The Enchanted Forest

I Grant you Death

      Minnie Adiv sighed with her headphones in her ears and staring out the car window, ignoring the world around her. Her father, Nicholas, and her mother, Jessica, had both planned a trip to visit Minnie's younger brother, Keith Adiv. He was currently living with a neighborhood friend to Grandma Shire up in the Northern City. Her youngest sister, Erin Adiv, was excited that we were going up to see Grandmother again in such a short time. They had visited previously this year around Christmas time, that's when Keith started living with Dov Gaines. Now their mother and father were bringing up his belongings.
    There's a large forest by the city limits and Keith keeps calling to tell everyone of the bizarre stuff that's happened in the forest. Minnie never believed a word of it. Keith just finally snapped from to many horror movies. However, she did want to check the forest out. Minnie's never really been around so much greenery. By her own small town there is a dead wasteland which was always morbidly amusing. Most of the people in her town are dark and twisted, whether they look like it or not. Minnie always believed the Deadlands affected the mentality of the people in the small town. Grandma Shire's even commented that Minnie's mother is more forceful then she used to be since she's lived in the small town. Her father's always had a screw loose and Erin loved to play with swords and knifes of all types.
    Minnie was twisted in a different way. She wasn't suicidal but she wished for death to knock on her door. Her parents were rich before they had Minnie, but after she was born they hit a major hole and went deep into debt. Keith had always gotten into fights at school on the days Minnie went to pick him up. Erin had always had accidents with the sword Minnie had bought her but the other swords had never given her ill luck. Any friends she made either had fights, bad break ups, and even died. Minnie was a walking bad luck charm and she hated it.
    So Minnie decided to keep to herself. To keep separate from the world until the day she dies. However, every day that passes becomes more and more painful. If this keeps up she just might turn suicidal. The thought wasn't appealing to her in the least.
    “Okay girls, we're here.” Jessica said with a smile while stepping out of the car. 
    Erin laughed and jumped out with Keith's Mickey Malice doll in her hand. She slammed the door shut and ran to glomp Nana Shire, who was already standing in the drive way. Keith and Dov were standing next to her. 
    Minnie sighed and grit her teeth. Here we go.
    Getting out of the car she walked up to Nana Shire and hugged her lightly then let go but Nana Shire wasn't having any of that, “You kids are to anti-social these days. Come here!” 
    Nana Shire pulled her into a bear hug that almost crushed her ribs, “Ow! Nana!”
    Her grandmother laughed, “Hahaha! That's the spirit!” she released her and then went to talk to her son-in-law.
    Minnie saw Erin having a conversation with Keith. He was kneeling down and smoothing her hair as Erin cried, “I'm still going to keep in touch. Erin, don't cry. Come on.” 
    Dov patted her on the head, his white hair blending in with the snow perfectly and his soft gray eyes glowing. “You can visit him in the summer. I'll pay for your way up here, how's that sound?”
    Erin's eyes turned wide as she hugged Dov around his legs, “Thank you!”
    Keith smiled and kissed Erin's cheek, “You keep the Mickey Malice doll when I'm not there, kay?”
    “Yep!” Erin said with a bright smile.
    Minnie walked up to him, “Hi.”
    Keith looked up at her, “Hey, Minnie. Like having your own room?”
    She shrugged, “It's quiet without Erin bugging me about monsters in the closet but your room is pretty snug so I don't mind.”
    Keith laughed, “I knew you'd say that.”
    Minnie let out a soft “heh” and walked into Nana Shire's house to her usual guest room. Unpacking her stuff, she jumped slightly when Erin barged into the bedroom holding her Iron Maiden sword, “Are we still on for tonight?”
    “Yes, just keep it down! If they know we're heading to the Forest, we'll probably be toast.” Minnie said while holding a finger to her lips.
    “I like toast!!” Erin said with enthusiasm.    
    “You wanna be eaten?” Minnie asked.
    Erin seemed to think about it for a minute and then sucked in her breath before saying, “No.”
    “Didn't think so.”
------------------That Night-------------------
    Minnie and Erin were decked out in black skin tight clothing to blend in with the night. Erin had the Iron Maiden strapped onto her belt whereas Minnie was carrying a large dagger and a crossbow. Minnie swore to keep and eye on Erin, she was her little sister after all and a ten year old really shouldn't be unguarded no matter how tough she is. 
    Erin started humming the tune to “Secret Agent Man” as they sneaked along the side of the house and headed down the road for the forest while sticking to the shadows. Minnie face palmed. She was just so odd.
    Luckily, Nana Shire's house was closer to the Forest and not on the other side of the City. It took about only ten minutes to get there by foot. Minnie kept Erin behind her, “Stay behind me. Okay?”
    Erin nodded her head. She wasn't about to argue. The forest was creepy at night! Minnie started to head in first with Erin stuck right to her side. Minnie sighed in aggravation, maybe it was a bad idea to bring Erin along after all. They explored the forest for a few hours before Minnie's watch beeped. Looking at it, she sighed and noticed Erin yawning.
    “Alright, it's four in the morning and we aren't finding anything. We'll set up camp and then we can leave when it's light out so we don't get anymore lost then we already are.” Minnie said, setting Erin down on a nearby rock.
    Erin could only nod her head once she was so exhausted. Minnie brushed Erin's bangs from her face, “You really are adorable.”
    Minnie left to find a few extra supplies like fire wood and such until she heard Erin screaming. “What the hell?!”
    Running back she found a large fire breathing dog lumbering over Erin, who is by far to tired to fight back.
    “First mythical creature and it wants to eat my sister! Not today, pal!” Aiming the  crossbow at the beast she let fly an electrically charged arrow. The things one can find on e-bay!
    The beast whined until it sneezed then turned to look at Minnie breathing smoke through it's nose. Then it charged her. Minnie, surprisingly, wasn't scared. Instead she was excited. Dodging, she whipped out her large dagger and rammed it into the monsters stomach. It howled and tried to bite her but Minnie was underneath him which made it impossible.
    The dog was pissed. It flared fire from it's mouth singeing both it's belly fur and Minnie at the same time. Minnie couldn't believe it! She was going to die! 
    “Yo, brat, go home.”
    The voice was barely audible but the words were clear. Soon after, a spray of blood coated her as the dog's head was lobbed clean off. The one responsible was a man. He was very tall, and well built; his hair was a glossy gray and his skin a porcelain pale; he wore iron chain mail and had silver leggins with a iron colored tunic; His hands were covered by Iron gloves which also covered claws and his feet were also covered in the same material. He wore a large blood red cape with Onyx shoulder pads sporting Titanium wings; but what struck her most was his piercing Turquoise eyes...... which were pissed. 
    But not nearly as pissed as she was.... “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!”
    “You're one to talk, Death Seeker. Did you really think Erin would want to see you die for her? Dumb ass.” The man scoffed.
    Minnie seethed at the insult then blanched, “How do you know Erin's name?”
    “Ha! I know the Adiv family. Between you and Keith and Erin who come to the Deadlands from you small town almost every day. How can I not know you.” He looked mildly amused but the anger was still apparent in his eyes. 
    Then it hit her, “ERIN! Where did she go?!” Minnie turned where she was standing looking for her baby sister.
    “Relax! I sent her home. More like forced her home.” He started to walk off.
    Minnie stared at this man, why the hell are you helping me? Suddenly, he stopped and looked back at her.
    “Are you coming?”
    Minnie was momentarily confused, “What?”
    “You. Are you coming with me or not?” He asked irritably.
    Minnie sputtered in disbelief, “W-what?! I don't even know you? Yet you know me! Do you know how suspicious that sounds? Not only that you clearly stepped in where you weren't wanted! I don't know your name, or address, or your-”
    “Hades.”
    Minnie stopped mid-sentence, “Beg your pardon?”
    “My name. Hades Thanatos. Use it.” 
    “Hades? Like, God of the Dead, Hades? That one?” Minnie usually wouldn't but into bull crap but after being attacked by a fire breathing dog perhaps it was true. Maybe the dog was Cerberus but Minnie could've sworn Cerberus had three heads. 
    Hades scratched his head. He was getting irritated with this damn human. Her blue-gray hair definitely came from her father and her brown eyes, too; the black clothes she wore clung to a slender body with a developed chest; her skin was creamy and her lips plump; she only reached his shoulders in height. However, she wore an expression of defeat. Something she's had since she was small. 
    Hades remembered the first time Minnie came to the Deadlands, she was in tears. Wanting to console her for no reason what's so ever except the fact he was bored he sent out Darcie to play with her. Minnie started coming every day after that just to play with the young Reaper. They were about the same age and Hades felt a slight stirring of happiness watching his would be daughter and the human enjoying themselves. However, Darcie's Reaper training had started and she wasn't able to meet up with Minnie anymore. The day Minnie came back and realized that Darcie was gone she cried once more but then stopped. 
    However, when Hades could see her eyes from his Dead Sphere, they were empty. Void of emotion. As if her conscious had been shattered. Hades never could forgive himself for that. He's the main reason she became a death seeker. It wasn't until later he realized she carried the birth of Bad Luck. She must have had many people encounter misfortune because of her and no doubt thought the same had happened to Darcie. He should have never intervened. But he couldn't help it.
    “Well, hurry up! Before another one comes back.” Hades growled.
    Minnie was stunned, “Another dog? Then I'm staying here.”
    Hades had given up. Walking up the her, he grasped her wrist roughly. The Iron of his gloves cutting into her flesh, “Listen up, stupid. Those are Hell Hounds. They were sent  for her for god knows what. They won't just kill you. They'll probably take you back to whoever sent them. Hell Hounds are not their own Masters. They are Search Dogs. Your sister left and she'll probably blame herself if you get hurt. You seek Death so you will no longer harm anyone but if you die this way you'll end up causing your little sister pain for the rest of her life.” His tone was harsh and his eyes were hard.
    He was right, Minnie's eyes teared up only slightly as she glared at him, “Damn bastard.”
    He began to drag her off with him, “Good. Glad you got my point.”
    By morning's light they had entered a land Minnie knew well. “Wait! It takes eight hours to drive to the city but it only took us two hours to walk back! That doesn't make sense!”
    Hades laughed, “In case you haven't noticed, we're not walking.”
    Minnie looked down to see her feet gliding the air. “How...?”
    The Lord of the Deadlands gave her a lecherous smirk, “I'm not human.”
    “NO SHIT SHERLOCK! I meant how didn't I notice?” 
    “Oh, you were utterly tired so I decided to cast a drowsy spell on you until you were able to forget everything and just relax.” Hades sighed, “It was working until that offensive yellow ball in the sky rose above the trees.”
    Minnie thought about that for a moment. Now that he mention it, she didn't remember much of their trip except the trees blurring past her. Amazing, really.
    Hades allowed her feet to drop to the ground as he walked toward large iron gates with a dangerous lope in his strides. Apparently, this was his home because he was dominating it like a mother fucker. He looked back and gave her a look that told her to follow him or else. She wondered what “What else” would be but decided not to test it. He still looked cranky.    
    Minnie sprinted up to his side until they walked inside a large and grand hall. Decorated with dark skulls, Iron chains, and bloodied swords it was creepy but it was also beautiful. The Grand Stairs were made of black marble and the dark red carpet spun before them was soft and plush.
    “Darcie! Come here, now!” Hades barked the command so loudly that it made Minnie jump.
    A young woman with black sable hair, gray horns, pale gray skin, black lips, dainty hands, a black dress, and steel gray eyes appeared before them. It was a girl Minnie knew well, “Darcie?” she took a hesitant step forward.
    Darcie looked shocked as her child hood friend stood before her, “Oh! Minnie! Wow, you're tall!”
    Minnie ran to Darcie and wrapped her arms around the woman. Tears leaked from her eyes as she hugged Darcie close afraid she would disappear again. Darcie looked stunned but hugged Minnie back while rubbing her hair. She glared at Hades, “What did you do to her?”
    Hades sputtered, “Oh, your welcome! See if I bring your friends home, again!” Then stalked off down the opposite hall, ungrateful brat.
    Minnie shook her head, “No, no, it wasn't him. It's just.... I thought.... Oh, never mind! I'm just happy your doing okay!” Then she buried her head into Darcie's dress.
    Darcie sighed, “It's been a decade since I last saw you and I'm sorry. I keep forgetting time passes by differently for humans. To me it hasn't been that long. I'm really sorry.”
    “Oh,” Minnie sniffed back her tears, “Sorry, I got your dress wet.”
    Darcie laughed, “That's okay. I have a few more. So why are you here, did something happen?”
    So Minnie began to tell Darcie of her recent adventure in the Forest and Darcie looked like she wanted to laugh but she did her best to hold it in til the end. Then she damn near died. 
    “I don't think it's funny...” Minnie muttered looking to the wall with her lips pursed   together.
    “I-I....ah haha! I'm sorry... Forgive me... it's just, hahahaha, I didn't think you'd be so clueless! Ha!” Darcie was wiping tears from her eyes as she continued to laugh.
    Hades came into the foyer and tossed Minnie a blanket and pillow, “You can bunk with Darcie. I need to settle something.”
    “I can't stay here! I need to get back to Nana Shire's!” Minnie shouted.
    Hades glared hard but Darcie stepped in front of her, “I'll handle this, Papa. She doesn't respond well to commands.”  
    Hades softened and smoothed out Darcie's hair. He loved it whenever she called him papa. Without a word he walked off, his bright red cloak flaring around him. Hades couldn't believe how stubborn Minnie was being. But more importantly, Hades had to figure out who sent out the Hell Hound. Urte Ambrose was sealed up. Khaos Drestier didn't bother with the dogs, he likes to hunt himself. Who else would release a hell hound to search for a human? He needed to talk to Amati.... and fast.
    Darcie turned to look at Minnie who was still stewing in anger, “Why'd you say that?”
    Darcie put her hands in front of her face as if praying and then bowed, “Sorry, but I didn't want him to lose his temper.”
    Minnie smirked, “Uh-huh, sure. Admit it, you think I'm stubborn.”
    Darcie laughed and wrapped her arm around her shoulders before walking up the staircase, “Oh yes. So stubborn, you make me want to pull out my horns.”
    Minnie laughed as she followed along with Darcie. When they entered Darice's room on the fifth floor Minnie's mouth dropped open. Her room was plush with silks and satins of red, black, and silver. There were several pillow on her bed and her bed was about a king size. The carpet on the floor held the Chinese symbol for Death and her couch was also decorated with stuffed animals. 
    Darcie popped her hand under Minnie's chin, “Stop gaping.” 
    “Sorry.” Then she looked from the bed to her own pillow, “I don't really need a pillow, do I?”
    “Nope. Papa just does that to seem nice.” Darcie said with a wink.
    “Is he really your father?” Minnie asked, what she thought to be, a simple question.
    Darcie's face fell, “No, my mother was an evil spirit and my father was Hades' last Grim Reaper. Father died of a war between Khaos Drestier and his brother Forester and mother was so upset she cursed Khaos into a temporary confinement which also spent her own life force. Since papa was Hades' Grim Reaper, Hades came to me and my older sister Theresa and said, “Since you lost your father because of me, I'll be your new daddy.” He really is nicer then he looks.
    Minnie's heart throbbed at that as she hugged Darcie. Without thinking, Darcie wrapped her arms around Minnie and started to softly sob. Minnie couldn't help but smile. So Hades was a sweetheart after all. Who knew?
    “What do you want, Hades?” The Elven Lord looked pissed to be disturbed.
    Hades glared at him, “Oh shut up. I have a question. Just this past fall, you had mentioned that a Hell Hound went after a Human Teenager, correct? Urte had sent it right?”
    Amati nodded, “Yes.”
    “But she's trapped in an Urn now?”
    “Yes.”
    Hades sighed, “Another Hell Hound was sent after two Humans last night, one a teenager the other a child.”
    Amati looked shocked, “What?”
    “You heard me.”
    Amati cursed, “Urte said she wasn't alone. Perhaps this is the other power. It can't be the human male of the village though. He's dead. Someone we don't know yet? We can't let this continue. We need a seer.”
    Hades spat on the ground just in front of his feet, an old Deadland gesture for displeasure or disgrace, “Then do it on your turf, I won't have a clairvoyant on my land. They muck up the air. They're also untrustworthy. Especially with a birth of Bad Luck around.”
    “You have one here?” Amati was stunned.
    “The Human Teenager.” Hades looked to the side.
    “Fine, I'll talk to a seer and then let you know what I dig up.”
    Hades bowed his head, “Thank you.”
----------------That Evening------------------
    Minnie was enraptured by nightmares. They were getting worse until she finally had to force herself awake. Sitting up to breathe, she looked around the room to make sure she was safe. She looked down and realized Darcie was still asleep. Minnie didn't feel like bothering her. Rising she decided to find Hades. It was the only other person she knew in this giant palace. Although he'd probably yell at her and called her childish but it was better then being alone.    
    Leaving Darcie's room, Minnie wandered about aimlessly but she was utterly lost. A tiny ghoul no bigger then her foreleg came up to her and tugged on her black slacks. She looked down and smiled softly. The demon was actually kind of cute. She crouched down to be a little more even with the little guy.
    “Pardon me, Mr. Ghoul, but would you happen to know where your Lord sleeps?” Minnie asked in a sweet voice.
    The ghoul beamed at being asked a question and eagerly agreed to help her. He led her down a few halls and up four more flights of stairs until she came upon giant titanium doors with huge iron chains. The Ghoul swung it's tiny arm and the chains vanished.
    “Thank you! Make sure to lock the door when I go inside so no one suspects something. I don't want you to get in trouble on my behalf.” Minnie patted it's head and it jumped up and down very excitedly.
    Once she slipped inside and shut the door behind her, she wrapped her arms around herself. It was freezing in here! 
    She turned to see Hades sleeping on his giant black bed. The room was made of        blacks and grays with Iron and steel everywhere. The bed had a blood red canopy over it and he lay in his bed his chest and lower left hip barred as his arms were poised above his head. Minnie blushed as she realized he was completely naked and really buff. He was....... he was hot!!! One couldn't really tell with all that armor everywhere so when it all came off he was a smexy god through and through. 
    Walking over to the mattress she sat on the floor which was as cold as ice and tucked her arms in front of her on the mattress. She rested her head the her arms and relaxed as Hades cool fresh breath fanned her face.
    “I wonder.... if you could kill me?” It was really just a silent question. There wasn't suppose to be a response so when he did respond is spooked the hell out of her.
    “Is that what you wish?” The deep rumble of his voice was thick with sleep as one eye opened to meet her startled face.
    Minnie looked down, “Well, um,” then she met his gaze evenly, “Yes.”
    Hades sat up in the mattress. The blanket falling even lower until he could stared down at her with cold and harsh eyes, “Why?”
    “I... I only bring misfortune to others be it directly or indirectly. I can't stand it.” Minnie didn't feel like taking the time to explain everything. She was just too exhausted of it all. Hades lifted her up and tucked her in his sheets. Minnie blushed as she felt his cock brush against her hip.
    “Uh...”
    “Shut up. It freezes in her over night and for a human you could die of frost bite.” Hades mumbled but nonetheless snuggled down while wrapping his arms around her smaller body.  
    Minnie had to admit he was a lot warmer then the floor and found herself drifting into a dreamless sleep which was perfect.
-------------Two Days Later-----------
    Amati and Hades looked ticked as they reviewed what the Seer said. They looked it over once more.
    “The one who is close yet further away is the one you seek to cast away. Through Hounds of Hell and misdeeds untold, she'll find a way to allow chaos unfold.”
    Hades just turned more pissed then he was the first time he read it. Minnie stared between Hades and Amati who Minnie learned was the Elven Lord. She almost started laughing when their faces just turned more and more angered.
    Darcie's older sister, Theresa, spoke up before Minnie lost her control. “Boys, it's not going to change the more you read it. That's all you get.”
    Hades threw the orb on the floor and it shattered, “What the fuck does that mean? See this is why I don't trust Seer's! Just a bunch of mumbo jumbo bull shit!” 
    Amati ran his hand through his hair, “Well it's all we had. What do you suggest we do.”
    Minnie raised her hand but suddenly shrank as Hades, Amati, Theresa, Darcie, and even Silvanus, the Incubus Lord, and Shneur, The Wolven Lord all looked at her. It was hard to speak but Darcie squeezed her hand which meant a lot to Minnie.
    “Uh, well, ahem. The one who is Close yet Further away. That would probably lead to the Northern Forest right? I mean it's closer to culture and creatures of the Deadlands then the eastern or western side but the distance is farther then the Eastern or Western Border. Um as for the... the second part, umm it would probably be someone who sends out the Hell Hounds for a power source to completely release Khaos.... whoever that guy was. See, misdeed untold... she's uhm, pretending to be on our side so it's a traitor, she's doing bad deeds that no one knows about hence the “Untold” part......” The more Minnie explained the quieter she became until she fell silent but when Darcie laughed she turned bright red.
    “Minnie's smarter then a room full of powerful, Immortal, beings who are centuries older then her! This is wonderful!” Then Darcie hugged Minnie, “I'm so glad we're friends!”
    Minnie wanted to crawl in a hole for embarrassing the Lord's! All she wanted to do was help! Silvanus rested a hand on her shoulder, “Thank you. Any more brain storming sessions and I think I would cry.”
    Amati laughed, “Damn! You know I really hate humans but some of you aren't half bad.”
    Shneur growled, “You suck at giving out compliments, Elf.”
    “Like you're any better!” Theresa said with a laugh.
    Minnie felt a bit better. She was glad they were so easy to get on well with. Hades was silent as he continued to stare at Minnie. He couldn't believe the brilliant mind she had and yet she wanted to die and waste all of it. Damn brat...
    “ooo....elllooooo.... HELLLOOOOO!!! EARTH TO HADES!” Silvanus yelled waving a hand in front of his face.
    “What the hell do you want?!” Hades barked.
    Shneur smirked, “Keep staring at her like that and I'll start to think you've got a thing for her.”
    “Shut up! What do we do about this traitor?!” Hades switched topics quickly.    
    Minnie sighed, she should have known that this would happen. Honestly she a human and he a god. What's the point of getting upset over it. Standing up, she walked off briskly back to Darcie's room uttering the words “stomach ache”, Darcie chased after her.
    Hades was confused until Theresa smacked him upside the head, “Your social skills suck ass, Dad!”
    Amati laughed yet again, “And I thought I was bad.”
    Hades just glared, “What on earth...?”
    Silvanus sighed and wrapped his arms around Hades shoulders, “Hades, I think we should talk.” 
    He started walking off with Hades in tow who was cursing him, “What are you doing? Hey?! What is going on?!”
    Amati shook his head, “He's growin' up so fast.” He pretended to sniff back his tears. 
    Theresa laughed, “Considering we all have wives so to speak it makes sense that he doesn't get it.”
    Hazelle kicked her in the leg, “That's for leaving without me!”
    Theresa looked down and smirked, “Speaking of being in trouble!”
    Hazelle squeaked and ran off with Theresa hot on her trails.
    Minnie actually never left for the bedroom. She was now wandering the Deadlands without a specific destination in mind. That's when another Hell Hound appeared. Minnie, however wasn't afraid. She walked up to it as it growled in warning but she reached out a hand to pet the muzzle. The Hell Hound was shocked.
    “You were outside the palace this whole time waiting for me, weren't you? Your mistress probably becomes angry when you don't finish your mission. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.”
    The Hell Hound nuzzled her in gratitude. “Yes, yes, you're a good boy.”
    Silvanus smiled, “Do you understand?”
    “So I upset her?” Hades groaned, “Why are females so difficult.”
    “Well, that's what makes them unique.” The Incubus shrugged.
    Hades was just about to comment that his life mate was a man when Darcie burst in through the room. “She's not there! I went in and she's not there! It's empty! I searched! No trace! Gone like smoke! On no! It's my fault! If I just watched her more closely!”
    Hades flashed in front of her instantly, “Calm down, Darcie. Who's gone?”
    “Minnie!”
    Hades snapped, “I told her to stay inside!” His armor of death had appeared as his eyes flared with anger and he drew his Corpse Blade and strolled for the palace grounds. Darcie followed after him.
    “How would you know if she went outside?! You can't be sure! Father, please!”
    Hades back handed her, “You be silent.”
    Theresa flashed to Darcie's side and lifted her head in her hand while putting a finger to her mouth. “But!”
    Theresa grasped her shoulders, “No! Darcie he's too angry! Remember he almost killed you once before. He hates being disobeyed.” 
    Shneur growled as he ran up to the two Reapers. “It's not the human he's mad at.”
    “What?”
    “There's a Hell Hound on the grounds.” The minute the words left the Wolven's mouth, a giant Hell Hound broke through the doors to the Palace.
    “Pretty bold to challenge the Lord of the Deadlands, with a Reaper and three other Lords on his own home soil. Don't you think?” Shneur said while baring his teeth. 
    “Don't speak with a dead dog. There is no point.” Hades came out from underneath and that's when they all noticed that the Hell Hound had already been slain.
    “Damn your good.” Shneur muttered.
    Minnie came out from behind Hades but she was quiet. Hades turned to Minnie with fury clear in his gaze. “I said to stay inside.”
    “I did.”
    “You just left.”
    “You never said how long I had to stay inside for.”
    “So you go out to get a breath of air?”
    “I went out to die.”
    Hades' eyes lost their glow as his expression turned solemn and stern, but Minnie saw sadness deep within. Drawing his Corpse blade, his hair began to rise and flow around him and he glowed of death, he looked her straight in her eyes, “Very well. I shall grant you death. Do not regret this.” 
    Theresa stiffened while Darcie shook her head hard with her hands pressed against her  ears and her eyes squeezed shut as if trying to wake up from a harsh Nightmare. Shneur growled. Silvanus and Amati appeared and Amati was going to intervene but Silvanus held him back. 
    Hades' closed his eyes in a moments hesitation before he stabbed her clean through the heart. Minnie coughed up blood as she clutched the metal in her chest. She collapsed on the cold stone floor her eyes barren of Life's Light. Darcie sobbed before she broke Theresa's hold and ran up to Minnie.
    “NOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!” Then she spat at Hades feet which caused everyone except for Hades to stiffen. “You bastard! How could you! She was my best friend!!! You bring her home just so you can kill her! I HATE YOU!!!!!!!! DIE!” Darcie buried her head in Minnie's hair as she clung to her childhood friend.
    Hades removed the sword which allowed the blood to flow freely then walked off without saying a single word. He looked no one in the eye and no one tried to stop him.  Darcie cried harder as she realized what she had just said to her father but she didn't care. How dare he?!
    Hades slammed the door to his room before he leaned his forehead against it. He granted the girl her only wish. Whether others hate him or not is their problem but soon Minnie would hate him even more then anyone else and for some reason that hurt more then anything in the world. Blood colored tears slid down his cheek as he waited for the hatred to begin.
    Minnie was swimming in a pool of darkness until she heard crying. No don't cry... I'm okay. Actually, I'm happy. So please smile. Please.
    Minnie thought that she was reaching in her mind but her hand actually reached up and touch Darcie's face. Darcie gasped and she looked at Minnie. “Omaigosh, what the hell is going on.”
    Minnie was just as confused as Darcie. Colors were sharp and sounds were piercing. Was she dead? She didn't feel a heart beat and she realized that she wasn't breathing but she was clearly alert.
    “I'm alive?”
    Theresa smiled before laughing, “That old bastard. He took your soul. You're dead as dead can be. But you're still here.”
    Minnie seethed, “That little Cheat! How could he do this?!”
    Darcie blanched, “Wait you really wanted to die?”
    “DUH!~ that's the point of being a Death Seeker.”
    Silvanus came up and slapped Minnie lightly across the face. Darcie hissed and went to bite his hand but Theresa held her back.
    “How dare you?! You would ask Hades to take your life when he's loved you all this time? Harsh sow that you are, would dare to ask such a thing?!” Silvanus roared.
    Hades came out then. Launching himself at Silvanus and landing a solid punch on the Incubus's face. “Do not insult her, Incubus!”
    His face was one of pure animalistic anger as he looked about ready to tear out the Incubus' throat. Minnie got up and wobbled a bit before she stumbled over and collapsed onto Hades' back and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “No... don't... too loud.”
    Hades softened almost instantly and lifted her up to cradle her in his arms. Minnie smiled and hugged him but Hades was stunned. Her smile lit up her whole face.
    “Um, sorry, I had no idea how strongly you felt.” Minnie said awkwardly as she rubbed her thumb over his blood, tear stained face.
    Hades kissed her softly and Minnie laughed in the kiss. He pulled back, “Did I screw up?”
    Minnie shook her head, “I'm just wondering how to tell Nana Shire I'm in love with the Lord of the Deadlands.”
    “We should probably bring you home.”
    Minnie smiled a bit wider, “Okay. Erin's probably worried anyway.”
------------------- Two Hours Later ---------------------
    “So, yeah, that's what happened.” Minnie fidgeted with the black clothes.
    Erin's eyes teared up before she ran to her older sister, “ERIN IS SORRY!!!!” She was bawling her little heart out.
    Minnie crouched down and hugged her, “No, no, it's not your fault.” She kissed Erin's forehead.
    Erin nodded, sniffed back her tears, then ran over to Hades and kicked him in the shin. “Ouch!”
    Then she hugged his leg, “That was for taking her away and this is for bringing her back!”
    Hades felt awkward by the fondness displayed by the young human but couldn't help but feel a soft spot for her and patted her head.
    Just then Keith started laughing.
    Nicholas pinched his ear, “Not funny, your sister could have died!”
    “No! Not that! I just think... uh, Hades looks kind of out of place in the house and I think he realizes.”
    Hades cursed, the human was right. This armor did not match the wooden cabin he was currently standing in. Minnie wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head on his chest. “I think he's fine.”
    Nana Shire smiled, “He's more than fine, he's hot.”
    Hades actually blushed at the old woman's bold statement.
    “Mother!”
    She patted Jessica on the head, “Oh hush you, I ain't dead yet. Speaking of dead! You there, Dead Lord. My husband is being tortured, correct?”
    Hades was stunned this old lady had the galls to address him so informally.  “U-uh, his name?” Was that a stutter? What the fuck was that?! What is he a teenaged human meeting his girlfriend's parents for the first time?! Jeez!
    “Jacobson Shire.” 
    Hades nodded, “Yes. Infidelity and adultery.” 
    “I knew that old bastard was a cheating floozie! I should have tossed him out!” Then she walked up to Hades and grabbed his hand. Minnie hid a snicker as her Grandmother tugged Hades into the house. He looked like a lost child and was utterly confused. Nana Shire had that effect on people.
    “Now then, first we get you into some decent clothes and then we can all eat for Thanksgiving. Come now, don't make that face!” Nana Shire lightly tapped the side of Hades' face, “Deadly armor is no good for a holiday feast with family.” She started throwing all sorts of clothing at him until a he was buried in it.
    “Go on! Try them on! Minnie, Keith, Erin! Come help me set the table! Dov go get an extra chair, plate, knife, fork, spoon, and then make room for it! Nicholas continue cooking the Turkey and I'll be there to help Jessica cook the rest in a bit! On your mark get set go!” Nana Shire took off for the kitchen. Hades had to say it's the first time he's seen an old woman have invisible rocket boosters attached to her legs.
    Minnie Kissed Hades on the Cheek, “Hurry up before Nana Shire beats you with a broom. She's not afraid of a Mythical Lord. Trust me.” Then Minnie, Keith, and Erin took off after Nana Shire.
    Hades grumbled, “She ought to be.”
    Dov laughed, “She actually grows on you after a while. Dov Gaines by the way.” He held a hand out to him and Hades shook it.
    “Uh?”
    “Oh, Keith and I are lovers.”
    Then Dov walked off to get the extra chair. Hades stared at his hand, everyone is just so accepting of him. Was it because of their grandmother? Were all humans like this? No... they weren't. He's remembered countless humans who peed their pants before he even spoke to them. This family amused him. With a light smirk he started to change before a spoon flew at him. He ducked before it hit his face. 
    “Not here! Bedroom, upstairs! Let's go! Move it, move it!!” Nana Shire was swinging a broom at him as he grabbed the clothes and flashed upstairs.
    “Crazy old woman.” Hades muttered.
    The door opened and a broom swatted him in the face. “NO FLASHING! Use your legs, you got two!” she stated while tapping the back of his calves with the broom stick.
    And then she left the room. Hades spat out the broom parts that got in his mouth, “Damn! She's fucking nuts!”
    Once he changed into a black turtle neck sweater, a pair of dark blue jeans, and dark gray socks, he headed downstairs and saw a few new people in the living room. Minnie introduced them, “This is my Aunt Doralice, her oldest daughter, Mavis Odelle, she's ten years old, then there is, Piuta Odelle, she's only eight, and the youngest Negina Odelle, she's five years old. Where's Uncle Richard?”
    Doralice was the spiting image of her mother but a lot younger, “Forget that bastard. He tried to rape your little brother so we divorced last summer.”
    “Oh.... wait.... what? What?! WHAT?! HE TRIED TO WHAT?!” Minnie hollered then went to go find Keith to kick him in the balls for not telling her.
    Negina and Piuta tugged on Hades' hand. They were just as tiny as Erin. Mavis who was the same age as Erin was trying to scold her little sisters for bugging Hades but he merely laughed and said it was alright.
    Erin came out and was bragging to Mavis about Hades who stared in wonder while listening to the stories. With this many children around it's a wonder anyone kept any sanity around. The adults were all busy doing other stuff though, so who...?
    Keith came out with a game console and Dov hooked it up while Minnie grabbed Erin and Mavis' hands, “Hades could you bring the other two and follow me?”
    “Huh? Oh, yeah sure.” Lifting them with ease he followed after Minnie as instructed. Piuta and Negina thought it was amazing that he could lift both of them so easily, “WOAH! You gots to be like..... superman.... right?! You just gots to be!” Piuta said in wonder.
    Negina was quieter and just smiled at him as he carried her.
    Keith looked like a loving mother himself which told him point blank that Dov was the man of their relationship. “Thank you. Usually these kids are a handful.”
    Dov agreed, “While the parents are doing the cooking, us older teens, well, actually I'm twenty, but we older kids usually handle the little tykes.”
    Minnie laughed, “It just comes naturally, I guess!”
    Hades was happy with this family and kissed Minnie on the cheek, “This family is wonderful.”
    The younger girls and gaped and then started to squee and awe at their show of affection, “He's the perfect prince!”
    “It's so cute!”
    “Wow, he tall, dark, and handsome, too!”
    “Maybe he really is a prince?!”
    Hades face palmed and sighed, “Keep it in the bedroom. Got it. Note taken.”
    Dov and Keith were dying of hysterics while Minnie patted him on the cheek, “Poor baby.”
    After a fun and amusing Thanksgiving everyone was exhausted. Nana shire told Hades to just bunk with Minnie since they were already smitten and she was an adult so she should make her own decisions. When Jessica tried to argue Nana Shire smacked her arm and told her to let Minnie grow up then dragged her daughter and her husband off for their own rooms  Minnie turned red but nonetheless brought Hades with her to his room.
    She laid down on the mattress and wrapped her right hand over her stomach while curling her right hand into her hair. “Man, what a day.”
    “And I know the perfect way to end it.” Hades hovered over her on the mattress and she flushed red as she looked at him.
    Her eyes were now red since he took her soul but everything else was the same. She had changed her clothes for the Thanksgiving party so now she wore a gray and white striped t-shirt with a black button up vest; blue jeans that hugged her curves and cute blue socks. He couldn't help himself. He'd been holding in his lust forever now.
    “I have to say your Nana is quite unique.” Hades murmured in her hair as he wrapped his arms around her.
    Minnie's arms laid lazily over his shoulders, “Yea, she's always been that way.”
    Hades laid a soft kiss on her neck. “I can see a bit of her in you.”
    “Oh...... really?” Her voice was faint as he continued to lightly kiss her throat. 
    “Mm-hmm. You both have a daring streak.” Hades' hand slipped below Minnie's jeans to rub the nub at her core.
    “Nah! Hades!!!” She gripped his arm which bulged every time he moved.
    “What?” He said it so calmly but there was no denying the lecherous look in his eye.
    Minnie then wrapped her arms around his neck and nestled her hands in his hair, “I want you.”
    She kissed him, then. Hades lost all control. Their clothes evaporated as he kissed her back their tongues swirling to a silent tango. 
    Hades then lifted her up and carried her over to the desk in the corner of the room. “What?” Minnie looked dazed from the kiss.
    “On your knees, and place your hands on the wall there.” Minnie did as she was told. 
    Hades nuzzled his face in Minnie's soft curls at the juncture of her thighs while chuckling. “That's a girl.” Then his tongue began to lick at her moist clit. Minnie groaned and her nails scratched the surface of the wall. The more Hades sucked the hotter she got until she burst. She came hard while calling out Hades' name but he never stopped.
    Minnie whimpered, “No! No....mo-♥” 
    Hades pinched her nub between his claws and began to roll it. The sensation sent shivers down her spine. “Hades!”
    It was three more climaxes before he pulled away and lined his cock up with her dripping pussy. “Say you want me. Do it.”
    Minnie shuddered and looked back to Hades, “I-I want you! Please!! ♥”
    Hades smirked, “Good girl.”
    Slowly, Hades slid the full length of him into her. Minnie clenched up on him. “Not a virgin, huh?”
    Minnie shook her head, “No..... well, both.”
    “Hmm?”
    “Rape.”
    Hades stilled for a moment. Then he hugged her gently in his arms and lifted her from the desk, “And here I am taking you like an animal.”
    Minnie brushed her hand on his face, “No. I love you so... anything you do is fine.”
    Hades turned her in his arms and she circled her legs around his waist while clutching her arms around his torso. Hades supported Minnie by holding her butt in the paws of his hands. “Then I wish to take you this way. I want to see your face and hear your voice in my ear.”
    Minnie smiled as he attempted to be sweet while still catering to his more animalistic needs, “Heehee... yup!”
    Hades kissed her and began to thrust again. Minnie couldn't help but to moan in the kiss, it was much more erotic this way. Their faces were so close to each other that his hot breath fanned her face. Suddenly, he rammed into a spot that sent lightning through her skin. Pulling back she gasped while her eyes nearly shut, “Th-there! Right.... there! So good! ♥ ♥ ♥”
    Hades smirked and planned to make her happy. He began to slam against that very spot and more and more Minnie began to loose her mind in pleasure. Her mouth was wide open as a look of pure bliss expressed on her features. Hades couldn't stand how cute she was.
    Finally, Minnie dug her nails in Hades' flesh while coming harder then before as her very center seemed to shatter under the weight of it.
    Hades growled like a beast and buried himself to the hilt allowing his semen to shoot out and nest inside her core. Minnie's body twitched with happiness as Hades held her closer in order to steady his frayed nerves.
    Minnie yawned before she rested her head on Hades' shoulder. The Lord of the Deadlands brushed  a hand through the Humans soft blue-gray hair before laying down on the mattress with her. “Oh, adorable Death Seeker, how I love thee.”
    Minnie smiled in her sleep, “Oh, Sexy Lord of the Dead, how I love thee...”
    Hades laughed lightly, “Sexy, huh?”    
--------------Two Months Later -------------------
    Minnie stomped into The Evil Bedroom, “Hades?! Why did you kill two men form the town yesterday?!”
    Hades yawned and turned, “They raped you.”
    “What?”
    “The ones who raped you. It was them.” Hades mumbled.
    “So you kill them? Just like that?”
    “Yep.”
    Minnie groaned and sat on his bed, “You're impossible.”
    Hades smirked maliciously even though his eyes were still closed, “I know.”
    He turned back over and rested his head on Minnie's lap while snuggling his head against her distended belly. “It's always easier to sleep like this.” His hand rubbed her stomach.
    Minnie sighed, “Hopefully, this one is more reasonable than you or your three sons.”
    Hades laughed, “Doubt it.”
    “Great.”
    Hades sat up, “So tomorrow you and your family are going to move in with your Nana Shire?” 
    Minnie nodded, “Yes, well, Um actually about that.”
    Hades raised an eyebrow.
    “I was wondering if I could move in with you....” Minnie poked her forefingers together and looked at him under her long eyelashes.
    Hades was silent for a long moment before he kissed her. Then he lifted her up and strolled out of the bedroom and entered the Grand Hall with a prideful stance. Even though he was still naked....
    “Boys, Girls, Servants, and Ghouls, say hello to the new Lady of the Deadlands.”
    Minnie gaped, “I said move in! Not take a title!!”
    Micah Thanatos, Hades' youngest son smirked with an evil glint in his glowing red eyes, “Living here comes with the title.”
    Joab Thanatos, Hades' eldest son sighed and stood up. He walked over to Minnie and his father and bowed. “Forgive my brother. He's a hot-head.”
    “HEY!”
    Ahriman Thanatos merely glared up at them in silence.
    “Welcome to the family, Mother.” Joab smiled before walking back to his seat.
    “Yeah, welcome, mom. See! I can be nice, jerk.” Micah glared at his older brother.
    Darcie laughed, “Your my mom now! Haha! I never thought that would happen!”
    Minnie didn't think so either. She asked to live her and suddenly she became mother to all of the Deadlands. The thing was though that everyone was so accepting of that. Even Joab and Micah called her mother without even cringing. “Uh... why are they so-?”
    Joab spoke up, “I'm guessing you're wondering why we're so at ease with you being our mother, right?”
    The human nodded.
    Micah laughed, “Father had been fawning over you since you were still a child we came to think of you as our mother without realizing it. So now it's just easy to call you mom. Our own mom was a bit of an abusing bitch.” Micah shrugged, “Well, ya know.”
    Hades glared at his sons, “Oh, be quiet!”
    Hades' set Minnie down and she walked over to Micah and hugged him. Everyone grew quiet as Micah stiffened. Minnie could tell she was a lot more than abusive if he stiffened at a mere hug. Hades stepped forward but Darcie held up a hand telling him to wait.
    “Trust in Minnie's motherly skills. Despite her character, she's an amazing mother.” Darcie whispered.
     Minnie smoothed his hair and slowly Micah actually hugged her back. His head buried in her chest. Minnie smiled softly. “There, there, I'll kill anyone that tries to harm you.”Hades smirked evilly, a dangerous protective mother. It was perfect for his palace. She stepped back from Micah who realized he just showed a soft spot and sulked. Minnie laughed but then walked over to Joab and hugged him as well.
     Joab was a little more difficult but then again he was older so she understood he had more time to harbor that fear of a mother's touch. He tried to bite her and when he managed to sink his teeth in her arm Hades almost attacked due to the protective streak he had for the baby inside her but Minnie shook her head. She allowed Joab to keep his teeth lodged in her arm and merely hummed a mellow tune while threading her fingers through his soft black and red hair. Slowly, he came to his senses and pulled out of her arm, licking the wound to heal it. That's when he also hugged her back. Squeezing tight, “Sorry......mom.”
    Minnie's face softened, “It's alright. I'll protect both of you. I'll never hurt you either.”
    The next challenge was Ahriman... he never spoke much and she assumed that must have been the reason. He would surely kill her if she tried a mere hug. So she opted for something a little different. Strolling up to him, she ignore the snarl that came from his lips and landed a kiss straight on his forehead. Ahriman was temporarily stunned.
    “What was that?” The voice was deep and dark but quiet as well.
    “It's called a kiss. Get used to it because you're going to get a lot of them.” Minnie said giving him another kiss on the cheek.
    Ahriman glanced at his new “mother” with curiosity as Minnie walked over to Hades and smacked his face lightly, “Stop glowering. You'll only get wrinkles.”
    Hades sputtered like he was about to say something but decided to keep his mouth shut. That's when the ghoul tugged on her white jeans.
    “Don't bother her, ghoul!” Hades snarled.
    The ghoul hung its head and Minnie slapped Hades on the arm. “Ow! Now, what was that for?!”
    “You be nice to him! He's the reason I found your room the first night!” Minnie stuck her tongue out at Hades before picking up the Ghoul.
    “You just ignore that big meany.” Minnie said with a smile.
    The ghoul sighed and snuggled on Minnie's shoulder. Hades rubbed it's head and it flinched but soon relaxed. “I guess I owe you a thanks you, Ghoulie.”
    “Yes you do. Because without him we'd have never been together.”
    “Well, I also wouldn't have killed you.”
    “But that's why we're together forever. I'm no longer alive so I'm no longer mortal.”
    Hades smiled and hugged her close to him, “Then I'm glad I granted you death.”