Pilgrims Of Doom
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LAST HOPE A swaying shadow slides down the dark corridor, the end of which never coming in sight. The quivering flames of the rare candles shake when the apparition passes by, threatening to extinguish them. Infuriated shades dance on the dank walls. The rustle of a dress is the only sound in this eerie wasteland. The apparition staggers, unsteady on her feet, but never lags, hurrying to reach the orange light that finally comes in sight at the end of the corridor. Coming at the few steps from it, she pauses, hesitating to enter the quarters in front of her. - Come in, Athena ! I've been expecting you sooner... - came the melodic voice from the warm light. The apparition called by that name tentatively stepped forward, the light swallowing her instantly, transforming the previous shadow into a young girl. Her head is bent, and the long, violet hair falls freely, hiding her face. Her vestment glares unnaturally, with golden glow of a deity. - Demeter... - the girl's trembling voice addressed the woman who was sitting on the sofa in the very bottom of the room. Meekly sprawled and wrapped in silk folds of her white robe, the woman of great beauty and of indeterminable age, was curiously observing the newcomer with gentle blue eyes, clear as a sky. Finally she stood up and approached Athena. Slowly lifting the girl's chin with the tip of her index, she looked her in the eyes. - What are these tears for, Athena ? Why the despair ? We should be rejoicing... The happiness is finally here. - the woman said, pausing for a moment to wipe the girl's tears with her white handkerchief. - I've been camping on so many doorsteps asking for help, and yet, everyone remained deaf to my pleas. Everyone but you... I can finally have my daughter back. And that's only thanks to you ! No answer came from the lavender haired girl, which only urged the lady in white to continue. - Confide in me, my child. If it's within my power, I'll do my best to help you. - You would do that for me ? - muttered the girl, hope raising in her voice. But then she shook her head. - No, I can't hope, because I neither can lie to you. I haven't fought Hades for your daughter's sake, Demeter. Hades was menacing the humankind, and that was the sole reason for this war. - Of course, I'm already well aware of that, my dear. Come, sit beside me - thaat. And please, take no heed of the looks of this terrible chamber... My son in low had everything in abundance, except for a good taste. He heavily lacked that. Believe me, this room is yet the best-decorated one in this castle of his...You saw for yourself what does his corridor look like. When I only come to think where my dear daughter had to live... Athena sighed, only listening roughly. Will Demeter grant her wish ? Wasn't that what she was going to ask, too much, even for a Goddess of fertility and underworld ? There was only one way to find out. - Demeter... - I'm listening, Athena... Tell me, whatever troubles you. - Is it... possible, by any means... to bring the dead back to life ? Demeter's blue eyes widened, surprised. She looked at Athena, in disbelief. - Have I heard you correctly, my child ? What is running through that little head of yours ? Bring the dead back to life, you say... Athena lowered her gaze. - Answer me, child, do you have someone specific in mind ? - Yes... - whispered the girl. Demeter eyed her, frowning suspiciously. - I'm really surprised. You have never been this compassionate for the lives of mortals, before. I think it's not the Goddess of Wisdom, who is speaking from your lips right now, -she added, - but the girl whose body you're using... Am I right ? - Probably yes... - There you see ! - ... but that doesn't change a thing. Demeter raised her brow. - How come ? If you're already aware it comes from her... - But I am she. Saori will always be here, she always had been... - I see... An incarnation in the mortal body obviously has its undesired effects, too... - Please, answer me, Demeter... Is it possible, or not ? - In principle, it isn't impossible. With Hades ruling the Underworld, Zeus had been the only one who could interfere. But now, the things have changed a little... Demeter laughed impishly, but composed herself soon enough. - However Athena, you know that things like that are generally frowned upon in Olympus. I can help you, but it would have to remain a secret. You must promise me ! - Anything you want, Demeter, I promise ! - said the girl, her voice shaking. Moved, she was barely containing herself from bursting into tears. "Could it be... could it possibly be that I'm going to see him once again" - she whispered in her thoughts, still not believing Demeter had agreed to help her. - It's about your Saints who died today, isn't it ? - quietly asked the Goddess of fertility. - Yes... They gave their lives so the World could go on. My wish is that they could live to see my gratitude and to taste the fruits of their own fight, for once. - Huh... Athena... or you maybe prefer that I call you Saori ? Those who entered Hades alive and survived, they can go back without any problem. However, concerning those who fell... They're in the Fields of Elysium right now, resting truly for the first time in their lives. Are you sure you want to deny them this rest, which they earned with their blood? Saori's eyes filled with tears and she wept. - They died, without ever really living ! I have to make that up to them ! I have to get another chance ! Help me, Demeter; I'm begging you... - All right, Saori, - sighed heavily Demeter, - but you do know that there is no paradise on Earth, don't you ? And you do know, that no long will pass until some other danger hangs over your Saints ? - I know, - whispered the girl, - but at least I have to try. - Then it will be the way you want. - solemnly said Demeter. At the same moment, an icy voice came from the darkness, from behind the crimson curtains at the other side of the room: - But not so fast, mother ! Startled, both Demeter and Athena turned around towards the apparition, who rose, as if out of nowhere. Upon recognizing the voice, Demeter went pale : - Core... you... Out of darkness came out the girl with huge blue eyes and childlike-pretty face, its features irresistibly resembling those of Demeter. Her long, blonde hair was collected into a loose bun, its wayward, curly strands falling lovely against the white cheeks and swan-like neck. - I'm Persephone now, mother. And I think that, as Hades' wife, I should also have a word or two in this. - You're mistaken, my daughter, - sighed Demeter, recovering from the first astonishment, - Athena came to see me for personal reasons. This has nothing to do with you. The girl's eyes flared. - I knew you would say that. After all, that's what I expected from the one who never cared about my wishes when it came to Hades. It always had to be your way and you were always conspiring behind my back, just like you're doing now. Isn't that so, mother ? - and a dark smile danced on the girl's lips, - That's why I've turned to my father this time ! - You've done what ?! - cried Demeter. - I've got a permission to collect the payment for my pain ! From her ! - shouted the girl, bitterly pointing her accusing index at Athena. "So my last hope is lost," - sighed Saori, tears glistening in her eyes. - Persephone... - she muttered. - Not a single word from you Athena ! This time you'll be the one who will listen. You thought you could just like that invade my Kingdom, demolish it and kill my Ruler ? Well, think again, sister ! Because you're still to meet my revenge ! - Persephone, - interfered Demeter, - I offered my help to Athena, and I will keep my promise, even if that would mean bringing all the Zeus' anger on myself ! - And what happened to the promise you gave to me, by giving birth to me ? - shouted Persephone in a trembling voice, - Wasn't I the one who should have been the most important to you ? - You are the most important to me ! All this is because of you... For you could be by my side again ! But the word of a Goddess has its weight and I must keep it, no matter how terrible Zeus' anger might turn to be... - But I don't want that to happen ! You'll be the one who'll suffer, while it should be her instead ! Athena lifted her head. - Persephone, you need to understand something... Hades was the first who attacked, with an ambition to destroy something that was confided to me, something that was in my responsibility - Earth. I didn't have choice. And neither did those who had given their lives defending it ! I used them for my fight, and it's for them that I'm begging mercy now! - You must be kidding ! - exclaimed Persephone. - That bunch of hired assassins ! Them to go back freely to life, while I'm to spend the quarter of each year till the end of time, in the Kingdom they've demolished to me ? Well, I don't think so ! Demeter looked at her daughter, her eyes wide. - Yes mother, is it possible you've forgotten that your daughter had tasted the pomegranate from the Garden of Underworld ? With Hades or without him, I'm forever bound to Tartar ! - I had disregarded that... - muttered Demeter. - But don't you worry; from now on I'll be coming here together with you, till Hades' return... You know that he will return, don't you, for he's still immortal. It's impossible to destroy a deity... - I wish it was some consolation, mother. But who knows when, and in what form will my consort return... And when he does return, maybe he won't have me anymore, or, just maybe, I won't have him... - And what is it that you want in the end, my daughter ? - asked Demeter, her voice a bit tired. - I want Athena and her murderers to pay dearly! Demeter shook her head. - I'm sorry my child, but I told you I had already given my word. - You know that I can stop you, with the help of the Father ! But since it's not you who I want to harm, - said the girl grimly, - I will let you keep your promise. But it will be on my terms ! - And what are your terms ? - asked Saori, in a puzzled voice. - That you're to stay here, Athena, till Hades comes back ! Saori recoiled, disagreeably surprised. - What ? - You heard me well ! In the meantime, the Sanctuary will be governed by a man whom I will choose. As for your Saints, I will allow them to go back to the Upper World, but not before the three months passed, those I'm still to spend in the Underworld this year. Persephone mercilessly continued, as Saori listened in disbelief. - During that time, they will nicely roll up their sleeves and rebuild everything that they had destroyed. When they finally return up there, they'll respond to my man ! And that's how it's going to be, till yours and Hades' return. Saori cast her an angry glance. - Persephone, you know very well that I can't possibly assent to this ! I have to remind you that we're the winners in this war, while your demands sound as if it was the other way around ! We've fought through hell for the peace on Earth, and here you want to appoint... gods know who, to govern that peace ! Your terms are unacceptable ! Persephone's lips curved in a derisive smile. - Oh, but then Athena, feel free to return to the Upper World this very instant, and enjoy in your victory. Celebrate it for all it's worth. I'm not stopping you. Saori's face flinched at her words, while the young Goddess mercilessly continued. - I'm only afraid, that there won't be many people who'd attend that celebration of yours... At least not those who're somewhat more significant than the others. Too bad. And Persephone laughed resonantly, when seeing an expression on her foe's face. - So Athena, you might want to reconsider my offer. Demeter silently looked at Athena. She wanted to tell her a word of comfort, but she couldn't think of anything to say. She knew that, no matter what decision Athena would make, the thorny path is yet to be passed, and no words could ease it for her. She slowly averted her gaze towards her daughter. This one stood straight, as cold as a marble statue. "She changed since she married Hades... She's so stern and determined. She even became prettier... Indeed, my little girl has grown up..." - thought Demeter, even inadvertently full of pride. The silence fell heavily in the room. Athena wasn't about to speak out at all. She stood brokenly, her gaze lowered to the ground. Persephone was eyeing her, expecting the answer, but as the later hadn't about to come, the silence bored the young Goddess. She sighed, rolling her eyes and accosted Saori again, her voice impatient. - All right, Athena, I'll make this easier for you. I am not evil and I don't want any war on Earth. My man won't misuse the trust and will do what he's told to. No more, no less. But your waywardness and governing without control must come to their end ! Athena finally lifted her dull gaze towards Persephone. - Whom did you have on your mind ? - she asked quietly. - You know him. It's the brother of the priest Giga. Strimon. - Strimon ?! - cried Athena in shock, - You must be joking ! - I have never been more serious. Take it, or leave it - brusquely said the girl. Athena's shoulders were trembling. She was already barely standing on her feet, so she leaned against the wall, her breathing heavy. The room started to turn around her, horror filling her chest because of what she was about to pronounce. After the short moment of pause, she whispered in an exhausted voice one "Agreed", and fell to the ground, fainting. Mother and daughter remained to stand above her, only looking at each other, their gaze indescribable. * * * |