The Story of Persephone - Chapter 5
"...Persephone, do you understand the significance of consuming food from the Underworld?" "What? Is it forbidden? I'm so sorry..."
Persephone's expression shifted rapidly to one of dismay.
The Underworld operates under different rules than the world of the living, and these rules are well-documented on enchanted parchment:
Laws of the Underworld:
Persephone’s case falls under this last clause—Clause 3. This doesn't mean she is entirely forbidden from returning to the living world, but it does mean she must now consider the Underworld her permanent residence.
This law applies even to the gods, which is why deities sent on temporary missions to the Underworld never touch the food. Neither Athena, Ares, nor Aphrodite ever ate anything while they were here.
"Indeed... Anyone who consumes food in the Underworld must live here." "Oh? Really? Does that mean I’ll be living with you now, Uncle?"
Struck by Eros' golden arrow, Persephone’s reaction was not one of distress but rather mild acceptance. But what would Demeter or Zeus think of this?
Wait a moment... Could it be that even though she's a young goddess, having lived for just over 300 years, she deliberately ate the food knowing the consequences? The position of the Lady of the Underworld is one of power and prestige, and if Persephone, struck by Eros' arrow, truly desires it...
"...For now, follow me. Do not leave my sight." "Yes, Uncle!"
It seems best that I keep her close.
So, I took her along as I went about my duties.
"For losing your chastity and being cast out by Artemis’ followers, meeting your death as a result..." "...May the God of Mercy bless you... Thank you, Lord Plouton."
As I listened to the grievances of the souls and strained to deliver fair judgments, Persephone stood by, her face full of questions.
After concluding a backlog of trials, she approached me.
"Uncle Hades, why are you so lenient with mortals?" "Lenient?" "Yes. You seem to show mercy even to those who insult or defy the gods."
Her eyes, filled with genuine curiosity rather than sarcasm or criticism, reflected the innocence of a young goddess raised under the care of the highest deities, never knowing want or hardship.
Young gods and goddesses often possess immense power but, being born into privilege and reverence, sometimes appear capricious or harsh toward mortals.
Persephone, born to Demeter and Zeus, likely shares her parents' temperament. After all, both can be severe with mortals.
"...It would be best if you let go of such thoughts." "What? But why?" "The Underworld is where mortals come to find their final rest. If I were harsh with them, what would become of their souls?" "But aren't we gods meant to be revered by mortals? If I were to withhold the power of spring, they would—"
Young gods, despite their naiveté, wield immense power and can appear merciless to mortals, who suffer greatly under the whims of deities.
Persephone, cherished and powerful from birth, might have naturally inherited such an outlook. Her parents, Demeter and Zeus, have not been strangers to harshness themselves.
"...You truly speak like the goddess who governs one of the seasons." "But I’m just the goddess of spring and seeds, Uncle." "I don't mean it that way. I only wish to say that your small actions could manifest as natural disasters to mortals."
I continued, gazing into Persephone's questioning eyes. I wanted her to grasp some of the wisdom I had gained from my long tenure in the Underworld.
"We gods are not infallible beings. Even Zeus or Athena can make mistakes." "My father and the goddess of wisdom too?" "There is no such thing as a perfect god. So refrain from wielding your powers on whims or without thought." "Uncle Hades, one of the three Great Gods... Have you ever regretted something?" "...Too many times to count."
How could one live through countless millennia without making mistakes? No matter how merciful or just one may try to be...
"I’ve made errors in judgment, been overwhelmed by emotions... And regretted it deeply." "Oh..." "When you let your anger consume you, it may seem trivial that mortals perish as a result, but remember..." "......" "To them, it is an unavoidable catastrophe. And those unjustly dead are the ones who come to the Underworld."
As Persephone pondered my words, her once unchecked divine power began to settle. Could she be awakening to the gravity of her role, the responsibility she bears over her domain?
"We cannot always be perfect, but as gods, we must strive to make the best decisions we can."
"...My mother never spoke to me like this before..."
Persephone muttered softly, her eyes downcast.
For the first time, I felt that she had grown, however slightly.
The vibrant energy of spring, which radiated from her, seemed to stabilize. As a result, spring would be a bit more balanced, and the seeds sown in the earth would grow stronger.
"For now, I will assign you a temporary residence. And I will inform your mother..."
"Hades, we have a problem! In the Underworld right now..."
Goddess Styx burst into the room, urgently calling out for me. Had the Gigantes attacked again?
"In the Underworld... the soul of the deceased Chiron has arrived!"
Chiron.
The wise centaur with a human upper body and a horse’s lower body.
Master of countless skills and knowledge, his greatest talent lay in education. He was the one who nurtured many heroes of the mortal realm.
If Chiron had died, it would be nearly impossible to raise the prophesied hero capable of defeating the Gigantes.
"I’ll go meet him at once. But isn’t he an immortal being..." "Well, it seems... the Gigantes tortured him, and he chose to forfeit his immortality!" "This is..."
Only a few hundred Gigantes had attacked Mount Etna to seize Typhon, yet they managed to split their forces and kill Chiron...
Could Gaia be targeting the heroes, as she did with Oedipus when he fell from grace?
Could she have discovered the prophecy known only to the gods?
No... If she were certain, she would have declared open war by now.
Perhaps she suspects that a hero is linked to the Gigantes, but she’s unsure...
It’s fortunate she cannot foresee all possible futures. Not even Prometheus could do that...
With Persephone and Goddess Styx, I hurried to meet Chiron.
Yes, my niece, it’s safer if you stay close.
Before long, we saw Chiron's ethereal, translucent form.
He had truly died and come to the Underworld.
"Chiron." "Lord Hades. It’s been a long time. Though I regret the circumstances of our meeting."
Chiron bowed his head, his face etched with sorrow.
"I heard the Gigantes tortured you. Rest now, in peace." "...I feel as though I fled to death rather than fulfilling my duty to raise heroes." "Who could withstand the torture of monsters equal in power to gods?" "Thank you, my lord. They... they also attacked the students I was teaching..."
Thanks to Chiron's widespread reputation, the place where he resided was always teeming with those who aspired to become heroes.
But when the Gigantes suddenly invaded, many people were massacred.
Chiron and his students resisted, but none could stand against monsters that rival even lesser gods. According to him, many students were killed or forced to flee.
"After coming to the Underworld, I learned that thankfully, the gods Dionysus and Ares descended to drive the Gigantes away."
"Hmm... While you were still in the mortal realm, Corinth and Athens were also attacked." "It seems they appeared in many other places as well." "Although the Olympian gods descended and killed the Gigantes, the damage was significant..." "They seemed more intent on destroying temples and severing the link between mortals and the gods than killing ordinary humans. They targeted heroes and demigods as soon as they saw them."
After Chiron spoke, Thanatos and other gods provided further explanations.
The Gigantes had indeed attacked mortal cities like Corinth and Athens.
"Many heroes died during this event." "Athena descended in haste, but her temple was partially destroyed." "How does Olympus view this incident...?"
I motioned for the gods to hold their opinions for a moment.
"The Rainbow Goddess will likely descend to summon me to the Olympian palace. Until then, we will maintain our usual vigilance." "Shouldn’t we prepare for what’s to come?" "Demeter is with us." "Ah... The Earth Goddess must have located the Gigantes' base using the Omphalos stone!"
Though the Gigantes had succeeded in killing Chiron, they had also revealed their base to us.
Surely Demeter has already informed Zeus, and countless gods are now watching the Gigantes' base closely.
The Gigantes can no longer strike without drawing the gods' attention.
Their only options now are open war or Gaia’s cunning schemes.
Persephone had remained silent, watching with bright eyes throughout the entire discussion. She wasn’t interfering with the work—had my earlier words resonated with her?
Goddess Lethe tilted her head curiously as she looked at Persephone.
"Hades, who is this goddess? She doesn’t seem to be a minor deity..." "Oh, I’m Persephone!"
I should clarify this situation before any misunderstandings arise. Otherwise, leaving her presence unsaid could lead to unnecessary rumors.
"I met her near Mount Etna. She is the daughter of Demeter and Zeus. Also, she was struck by Eros’ golden arrow and ate food from the Underworld."
"What?!" "Eros' golden arrow... Does Demeter know about this?" "I intend to go to Olympus soon to explain everything."
The expressions of the many gods present changed.
There was nothing I could do now. The Gigantes had attacked more than just Mount Etna, and I had to take her along.
"I wasn’t affected by the golden arrow at all!" "Yes, yes." "It’s true! Uncle Hades, you saved me, so you have to take responsibility!" "...What?"
"Hades... Why do you keep attracting goddesses whenever you leave the Underworld?" "Before there are any more additions..."
The gathered gods quickly turned to look at Goddess Styx and Goddess Lethe. They also noticed Menthe, who had just entered the room and was now standing frozen.
Persephone suddenly began to tear up, causing everyone to tense up.
"Lord Hades, you held me so gently back then! You have to take responsibility!"
"W-what did you say?" "Wait, am I hearing things wrong because of my age? Do I need to see Apollo...?" "Who touched what?" "Hades...! What have you done?"
Why are they all looking at me like this?
This is all a misunderstanding...
Persephone, even if you’re maturing as a goddess, your lively spring-like personality remains unchanged...!
"My dear niece... I merely pulled you onto the chariot while you were being strangled by the Gigantes, and now you say this..." "T-that’s basically the same thing! I want to marry you, Lord Hades!"
"Hades... You didn’t touch her beyond placing her on the chariot, right?" "The Gigantes aren't the issue right now! Hurry up and explain everything..." "Lord Hades... I’m fine with being a concubine, but if there are too many..."
The Underworld has always been a place where strange things happen, but recently, it seems worse than usual. Is this some curse from Gaia?
"Lord Hades, the Rainbow Goddess Iris has arrived. I believe she’s here on behalf of Olympus regarding the Gigantes..."
"...! Let her in at once."
She must be here to invite me to the meeting at the Olympian palace.
We need to discuss the Gigantes and what to tell Demeter.
As the Underworld buzzed with activity, the Rainbow Goddess Iris arrived.
"I have come to see the Lord of the Underworld..."
Iris paused as she entered, surveying the scene before her, her eyes widening in shock.
Seeing her reaction, Moros, the god of inevitable doom, who had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, spoke nonchalantly.
"Oh, Iris, don’t be alarmed. This is just another day in the Underworld." "Moros... What on earth is happening here?" "Nothing much. Just that the daughter of Demeter and Zeus got struck by Eros' golden arrow, ate food from the Underworld, and is now caught in a quarrel with three goddesses who all have feelings for Hades."
"W-what? Whose daughter?"
The Rainbow Goddess’s face turned pale, and the seven-colored halo that always radiated from her back dimmed.
Thanks
Thanks
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