Return of the Goddess

Chapter 22

     Genna woke up in a bed that wasn’t hers and in a dress that wasn’t hers. Charlie and Cal stood over her. She smiled, but they didn’t smile back. She whispered blissfully to herself, “It worked,” and boys started to shout at her.

     She let them scream words of hate because she was more concerned about where her things were, “Guys where do your possessions go when you die?” She asked.

     “Don’t bother. Hades has all your things now.” Cal said. “Why are you dead and more importantly why are you happy?”

     “It’s part of the plan. I’ll be back. I promise.” She flashed out of Elysium and into the palace of Hades leaving the boys shocked faces behind her.

     She ran to Hades and Persephone who were eating dinner, “Uncle, please May I have my things.”

     He tossed her backpack to her, “You can only transfer within only a few distances I see. Hera was foolish to think your mother would leave you as a vulnerable mortal.” Genna took out the mirror and thought of Olympus. It appeared and she was within the throne room in no time.

      Genna stood in front of her joyous family. Artemis and Apollo ran up and hugger her openly, but Zeus cleared his throat to maintain order, Genna welcome back. I see Hera was unable to kill you.”

     “No, but she will never stop trying, so I will make a deal.” Genna introduced. “Give me an offer for which I will step down as Queen.”

     “I do not know what to give.” Zeus said.

     “I believe I know what she wishes. How about one person from the dead.” Athena brought to the table.

     “That will do,” Genna smiled. “Thank you.” Genna began to transport.

     “Wait!” Poseidon said. You are a full goddess now. You must stay on Olympus.”

     “But I wish to be with my friends.”

     “Genna, we’re missed you so much. You want to leave us again.” Apollo asked.

     “I want to continue my life here, but I can’t leave my friends either.” Genna tried to explain.

     “You must choose a mortal life or an immortal life.” Artemis said. Genna knew she would have to choose, but she had her mother’s brain. So she would find a way that would leave her full.

     Genna told them she would return but for now she would go help her friends.

     ***

     Alvina worked on the lock. Once she got it they burst through the door. Hera and Genna were gone, and it was just Chelsea and Sage stuck in the cell. She went to work right away pick locking the cell door.

     “I’m guessing Genna’s dead,” Lucy said after seeing Chelsea’s blotchy red face.

     “She did really well.” Sage helped Chelsea to a seat and gave her some nectar.

     “You guys are acting to casual for someone who just lost a friend.” Chelsea cried releasing her anger at them.

     “Relax, she’s not actually dead.” Alvina put the cell door and locked it.

     “What? I saw it with my own two eyes.”

     “We planned the whole thing. Genna’s a goddess. When the dagger went through her heart she should have woken up in the Underworld and made her way to Olympus.” Lucy said.

     “She’s a goddess!” Chelsea was easily informed because she usually believed everything Lucy and Sage said.

     “And our sister,” Sage gave her the last of the nectar.

     “I’m confused. Why are you three traveling together. Where’s Charlie?”

     “He died,” Alvina said under her breathe.

     “Oh my Zeus, are you serious,” Chelsea had one tear rolling down her face. “Cal’s dead too. I could here his screams. How could she touched him and leave me.” Chelsea couldn’t speak anymore because she was full on sobbing.

     “It’s o.k. We know he’s dead, and he is in Elysium with Charlie if it makes you any better.” Sage helped her up. “We have to get out of here though before Hera comes back.”

     They went out the front door, and sauntered over to the meeting place. Behind the chapel a few blocks down was a diner placed inside an old fashioned trailer. They got a table and ordered a few burgers and fries. They waited for Genna, but Sage couldn’t stop jittering. Before they knew it a tall gorgeous goddess walked into the diner.

     “Did you think I was dead,” she slid into the booth next to Lucy.

     “What did they say?” Sage was perplexed.

     “I gave up m spot as Queen of the God. In return I may choose one person to bring back from the dead.” Genna smiled deviously.

     “So what now?” Lucy took out her flute. “Do I get to play?”

     “Yah, let’s go outside.” Sage put a few dollars on the table and helped Chelsea outside. Lucy started to play, but then she saw someone she didn’t expect.

     “What are you doing here?” Lucy asked her coldly.

     “I left Justin and Cassidy. I came to ask you guys if I could join you, so I would be welcomed at the safe house. I have nowhere else to go,” Blaze walked towards them.

     “You guys killed Charlie! Why should we trust you? I’m pretty sure you tried to kill me a couple of times too.” Lucy was giving her the stink eye.

     “Trying to kill you was just an act. I was never actually going to hurt you. And I didn’t kill Charlie, Cass did. I love Charlie like a brother. Please let me come with you.” Blaze begged.

     “Let her come with,” Genna said speaking as if she was the true leader of the group. 

     “Why?” Sage asked opposed to the command.

     “Because we are going to go visit Charlie now, so we mind as well find out the truth, and I believe her.”

     “Thank you,” Blaze relaxed.

     Lucy started to play again. The portal opened and Blaze stepped through between Lucy and Chelsea to make sure she would not stab any of them in the back. Hades was nowhere to be seen, but they didn’t need him anyway.

     “I remember going to the Underworld when I was little.” Genna was no longer afraid.

     They walked past the fields of Punishment, Asphodel fields. Lucy gazed longingly at the second tent full of woman. She knew Mandi was no longer in there, but she wished she was out of the hands of a young juvenile killer.  They went to Elysium and strolled into house four. Charlie, Odysseus, Theseus, Perseus, Calvin, Jason and Achilles were still playing poker.

     Charlie looked up, “Blaze? With you guys?... What happened?”