-Apollo-
"By the Gods, this is ridiculous," I cursed under his breath as I ventured through a deep crevice in the Earth, starting on my journey to the Underworld. I hated the place, and hated I had to grovel for Hades.
I had been counting on the Fates to let me onto the tiny island where Kore lived with ease, and this was taking time away from my plan that i didn't have to spare.
I knew the council for the contest would meet the next day, and I had to be there. Kore was plaguing my thoughts constantly, to the point I could hardly eat or drink. "To lose the contest," I muttered to myself as I approached the rocky archway to the river, "Is not an option."
I knew that it wouldn't be simple demigods and other creatures competing- quite frankly, I wouldn't put it past some of the major gods to compete as well. It wouldn't be an easy task to win, but there was no other choice.
Kore was mine.
My nose turned up as I approached the River Styx. The deep blue water flowed from a waterfall that cascaded down a steep cliffside, and had a scent that nobody could quite place. It was said that it was the smell of regret and longing, passed on from those who crossed and left life undone.
Personally, I thought it smelled liked the rest of the Underworld- musty, outdated, and trashy.
I watched the water pass into the black tunnels beneath the ground for awhile before the sounds of an oar dipping into the water caught my attention. "Finally," I muttered.
I adjusted the black cloak I wore, the hood up around his golden hair as Charon approached in his barge.
"Payment?" Came the voice of the river guardian. Charon was an enormously tall man, with skin as black as the Underworld itself and the disposition to match. His deep colored eyes pierced into mine, his face blank. I knew full well the man didn't trust him at all, and would rather dunk him in the river than help him cross..but rules were rules.
I produced a single golden coin, flipping it to the man as I stepped aboard with a smirk. The man made no reaction, hiding the distaste he felt as he sank his oar deep below the water's surface and propelled the boat forward.
It was a silent and uncomfortable ride, but it had to be done. Charon gave me the creeps, and I had noticed us slow down as we passed an enraged Cerebus tearing at his chain and chomping at the bit- the dog was, apparently, also not a fan of Apollo.
I rolled my eyes. Petty parlor tricks and oversized puppies weren't enough to scare me off.
Of course, I didn't take it personal. It was a known fact that nobody in the Underworld was a particular fan of the immortals of Olympus- more half the humans here had died because of a petty war or disagreement between the Gods, and anyone who worked closely with Hades despised how their master was treated. All the same, respect was due to the immortals, and while those in the dark realm silently expressed their disgust and displeasure in having the immortals visit, things were done to order.
The barge stopped along the bank, and I was quick to get off. I flashed a mocking smile to Charon- "Until next time," before embarking to Hades' palace.
The Underworld, is a dirty and dark place, and really had nothing worth noticing, in my opinion. You couldn't even pay any mind to the beautiful jewels along the way with all the spirits and nymphs milling about absentmindedly. "It looks more and more like a haunt every visit," I thought crassly.
A large obsidian castle rose into my view, impressive enough in archetecture. I casually strolled in, taking down my hood as he approached a waiting Hecate.
Hecate wrinkled her nose, giving me a long look. "And to what do we owe this..unexpected pleasure?" She asked flatly.
"I am requesting an audience with Hades, immediately," I replied amiably. "I need to visit an island he has access to- shouldn't take more than a second of his time."
Hecate sent me a glare, but seemed to pause and think over my request. It was like a mask was suddenly put on when she gave a half smile. "Right this way," she sweetly replied, extending an arm out to the throne room.
I didn't waste any time on that freak's change of pace, barging into the room with a charming smile. "Uncle!" I greeted cheerfully on spotting the god of the Underworld.
Hades looked up from his conversation with Thanatos, obviously surprised. "Apollo?" The older god responded, more than a little confused. It was rare that a visit was made from Olympus, and when it was, it was never a social visit.
Hades stood, his face growing a little more annoyed. "Apollo, I am very busy. What do you want?"
I smiled, pretending not to notice Hades' expression. "Uncle, I've come down to ask a favor-"
"Shocking," Hades interjected, raising an eyebrow.
My fist tightened for a second, but I continued, ignoring the interruption. "My heart is pining for my true love, Uncle. I have sought permission everywhere I know, but nobody understands my true sorrow and loss."
Hades rolled his eyes, and gave an exasperated sigh. "A sad tale to be sure, nephew, but what does it have to do with me?"
"My love is locked away, dear Uncle," I glanced around the room, taking in the various jewels and finery. Nice. My eyes flickered back to the god. "She and I are connected, true soulmates. But her mother has kept our love from blossoming, and now Zeus plans to send her away from me."
Hades went suddenly still. "Apollo, who is this great love?" He asked, his tone no longer sarcastic or light, but on edge.
I smiled and held my arms out in grandeur and started to slowly turn as I aimed to inform the nymphs and spirits in the room of my undying love. "Kore, daughter of Demeter!" I cried out.
I hadn't been able to convince the Fates, so I'd have to overdo my gestures to ensure success. "The Goddess of Growth and Renewal, partnered with the God of the Sun. Can't you just imagine the splendor? It is the purest match of all! She is my precious flower, my spring renewal, my-"
"No."
I instantly froze, his arms outstretched, his back to Hades. I cocked my head to the side, looking at Hades out the corner of my eye. "What was that?"
"No," Hades repeated dryly, folding his arms. "You are not fit to enter Hagneia, and I will not anger the Fates. Permission denied."
The charming smile on my face suddenly felt carved in place, my warmth and cheer quickly evaporating. "Uncle," I continue to entreat, slowly turning back to face the man, my voice holding a forced tone. "I implore you- Kore and I have been involved for a long, long time. She ought to be able to be with me, don't you think?"
Hades let out a callous laugh. "It doesn't matter what I think. Zeus has already announced the competition, Apollo. I promise going against his orders won't go over well with him or Demeter."
"Ha!" I laughed tersely. "Demeter is too busy wallowing to notice anything, and Zeus is so wrapped up in planning the competition that he doesn't have time to keep an eye on Kore. I'm not planning on stealing her away..just paying a little visit," I finished with a smirk.
I suddenly felt a little unsure of this plan as Hades' lit with anger. What was his deal?
"I knew how your visits go, Apollo. You was used to getting your way and used to women falling to your beck and call with ease. Do you really think I will let you in to seduce that poor girl and break her heart??"
A niggling voice in the back of my head told me something was odd here. Why would Hades get angry? Unless...
I stiffened, the pieces falling together. "You truly think she would choose you over me?" I let out a laugh as Hades' face slackened. "You've fallen in love with Kore, haven't you? The tough, ornery god has found love."
I chuckled, my eyes piercing into his. "Uncle, you're delusional. Look at you, look at your kingdom! You really think the Goddess of Spring would want this?" I spat, my tone turning into disgust. "Why would she? You've always been unwanted and unloved. That hasn't changed, nor will it ever."
Hades bristled, my words hitting a nerve. Ah..I was right. "The answer is no, Apollo," he replied coldly, his eyes sharpening their gaze. "Don't ask me again."
My hands formed fists, my eyes filling with anger. I had now been denied not once, but twice. "Why?" I barked, taking a step towards the throne. "Give me one good reason why! Are you harboring Kore away, playing your own little tricks?" I dug, my eyes ablaze. "Think that for once you'll have the upper hand, hm? Well, sorry to break the news, dear Uncle, but there's a reason why you're the only immortal without a consort or mate to speak of. You live in a miserable hole, and your personality is as vibrant and colorful as the rest of this pathetic land. If you think for a second that Kore would choose you over someone like me, then you've truly lost your mind!"
"ENOUGH!" Hades broke through, the icy rage in his heart at full force. "I have had enough of your impudence. You are no longer welcome in my realm, Apollo, and you will never be welcomed in Hagnei!"
Those words echoed around me as, yet again, i felt myself being sucked away. "You can't banished me!" I screamed in rage, trying to force my own power on Hades and stay put. "I am not trash that can be thrown out!!"
**
Hades watched with some pleasure as Apollo disappeared, no doubt landing back in Olympus. Despite the small joy it gave him to see Apollo booted out, his words were echoing through the man's mind.
Would Kore pick someone else?