The Hidden World of Gods and Magic

Chapter Two - The Odd Truth

“Anisa? Sweetheart can you hear me?” Jen said. “Hmm… I think I just had the weirdest dream of all, I dreamed of a black cat that could ta…” Anisa said and caught a glimpse of the black cat on the sofa next to Jen. “W-what –How—“ She tried but the cat lifted one paw to silence her. “My dear that was no dream. I am here and yes I do speak but you chose for me to come to you as a cat of all things. That is why you see me as such.” The black cat said. “Jen am I still dreaming?” Anisa asked looking somewhat confused at Jen’s lack of fear or confusion.

“Anisa I haven’t been honest with you for some time now and I apologize for only revealing my big secret now. Well all things considered you did summon the Greek God Apollo, god of light and truth. The master of Poetry and music and the god of Archery.” Jen said. “None of this is making any sense. What are you talking about Jen? And what is this big secret your on about? And since when can a cat speak?” Anisa asked very confused.

“My dear I think it’s best I show her.” Apollo said with a heavy heart. “Very well if you must. Please do take your human form inconsideration.” Jen said. “Human form? Huh? If this is some sick joke Jen I swear…” Anisa was cut off as the black cat changed to a handsome young man with the most beautiful eyes and very strong build. “Uhm…wow….” Anisa said not sure where to look as the naked young man stood before her. “Apollo please do get dressed I do not believe your nakedness is good for Ms. Valentine here.” Jen said but she didn’t appear phased by any of what happened.

“Good point dear cousin, please forgive my current state of nudity Ms. Valentine.” Apollo said. “Cousin? Jen what is he talking about?” Anisa asked. “Anisa my name is not Jen. My name is Persephone. I am the daughter of Demeter, goddess of corn and harvest. So to explain it mildly, Zeus is my uncle and Apollo here is my cousin.” Persephone said. “Wait a minute. You want me to believe that you’re the goddess of the underworld thanks to Hades who kidnapped you to be his wife? How do I even know that?” Anisa said.

“Persephone you haven’t told her yet, have you?” Apollo asked with a impatient look on his face. “No I have not. I was hoping to have more time before we needed to but I guess this is the time.” Persephone said looking a little sad guilty. “You haven’t told me what yet?” Anisa said. “My dear have you ever wondered why you could never remember your parents? Or your childhood or even where you grow up?” Apollo asked.

“How do you know that? I never told anyone about that not even to Jen…I mean Persephone.” Anisa said with a very dark look in her eyes. “Apollo! You can not trigger the curse yet! You know what your Father will do if he finds out we’ve been keeping her on earth all this time. What do you think he would say if he finds out we’ve been hiding her for 500 years?” Persephone asked variously. “Persephone, I am truly sorry you had to go through more that you have already encountered by my father and your husband. Does Hades know of all this?” Apollo asked.

“Yes. He has helped me hide her for the first 300 years.” Persephone said. “What are you talking about? Me? Over 500 years old? You must be joking. No disrespect but seeing as the both of you know me better that I do apparently, who are my parents? And why can I not remember my past?” Anisa said with a bit more rage than necessary.

“See now what you did Apollo. You tell her.” Persephone said folding her arms over her chest and looking in the other direction. “Very well, Anisa you are the daughter of Psyche and Eros. Your mother was the most beautiful human the gods have ever seen and your father Eros could not make her fall in-love with a man not worthy of her. You know how the unfinished story ends but you don’t know how it actually ends… Your mother knew she was pregnant with you and she tried very hard not to let your grandmother Aphrodite know of your existence. She saved you the night your grandmother wanted to slaughter your mother. She gave birth to you but you where to weak so she begged your father Eros to hide you where Aphrodite may never find you before the time is right and you are strong enough to fight her and return to your mother in peace. My father Zeus has granted Eros 2 favors. One being he gets to marry your mother and the second giving him the power to cloak anyone or anything for as long as he desires.” Apollo said.

“Ok so if I’m the daughter of Eros and Psyche then what is the name they chose for me?” Anisa said. “Your name given to you by your mother is Voluptatem which mean Pleasure.” Apollo said. “Ok….then why call me Ms. Valentine?” She asked. “That my dear is the day of your birth. You were born on Valentine’s Day. You have not aged in almost 500 years. You have immortality like the rest of us but your eyes give away who your mother is and your personality is very seductive to most, even to some of the gods. That’s why we started meeting in your dreams to make sure you were safe.” Persephone said and held out her hand. Anisa took it and stood.

“I’m going to need some time to process all of this. I still have so many more questions but I’m not sure if I’m ready to find out the complete truth yet…” She said with a sign. ‘My whole life I thought I was like everyone else… What I found out now will haunt me for as long as I’m breathing.’ She thought. “I know it’s a lot to take in but you’ll always be my best friend Anisa. Never forget that.” Persephone said with a small smile.

“Persephone… Would you mind giving me some space? I need to wrap my head around all of this…”’ Anisa said with a hint of sorrow in her voice. Persephone knew what Anisa was really saying and she understood why. “Very well, please rest for now. You will be need all the strength you can muster for your…uh…test later.” Persephone said but the word still felt strange on her tongue but she knew what that director really meant and she knew she may not aid Anisa in her challenge in any way. The only thing she could do is hope that Anisa would make the right choice and pray the gods will protect her on this challenge. “Thank you Je…I mean Persephone.” Anisa said.

“Persephone may I have a word?” Apollo asked. ‘Something’s up. Hopefully he didn’t notice my little prayer to Zeus.’ She thought. “Of course cousin. Please lead the way.” Persephone said. As they walked to the kitchen she noticed the shadow Anisa pretended not to notice but still it had unnerved her friend. “Show yourself…” Persephone said. In an instance the shadow took the shape of a serpent. “Your Highness.” He said in an inhuman voice. “Ah Apep, why have you entered my home?” Persephone said with a healthy dose of anger in her voice.

“My apologies your Highness. Some in the underworld has caught wind of the whereabouts of the  daughter of Eros and said she is walking amongst the mortals. I had to come see for myself if this was true.” Apep hissed but he did not dare cross his master.

“Speak to no one of what you have learned in your visit to the world of the mortals.” Persephone said. “I do however have a job for you Apep. You will return to the underworld but you will keep watch on my dearest husband for me. If anything about the child gets out ,Apep, I will have your head.” She said with a demanding voice.

“As you wish, you’re Highness.” Apep said and vanished in thin streaks of black smoke. “I do hope he will not make another appearance before Anisa discovers her gift. How can you stand the sight of such an impure being?” Apollo asked with slight disgust. “You will get use to him and his brothers. He is the deadlier one of all his kind. Best not get in his way.” Persephone said still watching the spot Apep vanished from just mere moments before.

“What do you suppose was his real reason for coming to the world of mortal? I know one thing for a fact; he was lying about wanting to see the child for himself.” Apollo said as he stared out of the window. “I am well aware of that dear cousin. He is up to something. Let’s pray and hope our family is listening and ready to aid Anisa wherever she might need guidance.” Persephone said as she moved from the window closer to the fridge. “You know something of all this, care to elaborate? Why send that chaotic serpent to spy on your husband?” Apollo asked carefully watching Persephone. “I have my reasons why I send Apep to check on my husband Apollo. Do not question my motives as I do not question yours.” Persephone demanded with a stun voice.

“Persephone what are you hiding?” Apollo asked. “My secrets are my own Apollo, you have always had yours and I have never asked you about them in the past so please do not ask my about mine.” Persephone said with a hint of heartbreak in her voice. “Please forgive me dear cousin. I am always so set in finding the truth that I forget at times that you carry the blood of gods in you as much as I do.” Apollo said and took Persephone in his embrace.

“Speak no more of it dear cousin. Now, why have you asked to speak to me?” Persephone said as she filled two cups with coffee and offered one to Apollo. “I seem to have lost my train of thought.” Apollo said and accepted the cup. “If it is important you will remember what it was dear cousin.” Persephone said with a small smile. “Very well, I shall finish my cup and leave you to retire for the night.” Apollo said. “Thank you Apollo. Please show yourself out.” Persephone said and bid Apollo good night.

While Persephone sat on her bed she thought of a time where everything was simpler. “She is beautiful. Is that your daughter?” A noble woman asked. “Yes, she is my only daughter.” Persephone said with a shy smile. “You must be very proud. She is a delight. Do you have any suitors ready for her? I can imagine she is of age?” The woman asked. “I am very proud of her. She may choose which suitor she wishes to marry.” Persephone said with a stun voice.

“How absurd! She knows nothing of what a woman’s life is all about. She must wed a nobleman and produce an air for him before she loses her youth. Have you gone mad Jenifer?” The woman asked in disgust. “Well now Victoria. Who is the one who married for riches? And if I remember correctly, your husband does not have healthy seed for you to produce an air. Need I remind you of more?” Persephone challenged. “Uhm…no…Jenifer. I apologize for overstepping on the matter. If you feel that she is ready to make those decisions for herself then who am I to say otherwise?” Victoria said defeated.

“Thank you for your time Victoria. Zareth, please send for the carriage, Mrs. Sterling will be leaving right away.” Persephone said. “Right away madam, need I send word to cook for some tea and cakes?” Zareth asked. “Thank you Zareth. That will be all for now.” Persephone said leading Victoria to the door. “Do send word to Richard and have him contact me immediately regarding the fire.” Persephone said as the door closed. “Right away madam.” The footman named Jackson said. “Zareth, send Anastasia to my rooms and have Ella bring up the tea.” Persephone said and left in a hurry. ‘I hope Richard will come up with some sort of plan. We cannot afford to stay any longer.’ She thought and slid the doors closed.

“How the times have changed. He he he sometimes I am glad to see how the times have changed. It is so easy now to know what is happening around you with the least amount of effort.” Persephone said aloud to herself. “Might as well get some rest before I start preparing a hearty breakfast for Anisa.” She said and smiled to herself.