Wow, they redid the site! I like it. If you want the disclaimer, see the second chapter. And in case you didn't notice (provided it uploads correctly this time), I learned how to put those little breakers at the beginning and end of the actual chapter, so if you're not in the mood for my over-explanative authoress prattle, you can skip it. Aren't I nice?
Subject of Fanfiction: It's YamixSeto, and if you haven't read the note in the previous chapter, it has some…contemplative symbolism (weird might be the word of choice). For explanation about the main-theme metaphors, see content of fanfiction from chapter 2.
Content of Fanfiction: This chapter is really the climax of the story. Seto regains his will to live, and his soul environment is repaired. His and Yami's original forms, mustang and stag, remain the same as the last chapter. The constant referral to green growth and sprouting vegetation is the metaphor of Seto's mind "growing back to full strength." While he voluntarily shuts himself up in an office everyday, I think in his heart he is searching for release from past demons, and so would be fascinated by nature's constant battle against growing civilization.
Chapter Origin/Titles: Demeter is the Greek goddess of the harvest and summer. She becomes enraged when her daughter, Persephone, is taken from her by the lusting god of death, Hades (who, scarily enough, is Persephone's uncle). Demeter vows that no living thing will grow until her only child is returned. As she searches all over for her daughter, a famine spreads over the earth, and the humans starve. Zeus, fearing for his greatest creations, convinces his brother Hades to give back Persephone for two-thirds of the year (the number of months varied from region to region as their seasons were different). While Persephone is visiting Hades, her mother is despondent (hence winter), but when her daughter returns Demeter is happy and works again (hence summer). And there, folks, is your Greek mythology lesson for this chapter. Cool, huh?
Reviews: Thanks to both Dragon n Desidera and MotherCHOWGoddess for your encouragement. I'm glad people don't think I was…influenced when I cooked this up. This chapter is similar in imagery to the last one, so it should be easy to follow.
And now, behold Part 3 of Scourge and Renewal: Persephone's Return. Enjoy!
A cracking twig brought him back to the present, and the stallion slowly turned his head behind to look at the one herding him.
Red eyes stared back.
The stag saw the turmoil in those blue depths, and understood. He stepped forward, gently hooking majestic antlers under the drooping head. A shove on cloven hooves and he began a steady trot.
The stallion felt soft velvet under his chin, and a gentle push. Trembling legs protested as a gate was reached, forcing them to pump to keep up with their companion. The mustang kept the trot, but made no move to pick up his head from its cradle.
The stag noticed this. Snorting in irritation, he picked up the pace. Faster and faster they went as the scenery began to fly by.
The wind picked up, calling the stallion's name. He moved his head slightly, looking out to the horizon. The land had definitely seen better days, but it was home. Was he so weak as to give up after one defeat?
He would have continued his musings, but a glimmer caught his eye.
Green.
On the trees, on the ground, twirling in blades through the air. It was still there, he just hadn't looked hard enough. He raised his head further.
The stag felt the surge, and responded. His gait changed, smoothing out into a rolling canter. He felt the mustang leap forward and quickly withdrew his support.
As the pair raced over the blackened earth, the clouds began to move. Swept across the sky by the strengthening wind, they finally broke. Water fell, starting in small drivels but then changing into a storm. Green sprouted where the liquid touched the parched earth, spreading into a cape beneath the stallion's hooves.
Faster and faster he ran, rejoicing in the life that was left in his wake. Forgotten was the stag, forgotten the game. Nothing mattered, only that the whole world was swept with green.
As his pace eventually slowed, the clouds overtook him, leaving an indescribable vibrance. The mustang breathed heavily, reveling in the elation of rebirth. His companion stood quietly, basking in the energy thrown off of his rival.
Broken wings were repaired.
As the stallion's blood cooled, he felt movement beside him. The stag was pawing the ground, digging into the fresh new earth. Another glimmer, this time of gold, emerged. The stallion lowered his head in curiosity as pieces of something were uncovered.
His heart?
Cliffhanger, anyone? I feel your pain, but do not fear, for this story has nearly reached its end. Actually, it stretched even longer than I thought possible. While there is only one more chapter inside Seto's mind, I might have other ones after it back in the real world. Hell, I might do a sequel instead. Tell me which one you guys would rather have in your reviews! Ciao!