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A Rose Among the Dark (Ravenofpoe X Strawberry Strip)

Ravenofpoe

Ravenofpoe

Quoth the Raven "Nevermore."
Joined
Jan 22, 2020
The music was being played throughout the massive tower the Olympians called home. Each god or goddess had an office to correspond with what mortal affair they currently worked on. The top floor was where the party was being held. It was a gathering that happened envy century or so and everyone was supposed to attend. Though the requirement was lessened for certain gods.

One of those was sitting in a booth of the penthouse alone nursing a whiskey. His dark hair was pulled back neatly showing off strong features and icy blue eyes. Tonight, like most nights he wore a suit that was custom tailored to his frame. Broad shoulders and lean features made him eye candy to most that saw him. His eyes stayed fixed to the wall listening to the bass line the speakers put out. The others were showing up and introductions were always the highlight of these events.

Standing he walked to the window where the minor gods were making entrances with their various themes. “None of them compare to us brother.” Zeus said as he poured two more glasses of Whiskey. He passed the second to Poseidon who perpetually looked wet.

“Well Long as I don’t leave this room I won’t have to worry about the theatrics.” Hades spoke softly and the effect well known to the other two always put a chill to the room. HE inhaled sharply and turned to the other two kings. Zeus dressed in a white Armani while Poseidon wore a casual suit minus shoes and socks.

“That is on you. But we haven’t seen you at a shin dig in ages and a day brotha.” Poseidon downed his glass and clapped his hands. “Well with that I am off to look for wife…number…. What number am I up to?”

“Eleven at least depending on if you count your lies to them” Hades finished his own glass and smiled. He didn’t envy his brothers with the marital strife they caused. “GO on I need a laugh before I return to my domain.”

Leaving the oldest and the youngest alone the two ignored each other. Two sides of the same coin. The light of Olympus and the darkness that was beneath the mountain. “Go on brother party live a little. Last time you were here you were in for a minute and had to go to work.

“Last time I was here. There was a plague on wiping out half of Europe.” Hades was known for a strong work ethic and dedication to his lot. He was the richest of any god and his company supplied the entirety of the Olympians and other denizens with the technology they used. It was useless the other two were gone and he was alone again. He smiled and set the glass down looking out at his cohorts dancing and mingling. The fates were dressed as digital shades ignoring pleas to know what the future held for them. The gods all knew not to bother the three. Lesser beings servants and the like though always had to ask.
 
"Stand up straight. Don't slouch. No, don't do that. You're too young to be pointing at things with your boobs. Okay, there, better. Not too straight. Smile, Persephone! Not like that, you look silly. Like this!"

Persephone groaned as her mother, Demeter, showed her what a 'proper' smile looked like. She tried to imitate it, but nothing really pleased her mother. Demeter still thought of her as a child, the youthful Goddess of Spring, and had missed that Persephone grew up. This was her first party, and Demeter seemed to think Persephone didn't know how to act.

"Mother, I'll be fine. I won't embarrass you," Persephone promised. She and Demeter were truly a pair, and for most of Persephone's life, inseparable. Demeter was the plump Goddess of the Harvest and Grain while Persephone was the lithe Goddess of Spring. Both had wheat-colored hair, honeyed skin, and eyes the color of the noon sky. Demeter always smelled of the fresh grain harvest and Persephone the scent of a spring meadow.

"Maybe we should wait until next time," said Demeter. "You're much too young."

"Mother, I'm centuries old. What has you so worried?"

Demeter bit her lip. "There will be men here, my daughter. Men who only think of one thing and will hurt you to get it. I don't want my baby to have to go through that." It was hardly a secret that Persephone had siblings. Demeter's first love had been a mortal named Iasion, who was killed by Zeus after Demeter was pregnant. The twins were as different as night and day; Plutus, the blind god of wealth, dwelt in the Underworld while Philomelus, the god of the plow, stayed in the light of Olympus. The next set of twins were said to be fathered by Poseidon; Despoina, a nymph, and Arion, a talking horse. None of Demeter's past loves ended well. Persephone wasn't sure the whole story between Demeter and Zeus, but she knew her mother tended to stay away from these gatherings if she could.

"It will be alright Mother. Artemis has promised to be my guide tonight, and you know how she feels about men. I think she's trying to recruit me to be one of her maidens." Persephone smiled and gently straightened the virgin-white gown she wore. "I promise to not leave her side and to not let any male sweet talk me."

"I'll be there, too. I just...might be busy. If you need anything, just yell. Promise me, Persephone, you won't wander off."

"I promise, Mother." She hid her excitement well. This was her first time among the other gods. She would finally get to meet the people she read about in books and heard whispered about behind closed doors. Artemis would be a fearful bodyguard for her, but she also knew the Huntress was just as eager to introduce her to the right people.
 
Hades watched as the others began to file in and mingle Poseidon had already been slapped. Zeus and Hera were trying to pass as a loving couple. He looked at his watch and sighed. It had been far too long since he mingled with his peers though he was not the most liked individual. He had a temper at one time. Namely due to losing subjects. Now though he didn’t much care. He had the domain of the dead and he was able to have staying power far beyond the modern times.

With a sigh he went to the stairs and descended to the party. He ignored the music and went to the bar this time opting for wine. Dionysus supplied his best vintages for the parties. Ordering a glass of red he saw Nyx approach. She wore a dress with a slit clean to the thigh. “Glad to see you made it.” She smiled knowing the reason he came.

“Bet is a bet. I still think you cheated. Who the hell gets a royal flush on an all-in?”

“You know how luck is. Have you seen the new arrival? Demeter is here with her daughter.”

Hades shrugged drinking the wine. Demeter and him were not on terrible terms. Better than her and the other two. “That is shocking given how sheltered the girl must be. I am a ghost around here but she has me beat at times.” He was already getting looks from the others and the wide berth he was being given was refreshing. The underworld was packed and denizens were shoulder to shoulder at times.

“It will be interesting to say the least. Also, won’t be at work tomorrow I have my eye on someone.” She turned and left greeting one of the fates as she went to a tall man and pulled him into a dance. Hades glanced around the room. He was only going to give it a few more hours. This party would go for days if allowed. He had a job to do and hated to be behind.

He moved through the crowd giving a wave to Charon. He was out of place of here always had been. Hades was considered the dark version of Zeus. It was far from the truth though. For one Zeus was unable to control his urges. Hades could and did. For every person Zeus bedded there was a trail of heartache and tears. Hades had no one. Hera had tried but no one could get past being in the underworld. Calypso hated him after their tepid relationship. At this point he was ready to leave his second throne empty and putting the queen crown into storage. What good was a kingdom with no queen.
 
The moment she entered the party, Persephone was dragged away by Artemis. The young goddess wanted to introduce Persephone to everyone. The only reason Demeter allowed it was due to the fact that Artemis was a known man-hater. Well, she hated the thought of loving any man, but apparently, she was friends with many of the younger male gods.

"So, Sephie, you have to meet Hermes. He's a lot of fun to hang around and he always knows the best gossip. I mean, being the God of Messengers, and all that. He does more than that, but now he's more into the whole messenger thing. With the technological boom, more and more people are getting words out there and he's become popular again. Not that anyone really worships him, but each message, each letter is like a testament to him. Or so he says. He could be full of it." Artemis didn't give her much time to meet anyone as she pulled Persephone around the room. She had a brief hello with Hermes, Apollo, Phobos, Deimos, Eros and his wife, Psyche, Hestia, and Charon. She was being briefly introduced to Athena when something else caught Artemis' eyes.

"OH, the Big Three are here! Over there, that's Poseidon, and over there is Zeus. I should introduce you. Oh! And there is Hades. He doesn't come out often, so this is like a treat. Your first party is one he just happens to be at. That is really cool! I can't remember the last time he showed up. I mean, no one really talks to him except Zeus and Poseidon. He's a bit cold. And a bit strange. Oh! Dionysis!" Artemis pulled Persephone again, but not before she caught a glimpse of Hades.

Dark hair, dark suit, and the briefest flash of icy blue eyes before she was whisked away. It only took a second, but she felt like time stopped. His energy was so different. She wondered if she could maneuver Artemis closer to him so she could, maybe if she was lucky, talk to him. Or, at the very least, look at him again. She knew what it was like to be alone, and her heart went out to the man who was alone in a room full of people.
 
He set the glass down on a counter and watched the maiden be whisked from person to person. Hades watched with relative fascination as the other male gods ogled the young goddess. She was pretty. A rival to Aphrodite. His eyes stared and then with a wave he ordered a second glass of wine. He felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning he saw Poseidon half drunk. “What do you want Pos?”

Slurred speech he said. “Bored got rejected twice. Hey my phone stopped working again.” He held up the latest production model. Hades didn’t need to look to far to see the problem. Water poured from the charge port as he held it.

“I told you it wasn’t going to hold up to you taking for swims at the depths of Atlantis.” He sighed pulled out his own and typed a note. The reply was instantaneous nearly. “New one will be in my office just come and pick it up tomorrow. No charge.” Turning he looked around for the new goddess and failed to see her. Oh well he was sure that she was being told how would torture the undeserving and feast on rotten food. “Who is Artemis taking around?”

“Oh her? Demeter’s Daughter. Sheltered thing first party here with us. Gonna be interesting to see who tries to snatch her away from her mother. You know Demeter will have a line of suitors to for the poor girl that shell join the maidens group. Shame really.”

Poseidon was drunk and rambling. Hades tuned him out as the dance floor cleared for Zeus to make his speech. He stepped center stage and lightning flashed before him leading his steps. “WELCOME! It is far from time when we could all gather away from out respective domains and entertain ourselves. For the first time in five centuries, we have everyone here. From myself to the depths of the underworld we are all here.” His suit seemed to change melting away in flames as he stood in his true form. Lightning coming off him as he raised his hands sending bolts to every light in the room sending a cascade of sparks out over the crowd. “Eat, drink and be merry. Tonight, we feast and indulge once more!”

As he finished the speech the crowd clapped and Hades watched the crowd. It was far too often they all forgot they had a true form that the mortals rarely seen. His own was a sight but not for the same as his brother. With a whistle he called over Nyx. “I am going to be heading out soon. I have fulfilled this ridiculous bet.”
 
Persephone watched in fascination as the other gods shed their mortal forms. She could see her mother change into a figure with wheat in her hair and power radiating in her aura. Artemis transformed as well, surprising Persephone as she turned into a fierce Huntress. "Change, Persephone. Everyone can be themselves here."

"I don't know. I've never done this in front of anyone."

"You can do it. It's so easy."

She closed her eyes, relaxing her grip on her mortal form. It took a bit, but she became the Spring Goddess once more. Though, what most people forgot was that spring was a time of fertility as new growth came into the world. That fertility gave her the ability to feel the heat coming from the men in the room. All of her mother's warnings burst in her head as everywhere she looked, she could see lusty eyes. Artemis didn't notice, but it was too clear to Persephone. She had to get out before any of them got to her.

"I...I need some fresh air," she said and ran. The balcony wasn't too far and she knew she'd be shielded from mortal eyes. She just had to also find a way to be shielded from immortal eyes. She made it to the balcony and slid to a corner, letting the shadows cover her. Maybe her mother had been right? Maybe she wasn't ready for all of this just yet. With some effort, she closed herself off and took her mortal form once more.
 
Watching them all shed to the true forms he let them have their fun. Power clashes broke out and he of course smiled watching Helios fill the room with light before having to dim it so the others could see. Apollo challenged Hercules to arm wrestling. The fool both of them but good fun none the less. He watched the fertility goddess with interest. He felt a fire roar to life and it took quite a bit to stifle it. Her beauty filled the room she filled out and became the embodiment of spring and rebirth. Control slipped slightly and he felt his mortal skin tear along scar lines.

He kept his mortal coil and walked onto the balcony. It added to his standoffishness but then again, the others did not have scars from being eaten. Leaning over the balcony looking out at the mortal city bellow. It resembled how his domain currently was set up. Though he did it long before them. He felt the power of his cohorts radiating at his back. Hades was cold and dark said to be brooding. All stories. Most lies. He tossed the remaining wine out and watched it fall to the ground.

Gripping the railing he looked at his muscled his hands and scar lines peaking through light begging for release. His eyes were probably a starry abyss as they were the first to slip when he shed this form. A fertility goddess would spice up the parties for the next few years. He was sure Apollo would toss a word to Hera before the end of the night.
 
It took her a bit to realize she wasn't alone. Once she was again in her mortal form and the hunger no longer beat at her, she could see the shadowy figure on the balcony. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I just...I needed some air." She peered at him and slowly the recognition hit.

"You're Hades! I mean, I guess that would Lord Hades. Sorry, I'm still a bit new to this. I know some gods get titles and others don't. You'd have a title. I'm not saying you wouldn't. Or is it King Hades? I'm not sure. Mother kind of explained this all to me, but she really only talked about Zeus. I don't think she likes Poseidon very much, and given... I'm sorry, I'm rambling. I mean, that's not my name. I'm Persephone. Hello."

It was a bad habit of hers to talk when she was nervous. Normally, it was only her and her mother, so Demeter let her ramble. It also meant she often spilled anything on her mind in those moments.

"I didn't mean to disturb you. If you would rather be alone, let me know."
 
Snapping from his thoughts at the young voice he smiled. “I have several titles depending on what I am doing. Hades is fine or if you rather Aidoneus. No, your mother and my brother do not much get on. Her and Zeus are on better terms but barely.” He played with the glass and set it aside. The party was starting to get into full swing now. “Don’t be nervous flower. I am sure someone will be here to whisk you away from my shadow.”

The nervous laugh was infectious. “No I am alone most of my time some company is enjoyable. How do you like your first visit to the tower? It is a steeped improvement to the mountain. More space from the old times.” He smiled warmly at her. She was a contrast to his coldness. He could feel the warmth radiating off her. It was a marked change to the coldness of the underworld. He leaned against the railing of the balcony looking at her fully. “This place has rules and formalities that go out the window on a whim. I would not worry too much about trying to keep up.”
 
She blushed slightly at being called flower, though she wasn't sure why. She had been called things like that many times. "I'm finding it all very strange. I admit I'm not much for crowds. I've lived with open spaces and not many people, so this is rather foreign to me. I...I hope no one comes too soon. I can at least breathe out here." She leaned against the railing next to him, gazing out at the city. "It's really beautiful up here, but frightening. I'm more comfortable the closer to the ground." She giggled. "If I could, I might think of burying myself like a seed in the ground."

On impulse, she touched the plants on the balcony, creating a new flower out of nothing. She wasn't paying much attention to what she was doing as the black and ice blue flower came into existence.

"Do you come up often? Mother has said that we will be around for a bit. She has some business to discuss with Zeus and Hera, and I should be learning more about the gods around me. I think she wants to talk to them about making me an official member. Eros...I got to meet him tonight...He thinks my mother is looking to marry me off, but I know that's not the case. She won't let me date or even really talk to a man." She grinned. "So, don't let her know I'm out here talking to you. She'd have a conniption fit."
 
“Secret is safe with me.” He watched the flower grow. His own powers were lessened here but he reached out caressing the flower. Inky black tendrils engulfed it before pulling away. “It is a change from my home the underworld is just a massive city. I wish more things grew down there. Most I can get is poisonous roots. The entrances are overrun with growth but the border makes all life end.”

On the topic of becoming a member. “Oh, that would be interesting. I take it you are reason the spring growth is less ordered. Your mother has no taste when it comes to anything that has no order. Everything has to be straight and proper. Everything has a place with her.”

He turned to the cityscape, “As for my trips here. No, I don’t I am far too busy to be up here my domain won’t run itself. I wish it would but to keep production of the new tech everyone has and all the processing we have to do for inbound and outbound traffic. It is a rare thing for me to get a night free.” He was not free tonight but it was covered for the most part. He had systems and the first breakdown of his order he would be able to fix it.
 
The idea of no flowers or plants in his Underworld seemed to hurt her. "That's so awful," she said softly. "Nothing grows there? I just...I wish I could help. Have you had anyone look into it? Maybe you need a hand in that?" Her mind started firing in all directions. "Oh, I know of a few plants I could make grow naturally there, but there are also ways to create things. Mother lets me do that sometimes, make new flowers. If your home is anything like mine, it has an underflow of magic I can tap into. I can ask her if it's okay to try. I mean, I don't see why she'd say no. You're one of the gods and family and someone respected. Oh, what's your favorite color? Do you want flowers or just things like shrubs and trees?"

She was about to go on when a cough interrupted them. Eros stood at the balcony door. He was a little too pretty, but he was also devoted to his wife. "Hey, Persephone, your mom said she needs to see you. Something about the flowers in the party suddenly over blooming?"

"I should go. It was nice talking to you Lord Hades. Thank you for sharing the balcony with me." She ran off and Eros took her spot.

"Sweet kid, isn't she." Eros took out one of his little arrows. "I have had no less than twenty offers to shoot her. You want in on that action? Cause, let's be real here my man, you're the only one she's actually talked to."
 
IT was a strange sight. She was not put off of the thought of the underworld. Hell the last visitor he had was one of his brothers. “I don’t honestly know…” The cough snapped his attention and after the young goddess was out of earshot he said. “You know my rule no arrow. My queen has to be willing to sit on the throne out of duty not force.”

He summoned a refill of his glass happy the enchantment was still there. Dionysus cut people off for wasting. Then an idea. A playful smile appeared. “How much to keep you from shooting an arrow? You know I am good for it. Pluton has the wealth but it flows from my domain. Name a price. I know your eyeing a new piece of tech we are putting out.”

He drank the wine and felt the control slip shedding his mortal form finally. Now standing scarred from his shoulders clean to his legs. His bident appeared and the howl of three dogs echoed in the halls of Olympus. Standing there he arched a brow his hair becoming wilder and his eyes turning into pools of stars. “Name a price boy."
 
Eros' eyes widened and he took a step back. "Come on, man, it's just business. I mean, yeah, we can work something out. I haven't taken anything to shoot the girl, so I am willing to make a deal to not shoot. So, yeah, an upgraded pad with the whole new memory will do nicely. No arrow and all that." He gave a nervous smile. "I won't shoot her. She'll fall in love naturally and with whom she chooses. But, if you're planning a move, you might want to start soon. I heard Apollo talking about how he'd like to get to know her better, nudge nudge wink wink."

Back at the party, Demeter was introducing Persephone to Zeus and Hera. "This is my pride and joy, my daughter Persephone. She's finally old enough to join the gods."

"She's older than that," said Hera. "I remember when she was born." She shot Zeus a glare, but unlike most of his affairs, Hera didn't seem murderous to Persephone. The Queen of the Gods then studied the young girl. "Well, I say she's old enough to find her own way. You've kept her hidden for far too long, Demeter. I've heard the whispers and I suspect you'll get a few marriage proposals soon."

"Oh, no, not Persephone," said Demeter. "She's not ready for that."

Persephone squirmed slightly. "I'm ready to date," she said softly. "And, there is something I wanted to talk to you about, Mother. After the party?"

"Oh, tish, we're all family," said Hera. "Has someone caught your eyes already." The Queen of the Gods, Goddess of Marriage and Women, looked ready to pounce.

"Um, well..." She had no idea how to say it. She wanted to see the Underworld and see if she could make flowers bloom there, but then again, she didn't have permission from anyone. And she didn't want to put Hades on a spot. "It's not important."

At that moment, the sounds of dogs howling filled the party. Many of the gods quaked at the sound. Persephone looked around for the dogs.

"Don't worry about that," said Zeus. "That's just Hades. Don't let him frighten you. He's just full of vinegar."

Demeter huffed. "He should stay below. He's such a sour puss and his Underworld is all gloomy." She shivered.

"It wouldn't be gloomy if some plants grew there," muttered Persephone.

"What was that," Demeter demanded.

"Nothing, Mother."

Hera smiled. "I have some business. Husband, I will leave our sweet sister and your daughter to you." She had to find Eros or Aphrodite. While she may not be murderous to Demeter and her off-spring as she was with all of Zeus' other bastards, that didn't mean they could just waltz in here unscathed. The girl thought the Underworld needed plants, and so she should get a chance for that. All Hera had to do was get the two vapid love deities to harken to the idea of a Spring Goddess and Hades as a couple.
 
“I don’t plan. I don’t plot. She should have a fair shot at happiness. Don’t you think?” He popped his knuckles and added, “My brother didn’t like the color of the one he picked out. Ill throw in a case for free.” With that he departed the balcony.

Hades returned the howls of Cerberus had alerted that he was in full form for once. Some people came up and he in true fashion waved them off. “Ask one of the interns or put a ticket in. I am not tech support.” He waved Nyx over. “Send the latest generation of tablet to Eros. The high end one that Zeus didn’t like the color of.”

“He bought it? How.”

He just smiled and walked off it would be done and he would be pestered until she got a satisfactory answer. He saw Hera talking to the other two and gave wave. He felt for her with his idiot brothers’ dalliances. Not his issue tonight. Those three plotting were never good. Still. HE approached and gave a bow. “How goes the most beautiful woman in the room? And Aphrodite of course.” He held his hands up and added quickly. “I only jest. You three look suspicious.”
 
Aphrodite gave him a vapid smile. "We were just talking about you. Soooo, I heard you and that new fertility goddess were talking?" Next to her, Eros gave a small shake to show he was not the one that squealed. "She's such a sheltered thing. She really needs someone with worldly experience to take her by the hand."

"I hear that there is a scramble among the male gods to see who will first, um, woo her," said Hera. She twittered. "And I think that's wonderful. I want only the best for my dear niece. And, hearing how she got along with you, I am thinking you should help her out. Something about plants in the Underworld? I can put in a good word with Demeter so she can help you out."

It was clear something was up. Nothing would piss off Demeter more than to have her daughter spend any time, even official time, with the King of the Underworld. Demeter was good with keeping grudges. She was still pissed at Zeus for killing Iasion and at Posidien for being the horse that impregnated her. And, above all, she was still mad that Hades had not saved them from the depths of their father. He was the oldest and he should have saved them, not sit there and wait for Zeus. Hera knew this, having been forced to hear her sister whine for centuries.

"On that note," said Hera, "maybe shoot Demeter too. She needs to get laid."

"Oh, for sure," agreed Aphrodite.
 
He finished the wine. He had reasons for everything he did. He was not prone to the outburst of the other gods though he knew he was on better terms with Demeter than the other two. It was not a high bar to clear. “Demeter needs something. If Cerberus has puppies, I’ll give her one.”

He knew Hera was pushing buttons being more subtle this time around. He decided to play the game. “Yes, I think the property at the very least could use something better than dead plants. As for getting on with me.” He shrugged. “Let her spend time with Nyx if you send her. I’m sure by the end of the evening she will be begging to stay above ground.” He turned serious then and said, “I won’t waste time putting an application in with you Hera. The last three failed miserably given the gloom of my home.” That was true the underworld stifled everyone but him and the other true denizens. Zeus even had trouble when he ventured below. “Given her sheltered life I foresee everyone here including us taking advantage whether we mean to or not.”

Worldly experience. That was rich given everyone seemed to have a marriage and a harem with overlap. He gave up trying to keep track of it all. He was no saint there was truth to some stories of his life but few would ever know it.
 
"I'm sure she won't want to stay down there," said Hera. "Not yet, anyway." She twirled a strand of her hair. "I think she'd be very fitting with Aristaeus. He's been rather upset after the whole Euridice and Orpheus thing. As one of Apollo's children and a minor god of bee-keeping, he'd be perfect for her. I think it's a good match, don't you, Aphrodite?"

"Huh? What about Hades?" Aphrodite said before Hera elbowed her in the gut. "OH! Yeah, a great pairing. I'll work on that after her little trip to the Underworld."

Hera smiled. "I'll go get started on that. I think Demeter and Zeus are done with their talk." Indeed, Demeter looked upset and Zeus was trying to schmooze her back to happiness. Persephone, for her part, looked as if she was peering around the room, but her gaze continued to return to Hades. Eros noticed that, and his mind went to how to foil the plans of his mother and aunt, and keep his word to Hades.
 
“ah well you two do that.” Tempting that he could buy an arrow and out bid anyone but he was not a cheater either. He meant what he said. “Nyx will take care of the tablet.” His own phone rang and checked it. Minor issue with an entrance collapse causing souls to be lost along the Styx. HE pocketed the phone and dropped the glass he had drained on to a table. He sent a text to Nyx and was already shifting back into mortal form.

Wandering to the elevator he typed his password. It was the only way out of the underworld now and only a few denizens knew the information needed for it. He descended down to his domain the elevator taking its time. Once he arrived, he set to work fixing the issue. He let the rest of the staff at the party have the night. This was easy for him. He crafted this world and knew the easiest way to fix it.

Zeus watched his wife approach and saw his brother leaving. “Where is Hades going. Stayed longer this time. Though a minute is long for him.” Holding Hera he kissed her softly. “Demeter wants her Daughter to join Artemis.”
 
Hera looked horrified. "Oh, not Artemis. Demeter, your daughter is full of life. That would be a waste."

"I doubt it. She's getting along with Artemis," said Demeter. She looked mad. "Your husband, though, wants Persephone to serve Olympus."

That was a no-go on Hera's part. She did not want her husband to try another conquest. "I have a different idea," said Hera. "How about a show of Persephone's skill? If she performs adequately, she can join Artemis. If she fails her task, we'll take her to Olympus for more training."

Demeter thought this over. "I can do that. I know my daughter is the best. She's been a Spring Goddess for a while now, just under my guidance."

Hera smiled. "Very well. Let's make this challenging. If she can maintain a small garden in the Underworld -"

"NO!" Demeter practically screamed. Persephone, at her side, looked interested. "My daughter is not going there!"

"Please, Mother! I talked to Lord Hades earlier and the Underworld sounds so gloomy. I want to try. And, I don't think he'll hate the idea. I kinda wish we could have talked more."

Demeter shook her head. "No."

"Come on, sister," said Zeus. "He's our brother and she'll be safe. It's a little...Okay, a lot stifling. She'll be home before you know it, and loving the sun. It's perfect for a challenge. Are you scared she'll lose?"

"Please, Mother. Let me try. Please!"

Demeter sighed. "Very well, but I insist she have a bodyguard there. Hermes often brings the dead to the Underworld. Or maybe Apollo."

"He's already kinda suggested Nyx. A woman will be more trustworthy than a man," said Hera. She smiled, knowing the deal was done. Now to get Aphrodite to do her part and soon that little brat will be happy in the dark Underworld and Demeter would be in the arms of some lower god and everyone will be happy.
 
The issue now fixed souls began to flow back into the underworld. His thoughts drifted as he drove home. Persephone’s beauty has caused a fire to nearly burn his mortal coil. He hadn’t felt that attraction in ages. IT was a very strange experience. As he passed the lights that colored the streets of the underworld, he thought of what they talked about. Flowers in the underworlds would be a sight.

Pulling into his driveway he ignored the front door and went around back. There in the center of the yard in the shadows were a tree. His servants made sure to keep the area clean the dead twisted bark stretche in evey direction begging for life. It was a holdover from when he first arrived and settled this place as his home. It came back if removed and after the last time he just paved around it. The fates had a prophecy of this tree one that he remembered when he asked why the thread of it would not be cut.

When the tree of death blooms

A queen will rule

When the tree of death lies dormant

A king will be blue

Of the twelve seeds from the tree

Only six belong to thee

He sat on the stone bench. He knew the meaning but no plant grew here. The underworld killed everything of life and drained it. The tree would be barren for life. He was on the one hand happy with this. On the other he had no one here to share his achievements with. No one to build his kingdom with. He thought again of the fertility goddess. How even a day here would kill her powers. Not an issue he knew Hera was playing a game he was just unsure what game just yet.

~*~

Zeus smiled. “A win-win. You get your wish if she succeeds and we get ours if she fails. I don’t suppose we could make a friendly wager on this Demeter.” He offered his arm and said, “Come on what is the worst that can happen. I wager shell succeed but the underworld will inevitably sap her dry like it does everyone else causing her to fail.”

He was going to ask the fates who would deny him most of the times. But he was curious if this time they would grant him a peak into the future. They knew more than they let on and were highly moral not wanting to reveal the tapestry of life to any of the gods. Hades even had issues and they lived in his domain.
 
At the words that her powers could be sapped dry, Persephone looked worried. For the first time, she was starting to see a downside to this idea. Hera, however, had a plan.

"We'll send her in with a small entourage to make sure that doesn't happen," the Queen of the Gods said. "Maybe one or two people. How about that nymph, Minthe? She's always talking about wanting to see the world." Minthe was a current thorn in Hera's side. The foolish girl had some strange dream of being Zeus' mistress. Hera had to nip that in the bud quickly. A few days in the Underworld would hagger Minthe's beauty. Too bad it might drain Persephone's as well, but Hera was sure the young goddess would recover. Persephone was more elite than Minthe.

Demeter reluctantly agreed. If for any reason, Peresphone's powers started to fade, Nyx and Minthe would get her out of there. With the plans made, Hera went to make the call to the Underworld. And then, she would head over to Aphrodite and inform her of what they would be doing. In all honesty, the fact that Hera hadn't made a move against Persephone until now was absolute restraint on her part. All of Zeus' bastard children felt her wrath at least once in their life. She had tried to prevent the births of Apollo and Artemis. She went after Hercules in a rage. She made life miserable for Perseus. She made sure Dionysis's mother died before giving birth, though never seeing that Zeus would pull another Athena move. If she could go to war against Athena, she would have. As it was, her own son, Ares, tormented Athena on her behalf.

To Hera, Demeter was no different from any of the other women Zeus slept with. Being their sister and a high-ranking goddess meant nothing to her. Persephone's only saving graces were that she had been kept out of Hera's sight all these years, leaving Hera to deal with other matters, and that the little idiot was making friends with Hades. She worried about her eldest brother from time to time, trapped down in that gloomy Underworld. She had even tried to help him find a wife, but none would accept. For the sake of Olympus, she had even tried throwing Athena and Artemis at him. Both girls balked and that was the end of the marriage idea.

But, Hera mused, if things work out with Persephone, maybe an arrangement can be made? How, she wasn't sure, but they were gods and this shouldn't be beyond them.

***

Down in the Underworld, Plutus knocked on the door to his king's room. "Excuse me, Lord Hades, but I have a message from Queen Hera." Plutus had the same family resemblance to Demeter and Persephone, except his eyes were milky white. Once upon a time, he could see and distributed wealth only to those who deserved it. After a few complaints from some of Zeus' supporters, the King of the Gods blinded Plutus so wealth would be distributed without any prejudice. After being blinded, he came to the Underworld and served Hades loyaly.

"According to Queen Hera, they are sending someone down to deal with your plant situation? I'm not sure if you know this, my lord, but the person they are sending is my young sister, Persephone. She is to stay here for about a week and create a garden. Some bet between the gods, I'm sure. I don't know how much time has passed, but she's still a kid, isn't she?" As with all of Demter's children, Plutus had no contact with his siblings. He knew about his twin brother who lived in luxury in Olympus. Well, some luxury as the God of the Plow was no longer needed. He knew about Dispoina and Arion, but they stayed away and mostly lived on a farm. They were more just immortal than they were gods these days.
 
Hades stripped and fell onto the king size bed a sea of inky black sheets seemed to swallow him. “Enter.” He said it softly and did not move. He was tired a trip to the living didn’t drain him so much as dealing with the other gods. His family. He sighed sitting up and crossing his legs. “Plant situation…oh”

He liked Plutus his wealth was amplified down here and those gems and precious metals made the operation of the underworld run. HE shrugged not sure how to broach the subject with the man. Time acted weird in the underworld. In some ways faster others slower, it was hard to track days. He managed better with a calendar and clocks that tracked the movement of the Earth. “She is not a child. She is beyond the age to be among her peers. Her beauty rivals that of Aphrodite in my eye. A rose that would wither down here.”

Shades moved about the room it was the only time they came in with the door open they cleaned and moved cloths to where they were supposed to be. One pulled out his work out equipment setting them on the mahogany dresser. He looked to Plutus as the they were alone again. “Nyx will be her guide down here. Too much work to be don on my end.” It was a lie. He was the king he had servants well regarded ones that would jump to do what ever needed. He used it as a convenient excuse to stay away from the high tower of Olympus.

Falling into the sheets again he reflected on the party. It was odd. A goddess of life had stirred him. He was far from dead he had his desires he just put them off. That curiosity of the underworld alone was endearing. Untainted fearlessness to try and do what others had failed to do. He wondered what Hera was playing at. Marry the girl off to a nature deity. Fighting a thought now though that he grabbed onto. Why? Why did he care. He didn’t want her as a conquest…or did he. Was he just a delayed version of his brother? “That will be all Plutus enjoy the evening. On your way out ask a shade to prepare the guest bedroom at the far end of the palace.
 
Plutus wasn't sure how he felt about his lord calling his sister beautiful. On one hand, it was a good thing. He liked Hades and held a lot of respect for him. He knew how lonely it could be down here and how Hades had tried to find a wife. On the other hand, this was his baby sister, whom he never got to see. As her big brother, shouldn't he be a bit overprotective?

"If I may suggest, my lord, how about they prepare the Queen's quarters? I hear it has the best view of the city and would reflect her station, showing her your respect. No one uses them so they might as well be a guest's room. And, if I'm not mistaken, they also have a small patio and garden, something a Spring Goddess would enjoy."

****

Back up at Olympus, Persephone was getting ready for bed. She did not stay long at the party after Hades left, and that was because her mother started to get antsy. Zeus gave them a small apartment to share. Demeter was already snoring in her bedroom, and Persephone knew they'd both have to be up early. There was a lot to do before she'd begin her journey down to the Underworld.

Thinking of the Underworld, she found herself remembering Hades. Something about him touched her, even in her mortal form. She was almost scared to change to her goddess form around him if she could feel him protected as a mortal. It wasn't unpleasant, not the way the younger gods felt. No hungry lust or greedy desires from him. No, he felt comfortable and she had a strange desire to hug him. He looked so sad out there, so lonely.

She knew about loneliness. Demeter kept her under lock and key all her life. She didn't know how to really make friends and crowds made her nervous. She wanted to make him feel less lonely, even for a little bit.

Persephone reached out and made another flower, the same black and ice blue that she made earlier. This time, took it in her hands and carried it to bed with her, a reminder of her meeting on the balcony. He would be too busy to talk to her when she arrived, she knew that much. Zeus was busy all the time, Demeter was busy all the time, she knew all the gods had jobs that took all their free time. Someday, she'll be the same.

"Good night, Lord Hades," she whispered to the flower. "Maybe, I can make you a beautiful garden so you won't feel so lonely. Something you can share with your future wife." That thought made her feel sad, and she wasn't sure why.

She slept and dreamt of a garden in the center of a courtyard with a fruit-bearing tree in the middle. That, she decided when Demeter woke her up, will be what she'll create for Hades. As for now, she had to go with her mother to the fields and bless crops, create new life, and answer certain prayers. By that evening, she should be on her way.
 
The next morning Hades awoke early and checked on the queen’s quarters. The balcony overlooked the withered tree. The servants did a great job it looked lived in fresh sheets bright colors a contrast to his palace. Leaving the room, he went to the gym that had been build and began to hit the heavy bag. Nyx joined him with her own routine. After they went and changed for the days business.

The massive tower that connected the underworld to Olympus was also home to not only the only exit but the complex of Underworld Inc. He went through the meetings with little fanfare. When he was done Thanatos and Nyx went over the balance sheet accounting for the population of the underworld. Balance had to be maintained and right now it was.

Once the day was done, he left going to the entrance that Hermes usually used. The rottweiler with three heads sat watching. He stayed in his mortal form Nxy did as well. He was worried and Cerberus knew something was coming. In years past he guarded the exits. There was no need as such anymore but he still wandered making sure none escaped. Protections were in place to keep his domain secure.

“You look like you are worried.”

He ignored that and simply said, “You should be Demeter has her daughter in your charge. One hair gets harmed and I’ll…she’ll kill you.” He caught it not fast enough though

“I see you wore the better suit. That custom one that costs a pretty penny.”

Indeed he wore the three piece black suit that had silver stitching. The vest looked as is stars were stitched in place and he had a silver chain across the vest. The shoes reflected light like inky mirrors. “you are being more annoying than Hera last night.” He began to speak once again but was cut short as Cerberus barked as the entrance began to open to let their guests in. “Never mind. Paychecks go out today?”

“Yep and Eros got the new tablet.”

The ground shifted as the doorway opened up to let the guest in. Light from the upper domain poured in and he smiled ever the gracious host. “Welcome.”
 
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