WORM IN THE APPLE
"He did what?! And he sent you here so early in day to tell us that?"
If there was another 'Lady Hellhound' in the Underworld…that person would be Nyx.
Hecate was grateful for the cool facade she managed to put on because quite frankly, she was a little disturbed. No wonder Hades had sent her to meet the couple of husband and wife. It was certainly easier to have someone else suffer the outburst one has caused. Hecate was the unfortunate candidate.
"It is said that she's difficult to handle! And he went and made such a deal with her?!" Clearly, she couldn't hide her frustration. Hecate saw her pacing back and forth on the soft carpet.
"Honey, relax."
Nyx snatched a familiar white sheet from Hecate's hand and flipped it open. "Relax?! How is he going to this now?" Erebus could make out his ruler's scribbling that said *I'm marrying her. Arrange the wedding.* when his wife flagged the papyrus paper in frustration.
"Nyx, calm down." Her husband said soothingly.
"How? How can I be calm, Erebus? What had gone wrong with that boy?" She turned her attention to Hecate. "And you Hecate. How could you allow him to do this? And why did you not tell me about this whole charade earlier?! Why bother telling us now?"
Erebus came to the rescue. "Honey, it's not Hecate's fault."
"His Majesty needs both of you to help out." The Queen of Crossroads swallowed the urge to point out the fact that Nyx had been tremendously busy with her sons, but had changed her mind after a second thought. Nyx didn't appear to have the mood for any excuses now…She'd heard of people, souls and sometimes the servants say that Nyx could rival Cerberus. They were right! Hecate had never seen Nyx vent out her frustration like that. She could be 'Lady Hellhound No. 2'! Maybe master should open a club: Hades' Lady Hellhounds Society- If they're not biting your head off, consider yourself lucky!
"How could we be of service?"
"His Majesty will summon both of you soon to explain the details."
"Oh Fates! What are we going to do if she does escape?! I can't believe he did such a thing!"
Personally, Hecate couldn't believe it either. Hades was supposed to take up her advice to friggin wine and dine that ungrateful beast! And now, he's giving that girl a chance to escape?! What was wrong with him?! Didn't he realise that striking up such a deal with Persephone would only put him back to square one?
"Well according to his Majesty, Persephone can never escape him even if she bribed the whole kingdom." Yes, Hades was aware about Persephone's unsuccessful attempt with his servants and her awfully childish plan involving Charon.
Nyx stopped pacing and turned to her. "How can you be so sure? She desperately wants to get out of here. That means she'll do anything!"
Erebus huffed and motioned his wife to sit. "Nyx, I understand your worries but please let Hecate finish."
Hecate understood Nyx's fears. If Persephone did escape the Underworld, not only Hades but the rest of the Underworldian would lose face and no Underworldian in their right mind would want to risk that. "Our King has a plan."
"What plan?"
"The contract states that if Persephone could slip through the guards or find an entrance which isn't guarded she could go free but-"
"But all our entrances are guarded." Nyx muttered a little too loudly that she managed to interrupt her speech.
"Not all, Nyx. Remember the one leading out to the Phlegræan Fields?"
"Aeneas?" She questioned. Hecate nodded her confirmation. "And what if she finds that gate? Won't she be able to get out then? I remember Hades summoning Cyclops to lock it. It wouldn't be too hard to break locks now, isn't it?"
"Clearly, you haven't thought through. Nyx, did you seriously think Hades would leave the passage of his domain so vulnerable? The locks are spell-bound." Hecate thought about her master, who was not as easy to beat. The dead masterminds of the mortal world had tried to trick Hades, who let's just say, was a much more of a mastermind than them…in his own twisted and cruel way. Hecate smiled, thinking about the similarities between herself and her master. She would burn anyone else, but her master she would serve till her end.
"Can you break the spell Hecate?" Erebus' question brought her back to the Underworld.
"I'm might be able to, Erebus, but it'll take a while considering that it was set a long time ago."
"Is it safe to say that she has no way to go back Olympus?"
Hecate thought about what Erebus' question. "Actually, Persephone could still make it out if she'd suddenly gained sufficient knowledge in ancient sorcery and has access to the key."
"So her escape is simply impossible." Erebus finally understood the loop hole. "He has manipulated the deal." He did not sound surprised in the least. Anyone who has ever dealt or seen anyone else deal with Hades would know how ingenious his contracts were. Every pact was crafted to bring him gain. And Persephone being such a young goddess wouldn't even realise that the deal is rotten unless someone tells her that it is. Still, someday, that girl is going to learn the truth and then Hades would be in deep shit.
"Well, it wouldn't be first, would it?" Nyx said looking at her husband.
Hecate smirked. "Neither would it be the last I'm sure."
"But what if she finds out about this? Wouldn't it affect his relationship with her then?"
Nyx stared at her husband then looked at Hecate. "Exactly! What if the girl finds out about this? What trick would Hades use then?"
"Hades wants this secret to be kept within the four of us. No one should know about this. He said when the right time comes; he'll tell her the whole truth."
"He better do that. Trust is like glass. Break it once and you can never mend it again."
"Let's remain optimistic for now and hope everything would turn out well for our King, okay." Erebus said wrapping his wife's hand in his.
Hecate wished she had half of Erebus's confidence but she couldn't suppress the feeling of anxiety which usually meant bad things would happen.
~HP~HP~HP~
She'd gotten up early and she ate heartily today. No complaints, no curses, no tantrums…instead there was a hopeful smile on her face. She was surprisingly courteous and gentle. It seems that she was given the fine breeding of a goddess after all! I bet that the good manner that was stuffed in her for the past one week is finally being revealed after that last two night's event! Hecate grimaced at that thought. She didn't like the course of Hades' relationship with this goddess…it felt so forced and fake! Hecate looked at the enthusiastic Persephone, chatting merrily with a servant who was filling up her goblet.
At least Hades was right about one thing, Persephone would make a good Queen! Despite the outburst she'd shown, Hecate knew for a true fact, that Persephone was good natured, kind and she had a degree of genuine sincerity in her that was rarely found in a goddess (with exception for Hades). Although it was undeniable that Persephone lacked certain elements and poise and other traits that a Queen should have…nevertheless, all that she could learn from Hades' Royal Court who would ensure that their new Queen possessed royal attributes that could match those of Hera's.
Persephone wiped her lips with the napkin. "I'm done, Hecate." She scrambled to her feet. "Thank you so much for breakfast." She offered Hecate a smile.
Ok…she never smiled or thanked me for anything...I'll say: the after effects of an unknown rotten-candy deal. But it's best I reciprocate. Hecate smiled back. "You're welcome, Persephone."
Excusing herself, Persephone entered the walk-in-wardrobe to retrieve something. She then came over and sat on one of the two dainty chairs padded in soft blue linen, placed in between a small round table on which a selection of cakes and a pot of tea were laid. She tied on the strings of the soft leather sandals around her ankle, wiggled her toes and stood up with a slight bounce. "Alright. Time to go!" She muttered to herself.
"Be careful Persephone, the darkness offers many mysteries but it can also be the cause of one's misery. Choose your path correctly."
Persephone wasn't sure if Hecate was genuinely offering her advice or she was merely trying to frighten her. Either way, nothing was going to stop her now. "I will remember that."
~HP~
"This one will suit her best. Instruct them to make it comfortable, Erebus. Upholster it with more cushions."
"And what about the throne for the Temple of Judgement?"
Hades looked at the tall man with black hair and shadowy eyes. "Have mine removed. I've thought of something new." His gaze dropped on the sketches strewn on the desk. "Summon Cyclops for me."
The God of Shadows hesitated for a moment. "Before I do that son, there's something I have to tell you. Actually, it's Nyx's idea to have me do this. You know how persuasive she can be."
Yeah, Hades knew about Nyx. Hades could tell that she was disappointed in him when he called on them yesterday. She wouldn't like it if someone went against her. A good example would be that time she threw her husband out of the bed after finding out that he'd supported her teenaged son, Morpheus's decision to live separately in a cave (You read right. He lives in a cave). "Shoot."
Erebus carried his hand in a manner of surrendering. "Honestly, I have no idea of what's going on between yourself and that child of Zeus' but whatever you do, make sure you don't hurt that girl's heart."
"I'm not going to hurt her, Erebus. Not intentionally."
He nodded his head in agreement. "A piece of advice for you, son."
Not this again. Hades had had been given too many advices since this morning. Yes, he'd admit that it felt weird when the ancient god called him 'son' and he'd often wished Nyx and Erebus would stop trying to include him as their family. But at the same time he was thankful that there were people who would look at him as he is and not as the dreadful King of the Dead.
Erebus stood up and strolled around the room. "Women…they are like a book, you know." He said randomly picking a book with the title 'Daedalus' D.I.Y. Inventions' from the shelf as to maximise the effect of his speech. "Sometimes you understand them, sometimes you don't get them, and there's times you can misinterpret them…now, that's dangerous. Whatever it is son, you must be careful to not make errors with that kid. She's still young. She might mistake your good intentions…so it's up to you to show her otherwise. What you've planned with us concerns her too, son. When she finds out about everything, you must be ready to face the consequences of your actions."
"I'll do my best."
"Good. Glad I'd done that. At least tomorrow I get to eat breakfast." Erebus' said before excusing himself. His comment made Hades smirk. Nyx certainly had a way with things.
Hades rested his head back on the leather headrest. He drifted his eyes lids down, closing up the view of the books and scrolls that lined from the ceiling and down the wall. He sensed her moving, her footsteps slow and uncertain along the river banks. Ever since last night, his senses were on high alert. He'd keep track of her movements at all times, if ever she made a wrong turn or walk into dangerous paths, he would be ready.
~HP~
Persephone's very...successful progress since the deal…
Day 1: Yay! I'm finding my way out.
Day 2: Yay! I'm still finding my way out.
Day 3: Still finding. No worries. Try harder.
Day 4: Try harderrrr.
Day 5: Heck, this place is fucking huge!
Day 6: Great! Now, I'm covered in mud!
Day 7: It's just been a week right? There's always tomorrow…
Day 8: Hello…can someone light up some torches here? It's fucking dark!
Day 9: Fuck! Got up late!
Day 10: What was it that Artemis said about animals again? Don't try to threaten them with sticks? Never douse water on them?
Day 11: Damn the boatman! Two drachma just to row up till the end of the Styx?!
Day 12: The sandals caused some serious blisters! Ouch!
Day 13: Missed lunch again.
Day 14: Can the meat get any heavier? Damn this is tiresome.
Day 15: What day is today?
Day 16: Wait, I've passed the half a month mark?! FREAKING OUT!
Day 17: Scroll down.
Oh for fuck's sake! "No No No…I'm searching for the way out! Can you just point it to me? "Ok. Now, I have another good reason why I shouldn't even think of becoming the Queen of the damning Underworld: the inhabitants are downright daft! What the heck is wrong with them?!
The two souls in front of her were talking gibberish, pointing randomly at different directions and she noticed that they'd easily lost focus throughout the time she questioned them. Weird. And these souls were not the only one. She'd been walking for what felt like hours and when she passed by the souls, they seemed enthralled with their surroundings as though sighting it for the first time. A few had even looked at her in confusion.
She walked further down along the river bank, she felt so tired and her legs were starting to ache. Coming to a standstill, she viewed her reflection on the surface of river below. She realised that she looked a little more grown up, with her hair appearing darker and skin taking up a paler tone. Weeks without the sun would do that to anyone. Being a goddess of seventeen by the Olympian's count made her the second youngest in the family. She lowered down and sat on the bank with her legs tucked underneath. Observing the river, she realised that there were no souls in this river unlike the Styx that produced a glowing blue shade from all the souls that was chucked in it. I took a different turn today and this river certainly didn't belong to the Styx. She arched one arm to touch the surface of the river wanting to feel the cool fluid.
"Don't."
It's him. "Hades! How did you know I was here?" She straightened and asked without turning to the back where the direction of the voice came from. Why is he here anyways? This was the first time she'd heard of him ever since that dinner.
If only she knew how I've come to miss her…"I've said once before, I always make it my business to know everything about you." Although he couldn't see her face, he knew she'd stilled at his words.
"Don't forget the deal we made Hades, you have no rights to stalk me!" The hair at the back of her neck rose when she felt him standing behind her.
"I'm keeping an eye on you for the sake of your safety. That doesn't contradict the agreement we made." He enjoyed the way her back curved in and dipped out to reveal a soft perk bottom, wishing he could get his hands on them!
"I'm not a child. I don't need you to look out for me!"
"You're not familiar with this place, Persephone. You don't know about the dangers. This river here is called the River Lethe. It's the river of oblivion. It takes away one's reminiscence of the past." He crouched beside her and dipped his hands into the water.
Oblivion? Reminiscence? Athena, sorry I'm failing you. She thought shaking her head. It must be her grogginess. "Hades, today, my IQ is way smaller than my breasts size so could you please explain that in simple words?"
Such remark would leave have left him smirking…until of course, he eyed her generous mounds and lust took over humour. If anything, those luscious twins are not anywhere near small. "The river makes people forget everything regarding the past."
She turned to look at the side of his face. "You mean this river steals people's memories?! That's so cruel!" She said unable to mask the despair in her voice.
"No. Not steal. It's the opposite. The river gives certain souls a new beginning."
"Which souls?"
"The souls that wish to free themselves from the remembrance of a terrible past. Victims of a murder. Innocent children who were killed in war or by starvation and abuse. I guess you can say that all bad-case scenarios would go through this process."
Is he feeling sorry for them? Is it possible for the God of the Dead to have compassion? She pondered, looking at the calm surface of the river. She eyed the countless souls roaming aimlessly along the river bank. No wonder they seemed so blur. "But there are thousands of them! So much suffering! Gods, what's with the mortals today?!"
"Humans are the most unique creatures but they can also be the worst." Her heart tugged at his words. She had this strong urge to want to rest his head on her breasts and run her fingers through the dark hair.
Dammit Persephone quit feeling sorry for him. She had to change the subject. "So exactly what do the souls do to have their memories erased?"
"They would either touch or drink the water."
"But how come you're okay?" She asked pointing a finger at his immersed hand. "And what's wrong if I touch this water? I am a goddess…"
Water trickled through the space in between his fingers as he scooped out his hand. "I govern this place and the Underworld does not harm its ruler. It has no effects on me or the residents of the Underworld. No doubt that you're a goddess and my kingdom has welcomed you but you're not one of its sanctioned citizens which meant that it doesn't have the admission to protect you from harm. But as soon as you become the Queen of this place, you will gain the immunity, security and you might develop some extra powers."
Immunity…Powers? She gave her damnedest to sound nonchalant. "I'm not impressed" She just lied through her teeth. Of course it's awesome to hold some special exclusive pass to things. Having lived in Olympus, she knew how it was like to be treated like a child!
Her lips were twitching and that usually happens when she's lying. He smirked and decided to let it go. "Don't worry Persephone, you soon will be." He said looking at her.
I've really missed him. Woah. Where had that come from? Not good. Got to make a move. She got up swiftly and Hades followed suit. "I've to go. The Underworld is ridiculously vast. I haven't searched most areas."
"Have lunch with me." He said quite speedily. He knew Persephone had skipped lunch for days. He cannot have his woman starve herself over definite useless efforts!
Anger flashed in her eyes. "Why should I have lunch with you? So you could waste my time? Reduce my chances to find the exit? You can't fool me Hades!" Did he think I was that stupid?!
He ran his frustrated fingers through his hair. "Damn it Persephone! Why do you always think the worst of me?!" Why can't she see that I care for her? "I know you haven't had lunch for quite some days. Stop being so stubborn and come have lunch with me." He gestured to the way back to the palace.
Stubborn?! What The Fuck!? It's useless talking to him! She stared at the devil before her for a full five seconds and stalked off. Hades can seriously be damned!
Let's see how long you can last, Persephone.
~HP~
Exhaustion won over determination. She had to settle down now or her legs would dislodge this instant! She willed some grass to grow on the earthen ground and slumped on the green carpet, resting her back on a boulder. She let out huff and examined the little tear at the hem of her dress. Left with only fourteen days to go, she had no lead what so ever. If there was one thing she had to acknowledge throughout her little adventure, was that Hades' domain was exit-proof. Every entrance gate she found was guarded by terrifying Minotaur and Hellhounds. Willing herself not to give up so easily, she'd went through series of unsuccessful strategizing.
She'd planned to try flirting with the Minotaur (yea…situation got really drastic) but their loud grunting breath was too offending and it was plain freaky. Failing to put that plan into action, she'd tried her chances with the Hellhounds. She'd tossed them a huge chunk of meat as a form of distraction. Unfortunately for her, those terrifying creatures didn't even turn to look at the juicy, 5cm fat layered meat. (She'd wondered if they're vegetarian). Instead those fucking thing had snarled at her! Boy, she was scared to death! Those super sharp shiny fangs were real and it was humungous-about the size of her arms. There was simply no way she could escape them…she'd tried and failed!
Dear Fates, please don't let me die here. Help me out. Pleaassee…hear my prayers…
Her stomach was grumbling. She had a tendency to get hungry A LOT. Rummaging through the little sling pouch Hecate had given her in the morning; she brought out a several packages and small white cloth securing a fold of apple crumble (her current favourite). She took a generous bite of that delicious snack and chewed gratefully. Hecate hadn't mentioned it to her but she knew it was Hades' idea to have the servants prepare a packed lunch. If she wasn't so desperate, she would have just shoved the whole thing up his…you know…
She'd ventured to a new direction today, hoping to find the 'unguarded' exit here. "Exit? Yea right. You got fooled like a five year old child Persephone!" She said snorting to her herself. She replayed her efforts of the last few weeks in her head she didn't have the time to think through her previous plans since she was kept really busy, to the extent that she could only think of dropping dead on the bed after her long tiresome adventure. But coming to think of the deal they'd agreed upon, she reanalysed the exact words he'd uttered when he'd made that pact with her. Suspicion started forming in her mind.
She had this strong conviction that Hades had already known what absolute zero chances she had with his extreme security measures and he'd decided to let her see it for herself?! So, he went all the way pretending to sound all fair and just while he was slyly drafting out the contract that guaranteed him a sure victory?! And what about the unguarded entrance? She didn't recall having ever heard of this Aeneas guy…but Hades had sworn upon the Styx…so surely that existed! But maybe it was somewhere really secret? So secluded that even she can't find them? That must be it!
"Fuck!" She groaned harshly, throwing the sling pouch and half eaten apple crumble into the river with a huge splash.
She banged the back of her head against the solid rock in anger. Her hands fiercely yanked at the grass. I can't do it anymore! Please I just want to get out of here. I don't want to end up like Hera or Hephaestus. Persephone could never marry a man who couldn't stay faithful to her. She'd seen the way her step-mother and uncle lived their life, constantly worrying about their spouse's affairs. I don't want that kind of life! She screamed inwardly, tears threatened to flow down her cheeks.
She wanted to give up so badly.
So very badly…
