PROLOGUE

GODDESSES: War, Love & Marriage

Naught remained that night except hatred and angst. Oh! Mighty Zeus! Ruler of Mount Olympus, god of the sky and thunder! King of the gods! Why have you taken my most precious away from me?

Thetis, grand-daughter of Tethys, stood beside her son, watching him weep for the death of his most beloved, Briseis. "Achilles." Whispered Thetis. They have bathed her body with the water of the Styx, but nothing has befallen. Her small body remained lifeless. "Mother, help." He spoke glumly without turning to his mother. Lips caressingly kissing his beloved's still-soft hands, while her head resting on Achilles' strong hip. The sea nymph Thetis watched her son as he caresses his wet and lifeless lover, daughter of Briseus. The young lady had saved her son from the Trojan War. And as a sea nymph, she could do naught for her. Nay, there was naught else to be done.

"Greetings!" An enormous voice was heard. Bit by bit, an aged man wearing black reveals himself from the dark. He was smiling. As if death brings him so much pleasure. Achilles looked furiously at the man who's standing nigh them. He is Hades, Ruler of the Underworld. "Ah," He walked closer to the Mother and son. "The e'er so lovely Thetis, daughter of Nereus, eldest son of Pontus, Son of Aether." The man with pale skin raised his hands, and by that, the place began to be darker and colder.

Suddenly, the cold wind that touched their skins turned into a dreadful and destroying heat. "Welcome to my abode." The ruler of the Underworld said conceitedly. The flames grew more, making the ruler of the abode be most pleased. His guests explored the place and they knew where they are. They are in Hell; the place of eternal punishment for the wicked after death. Thetis grasped her cobalt textile in rage. "What do you want, Hades?" Quietly asked the sea nymph; trying not to lose her patience. Achilles glowered at the aged man, regarded him with eyes as blue and as dangerous as the sea; eyes that blazed hatred. "Nay, it is not I who needs aid!" Hades aimed. Achilles glowered at him anew. He gently laid his lover's head on the ground and then swiftly stood. "We don't need your help!" Yelled Achilles.

Hades usual big eyes grew wider. "Hush! No son of Peleus can ever speak to me like that!" he raged. Face turned black and eyes as red as blood. He took a deep breath to release his anger and to turn his dead face back to normal, he said, "—But if you really need not my help, then I shall take her now!" With that, Briseis body vanished like the wind. Achilles turned to see his lover, but she was not there. "Briseis…" His face darkened in anger. Once he had lost her, but her body remained with him. And now she's all gone… Gone! Taken away by the wise ruler who's standing before him! He gritted his teeth and bit a little part of his tongue, making it bleed. His face began to darken more. "Alas!" The Son of Peleus almost moaned in sorrow of losing his beloved again. He gritted his teeth more and tasted the blood. He glared at Hades. He has already taken a step forward when he felt his mother's hand on his arm. "Achilles," He did not look at her mother. Holding her son's arm strappingly, yet tenderly, "Don't!" She pleaded.

"Follow your mother, son of Peleus! For she knows what is good for you---" Hades added, "And for the girl." He let out a cold smile, vanished and appeared next to the sea nymph. "Poor girl--- died too young." He whispered to the son of Peleus. Achilles knew that the man has vanished from his previews stead. Swiftly, the son of Peleus turned and pointed his jagged blade onto Hades' throat. His insane! The son of Peleus is insane! Thinking that he could slaughter the ruler of the underworld! "Nice move, boy!" Said Hades and vanished anew—escaping son of Peleus' sharp blade —perhaps not.

"Fight me!" Achilles growled deep in his throat, holding his blade tightly. He hastily turns and began to search for Hades with his angry eyes. "I have something for you, son of Peleus!" His voice echoed. "Go near the lake and you will see your much-loved." He added and was followed by a riotous laugh. Achilles did what Hades said and was surprised to see Briseis' swimming with other souls. He closed his eyes because he could look at her no more. Oh! Why did the gods let this happen! He opened his eyes to look at her anew, even if it will hurt him. The tears that he had shed have already dried. "Look up, son of Peleus!" Hades spoke frantically. Achilles did what he was told. "Briseis" Son of Peleus saw his love lifeless body floating. "I can help you if you wish, son of Peleus!" Hades uttered and then he appeared in front of Achilles.

Achilles gobbled while staring at Hades. "What help are you?" He asked sturdily and glaring at him furiously, watching his every movement; like an eagle ready to catch its prey. Thetis just watched his son and Hades talk. When she presumed that their talking is not going well, she interrupted the men. "Hades," Thetis called his name softly. "Forgive my son's behavior. I know he's not good at pleasing people." She sank to her knees "Let the girl live! I beg of you!" Hades looked at her and then back to Achilles. "I know your son will not beg me as you do –But it doesn't matter." He uttered and looked at Achilles before opening his hand. As one of the gods, he has the power to do things that mortals cannot. He opened his hand and the next thing Achilles knew, Hades was already holding a flagon.

"Help her drink this" He paused and handed the flagon to Achilles. "—and she will live again! But beware! For when she wakes up, she will never be the same again!" He left an earsplitting cackle before he fled into the dark.