Falling Petals

Author's Note: Sorry about the wait, College has been keeping me occupied. Along with interviews about internships and unbelievably laptop problems, again, but I'm back! I'll try to keep up. Also Merry Christmas!

He was here

In Olympus,

He wasn't trespassing

He wasn't breaking the rules,

He was invited

By my father of all people,

And by the stares of everyone else

I could tell he wasn't welcomed,

Yet I wanted him

It was the very first day of spring

And as the soft pink petals fell around him

I couldn't help but admire the contrast,

But then I began to wonder

About what a world

without blooming flowers would be like

Olympus was bright,

It wasn't like the Underworld

that resembled the night,

It was filled with so much life,

So much happiness

Not an ounce of despair was within sight,

As I walked along the paths of the temple

I couldn't help but stare at the blooming petals

That fell from the blooming cherry trees

Opening the palm of my hand

I let one land on the center of my palm

and as I really looked at it

I wondered if life could ever be created

Within the depths of Hell

He was here

In my home

In her's,

I don't like it

But at the same time

I wanted him here

I wanted him to be my friend

But this was wrong

Very wrong

It went against everything we ever knew

Circled around the room stood all the parents of the nine children of the Gods and Goddesses. Each one wore a look of unease. The shifting of their feet and huffs of annoyance softly broke the tension in the air, but as soon as one opened their mouth to speak they quickly closed it. If they spoke they'd have to acknowledge that they were once more trying to approach the very same matter from the very beginning and that was not going to happen. Not by the look on Demeter's face or of the four strongest Gods and Goddess of the five kingdoms within Olympus. Having been summoned at the demand of Demeter the four quietly watched from their tables. Each one eying the image of each child the orb was displaying before shifting their gaze to the two opposing lovers. Zeus unlike before seemed to be the only one to agree with the solution at hand. His reasoning that they could once more try brought many looks of doubt. They'd be more vigilant he said. Past living successors of the five kingdoms stood behind their current leader. Each one looking at the other. Their years of wisdom seemed to be of no use at the moment. Erasing the memories of the young children had been unanimous and clearly, that had been a mistake. It had only made matters worse.

Each kingdom's children had remained the same way, not a year had passed for them thanks to the curse at hand. Their memories lied away by their parents bidding. Locked far in their minds its purpose served well. Zeus could no longer take this approach. He knew it was wrong they all did, but they feared the past more than they did the present. While the silence and tense stares remained. Each of their chosen teachers from the town of the Hidden Leaves of the select few stood quietly at their sides each one wearing a look of confusion all except for the copycat Titan. His look of resolve was clearly written on his face. His eyes did not waver once despite the countless looks thrown his way. He knew what group he would get. They were always placed in his care, and yet each result was the same. Yet his hope did not waver. He wanted them. In a way, they had become his family. One that he not only let down again. He lost three years of their lives, all which remained timeless and hidden from all and he vowed another would not pass.

Finally, after what seemed like centuries, Zeus moved forward his eyes rising in a challenge to Demeter. Both lovers glared at the other. 'If I can convince her. Everyone else will fall in line.'

"We can not keep reusing that damned spell. Our children and our people's children are frozen in time. This is wrong. Three human years have gone by. We are misusing our power. If this was happening to us we would not like it. Let's bring the children of the Underworld into Olympus...just for supervised classes. They'd learn control and would be a great foe in our practice battles. Not only would they benefit but so would we. We could even invite some of their elite warriors to guard our sacred temples and protect those more vulnerable. We'd learn to work with one another despite our differences. We wouldn't be having to keep them away from one another. The curiosity wouldn't rise. Neither would their desire. It's poss-."

"This is outrageous! How can you even propose that!? You know what happened the first time, and the second time was almost an exact reflection of that. Even the third time at our attempt it seemed to be happening exactly like the first two. Except for the fact that it was happening much faster. I am not about to let it happen once again, not a fourth time! I will not lose my daughter! Not again."

"She is my child as well Demeter! I won't let it happen."

"Then pray tell...how did she end up in the hands of Hades?"

"Curiosity. It was her curiosity that drove her to him. That drew them together. We told them not to go after one another. That's what made them do it. Even now we have no idea what really happened, not between Apollo, Hades or Persephone. We don't know exactly what happened with all nine of them. What involved them? We never did figure it out not after we erased their memories. We never did learn what drew all the kingdoms together. We don't know how the fight and chaos started! We would have known if not for our irrational decision!"

"Then why did you agree?"

"I was worried! I was scared for our children."

Clink!

"Worried? It sure didn't seem like it when you brought mortal women to bed and it sure doesn't seem like it now Zeus!"

Clink!

"How would you know? You don't even try to understand!? I'm her father and I'm always worried. Just like before I am now."

Moving between the two, Epimetheus spoke, "Everyone was Demeter. We were all afraid. Cronus escaped once, and we didn't want it to happen again, but creating a division between both realms won't fix anything."

Clink!

"If anything it will only ensure it will happen again."

Clink!

In a deep, raggy voice a God with a bandaged head, covered eye, black tunic and cane stepped forward. His only seeable eye twinkled with mirth as he spoke, "I say we kill them all. Rid ourselves of the Uchiha once and for all."

Immediately all the Gods spoke out in outrage and disbelief. Poseidon most of all. Standing upright the God of the Seas pulled his Triton out. The water from the fountain outside the temple rose into the air at his will. Weaving itself around everyone it curled around the frail looking form of Janus. With a clank, his cane fell. The voices of the other Gods rose in panic, the cursing from the Gods filled the air with a tinge of fear. With a slight pull of his hand, Janus was brought forward. His dark eyes meeting murderous purple. "I say we kill you, Janus."

"Poseidon! That's enough!" screamed Zeus but no matter how much he spoke and tried to reach them. The water curled around him and those who tried to steal the attention Poseidon had on Janus. Each movement strained as the cool blue liquid tightened its hold.

"My, my Poseidon what a fierce temper. Don't tell me you're upset because you yourself do not recall a single thing. Your loyalty to Hades has yet to waver, despite the knowledge you lack."

"I do not trust you, two face. Not with an ounce of my life, and I can't help but wonder why you would wish to be rid of the Uchiha. What are you hiding? Don't tell me they know one of your secrets?"

"..."

"So they do? That must scare you. Its no wonder why you want them gone."

"I am afraid of no one CHILD! Especially, not them."

"Doesn't seem like it and wasn't it you who forced Hades to eat the food of the Underworld. It's no wonder they detest you. He'd never be able to leave not without having to go back but that also brings up the question. Why did you make sure it was Hades who ate the food of the dead? Why not Thanatos or Orcus? Aren't they the most feared of the lot? Orcus has made his name well-known. It can't just be me who has heard these rumors. Especially when everyone has been told to flee on sight. As for Thanatos...the ever perfect prodigy. A gentle god of death, but deadly nonetheless. Everyone in the underworld knew from the very beginning not to eat anything unless it was from Olympus. It's been like that for years but somehow you ensured that Hades would eventually devour just a slim piece of nourishment. Forever trapped in the depths of hell."

"Why do you assume it was me?"

"Just like the serpent you too show interest in Hades. Perhaps it's his eyes. The Uchiha's eyes are a great weapon."

"Another good point Poseidon. That wretched snake wants the clan of the dead. It would be best to ensure he'd never get his hands on any of them."

Yet before Poseidon could retort another voice spoke, "No one will lay a hand on that clan!"

Sneering Janus snarled at the God of the sun and guardian of oaths. "Helios, you have no right to make such a declaration. You are no longer in power."

"Perhaps not but I will protect them. Not only because of my once dear friend Cronus, but they are innocent."

Sneering Janus glared to his left. His voice slowly rising in volume with each word he spoke, "Innocent? Ha! They are murderers. That's what they are good at. That's what they specialize in!"

With a jerk of movement, Poseidon brought the attention of Janus once more to himself, "Everyone has a specialty, Janus. They are better at battle than most but at the end. You are the one who we have to worry about."

"You never did like me Poseidon."

"Can you blame me? You just have that aura."

"Hm."

Placing his hand over his heart the third successor of Olympus spoke in a declaring voice, "Enough! Both of you. Zeus, I Epimetheus former ruler of the skies side with you in your decision to bring the children of the Underworld into Olympus to learn, including Hades."

For a moment no one said anything but slowly one by one each former leader and current ruler placed their hands over their heart. With their heads raised they each declared their allegiance to Zeus all except for Demeter who turned her back towards all of them. Her shaking form and power displaying her anger. As for the other rulers of the others kingdoms that lied within Olympus, they took agreed upon the very solution at hand before silently turning around and heading back home with their elders and warriors within hands reach. Yet upon returning to their kingdoms each ruler of the land of Earth, Lightning, Water, and Wind asked their warriors to be prepared for war. Commanding the teacher of war they each gave them the order to teach their children and future children the ways of battle. Especially with the current decision made within Olympus the Land of Fire.

When they snapped out their reminisce the first sound they heard was the sloshing water of the Styx river. Turning toward Persephone, Apollo let his eyes take her in. A part of her looked mortified. 'What did she see?'

Turning in the other direction he saw nothing. The dark figure of the ruler of the dead seemed to be long gone. He couldn't even feel a trace of his power. 'Where's Hades?'

As she slowly moved forward Persephone kneeled before the river. Her hand just an inch above the water just like before. She could still hear his voice. His warning not to touch the river. Moving her hand back to her side. She let her eyes remain on the dark waters. His presence still lingered in her mind. 'Just how much do you know Hades?'

At this moment, a chill fills the air. Despite the sun being out there is no warmth. As the plants in the mortal world slowly begin to die. No Gods or Goddess approach the mother of spring. As fall lays in the sheets of her bed she clutches the dying pink petals that resemble her daughter's' hair. For days she stays in the same position, the petals now crumbling apart with each brush she gives them. Each wail of despair leaves many without food and those within her home are left worried and fearful of her distress until finally her tears came to an end and her anger swells with a scream famine begins. With each curse towards the ruler of the dead, she lets her fury rule letting all know of her pain. The cries and pleas fall on deaf ears. The prayers aimed towards the Goddess ignored. Zeus remains silent. Watching from afar he turns to leave. He felt her pain for the briefest of moments until the god of the sun approached him. Embracing the boy, he let his lover grieve over the loss of their child. As he held the one he loved as a son. He began to train him. Hoping that the voice that screamed his daughter was gone would quiet down as the boy tried to control the air.

With a curse towards Zeus, she left the temple of her home. Leaving it she walked amongst the shadows of the trees. For a while, that was all within her sight until she was face to face with the father of all monsters, the python serpent Typhon. With a wicked smile on his pale face, he parted his arms before giving a bow to the Goddess and placing a kiss on her hand. Licking his lips he finally spoke, "Demeter, old friend...welcome."

With a jolt, she opened her eyes. Clutching the sheets, she moved. It had happened before. That dream always surfaced before her daughter disappeared. 'No, he wouldn't say anything.' Her pace is quick and uneven as the sound of her feet pounding on the tiles of her temple resound. 'It means nothing, this dream it's just a nightmare.' Standing before the bed of her daughter. She peered closer, seeing the small form a sigh of relief escapes her. 'It's just a nightmare.' Kneeling beside her child she lets her hand brush the stray locks from her face. Tucking the sheets into her form. She doesn't move. Silently she watches Persephone.

'It happened before.'

Demeter, old friend...welcome.

Dragging her hands into her blonde locks she squeezed her eyes shut. My, my this is sssurley a sssurpirssee.

'Zeus...no Jiraiya will never know.'

Tell me what you want.

'I want my daughter.'

Laughing the serpent slowly lowered himself down. His eyes danced with amusement as he looked into the amber eyes of his friend. Wordlessly Asclepius began to crush herbs. The Small sounds of crushing leaves filled the air. Seeing the waving hand dismiss him Asclepius rose before slowly moving away. Once past the threshold, he stole one more glance at the silent pair with that he closed the doors.

Once his disciple was gone he settled down once more. Crossing his leg over the other he let one arm come to rest under his chin. Looking closer he observed the stiff posture and narrowed eyes that demanded him to obey. Chuckling he grabbed the glass at his side, swirling the red liquid he finally spoke, 'I want the boy.'

With no hesitation, the reply came, 'Done.'

Opening my eyes I grasped my daughter's hand. Her small shuffling her only reaction. I let my hand tighten around my small blossoms. Closing my eyes I remembered that look of hurt and betrayal. I remembered her tears as she grasped onto his black tunic. I remembered the way she clung to him as if he were her life force and I was the monster instead. She looked at me as if I were a curse of tragedy or the very servant of those who served the shadows. As she backed away from me and further into his arms. I felt that hurt and anger from before. 'It's just a memory. It's not real.' Those blood red eyes watched me with hatred. Pulling her closer he let his lips rest on her temple. A moment so tender no one moved. Yelling I ran towards them only for a ring of black fire to shield them. In that moment as she held onto him, the disbelief around them was obvious as she gently locked her lips with his. The kiss itself was filled with so many emotions...emotions that reminded me of the darker days of the past, of the love I had before the war stripped that chance away. This could not be allowed, I ignored it because it was wrong. Still, the fear that was clawing its way through my very being screamed at me to pull her away from him, another reason for my desire to strip them apart. 'He's killing her!'

In the end Zeus, along with the Copy Cat Titan managed to separate them, with a distraction so great not even Hades could ignore it. Grabbing Zeus' hand I watched as they looked at one another as they were torn apart. Both the living and dead dwellers separating the two. Each one yelling at the other side. The boy's words echoed loudly for all to hear yet his gaze remained Zeus. With his eyes turning red he let his voice out as a snarl, "You can't go back in your word! You can't take her!"

'Word? What is the meaning of this? What is he speaking of?'

I want the boy.

'Is he speaking of Zeus...or me?'

'He lies, everyone here lies.'

'How does he know?'

"Hades!"

"Persephone."

As their fingertips separated at the last moment she screamed, "Nooooo! I want my husband!"

Husband?

Grasping my head a small whimper escaped me at that moment. I couldn't forget her screams for him before he was wiped away from her memory. I remembered her words laced with anger directed towards all of us. The curses that she threw my way brought a rise of anger from her father who tried but failed to explain our reasoning. 'I hate you!' As they held both of them onto the ground the words on her lips died, her eyes empty as they stared aimlessly into the sky. As minutes passed by her eyes finally fell onto a close. The boy on the other side struggled. His father's hold on him kept him in place as Hecate lowered herself by his side. Gently the Goddess of magic placed her hands against his temple. 'I'm sorry little prince. I truly am.'

She's apologizing to him...why? Placing a kiss on his temple she let her power rise. At the burst of power, his eyes slowly turned black. The dazed and empty look in his eyes brought Nyx to tears. Seeing the black haired beauty I turned away for the smallest of moments to look at Zeus. Facing forward I saw Nyx turning towards me the look of her disbelief at the lack of my emotion bothered me. Seeing the approaching figure I felt a tinge of fear. Thanatos, the God of Death, gently cradle his brother as his mother left for Erebos, who had left the moment his youngest remained motionless. As Thanatos eyes met mine the amount of anger and hatred directed my way startled my very being. As the underdwellers faded away, the words of Typhon came back once more. 'I want the boy. I will take him Tsunade. I have your word. If not, who knows who might find out.'

Laying beside Persephone I let my arms pull her close.

'I won't let him have you, not again.'

He's not your husband. We made sure, we checked. You are still as pure as ever. You will never fall into his hands again.

If you knew that I gave him away to the den of serpents...would you hate me, my dear daughter?

Silently I crept into my daughter's chamber. Watching her I hid. The rising and falling of her form my only comfort. Yet the image of her glassed over eyes did not diminish instead it only seemed to strengthen. Her last words to me before she was sent to earth still rang out loud and clear. 'I hate you!' Her cries a scream louder than any thunder. As Hecate approached her raw strength crumbled the ground around her. Despite my pleas and comforting words, she only thrashed more before she fell still. The light from the Goddesses hands moved away from her temple. Those vibrant green eyes that held all the shades of life faded away, instead, I was met with dull pastel green. The words from her lips died, her skin paled. Yet the tears that streamed down her face continued as Hecate moved on to the boy on the other side. 'Her soul is crying. It's being torn apart, Zeus. The child…the children can only take so much.'
'This is will be one of the last times we erase their memories Hecate.'
'When will the last one be? These words hold no value to an old goddess. I've heard it before.'
'Before we bring them to Olympus. After that, I will no longer allow it.'
'The damage is done Zeus, there will be consequences.'
The sound of footfalls draws my attention. Hades? Reading myself I stand. 'You can't go back on your word! You can't take her!' The sparks in my hands slowly strengthen yet before I can move the form of my lover looms over our child, before kneeling at her side. Softly she begins to sing all while a distant look takes place in her amber eyes. Calming myself the bolts disappears. I gave my word, yet I must break it. My family is falling apart. Turning around I take my leave. As I descend below the steps the chill from before surfaces. Settling on the steps I look to the sky seeing no protector, I remind myself that just like my own child theirs are once more asleep. As I glanced around not a single sound broke the silence of the night.
Yet as the glow of the moon faded and clouds formed in the skies. The mist before my feet began to grow with a haze of white I rose only to hear a voice.

Oh, God of the Skies
Oh, Creator of the Gods
Wielder of lightning

Tamer of the winds
Father to all

Fall to your knees

For you have not all

Your power Is fleeting

He comes In all forms

The boy belongs to the den of snakes

And the girl will forever

Yearn for him
Tell me

My ruler

How does it fell to break one's word?

How does it feel to know

your daughter fell in love with death?

And that the ruler fell for her in turn?
How does it feel to know

you'll lose her once more?
Yet instead of love
She'll receive a fate

much worse than death

Moving silently the two figures trailed after the smaller of the two. Their concern their only reason for not immediately reporting to Zeus. Wordlessly they stuck to the darkest parts of Olympus. Hiding in the shadows of the temples, green bushes, and towering trees as they watched over their youngest clan member. Who had yet to lash out at those around him. Settling themselves into a large oak tree the small lifting of the corner of Thanatos mouth was not missed by Orcus who shook his head disapprovingly at his younger relative for encouraging his younger brother. Even if the latter did not know it. Looking at those who steered of Hades way they were upset at the looks many threw the young boys' way. The whispers that followed only further heightened their concern. The words that they hissed were nothing pleasant. Neither were the vulgar gestures they knew he had seen. "Thanatos, do you believe this was a mistake?"

"In a way I do. I worry for my younger brother. Many from Olympus are not going to welcome him with open arms. Yet, on the other hand, I can see Hades benefiting from this."

"He will have to learn everything all over again."

"Yes, but it may come back to him naturally. His reflexes, his instinct it'll all come tumbling back. One can't forget how to fight not if they've done it for years."

"Ha. How long do you think it will take before he finds himself in a fight?"

"Soon."

"May I ask why you show so little encouragement in his ability to not engage in a brawl?"

"A titan angered him in the mortal realm. He left him in a terrible state. As you know Hades has a terrible temper."

"So the rumor was true. My foolish little cousin. So impatient. I'll watch over him Thanatos."

"As will I. It's my job as his older brother to always look out for him."

"And I'll watch over you both."

Sakura's /Persephone P.O.V.

It was bright out, the sun was shining up high in the sky. Its warmth could be felt even to those within their homes and if only to send the message further home. The creatures that roamed the earth basked in the cool water of the rivers and fountains located all throughout the kingdom. Steeping a foot out into the sun I moved to the shade the trees provided. Once underneath the heat from before slowly faded away. Wordlessly I approached the oak tree that contained my journal. It was endless, just like mother said it would be. 'As long as you live my little flower the book will continue to grow.'

Chanting the spell I was taught from a young age the book landed in my hands. Read it. Closing my eyes I listened. Only the small ruffling of leaves and the crunching of leaves and scurrying little feet could be heard. Letting my power flare for a moment before I settled down I extended it to the golden gates that both my parents created to protect me from those they were wary of. CLutching my book I finally opened my eyes only to be greeted by the familiarity of my garden. Read it. Mother is at the temple, attending to the archives of harvest. She won't come until a little while. Leaning against the oak I let my legs curl underneath my form. Yet before I could open the book, the voice from before spoke again with a tinge of impatience with each word, "Flip back to the beginning. Flip back. Flip back! The truth is there."

For a moment I was afraid. Dropping my book I braced my hands against the tree. My eyes searching frantically for the location of the voice. I can't feel anyone but the nymphs of my forest. Even the small creatures of my garden did not move. Taking a step forward I waited. The fluttering of wings did little to ease my nerves, ignoring the caresses of the wind I tightened my fists. Feeling the surge of my power I waited and waited. Yet as the words registered my curiosity began to grow. Sitting down, I let my powers fade away once more. 'Flip back.' Flipping through the book. I watched as each entry held a different perspective. 'May, June...July, these are the words the mortals use.' Though that was the least of my worries what did worry me was the gap between many of the entries. 'How could this be? This makes no sense.' They all began in the same way and unbelievably on the very same day as the one before. 'August? I have never heard of this term...what does it mean?'

'Perhaps, mother knows?' With a shake of my head, I brought my eyes down to the words before me.

Αύγουστος

Something happened. Mother's been worried. She whispers into the night for quite some time. When the sun sets I feel her near me. I feel her eyes watching me. Father has been arguing with her for what reason I may never know. Though I doubt they'd ever let me know. Gods from all throughput Olympus come and go throughout the night. They circle father's table and speak of Gods and Goddesses my age. They speak of a long dead tale, they speak of Cronus, the God of chaos. In the end, they come to a disagreement and all leave at that moment. As I slumber my mother watches over me and my father, in turn, watches us both from afar.

I speak to Aphrodite and Apollo at times but only for two very specific reasons. My father loves Apollo he's his Godfather and Apollo happens to be a very dear friend. As for Aphrodite, we met when we were young, along with that my mother believes the Goddess of love is a good influence.

Mother speaks of the Underdwellers often. Especially of one specific. His name is a sin to speak though I do not fear it… I do not fear him. Though many claim others only feel this way due to the fact of not having faced him yet I truly wish to know who Hades is. At the mention of his name, I feel...safe yet confused. I'm curious.

Also, I happened to have found a parchment hidden underneath my heirloom. I've placed it within my chest. Only I can open it. I wish I could tell you but I worry someone will get their hands on you.

Crack!

Shutting the book I ask for it to hide. Looking around I saw no one within sight until from the shadows of the trees I spotted Hades. Releasing a sigh I smiled. Moving to a stand, I left the shade of the oak tree. Taking in his eyes, I found that unlike before I couldn't read him at all. 'I've never been able to read him clearly unless he wanted me to...but this Hades. I don't know him.'

"Don't leave."

'What?' As he approached I slowly backed away as his hands caged me in. 'He won't hurt me, he's still Hades. But he-he didn't care before.' He ignored me the other time, Apollo and him dueled it out. Looking at him I uttered, "H-hades what's wrong?"

Yet it seemed like my words were nothing compared to the voice...that is so much like mine that spoke over it with a sense of desperation.

'Oh, Hades. They plan to separate us. Maybe it is wise to lock away our memories with those seals you spoke of. It would ensure our love and our memories will be safe, but with a cost nonetheless.'

'Who is she?'

'Is that me?'

The look on his face held a look of fear, compassion, sadness, and love at the moment and I found myself at a loss. Not knowing which emotion to focus on I took in his face. 'He looks younger, torn. A part of him is missing...he's like me.' His eyes were slightly narrowed, the crinkles between his brow lessened the intensity of his stoic face. The small brush of his hair against my forehead emphasized his face centimeters from mine. 'Persephone, I have been searching for an answer to our prayers. The old goddess Hecate that resigns in my realm has found a seal with the help of Aseco. A seal that could protect not only our memories and love but our heart, yet there is a price. Aseco says that they plan to erase the young Gods memories of each other soon. They plan to send us to earth. Our abilities and our memories will be forgotten, but they will slowly return, but ours. Will have large gaps.'

' Hecate says it will be hard to control the emotions from before and due to that, we may not react according to those feelings. Along with that, she said a part of our soul will be torn apart. This is where our seal comes in if you wish it too. That is. Our memories will seem gone but they will remain well hidden in the depths of our mind. On earth, we will end up finding each other and as our relationship progresses so will our memories. They will return. It will leave behind a hidden mark on each user. This mark will be our secret. If we ever interact memories will slowly start coming back, and a small piece of our torn and shattered soul will begin to rebuild. We would begin to heal. Depending on how many times our parents restart and wipe our minds we may act different, but I know I'll always love you. So tell me...what is your decision, Persephone?'

Lowering my eyes they landed on his lips. Tilting my head I softly heard him repeat, "Don't leave."

At that moment two voices spoke, both mine. "I won't. I promise."

'I don't want to. I need you.'

Without a word, his lips crashed on mine. 'Yes, Hades. My answer is a yes. When do we do it?'

'Now. Lift your hand, and repeat these words with me.' Pulling at the lower part of my lip I groaned as I pulled him closer. The feelings of his hands on my waist and back only encouraged mine. As I grasped the front of his tunic and tugged at the back of his hair, he began moving us back. The rough bark of the oak tree slightly protested at the pressure. The feeling of his lips gently sucking my tongue only encouraged my movements as I began to lose wind. As he lowered us down I didn't feel the cool texture of leaves but that of silk sheets.

'Just one kiss on my lips was all it took to seal our fate,

just one look in your eyes seemed to stop time,

just one touch of your hands made me falter,

and just one of your smiles left me breathless,

and just a word, from your mouth,

left me certain that this was meant to be.

Yet our love for each other was forbidden.

It was between a boy and a girl.

Of two different worlds.

Yet our entwined hearts were for each other.

So let them believe their chains have succeeded.

Let them believe that our love has died.

Let them believe they have won but in a thousand years.

Our love will rekindle,

and then we can show them that with just one look,

one touch,

and one kiss our love remained true.'

Grasping the golden clasp I pulled it towards my person. Watching as the dark cape fell down along his back I tugged impatiently at the tunic on his upper form. His laughter was deep, yet gentle. Shuddering I let his hands grasp the end of my gown. As our eyes locked with a small nod of my head the gown was off followed closely by his tunic. The feeling of his skin beneath my hands set a fire through my very being. As his rough hands traced the spine along my back, I felt his right hand gently cup my breast. Moaning I moved my lips to tug on his ear. His groan was followed by sweet nothings whispered towards one another. Raising my eyes they locked on blood red. As they fell to a flutter…Chirp. Chirp. Chirp.

At the first sound of the chirping birds, I stirred. Hades. Raising my eyes I felt a great disappointment yet relief along with embarrassment at the sight of white sheets instead of red. Bringing my hands up I covered my cheeks as the warmth beneath my palms was meet with small drops of sweat.

The warmth of the sun brought a new sense of energy but the slight feeling of anger loomed in the air. It's mother...she's angry. What could be the reason now? Turning to the side I let myself relax for a moment. I knew what would happen once I was up and walking. It was always the same. Their fights have become a daily routine. As my feet gently grazed the tiled floors I let myself just once more close my eyes as the fight between Hades and Apollo came racing back, as did the dream I had moments before. 'They really were trying to kill one another. Hades. Apollo. Both of you fail to realize your similarities.'

Once dressed in my pink gown I left. Passing the temple of my father I walked towards the temple where I would begin a new chapter in my life. I will learn the art of a shinobi. I'll learn along with the rest the ways of war. To protect my home and those I love. Once upon the steps of the temple, the sound of talking Gods and Goddesses rang clear as did their pounding footsteps, and the fluttering wings of the angels. Approaching a small group I lifted my hand in greeting. As I settled in I watched as Apollo tried to speak to all those around him. Yet each time he approached them they left. It was no surprise even mother asked me to stay clear of him. 'He's just as dangerous as Hades, Persephone.'

'It must be that orange power? His anger.'

Seeing the building of the temple. I quickened my pace. Looking along the walls my eyes landed on the numbers and letter of my class. Smiling I watched as those who I assume were part of my class began to speak with one another. As I descended down the steps I felt nothing but air. It's happening again. I'm falling. Screaming I extended my hands only to feel arms around my waist. Hades? Glancing up I met the onyx eyes of Hades. As he pulled me closer. I took a closer look at his eyes. Blue, with a tinge of purple. Just like the dance. Just like before...this has happened twice. Maybe even more. Before the dance? Once I was secured on my feet he pulled back and continued on his way. Heading into the same room I was suppose to be in. As he passed through the threshold the glance he threw back stole my breath. He seemed annoyed. Once he was out of sight voices of disdain, and lust began to fill the air. Frowning I looked towards Apollo only to be met with narrowed blue eyes. Aphrodite unlike the blonde beside her smiled as she sauntered after him.

"He's attractive for an underdweller. Don't you think Persephone?'

Ignoring her I let my eyes wander to those around me before moving into class. Once the instructors came everyone was rushed in. Once settled down we all patiently waited. Looking towards my left I took in the empty seat beside Hades. "Hello, deities."

Seeing the titan with the brown hair and scar along his face everyone's words came to a stop. "As many of you may know in this school you will learn the ways of battle. You will be placed in three-man teams. In these teams along with your peers, you will speak to one another using your actual names. Not those the mortals praise you for."

As he continued to speak the looks of unease did not end. The personal names of a God are not only a prized possession, its intimate. Despite the voices of protest, he continued with the rules of the school. As he pulled a scroll from his desk he began to read names of groups. Seeing Aphrodite move to sit with her group, I couldn't help but frown as she complained to the two boys about her luck. They seem nice. " Team 7...will consist of ...Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha your sensei will be the Copycat titan Kakashi Hatake."

Kakashi Hatake…..'Persephone, I'm sorry.'

Soon enough our group was the only one left remaining. The tension in the air was heavy. The shuffling of feet, glaring eyes, and the small sounds of each of us breathing in did little to ease my already racing heart. The thoughts that began to run through my mind were ones filled with distraught. Grumbling Apollo moved. As he approached the opening of the door he let himself out as he looked towards the sides. Running to the desk in the center of the room he grabbed a scroll before moving to place it above the very entrance of before.

The excitement in Apollo's-Naruto's face was endearing as he moved back to the desk he was at before his plan. Taking a glance at Sasuke I could tell he didn't think it would work, part of me wanted to agree with him but I deeply wanted it to hit his head. He's wasting time. He's a Titan, he should be able to evade that. The sound of footsteps echoed and almost immediately all of us stilled, holding our breath we watched as a white-haired man with a mask came walking through the door. WIth a small hit to the head the scroll slowly rolled away before coming to a stop. Looking up, we waited until the Titan heaved a sigh of exasperation, with that he said, "Hmm...how shall I put this? Based on my first impression, I'd have to say...I hate you."

For a moment we didn't say a word before he once more sighed and told us to meet him at the top of the temple. Once we were there we began our Apollo spoke about his dream of becoming the successor of Zeus, the small smile on the Titan's face was not missed. As soon as he got to me, I did not know how to answer, after a few moments, I stuttered an answer. My teacher's sigh and the small comment was not missed, as Hades spoke, the three of us eagerly listened to every word. His answer like our teachers was vague. After a while, Kakashi spoke about the tasks we would be participating in. Once that was settled we were dismissed.

Walking away I turned to find Hades walking along the very same path. As I reached my gate he passed by. "Aren't you coming through?"

"I believed that after what occurred between Apollo and I, I would not be allowed through your garden?"

Smiling I let my powers open the gate. Walking through I glanced back, "Come here."

Once the two of us passed the small clang of my gate resounded. As we walked in silence I quietly walked beside him. The small glances did little to ease the tension in the air. As we neared the river. I couldn't help but break the silence as I asked the very first question that came to mind, "Does it hurt?"

At the rise of his eyebrow, I continued, "Going to Olympus and the Underworld?"

"No."

"How does it look?"

"It's not just filled with death if that's your question. It has life as well. There is even a garden far more beautiful than yours. Though I'd prefer the company of this garden to the one in the Elysian garden."

The Elysian Garden.

"Why?"

"Not all the angels are quite...as innocent...or honorable as one is told."

What's wong with the angels? ARe they like Apollo? "Could you take me with you?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Your mother has made it very clear she does not like me. Imagine how she would react if I merely took you."

"Well….perhaps later. I'd really like to see the Elysian Garden and angels."

The side look he gave me annoyed me crossing my arms I looked away. 'He's like father. That judgmental look.' "..."

With that, he began to leave. "Don't tell anyone I was here."

"I won't. I promise."

The glance he threw my way was stoic yet the small flicker between red and black was not missed. As he approached me once more I ignored the flutter in my chest as he grasped my chin. "I won't take you there."

With a slight frown, he let his hand fall to his side. Turning away he began to walk into the waters of his river glancing back he said, "Beware of the serpents Goddess. If you cannot protect yourself flee. I won't come to your rescue again."

Why? Something's changed.

'I Will not be a damsel in distress. I am a Goddess!'

Turning around I began to walk back to the entrance of my garden yet I stopped. Passing the oak tree I took in the sight of the cherry blossom tree. Its petals were falling. What's happening? Bringing my hand up the sensation I felt from the tree was different from what I was accustomed to. Looking around I really took in my garden. The lush green leaves were mixed with yellow, orange and reds. The air around me was slightly cold. Pulling my arms around me I watched the falling petals.

Author's Note: Sorry for the wait please let me know if there's anything I could do to improve. Please review. The next chapter will be better. Promise.