"Shoreline"
Cassandra couldn't believe her eyes. Everything was blanketed in white, in the middle of summer. She woke up freezing and rushed outside to only get caught knee deep in snow. She panicked when she saw her small wooden house could not support the sudden onslaught of ravenous winds and growing storm. She needed to get the wood she cut the day before, next to her home and found herself digging through the snow desperate to salvage it. If it gets wet, it's useless. She grabbed as much as she can before the chill air forced her back inside.
Her teeth clattered and her body shook as she shoved the wood into a small stone fireplace, right in front of her and her daughter’s bed. She was lucky enough to get it to ignite.
She sighed in relief but she knows it won’t last. Delilah stood beside her, having been rudely awaken by the sudden cold. They both stood close to the fire, their light rags were not built for winter.
“What is happening, mama?” Delilah whispered, pressing herself close to her. “Are the god angry with us?”
Her mother said nothing, her lips on a thin line. “I don’t know, but...why don’t you eat something? It’s time for breakfast, eat some of the muffins I made yesterday.”
“Okay…” Her daughter muttered. “Do you want one?”
Her mother shook her head. “No, I’m not hungry.”
“I didn't see you eat anything for the past few days, Mama.”
Cassandra blinked and laughed softly. “No, no Delilah, the bakery keeps me full. Silly, from all the bread I eat, I’m already stuffed!” She slowly nudged her daughter towards their small pantry. “Go ahead and eat. Don’t worry about me.” Delilah frowned slightly but did not argue, her stomach growled immediately making her grab the muffin. Cassandra moved her head towards the fogging window and prayed silently to the gods to help them fight against the storm.
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Hades was about to lose his mind. He sat on his throne, rubbing his sore head as his headache began to grow by how backed up things have gotten in the Underworld. Spirits have been coming in faster than he could help place each one to their proper place. He had been at it for hours and even lost sleep. What was strange that they had the same blue tint on their fur and had all died from being frozen to death. He storked his beard in confusion, he wondered if Apollo was having an off day or maybe the gods have decided to strike down a disaster onto the mortals. Maybe having been late on their offerings? He shrugged and continually pointed to the left and right to each soul that stood in front of him.
His eyes suddenly flashed to the right of him to see Kore peeking out from the corridor, wondering what was happening. Her face morphed into concern from all of the mortals coming in and the long line that reached the shoreline. The moment Hades saw her, he knew it was time for a break.
He clapped his claw and paw together, gathering everyone’s attention. “Alright! Everypony turn your attention to the waiting room to the left!” He snapped his fingers and conjured a room that contained red seats, an aquarium with exotic fish and little booklets that appeared on small tables. “There are cookies and drinks over there, if you're hungry! But...you're dead, so-” He shook his paws at them. “Nevermind just please wait over there! I’ll be back in thirty minutes!”
He snapped his fingers again, conjuring a sign and placing it over his throne that read, “Gone Fishing.”
Hades strolled over to Kore, who brushed her mane back, her eyes still glued on the mortals. She slowly looked up at Hades.
“What is happening here?” She asked softly.
“Nothing that concerns you, my darling Persephone.” He said waving her off, actually making her back away from the scene. He stood in front of her as if trying to get her attention on him.
“Yes, but...they look so sad.” She said, tilting her head back towards them but Hades immediately took a side step, blocking her view.
“That’s how all of them are, unlike us, they are mortal and they all must die someday. We are immortal, we live for an eternity!” Kore bit her lower lip and felt compelled to at least talk to the spirits.
“Can I see them?”
“See them?” he blinked. “Whatever for, my dear? They’re nothing of your concern, I’ll be back to direct them as soon as possible. It is my job.”
“Well, I can help you. Anything for a friend right?” She smiled. Hades tapped his chin in interest. He could use her help and if she was going to live here, it would be a good idea to get acquainted with the dead. Although he thought someone as meek as her would be afraid. She was beginning to surprise him. He waved his arm, moving aside and bowing at her.
“If you insist, my dear.” He smirked and watched her eyes lit up at him. He blinked in surprise by how comfortable she was getting with him. He watched as she galloped towards the spirits, with a gentle smile across her face. His ears lower from how natural she was with speaking to the souls of the dead. Taking them by the hoof and speaking sweet words to them. Introducing herself and learning their names. He could see the shift change in their emotions, from bleak and dreary to more upbeat and happy. As if they never died in the first place. He walked back to his throne and sat down. Silently watching her.
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Hermes was staring at the ceiling full of stalagmites for what seemed like hours. They have been floating in the black river for almost a full day now and she noticed how other boats were passing them, all filled with mortals and ponies like Charon, the only difference is that they couldn’t see their faces. Did they even have faces?
She sat up and voiced her moans of boredom. “We been at this forever now! When are we going to rescue Kore?” She demanded as she stood up, glaring straight at Charon. He looked right through her and focused on rowing.
Athena stood up, placing a hoof on Hermes’s shoulder. “Calm down, it takes a while for Gods to reach Hades, he made it this way on purpose. He wanted to be alone.”
Hermes rolled her eyes. “Than why did he take Kore? What if this is a sick way to becoming top god! He might use her as blackmail to become the head of Mount Olympus!”
“Which is why we are going to rescue her and bring her back. Once Kore gives her side of the story to Zeus, I am sure he will punish Hades accordingly.”
Hebe placed an arm over her head. “I cannot imagine living down here with a god like Hades! Our poor Kore! She must be frighten out of her wits!”
Athena sighed heavily and sat down. “Hopefully, we’ll be there soon. Right, Charon?” she asked when she turned back to the blank pony. He nodded and pointed out to the distance. The goddesses immediately stood up wide eyed. Rocking the boat suddenly, waking Ariadne from her nap. She stood up with a slight irritation in her voice.
“Hey! Who’s rocking the boa-!” Her eyes snapped open as she saw the shoreline in the distance. “Oh my gosh! We’re here! We’re coming for you Kore!” She screamed at the top of her lungs.
Hades ears flinched from a slight shrill. He turned calmly to the waters and his eyes lowered when he noticed Charon and his new passengers. He snapped his fingers.