Pat Twice

Chapter 21

The fire in the middle of the circle crackled and roared with life. It coupled nicely with the murmur of voices and the smells of dinner. The nymphs seemed to be enjoying the food and the company. 

Persephone was seated besides her mother, and there was no conversations between them. Well, not a two-way conversation.

"I think that you're showing some improvement in your work, Kore," Demeter commented before taking a bite of her meal. Persephone said nothing, but that of course didn't stop her mother.

"Last year was such a mess. Flowers strewn and mixed together as if they were was not a single thought put into planning. Oh, and don't get me started on the crops. It was as if every flower could grow, but the crop yield was meager as best. I thought I was going to have a work with you one on one all spring this year. But no, no, no. You proved me wrong," Demeter chuckled a little and placed her hand on Persephone's knee, giving her a little pat, "No, this year was successful. Flowers in the right places, grass at the right height, and crops flourishing. Everything exactly the way it should be." Demeter moved her hand away. Persephone swallowed hard, trying to contain her rage.

"Maybe next year I can give you a bit more to do, but of course I don't want to overwhelm you. I know that we need to go slowly. Sometimes I see that confusion, like last year, but I have hope that someday you'll fully understand your role!" Demeter sighed, took her last bite, and sprung to her feet. She walked away, giving Persephone some much needed peace.

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Persephone waited until the dead of night. She didn't dare bring anything or create too much noise. The only item she jammed into her pocket was the letter. She didn't really need it, the words on the paper were burned into her brain. 

This was her sign, this is what she had been waiting to see all these years. She was finally, finally, going back.

So much has probably changed. Who knows what I will see when I get there. I know that I have changed. I have grown emotionally and physically. My powers are beyond what anyone on Olympus could have imagined. 

And what about him? Gods, what if he doesn't want to see me? Or what if he sees me and doesn't care. What if he has a new life with a wife and children and is happier now than I ever could have made him? What if...stop.

Persephone stopped walking and looked up at the sky. The stars seemed to be a little brighter tonight, as if they wanted to help guide her as she started this new, secret journey. 

"He would tell me I'm rambling," she quietly joked to herself. She felt the tiniest smile creep onto her face. Something she hadn't felt in too long. She touched her lips and thought about him. 

Or, what if he has thought about me as much as I have thought about him?

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Persephone finally reached her destination. She slowly started climbing the steps, the only noise coming from her soft footsteps.

"Persephone," a voice from the dark whispered.

"Hello?" She whispered back, unsure of who was the voice greeting her. It seemed almost familiar, in an overly sweet way.

"Hello, dear. You're a hard one to contact. Well, it doesn't help that you have your mother keeping you under lock and key," Persephone felt her stomach do a flip as she reached the top step. Apollo was standing there extending his hand for her to take.

"My gods... what happened to you?" Persephone brought her hand to her mouth in disbelief. Apollo's usually golden eyes were pitch black. It was like staring off into an abyss. He tilted his head and gave her a smile that was both charming and disconcerting.

"Now, is that the proper way to say hello to me after all these years? How long has it been? 25 no... 30 years I believe? Such a long time, by now you shouldn't be harboring any ill will towards Ap- me." Apollo's left eye twitched ever so slightly. He opened his arms to her, almost as if to hug her.

"You are not who I expected. Actually, I was expecting more than one person. The note said us." 

"Yes, you and I, we, us. Now Persephone, I know you're a smart girl. Aren't you wondering why I am here to see you?" Apollo put his arms down, but continued to smile at her. Persephone took a step back and leaned against a column.

"Please, do tell. Indulge me."

"Such a witty girl as well. Well, no longer a girl. You're all grown up and oh so powerful. I have heard rumors of all the new talents you have been perfecting over the years. Partially why I am here, but pay no mind to that for now-"

"How could you have known-"

"Now, now. I will answer all your questions by the time I'm done, little goddess," Apollo closed the gap between them and ran his thumb over her cheek. Persephone shivered, his hands were as cold as death.

"I came here to gain your help. You see while you have been away, our King of Gods has been... well... deteriorating over the years. He continues to neglect the needs of the mortals and neglects the counsel of the gods. He is a selfish, arrogant being who has had his time in the sun." Apollo seemed to smirk at his own little joke.

"Zeus has always been that way. He is a liar who only listens to himself and follows his own agenda. Why do you suddenly have a problem with him now? Hasn't he always treated you like a son?" Persephone crossed her arms and turned sharply on her heels, creating a distance between herself and Apollo. She felt surprisingly calm despite the fact that she wanted to rip his smug head off.

"Well some people feel that even a father needs to be taken off their pedestal and replaced by someone who will do a better job," Persephone tuned to Apollo. His sweet tone had changed to something darker and dangerous. His teeth were gritted, his eyes were narrowed.

"Right," Persephone said carefully, "and how do I play into this little coup?"

"I'm glad you asked, my darling!" Apollo instantly perked up, his countenance went from murderous to bright and sunny.

"Your new powers make you almost like my little secret weapon tied up in a small, pink body. You have bee gone for so long, many gods have forgotten about you. You can help myself and my supporters overthrow Zeus once and for all." Apollo approached Persephone, holding her shoulders firmly.

"And who are these 'supporters' that want to help you?" She glared up at him as he held her in place.

"Who isn't? Besides, don't you want to see your old friend, Hades?" Apollo smirked, feeling Persephone stiffen in his hands.

"Don't you want to see your almost-but-not-really boyfriend? Or was he more of a play-thing? Or really a teenage crush? It was so hard to tell," Apollo laughed. Persephone began to boil.

"Why would I ever want to help a narcissist like you? You have done nothing but hurt me and the people that I care about!" Persephone tore herself out of Apollo's grip and began marching herself out of the temple.

"Don't make this more difficult than it has to be, Persephone!" Apollo's voice rang through the temple. Not a harsh noise, but smooth and musical.

"Or what?" Persephone roared back, spinning to face him. In his hand he held a lyre.

"Funny enough, I lost my old lyre. I think someone may have taken it," Apollo made a tsk tsk noise to Persephone, "luckily, I was able to create one that is just as beautiful. You know, I never did play for you. My lyre allows me to demonstrate many talents. One being that I am clearly musically gifted. Another being that I am incredibly persuasive when I am playing."

He gave her a smile that was anything but happy and he began to strum. 

"I-" her voice caught in her throat. All she could do was stare at the lyre and listen to the most enchanting music that has ever touched her ears. She was entranced by Apollo. His eyes, only for a moment, seemed to flash gold again.

He took a step closer to her, all the while staring deeply into her eyes. He leaned in close, whispering into her ear.

"Now, please, Persephone. Won't you help me?"