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Disclaimer: I do not own the myth of Hades and Persephone

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Chapter 14: Meeting of the Gods (and Goddesses)

A Self-Sufficient Rose

The gods assembled in the war room. It was dark, allowing only a few rays of light in fear of someone trying to find out their plan. Ares, the god of war, was usually placed in charge when trouble from the humans comes along. The map took up most of the large table that was surrounded by the gods with Athena and Artemis joining. I lay out of all of kingdoms and small villages of Greece. Zeus was at Ares' side, looking at the map to see what damage had been done.

"Alright, settle," announced Ares. The room quieted feeling anxious. "Now," he continued with his deep, booming voice, "There has been a trail of villages and markets that have not given us their offerings. At first I thought the mortals have been lazy, then I noticed a trend on the outskirts of those said places where there are smaller towns that have been delivering there offerings in double."

"Is it not better to be wise and punish the mortals for their ignorance?" questioned Zeus.

"No, that would be ignorant to do ourselves since we do not know the cause of these actions," Athena said calmly.

Then Ares continued speaking, "It appears that the offerings are not for us, they are made to the old order. The Titans seem to be making a comeback," he finished worriedly. The room became silent and then became filled with questions.

"Why is that?!"

"Do those mortals not remember the brutality of Cronus?!"

They spoke and shouted and no matter what Ares and Zeus did they would not stop talking or shouting.

"ENOUGH!" a deep voice boomed into the room. Hades, who spent his time in the corner of the War Room, recognized who it was. Walking into the room was Thanatos in his black battle armor and red cape; he was the one who had spoken. On the other side of him was Hypnos with a serious look in his face (for once) wearing a more traditional Greek armor with a white cape. Behind them in the middle was Persephone wearing armor that was silver, the same as a knight's except it hugged her body more showing femininity.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Zeus slammed his fists hard against the table, "Hades, control that wife of yours!"

Hades just shrugged his shoulders, "She may be my wife but she is also her own person. She is not a servant bound to me."

Zeus was starting to get angry. The gods didn't know what to make of this and Artemis was trying to figure what Persephone was planning. Finally, Persephone walked in front of the brothers and spoke, "Zeus, the meaning of this abrupt interruption is to stop you from making a horrible decision," she finished as she reached the table. "I know what is going on down there and it's not what you think at all. The humans are frightened."

"Really? And what is scaring them, Underworld mistress?" Zeus retorted.

"In the time I had spent on Earth, there are legends of these monsters that take the life source of organisms. Many of them are known to drink blood of humans and are modernly known as Vampires."

The room became silent and Ares spoke, "Vampires?"

"Or we know them here as the 'Vrykolakas'. They seem to have evolved over time into vampires since they were originally humans that turned into wolves."

"What evidence do you have of this?" Zeus asked.

"Well, being the 'Underworld mistress' does have its advantages. The numbers of deaths have been increasing and I had managed to receive some information from the spirits who have died in those villages. They claim that these creatures came out at night, with fire in their eyes and fangs of boars. All this, and their city burned..." she finished.

"So," Hades joined, "The humans are having doubt in us. We have become lazy in participating with mankind… The reason why we have not been receiving offerings is because man has believed we have turned our backs on him, now they are turning to the Titans in hopes to bring these means to an end."

What could be said about the dead silence that swept the room? Zeus' anger grew into embarrassment and Ares was wrong about his theory. Artemis grinned at the sight of the two men.

Athena stepped in, "Your majesty, since you have an understanding of these creatures, how can they be stopped?"

"Simple, even though Vrykolakas are deadly, they are not invincible. They can burn in sunlight and find garlic to be very potent. They can also die from fatal wounds."

Zeus gave a mocking laugh, "Is that all? This should be easy. Ares, you and some of the other gods will go to Earth, it should not take long."

"Actually, your highness, I believe it would be better if Persephone led. She has a far better understanding of these creatures than I do."

Athena spoke, "I must agree with Ares on this. I also have no knowledge of these creatures and must also insist that Queen Persephone led us into battle."

The others in the room seem to murmur in agreement except for Zeus and Hades.

"I am afraid I must inject. Queen Persephone must not come with us," Hades interrupted. Persephone looked at him in surprise.

"I'm sorry, but why not? I have an understanding of these creatures and I have learned combat for battle."

Hades didn't want to cause a scene so he leaned in whispered, "Can we not talk about this now?" making sure no one could hear him but her. Persephone stared at him angrily.

"Why not take a vote? The kind of vote Persephone told us about in the human world," Artemis suggested.

"Yes, it would be fair. All those in favor her majesty, Queen Persephone, say 'Aye'," Athena announced.

A chorus of voices replied with "Aye."

"Of those opposed?"

"No!" only Hades and Zeus responded.

"The 'Aye's have it. It is your choice now, my lady," Athena looked at Persephone. Persephone looked her husband who just shook his head, almost pleadingly, but Persephone turned to the room and spoke.

"My fellow godsmen, I accept your vote," she bowed.

The crowd clapped excitedly while Zeus was rising in heat from embarrassment. Hades was fumed with anger and slammed the doors open, walking out without Persephone. Persephone watched as her husband's back slowly disappear.

….

Are Persephone and Hades starting their first fight? But why is Hades so mad? Thanks for reading!

~Insanity