#ar least the ones ive seen

[chushanye]

I...strongly dislike when people draw podcast/book characters that have no visual media counterpart or human-ify non-human characters and make their designs just oops! all twinks. and when they put them in modern shein-esque clothes.

i hate when the "original designs" are all the same body type/face shape and they just change the accessories/hair/skin color. and then the clothes they draw them in make no consideration for what that character could actually wear (both practically and personality-wise). they just put them in "tik tok alt" clothes and call it a day. I'm so bored of it, you could even call me a hater.

and SO often this goes hand-in-hand with fanon archetypes that take over the popular perception of a character. if they're slightly grumpy they will get dubbed the emo character and will be drawn in unimaginative "alt" fits ripped off of pinterest, screenshoted off of the clock app for the rest of time.

[vegalocity]

sometimes i wonder why 'modern greek mythology interpretations' tend to look at the Aphrodite's Affair situation and settle on 'it was so girlboss of Aphrodite to cheat on her husband with his literal brother' and make jokes about Hephaestus being 'cucked' or 'an incel' when memes about publicly humiliating cheaters are absolutely widespread on the internet, and in the myth itself Hephaestus basically just does the equivalent of the 'welcome home cheater' on the bedsheets meme, it's VERY weaksauce in comparison to what his mother usually does

then i remember Hephaestus is a disabled man and i realize exactly why.

[carnivalcarriondiscarded]

everybody stay with me im shifting back into speculation & analyzing mode, this time about everybody's favorite pair of besties. ill put this under the cut for everyone's sakes

and please, take all of this with a Hefty grain of salt.

so ive been... thinking about a thing. a maybe-possibility. which if this has some merit, the part of me that loves characters having a good time and feeling good feels is screaming in fear. but the louder part of me that loves angst and hurting characters is rubbing its little fly hands together.

short version: i think Barnaby is going to emotionally distance from Wally, if not outright grow to resent him. maybe temporarily, maybe not.

full version: *cracks knuckles* strap in folks. so.

first of all, an entire chunk of Barnaby's bio is dedicated to his character relation to Wally. everyone else only has one-off lines dedicated to their relationships to other neighbors - even Frank & Julie just have single sentences about each other (note that they're described as "partnered with" and "depicted with" respectively. more on that soon). even Wally's bio has his Barnaby mention tacked onto the end of his first paragraph instead of being its own dedicated section

and then there's their character designs - their bios explicitly point out that they share characteristics; color schemes, hearts on their soles, similar outfits.

they were made to be best friends. literally. this quote is what made me start turning this theory over in my mind (sourced from @ /theneighborhoodwatch's collected & absolutely fascinating livestream trivia)

it appears that Barnaby literally did not have a say in whether or not he and Wally are friends. their bios even say "illustrated pages note that they were best friends multiple times." they have to be best friends.

which brings us back to Frank & Julie. they briefly reference each other in their bios, but they aren't described as best friends. it's incredibly likely that they were meant to be a romantic couple - i briefly covered that theory in this post (dont read the first one i was going insane) but they managed to avoid that. Frank and Julie defied the script and chose to be best friends instead.

and then in the trivia document a few more character relationships are briefly touched on, like how Howdy considers Barnaby a close friend, and Sally considers either Barnaby or Poppy as her closest friend, etc.

everyone else seems to be choosing who they're close with. they're forming their own opinions and dynamics and relationships. & its interesting that Barnaby is stated for both of these - as if implying that he may return the friendship feelings, or at the very least he's developed enough of a relationship with them to earn their affection

Barnaby and Wally... i doubt they ever got that. they were best friends from the start, no development, no choice. it's written into them.

and then there's how their relationship has been portrayed so far. i believe i saw an ask where Clown stated that Barnaby is very polite to Wally, which struck me as odd. have you ever had a polite relationship to your best friend? have you ever seen best friends be polite? i'd be surprised!

best friends mess with each other! they tease and rib and roast! what is a best friend for if not mutual tomfuckery?! jesting around? playfully pushing boundaries? a Polite best friendship... that's a straight up oxymoron. no such thing. that sounds boring and exhausting.

not only that, but the fact that Barnaby is often used for Wally's painting segments, and is the go-to guy for teaching Wally something new, is kind of concerning. it gives me the vibe that a big part of Barnaby's literal reason for existing is to be Wally's friend & guide.

which would make the fact of him being described as polite to Wally make sense. of course he's not going to push their relationship or try to deepen it - he's forming his own dynamics with the other neighbors. with Wally... it's already established. that is how they are with each other. that is what they are to each other.

and it's not like Wally can be the one to introduce nuances. i don't mean that as a slight or anything - he's just the way he's been described and the things stated about him that make me think that he wouldn't really... know how to? it just wouldn't occur to him. he probably thinks his and Barnaby's relationship is what a best friendship is and is how it should be.

but they have to hang out. they have to refer to each other as best friends. and while i believe that Wally does wholeheartedly think that they're best friends, close as can be... i doubt Barnaby feels the same. like - yes, he probably does care about Wally. everybody likes Wally.

but it's gotta be frustrating for Barnaby, especially as time goes on and he becomes more himself as a person over just being a character playing a part. it probably stunts his relationship growth with others, since his ~best friend spot~ is already taken and who would want to encroach on that? especially since its taken by Wally mcfuckin Darling?

their friendship might become less of a role and more of a responsibility. Barnaby might grow to feel obligated to stick with Wally as his "best friend". someone invites Barnaby to hang out and/or help with something? sorry, he has to pose for Wally's painting. Barnaby is trying to do his own thing? sorry, Wally is knocking on the door and asking for help with something.

i wonder if Barnaby ever hopes that Wally will go to someone else, or feels relief when he does. and then does he feel irritation/guilt over that denied hope or that granted relief? then does he get angry at himself for those emotions?

how would this effect how he treats Wally and acts around him? this confusing muddle of emotions and this strange growing resentment for his painfully earnest friend who only ever means well, if he means at all.

it makes me curious whether or not this theory has merit. and how this could come to a head. what would Barnaby, in this situation, do if/when he discovers that they're puppets on a set, and he's literally written to be Wally's bestie while everyone else changed their scripts and chose their own relationships.

personally, i don't think he'd be happy, and i doubt he'd handle it well.

[mx-misty-eyed]

Im definitely not gonna sit through all 10 hours of Ned’s Cozy Fireplace and analyze every pixel (yes ofc i fucking am)

(i dont think theres really gonna be any lore in this, Its just observations for fun bc im bored and dont want to interact with my family)

so basic stuff to start off with

little figurine of ned and what looks like a snowman from the christmas saves the year video (?) (actually it looks more like a snow ned), picture from the chlorine mv, ned funko pop, and a cup of chlorine

Ive been watching it on 2x speed and skipping through it, at 43:49 the tv turns on a plays a clip from the chlorine music video

around an hour and 22 minutes in, ned gets up (he does this a few more times throughout the video) and you can see he’s sitting on a tree stump, I still have no idea where he is though. There is also this symbol on the side of the container/chest

at 5 hours and 17 minutes, the tv turns on and plays a 10 minute clip of tyler working in the studio, which i dont think ive ever seen before

at 5 hours and 31 minutes, it plays the entire christmas saves the year mv while the song plays in the background

at 6 hours and 7 minutes it plays the whole jumpsuit mv

at 9:05:40 it plays some behind the scenes from the stressed out mv

at 9 hours and nine minutes it plays some behind the scenes clips from the ride mv

and lastly at 9:54:30 it just plays a minute long clip of torches

theres also this note on the wall (photo and theory from @silverlininghills post). and the missing letter spell out “a date”, the note says

ned,

saw cl(a)ncy (a)n(d) torchbe(a)rer jus(t) like keons sed

hope you ar(e) well

Theres a lot in this note besides the missing letter. At least a lot of questions raised from it. The letter is addressed to ned and mentions clancy and the torchbearer (josh), so it wasnt written by any of them, but then who DID write it? It also says “just like keons said”, does this mean ned and whoever wrote the note are working with keons? I thought that, while he was a good bishop, he was still a bad guy, but maybe not, or maybe ned and the note writer are working with him, or are on clancys side but are pretending to work with keons(?)

And another theory, the tv plays the clip of Tyler in the studio at exactly 5:17:00, 5/17 is the anniversary of blurryface, this year it'll be the ninth anniversary, ninth year also being something clancy mentions in one of his letters. Is something maybe releasing that day?? an update to the website? maybe even a single??

I have no idea what im doing so feel free to add on

[classicanalyzer]

Rings of Power Season 2 - Halls of Stone

"I was in a place like this, but shrouded in mist and darkness, and...I saw-- I-- At first, I thought it was the forge burning. But it wasn't. It was tall... and its skin was made of flames. It came toward me, breathing, reeking of death, and I saw... I-- I saw its eyes. Pitiless and eternal. I think it's been there. I think it's been here among us, all along!" Mirdania

This episode is the best of S2 so far! I really love how the Numenor and Dwarves' plotlines intersect and connect. We see two societies experiencing a major shift and the corruption it leads.

It's chilling how we see King Durin III go from using the Ring to help Khazad-dûm obtain sunlight once more...to demanding tribute from his own people and the other Dwarf Lords. We also have a reminder of how we're getting close to Durin's Bane being properly unleashed as King Durin III ignores his own warnings of digging too deep. Based on what we know of the future, the only "solace" is that while the Dwarf Lords who wear their Rings will have their greed grow, Sauron will not be able to control them as he would hoped.

I continue to love how Durin IV is the only one who notices that Annatar is not who he claims to be. Especially now he sees how his father is changing from a harsh but stern leader of the Dwarves to a more selfish, greedy ruler. He may have retaken the title of Prince but Durin IV is a changed person. Princess Disa has also seen how her support of the Rings may have been a mistake. Especially as she sees the earth shake and an ancient evil that lies deep beneath the mountain. The future for the Dwarves has never been more uncertain despite its apparent prosperity.

It was wholesome to see Celebrimbor proud of the unity between Elves and Dwarves including seeing the Doors of Durin. Narvi is really growing on me as one of the new major Dwarf characters. It's also good to see how Celebrimbor isn't as subservient as Annatar would like him to be.

God Mirdania's description of Sauron is beyond chilling. It truly shows how the forms that Sauron takes as of now are veils to hide the monster he is. His manipulations of Mirdania were also terrifying to see as he pins what she saw as Celebrimbor rather than him. He was also projecting so hard by claiming Mirdania reminded him of Galadriel.

Ar-Pharazôn continues to definitely win Father of the Year. He pushes his son to be an even more evil bastard by withholding information about his mother's thoughts on Kemen. I really love how the conversation is a dark twist of how Míriel talks about the Valar. We also see the true fears of Ar-Pharazôn: mortality. It is subtle but it's there. It also hints at his ill-fated attempted invasion of the Undying Lands. The irony of his rise to power is part of it came from the use of the Palantír...which last we see him, he will now use.

We start to see the beginning of the Faithful and the King's Men conflict. Eärien thinks she's doing this in her brother's memory but in reality if her brother knew what she's doing, he would be disappointed. She also loses her friend Valandil as it's clear which side she decides. I really love how the Faithful Sea Guard continues to refer to Elendil as their Captain. Speaking of Elendil, I really love how we see the hope of Numenor through him which Míriel realizes. However, the vision also might allude to the human sacrifices done by the King’s Men for Morgoth. Season 3 is going to really dark once we reached that Morgoth worship territory.

The Faithful at the oldest shrine putting the candles for the lost souls truly is a sight to see as Numenor's faith in the Elves endures...only to then see the King's Men planning to tear down the shrine for a new aqueduct. I love how Valandil recreated Galadriel's dodges when she taught him how to use a sword. If only Kemen wasn't the worst, he would've done more great things for Middle-Earth, may he find peace. At least Kemen got to know he isn't the real deal as he thought being outmatched by both Elendil and Valandil plus a broken arm. It will be satisfying if Ar-Pharazôn still thinks lowly of his son despite presumably doing what he asked.

ALSO FUCK KEMEN! I hope he drowns when Numenor is swallowed up by the sea. I really like this other karmic fate that his own father would use him as a sacrifice to Morgoth when Sauron comes to Numenor. More tragically (tho given her smug and unrepentant behavior even towards her own father, I wouldn’t say it would be tragic in the traditional sense), I think if Eärien dies, she might also be consumed by the sea...which would be a tragic poetic parallel to how their mother died. But seriously, seeing Valandil die really hits hard because I really liked his character, one of the major Faithful characters now gone. I hope Kemen gets the best kind of karma.

Seeing Gil-galad doubt the Rings shows how uncertain the Rings are. They show glimpses of a possible future. Some of it may be true. But what parts that are true are caused by the path they take? The actions of Gil-galad will determine the fate of Eregion.

It's also heartbreaking to see how despite Celebrimbor's attempt to resist Annatar's insistence for Nine Rings for mortal men. In the end, he gave into it believing they must atone for their slightest mistakes in creating the Seven Rings for the Dwarf Lords. And you can see how the stressful events are getting to Celebrimbor. Unfortunately, the Orc army of Adar has almost reached Eregion. Even the potential alliance between Galadriel and Adar seems to be unlikely as Sauron is ensuring the fall of Eregion once he's done with it. The Nampat and Sauron themes playing during the ending of the episode and end credits hit so hard.

[misc-obeyme]

In demonology there are so manys kings and a few queens, sub princes and dukes, and genrals, and I love how most of the OM characters are mentioned in the ars goetia family or are in the lesser key of solomon, but i love the fact that they did not put Satan/Lucifer as a king of the devildom, and made a character who to my knowledge is not in any demonology sources that ive read.

Okay yes I have thought about this exact thing! They definitely seem to be getting their inspiration from the Lesser Key of Solomon more than the actual Bible. They definitely read about the story of King Solomon and his ring and all that. Though there are only a couple of demons actually named in the Bible aside from Lucifer and Satan and I don't think any of them are the demons we know. The Lesser Key of Solomon, on the other hand, has an entire list of 72 demons in the Ars Goetia. And every single one of them has a title like king or duke or even president lol.

And interestingly enough, the only two names on the list that they've used are the two demons we know have a pact with our Solomon: Barbatos and Asmodeus. Like there were seventy other demons on that list that they could have used, but they decided not to. And I think it's because they didn't want all of the demons to have a pact with Solomon.

So I think they must have taken the list of the brothers and their associated sins from a well known classification of demons that some German theologian just kind of made up and everybody was like yeah that sounds right lol. But it's the exact same order and each one of them has the same sin as each of our bros.

So I think they probably took that list, saw that Asmodeus was on it and then found him in the Ars Goetia and were like... hey let's use this Solomon guy too. Oh look he's also got Barbatos on his list, that sounds good let's include him, too. And let's read the rest of the Lesser Key of Solomon and take whatever pieces we want from it.

Which then brings us to the ultimate question of where in the WORLD did they get Diavolo? Nowhere, they just made him up.

Unlike every other character who has some kind of connection to the source material here (even Simeon and Luke who have Biblical names if not specifically angelic ones), Diavolo has ZERO connection to any of these things. The only thing he has is a name that means devil in Italian. (At least, I also have never read or seen anything about Diavolo anywhere else?)

And I find that SO INTERESTING.

Especially how considering in most media based on Christian theology and mythology, Satan and/or Lucifer is the ruler of hell, just as you said. Often if it's Lucifer, they really tend to lean into the whole fallen angel thing, but he's still the one who founded hell and rules over it. Whereas when Satan is the one they're using, he's a little more just... an evil demon guy. But still king of hell!

And not only is Diavolo the ruler of hell, he's part of a long line of Demon Kings. It's not like Lucifer used to be in charge, but then Diavolo took over or something.

But because they just made him up, his character is not bound by any limitations from the original source material. Not that they're very accurate about any of this stuff to begin with, but it definitely has a heavy influence. Whereas Diavolo doesn't have any of that influence at all.

And I think it's really refreshing to have a different character as the ruler of hell. Lucifer and Satan have more than enough going on and Diavolo is far better at that job than either of them would be anyway in my opinion!

And I love all of this, too! I also just love Diavolo in general, he's such a great character.

Anyway, I apologize for the length of this response, but this is something I have spent time thinking about lol.

[thesherrinfordfacility]

LWA: Brief follow-up to your Shax observations:

Gaiman said in response to a recent ask that the /Ars Goetia/ ranks aren't canon in the GO-verse. Furfur was just exaggerating his importance to whomever he was speaking. That's in line with his treatment of occult and religious source material elsewhere.

The precedent for Shax's very targeted brand of telepathy would be S1 Crowley turning the paintball guns into real ones ("I gave them what they wanted"). The show suggests that demons can't read minds in any broad way, but they can pick up desires (Crowley) or weaknesses (Shax) in a narrow band. Shax is more significant as a narrative device, though, since what she picks up are not so much /real/ weaknesses as what her target consciously or subconsciously /believes/ about their own weaknesses, and there's probably a post in there somewhere about how strongly her targets hold those beliefs. Her first attempt to needle Aziraphale about Crowley misfires, but the "emotional support angel" lands. Aziraphale's equivalent is the Jedi mind-trick he pulls in Edinburgh during S2 and in the deleted "Aziraphale Meets the Neighbours" from S1, where he elicits alternative positive emotions and desires that are already there--the gangster career options in the deleted scene, for example.

There's been no consistency at all in the series about whether or not the angels and demons can sense others in the area. In S1, neither Aziraphale nor Crowley pick up on the high-ranking demons and angels /right behind them/ in St. James Park, and Crowley has to make a conscious effort to check for observers before they reverse the bodyswap. But in S2, Aziraphale feels the arrival of the Archangels. So would Crowley be able to detect Shax unless he already knew she was there?

We saw Hastur, Dagon, and the little demon pull the same shape-shifting stunt as Shax when they came to "arrest" Aziraphale in S1. I think the show is deliberately vague about whether they are changing their material forms or just casting a glamour, although in either case it's impenetrable to occult/ethereal beings as well as to humans.

LWA!!!!!!!✨

ahhh thanks for having a gander at it, ive not seen a lot of posts that have focused on shax so it was good to get some thoughts to paper, even the implausible ones - and getting those thoughts bounced back at me is always really helpful!

1.

i had literally saved this ask specifically to talk about in that post, and bloody forgot about it 🥲 so thanks for reminding me!!! it would definitely make sense for ars goetia - in GO!verse - to be biased/inaccurate because it's furfur's retelling (plus, he's not wearing a sash when in hell in front of dagon, but has an ornate one up on earth, which im presuming is to add to the facade...?).

i guess the only point where, feasibly, the two thoughts could align is that if the lesser key of solomon was compiled in 1600s, that would track with furfur being a low ranking demon up until 1941 at the very least... but is there anything to say that he didn't get promoted after 1941? he appears to have moved laterally (?) to recquisitions, and that could mean he has some higher level of responsibility... im unsure. but in any case, id love to see if he possibly returns in s3 - specifically to get his own back after 1941.

in any case, once i spotted the ring on shax (which again im guessing is the same exact one as seen in ep4; it would make sense to call back to it), that seems like a much more logical reason for furfur to be at the bookshop-meet with dagon and beelzebub, than him suddenly having a rank that puts him on any kind of level playing field with dagon and beelzebub...

so, in summary, shax somewhere in ep5/6 makes the call, furfur informs dagon, and they plan to come up to earth. dagon also notes that heaven and hell are at war, so perhaps that alarm came in around the same time, and accounts for why beelzebub arrives separately to the other two. idk - i guess possibly the exact detail isn't hugely important? (famous last words) but if shax does end up ruling hell, or at least getting a hefty promotion (duke?), and furfur helps get her there... maybe we do see a rank shift for him too, but later on in the story? exciting!!!

2.

thanks for summarising this so succinctly, that really helps! i definitely agree that she seems to have a knack for what her target might perceive to be their weaknesses, failings, or insecurities - this seems especially true for aziraphale, which i looked at in another post relatively briefly:

and they are definitely traits in aziraphale that have been mocked elsewhere - predominantly by heaven/the archangels - and i think it's fair to say that aziraphale holds these 'weaknesses' quite close to the chest. that being said, on the last one, sure - aziraphale does appear to have some confidence that crowley likes him, that he's definitely crowley's type (ie. due deference to the legendary cunty eyebrow)... but - from aziraphale's perspective - what is the motive for that? to me, the 'emotional support angel' reads like aziraphale knows that crowley might love him, but does he secretly worry that it is out of pity, or for lack of a better option? or, is it that when mixed in with all of the other things shax mentions, aziraphale thinks, "hang on... why would he want me?" i am unwell

as for maggie... sure, it might be that shax is just needling at maggie because she's irritated her. but i find it interesting that maggie's insecurities, as shax is sensing them to be, are also things that at some point or another in s2, could be attributed to crowley. bit of stretch, i grant you, but also makes sense.

anyway, back on the main topic; idk if im just Missing The Point, but the fact that shax seems to know the detail, the specifics, of why aziraphale or maggie might have these 'weaknesses' still doesn't make sense to me. taking aziraphale out of the equation for a moment, and focusing solely on maggie; sure, maggie might be lonely, or feel alternatively like she's a failure (and this is what shax is picking up telepathically/empathically), but why would shax necessarily know it's because of noone visiting her shop, and her being unable to afford the rent? if shax doesn't have your bog-standard mind-reading telepathy, how would she know this?

even if maggie decides within herself to not see these as weaknesses, it's still information that we as the audience know is correct, same as maggie and nina, and shax weaponises it. i don't think there hasn't been, so far, any narrative explanation for why shax would even care to know this level of detail about maggie (other than, i guess, that her shop used to be part of the bookshop?).

(But now that i think about it, im suddenly very aware of these two points about maggie's story being mentioned externally from the private aziraphale-maggie conversation in the record store in ep1, and specifically near or including nina:

not going to turn this ask response into a speculation on nina, but in the context of informants and recruiting them, this is... interesting. to me, anyway.)

also think there's a separate post to be had about when crowley's ability to read desire similarly does and doesn't land - and how this might possibly inform on the success of his temptations (you might not have mentioned the antichrist fiasco in this ask, LWA, but by god am i going to do it for you - it's tradition now).

and also when aziraphale appears to try manipulating mood, but this too doesn't find its target... hmm. wonder if it's a more demonic trait than an angelic one, it at least a trait aziraphale has unlocked it but 'uses it for good' (lmao debatable).

3.

true. it does seem at least it has to be a conscious effort to detect them - the only times that seem to be based on a sense of foreboding/gut instinct/an undefined Sense are:

crowley's Something Wicked This Way Comes moment in ep5, and that in particular feels like it's due to the sheer scale of it - "coming in waves" (but this might actually just simply echo his sense of the hellhound finding the antichrist/sensing satan's anger in s1; that it's not the entity he's sensing, but a higher malevolent energy?)

michael and shax both are somewhat able to recognise or sense (or maybe actually smell, it seems, in shax's case?) gabriel in the bookshop, even if they don't/can't link it to jim or the fly

also going to tentatively include "you've gone" / "can't find you!" from the bookshop fire; i realise this could be very literal, that crowley can't see or hear aziraphale in the bookshop, and he's jumped to his conclusion out of panic/rage/despair, but it could also read that he somehow can't sense him? ✨update, @aq-uatic come through with the goods✨

it's difficult to determine 100% what sound cues might be diegetic to the show - specifically the miracle chimes, and the herald tune - because if they are, that goes a long way to explaining how a) aziraphale knows the archangels are coming, and b) at the very beginning of s1 he seems to react to the miracle chime in the sushi bar... but given that for the first example aziraphale asks maggie, "cant you feel them?", it does make me question it. in fact, are they audible cues only for the audience, and therefore in-show is aziraphale reacting only to a sense, a Disturbance In The Force if you like, rather than audio?

i think they are indeed non-diegetic, because watching back the 1967 scene, there is a miracle chime just before crowley gets into the bentley, and then when he gets in, he actually appears startled to see aziraphale physically sat there. now, this could be the whole demons-cant-sense-angels thing, or because they are actually so similar and non-threatening to each other that crowley doesn't register it, but regardless - he doesn't appear to react to an audio cue, suggesting that they are non-diegetic.

iirc, all the other instances where we do see aziraphale or crowley sense other entities appear to be because they can literally hear or see the other entity themselves

s1, when aziraphale realises crowley has arrived at the tavern/globe/bastille/church - hears him before he sees him

s1, when gabriel and beelzebub arrive to the airbase; thunder and lightning strike from gabriel, and then beelzebub follows up from hell

s1, when crowley-as-aziraphale is literally jumped on by angels in their coveralls, and when aziraphale-as-crowley gets whacked by the demons in disguise

s2, ep1, when crowley lowers his newspaper because shax arrives (and im presuming crowley sees her appear), and when crowley knows shax is behind him - can hear her voice from the phone as well as out loud

s2, ep2, when crowley enters the barn; the archangels definitely don't recognise him as a demon, and only notice him altogether when he enters the room shouting - certainly don't sense him from outside

s2, ep3, when muriel arrives, and later on when shax knocks at the window of the bookshop

s2, ep4, when aziraphale doesn't sense that the hitchhiker is shax (albeit she's in complete disguise*), and then later when furfur arrives at the theatre and then comes into the dressing room

s2, ep5, when aziraphale only really seems to notice the demons when crowley points out that they are literally crawling at the windows, and crowley spots muriel chilling across the street with a book

s2, ep6, when the demons arrive in the bookshop, and when metatron enters the bookshop separately.

so yeah, suffice to say that this has near enough answered the first couple of questions for me in the original shax post - that there's no clear reason why aziraphale or crowley would have detected shax lurking around if she hadn't wanted to be seen. still gives food for thought on the others, though.

*4.

this makes sense!!! does make me wonder about the comment shax makes in ep5, about "masks will be provided for those unable to... blend in." and sure, there was the teeny-weeniest little explanation for this from a filming perspective, but within the story? is it possibly only an ability shared amongst the more powerful demons (given that the ones that stormed the bookshop were, by crowley's assessment, "practically the Damned"? hmmm again✨

[helpallthenamesaretaken]

EPISODE 5……..🥺

Right off the bat, i love the idea of percy’s forehead peeking out of the water, like the mysterious mermaid he is

Annabeth was the best part of the episode as always

Thought they were gonna talk more about thalia percy parallels grover just looked a lil tad distressed and that was it but whatever

Percy and his lil ‘hi’s will never stop being funny

the usual “i thought annabeth was gonna punch me but she was actually nice to me guys who would’ve thought someone would be happy to see me” narrative still shining through WITH THE HUG PLS CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW SWEET THE HUG WAS

grover’s so confused like “literally an hour ago you guys hated each other….am i missing out on some plot point”

dude was ‘looking for new tickets in the st. Louis arch as if they were going to be on the floor lying somewhere💀

Percy’s face when he addresses grover after the hug, he’s so proud someone actually hugged him 🥹his face is just like “hey grover look SHE’S HUGGING ME🥺”

Can I just say the writing for percy is perfect

like he’s so 50% there like he’s so good at communicating and asking what’s wrong and trying to understand the other person’s feelings (sally jackson’s son for you) but at the same time he has NEVER had a friend before so he ends up embarrassing himself 😂😭

”im pretty sure that’s what friends do” “….at least i think that’s what they do” pls 😭

grover’s face too help you’re already tired of being third wheel???oh honey this is THE FIRST HALF OF THE FIRST BOOK get comfortable

not their lil heads popping out and going back in. Peak comedy right there

Seriously adam did reallyyyyyy good as ares. Theres no one else i can imagine anymore as ares. The delicateness of his ‘good mood’ as if it is gonna break any second, the rage and fury but at the same time being extremely funny???

the diner looks so cosy it’s so cute

was kinda missing some percy rage in this but it comes out at the last so its fine

The real reason for grover to be so okay staying back is not the strategy of getting answers out of ares but because of how tired he was of taking care of annabeth and percy.

I feel like they should be showing luke more (later on they will, i have faith) im already forgetting about him it wont hit as hard if i dont remember him

Percy “ive not seen many movies since im broke” jackson x annabeth “ive never seen a movie since i live in a magical camp” chase

but the fact that annabeth’s never seen a movie kinda erases the fact that later on in hoo, annabeth talks about watching cheesy old romance movies with her father which kinda contributes to their dynamic but

the fact that percy would probably be the first one to take her to the movies makes me not care

honestly tho IM REALLY REALLY HOPING THAT THEIR FIRST MOVIE WONT BE THE ONE AT THE START OF BOTL I’d rage as much as annabeth when i see percy with rachel (not that im a rachel hater, im a circumstances hater)

grover is such a good therapist, like he is THE EMPATH. He tripped the god of war into talking about his life this is a grover appreciation post

annabeth zoning out with fascination at the mechanics and also i love the “percy being done with annabeth” representation

i cant see anything so nothing to say here

SEAWEED BRAIN THIS IS A HISTORICAL MOMENT IN PJOTV HISTORY THE FIRST SEAWEED-

grover manipulating ares through his emotions>>>>>

also ares roasting athena

Percy sacrificing himself AGAIN like the depressed kid he is

annabeth immediately reassuring percy that she would save his mom the character developmentttttttt from being inconsiderate about percy losing his mom to promising that she would save the lady EVEN THOUGH SHE BARELY KNEW HER

This is giving me too many feelings guys the lady she’s promising to save is the lady who will be the best mother figure who will singlehandedly heal her mommy issues AND BECOME HER MOTHER IN LAW

“Its warm” i thought this was gonna be the last thing he says before whatever was gonna happen to him so i was like lol famous last words

but fr tho the intenseness of annabeth crying for percy to GET UP and percy’s just fading out of the world trying not to cry trying to reassure annabeth that he’s okay IN WHAT WOULD BE HIS LAST FEW WORDS, literally everything he does is for someone else even in his dying moments its just magelhi”gdsjihoawerhoudfjls

especially with the “im not…..” [okay] lol we have always known that percy, it aint a big surprise

i got to applaud leah for how she portrayed annabeth’s brain chemistry altering every minute with percy and how that influenced her speech with hephaestus

i cant believe thats leo’s dad hes giving santa claus i do like him tho

Now that i think about it the percabeth hug should have been after percy comes back to life not after the louis arch scene since they were just starting to have two minutes of chemistry there and have the “you dont have to feel bad about the hug” in the zebra truck scene

percy trying to intimidate ares lolllll walker scobell did his best to make it look real tho so good for him for not representing it as it was; a lil 12 year old child threatening a wrestler looking god of war

”Thanks for the emotional abuse and the cheeseburgers” will forever be in the cinema hall of fame

i feel like grover either is going to say the wrong person or he’s going to figure out it’s luke but something’s going to stop him from saying it out loud

or he’ll say it which causes some angst amongst the team who dont trust him cuz both annabeth and percy worship luke like there’s no tomorrow

RAINBOW?? OHH THEYRE GONNA IRIS MESSAGE LUKE??

LIN MANUEL MIRANDA

[t4tklonoa]

you're one of the most based coroika fans ive ever seen . What are your thoughts on (and hcs for maybe?) the best 8

Thank u v much!!! I try my best.......

AND. I absolutely love the best 8 I think they are so silly. the designs are super cool (even if they ar just the promo kids) and their personalities are v distinctive and fun

although I think the group is alitttlle too big ? and I miss the side characters that are part of the teams getting at least a little spotlight like with Avi (I only rll hav this problem with the hierarchy). I am not asking that every side character gets one but at least one or two since the important teams are doubled would be nice. and from the looks of it (slight spoilers for chapter 75) Wire doesn't have a v important connection to any of his teammates.... BUT also it's v early to determine if any side characters will get more attention ! so u can tots just ignore this part (also buzz glasses and polpo may be the lucky ones since they appear alot with their captains)

also headcanons under cut bc I'm supppper normal abt the coroikers and hav one million headcanons ^^ (also haven't been able to read the most recent inkling almanac. some hc's may make no sense considering the new info)

MITSU !!!

It is so genderqueer ur honor. slaps she/it pronouns on her

she grew up along Kojake they are siblings... Mitsu and Kojake developed their own kind of sign language to communicate, it's v bare bones but they are living their best life out there man

I refuse to believe it collects junk as a hobby only. Poor thang doesn't have a house it lives in junk yards with Kojake

not a headcanon but she's so cool. wow

HORNMET !!!

TRANSFEM ! she has facial hair and rll enjoys showing it off

has a crush on Mitsu maybe? maybe you'll never know (she does she is alesbian)

looooves collecting rocks and sharp things

girl who bites

BARRELEYE !!!

considers all of his teammates as family :]

ABSOLUTELY. loves Polpo to death he's always talking abt how great his punk rock sis is the best

has a huge scar that goes thru his face. why? he fell off the stairs when he was little and landed on smth sharp

one million neos but orange's fav one is pop/popself

SHELLMET !!!

transfem also. she is besties with Hornmet

autism stares at u forever. also chronic :3 face

rll good at anarchy, especially clam blitz (SOMEHOW)

she's the oldest out of the best 8, due to this all her teammates are younger than her, they are all little siblings 2 her

she met her teammates when she randomly matched with them for a clam blitz round. they were rll struggling so she was like 'y'know what. I could help u get better ar this mode!' and then she adopted them

SHADY !!!

the most nonbinary to ever nonbinary. uses they/it/ika

Also autism stares at u forever. when ika met shellmet for the first time it was like !!!

missing a fang, got in a nasty fight to defend Flannel (they get bullied :( )

8 BIT !!!

exgender !!! goes by it/its and lots of neos (also goes by dynamo/dynamoself like Rider in my headcanons so they both get v confused when ppl refer to them and they are like. in the same room)

Also goes by many names ! Blaze and Flame are it's fav ones besides 8 bit

chronic fatigue, scorch is always drinking energy drinks

has a weird friendship with trisun... they talk nonstop for some months and then for some months they don't talk 2 eachother.

thang who bites

is rll into art and crafts, doesn't get the opportunity to do stuffies often but it rll loves its hobby (also boom encountered Goggles once in an art and crafts club once. boom was so akward abt it lol)

OCHO !!!

Hemigirl ! goes by he/they/bird/sparrow

has a special interests in birds, owns one million pet birds (rich kid) he loves them all tho (I have to get around to deciding their names and species ough).

had a crush on trisun but now he doesn't know how they feel abt xem (it was v one sided, Ocho barely talked to trisun. later on I think they would b qpps tho!)

doesn't have friends. has been like that their entire life... till bird met Wire ! kinda. he rll wants to get closer to them but Wire is a complex individual and Ocho has no idea how to socialize

WIRE !!!! (get ready for my autism)

nonbinary swagger. they/them

they are mute !!

fast learner, really flexible. they play many different weapons but prefer playing as support most of the time

was trained by shellmet for a bit, developed a huge ego due to this. they think they could've made it as far as they did without shellmet, bc why did they surpass her (lie they believ. they are both as strong) if they aren't just. naturally talented amIright ? (they have problems)

owns aloooot of bracelets. including chewy ones bc they rll enjoy chewing on stuff.

constantly chewing or licking their lips and fingers, they hav alot of scars around their mouth, on their lips and fingers due to this

thang who bites (u)

they have a pet Sparrow (that's how they and Ocho met) and a pet sea slug (Yellow edged polycera)

(chapter 75 kinda spoilers for tha next headcanons)

they and their team have known eachother for most of their life (paralleling blue team!) they are not the same age tho. (buzzcut is the oldest, Wire and punk are middle and the youngest is double-bun) ALSO. they all know ASL

punk does a lot of the talking for them if the ppl they are hanging out with don't know ASL or Wire is too tired to sign (punk knows Wire v well so they can tell most of the time basic stuff Wire wants to say)

[ryutarotakedown]

Haori for the ask!

[ask game link] MY GIRL MY GIRL MY GIRL MY GIRL MY GIRL THANK YOU FOR ASKING ME ABOUT HER!!!!!!!!

How I feel about this character: um. see above. she is my favorite dgs girl ever and i love her so much and she deserves the entire world and also to rest once in a while. she is incredibly brave to the point of recklessness and she is incredibly responsible to the point of self loathing and she feels emotions so much all the time and i think she might actually be the least deliberately-repressed character in dgs which doesn’t say that much but still! every day i think about her in awe

— seriously, sixteen years old and you’ve helped make an entirely new poison and diagnosed its symptoms on sight and acted accordingly and also went into a beach hut to yell at a confirmed murderer. didn’t even do it because she hated her, did it because she wanted her goddamn poison back. who is doing it like haori murasame

All the people I ship romantically with this character: susato!!!!! and gina but i haven’t thought about ginahao as much as i should tbh. i think haori would take a shine to her immediately but actually fall for her the moment she sees gina scream at someone for susato’s or haori’s sake

My non-romantic OTP for this character: all? of them? yuujin and wilson are both super fascinating dynamics to explore with haori! but the one that actually takes up my entire frontal cortex is her and jezaille.

— they are both women in the same field but jezaille is lauded because she’s british whereas haori surely is not — i mean, that’s not actually said in canon but auchi disparagingly refers to her as a “tomboy” and susato mentions how incredible it is that she has a job in an all male university, i refuse to believe she didn’t have a fucking Time of it. and that in itself inspires jealousy, right, and then haori finds out she killed her mentor and she still has to work with her for Months??? i’d go insane! it’s a miracle haori didn’t actually murder her! like. here is my only chance to bond with someone who understands the exact position i am in, and then it turns out she hates me for almost the same petty reasons as the men in the laboratory. and also killed a guy. haori is so fucking alone it drives me up a wall

— also i wrote a ficlet in dante’s ronin au once where jezaille calls her susato’s attack dog

— also also, we do not have any information on whether she knew asougi or not but i like to think she did. just like as that guy who’s always around susato with the sword and the cringefail aura. maybe they had conversations while waiting for susato to come out of her tutoring sessions! maybe they knew each other!! do you think susato told her that he was dead after getting back to japan, or do you think she only found out after mamemomi accused mikotoba of covering it up at the end of 2-1?

My unpopular opinion about this character: tragically i dont think theres enough haori content for me to actually have unpopular opinions on her. but she performs so incredibly well under stress. i think shes one of the rare people for whom stress actually helps to narrow down her focus.

— also one thing i always laser in on when writing her is her unfailing emotional honesty which is deeply funny considering 2-1 happens because she decided to find out about the poison on her own rather than telling anyone; the self loathing slash impostor syndrome slash fear of failure and rejection overrules that bit of her i guess :pensive: she is fully in panic mode for so much of 2-1

— oh yeah Yeah The Self Loathing thats also something ive never seen in any haori fics yet! she has a whole bit about wanting susato to throw her to the ground in the recess halfway through the trial and it’s kind of a joke but also Not yknow. “i completely betrayed your trust” like. god. theres a perfectionist streak there i think or at least signs of a not super great self esteem!

— hey haori would you say that the two things you hate the most (about yourself) are poisoning and betrayal. haha. okay thats not actual character analysis but i couldnt resist the reference

One thing I wish would happen / had happened with this character in canon: i wish she came back in any form at all i wish susato mentioned her after 2-1 at all although i will say that 1) her being part of the defense in the end credits is like catnip to me and 2) it is my firm belief that susato deliberately avoids talking about her because she’s too afraid of her own feelings to even consider opening up to ryuu about her

— when will the haori murasame fancase of that trial at the end appear, by the way. i want them to get hosonaga a decently light sentence for theft and then he is immediately accused of murder right afterwards

— she also should have gotten to learn about wilson being awful. and also should have been the one to give susato jezaille’s case notes in 1-1 (i saw that hc in a susato roleswap au fic and i have completely integrated it into my belief system. as far as i am concerned she was that person. but a confirmation in 2-1 woulda been nice)

My OTP: [poking head out behind ao3 page and enough susahao fanart to drown a man] take a guess

My OT3: add gina in there baby!!! i dont have as solid ideas on the rest of the girlcule yet but gina is Necessary.

— i actually think haori would dislike both maria and nikolina upon first meeting, maria because of The Racism (she’d scream at her about believing in skull sizes) and nikolina because she does come off as pretty privileged and smug and aloof when you first meet her

— [insert five page rant about how we never see nikolina outside of her being afraid for her life and therefore have almost no idea what she was like in the troupe or among the crew but also she was probably afraid for her life while in the troupe as well so in a way we do have a pretty good idea of her behavior and also i think she uses aloofness as a shield]

— but Point Is they both remind her of jezaille too much for her to like them at first. but later! who knows?

[nineliabilityrisk]

Who's your least favorite animatronic?Which game is your favorite?What's your favorite Fnaf song?Have you played any fan games? If so which is your favorite?

6. who's your least favorite animatronic ?

— hard to say because i like so many of them. however uh . do the plushbabies from help wanted count? because if so its them. i hate those little things so much their minigame is SO ass its unreal. honorable mentions to scraptrap / burntrap [ good character, visual designs left something to be desired . would say the same about glitchtrap but hes growing on me, ] the dca [ FINE AND GOOD CHARACTER. i have just seen enough of them to last me 14 lifetimes from tumblr despite having literally every imaginable tag about them blocked, ] any iteration of balloon boy / jj, plushtrap, and the bidybabs / minireenas, as the whole group makes me see red and fills me with the urge to punt them straight to timbuktu. why so small if not meant to be launched at high speeds.

7 . which game is your favorite ?

— already answered in the last post but uh. fnaf world, and sl / pizza sim are tied for second place

8 . what's your favorite fnaf song ?

— SHIIIIIIT time to promote my fnaf fansong playlist. out of here, my favorites would probably be [ in no particular order other than where they appear on the playlist because i could NEVER rank them: ] after hours by jt music, game over (y.g.i.o.) by miatriss, theyll find you by griffinilla, survive the night by [ you know who, i know hes a shitbag but that song was one of the biggest things i remember from my childhood so it stays, ] five nights at freddys pt. 2 by saymaxwell / five nights at freddys 2 by miatriss [ two versions of the same song, they both slap, ] the bonnie song by skyfixing, run run! by jorge aguilar II, not the end by saymaxwell, join the party by jt music, circus of the dead by tryhardninja, another round by apangrypiggy, you cant hide by ck9c, you belong here by jt music, nightmare by design by tryhardninja, left behind by dagames, please stand by by nightcove_thefox, l.o.l. by rockit music, now hiring at freddys by jt music, going back by various artists [ too many to list, ] labyrinth by various artists, and afton family by kryfuze. i KNOW thats a lot but please do not make me choose ill like. cry. this playlist is practically all ive been listening to since before i started this blog. it is my magnum opus. i enjoy it a normal amount.

— if you REALLY want to make me choose i would say any of the above listed songs by miatriss. smth about her music scratches my brain in the right way and Y.G.I.O. was a core memory for me

9 . have you played any fangames ? if so , which is your favorite ?

— i have, in fact! the glitched attraction is easily my favorite out of the ones i have played, and likely always will be. if forsaken ar counts as a fangame you can also count that. i have never actually played the joy of creation or return to bloody nights but i enjoy them both as well !

[bumbleblurr]

sentinel prime is funny to me but not in a "he's a funny character I enjoy" way but in a "I would post crab rave if he died" way

[actualbird]

rambling commentary of the nxx boys' eng name etymologies and how i think theyre so so fitting

wc: 1.4k

disclaimers: name etymology is hugely expansive cuz a lot of the same names naturally occurred in different cultures with different meanings. or similar names had converged from different cultures through time. basically, names can have a Lot of meanings, and if i went thru every single one we’d be here for far too long. so i just picked out the meanings i found most interesting in conjunction with the respective nxx boy :D

-

artem wing: the greek goddess of the hunt + safety

starting with artem cuz hes the one ive got least to say about HAHAJKSBJSD

his surname is straightforward, thats just Part Of Bird, and in terms of interpretation, it could easily be seen as a great reflection and/or symbol for the wing family's achievements. bryan wing, kimberly an garner, and artem wing, are all so accomplished it's as if their ambition and skill reaches towards the sky. his first name tho is what interested me more.

"Artem" is the Ukranian form of the Greek name "Artemios" which is derived from, you guessed it, Artemis herself, goddess of the hunt (and a whole lot of other things).

mythologically, a whole BUNCH of interpretations and links can be made between artemis and artem, but the one that stuck out to me most is the fact that artemis is widely regarded as one of the most venerated and respected greek deities. a really nice parallel, imo, to artem's own incredible reputation in stellis. but something thats also cool is that the name "Artemis" could possibly be linked to the greek word ἀρτεμής (artemes) which means "safe" which, again, is a nice parallel to artem's constant quest to be seen as both a reliable person to mc and one that will protect her. and also just his general vibes, artem gives off the comforting vibes of a weighted blanket. world cruel, artem safe,,,,,

-

marius von hagen: the roman god of war + pasture

second is marius because ive also got not much to say jhavskfha

the surname, “Hagen” comes from the Old Norse word “hagi” or the Old Dutch “hago” with both of those meaning “pasture/enclosure” the prefix “von” just means “from” so we’ve got “from the pasture/enclosure” which is fitting, given marius’ background! he comes from a rich family, definitely a background where many would say the grass is greenest.

first name gets fun, though. “Marius” is derived either the Roman god of war “Mars” or from a Latin root word “maris” which means male. the former is way more interesting than the latter, so im going with that, HAHA.

fun thing about Mars; while he and Ares, the Greek god of war, share a lot of mythos and have a bunch of similarities, a key difference was that the concept of war Mars was connected to was a kind of conflict that focused on bringing peace. and the Roman word for peace is, you guessed it, “Pax”

peace through war is a pretty oxymoronic concept but it’s one that fits marius pretty well. hes not going to war in the literal sense, but hes very much not a character who idles and waits for things to happen. when conflict occurs, he goes out to the metaphorical battlefield and fights the fight to bring a more peaceful state to whatever’s going on. this can be said for all the nxx boys of course, theyre all fighters/defenders for peace. but it’s interesting that marius is the one who got this concept in his gosh dang name…

-

luke pearce: light and rocks and also the BIBLE, probably

okay heres where i’m gonna start going off KJBAJBKJAF

“Luke” derived from the Greek “Loukas” means “light”, “bringer of light” or “bright one.” his surname “Pearce” is of English origin, meaning "son of Piers" but over time, the spelling changed. “Piers” is also thought to have been derived from the Greek word “petra” which means “rock.”

from this alone, theres a Lot to work. luke is sunshine boy, so true, i dont even have to explain that at all, we can all See It. luke is also a rock, not in the sense that hes dumb as rocks (though that is sometimes also so true) but it’s fitting in terms of connotations of strength and determination. with the word meanings alone, it’s already very appropriate name for luke

it’s also a PRETTY BIBLICALLY CATHOLIC NAME.

if artem and marius were getting linked key figures from Greek and Roman pantheons, luke is getting linked key figures from the frigging new testament: Luke the Evangelist and Peter (from the word petra) the Apostle. sure, this is a reach, but whos to say? WHOS TO SAY? LUKE (TOTLUKE) WANTED TO FRIGGING NAME HIS FIRST BORN SON “PETER” (mentioned in SSR Peaceful Place)!!

it’s more likely that the biblical aspects are coincidences and luke’s first and last name were chosen solely for the word etymology, but even if it’s a coincidence, it’s a Super Fitting One cuz huge chunks of luke’s angst and guilt is something i have always seen as vaguely catholic in nature (tho thats probs cuz im a lapsed catholic so it’s instinctive for me to see him thru this lens lol) BUT ALSO cuz both Luke the Evangelist and Peter the Apostle were martyred

and luke pearce has a martyr complex (i.e. self-sacrifice and service to others at one’s own expense and detriment) big enough to block out the sun hvksajhfavskhjfasf

-

vyn richter: nothing at all but…

// general spoilers for some vyn cards and backstory ahead

this is gonna be the longest one because “Vyn”……doesnt mean anything

deadass, “Vyn” has NO POPULAR ETYMOLOGY and the only thing i found after more digging was a vague relation to the Old English word “wyn” which means “wine.” which is vaguely hilarious and so valid, for vyn to name himself after a thing he really likes. king shit moves

but thats a key thing with vyn: he named himself. or rather, he was given a birthname and then chose a different one once he left svart and started a new life in stellis (sidenote: very trans vibes of you vyn, i approve!!!). vyn’s birthname is “Vilhelm Richard Albert de Haspran”

and THATS A MOUTHFUL and a lot of names to explore. one by one, these etymologies go as:

“Vilhelm” is the Scandinavian form of “William” which is from the Germanic name “Willahelm” composed of the elements wil which means "will, desire" and helm which means "helmet, protection"

“Albert” is from the Germanic name Adalbert meaning "noble and bright"

“Richard” comes from the Germanic elements ric which means "ruler, mighty" and hard which is "brave, hardy."

“Haspran” is made up and doesnt exist anywhere except in tot but that makes sense since the prefix “de” used in aristocracy just means “of” and pertains to the royal house that person belongs to, so “de Haspran” just means “Of House Haspran”

every single one of these names in his birthname is….well, it’s a LOT EXPECTATIONS JSDHFJSDJH. it’s a Royal name with strong, powerful, and frankly high-pressure connotations. vyn left this name when he left svart, and then he picked a first name which

doesnt have a set etymology at all

his chosen name reflects the action he’d done: hes no longer a ruler with expectations he didnt ask for, hes a blank slate and hes writing a new life onto it. he no longer holds all those lofty meanings, hes free to make whatever meaning he wants to

now thats his first name. his surname, “Richter”, is his mother’s surname which he adopted (mentioned in SSR Food for Thought). also mentioned in that card is a Bunch of lore on vyn’s fam background, most notable being eirik’s (his father) failure in keeping the marriage between jill (his mother) alive. vyn’s retelling of this story has some Vibes of Resentment towards his father, so i figure taking his mother’s surname could deffo be a subtle “fuck u” to eirik

but also “Richter” has a great etymology. it comes from the Middle High German word “rihtære” which means “judge”

so here vyn is with his name thats both a blank slate for a new identity and also a symbol of the role he’ll take in the nxx team. hes nobody but who he makes himself to be: the presider of judgement, the arbitrator, the Adjudicator.

[merakiui]

oky may I ask kindly for your attention about something

I read a few asks ago about you being okay with yan reader

so listen, if you will, what if we mix that with the self aware au. just discarding the fact that the characters are yandere for the reader, and a yan reader

I've been thinking inside my circle brain, like I always have, but this one keeps sticking with me

just imagine a reader, like any of us going through the tags on tumblr and seeing some of the popular tags, one being similar to the characters becoming obviously self aware. so reader reads posts upon posts and you know loving the concept of reader's favorite character becoming aware about the world and stuff

so days pass and reader knows tons of things, the stories, the characters back stories, the theories, just about anything really

then by some "miracle" as one might think, reader is playing the game, giving comments or keeping quiet, whichever and sees the game glitch a bit. discarding it to be because of the ping but it happens again when switching character. now with the overactive mind of reader's, you can't keep the weird glitch out of your head. you know like you can't help but think a hacker is trying to take your account. doesn't sit right, you can't lose your characters, your progress, but more importantly you can't lose them your favorite character over something like a loser just wanting the account. so as a safety precaution, you set up the two-step authentication, a change of password, maybe even email. the thought of losing your favorite character struck a cord but it was left alone. then there was the possibility that, maybe this is something that ive read about, I can't miss that chance

so deciding play later to make sure it wasn't just a one time thing, and there was something, something that made reader feel giddy. something like the opening screen having the door open already. now the thoughts of maybe this is good, this is perfect. this is something spectacular.

immediately you were faced with your character in the last place you left them at, and the n noticing that at the left corner, there was a dot on the chat. checking and seeing that someone left a message.

somehow immediately telling the person was confused, a tell tale sign, was the drawn out periods on some of the words. as if when speaking, it was as if they were drawing out their words. you check the account because you don't recall making a friend, knowing someone active at the same time as you,

there you notice the person has a character avatar, name card, and name, no signature, but a very low at level. ar lvl 1. about to just ignore them because who has the time when you want to check if all you wanted to check was if anything else was different

right at the moment of deleting the conversation, a new bubble came up. with the words that made you anticipate their next move. they called your name, or basically asking if this is you. almost as if confirming. typing back a response

and the best days of your lives start there

but it isn't enough. now knowing that certain characters you can talk on the chat, and a few selective you can avidly talk to with your voice if needed. you talk to them, they talk to you but the one that has your heart backflips was your favorite character. now being able to hear them talk outside the lines they were programmed to say. the character is off script and you wish you could have it like that

but you want more. hearing their voice was just the beginning for those back in the mind thoughts. those that you don't want to think about again later, but you can't help it.

what felt like a want, it's now a need. you need more. so doing something you never thought you would have to actually do as it is something you've seen some ff writers write about. asking albedo, or more so trying to convince to create some that can either have the characters in your world, or you in theirs. but that wouldn't do. you in the world of teyvat is like expecting a wall to move when asked to. you are most definitely powerless unless you are able to see the game graphics and mechanics, but you are not taking the chance.

now they in your world, they would most definitely be powerless, just not weak. perhaps visions don't work, and their weapons don't appear, but that's fine, at least to you. of course because they gained a vision, they must have definitely trained. gotten strength and studied just in case they aren't able to use their vision.

one advantage over you, but you won't be thinking about that just yet. you still have to convince albedo that he can study more in your world, that the characters could go to your world to relax, that there is something good about what you want him to do

or somehow gotten some liyue adepti magic or something

just something to bring your favorite character into your arms.

after all, you know them inside and out and you have a fair advantage over them

:O this is so interesting!!! I absolutely love this idea, anon! Imagine they come into our world and are confused because it’s modern times and their Visions probably don’t work here, so they’ll have to rely on you for help when it comes to certain technologies and such.

[antiloreolympus]

14 Anti LO Asks

1. It’s just so wild how LO fans in their “good intentions” says LO is “pro-trans” because of Athena?? Like first off, she’s not trans, but more so they’re only basing that off the fact she doesn’t look like every one hyper feminine woman on cast so they automatically assume she must be AMAB?? Like you guys know that’s more transphobic than Rachel’s lack of a diverse cast, right? Holy shit. 

2. I think a true test of proper representation is if the character was taken away and nothing in the story changed, then it’s not good representation. Case in point in LO:

- almost all the plus sized characters are unnamed background characters, so their removal changes nothing.

- Hestia and Athena’s relationship has no impact on the story, so if it was removed and nothing changes that’s not representation.

- psyche being black has no input in the story, and it’s purely aesthetics that was only added with braids. Remove that and it changes nothing. That’s not representation.

I could go on, but I think you get what I’m getting at here. 

3. The big difference between The twins act of wrath and Persphones is intent. They meant to kill those kids, and Apollo is probs Zeus fav or second fav kid (that’s a whole other topic and idk if the twins even know if Zeus is their dad since they’ve never called him dad). But because the twins intended to kill those royals in the name of their mom, it wasn’t hidden from Zeus and they were rewarded (is it right no, but remember Zeus is the judge apperently)

Persephone, lost control, killed a bunch of mortals out of her control, (at most it was suppose to be the ones that were destroying the flower grove but it grew to a whole river of souls) then with her mother and Hermès worked together to not only hide this from Zeus but also hades (sorry Fish king this isn’t your domain) so I would say Persephone act of wrath was worse. But even going more into it was her reaction to finding out someone uncovered her truth was turning them into a plant (oh sorry they also insulted the king of the underworld) and still lost control on them.

What Persephone AOW is, is Persephone being out of control contrstantly. She does deserve a real not community service punishment because she is a danger to others and has harmed many. 

4. there's a big difference between a prominent nose and whatever the hell is on lo hades' face. he looks like papa smurf and a sawfish combined and were put into a tumblr sexy man machine but the machine was out fo sexy so now we're just left with that thing. persephone has the most boring design ive ever seen but at least she looks kinda normal.

5. the only good fanart of lo was by that one shitpost artist who was making fun of the series by having spongebob as persephone and squidward as hades in that "do i look like a scoundrel" or w/e scene but Rachel retweeted it thinking it was a compliment. we will NEVER top that.

6. deadass its so stupid how rachel is like why do you guys keep bringing up the age gap its not a big deal!! like ok why did you spend so much of s1 saying it was weird he was dying to bone a 19 year old then? she seriously could have just made her like 300 to avoid that mess all together, or if she insisted she be 19 then just be like "oh thats just what immortals do" or w/e so it can be excused fantasy logic. you cant make a point its bad in universe then be shocked readers see it as bad too??

7. A lot of RS’s style of writing an drawing are the same for characters. Women are busty short with maybe a bad relationship or sexual history (Hera Persephone Minthe  Daphne even Hestia maybe) the men are tall with some form of mommy issues. Hades-oepedius complex, Ares mommy and daddy issues, Hephaestus mommy and daddy issues, Apollo mommy boy with issues, Eros mommas boy with issues, Hermès mommy’s boy, Thanatos mommy issues. It’s like there’s only a few type of characters who can exist 

8. What I don't get is you know if LO was set in Paris, she would make sure to be accurate to Paris. If it was set in London, she would make sure it's accurate to London. Tokyo? It would look like Tokyo. But for some reason, the comic being set in Greece in a time period with some of the most iconic architecture in the world is asking too much? She can't even be bothered to download basic pillar brushes, but we're supposed to buy she cares so deeply about the culture and mythology? Give me a break.

9. are we sure rachel isn't a harry potter fan? bc i remember when the movies were coming out it turned out draco's dad (lucius) was originally supposed to look like a cold business man in an all black suit, sleeked back white hair, and have really sharp features including a long nose. are we sure rachel didnt just lift that design and slap it on her hades. lo hades kid would probably be a little shit like draco too if we're being honest here 💀

10. i think the issue with how LO handles HxP[ is it removed only two-ish problems (inc/st and her actually wanting him now) but on top of that also added more toxic elements like the age and power imbalance, cranked it up to 100, then acts like its the most perfect relationship ever. if it was just honest from the start it was more of a twisted romance or "brutally realistic" that would excuse it, but instead it frames as the best thing ever & what its young audience should want. that's my issue.

11. how can i send in the whole webtoon /j

12. That submission also brings up the point of like … they don’t know about the tree or that it woke up Kronos. We know Persephone won’t be punished, so are we to believe it she’ll wake off free from the trial only to whoops, have to admit her lack of control over her powers is totally ok despite it waking up the biggest threat to EVERYONE? Like murdering a village is bad enough, but she can’t get away with reawakening a threat they so desperately tried to lock away. Hell, what if p’s powers made him stronger? What then? The whole thing is so stupid. 

13. LO fans are hardly the first or last ones to do this but they always go “it’s just fiction!! It has no effect on reality!!” And it’s ok? Then are did you make critique of it a personal affront to you? Why do you insist critique never happen of it? Why do you get into real fights, threaten, and dox others if it’s not real? Why do you refuse to acknowledge actual problems in your face works, it’s creator, and it’s fandom? That sounds like it effects real life to me!

14. Not a critique, just wanted to point out how pissed LO stans are by your blog. They throwing a fit over it and call you out lol. Keep doing what you do queen, it's nice having a place to actually critique LO. 💜

From OP: Tysm! <3

[papermatisse]

just another greek mythology story || O.SH

pairing: hades!sehun x persephone

genre: fluff, angst

word count: 28k~ (oof)

warnings: none? barely any plot? just kinda word vomit ive been working on?

synopsis: the hades/persephone story, but it's sehun

a/n: im new. that is all.

masterlist

A scowl crossed the face of Sehun who emerged from his dark hovel for the first time in centuries. The accursed Sun deemed its primary ambition of the day to blind the God of the Underworld who dared tread the once prosperous lands of Earth. He says once prosperous, acknowledging the state in which the Earth has been left in; Pestilence and famines ravage the lands, and Sehun hadn't the need for the update given to him by Demeter, for the torrent of lost souls arriving in his world was key enough that it were time for Hades himself to visit the now plagued lands. 

Although having morphed in one way or another over the past few decades of his absence, Sehun knew the precise path to take to lead him to Mother Earth herself. He hoped he wouldn't have to collide with any other god who may feel the need to catch up with the man himself, wishing to just crawl back into his dark domicile and away from life.

Life.

The concept to him was once his main concern long ago. Not regarding the lives of the mortals he'd see everyday crossing the River Styx to their designated afterlife location, but instead his own. He once detested his family for tossing him aside and condemning him to the Underworld to manage the traffic of the dead, but now he thanks them as he is devoid of drama that haunts every god in Olympus. Whilst Aphrodite pines over an uncaring Ares, and Hera scolds her adulterous husband, Sehun raises his Cerberus in peace and silence. He has no complaint whatsoever of his outcome now as he feels he lives the simplest of lives regarding social statures compared to the others. 

At least that's what he found himself reminding his conscience of.

As if the Earth beneath his feet decided to greet him with some ill humored gag, the most hyperactive of the gods spawned before him as if from thin air, though Sehun knew it was the god's unfathomable speed which formulated this illusion. 

"Well, well, well," drawled out Jongin, 'Hermes' as the mortals have labelled him. "If it isn't the King of the Underworld himself, gracing us mere minor gods with his presence." Jongin bowed dramatically, one arm crossed over his waist and the other extended behind him. "I thank thee, and acknowledge your superiority over me."

"Enough," Sehun grumbled, treading past the god who burst into laughter.

"Oh, you can't blame me!" Jongin jogged over to catch up, patting his sore stomach from his laughter. "I haven't seen you in a millennia!"

"Would you stop being so over dramatic, it's only been but a handful of centuries." Sehun was exasperated already with the messenger, though he did find a sliver of nostalgia upon seeing him once more. It truly has been quite a long while since he's spoken to anyone besides Charon and the Fates. Perhaps an escort to guide him to Demeter wouldn't be too strenuous of a deed. 

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your arrival to the Mortal Realm?" Jongin seemed to have had the same idea as Sehun, as he was now walking beside him and continuing the conversation. 

"As you know, the mortals have been suffering," Sehun began, taking notice of the ever growing amount of greenery in their wake, signaling his venture with Jongin wouldn't be too long and agonizing. "Demeter wanted me to visit the lands and take a casualty report of sorts."

"Why?" Jongin scoffed, kicking a stray rock along the dirt path. "It's not like you're at fault for all of this, why are you being tortured?"

"You know how bad my reputation is to the Olympians." Sehun sighed, remembering yet another reason to not visit the others regularly. "Plus, Demeter is rather distraught over this. I can tell this is just her way of grieving. I've seen it tons of times, families calling out to the gods to remember their lost ones. I guess Demeter is just very close to this city or something." 

"Makes sense." 

Sehun felt the subtle bitter pangs of jealousy strike his being, as he's rarely ever respected by the people. Not that he necessarily cares what measly mortals think of him, but instead how little they acknowledge him if not for the negative tragedies in their lives. Even his brother Jongdae, ever the idiot, gets one of the largest temples of the gods, a steady influx of gifts and offerings bestowed to his statue. The people seem to love him, labeling him as Zeus, god of gods. Little do they know of his absolute ignorance and skewed marriage. 

Oh, how he once detested his brother. 

Jongdae was the one to condemn him to the Underworld, a command which seemed not as awful as it truly was. Sehun thought it to be rather tricky to navigate from his realm to Mount Olympus at times, but he made do to keep in touch with his family. That was his agenda in the beginning, until the mortals began cursing him for taking the souls of their lost ones. That was when Sehun realized what Jongdae had done to him, and he stopped visiting Mount Olympus entirely. 

He still remembers reconstructing the Underworld entirely after that revelation. 

It was at first a plain of barren land, akin to that of the remains of a forest fire. He hadn't the slightest idea on what to do with these souls. He had just observed them wander about aimlessly for his own entertainment, watching them kick into the dry dirt beneath them, pass longing glances to one another, stare into the nothingness of his world for hours at a time. The first few batches of souls were well behaved, stayed quiet for the most part and tended to keep to their own devices. It was around the same time he started realizing his reputation on Earth that he felt the impact in his own realm. 

Hundreds of souls rioting against him, throwing slanderous words to him and expelling any and all rage upon him. That was the last straw for Sehun, and he finally began to do his role of a god properly. 

He looked over to Jongin briefly, recalling the last time he had actually spoken to him. He had heard his calls to him from across the River Styx, a fresh batch of souls behind Jongin as he awaited for his friend's arrival. Sehun stood beyond the river, explaining to him that Jongin was no longer needed for soul transportation, and that he was to now deliver the souls to the entrance of the Underworld and leave. Jongin tried questioning him, yet Sehun turned his back to him, his new decrees unshakable to him.

"Oh, we've arrived!" Jongin called out excitedly, walking ahead to take in the haven which was Demeter's garden. Greenery stretched across the Earth, dabs of color spread about as the flowers beneath them bloomed carelessly. The sky was a deep blue, not a cloud in sight for miles beyond.

Sehun grimaced at the display before him, his eyes aching with the influx of nature before him. Nymphs scurried about, smiles gracing their gorgeous features and flowers stuffed into their flowing locks. Sehun felt if he concentrated hard enough, he could maybe identify a distant harp playing graceful melodies to further amplify the elegant scenery. 

This was a paradise on Earth. Just not for Sehun. 

It served as a reminder to what he had lost many centuries ago when he barricaded himself beneath the Earth. He had forgotten what it felt to be with the living. To have the Sun warm his icy skin like a blanket, the wind brush against his stiff features as if trying to smooth out his tensions, to be in the presence of others. He had to get out of here as soon as possible.

"Where's Demeter?" Sehun asked, his voice sounding more demanding than curious. 

"Why are you in such a rush?" Jongin chuckled out, spinning around gleefully and taking in everything which Sehun detested. "Enjoy the Earth for a while longer before you crawl back into your pit of death." 

"Jongin–" Sehun attempted to reach out to his friend, feeling entirely too uncomfortable with where he was. However, Jongin grabbed Sehun's wrist and began dragging him along with him, slowly introducing him to dozens of nymphs who were insignificant to Sehun. He was growing increasingly irritated with his friend with every passing shudder displayed by those in the gardens. Sehun felt disgusted with himself, wanting nothing more than to shrivel up in his lonesome bed and forget about his eternal damnation. 

Before Sehun could utter a word of complaint, however, his eyes landed upon a girl seated upon a rock beside the river bed. It was as picturesque of a scene as it could get, the ever beaming sun basking her radiant form in a warm glow, the water behind her reflecting the light up and creating a breathtaking backdrop to the already otherworldly scene before him. Her hair fell in soft waves down her shoulders, gentle tendrils mirroring that of the waters before her. She hadn't a care in the world but thriving in nature and what she had to offer, yet Sehun felt no negative thoughts plaguing him this time. 

What would have been– should have been– envy, discomfort, and rage, was nothing but admiration, warmth, and, dare he say, optimism; Emotions Sehun couldn't recall feeling, for it's been too long for his cold heart to register anything before his isolation. 

"Who is that?" Sehun found himself asking, yanking his arm back to prevent Jongin from dragging him on. Jongin hummed in confusion, following Sehun's gaze which landed on the girl before. 

"Oh, that's just Persephone." 

"Just?" Sehun quirked a brow at his wording, his mannerism so casual that even Sehun the Stoic was concerned. 

"She's Demeter's daughter, so she's technically a goddess, but she's more of a nymph really." Sehun looked over at her again, studying her soft and calming presence. Sehun had never felt so at ease, and this was only looking at her from a distance. "She doesn't really matter though, so we'll just move on." Those words are what spurred Sehun into the beginning stages of a meltdown. Of all the nymphs in these accursed lands, she seemed to Sehun the most fit to hold the position of garden tender, nonetheless Demeter's daughter. How such a cold, uptight woman as Demeter could produce such a beacon of warmth was beyond Sehun, but that didn't stop him from nearly releasing his rage upon his comrade.

"Jongin," Sehun spat out, fists clenched beside him. Jongin ceased his rant, stumbling the slightest bit on his still feet after taking in Sehun's deadly expression. "Stop this nonsense and get me Demeter already." 

Once Jongin scurried away, fear encouraging him to dash over to said goddess rather than take his intended leisure stroll, Sehun found himself turning back to face Persephone. To any other passerby, she would've just been another nymph, what with her flowy gown, carefree hair, and overall natural ambience, but to Sehun, he could clearly see how much more important she truly was. He just knew there was something about her which held significance, whether to the world, or maybe to himself. 

Sehun's steady gaze met her wandering eyes, the two of them stiffening at the unexpected found attention. Sehun has stared into the souls of murderers, heroines, and everything in between, yet he was seemingly awestruck by her presence alone, even from the vast distance they shared. It was something to do with her attentiveness towards him which left Sehun incredibly perturbed, for he's never felt so open, like the subject of an anatomy lesson. Even as she tilted her head to the side in wonder, she dared not back down from this sudden challenge, even smiling at Sehun's frozen expression, though she was the first to break as she waved him over like a dear old friend. 

He was hesitant, of course. Did she believe there to be some ulterior motive to inviting him over? Would she reap the benefits of befriending the god of the Underworld? If so, she would be tragically incorrect, since "Sehun" and "charity" have never been put in one sentence, aside from perhaps him not acting upon said deed. So he believed maybe she would refrain after the first rejection by him, yet it was with an eye roll and a more exaggerated summoning gesture that finally had his feet stuttering forward. Perhaps he'd entertain her hidden agenda for a few moments until he either found out her intentions or was summoned by Demeter. Whichever came first. 

"Good day!" She called to him once he was within ear shot.

"Good day," he responded cautiously, narrowing his eyes to analyze her facade, expecting some signs of wavering, yet she was completely genuine; Genuine in her joy of his existence.

"I'm Persephone." She lifted her hand to him, palm turned downwards expectantly to which he responded by slipping his own hand into hers, bowing his head in a curt manner. He could feel her shiver from his touch, and he quickly retracted before she could. It was a common occurrence when those encountered him. Disgusted expressions, recoiling in fear, he's seen it all, though she remained smiling at him with her chin resting on her knees. "And you are?" 

"Excuse me?" He asked after a beat, voice low and steady. Who was he? He was one of the Olympians, brother of Zeus, god of the Underworld. He was notorious, a boogie man in bedtime stories to keep children on their toes. He was practically the living embodiment of fear, and yet here she was bursting into giggles and repeating her question like she wasn't in the presence of a malevolent god– supposedly. "My name is Sehun."

"Sehun." She repeated, voice soft and delicate like she. "I like it." If he had any semblance of emotion anymore, he could tell he'd have an abundance of blood flow reddening his face at that moment, possibly the closest thing to a compliment he's ever received. "Come sit with me!" She tugged at his tunic with a surprising amount of strength, having him nearly collapse onto the rock she occupied, though he caught himself and finished his journey down calmly. "I've never seen you here. Are you new?"

Was he new? He was older than not only her, but the existence of humanity itself on Earth. She truly did not know who he was. He feared she'd dismiss his presence upon hearing his name, or to immediately bombard him with insults. This was the last thing he expected, though he now realized how predictable this was to be. Of course Demeter didn't teach her daughter who he was. Demeter never cared in the slightest for him, even when he was younger. She was probably overjoyed she'd never see his face again once he went down into the Earth. Although, maybe he could use this ordeal to his advantage.

"I'm just visiting," he explained, keeping his sights low in order to avoid her piercing eyes. He could already feel her gaze roaming around his everything, from his dark clothing to pale skin. He knew he was grotesque, he didn't need to be reminded by such a beauty as she. With his weak disposition, he found himself glancing for just the briefest of seconds to her. She had to have easily been the most breathtaking sight he's ever beheld. Prettier than Aphrodite, ever the conceited being she was. Contrary to her, Persephone seemed to be kind and whole-hearted; Rare traits to find in the Olympians nowadays.

"Oh, business with Demeter?" She asked, scooting closer to him. 

"Yes, actually." He bit the inside of his cheek, finally deciding to turn and give her his undivided attention to which she straightened her posture and beamed even brighter for him. She was so optimistic, a complete contrast to the nymphs which alienated him upon entry. Speaking of which. "Why do you sit here alone?" She turned her gaze to the sky and hummed, as if deep in thought to his simple question.

"Perhaps I just like the lack of company," she answered, shifting her eyes to the river murmuring it's song. 

"If you enjoyed the lack of company, why would you invite me over?" She snapped her neck back to him, squinting at him with a smug expression. 

"Why did you come here so willingly?"

"Did you not notice my initial refrain?"

"Hmm, touché." She sat back after having leant forward excitedly, picking at the blades of grass peeking through the cracks of the stone they sat on. "If we're asking a million questions anyway, what is your business here with Demeter?" Did Demeter really not update her daughter on anything? Is this what Jongin was talking about? His uncaring mannerism when discussing her struck a chord with Sehun suddenly, who was now putting the pieces together slowly but surely.

"I'm not sure if you're aware, but the city has been struck with many disasters, and so Demeter wanted to discuss that with me." He explained, hoping to keep his ambiguity intact. "Like a counseling session." She nodded, a frown settling in place for a moment before being replaced with a forced grin. She really didn't know about the city. Sehun's heart ached, witnessing her sudden downtrodden expression. What kind of a mother is Demeter to have her daughter be treated like some black sheep. Like an unwanted pest. Like him. "I guess since you've asked me a question, I'm allowed to ask you one?" 

"Oh, yes, of course," she laughed, hugging her knees and gazing up at him. 

"Why do you call your mother by her name?" Sehun kept his attention on her, taking note of her sarcastic scoff and sudden stiff shoulders.

"So you know?" She asked. 

"That's all I've been informed of." He reassured her, hoping his tone was soft enough that she wasn't intimidated by him in any way. Her sigh and averting gaze proved her discomfort came with the topic rather than with him, but before he could revoke his question, she continued. 

"Yes, I am technically Demeter's daughter." She started, scratching her nail against the warm surface beneath her. "I say technically because I am her blood, but she's practically disowned me at this point." Sehun furrowed his brows, frowning in disbelief of Demeter's actions. "Apparently when I was born, I was the weakest god they've ever seen. Basically, all I can do is grow stuff, and every nature nymph can do things such as that." She tapped her finger on the crack of the rock she was ripping grass out of before, a patch of new blades sprouting out as healthy as ever. "Demeter was embarrassed by my existence, but didn't bother to get rid of me because I'm just an accidental nymph, and now I live here doing the tasks of a nymph." She looked back up at him, a sad smile gracing her lovely features. Sehun found himself despising any negativity on her. Sad didn't suit her. 

"I'm sorry to hear about this."

"It really isn't a big issue. It's always been this way. I actually did believe I was a nymph for a long while until I asked the others why they never include me in things, and they explained that I'm not them and that I should stop trying to be them." She plucked a flower from the basketful she had hidden behind her, twirling the stem between two fingers and smiling at the dainty petals glistening in the Sun's rays which seemed to glow brighter around her, like a halo of light. "Apologies. You probably didn't ask for my tale of woe, but I do not call Demeter my mother because she is not a mother to me." She pursed her lips into a thin line, as if stating the forecast casually to someone rather than having denounced her mother to nothing but a stranger. 

"I don't know if you'd be surprised to hear this, but I actually do understand you very well." She quirked her head to the side, eyes glistening in wonderment at his vague statement. "Why do you think you've never once heard of me before today?" She opened her mouth to answer, but was interrupted by someone calling out to him. The two of them turned to an approaching Jongin who stared at Persephone with a scrutinizing stare, not even attempting to conceal his emotions. 

"Sehun, Demeter asked me to take you to her." He explained, reaching down to help Sehun to his feet, but Sehun rejected his offer and turned back to the goddess before him.

"I apologize, I must cut this conversation short." He reached down and held her free hand in his, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to her warm skin, which ignited another set of giggles from her. 

"I understand," she sighed out, looking down at her lap. Before Sehun could pull away from her, she tucked the very flower which once resided in her other hand into his unkempt locks. She laid her hand unto his jaw and gave one final grin. "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance." 

He bowed his head one last time before retracting from her warm touch, the feeling of her skin still present on his icy body. Sehun stood to his feet, following Jongin silently and relishing the tingling sensation which overcame his lips. It felt like witchcraft of sorts, the way his lifeless mouth twitched here and there, almost resurrecting a smile. He shook his head of such thoughts, recounting the last time he smiled being thousands of years ago. Yet here she was, so inviting and accepting of him whilst knowing so little of his life, and blessing his sorrowful aura with warmth and happiness. The way she wore her smile like an everyday necessity, even when she lives a life doomed to be as tortured as his. Her strength was admirable, and he hoped she continued to persevere unlike he who hid away in a labyrinth of his own machinations. 

"Did you hear anything I just said?" Jongin snapped, halting his steps and staring at Sehun, too absorbed in his own thoughts to care about his guide and his whereabouts. Jongin rolled his eyes upon seeing Sehun's glazed eyes, like that of a corpse. "I said steer clear of Persephone. You're already hated on the surface, and associating yourself with another outcast will further worsen your reputation which is already lower than your precious domicile."

Sehun stared at Jongin with his usual stoic facade, yet inside he was appalled. Jongin was always so chipper and hyperactive, more a squirrel in a god's body. He was one of the few who attempted to keep in contact with him many years ago, but he had given up when the ferryman forbade his entry. Sehun perceived Jongin as the epitome of positive energy. So why was he here speaking so poorly of the only person to show Sehun any form of attention aside from repugnance? And why was he getting the feeling that Jongin says the same thing about him to people?

"We're here," Jongin announced in a dull tone, gesturing to the most extravagant garden of this hellhole. "Stay quiet, listen, and don't mention Persephone." With that, Jongin darted away, gone with the wind. Sehun breathed a sigh of relief from the riddance of one nuisance, and prepared to handle the most insufferable of vexations known to mankind: Demeter. He could see her very clearly, stroking a broad leaf of one of her many vegetation. She was tall, with her light brunette hair pulled back in a braided bun and purple robes drowning her body. She seemed like any normal person you'd come across, but the wrinkles surrounding her brows gave away her unending fury towards anything and everything in her world.

Sehun had prepared for the worst case scenario, so he was perplexed by her kind grin and respectful bow. 

"Sehun," she called to him in a warm tone, similar to that of long lost siblings reuniting. This reunion, however, was not one supposed to warm the heart. It was a business meeting. "You look well. As young as ever." When she finally reached him, she placed her hands on his shoulders with a strong grip, and he couldn't help but think back to Persephone and her strength, both physically and mentally. "I wish we could've been meeting under better circumstances, but as you know, times are very tough." She turned and began walking deeper into her garden, leaving Sehun to trail behind her with long lazy strides. 

"Earthquakes every other month, flash floods after every monsoon." She reached a peak in her garden which overlooked the entire city, now dull and lifeless. Sehun was not as affected as she was by the sight as she gasped quietly and placed a hand over her aching heart. "If not plagues of locusts, the poor citizens are being tortured by actual plagues." She turned away from the sight of the debilitating city, tutting her tongue in dismay and retreating from the source of her pains. "It's heart wrenching, really. I've attempted to cease the never ending death toll, creating a garden on the opposite side of the city where they could pray to any god of their choosing, yet it seems like this land is just cursed."

After a brief moment of silence, she turned back to him, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. 

"Sehun, my dear. If you could do anything in your power to cease this, I would be eternally grateful. Please, you have to understand the chaos which is tormenting these poor citizens, find some sympathy in your cold heart for them. I beg of you." 

Sehun sneered at Demeter's pitiful attempt at begging, knowing she holds no authenticity to her words. She doesn't care about getting on Sehun's "good side," she just wants to help the citizens. Noble of her, yet foolish to think speaking to him would solve anything. Nevertheless, he cleared his throat and prepared the words which he has said to every single god who's asked, every person who's prayed, even to himself in situations like these.

"I am sorry that this is happening. I truly am. I more than anyone else understands the impact one death can have, let alone hundreds." She looked up to him with a shred of hope in her glassy eyes, but Sehun continued on with an unwavering seriousness to his face. "But I cannot do anything about this. I do not control the influx of deaths, nor does Thanatos who is the one who actually deals with death. I'm just in charge of the Underworld, where every soul winds up. I can make wagers with people who want to give up their life for another, but that's as far as I'll go." Demeter's hope dwindled to nothing, leaving her in her usual state of contempt for everything, especially Sehun. "My condolences for your people, but this is not my doing like you may believe it to be."

"Is this because of your condemnation?" She spat at him, hands on her hips and eyes narrowed into daggers. "You're seriously still holding a grudge after thousands and thousands of years?" Sehun raised an eyebrow, not surprised by Demeter's usual demeanor. She scoffed, brushing past him with a shove at his shoulders. "You're so petty, Hades. You think you're so high and mighty, better than the rest of us. Hiding away in your little chasm of death and acting like you were never one of us." She stood back on the edge of the cliff, staring down at the city once more as she continued to spew out grievance after grievance to the god who couldn't care less. "I don't even know why I tried to appeal to your better nature. You don't have a better nature." She whirled around and stomped to him, jabbing a bony finger into his chest with every insult his way. He stood his ground, staring at her with a blank expression. "You have nothing. You are nothing. You have no cares, and you will never be cared for." She paused for a breath, but her eyes landed on something stuck in his hair. She snatched it with no warning, pulling a hiss from Sehun as she yanked some of his hairs. She rolled her eyes, dangling the now crushed daisy between two fingers. "Of course you'd find sympathy for a nobody like her." Sehun watched as she dropped the once beautiful flower, stepping on it when it reached the ground as if it were an unwanted roach. "Two worthless gods with nothing to live for." 

Just like that, she broke Sehun's last defense. Sehun was furious. He felt the blood dripping from his fingers before he had felt his nails digging into his palm. Sehun had the patience of a saint, bottling his anger up whenever he had to deal with a god or an enraged soul, but Demeter was the one to finally crack his restraint.

"It was a pleasure to catch up with you, Demeter," Sehun stated, calm and collected as ever as he backed away from her. "But I find the company of my single colleague, three old hags, and my dog to be far more pleasant than you will ever hope to be." She gaped at him, eyebrows as tense as ever. He turned his head to the row of plants he had walked in on her stroking. He reached out with a bloody hand, repeating her actions and staining the leaves of the greenery. "I'm also so envious of your garden. Wish I had one of my own. You wouldn't mind if I took some of your ideas, would you?" And just like that, the once lovely plant began shriveling up, dying before her eyes. She gasped loudly, watching as not only that one plant, but the ones surrounding it began to turn brown and crumble into ashes. He turned and began walking away, hands stroking any plant he could touch, leaving death in his wake and causing Demeter to holler in outrage at his behavior. 

He was prepared to all but stomp his way back to his Underworld, never before so violently wrathful and not knowing how to exactly deal with such an apparent emotion. Before he could let his thoughts stray any further, though, Persephone appeared from his peripheral, steps so light and airy as if she were walking on clouds.

"Sehun, are you alright?" She asked in a soft, lilted voice. She gasped when she took in his bloodied hands, reaching out and grasping his fist in her hands. "Come with me." She insisted, no trace of argument evident. 

He couldn't reply, as she was already busy dragging him away from his escape. She cradled his injured hands in her own, weaving him through bushels of various flora, vibrant colors Sehun either hasn't seen or couldn't remember. Her touch soothed his skin, a comfort akin to aloe encasing a burn. She was the remedy to his pain.

She had taken him to a cottage stowed away in a remote area where he could no longer hear the joyous songs of nature and nymphs. It was silent with just the two of them. It was peaceful. Sehun never thought peace could occur with more than two people in the same room, yet there they stood together as one. He admired her as she washed his hands clean, running cool water onto his skin and easing the faint thrum of pain now ebbing away slowly. She concluded her work on a cushioned bench, lathering his hands with oils and wrapping cloth around his palms.

"I realize you're a god, and we heal faster than usual, but occasionally it feels nice to delve into the world of human remedies." She explained, laughing to herself as she tucked away the excess cloth. She examined her work, holding his hands in hers so delicately. His heart swelled at her every action, so minuscule yet so caring. "Are you okay now?"

"Yes, I am," he whispered out, flexing his fingers' mobility to reassure her of his health. "Thank you." She smiled again to him, nodding her head and focusing on his injury. A comfortable silence settled in the small room, reminding Sehun of his years of solitude. Although here, in this cottage with his side pressed against the most lovely woman he's ever met, felt different from all those other times. He knew after taking a whiff of her sweet, floral scent, he wouldn't be able to survive on his own again. Before, he didn't have a reason to keep in touch with anyone. Now, he wants Persephone. He craves her warmth, her sunshine, her happiness. The gentle touch she applies to his rough exterior, the smiles she gives with no malicious intent. She was wholesome and polite, like an angel summoned to bring light to his ever dark world. 

"I'm assuming your meeting with Demeter did not go smoothly?" She laughed at the groan he released, Sehun's exhaustion evident in the way he slouched and stared at the wooden floor. 

"It did not go well. She has somehow worsened over the years." He looked back to her as she listened intently to him. She didn't deserve Demeter's harsh words. She was not Demeter's harsh words. She was everything good in the world, and the only thing that was beginning to matter in his world. "I'd rather not go into explicit details of the matter, however. I apologize." It was silent for a moment as Persephone hummed at his words, curling her legs under her robes in a criss-crossed position. 

"Then allow me to take a wild assumption to what I believe Demeter said." She cleared her throat and took in a big breath. "She tried to manipulate you into saving the city, you said no, she got mad, insulted you, noticed the flower I put in your hair, crushed it, and then insulted me?" She snickered, taking his silence as answer enough. "I can feel the flowers I grow, so yes, I did feel her crushing my flower beneath her foot. The insulting is just a regular occurrence in our relationship, so I assumed the sight of my flower triggered that part of her." 

"You don't deserve this." Sehun found himself declaring, startling not only himself, but Persephone. "I know we've just met, but never in my life have I been so sure of someone's significance, and it's my job to decide people's worth." He straightened his back, focusing on the wall across him as he thought of his next words carefully. "I don't know if you've figured this out yet, but I am the god of the Underworld. I am hated by all, feared by all, and neglected by all. You were the first and only person to ever treat me as an equal." She was silent, absorbing his every word and letting it register in her head. "I understand you may be disgusted by me now, but I wanted to tell you all this before I disappear once more. I may never see you after today."

He shifted his attention to her with a lazy roll of his head. Her eyes bore holes into her lap, shoulders tense and eyebrows frowned. Her fingers were clenched into the cushion of the bench they sat on and her head was down turned with tendrils of hair acting as  curtains framing her face. Sehun could see she was deep in thought, and perhaps even uncomfortable with him after he said what he had. He grimaced at the thought that she now despised him, though he couldn't blame her. 

He brought upon death, and she gave life. He was cold and desolate, and she was warm and loving. He was monstrous in every sense of the word. How could she ever tolerate someone like him? It was with these thoughts that he found himself rising to his feet and heading to the front door, though before he could turn the handle, he felt a tug on his sleeve. 

Persephone stood right beside him, holding his arm loosely with her head still facing the floor. Even from the askew angle of their position, he could see the shimmer of tears staining her rosy cheeks. His eyes widened, hand sliding to her jaw and lifting her head so he could examine her. Red rimmed eyes, eyebrows stitched together, what seemed like a permanent frown pulling at her lips. 

"What do you mean I'll never see you again?" She asked under her breath. Sehun strained his ears to hear her broken question, heart crumbling at her unsteady voice. "I don't want you to disappear. Just as I am the first person to show you attention, you are my first." She pressed her forehead to his arm, sobs racking her shoulders. "I don't want to be left alone again." He was left flabbergasted by her touch and distraught over her crying, his hands twitching to touch her, yet restraining from the foreign urge to comfort. So they stood together, her arms wrapped around the one she wept into as he stood as stiff as a tree. 

Everyday, he woke up alone. He would feed Cerberus, check the surface world through the fates, and hand Charon the destination for each incoming soul. He'd do his work, wander his house, rummage through his cupboards for snacks. Then he'd go back to sleep. Alone. It was a routine he had grown accustomed to, though he remembers how difficult it was for him to accept it. He knew what he would be putting Persephone through if he were to leave. He kept reinforcing how she was the change he had always craved, yet he never considered he was just as influential to her as she was to him. He needed her just as she needed him. It would be foolish for either of them to part ways. 

But she was needed here. He just knew it. No matter what Demeter or Jongin said, he knew deep within she was integral to the stability of the surface world. He couldn't just selfishly take her for himself just so neither of them would be lonely. Though perhaps maybe that's exactly what's needed. 

"Persephone." He spoke, turning to face her directly. Her vision was bleary, but she could see his serious expression and knew that something had happened in his thoughts. "Do you like living here?" 

Of course she loved her home. She loved waking in her cozy sheets, preparing for her day in the familiarity of her abode, the flowers which would bloom as she made her way to the central area of the garden. Though she began weighing the negatives with the positives, realizing how much she hated being ignored by everyone, never being good enough for anyone. Everyday, she discovers new ways that she's been neglected, and today's was discovering that the town neighboring the garden has been dying, and no one had bothered to tell her this. 

"No. No, I do not," she answered in a sure tone, standing straighter to show her unwavering stance on the matter. She loved the peace and the beauty, but she would give all that up for the validation she had always craved. He bit his lip as he took her hands in his, a puff of air expelling from his mouth before he continued on. 

"Come with me." Her eyebrows shot up towards her hair line, eyes nearly popping out of her skull at his offer. Sure she was already thinking of running away, but never would she have presumed a man she just met today would so openly invite her to his realm. "You are worth more than anyone in this forsaken garden, and it's appalling to see how you are treated. You don't know what you possess until it's gone, and I believe everyone here needs an awakening."

"Are you sure about this?" He squeezed her hands in his and nodded.

"I've never been more sure of something in my life." It was now her turn to bite her lip, thinking back to the things she'd lose by going with him. The comfort of familiarity and routine, though she then looked to Sehun who's eyes only held kindness and she knew her answer. Sehun sighed at her rapid nodding, letting out a huff of disbelief and gripping her hands tighter. "I want you to stay here for now. Pack your things, prepare to leave. I'll be back by early dawn to retrieve you." He stroked back her hair, tucking the soft strands behind her ear and sighing. "I promise." 

With that, he turned and left the cottage, afraid his rationale would make an appearance in the conversation and revoke his every word. He made sure to keep his sporadic nature in charge for once. He didn't want to regret this decision. This was for Persephone. It didn't matter what he would've done if it hadn't been for his lack of intuition and reason. He knew any other day, he'd have left Persephone behind crying. What made him so different here?

On his journey back to the Underworld, he ignored the looks he received by the nymphs, glowering in contempt though fleeing when Sehun's eyes would merely flicker in their general direction. The thought of having Persephone residing in his lonely domain obscured any thoughts he had towards the disapproval he received from others. He did, however, absorb every scene he encountered as he left. He took in the structures strewn about the area; the landscape and various quirks about the world Persephone lives in. He noted everything up to the point where the green faded away into dark dirt and he knew he was home.

Upon entering the Underworld, Sehun was greeted by a chorus of groans and pleas, cries and screams, and more sounds of the tormented souls who hadn't enough money for the toll. A woman brushed against his sleeve, begging for a coin from him, but he brushed past her and made note of reorganizing the entry to make for a smoother waiting area. 

"Good evening, Sehun," Minseok called out to him in his usual bland tone, chin resting against his oar as he waited for the god to enter his boat. 

"Is this area usually this clustered?" Sehun asked as he stepped foot onto the vessel, more pleas wailing from behind him.

"More so than usual since I've been awaiting your return." Minseok ended the conversation there as he pushed off the shore and began wading through the Styx. Minseok had always been this way, and Sehun could only wonder if the atmosphere he's surrounded by has only worsened the ferryman's attitude. Nonetheless, Minseok did his work diligently, never wasted Sehun's time, and was respectful whenever they did wind up having discussions. He was glad for Minseok's usual silence this time around as he had far too many worries plaguing his mind at the moment. He had to prepare for Persephone's arrival, and he had virtually no time. "Sir, I forgot to mention that Hecate has decided to visit." 

"Hecate?" Sehun responded excitedly, the mention of his technical assistant hitting many points within Sehun. For now, he'll ignore her obvious infatuation with him and instead focus on how she does his bidding whenever he asks. 

"Yes, she's currently at your home." Minseok pulled over to the shore of Sehun's isolated island, nodding his head to his boss as the man fled the boat. Sehun had constructed an island to himself once the inhabitants of the Underworld began to hiss remarks at him any chance they got, causing even more seclusion for the god. The only ones to live on this tract of black dirt were Sehun himself and Cerberus, although Hecate, as mentioned prior, visited occasionally to remind Sehun of her unwanted presence. Though right now, Sehun was thanking himself and the other Olympians for her existence as he entered his home and saw her standing at the center of his foyer. 

"Sehun," she purred out, already making her way over to him earnestly. It was a known fact that she had an undeniable attraction to him. He's made it clear several times that he sees her as nothing more than a secondary transporter of souls and a mere assistant, yet she insists on trying to climb the fictional social totem pole she's created for herself. 

"Hecate, I am in dire need of your assistance," Sehun interjected before she could add any remarks to how she's missed him or how well he looks. Her presence was nauseating as is, he didn't need her useless small talk any more than he already tolerated. "I have a guest arriving here soon, and I need you to gather a crew to construct a separate section of this island for her."

"A guest?" She questioned, narrowing her eyes into slits suspiciously. "You've never had guests."

"I understand the confusion, but I do not have time to answer your questions. Will you assist me?" 

"Of course, your highness." She rolled her eyes, already exasperated by him and he's only just arrived. "What are your construction plans?"

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As instructed, Persephone sat atop the grass outside her precious cottage, awaiting the arrival of the ruler of the Underworld. She had a woven sack of clothes and memorabilia laying beside her, stuffed to the brim and taking a rounded form due to the excessive content within. It was a warm night, and she tried to cherish the feeling for a little while longer before it would be gone. Before she would be gone. She didn't know for how long, though she knew it would be a rather long time. Until they appreciated her, Sehun had insinuated. 

They never would, she reminded herself. Ever since she was born, she was the forgotten one. Left to fend for herself, learn on her own. Her mother cared for the nymphs more than she did Persephone, and Persephone never understood why she was never loved. Not even by her mother. She could see Sehun's thought process in the matter, but he hadn't thought about the results thoroughly enough. Would she just remain beside him once he realizes the others despise her as much as they do him? 

Staying beside Sehun wouldn't be so bad. She rather enjoyed her time with him earlier that day, and even after he left, she missed him dearly. She had gotten attached, though who could blame her considering he was her first ever acquaintance. If this act of spontaneity on his part were any indication of his inner emotions, then perhaps he feels she's worthy of his efforts, thereby placing her on a special tier in his life. Either way, she knew they needed one another in this cruel world, no matter what the other thought of them. She could feel it deep in her soul that they were meant to collide, as if by fate. 

The earth beneath her rumbled, as if shuddering in fear at something. In this case, perhaps Sehun's arrival. The grass before her split and a hole formed before her eyes. If she wasn't startled enough, the head of her comrade popped up, mimicking that of a mole. The thought had her giggling as she crept over to the hole on her hands and knees. 

"Good evening," she whispered out, as if fearing the sleeping crickets would alert any wandering nymphs. At this point of the night, everyone was dormant and she knew this. "Rather, should I say good night?" 

"Indeed," Sehun huffed out of his nose as if replacement for a chortle, the corner of his lip quirking up a centimeter into an amused smirk. "Have you gathered everything?" She nodded, gesturing to the sack tossed behind her. Approving of the sheer capacity of the carrier, he held his hand out to her, helping her into the hole. 

The hole wasn't too low, though it did cause her some strain to get in without injuring herself in any way. Glancing up into the sky for perhaps the last time in a while, she realized the peculiarity of the hole (aside from it being a hole which generated with no warning). She was 6 feet below the surface. 

"Are you okay?" He asked, rotating her arms in his hands to check for cuts and bruises. When her skin appeared to be as flawless as before, he continued on, gesturing to behind her where an incline lower led them to a tunnel of sorts. "Then shall we?"

She took another look up, counting as many stars as she could, letting the crescent moon burn into her corneas, allowing for the last breath of warmth to touch her skin. She'd see them again some other time. With a smile, she nodded once more, watching as he raised a hand up and allowed for the ground to close up again with a silent thud.

She draped an arm around his as he guided her down the tunnels, torches lining the walls and lighting the path deeper into the unknown. She'd never been in such an enclosed space before, the height of the arched walkway being perhaps a foot taller than Sehun, and the width being able to hold maybe three people across. She couldn't help but cling closer to Sehun as the temperature dropped more and the silence seemed to thicken to the point that she felt the nonexistent weight of the still atmosphere pushing her down. A soft yet audible whimper drew Sehun's attention to Persephone, her trepidatious expression speaking for herself. 

"It'll be alright," he reassured her, placing his other hand over hers which clung to his bicep. "Nothing will harm you down here. Not as long as I am here." She chanced a look up to him, eyebrows curved in worry. He tried with every fiber of his body to display a sense of serenity, though the words thrown at him about his grotesque appearance shut down any further attempts on his part. "I assure you I shall never leave your side." 

She had no choice but to trust him, and she felt she did. He had been nothing but helpful to her. He would never lay a harmful touch to her. They were symbiotic with one another, assisting the other and helping them to survive. How could she ever feel unsafe with him? Her eyes stayed on his, dark and empty yet still retaining a sort of warmth which tickled her stomach in a silly way. They were so deep, even in the dim lights of the tunnel. They held so many stories, so many emotions, so many unsaid words. She spoke to her plants when she wanted to vent, knowing they listened and loved her. Who did he have here to listen to him? 

"This way." He lead her to an opening from the tunnel. A vast cavern with stalactites which threatened to pierce her if she dared look away. Although lacking the torches of the tunnel, a low blue light seemed to completely fill the atmosphere. It was cold, damp, and muggy, with only the sounds of water echoing off the stone walls. The dirt was nearly black with no life to it at all, not even a weed, though with the lack of natural light, what had she expected. He continued to hold her close to him, more so than before as she now spotted columns of people waiting in orderly lines. 

"There are people down here," she stated, voice echoing even at the low volume she spoke in. 

"They're souls," he explained, taking her around the throngs of the dead which stared at them with lifeless, sunken black eyes. They seemed to wear permanent frowns and sagging shoulders. Very different from the lively people who she had encountered to and fro in the city. 

He lead her to the source of the water she continuously heard. A large river lay before the souls in waiting, so wide she could barely glimpse the opposite end, and so long that her line of vision didn't even reach the point it stopped. At the shore was a long wooden boat manned by someone with skin as pale as Sehun's. He was frail, with a similar expression to the dead, but he seemed much more approachable. Sehun guided her into the skiff, making sure the ends of her dress didn't touch the cold water of the Styx. Once she was seated, he followed and sat beside her, still keeping her hand secured in his. The man pushed off the shore with a large oar and propelled weakly into the waterway. 

"This is Minseok," Sehun explained, "the ferryman of the dead. The mortals call him Charon."

"Good evening, Minseok," she called out to him. No reaction. 

"He usually doesn't respond unless he needs to, so do not take offense to his cold demeanor."

Even whilst seated on the boat, she was secure in Sehun's grasp as he further explained the development of the Underworld. The disorder which reigned beforehand, his initial plans and his results, the various locations of the Underworld which she wouldn't see during her stay. He explained that some parts of the Underworld would take weeks to travel to, so he went ahead and began describing each region of his land. She listened intently, expression morphing with every detail shared to her. Sehun found himself snickering as she clung to him tighter when he had gotten to describing Tartarus, deciding to only mention the bare necessities rather than delving into every intricacy of the Hellscape his tormented psyche had conjured. 

It was when he began speaking of the Elysian Fields that Persephone's eyes sparkled with mirth and fascination, unknowingly leaning her chin on his shoulder and gazing up at him as he recounted the glories of the wondrous land he created. The camaraderie and the general peace of this safe haven he had created for those who lived out their lives as significant heroes to the population. He detailed how he wished for more, but hadn't the resources to create it. 

"It sounds lovely nevertheless," she sighed, a dreamlike glaze directed to Sehun which he had yet to notice. She liked this side of him. She had taken a keen intrigue to him when they first met, but the more she learns, the more beguiled she becomes. "You have to take me there one day." 

Sehun gazed down at her in wonderment. She was the first person to ever ask to see his world. Though she is technically the first outsider he's taken in. Most grimace at the mention of his hard work, yet here she is completely enraptured by every tale of his. He cleared his throat, attempting to ignore the undeniable warmth that radiated off of her. A foreign feeling tugged at the corners of his lips, causing him to avert his gaze away from her and stare into the inky blackness of the Styx. A moment of silence had passed before he felt her body shift and get surprisingly closer to him, now leaning over his lap to stare into the river with him.

"Oh," she uttered, confusion entwining with her tone. "There's no reflection." She quirked her head to the side, leaning closer to try and find her face. Panic bubbled in Sehun, causing him to softly grip her shoulder and pull her back in her seat. 

"Don't lean in too close." He wrapped his arms around her, keeping her close to him as she giggled and nodded.

"Right, I apologize." It wasn't proper of him to hold a woman in such a way. He knew this, yet he couldn't resist the pull he felt around her. 'It's due to her unrivaled curiosity,' he insisted, head resting on hers for the remainder of the voyage. 

Minseok rowed to the surface of Sehun's mainland with the skill of a practiced sailor, an incomprehensible grumble sounding from him as he stilled the boat. Sehun stood first, holding her hand in his helping Persephone to her foot. Just as before, he made sure that the ends of her dress were untouched by the water before he himself stepped off. He turned to Minseok to thank him for the ride, but was met with a never before seen spectacle from his longtime associate: a smirk. He narrowed his eyes to the ferryman and gave a low growl, dismissing any remarks Minseok dared to arise. Minseok, although ever the cold and expressionless man he was, had an underlying personality that took Sehun decades to unearth, to which he regrets now as he knows he'll get an earful from him regarding his guest. 

Speaking of which, Sehun turned back to Persephone, holding out his arm for her to grasp once more as he began leading her to his abode. The further in they got, the more worried Sehun became. He hoped all of his efforts would be enough for her. The last thing he wants is for her to run away from him, begging him to return her and never wanting to face him again. These were the only thoughts in his head as they finally reached their destination. 

Sehun's home was that of any noble above; a two story home with a center dedicated to the courtyard. The only difference between his and a regular human's home would be the dark palette of the entire domicile and the lack of flora in the barren courtyard. Although dreary beyond belief, Persephone couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort whilst looking at the structure before her. It was Sehun, after-all.

"You have a very humble house," she noted, taking in the building some more. "I had expected you to live in temples like the others."

"I didn't deem it necessary, considering I myself am not a man to be worshiped." He glanced down to her again, meeting her gaze already on him. Flustered, he continued on with his main anxiety. "Follow me." He began leading her away from his house, now heading to another smaller structure just a few meters beside it. 

Persephone gasped, taking in the sight of the familiar cottage now residing in the Underworld. It was an exact replica of her own on the surface, though now surrounded by dark dirt with little to no life in it. Sehun released her, allowing her to wander on her own into the quaint house. It was exactly like her own, down to the placement of her bench where they had sat together earlier. The attention to detail took her breath away, all coming from Sehun and his brief encounter with her home. 

"How do you like it?" He asked from behind her. Her fingers grazed across the smooth countertop of her kitchen, staring out the window now facing Sehun's house. "I wanted you to feel comfortable while you were here. I had thought maybe your safe place would have been a good start to adjusting."

Silently, she turned around, tears freely flowing down her face as she nodded. Every word she wanted to say to him was caught in her throat by the lump forming, a sob racking her body causing her to clamp a hand over her mouth. With nothing else to say, she walked into his body, burying her face into his torso and tossing her arms around his, openly crying and nodding. 

"I love it." She finally settled for, holding the dear man tighter. Never before had someone made this much effort for her, and to think that he would do all of this for someone he met just the day before left her completely awestruck by him and his everything. Hesitantly, he patted her shoulder, movements stiff and awkward which only made her cry more at his endearing genuineness. How anyone could hate a man such as him was beyond her, and she began to loathe her mother and the rest of the Olympians even more than she did when they had just hated her. He didn't deserve this neglect, and she made it her every intention to repay him with the attention and respect he deserved. "Thank you."

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Life in the Underworld was harder to adapt to than Persephone had initially thought it to be. She felt drained, as if the world around her was rejecting her and trying to dispel her from the premises. The lack of life beneath her feet, the constant cold nipping at her skin, the soundless nights with no crickets nor wind to fill in the empty spaces. She persevered for Sehun of course, overjoyed that he made time in his busy schedule to accompany her during her first phase of living with him. Everyday he'd visit her or she'd visit him. They'd share meals together while he would tell her of tales from before she was born, the small dog she had grown acquainted with barking at her feet as she sat mesmerized by Sehun's stories. He'd take her on strolls around the mainland, and though he felt guilty for the lack of scenery he had, she couldn't have been more pleased by his presence. 

At first, she had completely forgotten about her previous life. Her life above ground. Although losing strength in her body and feeling more and more exhausted by the day, she couldn't have been happier. Sehun was patient and forgiving, allowing her to pursue her whims and curiosities freely without the usual scorn and reprimands she'd receive from Demeter. He had only ever raised his voice once with her during one of their frequent strolls. 

"Oh!" She called out, breaking away from their intended path at the sight of a patch of trees. She frolicked over to it, investigating the fruits of its labor. How a tree could grow down here was a mystery in itself, but she wasn't complaining. It was the first sign of plant life she had encountered. 

"Persephone!" Sehun warned from a distance, anxiously staring at her wandering hands. She stroked the dark bark of the tree, brows furrowed at the unfamiliar feeling on her fingertips. This tree felt very nearly dead to her, though it stood erect and sturdy. Tossing her head back, she spotted the plethora of fruits sprouting from its branches. Pomegranates. Excited, she raised her arms up, just barely skimming the surface of the pomegranate before a hand clamped around her wrist. She gasped, head whipping around to face an infuriated Sehun. The hard glare was unexpected and therefore sent shivers through her nerves, though it was not sent her way. Instead, his eyes focused on the tree.

"Don't touch those pomegranates ever." He seethed between gritted teeth. She could tell his frustrations all derived from the pomegranates before her, striking her with a sense of curiosity. At the sight of her worried expression, he quickly shook off his initial hostility and loosened his grip on her wrist. His fingers slid up her arm to her elbow, gently holding her close to him and shutting his eyes. "Don't eat the pomegranates. Please."

She shook the memory away, returning back to the present where she sat at her kitchen table with a glass of water before her. He never did explain what the pomegranates were for. Just briefly mentioned that no matter how many renovations to the land he made, those trees just always wound up sprouting everyday. She didn't have the heart to ask him, just briefly knew that their existence was a nuisance to him; the Underworld equivalent to a weed, she supposed. 

Sehun walked out of his house, prepared to start his busy day with breakfast accompanied by Persephone, just as every morning of theirs has been since she first arrived. Eventually, he did have to get back to his duties, just as today he has to attend a meeting with the Fates. Though now his days don't seem to be as dark as they once were, because now he has someone to return to after traversing his lands daily. 

He knocked on Persephone's door, stepping back to await her usual arrival of a swinging door. Instead, he was met by a curt, "come in!" Entering as told, he was met by the image of a lethargic Persephone, upper body draped atop the table weakly. Sehun rushed over to her, brushing back her hair to observe her pale complexion. Her eyelids seemed to weigh over the dull glaze staring up at him, the darkness shrouding her lower lash line showing the exhaustion within her. Even so, she still gathered enough strength to bless him with one of her breathtaking smiles. 

"Is it morning already?" She mumbled, closing her eyes completely and heaving a deep breath. "Oh, it's so difficult to discern the time of day here."

"Persephone, you're not well." Sehun stated, sliding a hand beneath her head to lift it higher. She hummed and leaned into his palm, smiling at the familiar coolness of his skin. Unbeknownst to her, Sehun near retracted at the feel of her skin, almost as cold as his own. She was ill. Scenarios blurred through his mind, her limp body lying in his arms all because of his selfish thoughts of taking her away from her home to give her a better life. That better life being the death of her own. He shook his head, attempting to clear away the images imprinting themselves into his mind as he scooped her up into his arms, shushing her as she mumbled in confusion. "It's alright, my flower, I've got you." He made his way over to her bed, lying her across the covers and brushing back her hair. He knelt before her, keeping a hand atop her head as she drifted asleep.

This had to have been due to the circumstances she was brought into. The Underworld was nothing like the surface world she resided in. Her body wasn't suited to the conditions that are unmistakably prepared for the dead, not a lively, ever jubilant soul as Persephone's. As he prepared a moist towel to place on her crown, the only thoughts swirling in his head were ones on how to make his environment more suitable for her. He believed she'd be perfectly fine if she had him and his attentiveness, yet even he has failed her. He felt no better than Demeter, though he gave her credit for keeping Persephone standing longer than he had. 

Droplets of water ran down the sides of her head, bringing back a small glimmer of golden glow which had once made up her skin tone. Sehun sighed, taking her limp hand into his. She would be okay, he reminded himself. Though for how long?

Sehun's ears perked up at the familiar sound of sloshing water– a clear indication of Minseok's skiff, though he wasn't to pick him up until later on. Abruptly, he rose, releasing Persephone's hand and rushing out of the cottage to the shore of his island. His jaw dropped upon seeing Minseok a distance away, two familiar, and far too vexing in his mind, passengers in tow. 

"Sehun!" Jongin called out, his voice grating on Sehun's hearing, more so with the reverberations of the cavern they were located in. Behind Jongin stood Apollo, more commonly known to his kind as Baekhyun. Single-handedly, the two managed to not only be the most irritating beings in Sehun's previous life, but also his only two confidants at this point. Although having seen Jongin more recently, he recalls the times he's spent with the two before the humans came along, where they'd reside together and enjoy each other's presence.

Those days were long over now, and Sehun's breathing hitched at the recognition of their presence. Something is happening on the surface, and he has a strong inkling it has something to do with the unconscious goddess he has hidden away. 

The vessel pulled up to where he stood, Jongin and Baekhyun stumbling out and thanking Minseok before scrambling to Sehun frantically. 

"State your purpose and leave." Sehun stated, not sparing them a single sympathetic glance. All of his sympathy went for Persephone who didn't deserve to wake to such chaos as these two. 

"Sehun, you know we would never come down here if it weren't serious." Jongin began, eyebrows upturned in worry. "That being said, we're in a crisis above."

"Aren't you Olympians always in a crisis?" Sehun felt the urge to walk away, but he knew they'd follow and most likely find Persephone. Reluctantly, he nodded his head. "Continue."

"Persephone has gone missing."

Sehun feigned his stoicism, masking his shred of anticipation with a single quirk of his eyebrow. 

"If I take into account what you've said about her, I believe this is a situation worthy of appraisal, no?" Sehun crossed his arms, glaring at Jongin who had dared to insult precious Persephone. 

"I know, I know," Jongin covered his face with his hands, taking a shaky breath before pushing on. "I know I, as well as everyone else, have no right to worry about her, but all the same, she is still but a youngling. I just can't help but worry for her. Where could she have gone? She doesn't even have her own temple, for crying out loud!"

"Relax." Sehun stated, worried the commotion will awaken Persephone. Gulping, he persisted with his neutral demeanor. "How do you know she's gone missing? I met her but a month ago, she seemed perfectly fine."

"Sehun, may we go in?" Baekhyun asked, rubbing Jongin's tense shoulders as he whimpered into his palms.

Sehun flickered his eyes in the direction of his house where Persephone resided close by, though he looked back at Baekhyun before he could notice, or at least acknowledge Sehun's trepidatious attitude. Realizing the conversation wasn't going to end anytime soon, Sehun reluctantly gestured to his house behind him with a simple head jerk, helping Baekhyun to guide Jongin up the small hill leading to the structure.

Jongin was distracted, Sehun could very clearly see, though Baekhyun remained conscious, eyes wandering around the unfamiliar location. His sights landed on the cottage a little ways away, pausing to stare. Baekhyun had never been to his island, so Sehun was about to disregard this observation, but there was a persistent shimmer which shone in the Sun god's eyes; realization. Expression unchanging, Sehun lifted a finger to his lips, silently whispering a shush past his index, which had gone past Jongin's despair directly to Baekhyun's probing gaze. 

He didn't know whether Baekhyun had caught onto his secret, though based off his silence, he believed they had made a silent agreement. 

Once inside, and once Jongin had gathered some semblance of rationality, he began to explain the situation. Demeter had apparently registered Persephone as missing a day prior to the search parties. Jongin explained that Demeter has put that Persephone has been missing for less than a week, but there have been different accounts from nymphs who have usually seen her, all stating different intervals of time of Persephone's disappearance. Some stretching from one week to a month and a half. 

"They say the last time they saw her was when she had spoken to you that day, which would have been a month and a half ago, but I had taken you to Demeter before you could even try anything, right?" Sehun nodded, refusing to meet the piercing stare of the second god on his other side. "Not only has this disappearance shaken Mt. Olympus– Did you know Hera is filing to take Persephone away from Demeter? She's outraged at Demeter's lack of attention to her own daughter– but aside from this matter, there seems to be a full fledged apocalypse taking place above."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, not only have there been plagues and famines, but now the Earth is freezing over." Sehun furrowed his brows, rather intrigued at this new development. "Yes, the rain has frozen into crystals, and rather than returning to the seas, they've just blanketed the earth."

"The humans are calling it an ice age." Baekhyun added. "Even my powers can't warm this atmosphere."

"Demeter is even more stressed now than ever before, and of course that has translated into an even more irate demeanor from her." Jongin rubbed his temple as if recounting the goddess's newly worsened attitude, one which Sehun hoped he'd never have to encounter. She was insufferable as is, Zeus forbid she suddenly has a thorn in her side, or more like a thorn missing from her side. Although everything Jongin has said has been far from good news, Sehun couldn't help but believe that Persephone's worth is already heightening above, which lightened his mood ever so slightly in the situation.

"So she wants Persephone back for what reason?" Sehun challenged, crossing his arms and clenching his jaw. 

"I'm just as confused as you are." Jongin scoffed and threw his head back. "She neglects the girl her whole life, and now that she's finally gone, she demands her back."

"I thought I'd never meet someone more conceited than Narcissus, yet here we are," Baekhyun flexed his jaw before looking back at Sehun, a mischievous glint catching Sehun's attention. "Can you imagine the audacity of someone to claim a living, breathing goddess as their own?" Sehun narrowed his eyes, refusing to back down from the sudden intimidation tactic. "To not let her breathe? Nor choose her own path? Instead, they believe that she is nothing more than cattle they can herd about mindlessly to their heart's content."

He knew. 

"Speaking of Narcissus," Jongin sighed, standing from his seat. "I actually have to go by the river to speak to Cephissus about this. Let's head out, Baek." 

"Actually, I'm going to stay." Baekhyun didn't even spare Jongin a glance, a smug smile on his face as he saw Sehun's momentary startle. "I'd like to reconvene with our dear old friend here." 

"If you insist. I'll have Minseok row back for you once he drops me off at the entry." With that, Jongin sped off in a blur, his speed calming Sehun as he knew the god wouldn't have turned back and seen Persephone's  cottage. Instead, that worry was directed to Baekhyun who remained silent. It's been centuries since he's reunited with Baekhyun; He couldn't deduce what could be going through that brain of his. From what he recalled, Baekhyun was the more elusive of the three, though Sehun hadn't a clue whether time had brought with it maturity, or if Baekhyun was at a standstill in his development. 

"So I see you're interested in surface architecture suddenly?" Baekhyun broke the silence, scraping a nail against the marble surface of Sehun's table. "I just think it's funny because that cottage is a near exact replica of Persephone's." Sehun stayed quiet, though he began broiling with rage at how Baekhyun knew where she had lived. He didn't trust anyone, especially when it came down to Persephone. He'd confess that he'd walk through all layers of Hell and back for her, though that wouldn't carry much weight considering his circumstances. "Sehun, do you have anything to say for yourself?" 

"I haven't the slightest idea to what you're insinuating." Sehun opted for the coy route. What Baekhyun couldn't confirm couldn't hurt him, right?

"Then you wouldn't mind if I just took a peek at said cottage, right?" Sehun's gaze wavered, dropping to the ground and biting his lip. No matter how much he delayed or refused, it wouldn't change the fact that Baekhyun somehow deduced that the obscure cottage by his house was none other than Persephone's. Sehun's anxieties resurfaced once more in his head. What would happen now? Clearly Baekhyun would take her back with him, and she'd fall into the clutches of her evil mother once more. Perhaps Sehun would never be able to see her again. Would never be able to stroke her hair, hold her hand in his, stroll beside her every morning. She'd be gone. He's lost her.

In the midst of his turmoil, he hadn't noticed Baekhyun standing and making his way to him until he saw the end of a white robe coming into his view. Meeting his eyes, he was greeted by a lopsided grin, harmless in every way and halting Sehun's thoughts.

"May I see her?"

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"I must warn you," Sehun began, hand clenching the knob of her door hesitantly. He stared at the swirls of the wood, hoping not to show more of his emotions than has already been seen by Baekhyun standing behind him. "She's fallen ill. I'm currently in the process of helping her recuperate, though I have never been in the presence of such a goddess." Sehun glanced back, eyes unwaveringly confident and still. "Nevertheless, I am working on helping, so do not doubt my efforts."

Baekhyun nodded, and Sehun took that as his cue to push open the door. He called out her name in the silent cottage and was met with silence. A few moments later, a small hum from her bedside could be heard by the two. Baekhyun's eyes widened as he beheld the sickly image of the once golden goddess. If it weren't for the steady movement of her breathing, Baekhyun would have assumed she were on her deathbed. With the little bit of strength in her body, she turned her head to gaze at Sehun, smiling endearingly at the man. She stretched her arm out to him, summoning him to her side as he cradled said hand in his.

"I fell asleep. I missed you this morning." She whispered, still unaware of Baekhyun's presence in the room. 

"Persephone, you have a guest." She blinked away her delirium, rolling her head over to find Baekhyun staring at her in shock. 

"Baekhyun?"

"Persephone." He gasped, breaking from his statue-like stance and rushing over to her. "Persephone, you were here this entire time? Do you know the chaos you've brought upon the surface? Every god and goddess is searching for you!"

"Baekhyun." Sehun warned, clutching her hand tighter in his to signal to Baekhyun not to further stress her. He sighed, taking in her dreary appearance as she huddled closer to Sehun. 

"I couldn't care less what havoc is occurring above." She huffed, closing her eyes as she breathed in Sehun's familiar scent. "I'm happier down here than I ever have been up there."

"You're dying." Baekhyun spoke in a raised voice, Sehun nearly rising from his seat to dispose of the nuisance before them. Persephone remained as is with her eyes shut and a peaceful expression gracing her features. 

"Then I will die blissfully in Sehun's arms." 

Baekhyun's gaze alternated between the two. Never before had he seen Persephone at such peace, nor has he ever seen Sehun in such a tranquil state. The sight itself had him holding back his laughter, the disbelief too overwhelming for him to remain entirely stoic on the matter. A bringer of life and the caretaker of the dead in perfect harmony, living with no worries in their own personal Utopia. So at peace with themselves that she was accepting of her fast approaching death. It was with one last look to Sehun, his eyes fallen helplessly on the girl beside him, that Baekhyun decided then that he'd do everything in his power to keep this strange relationship thriving. 

"May I try something?" He asked aloud, Sehun shooting him a weak glare. Although wanting to dislike Baekhyun for his keen observations which lead him here, he couldn't deny how desperate he was for a solution. Persephone squeezed Sehun's hand calling for his attention on her.

"Can I trust him?" She asked, eyes wavering in worry. Sehun sighed through his nose, reaching his free hand over to her face and gently stroking her cheekbone. He wanted nothing more than for her to recover, though he knew she had to make the decision herself. He didn't want to pressure her, to put her in an uncomfortable situation like her life before he had intervened.

"Do whatever your heart feels is right." He answered, running his fingers through her hair and letting the locks fall back into place. "Though know that I would have never allowed him to set foot in this cottage if I had any suspicions of him bringing you harm." That answer seemed to calm her nerves, and she slowly sat up, using Sehun as support to her weak frame. Once she was situated in a seated position, she turned to Baekhyun and nodded. He approached the two of them as if they were two deer ready to bound away at the slightest move, both their eyes trained on him cautiously.

Once he deemed himself close enough, he lifted his hands before him, stretched out in her direction. With a flick of his wrist, a small ball of light spawned before their eyes, hovering above his palm: a personal Sun. The moment the light touched her skin, she gasped, a plume of golden hue sprouting across her body. She leaned into the warmth, eyes shut and lips tugged back into a content grin. Like a flower, she seemed to thrive in the beacon before her, complexion and strength coming forth once more and returning her to her natural state. 

"She needs life down here," Baekhyun explained to Sehun who was happily brushing her hair with his fingers. If Baekhyun's eyes weren't deceiving him at the moment, Baekhyun could swear that Sehun's mouth was almost pulled into a grin. He figured if he wanted to remain living, he'd have to ignore the development before him. "I'll come back tomorrow with stuff she'd need. Meanwhile," with his free hand, gestured to their surroundings. "You have got to relocate this place. It's like a sore thumb here. I spotted it almost instantly."

"I need to protect her." He explained, now rubbing his hand up and down her back soothingly.

"No, you don't." Baekhyun scoffed. "You're on a deserted island in the most desolate place in existence." Sehun hadn't met Baekhyun's stare, only focused on Persephone blooming before him like a flower. A beautiful, strong flower. "I know you want to keep her close by, but you must understand you'll be doing her more harm than good." 

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"Like I had said prior, I'll return tomorrow with items I believe will fully heal Persephone. Hopefully my theory proves correct." Baekhyun stepped onto the boat manned by Minseok, waving Sehun off. Behind him stood Persephone who meekly waved as well. What a queer couple, Baekhyun thought to himself once more as he drifted further and further away from the duo. 

"Sehun," the gentle voice of Persephone drew him back to the present as he turned to face her. She was radiant once more, practically taking on the form of the Sun Baekhyun had conjured before. Her smile shone just as bright as her aura, and Sehun couldn't resist the temptation to reciprocate it. It was as foreign a feeling could be, the muscles in his face stiff from lack of use for quite some time, though it felt oddly natural – even more so with the sudden gasp emanating from Persephone. "You smiled!" Her hands rose to cup his face, fingers stroking the lines and valleys now indented into his porcelain skin. Her heart fluttered like leaves in the wind, a light and airy feeling now taking the place of her former sluggish mood. As unfamiliar as it was for Sehun to smile, the emotions stirring within her mirrored the rare spectacle. Even though she was on the brink of death moments ago, she couldn't have felt more alive at this moment, flourishing in Sehun's presence.

"Is it strange?" He asked, his smile softening into a close mouthed grin. She found herself overjoyed that his eyes still crinkled from even this slight expression, further proving he was just meant to have a smile adorning his face. As her eyes roved his features, his hands wandered to her own, encompassing them over his cheeks. He couldn't recall ever being held as such; With overflowing adoration and care. He was the embodiment of death, and has been for nearly his entire lifespan, yet she held him like she would a child. 

"It's not strange at all." She answered in a small voice, brushing the tips of her fingers along his cheekbones. With his eyes falling shut, he tilted his head into her touch, causing her grin to widen. "In fact, I wish to see it more often."

"I'm afraid to say that it may be a common sight from now on," he paused, breathing in her familiar floral scent which had never once left her skin. "Now that I have you." The moment his eyes opened, Persephone felt as if she were struck by the likes of Aphrodite's workings. The cinder of his eyes melted like chocolate over a flame, and held the warmth of the wood kindling that exact fire. Comforted her like the tea she'd brew every morning for him, anchored her like his touch on her skin, enthralled her like the sight of him appearing that night – the night he rescued her and made her fall in love. 

"I'd like that." She took one last look at his face before removing her hands from him, instead slipping them into his hands and tugging him up the hill and away from the shoreline. "Come now! We haven't had our daily stroll yet." 

"You should rest, you've only just recovered." He demanded, though followed her nevertheless. 

"I will rest after you spend all of your free time with me." He should've resisted, he knew, but with such an earnest shimmer to her eyes, how could he deny her.

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To Hecate's dissatisfaction, the only reason she was summoned by Sehun that day was regarding his supposed guest once more. 

"You want yet another shed on this island?" She groaned, rubbing her temple and attempting to understand why he insisted on demanding such menial tasks of her. 

"It's a cottage." Sehun corrected, gesturing to said structure before them. "And yes, I need it to be further away. Perhaps down the path a little ways, though not far. Just enough that it is out of immediate range of a passerby."

Hecate stared at him in disbelief, not fully grasping the situation at hand. He had a shed – or cottage, whatever he was demanding it be called – yet he wanted a secondary one? There was something askew going on, and she was suddenly quite curious as to what was brought upon her god to spiral him into this near deranged state.

"Anything else, your highness?" She asked, turning to him with a near hostile smile.

"Yes, I'd like all of the furniture and such from this cottage to be moved to the new one." His eyes were trained on the features of the building before him, continuing on after he had concluded his reveling. "I'd also like this one to be destroyed."

"Excuse me?" She scoffed, crossing her arms and glaring at the man. "You do realize we all but just constructed this. What purpose is there to rebuild an exact replica further away?" 

Sehun's eyes darkened the minute they strayed from the cottage, now directed at Hecate. She cowered before his towering form, suddenly remembering the embodiment of evil she worked for. Two pits of all things dark and malicious rooted her in place, a murderous aura seemingly fogging her surroundings in a black haze, blurring reality with the delirium brought upon her by her crippling terror.

"Are you questioning my authority?" His voice dripped venom, potent enough to kill if he so desired. Hecate had an inkling that he truly did. Her life would end with just one drop of this figurative venom, and she'd be worth nothing more than the dirt beneath their feet.

"No sir, of course not." She breathed out once she had gulped down the swell in her throat. 

"Then get this sorted out." He spat through gritted teeth. "Make note I want no more confliction with my decrees from now on." The scarlet glint in his eyes proved his murderous intent, and Hecate knew she was mere seconds away from meeting her untimely death – That is until the potential bloodbath distilled with the presence of a mellifluous call sounding through the tense atmosphere.

"Sehun!" His eyes had softened when they landed on the approaching presence, and Hecate had become irrelevant as he strode over to the new addition of the conversation. Now free from his domineering aura, Hecate whizzed around to see the being which tamed the notorious beast of the Underworld, gasping at the sight before her. 

A girl, with wavy locks like that of the ocean, skin seemingly kissed by the Sun itself, and the enrapturing smile of a nymph. She was all round curves and soft edges, dainty like the flowers beneath her feet whenever she greeted the surface above. Hecate's disgust somehow hadn't transferred to Sehun, who gently reached out to hold the girl's body. Hecate grimaced at the grotesque spectacle, never before having seen Sehun in such a visibly weak state. 

"My flower, what are you doing out here? I told you to stay inside while I work." Hecate's eyebrows shot up, the kind voice emanating from Sehun being the most bewildering display to ever occur in her life. The thing standing in his arms beamed up at him, entirely unaffected by his notoriety.

"I'm sorry, I finished our tea!" Sehun glanced at Hecate, uncaring of whatever else he had to do regarding her. 

"Hecate, get what I said done." His voice reverted back to it's usual cold tone. She was appalled by the sight of Hades succumbing to such a feeble thing like that, and to rub salt in her wounds, the girl turned over and waved in a friendly manner as if the two of them were acquaintances. As if Hecate would ever associate herself with the likes of that mangy mutt of a lapdog. Never before has Hades entertained a guest before, let alone an insignificant nymph, and to the extent of building a home for her. Something was off, and Hecate wanted to get to the bottom of it. Of course, after she relays to the construction team once more of Hades’ plans. 

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As instructed, the cottage had been completed by the end of that very day, now a distance away from Hades's domicile. The deed was done with little to no hassle from the workers, as they were mere mindless minions of the Underworld, but Hecate stood as the outlier of the bunch. She couldn't help but suspect this newcomer as anything but an innocent being as she carried herself to be. 

The Lily of the Valley was one of the most lovely flowers to grace the plains of earth; graceful and delicate in every way. They dangled gently like bells, and sported a pale blue tint which would lull anyone into a state of tranquility. Such a gorgeous sight can reel in just any being – at the body's discretion. The dainty little things could kill a number of beings, especially if taken at great quantities, and stands to be one of the most poisonous flowers discovered. The only way to solve a Lily of the Valley infestation is to uproot every single bloom before they cause harm.

Hecate crept up to the front door of the cottage, a small lantern in her grasp as to not draw any suspicion. Luckily for her, the cottage was far enough to not draw Hades's attention, that is as long as Hecate's deed is quick and silent. The door was new, so there wasn't a single creek upon her entry, keeping her silent as a field mice as she lurked over to the bed. Through the dim light, she could see the blankets tossed haphazardly over the girl's being, unbeknownst of her untimely demise she was soon to encounter. She slid the lantern onto the floor, the tap against the wood innocuous to Hecate's mission as she proceeded on to the still silhouette hidden away behind a mountain of sheets. Such a feeble thing, to cower from the natural chill of the Underworld behind a plethora of fabrics. Hecate was doing Hades a favor, and as this thought occupied her mind, she raised her blade beyond her head. In a single breath and with all the inertia within her, the blade descended and plunged into the now cold body with little resistance. 

Perhaps too little resistance.

Hecate gasped as a feather suddenly floated into her faint vision, and then another, and another. Abstaining her knife from the body revealed it to be clean. Swooping down and snatching the lantern, she turned to the scene of the crime, choking on her breath at the sight before her.

The girl was never there. 

In her wake was a now mangled pillow in a sea of down. 

Hecate's breathing became ragged, her fingers losing their grip on the source of light as it slipped away and crashed to the floor unceremoniously, the clatter piercing through the silence of the night, the knife following suit and joining the commotion. Now free of any objects to grasp, her hands rose to her hair, gripping the strands like reins as if they were the last grasp of reality she had left.

The girl was gone. Hecate had failed her attempt at murder. Though Hecate isn't one for giving up, she couldn't help but fret about the circumstances underlying this scenario. She couldn't have suspected Hecate. No, she was just a ditsy thing wandering without inhibitions. But why else would she have not been in her bed? Where else could she be? 

Frantically, Hecate scooped up the knife and lantern, whipping around and casting her light onto the rest of the cottage, breathing as labored as ever. She was nowhere. With one final glance around, Hecate stormed out of the house, now terribly weary about the girl and her intentions. Her knowledge. Her purpose. For now, Hecate was safe. She needed to find out more about her, and watch for the next opportunity to strike. 

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Sehun was an ancient being. He was there before the development of humans, thereby was present before their concept of time had been created. At some point, he tried to determine how old he was, but ceased his efforts when he had gotten an exceptionally high number– which wasn't even the final product of his calculations.

As such, Sehun had grown rather tired of life, as any immortal being would. He could see his brothers also having grown bored, regarding their reckless manners in the mortal realm. Though Sehun was equally as drained, perhaps more so considering his own situation, since he had refrained from sullying his image more than it had already been tarnished. His one escape had been the land of slumber, his one opportunity for peace and tranquility. He would sleep for days at a time back when he had been significantly younger, and was often teased by his brothers for being a resting dragon. What was once a bothersome title had now become what Sehun yearned to be. 

As time passed, civilizations rising and falling before him, humanity itself evolving in unimaginable ways, Sehun lost track of when his insomnia had first begun. First his dreams were revoked from him, though he wasn't one to complain since now his sleep could be silent. Before he knew it, he was sleeping for shorter and rougher periods of time. Eventually, his deep slumbers had become mere periodic naps. 

Now here he lay restless, gazing out of his window upon the depths of his creation, the River Styx. His days were torturous, his nights agonies. His eternal slumber would never reach him, and he wished ever so much that he weren't a god. That he had been born as a normal human with limited abilities and an expiration date. If he couldn't sleep, his body would shut down for him and he'd finally die. That was not the case now, as no matter how many years it's been since he had shut his eyes, his body refused to succumb to death's sweet embrace. So he remained in his state of unrest, waiting for a reasonable time for him to "awake" and proceed with his daily tasks. 

A soft pattering drew closer to his chambers, like a troubled doe stumbling unaware into the lion's den. Though Sehun's initial predatory instincts subsided at the gentle rapping at his door, followed by the delicate voice of his beloved flower. 

"Sehun?" She called out in her lulling voice, nearly putting Sehun to sleep if it weren't for his rush of adrenaline at her presence. He rose to his feet, taking long, rushed strides to his door and pulling it open. There stood Persephone, wrapped in a blanket and her nightgown, gazing up at Sehun with relief washed over her eyes.

"Dear, why have you come all this way?" He asked, reaching out and brushing her loose hair behind her shoulder. 

"I'm no longer used to sleeping so far away anymore, I'm afraid." She let out a nervous chuckle, tugging the blanket tighter around her shoulders. "Perhaps you could accompany me for the night?" 

It was dark, and her features were barely visible, though she still enraptured Sehun entirely, his immediate acceptance just proof of his devotion to the goddess. Which is how Sehun found himself just a mere distance away from her form, laid out across his bed right beside him.

So vulnerable, so susceptible to any outside dangers. She put so much faith into him. Why? He had stolen her away, he had nearly killed her, he had detained her in the land of the dead, yet she had given him all of her trust willingly. Her affections were all devoted to him, the last person who deserved her sweet attention. She was lovely, precious to him like gold to the greedy. 

Her eyes opened up, catching him in the act of staring. What flustered him delighted her, and she broke into a fit of giggles, rolling closer to him until she was just a breath away. 

"Thank you for protecting me for the night." She whispered, so silently that if there were anyone else in the room, they'd have not heard her simple message. 

"You should not trust someone so easily." He scolded, keeping his eyes trained on her.

"You are not just someone to me." She responded as if just asked the easiest of questions. "You are very dear to me. I wish you would understand."

He stayed quiet, unknowing of how to respond to such a compliment. He was never one for appreciation, yet here she was showering him with all of the admiration he could have ever hoped for. At his silence, Persephone leaned closer, resting her head against his chest, allowing the gentle thud of his old heart to serenade her like a lullaby. By the time her breathing had evened out, Sehun had overcome his initial shock, now wrapping his arms around the girl and taking in her natural essence.

Lavender. Vanilla. Petrichor. 

Before he could acknowledge it, his eyelids lost their strength, and eventually, the warmth of Persephone in his arms and the concoction of scents surrounding him dragged him into the state of slumber he had craved for so long. 

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It was simple to say Sehun was thoroughly flabbergasted to have actually awoken a while later; to have experienced the heaviness of consciousness settling in upon opening his eyes and to actually feel compelled to close them once more. He took a moment to register his surroundings, knowing it was day even with the lack of Sun present, courtesy of his eternal damnation in the Underworld. It took another moment to register that the reason he had fallen asleep was due to the girl still in his grasp, though now more so laying atop his chest as he had rolled onto his back in the midst of the night. She was still fast asleep, and Sehun felt intrigued. 

She was sleeping so soundly, uncaring of him and what he could do to her unconscious form. Once more, she was far too trusting of a man who handled the dead, who should have no concern for the living. Though he continuously berated her for her lack of caution, he enjoyed having someone so at ease around him.

Of course it was obvious that everyone felt unsafe around him. Never having their backs to him, avoiding eye contact, attempting to keep a respectful tone to him. In all honesty, he'd prefer this respectable fear to the arrogance he receives more recently, treating him like an obtuse child rather than the god he is. 

Yet Persephone didn't treat him as a monster, nor as an unworthy degenerate. She spent her days around him, listening to his tales, filling his thoughts with whimsical stories she's read, prancing around him in her usual carefree manner. She treated him as more than just a captor, even more than a friend. Perhaps that wasn't so bad of a circumstance. 

Realizing she'd wake soon, he attempted to pull away from her, trying not to jostle her from her slumber, though failing as she grumbled softly and latched onto him. 

"Persephone," he whispered, stroking her hair with his free hand not caught by her grasp. She hummed, refusing to open her eyes and merely holding him closer. "I will be back. Keep sleeping." She was silent for a few moments as Sehun continued to brush her hair, and eventually she fell limp, allowing him to pull away and vacate the premises. 

Underworld mornings were as cold as the nights, and did not get any better in the afternoons. To have walked the short distance from her cottage to his home in the middle of the night with nothing but a nightgown and a blanket had to have been an obstacle in and of itself, proving her discomfort with the new living situations. The least he could do was to get one of her gowns for her to wear once she woke up, so as to save her from the frigidity of the outside.

Entering her cottage, Sehun made a beeline for her wardrobe, shuffling through the few gowns and robes to find a sufficient one for her to wear. Once he had found one he deemed warm enough for her, Sehun turned over to her bed, smiling at the thought of her abandoning its warmth and comfort just to get to him. 

At that thought, his brows furrowed in suspicion. 

She came to him in a state of discomfort, most likely rushing to get close to him and leaving behind any other matter of hers. So why was her bed made? He stepped closer, analyzing the scene. Judging from her character, Sehun knew she most likely just wakes up and goes on about her day. If she doesn't make her bed on any other day, why would she make her bed when in a hurry?

A speck of white caught Sehun's eye: a singular feather caught between the floorboards. Not exactly understanding his speculations, Sehun turned back to the wardrobe, grabbing an armful of her clothes, stuffing them into the wicker basket she used for their daily picnics, and left the cottage. He didn't fully comprehend what was happening, but he knew potential danger when it's in front of him.

Arriving back to his room, Persephone was just beginning to stir awake, rubbing her eyes to get a clearer look at the man now sitting beside her on the bed. She smiled, still rubbing her face awake and sighing out a, "good morning."

"What have you got there?" She asked, now sitting up and leaning her head onto his shoulder. 

"It's a few of your clothes I've brought over." He explained, placing the basket onto the floor and shifting to face her. "I don't feel comfortable leaving you in that cottage. Would you be alright staying here for the next few days?"

"With you?" He nodded, now fretting internally over her rejecting him and going back to her cottage. Before he could offer her another room in his house, she continued on. "Of course, Sehun. Why wouldn't I want to be with you?" 

He exhaled, relieved that not only did she comply with his paranoia, but had also assured him of her unfaltering affections while at it. To think that if she hadn't come to him at that time, his little beam of sunshine could have been extinguished for good. He couldn't let this possibility occur again. 

"I'd rather you also remain within the walls of my home." He added, thumb stroking her cheek tenderly. "As long as you have an escort, you may roam about as you usually do. Primarily either myself or Baekhyun."

"I understand." She nodded. "You've always taken care of me. For what reason would I have to doubt you?" The flutter of her eyes meeting his gaze matched that of his heart, their glaze as cloying as honey. She was the radiance of a morning sunrise, the portent of his unwavering joy whenever he basked in her presence. She sat before him with a demure grin, unaware of the fact that she had awakened a new love for mornings in him, and a reminder of his own love for her. 

"I'll leave you to dress." He spoke, tearing his eyes from her and down at their naturally intertwined hands. He fondly rose her own to his lips, pressing a delicate kiss to the pads of her fingers, continuing to hold her grasp in his for a moment more. It was pure agony to hold back his affections, his heart yearning to release the floodgates of his love for her, yet he reminded himself of his position. He was no good for a goddess of her caliber. She was everything beautiful in this world, and he was just a weed in her garden. "I will meet you when you are freshened up." 

With one last glance her way, a rosy tint dusting the apples of her cheeks, risen with the presence of her ever growing smile, Sehun sighed helplessly. While he was but a brief appearance in her own life, she had managed to become his entire world, and he was but a hopeless fragment of matter caught in her irresistible orbit. 

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

As Baekhyun had promised, he returned later that day lugging a load of plant life in a sack over his shoulders. Sehun watched from the sidelines as the god revealed each and every fern and flower he had brought along with him, each unveiling coaxing a new reaction from Persephone. She attempted to collect each item in her arms, though failed as Baekhyun would bring out yet another item. 

After he had given her every plant in his possession, he started yet another Sun session with her, allowing her to replenish any exhaustion she may have suffered since the day prior. All the while, she described every plant she had received, explaining to Sehun wonders he had never even imagined in his dreary underworld. His mind was filled with her and her words, the lull of her voice soothing him as she promised to fill his world with unimaginable beauty. 

Baekhyun was still attempting to grasp the situation at hand. From what he had understood through the brief glimpses of their interactions, it was a symbiotic relationship; One which first began as one party benefiting the other for no benefit, but now had become a bond of mutuality. Persephone, the goddess which had once been nothing more than a nuisance, had become the hub of everyone's interest in just the span of a few months, yet stood as the absolute epicenter in Sehun's life. Baekhyun wasn't a fool. He could see the affections they both shared for one another. Though the surface world was suffering, he somehow couldn't find it in himself to obliterate such a doting pair. He couldn't destroy the one source of happiness in either of their lives. Even he could clearly see that they desperately needed one another. Though it would be considered treasonous to withhold the whereabouts of Persephone, he couldn't find any sense of hesitation in his decision: he was going to help them if it was the last thing he did. 

"You enjoy life down here?" Baekhyun asked once Sehun had gone away to feed Cerberus. Persephone nodded eagerly as she organized the plants given to her. 

"I do, truly." She paused to take in her surroundings. It was a bleak atmosphere, always lacking heat and remaining moist. The silence would leave her unnerved at times, though upon hearing any mere noise, she'd be left on high alert. Nevertheless, she couldn't have been more fond of the place which Sehun had created himself. "Thank you for these gifts. There is no sign of life here. It's rather daunting not being able to feel life everywhere I step." She caught a glimpse of the bare path which Sehun and her strolled every morning. Sehun had taken it upon himself to remove the trees which would sprout everyday before he would escort her, ensuring her safety from the accursed fruit he despises so. "Do you know the lore behind the pomegranates?"

"I apologize, but I am as clueless as you." Baekhyun responded. "Not even Sehun knows where they derive from." He pursed his lips, eyebrows furrowed as he attempted to recall any information he had heard of the trees. "Before Mt. Olympus had become as estranged as it is now, Demeter had actually spoken of a mysterious fruit growing in some realm. She believed they had the ability to condemn a person to the realm in which they grew. In this case, the Underworld. Though this could very well be another one of her deceptions to further worsen Sehun's reputation."

Persephone blinked in wonderment at Baekhyun's words. She remembered clearly how Sehun had reacted to her touching the fruit, as it was the only time she'd ever seen Sehun act even the slightest bit hostile.

If Baekhyun's intel proved correct, it would just be another case of Sehun going above and beyond to protect her, and yet another reason her heart seems to beat only for him, bleed only for him, yearn only for him. He had enchanted her entire being with his existence before she could even render the inner machinations of her emotions. She was so terribly, madly in love with him. 

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In the coming days, Persephone spent her time managing her garden. She worked tirelessly on bringing life back to the exanimate dirt beneath their feet before planting her collection of saplings. Once they were in the now fertile soil, greenery had spread like fire. Flowers littered the floor encircling her cabin, vines crept up the walls and claimed it as their own, branches of still infant trees sprouted delicate leaves and buds, soon to provide a canopy for the two to rest beneath. Sehun admired her power, the stamp of her existence now imprinted in his home. He usually loathed the sight of life and nature, but now felt comfort at the scenery in his own domain. He'd watch as she'd nurture her saplings, raising them from nothing, her devotion to her plants allowing Sehun's mind to wander to other scenarios.

How she'd nurture him if she were to stay by his side. He'd go to sleep with her beside him just to wake up to the same beautiful sight. She'd hold his cold hands in hers and whisper words of love to him, share thoughts of only love to him. They'd gather flowers together, have picnics together, spend their mornings together. 

"I am greedy for you." He said to her one day, sat beside Persephone in her evergrowing bed of flowers. "I'm afraid that when the day comes, I won't be able to release you." He stroked the grass he sat upon, enraptured by the sight of his beloved's simple creation. Near his feet sprouted a daisy. The same dainty flower she had given to him upon first meeting. The sight alone had him biting back his emotions, the internal battle becoming increasingly more unbearable the more time he spent with her. "You are but a flower which I do not deserve. A flower which should be blossoming in the Sun freely. I am but the gardener who cut your stem and brought you to your imminent death." 

There was a breath of silence between the two, Persephone absorbing his words begrudgingly, though she didn't like when he would speak so negatively of himself. She reached out to the daisy caught in his vision, plucking it from the Earth and raising it to eye level with her. 

"I am a grown woman, would you agree?" She questioned, to which Sehun nodded bluntly. He still hadn't met her gaze, instead focusing on the blades of grass once more. "Did you know it's a common practice amongst humans to shower their dead with flowers?" Sehun scoffed, nodding again to her queries. 

"They use the flowers to mask the scent of their dead." He explained, far too familiar with the shallow ways of humans. At this, Persephone giggled, causing Sehun to finally turn his head to look at her.

"Well, more common than that, they use flowers to display their love for their lost ones." She reached a hand over to him, planting the daisy in his obsidian locks. Her hand slid down to his cheek, keeping his gaze on her. "Perhaps I am a flower meant for you and your world."

Sehun was taken aback, the weight in his chest dissolving into a light, fluttery sensation. His skin warmed beneath her touch, melting him like mist in the wake of the Sun. Desire pooled in his irises the longer he took in his dearest one, the dam he had worked strenuously on maintaining crumbling into dust. Following the tides of his love, Sehun leant forward, mind going briefly vacant as his heart took command of his actions, pressing his lips to Persephone's in the softest manner he could muster. 

When she kissed back, he felt happy enough to die. No, he felt happy enough to continue living in his personal hell, because now he not only had a reason to push forward, but a beacon of hope which would light his endlessly dark path. The saccharine taste of her lips was like that of warm honey, encasing him in a blissful state of ataraxy at the delicacy in his grasp. He poured his heart into her kiss, attempting to display his affections for her though his heart was pathetic and inexperienced. Nevertheless, she embraced him wholeheartedly, inching closer and closer to him until she had found her throne upon his lap, arms wrapped around his neck in an endearing hug. His hand on her face was chill, tethering her to his presence beside her, though the opposing warmth of his lips had her falling limp in his hold, heat which radiated like a lone fire on a cool night. Even with their striking differences, they melded together, not like oil and water, but like milk and honey. 

He pulled away, lips still grazing over hers as their breaths mingled together, his eyes hooded as he attempted to settle back to reality. His reality now that he had Persephone with him, and for however long he had left, he was going to spend his every waking moment pleasing her, nurturing her, loving her. 

"Our world." He whispered, brushing her hair behind her ear. "For as long as you'll have me and even after, I want this world to be ours."

"That seems like a dangerous proposition, as I do not see myself letting you go anytime soon." She answered back, pressing her forehead to his. 

"You already have my everything til the point I take my final breath." 

"We're immortal, Sehun." At the sight of her smile, Sehun followed with one of his own, eyes falling into the crescent shape she had grown to admire so deeply. 

"Then you'll have to endure my love for the next eternity." 

"I look forward to it."

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Hecate emerged to the surface, having found no answer from the hearsay which traveled through the Underworld. The one constant she had detected was that many were dying from the unexpected shift in climate. At first she merely pushed it aside; humans are weak by nature, their composition having to be in such specific, stable conditions that she didn't understand how they had risen above the rest of nature's creatures. Though as she stumbled into the open world, a gust of bitter wind hit her, an endless tirade of crystalized water droplets obscuring her vision to the point that all she could see was a blur of white overtaking the landscape of Earth. The atmosphere was cooler than the Underworld, and the precipitation added onto the frigidity of the air.

As if the awaited Underworld wasn't bad enough, the living had to experience their own version of Hell. 

Hecate meandered through the dense blanket of white, her feet sinking into the foreign surface with every step she took. Her vision could only reach a few feet ahead of her before being shrouded by gray nothingness, and the natural life which had once occupied every viable surface had gone vacant. 

After following along the infamous mountainside leading to Demeter's garden, she reached what was once the entrance to nature's haven, now but a shell of its former self. Like the rest of the world Hecate had experienced this far, the ivory tyrant had taken over the once lush greenery of the garden. Trees had gone bare, not a leaf nor bird in sight. The waters had stilled into a solid state with no fish present. Of the dozens of nymphs which once ran the place, not one remained. Instead, through the deafening winds cried a defeated woman. 

Hecate had found Demeter amidst her own personal garden, equally as barren as the rest of the realm. She lied in the coat of white which had killed everything she had worked for, hoping for it to absorb her like the rest of her creations. She felt the pain which every plant had suffered through as the snow had frozen them to death, heard the trees go silent as they went into their eternal slumber. The fauna which had once pranced about freely had gone mute, all scattered someplace else in hopes of warmth. The overview of the city which she had loved dearly had gone deathly quiet. She couldn't recall the last time she saw a person leave their home. Their suffering seemed to never cease as this ice age followed along right after the other tragedies. What's more, the daughter she had once neglected and thought of as a mistake had all but disappeared in the wake of this incident. 

Anyone with a sense of mental capability could see the correlation: Persephone was the cause of this. When the nymphs had realized something was askew, they acknowledged Persephone's absence, reporting it to Demeter. She had no other choice but to call a wide search for her missing daughter, but she was nowhere to be found. Demeter could feel her lifeline still present, but she just disappeared off the face of the Earth. Hermes had been scouring the different realms for signs of Demeter, having even gone to the extremes of checking the Underworld alongside Apollo, yet both came back with no luck. Her daughter had truly disappeared, and she knew it was her own fault. She had no other child but this one, the one which spent her days peacefully with the other nymphs and did no harm whatsoever. Of course she'd run off elsewhere, and now everyone was doomed from Demeter's selfishness.

"Demeter." A voice called out to her. She pulled herself up, staring back at Hecate with complete and utter confusion.

"For what reason did Hades send you?" Hecate winced at the lethargic manner the once proud goddess currently carried herself in. "To gloat?" Demeter dug her hand in the snow, lifting a pile of the plush yet deadly material to her eyes. "To remind me that he was right when it came down to how I had treated my daughter?" 

"What is happening?" Hecate chose to ignore Demeter's nonsense, stomping through the thicket of frost beneath her. 

"Haven't you heard?" Demeter laughed sarcastically, letting the snow fall between her fingers. "My daughter has fled from here, and with her is the warmth this world so desperately needs." 

"Persephone?"

"Persephone." She scoffed, staring off in a blank daze. "The Bringer of Destruction." Demeter stopped and looked around her. "I had encouraged the humans name her that when I was told my daughter had virtually no unique abilities. She was the weakest of her generation of gods. In my disappointment, that was the only name that seemed fitting for a case like her." Demeter faced Hecate, not a trace of hostility which once made up her entire character. She was truly empty. "Look what she's brought: destruction upon humanity."

"This... This was Persephone's doing?" She questioned. Demeter nodded, a tear falling at the thought of her unloved daughter. A sinister smile pulled at Hecate's lips, connecting the surface world's scenario with what was happening in the Underworld. "Demeter." Hecate stepped closer, stretching out her hand to help lift Demeter to her feet. "I believe I know where Persephone is."

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Sehun awoke, blinking away the haze of sleep in his eyes to register his surroundings. He was in his room as expected, and it was morning in the Underworld from what he could detect through his window. Beside him lied Persephone, still peacefully sleeping against his person. Though months had passed since they had confessed their love to one another, he still felt unfamiliar with her presence and the effect it had on him. He was enraptured by it all, by every little thing she did. The drowsiness he'd feel whenever she'd nestle into his side at night, the calm that'd settle into his bones as she’d make him tea every morning, how she'd insisted she wanted to be beside him no matter where he went.

One of the first places he had taken her to was Elysium. It was the most pleasant of locations for the dead, designated for those who had done good in their life before passing away. He had assumed she'd cower away at the sight of the dead, insist they go back home and never return, but instead she looked upon his subjects with pity. 

"This is the place where the heroes go?" She questioned, taking in the surrounding area. It seemed to be a near replica of his own island where they resided. Dark sand beneath their feet, barely any light casted over the blindly wandering souls, an overall dark aura laid over the land like fog. She recalled his description of the place upon her entry to the Underworld, and how the heroes above were sent to Elysium as an incentive to their deeds. This was no good for a place honoring the brave and valiant souls from land. "May I help you with your work?" 

"If that is what you want, then of course." 

For the next few days, she worked on improving the conditions of Elysium, bringing life back to the ground until fields of viridian had been cultivated. Upon her request, Baekhyun had made a Sun for the citizens of Elysium, as well as making one for Persephone herself at home. Lastly, she lead Sehun's minions to construct houses for each tenant. The Elysium inhabitants were grateful, thanking her for her work and commending her warm heart. 

She couldn't help but smile, accepting everyone's thanks happily. Sehun grinned, watching as she was acknowledged for her good deeds. She deserved this. It felt like the risks Sehun had taken had finally paid off, and Persephone was experiencing what life had to offer. Though a dangerous idea came to him once more. 

Why give her up? Why not keep her?

She wasn't appreciated up above, yet not only does she have him, but she now has the hundreds of lives on Elysium who practically worship her. What difference would it make if she were to stay down here? 

As she laid her head against his shoulder, the sounds of the water encasing her as Minseok rowed them back, Sehun continued to fight his thoughts.

'She's treated much better down here, so she shouldn't want to leave me anytime soon, but the decision is entirely up to her.' He helped her out of the boat, dismissing Minseok and leading her to her garden, now shining brilliantly with Baekhyun's light. 'I'm just being selfish. I need to let her go when she's ready to leave.'

He laid his head on her lap as she plucked the daisies around her, explaining each step in creating a daisy chain. Though she believed he was listening to her every word, watching as she weaved the daisies together carefully, he was in fact far too distracted watching her. She was beautiful in everything she did. In how she carried herself and how she spoke, how she found charm in every aspect of the world, how she proved her love for him everyday. 

"You seem distracted." She commented, putting down her half finished chain to focus on the man below her. "Would you like to tell me what you are thinking?" 

"Nothing of significance." He mumbled while continuing to stare up at her, admiring how her hair framed her face and fell in soft tendrils. She pouted, fluttering her lashes as if asking him to be honest. Sehun sighed, ever susceptible to her methods of persuasion before adding on to his statement. "I'm afraid."

"The great Hades of the Underworld? Afraid?" She giggled, stroking his hair soothingly. "What could ever strike fear in such a beast?" 

"You." Her smile faded, now furrowing her brows in confusion. "Your control over me." He reached for a lock of hair dangling beside his head, gently kissing the strands. "I am entirely bewitched by you. You've enraptured my entire being by just showing me your true character." Her hand slowly came to a stop as he spoke. He locked his eyes with hers, now glistening with tears soon to be spilled. "I love you, Persephone." Her fingers traced down from his hair to his face, cupping his cheek endearingly with another smile. 

"I love you, Sehun." 

"I... Fear for the day that you leave me. I know you prefer the surface world, and no matter how much I refuse, I know I cannot hold you from your desires." Persephone leaned down, pressing her lips against Sehun's in a brief kiss. 

"Why would you waste your time on such nonsensical thoughts?" She laid another kiss on his nose, grinning at the way he wrinkled face at her action. "I should be the one afraid. You can dismiss me at any point once you grow bored of me."

"I would never." He insisted, brows twitching into a downturned, upset expression.

"That's why I'm not afraid. I know you love me dearly." His face softened as she stroked away his tension with her thumb, chuckling at his awed countenance. "I hope you know that I love you equally." 

He stayed in his place, trying to process that such a radiant, alluring soul like herself loves him, a shunned man who's name is used to scare both children and adults like a nightmarish tall tale.

She was life. She was the first laugh of a child, the whispers shared between lovers, the exhilaration of existing as one in a constant world of motion. She was the budding of a flower, a dewdrop atop a sprouted lotus floating on a lake. She was what everyone craved, a lovely oddity in nature taken for granted yet wanted by all.

He was death. He was the flu taking children away, the decay separating people. He was the fear riddled in everyone's lives, keeping them in check from experiencing too much of life. He was inevitable. Many have tried to evade his grasp, yet they've failed to understand that he is not a mere commodity at the end of the finish line, but he is always with them at every corner of the race, ready to strike at any given moment. At the end of the day, whether they liked it or not, everyone would become dust. 

She was the dewdrop of a lotus petal, indeed, but he was the force which pulled the drop down, soon to enter the lake beneath at any given moment. 

Yet here they were, life and death hand in hand in perfect balance. He was the painful truth to her beautiful lie, the darkness to her light, the biting cold to her comforting warmth. They were nothing similar to one another, yet they complimented each other brilliantly. She was what he needed in his existence, and he was what she needed. Perhaps that's why he can't seem to let her go. 

Nearby, Sehun's ears detected the familiar sound of Minseok's boat, shattering the trance he had been in as he rose from Persephone's lap, briefly holding her close to him as he stared off at the river. 

"Wait here." He commanded, standing to his feet and striding to the shoreline. His panic settled ever so slightly at the sight of Baekhyun, though he stayed alert at Baekhyun's presence. He never appeared this late. 

"Sehun." He stumbled out of the vessel, rushing to him and grabbing his shoulders. "They know." Sehun's heart dropped, his blood running cold as Baekhyun's eyes darted to and fro. "They know, they know everything."

"How did they find out?" Sehun spat out, to which Baekhyun quickly retracted his touch. 

"I assure you, I never spoke a word of this, not even to Jongin." He reassured. He pointed to the end of the river where he had come from. "Someone else who knows told them, and now they're at your entrance demanding your presence." Sehun clenched his jaw before turning around, rushing back to Persephone in her garden. 

"Stay inside, I'll be right back, don't answer to anyone else but me." He helped her to her feet, lifting her in his arms and taking her inside his home. He ignored her questions, too scared to give her a definitive answer to anything. He didn't know what was to happen to them. 

When he got to the entrance of the Underworld, Baekhyun and Minseok beside him, he grimaced at the welcome wagon awaiting him: his two brothers, Jongdae and Junmyeon, as well as Persephone's mother, Demeter. As he pulled into the shore, he was met by the hostile shouts of Demeter, pointing accusingly at him and stomping her way closer. 

"How dare you, you pathetic excuse of a god." She jabbed her finger into his chest the moment he emerged from the boat. "Your ego must've been overwhelming for you to have the audacity to steal away my daughter. You may be one of the three brothers, but you will not be let off easily." 

"Demeter," Jongdae warned, holding a hand up to stop her. Sehun groaned, much rather preferring Demeter's fury to his brother's passive aggressive behavior. He had hoped he wouldn't have to see him for another millennia or so, yet here he was, the god of gods strolling over to him ever so nonchalant. "Brother, it's been a long while."

"I wish it were longer."

"That's no way to greet your sibling! Junmyeon also missed you, didn't he?" Jongdae turned to Junmyeon, the god of the seas that humans call Poseidon. He pursed his lips into a thin line, the only one to not approach Sehun.

When Sehun was younger, Junmyeon had been his closest friend, practically raising him himself. It was around the time that Jongdae had become the god of lightning and the skies that he sent Junmyeon to the waters and Sehun to the underworld that they stopped talking. Sehun never meant to show Junmyeon his rage, but he struggled for a long time to understand why his dear brother never bothered to help him in this scenario. Why he didn't take the realm instead, why he never visited him anymore, why he didn't fight for them. Now Sehun was indifferent as he looked upon the man he once cherished more than anything else. 

"I would have much rather preferred we meet again under different circumstances, Sehun." Junmyeon spoke softly, still staying a distance away. "I can't say I'm not disappointed."

"As if that were any new information to me." Sehun snapped, ignoring Junmyeon's pained expression to look at Demeter. "She's fine." At that, Demeter choked on her breath, a tear falling down her cheek as Sehun confirmed her daughters' existence there. She clamped a hand over her mouth, glaring once more at him. 

"That's fantastic news!" Jongdae cheered, clapping a hand over Sehun's shoulder. "So where is she?"

"In the Underworld." Demeter glared at him, just now realizing her daughter was nowhere to be found.

"Why didn't you bring her with you?" She snarled. He smirked, finding her turmoil far more pleasing than he had ever expected.

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news," Sehun derided, raising his hands in feign surrender. "But unfortunately, Underworld visiting hours closes when the Sun sets. Judging from the atmosphere in my world currently, it's past sunset." 

"So you're suggesting we leave?" Demeter retorted, scoffing at Sehun's arrogance and looking to Jongdae. "We know Persephone is in there. You're the god of gods. You can do anything you'd like, right?" Jongdae paused, contemplating what next to say as he had already known he was powerless at this very moment. Sehun snickered, knowing exactly what his brother was thinking. 

"Unfortunately, when he gave me ownership of the Underworld, he assured that this was my realm alone. No influence from Olympus could override my ruling." 

Demeter huffed, attempting to calm her broiling anger in that moment as Sehun continued to look over her demeaningly. 

"Then we'll be sure to return tomorrow at sunrise." With that final say, Demeter whirled around, gown flaring up in a dramatic fashion and exiting the Underworld. Jongdae followed suit, as well as Junmyeon, though more hesitant than the others. He offered one final sorrowful look to his brother before leaving the realm of the dead. Sehun released the breath he'd been holding, unclenching his fists and rolling his shoulders back. 

He'd managed to delay the inevitable, but he knew very well that his deadline had finally been met. He hadn't prepared for this, though he knew he should've. He had been ready to drop Persephone back home as if nothing had happened between the two, both going on with their lives with no troubles; He hadn't expected he'd fall in love with his abductee. 

"Sehun." Baekhyun's voice alerted Sehun to his presence, having forgotten not everyone had left him. "I am truly sorry about this. I know how much she means to you. I never intended to let anyone know. I haven't the slightest idea as to how they found out." Sehun acknowledged his words, studying the genuine anguish on Baekhyun's face for the plight at hand. Baekhyun had no part in this, and Sehun knew this. All this scenario had done was confirm that amongst his ranks resided a rat who had betrayed him. 

"You may leave." Sehun mumbled, pivoting to approach Minseok. 

"Sehun, I'm sorry."

"Don't feel guilty. I don't blame you for any of this. You're the only god I can trust." He turned his head to take a glance at Baekhyun, now standing there helplessly. Baekhyun had promised to protect them, yet he failed. Nevertheless, Sehun had still trusted him. "You did help me, though. Thanks to you, I have one more night to spend with my beloved." He bit the inside of his cheek, struggling to contain the influx of emotions now swirling in him. Having said it aloud seemed to impact him far more than he had intended. Not wanting Baekhyun to see him in this weak state, he stepped into the boat, taking a seat and sighing. "I will see you when the sun rises."

The ride to the island was silent, Minseok seeming to detect the turmoil in his overseer and opting to not press him. Sehun's heart ached as thoughts seemed to enter his mind with no exit, a hectic cacophony of the worries and stresses he had attempted to bury away in lieu of his joy; the joy which was spending his days with Persephone. He choked back a sob as he realized he'd never be able to see her endearing smile. Never feel her gentle touches on him when she believed he'd been sleeping. Never experience the euphoria when they'd connect in a kiss. He'd remain in this insipid cavern for the rest of his eternal damnation, having to live with the fact that his one and only love had been revoked from him. 

The subtle jostle of the boat pulling into shore alerted Sehun that he had reached his final destination. Looking up, he could see the house where he had shared every blissful moment he'd ever had with Persephone, soon to be desolate once more. He thanked Minseok before heading to his home where Persephone awaited, but before he could go very far, Hecate emerged from the house. She smiled at him, a sinister aura residing behind her expression. 

"Sehun!" She greeted, voice laced with a faux sweet tone. "How are you! I see the weed has finally departed as scheduled." In a moment's notice, Sehun clamped his hand around her throat, mercilessly slamming her to the ground and keeping his hold on her.

"So you're the rat." He rasped through gritted teeth. Hecate's prior boastful demeanor withered away as Sehun's belligerent stare burned into her retinas, reminding her that she was but a rabbit having wandered into a wolf's den. His grip seemed to tighten with every passing second, her airways becoming increasingly strained to the point that she felt she'd actually die, her immortality feeling more and more distant as she faced the god of the Underworld.

"It was... for the sanctity of your highness... and this realm." She wheezed, clawing at his hand to free her, though he refused to budge. 

"There is nothing holy of me nor my Underworld." Sehun pressed down harder, Hecate feeling herself sink into the ground more. Her eyes were begging to shut, a white haze gradually closing in on vision, creating a tunnel effect with the end leading to Sehun's livid glare.

Sehun felt the life draining from her, yet before her soul could completely depart, he pulled away. Her now unconscious form took in weak inhales, barely managing to hold on to her lifeline. He couldn't kill her. Not after what she had done. If she thought she could take his flower and get away with it, she was gravely mistaken. He grabbed the back of her gown, dragging her down to where Minseok had remained after hearing the commotion. Sehun tossed his former minion into the boat, uncaring of how she landed against the wood. 

"Take her to Tartarus. The deepest, darkest trench you can find. Dump her there. I'll decide what more to do tomorrow." He commanded, turning around once Minseok nodded. 

Sehun rushed into his home, scanning the area for Persephone. She must've hid when she heard Hecate come in, as Hecate had assumed her deed had been carried forth because of her absence. 

"Persephone!" He called out, checking every nook and cranny he could find, though not having to look very far. Beneath his bed, like a cowering cat, Persephone peered at him curiously. 

"Is she gone?" She asked, crawling out of her hiding spot with Sehun's assistance. 

"Yes, she's been taken care of." Once she was seated beside him on the ground where he crouched, he sighed peacefully, running his hand down the side of her face. "You're safe. Thank you for hiding." 

Persephone sat on her knees, leaning forward to pull Sehun into a hug. He held her back, digging his face into her loose hair and breathing in her scent. The scent he'd soon lose along with her. 

"Where did you go in such an urgent manner?" She asked, brushing the back of his head. He remained quiet, keeping her against him as if she'd dissipate when he'd release her. Sooner or later, she would. The thought had him pulling her closer, shutting his eyes to expel the reminders of what's soon to come. She seemed to realize what had been weighing down on Sehun, tears welling up in her eyes as reality settled in between them. She didn't know how, and she didn't know when, but she knew he had just received news that she was to leave him. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer to her like he had done to her, as if molding them together would protect her from those outside. "It's okay, Sehun. I'm here." 

At this, Sehun released his first ever tear, the liquid seeming to just spill freely after the first. He was silent with his crying, but Persephone could feel the moisture building up on her neck, further shattering her heart knowing she'd be leaving this man behind. Returning back to her former world where no one cared for her, no one talked to her, everyone took her for granted and wished her gone. If they had wanted her gone so badly, why were they so insistent on taking her back to her suffering. She had finally found happiness in the arms of this god, a fellow reject who hadn't deserved the shunning directed to him in the first place.

A sob wracked through her body as memories of their love flooded her mind. Memories of him telling her stories from before she was born, burning the candle at both ends to make her feel secure in this foreign world, loving her with all of his heart though he remained unsure with himself. She loved him like she had loved no other, nor will she ever love another more than he. 

Sehun pulled her into his lap, pressing kisses beneath her eyes where tears had fallen. Sadness didn't suit her at all. He'd much rather prefer when she's content, when she's happy. It pained him that these intruders had infiltrated their utopia for their own selfish agenda, uncaring of how the two victims of their deeds would manage with the aftermath.

They had taken everything from him from the very beginning, left him in a grayscale, monotonous world while they enjoyed everything the surface world had to offer.

She showed him the splendors of life, the plethora of shades which he had been denied his whole life. 

He had never received anything in his bleak existence. Now that he finally has something in his grasp which he desires, he is forced to let her go. He didn't want to lose her. He didn't want to let her go. Though he had to. There was no alternative.

Once her cries had calmed to a mere weep, he directed her gaze to him, guiding her face up before pressing his lips to hers. She kissed back fervently, every ounce of love she had for him being exchanged through their touches. His hand traversed down her arm and into her hand, intertwining their fingers together. When he pulled away, allowing her to catch her breath, he admired her once more, memorizing every detail he could see. The slope of her nose, the curve of her lips, the curl in her lashes. 

"I love you." He breathed, placing a quick kiss upon her once more. "I love you so much."

"I love you, Sehun." She reconnected their mouths, her free hand tugging at the short hairs on the nape of his neck. He lifted her in his arms, not breaking the kiss until he had placed her on the bed, climbing in beside her before continuing where he had left off. One hand rested on her back while the other propped himself up, hovering over her form slightly. She held his shoulders, pressing herself against him once more, not wanting to be even a centimeter apart from the love of her life, the love which was being taken away from her. 

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Sehun awoke first, as he usually did. He didn't necessarily want to wake up, still exhausted from the night before, though his body willed him awake. He looked down to where Persephone lay atop his bare chest, her cheek resting on his shoulder and her arm draped across him. Beneath the covers, he could feel their legs intertwined to the point of confusion. He recalled Persephone's tears before she had fallen to sleep, how she begged him to do something more to ward the lot away. He reassured her that everything was to be fine, though deep down, his heart was pleading for the same thing as she. It was a miracle when she finally succumbed to her tiredness, allowing Sehun to shed a few more tears before he himself fell asleep.

Glancing at the window, he grimaced. Sunrise was in just a few minutes. He fought back the urge to cry more as he gently woke Persephone, pressing kisses to her eyelids until they fluttered open. 

"Good morning, my flower." He whispered, stroking her hair as if it were any other morning. 

"Good morning, my love." She responded, smiling at him, though the act hadn't met her grief stricken eyes. 

"You should get dressed." He pressed another kiss to her forehead. "They'll be here soon." She nodded, too empty inside to cry anymore in his presence, though she knew her tears would return tenfold by the time she reached the surface. Sehun was the one to separate himself from their meshed limbs, quickly dressing into his everyday attire as Persephone sat begrudgingly, contemplating why it was so easy for Sehun to separate himself from her when she was struggling to just leave his bed. He leaned over, kissing her lips one last time. Even after the short, yet sweet, parting gift, he lingered for a moment more, feeling her skin against his another time before he separated and left the room, allowing her to change on her own. 

She took another gander about the room. It was terribly dull, as was the rest of his house. She wished she had more time to really renovate and bring out more of Sehun's character. He was a diamond in the rough if she'd ever seen one, becoming more and more brilliant with every minute detail she'd discover. She pressed her nose into his pillow, drowning in the natural, woodsy aroma of Sehun. She had nothing to remember him by except the memories he'd ingrained into her brain. Every time she closed her eyes, she could clearly envision Sehun's breathtaking smile. The way his eyes would form those endearing crescents, glistening like stardust as they admired her. She raised her hands above her face, cupping them in the same way she would to hold his face, imagining he was before her, gazing down at her with such unfathomable kindness. He protected her from the dangers outside the garden when no one else cared. He guarded her from enemies like Hecate, saved her from her own exhaustion by introducing Baekhyun, even stopped her when she was close to eating the fruits of his island; those ceaseless pomegranates he despised so much. 

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Sehun had waited outside of his home, hoping Persephone would dress quickly before the rescue team arrived to take her away. He wanted more time with her, even a second more would have sufficed. A second more to be with his beloved flower. His pleas were silenced as Minseok rowed to the shore, an entourage of gods loading off the vessel and making their way to Sehun cautiously. Demeter was particularly uncomfortable, peering around the Underworld in disgust. 

"I cannot believe you've had my daughter detained in this pit with the likeness of you." She spat, standing before the now defeated Sehun. "Soon, she'll return to me and proceed with her daily tasks which she has been slacking on." Sehun gritted his teeth, standing at his full height and towering over the lot in front of him. 

"I'm afraid to say Persephone is currently dressing. She will be down any moment now." Demeter gasped, clamping a hand over her heart.

"You've had my daughter sleeping in the same building as yourself?" Sehun smirked, leaning down to be face to face with Demeter. 

"I've had your daughter sleeping in the same bed as myself." At this, she shouted indignantly at the shrewd man, stepping back to give herself space from Sehun, who was chuckling to himself after having found some source of pleasure in this predicament. 

"I'd much rather deal with the likings of Hecate than you." She jeered from behind Jongdae. 

"Please, be my guest. I'll take you to Tartarus myself." Before Demeter could argue back, Jongdae cut into the conversation. 

"When do you think she'll be ready?" He asked, eyebrows curving up in worry as he wanted not one more moment in this place. Sehun glanced up at the window belonging to his room, humming for a moment as he thought back to Jongdae's question. It was peculiar that she was spending a rather long while getting changed. She'd usually just toss on whatever was closest to her before running out to him, not wanting to waste another second without him by her side. 

"Allow me to check." Sehun was about to turn around until Demeter yanked at his clothing, causing him to stumble back slightly. 

"Like I'd ever let you view even a speck of skin on Persephone. I'll check." She attempted to move forward but stopped at Sehun's loud laughter. No one could recall the last time they saw Sehun smile, let alone display such joy. 

"Demeter, I'm sorry to tell you that once more, you're a tad bit late on these matters regarding Persephone." She began shouting profanities at the man who disappeared into his house in search of the goddess of the hour. He was about to head upstairs until he saw the back entrance of his house tossed open haphazardly.

She's run off. 

He stepped out again, scratching his head in confusion as everyone awaited his answer. 

"She's not here." He explained. "Follow me, she's most likely at her cottage." The group trailed behind him as he led them to Persephone's cottage. 

"What is all of this?" Junmyeon asked curiously as they approached the house surrounded by the flora of the surface world. The quaint and lively cottage was a rather far fetched juxtaposition to Sehun's dreary and modest home, so Junmyeon could see this was not fit to his tastes.

"I replicated her home so she'd adjust better to her new surroundings." He replied, reaching the entrance and knocking on the door. There was no answer. Now becoming increasingly worried, Sehun pushed the door open, peeking in as he called out her name. Nothing. 

Where could she have gone? They were on an island, Minseok was still at the shore, and she was in neither of the buildings. He turned around to the path they'd take in their morning strolls, wondering if perhaps she had decided to take one last lap around before leaving to remember their time by. It was rather early in the morning compared to their usual outing schedule, so early he hadn't had time to uproot the pomegranate trees from the surrounding area.

The pomegranate trees.

"Persephone." He whispered, his heart all but sinking to his stomach at the realization. His breathing kicked up, his legs pushing forward in a sprint down the path, leaving behind the flustered group calling out to him. "Persephone!" 

It took him less than a minute to catch up to her, crouched by the shore line with her back to him. He ran to her, pulling her into his arms without another moment of thought. She screamed, arms reaching out desperately as an object in her possession had collapsed to the ground. Sehun looked down, eyes widening at the sight of a half eaten pomegranate. He turned her around to face him, lips stained red from the juices of the fruit she'd consumed. His eyebrows twitched in rage. Not anger towards her, nor towards the fruit she had just eaten,but anger towards himself that he couldn't protect her to the end of the line. 

"What is the matter with you, Sehun?" Jongdae asked, wheezing as he had finally caught up. He gasped as he saw who Sehun had wrapped in his arms. "Persephone."

"Persephone!" Demeter called, running to the girl with a relieved expression until she saw her face. "What were you just eating now?" 

Persephone stayed quiet, rather instead shook off her mother's touch and recoiled into Sehun's hold once more. 

"Oh no." Junmyeon grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose as he too processed what had happened. 

"Persephone," Baekhyun breathed out, eyes frantically darting from the pomegranate on the ground to the red lipped goddess cowering from them. "Persephone, you didn't." 

"What did you do to my daughter, you tyrant!" Demeter shouted, causing Persephone to fight back for Sehun. 

"Leave him be!" She screamed, frightening the mass of gods who had only ever seen her as a timid nymph her entire life. "He is not the menace you all insist he is. He is the most benevolent of everyone currently here." She pressed herself closer to Sehun, stealing his warmth and shielding herself from both the frigid Underworld morning and the frigid parasites currently trying to steal her away from him. "I love Sehun." 

"Whether you love him or not does not matter. He is the harbinger of death and you are a goddess of life." Persephone scowled at the words being said to her, finding no significance in them as she knew the love she had for Sehun could not be understood by any mere living being. "You do not belong here. I'm taking you back home-"

"This is my home now."

"Persephone." Junmyeon interjected, stepping forward and placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're needed on the surface." She peeked at him, eyebrows upturned nervously. "You've probably already heard of what's happening up above, but it's becoming increasingly harder for the people of Earth to manage this winter." Sehun watched Junmyeon tenderly touch Persephone, smiling internally as he watched the aftermath of his plan unfold before him: they've finally acknowledged her worth as a goddess. "The people need you more than ever. You are now the herald of spring." 

"How can she leave though? She ate the pomegranate." Baekhyun questioned. 

"She ate half, to be specific." Jongdae added. "Meaning she's to spend half of her life in the Underworld."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Demeter questioned. "She's immortal, she has no end to her lifetime."

"It would still have the same effect as giving up half of her life in the Underworld if we alternated the times she spends here with the times she spends above using equal increments of time."

"Are you suggesting she spend 100 years above and 100 years below?" The lovers winced at the time span offered, holding each other tighter as they did not want to be separated. 

"I believe we should think more in the circumstance of humans, wouldn't you agree?" Junmyeon asked, glancing to Sehun with reassurance in his eyes. "Therefore, I suggest working in increments of years."

"So they meet every other year?" Jongdae asked. 

"I was thinking perhaps more so the time she's been gone: 6 months." Junmyeon allowed everyone to soak in his words for a moment before continuing. "6 months here, 6 months up above. That way, humans can prepare easier if this winter becomes routine. Like a habit." 

With agreements from every member in the circle, it had been decided like a contract. Persephone was to spend half a year with the humans and the gods, and half a year with her lover in their home. She buried her face into Sehun's chest, tears of joy spilling onto his tunic as she embraced him once more until they meet again, and this time they had an agreed upon reunion. Sehun hugged her back, pressing kiss after kiss atop her head, eyes beginning to water from the overwhelming delight he felt. He glanced over to see Junmyeon smiling at the pair, fondly watching over them like a father.

"Thank you," Sehun mouthed to him. He nodded, following the rest of the group as they retreated back to Minseok's boat. Sehun went along with them, holding Persephone close to him as they took their final ride for the time being. Though Demeter grumbled away about how she now had to associate herself with Sehun more than she previously had, the whispered support from Baekhyun and Junmyeon was enough to firmly plant Sehun's feet on cloud 9. He had finally won something in his miserable life, he's finally achieved the one thing he had been requesting for years: happiness. Persephone traced the lines of his hand, ignoring her mother's prattling to bask in Sehun's ambience one last time as they finally pulled into shore. Sehun pulled her to her feet, helping her to descend from the boat and guiding her directly to the entrance where he could see the flurry of snow everyone had been fretting about. 

"I guess this is goodbye." She smiled up at him, wishing she could take him with her, but she knew he was busy with his own agenda. 

"For now." He added, squeezing her hands. He wrapped his arms around her, encasing her with a little bit more warmth before she'd have to leave him. "Stay safe. You get so terribly cold in the mornings." 

"I will be okay. Take care of yourself. Get sleep, eat your meals, lie under the Sun. Remember you have Cerberus who loves you as much as I." 

"Persephone!" Demeter called, already having ventured into the blizzard. Sehun dove down, pressing a quick, firm kiss to her before separating, allowing her to retreat from his grasp and wander into the abysmal white of the atmosphere. When they had all faded from his vision, he slowly turned around, heading back to Minseok to return to his now near empty home. Though rather than mourning as he had originally planned on doing, he was hopeful. 

"6 months." He reminded himself, stepping on the boat and staring back at the entrance where she had just stood. 

"I assume everything worked out for the best." Minseok noted. Sehun nodded, a small grin on his face as he gazed at the hand Persephone had been touching. "The queen shall return soon?" His heart skipped a beat at the referral of her technical title. As she was now Sehun's other, she was, of course, the Queen of the Underworld. It was fitting for her. Not in an ironic sense, taking into account that she was the bringer of life, but in a practical sense. She not only was a perfect fit for him, a paragon of what a partner should be in both a romantic and professional sense, but she understood the Underworld. She understood the duties Sehun had, the importance of keeping everything orderly, as well as offering true incentives for those who deserved it. She was right for him in every sense of the word. 

"Yes," Sehun responded, turning away from the entrance for now as Minseok sailed off. "She will return in due time."

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Baekhyun bounded off the skiff, Junmyeon following close behind as the two made their way through Sehun's island. By habit, they ignored his house, knowing he was rarely ever home these days. Instead, they approached the distant cottage belonging to Persephone. As expected, at the center of the patch of foliage lies Sehun, far too preoccupied staring at the daisies sprouting around him to notice the duo approaching. 

"Sehun!" Baekhyun called out, stopping at the edge of the small garden where the grass began. Last he had stepped on a singular blade of grass, Sehun nearly sent him to Tartarus himself, claiming he had been tarnishing Persephone's paradise. Sehun turned over, waving at the two men before standing. 

"You two have arrived early." Sehun took a final gander at the garden before reconvening with his two accomplices.

"But of course," Junmyeon responded, patting Sehun's back as they made their way to Minseok once more. "If we had delayed for even a second more, you'd have left us behind." 

"Perhaps."

Junmyeon and Baekhyun had become frequent visitors of Sehun's after the Persephone debacle. Baekhyun had been there for him during the beginning of her absence, when nights had become more agonizing than they've ever been, and the only source of water her garden would experience were from his tears. Baekhyun gave him company, offered him hope for when she would return, and reminded him that he no longer had to suffer the agonizing loneliness he had endured before. Eventually, Baekhyun became a package deal with Junmyeon tagging along with him.

The two naturally made up, Junmyeon apologizing for having abandoned him so early on. He regretted doing so, always thinking of his well being and feeling heartbroken upon every awful rumor which circulated about him. He praised Sehun for having chosen the perfect girl, and for remaining true to his character after all these years. It was simple to say that Junmyeon had become Sehun's brother once more. Another person he could rely on. 

Now here they were together, off to retrieve Persephone from Demeter's haven.

"How is Persephone managing?" Sehun inquired. Baekhyun hummed to himself and grinned.

"She's well." He answered. "She misses you dearly." 

Something Sehun had noticed through this 6 month drought was that his love for her never ceased. He had heard of many gods growing bored of their plaything before tossing it away, soon to be forgotten by the time the next interest arrives. He feared he and his love would lose the spark they had, now condemned to one another for life whether they liked it or not. However, that spark had all but bursted into an undying flame. His love for her seemed to grow by the day, his heart yearning to reunite once more. Oh, how he missed her. 

The road to Demeter's garden seemed to stretch as far as the eye can see, and Sehun groaned at the distance still separating them. Baekhyun and Junmyeon encouraged him to persevere, laughing as he stared indignantly at them. Along the way, they picked up a stray in their path. A certain god by the name of Jongin. 

"Sehun!" He greeted enthusiastically. "It's great to see you again! I'm glad to see our meets are becoming more frequent these days." 

"Do not feel as if you are receiving special treatment." He warned, pushing past him and continuing his trek. "I couldn't care less of our interactions."

"Oh, I realize that." He followed along closely, continuing his conversation even if Sehun was neglecting him. "Every soul on Earth has heard the captivating tale of Hades stealing away the daughter of Demeter and living happily ever after." 

"Grossly mistold, I'm assuming." 

"To an extent. Nevertheless, it has gained you both more intrigue from the humans."

Sehun swept his eyes across the landscape, no longer swept away by barricades of snow, but back to its original glory thanks to Persephone's inherent warmth and power. Even if he was made out to be the villain of the story, he was glad to see that Persephone was finally being acknowledged as she should. 

Demeter's garden had also returned to its original state. Sehun had heard of how barren it had become, though now was flourished with life of all kinds. Nymphs rushed to and fro, making last minute preparations for the winter to come. As he meandered through the chaos, the three gods trailing behind him, nymphs would greet him respectfully, bowing their heads as they whizzed by. If even he was being treated as such, he could only imagine how Persephone was.

As if having heard his thoughts, a yell jostled Sehun into high alert, turning around to see Persephone bounding at him, giving him a mere second to respond by catching her. She pressed kisses over his face, holding him tightly as to ensure he couldn't escape her. Not that he ever would. A content smile stretched across his face, accepting every kiss given to him. He ignored the sets of eyes staring at him, the taunts coming from his friends, and even the domineering aura of Demeter herself. 

"Sehun." She snided, still not fond of him at all. 

"Demeter." She looked to Persephone, still latched onto him like a leech before huffing out of her nose. 

"Take care." She attempted to turn around but stopped for a moment. "That is both yourself and my daughter." 

"Thank you." Sehun bid her farewell. She nodded at his response, turning to further instruct the nymphs on how to prepare the animals for hibernation. 

"Hello," Persephone gushed, pulling away and stepping back to admire him fully.

"Hello." The two laughed as they embraced each other, disregarding any need for a proper greeting. They were too ecstatic to be reunited once more. Sehun's heart swelled with joy as he held her, relief washing over him as if he had found an oasis in the midst of the desert. Even being so far from the Underworld, he felt right at home in her arms. 

"We'll leave you two to make up for lost time," Baekhyun whispered, pulling Junmyeon and Jongin away as they waved back to the two. Sehun faced Persephone again, grinning fondly at the familiar face which had occupied his mind everyday for the past 6 months. She was now here, materialized before him, no longer just a figment of his thoughts. She was as radiant as ever, outshining the Sun above them with her smile and the stars at night with her eyes. He was truly blessed to have such a being love him, all thanks to that day where she spared but a shred of the kindness in her heart to the likes of him. Perhaps he had fallen in love with her right then and there. Perhaps he learned how to truly love along the way.

He took her hand in his, guiding her away from the commotion of the garden and leading her down the road to the Underworld. 

"I missed you, Sehun," She noted as they walked. He glanced at her, meeting her gaze on his eyes with a snicker.

"I missed you more, Persephone."

"Mother changed my name." Sehun quirked a brow at this, boring her stoicism in the matter. "Kore. It means daughter." At this, Sehun scoffed in disbelief.

"That woman is insufferable. After everything she had put you through, all she could muster was 'daughter?'" 

"It's not so bad." She kicked a rock along the way, lips pulling back slightly as she thought of her mother. "At least she acknowledges me as her own rather than thinking of me as a disaster."

"Shall I begin referring to you as Kore?" She laughed, shaking her head at his question. 

"I... Like my name coming from you." Her hand slid away from grasp, wrapping her arms around his in a gentle hug. "You say Persephone with such love. It makes me forget the true meaning. Instead, I feel like someone I've always wanted to be." She rested her head on his bicep, shutting her eyes and letting him escort her to their home. "I feel free when I'm with you. Free to do whatever I want to do, be whoever I want to be, love whoever I want to love." He leaned over, kissing the top of her head endearingly. "Thank you for giving me the life I could never have dreamed of having." 

"Thank you for giving me life."

a/n: if youre reading this: congratulations! youve finished it! i cant offer you much, but i am impressed at your resilience! thank you for reading my stuff :)