Hades and Persephone

Chapter 5: Truths, Lies, and Plans

"You have to be lying."

"We do not lie, Hades. We speak facts. No more, no less."

"There is no way that it is able to do that. Any of that."

"She, Hades. She."

"I did not ask for your opinion, Clotho." When her sister was about to reply he cut her off. "Or yours, Lachesis."

"Nor did we ask for yours, Lord Hades." Atropos sneered, his own title used to mock him. "We speak truths, not lies. We speak facts, not opinions." Her cold, dark, eyes softened into a worried expression. "No matter your opinion, she is a sweet girl. She is a kind girl. Keep that in mind when you go to Helorus next."

Hades paced around his study, ignoring the ever-growing stack of scrolls. There was no way that- that- that thing could be called a girl. It was a mockery to life. It was a mockery to mortals and gods alike. She- it- was an abomination that should never have existed.

Yet, She- it- did. And he had seen it up close. He had played dice with it. Drank with it. He refused to talk with her, half afraid he would be discovered and half afraid of what he himself would say.

And then Hermes- Styx, that idiot- talked to it. Made nice with it. Was going to lie for her- it! Sure, she- it- hadn't done anything to warrant harsh judgement. But, that was only a matter of time.

Right?

Hades sighed, the natural judge in him taking over. Persephone had caused no one harm, yet, and had committed no crimes, yet. The only thing he could do was keep an eye on it- on her- ugh!

Why couldn't Hermes deliver his damned messages faster?

*****

Zeus finally resigned himself to the throne room to sit and relax. His assigning of fates was not complete- it never was- but his back ached and his neck was strained. He had been hunched over for far too long. Had he not been standing the entire time he would have paced and stretched to remove the pain. Instead Hebe, his daughter, massaged his neck and shoulders.

"Mail call!" Hermes sang. Zeus cringed upon hearing his tone-deaf son. The young god came in through the doors- for once- and skidded to a halt. Ash clung to every part of him; tunic, hair, and all. It fell with every step leaving a gray trail behind him.

"One message from the underworld, Milord."

"Please, Hermes, just act normal for once."

"Now where would the fun in that be?"

Zeus took the folded note from him and shook it clean. His son flew around his head like a gnat, trying his best to see the contents. "What's it say?" Zeus shifted to cover the letter only for Hermes to move with him. "What's it say? Huh? Huh?"

"Hermes I will throw you to Hera if you continue this."

"Oh, you know she loves me!"

"Why, I have no idea," he mumbled.

"But," Hermes pouted. "If it's that important then I won't." He turned his back, feigning betrayal. His father ignored the exaggerated sniffling.

Zeus sighed, finally able to read the note from his brother.

Zeus-

Hecate too.

Keep them busy.

Morning.

- H

"Hermes."