See? Aren't I a good person? You don't have to wait to see Demeter's hysteria! (so you can put your sticks away and not beat me over the head with them. yes? yes?)

With the plot getting more splintered now it is getting harder to rearrange this so, again, if it gets too confusing, let me know.

Chapter Ten

Demeter

Demeter

Demeter sighed, stretching her back as she steered her chariot into the valley. Her red hair was tied in intricate braids upon her head. She had been playing the part of a Goddess for once. Not a mother. It had been nice, but all she could think about was Persephone through the trip. Her darling babe. Demeter hoped Kore had faired well during her absence... although, not too well, of course. She hoped Kore had missed her dreadfully, that she couldn't wait to see her Mama. The Goddess smiled at the thought and released the horses, allowing them to whiny and whine back to the barn. Her horses, unlike to most Olympians, were… her friends. At least that was how Demeter considered them. They did not need to be beaten and chained. They merely came to Demeter at calling. Gathering the few worthy gifts the Goddess had received at her festivals, Demeter pressed hard against her oak chariot with her free hand, letting it also disintegrate, the ground absorbing it. Demeter hefted the items up, and began to make the short trek back to the little cottage. She had taken good herbs and good seasonings. Some very lovely bits of fruit the Goddess did not grow in her own home, as well as a very fair set of earrings (something she was considering gifting Persephone... but was not yet sure).

"Kore!" She called out, in case the child was playing somewhere in the meadows. "Kore, my love, I am home!" There was no response. Demeter frowned, eyebrows furrowed. It was pretty late to be sleeping in… "Kore?" Stopping by the hen house, the Goddess noticed they had not been fed that day. They were pecking idly at the ground. Strange. Was Kore sick or merely slacking? Slacking, most likely. Demeter rolled her eyes, stepping lightly into the cottage. "Young lady, I gave you a very specific list of chores, did I not? Have you milked Helen even once?" Still, nothing. No bombardment of arms around her. No happy calling of 'Mama'. Nothing. Not even the groan of 'yes, Mama - I did that!'

"Kore?"

Demeter's lips trembled ever so slightly as she opened the door to Persephone's room, not bothering to knock. "Sweetheart?" There was no one in the bed. The covers were strewn about. Something horrible struck through the great Goddess, and she rushed into her own room. "Kore?" Her voice was growing more panicked as she checked the cellar. "Kore, this isn't funny – come greet Mama…" Demeter picked up her pace, speeding outside, not bothering to close her door. "Kore?! Are you hiding, darling?!" A laugh left Demeter's lips, as if entertained, but really, on the verge of utter panic. She started running, checking the barn, checking the garden, everywhere. "Kore! Please stop playing these games!" Demeter couldn't be said to be speaking any longer. Her voice was certainly in a shouting area. "Kore?!" Once triple checking the grounds, dread ran through her. She couldn't be… she wasn't outside the perimeter, was she? Darting from her valley, her toga flowing, hair coming undone, Demeter was screaming. "Kore?! Persephone? Persephone, where are you?!" She checked nearby, the stream, the hilly grove, and finally, the pomegranate tree.

Dead grass.

Everywhere.

The Harvest Goddess nearly vomited, her eyes wetting. She assumed Persephone, like she, when horribly upset or in danger, killed the plants. In reality, Persephone had not yet developed such a thing. Demeter did not understand, though. And there was so many dead roots. "My daughter," The Goddess fell to the ground, grasping at the brown spindles. "My daughter has been taken!" Demeter threw the grass she had been clutching. "Eunike!" She called out, thinking quickly. There was no time to mourn – she had to find Persephone. "Eunike!" It didn't take long for her favorite mare to come running. Without a carriage, without a saddle, Demeter threw herself upon the brown creature, edging it on. "Olympus! Olympus, we must go!" After nearly sixteen years, Demeter would once more bring up the topic of her daughter. Demeter would once more demand the help of Zeus and Hera.

The sun shone brightly on the grassy hill.

Hera

"Why the distress? Such noise." Hera stepped out from beneath the shade of the building, her hand resting absently on the mound of her stomach. She was early on in pregnancy but enough for it to be obvious on her usually slim form. Pregnancy had always been a hassle for the goddess, and she found little joy in her offspring as most mothers would, especially Demeter who prized Persephone as the greatest of what she had. She did love her children, certainly, but they rarely impressed her. But, her moods greatly effected the child that would be born. She had Hebe, a sweet-tempered girl, but she also had Ares, one of the most malicious and merciless of the gods. And she was known to have both sides, especially when it came to horrid jealousy - hence her son and his dangerous moods brought on by jealousy. Still, she tossed her head back, ripples of black locks falling down her back. Usually it would be tied up in the appropriate manner for a married woman but she was for a private day, one of relaxation, finding it more comfortable to rest as much as possible. Her eyes focused on Demeter, one in obvious distress. It had been quite some time since she had seen her, and she was none too pleased with the earth goddess - considering the daughter she bore from her husband. There was little she did not know about for she had many ears in many places. Though, she was not all-seeing. She just made it her duty to know as much as she could - especially about her husband. Yet he still found it necessary to try and hide things from her. As if she wouldn't eventually find out about it. A foolish man.

She descended the steps with care, her hand not moving from its spot on the curve of her abdomen. Her dress was simple but incredibly lovely to fit the queen of the gods. It rippled in vibrant shades of greens and purples, hugging what curves she still had in pregnancy as well as the gently growing mound that was Zeus' child. Her feet wore obsidian-colored sandals and her hair was completely free about a lovely but somewhat austere face. Her glistening emerald eyes slid down Demeter's length critically before she parted her red lips to speak. "My husband is busy at this time so you will not bother him." Her black, elegant brow curved up as she regarded her before she turned some so her shoulder was in her direction. "If it is of great importance, I shall be certain to place it before my husband at the proper time. Unless, of course, it is not meant for my ears." her eyes narrowed a fraction before she turned away. Yes, she didn't care much for her sister though that didn't mean she hated her. Their relationship had just soured a bit when she learned that she had slept with her husband. Willing or not, that didn't matter. Her husband drove her wild, trying his affairs behind her back then acting the chastised child when she found out about it. Possession and love, of course - she loved him and was loyal to him alone. Hardly on his part.

Her babe kicked in her womb and she resisted the urge to sigh. She had a suspicion that Zeus shied away from laying with her when she was with child. For what reason, perhaps to protect the child but she doubted it. Hence children like Ares and Eris - though Eris was still a child, she was beginning to take after her mother's nature more than her father's. That pleased her, at least.

Demeter

Demeter almost fell off her horse, landing sloppily upon the gold rimmed pavement of the outer gardens. "Zeus!" she called out, her voice hoarse. "I must speak with him!" From the archway though, only Hera came through. Graceful, beautiful, not a hair out of place: typically Hera. But… was she? Slightly pregnant? It seemed so, her hand carefully placed over her abdomen. Demeter could remember that she had to make the choice at the time of her pregnancy when she was just barely showing. To stay, or to leave and start a new life for her family. Hera never had to make that choice. She was married. This was acceptable. And Hera though, most importantly, was a woman Demeter had not seen formally in the last decade. Well, that wasn't… true. The Harvest Goddess still came to council meetings, leaving Persephone in the care of typically Hestia. Still, they had not spoken.

Demeter looked over her younger sister, her eyes red rimmed, shaking her head. "I have to see him, sister – please," Her lips trembled. It was becoming increasingly apparent, though, the hostility that Hera was radiating. In her prim tone of voice, her raised brow, her slight sashay of the walk. It was the same way she regarded Leto, mother of Artemis and Apollo. It had been the way she had spoken to Metis, even before she and Zeus were married. Did Hera know, could she have? "You…" Demeter swallowed. And then she hardened her gaze. This was her younger sister. Hera had once ago looked up towards Demeter for permission, and honestly, Demeter did not have time for this right now. Why should she quiver under the Queen's gaze?

"It is not for your ears." Demeter straightened her back, nostrils flaring. "Get your husband, or I will go looking for him myself! Something terribly precious to me has gone… missing." The dead grass. She could see it. Persephone clawing her way into the dirt, her fingers falling loose of anything to hold onto… Demeter swallowed heavily, covering her mouth with a hand, averting her now wide eyes. "Please," She gritted out once more. "This is important."

Hera

Hera regarded her for a moment, her lips pressing to a hard line. So, she was going to play that card, was she? With a toss of her head she waved her hand at her. "No, you cannot see him now at this time. My husband is busy with other matters and does not have time to search for a... missing item of yours." However, she sighed and with a rare instance of compassion, she turned to her, fingers lightly touching her arm. "If it is that important, ask Apollo. There is little he misses, even above my husband. Though he may just decide to keep it to... himself." She frowned some, brows pulling together to remember the times she had gone to him to demand information but with that irritating smile, he spoke to her in riddles. He found himself quite amusing, she decided. And getting under her skin.

She lowered her hand and turned away. "If he is of no use to you, then return and perhaps he will be free. If not, I will give him your request." She turned away and made her way up the stairs on silent feet. She disappeared inside, her fingers brushing her hair over her shoulder. She had to wonder what it was Demeter was missing that would cause her such distress. Her elder sister wasn't the material type who, losing her favorite bauble, would panic until it was once more safely in her possession. Rather, she determined with only a fraction of pleasure that it was most likely her precious daughter that had gone missing. And good riddance, that horrid creature that her husband and sister had somehow produced. Well, at least she was a hideous thing, she thought airily. The thing may have finally found herself some trouble. Where, she was not certain, but it didn't concern her... not really. Not yet.

Demeter

Demeter felt something hard in her chest, a pressure of built up anger at Hera's insistent refusal. She swallowed, her jaw firm, body stiff, as the younger Goddess touched her arm. "I will, then," she turned as Hera did, walking with great pains because Demeter wanted nothing more than to storm. Nay, she managed to keep herself under control. To walk simply and easily back to Eunike and seat herself atop the brown mare. Clucking her tongue and with a kick to the horse's sides, the mare tore once more from the palace of the Zeus, but further on through Olympus. Demeter was headed to the home of Apollo and Artemis. She wondered often how Apollo dealt with the sudden loneliness that had been thrust upon him. The celestial twins used to abode together, but no one had caught wind of Artemis in quite a few years. Not since the death of the Goddess's beloved; Orion. Rumor had it they were to be married. Demeter was not sure if she believed it. Artemis had been so adamant about never becoming a wife.

It wasn't a long ride though. The Harvest Goddess tried to keep her emotion in check. She knew Apollo had seen. Apollo always saw. If his sun had been shining brightly that day, what could he have missed? Unless… Demeter shuddered… unless this happened at night… Oh gods, what if Apollo did not know?!

You cannot lose your head yet. You must stay rational. It is the only way.

The Goddess nodded to herself, stopping in front of the mansion, once more unseating herself.

"Lady?" A nymph, tending the front gardens, popped up from a nearby bush, her eyes wide. She had merely heard the scattering of hooves to find a stranger upon their doorstep. "I am sorry, I was not aware Master Apollo had company… you are?"

The Harvest Goddess's nostrils flared. "Demeter. Fetch your Master."

"Oh!" The nymph stood quickly. "Right away, Lady – would you like someone to look after your horse?"

"Unnecessary. Now go!" She was quickly losing her patience at the nymph went into the home to retrieve the God of Light.

Apollo

The nymph returned not soon after, looking suddenly incredibly anxious while ringing her hands. She looked quickly at the earth goddess before relaying her return message. "The master says," she began, looking quite a bit worried, "that that is no way to greet someone at their home... and you should instead request to come in instead of demanding to see him." She swallowed. "That is what he said." Just to make sure so she knew it was Apollo saying it and not her. The goddess already looked impatient and the master was being his usual self. Apollo himself remained where he had been when he heard of the news that Demeter had come. He already knew she was and what would be asked of him.

The home he had lived in with his twin sister was very open in structure to leave it open to the elements. What wasn't desired didn't come in from the pair's influence - now only the sun god. Rain, snow, sleet, wind, even the changing of temperature. Where he sat was open on three sides, a sort of porch adjacent to the larger building. Pillars surrounded those open sides, supporting lintels, the only structure on the top. Instead, it was open to the sky above and all within it. Speckled with stars but glowing with light as if the sun, though absent, still shone its light upon the room. He had just recently returned to his home. Music rippled through the air, dancing from his nimble fingers that moved fluidly upon the strings of his lyre. His head was bowed, eyes closed in an expression of serenity. He was the ideal of youth, and was also worshipped as thus.

However, he had received the goddess' command and knew exactly what she was there for. He was in no rush, however. The girl would be in no immediate danger now than she would be in the future. Demeter, however, didn't think so. His lips gently tilted up into a smile, fingers not even pausing at his instrument.

"Lady Demeter... please, come in. He doesn't mean to insult you," the nymph said anxiously so as to prevent too much insult from her master's eccentric manner. She stepped back and gestured for her to follow. She led her to the room her master was in. He sat in the middle of the room, turned slightly away from them but his face still clearly visible. He sat upon a low chair with no back, his face somewhat hidden by that hair that put the rest of his relatives to shame. It was like spun gold about the smooth, unblemished face of a young man. His eyes, though currently closed, where the same gold color. His skin was like golden bronze, across a lean, finely crafted body. He only wore a loose toga that draped over one shoulder and settled loosely beneath the other arm. There didn't appear to be any clasps but a single, uncut piece of cloth. He ignored the both of them, completely enthralled in his music. The sun god was not terribly young but still was very youthful in appearance. Not a child, but not a grown man either. He was not touched by the awkwardness of adolescence.

However, his eyes slowly opened, gazing at nothing as his thumb slid across the strings, making them shimmer as they vibrated. He would not be the first to speak, he wasn't the one looking for anything.

Demeter

Demeter was on the verge of losing her temper, her small hands clenched into dangerous fists, the very plant she walked near wilting immediately. Her daughter was missing and not a single person was willing to sacrifice their pride to help her! "Fine!" Demeter threw her hands in the air. "Because if its all about how to properly greet someone in their home… well, of course then! It makes perfect…" Demeter had to stop, breathing heavily, as she followed the nymph. She was so close. Close to tearing apart every single surface on the Earth if it meant finding Persephone. If her family would not aid her, she would destroy what they needed to get what she needed. The music playing though… it echoed around the building, seeming to soothe the woman to her very core. She couldn't be angry. No. Only sad, her shoulders slumping as they entered the open room. She breathed in shallowly, the tears freely spilling down her face, now aged with stress lines that normally remained hidden coming out, power of the god's music.

"Apollo," She chocked, before coughing into her hand, trying to remain intimidating, firm even, staring up towards the absent ceiling to stop the heavy flow of tears. Demeter did not weep – did not enjoy it at all. But music was a horrible weakness. "I know you have seen. You must help me. Where is she? Where is my daughter – my Kore?"

Demeter had never mentioned Persephone to her nephew. It had always seemed… like a topic both knew Apollo had gazed upon, yet by some miracle, he spoke nothing about. As long as his sun shined, Demeter could not keep Apollo from her private valley, though he, like the rest, was unpermitted to enter. It did make him blind though from so high above. Yet, the Sun God never had questioned Demeter on Persephone or gone to Zeus with information of Persephone. He played dumb, which Demeter had always been incredibly grateful for. He had remained a silent observer. Now though, they needed to breach the topic.

"Has she been taken by a mortal? A demi-god?" Demeter whispered. "Where will I find her?"

Apollo

Apollo continued to play, his fingers dancing over the strings to weave that melody that could never be replicated a second time, even by himself. His music was formed by the fueling of emotions of himself and those around him. It got him in trouble from time to time. Something about... not likely to see their innermost thought dancing around for everyone to clearly know. Not that he understood why they got so upset. Such silly touchy little children. His eyes seemed to gaze off into the distance, not towards her and not towards the graceful lands outside of his abode. Demeter came to him desperate, tears falling freely down her cheeks though once they had been held back with great difficulty. She was irritated with the god's pride, but she still had her own. He spoke at last, however, his lashes lowering a fraction though he didn't fully close his eyes. His lips parted, not missing a beat with his fingers. "You shall not find your Kore," he responded, that musical voice rich and now low. Apollo almost never lied... but he also rarely told the truth. What he had said was the most truthful: she would never find Kore, Kore had ceased to be the moment Hades took her to his bed. But his words could be interpreted in many ways... either she was dead, forever gone from her mother for she will never find her, one of more authority than her had taken her from her, the name "Kore" did not apply, or he was purely mocking her. His head tilted some away from her, eyes fully closed now as she continued to speak.

Ah, she was getting wiser in her questions. Ask very directly and you were more likely to get something out of him. The corner of his lips curled up some, a bemused expression that was in ways mocking her anxiety just by its presence, but was purely one of amusement rather than one meant for mocking her. "No mortal could touch your daughter," his said, humming softly to himself in time with his melody. "No mortal has entered your sanctuary nor the lands that surround it." His lips parted some more and he slowly opened his eyes again. "No demi-god would risk your wrath, not being one of the elder Olympians." At last, the music faded away, rippling through the air as his head turned in her direction. He met her eyes, his thumb tapping the golden edge of his lyre. But, he bowed his head to her.

"Dear aunt, what you fear is beyond its means. The plant life dead in the wake of her passing is not of her own doing. Her power alone could not affect their death against a power that far overwhelms her - though her attempts born from curiosity could not fight against that power." He wet his lips with his tongue and turned his head away, plucking a cord idly so a clear note rippled through the air. How she knelt in the field clutching at those strands of grass, the agony that rippled through her in revelation. "The one who loved you now takes comfort in your daughter, for your rejection denied him." She got the most direct answer out of him - there could only possibly be one person that he mentioned - having power so as to not fear Demeter's, one who caused death that Persephone could not possibly hope to rival, and who had once loved her, Demeter.

He didn't feel guilt, but rather began to play again, this time the song was very melancholy, one the spoke of deep, aching sadness and loss, it did not need words to express this, not the god of music... he rather would emotions through his cords, sometimes his own, sometimes others. "Eternally bound to the one who holds her hand, united by the one who destroyed a love... that should have been, now only a deep regret that will never heal, and there she is within a weeping heart, both her own and the one she owns. My eyes cannot follow what has been lost from where I travel... but what has occurred beneath the sun, speaks louder than what the hand of her abductor could possibly do... no, Kore is no more, and what is done is done. Your hand can do no more." Was he the god of prophecy for nothing?

Demeter

Demeter could have wept, screamed, torn at Apollo wherever she could reach. "What do you mean I will not find Kore?!" There was a deep trembling in the room, the walls of the open room shaking. She felt her throat clench though, listening to the riddles, the unraveling, her mind working quickly, scanning across her green eyes.

"Hades." And Demeter fell completely silent. It didn't even seem as if she were breathing. Her posture had gone slacked, as did her jaw. Someone who once loved her. Whose very presence… brought death. Someone she could not hope to fight against… certainly not Persephone. Never Persephone. And she left without a single word, unblinking, completely stunned. She left the manor, not closing any doors she made it through, slowly walking to horse, shooing the nymphs with a wave of her hand. And she rode quietly, numbly, and back to the Olympian palace.

Zeus

Zeus sat in his study, paper upon paper piled up before him, his eyes weary, his fingers pinching at the bridge of his nose. Servants were dismissed long ago, after Zeus found them annoying instead of helpful in the process of getting through weekly business. Normally, the God of the heavens was allowed to be carefree. Sometimes, he worked as hard as Hades! This just so happened to be one of those days… and he was at the point where he was looking for a reprieve. The Fates seemed to hear his wish! Hearing the slight creak of the door, his golden head slowly tilted up, a weary smile crossing his face. He looked across the large room. If it had been the main library and not his own personal one, if would have been impossible to see the entrance. But no, Zeus saw his ever radiant wife, dressed down and simply for a day of relaxation.

"Ah, Hera, my love," Zeus murmured, setting down the quill gently. "What brings you here, uncalled?" Normally, the God might have been peeved, but nay, he was smitten with her when pregnant. Not lustful, only feeling the need to coddle. The man sat back in his seat to pat his knee for her to sit, finding his wife ever so beautiful when heavy with his child. Though, no, he did not prefer to lay with her then, only doing so occasionally to ease her mind. The thought was… unsettling, at is was always a difficult lay when done. He could not risk being too rough, and it seemed his fingers only ever hit her large belly. During these times, this was when he was at his most disloyal, yet at his most affectionate in other terms. It was a very bittersweet time when the Queen was with child.

Hera

Her eyes slid over him calmly as he spoke, her younger, beautiful brother she loved so dearly. She moved forward fluidly and slid her arms around his neck to kiss him soundly on the mouth. She accepted his knee, considering it not as a thing he would do to his children... for she was definitely not a child. "Demeter came," she said, her fingers gently sliding down the curve of his cheek to his jaw. So handsome, so beautiful, never ceased to take her breath away. But he also knew he was very striking and no one would possibly deny him... unless they feared her of course. "She wished to see you, but I denied her... she was eager for your assistance." She frowned some, glancing at his work load before absently taking his hand and resting it on her abdomen. The little one was still quite small in its maturity and wouldn't be big enough to be felt moving around. But, it certainly was alive and able to recognize, or begin to recognize, the world around it.

"It seems she had lost something very precious to her, that she was in near hysterics. She was certain you knew where it was, or could help her. I sent her to Apollo instead. He misses... very little. Though he is hardly the most reliable witness." And he wasn't her son, either. Not fond of him. But still good at what he did. He was a mystic and incredibly beautiful like his father, but in a more youthful way. Her green eyes focused on his, wary. "I presume you know what she is talking about, however." She twisted a lock of his hair around her finger. "Though, I am bothering you. I only told her to return if Apollo is of no help to her. I can presume, though, she will shake it out of him if she needs to, she was quite worried. Thus... why I chose to warn you. You know our sister, she will go to extreme measures to get what she wants..." Her lips pursed. "You have not done anything to her child, have you? That little creature you sired?" Yet he always tried to keep things hidden from her.

Zeus

Zeus hummed his approval as Hera sat. He spread his thighs further to force her to dip into his inner muscle, his eyes gleaming as she kissed him. He parted her lips softly with his tongue, a thick thumb and forefinger cupping her chin. He paused though completely at the name 'Demeter'. Since when did Hera speak of Demeter? And since when did Demeter require his assistance? His fingers gently rubbed at Hera's belly, though, it was apparent he was becoming more hesitant. It seemed Hera was not only here for affection.

Ah.

The reason.

Persephone.

Zeus sighed. Demeter would simply have to cope. He had gifted the wretch to Hades, and really, if Demeter were wise, she would thank Hades for so generously taking the miscreation off her hands! True, no one had told her of Persephone's whereabouts, but Apollo most likely would. It mattered not. Persephone was as good as sold. Still though, why was Hera upset? She made it clear soon enough though.

"Hera…" Zeus sighed, pulling from her only to place a hand over his eyes. "You are not actually angry over an incident that happened well over a decade ago, are you?" How she knew was beyond him. It wasn't as if Demeter told… He raised his brows from under his hand, snorting. "I have done nothing to the girl." A half lie. Zeus had truly done nothing physical. "And Demeter really should not be so hard-hearted to part with the girl. You though," he lifted his hand, "make me tired. I hope this will not turn into an emotional discussion, Hera. You can see, wife, I have much to do." Zeus was not a perfect husband. He had struck Hera before, certainly. He had actually done so not too long ago, when the birth of Pirithous, his son, had been announced, and she had taken to the news badly. He didn't like to though, if it made a difference. The Golden God did feel a bit bad though… that she found out now, so late… but was it not better than being forced to coddle a deformed babe when Demeter had lived no more than a few minutes away? Nay, the secret life of his bastard child had been a blessing.

Sitting back up, he kissed Hera's brow. "I will always return to your bed – how often must I reassure you of my love for only you?" He then kissed at her protruding tummy. "Your children are the only ones in line for the throne, the only with titles. Does that not bring you pleasure, my wife?"

Hera

"I am not eager to argue," she responded quite coolly. She cocked a brow. "I never said I was angry either. Was merely asking a question, yes? It does concern you, after all." She watched him as he moved, obviously agitated and tired. She was pushing his patience, anyway, by just being there. And everything could set him off just as it could for her. Both were volatile, but she was easier to push over the edge than he was. Most certainly. But she also knew how to play her cards right, bite her tongue, and wait to let her anger out somewhere else to not get on his bad side or give him the satisfaction of getting under her skin. No one bet Amphitrite and Poseidon on that game, though.

However, when he began to speak about proving his love, her lips curled into a smile though it was more or less humorless. "Do not waste your breath. I did not come here to debate our relationship." Her hand came to rest on his head as he kissed her abdomen, her eyes following his every motion. "Yes, I guess it does." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and allowed a single, slender finger to trace his cheek bone. "I shall allow you to dwell on that, my husband... and not to be surprised if anything happens. I am your loyal wife." She slid out of his lap and touched his shoulder before turning away. "Just do not be late for our evening meal. For once some of our children agreed to grace us with their presence. Including your wayward little boy who appears to have been kicked out to look like a beaten puppy whose teeth haven't been filed." Of course speaking about Ares. Ares almost never appeared for such intimate occasions but he did when he had absolutely nothing better to do and needed a place to sulk. He was extremely loyal to his father, but that didn't mean he would suck up to him or desire to be at his feet every moment.

Then, she was gone.

Demeter

"My daughter was taken by Hades." The words parted from her lips as she dismounted, passing through the servants asking her if they would like her to call for Hera.

"My daughter was taken by Hades." Her voice grew louder as she started shoving past people, pinning them to walls with her vines, her eyes straight ahead.

"My daughter was taken by Hades."

"Lady Demeter!" She heard her name but it sounded as if it were a million miles away. Demeter had already slammed open the doors to Zeus's apartments, into his libraries.

"My daughter was taken by Hades!" The Harvest Goddess fell to the floor, weeping.

Zeus

Zeus hard heard the door open after Hera had departed, thinking it odd that Ares was going to their evening meal. He turned. "Hera, was there anything…" Seeing his Harvest sister fall to the floor instead, he was on his feet and at her side in a moment. "Demeter?" He caught her before she hit the ground, eyes boring into her, hands careful, tentative, fingers firm though in cupping her. "Demeter, darling – what are you doing here?" He said quietly, trying to hush her with a gentle rocking of his body, though a pang of guilt ran through him before she even spoke. He could hardly hear her in between sobs, her fingers clutching at his toga.

"M-my daughter! My daughter was taken! B-by Hades! Zeus… help!"

Zeus couldn't look his previous lover in the eye, his fingers brushing over her head the other arm wrapping around her waist. "Sister… Demeter… I did not know you would…"

"My only daughter!" Demeter jerked up, grasping at the face of her youngest brother, fingers squeezing into his skin. "My babe, my only! He has stolen her… I fear raped her! Bring… her… back!" Her eyes closed and her hands felt idly, holding her breast. "You must!"

"Demeter…" Zeus lifted them up, his arms supporting the woman's waist. "Demeter, listen to me… you… you should go back, my darling. You should go home."

"But… Persephone! I know he has her! Apollo has seen her, Apollo has told me!" The Goddess shook her head. "You can save her! You can, for me! Please, please, my brother!" In desperation, her sloppy hands pulled herself up to press against his lips. Her mouth found his, and she pulled away quickly. "I will do anything!" Demeter chocked, her hands reaching downward to find his length, to grip him.

Zeus immediately felt something curl in his loins, but… he could not help her. He would be taking her once more without anything to give to her in return. And he would not rape his sister again. Not now. Not after Hades had made so clearly how pained it had made him. But Zeus was also a coward. And he would not admit he had given Persephone has a bride. Nay, he would feign ignorance. "That is not my realm," the Golden God decided to say, though his normally booming voice was strangely quiet, regretful, pulling Demeter's small hands from around the fabric of his cock, holding them to kiss the knuckles, before setting them at her waist. "And that is not a girl I am willing to start war for." He frowned, kissing her head after. "I am truly sorry Demeter."

Demeter pulled away, "Zeus… Zeus I need you!"

"I… I cannot… Demeter, my dear… this is out of my hands…" He sighed, reaching to cup her cheek, but Demeter's hand found Zeus's face faster in a resounding slap.

"You will not help?!" Demeter screamed, shelves falling in her wake. "You will do nothing?" Her face was completely split. Fury and unbounded pain. "You will not do this for me?!"

"Demeter – go home." Zeus commanded, barely touching at the red mark upon his face. He was starting to lose his patience – he did not love his children the same way Demeter loved her monster. He thought her a dramatic. "There is nothing I can do."

"Then you start war with me instead of our villainous brother! I will destroy everything I can until I have Persephone home with me once more!" Zeus rolled his eyes, gritting his teeth.

"Demeter, go home! I command it of you."

"This is my child! This is my…"

"Demeter!" Zeus's voice shook now, his gaze set on hers. "I will not take your insubordination for another moment – I cannot save your daughter, and I suggest you quickly learn to live with my decision." A thin line was all of Zeus's lips.

The Goddess stared, completely taken aback, and she shivered lightly. That only lasted for a moment though, before the Goddess nodded her head, determination her only focus. "I will leave." She said slowly. "I will leave, oh yes!" The Goddess's voice cracked, once more atrociously loud. "And please, please enjoy the harvest, brother for it is the last that will ever be!" Her fists clenched. "I will have my daughter." This was not screamed. Only spoken. A promise. Demeter swept from the room, paintings falling, walls cracking as she moved, not only in Zeus's chambers, but throughout any hallway that saw her wrath.

Zeus sighed, watching her receding form. It would be best not to go after her. He refused to believe his sister would make good on her promise… though it did unnerve him. The God slumped back to the floor, his hand over his head. He pinched the bridge of his, staring at the ruined work now surrounding him in scraps of paper. "Oh Gods…" He groaned.

Hera

Hera was in the doorway, had been for some time. How could she not return with such a ruckus? And to see Zeus shout at Demeter? How could she miss such a show? But she had also been wise enough to avoid her older sister when she made her way to storm out. She didn't want to stand before her with her unborn babe between her and her murderous sister. Thus, when she was gone, she slipped into the room, her husband on the floor with his hands on his head. His work was scattered everywhere. She was in an incredibly good mood, though. He had denied Demeter the pleasure she could give him. Of course that only soured the relationship with her sister further. She moved to him and knelt at his back, slender arms sliding around her shoulders and neck. "All will be well," she told him, lips brushing the side of his head. Her belly was pressed to his back, still small enough that her breasts could as well, soft against that strong, firm back. She rested her head above his shoulder and took one of the hands that held his head to hold it in her own.

"You did well," she complimented him with obvious pleasure in her voice. "Let me aid you. Your hard work has been thrown into chaos! You are stressed, my darling. Let us fix this together, alright? Demeter is simply upset. She will have time to calm down. Perhaps we should find her a husband to give her a new child, a family... and not that... child she is throwing a fit over. But now, put it to the back of your troubled mind." She slid around him and took his face into her hands. She kissed him soundly, lips curled into a content smile. "Let me ease that stress. Come, let us fix what has been ruined, yes? As your wife, should I not?"

She carefully stood, a ripple of pain through her lower back but she straightened and gripped his hand. She hoped he wouldn't be irritated with her. He tended to be very volatile at these times - could lean in either direction - safe, or dangerous to her. She just hoped he wouldn't do her harm because or the babe she carried. He rarely struck her, though. Not unless she did something incredibly irritating to him to bring about his wrath. She truly did love him and want the best for him. But her haughty, jealous manner usually got in her way. Especially when his lusts couldn't be fully sated by her alone.

Zeus

Zeus felt his shoulders tense as a pair of arms encircled him and looked back to gaze upon his wife, his chest heavy as he sighed. "I cannot stand such hysteria," the Golden God declared, her soft body melting pliantly against him. He was in no mood to make love with Hera though, nay. Zeus was frustrated: not angry, not yet. Just… irritated. Thick fingers entwined with thin, and he kissed at her hand idly, though his mind was elsewhere. His work was in shatters, his sister was currently in the midst of a complete and utter breakdown. Zeus did not believe Demeter… necessarily. She loved her Earth too much to strike it barren, did she not? That was the question that rang through his head: Did she not? How far was she willing to go?

"A new husband…" He spoke, only to let his bride know that he was paying attention. "Poseidon was the best husband – none better Demeter could ask for – a King who would lavish her in anything she wanted and never fail in his attentions." The God of the Sea was almost as insatiable as the God of Heavens. Remaining faithful, Zeus was uncertain, but the sex life would be as constant as the waves. "And yet he gives it all to a sea nymph – a whore who does not want all that is bestowed upon her." The Golden God spat. His disdain for Amphitrite came when the Oceanid would not sleep with him… and Zeus could not very well rape her then – his gaze only focused on her after she was married to his very powerful brother. If she had spoken of such crimes committed, Zeus was not sure exactly how the Earth would far when the sea took fury. If the rage would be nonstop and constant. He did not risk it, only slighted the woman whenever possible. Amphitrite never seemed to care though… something else highly irritating to him.

You could see in the veins of the God's neck he was growing more and more furious, his breathe hot as he refused the sound kiss, unresponsive, eyes narrowed. "I have to leave," He said suddenly, standing, pulling from Hera, though really, he wanted to clasp her hand tightly, break it. Tell her there was nothing she could fix now – she was heavy with their child and her body was not something lustful – was something he wished to avoid. How it infuriated him that she still thought she could sate his needs in such a state. To punish her for this. The rational, good part of Zeus knew though of his love for his bride. His love for their children and how beautifully she carried them. And he would not cause her unnecessary pain. Not if she remained firmly out of his way. "I cannot have you in the same room as me, wife." His voice was rough and clipped. "I am not sound of mind." He walked stiffly, slowly, through the halls of his rooms, slamming the doors closed in his wake.

The sky was filling with clouds.

He made it to the stables without bother, no one after seeing the furrowed brow, daring to speak to their Lord. Zeus undid his own horses, saddled his own chariot, and whipped off. He needed to find something to take his fury out upon. All he could think of were the different ways Demeter slighted him, his choices, and now, taunted him with insolence.

Hera

He refused her kiss, why? She blinked, lowering her hands some with her lips pulled down a fraction in confusion. However, Hera tensed, startled when he reacted violently. She was still when he stood and proclaimed that he had to leave. He was obviously angry with her. It took her a moment to realize why. Her face began to grow red and she stood as he slammed the door behind him with the final words of saying he could not be in the same room as her. "You idiot, you... you bastard!" she shrieked after him, stomping her foot childishly. "I did not mean like that!" Was that all that was ever on his mind? Sex? That was what he wanted to fix his problems? He thought she meant sleeping with him? No! She truly wished to help him, that ruined mess of his work, to help him clean it up again, to help him think of a way to deal with their sister. That bastard! And he only twisted the knife with his very clear words of saying he had absolutely no desire for her. Her fists were clenched tightly before she pulled at her hair, swearing to herself with angry tears forming in her green eyes. Damn him, he had no right to do this to her!

She stormed over to his desk and began to gather up all his papers and other articles, bending over with care - though with far less care than she should have - and beginning to pile it all up. Her lips were still curled down into a deep, furious frown, her brows dipped. She began to sort them, lying them out with things he had done and not done, then further breaking down what had yet to be finished. The room was cleaned quickly with a simple command of her will, but something like this delicate task she preferred to do with her own two hands to avoid mistakes. When she was finished, she sank into his chair and ran her fingers through her hair. She damned her child now. She did not want it. Her husband wanted nothing to do with her when she was with child. He found pleasure elsewhere... like he probably was at that moment. She placed her hand over her abdomen, face twisting in an expression that could have been anger... perhaps grief, or a mixture of both.

Perhaps she should just abort it and be done with it. Convince her husband she had miscarried... so what if he loved his children dearly and would never allow her to lay a hand on them? Like he would believe that. She didn't just… miscarry. But, they were in her way when in her womb. She would not stand for him going to another woman for comfort because he could not think of her in desire when she had his child. Yes... yes, she would have to. She would not have another child... not if he did this to her! Now that he was away... gone... he would not be returning for some time most likely.

She was going to throw a tantrum.

dum dum dum

Now let's go take a look back at the underworld, shall we, and see what Demeter is going to make a mess of?