A/N: Hey guys! It's been an embarrassingly long time since I updated! I'm sorry it's been so long! Things have been really hectic in RL. Between the holidays and studying for class, it's been just crazy. I also got caught up in another project for NaNoWriMo (and I made it! 71k words!). The good news is that I take my final on Dec 9th, so after that I hope to get back to a semi-regular schedule again. Probably not weekly, but I'm going to aim for bi-monthly. I promised I wouldn't abandon this story, and I haven't!
In the meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this chapter. You've been waiting for Hades' reaction to Thanatos' lessons for a long time, and here it is!
Chapter 27: Defending Love
Thanatos came at his normal time to summon Hades for paperwork. It was yet another thing he would be putting off to spend time with Persephone. He was determined to experience every part of her day.
When Hades informed Thanatos that he would be accompanying them on their rounds, Thanatos blinked in surprise, and then looked resigned. The first part of their tour was through the fields. It went as Hades expected. The workers in the fields ducked their heads and avoided his gaze. Persephone showed a mastery and understanding over the fields that impressed him, even knowing she was the goddess of spring. He knew that while Thanatos was an able manager for the fields, he took no real pleasure in it, unlike Persephone. When she was his Queen, perhaps he could make a gift of the fields to her. It would free Thanatos from the duty, and there was little doubt the Underworld would thrive under her attention.
He did worry about the quality of the spirits sent to the fields, but after the magic they'd made that morning, he knew she could defend herself. It rankled that she might need to do so, but at the same time he knew better than to try to stifle her. She would be his Queen, not a nymph lover to be hidden away in a tower. Her position was more than a name and a place at his side. She would have his authority, his power, his strength. It would be a foolhardy ghost indeed that attempted to take advantage of her. Besides, he could always ask her to take Ceberus with her. His dog could use the exercise, and Ceberus would gladly eat anyone that tried to attack her.
The next part was the mines. Hades clenched his jaw in severe displeasure that Persephone had descended those pits without him to protect her. He found himself glaring at Thanatos' back. He trusted his advisor in many things, but this time the god of death had erred badly. Persephone slipped her hand into his, squeezing lightly. He glanced at her, his anger dissipating at her timid smile. Hades was no fool. He knew what she was doing. She was directing his attention toward herself so he wouldn't be tempted to enact violence on his friend. He still had that fierce desire, but he allowed her to distract him.
Within the mines, he could feel lecherous eyes lingering on his lady. It took everything he had not to overreact. How dare they look so on their future Queen? He wanted to crush those damned souls into the rock around them and leave them trapped and in pain forever. They couldn't die, for they were already dead.
Thanatos walked with his scythe in hand. In the darkness of the mines, Hades appeared to have no shadow at all. It had expended and was hidden in the black corners, felt only as a slithering sensation as it passed the miners. Persephone was in a protected position between the men, but it wasn't enough in his mind.
Hades was dismayed by how comfortable she seemed down here. She brought a certain light to this dismal place. He was of the opinion that nothing down here was worthy to behold her, himself included. He blended too well with the unspoken things here. He feared she would look at him, and realize what a mistake she'd made in accepting his suite. He would be destroyed when she left him. His pain would know no bounds. He found himself putting distance between the beautiful goddess and his disfigured self.
She noticed his absence behind her, and turned to look for him. An expression of pain crossed her lovely face. He felt ashamed to have brought such to her. She walked up to him and touched his face when he would have turned away from her. She took his hand again, holding him firmly even though he was unworthy of her touch. She led the way now, moving through the narrow shafts with a surefooted sense of direction that both awed and alarmed him. Just how far had Thanatos taken her into the dangerous mines?
They emerged into an area of open blackness. He knew where they were. Centuries ago there had been a cave-in, leaving a vast cavern under the surface. The surrounding mines had been abandoned because of instability, and the entire area was dark and ghostly. He didn't know why she had brought him here, unless it was a reflection of the emptiness of his soul.
"Leave us, Lord Thanatos," she said, her voice echoing around them.
"Yes, my lady," Thanatos bowed and retreated.
They were left alone in the deep, hollow space. Hades felt unsettled here. His instinct was to hide, not to stand in the open. He felt more than saw Persephone turn to him.
"Hades," she said softly. She touched him, first his chest, then his face. Her hands ran over him, not arousing so much as comforting. In the darkness, sound and feel was all they had of each other, and she was satisfying her need to make sure he was there. He was amazed that she was touching him at all. Didn't she know what he was?
"I've always wondered what this place looks like," she said, still rubbing slow circles over his body. "There's no point in putting lights down here, and in any case, you're the only one that can show me what it's really like. Can you do that for me? Can you light it up?"
He realized she was talking about when he reached out to the Underworld, and its light shown through the materials around him. It was a simple enough thing she asked. He did it, and the gentle Underworld glow shimmered through the mineral veins in the walls. It revealed what he'd expected. They were in a wrecked chamber, walkways broken and littered with jagged monoliths. The cavern was like him: ruined, abandoned, and ugly.
But that wasn't what Persephone saw. She gasped as she looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. She leaned against him, her back to his chest. She pulled his arms around her until his fingers laced in front of her. Her head tipped back to take it all in, marveling at what was before her.
"Beautiful," she said in a hushed whisper. "So beautiful."
The glimmering mineral-lights shown on her face and skin, and he thought he'd never seen anything so stunning.
"Yes," he agreed hoarsely.
As if reading his mind, her eyes met his. "Beautiful," she repeated reverently, but this time she wasn't looking at the chamber. She turned in his arms and took his face in her hands.
"My Hades," she said with a touch of pride. "So beautiful." And then she drew him down for a kiss.
His arms tightened around her, but the kiss remained light and gentle. In her touch she cleansed him, washed away his fears and insecurities. She didn't see his darkness, his deformed soul. She saw what was good about him, saw the man he was trying to become for her. It wasn't lust and hunger, but exploration and wonder. She called him beautiful, saw the hidden splendor of this place. In her eyes, he became something more than he was.
"I love you," she said fiercely, holding onto him.
"I know," he assured her, no longer fearing she would leave him in the dark. "I love you too."
They kissed for a while longer, until Persephone pulled away with a breathless giggle.
"If we don't stop now, we'll be late for my next lesson," she told him.
"I'm okay with that," he answered, nuzzling into her hair. The Underworld light continued to radiate around them, fueled by his joy. He swooped down to kiss her again. She pushed him way playfully.
"Come on," she teased, "I want to show you my… moves."
The way her voice dipped brought to mind several moves, none of which lent themselves to defense. He mock-growled, and she froze in place. For a moment he thought he'd frightened her, then she said, "I love it when you make that noise."
Without warning, she turned and ran away, giving a little giggle over her shoulder. Something hot roared to life within him, and he caught her before she'd taken a dozen paces. He swung her off her feet; she gave a wild peal of laughter. He pulled her against him and gave another growl. He made like he was going to kiss her again, only to pull away and tap her nose with his finger. She gulped, wide-eyed with anticipation.
"Lessons, remember?" he teased.
"Oh, umm," she said, before eventually realizing that he wasn't going to kiss her again. She pouted, then looked around. "Usually Lord Thanatos brings us to an empty field for lessons," she explained at a loss. "I don't suppose you know where he is now?"
Hades asked the Underworld, and it supplied the location in his mind. "He's already waiting for us, I believe," he said. He offered Persephone his hands, and folded her against him as his shadow rose to cover them. He shadow retreated, and they both blinked against the sudden light of being on the surface of the Underworld. It wasn't bright compared to the sun of the mortal world, but it was enough to dazzle their eyes after the mines. In response, the light of the Underworld dimmed until their eyes adjusted.
Persephone grinned t him. "That's a handy trick," she teased.
"You could do it too," he let slip before he thought about it. Her head went back in surprise, but she looked more thoughtful than alarmed.
"Since you're here, I assume you intend to continue with your lessons?" Thanatos asked mildly.
Persephone nodded, turning to him. Something in her posture shifted. Hades didn't like it. He had no worries about her fidelity, but something else bothering her. She was tense and nervous.
"And will you be joining in, my lord?" Thanatos asked.
Hades almost didn't hear him, too focused on Persephone. "No," he said shortly. It was going to be hard enough watching her go through certain moves. He certainly would not be able to raise his hand against her, even in practice.
Thanatos and Persephone faced off. Hades had to fight the urge to step between them. Her expression was anxious. Something was wrong. His shadow shifted restlessly, and he had to concentrate to keep from clenching his fists. He promised himself it would be over soon. How bad could it be? Thanatos knew better than to actually hurt Persephone… didn't he? Without warning Thanatos struck at the maiden. Hades' heart leapt to his throat. He took a step toward them before Persephone successfully repelled the attack. He forced himself to only watch and not interfere.
He cast an experienced eye over the pair, and realized Thanatos was only moving at half-speed. Persephone responded with alacrity, her defenses quick and sure. She was unusually swift for a beginner, as if she were used to a faster opponent. As the bout went on, she relaxed slightly. The tension flowed out of Hades s well. She had this well in hand. It appeared his love was no hapless flower when it came to defending herself. He was almost… disappointed he didn't need to come to her rescue. He loved that she was able to protect herself, but he would have enjoyed being the one she leaned on for support.
And then she grew complacent. She made a mistake. Not much of one, but glaringly obvious to battle-hardened warriors like Hades and Thanatos. She left her side open, faltering just for an instant. Hades winced in reaction, but couldn't really blame her. She was still new, still learning. This wasn't the fields of war where such a mistake would cost her life. However, Thanatos was a lot less forgiving. He stepped into the opening, hammering into her side. He didn't hold back his speed or strength. Persephone stumbled, tried to recover, and Thanatos pressed his advantage mercilessly, knocking her down and landing another hit that would have been fatal to anyone but a goddess. She let out a small cry of pain.
Hades saw red.
He charged forward, fury igniting his limbs. His love was down. Persephone was down, and the man responsible was in front of him. Thanatos had no chance to react before Hades' shadow seized him and threw him like a limp doll. That lesser god was crushed to the ground like Persephone had been; Hades was as far above Thanatos in skill and strength as Thanatos was above the goddess. Vengeance roared in his ears as he advanced on the helpless god. Thanatos was struggling to rise, too slow and clumsy to save himself. Hades kicked him viciously in the chest, sending him sprawling again. Thanatos gasped for breath.
"Hades, stop!" Persephone's voice sounded from somewhere far, far away. He felt her hand on his arm, but it was a distant thing.
"You can't kill him," she pleaded desperately. She'd gotten to her feet better than Thanatos, despite the crippling blow. She stood, wincing in pain, but determined to make her point. Unfortunately he was in a place beyond reason, almost beyond words.
"I can kill anyone!" he roared. She didn't even flinch in the face of his temper.
"You shouldn't kill him," she corrected her words, clinging to his arm.
"I shall kill him!" he responded, shaking her off. She grabbed for him again.
"Let him go, Lady Persephone," Thanatos gasped from a kneeling position, not attempting to get to his feet. "I knew what I was courting when I brought you here. You can only get hurt by getting in his way, and he'd never forgive himself."
Her hands fell away. Hades made for the fallen god. His shadow formed a sword in his hand, sharp and deadly. Thanatos remained on his knees, head bowed and neck exposed as if for the headsman's axe. Hades raised his sword, ready to end Death himself. And then Persephone did something, so futile and ridiculous that he almost laughed despite the situation. She grabbed his arm and tried to throw him. Him! The Lord of the Underworld, thrown by a goddess who'd been taking lessons for mere weeks! She did everything perfectly right too. If he hadn't been a warrior tempered by the titan war she might have actually taken him off his feet.
Instead he turned toward her, his body rippling in a way that wasn't possible for someone who hadn't existed as a monster. He encompassed her in his arms. He could have tossed her aside, but he had no desire to hurt her.
"Persephone, stop," he growled, more monster than god at the moment. "You'll hurt yourself."
She paused. "Will you stop trying to kill Lord Thanatos?"
"No," he snarled.
"Then I won't stop." She shoved against him, but was so contained within his grasp it was ineffectual.
He laughed then, a harsh, bitter sound that nevertheless released some of the pent-up anger in his muscles. She peered up at him, then changed her tactics. She put her arms around him, leaning her head on his chest.
"Please," she whispered. "If not for his sake or yours, then for mine. Spare him."
He thought about it. He really did. But Persephone's pain called to him, demanding that the one responsible pay for their crimes.
"No," he answered heavily, knowing that she might turn from him for his actions. "I cannot. Look away if you do not want to see it, but I will not be swayed."
"I won't look away," she swore.
He released her at last and walked back to Thanatos. The god of death remained on his knees.
"Rise," Hades spat at him. "Defend yourself if you will."
"I will not," Thanatos said quietly, not looking up. "I will not raise my hand against my lord."
"Yet you would raise your hand against her?" Hades demanded. His voice was dangerously close to breaking.
"Look at her," Thanatos spoke gently. "Look at her. She is not afraid of you."
Hades turned his head to see his love. She was pale, hurt and frightened, but not of him. She came forward and tucked herself under his arm. She'd seen him in a full murderous rage, and she still did not fear him. Thanatos stood, and she flinched. Hades tightened his hold on her.
"I gave her something worse to fear," Thanatos said sadly.
"And that makes it okay?" Hades shouted. Persephone never winced.
"No," Thanatos acknowledged. "I knew my life was forfeit when I dared touch her. I only hoped to give you something before the end."
"It's not enough," Hades glared at Thanatos. "For what you did, it's not enough for me to spare your life."
"I know," Thanatos said simply.
They stood for several minutes. Every part of Hades burned for vengeance against this man. The Underworld was with him, stern and implacable. As far as it was concerned, one of its own had been injured, and it demanded justice. Thanatos awaited his fate, never faltering. Persephone no longer tried to dissuade him, knowing it was a lot cause.
"This farce ends now," Hades didn't realize until he'd spoke than he'd decided to spare the man's life. "You're not teaching her anything, no more than someone learns to draw water from a well by drowning it in," he snarled. What was he doing? He needed to protect his lady, to destroy the one that had hurt his love, not let him walk free.
Thanatos bowed. "Your will be done," he intoned respectfully.
Persephone stirred slightly. "Hades," she said softly, "I know it may not look like it, but I have been learning. I want to continue with lessons.
He shuddered and turned his back on Thanatos so he wouldn't be tempted to eviscerate the god. He faced Persephone and gingerly cupper her face with his palms. It amazed him that he could touch her with the same hands that had been ready to commit gruesome murder, and she didn't wince.
"If you want to take real defense lessons, then I will find you an instructor," he promised. And he would supervise lessons until he was sure she wasn't being abused again. Maybe he could find several spirits who also wished to learn to defend themselves, that way she could practice against other with a similar skill level.
"Thanatos," he growled, "You will not lay a hand on my lady again. Or I will end you." He spoke with quiet conviction that was more frightening than a roar.
"Understood, my lord," Thanatos agreed.