by Unknown
“And showing up without us may be misconstrued as suicidal,” Pan said dryly. “We're going,” he stood up. “No more arguments. We're in this together. That's what we decided when we first started fighting for the humans and it's not going to change when we're fighting for ourselves.”
“Well said,” Horus said quietly, almost as if afraid to compliment Pan.
Pan looked over to Horus and smiled. Then a miracle happened, Horus smiled back.
Chapter Nine
I was glad I'd worn boots and jeans instead of my usual heels and a dress. To get to Olympus, we first had to get out of the Underworld. No, we couldn't trace. Olympus actually shared a territory with both the Underworld and Tartarus, a world beneath the Underworld. I guess that made it the Under-Underworld or Underworld squared. Whatever it was, we couldn't trace there either. Each sub-section of the Greek territory was guarded against tracing unless you were actually a resident of that section. So we were hoofing it.
First we left Hades' Palace, walking through his amazing gardens with its monstrous blooms and mythical creatures, and then we left through an imposing iron gate. We went down a gradual hill to a pristine, white-sand beach. Off to my left, the wall guarding Hades' Palace stretched into the distance. To my right, there was a magnificent view of rolling valleys with sparkling rivers running through them. There were flat plains interspersed, filled with groves of trees laden with ripe fruit. A sweet fragrance wafted over to us, of citrus and jasmine.
“That's Elysium,” Pan was at my elbow. “Pretty, huh?”
“Very,” I glanced over to him. “Who lives there?”
“Good souls,” Pan shrugged. “The myth says that they're given a choice when they arrive. If they want, they can be reborn and if they're reborn three times and each time they end up here, they move on to the Blessed Isles,” he pointed off into the distance, where I could see the purple mist of mountains looming up out of the water. “That's where eternal paradise awaits them.”
“What if they screw up and aren't good enough to get back into Elysium?”
“Then they lose their chance at the Isle of the Blessed and have to spend eternity wherever they're judged to go,” Persephone added as she motioned that we needed to follow Hades down the shore.
“Who judges them?” I pressed. “Hades?”
“No,” Sephy spared me a quick smile. “Actually there are three kings who do the judging, out on the Dividing Road. You didn't get to meet them the last time I took you through the Underworld because we went from the opposite side in and never crossed the road. They wait on the other side of the Vale of Mourning for the souls to reach them.”
“The place where everyone was crying?” I lifted a brow at her.
“That's the one,” she confirmed.
“But it's a moot point,” Pan continued. “Because we have no way of sending them back. So if they ask to go back, we just tell them this is their third time in Elysium and send them off to the Blessed Isles.”
“Of course you do. I swear, gods are the biggest con artists,” I rolled my eyes and looked over at Sephy to share the joke but something had caught her attention. I followed her gaze over to where Hades stood.
Hades was in a casual suit and he looked fabulous, even standing in the sand in his dress loafers. I shook my head, I'd have had sand in my shoes immediately. Sand hates me. I think it has a personal vendetta. Hades however, was on good terms with sand because not a single grain dared to mar the perfection of his shoes or trousers. Then he lifted a hand and I stopped thinking about sand.
A bridge appeared out of thin air, spanning the six rivers encircling the Underworld. Actually, it was one river, the river Styx, which wrapped around the Underworld six times, but from my current perspective, it looked like six separate rivers laid out side by side, separated by thin strips of land. Hades' bridge went over all of this, landing on yet another beach on the far side of the last length of the Styx.
He started walking over the stone bridge and we all followed but when I set foot on the stone, I felt how insubstantial it was and I almost leapt back off again. It was a little squishy, like walking on memory foam. I knew Hades had the power to transform things in his territory but usually a god altered something more solid, like changing a stick into a house. I didn't even know that you could transform air into something substantial but now I knew what happened when you did. I had the strangest urge to start bouncing on it, like a child on a bed, but that probably wouldn't go over well.
So instead, I walked over the dark, rushing waters of the Styx with a fast pace(and a little spring in my step), trying not to look over the side of the air bridge and failing horribly. I could swear there was angry shouting coming from the river itself. There were words hidden in the sound of rushing water, bad words. Words I wouldn't have said around my grandmother.
“What's up with the river?” I looked over to Pan, who was walking nearby.
“It's the Styx,” he said as if that explained it all.
“But why's it so angry?”
“It's the River of Hate,” Morpheus was behind me, peering over into the murky depths.
“I thought this was the river Achilles was dipped in to make him invulnerable?” I followed his gaze and then wished I hadn't. Something large with shiny scales was passing beneath us. Way too large to be a normal fish.
“It is,” Mrs. E laid a reassuring hand against my back and urged me forward.
“So it was hatred that protected Achilles?” I glanced back at her.
“What better?” She shrugged.
“Oh, I don't know,” I rolled my eyes. “Love?”
“You should know better, Little Miss Love Goddess,” Finn teased me. “Love is too self-sacrificing. It would have turned Achilles from a soldier into a poet.”
“But hatred is too angry to give in,” I whispered.
“Yes, exactly,” Pan nodded.
“It's one of the Nine Great Magics,” I mused.
“What is?” Pan stopped to look at me with interest. “Love?”
“Oh, that too,” I nodded, “but I meant Hate.”
“You know all of the Nine Great Magics?” Blue had stopped as well, with Horus peering around him.
“Yes, of course,” I looked at the intense faces with confusion. Why did they care what the Great Nine were? It wasn't like they could access the magic. It was faerie stuff.
“Well?” Thor prompted from behind me. “What are the rest?”
“Why do you wanna know?”
“Because it's magic, Minn Elska,” Trevor laughed, “and they're gods. Can't you see they're completely fascinated?”
“Oh, okay,” I cleared my throat. “Uh, well I've already mentioned Love and Hate. Then there's Transmutation, Beauty, Protection, Abundance, Health, Acceptance, and Control.”
“And you're meant to restore them,” Blue frowned. “I wonder how you're supposed to do that.”
“So do I,” Horus scoffed.
“And I'm wondering how we're ever going to reach Olympus if you all insist on having a party on the middle of my bridge,” Hades' voice cracked over us like a whip and we all turned forward guiltily.
“Sorry,” I said.
“Just hurry up,” Hades turned and made his way off the bridge and onto the last strip of shoreline. “We have a boat to catch.”
He meant the last bit literally. There was a boat just off the shore in the clear blue waters of Oceanus, the ocean of the Greek God Territory. Unfortunately, it wasn't moored or even anchored. It was sailing freely in the waves, rushing about in happy spirals as if it were alive.
“It's alive,” Hades said back to us. “The boat was a sailor once. He pissed off Poseidon and Poseidon turned him into a boat.”
“Can't we use another boat?” I warily watched it jump a wave.
“It's the safest vessel to use to cross Oceanus,” Hades pulled a whistle from his pocket. It was made from a carved shell and gave a hollow pitched sound when he blew it.
The
boat circled back toward shore and then headed straight for us. I lurched away as it actually sped through the shallow waters and beached itself right in front of us.
“Damn,” I swore, “I thought we were going to have to chase it down.”
“It can't resist Poseidon's whistle,” Hades waved the little shell whistle at me before putting it back inside his jacket pocket. “All aboard.”
A rope ladder lowered over the side of the hull and Hades climbed up it easily. We all followed him up into what turned out to be a very luxurious boat. It was obviously meant only for passengers because there was no wheel to steer with, only a bunch of chaise lounges upholstered in blue velvet, sitting atop silk carpets.
Hades went to the prow of the boat while Persephone took a seat on one of the chaises. I followed her, like the rest of the Squad did. As I took my seat, I heard Hades tell the boat to take us to Olympus. It immediately pulled away from the beach and headed out into deep water.
Within minutes, we were sailing through the Blessed Isles that had been pointed out to me earlier. They were a collection of islands and from what I could see of them, they were indeed little paradises. People came to the shores as we passed and waved happily at us. Hades lifted a hand in acknowledgment and they cheered.
“Looks like you have a fan club,” I said to Hades as he joined us.
“They simply know what's best for them,” he shrugged.
“As in, it's best to be on the good side of the god who rules their afterlives?” I chuckled.
“Yes, indeed,” he grinned. “Oh, and pay no attention to the sirens if they appear. They don't get a lot of visitors through these waters and they love an audience.”
“Sirens?” I lifted a brow. “Their call won't affect me, right?”
“I think you'll be okay, Minn Elska,” Trevor leaned into me. “But if you end up jumping overboard, I'll save you.”
“How?” Kirill scoffed. “Vith doggy paddle? I vill save you, Tima.”
“Hey,” Trevor made a face at Kirill. “Watch it, pussy cat. At least dogs like the water.”
“I like vater just fine,” Kirill grinned at Trevor. “And I von't smell like vet dog either.”
“Will you two please stop?” I groaned and looked over to Hades. “How long is this voyage going to take?”
“A few hours,” Hades looked across the water with a frown. “Give or take.”
“Yeah, give. As in, whatchu gonna give me to cross Oceanus?” A man was clinging to the railing, hanging over the side of the boat, leaning on his crossed arms casually. He had short hair so white, it had blue highlights, and it was plastered to his skull with sea water. His skin was deeply tanned and his arms bulged with muscles. White eyebrows stood out starkly against his tan as did the turquoise eyes beneath them. His jaw was angled sharply, definitely what you'd call a square jawline, and his cheekbones were prominent, giving him a dramatic look.
“Brother,” Hades stood and went toward the man. “I thought I felt your approach. Will you come aboard?”
“Um,” the guy looked over his shoulder at something and then seemed to make a decision. “Yeah, okay.” Magic rippled in the air before the man flung his body on the deck. His naked body.
I looked away as Persephone groaned.
“Donnie, put on some clothes,” she said to him.
“Huh?” The guy looked down at his impressive nudity and tsked at Sephy. “That's so bogus. I'm just keepin' it real. It's natural, nuthin' to be ashamed of.”
I have to add here just how impressive his nudity was. We're talking smooth skin flowing over a sleek swimmer's build that was wet from his recent dip in the ocean. He was hairless everywhere except his head and it only served to showcase his form even better.
“You can keep it real all you want in the water,” Sephy rolled her eyes. “But on land or boat, please keep it real in your pants.”
“Alright,” Donnie, aka hot naked man, held up his hands. “Relax, dudette, you're gonna blow out your squeaker.”
He flicked his wet hair back and a pair of worn jeans appeared on him. A chorus of disappointed sighs was heard. I glanced over and saw Mrs. E and Karni Mata both staring in Donnie's direction. Then I realized that I'd sighed as well.
“You're face is turning red,” Trevor observed dryly. “I didn't think you were into surfer guys.”
“Oh shut up,” I smacked him as Hades and Donnie came over.
“Everyone, this is my brother, Poseidon,” Hades said and I jerked my attention back to the wet man. This was Poseidon? I gaped as Hades introduced us all.
“Yo' what's up, God Squadders,” he said. “You can call me Don for short but I prefer Donnie. It's way more cruise, yeah? So you're ridin' the glass to Olympus, bro'? I thought you already parleyed with the Zeuster?”
“Pasithea has run to him for sanctuary and has taken tales of our plans as payment,” Hades growled. “Now Zeus wants another meeting.”
“Ho', that's the weeps man. What a frickin' ass clown. Good call on bringing back-up,” Donnie looked us over. “Wait, hold the waves! Vervain?” He settled his gaze on me. “The Tritons dialed me in about you. You're the dragon girl, right?”
“Yeah,” I watched him carefully.
“Righteous,” he nodded in that fluid way that surfers nodded, more of a neck roll than a nod. “Aren't you also the Godhunter?”
“Uh-huh.” I was trying to follow the surfer lingo but even for a girl from Hawaii, it was difficult.
“That may not glide so well with Zeus,” Donnie looked back at Hades.
“I know,” Hades rolled his eyes, “but she insisted.”
“We all insisted,” I defended myself. “Besides, it's not like I just randomly go around killing gods.”
“Anymore,” Torrent added.
“Anymore,” I conceded.
“Maybe not,” Donnie walked over to me, his bare feet slapping on the wooden deck like fins. “But you've axed three out of the twelve Olympians already. Zeus is pretty aggro 'bout that, I bet.”
“I what?”
“The Twelve Olympians,” Persephone took over the explanation. “The ruling council of Olympus. It used to consist of Zeus, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Demeter, Aphrodite, Ares, Hermes, Artemis, Apollo, Athena, and Dionysus but now-”
“Aphrodite, Ares, and Demeter are dead,” I finished in a hushed tone. “And I killed them all.”
“Totally,” Donnie nodded, “you're a killer, frosty babe. It blows my frickin' mind, you know? Like I can even feel a couple of their magics on you. Epic, totally epic.”
“That would be Aphrodite and Demeter's,” I nodded.
“And yet here you are, hangin' tight with Meter's daughter,” Donnie looked over at Sephy.
“Vervain did what needed to be done,” Sephy whispered. “Mom went insane. She was hurting a lot of people.”
“Including me,” Hades finished for his wife. “Vervain is a friend of mine as well and if Zeus doesn't like it, he can shove a thunderbolt up his ass.”
“Sizzle Butt!” Sephy exclaimed with delight. “That was so manly!”
“Yeah,” I laughed. “Thanks, Hot Stuff.”
“Don't mention it,” Hades sat down next to Persephone. “Sit down, Donnie. Unless you need to be somewhere.”
“Nah, I'm gonna chill with you,” Donnie said as he sat beside a wide-eyed Torrent. “It looks like it's going to get gnar, dude and I wanna be there for it.”
Chapter Ten
We sailed for quite awhile through empty but beautiful blue water. Empty of islands that is. It was actually teeming with life, including some lovely female Tritons, who came swimming by our boat several times. I think Torrent nearly had a heart attack. We never did see any sirens though.
“You going to be okay, Torr?” I nudged him after the latest Triton flashed her smile and breasts in his direction.
“I'm fine,” he focused his bright green eyes on me.
They were fully human now, with striations of deeper green and flecks of gold in
them. Very beautiful and the rest of him was looking less like a porcelain doll and more like a real boy everyday. His skin was no longer perfect and no longer so pale. He was now a nice light tan and his skin had all the aspects of normal skin; pores, texture, and varied color. His hair was still platinum blonde though, cut short in a modern and very flattering way.
“Do you think Artemis will be there?” He asked while I was checking out all of his physical changes.
“What?” I frowned and focused back on his eyes. “Where?”
“At Olympus,” he glanced away and a flush rose in his cheeks.
“Holy moly,” I whispered. “You got a thing for Artemis.”
“Which thing is that?” Pan giggled and I glared at him.
“Yeah, I like her,” Torr smiled shyly. “We talked for a bit at the meeting in Hades' Palace.”
“You did?” I lifted a brow. “What about?”
“Oh, a bunch of things,” he shrugged. “I told her about how I was born, the Internet and all that. She told me about her dogs and how much her twin brother annoys her.”
“Really?” I glanced at Pan and saw him chuckling. “Did she seem to enjoy talking to you?”
“I think so,” Torr started to look worried. “She sat next to me until the meeting ended and kept talking to me even when Hades was talking.”
“I thought that was you whispering,” I growled.
Hades had thought it was me and had shot me several irritated and chastising glances. I'd tried to see who it was but Torr had been sitting behind me and off to the side a bit, and every time I'd looked in his direction, he was focused on Hades. Now I knew why, it was actually Artemis who'd been disturbing the peace.
“Well I didn't want to be rude,” he grinned. “And she was really pretty. Don't you think so?”
“Yes, she's lovely.”
“So do you think she'll be there?”
“Uh,” I shot Pan(who was hiding his laughter behind his hands) a quelling look. “She might be. I don't know.”
“I hope so,” Torr stared dreamily out over the ocean.
