Seven

Demeter had not seen death until that moment. She had not felt such a chilling emptiness until she stood, motionless, staring at the form of a dead farmer.

How dreadful was mortality. Life was so easily snuffed out when placed in a deity's hands. Once, when he had been alive, she had helped him plant his crops and provide for his family. Once, she had even enjoyed his company, though he was mortal and inescapably dull. Now his cheeks were a marbled blue, and his lips were frozen in a purple 'o' of surprise. His soul would no doubt be on its way to Hades.

She looked up, walking away from him. The landscape had once been full of light and color. Now, it was all shades of gray, all seen through a fog of despair. My daughter, she thought woefully, her fingers curling into fists. Life will return to this world when my daughter returns to mine.

A frigid wind blew by, freezing the tears that stained her cheeks. Softly, so that she barely felt it, one tiny snowflake fell from the sky and landed upon her arm. Eerily silent and windless, the world continued to die.

Dead. The witches of the all-female tribe had stopped keeping up Hecate's altar because they were all dead.

She backed out of the doorway of one hovel, her stomach turning unpleasantly. They were all frozen. Their hair had become strands of icicles, and their fingers broke off when Hecate reached for them. They were all dead, locked in frostbite, their lips purple with the cold.

She stumbled out, back into the village. It was empty, and swirls of frosty wind swept into the gaping doorways. Not a soul breathed but Hecate. What was going on? What was happening with the world?

Something wet and cold hit the corner of Hecate's left eye. She flinched, bringing a hand up to her face. Her fingers came away slick with water, as if she had just cried one single tear. But she hadn't. Another one hit her wrist, and then another on her neck. What was this?

She looked up. The sky was a dull gray, and suddenly very strange white things were falling. Bits of the clouds? She inspected one as it drifted down to the skin of her hand. It seemed fluffy, until it touched her skin. Then it melted into water. She licked it; her tongue darted out and caught the droplet. Water. Snow. It was snowing.

Winter had crept upon the world, an icy desolate monster like nothing Hecate had ever seen. As soon as she pondered that, she knew. This was Demeter's doing. Ever since Persephone had been taken, Demeter had been in a depression. Now, her feelings were undoing the world. Hecate gaped, shaking her head soundlessly. It seemed too much to believe. How? How could Demeter be killing all the life that she had once sought solace in? How could she not realize what was happening? Furthermore, why wasn't Zeus doing something about this? How could he stand by and watch it all happen?

Hecate closed her mouth tightly, shaking her head again. No. Something had to be done. She was not going to stand by and let the world she knew and everyone in it suffer because of Hades' rash decision. I will go now to the Underworld, she thought, drawing her himation tighter around her shoulders. It cannot wait another day. The fate of the world - our world - depends upon it.

Day 46

I narrowed my eyes at Hades as he rose from his throne and walked towards me. "What do you mean, we're going on a journey?"

The Judges had just left, after another scintillating argument that they had brought to Hades himself. As soon as they were gone, I had risen from my seat, with every intention of leaving the Hall and disappearing into my meadow for several hours. Hades, however, had other plans. He had spoken just as I reached the center of the throne room, and had said something about a journey.

Already, I could tell him that he was mistaken. I would be going nowhere with him; certainly not on any journey. I didn't even want to look at him for longer than I had to, so why would I be interested in going somewhere with him? I was completely mortified after what had happened between the two of us two weeks prior. Each time I closed my eyes, I could remember the way I had thrown myself upon him, desperate for something that would make the pain vanish. To think I would have used him so… I felt sorrier for Hades than myself, which only made me more confused. I wasn't supposed to feel anything for him. As far as I was concerned, he had done everything within his power to ruin my life.

"I mean," Hades said, stepping lightly over the stone. His hands were clasped behind his back. "A journey around my realm. You see, Persephone, every year I have taken it upon myself to travel and inspect the farthest reaches of my domain, to ensure everything is working cohesively. As my Queen, it would only be fitting for you to accompany me."

"But you said there are terrifying creatures beyond the borders of Stygia." I narrowed my eyes at him. "You said I shouldn't leave."

His lips quirked upwards. "You will be with me, and therefore well protected." He paused. "I only wish to familiarize you with your home. It will not take long."

I bit my lip, digesting his words. A journey around the whole of the Underworld with none other than Hades. It could not be so bad… and even better, it gave me the chance to run away. I wouldn't be able to escape, as I had already discovered, but it could give the both of us time to lick our wounds. He, after all, was surely burdened by my presence, and the memories clinging to me like a fine mist. I could also use some time away from him, time in which I could discover what it was that I wanted, and if I could somehow convince him to take me home.

"Fine," I said briskly. "I'll come with you. When do we leave?"

Surprise was evident upon his face. "Well, that was much easier than I thought it would be. Is a week time enough for you to prepare yourself?" Hades asked kindly.

I nodded. I would not need much. After all, it would just be a journey around the Underworld. How long could it take? A week? Perhaps two? No, I would be fine with a small pack of provisions.

As I left the Hall, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of feelings. I still felt sorry and embarrassed for the ordeal I had put myself and Hades through, as a result of my own naivety. But I also felt… curious. I had done as he had instructed, never venturing beyond the borders of Stygia. But now I was about to embark on a trek that would take the two of us traipsing all over the forbidden lands. I could only imagine what we would see. Could there be a place hidden in the far reaches of the Land of the Dead that was better than this?

I could only hope.

Day 53

I wrinkled my nose, staring at Hades and the curious creature he was leading by a tether. "What is that?"

He glanced towards me. "It's a mule, Persephone. Surely you've seen one before."

I shrugged. "Perhaps once, when I was younger. The farmers in the Land of the Living have them. They used to make offerings to -" I stopped, noticing the tight look on his face. My mother. I cleared my throat, changing the delicate subject. "Why do you have one?"

"The terrain is perilous in places," He replied stiffly. "Neither my horses nor my chariot can manage it. Besides, a mule is far more hardy than my horses, and it can carry more." He patted its flank gently.

It was the morning of our departure from Stygia. I had risen from sleep earlier than usual, and rather than having Court, I had remained in my room to pack some of my few belongings. I took only one other chiton, my himation, and a pair of sandals that I could wear when my feet began to hurt. Really, what else would I need?

Hades had already packed the mule with several satchels and bags, and I eyed them curiously. What could be inside of them? What was he taking with us? Before I could ask, he took my satchel from me and tied it to the mule. He raised his eyebrows at me as he held it.

"It's surprisingly light. Is this all you're bringing?"

I nodded, trying to appear indifferent but not exactly succeeding. "Why?" I asked. "Is there something I should know about the land beyond Stygia?"

Hades face became dark. "No, not necessarily. Only you should know that we could be delayed, by the land itself or by… others."

I didn't ask him what he meant by others. I was too afraid of what his answer would be. I helped him pack the mule, and after he left instructions for some of his Faceless minions, and for the Judges, should they come looking for him. Then, just like that, the two of us left.

Hades let me ride upon the mule, while he walked alongside. I felt a tiny flicker of guilt for making him walk, but also grateful that he allowed me my dignity (what little of it there was left). We didn't speak, and the silence was almost uncomfortable, but for once, I think the two of us were content to remain lost in our own heads.

We headed east away from the Hall, towards a tributary of the River Styx, and towards the River Lethe.

Day 55

Hecate stepped off of the prow of Charon's boat, her bare feet sinking into the black mud on the bank of the River Styx. She looked back at the stoic ferryman, thanking him with a nod. He bowed stiffly, before he and his boat made their way back across the dark waters.

Hecate looked down at Kyrillos. "Hopefully Charon has informed our dear lord that we have arrived. Perhaps he will show us some kindness, and drop by in his chariot?" She laughed quietly, walking across the black sand until she reached the forbidding gates. They were open.

Cerberus raised his heads as she approached. Sniffing the air, he opened all six of his eyes at once, and eagerly leapt to his feet. Jumping as far forward as he could on the length of his chain, he began barking and yelping with excitement. His tail wagged fiercely. Hecate couldn't help it; she laughed out loud and ran forward, petting each of his heads and cooing at him. Kyrillos sniffed Cerberus in a friendly manner, and licked each of his heads.

"Oh, I have missed you darling!" She exclaimed, giggling as Cerberus licked her arms while she scratched behind one pair of his ears. "If Hades didn't know we were here earlier, he certainly should now!"

Hecate raised her head, looking past the gates and down the road. Everything seemed… quiet. It wasn't unusual for the Land of the Dead to be quiet, but it was unusual for Hades to be absent. Before when she had come to the Underworld, he had been waiting for her by the gates with a smile. But now… it seemed as if he wasn't there.

"Hm," Hecate mused out loud, looking down at the two dogs beside her. "We shall get to the bottom of this mystery!" Kissing Cerberus goodbye, she began the walk to the Hall with Kyrillos at her side.

It didn't take long for her to arrive. The braziers were still lit with their purple flames, but there was something off about the Hall of Stygia itself, and she could sense it easily. She frowned as they walked through the silent courtyard, her stomach uneasy. Why was the place so different?

"Hades!" She called. Her strong voice echoed throughout the entire courtyard, twisting around the vine-covered columns and shooting into the sky. "Show yourself, Hades!"

At that moment, one of his Faceless servants scurried down the stone steps. It bowed low, before assuming an awkward stance before her. "Dark Lady, the lord is not here." Its whispery voice came crawling out from beneath its hood, and Hecate resisted the urge to shiver.

"Where is he, then?"

"He is on the Walk of the Dead, Goddess. He and his queen departed just earlier."

"His queen?" Hecate smiled demurely. "Hm… this ought to be interesting. Fine, then! Escort my hound and I inside. We shall stay and await Hades' return to the Hall." She held up her hand, interrupting the Faceless servant before it could refuse her. "Before you say anything, creature, let me remind you that Hades has gifted me sovereignty over his realm in the event of his absence. If you don't believe me…"

The skin of her palm suddenly darkened, until the shape of a ram's skull was evident on her hand. It appeared to have been burned into her skin, and the Faceless minion gasped when the ram's eyes glowed red. Just like that, the image began to fade, until Hecate's palm was the usual color once more.

"But that is the Queen's vocation now!"

"And in the event that the Queen is absent as well?" She sighed. "Need I show you again?"

The Faceless one shook its head fervently.

"Very well," Hecate said, sniffing imperiously. "Now you will show us inside, and take us to our rooms."

It did just that. It led Hecate to the hall where her room was, just down the corridor from Hades' room itself. It looked much the same as when she had left, only a thin layer of dust covered each surface. She threw back the midnight blue curtains around her bed as the servant left, coughing at the dust that shot into the air. She walked around the room, remembering all the times she had stayed there over the multitudes of years. She paused at her bedside, gently picking up the silver pentagram that she had left there. She smoothed her fingers over it, wiping away the dust until it gleamed again.

Hecate glanced over at Kyrillos. He sneezed. She smiled, and said quietly, "Yes, I do believe this place could use some cleaning up. Who knows how long it will be before Hades gets back?" She dropped her himation on the bed. "We may as well get to work, while we eagerly await his return."

And while we're waiting, I can try and think of a way to tell him that he's plunged the entire world into darkness.

"Where exactly are we going?" I asked, for what must have been the third time.

Hades sighed. "As I have already told you, we are going to travel around the Underworld in a circle until we return to the Hall. That is how I have always done it."

"That's not what I meant!" I replied sharply. "I mean where are we going to stop, if we ever do? We've been traveling for two days already, and we haven't stopped! You haven't slept, and I've been sitting atop this smelly beast for two days!"

"We don't need to sleep," Hades said simply. "Because our first stop will be a place where we will get too much of it. We're stopping at the Cave of Hypnos, and we shall be there within the hour."

"Is that so?" I asked, resisting the strong desire to roll my eyes.

Traveling with Hades was terrible. The land was as tedious as it had always been; there was no change to the sights around us. Yes, as we made our way east, some trees had cropped up, but they were all twisted and black with death. Everything was the same, and it became so terrible that I didn't even want to open my eyes anymore. The first night had been awful as well. There were no stars in the Underworld, and certainly no light from Selene. There was only a fully encompassing darkness, as Erebus swept over us and cradled us. It was frightening.

Hades wasn't the worst part about traveling, though. I actually found myself enjoying his company, which surprised me. For the first day, we didn't speak much, but that night I had grown afraid, and he had told me stories until the darkness became less over-powering, and the gray day began once more. I was grateful for him; he didn't have to comfort me, but he did. After that, we traded tales back and forth, and I even caught him smiling once. It was disconcerting, but something inside of me kind of liked it.

Until now. He refused to tell me almost anything about where we were going, and I was tired of being stuck on a mule. Hades was overprotective; he would only let me walk alongside of him for an hour or so, before insisting I was back on the mule. Already it had led to several arguments, and that was just this afternoon.

He was right though. We arrived at the Cave of Hypnos before an hour had even passed, and I gasped when it came into view. The dirt here had gone from a gray to brown and black, as it turned into soil on the edges of the River Lethe. Surrounding the cave on all sides were the odd, malformed trees. They appeared like twisted sentinels to watch over the palace of Hypnos, for that's what it truly was. It was not so much a cave as a fortress built into a slate-gray mountain of sharp rock. The River Lethe ran right into the mouth of the cave, and I stared in wonder as it disappeared into darkness.

"And now we are here, and you may cease your wondering," Hades said. Gently, he grasped my hips and lifted me from the mule. I tried not to squeak in surprise as he set me down. "Are you tired?"

"Not anymore," I admitted. Truthfully, I had been travel weary, up until the moment the cave slipped into view. Every thought of my running away vanished. Now, I was fascinated, and more than willing to go inside.

I took a step forward, but Hades stopped me. "No, not yet. We must first wait to be acknowledged by Hypnos and his fellows."

I frowned. "But you're the authority here."

Hades shook his head. "Not truly. Hypnos is Sleep itself, Persephone. I want no qualms with him, nor his twin brother, Death. I am merely a lord, ruling over this land. They are intangible concepts that I could never dream of controlling."

"Well said, Mighty Lord." A voice hissed from our right.

This time I did squeak, turning in fright. Hades edged in front of me as subtly as possible, holding one arm out in front of me in a way that might have seemed relaxed. I knew, however, that he was tense and ready to fight, should the need arise. I was taken aback that I could even sense that, and even more astonished that I trusted him enough to protect me. But if I didn't have him, I would be alone in Underworld, where he had said terrible things lurked. Perhaps running away was not the smartest idea... I turned my attention to the figure that had spoken.

Slouched there against one of the trees was a woman. She wore a dusky brown peplos, stained black at the bottom from the waters of Lethe. Her hair was the color of copper, and it fell in coils to her shoulders. In one hand she held a fine bronze helmet, and in the other, a blade. Her green eyes were heavily lidded, and she looked as if we had just woken her from sleep with our talking.

"Aergia," Hades said, nodding to her. "We seek the hospitality of your worthy lord."

Her teeth were pointed when she grinned. "Hypnos' court always has room for Hades. You may venture inside, but be wary of Lethe. The dark waters might just reach out and snatch an unsure foot." She closed her eyes once more as the two of us walked past, but I heard a snicker echo after us.

Hades tied the mule to one of the cracked, black trees and left it there with one small pat. "We shall have someone bring out food for him," He said quietly, leading the way into the cave. I followed him tentatively, no longer sure of what was waiting on the other side.

The inside of the cave was lit with an eerie blue light. Water dripped from stalactites bigger than me; the floor was washed smooth by eons of erosion. Lethe rushed right through the center of the path, but we clung to the edges. I kept an eye on my footing, unnerved by what Aergia had said. The path wound down in a spiral, and the air became lighter and brighter as we made our way down. It was chilly, and damp, and oddly quiet.

"So," I whispered softly, curious. "Who is she?"

"Aergia?" Hades asked, looking back at me over his shoulder. "She's a guard here. She warns Hypnos of outsiders, so he already knows of our arrival."

"I see. But who is she?"

He understood my meaning this time. "She's sloth."

I snorted. "What kind of guard can she be, then?"

"One who has superb hearing, and who can see even with her eyes closed."

I kept my mouth shut after that. Finally, we reached the end of the spiral. The cave opened up into a mammoth room, lit with a golden light from a dozen braziers. Lethe still swept past, but it was no longer through the center of the room; it rushed past to the right of us, dipping down into a waterfall just past an enormous scarlet and gold bed. Laying there, motionless, was the prone form of a man. He wore a silk robe and his fair hair was brushed back from his face. His eyelids fluttered, but he didn't wake.

"Is that him?" I whispered.

Hades nodded. "He will not wake while we are here, but he knows of our presence."

"As do I." Someone stepped out from behind the bed, someone I hadn't seen before. He was as pale as Hades, with short black hair and piercing eyes. He wore a silver exomis, a cloth that hung from one of his pointed shoulders; it fell to his knees, and seemed to shimmer as if it were made from the stars themselves.

Hades smiled at the man, to my amazement. "Morpheus! How fortunate we are to see you."

Morpheus nodded. "My father has named me his guardian, and chief minister. I rule in his stead, while he sleeps."

"Merry meet," Hades said. Morpheus crossed the room, and the two of them clasped arms in a brotherly handshake. "May I introduce Persephone?"

I smiled shyly when Morpheus' gaze turned on me. "Ah," He said softly. "How often I have gazed upon this beauty in the dreams of men and gods alike." He bowed low, and kissed the hand that I offered him. "It does not compare to how you shine in person."

I blushed furiously, unable to stop smiling. "Thank you."

"Come!" Morpheus said loudly, despite his sleeping father. "Join me in a feast, for it has been much too long since the Lord himself has visited."

Hades looked at me, as if testing my reaction, and something in his eyes changed. His face became softer, his eyes less harsh. And that's when I realized: I was smiling. I was smiling at him. As if he was suddenly shy, he slowly smiled back. I let him take my hand, and lead me after Morpheus, who was chattering away about how glorious it was to see us.

Things were changing. Already, I could feel it in my heart. Perhaps this journey would not be such a bad thing after all.

Filler. I feel like this could have been ten times better, but I'm kind of stressed at the moment, so you'll all have to make do. The next one will be better, I promise!