gave me a flower, which I kindly accepted. The men did not leave my side. Their wives and sisters beginning to feel left out and jealous. They spoke their compliments like sparkling rain. Where did I come from? How did I get here? Why? When? Was I planning on going home if I had the chance? Where was my kingdom? I told them lies instead.

I decided to take on the roll of a princess they thought me to be. It was ok for me, because I was a good liar in some cases. I didn't mind it at all. Only because if I was a princess, then the leader won't kill me. I only did this out of fear and cowardliness. Unfortunately for him, the leader gave up upon the idea of sacrificing me or something. The men thought fondly of me too much for him to do so. Which I thought was great. The leader held onto his son, though. He warned him that I was going to deceive him and lead him into a fool's paradise. Or something like that. But the son still talked to me, keeping me comfortable company with a smile.

"May I ask, princess… What is your name?" asked the handsome son.

The men gathered around more, as if intent to listen to a magical fairytale. This was where the interesting questions came in.

"My name's Evey…!" I smiled again, showing my beautiful teeth they've reminded me so much about over and over again. I didn't want to mention my last name. I had to keep my lies straight.

"Is that name after your mother? Grandmother, princess? What are you named after?" asked a man.

"Oh, no. It's not from my mother's name, or my grandmother. It's…from the word 'evening' they named me after. But they made it suitable and small for a name… It's…because I was born in the evening. And… the nightlife is more exciting and beautiful…and stuff," I lied," But I'm 15 years old and I'm going to turn 16 years old soon!"

That was the truth.

"Beautiful, princess! Beautiful! Who is the queen from your land? Your mother, princess?" asked Marco.

"Oh… She's doing well. Uh, ruling her kingdom well. She's…doing fine. Her name is Julia... She's well educated. She's…into nature and likes…food. She likes to go shopping around in town. That's her favorite thing to do. And go the…theater. And stuff," I grew accustomed to lying.

"Who is your father? If I may ask, your highness…" asked Marco, still coming up with more questions I bet.

I flinched. Out of 100% of my brain, only 99.9% of me didn't want to answer that question. But I guess I had to tell the truth about that. That's the least I could do for these festive people. After they helped me so much.

"He passed away. A long time ago, from…battle… And I really, really, really miss him. My mother has married…another King… Who isn't really nice to me. I hate him actually. I don't want him to be with my mother. But…I can't do anything about it. And I want my father back. That's the story…" In some ways, I lied.

"You have our condolences, princess…"

"Aye, princess. Just know that he is in the Underworld, and not wandering in between the worlds for 100 hundred years. You did put coins on his eyes did you not, Princess? Put a coin under his tongue?"

"Uh, yea…" I answered.

I ate a few grapes. The Underworld. I remember in Latin class 3 years ago, my teacher said it was where the dead go and rest in Greek Mythology. And the god of the Underworld, Hades is their caretaker, almost the undertaker. Dead souls. Ghouls. Cerberus. Those 3 freaky sisters with the one eye. I flunked that class. I didn't know much about Greek Mythology, but I'm sure the dead were taken care of. Maybe I was wrong, but that was ok. The Underworld. Now that fascinated me to no end. Maybe or maybe not it was heaven. At least it was something. That gave me good thoughts. It gave me thoughts of love.

It was thriller in a way. If I died, I would go to the Underworld. A place for the dead souls. So…in this world there is no Heaven. Just a hell? Was it really a hell? Was it heaven and hell? But my father was there, the man said. So…was Hades taking care of my dad when he died? There was a good feeling in my stomach. It burned. This feeling of appreciation for the Lord of the Dead, of the Underworld. I loved my dad too much to not repay Hades somehow.

Maybe I should say a prayer for him. Like I said, I didn't know much about Greek Mythology. So I put my hands together a little bit, dipping my head down. I tried to make it look I wasn't saying a prayer in front of the men. Luckily, they were drinking their wine and watching the fire burn and being served meat and fruit and bread by the women walking by. And Marco enjoyed his time as well, on this fine evening. I pressed my lips together, and cleared my head. I loved my dad more than anything. More than walking, talking, and moving around. It was undefined and undeleted love that drove me to whisper the prayer for the Rich One.

I whispered my prayer for Hades.

In a minute, I was done. The good feeling in my stomach increased. Like I had jumping butterflies. I put my head back, thinking of my dad. I kept wondering what it would be like to talk to him. It was all about the Ripple Effect for me now. Something in the back of my mind shifted.

"Hades…" I whispered.

Suddenly the men hushed me! The music stopped! The fire jumped up in huffs of smoke! The women stopped dancing as they stared straight at me! The leader spit out his drink in shock! I flinched! Thinking what I had just done! I gulped! The old man stalked towards me!

"Hush! Do not ever say that name! That name is forbidden! He is the God of the Underworld! Do you not understand, princess! He must never be mentioned! He must never be thought of! You must forbid him from your life! While you're still alive! You must never pray for him! He can hear you! Anywhere you go! He can hear you!" He scolded me!

I was scared. I had done something wrong in this world. I could feel it. I offended them. Was Hades…real too? I didn't think much of the gods until now. So…were they real? I couldn't decide. I had to see proof.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I was…thinking about something…and it just slipped out and…-"

"Make way for the King! Make way for the King, pheasants!" hollered a man, wearing a uniform for battle. He had a serious expression, like a map, showing everyone all the storms of war he's been through.

"Where is she? Where is the fair princess I've heard so much?" asked a man, wearing a crown of fine jewels.

People around didn't know whether to drop to their knees, run away or bow down to him in respect. Maybe all three.

"Princess? Is that your father?" asked a man.

"No. I don't know who that is… Do you know?"

"Yes, princess. That is King Romptus, he rules the Southern Lands. We are suffering because of him and his ungrateful son, Marcus. Unfortunately, King Romptus is slowly dying from an unknown disease. There is no remedy. The wife and Queen of King Romptus died days ago, and he wants Marcus to wed a girl. So when he dies, his son and daughter-in-law will rule the kingdom justly."

"Wow… and what does he want from me?"

"I do not know, princess…"

The men made way. The leader of this village looked wicked and satisfied. The royal King came forward to me.

Somewhere in the deep Underworld:

…

What's there?

What's there?

What's there echoing in the darkness? What is it? What is it there, in the echoing darkness? What is echoing there? What is it there? What there is echoing? A prayer? A prayer for Hades? Such a thing is unheard of. An unheard of thing! Hades had heard the echo sure enough. The prayer's echo, in his darkness. What is it there? It came in ripples, almost like soft sonic booms. The dead souls ran out of the way. Cerberus howled. What is it there? It came again! It came again! The rest of the prayer breathed, resting in his domain. This power had suddenly befallen upon the shoulders of Hades, he felt more powerful. What is it there?

"What mortal prays for me?" asked he.

The prayer was not of normal. Hades knew this. This prayer was of a mortal, yes, but for him? This prayer felt more powerful. More than anything that's he's ever felt. Prayers kept the gods immortal yes. The prayer enriched Hades more than he could ever imagine! A prayer for him? Zeus would have a hysterical seizure if he heard of this. Since when did the mortals come to such bravery and pray for him? There was no temple made in honor for him. All mortals and gods feared Hades. Who would pray for him? Hades, of the Underworld.

"What mortal speaks my name?" asked he.

It was a reasonable question. What lunatic would speak his name? Not even the other gods would speak his name, not even his brother Zeus. Of course this mortal could be drunk from wine or stupid enough from the cause of too many beatings to the head to say his name. What mortal of such was there? Was this mortal asking for death to come to it? Have its soul into the hands of Hades?

"Where did the prayer come from?" asked he.

Through the strange powers Hades had possessed in the palm of his hand, he searched for the voice. The voice of the mortal who would dare pray for him. For a long time, he had been in the Underworld, lonely and unloved. Tortured to the point of unquestionable boredom and vindictiveness. For this mortal, Hades thought he would spend his time amusingly. The prayer from the mortal was energizing. As if invisible sweet nectar was sprinkled on him. Hades felt younger it seemed. He felt soothed. Powerful. It felt good.

What's there?

What's there?

A fair princess?

Who prayed for him?

Chapter 3:

It was sad to say goodbye to Marcus and his father. Marcus gave me one last flower. All the men and women gathered up different little precious things. Like taking back with me a souvenir. They were all really nice to me! Even though they said that this King was a bad ruler, they waved a farewell and cheered and wished me good luck. The King was impressed by that. He told me he wanted to welcome me into his home. Show me his glorious hallways, his gold and precious items, and his son who was waiting back at him. The palace, I guess.

I gladly accepted, and I was afraid that if I didn't then- It was off with my head! Or something. So the horses lead the way and we were already in the city. The odd thing was that the people looked so sad.

So the King, Romptus lead the way for me. Giving me comments on what I was wearing. Where I came from? Who my family was. I told him lies. So it was my turn. I asked him questions about everything in this palace. What was going on. What was new. What was happening. And it was true that the King was sick, and he said there was no medicine to heal him. He would die soon, which was the depressing part. But put all bad news aside, the King said to me.

Then he told me something else that really shocked me. A surprise was ready for me inside the palace. The King was cheerful and excited! There was a party waiting for me. The big doors opened up for us. A feast was ready!

"Welcome to my home, princess…"

"Wow! This is really impressive!"

"Thank you! We tried our best…"

The King, all smug. He was right about his exquisite hallways. Great fires were torched upon the pillars. Weapons such as spears, knives, and axes were placed on the wall, in a fancy decorative way. There was no glass screen on the windows, you could just look out and see the entire city. Rugs of an interesting fabric was placed on almost all the walls, and at my feet. Everything looked absolutely beautiful! This place probably cost more than my whole life!

"Wow!" I exclaimed.

The king laughed heartily, spreading his arms out like an eagle. Feeling the pride rush to him. Everyone cheered once again to my arrival!

Exotic dancers played with the soldier men with scarves in their hands. Statues were placed everywhere. Women held onto big stick with feathers placed on the end, fanning those were sat on ruby red cushions. Women walked around with platters of fruit and napkins. All drank wine and ate meats and bread. We went down the golden steps of the golden room, and as we did the people around cheered!

"We were waiting for you, princess!"

I laughed, blushing a little. My hands over my face. I didn't really like to be at the center of attention.

Women threw flowers at my feet. Servant boys came to me and put precious necklaces, bracelets, and rings on me. A servant woman came up and put a robe of pure beautiful silk on my back, and I shivered at the cool touch. The servant boys came and put wreathes of flowers on my head. I laughed! All the soldiers were extremely handsome! They lead me to the seat near the King. Dozens of platters of pretty flowers, meats, drinks and jewelry were served to me.

Damn, it felt good to be treated like this!

Just imagine how the Queen is treated! Grapes and jewels were served to me. This was too much!