#neither hades nor persephone are faithful to each other

[apollosgiftofprophecy]

this may be a minor nitpick, but it's been annoying me today so. eh. ignore me if you'd like

I can't really bring myself to enjoy OSP's video on Hades & Persephone, what with the potshots taken at Apollo a few times that actually have nothing to back them up for.

He gets lumped in with Zeus and Poseidon as a serial rapist (false), and is later kind of mocked (?) in comparison to Hades. (for reference, I'm talking about 2:15-2:35)

Like, okay, you're trying to make a point on why Hades isn't the villain in Greek Mythology, but showing that by way of targeting Apollo, when he actually has one of the best relationship lives?

just. rubs me the wrong way :/

[lilacmoon83]

Dreaming Out Loud

Dreaming Out Loud

Chapter 34: Friction

"Dad…" Emma started to say, as they walked back to the cruiser. He stopped and turned to her and surprised her by cupping her face in his hands.

"Emma...I'm so sorry…" he cried.

"Dad...you didn't know. They lied to you and Mom. I know we're both feeling a lot of things right now, but if you think any of my anger is at you and Mom, don't…" she replied. He sighed.

"We trusted them...I mean, Regina caused all this, but it looks like we still put our faith in people that didn't deserve that," he said bitterly.

"I know...of all the people I thought he might be, Pinocchio wasn't one of them. Though the lying thing makes a whole lot more sense now," she mentioned.

"It does?" David asked in confusion, not quite making the connection.

"Oh well...the story that this land tells about Pinocchio is that he was a wooden boy and the only way he could become a real boy is to be selfless, brave, and true. But for most of the story, Pinocchio lies. But he does the right thing in the end, so the Blue Fairy makes him a real boy. That's where the story ends, but I guess we know he didn't go on to keep that promise in real life," Emma explained.

"And these kind of stories are designed to entertain children?" he asked. Emma smiled. Her father was still very much trying to figure out how this world worked.

"Well...in the movie his nose grows every time he lies," she replied. David chuckled, suddenly getting the same mental image she had of August's nose growing.

"Okay...that does make it better," he agreed, as he put his arm around her.

"How do you think Gold will take it?" she asked.

"Probably better than I did, at least on the surface. He doesn't exactly betray a lot of emotion, except anger maybe. I think he'll disappointed though. I get that...I wouldn't know what to do if I couldn't find my child," he replied, looking at her.

"August is wrong too...about you helping Gold. As wary of him as you always told me to be, I really do think he just wants Belle and to find his son, for the most part," she reasoned. He nodded.

"August isn't wrong about the power part...I just hope love will be enough in the end. Believe me, back in our land, I never thought I would have anything to do with him willingly," David added.

"But things are different here," Emma surmised.

"They are...he is or seems that way, I don't know. There's no magic here either. I used to think he was raving mad back in our land. Trusting him might be a risk, but it's one I have to take," he explained. She smiled.

"August is wrong not to look up to you. Everything you've ever done has been for Mom and me," Emma mentioned.

"All I've ever wanted was to be with my family and we're going to have that, Emma, I promise," he assured. She smiled, as they got into the cruiser and headed back to town.

Flashback

Fourteen Months Before the Dark Curse

The thundering hooves of horses echoed through the forest, along the dirt pathway. In the near distance stood the Dark Castle, a place to be avoided. The people on horseback headed for this castle with purpose must have been brave or desperate, for no one willing went there. The horses slowed and revealed a man and a woman, in riding clothes that spoke that they were of importance. The handsome man swept his long cape out of the way, as he dismounted and offered his hand to his beautiful companion. They laced their fingers together in an intimate gesture, as they approached the Dark Castle. They found it open and went inside.

"Rumpelstiltskin!" the man shouted. They were met with a high pitched giggle.

"Well, my, my, my...to what pleasure do I owe a visit from Snow White and Prince Charming?" he asked in a sing-song voice.

"Information...about an encounter we had with a bloodsucker," David answered. Rumple had known this day would soon come with his foresight and all. The heathen he had reluctantly assisted had encountered Snow White and while neither of them knew why, he was drawn to her. Rumple could only imagine the depravity in store in his warped mind for the child of Persephone.

"There are no more bloodsuckers in existence. Zeus saw to that centuries ago," Rumple stated, as he appeared suddenly before them. He looked them up and down and was a bit disappointed. No Savior yet...but he had no doubt that it would be very soon, especially given the way these two seemed hold each other so close. True love and all its physical wonders, indeed.

"Then he missed one, perhaps," Charming suggested.

"Or perhaps he only appears vampire-likeon the surface," Rumple countered.

"Then you know the being we speak of?" Snow questioned. He giggled.

"Oh yes...Snow White, the being that has become so captivated by the fairest of them all is none other than Deimos, God of Terror...or at least he was," the Dark One answered.

"Was?" Charming asked.

"After trying to overthrow Zeus, he was punished and stripped of his immortality. However, being a valuable minion to Hades, he ingested ambrosia leaves and restored his immortality," Rumple replied.

"And the part where he drinks blood?" Charming asked impatiently.

"I was getting to that…" Rumple snapped.

"To maintain the effects of the ambrosia, he must ingest blood at least once a month, every full moon or his immortality will be null and void," he continued.

"But the ambrosia warped his mind and instead of obtaining only the small amount of blood he needs, he favors killing his victims instead, always female, after he's done rather depraved things to them," Rumple added. Snow visibly shuddered and instinctively, Charming put his arms around her.

"He said things to me...that he wanted to keep me," Snow stammered, as she recalled the frightening memory.

"Do you know why he would hone in on Snow? Why he's become obsessed with her? We've had several very close calls," Charming said, his face showing how frightened he was for his wife.

"His strength...it's inhuman. Without Red…" Charming started to say, but Snow clutched his leather jerkin and he didn't finish his sentence.

"Yes…" Rumple said, knowing where he was going and theyshared a long gaze, with Charming seeing a flicker of understanding? He recalled once that the Dark One spoke of a love that he had lost. This man, as twisted and dark as he was, understood the fear that plagued him. But just as quickly as the flicker flashed in his eyes, it was gone.

"And what is it that you want from me?" Rumple asked.

"Answers...a way to defeat him...something! I cannot let such a monster stalk and hunt my wife. His terror has to end...I would rather die than see her tormented and Gods forbid taken by that animal," Charming implored passionately, as she clung to him.

"And if I perhaps had some information...then what would you give me in return?" Rumple inquired.

"Anything...name for your price," the prince responded.

"Charming…" Snow whimpered, fearing for what this imp might want in return.

"No price is too high for your safety, my darling," he told her.

"Defeating a being such as an immortal is not easy...but nor is it impossible. This one, in particular, has a weakness that can be exploited on the next Harvest Moon. And since it is autumn, you shall not have to wait long," Rumple stated.

"What happens on the Harvest Moon?" Snow asked.

"On this one night, his immortality is null and void due to this particular phase of the moon and astrological alignment. On this one night, you can battle him in hopes of winning and kill him," Rumple stated.

"With his immortality gone, so will be his superior strength," Charming said, hope in his voice.

"Yes...but he will still be a formidable opponent. You must bring your wolf friend. You must tear him to shreds...quite literally and burn the remains. Only then will he die. Accomplish this before first light or all your efforts will be vain," Rumple warned.

"And what's your price for this information?" he asked. Rumple stared at them with scrutiny. He had everything he needed from them so far. He already had bottled their true love with their hairs and it was safely hidden away for a rainy day. The next thing he needed from them would occur soon enough on its own. In fact, telling them this information benefited him, for it wouldn't do well for his plans if Prince Charming was killed and Snow White became a possession of that depraved creature, never having conceived the Savior. No...he needed these two very much alive and together. But he had a reputation to keep, so he had to make something up.

"You'll owe me a favor and I can call in this favor at the time of my choosing," Rumple decided.

"Deal," Charming agreed, as he led Snow out of the castle. Deimos was a complication to his plans that he didn't need. Unbeknown to them, they were actually already doing him the favor by eradicating him from existence. He was certain it would happen soon. The Savior would be conceived and then the curse would come, taking him to the land where Bae was...

After going back to the station, David set out on foot for Gold's shop and entered through the back way as usual, careful to make sure no one was following or watching him. Sidney Glass always seemed to be lurking somewhere and he had learned quickly how to spot the weasel. He had been distracted obviously on his and Mary's wedding night, but knew that's how Regina found out so quickly. His meetings with Gold and Jefferson, however, needed to remain secret. Regina suspected they were already working together, but if she learned the things they discussed, it would not bode well to their advantage.

"You don't look happy," Jefferson commented, as he joined them in them in the front of the shop. David pulled the dagger from his inside jacket pocket and placed it in front of Gold.

"You got it back...then you confronted him," the Hatter said.

"I didn't think it was part of the plan for you to confront him alone," Gold replied, though he was relieved to have the dagger back. He pocketed it inside his own jacket pocket.

"Things changed. Our friend on the motorcycle invited my daughter to take a ride with him earlier...so I followed them," David explained.

"What did you find out?" Jefferson asked.

"A whole lot more than I ever imagined," David replied, as he took a deep breath, trying to calm his temper.

"He took Emma into the woods...to a well. At first, he kept trying to lead her into the conversation about the curse with his vague riddles, but she wasn't having any of it. My daughter isn't exactly one for beating around the bush," he commented. Jefferson smirked.

"Like her father," he agreed.

"Anyway...I think he was expecting to have to convince her that the curse was real. Only Emma shocked him when she revealed that she knew everything. She was done with his crap and demanded to know how and why he knew about the curse. And what his interest in her and Henry was. Something I wanted to know as well," David continued.

"So...who is he? Is he Baelfire?" Jefferson asked impatiently.

"No...he's not. I'm sorry," David replied, looking Gold in the eyes. The older man remained stoic, though his emotions raged inside in a myriad of varying degrees.

"But it's probably best he's not, because I think you'd rather not have a liar for a son," the prince added bitterly.

"Okay...so who is this guy? If he isn't Baelfire, then how the hell does he know so much about the curse?" Jefferson asked.

"Because he's actually Pinocchio and his lying father put him through the wardrobe before I put Emma through," David growled, as he gripped the counter top so hard his knuckles turned white.

"Wait...so it took more than one?" the Hatter asked. David smiled bitterly.

"Yep...and if they had just told us the truth, Snow and I could have gone with her!" he shouted.

"So the woodworker put the boy through...and what? Just expected him to take care of an infant?" Jefferson asked.

"I think the old man counted on Snow going through while still pregnant with Emma. I'm not really convinced he cared either way. I mean...I get he was trying to protect her child. But Emma needed us…" he lamented.

"I guess I'm still confused as to how he fits in all this. I mean...where's he been?" Jefferson asked.

"Oh, that's the best part. They ended up in the same foster home, but he left Emma. I know he was a boy, but he still left her. And now he's back, not because he cares about any of us or my daughter, but because he's turning back to wood. And he's determined that my daughter break the curse to save his worthless skin," David said.

"Well...not that it's much comfort, but there is a chance the curse breaking won't fix him anyway," Gold offered.

"What do you mean?" David asked. Gold gave a small shrug.

"The magic used to turn him into a real person was given to him by the Blue Fairy. If he broke her conditions, then the curse breaking or not may not help him. His selfishness will be his own undoing," Gold surmised.

"Serves him right. The only reason he even bothered to come here was to use my daughter," David said.

"That still doesn't explain why he took my dagger," Gold stated.

"I think he either might know there's a chance the curse won't fix him or he was hoping there was magic in it. I think he hoped to use it to force you to fix him if all else failed," David deduced. Jefferson snorted.

"Yeah, because that plan wasn't going to blow up in his face or anything. At least the lying thing makes sense now," the Hatter commented. David scoffed.

"That's exactly what Emma said," he agreed.

"So what now? Emma believes, you and Snow are together, even if she doesn't have her memories. Happy endings are slowly being restored...what are we missing?" Jefferson wondered.

"I wish I knew," David responded.

"It will come. Regina will soon take drastic measures to regain a stronghold on the town and Emma will face her. Not even I've been able to see how she will break the curse, but she is the product of true love and that is key," Gold stated. David sighed.

"I just wish there was more I could do to help. I don't like that it's all on Emma," he mentioned.

"You are helping her...by being there. Don't take for granted that you can actually do that. I only wish Grace knew the truth," Jefferson said bitterly. David looked at him.

"I'm sorry...sometimes I forget that you get it," he apologized.

"It's fine...like he said, we have to be close. Everything seems to be coming to a head, especially since we know for sure that Regina knows that Emma knows," he mentioned. He had reluctantly informed them of Emma's slip after assuring her that he wasn't angry that she did. It was a mistake, after all, and he was pretty sure Regina had already figured out who she was.

"I guess we'll just have to be ready for whatever she throws at us and have each other's backs. I think we can agree on that," the prince stated. He received a nod from Jefferson and nothing from Gold, but knew he would do what needed to be done when it came to furthering their cause.

"I'm going to go pick up Mary," he said, as he left, slipping out the back. At the forefront of his mind was the moment he would eventually have to tell Snow about the lie they were told by people they trusted. He knew it was going to devastate her as much as it had devastated him. He would need to tell Stephanie too and knew her reaction would be about the same as his. For now though, he was going to be with his family and mentally prepare himself for the battle he knew was coming. The battle he could practically feel humming in his veins.

Mary walked around the room, quietly observing, as her students worked on the latest art project she had assigned. The evening before, she and David had gone on one of their evening walks with Wilby as they often did, and the night had been so clear, they had been able to see a sky blanketed by stars. That gave her the idea to work in a basic lesson into their time allotted for science that week about constellations. And now her students were happily sketching drawings of their favorite constellation. As she returned to her desk, she happened to glance out the window and jumped in fright, causing her to almost trip over her chair. Damon Tromera stood outside her window with a smug smirk on his face. Her heart raced and she almost didn't hear Henry when he asked her a question.

"Miss Blanchard...are you okay?" the boy asked in concern. She turned her head and looked at him and then glanced back at the window, this time finding no one there now.

"Um...I'm fine Henry, just clumsy," she replied. He didn't look convinced and looked to the window, wondering what she had seen to startle her so badly. Mary was wondering, however, if she had really seen him or if her mind was playing tricks on her. But she had a sinking gut feeling that he had been there and was intent on seeing to her torment. She took a deep breath and that was the moment the bell chose to ring.

"You can put your drawings in your desks and we'll finish them tomorrow," Mary called to them, as her students gathered their things and she watched them file out. As they did, she saw her husband peak in and smile at her.

"Hey…" he greeted, as he came into the room once all her students were gone.

"Hey yourself handsome," she greeted in return, as she welcomed his strong arms around her. She surprised him by eagerly pressing her lips to his in a kiss, of which he gladly returned.

"Yeah...hello to you too," he purred, as their lips parted. She giggled, as he pecked her on the lips again.

"Are you ready to go home?" he asked. She nodded and glanced at the window again, shuddering slightly at the memory and he frowned.

"Are you okay?" he asked. She nodded.

"Yes...especially now," she replied.

"No...something's bothering you. What's going on?" he asked.

"It's nothing...I think I was just imagining things," she replied, trying to brush it off as nothing.

"My darling...you know that you can tell me anything," he implored. She sighed.

"I happened to glance up and out the window a few minutes ago and I thought I saw him there. But I looked away briefly and then when I looked back, he was gone. I think my mind was just playing tricks on me," she assured him. But he wasn't convinced. This was just like that monster. He'd done this too, back in their land. He'd pop up in the gardens, just below their balcony in the castle, just to frighten her. He'd be there one minute and gone by the time he came, enjoying toying with her and forcing her to constantly look over her shoulder.

"Maybe I better go take a look around outside," he suggested.

"No...please, let's just go home. I don't want to waste anymore thought or energy on him," she pleased. He kissed her hair.

"Okay…" he relented, as she gathered her things up and they left for the day, hand in hand.

Emma locked up the station for the night, after forwarding the phones to her cell and headed out to the bug. About that time, Archie was walking by with Pongo and she gave him a friendly nod.

"Emma...I was hoping I could speak to you for a moment?" he inquired.

"Uh sure...I guess we can go back inside," she replied, as she unlocked the station and he followed her in with Pongo.

"What's up?" Emma asked, glad they weren't still standing out in the cold.

"I'm afraid this is a bit difficult for me to ask, but I recently became aware of your history with being seen by a psychiatrist," Archie replied gently. Emma's jaw clenched and she felt her blood boil.

"The only way you could know about that is if Regina gave you my file...the file she had no right to gain access to!" Emma shouted.

"I know...I know, what she did was so wrong and completely unethical. I'm not even sure how she got into your sealed records. But I promise I'm only asking out of concern for Henry," he pleaded.

"What you do mean...you read my file!" she exclaimed.

"Regina told me about your brief sessions when you were about Henry's age. I only looked at it to see the actual facts for myself without her opinions or scrutiny," he explained.

"I can't believe this...she was bad enough...I expect it from her. But you...she threatened you again, didn't she?" Emma asked. The ginger haired man looked down in shame.

"I'm so sorry Emma...but I do want what's best for Henry and now his inability to distinguish fiction from reality makes a lot of sense! Often time...mental illness can be hereditary," Archie stammered.

"Mental illness? Henry has an active imagination...so did I!" Emma shot back.

"Emma...let's be honest. Your trauma of being abandoned on the side of a road led to you creating this dream world for yourself that you told the therapist about. The one where your parents were Snow White and Prince Charming. It's not your fault...not with the situation you were in. Nor is it Henry's fault...in fact, knowing your history will help me properly treat him," Archie stated.

"Treat him? You don't mean like medication?" Emma asked in horror.

"No...no...that would be a last resort," he assured.

"But I can tell there's something else," Emma retorted, as she crossed her arms over her chest. He looked down, unable to look her in the eyes.

"Look at me," Emma snapped, as he looked up.

"Henry's not really getting better. In fact, since you came to town, his talk of curses and fairy tales is even more prevalent," Archie stated.

"He's happy!" Emma cried.

"You're enabling him, Emma and I'm afraid it is my professional opinion that any time you spend with Henry should be supervised," Archie said regrettably. Emma's mouth dropped open in shock.

"I don't believe this…" Emma uttered.

"Emma…" Archie started to say.

"She did it...she actually did it. She's found a way to keep Henry from me," Emma muttered. She clenched her teeth and her green eyes were stormy.

"Emma…" he tried again.

"Get out…" she growled. He hesitated for a moment though.

"Get out!" she shouted. He jumped and hurried Pongo along, as he exited. Deep down, Emma knew it wasn't really his fault, but she was too blindsided to care about his feelings at the moment. She angrily swiped some papers off her desk.

"If you think you've won, Regina...you've got another thing coming," she hissed.

[fanfic-collection]

Hades and Persephone: Loki x Reader - Pt 8

I don’t know where to go from here, so um, open to suggestions! Or this could be the end and just kinda leave it there? Whatever, let me know please

Tag thing list: @mariadoghorses @noeypiiepiie @captainnbarnes @ex-bookjunky @frenchfrostpudding @whatthehellisacastiel

The two of you made love together for many hours, fucking in the bathtub then returning to the bed, alternating between cuddling and sex. Loki made sure to dominate you from then on out, never once allowing you to lay atop him. He held you from behind, rutting into your ass, held you off the edge of the bed as blood pooled in your head making you dizzy and lightheaded, he forced you to stand as he rutted hard into you, then on the bed, you on all four limbs as Loki thrust into you from behind. Time and time again the two of you climaxed together, enjoying in the bliss and joy of once more being united.

Finally, late in the evening, each of you spent and exhausted, servants having brought you dinner and much to drink, you both lay cuddled naked together, sexes aching and tingly and just so pleasantly sore.

You nuzzled Loki’s chest, brushing your cheek and nose along the smooth pale skin. Loki’s long slender fingers stroked through your hair as he smiled down at you.

“Let’s do that again sometime.” You mumbled through heavily lidded eyes, on the verge of sleep.

“Agreed.” Loki mumbled back, equally tired.

The two of you soon drifted off to sleep.

The next few days continued in similar fashion, both fucking as much as possible and in any place. From the dining table, to stolen kisses in the halls, to out in your garden laying amongst the flowers, the two of you enjoyed the flesh of the other, never wanting to leave.

A week or so passed, Loki had awoken, nail marks marring his perfect back as he stretched. He smiled down at you, hair tossed over your face as you continued to sleep.

“Pet,” He whispered softly, stroking your hair out of your face, you grunted in response. “I have duties to attend to today, and Minthe is visiting.”

“Do you have to talk with that wretched hag?” You grumbled, eyes slowly opening.

“You will be there as well. She shall arrive in an hour or so, I’m going to go down to the dining room and eat, you’re welcome to join me.” You shook your head stubbornly and Loki laughed, a thin smile crossing his lips, “Very well. She will be here sooner than later, I expect you to be civil enough. She has been most helpful in affairs of the kingdom while you were away.”

You grunted tiredly, not wanting to discuss this perfect Minthe.

Loki sighed, running his hand through his hair and slowly shaking his head. “I expect you downstairs soon, understood?”

“Fine.” You grumbled, rolling over and keeping your eyes closed.

“My queen mustn’t pout, love.”

“Too bad.”

Loki laughed, leaning down and planting a soft kiss on your forehead. “Fine, rest well, I will see you shortly.”

You nodded, hearing rather than seeing as Loki dressed and left the room.

Nearly two hours passed before you roused yourself from your morning nap. You dressed quickly and made your way down to the dining room, stopping as you heard Minthe talking to Loki.

“And such a handsome king!” Minthe gushed.

You peered around the corner, knowing that neither Loki nor Minthe could see you.

Loki sat in his chair, legs spread in their usual fashion as he looked up at Minthe, his expression neutral.

“Truly, you deserve better than the Underworld, it is a pity you drew the short straw.”

Loki grunted, “Yes, well, Odin’s will and all that.”

“Odin, he doesn’t see how great you are.” Minthe flashed a smile and you scowled darkly. Her hand rested on Loki’s shoulder and it infuriated you that he didn’t swat it away. Perhaps he thought she was being friendly.

“Indeed.”

“You know,” she sank down onto his lap and Loki’s eyes narrowed. Your heart skipped a beat as it began to race, glaring in fury but not yet ready to come forward. “she’s away half the year, it would hardly be unfaithful.” Minthe’s hand cupped Loki’s cheek, sliding down his torso and resting on his lap. You could see it squeeze over his manhood as Loki’s eyes darkened and his breath caught.

Tears pricked your eyes as you shook your head. Of course this was a possibility, how often were husbands faithful to their wives? You bit at your lip, trying not to cry.

Minthe leaned forward and cupped Loki’s cheek with her other hand, she pressed her lips to his, meeting him in a soft kiss.

Just as you were about to turn away, ready to flee back to your room and cry, you heard Minthe gasp out.

“Enough!” Loki snarled, gripping her wrist and twisting her hand away painfully. “I may miss my wife during those dark months, but unlike the rest of those wretches, I love and cherish my only love.” He stood upright and Minthe fell to the floor, landing on her elbows. She stared up at him furiously.

“You’ll regret this.” She snarled.

“No, you will.” You stepped around the door and into the room, fully revealing yourself. Loki turned towards you in genuine shock. You rushed over and grabbed Minthe by her hair, dragging her to her feet. She cried out in pain, grabbing at your hands as you dragged her to the entrance hall, outside into the courtyard.

“Get your filthy hands off me!” She yelped as you dragged her along, fingers made strong by years of nurturing plants.

You arrived at your flowerbed and shoved her down, Loki racing after the two of you.

“Darling, what are you doing?” Loki called out in concern.

“No one will ever lay a finger on my husband.” You raised your hands as Minthe looked up at you warily. Green lightning shot from your finger tips, crackling around Minthe and in a burst of light, she vanished.

“Where did she go?” Loki asked, looking around worriedly.

“Where she belongs.” You pointed to the garden at the small green plant blooming where Minthe had lain. A small green and very aromatic plant with serrated oval leaves growing on opposite sides of the stem covered in tiny hairs stood rigidly upright, growing towards the sky. “I shall call it mint, and I think it would do wonderfully in tea, what do you think, my love?” You turned around, eyebrow raised and arms crossed.

Loki blinked at you eyes wide, before slowly raising his hands defensively. “My love, I would never be unfaithful to you, I was merely trying to maintain a friendship, hoping I could stop her without offending her.”

“I trust you, Loki, it’s the hags and harlots out there that I don’t trust.”

Loki laughed weakly, a small smile touching the corner of his mouth, “Of course.” He looked around warily, Cerberus choosing now to come running. Already the dog was much larger and more surefooted, the size of the average adult dog but showing no signs of stopping its growth. “Shall we, shall we get the two of you breakfast?”

You scratched Cerberus’ chin and smiled, “I would like that.”