Seeds Volume 3

by M. M. Kin

  Finally, Hades lifted his head and looked down at her. He was silent, but his expression remained open. His hand reached up to touch her cheek.

  “Persephone, this situation has come about because of the rashness of several people, myself included. None of it is your fault, and you do not deserve to be 'punished' for anything.”

  “So if I were to make certain requests – ones that I do not deem unreasonable – would you grant them?”

  “Certainly, love.”

  “Do you understand why I was so upset?”

  “Much as I hate to admit it... yes. I am sorry for ever hurting you. I might be a mighty god, but I am also a man in love. And for an old god like me, love was something completely new and unexpected. I could not bear losing you, so I did something foolish.” He hung his head in shame.

  “Oh, Aidon...” Persephone reached up to touch his face, feeling him lean his head into her hand. A quiet sigh escaped her throat as he pressed his lips to the inside of her wrist, gently grasping her forearm.

  With a quiet whoosh, a shade appeared before them. It spoke in its breezy, almost inaudible wispy voice. Hades frowned and nodded before sitting up, gently easing Persephone against one of his arms.

  “We have a visitor,” Hades muttered as he rose to his feet. “Hermes bears a message for both of us.”

  Persephone stared at him before he retreated to his bedchamber to get dressed, refusing to appear before guests as anything less than the mighty Lord of the Underworld.

  She took a moment to process the news. What would Hermes say when he saw her? What was it he had to tell her? The pomegranate seeds weighed heavily upon her memory, and she swallowed before she hastily retreated to her room to prepare for Hermes's reception.

  Chapter XLIV

  o0o

  “Hermes is fast, but it will take some time for him to travel through the Underworld and back,” Rhea said as she reached out towards her daughter. “Please come with me. There is something I need to tell you... and an apology is also owed.” Given the state of Demeter's mood, it was not surprising that the mention of an apology should catch her attention so quickly.

  As they waited for Hermes, Demeter let her mother lead her to a shaded place to sit. As she did, she stared off in the distance, thinking about what she would do or say if Kora had eaten the food of the dead. Such a thought sent her heart pounding in a fresh surge of panic, and she struggled to calm herself. It was no use thinking about that unless it happened, and she hoped that her warnings to Kora were heeded.

  “Demeter, I am truly sorry about everything that has happened. I did not mean to seem so uncaring before about your troubles. I did not fully understand the situation because Zeus would not talk about it to anybody at first.”

  “As if Zeus has ever been quick to admit his mistakes,” Demeter groused. Her mother smiled wryly.

  “That is no secret.” She reached out to pat her daughter's hand. “I know that our relationship has never been very close, but I want you to understand that I did try to find you. Your father... he was insidious in the use of his Gift. A few of my brothers and sisters helped me look for you, and we had to be careful lest he learn of our efforts. The magic used to hide you was devious indeed. I do not know how he did it, but he was always clever with his Gift. None of us understood the full extent of it.”

  “No one understands the extent of Hades's Gift, either.” Father had not been an easy adversary, and he had been the most formidable of all the Titans. His own brothers and allies feared him, for he had used his Gift in a cunning way to enhance his own strength. Even now, nobody was fully sure just what Kronos' Gift was, because it had never manifested itself in obvious ways like some of the abilities that other gods possessed. Logically, she knew that, but seeing her mother dote on Zeus sometimes brought up stirrings of fierce resentment.

  “I accept your apology. And no one could have predicted what Kronos would do.” It was cruelly ironic that the Titan who stood up against Ouranos because of the latter's tyranny should become a tyrant himself. Zeus couldn't be called one, but the mistakes he often made certainly had repercussions that could have been avoided with common sense. “Does this mean I can count on your support?”

  “Indeed.” Rhea bowed her head in acquiescence. “I know you are afraid that your daughter might have eaten some of the food of the dead. If she has, that does not mean that it's all over. A wrong has been committed, and Zeus must right it, however much it might cost him. I am not the only one who feels this way, and rest assured, if need be, the rest of the Olympians will lend their strength to your cause. Many of those who supported Zeus now regret it deeply. You have made your point, and we have all seen, heard, and felt it.” Rhea's tone was solemn.

  “But...” she continued, “Whether or not your daughter is able to come back immediately, this famine needs to stop. It has gone on long enough, and too many people have died already. There is not a god or mortal in Hellas who does not know your grief and wrath. End it now, for not only our sake, but your own.”

  Demeter took a deep breath. Inwardly, she knew that what she had done was wrong, to lash out at so many mortals. Her wrath had blinded her, and still did, to an extent. The more Zeus had tried to ignore her and avoid the situation, the hotter her rage burned. If she continued down this path, Hellas would be ruined. As it was, the country hovered on the brink of destruction.

  o0o

  The Lord of the Dead smiled in appreciation as his Queen approached him, clad in a black velvet gown with a minimal amount of silver jewelry on her head and wrists. She climbed up the few steps and seated herself in her throne, draping her right arm across the armrest. Her clothing was of a modest cut, but by the gods, she was still alluring, her gown revealing a glimpse here and there of her shoulders and arms, her shapely neck emerging from the folds of the black material.

  “Are you ready?” he said in a soft, playful voice. He had kept Hermes waiting while he took his time to prepare; a bit of waiting would be a needed experience even if it would be viewed as an ordeal by the younger god. Persephone nodded, and Hades lifted his hand. A shade led Hermes in, a warm cloak draped across his lean form, the wings on his sandals folded neatly against his ankles.

  Hermes approached the royal pair with increasing disbelief. This couldn't be Kora. It was impossible. This graceful, beautiful woman before him seemed almost alien. Her skin, having long lost its tan, was now as pale as cream, causing her dark hair and lips to stand out in sharp contrast. Right now, her eyes were dark, almost gray as she stared at him calmly, dressed in an elegant gown of black, diamonds glistening here and there. Though the gown obscured her cleavage, the curve of breast and hip was unmistakable. This was not the nymphet he had encountered... was it?

  “Welcome to the Underworld, Hermes. It is nice to see you again, though I wish the circumstances could have been better,” the woman on Hades's left said in a voice that was deeper but unmistakably familiar. So it was Demeter's daughter. But gosh! He quickly collected himself and bowed his head respectfully.

  “I bear a message from Zeus. If Demeter's daughter has not yet eaten the food of the dead, she must be sent back to the surface world immediately. He is very earnest to resolve this matter with Demeter.”

  Persephone tensed, knowing she was doomed. Hades nodded slowly, tapping his chin. Tightness wound around her throat and chest as it always did when she felt especially stressed out. She was about to turn to Hades with a questioning expression when his words cut through the silence.

  “She was adamant about not eating anything down here,” Hades stated, rising from his throne. “I will let her go back with you, but first I need a word with her. I must say my farewells.”

  “Uh... certainly.” Hermes stood there as Hades pulled her away from the messenger god. With a wave of his hand, a shadowy veil fell over the couple, swallowing up all sound so that he could speak as he wanted without his nosy nephew listening in. Had he excused himself to go to another room to speak to Persephone, Hade
s knew that Hermes would have just sneaked over to the door to listen. Having a private conversation with his wife in plain view was a small way of taunting the ever-inquisitive Hermes. Call it petty, but even the solemn god had to amuse himself at times.

  Hades turned so that his nephew saw his back, and took Persephone's hands into his. He knew that his statement had surprised her, but he was well aware of his wife's need, and what Demeter was doing above. The Lord of the Dead was an astute man, and knew that refusing to let Persephone go – however much she was bound to him – would be detrimental to the Goddess of Spring herself and the world above. He was not as selfish as Demeter was being right now.

  “Persephone, your fate is bound to mine now and forever, no matter what happens. I release you to go home to your mother and help her set things right. You can say your goodbyes to the surface world then. I give you this reprieve from your existence as my queen because I love you.” He smiled faintly, raising her hand and pressing his lips to the back of it. “I do hope that when you are asked questions, you will remember me as a kind master, and look forward to seeing me again.”

  Persephone nodded slowly, thinking of her life down here, all the opportunities and challenges, and with a man who loved her and vowed that he would be hers forever. “How much time do I have?”

  “Hm.” He frowned contemplatively, trying to think of what would be a reasonable amount of time. A week? A month? How long ago had he brought her down here? Goodness. It was already past mid-autumn, though on the surface, the early winter that had already settled into most parts of Hellas said otherwise. He was almost surprised at the passage of time, but then, time here in Dis had a different definition.

  “I will come for you on the winter solstice. Tell your mother what you will, and I will speak with her as needed. Whether or not she knows or approves, I will be back for you, and this time, if she tries to use her Gift again so destructively, I will personally intervene.”

  “Yes, my lord. Thank you. For giving me this opportunity.” Her pulse quickened as she thought of setting foot on the warm earth again, of feeling real sunshine on her skin, of the life that pulsed through the soil.

  “I love you,” Hades said as he looked down at her, his heart in his words. Persephone blinked back tears and looked down as he caressed the back of her hand with his thumb. “I will miss you more than anything, but I will be content in knowing that we can never be truly parted.” Demeter could do her damnedest to hide Persephone, but now with the unbreakable connection they shared, he could find her at any time.

  She reached up with her hands to grasp his shoulders, tugging at them. He bowed, feeling her lips press against his own, surprised at the passion he felt behind the kiss. He lifted his arms, wrapping them around her and hugging her close, already missing the warmth of her body.

  The Lord of the Dead had his back to Hermes, but through the shadow-barrier, the younger god could see them locked in a tight embrace.

  Persephone gently pulled away, and Hades dropped his arms as he dispelled his magic. He grabbed her hand before she could go to Hermes, and squeezed it. She looked back at him, seeing the sorrow and yearning in his eyes.

  “Goodbye, Aidon.” She squeezed back before she descended the steps.

  o0o

  Persephone led the way to the river Styx, Hermes following close behind her, keeping at her left side. He seemed at a loss of what to say, and she was glad for the silence. She could see the surprise in his face at her grown appearance, and wondered how Mother would react.

  When they arrived at the deck, Kharon did not turn her away from the boat, and in a surprising gesture, graciously helped her into it with great courtesy. She leaned against the side, staring at the churning eddies of onyx-tinted water. Hermes impatiently tapped his fingers against the seat, and she glanced at him. She could feel his nervous energy, and suspected that it was not entirely due to his impulsive nature. He didn't seem to like being down here, and his frequent glances at the other side of the riverbank revealed his eagerness to be out of this dark place.

  Not that she could blame him. She was finally to go back home after months! She could feel the quick beat of her pulse, and almost wished that Hades hadn't let her go, since it had been so unexpected. She was so excited, almost too excited.

  Once they reached the other side, Hermes practically leaped out of the boat and seemed about to reach for her as if he wanted to tug her along, but he controlled himself. Though Hades had quickly let his prisoner go without any argument, the Messenger God had the feeling that it wasn't over and that his uncle had something planned. But whatever it was, hey, Hermes would be no part of it. That way, Demeter couldn't blame him if something went wrong. It was one time where the young god was able to rein in his curiosity and silence his questions before they could be asked.

  “Come on, your mother is waiting for you.” He offered his hand to her as he located the opening in the rock that led to the surface world. She stared at the hand for a moment before taking it. As they climbed the winding steps, the glimmer of light at the top beckoned her and she focused on it, propelling herself towards it, barely noticing that Hermes had also picked up his speed.

  “Ah!” she gasped softly as she emerged from the opening. She was surrounded by hard, rocky ground, but it was still the world of the living, however dreary it was at the moment. She frowned as she stared up at the gray sky, feeling disappointed that there was no clear rays of sunlight to cheer her up. The ground looked frightfully barren, and she recalled her visions of a starving world.

  Even though the sky was cloudy, she still had to squint, her eyes adjusting to the light of the surface world.

  “Yeah, I always need a little time to adjust after going to Hades,” Hermes commented. She nodded.

  “... How have you been?” he asked tentatively. She shrugged.

  “I am doing well, thank you. I am sure everyone has their own theories about what happened to me down there, but I really am fine. I was never abused. You can say that to anyone who asks you.” Though she had only met a couple of other gods besides her immediate family, Hades's commentaries on their extended family gave her an idea of how to deal with them. “I would very much appreciate it if you repeat that like it is without adding any of your own twists to it or making things up.” Hades had warned her that the gods often exaggerated stories as they passed them on. As she said it, she stared at him levelly, her lips set in a tight line.

  “Your mother is at Olympus. I will take you there, but you do need to hold on,” he said as he extended his arm after a moment of silence. She seemed so calm and regal as she expressed herself. He wanted to tease her a little, like he often did around anyone else, but he found himself intimidated by her attitude.

  Persephone let him hook her arm around her waist, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he shot up into the air.

  The experience was more thrilling than terrifying for her, and she wondered if Hermes felt the same way every time he flew. The air was brisk, and she was glad she had brought her cloak with her. It matched her gown, the thick velvet keeping her warm as the air around them thinned.

  Mount Olympus came within view, and she saw that the dark stone was patch-worked with white and green around its peak and parts of the upper slopes, making for a sharp contrast to the dull colors of the blighted countryside. The buildings became clearer as they drew close, and their destination was a modest-looking house on the west side of the peak. He landed easily, his steps practiced as he made contact with the ground and gently eased her down.

  “Where are we?” Persephone asked as she took note of her surroundings. There were several comfortable-looking houses within view amidst well-maintained gardens.

  “Your mother wanted me to bring you to our grandmother's house, so...”

  “Kora!” Persephone's head snapped in the direction of her mother's cry, seeing Mother rushing towards her with her arms outstretched. Before she could respond, she found herself crushed within a bear hug.


  After several moments, Demeter finally, let go and placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders, her face awash with a mixture of joy and confusion. This was her daughter, doubtless. The bond that mother shared with child was a powerful one, especially for a woman who loved her child as fiercely as Demeter did her own, but within her embrace, Kora felt so different. She was considerably taller, and that was not the only physical attribute of her that had changed.

  Slowly, she released her daughter and took a step back to look. The girl – though this was hardly the form of a girl – was modestly clad in a soft black material that was exotic to Hellas. Only her head, neck, and hands were visible, and the older goddess frowned as she saw the smooth plane of her daughter's cheekbones and the slender hands. If Kora was here in the surface world, she must have starved in the Underworld, and it showed even with what little of her body was visible! That would soon be remedied, because this child was the offspring of the Goddess of Bounty! She would make all of her daughter's favorite foods and bring a healthy flush to that woefully pale skin.

  Her brother was not here, Demeter noted wryly. Good riddance, she would deal with him later. Right now she had to help her daughter recover from her ordeal in the Underworld!

  Demeter glanced at Hermes sharply. “Did Hades have anything to say?”

  “He said that she was very resistant against his attempts to feed her.”

  “Anything about me?”

  “Only that he never wanted to hurt you and had no malice in his heart.”

  Demeter scoffed at Hermes's statement. “Very well. I will be taking my leave now.”

  “What about Zeus?” Hermes asked. Surely Father would want to talk with the girl that was the source of all this trouble.