Pomegranate seeds
Ch. 2 "Hades realm"
"My daughter will never marry!"
The door slammed like always. Kore sat at the back of the room in silence. It was the fifth time her mother drove away another God wanting her hoof in marriage. Her mother steamed and muttered angrily. For the gall of a male to even think about taking her innocent and precious daughter! Kore didn't see which God it was- in fact she didn't want to know. She wanted to make her own choice on who would be her husband.
Somepony kind, gentle... who could always make her laugh.
She just needed to get out of the cottage and go beyond the meadow to meet that supposed husband.
"Mother..." she began gently, pouring hot apple cider into her mother's cup. It helped calm her nerves.
"Yes, my darling Kore?" Her mother asked sweetly after taking a sip of her drink. Kore sat down across from her from their table.
"Is... is it really... that, umm..."
"Now sugar cube," her mother said sternly, "you know you have to speak more confidently when addressing somepony... or else your point will never get across."
"Yes mother," she replied more loudly. "I’m wondering if... if it's really so bad for me to find a husband?"
"Kore!"
She jumped, hearing her mother's disapproving tone.
"You know the reason; males are unpredictable, they are not like plants. Plants grow, die, and grow again. Men never grow. They will always stay the same! As immature, lustful, dirty, and mean as a rattlesnake!"
Kore kept her eyes down and bit her lower lip before nodding.
"Yes, I know, but are they really?"
"Darn tootin'!" she shouted, slamming her hoof against the table, making it shake violently. Kore barely caught her mother's cup in time. Demeter let out a long sigh. She reached her hoof out at her only daughter, taking her hoof gently.
"Kore... you are my only daughter and I love you very much. Out there... there are horrible males out there that are just ready to take advantage of you. That is why ah ask you to stay here with me, where it's safe. Beyond that forest, there are just gods and mortal males ready to take you away from me... I just can't live without you." Her mother's eyes began to gloss over, making Kore grasp at her hoof.
"Oh mother, I don't want you think of that..."
"I know it's hard for you to understand, but it is true what I am saying. Males are just going to use you Kore, because you are so naturally innocent and beautiful. They are only attracted to what is on the outside; they could care less about who you are on the inside."
Kore lowered her eyes and nodded in understanding.
"Yes... I understand, mother."
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She stared at the dark lord, who just proposed to her, not certain what she had just heard.
He had his lion paw out towards her, in a respectable bow, almost urging her to take it and accept him as her husband. She took a step back. This was exactly what her mother had warned her about. She strayed into the forest and now the God of Death stood before her.
"N-no," she replied, in a shaky voice. His paw recoiled as he straightens.
"No?" he questioned. "Well, why not?" He demanded, childishly placing his claws at his side.
"Don't get me wrong... I'm flattered, but I-I don't even know you." He let out a scoff.
"But I know you, I know everything about you! I know that you love those furry little vermin that come out of the woods. I know your favorite color is green, and that your favorite flowers are tulips, preferably red. Your favorite meal is a daisy salad and you have an irrational fear of heights... even though you have wings."
Her muzzle scrunched at his list, which had made the situation she was in even more dangerous. Who knows how long this god had been watching her? She had to get back to her friends; she knew that Hermes would protect her, she could beat up anypony.
"I-I need to go now," she whispered, taking another step back. She just needed to turn around and run into the safety of her meadow. Hades noticed her nervousness towards him. He had to say something to convince her to go with him, and if that didn't work... he would have to resort to plan B.
"Don't you want to be free?" He grinned, giving her a toothy smile. Her eyes went back to him, her interest peaked.
"Free?"
"Why yes," he started, tapping his fingers in glee. "Don't you want to see what else is out there?...See things you have never seen before? If you come with me, you will see just that."
Kore pondered this. All she had ever known was the meadow and what her friends had told her. She wanted nothing more than to go and see things with her own eyes. Suddenly Hades appeared behind her, making her go forward into the woods. She whirled around to him, not liking how close he was. He let out a smile.
"Such a temptation..." he began. She wasn't sure if he was talking about her or her freedom. "I can show you all these things... with a price, of course." He took a step towards her, and in his paw rolled out a contract. "Just agree to be my wife, and bada-bing-bada-boom, instant freedom!" he exclaimed, making his claws go outward, blowing up the contract into confetti over her head.
All she had ever wanted was to see the world, but to do that she had to marry a god she knew nothing about. All she knew was that he was the ruler of the underworld- a dark frightful place, with spirits and monsters. How could she be the wife of a dark lord?
"I'm sorry, but I can't be your wife," she stated sternly. She expected him to protest but instead he let out a small smile and clapped his hands together.
"Well...Time for plan B!"
She was quickly thrown over his shoulder, like a sack of flour.
"W-what are you doing?!" she shouted.
"It's best not to struggle dear, I have a bad back."
"Put me down!" she cried, as she began hitting his shoulders and back. "Put me down! Help! Somepony help me!"
"Shhhh! If you keep screaming like that-!"
"HELP!" she screamed. "HERMES!"
Hermes turned her head towards the woodline, and saw Persephone struggling over the shoulder of her kidnapper. The nymphs let out a horrified gasp, dropping their precious flower crowns.
"Kore!" Hermes shouted. She opened her wings. "Don't worry Kore! I'm a-coming!"
She dove forward, taking flight. Hades eyes widened and took off running. He dodged every branch, jumped bushes and fallen logs, all the while using his powers to slow down Hermes and her incredible speed. Hades snapped his fingers, making the branches from the trees grow thicker and longer. Hermes hit everyone of them, but even when her mouth was full of leaves, she continued her chase.
"Hermes! Please help me!" Kore cried, seeing that Hades’ tactics were slowing down her friend. Hades snapped his fingers again, this time making the tree branches come alive, grabbing Hermes around her waist and restraining her.
"No!" Hermes hissed. She punched against the wood, trying to break it.
"Hermes! Help me! He is taking me away!" Kore cried, sounding very far away. Hermes looked up, seeing the kidnapper turn back towards her, letting her see who exactly was taking Kore. With a wave goodbye, he snapped his fingers, teleporting away.
"No!" She punched against the branch, finally breaking it. She shook out the splinters and dove towards the spot where they had disappeared. She looked in all directions: left, right, up, and down. All she saw was trees, bushes, and more trees.
"Kore! Where are you?! Kore! Say something!... Anything!" she desperately called. All she got in response was the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind. Her head turned, hearing small hoof steps running towards her. Breaking out of the brush was the trio of nymphs.
"Hermes, what happened?!" Amalthea asked, panting slightly. "W-where's Kore!?"
"Gone..." she responded sadly. Her eyes narrowed in anger and she stomped her hoof in frustration. "But I know exactly who took her!"
"Who?" asked Thetis. "Who took her?...Whoever they are, we'll give them such a fight!" she growled, putting up her hooves.
"Hades," Hermes hissed. The nymphs let out a gasp and gathered closer together in fear.
"The Lord of the Underworld." Harmonia shivered. "My sister said to always avoid him because he's evil! And I always listen to my big sister!"
"What are we going to do then?" Almathea questioned. "He got Kore!"
"I know what you three are going to do," Hermes said, flying down to the ground towards them. Almathea jumped up slightly, ready to obey any command her idol would give her. Hermes placed a hoof on her purple mane, giving her a small noogie.
"I need you three to go home," she said gently. Almathea gaped at her.
"But we can help!" she argued.
"No kid, this is Hades we are talking about- this is Gods' Business. I need you three to go home, but keep an eye out just in case you see Kore come back... I need to go to Olympus."
"But what about Demeter?" Harmonia asked. "She is going to go ballistic if she finds out her only daughter has been kidnapped."
"That's why we aren't saying anything until Demeter gets back. We have three days until she comes back, and hopefully we will have this mess fixed."
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"So now I work in a bakery. I'm learning how to make loaves and these new things called muffins. I tried one and it's so good!" exclaimed the wide-eyed mare to Charon, who stood in silence for the whole hour, listening to how she lost her other job but gained a new one. He stood at his boat while the mare stayed on the shoreline.
"I'll bring you a muffin the next time you come. I'm sure you would love it as much as me," she continued. She let out a breath and sat on her flank, already winded. "Speaking of muffins, I am so hungry... Are you hungry?....... I bet you're hungry. I'll bring food next time. Do you prefer blueberry muffin or whole grain?"
Charon said nothing. She let out a smile.
"I'll bring both!"
They both turn, hearing Hades had returned with a screaming mare over his shoulder.
"Charon, prepare the boat!" Hades yelled. "And meet my bride-to-be!"
"Let me go! Let me go right now or else!" Kore yelled, continuing to hit and kick at him. He ignored her yells and went onto the pier, passing the bewildered grey mare.
"Excuse me, Lord Hades?... This seems kinda wrong," she said slowly. Kore saw the mortal and pleaded to her.
"Please, I need help! Please help me! I don't want to go with him!"
"Yeah, I see that..." she said scratching her mane, uncertain with the situation.
"Do not concern yourself," Hades said gently. Putting a paw over Kore's lips, he muffled her pleas. "Everything is fine- just look at Charon... He doesn't seem concerned, right?"
The grey mare looked at the boatman who looked back at her. He let out a nod, saying nothing about the situation. She let out a smile.
"Okay! I'll see you tomorrow than!" She waved goodbye and headed out of the cave. Kore desperately put her hooves out to her, and smacked Hades's paw aside.
"No! No okay! I'm not okay! Come back!" Her words went unheard as the mortal mare flew out of the cave. Kore's arms slumped down- that was her last chance. Hades jumped into the boat, dropping Kore down on the seat as Charon moved the boat, heading to the underworld.
"Please," she begged. "Let me go. I'm just a normal goddess, I don't have anything special. Just let me go."
"You are selling yourself short, my dear," he said, sitting down from across from her. "And to think I'll just let you go once I already have you...You must think me mad! But do not worry, you'll learn to love it here." He laughed.
She let out a frown, curling her arms around her chest, hugging herself tightly. She was never going to go home. She would never see her friends, her animal friends, or even her mother, ever again. She placed her hooves over her face and cried. Tears flowed down freely and without rest. Hades looked at his prize, finding her clutching her withering flowers, most of its petals lost in the chase and their stems broken. Her hair was filled with leaves and twigs from grazing the trees, but her flower crown was still intact. She continued to cry once they went through the door of the Underworld, knowing all too well that she was now trapped in the realm of The Underworld. Her tears stained her cheeks, crying uncontrollably as she began to hiccup. Hades felt a sense of guilt go through him, knowing that he should feel pain from seeing his maiden cry before him, but even in her state, she looked even more beautiful to his eyes. He felt his lips turn to a small smile. He put out his eagle claw and stroked her mane, making some of the leaves fall out, only to get slapped on the nose by the broken bouquet.
"Don't you touch me!" she said angrily. Another emotion he had never seen. She was full of surprises.
She moved to the far end of the boat, to get as far away from him as possible. The boat stopped abruptly, arriving at it's destination. Kore looked up to see souls of mortal ponies arriving to port by other boatmen, but unlike Charon, the boatmen wore red robes, a frightful sight that made her shrink in fear. She watched as the boats stopped at the shoreline to drop off three souls. Kore counted at least twenty boatmen. She saw the souls silently step off, walking towards the entrance of the underworld, a massive black marble door that was constantly left open, with touches of blue fire lighting their way. The souls ranged from old to very young. She noticed a small filly who hadn't even received her cutie mark yet. Kore held herself. She could feel the sadness in the air, she could smell the bitter lake water that reeked like mildew and moss. Everything was dark; the only source of light was the trail of torches leading them through the mouth of the door. Each breath she took fogged in front of her from the cold and misty air, and the river was slowly beginning to fog, like a gate closing.
Hades stepped off the boat onto the pier and put out his paw at Kore.
"It's a bit of a step, my dear Persephone." He smirked, trying to be a gentlepony. Mares liked that sort of thing. She narrowed her eyes hatefully at him and turned her head away in a huff. With a flap of her wings she landed on the pier.
"I don't need help from you," she said with spite. He frowned at her sudden anger, but she did look cute when she was angry. She whirled around facing him.
"Do you not know who my mother is?"
"Of course I do," he replied calmly. "She is the one that kept you in that meadow all of your life, never giving you the chance to see the outside world... you were her prisoner. You should be thanking me!" Suddenly he appeared behind her, his lips puckered like a dying fish. She put her hoof out, pushing him away harshly.
"With good reason! Because I have been kidnapped against my own free will... I want to go home, now!" She glared at him. The reply she got was boop on the nose.
"You really are adorable when you do that little stare of yours." He let out a chuckle, retracting his claw away and placing his claws behind his back. "But is it really so bad to be away from your controlling mother?...Once you are my wife, you can be Queen! I want you to be by my side as the Queen of the Underworld... with riches, status, servants, clothes, anything your precious heart desires." He grinned, patting her head. She pulled away from him.
"I will never be your wife!" she proclaimed. He shrugged his shoulders.
"You really have no say in the matter, because you will be my wife!" he argued. "I already received permission from Zeus, so there!"
"Then you will receive no love from me... because I am just a prisoner," she stated sadly. His ears dropped and he put his claws out to her gently.
"You’re not a prisoner," he whispered assuringly. "You have free reign wherever you go."
"Then... can I go to the surface to see my mother? My friends? My animals, and my flowers?"
"Well... no, of course not."
"Than I am a prisoner." She turned away from him, her head low. Her mane covered half of her face, and her lip was quivering. Hades let out a small sigh; this was not what he had hoped. He straightened, becoming firm as he walked up beside her.
"Follow me, my dear... or I could carry you again. I prefer the latter," he said, wiggling his eyebrows at her. She bit the inside of her cheek and stuck her nose in the air, turning her face away.
"I'll walk," she said sternly. He frowned slightly. This was not the warm treatment he had been expecting.
He silently took her through the entrance. Inside the granite walls were corridors and hallways; the layout was like a ominous castle. They finally stopped in front of a red door. Hades led her inside.
She let out a small gasp and ducked, dodging a piece of furniture that flew over her head.
"Oops…" Hades chuckled, embarrassed. "Forgot one." He snapped his fingers, making the flying armoire stop in mid-flight, before falling right side up against the wall. Kore looked around the room. The floors and walls were granite with bits of stalagmite on the ceiling. The bed was a king size canopy with red sheets and black pillows. There was only one window and the only view was overlooking the dark river, Styx.
“This will be our room,” he stated. She whirled at him in disgust, only for him to put his hands out defensively.
“Not to worry, I will be right across the hall in another room, until you feel more comfortable with ‘sharing’ the bed.”
“Then it will be never!” she spat, walking away from him as she entered her “bedroom”. “You take me away from my flowers, my mother, and my friends, and you expect me to be your willing wife?”
“Must you be so difficult, Persephone?” he asked softly taking a step towards her.
“Difficult I’ll be!... If you don’t like it, then send me home!”
“Now, now,” he said, wagging his finger at her. “You know I won’t do that.” He grinned. She let out a cry of frustration, collapsing on the bed, muffling her cries on the pillow. She was never going to go home.
Hades silently glided his way over to her. He was so used to see her warm smile, her heavenly laugh, her gentle demeanor... not her irritatingly but cute scowl. He got enough of that from Athena and Apollo, not to mention the other countless Gods. Yet, there she was, crying… on their bed. With her back towards him, oh so innocently… he placed a claw on her shoulder and laid his head on her back. The reason he had wanted her to be his wife was because she had treated him differently. He just needed her to change her mind about him. It wouldn’t be too difficult.
“Get off me!” He was suddenly slapped, throwing him off of her and onto the harsh ground. He let out a hiss of pain, his paw going to his reddening cheek. Perhaps... it would be a little bit difficult. He had misjudged her appearance; she seemed weak and small, but when it came to protecting herself, she didn't hold back. That was another thing he was going to have to add to the list of reasons as to why he fell for her. He looked up, seeing her tear-soaked face with her mouth in a scowl of anger.
“Don’t you ever touch me! You... you...you monster!” His eyes widened at her words as his pupil shrank as he felt his chest ping in pain. He had been called a lot of things by the other Gods and Goddesses, and monster was the most used.
Kore noticed the sudden pain etched across his face- she had struck a nerve, and she immediately regretted it. She shook her head. No... he was a monster for kidnapping her, but…
He brushed himself off as he stood up. Kore shrank in sudden fear wondering if he was going to strike her, but he turned his back on her.
“I’ll send some servants up to your room… They’ll listen to your every command. I-I will see you in the morning.” He hurriedly walked away, shutting the door behind him. Not even bothering to give her a look. He let out a pitiful, long sigh as his claw lazily dropped off the handle to his side. He felt his cloak become ten times as heavy as he silently went down the hallway.
He found himself at the pier, sitting on the edge with his legs dangling over the edge. He picked up a few stray pebbles on the pier, throwing them at the water, watching them skip before sinking to the bottom of the river. His eyes dropped down to the water and saw a wave of large ripples come up from beside the pier. Hades picked up another small pebble and flung it at the water.
“I do not get it, my silent boatman,” he muttered, giving Charon a halfway glance. Charon stood at the front end of his boat, starring in the same direction as Hades, seeing the pebble skip five times before sinking into the river. “When I first saw Persephone, she was so lively, so full of laughter, her eyes filled with kindness... Don’t be mistaken, I still see that… when it's not directed at me,” he muttered bitterly.
He threw another pebble.
“She is angry at me Charon…” he began. He let out a sigh. “Must be the room I gave her.”
Charon shook his head.
“I need to make her happy again, to see her smile again… Do you have any ideas?” he asked. Charon said nothing. Hades snorted. “Forget I asked… Maybe she would like gems? There are many here embedded in the rock, is that a good idea?... No?… How about new clothes? Mares like that, yes?”
Charon stood silent. Hades gave him a scowl.
“You are no help to me. I have no idea why I even keep you around. I might as well be talking to a cave wall.”
“.........”
“You know, she does love flowers... maybe that would make her happy.” His head shot up in excitement. “Yes! That is the answer to the universal question! Flowers!... And I know the perfect place! In the morning I shall surprise my dear sweet Persephone and soon she will fall head over hooves for me.”
He flew up, making a cartwheel in the air, the sense of inspiration overwhelming him.
“Yes, it’s the perfect plan. Thank you for your unwanted help Charon, but if you'll excuse me, I've got planning to do.” He snapped his fingers, disappearing in a flash.
Charon looked back at the vastness of the river Styx, sat down and waited. Waited for tomorrow to come.
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“Mother! Mother!” A grey unicorn bounced as her cross-eyed mother returned home. She ran into her mother’s open hooves, giving her a hug and welcoming her back home. She had on a dark purple toga dress, the bottom tattered. Her mane was out of place, and her face was dirty from playing outside.
“Sorry I’m late, Delilah... I guess I talked too long, huh?” she chuckled, rubbing the back of her head. Her daughter gave her a disapproving look.
“Honestly Mother, I get worried about you- you always go into the woods and you don’t even tell me who you even talk to."
“Sorry, sorry... How were things at home?” Her mother smiled, changing the subject.
“Hmm, we ran out of firewood again," Delilah said sadly. Their cottage, or what she calls a shack, was a small home, with only one small bedroom for the two of them to sleep on the same bed, and the kitchen/ living room/ bathroom. It was one of many from ponies who lived their lives in poverty, but she was still glad to have a brick oven to keep them warm, thanks to her mother who worked a short time as a builder. Her mother walked over to their small brick oven, seeing a small kindle of fire slowly putting itself out.
“Oh dear…” her mother muttered. “B-but don't worry, we have plenty of blankets and... and I got some bread!” She reached into her bag, taking out a small loaf of bread.
“Yay! We get to eat today!” her daughter cheered, running up. Her mother passed her the loaf.
“Alright, eat up.”
“You mean... by myself? What about you? Aren’t you hungry?”
“Oh, I already ate on the way- it smelled so good, I just couldn't wait. Go ahead and eat.”
“Well okay... but wait next time; we need to eat together as a family.”
“I know, I know…” Her mother responded gently as her hungry daughter dove right in. She had to work hard to keep her job this time, for both of their sakes. Tonight, she would pray harder to the gods to show mercy on their small family.
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Hermes flew to Olympus, breaking through the thick cloud barrier until she made it to the throne room of Zeus. Everything on Mount Olympus was made out of thick white clouds, and marble pillars decorated the kingdom. She found him sitting on his golden throne, with his wife by his side.
“Zeus! My Lord!” she saluted. “I need your help!”
“My goodness, what is the problem?” asked his wife Hera. From the sound of Hermes' voice, it sounded serious.
"Kore has been kidnapped! We need to rescue her!"
"Kore? Demeter's daughter?!" Hera asked, alarmed. "Who would take her?"
Zeus' eyes widened slightly; he had a guess on who it might be. He rubbed his temple, feeling a migraine coming on. He really needed to talk to his brother.
"Hades!"
Figures. Zeus let out a sigh, gaining both of their attention. Hermes raised her brow at him.
"Wait... you knew?!" She shouted accusingly. She flew up to Zeus, face to face. "Your brother just took my friend!"
"Hermes!" scolded Hera. "Show some respect!"
"No," Zeus replied sternly, raising a hoof up to his wife. "It's alright." He faced his personal messenger.
"Kore has reached her twenty first year. Gods and goddesses must be wed by their nineteenth year, but Kore did not... because of her mother sheltering her." Zeus said with seriousness in his tone. "Kore violated my law."
"But... but, it's not her fault! She could have married some God when she wanted to, but she was kidnapped!"
"No Hermes, I am sorry, but Hades had already asked for my permission. He had the right to take Kore and make her his wife."
"With all due respect, mighty Zeus..." Hermes began calmly. She took an exhaled of air and shouted. "Are you insane?!"
"Hermes!" yelled Hera. Her hoof slammed against the armrest of her throne, a loud bang erupting around them. Zeus place his hoof up again, trying to calm his wife. He looked back at Hermes.
"My word is law, no exceptions....do you understand?"
Hermes bit the inside if her cheek. She reluctantly bowed to him.
"I understand... but I don't like it!" She flew off, diving away from Olympus and heading straight back to earth. If Zeus wouldn't help, she would have to get help from somepony else, and she had an idea on who to visit first.
She stood at the porch of a large column temple, a tribute made from the mortals to their great god of wisdom, Athena. Hermes entered into the open temple, going up to a large marble statue of Athena, wearing her helmet of knowledge with her right front leg up, an owl perched onto it. Hermes took one look around of the empty temple. The sun already was setting and there were no mortals in sight. She turned back towards the statue.
"Psst!" she sounded, a steady stream of spit escaping her lips. "Athena!... Where are you? I know you're there!" she whispered loudly, but her voice still echoed in the temple. A latch suddenly opened on top of Athena's head, revealing the actual god, who popped her head out with a look of irritation finding her loud friend.
"Hermes!... Why are you interrupting my studies?" She questioned.
"I need your help," she stated seriously gaining her attention. "It's about Kore."
"Kore?" Athena flew down, landing in front of her. "What happened?"
"Hades kidnapped her. I need your help and the others so we can rescue her!"
"Hades? Oh!" She growled lowly. "I always knew he was up to no good, and now he took Kore?"
"Can you help me?"
"Of course, anything for a friend... Let me get my armor." She put her hoof to her lips, sounding off two high-pitched whistles. Her trusted owl flew out of the statue, it's talons holding Athena's helmet and her spear, and dropped them into her hooves. The helmet was forged by the god Hephaestus, made with the finest iron, as well as her mighty spear. Athena constantly wore her aegis, made from the finest pelts of wild animals, strong enough to protect her from harm. She slipped on the helmet, her appearance changing from a scholar to a warrior ready for battle.
"Let's go."
"Alright... but can I say, you look so awesome when you put on your armor!" She exclaimed, pressing her own cheeks together in sheer awe.
"Hermes, focus!... But I appreciate the compliment."
"Right." Hermes shook her head, becoming serious. "Let's go. We still need to get Ariadne, let's just hope she and Dionysus aren't having one of their ‘all-night parties’...."
"I doubt it."
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Kore paced in her room. She had to get out of the underworld. She looked over her options. If she tied the sheets together, she could get out through the window, steal a boat, and head back home. She peered out of the window- it was two stories high and she knew immediately that the sheets were too short to make it down safely. Even if she made it towards the river, she didn't know the way. She could easily get lost in the dark.
She collapsed on the bed, distraught. All she could do was hope for Hermes to come and rescue her.
Yes...she could always count on Hermes. She could even bet that she was on her way now. It at least gave her a little hope.
Her ears perked up, hearing knocking on her door.
"Go away!" she cried. She buried her face against the pillow. She would never let that God enter the room.
"We are your servants, Milady," said a small voice. "We are here to take care of you."
Kore lifted her head and sniffed, holding back her tears.
"O-oh... umm, then you may enter," she replied. The door opened, revealing a small purple dragon with green scales, wearing grey robes tied around him with a golden sash over his stomach. Following behind was an old mare pony with a green coat, and white straw mane wearing the same robes as the smaller dragon. She closed the door behind her before she and the younger servant bowed respectfully.
"Welcome to the Underworld, Milady," they both said in unison. She frowned at them and turned away with a small sigh. Both of them exchanged glances, the younger servant slowly walked up to her.
"Umm, my name is Cadmus, here to obey your every command…?" He started nervously. "But you kind of look sad. Do you want to... talk about it!? I may look young, but I'm a good listener!" he exclaimed.
Kore let out a sigh and turned to him.
"I am sorry, but you would be sad too if some God kidnapped you and decided to make you his wife..." She replied.
"Yeah, I probably would, especially if it's a god!" He let out a shiver. " I perfer a goddess, like Hebe! The goddess of youth, she is so beautiful..." he awed, looking out to space. He shook his head letting out a blush. "But you know... I understand."
Kore let out a small smile.
"I know Hebe, she sometimes visits me to talk about our days."
"Wow! You know Hebe?" he asked excitedly. He leaned forward, putting his claws up to his cheek as he whispered, "Can you put in a good word for me? I heard she is into younger guys."
"Well, I'm not exactly visiting her anytime soon," she muttered. She clutched her front hooves together in frustration. "I don't understand! What did I ever do to Hades?!... I just want to go home."
"Now, now child..." Cooed the older mare, taking Kore's hoof and patting it gently. "Do not feel so sad; Mr. Hades might be a little dramatic and strong-putting, but he is really not so bad."
"Are you serious, Alke?" Responded Cadmus, crossing his arms. "He made me massage his scaly feet! Do you know how much they stink? I mean, yuck!" He retched.
"Cadmus!" scolded the old Alke. "That is no way to talk to our lord, or have you forgotten that he saved you from purgatory?"
Cadmus’ eyes went to the floor in shame and kicked the ground embarrassedly.
"You're right... I'm sorry."
"Purgatory?" questioned Kore. "I thought being the servants of Hades was a horrible thing to be, worse than purgatory, or Tartarus."
"Oh fiddle sticks and nonsense." waved Alke. "He saved us. This was the only option we had, and he treats us fairly. He may be off-putting... but he is fair, even though he doesn't want to admit it. I am glad to be his servant."
"She's right." Cadmus nodded. "He's really not such a bad guy... don't get me wrong, he is still kind of annoying, respectively of course."
"Well, I still don't buy it," Kore argued. "He is still horrible- he kidnapped me! He is going to force me to be his wife!"
"True." Cadmus bluntly says, only to get hit in the arm by Alke, who shot him a glare. "Owww..." he whined, rubbing his arm. "Okay, I'm sorry."
Alke looks back at the young goddess with a warm smile. Kore couldn't help but smile back. Alke had the smile of a grandmother. She wondered if she was one when she was alive.
"Do you know what cheers me up when I am in a rut? A nice hot bath!... Come along, dearie." She pulled her gently off the bed towards the bathroom in the bedroom. Kore followed obediently as Cadmus made his way towards the door.
"And I'll bring you some warm clothes; it gets chilly down here in the underworld," he said before heading out the door.
"Well, I guess I do need a bath..." Kore began brushing her mane slightly. "I think I still have leaves and mud in my mane."
"Yes, a nice relaxing bath would do you some good. How about some rose water? Or do you prefer lavender? My personal favorite is apple scented."
Kore smiled kindly to the old servant, meeting somepony like her and the small dragon was a relief. She felt more at ease, knowing that she has kind souls looking after her. Trusting them more then she could towards her dark captor. She can only pray for rescue to come soon.