A new Goddess is born:
Rage brought the mint to life. Love bore the hope for the deceased.
There was no time for nightmares or the sound of pounding hooves across the black decay of the Underworld floor. Already she stood before one god. Zeus. He dressed himself presentably, there was an air around him giving off the feeling of respect. Eyes bore deep upon Persephone who stood in front of his elder brother rather than beside him like a frightened child. The days he gave for both mortal and god to debate were up. Already he held his respected godly weapon in his right hand, waiting to strike Persephone with the chore of seasons.
"Persephone. Have you made your final decision?"
The words didn't boom. There was no light hearted chuckle like before when the banquet lay in the background.
Briefly Persephone turned her head, looking towards Hades. To her dismay he only bore eyes for his brother. Persephone knew they made peace but the hatred seemed to be healing over that momentary bond they held not so long ago. Looking away Persephone looked back towards Zeus. Her head nodded in a bow, she heard the sound of his armour clinking as he shifted.
"My decision is that, I wish to take upon your role. But.." - She held her hand silencing Zeus, who looked rather taken back. The gentle sound of Hades chuckling behind her, made her cheeks glow. - "I wish to take on the role of working beside Hades."
Zeus would've spluttered had he not deemed it ungodly. He did however stutter. Hands clenched into fists, Persephone knew that he saw this as being some sort of trick. Stepping forward, Persephone bowed herself respectfully making both brothers stare at her in wonder of her boldness.
"I know its much to ask, but I love Lord Hades..."
The silence thickened as Zeus looked down towards the young mortal who proved many times, how strong willed she was.
Three days previously...
"Your going to bite through to the bone if you keep that up."
Persephone spun around. Though the voice was firm there was lightness mixed in. Persephone watched in humiliation as Hecate stood in the door way of her shared bedchamber, holding two goblets filled to the brim steaming with heated mixed fruits. The dog was no where to be seen, no doubt he was asleep back in Hecate's room.
Pushing aside her selfish thoughts of embarrassment Persephone, stepped forward greeting the newly formed friend with an unsteady smile.
"I was hoping we would meet on better terms.."
Hecate laughed gently knowing well what Persephone spoke about. It always seemed the slow growing friends, meet in times of hardship. Handing one of the goblets to Persephone, the young mortal took a moment to inhale the fumes of freshly picked fruits. Bringing the goblet to her lips she blew against the steam before taking a small sip. Sighing Persephone placed herself down on the padded chest situated at the foot of the shared bed.
Hecate wasn't one to stand on ceremony. She placed herself down beside Persephone, their knees brushed together. The feeling wasn't awkward more comforting for Persephone, who tried to stop the trembles creeping through her body.
"You love Hades, but your respectful wishes towards Zeus bind you in frustration."
Persephone looked towards Hecate. Did her body posture make it so obvious. Sighing when Hecate didn't give her an answer Persephone nodded her head, turning to burry her face in the goblet.
Rising a heated hand Hecate lightly rubbed soothing circles upon Persephone's shoulder blade. The simple action seemed to work as she felt the muscles slacken. Bringing herself away from the heat of the drink, Persephone closed her eyes concentrating on the warmth radiating through her body.
"Lord Hades spoke to me about the role he offered to you." - Persephone hummed in acknowledgement. - "There is a way to make both gods and yourself happy."
The words gained Persephone's attention as both eyes opened, they shimmered with gratitude while at the same time fear. Placing the goblet down on a table which sprouted from the ground, Hecate pulled out a pomegranate from the inside of her sleeve. Persephone stared at the fruit. It seemed like the regular fruit Hades would bring from the upper land but something about the wrinkled flesh made Persephone's heart leap.
It was fruit from the Underworld.
Now...
Persephone had risen back to her full height. Zeus in return stepped down from his throne to stand in front of the mortal, who tried to bargain.
"We need you here Persephone."
Zeus tried to keep his voice even, but it tipped in the typical sound of anger. Though Zeus learnt to be more patient and to listen, when there was a crisis he would slowly retort back to the early days.
Pushing aside all fear Persephone rose her chin. She wasn't going to allow herself to get bullied. The one man who used to do that now resigned in Tarturas.
"I know. I respect you wishes Zeus, but I know a way to make it right."
Persephone stepped back, not out of respect or childish fear. She starred around at the bare empty thrones wondering where the other gods had been pushed to, so that the meeting could be taken place in privacy. Her hand slipped within the warmth of her sleeve, fingers stroked against her bare flesh trying to find the key Hecate gave her before leaving the Underworld.
Hands clasped onto it moments before her heart reached the tightness of her throat.
Showing her hand, resting in the palm was half a pomegranate. The juices dribbled making Persephone's hand sticky, though all she did was calmly pluck out six seeds as she spoke to Zeus.
"You need help to even out the seasons. Demeter has been working hard, she is a goddess I respect. For without her the farm I used to live wouldn't bring in enough money to keep a roof over my head."
Zeus glanced over Persephone's shoulder towards Hades expecting an explanation. However to the gods fascination he found that Hades was just as confused as himself. Looking back he saw that Persephone hid the fruit while keeping the seeds at eye level. They shimmered like freshly cut rubies. A faint gasp passed Zeus's lips. Only seeds from the Underworld held such mysterious beauty.
Glancing towards Persephone he saw the determination in her eyes.
"Please, continue."
Zeus spoke knowing that Persephone waited for his approval. Hades began to move forward growing restless, wanting to know what was happening. Taking a deep breath Persephone continued.
"I offer myself to Olympus for six months, to help with the seasons and anything else Demeter needs assistance with. For the rest of the year I wish to resign in the Underworld. To keep the seasons at level, may I suggest Demeter taking a break, giving the world back its winter months."
Zeus watched. Eyes conflicting from starring at the stiff upper lip of Persephone, to the shimmering seeds. Gripping tightly of his weapon he nodded his head.
"It shall be done."
Persephone brought three seeds to her mouth and chewed. The sweetness made heat rise within her neck, she felt a sudden weight upon her body. Bringing the last few, to quivering lips they disappeared into her mouth willingly joining the others in the pit of her stomach.
Walking forward in haste Hades looked towards Persephone, he saw the remaining juices upon her hand, could smell the pomegranate on her tongue. Most of all he felt the change within her. Putting two and two together Hades, grew furious. Gripping hold of Persephone's shoulders he spun her towards him forcing their eyes to stare deep into one another.
"Persephone... please"
Persephone felt her heart clench hearing the desperation in Hades voice. She rose her hand to cup his cheek only to watch as he pulled his head back. Turning Hades looked towards his brother, his eyes narrowed.
"Undo it!" - Hades bellowed. - "She deserves to be with me through choice, not because its forced!"
Starring at his brother Zeus was confused. The actions Persephone played out were by her own hand. He saw the look in her eyes, knowing how much it hurt her to have to half her time with Hades, but such an act wouldn't bind her up here, she could return if she pleased if Demeter didn't have any work for her, if the seasons were slow.
"Brother.." - Zeus spoke in a calm tone. - "This was her choice. It has been done."
The anger boiling inside of Hades was enough to heat up Tarturas for a year. He clenched Persephone's arms so tightly Zeus even winced, when she whimpered. There wasn't much he could do. To suggest he was hurting Persephone would only make the elder brother more angry. Looking away the sudden darkness in the room signalled their disappearance. Hades was so angry he forgot that he came in a chariot.
Stepping down the last few steps, Zeus would request Hermes to take the chariot back later on. Though Persephone still bore her mortal body, it would be changed when Demeter returned from her duties. Zeus knew it wouldn't be long, he could only hope that his brother saw how lucky he was before Persephone had to leave.
Entering the bed chamber (the only private place) Persephone felt terrified. Her arms throbbing, no doubt they would be bruised by the morning. Fighting back tears Persephone couldn't help but grimace when Hades finally let go. Her legs felt like jelly but she refused to sit down.
Hades stood in front of Persephone, the anger he felt towards the mortal was one he continued comprehend.
"What gave you the idea, of doing something so foolish?!"
The shout caused the room to tremble. Persephone forced to make eye contact with the god, hoping to somehow ease the bitter anger which had taken over him so quickly. Opening her mouth Persephone let out a strangled yelp as her head snapped to the side. Tears burned in her eyes, she turned slowly towards Hades as she covered the glowing redness of her cheek.
There was no remorse to be found in his eyes after the hit. Instead he held both hands as if in defeat, turned around and stormed out of the room the door slamming shut behind him.
Persephone fell into a sea of pillows. Her burning face buried deep as she wept, shoulders quivering sweat trickling down her back. She didn't hear the low whining sound, or feel the dip in the bed as Hecate's dog joined her. His furry head resting upon her shoulder blade in an attempt to comfort the weeping mortal.
Near the throne room...
Hades stormed through the corridors like a mad man. Eyes burned deep coal black. Hair shimmered elegant ebony. He wanted to rip out the hairs from his scalp. Reaching the two thrones, the pale marble one he formed for Persephone starred back as if mocking him, hand rising in an attempt to punch it, he was stopped not by his own defensives but by a voice.
Turning around he starred down at Hecate. The eyes bore no confusion, no doubt she heard the outburst in the chambers.
Sighing Hades lowered his arm as he walked down the steps only to stop as he sat down on the last one harshly. Hecate winced at the sound. Moving forward she couched next to Hades, who seemed to be on the verge of tears. Never before had she seen the elder god so vulnerable. Hecate knew not to pity. Turning she placed herself on the step beside Hades, making no move to comfort him like she'd done for Persephone earlier in the week.
"My lord, you can't remain angry at her." - The grunt made Hecate arch a brow but made no comment. - "She loves you, everything she's done is because of it."
Hades wanted to argue like a stubborn toddler. Wanted to shout that it was because of his brother she only choose, to remain here. He couldn't find it in his heart to believe she would willingly remain down by his side. Dragging a hand down his face he let out a low sigh, eyes slowly dimming back to their original colour.
"I spoke with her, days before the due date of speaking to Zeus. She needed comfort, needed guidance." - Hades turned his head slowly towards Hecate. - "She wanted this Hades."
Hecate turned looking towards Hades, knowing full well he knew that she gave Persephone the idea. Hades was speechless. Hands curled he felt betrayed, this was a conversation he should've had with Persephone. Standing himself he walked away from Hecate only to start pacing in front of her. Hecate made no move to stop the animal behaviour, instead she watched waiting knowing she was within striking distance.
Finally Hades came to a stop his back facing Hecate as he heaved.
"She's trapped here."
Hecate tilted her head starring at the back of Hades head, trying to work out what was making him tick. Hades turned around. Hecate couldn't hold back the gasp. Tears streaked down Hades face as his chin quivered. Standing herself up Hecate walked towards Hades, she didn't hug him only stood looking deep into his eyes, knowing why he felt the way he did.
"Go to her. She needs you just as much as you need her."
Closing his eyes in a bid to stop the flow it only seemed to encourage the urge to weep. Sighing Hades nodded his head. Turning himself around he walked away from Hecate. The faithful helper wouldn't be punished, if anything it was he who deserved the sting of a slap.
Bed chamber...
Entering the room feeling guilty for not having knocked Hades was greeted with the image of Persephone laying her stomach, her head turned to the side to prevent the danger of suffocation. Upon her shoulder lay a hairy head which rose, before snarling in anger towards the weeping god who leant against the door as if just running a marathon. It seemed even the dog knew what had happened.
Rising his hand up he tried to hush the animal as he stepped forward.
Lowering his head back upon the shoulder blade of the sleeping Persephone, the dog watched Hades carefully ready to strike at any unforgiving movement.
As Hades scooted upon the bed laying himself down so that his forehead brushed against her own, the dog seemed to either trust Hades or was called by Hecate as he moved from Persephone taking his leave through the door without the need for it to be opened.
"Persephone?"
Hades whimpered. He would've scorched himself for sounding so pathetic but instead, he only watched with wide eyes as Persephone began to stir out of her slumber. Eyelids flickered as she rose her head briefly almost in a trance, Hades winced seeing the after effect of his hit. It had turned a light purple colour. Luckily the flesh hadn't become puffy.
"H- ades?"
The word stuttered due to sleep, she looked towards the familiar face only to find herself growing concerned over the man who hit her. He was crying. Moving forward she dragged her fingers through his hair trying to catch his tears with her thumb. Persephone knew she should be angry with him, but right now she just wanted to make what ever hurt him stop.
Persephone was about to ask only to have her just snapped shut as Hades blubbered.
"I'm sorry Persephone, I never meant to hurt you."
Quickly moving forward she pressed a kiss against his quivering lips tasting the saltiness of his tears. Pulling back she looked towards Hades, quietly whimpering as he placed a cool hand against her cheek, she knew that he was healing her trying to make up for his aggressive mistake.
"I forgive you.."
She whispered. The words weren't spoken because that is what she thought Hades wanted to hear, she meant them. Though he hurt her she was more scared of losing him. Hades would have jumped for joy had he not wound his arms around her bringing her close to him, their noes bumping as legs became entangled. He kissed all over her face making sure to be extra careful with her cheek, which by now had fully healed.
Persephone giggled as his beard tickled. Pulling back they both looked at one another. Hades knew the next time he would see her, Persephone would be a goddess. Such a thought terrified him, but at the same time he couldn't help but think how much the role would suit her.
Hades used his magic to banish their clothing apart from their under clothing. The blanket crept over them wrapping them in warmth. Persephone snuggled against the strong chest of Hades, knowing that tomorrow she would have to leave, for six gruelling months.
"My Persephone.."
The words whispered, Persephone felt her cheeks blush while her heart leapt. Resting her cheek against his chest she sighed.
"My Hades.."
As she listened to his steady heart beat she smiled gently, already looking forward to when she would be back in his arms, after her fist six months as a newly formed goddess.
Can I just say this chapter was really hard to write. There were many ideas for this section, which didn't get used because, even though Hades is angry I didn't want to portray him as a monster. (Underworld already has plenty of those...)
Finally Persephone has gained her position. Not sure if this is how you wonderful readers were expecting it to happen, but I didn't want to make it obvious or typical.
Please leave a review. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
- Signed The Broken Ghost
P.S The subheading is a clue to a future chapter in this story.