The Second Big Bang

Chapter XIII

"Perseus," she yawned, annoyed. "Why did you have to wake me up at this hour?" She complained, stumbling through the fields beside me. "You'll see soon enough. You see that grove of conifers up ahead?" I asked, pointing into the distance.

"Yes? I know conifers don't grow this far East, but I don't see how this special enough to wake me up," Kore retorted, glaring at me tiredly. "Just go to the clearing. You don't want to miss what's there, and I don't think it's going to stay until morning," I instructed, before teleporting away.

I reappeared on the stagecoach, sitting at the reins. "She's on her way, be ready. I'll help you along when I think you need it," I informed, getting a nod from the god. "She won't even know. But, I won't give you everything. If you want this to work, you have to be yourself," I added, speaking to him mentally.

He spared me a glance, shuffling nervously in wait. "What was so special, Per..." Kore questioned, trudging up. She froze, however, upon seeing the sight before her. "G-Good evening, milady," Hades greeted shakily. He cleared his throat, took some deep breaths, and stepped up to her.

He outstretched his hands, offering the bouquet to her. "I have brought these flower for you, my dear," he stated, turning his head slightly towards me. "In parts of the world, the Obsidian Star represents the hidden beauty. A rare underworld flower for a rare, beautiful woman," he explained, word-for-word with what I gave him.

"How do you know how to do this? This is so much different to what anyone else would do," Hades questioned. "Since when am I like anyone else?" I shot back, smirking amusedly.

"Did Perseus put you up to this, Lord Hades?" Kore asked, glaring at my amused expression. "Forgive my intrusion, milord. I am not the instigator, Kore, I am merely the assistance," I returned, bowing respectfully.

"I can assure you, milady. My actions are my own. From the moment I saw you, something inside me, like a flame, ignited. I wanted to get to know you, do everything to make you smile, to make you laugh. I may not be as good-looking as Apollo, or as influential as my brothers, but I won't rest until you are happy," Hades stated, kneeling to her.

I arched an eyebrow, impressed with the god. "I only want to make you happy. Be it with me, or with someone else, that's all I yearn for. Will you give me...us, the chance to try?" I added, Hades relaying it immediately.

"I would love to, Lord Hades. But, I also do not wish to disappoint my mother. She has much planned for me, and I cannot bear to see what becomes of her if I ran off with you," she replied, helping the god back to his feet.

"Perseus?" She then asked, looking to me. Hades also turned, with a hint of jealousy radiating off of him. "Your life is your own, my friend. You are to live it however you want to, not the way others want for you. Love your mother, but do not let her keep you from experiencing new things," I suggested.

"If you will have me, I am honored to accompany you, my lord," Kore stated to Hades, bowing deeply to him. "I have prepared a wondrous experience, my lady," Hades returned, helping her into the stagecoach. "Where are we going?" He asked me, but I only put a finger to my lips.

"Leave the destination to me, Lord Hades. Converse with your date, find common ground. Love alone cannot support a relationship, let alone a marriage. Unless you want to turn out like the king and queen," I answered, waving my hand. He swung inside as the door closed, and I cracked the reins.

"If Demeter comes looking, alert me immediately," I commanded, glancing at the curious Karpoi that hid in the field. With a howl, the wolves started carrying us forward. We immediately began descending into the earth, plunging into darkness.