Meeting Hecate
(A/N: Not too happy with this chapter. Hope you enjoy regardless, though.)
She returned to their room silently and slipped into the bed, laying down. She heard him teleport there shortly after, coming towards the room, and stayed still, hoping he would believe her asleep. He entered. He stayed away. He watched… And then he came over and he tucked something gently into her hair. She knew what it was by the scent. The flower that had grown from a tear. What did it mean? A promise to himself or to her? She almost didn't want to know and yet did… She felt him slip into the bed next to her. He kept his distance, and for that she was glad. It also seemed much colder than usual too, though. She shivered in the cold and scooted over towards him, slipping her arm around his waist and hoping he was asleep and hadn't noticed. At the same time, she cursed it. When she determined he was indeed asleep and unaware, she sighed and closed her eyes. Time for her to sleep herself.
He woke first. Her arm was around him, he noticed. He didn't bother thinking on it, just relished in it. He had awoken in the grove. It had been alive again… She had been there, he had known immediately. After a brief freak out session, he'd gotten a grip and realized what it meant. He'd blinked, he'd returned to his study, he'd plucked the flower, he'd entered their room, he'd seen her sleeping. Tucking the flower in her hair, a silent promise the nature of which he didn't even know yet, he'd gotten into the bed and fallen asleep. Now he was here… So what now…?
He felt her stirring but didn't move. She breathed in deeply as she awoke and blinked a few times. She noticed her arm and blushed, slipping it off him. "You're awake, aren't you?" she said.
"You healed the garden," Hades stated.
"Yes," she answered. "I couldn't see it like that."
"Hey, whatever floats your boat. It's yours," he replied, shrugging and rolling onto his back.
"Really?" she asked in surprise.
"What, you think I get any use out of it? Was special to Leuce, not me," Hades replied. It had just come out, he hadn't planned to give her it. Then again, who else? The place was practically made for her.
She tilted her head then nodded. "Thank you," she said, looking back up at the roof. She almost hated how awkward this was. She almost wanted it to be more casual, more natural, more-more romantic! She kicked herself for the thought quickly, then sighed and got up. She wavered slightly. He watched her guardedly. She put a hand to her head and moaned. "Wow I'm dizzy… Anyway, I'm going to go feed and water Cerberus, maybe take him for a walk."
"Sure, whatever babe. When you're done all that, get to my office. You're queen of the Underworld now. Might as well train you in, you know, running the place," Hades replied, sitting up. "Breakfast will be waiting there."
"Alright," she agreed, nodding. She had to admit, she was a little excited about learning the ins and outs of how the down below worked. She watched him stretch, bit her lower lip, then suddenly stole a peck on his cheek. He started and sharply looked at her. She was already half way across the room moving swiftly and blushing. He touched his cheek in shock, trying to register what had just happened.
Hercules
He watched her in silence from an overlook as she played with, fed, and watered the giant dog. He placed his elbows on the railing and rested his chin on the back of his hand. Her every move was grace itself… But he saw a weakness too. One that hadn't been present on the surface. She stumbled. Often. Too often. This place was killing her… Well, not killing, gods couldn't die, but that wasn't the point! Wilting was probably a more appropriate term. Wilting or fading. It made him edgy. There had to be some way to combat that, right? There was… If she found happiness down here… It hurt more than it should that she hadn't.
"Pain, Panic!" he called.
"Yes, you evilness?" the two minions exclaimed together, bounding up to him and saluting.
"Go to Persephone and do a little digging for me," Hades said.
"Digging? Digging for what?" Panic questioned.
"Ask her what would make her happy down here," Hades answered. "Anything. No limit to the cost."
"No limit?" Pain asked.
"Except being allowed to leave," Hades stated firmly.
"That… won't go over too well," Panic remarked, cringing.
"Well make it!" Hades snapped, seizing them both and flaring up.
Choking, Pain answered, "Yes sir!" Hades dropped them and the two minions bolted.
Hercules
Persephone, smiling, was rubbing Cerberus's tummy, having grown to a greater height so that it would work better. "Queen Persephone!" Panic's voice called out.
"Queen Persephone, we have a question for you!" Pain's added.
Persephone looked over curiously and Cerberus growled dangerously at the two minions who gasped and slid to a stop. Furiously barking, Cerberus lunged at them. "Cerberus, down!" Persephone sharply commanded. The dog froze then looked back at her, whimpering in protest. "I said down," she warned, frowning sternly and pointing down. Cerberus made a moaning growl of annoyance but plopped down nonetheless and took to warily eyeing Pain and Panic. "Good boy," Persephone said to Cerberus, shrinking down. She turned to the two minions. "What's on your mind?" she questioned.
"Um, what would it take to make you happy down here? You know, real happy," Pain asked.
"What would make me happy?" she questioned, a pretty frown crossing her lips.
"Yeah! Like gold, jewels, anything. Hades is a god of wealth too, you know. He could give you anything your heart desired," Panic said. "I mean there's probably no price you could ask he wouldn't pay. Except, you know, permission to go back to the surface world."
"What I want he doesn't have to give," she answered. "I'm hardly sure I'd want it even if he had it anyway."
"Had what?" Pain questioned.
She looked up ponderously, tapping her chin. "I'm not sure," she finally answered. "I want… I want a husband, not a captor. I want a heart he doesn't have to give and that I might not be open to accepting. I want… I want to feel free and happy and valued and loved. I want more than you know… And I know I'll never have it…"
"Persephone…" Panic began.
"Go back to Hades and tell him all that I said. I have other things to do. Tell him not to wait up. If he really wants me so desperately, he can come after me. He can fight for me and hope to himself and the other gods that it's enough," she ordered. "Cerberus, come!" Cerberus barked and got up, following his now tiny mistress away from the even tinier minions.
Hercules
Persephone sat beneath the white poplar, Cerberus—who she had shrunken down to a regular size for now—curled up next to her. He opened a sleepy eye on each of his heads and groaned in protest when she stopped petting. She smiled weakly at him, stroking his fur again. The dog gave a large yawn and settled back down. "So, you're the new queen of the Underworld," someone said.
Persephone gasped, turning quickly. Who dared infiltrate her garden?! She would need to talk to Hades about more protection around this area, or passing a decree that no one say for her should ever come into this place unless otherwise specified by her. A woman with short hair and blue skin and clothes was standing there, two flying wolves sitting at her back. Cerberus tensed. His hackles went up and he began to dangerously snarl at the two wolves and bark. "Cerberus, at ease," Persephone commanded. Cerberus growled lowly but stood down, for now, though he was still ready to attack at a moment's notice. Kore turned back to the woman suspiciously. "Who are you?" she questioned.
"I am the demigoddess Hecate," Hecate answered. "And I am here on behalf of your mother."
Kore was suddenly much more interested, eyes filling with hope. "Mother? Is she alright? What's become of her? What's become of the surface world? Is she searching for me? Will she save me?!" she demanded in quick succession.
"Your mother is fine, my dear. The surface world, however, is becoming barren and cold and dead as Demeter grieves. Soon it will all be covered in ice and snow, I suspect. The people are starving. It's quite tragic, really. She's searching everywhere for you, and I am certain she'll save you soon enough. Zeus can't ignore the pleas of the mortals forever, or his sister's wrath. She's really terrorizing him. The whole world will be an ice-cube if this keeps up. He will step in and then you will be free of that monster who took you," Hecate replied.
Kore's jaw twitched and she shifted uneasily. "Keep my husband out of this," she murmured.
"What was that?" Hecate questioned, perking up.
"Keep my husband out of this. I'm not going to hear you slander him," Kore repeated firmer.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, you have a bit of a syndrome going on, I see," Hecate said.
"Hah! I only wish I did," Kore murmured.
"What was that?" Hecate questioned.
"Never mind," she answered. "Why are you here, Hecate?"
"I intend to rescue you, Kore. Not yet, of course, a little more preparation needs to be done if I'm going to attempt something like that, but soon. Soon you will be with your mother again," Hecate answered. And Demeter would be so grateful she'd demand Zeus toss Hades out on his head and make her the new ruler of the Underworld. Oh, she should have thought of this years ago. Of course, Kore hadn't been in the picture years ago.
"How long have I been down here?" Kore questioned.
"A long time," Hecate answered. "Almost a year, approximately. Time passes in a blur down here, doesn't it?"
"Wow…" Kore murmured. That was a long time.
"Have you eaten anything?" Hecate questioned.
"No… I've sat with Hades at meals, but I've never eaten anything. He seems annoyed I haven't. He should be. If I were mortal I'd have starved myself to death by now, but hey, goddess. Eating is a luxury, not a necessity. Can't even really feel hunger," she said.
"Good. Don't eat anything down here," Hecate warned.
"Why?" Kore questioned.
"Because if you do, you'll be bound to the Underworld for eternity," Hecate answered. Kore gasped. "If you eat only a little, then you'll be bound to it for part of every year eternally. One of those annoying little rules we follow that really serve no purpose say for to keep us in check. Limitless power needs monitoring, after all. Now, as soon as I judge things with Hades I'll return to the surface and discuss plans with Demeter to bring you back or get Hades to. Don't be afraid, my dear girl. You'll be home soon." Then she'd be on the throne and Hades, with luck, would be thrown to the Titans or displaced elsewhere. "Remember, eat nothing down here."
"I'll remember," Kore answered, nodding. Hecate smirked and vanished with her wolves who had been busy glaring at Cerberus, who was glaring back and having something of a power match between them which none had relented on. Kore sat down looking a little uncertain. Cerberus lay back down and she began petting him absently. She'd be going home soon. So why did she feel so reluctant to? Maybe she did have a syndrome. No, gods and goddesses didn't suffer any sort of syndrome or any sort of, well, anything that plagued mortals. She shifted uneasily, looking around the beautiful grove. It suited her, in a morbid sort of way. Life encompassed by death. She'd always liked a bit of doom and gloom now and again. Ugh, she wished she didn't have to think so hard right now. She closed her eyes to try and sleep.
Hercules
Hades was busy reading through a scroll when suddenly… "So, the King of the Underworld has found a queen, has he? What woman gave you a second look?"
Hades tensed up, grimacing. Great. Just peachy. He put on a smile and turned, tenting his fingers. "Hecate, babe, long time no see," he replied, grinning innocently. "Why do you ask? Feeling a bit jealous?"
"Of her? Oh please. I'd rather eat dirt than be with you. I wonder what she'd be willing to do to get away from your clutches," Hecate replied.
Hades's jaw twitched. She'd hit a nerve. Her mistake. His smirk slowly became a scowl as his flames became red. "If you've got no beef with the recent rules or bills I've passed, then get out," he ordered.
"Touchy, touchy," Hecate replied, smirking.
Hades put back on the smile, going back to his blue coloring. "Listen witch, let me give you a simple rule. Think you can remember one? Yes? Yes. Good. Done," he began. Suddenly flaring murderously up, he yelled, "Stay out of my affairs and keep away from my wife!"
Hecate leapt back, startled, then recovered and wickedly smirked. "Has she eaten anything, Hades?" she questioned. Hades twitched. "I'll take that as a no. Well, then she's not bound here forever just yet. Demeter is baying for your blood, God of the Underworld. The mortals are crying out for Zeus. How long do you think he'll ignore them? He hates himself for what he did enough already. She'll never be yours, she hardly even cares for you, and very soon now, she'll walk out of your life forever and this position of yours will become mine, because Demeter's not going to be satisfied with the simple return of her daughter. She'll want you punished for taking her in the first place. And Zeus as well. What better way to punish Zeus than through his little big brother? Your time's almost up, your majesty." Mockingly Hecate bowed, laughed, and vanished, leaving Hades blazing.
"Pain, Panic!" Hades roared.
"We're here, your majesty," Panic said as he and Pain peeked out from behind a pillar.
"How long have you been there?" Hades asked.
"We arrived when Hecate and her wolves did and hid," Pain answered. "She's scary."
"But not as scary as you, sir!" Panic quickly covered for his brother.
"Boys, boys, enough with the weaseling. I'm dying here. Give me a little credit," Hades said, sitting in his throne. "Now report. What did you find out from Seph?"
Pain and Panic cringed, exchanging uneasy looks before turning back to him. "It's not good, sir," Panic replied.
"What do I have to do? Crawl on my stomach like a reptile and beg her? What does she want from me?" Hades asked, flames growing a little more.
Pain and Panic swallowed. "Um… you'd be lucky if even that won her," Pain answered.
Hades's eyes narrowed and his flames took on a reddish tinge. "I'd advise you stop beating around the bush, boys. Give it to me straight. Verbatim."
They swallowed. They brought out clipboards on which they'd written her words. "Um, first she said, and I quote 'What I want he does not have to give. I'm hardly sure I'd want it even if he had it anyway.'" Panic read out. "Then we asked what she meant and she said…"
Pain cut him off, saying, "She said 'I'm not sure. I want a husband, not a captor. I want a heart he doesn't have to give and that I might not be open to accepting. I want to feel free and happy and valued and loved. I want more than you know, and I know I'll never have it.'"
Hades listened, tightly gripping the arms of his chair. Wow she was asking a lot. Wow she was right… He didn't know if he could give her that… He felt his stomach twist uncomfortably and inwardly cursed it. He damned Aphrodite and Eros a thousand times over. Panic took the reins, saying, "Then she said, 'Go back to Hades and tell him all that I said. I have other things to do. Tell him not to wait up.'" He purposely omitted the last part, where she'd said to tell Hades that if he wanted her he'd have to get her. "She took off after that," Panic finished.
Hades was quiet. "Boss?" Pain finally asked.
Hades rose from his throne. "She wants to play that game? Fine. I'm going after her. High-maintenance little…" He gave an angry cry and vanished in a red pillar of flame.
"Clever, skipping that last bit," Pain praised.
"Thanks," Panic replied, smirking conspiratorially. It was fun to play matchmaker sometimes.
Hercules
He appeared outside of her garden and looked around it. Wow, she'd done a lot with the place. It was, well, gorgeous, frankly. He grumbled to himself and started down the path towards the center where the white poplar was. He paused at a tree and reached up, plucking a pomegranate. He looked at it a long moment. He had to get her to eat something. One way or another, he had to get her to eat. He rubbed it against his robes, tossed it up, caught it, then continued on his way, searching for her.
He saw her sleeping beneath the white poplar, a shrunken Cerberus curled up next to her. He glared at Cerberus. He should smite the stupid mutt for abandoning his post, but Persephone had probably wanted the dog's company so he'd let it slide this time. He approached her quietly then knelt next to her. He watched her sleep for a moment, hair spread out over the ground and framing her head. How had he not noticed her before? How the heck had he had eyes for Aphrodite and never truly seen Kore? He reached out a hand then paused, hesitating. She didn't like his touch he knew, or believed. Ugh, what did he care? He was a god, one of the top three. He'd do what he wanted. He frowned and gently rested his hand on her forehead, brushing a few loose strands back. "Persephone," he said. She moaned softly, shifting. "Persephone," he repeated a bit louder. She frowned and her eyes began to flicker. They opened and fell on him. He almost expected her to gasp or leap up and scream. Instead she just looked puzzled, then curious, then almost gentle.
"Hades," she mumbled sleepily in greeting, still in the process of waking herself up. He withdrew his hand and she frowned, sitting up and stretching. He couldn't help but sneak a once over before focusing on her again. She looked at him. Then seemed to realize something. "You came for me," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice. "I-I mean, too bad you only came after Pain and Panic told you that's what I wanted you to do."
"They told me what?" Hades asked, visibly startled.
She looked over at him in surprise. "They didn't tell you?" she asked.
"Tell me what? They told me you said not to wait up then took off," Hades answered.
She looked suddenly much more intrigued. "They omitted it," she realized half to herself and half to him.
"What, what, tell me what!" Hades demanded.
She looked sharply over at him. After a moment, she replied, "They omitted the part when I said that if you really wanted me so desperately, you could come after me. They omitted the part where I said you could fight for me and hope to yourself and the other gods that it would be enough."
Hades blinked in surprise. Clever little… Wow. He hadn't expected that of Pain and Panic. Finally, he reached out his hand for her. She looked skeptically at it, but after a moment she took it and looked up at him. He rose, helping her up. "Cerberus!" Hades sharply shot. The dog jolted awake and leapt up quickly, flustered. He whimpered, putting his tail between his legs fearing he was going to be in trouble for abandoning his post. "Good boy. Now go back to the gates and do your job," Hades ordered. Cerberus cautiously relaxed, panting and wagging his tail again, leaping up on Hades and licking him. "Down, down, you stupid mutt!" Hades ordered as Cerberus extinguished his flames. Hades gave an angry growl, lighting his flames again. Cerberus's eyes widened and he bolted before Hades could recover himself. The moment the dog was out of the garden he grew to his normal size and bounded off towards the gates.
Hades glared after it then turned to Persephone, who was stifling giggles. His eyes narrowed. "Sorry," she said through said giggles.
Hades rolled his eyes hopelessly then remembered the pomegranate. "Brought you a peace offering. Best tasting fruit you'll ever have," he said, moving behind her, taking her shoulder with one hand, and holding the fruit in front of her with the other. "Grows right in your garden. Come on, babe, you'll love it," he said.
She warily stared at the fruit, frowning and starting to become cold again as Hecate's words returned to her. Still… She loosened up slightly and tilted her head in curiosity, saying nothing. "I'm not hungry," she finally replied.
"Neither am I. What, you think its poison? Want me to take the first bite?" Hades asked, splitting it. "I mean Sephy, baby, you're killin' me here. You haven't eaten since you were brought down. What's a pomegranate going to do? You'll love it, I promise." She took it from his hand in both of hers, looking at it quietly. Just one," Hades veritably purred.
She raised it to her lips then paused. She took it away and tucked it into a pouch. She could feel Hades flare up and almost heard him whisper a curse under his breath. "I'll save it for a bit later," she replied.
"You…" he began. She turned around, draping her arms over his shoulders and behind his neck. She stole a soft kiss, leaving him shocked and flustered. "Whoa now, what's the occasion?" he asked as she drew back.
Kore shrugged. "Just curious, I guess," she replied, turning and starting away.
"Wait, was it good or bad?" he asked to himself out loud.
"It was good," she called back. He tensed. She'd heard! He cursed himself but then smirked. At least the reviews were in and positive. He chuckled and followed her, quickly coming alongside her.
Hercules
Persephone smirked playfully up at her husband as they walked and lightly nudged him. He blinked blankly. What now? What was he supposed to do? Going out on a limb, he nudged her back a little rougher. She grinned and shoved him harder still, making him stagger, then laughed and fled. "Come on, husband, catch me if you can!"
He blinked. She was challenging him! He was unsure what to think. God of the Underworld running through a garden playing a game with a goddess of spring and life? Sounded ridiculous to him… But then again this was his realm, she was his wife, so there! He'd do whatever he pleased, thank you very much… And whatever she pleased… He smirked and raced after her. She laughed in glee, looking back at him and quickly darting around a pillar. He grinned, reaching around it for her. She squealed, pulling out of his reach. He tried around the other way and she leapt back and fled again. He quickly went after her. He did like a challenge.
"You're slowing down, Pluto! What's the matter? Getting old?" she called back.
"May be a few thousand years older than you, but I'm not over the hill yet!" Hades replied. "Come to think of it, never will be," he added, swiftly starting to close the distance between them. She sped up with a laugh, racing bare foot through the grasses with violet legs flashing in the bursts of light that so often appeared. She was glowing brighter, he noticed. More alive… She felt happy… He wished she would always feel like that. Ugh, what was he thinking? Happiness he hated. Get a grip, Hades. She turned down another path, disappearing from sight. He ran down it as well with a grin and caught her around the waist. "Got you!" he said. He frowned, noticing she wasn't moving.
"Hades, what's that?" she questioned, pointing ahead.
He frowned and looked up. He gasped, quickly moving her behind him. "Whoa now," he said, looking at it in disbelief. He warily watched the creature. "That would be something you don't want to cross. Ever. Move back slowly. Don't let it know we're here."
His tone had become so serious and out of character that a chill raced down her spine. "But what is it?" she asked in a whisper, slowly backing away. She was grateful he had moved in front of her as a barrier now. She didn't believe she trusted this.
"Called the Ophiotaurus. It's burned entrails grant the power to defeat and overthrow the gods," Hades murmured.
Persephone paled. "You're lying!" she exclaimed.
"Seph, Seph, let me explain. Power to defeat and overthrow gods means the smoke from the burned entrails are capable of weakening our power to a state more like that of lesser immortals, for a temporary time. Mermaids, selkies, etc. We don't become mortal, or lose our status, just temporarily lose our strength and become like something that can be defeated. Not killed, I mean come on, we're still gods, but defeated and overthrown. Temporarily. Hecate used the smoke encased in a crystal on me. That's where the power to defeat the gods comes from. Again, temporarily. Note the emphasis? And no amount of burnt entrails from one ophiotaurus, and there's only one, is gonna turn every god in existence weak. Wouldn't be possible to defeat us anyway. Others would get offended at the audacity and stepped in. Not that they'd have to. The Titan gods like Helios, Selene, Polyphemus, Cronus - well that's a tossup given how we, you know, weakened and disposed of him - Rhea, etcetera, and the ones that came before them, don't have that weakness. Long story short, Rhea wouldn't stand for that kind of offence against her children. Neither would Gaia. Definitely not Chaos. The ophiotaurus was killed by an ally of the Titans. Zeus sent an eagle to retrieve its insides before they could be burned and used against us in the war. It ended up down here with me as, of course, yet another loose end they expect me to tie up."
"Why is it allowed to roam free?" she hissed.
"Keep us on our toes? How should I know? I don't make the rules, babe," Hades replied. "Well, I do, but eh, it probably escaped its pen. Not a huge deal, even if that thing attacked us it itself couldn't beat us, but hey, better safe and all that. Now keep moving back."
"I want it out of my garden," she insisted.
"Oh, it will be," Hades said in a surprisingly dark tone even for him. He was getting protective, she realized. Quickly the two moved out of sight of the creature and held still, hearing it nearing their location. They didn't dare move faster. He stayed between her and where it would come.
"You mentioned Hecate," Persephone whispered.
"Goddess of Magic, crossroads, ghosts, and necromancy," Hades replied in a murmur, peering out at the beast cautiously.
"Goddess? She called herself a demi-goddess," Persephone said.
Hades smirked. "She thinks she is," he conspiratorially answered. "What can I say? Deceit's my bag. Gives me an edge over her. Telling her she's on my list helps me keep her in place. Meh, she'll figure it out eventually."
"You scoundrel," she teased, grinning at him. The breathing was suddenly much heavier and both froze, going quiet. They heard a bellow from right around the corner. The ophiotaurus sensed them. Kore swallowed, clinging onto Hades tightly as they slowly moved away from the area.
"Sephy, baby, we'll be fine," Hades assured.
"Better safe than sorry?" Persephone lamely asked, not wanting to admit flat out the thing unnerved her.
"Fine, we're out of here," Hades said, immediately snapping his fingers and teleporting them both away. He had to get Campe up here to take back that damn thing and get it out of his wife's garden.
Hercules
They appeared in the grand hall, exchanged looks, then burst into sudden laughter for no particular reason other than the ridiculousness of it all, running from something that couldn't even harm them unless its insides were burned. Soon enough their laughter died down, leaving them grinning at one another. For a good moment, they held each other's eyes grinning before suddenly coming back to themselves and recalling who they were next to. The grins quickly fell and they cleared their throats, looking awkwardly away from each other. Kore gazed around then turned to him after a time, finally daring to break the silence. "You say Hecate once tried to turn you mortal?" she asked.
"She wants the Underworld," Hades replied, shrugging. "Let her whine all she wants, she'll pry it from my cold dead hands. Which, you know, given I'll never die puts a damper on her little plots."
"And even if you did join the ranks of the dying gods, your siblings wouldn't stand for it and you'd be brought back," Persephone said.
"Don't remind me," Hades dryly said. He couldn't argue his siblings cared for him for whatever reason. He knew she was right.
Persephone suddenly began to giggle. "That was actually pretty exciting," she said when Hades gave her an unimpressed look. He then smirked in amusement.
"It kinda was," he answered.
Awkwardness again. She decided she really, really hated the awkwardness, but she couldn't think of how to break it. "Um, Hades, I…" she began before trailing off. He gave her an inquisitive and vaguely intrigued look. "I had fun," she finally, and lamely, said. He frowned but shrugged it off.
"Me too," he said. Why was he at a loss for words, he wondered? That had never, or rarely, happened before.
"I…" she began. She trailed off. She didn't know what she was going to say or what she even wanted to, really. "Are you going to try to pull off another plot soon?"
"Depends on if opportunity presents itself," Hades answered.
"Oh… Be careful if you do," she lamely said. He gave her an incredulous look but nodded nonetheless. She looked away from him then quickly, awkwardly, shuffled off.
