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ggcati77 · 2 months ago

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‘Til Death

Chapter 13: It’s Happy Ending Time!

Chapter 12: Hostile Takeover

SURPRISE! I finished this chapter up so freaking quick lol! Here’s a lovely way to end your week! ❤️ But oh my gosh, I can’t believe this is the last chapter! It’s been a journey! I just wanna give the BIGGEST thank you to everyone who’s been keeping up with the story and hanging in there through my long hiatuses lol! Seriously, I didn’t think anyone would be too interested in this fic or my Persephone, but I was blown away by the amount of support I’ve gotten from people over the past few years (can’t believe this fic took me like 3 years to make lmao), so seriously THANK YOU SO SO SOOOO MUCH to all my followers, mutuals, and to the future readers who stumble upon fic some day! 🥰🫶❤️💕 This is the LONGEST fanfiction I’ve ever made in my life and I’m glad I could improve my writing as I continued making more chapters! I’m honestly really proud of myself for this and this fic has really made me consider taking a career in writing someday ☺️💕 Also, this isn’t end, I can absolutely promise you that! I have TONS of new fanfictions and even some new fic series based off of aus that I’m planning on writing so please stay tuned for more Hades and Persephone fics! And again, thank you to everyone for reading my self indulgent fanfiction and I hope you’ve enjoyed it and that you enjoy this final chapter! 🫶❤️

By the time Hercules, Pegasus, Hades, and Persephone left the Underworld, it was very late at night. The moon and the stars were still shining brightly and beautifully as Morpheus finally finished draping his blanket of sleep across the night sky, blessing the mortals who were staying up late with a peaceful slumber.

Hercules and Pegasus soared across the sky as Hades and Persephone followed close behind in Hades’ chariot until the group made a landing at the top of Mount Olympus.

Hercules then dismounted from Pegasus and gave his head a little pat before making his way up the large set of stairs made of fluffy clouds and over to the tall, golden gates that seemed to gleam and shine even under the moonlight. He took a deep breath before knocking on the gates.

In a blur of light blue, Hermes zipped over to the gates. It seemed that he was working late tonight, as he was fully dressed and didn’t seem to be the least bit sleepy.

“Hey! Alright, man! It’s Hercules! What brings you by?” Hermes greeted cheerfully as he opened the gates.

“Uh, I was just wondering if I could talk to my father. Normally I’d just visit his temple, but um...” Hercules nervously explained as he glanced back at Hades and Persephone who were standing on the steps further back behind him.

Hermes looked past Hercules’ shoulder and blinked in surprise, “Woah, am I, like, seeing things or is that who I think it is?” he asked as he removed his glasses and wiped them off with the hem of his chiton before putting them back on.

“Yeah…this is kind of a…special situation. That’s why I wanted to talk to him here.” Hercules said with an awkward smile as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Yikes. I’ll grab your pops for ya, but I dunno if he’s gonna be too psyched about this, man. Good luck.” Hermes said skeptically before zooming off in a flash.

Hades, who had been watching the short interaction from afar with Persephone, frowned as he crossed his arms. “Yeah, I’m definitely not getting in. I should be the one doing the talking.”

“Just relax. If anyone can convince Zeus to let you back in, it’s him. Have a little faith.” Persephone assured him.

“Hey, if that kid’s gonna be pleading my case, I’m gonna need more than ‘faith’, babe. I need a divine miracle…and a good lawyer.”

Zeus and Hera then approached the open gates with warm and welcoming smiles. Hercules noticed that they were still in their sleepwear and felt a little guilty for waking them up at this hour, but this was a matter far too important to wait and discuss until morning.

“Hello, darling.” Hera greeted as she went to hug her son and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Zeus let out a hearty chuckle as he patted Hercules on the shoulder, “Hercules, my boy! It’s wonderful to see you! What — “ he began before glancing behind Hercules to find his notorious little brother giving him a nasty glare in the distance.

“Hades…”

Hades rolled his eyes, “Oy vey. Here we go.”

“I thought I told you to never show your face here again!” Zeus growled as he lunged in the direction of Hades, the dark clouds above them starting to rumble with thunder and release small flashes of lightning.

“Father! Wait! I can explain!” Hercules exclaimed as he jumped in front of Zeus.

“I brought him here.” He confessed.

Both Zeus and Hera looked at their son with a nonplussed expression as some of the other gods on Olympus started to gather around behind them. It seems Zeus’ outburst had woken up most of them and they were curious about what was going on.

“What?! Son, why would you do such a thing?!” Zeus asked.

“Hades is losing his powers. If he doesn’t marry Persephone by sundown tomorrow, he’ll lose them forever. If you could just lift Hades’ ban long enough for the wedding — “

“Persephone?” gasped Demeter as she quickly stepped away from the crowd and moved closer to the open gates.

“No! Absolutely not! It’s out of the question!” Zeus objected, the clouds above rumbling with thunder yet again.

“But father!” Hercules pleaded.

“I cannot allow this traitor to return to Mount Olympus, even if he is losing his powers.” Zeus said as he glowered at Hades, who glowered at him right back.

“After turning his back on his own family, I think that losing his powers would be a rather fitting punishment compared to banishment.”

“But, if Hades loses his powers, then he can’t rule the Underworld properly. He needs his powers back.” Hercules explained.

Zeus gave Hercules a stern look. He loved his son very much, and he hated to argue with him, but he had to put his foot down and make him understand that this was something he wasn’t going to change his mind on.

“My boy…”

“Father,” Hercules interrupted, “I know you’re still really upset with Hades, trust me, I am too, but…I can’t believe I’m saying this…I think there’s some good in him.”

“Good?! Hercules, he stole you away from us and tried to have you killed when you were a baby! He unleashed the titans, took the entire pantheon prisoner, and tried to take my place as King of the Gods! What on Gaia’s green earth would make you believe that he’s good?!” Zeus argued.

“Because, I heard Persephone say that Hades tried to sacrifice everything to save her!” Hercules said boldly.

Zeus, Hera, and Demeter all looked at Hercules with confusion and concern.

“Save her?” They asked in unison.

“Yes, it’s kind of a long story that…well even I don’t know a lot about, but what I do know is that Hades was willing to give up the entire Underworld for Persephone, and when Hades didn’t have the strength to keep fighting for her, she was willing to protect him. I know it sounds crazy…but I think if Hades actually cares about someone that much, then he must not be entirely heartless. I mean…I kinda did the same for Meg when she sacrificed her life to save mine.”

The dark, thundering clouds above Zeus began to dissipate as he listened to what his son had to say.

“Yes…well…I…”

Hera smiled as she placed her hands on Zeus’ shoulders. “Zeus, dear. Look at them.” She said as she nodded in the direction of Hades and Persephone.

Persephone held Hades’ arm as she glanced up at him with an anxious expression. Hades looked back down at her with a small reassuring smile as if to silently tell her “everything will be okay”. The spring goddess then smiled and cuddled into his arm as Hades gazed at her fondly.

“Have you ever seen Hades look at anyone in such a way before?” Hera asked her husband.

Zeus was a silent for a moment as he watched them, almost studying the couple in awe. He’s really never seen Hades this way before, so…in love. The way he gazed into Persephone’s eyes and smiled so tenderly at her; Zeus looked at his beloved Hera that way every day. It really started to make him see his brother in a whole new light. This certainly didn’t excuse all of the terrible things he’s done, but…maybe Hercules was right. Maybe Hades wasn’t the cruel and selfish god he thought he was.

“No…I don’t believe I have.” Zeus replied, his tone sounding almost astonished.

“Our Hercules may have a point. I agree that his heinous deeds are inexcusable, but if Hades was willing to make such a large sacrifice for love, perhaps we should allow Hades a second chance to gain back our trust. He is your little brother, after all, and if Hercules was kind enough to set aside his differences to show him mercy…then maybe we should as well.” Hera proposed.

His wife made a good argument. What Hades was had done was truly nefarious and he could probably never completely forgive him for betraying him in such a heinous way, but Hera was certainly right about one thing. Hades is his brother. He’s family.

As much as Zeus felt Hades’ predicament was very well deserved, there was an aching feeling of sympathy for him. He looked so weak and tired; he’s never seen his flame so small. It also seemed that he was genuinely in love with Persephone and from the looks of it, she was just as crazy about him. It’d be callous of him to make them suffer and deny them marriage.

He wasn’t quite sure what had transpired before to cause Hades to make such an extreme sacrifice to give up the Underworld, but if Hades was truly willing to go that far for Persephone…then maybe there was hope for him. Perhaps Hades deserved a second chance to redeem himself. Who knows? Maybe Persephone will be a positive influence on him.

Zeus turned his head towards his wife and smiled as he placed a hand over hers on his shoulder. He then sighed and walked down a few steps from Olympus’ entrance.

“Alright then…” Zeus announced, “From what I’ve heard and witnessed here tonight, I believe that Hades…has the opportunity for a second chance…to make things right and earn back our trust. So, as King of the Gods, I decree that as long as Hades remains married to Persephone…his sentence of banishment from Mount Olympus will be lifted. Therefore, I will allow Hades and Persephone to be married on Olympus.”

Both and Hades and Persephone were taken aback by Zeus’ compassion. Hades raised his brows, rather surprised that Zeus was being so kind and wondered what the catch was. There had to be some sort of downside to this.

The other gods, however, were silent. Only a few quiet gasps and murmurs could be heard from the crowd of gods that had gathered around the gates.

Hercules began to clap as Hera joined him. Demeter joined in as well and soon enough, the rest of the gods were all cheering and applauding for Hades and Persephone.

The couple grinned ecstatically and looked at each other before leaning in close to share a loving, celebratory kiss. Once they separated, Hades glanced to his side to see Zeus approaching them with a smile that quickly faded into a more serious expression.

“However, if you ever try to double-cross me or this family again…there will be consequences much more serious than banishment, is that understood…brother?”

Hades rolled his eyes (yet again) and nodded. “Yeah, yeah. Sure. I’ll be on my best behavior. I’m humbled by your bountiful mercy. Yadda, yadda. Okay? Is that it or do I need to start groveling?” He replied sarcastically.

Zeus cocked his brow at his brother’s insincere thanks. He was definitely still the same old Hades in personality.

Persephone chuckled nervously, “It’s okay, Zeus. I’ll make sure he stays out of trouble…and thank you.” she said, sounding much more sincere than Hades.

Zeus nodded with a smile, then walked back up the steps to his wife and son as Demeter rushed down the stairs to meet Persephone.

“Persephone!” She called out as she took her daughter’s hands in hers.

Persephone started to get a bit nervous. She knew her mother was okay with her dating Hades, but marrying Hades was another thing entirely.

“Sweetpea…I’m not trying to talk you out of this, but are you sure this is what you want? Do you really want to marry Hades?” Demeter asked, wanting to be sure her daughter wasn’t trying to marry Hades out of pity.

Persephone nodded, “Yes…I love him…” she confidently declared as she looked over to Hades who was looking right back at her with an affectionate smirk, “…and I know he loves me too.”

Hades grinned as he approached Persephone and her mother, wrapping his arm around Persephone’s waist to pull her close to his side. “You bet I do, babe.”

“Well…if that’s the case, and he truly makes you happy…then you have my blessing.” Demeter kindly affirmed.

“Oh and, Hades…” She began, her warm smile quickly shifting into an angry frown as she aggressively grabbed the collar of his chiton to pull him down to eye level.

“If you EVER do anything to break my daughter’s heart again, so help me, I will — “

“Mother!” Persephone chided.

Demeter gave her daughter an apologetic smile as she let go of Hades and sighed.

“Just…take good care of my flower. That’s all I ask.” she calmly requested.

He looked to Persephone, smiling at her fondly once again.

“Don’t worry. I will.”

Hermes then flew up above the group of gods to address them, “Alright, cats! Let’s clear out and get some sleep! We got a big fat Greek wedding to plan in the morning!”

And with that, the gods dispersed, going back to their little palaces in the clouds as they quietly chattered about the big event that would take place tomorrow.

~X~X~X~X~

Night soon turned to morning as Apollo rode his chariot across the sky. The big day had finally arrived: Hades’ and Persephone’s wedding. There was excitement buzzing in the air as all the gods did their part to make Olympus look magnificent for the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Persephone stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom in her mother’s cloud palace as her sister, Despoina adjusted her wedding dress. She was as nervous as a bride could be on her wedding day. This was a very important day for both her and Hades and she wanted to make sure everything was perfect (apparently, old habits die hard).

“Are you sure this bouquet isn’t too much?” she nervously asked her sister as she looked down at her large bouquet, “I know flowers are kinda my thing, so they should be big and extravagant, but I don’t want them to be too extravagant, y’know? But I don’t want them to be too plain and boring either.”

Despoina shook her head and rolled her eyes as she tied the fabric on the back of Persephone’s dress. “Perse, seriously, it’s fine. Just chill out. You’ve got wedding jitters.” She reassured her with a small smile.

“I know. You’re right.” Persephone agreed before taking a deep breath.

She looked in the mirror for a moment, admiring the gorgeous white dress Aphrodite had made for her, then suddenly gasped as a brief thought crossed her mind. Despoina looked at her worriedly, wondering what catastrophe had happened for her to panic so abruptly.

“Oh, gods! I just remembered I never finished spring! What am I — “ Persephone fretted as her mother walked into the room with a veil.

“Calm down, blossom. I’ll take care of it. You just relax and focus on getting married.” Demeter said as she created a flower crown to attach to the veil and carefully placed it on top of Persephone’s head.

Persephone closed her eyes and took another deep breath once again.

“Right. Okay.”

Meanwhile, Hades was standing at the center of Olympus dressed in his best chiton and himation. These garbs looking much more formal and regal with a darker shade of black and dark blue compared to the ones he usually wore. He also had gold cuffs on each wrist to match the golden laurel wreath his wore on his head (secretly hoping it wouldn’t draw too much attention to pathetic little flame he had left up there).

He held his classic skull shaped clasp (also gold colored to stick with the gold theme had going) between his sharp teeth as he struggled to keep the fabric of his himation together on his shoulder, trying to make sure it looked nice and proper.

“Well, little brother,” Zeus said loudly as he suddenly came up behind Hades and gave him a strong pat on the back, causing him to stumble forward.

Hades’ eye widened in surprise as he turned his head towards Zeus and gave him a small, annoyed glare before rolling his eyes and shaking head. He then took to clasp out of his mouth as he turned his attention back to his himation.

“I never thought this day would come.” Zeus continued with a warm and hearty chuckle.

“What? The day I would come back to Olympus?” Hades asked casually, sounding a bit annoyed as he put on his clasp.

“Well, yes, and the day you would get married. It’s hard to believe my little brother has finally settled down!”

Hades rolled eyes once again as he continued fixing and adjusting his himation, trying to ignore his brother.

Poseidon then came up behind Zeus, holding his trident as he put a hand on his older brother’s shoulder.

“Haha! Yes, we’ve been taking bets for centuries on whether you’d actually tie the knot one day! I just can’t believe it’s with Persephone! I dunno how you managed to woo a goddess so out of your league, but by gods, ya did it! Good for you, brother!” Poseidon teased as he removed his hand from Zeus’ shoulder to playfully punch Hades in the arm a little too hard.

“Ow!” Hades winced as he rubbed his arm while giving his other brother the same annoyed glare.

“Haha! We thought you’d have to resort to kidnapping in order to find a bride!” Zeus laughed as Poseidon laughed along with him.

“Ha! Kidnapping! That’s a good one!” Poseidon wheezed.

Hades did his best to keep his temper as his brothers teased him. Last thing he wanted was to get kicked out again and ruin his own wedding.

“Oy. I knew there was downside to this.” He thought to himself as he turned to face his older brothers.

“Heheheh, yeah, yeah. That’s real great. Hilarious. I gotta go. Gotta talk to a guy about a cake.” Hades lied with a phony laugh as he walked away from the two who were still cracking up.

“Yeah, so funny I forgot to laugh. They keep it up I’m gonna turn this wedding into a funeral!” He said quietly to himself.

~X~X~X~X~

It wasn’t long before the ceremony was finally set up. Olympus looked absolutely astounding! The marble pillars (that were actually made of clouds) were adorned with spiral strands of bright leafy vines and light pink roses. There was a beautiful, lavish fountain that flowed with ambrosia (that the other gods had to keep Bacchus away from in fear of him swimming in it). A group of cherubs began to play a romantic melody on their instruments as dozens of gods and titans gathered around the altar where Hades and Hera stood.

On the outside, Hades looked pretty cool and collected, but on the inside, he was rattled with nerves, but in an excited sort of way. He’s been waiting for this moment since the day he truly fell for Persephone. He has never been more ready for anything in his entire immortal life. Persephone, the goddess of spring, his one and only love, was about to become his wife.

Oh, he loved the way that sounded.

Persephone, his wife.

No doubt he was going to take every chance he could get to refer to her his wife after that day.

Suddenly, a cherub flew up to Hera and quickly whispered something in her ear before flying off.

“We are ready to begin.” Hera announced as the guests who had been excitedly chattering amongst themselves got quiet.

The cherubs that had been playing music before silenced their instruments and everyone looked opposite of the altar.

The cherubs then started to play a slow, enchanting song…and there she was.

Persephone, holding her big, extravagant bouquet of blue forget-me-nots and bright yellow daffodils began to walk slowly down the aisle with a shy little smile. Her dress fit her so perfectly, she truly looked like a goddess.

Her hair was put up in an elegant low bun, wavy strands of hair framing her face beautifully while her lovely eyes glimmered even more than usual from her shimmery golden eye shadow. On her head sat a gorgeous flower crown made of small white flowers and roses with a dainty white veil attached in the back.

Hades was absolutely speechless.

He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was the most beautiful goddess that has ever walked the cosmos. She was glowing. She was ethereal. She was ravishing.

He simply couldn’t believe that this stunning goddess was about to become his wife for all eternity. He has never loved anyone else more than he loves her. That dazzling goddess walking down the aisle was his soulmate.

Persephone smiled a little more as soon as her eyes met Hades’. She saw his lovestruck gaze right away and it made her smile even more.

Hades nearly melted right there and then. He was so overcome with emotion for her; he did his best not to start tearing up. Not that he was too ashamed or embarrassed to cry in front of Persephone, but he knew if he shed even a single tear, his brothers would never let him live it down, so Hades kept it together.

However, Persephone was already starting to tear up, trying to steady her breathing in order to keep herself from breaking down.

When she finally reached the altar, Hades took her hand in his, gently rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb as he looked at her with an adoring smile. Persephone took a silent deep breath and gave him an equally adoring smile.

The song then came to an end and Hera began to speak,

“We are gathered here today on Mount Olympus, home of the gods, to celebrate this momentous occasion and bear witness to the divine matrimony of Persephone, the Goddess of Spring and Hades, the God of the Underworld. May these deities always be blessed with peace and joy, and may their love be eternal.”

The couple then turned to fully face each other, Hades still keeping hold of Persephone’s hand as they prepared to make their vows, their eyes staying completely locked on one another.

“Hades, do you take Persephone to be your wedded wife, to love and protect, to cherish and respect, to honor and trust for all of eternity?”

Hades looked deeply into Persephone’s eyes as he uttered those two beautiful words,

“I do.”

Persephone’s lips quivered a bit through her smile as tears began to well up in her eyes again, trying so desperately not to start sobbing. She closed her for a moment and took a short breath to calm down as she felt Hades give her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Persephone, do you take Hades to be your wedded husband to love and protect, to cherish and respect, to honor and trust for all of eternity?”

Without any hesitation, Persephone proudly and lovingly declared with all her heart,

“I do.”

“Then as Queen of the Gods and Goddess of Marriage, I — Hera, pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss th— “

Hades and Persephone could hardly even wait for Hera to finish speaking as they threw themselves into each others’ arms and shared a passionate kiss, the other gods and titans ceremoniously clapping and cheering for them all the while.

Hera blinked in surprise for a moment, then smiled as she chuckled softly and clapped along with the crowd of guests.

Suddenly, Hades felt a surge of powerful energy rush through him, like a wave of heat flowing throughout his entire body. He reluctantly broke the kiss as he stepped back and looked at his hands that were starting to feel very hot.

Persephone watched him curiously with a bit of concern, wondering if he was okay. His form began to glow an essence of light blue as his hair that was almost as short and small as the flame of a candle stick, abruptly burst into a fiery, blue blaze.

No longer did he feel weak and weary; quite the contrary, actually. Now he felt as strong and energized as ever, like he could take on the cosmos.

Some of the guests gasped and watched in awe as Hades beamed and flared up, practically engulfed in bright blue flames. He pumped his fists in the air and did a little happy dance.

“BOOM! BADA BOOM! YEAH, BABY! HADES IS BACK IN BUSINESS!”

Persephone grinned from ear to ear, extremely overjoyed that her husband finally got his powers back. Hades then looked over to his wife with a suave smirk.

“C’mere, you.”

He grabbed her waist and pulled her close to him, practically sweeping her off her feet as he dipped her. Persephone gasped in surprise and giggled as Hades once again gazed into her sparkling, eyes.

The pair leaned in close as their lips met again for another kiss, Persephone placing her hand on his cheek to caress his face as Hades held her in his arms.

As the couple separated once more, they looked out into the crowd of guests. Demeter and Despoina clapped and smiled as Demeter wiped her tears of joys away from her face.

Next to them stood none other than Rhea, sobbing happily as she blew her nose into a handkerchief. “That’s my, baby boy!” she wept proudly.

Hades chuckled and waved to his mother in the crowd as he gently pulled Persephone closer to his side. He then glanced over to her and gave her playful smirk before picking her up bridal style and carrying her away from the altar through the Olympus gates, down the stairs, and over to their chariot that was waiting for them as the crowd of guests followed them, still cheering and clapping to see them off to their honeymoon.

Hades stepped into the chariot as he carefully put Persephone back down. The goddess then looked at the beautiful bouquet she still held in her other hand and tossed it into the crowd of cheering guests. A group of single goddesses began darting towards the flowers, only to be intercepted by Thallo (who Persephone kindly invited to the wedding), who had leaped in front of them all to catch the bouquet in her mouth.

The unicorn then trotted up to Pegasus and nuzzled her head close to his as she fluttered eyelashes. Pegasus let out a bashful whinny/chirp and flapped his wings as Hercules and Meg (who had also been kindly invited to the wedding by Persephone) stood by him and laughed.

Persephone giggled and looked at Hades who pulled her to his side once again before taking the reigns with his other hands.

He then looked back at the guests and gave them a playful little salute and a wink as Persephone looked back with him as waved to everyone before taking off into the sunny afternoon sky.

Pain and Panic (who were also allowed to attend the wedding despite the “no minions on Olympus” rule) watched as the happy couple flew off into the distance. Pain waved as Panic cried and obnoxiously blew his nose into a handkerchief.

“Don’t ya just love happy endings?” Panic asked his friend as he sniffled.

So, you’re probably wonder what’s next for the lovely couple? Who knows? However, their story certainly isn’t over.

One thing is for certain, though, you don’t need the Fates’ eye to see that they both lived happy ever after.

~X~X~X~X~

Meanwhile, in Tartarus…

“ARRGH! I WAS SO CLOSE! I had the key right there in my hand!” Hecate shrieked before raising a big heavy hammer with a grunt and slamming it down atop a large rock, watching it crumble to bits.

“Ugh, well, you can’t blame us, Hecate.” Canis said as he walked past Hecate carrying very heavy bits of rock on his back in a leather pack.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s not our fault you’re a total clutz.” Lupus added as he straggled behind Canis, his pack looking much heavier and overfilled compared to the other empusa.

“OH, SHUT UP, YOU IDIOTS!” yelled Hecate.

“Hey, hey, hey! What with all the yapping over here?!” A random imp asked as he walked up to the three while holding a clipboard in his hand.

“Less talking and more smashing! We got another load coming in!” He said as he pointed upwards, an avalanche of large rocks suddenly tumbling down in front of Hecate.

Hecate growled as she raised her hammer to smash another rock as Canis and Lupus walked off to deposit the bits of rock in their heavy packs.

“Someday I’m gonna get my revenge on that stupid, lovesick son of a — “ Hecate grumbled to herself.

“Hey! I told you to can it over there! This is the land of eternal punishment! Not the land of group therapy! Now, shut up and get to work!” The managing imp yelled from the distance.

Hecate huffed and grumbled an insult under her breath before rolling her eyes and smashing another rock.

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