“I love you so much, sweetheart. Be nice to Charon ok? He’s nice, he’ll help you.”

Before his breath could leave his body, he felt a coin in his small hand; cold and metallic.

He kept going in and out of consciousness, wishing he could tell his mom he loved her one more time, wish he wasn’t so sick. He wasn’t scared of dying, he knew from his parent's teachings Hades would help him to the afterlife. But he was scared of leaving them.

When he opened his eyes he saw a man dressed in black robes, a sword on his back, on the other side of the bed, across from his mom and dad.

Thanatos smiled softly, reaching out to the young boy. “Do not be afraid young one.”

The young boy started to reach out weakly toward Thanatos.

Thanatos got his sword and quickly sliced at the boy, detaching his soul from his body.

The boy was suddenly standing next to him, looking confused. “What happened?” He asked, looking up at him.

The heart monitor flatlined and the boy watched as his mother sobbed, hugging his limp body in her grief, his father trying to be the rock she needs but grieving the same, hiding his sobs behind his hand, his other hand comfortingly on his wife’s back.

“You’ve passed on. Do not worry, they will be alright.”

The kid saw the coin on the floor, having dropped it when he passed. He gasped. “My coin!” He tried to pick it up but his hand went through it.

Thanatos placed a hand on his back. “It’s alright. The coin was on you when you passed, Charon has already received it. Come, Hades is waiting for you.”

In The Underworld, Hades was struggling. Not just at work, but today was the day.

The day his queen leaves for six months.

Only able to communicate through Hermes, unable to hold her soft hands or smell the flower scent from her hair.

He got through the ones who died, mostly the elderly, a few murdered, and one child who died of terminal cancer.

The only one to not show up yet was the child. The hall of judgment was quiet, Cerberus was just outside the gates to the room, looking bored as he lay down.

He looked at the child’s paper again.

Stephen Miller

nine years of age, terminal leukemia.

Parents devout pagans, patrons of Apollo and Athena; the child has been selected by Apollo to enter Elysium.

Payment to Charon received

Status: crossed

It says he’s crossed over but still no sign of him.

He huffed as he stood, walking down the small staircase. As much as he hates the idea, the little soul can wait, unfortunately saying goodbye to his beloved never took long, her mother was always impatient.

She was pacing in their home. She loves her mother, dearly, but she loves her husband just the same. It was always so hard to leave them when the time came. She normally wore black when in the underworld, it would feel disrespectful not to and she had a name to uphold as the queen of the underworld.

But now she wore her soft pinks, a crown of wildflowers sitting on her head she made to greet her mother properly and to bring in spring, awaken the flowers and plants for the coming harvest.

She heard footsteps and the door closing. She turned, seeing her husband looking at her with an odd look, Ceberurs behind him.

She smiled weakly, her inner melancholy making it hard to do so.

He walked over slowly, admiring her spring form. “You are as beautiful as the day I first saw you.” He held her hands, bringing each one to his lips to leave a chaste kiss on each.

Her smile softened. “You say that every year.”

“It’s true every year.”

She laughed softly as he held her hand securely in his. “Come, your mother is waiting.”

She said nothing as he led her out and to the entrance, Cerberus following them, looking sad as well, knowing what was going on.

Hecate was waiting by the stairs out of the underworld, ones very few could gain access to. Hecate smiled as she saw the Goddess. “You look lovely as always my queen.”

Persephone gave a small eye roll before giving her friend a hug. “You tell me that every day.”

Hecate grinned. “And every day it is true.”

“You sound like my husband.”

“I am ready to walk you when you are. I will give you some time.”

Persephone nodded as she went back to Hades, who looked as depressed as his domain tends to look.

Her own eyes filled with tears but she had to stay strong, if she started crying, he’d start crying. It wouldn’t be the first time. And those times were so much harder to leave.

She walked close to him, holding his face in her delicate hands. “Hey, I’ll be back. I love you.”

He held her hands, kissing the palms of each one as a few tears escaped his dark eyes. “Words cannot express properly the love I feel for you. I will be waiting.”

She swallowed down her own tears, leaning up and kissing him gently. Before he could hold her close and never let go she pulled away, starting to walk up the stairs with Hecate at her side.

He watched until they were both gone. He took in a steadying breath. Cerberus whined sadly. Hades wiped his face of any tears and went to to him, petting his loyal companion on each head. “She will be back. Come, we have a little soul to help.”

Ten minutes earlier

The little soul was looking around the underworld in awe as Charon ferried him to Hades. He can understand why so many people might be scared. The boatman dressed in dark robes, even a hood that nearly covered his face. His hands only a little exposed, bony and thin.

He walked over to Charon, tugging gently on his robes.

The ferryman looked over, a harsh look on his face. The boy smiled, waving. “Hi! I’m Stephen.”

Charon's face softened, just a fraction before nodding to him and looking ahead.

It wasn’t long before the boat docked and Stephen walked off. “Bye! Thank you for bringing me here, I wish I could give you a tip.”

Charon walked over, nearly scaring Stephen, just a little. He’s never heard of him walking off the boat. Suddenly a thin hand was on his head, petting his hair gently before taking his hand away and going back to the boat, floating away down the river.

Stephen looked around, seeing the gates to the hall of judgment. As he walked closer to it, the black gates opened automatically. He looked at them in awe. “Oh wow, I wish Mom and Dad could see this.” He said to himself as he continued to walk, seeing it empty.

He was confused, all his parent's teachings said Hades and possibly Ceberous would be waiting but none were there.

He walked in more. “Hello? Mr. Hades sir?” He saw the tall desk, the carpet leading to it black with silver accents and candles decorating most of the walls.

He walked around and saw there was a small staircase that led to the throne, which didn’t seem like a king thrown to him, more like a very fancy office chair, which he thinks suits him. His mom always said he was more like a CEO of the dead, signing papers and making sure everyone goes where they need to go.

He walked up, looking at it closer, feeling the smooth leather before climbing and sitting in it, feeling like the seat may swallow him. “Wow.” He saw a fancy pen as well, grabbing it gently as he looked it over. “So pretty, must be what he signs the souls over with.”

He put it down and climbed from the chair, jogging down the stairs. He saw on either side of the room were doors with locks on them. He tried to open them but they wouldn’t budge an inch. He grumbled, walking away to the open hallway.

He followed it to a door that opened. He looked in carefully. “Hello? Anyone here?” There was no response as he walked inside, going to the small coffee table, a vase of wildflowers the only thing sitting on it. There was a fireplace that was roaring away as well. He walked further in and felt the couch cushion. It was soft as cotton but felt as durable as velvet.

“Oh, who are you? You’re not the big guy.” Stephen turned, seeing Hermes who was looking at him with curiosity.

Stephen smiled. “Your Hermes!”

Hermes smiled back. “You know me? I was afraid mortals forgot all about us.”

“Some have but my mom and dad didn’t, they left you offerings sometimes but they said you never like staying in one place too long.”

Hermes looked at him closely before summoning a small scroll, looking at that as well, matching something up that made sense to him. “Is your name Stephen?”

Stephen smiled brightly. “Yeah!”

Hermes smiled as the paper disappeared. “I remember now. When you first got sick they started praying and asking me for help but I’m not a healer, even if some humans use my staff as their symbol for doctors; still never understood that. I remember now, I remember going to Apollo to help you. Oh.”

Hermes suddenly realized the child couldn’t have been helped, feeling guilty. “Sorry, you’re down here.”

“It's ok, it was terminal, nothing would have helped-“

Suddenly there was growling and he jumped, turning around to face Cerberus and Hades. He cried out in fear, shaking. Hermes going to comfort him immediately.

Hades pet Ceberus to calm him. “It’s alright, they’re not a threat.” He looked at both of them. “Why are you both in my house? And who are you little one?”

Hermes started rambling. “Well I knew what today was and thought you could use the company, I know how sulky you can get without her and I hate to see you so-“

Hades held his hand up to stop the talking. “That’s enough Hermes.” He kneeled, signaling the child closer.

Stephen walked closer. Hades summoned his paper near him. “How did you get into my home?”

Stephen looked confused. “I died?”

Hades let out a small chuckle. “No little one, how are you here? In my actual home?”

Stephen caught on. “Oh! I arrived but no one was there and I guess I got bored and started wandering. The other doors wouldn’t open but this one did.”

Hades inwardly cursed, he must have forgotten to lock his personal door, the first day of spring is always a hard one for him.

Hades nodded, standing up. “Alright, let’s get you where you need to go.”

“Already?” Stephen said, nearly whining, he was enjoying talking to the two deities so much.

Hermes chimed in, walking closer. “He was the son of our believers and worshipers, maybe a little more time?”

Stephen looked up at Hades so hopeful and full of innocence, it reminded him of Persephone when she wanted to get her way.

He sighed. “A little while longer, but I cannot keep you forever, you are required to go to your afterlife.”

Stephen grinned. “Yes! Can I pet Cerberus?”

Hades gave a nod. “Yes, he’s only a threat to those trying to break in or escape.”

Stephen walked over to the giant three-headed dog. He reached out gently, letting him smell. Cerberus sniffed, each head getting a smell before giving a lick that was bigger than his arm, leaving sticky saliva in its wake.

Stephen laughed, looking at it. “Ew, now I’m covered in dog slobber.”

Hermes was already summoning a towel before Hades took care of it with a snap of his fingers. Hermes rolled his eyes. “I mean, sure, you can do that too I guess.”

Stephen started petting the giant dog, each head getting pets before moving to his neck, as best as his small arms could allow. “Could I ride him? Like a horse?”

Hades gave a look. “He is not a horse.”

While Hades was talking, Cerberus had already decided, laying flat and low on the ground for the child to climb.

Hades sighed as Hermes went over, gently picking the child up and helping him onto the large dog's back.

“I think he likes you.”

Stephen laughed as Cerberus carefully stood back up. “I’ve never been this high up before!”

Hades watched with slight worry, not that Stephen could be hurt but the panicky feeling of falling is still a primal fear that survives even after you pass and he was at least ten feet above the ground, quite a lot for a child. And doesn’t want Stephen to experience that kind of fear, wanting him to have the best time before he goes to his final destination.

Hermes seemed to feel similar, hovering in the air near Stepehn who was just laughing as Cerberus walked around surprisingly gentle.

Hermes smiled down to Hades, ankle wings fluttering like a hummingbird. “I have an idea; why don’t we take him on a tour of the underworld? I’m sure the others would love to meet him.”

Stephen joined in. “Yeah! Is Nyx here?”

Hades was surprised. “You know who she is?”

Stephen nodded. “Yeah. My mom and dad told me all about you guys. I didn’t have a patron deity yet, Mom said I was too young to start to worship properly. But I could’ve!”

Hades nodded. “Alright. We can go see her. Hermes.” He called to the god sharply. Hermes looked over, startled midair. “Yes?”

“If you so much as touch anything of hers-“

Hermes shook his head. “Best behavior. Promise!”

Hades gave one more stern look to Hermes. “Hermes will help you off Cerberus, he needs to return to work.”

Stephen pouted as Hermes helped the child down. “Oh man.”

Hermes shrugged as he gently placed the child safely standing on the ground. “He’s a working dog, like the service dogs you have on earth.”

Stephen watched as they walked through the underworld. It was really scary but nothing hurt him or even gave a threat.

It was filled with dark canyons and flowing rivers that looked like lava but it flowed like water.

They passed by where Charon stays, his own small house on an island in the large river, and the boat docked to the side. “Why is his house so small?”

“It’s what he wanted. I always offer him more and he refuses. He lives simple.”

“Oh. Why is he in the middle of the water?”

“He doesn’t like to be disturbed.”

“Why?”

Hades sighed, becoming more irritated, Hermes was stifling his laughter.

“He doesn’t like to socialize.”

“Is the river lava?”

“No.”

“What is it?”

Hermes laughed and Hades shot him a look, shutting him up immediately.

It wasn’t much longer until they got to Nyx's domain which was only lit by the stars that littered the ceiling, or sky, above them, barely giving off any light.

Stephen became scared, hiding into Hades as best he could as they walked. Even Hermes was silent.

Suddenly she appeared, materializing from the stars. Black robes that looked very similar to Thanotos, eyes nothing but black with shining and ever-moving stars within them, stars floated above her head as she moved. “Hades. What do I owe this pleasure?” Her voice was surprisingly soft-spoken for a being so ancient and so powerful.

Hades kneeled down to Stephen, who had started hiding behind him when they stopped. “You have a visitor.”

“A visitor?”

“Yes. He asked to see you.”

“And you allowed it?” She asked, a tinge of irritation in her voice.

“He is one of our own.”

Her face softened at that, there were not many of their believers and worshipers left, maybe a few hundred between each deity. She saw how scared he was. “I see. That does change things.”

She swished her hand softly in the air, her domain turning to a soft night, just before sunrise, giving way to a little more light. She kneeled down to the ground, arm outstretched to him. “Hello, little soul.”

Stephen swallowed, feeling a little better seeing some light. He reached out carefully, feeling Hade's hand on his back, gently urging him. He felt safe if Hades wasn’t scared of her, he shouldn’t be either.

His little hand met hers, she didn’t close her hand around his until his fingers curled around hers, sure and confident.

She gently brought him closer. “Enjoying the tour Stephen?”

He gasped. “You know my name?”

“I know much more.”

“Like what?”

She smiled softly to him. “Well, I know your favorite food is your mother's homemade spaghetti and meatballs, a recipe your grandmother gave her that was from your great-grandmother who sailed to America in 1940 with her infant daughter, who became your grandmother.”

Stephen was in awe. “You know my grandma? And great grandma?”

“I do. Your grandmother passed away last year, she’s currently waiting to see you in Elysuam fields.”

“I wasn’t as sick last year, I was really sad when she died.”

She gently pet his hair. “Death is hard to cope with, what once was there, is not. But you and your parents came together and grieved, memorializing her.”

“Will my mom and dad be okay, without me?” Stephen asked, his eyes filling up with tears.

She nodded, kissing his head. “It will be the most difficult thing they have to deal with but they will be ok, I and Hades will help them.”

Stephen smiled weakly, holding out his pinky. “Promise?”

She smiled softly, interlocking her pinky with his. “I promise. Now go. Your grandmother is waiting.”

He smiled as he walked back to Hades, immediately taking his hand as Hades and Hermes said their goodbyes. Stephen was gushing the entire walk back. “She was so pretty! Is she always so pretty? I think she is, she’s a goddess, they’re all pretty! And she knew my mom and dad and my favorite food! My mom makes the best spaghetti, she helps me-“

Hermes suppressed his chuckle as Stephen continued to ramble before they ended up passing by Thanatos who was on the same path to see Nyx.

He looked confused. “Oh, hello my friends, it is not often I see you here. I haven’t seen you since you came to apologize.”

Hermes smirked next to Hades. “Oooh what for? What did you do?”

Hades glared over to the messenger. “You angered me so much I released flames, do you not remember when you stole my brother's trident?”

Hermes backed away. “Oh.”

“The souls thought I was the devil and Nyx had to come calm most of them down.”

Stephen was in shock, listening to all of them. “You took Poseidons trodant?”

Hades spoke to Stephen. “He did, his actions hurt many mortals and a lot of paperwork. Many of the souls that came here thought I was the devil from their Bible.”

Stephen frowned, looking up with big eyes. “Why would they think that? You’re so nice.”

Hermes scoffed. “Not when he’s angry kid.”

“You made him angry.”

Both Thanatos and Hades looked in shock at the child, trying very hard not to laugh. Hermes pouted. “Hey, don’t laugh.”

Thanatos chuckled. “He is correct. I will see you later my friends.”

Hades gave a wave. “Goodbye.”

It didn’t take long for both Stepehen and Hermes to act up, Stepehen turning his head to stick his tongue out at him, Hermes was shocked but did the same.

This went on for a full minute before Hades picked Stephen up and held him on his hip like a parent. “Enough. Both of you.”

Stephen pouted but felt comfort being in the god's arms, reminding him of his own father's embrace.

By the time they got back to the hall of judgment, Stephen was nearly asleep, head lolling on his shoulder.

Hermes cleared his throat. “You take him to his judgment, I’ll see you later.”

Hades turned to Hermes. “Thank you for your help with the child. With Persephone gone, I’m often at a loss of what to do with little souls.”

Hermes smiled, not sure how to take the rare, genuine praise from Hades. “Don’t mention it. Just good timing. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

Hermes just nodded before flying off.

Hades carried Stephen through the proper door to his judgment.

It took him to Elysium, its green and lush fields of flowers and vegetation went nearly as far as the eye could see before you saw simple houses and the ocean’s edge just on the horizon.

It was evening when he arrived, the sunset almost completely.

There was also a grand temple for any parties; mortal or god hosted. Dionysus often has his parties here, so the chosen believers can partake as well and enjoy along with their deities.

He gently shook Stephen who woke easily. “Sorry, I fell asleep on you.”

Suddenly a voice spoke Hades was more than familiar with, one he wasn’t fond of.

“Hello, Hades.”

He looked as he gently placed Stephen on the ground. “Hello, Demeter.”

It was tense between them. It always was. It was rare Hades personally saw a soul go to their judgment himself, and more rare a soul was chosen for her part of the underworld.

She stood proud, hands folded gently in front of her over her green robes, the centuries only clear in her face if you studied her face, a few fine lines sprinkled on her skin, along with a few strands of gray hair among her blonde hair.

The same color as her daughter and it made his heart ache with the reminder.

Demeter smiled softly to Stephen, kneeling down. “Hello my son, I’ve been waiting for you."

Stephen looked unsure before looking up at Hades. He nodded. “Go ahead. This is where you belong. Your grandmother is waiting here.”

Stephen smiled as he reached up with both hands. Hades looked confused before picking him up again. When he did the child engulfed him in a hug. “Thank you so much! I had a lot of fun, I’m gonna miss you.”

Hades hugged back, almost wishing Stephen didn’t have to leave. “I will miss you as well little one.”

He placed him back down before Stephen ran over, going to Demeter and taking her outstretched hand.

Together they walked away, Stephen not looking back once, Hades pretending it didn’t hurt.

Hades turned back, a familiar loneliness settling in as he walked back through the door.

This six-month arrangement has been going on for eons.

It never got easier.

“Name?” He asked, voice more stern than he intended to be, he was just so fucking tired.

The sprit of a middle aged woman looked timidly up at him as he sat behind his desk filled to the brim with papers of inboxes and what had been processed.

“Uhh Laura?”

“Laura what?” He said more sharply than intended, he was just exhausted.

She felt her eyes well up. “Laura Elizabeth Watson. Where am I? Am I in hell?”

He sighed, looking at her paper. She wasn’t the first Christian to pass though, on this part of the world he handled the underworld, which was a shock to many people, especially Atheists.

Catholics and Christans were always the most shocked when their time came and it was not Jesus Christ but Thanatos who led them to the afterlife, but Hades always made sure to send them where they needed to go according to their religion and beliefs.

He got her paper and sighed. “No, you are not in Hell, simply the underworld. We’ll get you where you need to go.”

He looked over her paper, confirming her name, age, and other basic background. He came to her judgment that she was a good Christian woman who went to church every Sunday, helped charities, and volunteered at hospitals, no blemish on her life that would condemn her to her God's Hell, or even his own. But that wasn’t for him to judge since she was not one of his believers.

He signed it off that she came through and is to be taken to the angels to be judged by her lord. “Go through that door on the right and you’ll be taken where you belong.”

Laura just nodded shakily, still terrified of the deity before her as she walked away. Hades felt a twinge of guilt at having her walk to the door alone, he normally has someone help but apparently, he did not have enough help and right now all were busy with the mass casualties coming through.

Before the next could come over to him, he spoke. “Laura.”

She stopped, hands shaking as she turned, eyes filled with tears. “Yes?”

“Would you like to know the likelihood of your judgment?”

“Is it allowed?”

“Yes because I am not one of the fates, I hold no guarantee.”

“Yes, please.”

“According to your life’s record of achievements and deeds done, I don’t doubt you will see the heaven you need. But I know how fickle your God can be, if he takes Umbridge with you, come find me and you will get the afterlife you deserve.”

Laura smiled weakly, wiping the tears from her face. “Thank you.” He just gave a nod to her to hurry along. She continued, going through the door down the right hallway, bright light coming through before it closed.

“Next.”

An older man stood before him, a weird sort of arrogance surrounded him.

“I think there’s been a mistake-“

Oh, it’s one of those souls.

Hades both loved and hated getting them, they could be quite the entertainment but his patience was thin as thread.

“I’ve been a good catholic man my whole life, a priest, why am I in hell?”

Hades just glared down at him from his tall desk.

“As arrogant as you are unobservant. If you were listening to the women before you, you would have heard I told her this is not hell but be assured, I can be the devil you fear, name?”

“Henry Richard Taylor, I was a priest, people are gonna-“

“One more word and I’ll feed you to Cerberus. I asked for your name, nothing more.”

The man huffed, somehow having the audacity to be shocked.

Hades looked over his paper, both his anger at this man and satisfaction going up; this man was a sinner, a bad one at that.

Not only did this man actively seek to harm those who were homosexual or just a different culture than him, he was a pedophile, molesting the very kids who were under his care.

“Tell me Henry, why do you not belong in your God's hell?”

“Well I was a priest, a man of God, I worked to uphold his teachings. Who are you if not the devil? How is this not hell? There is only one God-“

Hades just let out a little chuckle.

Henry glared.

Hades just smirked down at him. “Would you like it if I made sure you couldn’t lie?”

“What do you mean? I’m not lying!”

Hades just snapped his fingers and Henry felt a wave of sorts go though him, making him stumble.

“Now, go on and tell me, why don’t you belong in hell?”

“Because I’m a terrible- terri- why can’t I say good?”

“Because you cannot lie. Say all you want to say, we will hear only the truth.”

Henry swallowed, hands starting to shake. “Because I’m a terrible man, I can’t stand those who are different, I use my position to enforce my will onto them.”

“And what about the children you hurt?”

Henry tried to keep his mouth shut but with another snap, words were coming out like vomit. “Because I love to see them squirm in pain, I get off on it.”

Hades just smiled down at him. “See? That wasn’t so bad. Take the door on your left and you’ll be taken to judgment. Next!”

Henry frowned, feeling terrified. “Why not the right? Don’t I get to know how my judgment might be? By my own God?”

“Oh so you paid attention to that? Yes, you would but I know your God is all about redemption and paying for your sins so you can then be welcomed into Heaven. You are currently in my domain and if I deem the sin severe enough I have every right to judge you; regardless of your religious standing. And I do not tolerate the kinds of you.”

Henry was about to beg forgiveness, tears of fear rolling down his face when Hades swished him away with his hand, an invisible force taking Henry away to the pits of Tartarus.

“Next.”

Outside his vision Persephone came walking up, going up the stairs that led to him and his desk that stood more like a podium than a desk. She held a small tray of fruits and cheese. “Hello dear.”

Hades instantly softened upon seeing his queen. “Hello my love, why are you here? You should be resting from your work.”

“As should you.”

Hades sighed, hating she was right but also feeling an immense duty to his job. He has her on a typical work schedule of eight hours to help the dead get to their afterlife, especially children. He got the idea when humans started implementing standardized work hours, he liked the efficiency of it. He had her take her leave two hours ago when those eight hours were up.

“I just wanted to bring you something to eat-“

“We are gods, we don’t need to eat.”

“So? I know you love fruit, even if it doesn’t nourish you.”

He stayed quiet.

She placed the tray on an open area of his desk. “I’ll leave it here and if you feel like it, you can pick at it, alright?”

“Thank you. Now go, enjoy your time off.” He said softly, tilting her head up by her chin gently to kiss her forehead. She smiled sadly and walked back.

Persephone returned and resumed watching the line seem to grow longer and longer, many of the others helping it along, but this earthquake had been particularly devastating, triggering a tsunami after it.

Hades already knew Poseidon was involved, any time he went into an angry fit a tsunami or earthquake followed.

It’s been days since Hades or Thanatos had gotten any kind of break before the disaster happened. And Hades knows his time with her is fleeting, a few more weeks will be spring and she will be with her mother for six months.

She went back to the fireplace, feeling lonely, Cerberus also looked lonely, the three-headed dog lying down, taking a rest from his duties, even laying down they were around five feet in height, standing they neared 10 feet.

Each dog's head whined, having not seen their master in quite some time. She walked over, her dress trailing behind her as she gave them pets on their heads and scratches behind their ears.

“I know, he just has a lot of work to do, I know he’s missing you as-“

Her sentence was cut off by her window breaking and a body tumbling onto the floor before hitting the wall.

Cerberus gave a light growl before seeing they weren’t a threat. Persephone gasped seeing the mess and then seeing the one responsible. “Hemes! What is this? Are you ok?”

She kneeled down to him and he huffed, having flown here as fast as he could. “I’m ok, just lost control.”

She helped him stand up. “You know we do have a door.”

“I was in a rush.”

She sighed. “Why are you here? Is there more help coming to guide the dead?”

Hermes smiled weakly. “Uhh no, unfortunately, just…wanted to…visit you guys. Been a while and been a while since I flew so fast.”

Persephone laughed. “Well, I urge you to use the door next time.” She waved her hand, the glass was repaired and mended and back into the wall where it belonged. “Actually, this is perfect timing, I need your help.”

Hemes grinned. “What do you need your majesty?”

Persephone rolled her eyes. “No need for such formality, we’ve known each other for centuries, Hermes. With the most recent disaster on our part of the world, Hades has been overworked. He hasn’t been home in days, just at his desk working and seeing the souls.”

“Isn’t that his job?” He asked, finger-pointing up.

Persephone softly glared at him. “And?”

Hemes retracted his pointed finger quickly. “Nothing!”

She sighed, frowning and her body softening from the small anger she felt moments ago. “I’m just worried. I’ve tried to help but he won’t let me see to the souls alone, he has me on a work schedule he won’t follow; as the humans say, he’s a workaholic. The souls won’t be going anywhere, they need no food or water, and they are in purgatory; they can wait but he refuses to let them wait. Which I find very sweet and I admire his work ethic but he needs rest.”

“So what am I supposed to do?” Hermes asked, confused.

“I want you to try to cheer him up, I hear he's been snappish with the souls and that’s never good and me going to him doesn’t seem to help.”

“Again, what am I supposed to do? You’re his queen, if he won’t listen to you why would he listen to me?”

“Because you're his friend and one of the only friends he has from the surface.”

Hermes stayed quiet, wanting to help but also not wanting to get too involved, especially since he came here to hide from his latest shenanigans.

Persephone smiled at him, starting to push him out the door. “Just do what you do best.”

“Break windows?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, cause a little chaos. Nothing that can’t be undone easily and no harm to anyone. I’m sure even the souls would love to see a little show of you two bickering and joking.”

“But I’m not a God of Chaos, that’s Lokis deal.”

“I know but it seems to follow you regardless.” She said, gesturing to the window he broke.

“But he’s scary.”

She just rolled her eyes. “Oh stop, he’s a big softie and you know damn well. At least get him to eat some of the snacks I brought him.”

Hemes smiled. “Oooh, what kind of snacks?”

“Just some fruit and cheeses, nothing extravagant.”

“I mean, I guess if he really needs cheering up I could go, I mean, what if the cheese goes to waste?”

She rolled her eyes at him again. “Fantastic, just go please.”

Hermes flew out the door, at the speed of a human runner and not the Mach speed he flew through the window with.

He stopped as a sinner was thrown toward Tartarus, able to see it from his spot, the hall that goes to the king's home near the hall he just walked out from.

Hemes walked up as Hades continued to work and talked to the souls and gave them proper judgment or had them go to where they would receive proper judgment from their God. Most of the particularly bad sinners he likes he keep, to make sure they get the full extent of the punishment necessary, regardless of whatever the soul’s religious beliefs might be.

Hemes flew up the few feet of stairs and smiled. “Busy today?”

“Yes.” He said, signing a paper, the soul going through the right hallway door to face their Gods judgment.

Hemes was about to say something when Hades cut him off, talking to the souls. “Next!”

There was the sound of whimpering and sniffles. Hemes and Hades couldn’t see them over the desk. Hades looked over and saw the soul of a child, no older than four years old.

Normally those younger than 13 went to a separate place, but in the case of mass casualties, it’s never been unheard of for a few souls of children to get lost from their destination.

It was a little boy, looking lost and scared.

Hades did what his Queen had been guiding him to do with little souls.

He got up from his desk and walked down the stairs, kneeling to the little soul.

He hoped he sounded as gentle as he intended. “What’s your name little one?”

Next to him, a flash of glowing paper showed up, the boys name, age, how he died and various other bits of information on it.

“Micheal sir..” He whimpered out.

Hemes was about to take a few bites of grape from the tray Persephone brought when Hades voice stopped him. “Hemes, can you fetch my queen? I need her to help Micheal.”

Hemes was about to say something along the lines of what do you do when I’m not here to fetch her but Hades glaring look toward his hesitance stopped it. “Yeah, yeah, back in a jiffy.”

Michel sniffled, wiping his eyes of tears. “You have a queen?”

“Yes, the most beautiful queen,” Hades said, giving him a little smile.

“Are you a king then? Like in the fairytales?”

“Yes, like in your fairy tales.”

Hermes arrived with Persephone in his arms, making sure she got there quickly as possible. “Your queen.”

Persephone quickly walked over, kneeling down to the little boy with a soft smile. “Hello, little one.”

Micheal gave a shy look. “You are really pretty like he said.”

She smiled brightly, reaching her hand to him, letting him choose to take it.

“Thank you, you’re very polite.”

“My mama always taught me to say sir and mam and to tell girls they’re pretty.” He said, holding her hand.

She stood, holding his hand tightly enough he wouldn’t be lost again, guiding him to the right hallway. “Oh really? You must have the best mom.” She turned back, giving a little wave to Hades. Micheal did as well, waving before continuing down the hall.

Hades sighed as he got back up and back to his desk, reaching for his pen, also summoning Micheal’s paperwork as he looked at it.

He started to look all around his desk for his pen, it was specially made for dealings in the underworld, made of obsidian with platinum lining as its metal casing and a small line of diamonds where one would hook it onto a pocket.

He looked and then stopped himself. He never lost items, especially the pen he needed to sign and confirm people into their judgment. Then he looked over at Hermes who was snacking with various cheese cubes in one hand, a good handful.

Hades gave him a look, glaring at him. “Hermes, you wouldn’t have happened to know where my pen went?”

Hermes swallowed the cheese that was in his mouth. “Oh..uh no, no, I haven’t. Must have rolled away.”

“Without anyone touching it?”

“Yeah, could have put it down wrong.”

“In the Eons I have been doing this, the only times it’s gone missing is when you show up?”

Hermes blushed. “Yeah.”

Hades sighed. “I do not have the mental energy to fight with you, just return my pen.”

Hermes summoned the pen from his personal pocket dimension, handing it over before realizing his little pocket dimension was overfilled, a very familiar trident falling out right as Hades grabbed his pen.

It was unmistakable and loud as it clanked onto the floor and down the few stairs to the floor.

Hades just stared at it and then back to Hermes before standing, Hermes could feel the Gods anger rising as he started backing away. “Is that Posidons trident?” Hades asked, voice controlled.

Hermes stumbled on his words as he backed himself to floor level. “What? why …why would..What? How did that get in there?” He kept backing away, fire licking around Hades feet.

“How did you get his trident Hermes?” His voice stayed controlled but Hermes could feel how Livid he was.

Hermes backed himself into a wall. “Oh well, I was just delivering a message and... And well uhh he was just..so thankful he gave it to me?”

“Do not make me force the truth out of you.”

“What is going on here?!” Persephone yelled from across the room, coming back from helping the child, she was next to her husband within seconds. Hades points to the trident. “That.”

She looked over and glared at it before giving a hard look to Hermes. “Did you steal his trident? Are you why we’re dealing with the mass of souls?” she turned to Hades with a soft look. “Go back to work love, I’ll take care of this.”

The fire around him dimmed down to nothing, his hand going to her waist, kissing her head. “Very well. Be sure to return his trident as soon as possible.”

She smiled to him. “Of course.” She returned to gaze to Hermes and it was hardened again, she summoned the trident into her hand with a few vines. “I should impale with this. Follow me and if you fly away I swear nothing will keep me from finding you.”

Hermes just nodded, more scared of her than he was with Hades. For a Goddess of Spring, she was terrifying, more so than her husband. He followed obediently. Once back in the room, she huffed as she hit him over the head with the trident before throwing it to the ground, startling Ceberous who watched it clank to the ground.

Hermes fell to the ground with the impact, crying out in pain. “Ow, that was… deserved.”

“You're damn right it's deserved! Do you know how many souls your little habit costs? Almost 300,000, along with the normal amount that dies a day. we only take on a few hundred a day! We watch over 17 countries in our zone and in one day we got 300,000, thanks to you. My husband has been working himself to the bone to make sure each soul is properly checked in and judged and shown where they need to go.”

Hermes gave a soft glare. “His work ethic isn't my prob-”

“I will hit you again if you finish that sentence.” She said, a thick vine of ivy summoning around her arm, a threat.

Heres grumbled.

She frowned, body softening. “I just had to help a four-year-old. He was barely a child, still a toddler and he was terrified. You've taken an innocent child from his parents because of your monornic stunt.”

“Technically Poseidon did, he’s the one throwing a temper tantrum.”

“And you knew how he would react when you took it. That's why you flew through the window! Were you coming here to hide like a coward!”

Hermes sighed, the side of his face throbbing as he ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, I was coming here to hide. I flew faster than I have in a long time and lost control on the way here and broke your window.”

Persephone used her vines to grab the trident, bringing it into her arms, walking over to Hermes. “You will take me to Posiedon immediately so I can make sure it’s returned properly.” He just nodded, holding her quickly and flying away.

When the last soul was done, the hall of judgment empty, he nearly slumped into his throne before he heard his old friend next to him. “Long few days?”

He looked and saw Thanatos next to him, standing professionally, arms behind his back, black robes hanging loosely.

Hades sighed, relaxing a bit. He could always unmask from the day safely around him. “Something like that. Hermes was here, stole my damn pen.”

“And Poseidons tridant.”

Hades looked at him with surprise.

Thanatos shrugged. “Word travels fast, especially with all the souls you’ve had to check-in. Apparently, quite a few hundred souls heard about your fire show and became a bit panicked thinking you were the devil. Nyx had to help calm them.”

“I should apologize to her.” He said as he stood, both he and Thanatos walking down to the floor.

Thanatos gave a small smile. “What for? You were both were doing your job. It’s a wonder you didn’t try to smite the messenger on the spot for his behavior.”

“Still, because of my behavior, she had extra to deal with and it will not sit with me to not apologize.”

“How mortals see you as a villain in their media will be a mystery to me. Dioynous is throwing a small celebration for us helping so many souls, you should come, and have a drink.”

Hades shook his head. “I know his get-togethers; he says it’s small, I say it’s twenty people too many.”

“Still, you deserve a drink of wine or meade, you’ve worked hard my friend, and should relax.”

“I plan to do that, in my own bed. Thank you for all your help, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He said, turning to go down the hall to his home.

Once inside his own home, he slumped against the door, rubbing his hands thought his dark hair and down his face.

Cerberus's affectionate woof nearly startled him as the giant dog walked over, wagging his huge tail, threatening to break any fragile items in its wake.

Hades smiled softly to him, petting each head as much as he could so none felt left out. “Hello my sweet baby, I missed you terribly.”

“As did I.”

He turned, seeing his queen, having just returned. She smiled as she spoke. “Done with work?”

He chuckled warmly, holding her close. “For now. Death is never ending.”

She smiled as she spoke. “So Dioynous is throwing a little party for all of our hard work with the disaster.”

“I know, Thanatos told me about it.”

She pulled away. “We should go get a drink. We deserve it.”

“I won’t argue we do but you know I’ve never been a fan of parties.”

“Yes, I know dear but we can get one drink and leave.”

He sighed as she took his hand, leading him out. “One drink.”

As soon as they arrived Dioynous was the first to greet them, smiling brightly as he gave a hug to Persephone. “Yo, glad to see you made it!”

After his hug, he stuck his hand out to Hades. Hades reluctantly shook his hand. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the wine God, his personality could just be…a lot, especially after the days of work he’s currently put in. “We’re here for one drink and one drink only.”

He suddenly saw Poseidon there as well, looking much calmer than he normally is, talking with some others. “He came here? After what his temper tantrum did?”

Dionysus shrugged. “Yeah but don’t worry, I made sure to spike his drinks with some calming herbs, thought it might be better to keep an eye on him here ya know?”

Hades just nodded as Dionysus summoned two glasses of wine for them. “Here, relax, enjoy yourself. So? Get any interesting souls?”

Hades took a sip of the wine before speaking. “Always.”

Dionysus silently urged him to go on, blinking at him as he drank his own wine.

Hades sighed. “There was a corrupt Christian priest and a few atheists. The atheists are always the most confused, believing they don’t go anywhere when they die and they just rot in the ground, forgetting they have a soul with energy."

As Dioynses startd to talk, Hades saw Perhphone leave his side to socialize and greet the other deities. “But don’t they need payment for Charon to even get to you? Why would they end up here?”

“Not all do, just our believers and worshipers since it’s tied to our particular system.”

Thanatos showed up suddenly next to Hades. “You came?”

Hades jumped slightly, forgetting sometimes Thanotos could just instantly jump from one place to another without any sound.

He sighed. “Yes, I wasn’t given much choice.”

Thanatos smiled, placing a friendly hand on his shoulder. “I’m glad, you’re always holed up with your work, we rarely get to see you, as the humans say; I’ve missed your face.”

Hades gave a small smile to him. “Thank you.” Suddenly Persephone was coming over, gently leading both Hermes and Poisedon to him. She smiled. “I believe these two have something to say to you.”

Hades looked confused, Thanotos was holding onto laughter, along with Dioynous.

Hades could see his brother was high, very high to have him even want to apologize let alone be lead. He’s probably more relaxed and laid back than he’s ever been in his entire life.

Poseidon's movements were slow but Hades could tell his feelings were genuine. “I’m sorry, about this mess. I lost my cool-“

“That’s an understatement.” Hades said with a blank look.

His brother continued, either not hearing what he said or not caring; probably not caring.

“And that wasn’t cool. I know my temper controls the earthquakes and then the sea and I’m sorry you had to clean up my mess.”

Hades gave a small nod. “Apology accepted.”

Persephone nudged Hermes who jumped, being terrified of the both of them right now. “And I’m sorry I stole his tridant. I knew how he would react and stole it anyway, I’m sorry.”

Hades gave him a glare but seeing the huge, trident-shaped bruise on the side of his face was satisfying. “Apology pending.”

Dionysus let a laugh escape, Hades bluntness was always a surefire way to make the God of wine laugh till his sides hurt.

Thanotos joined in laughing not nearly as hard as the wine god.

Hermes looked offended and before anything could come out of his mouth, Persephone was already stopping him. “Nope, be glad you got that much for your apology.”

Hermes grumbled. “Alright, I’m gonna go back to the party.” He said, flying away.

Poseidon was tipsy as he went to walk back to his spot, nearly falling into the wine fountain at the center of the room.

Dioynous reacted immediately. “Alright, let’s get you home.”

“But Aphrodite is-“

“Yes and she’s busy sucking face with Aries, she doesn’t want to be bothered.”

“Oh.”

Hades just watched in mild disbelief. Both from his brother being so drunk and high he could barely stand and that he apologized. And that Dionysus was a good host, he wanted people drunk but not drunk enough to cause a problem or get hurt.

Persephone smiled to her husband, holding his hand. “Ready to go home. We’ve had our one drink.”

Hades nodded. “Yes, very much.”

They both turned, Hades hand on her lower back as they went back home to rest.

And there I stood silent

in a vast empty field

with the East wind

flowing steady

against my brow

And there I

swallowed memories

of past horizons

every emotion

illuminated by the sky

in teal blues

emerald greens

And there I heard

your voice

echoing gently

on the skin

of the black sea

whispering

eternity

to the lost

believer within

The heart conflagrates a flame brighter than the sun... The mind wanes as clarifying rays of knowledge divvy in interspersion. To feel is to be flesh; to blur the lines between reality and fantasy our most critical faculty, albeit deeprooted in the spurs of insanity. The ability to imagine is a dual-edged blade elongated by joy, passion, and inspiration, but sharpened just as well by sadness, apathy & leisure. It's our capacity of feel that keens its edges — to empathize and relate to one another as a people, on an individual level. Heart to heart. Like the rich rivulets of magic in the hands of the disciple of man, disciplined & stoic, chiseling beauty out of igneous, and abstracting solutions to life's greatest obstacles, challenging them indefinitely.

Success is the acclimation of joy & attainment. A psychedelic ecstasy, induced by doing something well or to completion, which only increases with the difficulty of the task. It is fundamentally concomitant to an overwhelming sense of reward, achievement. It holds the retrocognition to resonate with our past achievements, encourages our strengths, & validate these experiences. It kickstarts our drive to do more, to push past the odds, perhaps to progress & prevail even when the world turns a blind eye. It's almost unanimously agreeable transcending expectations feels damn good.

To make the naysayers hush; to make those supporting you along the journey proud of who you've become. It's a beautiful feeling that often gets undermined & swept into the aperture of failure — when all things cease to go your way, & life seems to dread your existence as much as those who look down upon you.

Sentimentality as it pertains to happiness is difficult, but integral; understanding others, where they swing along the pendulum on emotion, is the key to contextualizing their mentality.

Treating everyone with the level of respect you want to be treated with is imperative for a greater future, as, it keeps in mind those layers of context often missing from colloquial scenarios, the tides of everyday conversation. At the end of the day, we all want to succeed in this grand monopoly board we call life, where the rich parsimoniously seize their wealth & get richer, while the poor are mentally enslaved to the cyclical toils of life.

You truly never know what the next person is or has been going through.

(Superman) "It doesn't matter what we do, they will always destroy each other."

(Wonder Woman) "So let's just take a step back and let them do it."

(Superman) "And there is just the two of us left?"

(Wonder Woman) "Yes."

(Superman) "So how do we kill each other?"

(Wonder Woman) "Well, maybe we don't"

(Superman) "Meaning what? We let them all die and...?"

(Wonder Woman) "I change my name to Eve and you change your name to Adam."