Hades / Persephone AU Starter

[forsaintcecilia]

Kazuki often found himself apart from his fellow muses. While they were all brothers and sisters of equal standing, and they loved each other both fiercely and sincerely, there was something about the fabric of his being that was simply... different.

Every muse was a reflection of a different facet of mortal inspiration. Many poets and composers claimed inspiration from the divine-- he would even assume that the majority of artists would say that their works came from somewhere above. Or maybe some kind of flawless concept, like love or honor.

But there were also some who found the messy, wild, imperfect nature of mortality itself to be inspiring. Flaws were distinctly human, but they were also what made humans so distinct. Why create at all, if the ideal form was simply something to be achieved and then endlessly duplicated? The soul of the work lied in the inability of hands to represent anything with perfection. It was from this inability that the most charming and earnest stylizations arose, and the works that most effectively touched the heart of human experience.

That was what Kazuki was. The passion of the flawed. The soul of the incomplete. What sprang from the hands of the apprentice as he found his own way.

To be the very essence of imperfection was something that immediately put himself at odds against godhood. While the gods were often as lacking as mortals were, it was not something any of them would readily admit to. It was not within their natures. Kazuki, however, could not escape it. It wasn't just his nature-- it was what all knew him to be. It could not be hidden.

He was not treated unkindly. Actually, he was well-liked among his peers in the higher planes. Gods were known for their quarrels where they argued who bested who. Who was the loveliest? The strongest? But there was no such quarrel with him. There was nothing he was truly better at than anybody else. He couldn't be. It was impossible.The fact that he never could be a threat made him everyone's ally.

It was vexing, because he knew that he was seen as incomparable to the gods. But he also genuinely liked this position. He didn't want to compete. He just wanted to be. As loudly, passionately, and joyfully as possible.

Still, he was prone to moments of inadequacy and self-doubt. His brothers and sisters were so amazing. Everything came to them as easily as breathing. But he struggled. And he would always struggle. It was his very being.

Sometimes, when his passion ran out and he needed to rest, he'd come to his hill. It was a a secret, isolated place where wildflowers danced, and the wind sang the hymns of the blooming fields. It was such a lovely sound. He'd always gravitated towards musicians, because of the ephemeral nature of song. It was nigh impossible to reach true perfection, and every performance was subtly,  imperceptibly different from the last, even if the score was exactly the same.

He really could stay here forever...

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[majimekun]

Being the God of Darkness comes with something of a bad rep. Outside of sleep, the dark is a symbol of fear and the cover for various human misdeeds. It's something to avoid and withdraw from, not to celebrate. It's lonely and isolating, yet it's also Deuce's fate.

Despite his frustrations, Deuce takes his position seriously. Darkness is a natural part of the universe and is worth maintaining, even if others forgot it, God and Immortal alike.

He wasn't the first God of the Dark either, but a relatively new one, taking over the position after his predecessor had died due to being on the wrong side of one of the old Celestial Wars.

Inheriting a loser's seat only added to the stigma of Deuce's job and it had led to a few fights, one's Deuce usually won. Even before his promotion, he'd been strong and something of a hothead, making him an unusual fit. Granted, he was also one of the few willing to take the position.

Deuce had been happy to become the God of Darkness at first. He'd become an important and powerful figure in an instant, no longer just a minor being with no real role. But eventually, Deuce realized how others felt about him, human and god alike and bitter disappointment set in. He'd even been in a few fights, which further sullied his reputation.

When Deuce realized the error of his ways, he'd decided to withdraw and focus on being an admirable God of Darkness. And while he'd found a satisfaction in the work, he was still alone, with no real friends or companions, save for a poor reputation. Or in some cases no reputation at all. There were gods who didn't even know who he was or that there was a God of Darkness.

If only there was someone who understood him...

And then Deuce had seen him.

Deuce didn't remember why he was in the Divine Realms that day, but he did remember the instant he laid eyes on Kazuki, walking with a group of fellow muses. It'd been like a bolt out of the blue, a shock that had thundered through Deuce's body, an instant attraction to this mysterious being he'd never met.

Once he'd found out his name, Deuce had felt foolish, since he'd heard of Kazuki before. Even the God of Darkness caught bits of gossip and what little there was about Kazuki was positive. He was hard working, but not ambitious and did well at a job that wasn't prestigious. Having a face to go with the name made Deuce burn with curiosity.

And so he'd taken to watching Kazuki from time to time at a distance. It was easy enough to do, because darkness was everywhere, even on a bright, sunny day. He could always lurk in a shadow, able to see without being seen. He'd come to know Kazuki's routine very well and had seen him carry on with his duties, as diligent as others claimed.

Of course, Deuce had also seen Kazuki's lonilier moments. Those times when he'd look a little down or exhausted. It was something Deuce understood all too well, the feeling of burning out and needing to recharge. Deuce did it by riding on his steed, a nightmare that was as fast as the Sun God's chariot. Kazuki did it by coming to this little, isolated hill.

It was a secret, that much was obvious, and Deuce felt a little guilty about intruding on it. It had occurred to him that this might be considered stalking, but he didn't mean for it to be stalking. He was just... watching someone he kind of liked. A lot.

Besides, he wanted to think Kazuki would understand him. That once they got to know each other, any such transgression would be water under the bridge. Which was why Deuce had decided that today would be the day he'd finally greet Kazuki and win him over.

And so it was that he followed Kazuki to the hill as usual and watched from a distance. Flowers were waving in the wind, their soft rustling a kind of music. It was perfect for their first meeting...

Mustering his nerves, Deuce approached Kazuki from behind and then took a breath. Internally he felt like a nervous wreck, but outwardly Deuce liked to think he exuded calm and confidence. Finally, he decided to call out.

"Hello and Well met," he said, imitating one of the more refined Gods he knew. It likely didn't occur to him how startling this might be.

[forsaintcecilia]

Before Deuce showed himself, Kazuki felt him. A coolness spread across his skin, like that of the shadow of a cloud crossing over the sun. It wasn't so cold that it was unwelcome-- it felt more refreshing, like finding a spot of shade during a hot day.

When he looked towards the sky and saw no such clouds, he began to glance around. That's when their eyes met.

He gave a small, stationary jump where he was sitting out of sheer surprise. Had he really lost himself so deeply that he didn't hear this stranger approach? But he was only startled, not truly afraid, so his nerves calmed quickly.

It was possible that a mortal could have found him. It wouldn't be the first time. He was, after all, the only Muse that literally any human could access, and more often than not without their intention.

However, Deuce's godhood was immediately apparent. There was a certain aura immortals gave off, a perceptible power to anyone who would gaze upon them, and Kazuki felt it quite keenly from this individual. He had to be something important, although he couldn't identify what right away. Perhaps he wasn't of the Celestial plane? His clothing was a bit unusual, not the style he was used to seeing...

Once he had a moment to really get a good look at this face, he felt a curious thrum of deja-vu. How strange!

"Good blessings of the day," Kazuki responded in cordial greeting, but his curiosity could not be concealed. "I didn't hear you coming... My apologies, but have we met before? Your face looks so familiar..."

[majimekun]

A jittery surge rushed through Deuce. They were speaking at last. Of course, they were, because Deuce had initiated a conversation. But initiating an action and then carrying it on were two different things. And up close, Kazuki was even more appealing than Deuce had realized. His features were kind and warm, with a gentleness that one could get lost in.

He flustered a little at realizing Kazuki didn't know who he was. Coughing into his hand, Deuce forced himself to hold it together. "We haven't met directly, but I'm Deuce, the God of Darkness." He was a little disappointed that his identity wasn't immediately apparent, but deep down Deuce had expected it.

Deuce gave a little bow with his head. "I come to this place all the time, so I thought I should say hello." He came here to spy on Kazuki, but the other didn't need to know that. "B-but I'm sorry if I'm being presumptuous."

[forsaintcecilia]

The God of Darkness???

He was expecting this man to be something more on the level that he was; maybe some kind of nature spirit, or a lesser god below a greater master. But even with his limited understanding of Cthonic gods, he knew how highly ranked Deuce was.

Kazuki shot up to his feet from where he sat, stumbling a bit from the sheer velocity of how he did so. He was not nearly presentable enough to be standing in front of a real god, especially of such a broad and important aspect! He did his best to straight his clothes and compose himself, but it was of little use. He was absolutely shocked.

"Please forgive me!" he almost squeaked around the heart that had leapt into his throat, "I had no idea-- I really don't know very much about the Underworld... I've only met a few spirits of a much lower rank!"

Kazuki bowed much lower than Deuce did. It barely registered to him that Deuce's manner was probably just as nervous, although for completely different reasons.

[majimekun]

"N-No need to apologize!" Deuce held his hands out to dismiss the effort. The last thing he wanted was for Kazuki to be flustered even though he was also pleased to be acknowledged. It was one of the perks of being a god. Also, Kazuki really was too good looking up close. It was all Deuce could do to keep his head on straight.

"Raise your head. I'm the one who should apologize since I'm intruding on your space." He tried to coach his face into a winning smile, like his mentor had told him to. To look less scary, more friendly.

He needed this to go off without a hitch.

[forsaintcecilia]

With some hesitation, Kazuki lifted his head. Even if he hadn't been asked to, his curiosity would have won out soon enough. His gaze kept flicking back and forth from Deuce's face and some other point of interest in the middle distance. He kept taking little glances at the details of his looks, his hairstyle, his clothes, all while utterly failing to hide his surreptition.

He was so well put together, and the strength his presence was palpable. A royal mien. Kazuki recognized that smile too. It was the diplomatic look that higher ups often took to seem a little more relatable to their people. It was something he rarely had to do himself. His smiles almost always came from his heart. But he still appreciated the gesture; to be approachable

"Not at all!" he shook his head in a flutter, then looked out over the hill. Changing his point of view helped to calm his nerves. The scenery here was always so peaceful, "It not my domain. It's just a place I like to come to sometimes... Is there something here that you need? I'm sure I could help you find it!

What could the God of Darkness possibly want here? Never in a million years would he guess that it was him

[majimekun]

Things were progressing nicely, Deuce thought to himself. He'd spent time imagining his ideal outcome so that he would hopefully look put together. And things were going off without a hitch.

Until Kazuki asked what he as looking for and Deuce's mind blanked. This is where he was supposed to say that he had been admiring Kazuki from afar and would like to court him. But now that he was asked about his intentions, Deuce froze up. Because then he would have to admit that he'd been following Kazuki and staring at him. Not like a dog eying a bone, no. It was all innocent.

Mostly innocent.

Sort of innocent.

But Deuce quickly snapped out of it and then nodded. "Oh, I wouldn't want to impose on you, but I'm looking for... a ring. It's..." Deuce trailed off, trying to think of what to say. "It's something I picked up in the mortal world, but I seem to have dropped it the last time I passed through here."

This was stupid, but...

Maybe this would give them a chance to talk more! And Deuce could come up with a better story in the meantime. Brilliant!

[forsaintcecilia]

"A ring? Hmm..."

Well, the ruse was certainly working. Kazuki didn't doubt him for a second. He turned around and scanned the area with a frown of concentration.

"That could be tough. Something so small... And I've never been good at finding lost things," he mentioned offhand. In fact, he was usually the one that was absentmindedly losing stuff. Sometimes really important stuff. Those around him found it to be equal parts charming and infuriating. "Maybe we could ask some of the local spirits? A lot of dryads and naiads live around here, and they know me. They might be willing to help."

[majimekun]

Kazuki believing him was a relief, and the Deuce let his shoulders relax momentarily when the other's back was turned. A ring would be hard to find, if at all. They could spend the rest of the day searching for, and then, when it was over and they had to give up, Deuce could easily find a random ring to "find" during the next trip here.

"Oh... I suppose they would be a lot of help." Though maybe that would be a problem. What if they'd sensed him watching Kazuki? Repeatedly.

He was a powerful god and able to conceal his presence to an extent, but spirits of nature had keen senses. Maybe Deuce was worrying too much. "If you could help me ask them, it would mean a lot. I have a hard time talking with spirits," Deuce smiled as he rubbed the back of his head.