Return to the Underworld

by Erin Salvatore

Disclaimer: I own nothing. I'm just borrowing. Only the story belongs to me.

Note: Hey, everyone! In honor of the first day of autumn, I'm going to do a special one shot about Persephone's return to her husband, Hades. I got the idea a while ago and haven't had the opportunity to really post it. Now that I have a moment, I'm going to go ahead with my Greek mythology fic. Enjoy!

Somewhere near the entrance to the Underworld…

Persephone rolled her eyes and groaned as she heard her mother complaining behind her. Today, she was returning to her husband, Hades, after spending six months away from him. This would have been a happy trip, but Demeter insisted on accompanying her daughter.

Having had enough, the goddess stopped and turned to face her mother. "Mother, will you stop complaining? I didn't ask you to come with me. I'm perfectly capable of making this trip by myself."

"Can I help it if I want to be with you a few moments more before I have to bear the loneliness of being alone for six months?"

Persephone didn't buy it. "Is this because you hate Hades?"

Demeter looked indignant at her daughter's question. "I don't hate Hades. I just don't like the fact he took you from me."

"You're going to use that old lie again?" said Persephone. "Hades didn't kidnap me. I went with him willingly. I love him. He treats me well when I'm with him."

"But he's a death god."

Persephone rolled her eyes. "No, that's Thanatos. Hades rules over the souls that are harvested by him and the Fates." She let out a sigh and massaged the bridge of her nose with her index finger and thumb. "Really, do I have to educate you this every time you make that mistake?"

She didn't allow Demeter to answer her and resumed her journey. She loved her mother, but her attitude and her lack of understanding about the goings on in the Underworld were enough to drive her insane. I can't believe I had to put up with her for six months every year. Thankfully, I'll be with my beloved Hades very soon.

Entrance to the Underworld…

Hades stood patiently outside the entrance to his domain, Cerberus sitting beside him. He had gotten word from Hermes that Persephone was coming home today and wanted to be there to welcome her. He had been lonely without her the past six months and had counted the days until they were together again. Cerberus whined and turned his three heads toward his master, licking his hand and startling him.

The god smiled at him and gave one of the heads a gentle pat. "Won't be long now, Cerb. Just a few more minutes and Persephone will be here."

That was when Cerberus barked, wagging his tail wildly. Hades was about to ask him what he was barking at when he saw Persephone approaching. He smiled and rushed toward her, pulling her into an embrace.

"Seph, my love," he said. "I missed you so much."

Persephone returned her husband's hug. "The feeling is mutual." She kissed him and ran her fingers through his hair. "Anything exciting happen while I was gone?"

Hades was about to answer her when he sensed they weren't alone and turned to see Demeter standing there. "Hello, Demeter."

Demeter scowled her son-in-law. "Hello, Hades. I see you have your prisoner back."

Persephone didn't like her mother's tone. "Mother, please." She stepped out of her husband's embrace and made her way to Cerberus, who was eagerly waiting for her. "Hello, Cerbie. Did you keep Daddy company while I was gone?"

Hades kept his gaze on Demeter. "If you're going to insist on disrespecting me, Demeter, I suggest you leave. I've been without my wife for six months and I intend on taking her home."

Demeter growled. She wanted to say something further, but stopped herself. She knew she couldn't do anything to stop this from happening, even if she wanted to. She sighed and shook her head.

"All right, Hades, I shall leave you," she said. "But before I go, I have but one request."

"And what might that be?" Hades was losing his patience.

"Promise me you will take good care of Persephone."

"You have nothing to worry about," said Hades. "I treat my wife with dignity and respect. And I make sure my servants do the same."

Demeter nodded, satisfied with what she heard, and snapped her fingers, vanishing instantly. Hades sighed and turned his attention to Persephone, who was still saying hello to Cerberus. He approached them and took his wife's free hand, guiding to the entrance of their home. Cerberus barked again and followed after them.

Note: There you go, another one shot from me. Enjoy!