Day 8 So it begins
Persephone POV
We walked through the front door; I had to block the sunlight from shining into my eyes; the sight was surprising the others were there in their God forms. I blinked and they were there but, in their regular forms. They were mounting their horses as Hades led me to Thallo who whined and nuzzled me affectionately. I stroked her gently as I held her head to my chest needing abit of reassurance, I mounted Thallo. Hades looked at me with both concern and was that love I saw? He glared behind him when we heard the giggles from the girls. They shut up as soon as his red eyes landed on them; when we were all ready, we head out.
As we rode, I let the feeling of freedom take over letting the new discoveries take a back burner. Feeling Thallo's muscles ripple as she galloped next to Thantos, I couldn't help but feel my mind clearing. Like she sensed I needed it she burst forward taking the lead. Soon we were basically alone she ran letting me have a few moments with just us 2. She took me from my current problems and let me enjoy the simple pleasure of just being. She started to breathe heavily and tossing her head to the side nickering like a mother with her foal. I couldn't help but smile and hug her neck; I heard the hoof beats of Thantos. I sat up and looked in time to see Hades and Thantos come from around a tree Thallo neighed a little communicating with Thantos in what I had to guess was a report. Hades stopped Thantos besides Thallo; they both rubbed heads affectionately. "You ok hon?" Hades asked me leaning over and with a stroke of his thumb wiped a few tears that I didn't know escaped from my eyes and brushed a single lock of hair back behind my ear. He looked at me with genuine concern and the need to protect. I nodded as I stroked Thallo's neck gently not looking at Hades; Thallo followed Thantos to the rest of the group who were all dismounting in front of the campus. "Oh…my…me!" said a goddess from Olympic hall, "Look at those Titan boys that makes so much sense now!" Dinlas and Morpheus both growl and blush; Hades helps me dismount when Amphirite comes over happily with Poseidon. Demeter beating Amphritie to me like a kid having a race; who was trying to catch up to their parent and shouting 'I WIN!' when they touch their parent first. "Did the demon touch you or hurt you in anyway baby girl?!" She turns me this way and that examining me for any marks Poseidon and Hades both sighed exasperated from Demeter. Amphirite giggled nervously as Demeter started to be the overprotective mother while I get embarrassed and just want to curl up in a corner and cry. Preferably with a gallon of ice cream, a fluffy blanket, pjs, my laptop with a couple of movies, with Hypnos and Cerberus curled up with me as company…. also, maybe Hades. Possibly shirtless…and there goes the mind again, I shake my head mentally not wanting to show my pervy mind.
Unfortunately, by some weird way Hades smirked at me with a knowing grin, Poseidon was trying to get Demeter off me as she was clinging to me. I sighed looked at Demeter who stopped her antics with a pout. "Can you let me go now please?" her pout thickened, "But darling…." I sigh and pat her head like a mother would to console her child. "I'm still getting used to all this and you doing this isn't helping the situation….Hades hasn't touched me not that it is any of your concern if he does…" I said calmly. She pouted but let me go, Hades taking advantage of it he offers me his hand which I take happily. He pulls me next to him closely keeping me a little tucked under him. "Now Demeter can't we let your hatred towards me go you know I've never met Persephone till this month…" Hades stated calmly Demeter huffed but instead went off to go separate a fight between 2 Atlantic hall students. Amphiritie lets out a nervous giggle and looks at me smiling, "Looks like your mother will be a handful to both of us…" she stated jokingly trying to lighten the mood. I sigh and smile at her, "No kidding…between her, Hades and the current trouble I'm going to die young from the stress…" I said pinching my nose bridge to alleviate a headache that was growing. Amphirite patted my head to console me as we walked to the school to begin our days; both Hades and Poseidon behind us keeping everyone away from us like 2 bodyguards instead of teachers.
I had said good bye to Amphritie and Poseidon when we reached the entrance agreeing to go on a day in town on our next day off. Hades walked besides me looking glum about starting for a teaching day; "I was thinking…" I started as we walked students clearing us a path as we walked. "Hm?" was Hades's reply; "Maybe we should let Dinlas and Morpheus off the hook at lunch time…. they after all were protecting the girls…" I said trying not to sound hopeful. He looked down at me; I kept my eyes forward looking ahead and not at him. He turned back forward thinking about it for a minute, "We will see how they act during that time…" was his statement before we reached our offices. I turned and smiled at him, "Sounds good…Now don't take too long in there we need to get to the classrooms in time…" He just huffed and went into his office I couldn't help but giggle as I walked into mine.
Hades POV
Damn Demeter and her annoying self why does she have to be so...her… I want peace for Persephone's sake. What do I get in return? A bs humph that's my thing! And I'm glad Persephone made friends with Amphirite but why does Persephone have to start clinging to her like that?! I wanted her to come to me and count on me being her stone. I knew she was thinking something dirty when Demeter was clinging to her like she was a life support system. She had the look…that sexy look…when her eyes would glaze over, and she was a little red from a baby blush. Oops I was so deep in thought I almost didn't catch Persephone talking to me. "Maybe we should let Dinlas and Morpheus off the hook at lunch time….they after all were protecting the girls…" she said I could tell she really wanted to say now, but she settled for lunch time. I looked down at her; she was biting her lower lip something she didn't know she did when she was nervous. I turned back forward thinking about it for a minute trying to ignore how adorable she was, "We will see how they act during that time…" was my statement before we reached our offices. She turned and smiled at me, "Sounds good…Now don't take too long in there we need to get to the classrooms in time…" I just huffed and went into my office and groaned.
Thantos was sitting in my chair with his feet up flipping through some 'death' scrolls; these scrolls held the names of humans and their death days. They were made of old papyrus and were worn and enchanted for any death bringers. Each one had 1 death scroll it gives them a list of their targets. Just give them a where and when and they will decide the how and get it done, Thantos being my lead grim reaper he got the best of the best criminals or if he did the paperwork right got assigned a person he wanted to reap personally. Other than that, it goes out randomly to the other grim reapers of course there would be competition among them to rank themselves. Thantos was always ranked first, Anubis coming a close second and Mictecacihuatl came in third. Of course Mictecacihuatl tried to get into Thantos's chiton eons ago but, her husband had threatened to rip Thantos heart or lack thereof and eat it for breakfast. Thantos explained he was reaping the soul of Hernan Cortez during the time and his wife wasn't happy that he beat her to him. "We should really think about updating our system to modern tech…these death scrolls are getting a little too much of a hassle to carry around during missions…" He stated reading his list of targets not once looking up. I went and put my bag down rummaging through it getting out what I didn't need yet. "Take it up with HR not me I don't deal in that stuff I just sign the paperwork…" I stated calmly working around him. "Oh touchy did mother dearest get between the big bad wolf and my lady again?" He asked looking at me with a smirk knowing already the answer to that. "Don't you have souls to collect?" I asked with a growl. He just shrugged and stood bowing. "Shall we see you tonight?" I waved him off when a knock came at my door "Hades hurry up or we'll be late…" Persephone's voice chimed from the other side.
I didn't turn to see if Thantos left; I opened the door and walked out with my bag in hand; I took her bag she carried and walked towards our classrooms. I heard her run to catch up with a "Hey!" I couldn't help, but smirk at this as she caught up matching my speed. When we reached her room I handed her bag to her; "Don't let them walk on you today knock some heads if need be…" I told her and meaning every word she just rolled her eyes. "Shoo you and be nice to your students…" she countered and went into her room when the bell rang for the class to start. I sighed and went into my classroom 'This day better go by quickly I need a nap from all this bull…'.
To my horror the day went at a slugs pace it was barely 4th period and most of the idiots kept interrupting with bull about our past lives instead of the lesson. "Come on Hades we already know all this…." Someone shouted I turned from the board where I was writing down some medical terms for the first lesson which was anatomy of the body. "Ok smartass then tell me what the difference between Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis?" I ask putting the cap back on the marker crossing my arms waiting. Everyone was silent scratching their brains abit. "Uh…the epidermis is a….part…."someone ventured. "And you know this stuff huh?" I turn back to the board and finish writing and point to the board. "The answer numbskull was on the board…Now if anyone else wants to be a smartass and think they know about the human anatomy be my guest to come teach it…" Everyone quickly went back to writing notes before I could erase the board. I erased it and heard some shout "Come on I wasn't done!" the bell rang. "Study the terms there will be a quiz on it Friday…" I said before they left groaning.
I sat on my chair leaning back sighing pinching my nose bridge, "Knock knock…" Persephone said knocking on my classroom door before coming in smiling she came to me holding a coffee and some cake. "Thought you might need a small snack…" she said shyly putting it down in front of me. I smirked at her, "Thanks these idiots will be the death of me some day…" I picked up the coffee and took a sip as she giggles. "At least you haven't killed anyone…" After saying that she looks at me suspiciously elegantly hopping onto my desk sitting cross legged her skirt hiking up more. "I haven't…. yet" I smirked out as I ate my delicious cake and drank my coffee and enjoyed the view. I looked at her when she was silent for too long, she looked out the windows full of confusion. "What is it O ángelós mou….?" I asked her.
She smiled at me, "Just still have everything running through my mind it's going to take me awhile to get it sorted…" she said. Before I could say anything a knock came at the door; we looked up to see Zeus with Hermes. "Hello you 2…" Zeus began I cut him off. "No way whatever it is take it to someone else…" I stood sitting slightly behind her and wrapped my arms around Persephone very possessively; I place my chin on her head. Zeus huffed annoyed at me as she just leans into me more for protection from them both. "Oh come on Hades hear me out!" Zeus whined not noticing the distress he was causing Persephone. I humphed at him not giving him the ok to explain, but he did it anyway. "Great listen I was thinking you and Persephone exchange the last period of your classes to help teach these idiots to fight!" He said rather proud of himself with coming up with this dumb plan. "So Persephone I was thinking that we could have Italian when we go into Athens with Amphirite and Poseidon what do you think?" I asked her ignoring the idiotic man in front of us. "I think it's best if we all agree on something together don't you think?" she pointed out, but I could see the gleam of want in her eyes. She sure did love Italian.
Zeus on the other hand didn't like it that we decided to ignore him, "Oh come on you both are our best fighters and these guys have been out of the game for eons and need help regaining their powers…" he bellowed. I sighed, "Yea but they are Gods and need to be worshipped yea the teachers would be fine since we are loved in Athens but the students aren't well established…" I pointed out. "Unless we can figure out how you all can get power out of worshipers they'll be just overly strong humans…." I grumbled. Zeus nodded solemnly, "That's true…" Hermes fidgeted abit and rose his hand; "I might have an idea…" he chimed in.
Persephone POV
Hermes had just suggested something that made Hades and Zeus BOTH side with each other, "HELL NO OUT OF THE QUESTION!" Zeus bellowed his eyes blazing. "I have to agree with idiot over here that plan is not only dangerous, but really stupid…" Hades agreed I felt his arms tighten protectively around me. "Uhhh can someone fill me in on the plan…" I asked shyly; "Moron over here wants us to go see HIM of all Gods why do we need to talk to HIM!" Zeus said pacing. Hermes shrunk, "Well I thought since the Chairmen is not only the strongest and oldest one…he might have a way for us to regain our titles and keep our powers without worshipers…" he said quietly. I looked at Hades, "Don't you remember the last time we 'talked' to him…He started to EAT us!" He said with menace shivering at a memory. "If it wasn't for Mothers wit and keeping Zeus hidden from him we would all be digested long ago…" he reminded. "I was pretty cool when I gutted the old man for you guys..." Zeus said beaming with pride. I couldn't help but give a nervous chuckle," Wait are you talking about who I think you are?" Hades nodded his head at me, "Yup the old bastard himself God of Time and the King of the Titans…Cronus…Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Hestia, Myself and your mother Demeter we all are his children and we were stuck in that mans stomach for years…." He said explaining. I looked at him shocked and still abit disgusted, "Reason 101 for us NOT to get together…" I mumbled so only he heard; I got a chuckle out of that. "Point is my young flower unlike his siblings, who are trapped in Tartarus, we let him rule time. He has to stay in a special office we made, that is here at the academy, he can never leave his cell unless he wants another fight with us…" He said smugly. "Or if circumstances call for it…" Hermes chimed in quietly earning him dagger stares from Hades and Zeus; Hermes threw his hands up in the air giving up.
"Well for now I want you 2 to train them how to fight…" Zeus said pointing his finger at us. "Why don't the individual halls train their own students it'll be simpler that way don't you think?" I commented wrapping my arms around myself. Zeus froze obviously not thinking about that at all. Hades on the other hand buried his face in my hair trying not to laugh. It would have worked if his shoulders weren't moving from his laughter. "She got you there Zeus it's moments like this that I realize who got less of the brains from mother…" Hades said through his chuckling. Zeus looked at us about to retort when a throat cleared. We all turned; I froze at the sight of a woman I had never seen. The others froze and straightened to attention. Hades tucking me behind him. Which made me wonder who this woman was? Her hair was golden almost shining and seemingly moving on its own like a wind held it, her eyes were covered with a white scrap of cloth that looked like it was ripped. Underneath you can tell she is beautiful with a baby smooth face. Her figure wasn't by any means impressive she was chubby, with what looked like baby fat. Her breasts were in between A and B cup with a decent size ass she was short. she was slightly hunched, and she seemed to be 'hot footing' it rocking back and forth on her feet. She was holding a clipboard and too her side was a satchel that I could see big spools for a loom; both empty and some with what looked like gold strings. The string seemed to glow oddly and looked almost alive similar to her hair. That is till I noticed an empty spool started to get a piece of string; then I realized it was her hair that was wrapping around it.
"Clotho…." Hades, Zeus and Hermes said at the same time all in a confused manner and cautiously; I froze the woman in front of us was one of the Moirae or the Fates. Clotho was the youngest of the 3; 'the Spinner' she spun a person's life thread; basically, the beginning of life for a mortal. I gently gripped the back of Hades's shirt when she lifted her head. "Your presence is requested…" she said. Her voice was quiet like a breezy wind almost like she wasn't even there, but everywhere at the same time. The others froze Hades looked at her, but I heard him through our apparent mind link, "She is 1 of the secretaries to Cronus we made the Fates his Guards/Secretaries. If we need to talk to him or vice versa we go through each one of the fates…normally they just wave us in if we need to go in, but he never has called us…" Hades said worriedly. Zeus, "Who is the old man calling for?" He asked crossing his arms. "His 3 sons…their mates….and Rhea…." Clotho said patiently like she was talking to a babe. "We better hurry before my sisters get impatient…" she said looking up at the sun like she was checking the time that way. Zeus put Hermes in charge of putting signs up and with Hades taking hold of my hand to keep me to him we followed Clotho out to the hall where Rhea, Poseidon, Amphirite and Hera already waiting. Amphirite came over to me and held onto my arm concerned. Poseidon stood next to Hades staying in front of Amphirite. Rhea looked annoyed and Hera was attempting to hide behind Zeus for protection.
As a group we walked down the halls students and teachers all whisper wondering what was going on; thanks to their memories being back they knew who Clotho was. Demeter was about to go demand what was going on and 'save' me, but the three brothers gave her a stern Do NOT interfere or else look. She stopped mid step and reluctantly stepped back; looks like it was true you don't mess with the brothers when they are on edge. We walked in silence to the headmaster's office, the office was surprisingly normal. Well if you want to call the orgies taking place on the ceiling. All of them had Zeus and his…'conquests '. The rest of the room was plain bookshelves with records and some odd book which were all no surprise Erotica. Rhea just sighed in annoyance at her younger sons antics and looked at him disappointed. The desk in the middle of the room was huge and obviously had some wear and tear to it but it stood tall and somehow proudly. Golden eagle statues were on either side of the giant window that looked out to the mountains. Next to the statues were doors one was an old looking door about to splinter to pieces. The other a new elegant door with golden vines; Clotho paused and looked at the doors. "Now which shall we choose…" she asked in a gleeful tone like she had a puzzle to solve. We looked at each other then the doors then each other again. "Shouldn't it be the good door that's what we hid the elevator in?" Zeus said impatiently, as he tried to move a dirty magazine without us seeing. He failed miserably thanks to all our keen eyesight and Clotho's humor; "No one cares if they see the magazine young Zeus, we all expected that from you…". He sulked abit when Hera snatched it away from him leafed through it abit, rolled it up and WHAM right across the head. "I swear you are worse than a teenage boy!" Hera announced tossing the magazine into the bin. "And to your guess Zeus no there is no way of telling which door it is unless you have a key to the doors….My sisters and I enchanted the doors so it would switch doors every hour on the hour….During said hour the other door would lead to the most vile place we could think of…" Clotho said with a smirk. We looked curiously at her; "And that would be?" Hera asked. "It was a tie between Zeus's or Hades's rooms, but we decided Zeus won that one when he brought in the Witch of Babylon into his room…" she smirked we all couldn't help it but laugh Zeus didn't. "HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW SHE HAD CRABS!?" He wailed which made us laugh harder Clotho just giggled. "No one said anything about the diseases they carry just that that was pushed you to win…." Zeus turned red at this clearly he hadn't told anyone about having crabs. I saw Rhea face palm in agony at her son, "Where did I go wrong?" she asked no one. That didn't surprise anyone what did was when I felt a hot pain in my chest; immediately everyone stopped when I gripped my chest wincing and clearly in pain.
"Persephone?!" Hades was immediately next to me as I held my chest he gently touched my shoulders and looked worried. I tried to respond but a wheezy cough came out as suddenly the key hidden within my chest started to pulsate. "Interesting…" Clotho announced in an uncaring voice. "What's going on?!" Hades demanded the others wanted to speak up too and demand as well. "It's her first time young Hades it will be a bit painful but it will subside she's just reacting to the…'lock'…" Clotho responded she came over and helped me up and led me to the splinter door which hummed when I got to it. "See that means this is the door…" she touched my hand to the door and it creaked open. Inside was an elevator waiting for us to get in. We all got in the elevator which only had 1 button. Clotho pressed it the door shut, and we felt the elevator move. Hades took hold of me and held me as the pain started to subside, "What the hell was that about?" Zeus hissed at us Hades held me protectively daring him to come closer to me. "Why Zeus she is the holder of the Key if the enemy gets a hold of her they could open the door to the Titans and free them…" Clotho responded like it was obvious. Silence met her words it was Zeus's hiss and nostril flaring that broke the silence, "Your telling me…. she has the universes strongest key known to human and God kind?" Clotho sighed out of annoyance of having to repeat herself to him. She turned to him making him immediately shut up. Amphirite was patting my shoulder with Hades still holding onto me. Everyone had gone pale at the mention of the key; obviously Hera and Zeus wanting to kill me with the look in their eyes making Hades and Poseidon both nudging Amphirite and I behind them protectively.
The tension was so thick you could cut it with a dull rusted butter knife, the elevator stopped and opened to reveal another woman. Like Clotho she had hair that was golden almost shining and seemingly moving on its own like a wind held it, her eyes were covered with a gray scrap of cloth that looked like it was ripped. Underneath you can tell she was just as beautiful as her sister except she was thinner. So much so her figure was a perfect hourglass with C or D cups and an ass to match; she was the perfect example of a full-fledged adult. Unlike her sister she was about 2 heads taller, she was slightly hunched and 'hot footing' it. She was holding another clipboard and to her side was an old looking tape measure she wore it like it was a belt. The numbers on it were in greek instead of normal numbers; that must have been her tool of the trade. While Clotho carried and made the strings of life; Lachesis measured a person's life span and decided when that person has lived out there measured amount. She was the one who decides who will continue to live or who dies. "You touch a hair on this child you will not live long to regret it…." Lachesis's voice rang out unlike her silent sister Lachesis's voice was strong and powerful. It sounded seductive to the ear and her voice would make any man or woman kneel before her and do her will.
Zeus and Hera both immediately stopped glaring at me and looked at Lachesis bowing; Clotho almost floated to her sister. "Why stop them dear sister? It was going to get interesting…" Clotho pouted, Lachesis looked at her and smirked. "Because my dear little one as much as it would be fun to watch our uncle tear our father up….the future requires him…you know this" Lachesis responded going up to Clotho and pats her head like a child. She turned her attention to us, "Follow me…." She turned and started to walk down the hall. I finally had a chance to look around; by the elevator there was a reception desk made out of dark oak. Another door was behind said door with golden letters on it that read, "Fates door; Fates only", Clotho walked to and disappeared behind said door as we followed Lachesis. We were walking down a cave with torches lit by white, gold and black flames; it was very eerie and somehow deathly cold. I couldn't help but shiver a little and get closer to Hades for warmth. Not even the underworld was this cold. Hades looked at me and noticed I was shivering and rubbing my arms. He gently touched my shoulder; a beautiful green cloak appeared around with white fur trimming and the inside was lined with the fur. I sighed in content with the warmth I looked up at him and smiled my thanks. I heard chattering and noticed Poseidon was trying to keep a freezing Amphirite warm as well. Hades waved his hand softly and a similar cloak appears on her but it was deep blue she sighed and buried herself inside the cloak. Poseidon looked at Hades and actually smiled and nods his head in thanks. He then cloaked Rhea as well in a similar cloak but, in gold she sighed and smiled at him in thanks. Hades wrapped his arm around my shoulders keeping him next to him, we noticed Hera was having similar problems but Zeus was so deep in his thoughts he failed to notice. Hades sighed out in resignation and gave Hera a cloak as well but, in pink. She breathed out in a sigh of relief as we walked down the hall.
"I will allow only 1 question each of you…no more…no less…" Lachesis finally broke the silence we all looked at each other. I had so many questions but, having to choose just one was not going to be easy; "Ok then…Why did something so important choose such a…." Zeus began not wanting to say bitch I guess because Hades was glaring at him. Lachesis looked at him over her shoulder; "You of all people should know that answer such a waste…" she sighed out looking back forward. "Lady Persephone was chosen not only because of her nature to protect as you have noticed she protects those innocent and brings her enemies to her knees. She was also chosen because of her duel powers…" she continued and noticed all our faces of confusing all except Hades. "Why am I stuck with some idiots…" she groaned; "Lady Persephone has the power of Spring, which is her most prominent power but, also the power of the underworld… She is destined to be the Queen of the Underworld she would have been sooner except for 2 idiots…" she glared at Zeus who shuffled a little uncomfortably. "Hermes killed her not me I didn't order that ki…." "Bullshit…" Lachesis said interrupting him, "After Persephone avoided your advances you called Hermes in and told him to kill her for her transgressions against you and to blame Hades knowing full well that he has never seen her…but, Demeter didn't need to know that…." She stated calmly. I felt a darkness rise besides me and saw Hades was blowing up in anger. His eyes glowing red from anger; Zeus must have felt Hades because I saw him deflate making himself smaller. I gently touched Hades; he looked at me. I softly smiled at him and he started to calm. "Due to her duel powers she of all the Gods had a better chance to fight off those who would wish to take the Kleidí ton Titánon for evil…but, the key isn't in full bloom yet so there is still time to help her master her new found powers of the underworld…and relearn her powers of Spring…" Lachesis ended her explanation. Zeus was going to ask another question but his voice didn't come out. He looked at Lachesis freaked out, "You already asked your question so you don't get to ask another…" Lachesis said to him.
"Well then I'll ask mine!" Hera announced loudly, "What do you mean the Kleidí ton Titánon isn't in full bloom?" she asked; Lachesis looked at her. "It isn't in full bloom because Persephone isn't ready for it to be…her powers feed it…without harming her or her abilities actually it amplifies her powers so she can withstand it's power…" she explained, "Once Lady Persephone fulfills the requirements will it bloom…" After she finished Hera lost her ability to ask questions. She silently protest that that shouldn't be how her question ends. "Ahh sweet silence…." Hades and Poseidon both stated and didn't flinch at her glare. "What are the requirements that she must fulfill in order for it to bloom?" Amphirite asked shyly. Lachesis turned to her, "She already fulfilled one of 4…she beat her past and present by defying Zeus again and surviving where most fail….she failed the first time by dying but, she was able to dish out a perfect revenge the second time when history repeated itself… in doing so the keys presence is being made and on its way to coming to be…" Everyone looked at me then Zeus. "Hades helped me I didn't do it alone…" I stated softly Hades tightened his grip around me. "The requirements never said you had to do them alone just you had to fulfill them…" She stated calmly continuing. "Then she must live with the Olympians to finally bring out the base of said key…that does not mean she has to sleep with any of them it just means that she has to live with the serpents to make that base strong right now the foundation is not that strong… Then she must regain her powers of a Spring Goddess…That one will be a little difficult since she will need Demeter's help to do so…Which means she will have to live with Demeter till she masters that power." She stated Hades looked at her shocked and wanted to ask what the hell but, I stopped him knowing hell be wasting his question. "That will then bloom the next item the Pines of Poseidon…and finally the last one is the Gift of Hades….Which is where you must live in the underworld and learn to master your powers of the underworld…." She stated. I felt Hades tense up at this he was visibly agitated and running his free hand through his hair. "I can sense your displeasure Hades she'll be fine…" Lachesis told him, Amphirite then lost her ability to ask questions as well but, didn't seem to be agitated by it. "Were almost there and 4 questions remain…" Lachesis said. "Very well then tell me this Lachesis…Do we have a time line for her to finish her trials?" Poseidon asked. I saw then a smirk on Lachesis face, "Know we are getting somewhere…yes there is your enemies made their first move the clock started till the destruction to this world…." She said ominously. We all looked at each other I got closer to Hades shivering not from the cold; he held me closer. Poseidon like the others couldn't ask another question; "Fine then what does that idiotic husband want with his family if we are in a time crunch?" Rhea asked huffing out in annoyance. Lachesis's smirk grew and I knew these were the questions she wanted; "Why he wants to extend his help is all if this world ends then he is stuck with only us…"she stated like it was obvious. Rhea like the rest lost her questions to silence. "2 questions left ask wisely…" she warned me and Hades we looked at each other. Still not certain what to ask, It was Hades who asked first, "When exactly will d-day happen?" he asked Lachesis smiled, "My my Hades impatient for battle…Your day to fight like the old days will be on the day it all began…." She said and Hades was silent he told her with her eyes that was not what he asked. "Oh young one I told you when d-day was so I did answer your question…" she then turned to me. "Your question Lady Persephone…" I thought for a moment and then asked the final question as a light in the end of the tunnel came to view. "Who are our enemies?" She beamed at me; "That My Lady was the question I was waiting for…." She responded as the cave opened up to reveal a second cave.
This cave to our surprise was not a cave; planets revolved around us with stars dotting the 'sky' the tunnel disappeared to nothing and we stood on a piece of floating land a stone staircase leads up. She turned to us then. "Your enemy is Ophion…" a different voice said we turned to see a much older lady come towards us. She had white hair but was still just as beautiful as the other 2. Like Clotho and Lachesis she had white hair going every which way indicating she was the last fate. She had a piece of bark that doubled as a clipboard as well and a pair of ancient shears like scissors at her hip. 'Zoi' was engraved on one half of the shears 'Oavatoc' on the other. Life and death my mind remembered; just like her sisters she hot footed to us and was slouched more than her sisters. She was not as well balanced as Lachesis but she matched her in beauty. She wore a black chiton of old that was tattered and very worn with a ripped-up blind like her sisters. If anything she was deathly pale and skinny very skinny if you touched her she would probably turn to dust. "Ah Atropos!" Lachesis stated bowing to her older sister. She stopped in front of us. "Ophion has gained supporters and plans to use them to break out of his prison…" she stated coldly. Everyone tensed "Ophion…oh no…." Hera whispered holding onto Zeus's arm. He didn't look at her but, his expression was that of fear; I could tell without looking everyone else had a similar expression. Except Hades who had a neutral expression on the outside; inside is a different story.
Ophion a true titan, he was the very first ruler of the heavens, it was said he was a giant snake made of the very wind. It was written that the great Goddess Eurynome; the Goddess or All Things; separated water from the sky. In doing so she caught the wind and rubbed it to make a snake from it, that snake was Ophion. He watched Eurynome and wanted her as she danced and danced to keep herself warm. He couldn't resist her for long, he wrapped himself around her seven times and made love to her impregnating her with what was called the 'Universal Egg'. When Eurynome gave birth to this egg Ophion wrapped himself around his and Eurynome's precious egg under her orders. From the egg the earth spilled from it all living things populated the Earth upon hatching. He of course couldn't keep his mouth shut after this and boasted that he created the earth alone which made his wife mad. She ended up kicking both him and his teeth out of Mount Olympus. Only it was Cronus who truly defeated this mighty foe. Ophion was locked in Tartarus with Eurynome following being over thrown by Rhea.
Looks at Hades wanting an explanation to why Ophion would have a problem with everyone but, Cronus. He looks at me, "Ophion was before my time really but from what I understand from what the spirits around his cage used to tell me Ophion's hatred grew and grew in Tartarus for Father for taking his place then us for in his eyes destroying what he and Eurynome created…" Hades said crossing his arms. Atropos noded at this, "Yes and the wheels of fate are not kind to you young ones…" she stated turning and signaling to us to follow. We looked at each other and followed her; we were silent processing what was discussed. "We are almost there…" Atropos announced turning to us on the very edge of a cliff that looked like it was crumbling stairs lead upward into the sky floating in midair and looked very dangerous. Hera looked at the stairs not wanting to step on them, "Only Cronos sons and his wife may touch these stairs if another touches them…well ill have to cut your string and I do not wish for that…" Atropos said uncaringly. Hades sighed scooping me into his arms in bridal style like I weighed nothing; I let out a small yelp of shock. "Hades?!" I squeaked out in shock. "Well we need to see father and we don't want your life string cut…" he stated walking to the stairs. Poseidon in Hades fashion picked up Amphirite while Zeus picked Hera up too, but he was a bit more not wanting to carry her bridal. With Rhea in-between Hades and Poseidon they started up the stairs Atropos leading the way; I looked around and out of curiosity I looked down. Huge ass mistake; below us was earth itself slowly turning as I saw the country of Africa I gulped and tightly gripped Hades's shirt snapping my head back burying my head into his chest refusing to look around again. I felt Hades chuckle; I looked up at him to see a small smirk on his face. "Afraid? Don't worry I won't drop you…" he stated so only I heard. I glared at him but stayed silent. As if to make a joke out of the current situation he playfully half dropped me letting me fall not even an inch. He chuckled at my squeal of fear Rhea who was behind him smacked the back of his head. "That is not remotely funny young man!" she scolded he just smirked and licked up the tear that was welling up at the corner of my eye. "As if I would let her out of my arms…" he said to Rhea looking at me and I could see he really was just trying to cheer me up. I couldn't help it I smacked his chest repeatedly. "You idiot this really isn't something to laugh about!" I scolded back as his chuckles turned to laughter as he held me close. He was patting my head gently holding me with one arm.
A few more minutes passed, and we reached a large plateau, the area around looked like a sea of stars; shooting stars flying by. There was a giant desk in the middle of the plateau which was made of a very dark oak it looked almost black. Piles of scrolls thrown around the desk, but what really caught my eye were the golden lights that formed a giant clock. Only thing is instead of it being a regular clock it was an hour glass. Stars made the sand that dripped down, it was beautiful to watch and mesmerizing, that is till an old man caught my eye. Cronus had on an old white chiton with dirt stains on the bottom from wear and tear. His beard was up to where his buckle would be if he wore pants, he had icy blue eyes that looked almost timeless and all knowing. He had a scythe in his hand which was wrapped in bandages and a seal hanging from it was another hourglass this one was cracked the sand in the bottom was black like it was dead. It was then that I remembered that Hades was holding me in his arms, his grip tightened around my knees and shoulders protectively. I looked at him he didn't have any form of emotion on his face, but I knew he was not happy or wanting to be here in front of his father. Who would want to be near the man or god or titan in this case who ate them as a baby?
Zeus put Hera down, but before he said anything Cronus gave him a sharp glare he then using his scythe as a walking stick walked towards Hades and me. It was then I noticed the chains around his ankles and his wrists showing he was a prisoner. He stopped in front of us and he reached out to me Hades then jerked me out of his reaching hand not wanting him to touch me. Cronus looked at his eldest with an annoyed look. "I do not plan to hurt your wife…" Cronus said in a raspy voice, I felt myself turn bright red I wiggled out of Hades arms. I glared at him when he tried to move me behind him, I turned to Cronus. "You are mistaken Hades and I aren't a couple much less Husband and wife" I told him, he chuckled. "Yet child…now to business if I may…" he asked I nodded, and I slowly went to him with Hades shadowing me. Cronus gently placed two callused fingers on my forehead and as suddenly they were gone. "Oh my dear….you're going to be faced with so many challenges…" he stated sadly he went to his desk. Hades on the other hand was tucking me under his arm; "What does that mean old man?" He asked him not at all happy. "I mean your wife is going to be in trouble with her being the key holder and unfortunately we need to get the key out or there will be dire consequences…" He started to flip through his scrolls. "What dire consequences?" Rhea asked going over sitting on the desk. "That dear wife would be Hades filing a scroll and seeing her everyday as a soul…" he said cryptically as before our eyes he got young and I can see the family resemblance. He had black hair and was very built and muscular.
"Wait you mean it could kill her!" Hades yelled out to Cronus who lifted Rhea up checking the scrolls under her. "That's what I just said…" Cronus said finding the scroll he was looking for. He came back over with the scroll. He looked at Atropos she mumbled something and her sisters appeared; they took the scroll and unraveled it. Atropos waved her hand over the scroll stars fell and formed to show the key. It was an evergreen holm oak branch that formed the key base. 2 pine cones grew from the end of the key, small ones that were the most ornate looking pine cones I have ever seen. Finally asphodel flowers grew around the key not a lot to make it look gaudy but enough to look like it was all one cohesive piece. "This is the Kleidí ton Titánon…the Key of the Titans…like Lachesis told you this key is sucking and amplifying Persephone's powers at the same time…but it is also going to start to kill her the faster we get the key out the faster we save Persephone from a horrible death…" Cronus explained. The stars reformed into a human shape. "The key is housed in the host's heart…" as he talked the key appeared inside the heart. "As it blooms it will hurt after all it is in the heart…but at the same time it will come out of the safety of the heart. If left unchecked it will bloom out of control and a tree will grow instead of a key and the host will be….well…" The human figure explodes as a tree sprouts and grows rapidly. "How do we make sure that doesn't happen?" Hades asked real concern in his voice. "She must not be put under stress that would harm her or the key…what you saw was a person if they were under a lot of stress…" He said calmly. "Well living with Zeus would defiantly stress her out…" Hades humphed out. "We have no choice the clock is ticking and the base of the key must be strong and the only way to strengthen her is to be able to trust and walk besides those that killed her…besides I take it you'll be moving in with her so her stress should be fine…" Cronus said as he walked away. Atropos, Lachesis, and Clotho all sighed; "You have been in our room again haven't you we told you to stay away from the fates door…" Atropos reprimanded he shrugged. "If I had something to do I wouldn't be sneaking in there and watching peoples futures…" Rhea cleared her throat from her spot at his desk, "What about removing the key when it is fully bloomed?" she asked. "Ah Hades has to remove it by reaching in and pulling it out…" he said in a matter of fact voice. "WHAT?!" both Hades and I screamed. Cronus used his pinky to rub the inside of his ear. "You heard me only Hades can do it since he is the King of the Underworld…he alone of the 3 that can turn his hand and arm into a spirit and reach in and get it…the other way would probably kill her…which is heart surgery basically…" he said flicking earwax from his fingertip.
Cronus let all this sink in before speaking up again, "Now no more talk Persephone will stay with everyone, but remember no stress…Oh and as for the matter of everyone gaining powers without worshippers…The answer lies with the dead…" He said before shooing everyone to the elevator that magically appeared in the corner. Rhea was slower because Cronus couldn't rush his wife whether he wanted to or not. He still loved her after all these eons, "You are playing with fire Cronus if you slip up again and harm our children…." Rhea warned as she passed him, he nodded knowing what she meant. Before the doors closed Cronus shouted one last thing to us, "DON'T LET HADES NAME MY GRANDCHILDREN!" before we could respond the doors closed with my face tomato red.
The doors reopened to Zeus's office all of us in silence as we walked out Zeus going to his desk and pulling out a vintage bottle of ancient greek wine that was probably made by Dionysus himself. He poured himself a glass and chugged it like it was a shot. "What just happened?" Hera asked pulling out a pack of cigarettes in slightly shaky hands. "I believe we just got a rude awakening…" Poseidon said pulling in Amphirite into his arms. Hades flicked a finger and all our cloaks disappeared as he followed Poseidon's lead. He pulled me in putting his chin on the top of my head watching Hera and Zeus; Hera lit the cigarette sitting on Zeus's desk taking a long drag. "Well then what know?" Hera asked as she exhaled the smoke. "It's obvious we need to start manifesting the Kleidí ton Titánon" Rhea said leaning against the wall crossing her arms. "Uh no way, if we do that the Titans could be released!" Hera argued. "If we don't we lose Persephone!" Rhea snapped back at Hera. "So what?! 1 minor Goddess to make sure the world doesn't come to an end! I think I know where our priorities should be! If the world ends, then no more US!" She shouted back angrily. A loud slap resounds around the room all of us stood shocked at Rhea who at one moment was against the wall was in front of Hera her hand raised high. Hera was shocked for a minute before it computed that Rhea had just slapped her across her face her cheek turning red from the impact. Hera turns to Rhea and flinches at what she is greeted by a look you never want to be caught under. Rhea's eyes glowed eerily her face had darken; I shrank into Hades who wraps his arm tightly around me protectively. I looked up at him his eyes were glowing as well and his face darkens threateningly. I sensed more anger and looked at Poseidon and Amphirite who's eyes where all glowing. "We are NOT killing Persephone if need be I will also be with her during the time spent with your house Zeus so no harm comes to her…" Rhea said and she meant business. I felt myself get a little uneasy with all this. "Ok everyone calm down…we need to think about this for a minute to let it…" I was saying. "You have no say brat! If you didn't have the key none of this would be happening!" Hera spat at me Rhea growled lowly like a feral animal at her. "Actually I do have a say Hera it's MY life on the line…not yours…" I said wrapping my arms around me I felt like crying just crawling into a hole and cry till I couldn't anymore. Hades's grip tightened around me gently stroking my in a calming demeanor. Hera's face started to change to that of sympathy, she sighs taking a puff of her cigarette; "Fine….so what is our first step?" she asked reluctantly as Hades pulled me closer putting my face against his chest as I slightly shake of fear. "You and Zeus are going to find Hades, Persephone and myself a room at your hall AWAY from Zeus's room…and a stress free area…" Rhea emphasized to her as Hera kept taking drags of her cigarette till it was done. "Fine I think we can find you guys some space but we only have 2 rooms available that are far enough that would be to your liking…" she warned. "That's fine Persephone and I will share the room anyway I am not letting her out of my sight during our stay with both of your houses…" Hades said leaving no room for argument. "Fine…"Hera said putting her cigarette out on Zeus's desk hopping off. "I'll leave first to have the rooms ready for you tom…." "Today we will move in today the sooner the better…" Rhea said again leaving no room for argument. Hera sputtered at the suddenness. "Well get going we are going to pack really quick and be there before dark…" Rhea said as she turned and ushered me and Hades out, leaving a sputtering Hera. Poseidon led Amphirite after us not wanting to hear Hera.
We walked in relative silence, "Mother was that wise to antagonize Hera?" Poseidon asked gently as we walked. "Humph that sister of yours knows better once I speak; she obeys that much I still have some control of my way ward child…" she said seriously. Hades nods, "I let her keep that to keep Hera on some form of a leash, so she didn't go around killing whoever or whenever she wanted." Hades explained. Poseidon nodded in understanding. "We will make sure you have accommodations ready for you…but the only problem is…" Amphirite was saying. A loud voice rang out. "PERSEPHONE! " Demeter screeched out we sighed as she was running over concern in her eyes. When she reached us she snatched me away from Hades, "My little bud what happened!? I saw that the fates scooped you up!" She said franticly while she stroked the top of my head like a child. "Pweas wet go…" I said muffled my face buried in her chest. Hypnos who had been blocked from following was frantically flying around me checking me to make sure I wasn't hurt. I groaned out of frustration from this; I felt Hades's hands as he gently pried me from Demeter. "Will you both stop that…" he growled as Hypnos landed on my head Demeter scoffed at him. "She is MY…" "Yes she is your daughter we know but she doesn't need to be suffocated to death by your death machines…" Rhea said in a slight reprimand. "I was worried to death!" Demeter defended herself. We all sighed Poseidon pinched the bridge of his nose, knowing he was about to have to deal with this mess. As if on cue Hades looked at him, "You deal with this she is in your hall and we need to go prepare ourselves…" with that Hades led me and Rhea away in a rush before Poseidon, Amphirite and Demeter could retaliate. I shot Amphirite an apologetic smile before we left; as we walked I thought and processed through everything. "We need to put someone in charge…" I was mumbling to myself. "We will put Hecate in charge she was my stand in secretary so she knows what needs to be done and the rules besides we have phones they could use them…" Hades said. He took my hand and Rhea's making sure we didn't fall down the steps of the entrance.
I looked out and noticed the rest of our group waiting at the bottom; it was Athena who noticed us first and pointed us out to the others. They turned to us and surrounded us as soon as we reached them concerned. Hades was about to say something when Zeus's loud voice boomed from out of nowhere for all to hear. "ALL STAFF TO THE MEETING HALL IMMEDIATLEY FOR A MANDATORY EMERGENCY MEETING NO EXCEPTION HADES!" He said. Hades growled and turned to Rhea, "I'll explain to the hall students just go before he makes our lives hell…" Hades nodded with that the group hurried to the meeting room with Poseidon and his group joining us along the way also looking displeased.
We walked in and we all took our places Zeus's group following in after us; "What the hell is this about Zeus you know Persephone and I need to go make arrangements!" Hades snarled at his little brother after everyone sat down. Zeus looked at him, "The others need to know what we learned!" He said back; "I was about to explain to my teachers when you made that stupid announcement…" Hades snapped back the others looked at each other confused. I sighed and ignoring the brothers stood which made them shut up and look at me as to what I was doing. Before Zeus could twist what was said I explained everything to the others watching their faces turn from interest to horror. I finished sitting down Hades placing his hand on my shoulder gently. The others processed this, "So we have to accept not only the key holder but the king of the underworld into OUR domains?" Artemis asked with a tone crossing her arms. "I'm with Artemis on this sweetheart living with Hades and defiantly living with Zeus isn't good for your heart...maybe…" Demeter was saying till I shot her a glare. "What you hide me away somewhere till the key emerges and I die from it?" I asked. Demeter looked flustered. "Well when you put it like that…" "She isn't like you Demeter who wants to be in solitude she needs help and you secluding her will just stress her out more!" Aphrodite said in my defense. The group all agreed with Aphrodite with nods and murmurs. "I'm her mother I…" Demeter started, "Don't you dare say 'I know what's best for her'" Hades interrupted her making Demeter gap like a fish. "Now we already had a plan set and we are going through with it Rhea and I will be at Persephone's side throughout this trials….Hecate will take my place as head of the hall till we return but of course she will have to clear all decisions with me and Persephone…" The group looked at each other and nodded in agreement on this while the others around murmured amongst themselves. Demeter was about to voice her opinion about being part of my guard, but Metis and Hestia covered her mouth instantly tired of hearing her.
After abit more talking the meeting ended with the group behind us we headed out, I noticed Demeter was going to storm over, but Poseidon stopped her and whispered something in her ear which made her stop trying. We walked down the steps in a hurry to go pack the sun will be setting in 2 hours and we still needed to pack and eat. Thallo and Thantos with the other horses ran over to us ready to go; we mounted without missing a beat. With a flick of the reins and nudge to his side Thantos was off with Hades on his back; Thallo was right next to him. Thantos and Thallo ran side by side without slowing Hades was mumbling curses under his breath Hypnos was holding on to dear life on my head. It took us about 20 minutes to get to the hall Thantos neighing and Thallo nickering both panting from the speed. Hades helped me dismount and gently put me down as we walked up the steps to go pack. Rhea met us at the entrance, "I told the students what happened?" She asked as she followed us. "Your idiotic son wanted to let everyone know in a meeting and now not only is Demeter pissed she isn't involved with her daughter but the whole campus is going to be annoying us about this…" Hades responded as he walked down the halls to our rooms. She sighed, "I was worried about Demeter acting up over this…" Rhea stated. "We are going to pack then have dinner then head to enemy territory I want to get there before the sun sets we will take my car so we don't have to ride those stupid chariots…." Hades said. Rhea nodded and left us to go finish packing as we reached our hall and walked to our rooms. We were silent the whole walk both deep in thought, we reached our doors Hades looked at me. "Don't worry Persephone I won't let anything happen to you…" Hades said gently touching my hair lifting it just feeling it between his fingers. "I'm not going to lie and say I'm not scared…Hades I'm terrified…I don't want to…" A tear spilled from my eye he yanked me into his arms. "I won't let you die I promise you this you have Rhea, the group and me by your side no one or thing is going to harm a single hair on your beautiful head…" He whispered into my ear I couldn't help it I wrapped my arms around him tightly like he was my only lifeline.
He only let me go slightly, "Do you need my help to pack?" he asked gently I shake my head. "I can manage on my own you need to get what you need I just feel bad you have to take care of me like I am a baby…." I said gently. He smirked and kissed the top of my head gently, "Go pack my little one I'll meet you back out here in a few minutes…" I nodded; we both went into our rooms slightly hesitating to go in. I closed my door sighing heavily, I touched my chest slightly it was still a little achy I tried to calm myself knowing I shouldn't stress out but I couldn't help it. I gently slapped my face to get myself out of this self-pity. I went to my bed and started to pull out my luggage bag I used when I got here; a soft knock was my only warning before the girls ran in. Aphrodite in tears she all but tackled me; "Oh Persephone this sucks! We were just becoming great friends!" she wept. I gently pat her head and looked at Athena and Hecate who were looking like they wanted to do the same thing. I smiled telling them with my eyes it was ok if they wanted to hug me. With that they ran over and with that I was finally tackled onto my bed with the girls who were all crying. I tried really hard not to join them as I patted their heads; "This is only temporary I'll be back as soon as we get to the final stage of the key development and we can see each other every day at the school…" I told them gently. They sniffed, "But you're not going to be here with us…" Aphrodite said. "She'll be back before you guys know it!" Aries said from the door the girls left open. He was acting tough, but I knew he was faking the bravado, "But this is a sight 4 women in bed and crying…" he teased using that to hide his true emotion. He took out his phone and snapped a quick photo. "That's going to be nicely framed…" He noted running out with a now angry Aphrodite after his ass to delete it. Athena and Hecate wiped away their tears looked at me and we all laughed, "We'll help you pack since we interrupted you…" Hecate offered. We started to pack my bag putting my jewelry and the clock they gave me into my carry bag. I gently put the box of my flower pins in the bag. I went to the bathroom with a change of clothes to change. Opting for a pair of jeans and a flower tank top with a green cardigan. I went out Hypnos carrying my bathing essences to pack them up, Aphrodite had returned and was putting my makeup in the bag with Athena and Hecate finishing packing my bags. I smiled, gratefully that is till Aphrodite gasped. "You're going to Olympic Hall like that?" she asked in shock I looked down. "What's wrong with it I'm comfortable?" I asked she tsked and went back to my wardrobe and rummaged through the clothes I was leaving behind. "Aha!" she announced happily. Athena and Hecate groaned, "Don't Aphro we don't have time for this…" Hecate said, "There is always time for fashion especially if you are going to Olympus…" she said coming over to me with a black miniskirt and a green tube top. "I am not wearing that Aphrodite…" she gave me puppy eyes. "But…but" she whimpered and sighed. "I get to wear a jacket because that shows my scar and I am taking these clothes because it's comfy…." I compromised. She nodded happily as she pushed me back into my bathroom. I sighed and changed again. I came out this time rushing myself I ignored her squeal of delight as I slipped on a pair of black converse she held out to me. I put on my jacket when a knock came, "Persephone we need to go eat before we…" Hades was saying as he was coming in but fell silent. I pointed to Aphrodite he went to my bed and picked up my suitcase. He looked at us, "This everything?" He asked me sighing I picked up my bag nodding. He took my bag from me and walked out I was about to protest when Aphrodite was squeaking happily.
We followed Hades to the entrance where his and Rhea's bags were waiting, "Hepheastus is getting the car he knows to put these in the trunk…" he said as he put my stuff down. "Wait your driving there?!" Aphrodite said in complete shock. "How else do you expect us to get there fast? The Chariots and horses are too slow for the distance we need to make…" Hades responded putting my bags down with the other ones. Rhea had come up to me circling and nodding in approval with the outfit choice, she herself was in a dark green dress that hugged her figure perfectly. "But your driving is…it will…" Aphrodite was trying to find the words. "I actually like Hades's driving…" I admitted shyly making the others look at me shocked. "Yup she's a weird one…" They where whispering to each other in a circle. "I'M RIGHT HERE!" I scolded and sighed as Hades smirked, he touched my lower back and lead me to the dinning hall.
The students stopped talking and looked up at us, Hades didn't say anything he just sat me down and went to get dinner. "Let me check your wound before you go, I haven't had a chance to for a while…" Hecate said to me with her bag. I nodded the others heard this and surrounded me so the students couldn't see. Hecate gently moved my jacket and gently unwrapped the bandage she nodded with approval when she looked at it. "It is better than it was…" she wiped the medication that was already on it off. She gently reapplied some of her concoction onto it making me wince, she comforted me with words of encouragement as she re bandaged me up covering me with my jacket again as Hades returned with our trays. "How is her wound?" he asked knowingly. "Better another few days and she should be all but healed." Hecate reported as Hades put the meatloaf in front of me. He nodded in approval as we started to eat. Rhea was eating with the other students who were gossiping over things.
After we finished eating, we stood throwing our trash the whole hall followed us to the entrance to see us off. Hades car was sitting out in the front gleaming and ready to go, Hypnos who was in his adult form was telling Morpheus to behave. Then he went over to Pasithea and nuzzled her lovingly, shocking everyone. Then I remembered that Pasithea was his wife before death took her from him. Hypnos gently place his forehead against hers smiling and whispered something to her she blushed deeply and smiled. Hypnos turned into his bat form flying over to me landing on my shoulder looking back at his family. I smiled rubbing the top of his head with my finger. Then the girls all surrounded me again crying hugging me goodbye. I laughed as we all said goodbye, they all threatened Hades about keeping me safe if not there will be Tartarus to pay. Athena was warning Rhea to use ALL the seatbelts in the back seat and hold on for dear life. After a bit longer Hades ushered me and Rhea into the car opening the door for both of us and closing it for us. Rhea who wasn't all that convinced just put on 1 seatbelt as I buckled up, Hades got in himself and buckled up starting the car. I noticed then that Thallo, Thanatos and Rhea's horse; a black Akhal-Teke. "I had Hephaestus add our saddles and such knowing them they wouldn't let us leave them behind…" Hades explained. Then we were off with the horses running behind us in a gallop with Thanatos in the front with Thallo to his right and Rhea's horse to the left. Hades didn't slow for them they somehow knew where we were going. Rhea now was scrambling to use all the seatbelts, "How is this a calming ride?!" she called from the back seat. I looked out the window to think as the world blurred as we drove. I felt a hand on mine after awhile looking down I saw Hades big hands wrap around mine. He was gentle about it his eyes never straying, I smiled and looked out the window again letting my mind go to calm myself letting go of the stress.
We arrived too the mountain that housed Olympic Hall which was about an hour away from Styx hall. Like Styx hall Olympic hall was not far from the campus it just takes an hour to each hall from the others for the simple reason. No one from the other halls wanted to be near the other for long, Hades parked to the side of the steps leading up. He calmly got out and opened the door for us. Rhea flung herself out and was kissing the ground. "You are being dramatic Mother…" Hades said helping me out. We heard hooves beating as the horses caught up panting hard. "Well well well it seems you made it…" We turned to see Zeus with Hera and Hermes Achilles and Hercules was with them. None looking happy about the situation, it was Zeus who spoke. "Hermes and the boys will see to your bags…" Zeus said turning for us to follow. "No need I have our bags but they could show our horses where they can relax and such after all they just ran all the way over here…oh and watch Thallo she doesn't like anyone who isn't Persephone so don't be surprised if she nips at you…and If any harm comes to them…well it won't be pretty…" He smirked opening the trunk of his car to show all the horse equipment inside with our bags. "Oh and if you boys so much as try to do anything with my car or as much as get in…I'll know and remember I know your anatomy better than anyone and know the best spots and how to cover up a murder…" Hades threatened locking his car.
I sighed and followed Hades, Zeus, Hera and Rhea up the long stairs till we reached a leveled plateau. "Know then shall we take the shortcut? Don't want the students taking this shortcut…" Zeus said walking to behind a rock where an elevator door was. He pressed a button and we took it up. We got out of the elevator to be standing in front of a white marble temple like palace. In the middle of this circle a beautiful 3 tier fountain a replica of the one at Styx hall stood. The bottom most layer depicted the realm of Hades; the middle layer depicted the vast ocean home of Poseidon and the topmost layer depicted the heavens of Zeus. Bellowing from the halls were curtains of gold; further from the fountain grew a monstrous hall that would house Zeus and his employees while the outer "U" temple would be for the students. On the top of the main temple rose Zeus's crest for this school a silver lightning bolt with golden eagle wings spread open wide to imitate the majestic bird about to take flight. We followed Zeus who gave us a tour, I felt eyes of students and teachers looking at us whispering. I got closer to Hades not feeling welcomed at all, I felt his arm snake around me as he gave glares out. Zeus showed us his library, mess hall, recreation room, and his personal favorite the wine room. We were walking down the residential area of the hall, "As you can see, we have everything anyone would want! We also have a pool!" Zeus was saying as he led us down the hall. We looked unimpressed and were beyond exhausted, "Enough Zeus we are tired and want baths and sleep…" Rhea and Hades both said at the same time; Hades not hiding his annoyance. Zeus pouted, but led us to a separate building. "This was meant to be a small shrine for us to be praised in, but it's not used for that anymore…" Zeus said sadly opening the door; inside was 10 times bigger than the outside. "So, I converted it into a 2-bedroom living room get away!" He said proudly. "Each room has its own bathroom and such!" he said proudly. "I'll sanitize before we get comfortable…" Hades promised me and Rhea. We nod and sigh in relief, "HEY I DON'T USE THIS PLACE LIKE THAT!" Zeus said yelling. "Sure, thing King of the Crabs…" Hades said snapping the whole area got covered in shadows.
The shadows retreat the living room area in front of us sparkled clean our luggage appearing in the middle of the room. Hades nodded approvingly and walked in with me and Rhea following. Zeus hmphed, "Well if that is all we will leave you too it you have free range of the area and Persephone if you get bored…" He didn't finish his statement when Hera, Hades and Rhea sent him literal death glares. Hera in the form of her claws, Rhea in the form of some pins from her hair, and Hades shadow arrows stopping in front of his face. Zeus was petrified so Hera dragged him away closing the doors behind them.
I sighed and went to explore with Rhea following in turn, we looked in the first door. It was a small room with a bedroom with the bed in the floor. There was a massive tub in the room and another door that was open with a half bathroom in it. It was not as impressive as mine, but it served its purpose, Rhea and I looked at each other when we noticed the Zeus statute. We ducked out and looked at the other room which was way bigger. This bedroom had the same set up, but the bed was obviously big enough to have a 'prayer' session. Another statue of Zeus was in the room, unlike the other one this one was of a nude Zeus. I closed the door Rhea and I looked at each other and laughed hard. "What's so funny?" Hades asked looking in the room closing the door when he saw the statue. He was silent then laughed with us. "How does something so small…. make so many…" he wheezed out. "More importantly how does any girl get off on that small?!" Rhea commented. "You need a microscope and tweezers to get a good look!" I added wiping the tears from my eyes. "No wonder it was so easy for you to knee him Persephone there isn't much to hurt!" Hades bellowed we all ended up on the ground laughing.
After a few minutes we were wiping the tears from our faces and decided Rhea will get the smaller room while me and Hades would get the other. Hades had snapped the statues out, so we didn't have to look at them. "So where did you put them?" I asked, "Where it belongs…" he said with a smirk. "Persephone come on you can bathe with me tonight the men can bathe in the other room; I think girl time is in need." Rhea announced dragging me to my room to get my pjs and bathing stuff. Hypnos was helping and when we entered Rhea's room, she kicked him out. "Now then without the testosterone we can bathe in peace!" Rhea said Hypnos had gone around and started the baths for us as we talked acting the part of the servant. We stripped Rhea looking at the wound when I unraveled the bandage, she gently touched it and looked sadden by it. "Rhea?" I couldn't help myself she shook herself and smiled gently. "I'm sorry but that wound is a reminder of my failure of a son I should apologize I should have raised him better…" she admitted as she sank into the tub, I followed her in sighing. "You have no need to apologize it wasn't you who held the spear…" I remarked smiling at her. She smiled softly looking at her now she truly is beautiful. "Rhea may I ask you something personal?" I asked fidgeting. "Of course, dear" she swam over, turning me washing my back. "Uhm…uhhh…." I couldn't ask I felt myself blush. "Your curious about Cronus and me and Hades?" She said I looked at her shocked. She was smiling and turned me back around. "Darling your question is plain as day…Cronus is my brother as well as my husband you know we gods love our incest. I love him of course…he was loving and caring and strong…but he changed when he was told the prophecy of Zeus overthrowing him. He went mad and ate his children. I couldn't even hold my babes…I didn't want Zeus to be taken I knew he was the one…" she said as she gently washed my back and shoulders. "After all that and the titans fell, I visited him in his cell with supervision of course. He was not happy to see me as you can guess…well it took him centuries to even look at me…the time I was killed he kept trying to warn me and save me….I wouldn't listen…I was attacked and killed during the war that killed the gods….As for Hades he hasn't changed from when he was younger. He was furious when he received the underworld all those eons ago and still holding a grudge." She stated rinsing my back and washing my hair. "I tried setting him up many many times I had plenty of grandkids from the others…but…..." I turned at her pause and wanted to run. She had tears, "I WANT HELL BABIES!" "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT BABIES IN THERE FOR!?" Hades voice came from the door. "AHHHHHH ARE YOU SPYING ON YOUR DEFLENSIVE MOTHER AND WIFE!?" Rhea shouted back I sighed and went under the water and rinsed off while Hades and Rhea argued back and forth. I finished my bath and washed Rhea's back and hair as she argued with Hades, I got out and dried off sighing. Putting on my pjs making Rhea stop arguing and looking at me and squealing, "My son has found a true goddess to be his wife!" I groaned and walked out as she was getting out. Stepping over Hades who was sitting on the ground, Hypnos who was in adult form handed me a strawberry ice popsicle to cool down after my bath. "Oye Hypnos what about the rest of us?" Hades asked he was in his pjs and looked like he didn't dry his hair. I sighed and stuck my popsicle in his mouth, "At least dry your hair first…" I said taking his towel next to him and start to dry his hair. He was silent as he ate my popsicle with a grinning Rhea watching us. "Well I'm hitting the hay. Hades be careful down below sweetie!" Rhea called closing her door. We looked at her door then each other, "You're going down tonight?" I asked concerned over him sleeping. "No choice I've been playing hooky lately I need to do some work or Thanatos and the 3 kings will kill me…" He responded standing. Hypnos handed me another popsicle. I ate it calmly as Hades led me into our room, I noticed where the statue was Hades mirror stood proudly. "I'll stay till you fall asleep and come back well before the sun rises…" he said tossing the popsicle stick into the trash. Hypnos on the other hand went bat form and was chowing down on an apple. "No wowies Mastew I take cawe of Mistwess!" Hypnos said between munches. Hades didn't look convinced he looked back at me as I got my brush out. I was about to start brushing my hair when he took it from me, "Allow me my lady…" he smirked picking me up and putting me in the bed. It was just as fluffy as my bed and I sunk in a bit. Hades sat behind me and started to brush my hair. It just added to my already exhausted and mentally battered body, Hypnos finished his apple and sat on my lap somehow, I knew he was using his powers to help in aiding me fall asleep.
I started to doze as Hades finished brushing my hair, he lay me down covering me I noticed then in my half-asleep state he had changed the covers. They were his and his pillows, he laid next to me wrapping an arm around me kissing between my eyebrows gently. "Sleep my little narcissus and dream happily…" he whispers gently Hypnos turns all the lights off. He lays above me in bat form, I snuggle into Hades too tired too care. I drift and I couldn't stop myself even if I tried, I was in deep slumber in a matter of moments feeling Hades stroking my head.
Hades POV
I stroked Persephone's head till she was deep in sleep which wasn't long, gently to not wake her I got up to go to the underworld. I could feel Mother at the door, I silently went to the door and opened it. I signaled for her to stay silent signaling to the sleeping Persephone, she led me to her room silently and turned to me after closing the door. "So, I was right you are going below?" she asked seriously. "Yes, I have work that must be done…" I said, "I see well in that case mind bringing your mother a souvenir?" she asked innocently. I looked at her questionably, "You know I can't bring much back…" I responded. She pouted, "I just wanted a pomegranate…" I sighed, her request is odd, but she never asked for much. A necklace here a bracelet there, heck this isn't the weirdest request. A pomegranate isn't that much of a big deal. "Fine…anything else?" I responded, "How about a gift for Persephone I'm sure she would love something." She suggested. I thought about it and nodded. "If that's all…Thanatos is waiting for me…" I told her. She wished me a good journey with a smile, and I left checking on Persephone on the way through the mirror.
It was 2 in the morning when I got back, a pomegranate and a narcissus pin in hand. The hair pin was a beautiful pink shade, it was a simple hair pin that could be used every day. I went and flicked my finger over the pomegranate, it appeared in mother's room. I removed my chiton and silently bathed watching Persephone turn in her sleep. Our lives got way more complicated…how did I go from not wanting a woman to doing literally everything for one? Persephone will not die on my watch…she is mine and I will keep her with me. I got out of my bathe drying off putting on my boxers and slipping into bed with her. She stirred long enough to turn over and snuggle into me. She sighed in content wrapping her arms and legs around me like a python to a branch. I couldn't help the smile on my face as I pulled her closer to me holding her. I sniffed in her scent and sighed falling asleep with her, no other woman will fit as perfectly as she does.
Rhea POV
After Hades left, I leaned against the door, I hate this not telling my beloved son what I am about to do. I can't tell him…not yet. After all it was an order from the fates themselves…
-Flashback a few hours ago-
I sat on Cronos's desk an old habit from the years before the children were born…the fun we had on this desk. Cronos had lifted me looking at scrolls but, he had slipped something into my skirt, it felt like…papyrus? I was confused why would he slip something to me? I caught the fates eye and they all silently signaled me to stay silent about it. What ever it was it was important; so, using the cloak Hades had made me; I covered the motion. I slipped it from my skirt to my shirt pocket. When I was in my room at Styx hall, I finally read the note written in scraggly handwriting that looks like it was written by an old and dying person.
Dear Rhea,
We are sorry to do it this way, but any other way is dangerous…we have a little mission your part in this event besides being a female bodyguard to Persephone…We need you to feed our little key holder some Pomegranate…not any ordinary pomegranate we of course mean Hades Pomegranate…you must do this to get her ready for life in the underworld…as to why the others shouldn't know…well think about it Hades will definitely disagree and not do it…We need you to do this for Persephone and if she were to eat food of Hades it will strengthen her…You will know when to inform the others and show them this letter as proof…Hades will ask for it…
Sincerely,
Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos.
-flashback ends-
I thought the rest of the time as too how to ask my beloved son for a pomegranate, when I carelessly talked about him going down it hit me. I went to their room hiding myself from them and listened, "You're going down tonight?" Persephone asked Hades. "No choice I've been playing hooky lately I need to do some work or Thanatos and the 3 kings will kill me…" He responded. I went back to my room to prepare my heart for what I was about to do. For Persephone and Hades…I will do this…may the fates not wrong me on this.
Author's Notes: HELLO ALL! I AM SO PROUD AND HAPPY TO HAVE FINALLY PUT CHAPPY 8 UP!
A few updates for you amazing fans!
1.) I FINALLY GOT MARRIED! So Now I do not have that over my head making me tear my hair out!
2.) I quit my last job to a less stressful one, so I have the time to do things!
3.) I GOT A NEW LAPTOP!
4.) We took my old laptop in to see if we could get it repaired sadly that was a no, but the good thing was THEY WERE ABLE TO RETRIVE MY STORIES! That includes Athens Academy! So, I didn't have to do a whole years' worth of guess work!
With those updates I am so happy to have such amazing fans such as everyone here! I will try and make up for lost time! Hope this chapter was worth the wait! Enjoy and be safe out there!