Well, this experiment is going horribly. Does anyone like this story? Should I just go write that big Hades/Hera epic or try and reconnect with Hades and Persephone and just write them a by-the-book romance? Well, until I hear otherwise, I'm going to try and see this through. We are now entering the part of the story that will intersect with the myth. Yes, now, after 11 chapters. Sorry! I do hope you like what I've written.

As always, PLEASE REVIEW!

Much love, Cat

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Note: I was undecided about what kind of animal to go with as I don't have a ton of knowledge about Ancient Greek wildlife but I decided to take a cue from the tale of the Erymanthian Boar. I also chose to add in the scythe of Cronus. Let's say that because of Gaia it would be able to open up the earth and that Rhea might have gifted it to Hades. I don't know. I'll probably play with the idea more later.

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Persephone hadn't been sure how best to proceed. Should she try and sneak past all of her mother's spies in the middle of the night? Should she pretend to be going somewhere and then slip away from her guards? In the end, she and Hades had decided the best course of action would be to tell the truth. Or a version of it. She had been on her best behavior for weeks and though her mother had initially been suspicious of her activities, Persephone was certain she had lured her into lowering her guard. They had actually been getting along, though only because Persephone acquiesced to everything Demeter asked, and though she was loathe to exploit her mother's new sense of trust, she knew that it had to be done to escape her influence. After much pleading and cajoling, Demeter had finally consented to allowing Persephone to survey the grain harvest without an escort. Persephone planned to meet Hades in one of the fields to discuss their next move.

A few miles from the house, she slipped into a copse of trees and removed the dark cloak from her satchel, making sure to conceal her face and every last strand of her notable golden hair before reemerging. Although Demeter had permitted this outing, Persephone knew better than to believe she had abandoned all wariness and she might still be commanding one of her spies to keep watch. Having left the house much earlier than their agreed upon meeting time, Persephone adopted a leisurely pace as she made her way to the field. It was a such a beautiful day. She took a moment to breathe in the scent of freshly tilled earth as she began to approach the mortals' crops and lifted her face slightly to feel the warmth of the sun. Allowing herself a small indulgence, she broke into a run as she tore through the stalks of grain, feeling them brush harmlessly past the thick fabric of her cloak as the momentum of her legs seemed to carry her to the promise of freedom. Reaching the end of the path she stopped, laughing breathlessly at her own folly. The joyfully reckless feeling that coursed through her reminded her of when Apollo had begun to court her.

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Emerging from one of the caverns that led up to the mortal realm, Hades mentally prepared for his meeting with Persephone. He was not such a fool that he didn't see why her pleas for help would be so appealing to him. But he had to stop picturing her as a version of Hera that he could rescue. He was too old for fantasies of playing the gallant hero. Constantly drawing parallels between the two women was clouding his judgment.

He had turned the problem over in his mind since their last encounter in the dream realm and he thought he had devised a solution. There was a still an element of risk and either way, Demeter was sure to be furious but he was past caring about the censure of the other gods. He had effectively been ostracized since Zeus had at least attempted to put an end to his relationship with Hera. He cared little for what anyone might think.

Spying a cloaked figure from his position at the top of the hill, he was about to call out to her when he spotted something large and ominous stalking around the edges of the field. As the beast continued to approach, it took on the shape of a wild boar. Not wanting to frighten the creature into possibly attacking, Hades drew on the reins, spurring his team forward towards the sea of grain. Stalks of grain were trampled under the hooves of his massive horses as Hades' chariot charged towards Persephone. Though the gods were immortal, they were not invulnerable and the boar might be able to do a great deal of damage.

Hearing the thunder of hooves, Persephone turned to greet her uncle. Her eyes widened as she took in the imposing figure racing towards her with a fierce expression. His features seemed set in stone but his eyes were wild with determination and fury. Persephone let out a helpless cry as the stallions threatened to overtake her.

It was at that moment that the boar chose to charge.

Unable to conceive of an alternate remedy in the moment, Hades changed course and reached out a strong arm to sweep Persephone up into the chariot beside him. He raised the scythe of Cronus and used it to strike the ground, opening up a chasm in the earth into which they descended.

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Not editing or overthinking. Just writing it and going with it. I hoped you liked my attempt at an action chapter.

PLEASE REVIEW!

Much love, Cat