Chapter 4: Persephone pt 1

As we gradually got closer to the castle, I could make out more and more the typical aspects of the Underworld it was known for. Far in the east, you could make out a huge tower that was surrounded by giant 3 headed creatures, that seemed to be taking guard there. I made them out as Cerberus ,the hell hounds.

To be fair ,I always thought there was only one of him ,after all the books and history classes didn't make it out as if there were more ,but seeing them now I realized that maybe I should push my cliché way of thinking aside. Not that I believed in clichés to begin with but everyone has got expectations after all. If Ceberus was standing guard there, this tower must be Tartarus. The prison in hell.

Every kid has heard of it at least once in their life. And one thing was for sure; no-one wanted to end up there, once dead.

Hopefully I won't end there after what I just pulled earlier...gotta play it cool, they won't throw you in prison for that Ren. Keep it together.

Turning my head to the west I could make out a long and beautifully sparkling river. It shimmered in the same blue hue as the flames of the guide Calci. It was an absolutely magical and gorgeous blue light with a small pinch of green inside so it gave off a slightly turquoise color, but not too much. Nevertheless it was gorgeous to look at. I could make out many souls floating over the river, I guess this is the river of the dead the legends talk about.

If I recall right, you would lose your loved ones soul to the underworld if you dared looking back at them. I don't recall who it was again in the legends but someone miserably failed at the attempt to bring back their love from there. Was it Hercules? I don't remember. We never had mythology in history class, so my historical knowledge is kinda shallow. To my shame ,but I never got the time to fully invest myself in it, so here we are.

We passed over the distance with a boat, while I thought to myself about my surroundings. At some point I even forgot my motion sickness while once again overthinking.

"We are here"

Calci called out to me, making me turn ahead. The castle was gorgeous, it didn't seem in the slightest like you were entering the rulers of hell's place , no, quite on the contrary. If I didn't knew better I would have thought a disney prince invited me for tea.

It was huge, but not to fancy, more on the modest side, but still exclusive looking. Just the perfect balance to not give the  impression of showing off.

These rulers got some taste.

We headed on through the big gate, inside the castle. There was a lengthy corridor ahead which was dimly lit with what I assumed to be hell flames, as they had the same blueish color like the rest. I really do like those flames, they are kind of comforting. But then again it is just typical of me, to think hell is cozy. Seriously I wasn't in my right mind, but when was I ever?

After a long walk straight ahead, which felt like the longest 5 minutes of my life, we finally arrived in front of a big door.

"The Queen is inside. Mind your manners"

Calci the guide stared at me, giving me one of those warning looks, just he didn't have eyes so it was more his aura that gave that warning than his face.

"Thank you for showing me the way"

I opened the door and went ahead. The moment I set foot in the grand hall, a chilly air hit me. It's quite cool here but then again it is the underworld. Souls are souls, nothing more nothing less. It is more of a surprise that I can feel the cold than anything else.

Walking ahead I came to a halt in front of a set of stairs that led to a pedestal. On there sat two thrones and one was currently occupied with the slender figure of a woman.

Oh no, oh nonononono. Please don't.

Just as I was about to recognize the woman that sat there, to be someone i'm all too familiar with, a voice rang out to me.

"So you are the little lost rabbit that wreaked havoc in my front yard"

Her voice was calm and had a hint of sarcasm in it.

I bowed down in the typical ladylike court manner and decided to pay my respect, after all I still wanted something from her.

"Greetings your majesty, I'm Reverie. I have to excuse myself for my disgraceful behavior, I just really wanted to meet you and saw no other option to be able to"

"Is that so? Why didn't you simply ask for an audience?"

"I was told your majesty wouldn't see visitors"

"Hmmmm"

She probed me for a moment till she gave me a sign to rise with a single hand motion.

"Your majesty, if I may be so bold, why do you look like this woman?"

"Does it bother you?"

"A bit, I got no fond memories of her"

"I see, then how about this?"

Her appearance swiftly changed into...

oh my god is that my killer?!

This Queen certainly knew how to joke. First the person that was the reason for my entire misfortune and now the guy that murdered me not too long ago. Well the second one certainly was more comfortable with me.

"Thank you."

"So. I assume we have a few things to talk about, why not join me for dinner?"

She started walking gracefully from the throne down, to go through a door on the left.  I followed suit without saying anything.

In the next room which was filled with darkness mostly, there stood a table filled with many dishes and desserts. It was the only lit place as well due to the candle on it.

We took a seat opposite from each other. Persephone was served what seemed to be a steak and wine by one of the servants. At the same time I was served a piece of chocolate cake by another server with some tea.

I won't even ask how she knows my taste, but regardless of the good looking food, I wouldn't eat it.

The Queen started to gracefully cut the meet with her silverware and place it in her mouth, to chew. I don't know if It's because she's royalty or not, but whatever she does looks extremely graceful and beautiful.

"Are you not going to eat?"

"I'm afraid not"

"Are you scared? You won't stay here just by eating. If you leave or stay , is my decision"

" Not afraid"

"Then why?"

"I'm simply not hungry, but thank you"

It's true, i've heared rumors you wouldn't be able to return to the living world but I always thought that's utter bullshit.

"Are you going to be rude?"

"Afraid so, my aplogies"

"Hm"

She seemed taken aback by the fact, that I didn't take her invite, however it wasn't the time for this.

As I watched her eat ,I gradually could feel anxiety creeping up on me but I pushed it aside. I couldn't show any weakness here. If I did I would lose the game.

Yes exactly, the game. Everything in life is a game, even death , and whoever plays their cards right, wins. But to do so you have to keep your composure no matter who you face. My current opponent was a goddess, I mean what could possibly go wrong? Worst ,I end up in Tartarus. That's a risk im willing to take.

After what felt like an eternity she finally spoke again.

"Tell me, child, why are you here?"

-To be continued-