Pyrus: Welcome to the next chapter. I still own nothing but the idea. I thank you my readers for all your amazing reviews. Just to more chapters left.

Chapter 11: Edict

Hermes took Levy directly to Mt Olympus. They didn't speak much and most of their flight was filled with the flapping of the heavy black cloak. Hermes carried her bridal style in his arms, but Levy who would have once giggled and blushed, remained quiet and rather sullen. They flew threw the dark tunnels that lead to the Underworld and surfaced inches above the Strait of Gibraltar. Below the waves lapped against the ancient rock and gulls sang in the morning air. Hermes continued across the sea, Mt. Olympus slowly peeking over the horizon.

"We'll be there soon." Hermes commented, but Levy remained silent hazel eyes staring toward the growing kingdom of the gods.

Salt air dissolved into brown and dying fields of mortal farms and the bare and snow covered forests of oak, maple, and Judas trees. Hermes' began to fly up to the sky skimming over snow covered earth that made up the mountain of the gods. Above the golden chariot of Apollo soared sending warmth down upon the duo.

They touched ground just outside the golden gates of Olympus. Hermes gently set her down on the white marble as the sun warmed golden gates swung open. Levy steadied herself without Hermes' help, she took a first tentative step her golden sandals clicking against the stone.

"Levy…" Hermes called, but she ignored him and made her way up the stairs the doors swinging open before her.

Levy adjusted her cloak as she made her way down the white marble hall the golden chandeliers lighting the way, but their warmth did not touch Levy. Nor did she pay any mind to the structure of the building this time with its windows and vaulted ceilings. Hermes half ran and half flew after her trying to hold her back, but Levy persistently stayed out of his grasp. She pushed her way into the throne room several nymphs scuttled out of her way in surprise.

"Levy, wait!" Hermes called once more.

"That is my daughter you are talking to and you will address her as such!" Demeter yelled rising from her chair and coming to hug Levy, but Levy ducked under her mother's arms. Demeter rounded to see Levy continue to march up to Zeus' throne stopping a foot before him, her jaw set and body stance ridged.

"You called for me?" her hazel eyes bore into her king's light blue eyes.

"You could, indeed, say that." Zeus chuckled and gestured to her mother. "Your mother thought you kidnapped against your will. I only demanded your release."

"As right he should." Demeter stated coming up and taking Levy's chin in her hand to study her daughter's features. Demeter's face relaxed as she saw no injury on her baby girl, "Are you injured?"

"Not at all." Levy pulled her face out of her mother's grasp. Zeus' eyes turned to Hermes who was standing quietly by the door, but was shifting nervously.

"What happened Hermes?" Zeus barked causing the younger god to jump.

"S-Sh-Sh-She…"

"I ate food from the Underworld." Levy defiantly stated, a snowy white hand toying with the big black cloak.

"You...What!" Demeter screamed, her pale skin turning a dangerous shade of red. She nearly lost it right then and there, but Zeus held up a hand.

"And what did you eat?"

"Six pomegranate seeds." Levy turned once more so she faced Zeus, her head held high and her eyes determined. Zeus nodded.

"Then the decision is made. For six months out of the year you will live above ground with your mother and the other six you will live in the Underworld."

"What!" Demeter rounded on Zeus "That's not fair she is MY daughter."

"And YOUR daughter made her own decision." Zeus insisted as he descended from his throne and put his hands on Demeter's shoulders. "Children must grow up, Mira."

Demeter began to weep. Below, on Earth, the clouds quickly darkened and thunderstorms began to roll across the mortal realms. The plants sprang back to life with new vigor after three days of death. Mortals cheered and honored the gods for the return of their crops. Levy, meanwhile, turned and left the room her black cloak fanning out behind her.

"Six Months. I can do this" she tried to smile but it didn't reach her eyes. When she arrived at the edge of the Mt Olympus she boarded one of the winds and returned to whatever meadow her mother wanted her in.

"Six months." Gajeel murmured when Zeus' decree arrived via Iris. She wasn't physically in hell, that was taboo, but her mist image appeared in a vase near his throne to deliver him news from Olympus. Hades dismissed the green haired goddess with a wave of his hand, he frowned disheartened. It was certainly fair even if his heart wanted her all for himself, but no the drama queen Mira had to keep her for half the year.

He rose and made his way out of the throne room and down the dark hallways. He entered the library, a red fire already ablaze within the obsidian fireplace. He didn't peruse the books or venture to the comforting made bed in the heart of the second floor balcony. No, instead he sat in a dark leather wingback chair staring up at the ceiling. Gajeel thought of Levy, wondering what she was doing.

Levy lay depressed in the shade of her willow tree, the heat of the summer clinging to her skin. She slowly weaved red wild flowers together her mind drifting to Gajeel and how she wished he was there with her. Carried by the wind she could hear the laughter of children from the nearby town. She had begun choosing her meadow homes and, while she had to move around more often, she rather enjoyed the liveliness of mortal towns.

"Persephone…" Came a soft voice from outside of her willow tree. Levy sighed and stood slowly. She recognized the voice and exited through the long branches a soft smile on her face.

"Morning Iris." her smile didn't reach her eyes.

The green haired goddess bowed to Levy, her white toga like dress clinging to her voluptuous frame. As Iris stood Levy pulled back the branches of the willow and welcomed Iris into her sanatorium. Iris sat down to the grass while Levy followed her and sat on top of her black cloak which was laid atop the grass like a blanket.

"What can I do for you?" Levy inquired, curious as to why the messenger goddess had come to visit her.

"Well. I have a proposal for you." The green haired goddess smiled warmly at the younger goddess.

R&R