The court of the gods convened. This had to be dealt with quickly. Demeter sat with her daughter near Athena, Hermes, and Dionysus. Across the room sat Hades with Apollo, Ares, and Aphrodite. The other gods completed the elliptical gathering, with Zeus at the head.

As the meeting began, Demeter tried to keep Christine from staring at the masked god across the way. The girl's blue eyes would dart around the room, but always wandered back to the dark figure.

Zeus started, his thunderous voice boomed throughout the room in Olympus.

"Demeter, harvest goddess, state your concern,"

Demeter rose to her feet. She glanced at her daughter who was again distractedly glancing at Hades.

"My lord, Zeus, god of the sky and king of gods, you well know that your brother who dwells below the earth took my daughter for a time," she began.

Zeus acknowledged her statement.

"I believe he has bewitched her somehow. Even now, when she has returned to her loved ones, she mourns," Demeter cried.

All eyes were turned to Hades. He made no excuses for himself. His appearance was unlike any of the gods had seen him. He made no eye contact, content to look at the ground before him, and his frown was not a cold, cruel one as usual. His face betrayed only deep sorrow. His tall frame was hunched over as if he no longer had the will to maintain the usual dominant presence he brought with him.

Demeter continued explaining her fears and describing her daughter's strange behavior. When she reached the point where she mentioned the visits to his temples, Hades glanced upward and briefly made eye contact with Christine.

When Demeter was finished, she took her seat next to her daughter.

Zeus turned his gaze to Hades.

"Brother, have you nothing to say to this?" He demanded.

Hades turned a hollow gaze to the king of the gods.

"I have nothing to say in my defense. The girl is free to do as she wishes," he said.

Zeus then turned to Christine.

"You heard his statement. You are free to remain above his domain with your loved ones. Unless you know if a reason you must return, you are free of him."

At this, Christine's eyes lit up. She turned to Hades.

"God, musician, architect, Erik. Is there no law saying that those who eat food of the underworld must remain?" She asked.

Hades turned to look at her. There was pain in his eyes.

"You are correct. I must say though, I brought you food from the surface of earth during your time with me," he said.

Christine looked upon the god of the dead with more than pity now. His thoughtfulness caused love to enter her heart now.

Christine ran to him and knelt at his feet. She looked up into his eyes and smiled.

"But food grown in the underworld ties a soul there," she said.

Hades' gaze lit with understanding. It pained him to hear he had trapped her despite his effort not to.

He grasped her shoulder and gave her a pleading look.

"Christine," he whispered. He pled with her to stop. He did not want her to sacrifice herself or cause herself any pain. He could not bear to think of it.

Christine smiled up at him.

"Do not worry for me, Erik. I do only what I wish," she replied.

Christine stood and faced the group of gods before her. She could see the horrified expression of her mother, but she continued.

"I have eaten fruit of the underworld. It ties my life to that realm. What say you, Zeus skyshaker?" She said defiantly.

The court filled with silence.

The silence was broken when Demeter let out a shrill wail. She fell to the floor. She screamed in agony and despair.

Zeus was faced with a decision.

While Zeus conversed with a few selected other gods, Demeter refused to speak to Christine.

"Mother. Please. I know you are not particularly fond of the idea of me returning to the underworld, but I want you to understand that I truly wish it," Christine pled, "You will not be forever deprived of my presence. I am sure we will see each other often. If you shun me like this I will surely die of grief."

Demeter looked upon her daughter. She studied those clear, blue eyes for any sign of hesitation or of being manipulated. She saw that her daughter still had her mind with her and she was sure of what she said.

Demeter began to sob and pulled Christine into a tight embrace.

"My dear Christine, I know you wish this, but I don't know how I can live with it," she said, "If it is decided that you should return, the earth will surely suffer for it. My grief shall encompass everything. Forgive me for hoping you must stay with me."

Christine nodded.

"I could never deny you my forgiveness. I understand your feelings. I can only hope you may learn to miss me less as time goes on and that the earth can bear the winter until then," She replied.

Author's Note: I really love to hear that my story is being enjoyed, but I would really appreciate it if the reviews could be a little bit more constructive. I would like to have some actual feedback instead of just being asked/told to update. I don't want to call anyone out or make anyone feel bad, but I would love to hear what you like and if there is anything you think I should do a bit better on. Please leave constructive reviews. Thanks a lot.