Kronos (Book Two)

Fate

The multiple connecting islands, babbling streams, rolling breezes, and the pleasant daylight welcome the divine quintet. The jaws of Orpheus, Echo, and Hippolyta almost drop to the floor.

"By the gods!" Echo exclaims while her crown of flowers bloom. "It's so beautiful here!"

The mountain nymph's feet are happy to run through the lush meadows of grass until she stops to face Demeter.

"Sorry, Yia (grandma). We are supposed to be-"

The gentle ruffling of her hair cuts her off. No sign of frustration from the deity of the harvest.

"You all are free to explore Elysium to your heart's content," Demeter then turns to Orpheus. "Go be with Eurydice. I will be okay."

The musical demigod shakes his head. "I am with you, goddess. I...know I will see her again."

Hippolyta crosses her arms. "Again?"

"I can see...glimpses of us reuniting," he almost chuckles. "Takashi is the reason for that."

Echo grasps the hands of Persephone and Demeter. "I'm with my family again. Wait! Does that mean Mother and Father are here?!"

The goddess of the Underworld answers with a smile.

The nymph's heart bounces with joy before she stills it. "I will see them after we're done."

"Same here, "the Amazon queen comments while turning her blushing face.

The Olympian goddess smiles with relief that she won't face the strand of fate alone. "Daughter, how do we find Iasion?"

"Think of him, call out his name, and the right island will appear. It may also include" Persephone explains.

Demeter imagines the true love of her life. His strands of hay blonde hair flowing in the wind. His crooked smile that decorates his olive-skinned face. His rough palms that would hold her still from her night terrors. Their lips reuniting over and over again.

She tries to shout out Iasion's name, but regret bubbles up.

Persephone's firm grip suffocates it. "He never stopped loving you, mother," she plants a kiss on her cheek. "Call for him."

The Olympian's lungs take in oxygen. She draws her shoulders back while gripping the grass with her toes.

"IAAAAASSSIOOON!"

Her voice echoes throughout the realm of Elysium. The islands circle around to her proclamation of love until one stopped. Pink peonies, violet orchids, red poppies, and sunflowers on the hillside greet the goddess and her group. Demeter's hands caress the blooming flowers she knows her lover grew.

Her wheat-colored eyes look around. A stream of water passes over the hilltop, but he's not there. The others follow up the hill to find a small lake down below. The waters open up.

Demeter's smile accompanies her joyful tears. The others are elated from seeing a restored Scylla run up with a bounce in her step.

Gladius smiles upon his lover embracing the goddess.

The Olympian holds her like a mother. "Forgive me for not protecting you."

The water nymph's fingers trace her hands. "I don't regret it. Thank you for restoring me, Lady Demeter," her voice is as pleasant as a babbling brook. "Is everything alright?"

The goddess holds her hands with care. "Taki's safe. I think he still blames himself for what happened."

"Please let him know I saved him because I wanted to. And I'm finally with my love in this wonderful realm," she smiles from ear to ear.