Gomen na sai! This past semester kept me very busy and I had an anime con to prepare for. I just got a PS3 too, so that's kept my attention. XD Now that it's summer, I'll have some more time to do this story. I started on the 4th chapter.

Theo - During this hiatus, I have learned to create takoyaki.

Oh, really? Can I try?

Theo - Of course. Master Igor helped me with this particular batch.

On second thought, I'll pass. Anyway, enjoy.

Persephone - Minako
Hades - Theo
Demeter - Mitsuru
Hecate - Fuuka
Five days had passed since Mitsuru began her search for Minako. Five days with no leads. No one could tell her where her beloved daughter was. During those days, the land began to die around her. She didn't care. Finding her daughter was more important. Currently, she was resting by a small stream outside of Athens.

"There must be someplace I have yet to check," she muttered.

"Mitsuru." Standing on the opposite shore of the stream was Fuuka, the sun goddess. She looked at the forlorn goddess with sympathy. "Have you found any clues as to Minako's whereabouts?"

"No. I don't understand. Where could she be?"

Fuuka bit her lip. "…I know where she is."

Mitsuru's head shot up, taking in the older goddess's words. "You…know?"

"Yes. I apologize for not telling you sooner, but-"

"Where is she?" Mitsuru cried. "Where is Minako?"

Fuuka took a deep breath. "She is in the Underworld." Mitsuru didn't respond, so she continued. "Theodore took her when she strayed too far from her companions five days ago. He has no desire to let her return since he knows you will keep her from him."

"He's damn right I will!" Mitsuru snapped. Fuuka flinched under the red haired goddess's glare. Mitsuru's temper was only second to Hera's. "If he will not return her willingly, I will have to enforce his brother's help!" And with that, she sped off for Olympus.

"Um, Theo?"

Theo looked up from the book he was reading. Minako shifted her feet, looking at him shyly. Her demeanor was adorable. He was happy beyond words at this new change in attitude towards him. "Yes?"

"I was planning on going for a walk. I…was wondering if you wanted to join me."

Is she asking to spend time with me? Did the end of humanity finally come? Seeing as how his work load hadn't increased ten fold, Minako must be doing this of her own free will. It was difficult for the Underworld King not to seem too excited about her request. He had to keep some pride.

"I'd be delighted, Minako."

He let her take the lead, staying at her side. They didn't say anything as they walked. Minako was looking ahead, down, up, and every other direction where she would avoid meeting his gaze. They walked and walked and walked, further into the depths of the Underworld. Theo opened his mouth to break the silence he despised, but his Queen beat him.

"What is that tower?" she asked.

Theo felt bile rise from his stomach. Before them, like a beacon of the past, was Tartarus. An eerie green glowed, lighting the area around it with menace. Trapped inside were the Titans he and his brothers overthrew. "That is Tartarus," he explained in a low voice. "It is essentially a prison."

"A…prison?"

"Yes. Have you heard of the Titans?" A nod. "They are sealed within. If they were ever released, they would surely destroy those who defeated them and humanity out of pure rage." He placed his hands on Minako's thin shoulders. "I want your word that you will never come near here unless I am with you. Will you at least promise me that?"

Minako stared at Theo, then at Tartarus. He could see the curiosity in her gaze. He started to mentally panic, but she turned and smiled meekly.

"I promise."

Theo went to kiss her forehead. Minako lifted her head so their lips met instead. Theo jerked away, fearing she would be angry. He received a slight pout from the girl. So she did it on purpose…

Minako watched Theo, unsure of what would happen next. He seemed to have realized that she wanted to kiss him. He turned away from her, but she caught a glance of the faint red on his cheeks. She smiled as they continued on. He's cute when he blushes.

A bit short, yes, but I'll have Akihiko's punishment, I mean, appearance next chapter. I plan to bring up Tartarus again too. What's a story without drama.

Akihiko - What do you mean "punishment"?

Nothing~ See ya next time, readers.

Akihiko - Hey, wait a minute!