The Maiden and the Mistress

Hades watched the sun rise in the field from just beneath the flower and he waited. He knew this was going to succeed, he knew she would come. It took only a few hours until she did, just around the bend to where the flower sat so perfectly. She smiled, bending towards the flower to pick it up and Hades felt his heart racing. He opened his hands, the ground beneath the flower opening as his fingers did. There was no look of fear, no question in her eyes for there was no time. Within seconds, she was in his hands and the Earth closed around them as quickly as it opened.

They landed together, Hades hands locked around Persephone’s mouth in his throne room and he let go of her as quickly as he grabbed her. He meant no disrespect and he did not want to harm her. He immediately raised his hands, though he was prepared to fight (and win) if she were to try. “Persephone,” he breathed, smiling at her. “Nice to finally meet you, love."

---

Despeona was grateful when they finally left their home, leaving their mother to fiddle with her fingers and watch them as they went. She would never let Despeona forget her duty or how weak her sister was. She smiled at her sister, locked hands with her and teleported them to her first field of the day. She let go of her sister and smiled, grateful to not have to follow after her. She was tired after their adventure in the city and she knew that there were more fields for her to witness. She should save her strength lest someone come along. She found a tree and plopped on one of the low hanging branches, resting her head against the wood and admiring the flowers that were beginning to bloom.

Despoena opened her eyes, after realizing just how long they were sitting at this particular field. She hopped down from the branch, looking around the field wondering where her sister could have gone. She had not heard or felt the presence of another God. She was not asleep. She would have known if another God came to this place, wouldn’t she? She glanced to the edge of the field, wondering and a nervous feeling began to flutter in her stomach.

“Persephone,” she called, the sound echoing. She no longer felt the presence of her sister in this field. “Apollo,” she breathed, a whispered request. She was panicking, running through the field of flowers, smashing them as she passed. It was empty, empty around every corner. Apollo would help her, he would know where to look and he would not tell her mother. She was frantic, her dress pulled up in her hands so she could run quickly and a ball of energy fizzling at her fingers, ready to be thrown in defense.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone wasn't able to react to anything until she was set down in the throne room. Though the moment she was back on her feet, Persephone took a few steps away from her captor and got a good look at him. "Hades?" She said in confusion before taking a few more steps back and looking around the room. It was easy to tell that she was in a throne room, after all it had all of the features of one. Though she had never had been in this particular one before...especially since she would have remembered being so intimidated by a throne of bones.

She held her hands together tightly around the flower she had picked up, making sure that she touched nothing else. "Am I in the underworld?" Persephone then turned back to Hades, a deep frown across her face, her features scrunched together. This was the first time she had ever spoke to him. Her mother and the other suitors always kept her as far away from him as possible. And she understood why, after all he was the God of Death and she was the embodiment of life. They explained that it wouldn't mix well and they decided to take them at their word.

"Why am I here?" Persephone asked him. "Why did you bring me here?" She was concerned about his reasoning, since she had always been a bit afraid of Hades. The other Gods and Goddesses had a distaste for him, and they always assured her of his horribleness. Though, she was put at some ease that his hands up. At least he didn't want to fight her because she would surely lose this battle. "I am afraid this is not a good time for...well whatever this is, I have only just started bringing spring and I need to get back to the mortal world."

---

Apollo came down to the mortal world the moment that he heard Despoena's call. Whatever was happening, he could tell that Despoena was panicking. Hopefully it would be something that he could handle quickly. So Apollo landed in the field of flowers, his eyes immediately going to Despoena who was running through the field, destroying everything. His eyebrows furrowed together as he scanned the area. There were no enemies...but he also did not see Persephone.

He was able to quickly make his way to Despoena's side and immediately put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her from running. Normally Apollo would not lay his hands on any God or Goddess in such a way, but it was clear this was an emergency. "Stop. All you are doing is ruining the field, and I already know that no one is here." Apollo said quickly. "But what has happened? Why did you call me down here? And where is Persephone?" There was no way that the two Goddesses would not be with each other on the second day of spring. Especially with all of the work that Persephone needed to catch up on after yesterday.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

Hades smiled, a soft smile. He watched her process, watched her cling to the only thing in this Underworld she understood, a flower. She turned and he watched. How long would she question him? How long would she act like this? At least, she was not scared. At least, she was not yelling. She was curious and confused, but that was too be expected. He expected her to be angry and to fear the worst about him. The rest of the Gods never got the chance to know him well and so, they would also only assume the worst of him. He shrugged, sheepishly.

“Well, yes,” he said, his smile turning a little guilty. “I am a very busy man and you are a very difficult Goddess to connect with. I thought that, perhaps, on my turf, you might be a little easier to get to know. No one to interrupt. No ‘mommy’ coming to steal you away. Just you and me,” he said, shrugging.

This much was true. He wanted a few moments with her, though if she were to refuse him these moments than he would be willing to extend them. If she decided to refuse him, it would only be because she did not understand him. If it took time, he would make sure she understood him completely. She was busy, but he was busier. He had a constant job, hers was only a few months. Surely, they could both spare a few moments in hopes of a brighter and more balanced future; the joining of life and death. “I know you’re busy, but so am I. Just asking for a moment of your time,” he said, with a grin and offered her his hand.

---

The sound of her heart beating in her chest was drowning out the rest of the noise around her, though it was fairly quiet in this field. How could she be so irresponsible? Her one job, well no. One of her jobs this Spring was to protect her sister and she seemingly failed. How could she be so stupid? She closed her eyes for a moment, just a second. Something happened in her world, with her job and it needed her attention. She can not be everywhere at once and it was this second where she became the Goddess of Mysteries and not Persephone’s sister, that she lost her sister. She felt disconnected from herself, but the faster she moved, the more the world blurred around her. Until, there was pressure and a voice.

Stop.

She grabbed at the hands at her shoulder, the panic within her causing her to gasp. She turned, catching the soft (yet concerned) expression of Apollo. Yes, she called for him. She stopped moving, trying to look at him. Aside from his obvious presence, she felt his presence on a more spiritual level. The energy shifted, the Earth responded to the Gods. Yet, she felt alone until now. Persephone’s light was soft and comfortable and Apollo’s was bright. How could another come into this field without Despoena noticing?

“I know that no one is here,” she snapped, still her hands clung to his. “But, I don’t know how. Oh,” she said, turning to look at him and covering her face with her hands. “I closed my eyes for a moment, to answer a prayer. I opened them and she was gone. I don’t understand. Not a trace. These flowers, this is all. The field is perfect, but she’s gone.” She was crying now. Hot tears poured down her face as she revealed in the mess she made. “Oh, I’m so sorry. I would never take my eyes off her, but something was pressing and calling. My head was screaming. Surely you know what that feels like,” she reached desperately for his hands again.

She could not breath, she could not see. She felt only fear and disappointment. “We can’t stop,” she said, pulling Apollo along with her as she rounded a corner of the field, behind a hill. She continued to walk, her skirt bunched around her and the shadows under her eyes deeper than they were just hours before. She was tired and her energy was being sapped in two very different directions. Perhaps it was too much work, trying to balance Persephone and her own duties, but now it did not matter. She simply must focus her energy and find her sister.

“Persephone, she would not run off. She just would not. I know her. She has to be here,” she said, though even she could feel only two Gods here, not three. "She can't even teleport alone. She has to be here, just further than planned. That's all."

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone eyes' focused on Hades when he started to speak. It was difficult to do so though when the underworld had so much to look at and was so strange...Though he was strange too. Hades was just different from the other Gods. And he even looked more intimidating than Zeus. Her eyes scanned him, trying to figure out what this was about. It wouldn't be the first time that one of the Gods tried to get a moment with her alone. And Persephone usually humored them. Though this was different. This time it was one of the three brothers...and he had even bothered to drag her to the underworld. All of it made her uneasy.

But still she felt like Hades did not mean her any harm. Why would he anyways? And while she knew she needed to leave and assure her sister she was okay, Persephone would rather stay on Hades' good side. She had heard enough tales from the others than to want to piss him off. So, with clear hesitation, Persephone moved a few steps forward and lightly laid her hand over his. "I suppose I have time for a moment." Persephone told him softly. "But you must bring me back to the field soon. I don't have much time today and I am sure that my sister is worried about where I've gone."

Wanting to free up her other hand, Persephone moved the unique flower into her hair for safe keeping, joining it with the others. Just having it there would keep the flower alive and in full bloom. Persephone then looked back up at Hades, her fingers tightening around his hand a bit tighter. She was uncomfortable, concerned and a little confused. And she was a little bit afraid of Hades. Though none of these emotions were enough to cause an outburst at him. If all Hades truly wanted was a moment to speak, then Persephone felt no reason to upset the God of Death.

---

"Despoena!" Apollo said as he grabbed her again. He didn't know how many times he could get away with doing that. But he hoped that the Goddess knew he was just trying to help. Though this time when he stopped her from moving, Apollo was quick to pull the stressed Goddess into his arms, wrapping her into a tight hug. "If you want to help your sister, you must first calm down. You will not be able to think clearly until you do so." Apollo voice was soft and gentle as he actively tried to stop her from moving.

"Now listen. You and I both know that Persephone is not behind the hill and is not here. We would be able to sense her. And even if she had run off a bit too far, she would have been back by now." Apollo then moved his hands, cupping her face gently. His thumbs moved over her cheeks to try and dry her skin and stop her from crying. Despoena could cry later if she wanted but now wasn't the time. "It is more likely that Persephone learned how to leave by herself, and she wanted to, or someone came to get her. Are you positive that Persephone would not run away? Or do you have any ideas on who would take her?

Apollo had the feeling that someone must have taken Persephone. Despoena was right that it didn't seem like her to run away. Even though she did not love her situation at home, persephone did still love her family and enjoyed the others. Besides, Persephone would probably tell Despoena where she was going. "Do you think one of the suitors pulled her away for a bit? Maybe wanted some alone time? Should I go check on what they are doing?"

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Hades let his hand fall on top of Persephone's and he turned with her, walking just out of the throne room and towards the meadows. There was no sun in the Underworld, but not all things needed sun to grow. For instance, he did not need the sun. Persephone would appreciate life in any of its forms, even if it was the rebirth of mortals or from plants that Hades can use for his own bidding. Either way, the meadows would be teeming with life and as such, a place for Persephone to spend her time and make it grow even more. Since he first saw Persephone, he knew that these meadows would give the Goddess of the Underworld something to do.

"Just a moment, yes. And I would not worry about Despoena. I have already sent a message to her.. Besides, you have the chance to be uninterrupted by your duty, your sister or your mother. That's a good moment, is it not?" He asked, as they walked through the Underworld.

He let her look around them as the blue lights bounced off her skin and the air itself felt like walking through water. Being in the Underworld was a brilliant and strange experience with many twists and turns within it. There was Tartus, which they would never go near, other Gods and Goddesses who lived here and other beings that were exceptionally powerful all coexisted here. There were many meadows, where the souls would go depending on what the judges decided. It was one of these meadows that Hades was bringing Persephone to, but it was the garden that housed the souls of children who died innocently and too soon.

"Tell me, what do you think of the Underworld?" He asked, pulling her into the garden.

---

Despoena saw only a blur of colors, of the flowers that were just planted by her sister moments ago. They all became one color, bright red. The faster she moved, the more vibrant the colors became until finally they stopped again. Then, there was only warmth and the sight and feeling of fabric. She pushed back against Apollo, until she only caught his eyes and listened to his words. He was a rock in the middle of this storm. She casted her eyes down to the ground as he spoke, almost feeling like she was in trouble. She was ashamed, embarrassed and scared. This energy was bouncing within her, making it hard to focus but Apollo's words broke through it all.

"No, Persephone does not have that much power even in the Spring. She can't travel on her own, not if she's going to do all the fields in one day," she said, covering her face with her hands once more. "It only makes sense that someone would take her, but I don't know who. There was nothing. I felt nothing." Her words spilled out like rocks falling down from the mountains and each one hit her right in the stomach. She let out a broken sob, pulling away from Apollo and turning her back towards him. Tears were sliding down her face so quickly, but she would not let a God like Apollo see her cry. She did not want to be perceived as weak, at least not any weaker than she must already seem. She needed to look strong.

"I'm sorry. I," she paused, taking a breath and turning to face him. "I, yes. I'm sorry for calling you here, but I appreciate that you came. Um, yes. Maybe we can travel to Persephone's many suitors and start there. Demeter won't be back until tomorrow..." she said, her thoughts moving faster than her words.

She had just one day to find Persephone without her mother finding out. She had one day to gather her courage and face the wrath that would come from her mother. Demeter was much stronger than Despoena and she never had as much affection for her as she did for Persephone. It did not seem unlikely that her mother would try to kill her in her own fury. Could she even go home without her sister? No, probably not. There had to be someone who saw something or knew something. Most of Persephone's suitors were like Apollo, respectful and helpful. She would have to go through in her mind and figure who would act this way. "I'm not sure where to begin," she said, gulping down another sob.

@ honeysuckle;
Persephone couldn't help but look around as Hades lead her through the underworld. As if the throne room and Hades wasn't strange enough, the underworld too was odd. She was actually surprised to see anything growing, but yet there was a large meadow and she could see the garden in the distance. She had always assumed that the underworld only contained, but there seemed to be life here too. And she felt almost at ease among this familiarity. It was like the ones she created, except not as bright and the meadow here seemed to be more hearty than the one on earth, needing less to grow and overall being stronger. Though Persephone missed the sun that shined above and warmed her.

"Well...At least Despoena knows where I am...So I suppose that it is okay that I take a moment." Persephone told Hades. She wondered if Despoena could go into the underworld if she wished. Though Persephone doubted it. If Despoena was able she would already be down here, probably yelling at the God. Though this did mean that Persepone will be dealing with her angry sister when she was sent back. And Despoena was sure to lecture her again about allowing the other Gods to do such things. But Persephone actually didn't hate being stolen away sometimes. It allowed her to be free from having to do what her mother and sister told her. And the Gods always brought her to an interesting place when they took her for a few minutes before her sister found her. Though it wasn't something she could explain to Despoena who could never understand. "It is a little nice to not have to worry about them for a moment." Persephone responded quietly to his question.

As they walked into the garden, Persephone raised her free arm, looking at the lights that played against her skin, and feeling the resistance in the air as she moved. Hades throne room had not been like this. So was it just the meadow? Once in the garden, Persephone glanced at the flowers and other plants that seemed to surround them. There was a wild feel to the garden, since everything was in a type of chaos, nothing looked pruned or even truly planted. Perhaps it did all grow like this naturally? Or maybe this was what the underworld was like for the most part, a type of organized chaos.

"It is unlike anything I have ever seen or felt before. It is so unlike the other realms. And it does not look like what I had imagined." Persephone told him, deciding to give him a safe answer. Persephone wasn't exactly sure about how she felt. She didn't particularly hate it, but she couldn't say that she liked it either. Her best description of how she did feel was odd, and a bit uneasy. But perhaps it was because she was in the underworld, the place of death, and Persephone felt like she did not belong in such a realm.

---

Apollo dropped his arms to his side when Despoena pulled out of his hold again. This time he wasn't going to reach for her unless she was panicking again. Though he could see her begin to physically calm down, which was a good sigh. All they needed was for her to stay calm for the rest of the day and then they had a pretty good chance of finding Persephone. And he was relatively sure that one of the suitors had taken her away. Now the question was, who was stupid enough to do so without informing Despoena for this long? Plus which God was really able to steal her away with the Goddess feeling their presence?

He opened up his palm, a cloth appearing in his hand. "Well we should just go down the list. Lets start with Dinoysus. He can be rather foolish at times. And if it is not him, then we go to Ares. He would be smart enough to get Persephone without alerting you." Apollo leaned forward and gently patted her face with the cloth. "But before we go to either, you must calm down. We don't want to alert anyone that Persephone is missing if a suitor only stole her away. And we have plenty of time to do so before Demeter gets back. No one ever has to know what happened." Apollo smiled brightly at the Goddess. "Everything is going to be fine!"

With that, Apollo placed the cloth in Despoena's hand, wanting her to have it just in case. "Lets go to Dinoysus home first. He will probably be there. And if he is not, he will be alerted of our presence quickly." Apollo then offered his hand to Despoena so they could transport together. It seemed like she was going to be able to make it through this search without breaking down again. Though, even if she did, Apollo had a plan to cover it up.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Hades leaned back against a tree that was sprouting and he smiled at Persephone ad she fiddled in front of him. She was so very nervous and uncomfortable here in the Underworld which was something Hades truly did not understand. Everyone acts as if Persephone could not and would not thrive in the Underworld and yet, it is her natural foil. Life and death in close proximity, working together. There was nothing more logical than that and besides, Hades was not the God of Death, per say. He simply managed the Underworld and its various intricacies, but he did not go out and kill mortals. The other Gods spoke ill of him for they did not understand him and they never tried to. His brothers knew him and respected him as such, but the other Gods did not. In fact, stealing Persephone was probably the first time he ever truly enacted his powers on Earth; his first selfish act as a God.

“Yes, many talk of the Underworld, but very few come and see it. Tell me, Persephone, what exactly are you thinking?” He asked, raising a brow.

---

Despoena nodded as Apollo spoke, those he listed off seemed to be a good place to start. The worst part of it all, though, was that almost every God wished to court Persephone. It was a long list, but there were only a few more powerful than Despoena and those would be the ones they must go to first. The other Gods were clever, but to come into this field undetected and to steal Persephone so quickly, that required immense power. It would not be just any God, but a powerful God with Zeus favor. That certainly narrowed the list, but still, she was unsure where to begin. And, what if it was not a suitor? What if it was another Goddess, angry with Persephone for the attention she garnered?

Apollo’s enthusiasm and hope starkly contrasted the fear she felt inside. She took the cloth he offered her, wiping away the tears on her face. She needed to look in control in order to be perceived as an equal to these Gods. Gods were so foolish, so presumptuous in their thinking. Simply because she was a Goddess, they assume she’d think only of marriage. They so frequently underestimated Goddesses that it was no wonder Goddesses sometimes had to act a little rashly. How else does one get noticed amongst a sea of heavenly beings? She huffed, dropping her dress that she now wrinkled and shaking her head slightly, loosening her curls.

Despoena grabbed Apollo’s hand and within seconds, landed just outside of Dionysus’ home. As expected, his home was lavish, gold, shining and the sound of laughter echoed from within. Grapes and caverns of wine paved their way as was fitting for the God of the Vine. She was sure they would drink, but she was unsure if they had to drink. She wanted to keep her head on straight. Despoena fell into step beside Apollo, looking curiously around. Apollo would be recognized by Dinoysus more than Despoena, but if they were both pining after Persephone, would he be warmly recognized? She was not sure, but either way, the Goddess of Mystery would remain a mystery to those who choose not to pay attention to her, much like Dinoysus.

“I suppose I’ll follow your lead on this one,” she said, smiling softly.

@ honeysuckle;
Once Hades let go of her hand, Persephone began to move more freely around the garden. It wasn't like the gardens she worked on, so Persephone wanted a chance to soak it in. And the fact that there were so many different plants she had never seen before! Perhaps the flower she had gotten earlier was from here too? It probably was since the vegetation had distinct qualities that separated it from earth. And looking around was a nice distraction from whatever was happening with Hades since it calmed her down a bit in an uncertain situation.

At his question, Persephone immediately stopped and looked over at Hades. He wanted to know what she was thinking? Why? Persephone frowned before walking so she was standing in front of him again. Since Hades asked, she felt safer in speaking her mind a bit more. "I find it odd that you didn't tell me the true purpose of this meeting yet. I am wondering why you brought me down here, and what it is you want from me. I am trying to figure out what your intentions are and if I should be worried. Especially with the rumors that surround you, which I am sure you are aware of. Why not speak to me in the mortal world or at Olympus? Why bring me down here for our first meeting?"

Persephone let out a sigh before turning her side to him and looking back at the garden. "And I am confused as to why this place looks nothing like the others said it did. How is there anything growing here?" She reached out and lightly brushed her fingers against a flower, which instantly bursted into full bloom with her touch. "And the underworld is so...." Persephone scrunched up her nose a bit, unable to find the right description for it. "I feel out of place here but at the same time I am intrigued by it all."

---

"Sounds good to me." Apollo told her with a wide grin as he walked further into the God's home. Dionysus home was exactly as Apollo expected it to be. Though he was a bit surprised that the God was not currently throwing a party. In fact the home seemed to be empty. Despite that fact they walked further into the house until they reached the living room, which looked ready for a party later in the evening. "Dionysus!" Apollo called out before sitting on the couch. Normally it would be rude to act such a way, but Apollo knew that this particular God wouldn't care.

Dionysus immediately popped in front of them when Apollo called. "Apollo! Despoena!" He said excitedly before wrapping them both in a hug. Though, as he did so, Dionysus accidentally spilled some of his wine on Apollo. Though with a wave of his hand, he was able to cleanup the spill. "To what do I owe this pleasure to?" Dionysus asked as he plopped down on the sofa. "Especially since I have gotten an unusual visit from the Goddess of mystery." He raised his glass.

"Well, Dionysus, Despoena and I were bored and decided to see what you were up too. We were actually hoping that you would already have a party going but it looks like you were just setting things up for one?" Apollo asked as he looked around the room. It did look like Dionysus had been busy...though he also could have had someone else do it for him.

Dionysus laughed before snapping his fingers and making top glasses of wine into existence. "It is much too early to start partying now, Apollo. I have only just woken up. But if you two wish, I can get something going in an hour or two." He said with a wink to both of them. This caused Apollo to look over at Despoena. He was already getting the feeling that Persephone wasn't here.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Hades smiled for her eyes were so inquisitive. Her face was twisted into a beautiful question mark and she it was clear that she sought answer. These answers, though, Hades knew, she did not actually want. He also did not want to give them because his shroud of innocence would be shattered by the reality of her situation. Hades was not going to let her leave this place, not yet at least. He needed more time to get to know her and for her to truly get to know him. If she were to leave now, he would surely never see her again. This was an opportunity that he would not, under any circumstances, pass up. “You’re observant and smart,” he said, pushing his weight off the tree he was resting on and walking back over to her. “I like that about you. I will answer your questions in the easiest order,” he added.

“The Underworld is full of the remnants of life which is something you would understand. All of these flowers grow from the souls of those who are lost, at least in this particular place for the dead. Other realms do not look as peaceful as this which is why I brought you here.” Hades began pacing, but not with anxiety but to accompany the meter of his words.

“I have brought you here because I intend to get to know you and I hope that you will get to know me, within a moment. But, well, because of my reputation I was told explicitly that I’m not allowed to pursue you. I don’t think you should be worried. I brought you here also because I thought you would find this place interesting and perhaps find me interesting. I am, after all, one of the three brothers and as such, I am a worthy suitor. Your mother seems to believe that you would not like me or the Underworld and I just wanted the chance to prove her wrong.”

He stopped walking around her now and stood in front of her with a smile. He raised his brows, “Does that you answer your questions?”

---

Despoena smiled at Dionysus, his energy brought her to life a little bit for it was much like Persephone’s. Except, Persephone was pure and Dionysus was the furthest thing from pure. Either way, he was a force to be around and he was hard to deny. She hugged him back, sheepishly and stepped away from the wine spill. She smiled at Apollo, searching his eyes for a clue. He was confident and sure in himself as he walked among other Gods’ home and despite everything happening, it was something Despoena had to notice.

Politely, Despoena took the glass of wine and said a thank you. She smelled it and it was, of course, some of the best wine she has ever smelled. She cast a wary look to Apollo, wondering what would happen if they drank the wine. Would they fall into some delicious stupor and party away the day? She did not trust Dionysus because of this. He got his power from those who enjoyed his labors and she was not here to fuel someone else’s fire. They both had a job to do, but at the same time, this wine could be nothing. It could be a polite offering, an innocent glass which would only help to calm her nerves. She needed something like that right now and she wondered if Dionysus picked up on how tense she was. Either way, the glass rest in her hands, awaiting Apollo’s lead.

“Oh no, you should not put up such a fuss for the two of us. We just though, well Apollo really, thought you would already be in the midst of everything. No matter, if you’re planning something for later, we can come back then."

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone was slightly taken aback at Hades response. Her eyes widen and her whole face seemed to open up and ease at the same time. "Oh." Hades wanted to be her suitor? It wasn't what she thought he wanted, though it did explain the whole situation and made it a bit easier to handle. After all Persephone had no reason to deny his request immediately. After all, he was right about being a worthy suitor, but also Persephone was interested in learning more about Hades. Not exactly for romantic reasons, but because she was curious. Besides, Persephone was not one to not give someone a chance. And even if she didn't like him, she was sure it would end peacefully. The other Gods would assure of that...

"I suppose I understand why you decided to bring me down to the Underworld so suddenly then." Persephone told him. Demeter always warned her to stay away from all the Gods, and she certainly would not approve of this. "Though, I will warn you like I warn the others, my mother will never approve of anyone. I can almost guarantee that there is nothing you can do to change that. And it is unlikely that I'll be allowed to marry soon...or ever really." If Demeter could have her way, Persephone would never marry and she would stay at home throughout the whole year. "Though I suppose that won't stop you since it never has deterred any of the others." Persephone was curious as to how he would pursue her though, considering the others always kept them as far away as possible.

Persephone glanced back at the flowers. She was surprised to hear that they were souls. How did a mortal become part of a beautiful garden like this? Did they have to do something particularly special? "Yes it does answer my questions." She told him. Though she had many more about the underworld, but now did not seem like the time to ask. Especially since she wanted to see the other parts first before bombarding him with them all. It would probably be best to focus on Hades for now, ask him questions about himself. And he would need to send her back soon.

---

Dionysus nodded to them both. "Well there will be a party here later tonight. And with more time it will be much better than anything I can throw together in an hour!" He smiled wildly at them as he took another gulp of his wine.

With that, Apollo stood on his feet. "In that case, my friend, we should let you go back to drinking, and planning. We will see you later tonight." He then set down the glass that Dionysus had given him, undrunk. "And forgive us both, but we should be of steady mind until your party. Unfortunately we do not have a strong tolerance for your special wine. But do save it for us later since I know it is something to behold."

Dionysus chuckled a bit before waving his hand and making the glass disappear. "Understood. Even the great Zeus cannot drink from my wine and still be of sound mind!" He said with a laugh. "Now off with you too, and I expect to see both of you later this eve."

With that, Apollo moved his hand on the small of Despoena's back and quickly moved them out of the house. Once they were on the outside, he moved his hand onto hers. "There is no way that Dionysus has Persephone right now. We would have sensed her in the house. And it seems that he truly did just wake up...Besides Dionysus isn't that capable of sneaking anyways. That means we need to move onto Ares." And with that, Apollo transported them to Ares' place.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

Hades smiled at her, though it was more of a smirk. He knew, of any God, he knew exactly what Demeter meant. She was obsessed with her own daughter and not in the way a mother should be. It was sick, possessive, almost cruel. It was not love, but the deepest form of obsession. If anything, he was protecting Persephone from the insanity that is her mother. That and he was protecting himself from having to deal with Demeter. He had no interest in arguing with her, in debating with her, but rather, he would force her hand. Persephone was his now and Demeter had no control in this matter. Hades felt fine with this though for Demeter was a lesser Goddess than he and she should be reminded of her place. “We shall see,” he said, with a smile.

Hades offered Persephone his hand once more, pulling her out of this particular meadow. “That was the meadow of children. It’s the prettiest one for it is full of innocence. There are other meadows, but they are further to travel. Would you like to see them?” He asked, opening the floor for more time. If they were walking, there was more time for them to talk. He should ask about Persephone, but for whatever reason, he was nervous. A God, nervous. That was laughable. If she agreed though, she was agreeing to a longer moment. If she agreed, it meant she was intrigued with him as he was intrigued with her. She had not asked to return yet which was good. It meant she was happy or at least curious and that was exactly what he needed.

---

Despoena smiled at Apollo and Dionysus, relieved with how well the encounter with, but still upset. She almost willed Persephone to be there, but she was certain that her sister was not here. She allowed Apollo to usher her out, bidding Dionysus a goodbye. They would have to come back to the party, lest they insult him. If she finds Persephone, it will be to celebrate. If she does not find her sister, perhaps drinking some of Dionysus wine will allow to escape from the reality of her circumstances. If she was drunk, it would be in sorrow or in glee, but either way, the wine itself would make her feel happy.

“Yes, most certainly,” she said, feeling the familiar rush of wind as they traveled through time. They landed on the grounds of a home that was familiar with her. She, at one time, had a relationship with Ares, but they almost always brewed more drama than it was worth. In fact, it made sense for him to seek her sister as she was a brighter version of Despoena herself. Ares’ castle was not nearly as happy as Dionysus. His home was strict, shiny and strong. She placed her hand on Apollo’s chest to stop him in his tracks.

“Don’t worry. Ares I know quite well,” she said.

She walked up to his castle, addressing the dogs that stood guard at his door. They recognized her and knew that she was friendly, not a foe. She pushed open the heavy wooden door that stood between the dogs and opened unto a large room, dimly lit by flaming torches. Ares was perched playing chess and he looked up, his eyes sharp before softening. “Despoena,” he said, with a smile and he stood. He walked over to them, looming quite large, larger than Apollo even.

“Ares, hello,” she said, said, offering her hand to receive a kiss. “I was just stopping by to check in on you, it seems darker here than usual. I hope you don’t mind, Apollo is with me today. How are you?”

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone looked back at the garden for a moment as they walked away from it. No wonder it had been so lovely, but still filled with a type of chaos. For children were both beautiful and chaotic things. Though it was rather sad that the garden seemed so full with those who never were able to full experience human life. At least death was something that the Gods and Goddesses never need to worry about.

She wrapped her fingers around Hades' hand as she turned her attention back to him once again. It was difficult to focus on just one thing when there was just so much going on and so many things she had never seen before. Though she hesitated to answer his question. "I would like to see the others, but I really should be getting back to work now. I have a lot to catch up on." Persephone told him softly as she pulled away from Hades. "I don't know how...but I would like to come down here again, soon. Would it be alright if I visited you?" She then reached back over, taking his hand lightly. "And can you please bring me back to my sister? I'm afraid that I cannot get out of here and to her by myself." Persephone couldn't travel freely like the other Gods could, since that was an ability her mother had taken away from her. Though she figured very few Gods could get in and out of the underworld.

---

Apollo waited until he was welcomed to move closer. He knew better than to test Ares. After all he was the God of war, and that was not something he wished to fight against himself. Though Apollo knew how to deal with Ares. It was more of a matter of being respectful to the God and making sure to following the typical rules, especially since he and Ares did not spend too much time together. After all, Apollo adored music, poetry and attention. While Ares was more muscle and strategy.

"Good morning Ares." Apollo said as he moved to stand besides Despoena. This time he kept his hands and body to himself, making sure not to touch any of Ares' belongings until they were offered to him. Though, while the two of them were speaking, Apollo did a quick search for the presence of Persephone. Unfortunately he came up with nothing...But since this was Ares it did not mean that the Goddess was not in his grasp. Ares was intelligent and would know better than to keep Persephone where they could sense her.

Though he wondered if Ares would really steal away Persephone like this. Dionysus would since he often like his pleasure control his mind, but Ares was smart. Would he do something so foolish? And would he act in this way, knowing the trouble that it would cause, especially to Despoena. They may no longer be dating but it seemed that the two were still on good terms. So it felt unlikely that he would treat Despoena in such a horrible way.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons

Hades smiled at her, once more. She was really good at making him smile, it seemed. He sighed with relief when she said she would like to see more, knowing what that meant for him. But, then, he frowned. She changed her tune, she felt her duty weighing down on her. He sighed, a little frustrated. “Yes, I thought you might be worried about that, but I would not worry too much about work. I will get you to where you need to be" he said, his smile stretching even further across his face.

She would not deny him, she was too fragile to deny him. She would say yes because it was polite and she was good at following the rules. Even now, she continued to walk with him though it was clear that it was in hope she would be sent home. He patted her hand softly, stopping at a door just off his throne room. He opened it, gesturing, as if to say this was the way home. When she stepped inside, he shut the door and peered through a little window.

"I just, Persephone. I feel like I need a few moments more with you. Before you get angry or do something rash, I should remind you of two things. One, I am not the man you think I am and two, this action here directly defies that. I hope you will see that I'm just doing what is right for you. This is your chance to be a little free. Why don't you just think about that and I'll be back soon?" He said, turning away from the door. He knew she would be angry and that she would need a few moments to be angry. When he came back, it would be in hopes that she would want to talk and knowing that the Underworld was the place for her for now.

---

Ares looked from Despeona and her wide beautiful eyes, so much like her sisters, to Apollo. He nodded, curtly. He looked back to Despoena, studying her features. She looked different and she looked upset, but for what reason Ares was not sure. He tilted his head, but she smiled softly as if to tell him not to worry. He pushed the worry down for it was no longer his place to worry, especially after seeking Persephone. He hurt her, it would be cruel to pretend that he could care for them both.

“I am well, thank you. You knew about the battle then. It was a long one. I am very tired. I appreciate you checking in on me, then. I don’t mean to rush you, but I have someone on the way. I thought that you might be her, actually,” he said, a little sheepishly. He ran his hands through his hair.

Despoena was surprised for she really thought that Ares was still seeking Persephone. “Mm, yes, Aphrodite,” she said, pulling her hands away from his. “I see. Well, I’m glad you’re okay. We should go then.” Aphrodite was beautiful with her blonde curls and electric smile. She was far prettier than Persephone and Despoena both. She was a stark contrast to Ares, but not in the same way as Persephone. It was somehow painful for both her and her sister that Ares fell back into his patterns. Perhaps he belonged with this Goddess, but either way, it meant that her sister was not here; that was what mattered. It was the reason she would even come to this place in the first place and now, she would never come back.

She turned to go, the air silent and tense around them. She walked silently past Apollo, catching his eyes as they went. Their footsteps echoed until the wooden door shut behind them and they were alone. “Mission accomplished here. Aside from you, I can think of no one else with so much power. Do you have any thoughts?”

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone stood completely still as Hades spoke through the little window. Her eyes were wide and full of fear, though she wasn't able to react until he started walking away. "Hades!" She shouted before pulling on the door, trying to get out of the room. "Let me out! HADES!" Though Hades had locked the door and she could feel his power radiating from it. It was not something that Persephone would be able to unlock.

After pounding on the door for a few more minutes, she began to pace the room. Vines and sharp thorns began to cover her body in a protective layer. While Hades would be able to easily rip it apart, it did make Persephone feel a bit safer. And it was her only way to currently release out her anger. How could he do this to her! She was not some mere mortal! She was a goddess. It didn't matter that he was one of the three brothers, this was unacceptable! Persephone deserved more respect than this.

Persephone let out a scream before slashing the door with her vines. How did she end up in this situation? What did she do to deserve such treatment? And why was everyone always trying to keep her locked up somewhere! She wanted to be free to do what she wanted! Persephone felt like she was a bird trapped in some horrible cage that was transferred from owner to owner. When will the others stop trying to control her?!

---

Apollo let out a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck. He could not think of another God or Goddess that would want to kidnap Persephone for so long and not tell Despoena about it. "Well some of the Goddesses are powerful enough but there is no reason for them to kidnap Persephone. They can see her any time and it's not like they are in direct competition with the Goddess. And the only ones who are strong enough to do this are the 3 brothers, but they wouldn't either. Zeus is her father, Poseidon is married and Hades never really shows interest in any of us."

Apollo shook his head as he rubbed his face. "Are you sure Persephone wouldn't run away?" He asked Despoena seriously. "You say she can't teleport but maybe she got that power back from Demeter without either of you realizing it? And it's not like she doesn't have a good reason to leave..." Apollo looked at her with gentle eyes. "I mean, she loves you both but this would be her chance to be free. And she couldn't tell you where she went either."

"I mean unless somehow she was injured or mortals stole her without you realizing, I think it is likely that she ran off. Besides you would notice a band of mortals, and Persephone can fight them off. And would would have also heard her cries if she got injured and carried off by some horrible beasts." Apollo shook his head. "No mortal or beast can hurt or kidnap a Goddess. And there are no others who would have, or would have been able to, steal her." Maybe they needed to start their long search for where Persephone could have ran off to on earth.

Hades heard her scream and he frowned for this was not necessarily the way he would like to court a woman. He wanted to make sure she was supremely happy and clearly, she was not. He could not blame her, but still. He would like his courting to be full of beautiful flowers and grand gestures. Demeter made that nearly impossible with her incessant need to protect Persephone. From what? In a way, this was a grand gesture. Yes, that’s a good way to think of it. He was simply utilizing a grand gesture to win her affection and while she may not see that now, she will eventually.

And so, Hades waited. He waited until she stopped screaming and then he waited until she stopped pouting. He waited until the energy coming from her room was almost complacent and calm. She was thinking, he was sure, of a way out. Even if she sent a message, it would never make it out of the Underworld. She did not know the way. Only he knew how to communicate and move through the Underworld with ease; her message would be lost. He wondered what would happen when she realized that her happiness relied solely on him. He did not wish to clench tightly the reigns of her freedom, but he would if he had to. If she could see who he really was then maybe she would one day hold her own reigns as the Goddess of the Underworld.

“Persephone,” he whispered, after a few hours. “I would like to explain myself to you so you do not believe all you have been told about me.”

---

Despoena sighed, ignoring his words and grabbing his hand to teleport them to just outside of her home. She did not want to think about all the possibilities nor did she want to assume the worst of her sister. Persephone was good and she would never blatantly disobey orders. She desired freedom, but she wanted to get the right way. Persephone would never abandon her or leave her to face the wrath of Demeter alone. She knew her sister, she would not treat her this way. Someone else had to be involved, but Apollo was right. There were no clues on who or what could have taken her. Despoena was powerful and to do something under her nose like this was not a simple act.

“No,” Despoena finally said. “She just would not do that. You have to trust me on this. She would not run away.”

For whatever reason, Despoena thought it may be smart to look in Persephone’s half of their home. She walked through the hallways until she and Apollo stepped into the vast and beautiful corridors that were Persephone. One would be able to easily see that Persephone lived here based on the copious amounts of flowers and the tweeting of birds. She was not sure what she was looking for, but she thought maybe there would be a clue here. Plus, Persephone was smart.

“There might be something here and if not, Persephone is smart. She will know I’m looking for her and she is powerful enough to send me some sort of message,” she said, rummaging through the drawers. I hope. I hope. I hope. It was almost like the beat of her heart, looking for an answer. At a time like this, who did a Goddess pray to? She was no longer sure, but perhaps there was something resting on her vanity.

@ honeysuckle;
Persephone had moved to the corner of the room after an hour of blind anger that had caused her to try and rip her room apart - which didn't work. It had then turned into sobbing which turned into pouting which then finally turned into a unsettled calmness. She had finally accepted the fact that she was stuck here, and she herself could not get out...at least not out of the room. Though, there were still ways to try and contact others. But she was not sure if it would even get through the underworld and back to Olympus. Though Persephone also knew that there were ways to get out of the underworld without transporting. After all, there have been mortals who have made it in and out alive. And Persephone hoped she knew the stories well enough to find her own way out.

However, was it even possible for her get Hades to let her out of the room, and then out of his sight? That type of trust would probably take much longer than she wanted. She would try the messages first. It should only take a day or a few until there was some kind of news from Olympus about their decision. But it shouldn't take long until they freed her from Hades. He may be one of the three brothers, but Persephone was still a Goddess. She deserved - no had a right - to be free. Besides, she wouldn't be able to bring Spring while down here and that would cause a famine throughout the mortal world. They will free her on that fact alone.

Persephone looked over at the only little window to her room, glaring at Hades with a look of disdain. She turned her head back, laying it against the corner as she looked at the wall she was pressed against. "And you think I will believe you after you've kidnapped me?" Persephone scoffed at him. "No, I don't wish to speak to you unless it is about my freedom." The typically kind and warm hearted Goddess did have her limits, and Hades had certainly broke them.

---

Apollo followed Despoena into her home and he immediately started to look around curiously once they got to Persephone's half. Other Gods and Goddesses were typically not allowed into Persephone's half of the house, due to Demeter's wish. So, when the others came over, they would meet with the three of them in the more common area. Which did make it interesting to see how Persephone lived. But it was just like everyone had imagined, flowers everywhere, small birds and artwork of other creatures. There was even a strong warmth from her side, which Apollo assumed was her trying to replicate the warm of the sun when it was spring.

At first he kept his hands to himself until he saw Despoena begin to look around, so he did the same. Though he tried to put everything back exactly as he was after searching. "If you are so sure that she did not run away, then why are we here?" Apollo asked her. And he was not convinced that Persephone did not make a run for it. The sisters may be close, but Apollo could easily understand why she would do so. Years of watching her younger sister get to run off to wherever she wanted must have been difficult. Though he kept his mouth closed. For whatever reason, Despoena seemed positive that Persephone would not have done such a thing.

"If she was trying to send a message, wouldn't it be on your side of the house? After all, she would contact you first." Apollo said as he rummaged through her desk. There wasn't anything useful there, just information about her work and such. Though there was one particular locked box that Apollo picked up and set down on the top. He tried to open it with no luck. "Do you think something might be in here?" Apollo tried using his powers on it but still it stayed closed.

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Hades looked in upon Persephone, her tantrum and anger clear. Her eyes were hard and the way she glared at him made Hades wonder if he made a mistake. She was right. He did technically kidnap her, but this was the right thing to do. He had no other chance to speak and court her; this was the only way. Yet, it was not working the way he expected. The Persephone that he longingly watched was not the Persephone that now looked back at him. Would he like this Persephone? Was she worth it? Would she grow accustomed to the Underworld? He was not sure and so, he sighed.

“But, Persephone. Don’t you see that I am trying to give you your freedom?” he asked, a little sheepishly.

This, as far as Hades could tell for himself, was true. If Persephone could agree to getting to know him and agree to exploring the Underworld then she would have her freedom here. She would, in fact, be Queen. She would have more than freedom. She would have power and control and far more than she had before. Her powers before were innocent, but imagine the type of power she could have if she were to take on his kingdom. It would be more than freedom and he could give that to her, but only if she wanted it. At least, that’s what Hades was going to tell himself.

---

Despoena was rummaging, but even she knew that this search was not going to be fruitful. Noise was roaring in her ears and her world seemed to be closing in. If she was not able to find something than her mother would surely kill her or, at least, cast her from this place. It was selfish to think of herself at a time like this, but she couldn’t help it. Perhaps it was easier to think of herself than to think of Persephone. She was practically defenseless. Whoever took her could do almost anything especially if they were already going to ignore the clear rules of the Gods.

“We are here because she can’t just have disappeared, but you’re right,” she said, turning to Apollo. “Put that down,” she said with a bit of disdain, “And come with me.” She walked over to him, grabbing his hand and pulling him after her and out of Persephone’s room. If they ever find he sister, she would have to seriously apologize for letting Apollo to see her entire room.

They walked quickly across the house, through the sun lit foyer and into Despoena’s side of the house which was a contrast to Persephone. She enjoyed soft light, blue light and as such, the entire room was cast in this lighting. In fact, some would think they were underwater. The walls were decorated in inscriptions, of ancient languages and symbols that she drew in the night. Her room was ornately decorated with sculptures and symbols. She sighed, wondering how she would find a message among all these other words. She looked to her desk and the pile of scrolls.

“I apologize for all this,” she said, hiding her blush by looking through the papers. “If she left me word, it might be on the walls somewhere. She knows I use the spaces. You can start there.” She said, directing him away from the important and secret pieces of information like her own locked box and the scrolls she was looking through.

@ honeysuckle;

Persephone felt his words hit her like a car and she couldn't help but burst out at him. "Freedom?" She quickly moved onto her feet and headed over to the door, looking at him through the window. Now that she had moved closer, it was easy to see the redness of her face that had came from anger. "Freedom?!" She hissed. "You think this is what freedom looks like?" Persephone lashed out at the door with one of her vines. "This is not freedom Hades. What you have done is taken the small piece of freedom I barely had! You locked me in a room, in the underworld! At least with my mother I was able to move throughout a house! I had opportunities to speak to others. To do my job." Persephone let out a exhausted sigh. "Spring is meant to be the one time of year that the leash around me is relaxed!"

Persephone immediately deflated as she moved her face into her hands. "It is still less what I want, what I deserve. But at least I...." She sharply breathed in and turned her back to Hades as she tried not to start crying. It took her a few moments before she turned and slammed her hands against the door.

"You wave something I desire in my face, as if you can give it to me. As if you are the solution to my problems. But in reality you are not and you don't have the ability to give me what I want. Don't fool yourself Hades." Persephone snapped. "Just because I may be the weakest of the Goddesses in fighting, it does not mean you may do what you wish with me. I can't beat you in a fight but I assure you that my mind and will power is greater than the others. I will not bend to your foolish wishes or beliefs. I am a goddesses and I will be treated as such." Persephone pushed away from the door. "I have nothing else to say to you and I have no plans on listening until you start to speak of at least releasing me from this horrid room."

---

Apollo let out a small sigh as he started to look for any clues on the wall. Though he had a feeling that if Persephone was going to send a message, it would be a bit more obvious, and it would probably be sent in common Greek. After an hour of searching for anything messages on the walls and throughout the rest of the room, Apollo turned to Despoena. "I hate to say it, but there is nothing here. Persephone did not send you anything... Maybe it is somewhere else, or maybe she hasn't gotten the chance to send you one yet."

Apollo glanced up at the sky, figuring that it was getting later in the day. They had spent almost the whole day looking for any clue or hint of where Persephone may be, but they had found absolutely nothing. How was the Goddess able to disappear without a single trace? Who would have the motive, or even the ability to do something like this? He turned to Despoena, gently placing his hand on her shoulders. "I am sorry, but I think we need to stop for the day...Or at least for now. If we don't show up to Dinoysus' party, then others may get suspicious. Plus we will upset the God if we don't show and we don't need more trouble than we already have."

He reached down, gently taking Despoena's hand. "I am sure that wherever she has been taken to, that she is being treated well. After all, who would ever want to harm her? Persephone is always kind and there is nothing she has done wrong that someone would want revenge on her for." Apollo sighed. "But you will need to tell Demeter, and Zeus tomorrow. We will run into more trouble if we don't tell the others. And everyone will run into trouble if we don't find Persephone soon."

@ Mother.Of.Dragons
Hades frowned, but only because it seemed that Persephone has vastly misunderstood and exaggerated the circumstances. This was, after all, the God’s world. If anyone was ever to write down all the the things the Gods have done, they would realize that all is fair. They would also realize that Hades’ actions were minimal in comparison to others. He did not forcibly bring Persephone into his bed. He did not kill her or hurt her. He only stole her away from a situation exceptionally similar to the one she is in now; trapped. In retrospect, he was not doing anything that has not been done before to some degree or another. Either way, he let her speak. Her cheeks were flush and her lips turned downward in a deliciously angry curve. Her arms were crossed over her chest and her entire body screamed back at him (and not in the way he would prefer). Her words were sharp, a pointed attack. She attacked his very nature as God (though he acted as many Gods do). She attacked her own position in this world. She let others infiltrate her mind and this was evident in the heavy breaths and shouted words she flung at him.

“If you were to have said yes to me explaining myself, instead of acting rashly, than you would know the following. I intend to let you out of this room, once you are done doing whatever it is you are doing now. I intend to let you run this entire Underworld with me. I would like for you to have a job that does not limit your freedom to one season, but makes it boundless. I intend to treat you as more than a Goddess, but a Queen. If you don’t want this,”

He stopped, puncturing his speech with an exhausted sigh, “And would instead like to continue to act like the child that your mother treats you as than so be it.” He turned then, just as he she had. Silently and in a deep part of his soul, he wondered if she would call out to him. Yet, based on her actions, he assumed she would only continue to pout. She would break, of course she would. He would speak to her and tell her this every day, if he had to. If anything, he would send her some food a little later.

---

The natural light in the room was darkening and Despoena felt even more frantic in the search of her own belongings, but nothing had been touched. Nothing moved and yet, the entire Universe moved. It parted ways, it shifted and with it, it took Persephone. How could everything look the same when everything was drastically different? She ran her fingers along the cool edge of chair and then grabbed it with both her hands. She tried to steady herself, even though the course of her life seemed to be screaming around her. Was Persephone screaming? Was she doing anything at all? The Universe parted and then returned to normal, as if nothing happened at all.

When Apollo rested his hands on her shoulders, she began to cry. She let herself have this moment of despair and frustration. Then, she turned to him and wiped her eyes. Again, the Universe moved. It moved them closer, physically. It moved her into comfort. Apollo’s face was inviting and his touch was warming the blood that ran cold in her veins. She looked up at him, shiny eyes and all, but all she wanted to move and look away. She could not seek solace in a man that sought Persephone. She could not ask for his comfort now. She could not and would not do that to her sister’s most promising chance at freedom. Nor could she assume that the Universe was moving them in this way. Perhaps she was making an assumption and Apollo did not feel the Universe move cosmically, but rather like a soft brush of wind; he barely noticed it. She quickly withdrew her hand and frowned.

“How can we possibly go to a party?” She whispered. "Give me a moment."

The question did not warrant a response. Even in his seriousness, Apollo seemed to have a semblance of hope that Despoena could not find within her. She knew too much of the world to think that Persephone was safe. She knew too much of others to believe that just because Persephone was kind, others would be kind to her. Even in his logic and in the truth his spoke, she saw only anger and contempt; none of which would be focused on him. He could go to this party, guilt free. He had no part in this. She was almost frustrated with his innocence in this situation. She took this alone time as she changed to focus on the kindness of Apollo. He did help her when she did not deserve it and he was not angry with her for losing her sister. He was being kind and she could not take out her guilt on him. She returned to him, quickly, dressed for a party. Her solemn expression, however, did not match the glittering dress she wore. In fact, only the wildness of her curls (that could never be tamed) seemed to match the party that was surely brewing.

@ honeysuckle;

With a small sigh, Persephone moved back to her corner and slid down the side of the wall. She wished she was strong enough to break free. Strong enough to protect herself. Though most of all Persephone wished that she was strong enough that she would be able to make more of her own decisions and her own paths, like Despoena. Things just happened to Persephone. Despoena on the other hand made things happen. She pulled her knees into her body, laying her head on top of them. How did she get in this situation?

Her mind then began to mull over what Hades had told her. Persephone would be lying if she said that Hades' deal did not sound intriguing. Having that much power would allow Persephone to truly get the freedom she always wanted. She would be finally able to do what she wanted, when she wanted. And it would make it difficult for the other Gods to chase her around and force her into things. Persephone would have strength too. And she would be able to make decisions that could-hopefully-affect herself and her loved ones in a positive way. Plus Despoena would no longer have to guard her, and they could truly just be sisters. However, she had a hard time believing that what Hades said was true. After all, what would he really get out of it? Doing such a thing would not guarantee her love. It would also force him to take time out of his busy schedule to train her. And she wasn't sure the effort for him would be worth the pay off. She believed she could caught on quickly, and be good at it. But, truly, what would he get out of it? Besides he had already kidnapped her. Hades could just take her and force her into anything he wanted.

After an hour or so of thinking about it, Persephone sat up bit and snapped her fingers together, a note and pen appearing in front of her. She wrote a small note to her sister:

Despoena,

Hades has captured me.

Persephone

She made it short to try and ensure that it would be harder for Hades to notice the note. With that, she sent it off. Persephone then spent some time to try and write the same message on her sister's walls in case the paper note didn't work. Surely one of them could get through Hades and the Underworld and to her sister.

---

Apollo moved out into the main area as he waited for Despoena. While he did, he snapped his fingers and his party robes materialized around his body. Normally the Gods did not dress that way, but he knew he wouldn't really have an opportunity to get home. He then sat down on one of the couches, leaning back and relaxed as he waited. For a few moments he thought about where Persephone could have gone, and whether or not they should wait until tomorrow to tell the others. Though it seemed Despoena wanted to wait and he wondered if it had to do with the trouble she was in...Hopefully the party tonight would be able to calm her down a bit.

When Despoena came out of her room, he smiled brightly. "You look amazing." Apollo said warmly as he stood up. He walked over to her, looking down at her gently. "Please try to relax a little thought. We wouldn't want others to realize something is wrong until we are ready to tell the others about Persephone. Though we should tell them soon so the others can help. You will have to tell the others what happened to your sister." Apollo didn't want to ruin the mood, but he wanted to make sure that Despoena had some kind of plan.

With a small sigh, he reached over, gently taking her hand. "Are you ready to go? Once we get there, we will need to drink a bit. And somehow try to keep our minds with us."