Crestfall (Rewritten)

The End is Where We Begin

Ordered not to kill or punish the King of Argos, the young God of Wine had no choice but to descend into the underworld to reclaim what was his. Entering the underworld was never difficult for a God, but he held no dominion there. Only what power he held in his own right. It was dangerous even for the children of Zeus to enter, but he didn't fear death. Only losing what mattered most to him.

That stench of morbid hopelessness invaded his senses. It was like the scent of a million burning corpses. Those who had lived their lives in horrid sin dwelt there. He was far from that sweet warmth of Elysium and all those he saw were swirling in torment. Death over and over yet no time passed. As he passed the river he came to the clearing where the mundane and ordinary would live. He was not there to dwell on them or even think about their pain. He had one goal, to bring Ariadne back.

That presence which terrified mortals was close. Stalking him, creeping up on him waiting to take him and keep him there for all eternity. It was evident to him as he strolled casually through the land of the dead that he was being closely watched and followed.

"Won't you just come out?" Dionysus spoke standing still fixing his long dark hair before his Thyrsus appeared in his hand.

That presence appeared before him in an explosion of black smoke. It molded, formed into the shape of a human wielding a long double-sided spear. His hair was long and black, eyes piercing yellow staring into his own as if staring at his prey. He was a tall menacing being clothed in a long black coat which covered his entire form. A being which would strike fear into any mortal who gazed into his striking yet terrifying glare. Thanatos, that horrible name which only meant death to those above.

"Why are you here, Son of Zeus?" Thanatos asked with a voice almost inhuman, but still with great respect for the boy before him. "Even the Gods know this place belongs to the dead," He continued with striding forward, "Do you intend to become one of them?"

"Well I did hear the scenery was to die for," Dionysus answered poorly, "But I was hoping to bring someone back. So move along." His voice was threatening as he spoke lifting the pinecone staff pointing it at the cloaked deity before him.

With a swift motion, Thanatos met the visitor's Thyrsus with his own spear. "Has Olympus forgotten the laws? Death is final. Yours will be as well if you don't turn back." Dionysus merely responded by pushing him back with his own weapon.

As if with the wings of an angel Thanatos flew back towards him. A flurry of spear against spear ensued. Thanatos brought swift and horrible blows to the young God who responded by pushing them away as they came to him. Both sides of Death's spear coming to him over and over. Thanatos clearly had the upper hand in raw power, but Dionysus aware of this simply pushed his attacks away each time waiting for the right moment.

Dionysus ducked below a strike to his neck and thrust his own weapon into the chest of his assailant. "Stop!" A voice called out. Thanatos was unphased by the strike he was given and turned to face the voice. Dionysus as well. Thanatos' spear faded away, but the other's weapon remained in his hand.

Before the two stood a woman with eyes as warm and gentle as the spring sun. Though with hair as wild as ivy vines cascading down her shoulders in pure elegance. "Persephone," Thanatos spoke kneeling before the Queen of the underworld. The other did not bow only lowered his head in some form of respect. "I was only-" Thanatos began before the Dionysus stepped forward.

"I'm here to find Ariadne and bring her home." He told his sister, "Please let me through." His voice was more respectful and pleading.

Persephone walked towards the man waving her hand for Thanatos to leave them. He returned to his smokey form and flew away from them before she was standing before her brother. "My husband and I would be happy to do so," She spoke calmly but a frown followed her words and she shook her head, "But Thanatos is right, there are laws. Even we Gods can't break them. When her penance is served she will return to Earth. However, she will reborn with no memories of who she was. A new life. You know how this works brother."

"So for everything I've done for Zeus I lose my wife?!" Dio began to roar angrily, "I did everything he asked! Now you're telling me I'll never see my wife again?!"

"No," Persephone spoke placing a hand on her brother's face to calm him, "I won't let you live alone. When she is returned you will be able to recognize her. Though...this promise will come with a price. As all do."

"And that is?" Calming himself Dio's Thyrsus faded away stepping forward looking into the warmth of her eyes.

"Can't say," Persephone answered walking away from him. "It will reveal itself when the time comes for her to return. Now you should leave. Good luck, brother." With that, she faded away.

With hope and some aggravation, Dio closed his eyes fading away as well to the edge of the underworld stepping out into the light once again.

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So this is the first part to my Crestfall story rewritten! Hope you guys like it! Leave a comment with any constructive criticism or praise or whatever! Give it a vote too if you feel it's deserving! Love you guys!!