Will You Be Mine 2023 Second Place Winner
Will You Be Mine? Hades x Oc by xDemonBeautyx

My eyes forced themselves to open.

My body groaned as I tried to move it.

My hands clawed at my throat, trying to grasp at the air that my lungs had been so desperately needing.

Where was I?

I took a look at my surroundings and almost screamed in fright. I was in the air, laying on a cloud in mid-air with absolutely no sign of the ground. I shakily tried to stand up but the fear of accidently falling to my death made me freeze and rather try to calmly collect my breathing before figuring out my situation.

I was a realist, always a problem solver and very good at staying calm and rational in every situation I was thrown into. Of course this particular one being a thousand feet of the ground did not require any sort of calmness whatsoever but I believed it was better than panicking.

I must be dreaming. That is the only logical explanation.

I tried to recall the last events of my mind. I had gone to bed like usual, turned on my lamp on my bedside table and had opened up my book of mythology, excited to sour through the pages and live out my fantasies through my imagination. I must've fallen asleep awhile after that because the rest of my memory was foggy, there was little images of a white door and seeing myself walking through it before I couldn't remember a single thing.

"Deep breaths Ophelia, your imagination has gotten the best of you again and made its way into your dreams. You're okay." I whispered to myself, keeping my eyes leveled on not the endless sky surrounding the cloud I was perched upon.

My act of self comfort was cut short when I could only describe as a ball of white light started flying straight at me from out of nowhere.

My eyes widened as I curled myself into a fetus position, putting my shaking hands out and bracing myself for the impact. The peculiar ball of light did not touch me in the slightest, however it did almost blind me with how much more bright it was up close and now situated right in front of my face.

I peaked one eye opened and scanned the ball, expecting the worst.

"Do not be afraid, my dear." The most angelic, honey coated voice spoke. I swallowed harshly, slowly allowing myself to move a little further back on the cloud before I spoke. "Who-what are you? Where am I?" I blurted, desperate for answers.

"My name is Adira, I am the guardian that protects the path to Mount Olympus and the other path to The Underworld. I am here to guide you on your journey, you can trust me." The soft feminine voice said, causing me to sit up straight and alert at the mention of the two kingdoms.

"The Underworld? Mount Olympus? My journey? What does all that mean?" I questioned impatiently. One minute I was reading my book in the safety of my bedroom, the next moment I'm walking through a door and then I'm suddenly talking to a ball of white light.

This is probably the most realistic, vivid dream I've ever had.

"You are in a dream like state my dear, but that doesnt mean none of this is real. You have a purpose, you were chosen for this mission and you have to complete it before you are allowed to go back to the mortal world and back to where your soul and body reside, awaiting your safe return."

What is going on.

"Why me? Why have I been "chosen" this all doesn't make sense! I just want to go home, please I want this dream to stop!" I yelled frantically, slapping myself in hopes it would wake me up but to no avail and the ball of light just continued to float in front of me, as if waiting for me to process everything before it returned to speaking.

"You were chosen because of your benignant heart, you are the embodiment of purity and the universe has put you here for a reason. You may not see it now but it is there, waiting for you to take the opportunity." It continued. "What was I chosen to do?" The million dollar question.

"You must win the heart of one deity, you have the choice between the two kingdoms and whichever one you pick will be where you will be searching for the one in which you will be sharing the most powerful thing in any universe with, love." I couldn't help but laugh, an airy disbelief laugh that couldn't be held back.

"You want me to go to either Mount Olympus or The Underworld and make someone fall in love with me so that I can go home and return back to my normal life? Correct?" I reconfirmed. The ball of light flashed brightly, giving me my answer.

I knew absolutely everything about the gods and the myths and legends, I was a vivid and obsessed reader when it came to mythology. It felt like an escape from reality, it felt like home.

Well this certainly didn't feel like home.

"Choose."

Not a second later two paths started emerging in the sky. To my right, a tall mountain stood with what seemed like an old castle attached to it, built into it with hundreds of cherry blossom coloured clouds surrounding it. I knew what kingdom that was.

Mount Olympus.

A place where pain and sorrow did not exist, a place of magic and opportunities where you could obtain anything your heart truly desires. Zeus ruled Mount Olympus as well as the pantheon of gods who lived there, watching over mankind he would punish those who defied him and help those who were wronged. Zeus came out as the supreme ruler against his brothers. He was Lord of the Sky, the Rain-god, and the Cloud-gather, who welded the awful thunderbolt.

And with all of my research, I had decided that I did not care for Zeus nor the cocky, power hungry gods that lived in the so called perfect kingdom and I was certainly not going to try and win any of their cheating, abusive hearts.

"I may choose any deity to win over, am I correct?" I whispered softly to the ball of light and it glowed brightly, making me nod and think carefully.

My eyes wandered to my left, to see a black stone path leading to a long rickety bridge that had a few missing boards. At the end of the bridge, if you dared make it to the other side, was the large arched door of flames that lead to what was known as "The Underworld."

The Underworld played an important role in the lives of the Ancient Greeks and was a constant influence on their behaviours. It was the centre of Ancient Greek beliefs concerning the afterlife, and was thought to be ruled by the god, Hades.

I shiver went through my body as I thought of the certain god.

The belief of the Ancient Greeks was that when someone died their psyche, the Greek word for soul, left their body and was transported to the Underworld via the River Styx. The Underworld was said to be dark and dreary place where the shades, or souls, of those who died lived resided.

It was considered the dark counterpart to the bright Mount Olympus and was the kingdom of the dead that corresponded to the kingdom of the gods.

The Underworld was a realm invisible to the living and made solely for the dead.

"It seems that you have made your choice, my dear." The voice stated as I quickly forced my concentration away from the Kingdom of Hell and rather onto the beautiful white light in front of me. It could sense my longing and curiosity to wander over to the left path, not an ounce was me was remotely interested in choosing the right side anyway.

"I will go to The Underworld, that is my choice."

Suddenly the path to Mount Olympus crumbled, the emerald tiles disintegrating into thin air and the once view of the old castle vanishing beneath the clouds, never to be seen by my eyes again.

I finally managed to find the strength to stand up, reminding myself not to even dare look at anything other than the pathway to The Underworld, especially not anything that would trigger my extreme fear of heights, that I had been desperately trying to keep at bay.

I took a deep, long breath before taking my first hesitant step on the dark stone. A cold shiver went up my spine but I kept moving, taking delicate quick steps to make it to the bridge before my eyes traveled downwards. "Before you leave, there is one more thing I must warn you about."

I turned around almost worriedly and came face to face with the bright ball of light again. I waited for it to continue with what it had to say.

"Your journey does not have ultimate time, exceed your time limit and you will be stuck in this world forever with no way of returning to your life in the mortal realm." It warned me. "How much time do I have?" I sputtered in shock.

"You will know when your time is almost up, and if you do not succeed you will no longer cease to exist. Failure isn't an option."

Before I could beg for more answers, the white angelic light disappeared.

I could not stop and ponder, not when I had just found out I only had a little bit of time to complete my quest and return home. I turned around and continued my speed walk towards the old bridge.

The entrance to The Underworld called out to me and I knew the only way to get through was walking across the dangerous, creaky bridge where if I made one wrong move, I would fall into the lake way down below and no fool would want to fall into that lake, especially if they knew what was lurking in it.

"One foot forward, keep your head up and do not look back." I told myself, taking a careful step on the first wooden board to test if it could hold my weight without snapping in two. When I was certain the bridge was somewhat stable, I held onto the ropes and all but dragged myself across, making sure my steps were light and hurried, just incase.

I was almost at the last board when the gods cursed me and instead of my shoes hitting the wood securely, it went straight through.

I screamed as my legs fell through the large seeping hole in the wooden board, causing me to use my arms as an anchor to avoid falling to my death. I tried heaving myself up but my arms were no nearly as strong as to pull my entire body back onto the bridge.

My legs dangled in mid air and I looked down, right into the mouth of Lake Lerna.

Oh how I wished I never looked down.

A shrill, death like shriek made my body run cold and my ears ring. Water started flying everywhere as the lake rumbled, the bridge shaking as large mountains of water began rising all the way up to where I was merely holding onto for dear life.

It had sensed me.

Another loud shriek made me choke on my own sob, pure fear attacking every sense and feeling of my body. I knew what was coming and had no hope that I was going to survive.

Emerging from Lake Lerna was a creature from the depths of hell. I had read many stories of the Lernaean Hydra, the said creature only to be a known as myth due to no soul ever living to tell the tale if they encountered the beast.

The many headed serpent-like creature , the size of a hundred dragons that guarded another entrance to the Underworld underwater, slithered higher and higher in my direction, it's numerous hungry eyes locked directly onto mine as it inched closer and closer. My mind pleaded at me to try and think of something to get out of this terrifying doom, but my arms were too weak to pull my body up and I was basically trapped like a wounded deer about to be engulfed by it's prey.

What a pathetic way to die on my journey, I hadn't even made it past the entrance.

My cries began getting louder, not taking my eyes off the beast and prayed that my death would be painless, that it would swallow kill and swallow me quickly.

Just when I thought it was finally my end, a large chariot with four black horses started making its way to the bridge. The Hydra hissed when the chariot drew nearer and stopped at the end of the bridge just as the creature was mearly inches away from my hanging almost limp body.

The door to the chariot opened and the air grew thin and freezing, the waters that were surrounding the serpent and I dropped back into Lake Lerna and I knew this could only mean a god was among us.

Not just any god, but one of legends most powerful gods.

Hades, the Greek God of The Underworld stood above me and held out his hand for me to grab onto. The son of the Titans Kronos and Rhea, and brothers of the deities Zeus and Posiden that resided in Mount Olympus, was offering his help.

I hesitantly reached out and took his hand, surprised by how warm and tender it felt as the god pulled me up with ease and back onto the safest of the bridge. I was quickly grabbed and forced up by two beastly looking giants and taken to stand against the chariot.

I watched Hades give one look to the Lernaean Hydra, who had been frozen in fear and respect, causing it to retreat immediately back to its underwater solitude and no longer wanting to have me as its full course meal which I was very relieved about.

The God Of The Underworld then turned towards me and gave me the most terrifying, murderous glare I had ever encountered in my entire life. His piercing golden eyes shon against my soft green ones and I had to admit how awed I was at his beauty. Hades had dark raven hair that touched his shoulders, black armor like robes against his tan coloured skin with a spiked crown sitting at the top of his head proudly. I eyed the extensive amount of jewelry on the man, not realizing he was taking small steps towards me.

"I'm sure you already know who I am mortal, but I shall introduce myself anyway. I am Hades, Keeper of The Underworld and it is my job to make sure the dead stay here for all eternity." His husky deep voice boomed, causing my legs to visibly shake.

Ah yes, although Hades may be the God Of Dead, he is not the God Of Death. That would be Thanatos, a primordial winged God who was the twin of the god of sleep, Hypnos. Thanatos is who sweeps down to take the souls of people and cause them to die and become a member of The Underworld. This was Hades's kingdom yes, but Thanatos did all the dirty work.

He was what mortals called "The Grim Reaper."

After the huge war that lasted ten years, Zeus won and became the new king of gods. Together with his brothers, Hades and Posiden, they divided the world into separate kingdoms.

Zeus got the air and sky.

Posiden got the sea, water and earthquakes.

Hades, even though he was the eldest brother, was left with the kingdom of the dead known as The Underworld.

"My name is Ophelia, I have come to win your heart." I blurted stupidly, already deciding that I wanted the god who saved my life to be the one I chose to try and love. Hades chuckled amused and leaned in close to my face, so close I could feel his breath fanning against my lips as he spoke, "I have heard all about your little prophecy and just so we're both clear before you think you actually have a chance at returning home, I don't believe in love in the slightest so this means nothing to me."

"Guess I have my work cut out for me." I spoke again without thinking.

The God Of The Underworld scanned me up and down almost dangerously before pulling me into the chariot and ordering the horses to return to his palace. "You chose wrong." Was all the man next to me said as we rode the rest of the way in silence.

No, I didn't believe I chose wrong and I was going to prove it to him.

I would make him fall in love with me if it was the last thing I did.

Months later

If only I knew I would be the one falling hopelessly in love with Hades.

My long, red dress flowed as I walked through The Underworld, just as I had done every morning from the first moment I had arrived here. This kingdom was said to be a reenactment of Hell itself but I didn't see it that way, no it was far more beautiful than the storybooks could ever describe it.

The Underworld was split into 3 major areas. The Asphodel Fields, The Elysian Fields and Tartarus.

The Asphodel Fields were where most people went. They became shades, spirit versions of the persons they were in life, and wandered around there.

The Elysian Fields were where especially heroic, good, or virtuous people went. They were bright places full of beauty, music, merriment, and cheer. The dead who could enter here had lives of bliss and happy activity. This is the closest to the Christian heaven.

Tartarus, on the other hand, was where particularly evil people went. To end up in Tartarus, severe atrocities or insults to the gods had to have been committed in life. In Tartarus, a horridly black and cold place, only punishments were meted out.

I stepped over an Eurynomos, a blue-black skinned demon of the underworld who fed on the flesh of corpses. They were dark-winged death demons which haunted the bad souls of The Underworld. "You are supposed to be in Tartarus, move along now." I told the small creature. It snarled at me before doing what it was told and flying away.

I smiled to myself, happy with the power I had made for myself since I had been here.

All of a sudden the ground started shaking as Cerberus, The Three Headed Dog of Greek Mythology came charging at me. He was as big as a skyscraper but still managed to act like a big baby as he howled in excitement when he caught sight of me, his wagging tail causing gusts of wind due to how powerful and big it was.

"Hello there pup, any chance your master is around?" I asked politely, standing on the very tips of my tippy toes as the humongous dog bent down to I could softly stroke his head. Before Cerberus could show me where his master was, the devil himself appeared from the shadows as if he knew he was being summoned.

Even after months of being in The Underworld, my breath was always knocked out of me everytime I locked eyes with Hades. But even after months, his hate for love did not change no mater how hard I tried to convince him. My actions did no good either, in fact it only enraged him further.

The only time when Hades became enraged was if others tried to cheat him or cheat their way out of death or try to escape without his permission. Though feared because he was king of the dead, Hades was a benign ruler with a lot of compassion. He was interested in keeping balance and peace in his kingdom, and he was often moved by the plights of mortals.

Even when reading about him in my mythology books, I always knew he was just made out to be something he was not. He was no monster, just misunderstood.

"Good morning, Hades." I greeted happily, lifting my hand to caress his cheek when he got close enough. Hades dodged my hand and cleared his throat. "There is no morning nor night in The Underworld. You should know that by now, Ophelia." Oh how I loved when he said my name, it sounded so rich coming from his mouth.

"I'm aware, I was just trying to make pleasant conversation." I admitted sheepishly, making the god scoff. "You should also know by now that I am not interested in conversing with you." He sighed, tired of all my antics that I refused to give up on. "Look Hades, I don't know how much time I have and you know how I feel towards you and I've really tried to win your love and affection back but you're making this impossible!" I snapped.

Hades's eyes glowed as he stalked towards me, making me cower slightly at his tall masculine frame.

"I do not WANT your feelings, I do not WANT your affection and I certainly have no intention of reciprocating ANYTHING! I do not care about you Ophelia, the only reason you are still here is because I've shown you mercy, I couldn't care less about how much damn time you have, the closer you are to leaving me in peace the better!"

Tears welled up in my eyes. It felt like my heart was being ripped to shred by starving wolves and I could not begin try and retaliate a response.

Hades expression softened for a moment seeing my heartache but quickly shook his head and continued walking. My body began screaming in pain, my vision cloudy with tears and I knew this meant my time was up, the pain and rejection was all too real and I let my body drop to the ground and slowly waited for my soul to be captured and held in the very kingdom of the god I was in love with.

"Ophelia?!"

"I love you, Hades. Forgive me." My eyes closed, tuning out Hades's panic as I felt the darkness overtaking me.

-

Sunlight peaked through the curtains and I groaned, pulling the covers over my head even more and snuggling into my pillow.

Wait.

I shot up and gasped, seeing the familiar lavender coloured walls and paintings of Greek gods and goddesses at every corner. I was back in my bedroom, but how? I prodded and poked at my body and surely enough I was there, I could feel everything and I wasn't dead.

How could this be? I ran out of time without winning the heart of a deity, I was supposed to disappear. My throat tightened when I thought about The God Of The Underworld.

"Ophelia, honey there's someone at the door for you!" My mother called, making me smile with fresh tears present in my eyes as I ran downstairs happily, straight to the kitchen and pulled her in for a tight hug, almost making her drop the frying pan she was holding in the process.

"My my, someone's in a good mood this morning." My mother laughed, hugging me back. Oh if only she knew.

"I guess I'm just having a good day so far." I grinned, making her raise an eyebrow curiosity. "It wouldn't have something to do with the handsome boy at the door, would it?" She teased. "Boy? What boy?" I immediately questioned as she shrugged. "Not sure, he said he was a friend of yours. I told him to wait and then I called for you."

As soon as she finished her sentence I left her in the kitchen and rushed to the front door, swinging it open with hope and silent pleading in my head.

"Ophelia."

"Hades." I breathed, jumping into his open arms and crying as he shushed and held me close. Gone were his glowing gold eyes and instead replaced by soft hazel ones, with his now short black hair that made him seem more boyish than anything. Heck, he looked like he was the same age as me now especially without the royal clothes and jewelry. Instead he wore light blue ripped jeans with a black silk shirt and oh did he smell divine.

He looked so human.

"How are you here? How am I here? I died, didn't I?" I rushed out, pressing my forehead against his.

"You won my heart long before you died Ophelia, I just didn't want to admit it to myself. I wasn't happy in The Underworld but you made it bearable, I couldn't just let you me when you were my only source of happiness." His words repaired my broken heart and I smiled.

Hades didn't waste anymore time as he pulled me in for a sweet and loving kiss, making my stomach somersault as I kissed him back just as passionately, pouring out all my feelings into the kiss. "So you're choosing to stay here on Earth, with me?" I whispered when we pulled away.

"Your home is here Ophelia, and you are my home so yes I'm going to stay on earth with you. I'm going to stay with the woman that I'm deeply in love with, after all she won my heart fair and square."

We both laughed and held eachother again, excited to see where the future was going to take us.