Chapter 3

The Underworld

Most would say the underworld is a horrible place, full of cursed creatures and darkness. But truth to be told, apart from the Gods who could easily travel to it, no mortal could ever had return from it. In consequence, the tales written about the afterlife were always gloomier than the actual reality. In fact, the place was actually ''full of life''.The theme of the place consisted of tones of black, gray a dark green with slight traces of white marble. The water of rivers Styx surrounded the enormous land and you could almost feel it had a personality of its own. It was a very clear water but the land beneath was dark and so it was reflecting the bottom. Styx is a playful river and if one looks at his/hers reflection they would able to see what they miss most. The river likes to play with the minds of mortals and Gods alike. Since you can't reach the land without passing the river, there is a ferryman waiting on the other side of the bank.

'Good morning, Charon! Or at least it was morning when I left the above world' Demeter couldn't hide her disgust for this place. Or maybe not the place, but the ruler of this place.

'Good morning, Demeter! Where to?' Charon was a special entity and he could easily take different forms. But he only used those forms for the mortals. In the presence of the Gods he would reveal his true form. He was almost as ancient as Hades himself but he looked like he was in his late 20's. He had dark hair and big brown almost black eyes on a very light skin. He was tall and powerful. It is said that even Zeus was a bit jealous of Charon's appearance. He truly is beautiful. But the mortals don't know this version of him. He takes the form of an old man with a black hood and a tired attitude. The bank of the river Styx is full of boats and different versions of this old man. Charon multiplies and can be everywhere at the same time. There is never a line or a crowd forming in the Underworld. Actually, as I said above, the place seems full of life. There are hundreds of boats waiting or sailing on the river. That is why when a war starts, the mortals say there is a feat for the Death. In the underworld it actually looks like a feast. All those boats sailing with their lights on give the place a certain beauty.

'To your King, unfortunately…' she places two golden coins in his hand.

'No need to pay Demeter, this one is on me' he gives her a wicked smile. Charon and Hades are good friends and from time to time they like to mess with each other, playing small pranks. He also knows how much Demeter dislikes most of her family, Hades included, so he can't help but be curious about what is happening or what actually made Demeter come down here herself. She could have easily sent Hermes with a message and yet, here she is…

Their discussion ends here and Charon takes her on the other side of the river. They arrive pretty fast and Demeter helps herself out of the boat, refusing any help from Charon. He looks at her amused but doesn't say a thing. They bow to each other and leave. As Demeter reaches the land, the beauty of this 'doomed' place hits her. She hadn't visited his domain ever since the war when her brother picked this damned place. It was nothing like she remembered. There was a huge field full of mortals and nymphs that seemed to be very busy. They were taking care of animals and of the land. There was actual joy and the darkness that she expected was gone. It is true, it was not the light of the world above, but is was light. There was a sort of a powerful moon that was guarding the place. There were little housed everywhere and even temples. She followed the main road and reached two impressive tall gates that guarded the palace. At the entrance there was a beast. Huge, with 3 heads and drawling. It was Cerberus, the most loyal companion of Hades.

'Stay back or else…' Demeter was in no mood to fight the dog. He was looking confused at her, sniffing her. Cerberus started to bark and was in a playful state.

'I said stay back! No! Don't chew the robe! Bad dog!' She was furious and got even more furious as she heard someone laughing behind her.

'So you think it's funny? Your dog is a brute!' She turned around and there he was, tall, blonde and annoyingly handsome just like the other two, wearing a dark robe with no sleeves and a cursed smile on his face.

'Brother…'