15. Apollo

                                    

                                          
Chapter Summary: A small glimpse in Y/n's earlier life. Apollo isn't pleased and meets some skeletons.
                          
translation (in order):
λίγη κρίνος = Little lily
λαθραίο ποτό = Moonshine
παπαρούνα = Poppy 
                          
———————————————————————————
                          
*Few centuries ago*
                          
In the darkest corner of the Underworld, a stray light could be seen among the dark shadows and overhead cavernous caves that drip drip dripped of water falling from deformed rock formations, evaporating before it could touch the floor below. 
                          
Four figures stood by a wall. One smaller than the other three, their shadows reflecting on the clear stone wall.
                          
One towered over the two, another a few inches shorter, and the other crouched down to the smallest. His hand softly caressing the soft plump of childish redden cheeks.
                          
"-and that is the story about Monsters in the mortal realm." He finished, telltale of that once proud race. He straightened out, running his hand through his dark hair with a soft smile pasted on his plump lips. Sunken hollow cheeks - different than the youthful plump ones on the youngest - and dark circles plagued underneath his golden eyes. 
                          
The youngest frowned softly. "But- why did Uncle Zeus do that? They were nice." You pouted. 
                          
Thanatos chuckled deeply, moving to sit next to his daughter, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and pulled you onto his lap. His golden eyes shifting back to their usual yellow and green ones as he stared at the crackling fire. 
                          
"I don't know, λίγη κρίνος." He said, momentarily slipping into their native tongue. "But, I heard no one knows what happened to the last remaining thousand. Maybe they are in hiding."
                          
"...what happened to the other reapers?" You asked, looking up at your father, a childish wonder twinkling in those familiar (colour) eyes. Thanatos, or 'Grim', frowned at this speculation.
                          
"...they were killed." He said shortly, voice tight.
                          
"Thanatos!" A woman hissed softly, walking over and scooped you from his arms. A disapproved frown on her pink lip. "She's still too young to know about that."
                          
"Aw, c'mon Perse, she can handle it - Y/n's already asking if she can work as one." Thanatos grinned, his nose wrinkling slightly.
                          
The woman, shorter but taller than Thanatos, sighed once again. Looking at you in her arms and lightly pressing her forehead against your own. "Are you certain? You will be busy." She asked softly. All traces of disapproval gone from her tone.
                          
You quickly nodded your head, your mouth in awe. "Yes! I want to help mortals to their resting places!" You say, much to Persephone's personal will.
                          
The Goddess of Spring shook her head, unable to stop the fond smile on her lips as she softly caresses the back of your head. Lightly ruffling the (colour) strands.
                          
"Very well. But, promise me, λαθραίο ποτό, that you'll practice everything there is to know about us." She said, lightly leaving a peck on your forehead. 
                          
You nodded quickly, that childish wonder still twinkling in those (colour) eyes. "Us?" 
                          
"Gods and Goddesses, παπαρούνα." Hades spoke up, pushing himself off the stone wall and walked towards Persephone, wrapping his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. "Immortal brings such as yourself, too."