Seattle Public Graveyard >> Comus’ Appartement >> Acropolis
“Evening Ma’am.” One of the diggers said as they both waved towards Hel. Who threw them a small wave and smile back. They were diligent men. Digging the graves where soon a coffin would be placed in. They often worked in the evening. When Hel appeared to tend the many graves. She returned to the grave she was tending the night before. She knelt before it and began to clean the grime and filth off of it. With that out of the way she could see the simple letters etched in the stone again. Her fingers trailed over them, letting her feel the depth etched in the stone. Like many, the rain had weather the stone slightly. So with a chisel and hammer, she slowly but surely re-etched the name and the years. 2005. Was that a long time ago?
When Hel’s breath turned to vapor, she didn’t stop. Instead she just smiled. “Evening…Elise.” She said, as she read the name off the tombstone which she kept her gaze upon. Some dead didn’t like to be seen. Others preferred it. If they wanted her full attention, they would ask for it. Life was that simple. Ask of the Goddess of Helheim, and she will help.
“You…can hear me?” The ethereal voice asked. “I…you are the first.” Her words seemingly echoed off of invisible walls.
“Do you want me to see you?” Hel asked, still keeping her eyes on the stone. The last year was almost done.
“Yes… Please.” The Ethereal voice said. And Hel obliged, Rising up from her knees to turn around. They always stood behind her. Though the goddess never knew why. Nor did she ask. The girl before her looked sweet, but young. No older than twenty. Dressed in a white gown. But with blood staining the front of her dress. “You can… see me as well?” The girl asked. Hel just nodded. What was odd about the girl was the blood running from her mouth. It was just a trickle.
Hel slightly cocked her head. “You’re bleeding.” She noted, dryly. The ghost, for her part, didn’t seem too bothered about this either. She just softly touched the blood from her chin. “Someone is calling for you.” The goddess remarked. Humans were terrible at saying goodbye. They would remember people after decades even. People they never really knew.
The ethereal girl closed her eyes for a second. “I think…my sister. She is…asking for me.” But then the ghost’s eyes opened up again. “I cannot…leave this place. Could you…help me?”
Hel smiled fully now. “Yes, and I will. Whatever you need, I will help you.”
“Could you tell my sister…that I love her. And that I miss her. And that…I’m really sorry for kissing Derrek. She’s…south from here. I think. I can see her. Surrounded by people. It's loud. There’s music. Laughter. It feels…warm.”
“Okay. I will find her and tell her.” Hel said, as she took a step closer, and took the ghost in her arms. The ghost, to her own surprise, felt the only tangible form she had felt in years probably. The goddess’ embrace. Elise put her head on Hel’s shoulder and whispered: “Thank you.” Before vanishing immediately.
With the spirit put to rest again, Hel pulled out her phone. Laughter. Young people. Warmth. She had no idea where that was. But one person in Seattle would.
To: Comus
I have a favor to ask. I need to find somewhere warm, with lots of laughing young people and loud music. Would you know where such a thing would be in the Southern side of this city?
Hebe, after that disaster of a morning, had only been able to think of one person to go to. One person who she knew would be able to cheer her up, who’d be able to stop her from just moping about, eating ice cream & watching endless TikToks. Not that she didn’t enjoy that, but it would also have allowed the not so desirable thoughts to creep in. So instead, she had headed over to Coco’s, after telling her a teeny tiny fib about why she couldn’t stay in her dorm anymore. Not long after there’d been the instagram posts about the party. She’d tried not to keep clicking on the stories, for the way it sent her heart racing, and although the idea of the party made such physical sensations even worse…she was unable to say no to spending time with Coco.
Now sat in the middle of the living room, Hebes tongue moved to stick out the corner of her mouth, soft brown eyes narrowing in concentration as her slender hands worked, not so deftly, on their craft. Fingers briefly came up to rub her nose as she suddenly got an itch, a smattering of glitter being left in its wake. Twitching her nose, she resisted the urge to sneeze, not wanting to ruin her delicate work.
“Look so good, yeah, look so sweet~” Hebes soft voice tinkled about the room as she absentmindedly begun to sing, “Baby, you deserve a treat~” Nodding her head along, she picked up a final daisy-shaped piece of paper, applying some glue to the back, before adding it to her creation. Carefully placing it back on the floor, her hands came to clap excitedly together.
“Coco is gonna look so cute in this!” She squeaked in delight, gaze finally looking up from her spot on the soft carpet. Hebe was surrounded by what could only be described as an explosion of paper and sparkles, the mess having somehow expanded to cover half the floor, and part of the couch. “I’m done!” She called out to her best friend, bouncing up from her cross-legged position to show her the flower crown.
As Comus danced around her apartment unwinding from the stress that was the after photo shoot luncheon, she was called to attention at the sound of Hebe’s words. When she eventually poked her head out from around the corner into the living area she was greeted with a sight so chaotic it had her blood pumping and a large smile plastered on her lips.
"Ooooh Heebs!" The anarchic entity squealed with unbridled excitement, taking the offering presented her with attempted delicacy. But that was a lot harder to do when someone like Coco was already buzzing with energy. "It's perfect~!" Placing the flower crown atop her head she pulled the brunette into a bone crushing embrace only to break away when her phone went off in her back pocket. Upon closer inspection the sender isn't what surprised her but rather the message sent. Turning the screen towards Hebe she broached the questions, "Why? Think she means Herc's party?" It was more for her own benefit as she didn't even wait for Hebe's response, instead typing out her own.
To: Hel
yeah! i think i know exactly whatcha mean. heebs and i will swing by in a few.
After thinking for a moment and mulling over the fact that this is Hel she's conversing with she typed out another reply informing the death goddess to wear something comfy that isn’t work attire. Satisfied she placed her phone into her back pocket and proceeded to finish prepping for the frat party.
Hebe had been happy to hear that Hel would be joining them. She hadn’t known she liked parties (especially the Frat kind) but the goddess of death was so beautiful, and had always been nice to her during their brief interactions, so she was sure that she’d be super fun to hang out with. After Coco had text her back, the two finished putting the final touches to their outfits — which had taken a little longer than it should have, for the pair kept getting distracted by dancing and mock bouts of karaoke — but eventually, they were ready.
“You look so pretty!” Hebe chimed happily to Coco as she admired their finished looks, taking ahold of her hand and playfully twirling her about the room in time to the music they had blaring in the background. “Oh, speaking of - you have to show me the photos from your shoot when you get them! Pretty please!” Nose crinkled in excitement at the thought of getting to see Coco modelling. Especially with Aphrodite too!
“I wonder what Hel's going to be wearing…” She pondered as she let go of her gentle grip on Cocos hand, finally making her way to the front door. Luckily she’d made extra flower crowns so Hel would be able to have one too if she wanted..which Hebe really hoped she would. She bet she’d look so cute in one.
The second they rang the bell the door of Hel’s genuinely humble adobe opened up. Revealing the goddess of death dressed in a long, timeless black dress with a rather plunging neckline. Her blonde tresses were flowing one sided to her shoulder. As two beautiful but simple silver clasps on the other side kept her hair in check and cherry red lipstick hid the coldness of her lips. She hoped it would be enough. It was for a party after all. If she had more time she would’ve taken one of her more intricate dresses and put her hair up in that ancient shieldmaiden style she loved so much. Yet when she saw the two girls, dressed not in dresses but…strange colorful t-shirts. “Oh…” Hel’s smile collapsed as she realized she was dressed very wrong for the occasion. “Dear.”
"Hel… oh," Coco's normal excitable disposition came to a complete stop at seeing how dolled up her friend had decided to dress. "Um, yeah, well it's not work clothes but it works! C'mon!" It took only a moment for the initial shock to wear off before she was gripping the blonde by her wrist and dragging her past the threshold of her home.
It was an odd combination of assembled goddesses, if the other pantheons were to mention anything of it. Death, Chaos and Eternal Youth. Almost like the mythos of the fates; the maiden, the mother and crone. Though as anyone with eyes, mortal or not, would see that neither fit the description of the old hag. Comus shivers at remembering how decrepit and ancient she was when she tried to play with the locks of her hair anytime she would make trips down to the underworld accompanying her father. Even more so based on attire alone it would look as if an elder sister were stuck babysitting the younger two; the tie dyed duo probably even looked like they ruined Hel's date night with how contrasting they were.
"So, um, we're gonna need a ride to get there unless you guys wanna walk the next thirty blocks. Hel, mind if we took the 'cedes?" Coco purposefully asked the goddess, given she works best with upfront bluntness.
Hebe had been watching the other two in silent veneration, eagerly nodding along with everything that Comus said. “I don’t mind walking! Though it is kinda cold…” She rubbed a free hand against one of her arms, where goosebumps had quickly begun to appear, the friction providing only a brief moment of warmth. Their outfits may have been cute and fun, but they definitely weren’t the most suitable thing for a brisk October night. “But that’s okay!” She quickly added on, not wanting to make Hel feel like they had to go in her car…even if she secretly did want to sneak a peek in the Mercedes.
As she waited on her decision, Hebe's eyes widened as she suddenly remembered the gift she had brought. “Oh!” She blurted out, “You don’t have to wear it…but I made this for you!” Her face lit up as she held out the flower crown, hands gripping it carefully to make sure she didn’t squish her delicate work. “I thought it might be nice if we were all matching…” Hebe was practically bouncing on her tiptoes as she waited to see if Hel would take it, eyes eagerly flitting across her face.
The death goddess, for her part, was quite surprised by the gift. Her father was prone to give her things, but never anyone else. She was quiet for a second. Blinking twice at Hebe. Then her face lit up as well. “Thank you!” Hel said as a smile grew on her lips. With the same care as Hebe was holding the crown, so too did Hel take it. Slowly she put it on her own head. In all honestly she fully expected half of it to rot away immediately. Have the flowers their life drained out of them. To her surprise, she felt no such change. Her smile grew, though it rather painfully reminded her of her own, lonely crown. “Thank you again! It’s so nice.” Hel said, again. For a second she took a small step towards Hebe as she opened her arms. But quickly pulled back again. Realizing the young Goddess wasn’t one of the dead. Her hugs would feel freezing and icy.
It was then that she noticed the goosebumps on Hebe’s arm. Hel herself couldn’t feel the cold breeze, but clearly the girls could. “Oh no! We are certainly taking my car!” Hel quickly said, and from her clutch she pulled the Mercedes’ keys. Behind the two young goddesses a Mercedes S-Class beeped. Marking it as her car. Better yet, it was already warming the air within. But that would only do during the trip. How would they stay warm once at the party!? “Are you sure neither of you would want like… a sweater or something? I have plenty of clothes you could take.”
“I’m just glad I didn’t have to break into another vehicle, getting here was a pain…” before the Ruler of Helheim could shoot her a very motherly disapproving look, she soldiered on informing her that no, she didn’t leave the stolen borrowed vehicle anywhere near her residency. A playful smile danced across her lips as she gave a nonchalant shrug at the situation of it all before they piled into the sleek transport. Letting Hebe sit up front this go round.
“Nah we should be fine once we get there, I don’t really see us going outside too much unless there’s a fire going,” it was almost like she was speaking aloud to herself thinking about any of the mischief she could get up to while there. For sure on top of that list was to reconnect Heebs and Herc. After so long apart this was a much needed distraction from the god killing perpetrator; public enemy number one. It seemed foolish that just a few days ago they found out about this… person, and yet here she was on her way to a frat party as if it were all a terrible dream.
A sigh passed her lips, “Thank you though, for the offer. You are too kind of a soul.”
Hebe, seeing Hel step closer, had instantly pulled the goddess into a brief hug, before plopping herself down in the passenger seat of the car. Although her embrace had felt bitterly cold against her skin, Hebe cared little. A hug was a hug. Of course it was nice when someone warm wrapped their arms around you but in the end, the gesture itself was enough. “I’m glad you like it.” She beamed as she turned to face her, “It looks great on you!”
After pulling the seat belt across her body and clicking it into place, Hebe couldn’t help but glance down at her phone again, several more notifications having popped up on the screen. Before she’d been able to distract herself with crafts and dancing and laughing, but now…now they were definitely going to the party. Nervously chewing on her bottom lip, she tried to ignore the sudden sensation of butterflies fluttering madly around her stomach, instead turning back to look at Comus. “I wonder who else is going to be there…” She pondered, shooting her a small smile.
Chaotic energy back in full swing at the innocence of Hebe’s ponderings got Coco excited to tease her all the way to the party. “Oh, you know. A bunch of impressionable mortals and a few gods from way back. Herc is hosting~” she was not subtle in her wink she shot to the front of the car.
Once again Hebe managed to surprise the goddess of the dead. This time with a hug. Though in truth Hel was more afraid of her hugging her than enjoying it. She knew how her hugs felt to the living. Nobody really should be subject to it. Though she kept silent. When Hebe released her, Hel only offered a weak, almost pitiful smile. The child should not want to subject herself to such coldness just for a gesture. Alas, Hel was really happy about the crown still.
Comus, on the other hand, elicited a more worried stare. She stole a car!? But… what about the police? Wouldn’t she be caught and arrested? Oh dear. And what about the owner of the car? She would have to call it in the morning. Though before that she would need something like a license plate from Coco. Something she didn’t want to ask just yet. There were more pressing matters as Hel stepped into her car as well. Within seconds they sped off.
The nervous energy basically radiated off of Hebe as she kept glancing at her phone. The teasing of Coco didn’t keep things quite a secret for long. Even the goddess of Helheim knew what those lingering gazes meant. She had seen them countless times already. “Heracles?” She noted. “Are you and him well acquainted?” Hel asked as she expertly wove through the Seattle evening traffic. She hoped they were. She hoped they were close and just a kiss away. Maybe even less than a kiss. It was perhaps an odd thing, but Hel was fond of love and wished to see it flourish in all.
A blush had instantly flared up on Hebe's cheeks at mention of Herc and she quickly turned back to face the front, hands reaching up to cover her burning face. Staring intently at the tie-dye pattern splashed across her t-shirt, the pink tinge deepened at Hel's offhand comment. “I-what..I mean…we-” She mumbled, gaze still fixed anywhere but on her two companions. “W-we were friends…I mean close…no I-we, we knew each other on Mount Olympus. But I haven’t…” She trailed off, taking a deep breath of air as she tried to calm herself. Why was she freaking out already? And why did Coco have to mention him in front of Hel? It was embarrassing how the mere mention of his name had her so easily flustered. She must look so silly for acting this way...
Coco could do nothing more than provide a sly smile, enjoying in the light torment she caused her cousin. It was all in good fun and it wasn't like the words and their hidden meanings were untrue. "They were very close once upon a time. Very close." Even though her voice carried she was overlooked, as to be expected of Heebs in the embarrassed state she was in.
“It’s…it’s been a while.” Hebe eventually managed to blurt out the words she was trying so hard to say, her face now half-hidden under the edge of her oversized t-shirt. “So, so…do you go to parties often Hel?” She quickly added, trying to move the conversation to anything but one particular demigod.
Her curiosity was piqued as well and she nudged the woman in the seat before her, "Oooh~ yes do tell. What're the events, a goddess such as yourself, usually get up to?" Her piercing greys shone with a wild abandonment, seeking knowledge she hoped would involve some kind of debauchery. Her track record with this particular goddess was one of a losing streak, but still Coco held out for something interesting.
“Not much really.” Hel revealed without reservations. The kind of party she was going to now, well any kind of party, was not really her place in this world. She was perfectly content to spent the nights tending the graves of the forgotten and the lonely. Every now and then a ghost would appear and have a nice conversation with her. Of course, that was probably not the answer either of them were looking for. “Well… I suppose that ball is approaching.” The ball her father so graciously invited everyone to. In the name of Jupiter. No, no that probably wasn’t going to be a good party. “And…Oh and what do mortals call it again? Night of Witches? Samhain?” Hel realized she was almost blabbering now. But truly she could not remember. Mortals were so prone to change. She didn’t always understand it. Whatever it was called, it was perhaps the one of the two days she was excited for.
At the mention of a few festivals Comus claps her hands together, an excited sigh on her lips as if remembering a far off memory, "Ah, yeah, Samhain~" But then she remembered the words about the ball and her mood somewhat paled, "I'm not entirely sure about this ball the impostors are throwing. Romans and their ilk, bane of my existence…" her words tapered off in a grumble as she huffed and pouted turning back towards the windows and the cool night.
Hebe had a brief moment of relief when the conversation moved away from her and Heracles, only for Coco to then bring up the Romans. She couldn’t help but feel awkward at her friends' clear dislike of that particular pantheon; one that she had shared more time with recently than her own. “I dunno, they don’t seem that bad…” She piped up quietly, hands distractedly playing with a strand of her long brunette hair. The fact she worked for Janus wasn’t exactly a secret but the idea of the other Greeks finding out (mainly her mother, if she was being entirely honest with herself) made her stomach tie up in knots. “And...and Virtus is really cute!” She added, smiling softly to herself at the thought of Mars’ dog. Though she may not have been her own pet, Hebe loved her as much as if she were.
Comus' head spun as if on a well greased swivel with how fast she spun her gaze back to the front, “I’m sorry, what? Virtus?” The gears were turning in that chaotic head of hers and it wasn’t something that could easily be calmed, not at the moment, “As in Virtus, that cute, white fluffy pupper?” Her words seemed innocent enough, her tone switched to light and airy, but there was an underlying tense to it all. As if the smile on her face was a lie, because it was wholly. “As in Mars’ fuckin’ dog?! Heebs! What are you doing with their dog?”
The explosion coming from the back of the car would have been a whole lot worse off for the people in her warpath, however because it was Hebe with whom her frustrations were set upon Coco reeled back a lot of the bite. Opting for more bark than anything. It was true that she didn’t appreciate or particularly care for the Romans, always shifting their messes onto the Greeks, ’We have enough to deal with as is,’ not to mention the death of one of her own and they all of sudden pop back up in the world. She would be lying if she said she hadn't celebrated the possibilities. Now she comes to piece together and finds out that her wonderful, sweet, semi-innocent cousin, who she hasn’t seen in years, has been gallivanting around with them?! At least enough to know the dog of Mars on a personal level. A terrifying thought crossed her mind, “Have they touched you? Are you dating Mars? No, wait, that can’t be right. He’s about as straight as a limp noodle…” her trail of thoughts and insults were running out of steam sitting there, leaned forward with elbows resting on either seat as her eyes bore holes into the side of the young woman’s head.
Shaking her head furiously, Hebe's face reddened once more. “Am I-what, no! Of- of course not!” The Greek goddess could think of nothing further from the truth; Mars being more like a father figure to her, if she were being totally honest. Moving to twist her body, Hebe’s hands came to grip gently on the back of her seat as she glanced over at Coco. Oh no...she looked really mad. It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen her angry before but it was usually directed at someone else, and she hated that she’d made her feel this way. “I- I just look after Vivi sometimes. Like walk her and stuff! She’s so adorable Coco...and she knows loads of tricks!” Hebe blurted out, unable to stop herself from gushing about the canine in question.
Heart beginning to pound nervously in her chest, Hebe’s gaze strayed over Coco’s face as she realized that there was one other thing she hadn’t told her...and she really really didn’t want to keep even more secrets from her best friend. “I er...I also kind of work for Janus...” Her voice trailed off for a moment, barely audible as she hesitantly forced the words out. “But please please pleeeeease don’t tell mother!” Eyes wide, she reached back to grip one of Cocos hands in her own. “You know what she can be like! And they really are kinda nice...” Tears began to well up in her eyes as her gaze remained fixed on the chaotic goddess, hoping desperately that she hadn’t made their reunion a short-lived one. “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you!”
“Comus.” Hel said, the smile she had maintained had vanished from her lips as her eyes peered into the back mirror. Her gaze was transfixed upon the chaotic goddess in the backseat. “I think-” I know. “You should hold on to Hebe’s secrets. They’re yours now too.” Her tone was stern. Though in her heart she felt out of place. She shouldn’t have been privy to this conversation at all. It was not her business and she doubted either one of them really wanted her to know. Hebe, however, seemed rather distraught about the confessions. She wanted to spare the young goddess. And while the goddess of endless youth hadn’t asked her, Hel swore a silent oath that she would take the secret into Ragnarök.
“And I think you shouldn’t judge Hebe’s friends too harshly.” Not for the sake of the Romans, but for the sake of Hebe. She clearly cared for them. And considering she was working for one and tending the animal of another, they clearly trusted her as well. Hel herself had no real problem with that pantheon’s gods. Well…she only had a problem with one of them. “She’s your friend as well.” And then that faint smile returned on Hel’s face, before she averted her eyes and looked back in front of her.
The audacity these two had, placing her under an extreme amount of guilt. Coco felt compelled to snap back just out of pettiness, but she knew she was being unreasonable. Hel's words rang true, Hebe was being honest with her, now only after having been caught. Still didn't mean she was happy about it. Comus made an indignant sound at the mention that she worked for Janus but that feeling bubbling up in her was squashed with the driver's clipped, icy tone.
So, Coco just sat back, arms crossed over her tie dyed chest, an annoyed pout fixed to her face, "Ugh, fine. But only because it's you, Heebs. I'm going to have to swing by and check up on them and their faculties. They need my seal of approval." And with an addition of an ever dramatic eye roll she concluded that no, she was not going to speak of this to Hera. Gods knew that woman hated Coco enough she didn't need to add anymore reasons to that extensive list.
“Oh, sure…” Hebe mumbled quietly, shooting Hel a small, grateful smile as she turned back to the front. There was so much more that she wanted to say to Comus but now didn’t seem like the right time...maybe she’d be able to explain things better tomorrow. So instead, she took to staring out of the window, chestnut eyes watching the darkening streets, mind drifting off into the depths of her own thoughts.
Thankfully, the slightly tense and awkward silence was soon broken by the booming of bass and the shouts of already drunken voices. “We’re here!” Hebe chirped, mood instantly lifting as her eyes lit up at the sight before her. The street was packed tight with cars, people swerving among them as they headed for the home that was clearly the source of the music they’d been able to hear from the end of the street. Whilst the other gods may think otherwise, Hebe really did love parties. To her they were the embodiment of youth. They were a place where you could have fun and be free, without anyone telling you otherwise. Of course, this party was a little different but she tried to push her nerves aside as she hopped out of the passenger seat.
Turning to Coco when they stepped onto the pavement, she shot the goddess her best ‘I’m so sorry, please don’t be mad’ look, before taking a hold of her hand once again. “I’ll make you the strongest drink I can?” She added, smiling gingerly at her peace offering. “And…and I’ll buy you breakfast tomorrow? You too Hel!” Hebe turned to the other woman, reaching out to also grab her hand. “As a thank you for driving…”
As Hel exited her car, she could feel that faint siren call. Like a whisper upon the wind. Faint, yet she knew it would lure her to the one she needed. Despite it’s only soft, almost distant sensation it did somehow mute out the exceptionally loud music. Hel was distracted and sadly even Hebe’s words were drowned out by impossibly quiet words. It was only when the young goddess took her hand that Hel was released from the influence. “Oh…” she said, suddenly realizing she was spoken to but didn’t know what the goddess of youth, who doubtlessly must feel perfectly at home at a party like this, had said. So Hel just nodded with that faint smile. Feeling the tingle of the lure still on her mind.
She put her own hand over the one of Hebe and then said, to both goddesses: “You two have fun. When you want to go home just find me. I’ll drive you safely to wherever you need to be in Seattle. But I’m afraid I really have to be going now.” She had an obligation to fulfill. “Thank you both for getting me here.” With that Hel released Hebe’s hand and walked away towards the party. Alone. Of course alone. Two goddesses like Comus and Hebe wouldn’t want to be seen at a party like this with old Hel. She only hoped both of them would remain safe and remember to just find her when they wanted to go home. With plenty of water and blankets in the car, she would be sure they’d get home safe and comfortable. For now though, she had her duty alone to think of.
"Oooookay?" It was an odd situation but then again with Hel most things were. As she watched the blonde drift through the overflowing crowd and disappear she then turned to her cousin. Linking arms with the matching woman beside her, all traces of earlier gone with the thumping of bass pulsing from the house Coco flashed her a warm and wild grin, "C'mon let's go see the host~"
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