Amari412 - Overly joyed by the review. =) Yes this story is based around 'Beauty & the Beast'. ='D

My fathers realm

As Morpheus magic began to crack under the blinding light of the risen sun driving by a enthusiastic Helios the citizens of Argos and the many other cities of Greece began to arise. Bones cracked while muscles snapped as dwellers dilbertly dislocated their bodies in order to awaken themselves. Feeling pain meant they hadn't died during the night. Only those centered around gossip would know that last night had been the second night of the sacrifices sent down to Crete in order to please the beast; no one knew what this creature looked like sailors who would travel across the distant ocean would bring back stories, of a furious roar that shattered ear drums. Sometimes they would claim that before the door was shut a shadow of a mis-shaped body would dash across the walls. Everyone knew who ever or what ever it was it wasn't normal.

The people of Argos prayed to the gods before they started endless chores that fueled their bellies and minds. Markets set up across the bustling streets while others tended to animals the chickens had slowly began to make their way into the lives of the Greece; once they were rare and considered a delicacy now it was common to notice a sharp beak pecking at the ground in search of grain, or even a worm if food was scarce.

However it wasn't the case for another part of Greece; a place where even now as humans gained true knowledge on the gods who saved them still feared it; it was in their nature.

Hidden away the eyes of living mortals lay a gaping wound just under the barrier of a rising ocean. A mouthful of light had been given access though it wasn't enough to light up the whole of the rocky path way; a deep drop centered upon the path had been smoothly cut by expert hands anyone who was foolish enough to wonder inside would surely plummet to their death. Down the large drop lay a small river bank the river which sloshed up against the side glistened a faint grey almost silver. It was the river Styx; the river of hatred. As it rounded its seventh course of the underworld a ripple was formed in the center followed by delicate laughter, a stone fell from a shallow ledge as a bare foot disappeared into the darkness of the many lingering shadows.

Past the river Styx over the fiery river Phlegethon which lead into the shattered remains of Tartarus a place that hadn't been used since the second rising of Chronos sat in its path Acheron; its waves rising and falling like a steady breathing chest, licking against the many layers of wood and decaying leaves of a boat large enough to with stand any number of riders. A paddle was left in the centre. The ferryman no where to be seen.

Lingering out of the shadows carrying a pile of smooth pebbles the owner of the pale foot seated herself down near the bank making sure to not let the water touch her. The pebbles fell by her side allowing her to spread them out in order to look at each of them in turn, trying to find the right one. They're all black. Or so it seemed. Each one was a different shade not many would notice this as black was considered a single colour, yet with ever twist of the young hand the pebble would shimmer and shine as if trying to please the holder.

Placing said pebble upon her lap she collected a second pebble which she tossed towards the river, watching as it skimmed before hoping against the still water creating ripples in its path before disappearing below the surface, it pushed its way between other pebbles knocking aside a golden gleaming coin which didn't capture the attention of the young girl, whose face had broken into a smile of appreciation; so far she had managed to get the pebbles to bounce across the surface of the water three times.

A figure emerged from the other side of the same bank. His posture was tall (almost lanked) a thick collar risen almost as if to keep his head between two boney shoulders, this figure took a moment to watch in slight interest of the girl playing with meer pebbles, turning his gaze he focused on retrieving his boat. His actual presence wasn't as many would first assume; no part of his body decayed, his face wasn't a looming skull, his actual figure was tall yet well muscled his upper body exposed showing pale white flesh, while his lower nether regions coated in crimson crisp wraps which drapped over his shoulder acting as a cloak. His eyes resembled light green which seemed to match his silver hair and beard even though he was bound to this world, there was something about his looming figure which brought a sense of peace yet at the same time fear, he was wise and held great knowledge just as others who roomed the eerie realm.

Rising a long foot it pressed against the boat causing it to sink within the water before rising once more, as both feet steadily walked across the wooden surface to retrieve the paddle, gracefully it broke through the ripples digging deep in the ground the ferryman growled as if in effort to move such a heavy bolder.

As the boat moved the girl rose her head looking towards the ferryman whom in return nodded in her direction bidding her fair well.

"Play with care princess."

The girl smiled with gratitude. Unlike others the ferryman gave her a sense of her own indepence he would watch over her for as long as he could, before a coin was dropped in the river or he could taste it on the tip of his tongue. Then he would leave, warning her in a voice that dared not over step her father as he sailed south in order to continue with his work.

Pocketing the pebble within her chiton the girl stood up. Her hair waved against her lower back the colour resembled her fathers hair; a rich ebony while her eyes a beautiful silver. Everything about her appearance screamed 'her father' and yet her personality and sleeping habits matched those of her mother. As she waited for the silhouette of the ferryman to leave she in turn retreated from the river bank to dwell deeper in the realm which many called the Underworld.

Being isolated in a world where mortals would fear and spirits would wail it would bring to the question also the idea that it was a lonely life, or for that person to have gone so long without seeing another could bring to the argument that there was something wrong with that person.

No one could really ponder or question this as no one knew about the child who lived in the underworld.

Emerging in the center of a vast spaced piece of land the young girl took a moment to question her own motivations on where to place herself, this land was large with many areas to hide or even explore while at the same time much like a forest danger lurked in upturned corner. She was protected not by other living beings that dwelled near by but by her father; his word was law. Being isolated for so many years would bring to the question that finding something new to do would be hard, a serious case of de ja vu such a barrier rarely came to the imaginative mind of the child she saw possibilities in everything that she did.

"I'm turning ten today."

She spoke to no one in particular. Being so young caused commotion even through the coldest hearts. Creatures with snakes for tails even with two bodies sprouting from the same hip, called this place their home much like she did. They would watch her from a distance keeping an eye on the young princess, however showing their bodies rarely happened. No one wanted to scare the girl.

The girls imagination sprung at greater depths allowing her to see things that others wouldn't.

Placing herself down she pulled out the pebble which rolled between her hands never once falling from her feathery grasp, in front of her lay a huge dog a pair of gleaming eyes looked down at the child its head tilted to the side, almost asking her to continue as if sensing that she wasn't sharing everything.

"I know its today, mother reminded me yesterday."

If the dog could laugh it would have done instead it grunted while rising its lips in the form of a grin knowing well who the child spoke of. It was clear, that during celebrations the queen was seen as her most cheerful. Rising a hand as she juggled the pebble with her other she patted the muzzle of the dog; just not the one which paid attention to her. The large ears of this second head twitched the lower jaw scuffed against the ground as if trying, to brush away the intruder of his dreams. Rolling her eyes somewhat playfully she pulled her hand away to skim the surface of the pebble instead knowing that at least it wouldn't leap from her hand.

The large gates that stood thirty yards away were a constant reminder that when you entered you couldn't leave. Her face dropped even as she tried to hold her solid expression knowing that this effected her to. The large dog growled as if warning her not to pry on the subject.

"Your right. I should focus on my birthday, at least I will be able to see father he did promise he would take the day off."

The head nodded.

The princess wasn't selfish in fact even on her birthday her mother would have to almost persuade her daughter to not feel so confined. The girl wasn't used to such commotion as it only came around once a year (she knew that many mortals would be thrilled to live another year small gifts would be exchanged also depending on where you lived or how your family status was a celebration would be made in your honour.) But that's not what she wanted. All she wanted was to spend some time with her father. Of course her mother played a huge part in her role something she was grateful for, however with everything changing her father slowly started to become nothing more than a figment of her imagination.

Biding the large dog farewell she decided to see if the ferryman was back. She was in luck. His boat pulled towards the bank yet he remained on board as a soul stepped down, side stepping Melinoe made sure to hide herself away. Something about this soul made her gutt twist. Not in terror. Souls became part of the daily routine of living in such a vast area. This soul seemed different; all souls once they left the body would take the physical appearance of the person. This soul was torn to shreds. Watching in confusion as the arm hung by a few centimeters of muscle the clothing dangled by quivering hips, and eyes unblinking (due to three jagged looking claw marks) turned left from right waiting for a beam of light or at least a push in the right direction.

It was granted.

Hermes usually came by to guide souls to their new home however this time the light came from thin air it hovered near the horrified face of the soul before gradually moving away, the soul limped as it followed as fast it could whimpering for mercy saying something about a creature on two legs, with horns dripping in blood.

"Melinoe?"

Turning around, Melinoe watched as her mother stood in a gleaming dark green dress. Hair curled. A dark flower resting behind her ear. An Orchid. Turning back to where she saw the soul, Melinoe creased her brows noticing there was nothing there. Had she imagined it? Pulling away reluctantly Melinoe, turned walking towards Persephone. Watching her daughter, Persephone smiled brightly. She knew what Melinoe saw. But didn't dwell on it. Something evil was happening upon the upper land. Something that made even her blood run cold.

"Lets go find your father. He has a surprise for you."

At the mention of her father, Melinoe felt her stomach twist with excitement. All thoughts banished about the soul. Laying in the back of her mind, where so many more unforgotten horrors lay. Glancing over her shoulder, Persephone looked towards the bank. The soul was trudging slowly after the light. It turned looking towards the Queen, its damaged lips twisted mouthing..

'A beast. It found me... It found us!'

Now this took alot of imagination on my part along with actual research. In many of the fics I have read I haven't seen a chapter dedicated to the wonders of the Greek underworld through a child's point of view. So here we go... Do hope you enjoyed it.

- Signed The Broken Ghost