Chapter Text
The morning sun rose over the towering spires of Amaurot, filtering through the dark curtains and slowly stretching across the bed. There was always an unwelcome invasion of some sort to his favourite pastime—sleeping, napping, just generally being unconscious—and this morning went as many did before.
Hades groaned at the light and turned to pull the covers over his face. It was his first day at the Akadaemia, a big event to be sure, but a few moments longer couldn't hurt. He quickly dozed off as the sun soared higher in the sky, until he was dragged back to consciousness by a tugging on his hair, forcing him to peek out from his cocoon. He squinted in the now bright room as he was confronted by his familiar—a shoebill, frequently used as his last minute alarm due to his routine oversleeping—looming over him, staring unblinkingly.
"Shit."
He fought his way out of the pile of blankets before dragging himself out of bed with as much urgency he can muster, throwing on the new robes he had laid out the night before. He sluggishly made his way over to his desk to retrieve his mask with a sigh, catching sight of his hair sticking out in all directions in the mirror. He quickly attempted to smooth down the offending tresses before hiding them, as well as his tired features, underneath his hood and mask. Truly, he had no complaints about their attire, quite convenient for hiding any evidence of his bad habits.
He gave a long exhale before heading out to meet his friend, no doubt patiently awaiting him in the usual spot just for the opportunity to tease him for being late, again.
Hythlodaeus was waiting at the corner, restlessly shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he caught sight of his sluggish companion.
"Ah, you finally managed to get out of bed then! I would have thought today was a special occasion." Hades slouched upon hearing his comment, responding with a groan.
"Well, I'm here now aren't I. Besides, by my estimations we should arrive precisely on time. So no complaining."
Hythlodaeus grinned, "As usual then. I suppose we best get going, lest we have to run. I know how loathe to are to exert energy unnecessarily."
He only slouched further in response, before quickly setting off behind his excitable friend.
After making their way through the winding streets of the city, they finally arrived and made their way inside the imposing building along with other students filtering in. The tall hallways were lined with hoards of people, bustling with energy and lively chatter. An alien atmosphere in places of learning, that was certain. The pair briskly made their way towards their lecture hall, dodging students caught in animated conversations as they caught sight of some of their old classmates. Hythlodaeus caught their eye with a cheerful wave as he squeezed through the crowd towards them, Hades straggling behind him.
"Ah, Hythlodaeus, Hades! Good to see you, I take it you saw the spectacle outside earlier too."
They exchanged confused glances before Hythlodaeus answered for them both. "I can't say we did, though that would explain the uncharacteristic excitement. What happened?"
"A fight, if you can believe it." Another quickly chimed in, "Using some self-made magicks and weapons too I'd say. I've never seen anything like it!" The other nodded, "Her skill was impressive, but so uncouth. And to do such a thing in front of the whole student body, or most of it anyway."
"Quite unbecoming of a student of the Akadaemia." Hades sighed. "What on earth would somebody even fight here in Amaurot?"
One of the students put their hand to their chin thoughtfully, "Some wayward prototype creation causing trouble it seemed, at least that is what she said. But even then, to make such a spectacle..."
He trailed off as he was met with sounds of agreement, whilst Hythlodaeus gave a thoughtful hum.
"Say, was her name Persephone by any chance?"
The students were quickly taken aback at his question, "Yes that was it! But how...?"
Hythlodaeus seemed gleeful at their answer, "So she is back in Amaurot! Well, this will be entertaining!" Hades grimaced as he turned to his friend, "Do I dare ask?"
He laughed at his accusatory tone, "Ah, just an acquaintance from childhood, long before we met. A very memorable one, as I'm sure you can imagine."
"I don't even want to imagine," Hades scoffed in reply "I have enough trouble dealing with you as it is."
His friend smiled in return, "Say what you like, but I know you quite enjoy my company really."
Hades slouched as he exhaled in exasperation before he continued on his way to their first class lecture, giving his characteristic wave to his old classmates as Hythlodaeus quickly said his goodbyes before catching up.
The hall was lined with seats in rows of three stretching up most of the room, odd empty seats dotted between students. They quickly scanned the room, finding a single empty row in one of the upper corners remaining. Hythlodaeus beamed as he quickly dragged Hades up the stairs by the sleeve to the vacant seats, "Just in time! It seems you're blessed with my company for another year."
Hythlodaeus quickly took the seat next to the wall, answering before Hades could protest.
"I'm saving you from the temptation of napping...oh, but no need for thanks. It's for the good of your studies after all."
He smiled to himself, ignoring the grumbling coming from his friend as he looked over the welcome papers laid out on each desk. Hades let out a long sigh, before finally accepting his fate of the middle seat. He sat sulking, crossing his arms as he listened to Hythlodaeus eagerly reading the contents of the hand outs under his breath.
He impatiently glanced around the room waiting for the lecturer to arrive, his attention switching to the lecture hall's door for every opening. Eventually a woman entered, softly closing the door behind her.
Hm, just another student.
She strode towards the bottom of the stairs before stopping to stare up at the seats. Hades fell into his usual habit of inspecting people with his soul sight, but felt his breath hitch as he unconsciously straightened from his usual slouch in his seat.
His eyes widened as words escaped him. It was like he had never truly seen colour before, until this very moment. He was utterly captivated by her soul. It was brilliant, brightly shining and filling him with warmth he had never known. He couldn't help staring, oblivious to the conversations around him turning to hushed whispers or the students simultaneously placing their satchels on the empty seats next to them.
If she had noticed the sudden change in atmosphere, she didn't react. Instead, she stared back towards the pairs seats before quickly marching up the stairs, a smile beginning to form on her lips. Hades felt himself panicking at her approach, could she tell he was staring? He grew hot under his hood as anxiety set in, his thoughts racing as she stopped at the end of their row. He braced himself as he waited what felt like an eternity for her to speak, though it felt like she was looking straight through him.
"Hythlodaeus? Is that you?"
Hades all at once felt himself deflate and sink back into his seat, pretending to read the his copy of the leaflets in front of him. Of course it wasn't him she was looking at. Hythlodaeus peered past him, looking towards the woman as a grin quickly crept onto his features.
"Ah! Now that is a soul I'd know anywhere, long time no see!"
She seemed giddy at his response, "I thought it was you, I'm so glad to find a familiar face after being away for so long!"
Hythlodaeus hummed with a nod, "Well, news of your return did precede you. Truthfully, I was quite hoping you'd be our classmate...oh, but do sit down!"
Hades sat awkwardly in between their happy chatter as she claimed the seat next to him, unsure what exactly was going on. He glanced at her from behind his mask, still silently enamoured by the radiant soul she possessed, and the softness of her voice. He took a breath as he forced himself back into his usual stoic demeanour before speaking.
"So, are you going to introduce me or shall I just leave? Or better yet, you can give me the wall seat, studies be damned."
Hythlodaeus turned to him apologetically, "Ah, sorry my friend." He looked back to their new companion as he gestured towards him, "This is Hades, he's been my friend for many years now. He may seem a little grumpy but he's quite charming really."
She let out a small laugh at his introduction, and the sigh that came after. "Well it's nice to meet you."
Hades gave a small nod of acknowledgement to her greeting as Hythlodaeus began her introduction.
"This is my old acquaintance Persephone, the one I mentioned earlier. We were neighbours for a brief time and well, I can guarantee that there is never a dull moment with her around!"
"Nice to..." He started before pausing. Wait. That name, but that was the...it was, wasn't it? Hades furrowed his brow as he processed the information.
"You're not..." She tilted her head slightly, confused, as Hythlodaeus begin to grin.
This was not good.