(no subject)

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

Characters: Gaia and Hades
Date/Time: Morning of Sunday, June 17th
Location: Hades' place in Chicago
Rating: Depends on how it goes--probably no worse than PG, though.
Warnings: Language, maybe?
Summary: Before he moves, Hades gets a visit...

Ah, Chicago. On Father's Day. It was hot and humid, as per usual for a June day in the Midwest. That didn't mean that the woman on Hades' doorstep was in any way wilting. She was as fresh and crisp as a spring breeze when she rang his bell.

"Just a little something from the Neighborhood Association!" she chirped to announce herself.

Comments

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

Hades had everything packed up and ready to go. Now all he had to do was wait for the cab to take him to the airport. It was in the process of doing so that the woman arrived. Hades raised an eyebrow as he opened the door.

"Yes? Can I help you?"

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"It's such a shame that you'll be departing to California, that we just wanted to give a nice send-off," she said, depositing an envelope in his hands--most of it information and various vouchers and discounts usable for areas in San Francisco.

"We'll miss having you here to counter Mab."

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

Hades' eyes flashed a bit wider in surprise, but quickly composed himself. "What brinbgs you to the earthly plane?" He asks, all business.

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"A wish to bring you good luck, Grandson. And to ask one thing of you," she said, a gleam in her eyes.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"I see. Do you want to come in?"

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"So very chivalrous of you. Thank you," she said, sweeping inside.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"No need to be rude," Hades said. "Despite the frustrations other people cause."

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"So very true, indeed. But you are able to work past those frustrations, aren't you?" she asked.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"I've invited you into my home, haven't I?" Hades answered.

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"So you have. But not entirely what I meant. I was referring to your fellows," she said airily.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"Some of the time," Hades replied. He sits in a nearby chair. "Let's stop beating around the bush, Grandmother. Why are you here?"

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"As you may have noticed, new dangers are arising for you and the others. If you remain divided as you are, it will mean the end of you. A voice of reason is needed, Hades. Your voice," she explained.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"You're referring to the growing human opposition to us," Hades surmises. "I'm all for reason, Grandmother, but there are those that don't respond to reason among us."

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"You still have your allies, don't you?" she asked, "Your maid of the flowers? My husband's daughter? Your nieces and nephews?"

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"And allies amongst the Celts until they suddenly disappeared," Hades replied with a hint of annoyance.

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"Who is to say that allies do not remain? The doctor-knight is still there. The princess. That new ones have arrived speak only of opportunities. It is not yet too late for you to find common ground with Mab as you leave the city in her hands."

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"Perhaps not. It's sad really. Conflict with the humans is what I hoped to avoid."

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"I fear the mortals will not allow it. That is why you must come together. All of you. Remind them of your strength, but show there is no need to attack."

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"And what about the gloryhounds that would revel at a chance for battle? What's to stop their idiocy?"

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"Force down your own pride, Hades, and let the more level heads prevail. You know you're outmatched in terms of brawn. So put your cleverness to use."

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

Hades takes a moment to take that in. "So Grandmother, I don't suppose you'd tell me what the point of this whole game has been?"

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"Changes are coming, and more must be made. That is all I can tell you right now," she said.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"Naturally," Hades replied dryly. "Is that all then?"

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"You didn't get to where you are by always showing your hand, did you, now? Just remember you'll need to keep reaching across pantheon lines. Cooperation will be of utmost important for all of you, my dear."

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"True enough," Hades conceded. "I'll remember, Grandmother."

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"Well. We'd hate for you to miss that flight. Do give out best to Persephone. I'll be sure to relay things to my stepdaughter when I see her next," she said.

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"Be gentle with her, please," Hades requested.

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"My stepdaughter? I have no desire to see her or her twins harmed, Grandson. She is her father's daughter, I know, with the sea running wild in her veins, but given the proper direction, I believe she will do well in fulfilling the letter of her father's command if not the spirit." She cocked her head slightly. "You would have balanced her well."

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

Hades was quiet for a time, working through the temporary discomfort.

"Maybe so, but Persephone is my love. She will always come first."

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"I know. And my stepdaughter will always be drawn to the sea. She can't help that any more than you can. But what happens next is for you to decide. You must come together as a whole, in one way or another."

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"I understand," Hades assured. "Despite everything, it has been good seeing you, Grandmother."

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"Of course, dear boy. And don't forget your coat while you're out there. San Francisco is cool in the summers. You will need it. Meanwhile, do ensure that my great-granddaughter and great-greatgranddaughter are well-cared-for, will you?"

[speakswithdead.insanejournal.com]

"Of course," he says, allowing a light smile.

[metemmods.insanejournal.com]

"I know you have questions that can't be answered yet. But come together, rely on each other, and by summer's end, you will have a strength you didn't know you could have," she said.