A Dance of Life and Death

A/N: Hello everyone, thank you for the wonderful reviews! I just love being able to hear your thoughts and they've really motivated me this past week, you guys are so punk rock!

Anyway, this is a fun chapter for me and has a much lighter tone than previous chapters. But on that same note, this is my first time truly going for romance, so wish me luck.

Disclaimer: Chapter 1

"There is the heat of Love,
the pulsing rush of Longing, the lover's whisper,
irresistible—magic to make the sanest man go mad."

- Homer, The Iliad, Book XIV

"The first sunset," Demeter announced as she fixed another flower in her daughter's hair. "Only two more days, Kore, and your last suitor for that matter," she added under her breath.

"Mother, I already told you, I'm not interested in anyone else," Persephone tried to get out of the chair she'd been in for the past twenty minutes, but her mother shot her one look and she remained seated. "And do you think that's enough flowers?" She indicated to the sea of flowers that decorated her hair; flowers ranging from white to lilac to a soft and rich pink.

"Oh, don't start, I think it adds a nice touch," her mother quipped as she added one more. "After all, you are the prettiest flower in my garden."

"That's because they're all in my hair," Persephone deadpanned.

Demeter sighed. "Well, I just thought without the headband your aunt gave you, this would show everyone who they're dealing with, and to detract from your ears and teeth, for that matter."

Persephone felt herself flush.

Her teeth hadn't changed that much it was just her incisors, her ears too were pointed now, honestly, her mother should worry more about her skin. It was changing again. Earlier today she was a pale pink, now she was on the cusp of going lavender. If only her skin could make up its mind.

"We're done, right?"

"I suppose," her mother lilted. "Oh before I forget, pucker up," her mother rubbed a flower bud on her lips before she could protest.

"Mother, it's just a date."

"Your first date," Demeter reminded her.

"Then what do you call Adonis and Apollo?" Persephone pointed out.

"Adonis died, sweetheart, died," Demeter punctuated. "I don't think that counts as a first date-"

"No, thanks to Ares," Persephone muttered under her breath.

"-And Apollo, well you two barely took a walk together."

"A walk too much."

"Fine, then consider this one your third, and you know what they say. Third time's the charm," her mother tried to cheer her up. "And if this ends up in disaster as well, we can always go and mess up Sparta's harvest when I go do my last rounds tomorrow night."

"Aww mother you do care," Persephone chuckled and gave Demeter a hug, this time successfully dodging her mother's floral decoration.

"Oh you think you get your mean streak from your father? I know a thing or two about revenge too, y'know. Don't mess with mama bear!" Demeter returned the hug, enveloping her arms around her daughter.

"Mother, you're wrinkling the dress."

Demeter reluctantly let go. "Oh only because it's new," she winked.

Persephone laughed at her mother's antics.

Demeter was in an unusually good mood. Even after she gave her two drachmas on Apollo once more, her mother finally quit her pestering about the god. She couldn't force her daughter to like someone, especially if she felt unsafe around them. At least they both saw eye-to-eye on the subject.

It was then they spent the rest of the afternoon trying to doll her up; much to Persephone's chagrin, but she muscled through it. The mother-daughter duo hadn't seen each other much with the harvest going on strong, and it was kind of nice to reconnect and catch up.

After an hour of just chatting, her mother pulled out the peplos she had gotten her for tonight's occasion, and Persephone couldn't believe it wasn't like her usual style.

While her typical peplos usually went way above her ankles for running around in, the new one went well past its usual length. Yet what most stood out about this peplos than her usual kind was how it was actually fitted and showed off more than just her collar bones. You could actually see her figure instead of the usual formless ones, but it somehow kept its modesty.

Pinned as usual at the top of her shoulders were her flower pins, but before she could pin them on, her mother added an extra surprise of a diaphanous pink cloth decorated in flowers that she she wrung across her body and was fastened on her right shoulder.

It was odd wearing something this nice. Not that she minded of course; it was just she usually wore things more practical than this.

Persephone bit the inside of her cheek as she was lost in thought- not even paying attention to her mother's praises on how beautiful she looked.

Is this the dress she was to supposed to wear when she would officially be granted the role of goddess of spring?

A shame it never happened, but it did leave the question for her to ponder: Was she ever going to be given it after everything?

Persephone felt her shoulders sag at the thought.

Just another reason to add for leaving Greece.

"Well, sweetheart, what do you think?"

Persephone gave her mother a vacant smile. "It's lovely..."

"You're lovely," her mother gave her a peck on the cheek. "Let's go outside, your date should be here soon."

Persephone begrudgingly followed her mother outside the cottage. Gods, she wanted out of this date. How did Hera even convince her to go with this? She didn't even like her son, he was kind of dimwitted for her taste.

But you get to leave the island, a small voice reminded her.

Alright, fine that was a good enough reason for her.

"Now, I have some conditions," Demeter began, bringing Persephone out of her thoughts.

"Oh so there is a cost for the dress."

"No, I was saving it for something special, and nothing's more special than your third date, but if I recall," her mother began to switch subjects. "You specifically told me Apollo made you feel uncomfortable and I don't want Ares to take advantage of you, so I'm having Nemesis shadow you. If Apollo acted inappropriately, then Ares most certainly will, so I'm not taking any chances."

Persephone took her mother's hand and gave it a tight squeeze. "You worry too much, mother, I'll be fine."

She would be more prepared if anything like that happened, anyway.

"I'm just making sure," Demeter pressed. "And I'd appreciate it if you don't bring it up. Nemesis is particularly bloodthirsty tonight and she does like a nice surprise attack."

"Al-right," Persephone lilted.

"Sweetheart, just be happy I'm allowing you to go off the island, I almost didn't, but a little naiad told me you were getting cabin fever."

Persephone smiled at the thought of Daphne.

She really needed to spill to her about the events that occurred earlier today, but the naiad was always so elusive. Oh well she could wait till tomorrow so that way she could spill about any funny stories that will occur tonight.

It wasn't long before Ares arrived, and parked his vermillion chariot pulled by dogs on their lawn. The god of war, not to be confused with the ghost of Sparta, quickly disembarked from his chariot and proceeded to remove his signature helm to properly greet the two waiting goddesses.

"Demeter, an honor as always," Ares bowed respectfully before turning to her daughter.

"Hello, Ares," her mother greeted.

Persephone had to restrain her snort of laughter as she looked down at the god.

Ares was unusually short for a god, on top of that he had premature balding, and it was always something her and Athena used to laugh about whenever he had been particularly annoying at an Olympian meeting.

What did Aphrodite ever see in him?

"Persephone, radiant as always," Ares politely took her hand and gave it a small peck.

The spring goddess raised a surprised eyebrow at the use of her preferred name, but she guessed Hera must have told him. "Hello, Ares. You're looking well."

"Why, thank you," Ares attempted a smile, but that smile held something more than just politeness; there was a small hint of panic there too.

Persephone hadn't noticed it before, but on closer inspection he looked rather tense by the way his feet shifted and how he kept drumming his fingers on his helmet. It was like he was late to something. Yet he was already here; on time at that. Was the date somewhere far from here?

That thought excited her, but she chose not to act upon it.

"I'll have her back by midnight," Ares continued to wear his empty smile and made another quick bow in her mother's direction.

"I'd prefer a little earlier, but I'll let that be the curfew for tonight," Demeter winked. "And keep her safe. I wouldn't let her out of your sight if I were you."

Ares stiffened at Demeter's last command, but all he did was nod. "Of course," the god quickly put on his helm. "Until later, Demeter… Persephone," the god stepped into his chariot and extended out his hand.

With one last smile at her mother, Persephone took Ares' hand and climbed aboard. As soon as she stepped in, Ares cracked his whip and his team of dogs began to pull them into the air.

They weren't in the air for very long before Ares quickly yanked the reigns in the opposite direction they were going in, causing his trustee dogs to yelp in surprise.

Persephone made a quick grab for the front of the chariot before she could fall off. "Hey, what's going on?!"

"I- uh, there's been a change of plans…"

"What do you mean?!" Persephone was ready to grab him by the tail of his helmet, but they were already descending back to her island.

Landing unsteadily on a cliffside where she guessed was the Southside of her island, Persephone turned to her date and was ready to give him a piece of her mind. Before she could open her mouth, though, she felt her heart leap at the sight of the god who was waiting for them in the shadow of the trees.

What on Gaia's green earth was going on here?!

Persephone momentarily looked away as a blush threatened to bloom when Hades flashed her a knowing smirk. He would have stared longer, but he had to turn away to greet Ares.

"Ares, babe, I owe you one," Hades emerged from the shadows to shake the short god's hand.

"Yeah, yeah, her mother said no later than midnight," Ares miffed, before he turned to Persephone. "Hey, my hands are tied about this, but, well, he said you were in on it too."

"I guess I am now… " Persephone added under her breath, shooting Hades a glare, but he was the picture of innocence with his hands behind his back looking at anything but her.

Gods, he wasn't kidding was he about the whole date with him?

"Great, so," Ares awkwardly began to scratch at the back of his neck. "I know my Ma set this up, and I'm with Aphrodite again, so..." Ares drifted off. "I got a war to win, and it's all thanks to you!" He laughed, giving Persephone an affectionate punch to the arm. "Athena and I have pulled a lot of stunts just to get the 'okay' from Zeus, but you're the first."

Persephone felt herself simmer at the comments, but she went with it. Time was of the essence now. Nemesis could have noticed that they changed direction and if she knew of this dipsy-doo maneuver, she'd probably murder both of these gods. Not that she cared at the moment, but she didn't want her mother to find out like this.

"Right," Persephone agreed. "Don't worry, I won't snitch if you don't."

"Great, see you two," Ares waved good-bye without looking back. He didn't care what those two gods were up to, or why Hades decided to use his favor to steal his date, but that was his business. Out of sight and out of mind, anyway. Persephone's an adult she could handle herself.

Now that Ares was gone, Persephone found herself alone with the dread lord of the dead. A long beleaguered sigh escaped from out of her as she began to realize that there was no turning back. She was stuck with him for the rest of the night if Nemesis didn't catch them first.

"I honestly don't understand you," she buried her head in her hands. Why was he still going through all this effort to see her? Wasn't earlier today enough for him?

Hades made his way to her and removed her hands from her face. He proceeded to lift her chin so she could look at him. Still wearing that crooked smile, the god's heated eyes gave her an appraising look. "You want to?"

Persephone didn't know if she could blush any deeper, but she guessed she just did. "I…" she removed his hand from her chin. She tried to calm herself down as she felt her heart pounding against her ribcage. Why was she so nervous all of a sudden? She never acted like this before when she was around him, so why now?

And on top of that, why did he have to look at her like that?

Forcing herself to remain calm, Persephone decided it was best to just not look at him. Yes that would fix it. "So why all of this then?"

"We're having dinner," Hades reminded her. "But don't worry it's on me. I got it all taken care of."

"Yeah, you got Ares to switch out," Persephone noted. "But I have a babysitter, and if she sees I'm going with you and not Ares…" Persephone drifted off.

"Hey, forget about it, okay? Boom, taken care of. We got the night for ourselves. Just you, me-"

"You took care of Nemesis?" Persephone interrupted him, crossing her arms in dumbfoundment. "Really?"

"Sweetness, I'm not the kind of god to miss a detail, and let me tell you about details," he was now behind her as his hands floated over her shoulders, leaving smoke trails from his impatient hands. "Because you look exceptionally fine tonight," he leered.

Persephone shied away at the praise, despite the ghost of a smile that tugged at her lips. "Don't try and change the subject," she dared to turn around and face him, even though she felt herself become all the more nervous for it. "Now spill, how'd you do it?" She whispered with the smallest hint of a lilt in her voice.

"Hey, c'mon, I know a guy," he reassured her.

Nemesis was ready for battle. Her arms were already transfigured into sickle-like swords and her red eyes were sharp, ready to follow Kore to the ends of the earth if she had to.

Demeter promised her blood, and she would have it tonight. No distractions and no slip-ups, she was ready to avenge if anyone so much as looked at Kore wrong. Especially if that was the only reason she could smite.

She waited in the woods watching Ares interact with Demeter and Kore.

They should be leaving soon which meant it was battle time.

Nemesis began to slink deeper into the woods, making sure she remained unnoticed by any passerby. Oh she could already feel the thrill of the hunt coarse in her veins; absolutely nothing could stop her now!

"NEMESIS!"

A shout came from above her.

Her blind spot.

The demigoddess barely had the time to look up before something body-slammed her into the ground.

Nemesis fell flat on the forest floor her face deep in the dirt as she was relentlessly hugged from behind. Only one person was stupid enough to show her affection and live.

"Than, get off of me," she roared into the dirt.

But her baby brother was already running his mouth as he got comfortable on top of her.

"Why don't you visit anymore?" Thanatos cried, beginning to tie her with the chains that once contained him back in Sisyphus' palace. "Mom is so worried. You don't call, you don't send letters- hey, stop struggling," he tugged on the chains until she couldn't move anymore. "We have a lot to catch up on. I mean, c'mon Neme-sis. I thought you cared about Hypnos, Lachesis, Atropos, Clotho, Apate, Dolos, Moros, Momus, Oizys, Philotes-"

Nemesis could only brood as her brother proceeded to name all one hundred of their siblings.

Gods, why now? Why this? When- no if, he ever released her, she was afraid of ever telling anyone how her baby brother managed to subdue her. She'd be humiliated!

No, it was just better to muscle through it. Think of happy thoughts. Go back to the war, blood, explosions, countless widows. It would be over soon.

She hoped.

"Huh," Persephone conceded, struggling not to burst out laughing. Why didn't she ever mention her siblings? She knew her and Hecate were sisters, but she had more?

"Which means, we're free to go and discuss business over dinner," Hades snapped his fingers and summoned his dark chariot.

"Why not here?" Persephone watched him with careful eyes. Whatever he was cooking up she needed to be on her guard, regardless of the rays of sunshine she felt in her heart just by being near him.

"You don't want to change scenery?" Hades incredulously stared at her. "I mean, hey, I get it, you get the flowers, the trees and I guess some tweety birds, but I get the feeling you're about as tired of it as I am with my place."

Persephone bit her lip. She really wanted to trust him, but she needed a confirmation before she climbed aboard. "Promise me you won't take me to the Underworld?"

"Hey, I'm gonna stop you right there, I need a break from that place too. No, let's go somewhere fun- you ever heard of Egypt?"

Persephone's eyes lit up with unadulterated elation, but she quickly dashed it. "Don't jerk me around. Egyptians hate us Greeks. I can't imagine how they'll react to us just being there."

"No, I'm serious, they love me there," Hades exclaimed. "It helps when- y'know you hate mister high and mighty on Olympus, and let me tell you sweetness, they love us gods of death."

"Us?" Persephone repeated. Even the smallest words could reveal his true intentions. Hades may be a notable liar, but he loved sneaking in words that had more meaning at first glance. It added to his games, and he loved a good game. "Is that your angle? To get me involved in Underworld affairs?"

"Uh-uh-uh, business plans will happen over the duration of dinner," Hades wagged a cautionary finger at her. "And only to be discussed with the beautiful babe who shares it with me."

Persephone rolled her eyes at his antics, but she couldn't deny the curiosity that was growing.

Egypt.

She had heard only snippets about the great nation; despite its close proximity to Greece. Little things here and there she picked up from Athena and Hermes when they didn't notice her snooping. From the tales of their animal-headed gods, their complex burial ceremonies, and how they built great architectural structures that were just as old as her; if not older.

Oh but just to see something! To start seeing the world beyond her little island, but could she trust this devilish figure to take her there? That imposing figure of which Mephistopheles owed his very inspiration for.

"C'mon, babe, don't you trust me?" Hades appeared in his chariot. Reins in one hand and his other extended out to her, waiting for her to take it.

A slight shiver of heat rolled off of her as she looked between the god and his extended hand. This had happened once before, an event which felt like a century ago, but really was only three days earlier.

"No," Persephone resolutely exclaimed with eyes shut tight. "But that doesn't mean I can't give you another chance," she reopened her eyes and locked gazes with the dread lord of the dead as she cautiously reached out and placed her own hand in his.

Hades couldn't contain his pleased grin as she did so. He wrapped her thin hand with his own long, spider-like fingers and gently pulled her onboard.

She really was beautiful tonight, all the flowers she wore in her hair and the ones on her peplos paled in comparison to her. What made her shine so much more though was the joy that just seeped out of her; it was infectious, and he couldn't deny that it was one of the things he liked so much about her.

Hades felt a pleasant shiver roll across his skin at how close she was to him. From her warmth to how her flowery scent overpowered his own sulfurous stench; all of her just made him feel the ghost of where his heart used to be fill with all of her.

This had to go right, two more sunsets or not. He was nervous too; don't get him wrong. Maybe he wasn't showing it like she was, but he truly wanted her to have fun. They both needed a night out, and he was going to deliver.

He was a god of his word after all.

"You won't regret this," Hades whispered lowly in her ear.

"You better hope so," Persephone teased as she nudged him, silently pleased that she didn't pass through him and felt a solid form underneath his chiton.

And with the crack of the reins, the chariot was off to the lands of Egypt to the lands where the shifting sands were as old as time itself.

Persephone had always loved the night sky, and being able to see it so much closer was absolutely wondrous. She could see Cygnus, Delphinus, Niobe, Orion, she could see them all so much better up here.

Oh and there was Hercules!

She was about to point it out to Hades, but she thought better of it.

At least they were passing through a large cloud, though.

Persephone extended her arm and allowed her fingers to feel the water vapor in the cloud. It was strange that they could pass through it like nothing. "This isn't anything like Olympus."

"That's because this isn't Greece anymore. This," Hades announced as the chariot broke through the cloud layer.

"Hey! Watch it!" A boyish voice shouted as a carpet nearly collided with the chariot.

Persephone grabbed onto Hades as he reared back his team, and sent the chariot to dip down several feet before regaining control.

"Sorry!" This time a feminine voice shouted at them as they began to return on course.

"Was that a flying carpet?" Persephone looked back to watch a young couple fly off on a floating, intricately patterned carpet.

"It can be a burned carpet in a hot second," Hades simmered.

"Hades," Persephone tugged on his arm. "The body count tonight's still zero. Let's try not to add to it," she quipped. "After all, I might want to come back."

At her touch, Hades felt himself calm down. Oi, he needed to work on that when she was around. "Oh trust me these people love death."

"Why's that?" Persephone asked, but all of her attention was fixed on the land beneath them.

With the sun down and the night spread across the skies, the land was blanketed in darkness. Not even the moon was out and the only light visible was that of the stars. Yet if one peered closer there appeared to be long boats on a vast river that perfectly mirrored the sky, and on these boats were lanterns as they sailed Northward.

It was unusually cool, she had always heard that this arid environment was harsh upon the land, but she guessed with the sun down there was nothing to keep it warm, and lacked the suitable properties to absorb the heat.

What Persephone loved the most from the view was the many massive buildings with such unique designs to all of them. She had never imagined the pyramids to be this enormous, and yet their design was so simple that she guessed could last for several thousand more years.

Even the surrounding buildings like the one with the lion that had the face of a man- it looked like a sphinx, but she had never seen one that was male. Maybe down here that's how they were like.

"Who knows, maybe they actually like what's waiting for them, or maybe they just think old 'Siris is a swell guy and Barker... Oh wait till you get a load of him, sweetness. Here it's all about death. These guys are crazy about it."

"I guess you could say they're dying to get to the Underworld," Persephone teased.

Hades released a long exacerbated groan. "Pun. Oi, never heard that one before."

"Oh, don't start, you laughed, inwardly," Persephone added with a shrug.

"When you become a chthonic god, sure, you can crack as many as you can; till then it's just painful. Every yutz thinks they're just so flaming hilarious when they steal my schtick."

"Oh you're just grumpy you didn't say it first," Persephone teased and proceeded to reach for one of his hands and gave it a tight squeeze.

She's not afraid anymore is she? Not even afraid to outwardly reduce his anger to that of a tantrum. He couldn't deny that that simple little touch was enough to make his rage simmer down into nothingness, and once again he could feel that hole he carried around inside of him begin to fill like little seeds were beginning to be planted.

"Sure," Hades sighed, in spite of himself.

"I knew it," Persephone lilted at her small victory.

Hades said nothing else as he found a particular spot to park his chariot. The area was in the middle of a valley not far from the Nile River; as Hades called it. On the opposite side of the river was a bustling city called Thebes.

Persephone had stared at Hades long and hard trying to decipher whether he was messing with her or not, but in fact there was an Egyptian city that shared the same name as the one in Greece. The coincidence was not lost on her, but she decided to go with it.*

"Hey, Persephone, listen. I'm gonna introduce you to some friends of mine, but just go with what I say, kapiche? They might not be in the mood to see me, but I think with you here I can convince them otherwise."

"What did you do?"

"Heh," Hades chuckled mostly to himself. "Ya got a week?"

Persephone rolled her eyes, but she was not the least bit surprised."What is this place?" Persephone accepted Hades hand as she stepped off the chariot and stared wide-eyed all around her.

She had never been in a city that held so much silence. No light, no life, all of it was located on the opposite side of the river, the East. Persephone had not expected to come to a place with no growth, no nothing. Well that wasn't true, there were massive buildings and monuments that littered the area that at first glance appeared to be just another city. Save for one tiny little detail.

"It's a necropolis," Persephone stared in awe.

On the sides of the rock formations were small openings that lead either into the mountains or deep underground. The most intricate one, though, and the most inviting, was one with a long staircase that lead to the main building.

"Final resting place of the kings of Egypt. Welcome to the Valley of the Kings, Persephone," Hades made a wide sweeping gesture.

"Hades, what in Duat are you doing here?!" An aggravated being shouted at them from the top of the steps.

Persephone quickly turned to the sound of the voice and had to stop herself from staring.

It was a god, broad chest and all with a shining gold covering around his bottom half and intricately woven bands of gold and some blue stone around his ankles, arms, and neck. His head, though, was what stood out the most. With a proud stature and equally proud demeanor, the god had the head of a thin-faced dog with long, erect ears.

"Hey, is that anyway to greet a friend with his date?" Hades coyly grinned, very subtly gesturing to the currently blushing goddess.

Is that what this was?

Persephone hadn't given it any thought before, but in a way it was supposed to be a date. Ares was supposed to be her date, but that had swiftly changed to her current companion. Then again he had said to just go with whatever he said, and if Hades had caused some bit of consternation between his Egyptian friends, well, he'd pull any card to get let off easy.

"Who's this?" Anubis was now at the bottom of the steps with the couple and began to curiously sniff the goddess. She did not seem like she had ill-intentions like her date usually did, no, she smelled of flowers and of wheat fields- of life. A rather pleasant smell compared to Hades.

"Personal space, babe, she's not dead," Hades shooed Anubis away from Persephone, putting space between her and the jackal-headed god.

"I can see that," Anubis brushed off some unseen dust on his shoulders. Turning to the lilac goddess, Anubis respectfully bowed. "Sorry, Miss, I meant no disrespect, but you might understand my inquisitiveness considering who you're traveling with."

"Oh, I know, I can't take him anywhere," Persephone teased as she too curtsied.

"I like her," Anubis whispered to Hades.

"Not now, you, yutz," Hades warned.

"So what brings you to Egypt?" Anubis gave a warm smile. "I can't imagine, you came out here to see the dead when there's enough in your kingdom, Hades… I thought Isis didn't want to see you back here."

"We both know she owes me big time for that one particular favor. How's Greenie anyway? Oh and of course their little brat- all grown up by now, huh?" Hades' eyes flashed dangerously. "So how about you take us to see the old gal?" Hades gave Anubis a hardened glare that Persephone couldn't help but notice did not contain any enmity- no, something almost nefarious.

What kind of dirt did Hades have on this Isis goddess?

Anubis' ears twitched in annoyance, but he was cornered. "Fine, you'll be her problem then," he began to motion them to a boat that had suddenly docked itself on the shores of the Nile. "I'm sure the lady would appreciate the scenic route."

Hades eyed the river with a small amount of distress, but before he could argue, Persephone began to lead him up the steps.

"It's Anubis," the jackal-headed god sighed at the bottom of the steps. "We've known each other for a millennia and you still can't get it right."

"Hi, Anubis, you can call me Persephone," the goddess spoke up, disentangling herself from Hades' arm, and officially shook hands with the jackal-headed god as he ascended up the stairs to join them on deck.

"Goddess of fertility, I gather?" Anubis asked.

"Uh, no, more like a Spring one. Agriculture's more of my shtick," Persephone shrugged.

"Same thing," Anubis chuckled mainly to himself. "Well, agriculture is not one of my areas, but I am a god of rebirth, or mummification, rather."

"Rebirth? How can something be born again? Do you expect someone to put a grown man back in his mother's womb?"

"You tell me, Miss Spring," Anubis smiled knowingly. With a snap of his fingers, the boat began to sail as the large oars began to row by themselves to the nearby city. "Don't you have seasons in Greece? A time to plant, a time to reap, and a time to let the soil flood?"

"It floods here?" Persephone slightly bent down to let her hands get a feel of the water. She could feel the silt flowing in its strong current. The river clearly displaced the soil from hundreds of leagues away which meant that with new soil constantly replacing the used soil there would never be a need to fertilize the land- it did so on it's own!

Before she could put both her hands in the river, Hades began to distance himself from the boat's edge. "Hey, if you fall in, I'm not going in there to fish you out."

Persephone turned her face towards Hades, a protest already forming at the tip of her tongue, but something stopped her. Hades was not in his usual state of calm, and one look at his eyes indicated that his focus was on the rushing waters of the Nile. Straightening up, the goddess took his hand and beckoned him towards the center of the boat. "Let's not tempt the Fates then," she gave his shoulder a tight squeeze.

"Of course," Anubis spoke up, answering Persephone's earlier question. "Akhet is about to finish after the equinox; it's how we let the soil replenish. You should know this as an agricultural deity that the soil erodes, so you must constantly renew it if you want your crop quantity to remain consistent."

"Yes!" Persephone's eyes lit up. "It's what I've been trying to tell my mother that our soil needs rest, and she thinks I'm crazy. I just don't think we have a river this large and great back in Greece to replenish the soil, and our farmlands aren't exactly flat enough where if it floods it'll irrigate everything."

"Then just let it rest," Anubis advised. "Two seasons is far too little if you want the fertility of your soil to last. I may not be an agricultural god, but it is common sense."

"Thank you!" Persephone cried still attached to Hades' hip. Her theories, they were being proven right here. Who would have thought this land held more than just architectural marvels?

Anubis didn't seem to mind as he watched the couple converse with themselves. She was an inquisitive little thing, and polite at that.

Nothing like the hell-raiser she was currently associated with, nor the others he had brought to Egypt. This one he paid much more attention to, and she actually looked to be enjoying his company, an oddity as it may be, but he was curious. Why take her out here when there was a whole land of Greece to take her out to?

Hades, what are you trying to hide?

The oars of the boat began to stop their rowing as they neared a dock. "Isis is at the temple of Amun, Hades," Anubis reminded the couple of his presence with his announcement. "I'd appreciate it if you pass along a message for me from my lord Osiris."

"Don't you wanna join us, babe?" Hades smirked. "I'm sure Isis would love to see her little pup."

Anubis growled lowly. "Don't push my hospitality, Hades. I'm already in trouble just letting you through. You're lucky it's night time."

"Wasn't a coincidence, babe," Hades grinned. "Say hi to Osiris for me, would ya?"

"Bye, Anubis," Persephone waved as Hades began to pull her away. "I'd love to see you again and talk more about your rebirth shtick."

"It would be a pleasure, Miss Spring. Now take care of him will you? He doesn't ever seem to know how to quit while he's ahead."

"We'll see, won't we?" Persephone grinned as she began to match pace with Hades. "Hey, how do you even know that guy?"

Hades dared a look at her face and found he could not look away. Persephone was brimming with excitement and it just seeped out of her like rays of sunlight. She was having a real good time out here, wasn't she? Gods, why didn't he think of this date sooner?

"Funny story, babe, but he's a god of death too. Him and Hermes- you know, before he was fired- have the same job. They're real good pals."

"Really?" Persephone looked back to where Anubis stood on his barge as it sailed away. Why hadn't Hermes ever mentioned the jackal-headed god? "Then how did they meet? Was it you?"

"Guilty. I've known these guys for a long time, and at this point they can't get rid of me."

Too many favors owed, frankly; many he was proud of. They all helped him gather his own ideas on how to conquer Olympus, and how do deal with certain pests.

"Like Isis?" Persephone guessed.

"She's a special exception," Hades exclaimed without any further explanation.

"Oh," Persephone inched closer, sensing a secret to be spilled. "What did you do for her?" she whispered.

"I believe, my sweet, you are discussing business," he reminded her.

Persephone felt her skin prickle with anticipation. "C'mon, tell me! Anubis isn't that happy to see you- so you had to do something...?"

"Egregious?" Hades finished for her.

Persephone pulled her arm from his. "I wouldn't be mad if it was. I just expected you to at least trust me too."

"Alright, alright," Hades materialized on her other side, making her jump back. "I helped her have her kid."

"What do you mean helped?" Persephone narrowed her eyes.

"Whoa, hey not like that. Her hubby died, okay? I helped her figure out how to bring him back long enough for one last go."

"Go... where?" Persephone blinked.

"Not that kind of- you know, what? Never mind," Hades quickly waved off. Gods, that innocence was such a turn on, but why did she have to keep reminding him? "Look we're here."

He made a grand gesture at the wide courtyard that opened up before them. On either side of the path leading to the temple were the carved statues of sphinxes, but much smaller compared to the one she saw as they were flying into Egypt. She couldn't even count how many of them there were as they continued to trek down the road, but what laid in front of them was an amazing sight.

Persephone could not understand how a culture could make so many different kinds of buildings, from triangular to block and cylindrical to just plain trapezoidal, and yet the variation added to its beauty as they combined many of these shapes together. Guarding the entrance of the temple of Amun were two limestone pharaohs that blankly stared at nothing, and next to each of them were tall needle-like structures called obelisks. All these structures were richly decorated in reds, oranges, teals, and white paints detailing many hieroglyphics. What lay beyond the entrance, she did not know, she could only gape as light began to appear inside, welcoming the couple.

Now passing underneath the entrance, Persephone's gaze shifted as she tried to drink it all in. "Mortals built all this?"

"You really don't get out much do you?" Hades teased only for her to elbow him in the side.

"Hey, I'm always surrounded by the things I create, it's nice to see what mortals are capable of."

"Mortals aren't usually this bright," Hades dismissed. "But sure, they get a genius once every ten thousand tries, give or take a few hundred. Now for gods, on the other hand, we might be the only two," he tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear before it floated back out of place.

Persephone could only blush in response. "Hey, I think, there's a garden over there," she went along ahead to a man-made lake that was surrounded by a line of bushes and other such greenery.

Hades could only smirk.

He was wearing down her walls, worming his way through the defenses she had created because of his betrayal. He was not above seducing her with his own charms, but there were other more intimate ways to get her to fall more quickly and agree to the whole merger. After all, there are such things that were still a mystery to her. Not that it wasn't obvious or anything.

Sure, she is too pure to give in to any such impulses, but it would not be something she'd be prepared to handle. Persephone was a blushing mess at the slightest compliment or touch. Add something a little more steamy and she wouldn't be able to handle it. More so than ever especially with that love arrow Cupid shot her with.

It was so odd how she had brushed it aside so easily, but as his imps had pointed out as he discussed the events of what occurred with Psyche: Maybe the reason was because the seed was always there, it was just waiting for a little water to make it grow.

It gave Hades hope that perhaps in time she could grow to love him. A foreign concept as it was to him, but for her he'd give it a chance. Who knows by tonight he could sweep her off her feet and carry her across the threshold into the Underworld and seal the deal. He wouldn't have to deal with the last two sunsets, just get it over with, but if the opportunity didn't arise, well, there was always tomorrow.

Still, he had a shot, he reminded himself. One he could not throw away despite his rising fear.

"Now, here's a face I didn't expect to see," the rich dulcet tones of a familiar voice brought him out of his thoughts.

"Isis, babe," Hades whirled around to face the goddess of magic in all her glory. "It's been awhile, how's the brat?"

The Egyptian goddess glowed in the night, most of her glow coming from the rainbow diaphanous wings that sprang from her back. "He's well…" her dark honey eyes glowed with warmth at the mention of her son. "After all he is king of Egypt like his father before him," Isis proudly exclaimed. "Now, you? Are you king of the gods like you planned?"

"Huh, well, working on it, babe," Hades avoided her question. "Right now, I'm in the middle of trying to pull together a merger before I plan another go at the big guy."

"Ah, yes," Isis' eyes wandered to the lone goddess who was admiring the plants in the garden. "I guess congratulations should be in order, but you have yet to succeed in that little venture. Oh your charms are lacking aren't they?" The Egyptian goddess pinched Hades' cheek only for the god to groan at her antics.

"Hey, I'm not your kid," Hades snapped, and pulled away from her hands.

"No, but you were practically a child when I first found you exploring these lands. Oh so ambitious, so wide-eyed, so angry," Isis mused. "You never could be sated could you?"

"Hey, don't turn this on me. I helped you way back when, and now I'm here to make good on that favor you owe me. A life favor, or you know, I could always see how Set's doing, I'm sure he'd love to catch up-"

"Not another word about that treacherous snake," Isis hissed. "You chose my side when the time came. Remember that, Hades, and he will not forget the disservice you gave him."

"Oh, c'mon, we both know Set couldn't give me what I sought, and you figured it out, babe. I got it to work too- I found the way to kill a god."

"Don't speak such things out loud," Isis warned her old friend. "You're lucky Ra is in the Duat, but the walls always have ears. Now go, I will take care of the rest," she dismissed him.

Hades smirked. "It would never have worked out between us, y'know? You had your chance when Osiris croaked, but you and your faithfulness- oi."

Isis had the nerve to laugh. "You haven't changed have you? No matter, there is a festival going on farther in the temple in celebration of the approaching Equinox. There will be music, food… Does she dance?"

"Hell, if I know," Hades was already stepping away, but he quickly stopped himself. "Hold up, Anubis asked me to pass along a message from your deceased hubby."

"Oh what does he say?"

"He never said it," he winked. "But it's probably something really corny."

Isis frowned. "Honestly, why did I ever bring you under my wing? I just had to teach you my craft."

"You tell me, sister," Hades saluted and disappeared in a plume of smoke only for him to reappear behind that lilac goddess.

Isis watched them for a moment.

Hades was beyond terrified, she'd known him for so long, she could read him easily. It was why he delayed reuniting with his beloved. He always was a coward, the slightest upset of power and he was running with his smoke between his legs. One of his many flaws and it would seem he created his own weakness- all in the form of that pretty thing he was trying to charm.

Watching him now, how he sneakily plucked one of the lotus flowers from the pool and presented it to the flowery goddess, she couldn't help but smile. For the minute he presented the blue bloom to her, it was already dead, nothing but a burned shell of its former glory.

Isis found herself entranced by the scene as the goddess he presented it to laughed and politely took the flower despite the look of panic on her companion's face when he noticed his mistake.

"It's perfect," Persephone giggled, and tucked it behind her ear. "Don't you think?"

"Uh yeah…" Hades hesitated as he felt the heat inside him begin to grow, even tiny white flames were beginning to spark off him.

He had it bad.

Gods, if someone slapped him right now he wouldn't even be mad. "C'mon there's something going on over there."

"That explains the music," Persephone noted before her eyes once again fixed on the pool. "Isn't this amazing how these little shrubs survive in this climate? I mean just look at their small leaves and smaller stems- I wonder if its an adaptation they've developed because they don't want to lose so much water? I mean they're being exposed to the sun so much…" Persephone rambled, trying to focus on the plants instead of Hades and the heated look he was giving her.

She wasn't blushing right? Everything was fine- perfect even.

"… Plants, yeah, fabulous little things, you grow 'em, and well I burn 'em," Hades hesitated trying to think of something witty. "Not my thing, but hey, whatever you do, I know I already love it."

"Well, wait till you get a load of this," Persephone lifted up two fingers and emitted a small purple flame. "I've been practicing you know. Might give you a run for your drachmas one of these days," she grinned up at him, revealing her sharp fangs before shooting him a quick wink.

Hades felt himself gulp. Was she flirting now? Because hot damn. "I- hey, you hungry? Cuz I am starving, right now, and-"

"Let me guess, we're here for the free food?" Persephone deadpanned.

"Hey, gotta save money somehow," Hades joked.

"I guess it's time for business then," Persephone took Hades outstretched hand as he led her away.

"Yeah, business."

Upon seeing the godly couple enter one of the many courtyards of the temple, all the mortals immediately ceased their festivities to stare at these strange beings.

The flame-haired god and the flower goddess stared back, glowering and waving, respectively, at the awestruck mortals. It wasn't until Isis, sitting at a place of honor lifted a glass to the couple that the mortals began to calm down.

Soon after, the revelry began again. The band continued to play and many mortals returned to their dance, gathering in front of where Isis sat sipping on her godly drink.

Orders were given out quickly to many of the priests to seat the godly couple in a place where they were hidden by columns, but gave them a view of the many activities taking place.

That was where we found Hades and Persephone as shaking mortals presented plates full of honey breads and various fruits and meats at their table.

Persephone couldn't help herself as she tried everything. Taking small bites out of various delicacies and trying to decipher the flavor and the spices that were added to each dish.

Hades ate nothing, finding the honeyed wine to be quite satisfactory especially with the added kick of nectar in it. He knew Isis had something to do with it as there was a green worm at the bottom of his glass.

As for the other glass provided, Persephone only took a small sip, "Oh, there's honey in this." She began to twirl the glass a bit and proceeded to take another sip. "I can hear Bacchus screaming somewhere."

"They like sweet, my sweet," Hades exclaimed with a chuckle at his own joke.

"Then I can't imagine why they like you so much," Persephone quipped.

Hades found himself grin at her jab directed at him. "I'll drink to that," he raised his own glass and the two clinked them together before taking one last drink.

It was as Persephone drained the rest of her glass that she began to ponder the question that had been bothering her all night.

Was this a date?

Dinner, drinks, music, flirty banter throughout, but more importantly was she…?

No, this couldn't possibly be a date.

Sure they'd had their ups and downs, all in a week, at that, but he would have said something by now, he couldn't be that patient could he? After all his personality had always been flirty even when they first met. It was part of his charm and just made him all the more confusing.

And yet, behind all that depravity and general lack of concern for mortals and his family, he was still there for her in his own strange way. He did not have much in this cosmos, didn't care about anything, but his own affairs, and yet he had somehow found a way to include her in it. Nonetheless, if there was any concern she had for whatever he had to offer her in the up and coming business deal, he wouldn't hide his intentions for all this.

He had to be upfront about it.

There was just no way around it, and perhaps there was a way to figure out if this whole scheme was for a different sort of merger than the one she had in mind.

"Uh- Hades?" Persephone softly crooned. Her eyes quickly found the object of her desire and very slowly wrapped her fingers around it.

Hades quickly slurped down the worm at the bottom of his drink before he responded in between bites. "Yeah?"

"Is this a date?"

Somehow, someway, Hades began to choke. He began to furiously beat his chest as a coughing fit ensued, but as quickly as it started, he managed to clear his throat and breathe normally again.

Amid the whole scene, Persephone took an internal sigh of relief. He was an honest god, very blunt about things too even if they sometimes tended on the passive aggressive side, but if he had a reaction like this? All it did was cement that she had made the situation awkward for him; which meant it was time to implement plan Beta.

"A- a date? Ha- whatever gave you that idea, sweet- I mean Persephone?" Hades flustered, sending pieces of flames flying around them.

"I meant this? Is this what they call a date?" Persephone held up the large wrinkled, grape-like fruit that she had been hiding in her hand.

Hades made an internal sigh of relief, but a small part of him began to drown in disappointment. That was his shot, and he just flaming lost it.

Oi, this would go so much easier if he had the guts to actually tell her what the hell were his intentions. Flaming hell, now she was going to keep on thinking that this really is just a friendly date. One whole day wasted all because he was such a flaming coward.

Where were Pain and Panic when he needed them? He could really blow off some steam right now.

"Yeah," Hades exclaimed after the short pause. "They grow on palm trees, and they wait till they're all wrinkly and gross looking to taste good, and they got a helluva large seed that makes them a lot less enjoyable when you swallow one whole."

Persephone laughed at his description, and decided to try one. "Not bad, but I guess pomegranates will always be my favorite."

"Oh those things are just as pretentious as dates. It takes forever and a day to crack one open."

"Not if you open it right," Persephone reminded him. "That's why it's always so messy when you force it open. It's practically bleeding. But if you're clever about it and use the right tools, you can easily unlock the treasure inside. You can't force something to open like that, you have to be gentle and patient," Persephone added with a smirk.

"Sweetness, you have no idea how patient how patient I am," Hades lowly intoned with a small warning in his words.

Persephone could only roll her eyes at his antics. Not taking him the least bit seriously. "So, we're finally having dinner, now let's talk business."

"Now you're speaking my language," Hades smirked. "Alright, look, sweetness, I got an opening in Elysium. We're looking for someone to take care of it, and I got the okay from Mr. High and Mighty that I can choose anyone of his brood, be they god or mortal, and you, dear, sweet Persephone fit the bill."

"I mean spawn of Zeus? Check! I hate you significantly less than Zeusy? Double check. You don't annoy me and you happen to have a diligent work ethic- fabulous, absolutely fabulous on that. Unfortunately for me, though, for some ungodly reason you actually care about heroes. Oi, breaking my heart over here, y'know if I had one. But I guess it balances out in the end, right? You can never really have the perfect candidate, can ya?"

Persephone could only gape. She had expected something like a desk job, but not a part of the Underworld! What would her mother say? "Elysium? Really, and what would you be benefitting from this?" She practically shouted in disbelief.

"C'mon, I wouldn't approach anyone else on it, and since I can't take full control, I figured you could. I mean Zeusy has already approved if you so choose to take it, so no problem for you there, and uh… Might I add that this offer has a time limit," Hades cautioned her. "So between now and two days from now. No pressure, but I really can't offer an extension on that deadline for obvious reasons," he added under his breath.

"What was that last part?" Persephone inquired.

"Sorry did I say something?" Hades' voice became slightly more high-pitched. "Probably, still got that worm lodged in my throat."

"Right…" Persephone muttered unsurely. "But what about my job here on the surface? My mother still depends on me to do a lot, and I-"

"We can work out on the nitty-gritty details when you sign the dotted line," Hades interrupted her. "Kapiche?"

One yes, okay, sure, alright, I do, si- that was all he needed, c'mon babe, say something!

"I'll consider it," Persephone simply stated.

Hades felt his annoyance begin to boil over, but he held it back. He was this close! She had no idea how clever she'd become, and how much more attractive she'd become because of it. Well, there were other ways to make her agree, he still had that one final ace up his chiton, but for her sake, she better not force his hand.

"Fine, fine, fine, just let me know, alright? And soon- I mean do you know how long it takes to pick out drapes with Pain and Panic in charge of decoration? Jeez Louise, who needs eternal damnation when you got those two dolts to test your patience all flaming day long?"

Persephone laughed in spite of everything. "You're too harsh on them, they're such little angels when you motivate them enough," her eyes glinted with mischief.

"Oh trust me, I've tried…" Hades found himself drifting off, and in that pause, he began to hear the music playing. "Hey, you ever dance before?"

"I have," Persephone answered swiftly. She was so used to his topic changes that at this point his constantly shifting tongue was easy for her to catch. "Bacchus used to come during the summers and we used to dance and dance till mother chased him out early in the morning."

"You ever danced with a partner?" Hades asked, suddenly appearing next to her slightly bowed with his hand outstretched.

"No," Persephone blushed at the gesture.

"You wanna try?" Hades smirked. "We don't have to dance in front of everyone, we can do it back here in the shadows."

When Persephone didn't answer right away, Hades gave her a wink as a thought crossed his mind. "You're not scared, right, sweetness?

"Not at all," Persephone took his challenge in stride and joined her hand with his. "I just hope you don't disappoint," she teased.

Persephone was on her feet in an instant as Hades pulled her up.

"Disappoint? Ouch that hurts, Persephone, but I think you'll find," Hades repositioned her hand in his before he snaked his other behind her back, drawing them closer. "I can make Terpsichore run for her drachmas."

Persephone felt the ghost of a grin tug at her lips. "I can't imagine that from a guy who probably has no legs under that toga."

"Ha, if you wanna see 'em so bad, you're gonna have to wait," Hades smirked. "But what I wanna see if you got moves to match your sass."

They were so close, their chests were practically a hair length's away. Persephone could feel him breathe and as she placed her steady hand on his shoulder she found that his body temperature was steadily rising, and would soon burst into flame if he wasn't careful.

He was nervous, but she wouldn't pester him about.

She was just as nervous, but there was a small part of her that was eager to see him in action. She loved dancing. The last time she'd done so was at a festival withs satyrs and maenads, and saying they were a wild bunch would be an understatement.

"Well, I'm waiting for you Sparky, or are you gonna talk all night?" Persephone flashed him a teasing look with her big eyes and lips set into a smirk.

Without another word, the dance began.

It was simple.

A lot slower than Persephone was used to, but the music playing in the courtyard had gone at an adagio tempo, so they had no choice but to comply to the band. In the meantime, Persephone took advantage of the tune as she found herself figuring out the moves as Hades lead.

She was so focused trying not to break stride from the beat of the music that she almost entirely forgot his presence.

That was when she suddenly found herself spinning, and before she could even raise a voice of protest, she was back in her original position.

"Do that again!" Persephone shouted almost breathlessly. She was going to get that move right!

"Uh, yeah," Hades twirled her much slower than previously and before he knew what she was planning, he found her spinning out all the way to where the only thing that kept them together was one hand tightly held between them.

Persephone began to wound herself back into his arms, but this time her back was facing him. With another spin, she was back in her original position and the two of them resumed their dance.

As the song changed and the music began to increase its tempo, the two of them found their rhythm as they figured out how their partner moved.

Persephone was just slightly smaller than him, so there wasn't much to compensate, but she was a ball of energy as she found the beat she could work with.

Hades could only blithely follow suit, finding her energy to be enough to stir him to match the same spirit she flourished. They were toe-to-toe matching each other step-by-step, twirl-by-twirl, as all their thoughts and worries took a back seat.

Hades and Persephone found themselves smiling and laughing as they danced. They had not had this much fun in such a long time in either of their lives that it just felt so right to lose themselves in the moment even if one of them did stumble or bump too close to each other. Only their grins would widen or one of them would mutter something teasing in the other's ear.

With each passing grin and wink, the heat that they shared began to manifest in full force as their chests pressed into each other and Persephone couldn't help but lean her head into him as the song became slow again. She had a soft smile on her face as she closed her eyes, and nestled into the curve where his shoulder and neck met.

Hades could only gape at that full acceptance of him.

No fear, no hatred. Just that supernatural peace he always longed for. If this was his only moment with her, then so be it. He could never ask for more. This would be forever imprinted in his memory. He wanted this moment to last forever, and as he wrapped his arms around her and embraced her as their feet still swayed in rhythm with the beat, they found their hearts beat together as one.

It was a beautiful scene to the passing eye as flames and flowers began to cover the limestone floor. The blooms crumbled and turned to ash as the tongues of flame in hues of teal and lilac began to eat them away, but they were soon replaced with new buds that rose in their place.

Their own shadows began illuminating on the columns as they continued their eternal dance.

The dance of life and death.

The cycle that would continue on until life itself ceased to be and death would be no more. For that was the essence of it all, everything was a cycle- everything was a dance.

That was how the world worked.

There was a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and most importantly a time to dance.

Yes, there was seasons to it all, but who would stop the two as these two beings representing the very opposite of each other were locked in that eternal embrace? Could it be love? Could it be their shared history that drew them together? They could not answer even if you asked nicely, for nothing else mattered, but the other.

All that I know, dear reader, is that in that macabre dance they never wanted it to end.

The night sky twinkled on, but soon the celebrations in the adjacent courtyard began to die down.

Still swaying to that beat, Persephone lifted her head and looked to see where the music had gone, but found that there was none. In fact, there was not a single noise in the entire temple, but the flicker of the tongues of flame that surrounded them.

"Hades," she whispered, for the god had his eyes closed as well. "I think the band's gone."

The lord of the dead stopped to listen and found she was correct. "Huh… Have they been gone this whole time?"

"Maybe it's better if we head back, anyway. I still have curfew," Persephone reminded the god.

"I wouldn't worry too much about that," Hades flashed her an awkward grin.

Persephone sighed, but was not the least bit surprised. "Pain and Panic?"

Hades shrugged. "Pain and Panic."

"Let's just go, I'm pretty tired, and you look like you could use some sleep yourself." Persephone slowly separated herself from Hades embrace, finding the action to be a lot more difficult than at first glance.

She began to miss that warmth, but she pushed the feeling away.

"Hey, not sleeping for three days is my business, and I don't appreciate the reminder," Hades yawned involuntarily.

"After you," Persephone gestured with a smug grin to the exit.

Hades simmered at his own body for betraying him, several times tonight, but after leaving a gold drachma on the table, the two took their leave.

"It really is beautiful out here. Thanks for convincing me to leave the reservation," Persephone smiled up at Hades as he subtly draped his free arm across her back and allowed his hand to grasp her shoulder.

They hadn't been in the sky for very long, and though she wanted to enjoy the beauty of the moment she felt her thoughts begin to crash together like waves in the sea.

Hades held the reigns of his team in the other, but found his current companion to be far more interesting than clouds. "And keep you cooped there? C'mon, I know you can't stand that place," Hades added when he realized Persephone had remained silent.

Once again Persephone could hear Daphne telling her to figure out what she wanted, and she still couldn't decide. Watching Hades as his gaze was concentrated on the sky ahead, Persephone felt the beating of her heart against her ribcage and the yearning grew ever stronger.

She was more conflicted than ever.

Persephone hid her face as she muttered in a half whisper "… We'll see."

As the silence stretched between them for the remainder of the trip, Persephone felt herself sigh as her island came into view. Sicily was indeed one of the larger islands in the Mediterranean, but a large portion of it was inhabited by mortals and only the woods was where she truly roamed.

"We're here," Hades announced. "But you can still back out if you want. Come to my place, end the night right. Stay for eternity, but hey, it's your call, sweetness."

The chariot landed on a flat embankment on the edge of the island.

Persephone flashed him a smile, but disembarked. "I can't," she muttered sorrowfully. "I have to make sure mother's alright, and I think Nemesis has had enough for tonight. Don't you think?"

"Hey, do what you got to, but you'll consider my offer, right?"

"I can't forget with you pestering me," Persephone grinned merrily. The heat inside her began to rise as she shyly brought up an idea she had been mulling over, "Come by tomorrow. I'd like to see you again."

Hades couldn't contain the shock that was written on his face, but that quickly turned into a leer. "Oh yeah?"

"Unless you're busy with that dead business of yours," Persephone quipped.

"Oi, I should decline for that pun, but maybe you can make it worth my while," Hades smirked, subtly tracing his lips.

Persephone blinked. "… I can make you a floral arrangement?"

Hades internally groaned, but chose not to show his disappointment. "Why not?" The god muttered grumpily.

"Bye, Hades," Persephone sweetly waved with a wink. "Don't come back."

"Good luck trying to stop me," he appeared in front of her, holding her hand, and softly kissed it.

Persephone felt herself glow pink as that strange heat came bubbling over of her.

Without a second thought, Persephone pulled him in close and swiftly pecked him on the cheek. "Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

Hades could not even process what was going on as Persephone slinked back into the woods without another word.

He stood there for a full minute as azure flames began to encompass him.

Y'know, yeah, he could wait till tomorrow.

Persephone began to hum to herself one of the songs she had overheard back in Egypt and swayed to its beat. She remembered some of the steps Hades had taught her and twirled around and tried to recreate the motions despite his absence, but all the while she admired the ashen flower he had given her. She had begun to admire it as her thoughts once again ran back to that god.

Oh, the way his face had fallen when he was about to hand it to her, but she really didn't mind. She'd been given so many flowers in her existence, a dead one carried so much more meaning to her. Although it did take some concentration not to bring it back to life.

A blush began to overtake her again as she recalled that good-bye peck she had given him.

Gods, what possessed her back there to do that?

No, why had she done that?

She was impulsive its true, but that was new. She had embraced him before, but this was different.

Oh well, it's not like it meant anything, she told herself, sniffing the lotus flower once more. Even in death it still kept its sweet scent.

As she kept dancing in the woods, Persephone hadn't even noticed she was being watched until she heard a familiar little: hoo sound come from behind her.

She froze in between steps and nearly fell as she lost her balance over a tree root, but as she righted herself, Persephone's eyes darted around trying to pinpoint the sound.

There wasn't a single bird on this island, so who?

Oh no…

Persephone began to feel herself shrink in fear as the penetrating grey-eyed gaze of the goddess came into view in all her brilliance.

No, no, not now, please…

"Having fun are we?" Athena crooned, but she did not look the least bit amused as her tone of voice displayed.

Mwahahaha, if you guys have ever seen a Disney movie, it is literally the same plot line. Tangled, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hercules- I can go on, but it has the same plot line. After every date something goes wrong. The main conflict comes back to haunt our hero/heroine in devastating ways as they try to reason out who they should trust.

*A lot of modern names given to Egyptian deities and even the Nile come from the Greek language( Anubis and Isis). It's an interesting fact I came across as I was researching the Valley of the Kings, and it should also be noted that the Egyptians and Greeks had many contentions between them, which was seen in the Hercules vs the Romans episode. That is accurate, they hated each other and Rome later acted as the wise middle child trying to stop them from bickering with each other. Yes, I chose Valley of the Kings just so Persy and Hades could also have a date in Thebes… Yes, the temple of amun is technically called the Temple of Luxor, but its right next door to the city of Thebes. Just not the Greek one. I'm so dorky, I'm sorry.

Fun bonus fact, this temple later added shrines to Isis and Serapis. If you don't know who Serapis is, historians speculate he is a form of Hades since they share many characteristics from being Underworld god and how they even visually look the same as they wear the same crown and visage. Only difference is this form of Hades has added agriculture to his resume. Coincidence? I think not. Also Serapis and Isis were represented together a lot as Greek culture began to spread in Egypt, and he eventually became one of Isis' consort/companion/husband. Small reminder about Egyptian culture: Isis is everyone's mother and wife. When you remember that, you'll see why every major god in Egypt is suddenly her son/husband.

This is my last chapter before I go on vacay to Disney world, but I'll be back soon don't worry.