The halls of Mount Olympus radiated with an ethereal light, the tall marble columns like towering giants as they stood high above the godly realm's occupants. But at the present time, there seemed to be only one traversing the spacious, stately palace of the Gods. And in truth, he knew that his otherwise bleak and foreboding appearance was a stark contrast to the nurturing light all around him. But, even with his black shroud gone, his gleaming sickles left behind in one of the many chambers within the hallowed halls, it did little to ease the pang in his immortal heart.

Death knew he was not too welcome on Mount Olympus, even though he was married to the daughter of Zeus himself. But even then, that was not enough. In fact, many of the other gods of Olympus went out of their way to avoid him, like now. Now, Death loved his wife. And aside from his dear Artemis, her sisters Gaia and Hebe offered him companionship as well. Even Apollo, bringer of the sun and Artemis's beloved brother showed kindness to Death even when others didn't.

But it still did not stop the lonesome cry within his soul.

Death was always viewed as the villain. Viewed as what was unfair in life by any mortal who would speak his name. But here on Olympus, he was viewed more…as a lowly janitor. Whereas the God's of Olympus gave to the people, Death was there to bring those either guilty of angering a specific god or gods, or those whose life had reached its end naturally. And in the end, it was always Artemis who set him.

Oh, Artemis. His dear, sweet Artemis. Truly the only being who made his existence bearable. Goddess of the hunt, but also of nature and new birth. Known for her deadly accuracy with a bow and arrow, but also her kindness, and unconditional love for all life. And while the mortals knew of her in the earliest sense, many would be rather offput by the fact she no longer represented herself as, well…the Goddess of Chastity.

Death could never stop the lustful smile that always spread upon his lips when he remembered the first time he and his wife consummated their love, taking that one title from her in the process as she moaned and screamed his name in wild abandon. But Artemis always told her love that she never regretted choosing him, and would do it again in a heartbeat. But even as Death stepped out onto one of the many balconies, his exposed back being assaulted by the ever-present sun, he still couldn't stop the doubt he would feel from time to time.

Yes, Death loved his Goddess of a doe wife, who had since seen herself off to tend to something follow their little "visit" to a certain "Stabby Tabby." He would move heaven and earth for her if he could. But, given how the other gods treated him, viewed him as lower than the floors they walked upon, there were times he felt he was not good enough for her. And more often than naught, he would go out of his way to prove to Artemis herself how much her loved…

Even if it meant breaking her rules.

Yes, Death followed Artemis's fours rules, if it could be helped. But there would be times where he felt that certain mortals didn't deserve to their live. Those like Lord Farquaad of Duloc. Oh, how Death enjoyed the look of horror on the diminutive man's face when he reaped his soul from within the mighty dragon's stomach.

Or Fairy Godmother, who despite promoting her solutions to a "Happily Ever After," never once valued the power of true love. It actually sickened him that just because a princess fell in love with an ogre, Fairy Godmother felt they did not deserve their happy ending. And it was one of the few times Death saw his love look upon someone with disgust and contempt. And while Death wanted to put his sickles in her himself, only to be held back by Artemis and told to wait, he still got a good laugh at watching one of HER arrows pop the hypocritical fairy.

As for her son…well, Prince Charming wasn't really worth the trip…the whiny little brat.

And Jack Horner…well that one needs no elaboration.

Yes, Death did take great pleasure in his job when it came to people like that.

But…

You go after one arrogant little GATO, who did not value any eight of his nine lives, and suddenly you are the villain.

Now, Death had been cheated and laughed at before, right in his face. And Puss in Boots was no different, aside from every cat. In fact, the lobo would have been willing to overlook it, let everyone's "Favorite, Fearless Hero" live, and WASTE his life as he saw fit…

But the heartbreak he saw on his dear Artemis's face, heartbreak that could not be consoled by him, or her sisters, the other goddesses attributed to life and health, broke something in him. And when that happened, he came to the inescapable realization…

Puss in Boots did not deserve to live his last life.

And his actions led to him being looked upon with great disdain…

All except for a few.

But little did he know, he was vocally reciting his thoughts, as evident by the soothing voice that sounded by his side.

"You're muttering."

Looking to his right, Death could only let out a small, affectionate huff as he gazed at his lovely doe, absent of her bow and quiver as she sat upon the marble banister, her golden-brown fur gleaming in the sun as her blue eyes twinkled in the light as they held a mischievous glint.

"I don't mutter, Mis Amor," the wolf chuckled, almost sadly. And this did not escape the doe's attention. But rather than chastise him for keeping his feelings bottled up…AGAIN, she decided to do what she always did…a little dance she called "talking it out."

"Yes, you do, Agápi Mou," she cooed, her fingers tinkling the hairs of Death's chin as she turned his gaze to meet her. And while her smile was full of warmth and comfort, Death could see that her eyes held a deep sorrow.

"…When something is troubling you."

Death knew what his was wife was doing. He would be blind not to. In fact, time and time again he would try to block her out, remain as distant and moody as he was. But no matter how hard he tried, he just could never escape Artemis's natural charm as her soothing voice tickled his ear, her warm touch penetrated his cold demeanor, and her soulful eyes, as blue and as deep as the sea penetrated into his heart.

Finally, with a deep sigh, Death turned fully to Artemis, his gaze cast down as if in deep thought. Upon seeing her love in such a state, Artemis closed the distance between them, her hands wrapped lazily around his thick neck as she leaned her head against his bare chest, the gentle thumb of a heartbeat no mortal knew Death had soothing to her, as were the lean but strong arms that wrapped around her.

Many assumed the embrace of Death was cold and unforgiving. But only those like Artemis and the tired mortals who she sent her love to retrieve, not out of malice, but love, knew just how warm and tender it was. And Artemis loved the feel of his surprisingly soft fur, which smelled of sanctity…sweet, with notes of honey, butter, flowers, and a few herbs and spices.

"Why did it hurt you so much?"

The question pulled Artemis from her moment of bliss, the doe now made fully aware that Death held her close, one armed wrapped tenderly around her waist, as the other hand held her head close to his chest. And while she wished she could just stay there, silently listening to his soothing heart, Artemis knew there was no point in beating around the bush regarding the subject of her husband's question…

The Lives of Puss in Boots.

"I, Gaia and Hebe gifted mortals with life, life to live as they chose."

Death sat them on the banister, his arms still around his wife as he sat her in his lap.

"And yes, we see those like Puss in Boots who squander their lives. Now, I know you find the idea of nine lives ridiculous."

"Guilty," Death playful laughed, earning a playful slap to the chest by Artemis.

"And you are not a cat person."

"Right again."

This resulted in a flick to the nose.

"But I love cats," Artemis continued with a smile, only this one wasn't as full, and started to appear rather sad.

"And it is because of Bastet."

It was at that moment, Death now understood why Puss in Boots' disregard for his own lives affected Artemis so much, for Bastet was the Ancient Egyptian Goddess of Protection, Pleasure and Good Health. She was also one of Artemis's oldest and dearest friends. They bonded over their love of nature, their fondness of children, and their deep love of cats. In fact, Bastet herself was a tall, beautiful, black cat, which in many cultures is considered to bring good fortune.

Much how Artemis did.

"I was made aware of Puss in Boots because of her. And you know me, Love. I see each mortal free to live their lives as they so see it, no matter how frivolous. But Basty…"

It was at that moment Death could see his does beautiful eyes begin to brim with tears, her fingers digging into the fur of is chest as she buried her face deeper into the white fluff.

"There was nothing I could do to console her. She felt hurt, betrayed, INSULTED because Puss in Boots did not value the lives bestowed upon him and all other cats. It took me hours before I could get her to stop crying. And the bond we shared, just seemed to…soak into me."

Death had found himself rocking Artemis as she softly whimpered, his chest becoming damp with her tears. And as she cried, Death began to piece two and two together as he remembered the conversation he had overheard between Artemis, Gaia and Hebe…

Which had followed her return from Bastet's realm.

He did not know where Artemis had been, for he had been on an errand of his own…

Claiming the eighth life of the offending Gato.

He only caught the part of the aforementioned feline.

At that moment, he realized his grievous mistake.

"Your hurt was not for yourself…but Basty."

A long minute of silence followed, Death just holding Artemis close. But the silence was finally broken by the hurting doe.

"I know why you went after him."

Death froze…he never froze, but when those words hit his ears, he knew there was no escape, especially when he met Artemis's eyes, eyes no longer filled with tears, but a mixture of, as Death could piece together, disappointment…

And Love.

He wasn't prepared for the kiss that followed, but he did not reject. And he could only let out a whine of protest as Artemis pulled away, her eyes once again brimming with tears, not of sadness, but joy.

"My Love," she cooed softly, caressing her husband's cheek, the wolf using his larger hand to keep the smaller one pressed to it, affectionately nuzzling into the gesture.

"I know how much you love me, and I could never ask for a more devoted husband than you…but you do not need to defend my honor when you feel I have been wronged."

At that moment, Death's eyes, which had been closed in content, suddenly snapped open, a look of confusion replacing the previously calm expression on his face.

"Why? Would you not do the same for me?"

Artemis glanced down, more focused on the furry chest of Death, her fingers raking through her thick mass as she spoke.

"You know I would, but you must remember the one rule we must ALL follow. Unless the situation calls for it…we do not, cannot, WILL NOT interfere with the natural flow of things."

Artemis's face then turned hard as she glared at her wolf.

"And when the time comes, that is where we send you…but right now, you are in very hot water."

Death almost looked as incensed as he was confused.

"But you made your own rules, Amor."

"And my father set them in stone, which is why I MUST, by example, follow them…as you must."

At this point Death knew that whatever argument he made was futile. Any attempt he made to defend his actions would fall on deaf ears. But, despite the ire rising in him, he would not raise his voice at Artemis. He just could never do that to her. And even if he did, Zeus would turn him into a pile of ash. So, he did the only thing he could do…concede defeat.

"I am sorry, Mi Amor," he whispered in a sad sigh, casting his dejected gaze to their now joined hands. And it was upon hearing the defeat in her companion's voice that Artemis's expression softened significantly as she reached up to once again cup Death's cheek, the tender kiss that followed causing a deep sign to release from both as they let themselves become lost in that moment.

Unfortunately, God's need air too.

"Just promise," Artemis said as she once again rested her head against her favorite furry pillow.

"That you will speak to me BEFORE you do anything rash."

A mischievous smile spread across the lobo's face.

"I promise nothing of the sort."

The two shared a good laugh, only for it to end as Artemis stood both to their feet. However, Death was a bit confused when his wife started leading him int direction of the…

"Mi Amor?"

He called, only for a lump to form in his throat when Artemis sent him a dangerously lustful growl, which was most uncharacteristic of a dear.

"Gaia, Hebe and I will be giving you your 'punishment' in the Bathhouse…we also invited Basty, who wishes to show her gratitude."

It was at that moment Death knew he was in for a RIGOROUS punishment.

"Dios, Dame Fuerzas."

Welp, this going to be a series it seems! The series itself is going to be called "Life & Death," and will focus primarily on Death, Artemis, and their relationship with Team Friendship. Plus, it will explore a fun little concept I am putting together, which is that all religious gods and spiritual figures exist, but in different "Realms." And if you would like to see what Death's punishment entails, please fav and leave a review for an M-rated entry.

Spanish Translation:

"Dios, Dame Fuerzas"-"God, give me strength."