Lost Little Soul

“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.