...
Letting out a breath, I begin to look up towards the murky sky.
The dire lack of luminous sources makes everything seem flatter than it is. Without contrast and shadows, it's much harder to distinguish layers and depths.
The longer I stay here, the harder it is to ignore every little thing about this place.
It's hard to miss the heavy and gaseous clouds hanging over the sky above; and the somewhat thicker mist that creeps along the ground.
Everyone who is sent to the underworld is never aware of what time it is. It's because there are no such things as mornings, afternoons, or nights here.
Unlike most places on Earth, there's no 'sun' or the 'moon' to speak of, here within the Underworld.
Even if it's always bright at the Elysian plains, it's all being maintained, or perhaps even manipulated by an ancient spell. Just like how certain aspects within the Meadows of Asphodel are being controlled by the same powers that be.
Every single thing about this place is thoughtfully crafted for the perfect type of torture—the epitome of exemplary punishment.
A brief, cold breeze brushes against my skin, sending shivers down my entire body.
It looks like ever since I got here, it seems I've been too preoccupied with everything else that I've completely forgotten to re-adjust my powers.
I immediately set about increasing my internal temperature with the Eternal Phoenix's flames.
Despite feeling warm, though, I still end up wrapping my arms around myself in an attempt of self-comfort; my fingernails dig into the soft flesh of my arms.
It's quite clear now that the real 'power' of this place is how effective it is to beings that are prone to psychological attacks. Virtually anything sentient enough will be in trouble.
Though, there is one thing that is of comfort—it's never pitch black.
There's still enough light to see your immediate surroundings with the help of these specter-like particles that're floating mid-air.
I place my hand beneath a few of them that're currently being suspended right next to me.
If my fingers get too close, they float away and avoid me, quite like the dust motes you see under a beam of sunlight. A bittersweet smile forms on my lips as my eyebrows crease together slightly.
...
I shift my body towards the right and crouch on the ground as I stare at the beauty of what's in front of me.
It's no wonder that the only things of note here are these flowers.
They shine brightly in the darkness; it's almost as if they're precious, iridescent gemstones.
They're pure, untouched, and though, perhaps—may even be fleeting happiness.
These Asphodel flowers mean a lot more to the dead than just 'food'. It's also a source of solace and an invaluable treasure that can briefly remind them of what it was like to be alive. When they consume them, they can somewhat be in control over their thoughts - though for only a short time.
[...]
Now that I have a full understanding of what this place is, I begin to plan on what to do.
I know that they'll grow back eventually, even if I forcefully harvest all of them. I just can't bear to take it away from these poor souls, without giving them some sort of exchange or compensation.
But what could replace something as important as this? I continue to ponder for some time, but I end up scratching my scalp with both hands in frustration.
I know that most would have gotten this over and done with, but I can't bring myself to do so.
Why? It's because I know what it's like. I know that living here for all eternity is punishment enough.
If I ask for advice, I'm sure this question would come up: 'Why are you worried about 'morality', when they're here anyway because they're being punished for a reason?'
Most gods or goddesses would have agreed on that point. I even suspect that most humans would agree on this too.
The souls that get sent here are ordinary people. Usually, those who did not achieve greatness or recognition during their lifetime. This wretched place is essentially where we-don't-know-where-to-place-you-so-here-you-go people are sent to.
I'm not all too sure about you, but that is absolute lunacy.
I couldn't help, but say out loud, "Call me a fool then, whatever."
"Fool."
"... What in the hell?" I quickly spit out, without concern to who it is that's answered me.
In confusion, I spin around, only to see someone I didn't expect to see. She's not following me, is she?! It's been far too long after all.
Standing in front of me is a woman that's exuding off danger and seductive prowess.
There are winged-tipped lines at the edge of both her eyes. She still continues to use such dark and intense colors to accentuate her sharp and overbearing personality. She's clad in a skimpy light-textured saffron dress. On her feet, she dons stiletto heels that are so long and pointy, that if she wishes to, it could easily be used as a murder weapon. Especially if one is too mesmerized and distracted by her appearance.
From the rumors I've heard of this person, though, she is not a combat type but has powers over nightmares and madness.
Her clothing's neckline plunges so profoundly that it exposes a significant percentage of her bosoms. The fabric that cups and flows over the center of her breasts slightly peak upward before it dips down once again.
This young woman faintly chuckles at me, as she notices the general direction of where my line of sight has been traveling.
My eyes narrow in annoyance.
Why do people barely leave anything to the imagination anymore? I hate to say such stereotypical things, but it reminds me that she is a nymph, after all.
I produce a deep sigh while feeling indifferent, and even somewhat offended by such a display if I'm honest. If the fabric's any thinner, she might as well have been naked.
Thanks to the lack of light, at least I don't feel forced to see more of something I never wanted to see, to begin with.
The chthonic nymph that's strutting her hips and long legs, as she makes her way towards me is named Melaina.
In the coldest tone of voice I could muster, I start interrogating her, "Why are you here? When I said that I never wanted to see your stupid face again, I meant it, you know?"
A bit of Melaina's tongue slips past her closed lips, and it steadily moves to the side. Other than chuckling earlier, she doesn't answer me and makes no sound.
"Did you get appointed as the 'keeper' of the meadows or something? How did I not know about this? Is this how you guys do things around here now? Sloppily??" I continue to berate her, hoping it would either drive her away or at least get me some kind of answer. Of course, it does absolutely nothing, however.
Annoyed, I decide to try stomping a single foot, in another effort to scare her.
Being slightly off-balance emotionally though ever since I've arrived at this place, I accidentally use a bit too much force. The ground shakes, and the land gives way beneath us. Instead of moving away, though, her arms spring open and she clings to me instead.
Caught off-guard, Melaina unintentionally releases a heart-wrenching cry. It's the type of scream that would have most likely stirred the heart of any man, immediately prompting them to rescue her instead - foe or ally alike.
Sighing in exasperation, I wrap an arm around her and make sure she doesn't fall off. With her in tow, I fly off to go somewhere that has the higher ground.
As we're flying, I grind my teeth in frustration as I silently throw expletives at Hades, safely within the confines of my head. Melaina tightens her grip around me as she buries her face in my arm.
Despite having the appropriate powers that'll let this lady 'manage' this area quite easily, Melaina normally doesn't bother taking responsibility for anything.
She's already known for it. In other words, she's quite the spoiled princess.
And just like any spoiled princess, they believe they can always get what they want, no matter what the cost.
I find a good-enough spot and we land safely.
The moment I start to fold my wings back again, I get tackled to the ground. I sigh in surrender as I look upwards, a girl with a crazed look stares back down at me as she begins to open her mouth.
Even if she's capable of smiling beautifully, the obsession she has on who she has pinned to the ground is making it look all crooked, instead. Some of her teeth shine in the darkness, the light that's reflecting off the floating specters are not doing any favors of making her look less insane.
It's a smile that's filled with the kind of madness that would make any man shit his pants.
"Hehehehe... I finally got you now, my love, my eternal beauty, MY Khirelle. You came because you're ready now, right?! OH, I'm SOOOO HAPPY HAHAHA HAHAHA....!!!!!!"
... Yes. She harbors a love that's almost at the brink of insanity.
Every bit of it that she has... it's all for me.
I close my eyes and curse the heavens, the earth, and the entire underworld - especially Hades and Persephone.