callmeles | Stairway to... Hell? (for Hades)

Stairway to... Hell? (for Hades)

Piper would like to say that most things didn't surprise her much these days. After learning about who they really were during high school and how far she'd come since their deaths, it took a lot to throw her off. She truly had intended to text Adonis initially, asking but mostly demanding the use of his penthouse for a weekend, coming out of her meditation. After all, there were only a couple of people that she actually texted regularly and over the years, he'd become one of them. Somehow, the text she meant to send to him ended up with Hades of all people, or more specifically, of all Gods.

Then... it kind of snowballed from there.

Now, he was coming here to the mortal realm so she could take him to her Underworld.

She set the phone down onto the counter and looked up at the ceiling. "Be nice when he comes," she said to the house. "Let him through the wards.. the last thing we need is to do some major work on you. It's not nearly as easy without Jordan here." Truth be told, she was sure if a God or Goddess wanted to go somewhere, they could likely get through any sort of ward they wanted. All the same, she wanted to make sure they were on the same page. "And don't flirt. I'm not sure how a house can flirt but I don't put anything past you."

Piper felt the house mentally scoff and Piper rolled her eyes with a quirk of her mouth. She was glad she was making a habit of spending more time here. Although it had been one of the hardest things she'd had to do, it felt like coming home. It felt like a piece of Jordan and David were still around and for once that was a nice feeling instead of a crushing feeling.

The next day, Hades would find Piper in the living room of the home outside of London, dressed as though she was ready for a fight with a couple of hidden daggers and a couple of potions just in case. She likely didn't need to but old habits were hard to break, especially when she was going there. She was always on her guard.

She'd shot off a text to Adonis the night before to tell him to stay away. He'd laughed himself silly when she mentioned the little misfired text and just told her to be careful.

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The house did feel different than most other places he's been in the mortal world. Never feeling warm like this, like places he's been to in Olympus, those he's known in his world. Well the world of the gods and not the Underworld.

He nearly smiles at her comment about the power coming from him and he doesn't argue any of it, just that small smile and nearly smiling.

"And if I have no plans to leave anyone in charge? I don't see leaving some group claiming to be gods running about and playing these games. If that's what it is."

Though he suspects that it might well be linked back to the world he knows. Perhaps a lesser demon, or even a minor god. It would be from his world, pretending to be him and run his realm. They'll see soon.

"No one knows what the source is?"

Majestic liked the God so far and was glad to have him there. So if he felt he wanted or needed anything, he'd find it within easy reach. She was thoughtful like that.

Piper shrugged a shoulder. "That's your prerogative to not leave anyone in charge. They don't exactly claim to be a god. Just... the most powerful and "big bad" of the demonic underworld. Unless you take them all out, they will find some place to gather and the demon with the most power will become the next "ruler". Truth be told, I'm not sure how much the title is just symbolic." What would life be like if there weren't any demons or vampires out there who would come after people just living their lives? Was such a thing even possible?

Either way, she was curious to see what would happen.

"I asked Adonis once about that and he told me he'd have to kill me if he told me. I'm 98% sure he was teasing but my guess is that it's the demon with the most power with a tad bit extra. They just call him 'the Source' so he feels extra special." She knew Adonis would be rolling his eyes at the explanation.

Right now what Hades wants most is to end whoever it is standing on the edge, pretending to be him without naming it that. But it's clear this is what this being is thinking and he wants to end them.

Or at least end their organization.

"Can I take them all out? I don't know. Can I ensure they don't organize like this again?" He smiles then, sharp and cool and deadly. "Yeah, I think I can manage that. This Source? Will be ended and I'm going to find out who this demon is."

Piper grinned at the look that morphed on his face. "I may have to find myself an actual job soon then," she remarked with a laugh. "Can't decide if that'll be too boring or not right now."

Her tone was teasing though. Truthfully, the place deserved whatever Hades was going to do. She'd have no hard feelings. Especially considering everything they had put her through. She and Jordan.

She reached over the island for his hand. "Take my hand and I'll send you the information on how we can get down there."

He gives her a long look at that. "If you weren't ready for that, you wouldn't have told me the details." And he believes that. Why else would she give him an opening to do this unless she wanted it taken care of and gone.

He nods, reaching over and taking her hand so that his cool, long fingers curl about hers. "I'm trusting your magic, Witch, only because Hecate said I have to," he tells her, but there's a small, sly smile curving his lips and it's obvious he's taunting her before they breach the den of the monster as he sees it.

Piper laughed at his response and sent him an amused smirk. "You're right about that. Whatever happens, they deserve what's coming to them," Piper agreed. It was changing up the status quo and frankly, perhaps this is what she was meant to do all along.

At his touch and his words, Piper grinned. "Well, I appreciate the trust, given willingly or through threats." She closed her eyes and focused on sending him how they would get toward the Underworld that she was familiar with - location and what they may run into when they arrived. Afterward, she opened her eyes and looked up at him. "If you're ready then I'm ready," she said after finishing off her drink.

That grin lets him know she's okay with his joking. He's usually so dry that most don't get it, and he's glad she picked up on his teasing. Even if he's talking about killing others, and he's okay with that. Just so long as she knows it will be okay.

Downing his drink, he nods. "Much as I'm loathe to leave a kind home," he says, wanting the house to know how much he appreciates the car. "I would rather get this over with. Then we can talk after that."

He does believe they might need to after this night is done.

After everything Piper had been through the years, talking about killing others didn't exactly phase her much if at all. It likely didn't even begin with Jordan's and David's wrongful deaths and instead from the very beginning. There had been word in the prophecy/legend that she and Jordan were to bring 'balance' into the world and well, Jordan had always been a touch more "good" than she had ever been. But that again depended on how much stock you put into things like that.

She smiled at his kind words to Majestic and felt the warmth from the house in response. "She appreciates your kind words," she said with a grin. "Considering neither of us have been back in a decade until recent months, she's glad for the company."

Considering how this all began, she had to agree, they should talk after everything is said and done. Piper walked around the kitchen island and took his head. "Then let's get this done."

"Of course I will always appreciate kindness and consideration when it's given. It's one of our very tenets, and this residence has been nicer than many humans I've ever met."

He wonders if the house is utterly sentient, or part of her. Either way, it's still appreciated.

He hadn't been sure what they would be walking into, that they would face. Yet there it is, a court being held by someone claiming to rule the Underworld. Had he cleared killing of a human? No, but he knew the loopholes well enough to get away with this.

As long as he doesn't go on a rampage and kill them all.

And he managed not to. Though when he sent their leader to the true underworld without even moving from the spot where he stood, they had scattered so that made not killing them all easier.

He gathered information from them, got what he needed and let her take them home. Well, back to her generous home.

"Could we perhaps have another drink?"

If he were to ask Piper, she couldn't honestly say which it was either. She wasn't sure where the line was between Jordan and her magic vs actually sentient. They never really questioned it, honestly. It had been a surprise when things started happening without them actually doing anything and they kind of let it do its thing.

Watching this faux-Source/faux-King be sent to Hades' true underworld was... cathartic and yet... it was also anti-climatic. Deep down, of course, Piper knew nothing could truly make up for what was done to her and her family. There was a ton to unpack and to sort out but, it was a good start. Everyone who'd been involved with their deaths was gone and the 'top dog' was now gone.

When they returned home and he asked for another drink, she nodded. "Yes, more than another drink," she said and grabbed the bottle of scotch and the two glasses. "Let's go into the living room, yeah?" she asked with a little smile before leading the way.

While there were things that now she'd truly have to deal with, Piper couldn't help but wonder if this meant that she'd no longer be able to talk to him. He was a God after all and very busy. She was sure there was some kind of rule about it somewhere (probably on the long list of 'unsuitable' partners her family had drafted up once).

It felt good, in clearing this bastard from his own life even if he hadn't known about him before this. Yet there feels like a cleaning, a lessening of dark energy that needed to be gone. For his sake. For the sake of others.

He suspects even, in many ways, for the sake of the woman before him.

Nodding and following her to go to the living room. He takes a moment, brushing his hand along the wall, thanking the house tenderly for it's kindness.

"You didn't have to lead me today. You didn't have to take that chance. I'm glad you tried," he says softly. "Know that you have my protection, and you have the protection of Hecate as well. Whoever else they left behind, you don't have to worry about them. I will seek them out though, and I will give you a way of seeing through them if they come for you. A bit of magic that should work well to protect you."

At the tender touch, Majestic sends him a welcoming warmth, letting him know in her own way that he was allowed back anytime. Well, not that it was fully her decision at all! She was always glad to be thanked!

Piper smiled, feeling the response from the house and keeping her thoughts to herself. It was nice that he was aware of it and thankful for Majestic. It wasn't your normal house and for not the first time, she was glad for that. She poured them both a drink and passed his glass over to him.

"I know I didn't but I'm glad I was there. Though I have to admit, it feels a little anti-climatic," she said picking up her drink and taking a sip from it. "But, that's also not a complete surprise, I guess." She watched him and gave him a nod. "Thank you, Hades. I appreciate that and thank you both." Piper allowed herself a little grin. "Can't say I'm disappointed that my text was sent to you by mistake."

Living so much of his life in the Underworld, Hades is used to a world that is more sentient than it seems. Majestic may be that way for different reasons, but he still truly understands the concept and finds it delightful.

Even if his mood doesn't entirely read delightful today.

He laughs at that, giving her a look. "It might not have been that way if not for an actual God on your side,' he points out. "I mean, if you had wanted it easier and more dangerous I could have let them fight back more," he says, mostly teasing but then he likes offering her a reason to smile, he realizes.

"Thank you. You led me here and I'm thankful for it. Both to meet you and the house, as well as to end his reign."

Piper smirked in amusement and shrugged a shoulder, bringing her glass to her mouth for a drink. "Maybe not but that's okay," she said with a grin. "They deserved what they got. I'm sure word has spread far and wide by now which will prove to be amusing."

She nodded. "Of course. As Majestic has hinted out, you're welcome here if you ever want to come back to the mortal realm." Piper hoped that she'd see him again but she could only imagine the life of a God kept him busy. Her mouth quirked up. "So is Hecate, for that matter."

After taking another healthy swallow and refilling her glass, Piper spoke again. "Leave a few of the low-level demons for me, if you go after the lot of them. I need something to amuse me during this very long life," she couldn't help but tease him.

He makes a bit of a face, though he shrugs it off as well. "I'm sure I'll hear about it. I should tell my brother," he admits, seeming to consider that for a minute. "Though with only you knowing about it, he likely would never hear about it."

It hadn't taken that much to cover up all the deaths that Persephone had caused, after all.

He laughs at that. "Oh, you shouldn't make that offer. She'll take you up on that. She adores the mortal realm. She'll likely end up bringing others with her." Artemis. Hermes. Persephone. He can only imagine.

Nodding at that, smiling at her and proud of those words. "Of course, I'll even send them your way. Also..." He dips his hand into his jacket, pulling out his business card to hand to her. "In case you ever need me."

"I will never tell," she said with an amused grin. She wasn't planning on saying a word to anyone (other than perhaps Adonis). Besides, she could count how many she trusted on one hand at the moment so it wasn't like she was going to tell people she teamed up with Hades to take down the Underworld.

Piper grinned and glanced around the house. "Well, we're not hurting for space in this house. A number of our... my ancestors are still kicking and they all piled into the house. It was kind of a nightmare but it was also fun to have people around. London is close by so there are plenty of options for shopping and restaurants... history if that's your bag."

"Perfect. I don't want to get too bored, you know," she said with a laugh before taking the business card from him and read it over. "You shouldn't tell me that," she teased him. "You may get me asking you if I can raid your liquor cabinet." Which was exactly how this whole thing started in the first place.

"It would be for your best. Because if my brother learns I did this without speaking to him about it, he's likely to blame you as much as me," he says, not thinking he needs to say how bad that would be for her. "I'll do my best to keep your name out of it if things are discovered though."

He does that tiny little half grin again. "Well, when Eros is going through your clothes and doing you an entire makeover, don't say I didn't warn you." Because it will happen. He knows it will.

But if she's that open, she's likely going to end up with visitors. Not just himself.

He glances downward, considering. "Is that needing my cabinet or wanting a tour?"

Piper nodded in understanding. The last thing she wanted was to be on the bad side of any God, to be completely honest! She had enough trouble in her life than to add that kind of complication to it. "Think he'll find out?" She didn't want him to get in trouble either but she figured he was likely used to it on some level.

She laughed and nodded. "Well, my wardrobe hasn't been changed in nearly a decade so it probably needs an overhaul," she said, her tone teasing though. "If it does happen, then you can tell me 'I told you so'."

Piper wasn't ready to say it out loud but she'd missed having company. She missed Jordan's friendship and the strong friendships between the four of them. So while she really should be a bit particular about those she invited into this house, she also couldn't help that it'd be nice to talk to others instead of just Adonis. Which was, ultimately, just a bit pathetic, she realized.

"Maybe both? But, I clearly am not ready to die just yet," she said with a smile then walked over to him.

Hades doesn't answer that right away. He pauses, honestly thinking about that and trying to consider the truth. He feels no reason to give her false platitudes.

"No, I don't think he will. Unless someone else decides to out my actions today, not you but should someone else have the ear of one of the gods, then there's no reason that I think he would end up hearing about it."

He opens his mouth and then closes it. "Maybe I should let him come visit you. I might direct him here myself," he admits, not smiling but there's a light in his eyes. "I mean, a decade? Really?" He tsks, shaking his head.

"Let me see what I can arrange of some of the lands. Perhaps not the Underworld but there's places with the gods you might be able to visit. You most certainly will have visits from others."

She's glad that he doesn't immediately answer and seems to honestly think about it. Piper nodded when he admitted that he didn't think it would get out. "Good, I wouldn't want you to get in additional trouble... let alone myself." Not that she needed any additional trouble after the last ten years. Vampires and demons were one thing. Gods were another thing completely.

Piper laughed. "I've had other things on my mind for the last decade. My clothing was near the bottom of that list, so long as it allowed me to blend into situations as needed then that's all I needed. So, my closet could use it." Once upon a time, she'd have been proud of her closet but nowadays, and being back at Majestic, it was likely time for an overhaul.

"I'd like that if you're able to," she said with a smile as she stepped in front of him. Piper paused as she considered the thought of other gods visiting and laughed. "You know, I sent a case of chocolate wine to Hera the other day. Not sure how I suddenly got contact numbers for one let alone two of you."

"Oh trust me. I've stayed under my brother's radar for centuries. He has too much to worry about to even think that I might have a life outside of the Underworld."

Which is both the bane of his existence and something that he's thankful for.

"So what I'm getting is guilt for shaming you for that? Really? I'm fairly certain a decade is a long time for mortals," he points out. "Even I know that much."

A brow arches at that and, for a moment, there is a hint of a purplish sheen to his cheeks as he blushes at that. "Hera and I... we've been close for many years. Before she and Zeus even became the pair they are today. I'm not surprised she took interest in someone I've taken interest in. You needn't worry about her saying anything to my brother though. Not if you're a friend of mine."

"That sounds both frustrating and a blessing in disguise," Piper said with a laugh. She knew if she was in Hades's shoes, she'd be torn on wanting to prove that she had a life outside of what was expected and also be grateful to have the respite.

She snorted and allowed herself a smile. "A decade is definitely a long time for mortals and yet I'm sure, in time, I will find out that it's no time at all. I'm looking forward to freshening up my closet."

Piper tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. She wasn't surprised to hear that but it was interesting. She nodded. "That is good to know," she said after a moment then grinned. "I don't believe she meant to send the message to me but it was still interesting."

"If you know anything about the mythology of my family, then you know well that it truly is both." He definitely couldn't deny that and it makes thing better and so much worse than he could imagine.

"I'll send you help. It will definitely make it easier... and a bit of a moment you'll come to hate me," he teases. If he sends Eros, she most certainly will.

He's made an admission to her, one that not many outside of Olympus knows, but if Hera is paying attention to her, that is certainly why. A brow arches then. "Oh? There was a message?"

Her mouth curled up. "I do and I can honestly say, I would feel the same exact way in your situation. How dare they not think I'd have some life outside of where I am? And yet, at the same time, if I can get away with certain things then all the better." But the life of a God was also way beyond her paygrade and so she was sure there was a lot more to it than she'd ever imagine.

Piper tilted her head and considered it. "Hm, I doubt it, it can take quite a bit for me to hate a person."

"Well, I don't believe it was supposed to be toward me but she mentioned something about chocolate wine so I went ahead and sent her some. It was how my misfired text to Adonis was sent to you instead." Whether Hera had done so intentionally, she wasn't sure but perhaps she did? "At the end of it, she did mentioned that I was bookmarked for another goddess though."

"There's a lot of how dare they," he admits with a chuckle. "But I've definitely learned how to work around it." And now he has a reason to do it. Especially here with her.

"Remember you said that," he says with a laugh and a wink. He can't help himself but he needs her to know that, and he knows he is being wicked. It's fun. She makes it fun.

He laughs at that, shaking his head. "Oh you're going to cause me and them trouble," he admits with more amusement than maybe he's shown in a while. "You're courting Hera and yet I'm assuming my darling Hecate has marked you for herself."

It never occurs to him that his Bunny might have realized his blossoming emotions and she truly means him and not a goddess.

"Smart," Piper said with a laugh, nodding her head. She was glad though because if that wasn't the case, who knew what'd happen now that they cleaned out her pseudo-Underworld.

She grinned as he teased her and give her that wink. It was fun seeing him be playful like this and something else that she wasn't quite sure she was ready to name.

"Only in the best possible way, I hope," she agreed with an amused smirk. "Well, just between us and no offense to Hera in the least, I have always considered myself a child of Hecate. Being a witch and all."

It never occurs to her that it could be this man standing in front of her. After a moment, Piper cleared her throat and smiled. "I know you're a busy God and all so I shouldn't keep you here in the mortal realm more than I already have." She reached out and gave him a very quick hug. She wasn't typically a hugger (especially these days) but after today, she'd felt a little bit of closure.

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Stairway to... Hell? (for Hades)

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And if we don't feel like going through all of it, we can handwave until after! :D

Let me know if this works.

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