GUESS WHO'S BACK, WHO'S BACK AGAIN
not slim shady, but aprilshower96
okay as per tradition that started as of right now, i've uploaded the prologue as well as chapter 1; so here is the first chapter of awakened, i'm very excited to see how this story unravels. also thank u thank u thank u to everyone who liked the sleeping goddess! if you are new, hello, and if you are old, wass good
i would recommend reading the first one just so you can understand the history of it, but i mean it's a free country amirite
ok enjoy!
September, 1947; New Orleans, U.S.A
The humidity of the southern sun swamped through the crowded city of New Orleans. Sounds of jazz mingled with the dense air as hundreds of people danced through the streets of the lively French Quarter.
A young man sat at an outside table, calmly nursing his short glass of Bourbon. His icy eyes glanced up often at his surroundings, the vibrant hues of the Crescent City splashed across his vision.
He quietly took a sip of his beverage, his pale fingers clashing with the droplets of condensation oozing from the glass. His view of the live jazz band playing traditional tunes before him, suddenly becoming obstructed as a large tour group stopped in front of the small, outdoor bar.
"Now folks, New Orleans has been a city of wonder for years, dating back to the 18th century. The Crescent City offered newcomers an air of mystery and romance, and to this day, the offer still stands." Appreciative laughs rang throughout the crowd, no doubt finding the city to be mysterious and romantic, indeed.
"But beware," The tour guide suddenly warned, making the young man tune in to her silly, little tour.
"Rumors of dangerous creatures roaming the streets of the French Quarter thrive now more than ever before." The petite blonde creeped closer to her group as they murmured in horror and awe. "Vampires, werewolves, voodoo, and even monsters from the Underworld itself are said to lurk throughout New Orleans."
Hades smirked.
He stared in amusement as the tour group was herded away by the blonde tour guide, their roaming eyes eagerly taking in the architecture and unique feel of the Quarter. Taking one last gulp of his drink, Hades set the glass down on the small, round table.
"Ya finished with that, honey?"
His eyes looked up, meeting the dark gaze of a young, red-headed waitress. Her cherry lips were curled up in her sweetest smile, and her long eyelashes blinked rapidly, waiting for his answer.
Hades nodded once, placing the empty glass into her small hands. He produced a crisp bill from his wallet and placed it onto the table, "Keep the change."
The waitress giggled as she grabbed the bill, placing it cheekily into her open shirt, and further into her bra. "My, mister, what an accent you have! Say, you from England or somethin'?"
"London," He replied curtly. Hades moved to stand, allowing the flirty red-head to see his grand height adorned in a black, chic suit. "It was a pleasure," he narrowed his eyes to the gold nameplate strategically placed on her left breast, "Nancy."
"Pleasure was all mine, Mr. ..?" Her head cocked to the side, resulting in a slight chuckle from Hades.
"Henry. Henry Mavros."
Elijah and Hannah Jameson: Wall Street's Power Couple
Once again, the Jamesons have proven their multi-million value as the top holders of Wall Street. The dynamic duo won their fifth consecutive year of top shareholders, retaining their crown of economic royalty.
Hades tossed his copy of The Times Picayune onto his coffee table. He sighed in annoyance as he stared at the photograph before him, his brother and sister elegantly dressed as they waved to a string of flashing cameras. Although the picture was not colored, Hades could no doubt visualize the blond curls of his brother, or Hera's golden skin.
"Mr. Mavros, is there anything else you need us to move?"
Hades stood, as he glanced towards the movers, shaking his head. "No, that should be everything. Thank you, gentlemen, I'll send your payment as soon as I can."
"Thank you, sir. You have a nice day now, Mr. Mavros." The movers quickly walked out of the grandiose mansion, making their way to their truck parked outside.
Moving to stand by a nearby shelf, Hades' eyes followed the two men through his enormous window, watching as they pulled away from the front of his new home. He was met with a singular view of an empty Royal Street, and soon, his eyes wandered over his bookshelf to the small parchment hidden in between two thick novels. He sighed as he pulled it out, only to crumble it in his large hand.
Blast the note. Blast Hecate.
Did she really think Hades would not find them? He had spent years locating Hecate's whereabouts, almost right after she had the audacity to take his bride away from him once more. Did she not understand how much Persephone's life meant to him? Hades couldn't help but feel betrayed after Hecate stole his love away. To lose Persephone once was painful, but to lose her twice…
After Hecate's kidnapping of Persephone, the years passed by a stoic Hades. His days endlessly consisted of the same routine, and he saw his life blur around him. Nothing mattered to him without her.
He had remained hopeful, as he knew that wherever she was, she would awaken with the alignment of Pluto. For many years, Hades honored Hecate's plea and did not search for his wife. His soul was drenched with guilt of her death, and his mind poisoned with the image of her lifeless body. Reminders of her absence haunted his every move, as his palace and kingdom returned to its once gloomy and dull nature. The shred of light and happiness Persephone had brought with her was ripped away at the same moment Hecate ripped away their second chance to be happy once more.
Olympus had fallen after a few centuries, as warned by the Fates. The mortals slowly but surely lost their faith in the Gods, placing their belief and devotion into other religions that seemingly appeared from thin air. Although they kept their immortality and a fraction of their mighty powers, the Gods felt an emptiness in their lives, sending most of the Olympians to Gaia's land in search of a parallel of power. They felt the need to rule. And so, if they could not hold power over humans in their traditional way, they would rule over them in the modern way.
Zeus had found it as Elijah Jameson; Stockbroker of Wall Street. He and Hera, also known as Hannah Jameson, practically owned Wall Street, therefore owning parts of every major business in North America. Poseidon now ruled over an Atlantic Trading Company as Peter Bay, controlling a majority of the trade between five continents. Hades had also found his wealth by selling his jewels from his kingdom below. After he migrated from the Underworld to England, his fine gemstones were sold to a variety of buyers throughout the United Kingdom for a hefty price. Now, Diamondeus was the number one jewel supplier to jewelry merchants throughout numerous nations, including the United States.
"There you are, Hades."
Hades glanced behind his shoulder, eyeing Thanatos as he hurried through the front doorway. Hades straightened up swiftly, extending his arms out wide as he smirked at his friend. "Well, what do you think?"
Thanatos' eyes moved throughout the foyer of the mansion, his lips curling slightly. "Not bad, Hades, not bad."
"Thought so. It'll be the perfect home for Persephone and I once I find her."
"And what makes you so sure she's even here? We've been here nearly a month and there's been no sign of her. None of your shades have seen her."
"She is here." He tightly lipped.
Thanatos placed his hands up in the air, shrugging, "Your call, boss." His eyes roamed to the coffee table, a loud snort erupting at the sight of the wealthy couple on the front page. "Lucky bastard. Not only was he king of the Olympians, but now he's practically King of all commerce."
Hades scoffed, "None of that matters to me. Besides, this is yesterday's paper. D'you mind fetching me today's?"
Swiftly, Thanatos pulled the rolled up newspaper from his back pocket, tossing it over gently. "Already ahead of ya."
Hades plopped down onto the leather sofa, "Take the day off, Thanatos. The movers put everything in its place and we don't have to be in the new HQ office until Monday. And, you look like you could use a drink."
Thanatos laughed, "Well, Bourbon Street is so close, y'know. It would be such a shame if I didn't go, right?"
Hades opened the large newspaper, "Yes, such a shame."
Thanatos turned to leave, throwing over his shoulder, "Don't wait up!"
"Thanatos," Hades called, causing the man in question to hesitate.
He sighed. "Am I in trouble already?"
Hades' eyes peered over the paper, staring at Thanatos'. "Please don't forget to introduce yourself as Nathaniel and not Thanatos. We don't want a repeat of what happened in Dublin."
Thanatos winced, "Who knew whacky Christians knew so much about us, huh? I promise I won't, I'll be super good this time."
"Not likely, considering you're going to Bourbon Street." Hades deadpanned.
"You're funny, boss. Now I'm leaving. I've heard so much about this street, supposedly it's the bee's knees."
With one last goodbye, Thanatos slammed the front door shut, leaving Hades to quietly read his paper.
Skimming through the headlines, Hades frowned. Thanatos did have a point. They had been here for quite some time, but there was no sign of Persephone anywhere. He remembered vividly tracing the location of Hecate after her most recent note appeared, even using some of her old spell books she had left behind. All signs had pointed to Louisiana, and his shades had confirmed that she was in New Orleans. After the report, and without a second thought, Hades had moved from Europe to Louisiana under the pretense of setting up another Diamondeus Headquarters. He had waited so long. His hopes were diminishing by the second, and his patience was becoming non-existent. Where could she be?
The Pluto Alignment was still underway, could that have been the reason Hades could not find her?
Or were they simply not meant to be?
Rubbing his eyes, Hades continued reading through the Picayune.
Brilliant Tulane Student Returns from Peru
Lily Propolos, Botanical Studies Major at Tulane University has just returned from a Botanic Expedition from Lima, Peru. In the company of her professor, Ms. Propolos and Professor Brenden Meyers discovered and classified six new different types of plants.
Ms. Propolos, daughter of wealthy shipping widow Haley Propolos, returned only yesterday from her month-long expedition, eagerly awaiting her fourth and final year at Tulane University. Term for Fall begins September 15.
Hades eyed the large picture, a large man frowning as he tugged his suitcase through an airport, and a young woman behind him smiling straight at the camera.
Hades' heart stopped.
He would recognize her smile even if he were blind. Her hair gracefully fell upon her shoulders, framing her beautiful and familiar face. Her radiant smile beamed at the camera as she pulled her luggage behind her, her short build adorned with a simple dress.
Memories of her smile and laugh raced through his thoughts, and his heart swelled at the thought of her being near once more.
Suddenly, it all made sense. Persephone had left for holiday in Peru around the same time Hades and Thanatos arrived, and she had only returned yesterday. The reason his shades could not locate her was because she was not here, but in Peru.
But now she was here!
"Lily Propolos," Hades whispered, his fingers tenderly tracing her photographed face.
He smiled to himself, his hope rising in his chest violently.
"Persephone, I've finally found you."
so yeah lemme know what you think I LOVE U ALL ITS GOOD TO BE BACK
