Short Stories & Bonus Scenes Collection

THE VANISHING PALACE

The Throne Room

The Underworld Palace

The Underworld

It’s three days before Halloween and Hades is as busy as ever.

“Mommy, where’s Daddy?” Aurea, our 4-year old daughter asked. I sighed. “He’s busy, sweetie. You’ll get to play with him later, okay?” I answered.

“Why is he busy, mommy?” Aidon, Aurea’s twin brother asked.

“Because it’s Halloween soon and it’s daddy’s favorite holiday.”

Clutching one hand in each of mine, we made our way down the hallways and into their large playroom. I sat in one of the cushions and the twins sat cross-legged in front of me.

“What’s Hall-ween?” Aidon asked.

“Aren’t you interested in playing?” I asked, waving my hand to encompass all their toys that lined the walls. Hades, of course, spared no expense and built his children a grand playground in the castle, sometimes even going so far as to provide them toys made with real gold and diamonds.

“Nooooo,” came Aurea’s reply.

“Mommy, we want to know what’s Hall-ween,” Aidon stated a little more authoritatively. He already spoke like the Prince of the Underworld.

“It may be a scary story, are you sure you want to know?” I flicked my fingers and all the lights were switched off. Another flick of my fingers and floating lanterns illuminated the room.

“I’m not scared!” Aidon said, placing a hand around Aurea. “I’ll protect you,” he told his sister. He ran to the nearby wall and grabbed his toy sword before sitting down in front of me again.

“Ready?” The twins nodded.

“Well, it is said that on November 1 of each year, the souls of the dead travel back to the mortal realm to visit their loved ones. It is said that on November 1 is when the veil between the land of the living and the dead is at its thinnest.”

“And then?” Aurea prompted, her gray eyes so wide from fear.

“So people began dressing like the souls of the dead, like monsters, witches, werewolves, and all other spooky things on October 31 which is the night before November 1. They do it so they can ward off the evil spirits that cross over during midnight.”

“Does it work? Do the evil spirits get scared?” Aidon asked.

I acted like I was thinking about it for a long, long time. “Yes, it works! So if you don’t want to be visited by an evil spirit this Halloween, you have to dress up and look scary. Any ideas?”

Aidon and Aurea both thought hard. I stifled my laughter at seeing their cute little faces scrunched up in concentration. “Mommy, I’m going to dress up as Uncle Dionysus,” Aidon declared.

I almost choked on my own spit. “What? W-Why?”

“He’s scary. The evil spirits will not come close.” And that did it, I laughed. I laughed so hard my stomach was aching.

“Uncle Dionysus may be mad if you choose to dress up as him. Why not choose another one? Maybe a Vampire Prince? With really sharp fangs?”

Aidon took a minute to think about it. Then he nodded. “That’ll do,” he declared with all the confidence of a prince. The way he spoke reminded me a lot of Hades and it just always melts my heart.

“What about you, my princess? What would you like to be?”

“I want to be an angel. With black wings!” she said.

I clapped my hands. “Excellent choice! We’ll get Arachne to make you a stunning angel dress and a vampire suit for my little prince.”

Suddenly, the door opened and Hades walked in. The twins ran to him and he scooped them up in his arms.

“Daddy! I’ll be a vampire prince!”

“Daddy! I’ll be an angel with a beautiful white dress!”

They were talking over each other excitedly and it made Hades chuckle. He snapped his fingers and the lights went on again in the room.

“Time for bed, you two,” he said.

“Mommy said you’ll play with us before bed,” Aurea told her father. Hades looked like he was about to say no but Aurea’s eyes started filling with tears. And Hades, the one Aurea has wrapped around her little finger, acquiesced.

“Alright, but just for a bit and then straight to bed?”

“Okay!” the twins agreed. Hades put them down and then started running around the room, chasing them. Aidon wanted a battle and Hades summoned his own wooden sword and started sparring with Aidon.

Aurea, who was on his back, was pulling his hair directing him where to go.

Again, my heart melted at the sight.

I didn’t know I could love Hades even more but I did. I loved him so much more when I saw him with Aidon and Aurea, tenderly holding them for the first time. I loved him even more when he was there changing diapers, bathing them, feeding them, and playing with them.

I smiled and from across the room, our eyes met.

“Alright, that’s it. Time for bed,” Hades said. The twins grumbled but took their father’s hand and started walking towards their room. We watched as the twins brushed their teeth and I sat by Aurea’s vanity as I brushed her hair.

Then, Hades and I tucked them in bed and kissed those little foreheads.

Later that night, we were in our room in bed.

Hades was on his Ipad typing away.

“How are the preparations?” I asked.

“Great. Auditions were this afternoon and everyone was great. I can’t wait for Halloween,” he replied excitedly.

“Auditions?”

“Well, I realized it’s all about performance. The scarier the better! So I held auditions this year to see if we get better results.”

I rolled my eyes. “There’s never halfway with you, Hades. You just gotta do everything over the top,” I teased.

He raised an eyebrow. “Of course, my queen. What’s the point of doing something if you’re not going to give it your all?” came the response.

“Anything else I have to do?”

“We’re hosting the Halloween party for the Gods and Goddesses this year too. Help me send the invitations and plan the food and drinks.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll do it tomorrow,” I responded with a wink.

Hades loved Halloween. Each year, he always strives to outdo what he did last year and it became our little tradition. I just can’t wait to see what he has in plan for this year.

It all started when Aidon and Aurea were only about a year old. We were in Paris walking with the twins and looking at the shops. Hades noticed the decorations and asked me what they were and why. I explained to him the same way I explained to the twins. The main difference was Hades had lots more follow-up questions.

He said the shades never returned to the mortal world but sometimes visited their loved ones in dreams. He said there were no such thing as evil spirits because they are in Tartarus. I rolled my eyes and told him it’s just a mortal holiday and tradition and to not take it so literally.

And I guess that’s where the lightbulb moment happened.

During that first year, he rented a townhouse in one of Paris’ most exclusive neighborhoods. He didn’t have time to get a costume made so he just wore his full armor as King of the Underworld. Then, he handed out candies with a huge grin on his face. And when kids complimented his armor, I swear his chest puffed out with pride.

For the second year, we had a whole mansion in Beverly Hills. This time, he dressed as a zombie and spared no expense. He really looked like a rotting corpse and some kids even cried after seeing him.

For the third year, he wanted to stick closer to the legends. He decided to bring the Underworld mansion into the mortal world just like spirits crossing over when the veil is at its thinnest. He purchased a huge parcel of land in Los Angeles and teleported the Underworld Palace there just for one night.

Imagine the surprise of the mortals when a big ass haunted house appeared that night and then disappeared the next day. Kids thought it was a figment of their imagination but their big, full-sized chocolate bars was a testament that it was true.

And now, we’re in our fourth year, and I can’t wait to see what over-the-top scheme my husband is going to come up with.

“You look beautiful, my queen,” Hades said as I exited the door to our bedroom.

“Thank you. You look amazing too,” I said as I looked at him from head to toe. He was wearing an all black, crisply tailored suit. The skin that was showing like his hands, his neck, and face were painted black and then painted with a skeleton. It was done so well that he really looked like a skeleton dressed in a suit.

And as for me? Of course, I was the Skeleton’s Bride. I wore a lovely black dress with ruffles and tons of lace. The part of my chest, neck, and arms that was showing were painted with black and then the bones drawn over it.

We looked at the mirror and together, we were a perfect pair.

We headed towards the entrance of the palace where several servants and shades were already gathered.

“It’s almost time, is everyone ready?” Hades asked.

He checked his watch and started a countdown. Together, Hades and I summoned our powers and shadows poured, wrapping the entire palace in a dark shadow.

“The sun is setting. Just a few more seconds before it’s dark,” Hades declared.

We poured more of our power into it and I envisioned the blank piece of land in my mind. Then, came the familiar feeling of falling. When we emerged, we were in Los Angeles.

Hades faced the shades. “You know what to do,” he said. They all bowed and then exited the door.

“Come, my queen. I can’t wait to show you this year’s Halloween,” Hades said, offering his hand.

I took it and we exited the main doors of the Underworld palace. The first difference from the actual Underworld Palace was once you exited the doors, there was a large garden filled with different types of flowers but they were all made of precious gems. After the garden, there was a long maze where one could get lost.

Here in Los Angeles, there was no garden and no maze. There was just a walkway leading to the door and then on each side of the walkway, that’s where Hades setup his decorations.

There were several flashing lights, a merry-go-round, a small ferris wheel, popcorn kiosks, game stalls, and lots of flashing lights.

“Carnival-theme this year?”

Hades grinned. “With a twist,” he responded.

Then, he flicked his fingers and everything that was once bright and brand-new looking started to decay. The lights went out and the signs rusted. The merry-go-round and ferris wheel stopped and the paint chipped and rusted. The once immaculate ground now had tall grass, weeds, and tombstones scattered on the lawn.

And then came the shades.

They started flying everywhere – some glowing green, some white. They had their own stations and they glided back and forth like some sort of ethereal animation. Some shades cried, others wailed, adding to the overall creepy vibe.

Hades moved closer. “I saw these on Youtube and while they have technology, we have the real thing,” he said excitedly.

“Very nice,” I responded and clapped my hands. “Did you tell the shades not to scare the trick or treaters too much?” I asked.

“Yes, my queen. They will only scare the adults.” At his response, I laughed. “Great work, my King. You’ve outdone yourself yet again,” I told my husband. His eyes twinkled with excitement and happiness as he pulled me close.

“Now where are the twins? Trick or treaters might be coming soon,” he said.

“I’ll go and get them,” I replied. I left Hades at the front yard and made my way inside the castle. Aidon and Aurea were already by the entrance inspecting the table laden with chocolates.

And as usual, my rich husband pulled out all the stops. All the candies on the table were full-sized. There were full-sized Cadbury bars, boxes of Ferrero Rochers, Mars bars, Snickers bars, Reese’s, and so much more! There were also gold-wrapped chocolates that looked like coins which Hades told me earlier this week he commissioned Lindt to make.

“Can we have some, mommy?” Aurea asked.

“Sure, sweetie. Take what you want but leave some for the trick or treaters, okay?” I said and the twins quickly grabbed their favorite chocolate.

A few minutes later, I heard what sounded like a doorbell. It signaled that there were people walking in our driveway. I quickly opened the door and watched as an adult man with two little kids, a boy and a girl, looked at all of Hades’ decorations with their mouths hanging open.

“Nice decorations,” the man told me. “Thank you. My husband loves Halloween,” I responded.

“What’s your costume?” Aidon asked the little boy. “I’m a pirate. Harrr!” came the response. “And I’m a fairy,” the little girl replied.

“Cool! I’m an angel of death,” Aurea replied, shaking her wings. “Twins, let’s give them their candies, please,” I ordered and Aidon and Aurea grabbed some candies and put them into the kids’ baskets. Their eyes widened when they saw their loot.

“Cute kids. And thanks for the candy!” the man replied. Then he ushered his kids back to the driveway where they took their time walking back to look at all the decorations.

Hades joined us shortly after the first trick or treater arrived. It was just in time for hordes of trick or treaters. My husband grinned as he got complimented on all his Halloween decoration. Several times, he’s been praised to have the best Halloween decor this year and I swear he stood a little taller each time.

Aidon and Aurea were also super happy. They got to interact with mortal children and hand out candy bars. Their interaction with mortals is very limited as their father is very protective. But they also don’t encounter any other children as there are no other immortals their age.

I wanted a different sort of childhood for them where they can be free but I understood the dangers Hades wanted to protect them from. And so we have this night and we can enjoy it to the fullest.

Once all the candy was gone and the kids were fast asleep, tired, from all the activities. It was time for the adults to party.

Zeus and Hera were the first to arrive. This year, they also wore matching costumes: Beetlejuice and Lydia.

“What a party!” Hera exclaimed as she saw me. “The decorations are top-notch,” she added. “It’s all Hades, you know how much he loves this mortal holiday,” I told her.

“Well, sucks to be Ami right now. I don’t know how she and Poseidon can top this off and host next year’s party. Maybe it’s the Underworld who should host this moving forward. It fits, no?”

I laughed. “I agree. And Hades would absolutely love that.”

Next to arrive was Amphitrite and Poseidon. They stayed true to their roots and came as Ariel and Prince Eric.

“It’s funny, don’t you think?” Ami asked as she showed us her seashell bra. “You look hot, Ami. We love the outfit,” I told her.

The next to arrive was Dionysus and as usual, he arrived drunk even though the party just started. He ran all the way through the driveway and stumbled on the door. He was wearing a Mad Hatter costume from Alice in Wonderland.

“Hades! The shades are walking the mortal realm! They’re outside!!!” he screamed. Hades just rolled his eyes. “Did you hear me? They escaped! The portals to the Underworld are open! Where’s Cerberus???” he shouted as he ran around the party area. Everyone ignored him.

Apollo and Artemis arrived next. Apollo was dressed as Super Mario while Artemis was dressed as The Corpse Bride.

“Wow. I love your dress!” I gushed. Her makeup and her dress was exactly like the movie. She smiled and blushed at my compliment.

Hephaestus and Aphrodite arrived next and they also wore matching costumes. They were dressed as Joker and Harley Quinn. Of course, Aphrodite’s Harley Quinn was the least dressed version I’ve ever seen.

Hephaestus saw me looking and he sighed and rolled his eyes. “Whatever floats her boat,” he whispered to me. I shook my head and laughed. “Welcome to the party, Hephaestus.”

“Thanks, Aerith. Now where’s Dionysus? I need to get drunk.”

Eros arrived next and he was dressed as a Ken doll. He even did the whole robot dance for us, much to Zeus’ amazement. “You have to teach me how to dance like that!” Zeus said, his face red from laughter.

Athena arrived next and she was dressed as Hermione from Harry Potter which I thought was absolutely perfect and in character. She even curled her hair and had it extra frizzy like Hermione’s.

Ares arrived next and he was painted head to toe in green and wore only shorts. “I assume you picked Hulk?” I asked.

“Smash!” he roared. I laughed at how much it fit him with his big, bulky, muscular frame. He left to join the others and I stood by the door, waiting to welcome the next guest when Hades walked over to me.

“Everything alright?” he asked.

“Everything’s great!” I replied. “Though I am wondering how everyone knew all these mortal characters they picked for their costumes…”

Hades waved his hand. “Ah, I taught Zeus how to do a Google search on the internet. And I think he may have taught everyone else. Because I told them we have to follow the mortal tradition and come to the party in a costume. Anyone who comes without a costume is not allowed to enter,” Hades explained.

I smacked him on the shoulder. “How mean!”

He just laughed. “But it’s better, right? Look at all of them. So nice.”

“I agree. This is great, Hades. Trick or treating was perfect earlier and the kids had lots of fun. And now this party is perfect.”

Hades moved closer and placed his hands on my waist. “I’m glad you enjoyed it, my queen. We have centuries ahead of us and I look forward to celebrating this mortal holiday with you and our family each year.”

He then leaned closer and kissed my lips. I melted into his arms because this just felt so right. It was as if everything else ceased to exist when I’m in his arms.

“Kiss later! We need to partyyy!” Dionysus shouted.

Hades shook his head and laughed. “Alright, let the party begin!”

At those words, the muses arrived and started playing music. The first song on their list was Thriller which Eros knew the steps to. In a few minutes, everyone else was dancing Thriller in the middle of the room following Eros’ lead. Hera was even one of them and she kept laughing as she executed the steps.

Hades pulled my hand to join the dancing but I remained steadfast and shook my head. “You go, I’m sitting this one out,” I told him.

But the song ended before he could join. Next, The Muses played Monster Mash which everyone again danced to.

Their third song was Unchained Melody and this time, I gladly went to the dance floor when Hades pulled me. He placed his hands on my waist and I placed mine over his shoulders. And we danced and swayed to the beautiful music.

“To an eternity of nights like these?” he whispered softly.

“As long as I’m with you, anything goes,” I responded. He grinned and we kissed again under the cover of the dark lights and the beautiful melody.

This time, Dionysus didn’t interrupt.

After the slow song, the tempo picked up again when The Muses played Highway to Hell by ACDC. And this song marked the time the drinking games started. Of course, Dionysus took the lead and soon almost everyone was flat out drunk.

That was my cue to say goodbye to Hera and Amphitrite and retreat to our rooms. I passed by the twins room to check and they were both soundly sleeping, thankfully oblivious to all the noise and commotion.

Hades followed shortly after and we spent the rest of the night watching our favorite scary movies.

Before the sun rose, we held hands again and combined our powers. To outsiders, it looked like a thick, dark fog was rolling in and covering the house. Once the shadows fully encased the Underworld Palace, we teleported it back to its rightful place.

And that, my dears, is how the legend of the vanishing palace started. Mortals said you were lucky if you found it because of the full-sized candy bars. It never appeared in the same place twice though so it was definitely hard to find.

If you do end up finding it someday, appearing out of nowhere, covered by fog and with the craziest decorations, know that the King and Queen of the Underworld is behind it. And of course, do not fear, because the loot you’ll get is the best.

That’s it for now. See you again next year, my dear mortals!

Hope you liked this quick Halloween short story for Hades and Aerith!

I had the idea while showering today and quickly tried my best to write and finish it just in time for Halloween. I didn’t have time to edit so my apologies for any typos or grammar errors.

Let me know which parts you liked in the comments! :)