MEGAERA

Megaera. Meg. Fury. Infernal Army. Disturbing Lack of Impulse Control. Maker of Bad Choices.

[pay-yourdues-blog]

Timely Advice || Megaera & Charon

[pay-yourdues-blog]

The man walked with ease. There was very little that ruffled Charon, even in his present surroundings. The transition from working as ferry man to recruiter had been smooth and welcomed. A change the man had not realized he needed, it seemed centuries of doing the same work bored the man. Now that he was topside he was meeting all sorts of people, with multifaceted stories that he could not wait to absorb. 

While Charon had not been the one to recruit the fury, he had heard about the woman and her sisters through other people—most often the souls they had sent to Hades. Nonetheless there was still much to know about the furies and he was sure they too would be able to recount a few thrilling tales of their own. 

It did not take long before Charon reached the fury, slowing to match her pace. He brushed away self made pride, making his mood more solemn to match their environment. The man nodded at Megaera’s acknowledgement, “I was visiting the caves, and decided I should pay our King a visit—let him know how his legion is progressing.” Charon informed nonchalantly, including a shrug for good measure. 

Charon bit back a smile, turning his head to stare ahead. He had heard whispers of a certain falling out between Meg and the Queen. Though he had dismissed them as rumours, wanting to hear from the source. “That…—wasn’t intention, no. But hey if there’s a show, I’m watching.” The man’s eyes slide sideways to catch the furies reaction. He shook his head before continuing, “No, it couldn’t have been that bad… Right?”

[heart-like-ice]

          Megaera laughed bitterly, “Oh. It was pretty bad. Probably the second worst mistake I’ve ever made… and that’s saying quite a bit coming from me.”

            Meg took in the ferryman’s appearance as he fell into step next to her and matched her stride. He seemed so at ease in the Underworld, so sure of himself, as if he was at home. She supposed there wasn’t really a reason he should be perturbed. He did indeed spend a good deal of time here, and after all he wasn’t the one going to face the wrath of Hades. She shook her head and scoffed.

            “The show will probably be a doozy,” she sighed as she turned to Charon, “In truth the situation is probably as bad as you’ve heard, maybe even worse. I’m sure everyone is blabbering on about it. They’re surely all abuzz about how the idiotic fury struck the Queen of the Underworld.”

            Meg ran her fingers through her hair nervously. She hated being so afraid of anyone to feel so powerless and weak at the hands of the brother of the man who had ruined her, and she cursed Persephone several times over under her breath. Meg had relived the situation over and over again since she had struck Persephone, and the goddess had been so smug when Megaera had snapped and hit her, the smile on her face almost made Meg wonder if she had been in control of the entire situation. If she had been pressing on Meg’s sore spots until she snapped.

           “Hades is sure to be completely furious. Honestly, Charon, I wish he would just kill me. He’s probably going to torture me himself instead until he tires of it and then hand me over to someone else.”

[heart-like-ice]

Tell Me About It | Hecate

[hecate-the-callous]

Drying blood caked Hecate’s fingers and arm, the wound halfway healed. “Maybe that is the issue precisely. You weren’t thinking.” Her words were not harsh, slightly berating — though not cruel. Fierce brown eyes flickered over Megaera’s features, listening to her speak with pursed lips. “Being the Queen to the King of the Underworld certainly has it’s perks. I’m not surprised she uses the position to degrade those she doesn’t think worthy. Despite what she has to say, you are absolutely worthy, Megaera. You are a valuable asset to this war and to Hades just as I.” Hecate was not a woman whom placed herself on a pedestal, and whole heartedly believed that every component of the Infernal Army was just as useful as the next.

A flicker of sympathy flashed across the Goddesses’s solemn face. “Nonetheless, Meg, you should not let her get to you. Persephone is a sad, lifeless woman. Her words are only a reflection of the person she truly is, and that is an undesirable one at best.” Hecate wondered how Hades managed to go on blindly to the Queen’s vicious side. The innocence was a front, tainted by the contempt she felt for the Underworld and it’s inhabitants. 

"She’s a bitter shell of a Goddess, and is more like Hades than she’d like to admit." Hecate pulled her fingers away from the wound that had healed as if it was never there, save for the blood left it it’s wake. Her sight once again found Megaera, simpering into a small smile at her words.

"I don’t doubt you would, foolish fury," the woman chimed, her tone one remnant of playfullness. "And — if it were not for my concern of what Hades has in store for you, child, I’d likely commend you on the act.” The smile widened ever so slightly, unable to tame it in the face of Meg’s cursing. “In truth, I am regretful I was not present to witness it.”

[heart-like-ice]

          Megaera listened to Hecate as the goddess spoke of Persephone, and she couldn’t help but accept what she was saying as true. The woman was miserable, but Meg had very little sympathy for her. Every one of them had their cross to bear, and as far as crosses went Persephone’s was fairly light. The goddess was trapped in the Underworld, sure, but she got everything she wanted from Hades and played him like a fiddle. Persephone’s heart had indeed turned bitter and cold long ago, yet her front of innocence continued to fool Hades into believing her without question. Persephone’s claim that Hades loved innocents and not people like Megaera flashed through her mind.

            “Thank you for saying that I’m an asset. It seems as if even our allies think that I’m a useless wretch,” Meg said with a sigh, “I see very few of them, and the ones I do see try to keep the interactions as minimal as possible.”

            She thought back to her run in with Persephone. Thought of the woman calling her a tramp, and saying that Hades had no use for her. She should have seen that Persephone was baiting her. The goddess’s wicked smile at the impact of Meg’s palm upon her cheek came to her mind. Megaera suspected that Persephone had wanted her to have a reason to slap her. The wench wanted to see Hades’ wrath upon her.

            “I wish you had been there. It would have been nice to have someone there as a witness. I’m sure she’s told Hades all sorts of lies about what I said to her. She’s probably playing the victim,” Meg let out a sigh that sounded vaguely like a hiss, “She’s truly vile. She’s not the doe eyed innocent that Hades sees. His judgment is so clouded by his love for the pure little version of her that he clings to. I wish he would realize that she’s changed. That someone could make him see her for the foul wench she is.”

[pay-yourdues-blog]

Timely Advice || Megaera & Charon

It was not long after Hades waged war on earth that Charon excitedly jumped on that boat. It was clear from the very beginning what his role would be, recruiting. Not too big a leap from his previous job only now he chose who he interacted with. Which was turning out to be much more entertaining than the centuries he spent on the shores of Styx. It was easy to turn Hades’ prerogative to fit the desires of his recruits. The goal was simple and easily attained Charon could read people like open books, and when the ferryman decided on a recruit they had only false choice. For the man was relentless and in the end they would join the infernal army.

Charon worked quickly many of his recruits already dead. But this phased him little for every one that fell; Charon found two or three more to take their place. The Olympians had many enemies and this delighted the man to no avail. But it turned out that Charon’s work didn’t end at the recruiting he also took it upon himself to occasionally check up on the recruits ensuring they did indeed show up. So far no one had ducked out which came as no surprise to the ferryman. But this deterred him little from double checking, which was what the man had been doing. Charon wanted to make sure Hades had everything he needed to win his rightful throne that was long overdue. 

Charon had stopped momentarily at the Caves of Tartarus to get a clearer idea of the souls that were being converted. The man beamed with pride, this was the factory line of his work. While useful—not quite as important as Charon recruiting immortals, creatures and all the damned to the righteous war. Or at least that was what the man told himself. 

Still beaming he made his way back to his king’s tower. Charon intended to keep Hades up to date on his recruits and the progress at the caves. He cut across the once fields but now charred lands, when he noticed another figure heading to the tower. A short chuckle escaped from deep within Charon when he recognized the fury, he broke into a jog so he could catch up. He skipped over a pile of bones to land in the distinctly laid out path of skulls leading to the entrance of the tower. He shouted out, “Megaera!” He slowed to a purposeful walk when he caught the attention of the woman. 

[heart-like-ice]

        Megaera felt as if she was heading to the gallows as she made her way into the Underworld. She looked at the Tower of Hades in the distance and she filled with dread. She laughed snidely to herself as she took in the possibility of Hades hanging her. It was a very unlikely scenario, but she definitely knew that it was a possibility. However she imagined that the King of the Underworld had something much more creative and painful dreamed up for her. She decided that there was no way she would get off that easy. Her heart raced, and every fiber of her being told her to turn around and run as fast and as far as she could.

         Megaera had never really taken to the Underworld. She found it to be far too boring, and she preferred to roam the earth and monitor the unfaithful mortals. She chided herself for doing something with consequences that could lock her here to be tortured for all eternity. The thought of being on Tartarus’ table made her cringe visibly and her breathing quickened. As she made her way past the miserable denizens and tortured souls she imagined her face among them. She came to a halt as the realization that she might never see her sisters again struck her. Her heart clenched at the thought, and suddenly she wished she had taken the time to say goodbye. She shook her head. It was too late for regrets. She had to face the ramifications of her actions.

         She cursed Persephone, and Zeus, for their parts in her fate but she resumed walking towards the tower. She had only taken a couple steps when she heard someone calling her name. She didn’t feel like company right now, but she wasn’t in a hurry to get to the tower either, so she stopped. She recognized the voice vaguely, and as the figure came closer she identified it.

         “Hello Charon,” she said, “what brings you here? Have you come to watch the king put an end to me?”

[heart-like-ice]

Tell Me About It | Hecate

[hecate-the-callous]

Hecate had suffered a particularly nasty wound to her forearm, at least a few inches deep. While she was a Goddess, and it would undoubtedly heal, it was best to sit out for a moment — give it time as blood seeped from the lash and trickled down her arm. She’d found her way through the charred ruins to make out an untouched structure in the distance, and stepped towards it. 

As she approached, an expression of surprise sobered her grimace. Her eyes settled on the younger fury and a sigh found it’s way from her lips. In more ways than one, Megaera reminded Hecate so closely of herself. She was untrusting, strong, cold when it came to the majority. It was the best way to be, the easiest way to put oneself first. 

She had indeed heard of the incident that Megaera was referring to. Hecate’s initial reaction was something close to admiration for the young fury that had been brave enough to strike Hades’ Queen. But now, more than anything, she had a sick feeling in her stomach for the girl. 

"As it is with you." The Goddess chimed, a hand slithering up to hold the wound that had already begun to heal. She strode gracefully, coming to a halt before lowering herself to sit by Meg’s side. "I definitely did." Though an amused smile shaped her lips, her words were slightly more solemn. "What were you thinking, Megaera?”

[heart-like-ice]

             Megaera eyed Hecate somewhat warily as the goddess lowered herself next to her. The woman had a large, deep, gash in her forearm and was covering it with her hand. Megaera didn’t object to Hecate’s company. She was one of few remaining beings that Meg could still stand to be around, and after all they were on the same side in this war.

         “Honestly… I don’t think I was thinking,” Meg said as she sighed and leaned back on her palms, “She just got to me on a very personal level. She made me question everything about my life and said some things that I never want to hear again. She threw every bad thing I’ve ever done, every terrible decision, back in my face with one word. No woman should have that kind of power.”

         Megaera looked up at the setting sky and clenched her hands into fists. Remembering the incident and the things Persephone had said to her brought all of that rage, all of that self-loathing back to  the surface. She turned to Hecate. The goddess was clutching her wound and Megaera could see it improving.

She smiled a wicked smile at the goddess, “I’d do it again though. So help me, I would do the exact same thing if the situation played out once more. Even if I knew how it would all end. I wouldn’t change a thing. Part of me thinks the spoiled bitch finally got what was coming to her.”

[hisladylombardi-deactivated2014]

“An interest not reciprocated. Hades will use you up, abandon you and then go back to destroy you to ensure that there is not an uprising. I see you making no choices of your own. It took Hades’ raising for you to even rear your head and try to cause any real chaos. You’re a dog on a leash. And even Ares treats his war hounds better than Hades will treat you.” 

[heart-like-ice]

That, Athena dear, is where you're wrong. I've been here in the shadows the whole time. Ever since your father tossed me aside I've been making my own kind of chaos. I'm not on any sort of leash, nor will I ever be. If I was on Hades' leash I wouldn't have done several things that I did... trust me. 

[hisladylombardi-deactivated2014]

“Your faith in Hades is…comical. I may not have spoken with my uncle often, but I know enough about him to conclude that if he were to succeed in his plans, he would abandon you and anyone that isn’t his faithful mutt or captive wife. My father shows little interest in anything. However, unlike you, I choose to do things on my own instead of blinding following a leader that believes themselves so mighty. Or allow them to dictate the things I can and cannot do." 

[heart-like-ice]

Your father certainly shows an interest in you, he's always raving about you and your gifts. As for Hades, I do not care who your uncle abandons when this is all over, I merely wish to be part of the winning side. I make my own choices just as you do, he doesn't control me, I belong to no one. 

[hisladylombardi-deactivated2014]

“Unlike your kind and others like you, gods and goddesses do not break so easily. Tantalus and the Danaides will be taken care of quickly." 

[heart-like-ice]

My kind are the way that we are because we were already irreparably broken. It's difficult to break us again, few can. As for the prisoners, I wouldn't be so sure of your chances. I'm sure Hades has something else up his sleeve. This is only the beginning. And besides, your precious father show little interest in helping. I'm surprised he's allowed you to fight. 

[heart-like-ice]

Never forget who pushed you here.

TROH Megaera

[heart-like-ice]

My my, it certainly is getting rather crowded up here... Danaides everywhere, nasty bitches aren't they? And I hear that Tantalus is running amok as well. I imagine the mortals must are terrified out of their wits right now. Maybe even a few gods or goddesses questioning their alliance. 

[heart-like-ice]

Everyone makes the occasional bad choice.

TROH Megaera

[heart-like-ice]

Tell Me About It | Hecate

           Megaera waltzed through the ruined streets of Athens, taking in the destruction around her. She made her way up a hill to an abandoned farmhouse and finally came to a halt when she reached a half wall. She took a seat on the remains and looked down at her hands. She wasn’t necessarily proud of herself for striking the Queen of the Underworld, but her palms tingled with a snide sense of satisfaction.

            The way that Persephone had spoken to her had just ignited a rage in her that she’d felt only a handful of times. The other times had almost all involved the woman’s father. Meg wondered for a moment if it was something about the family that rubbed her the wrong way.

            She crossed her legs as she leaned back on the wall and let out a deep sigh. She looked out over the horizon of the city and watched as smoke billowed from the remains of buildings. The sun was setting and the sky was a glorious mix of pinks, oranges and reds. The smoke rose to the clouds and mixed in with the colors, sullying them in a way.

           She watched as a woman’s silhouette approached slowly. Megaera smirked as she recognized the figure. Meg rolled her eyes, but gave the woman as warm of a smile as she could muster as she came face to face with her.

             “It’s good to see you, Hecate,” she said, “I suppose you’ve heard what has happened?”

[written--in--blood-blog]

Mind your manners; Meg.

Hades stirred from the bed, his body more than rested after the attention shown by his precious Queen. There was a sense of satisfaction lingering, having played into the part of loving husband. It wasn’t something that suited him, however, for the King of the Underworld wasn’t meant to be content when surrounded by happiness. He took pride in convincing his wife that she meant the world to him, but what powered his obsession was not love — simply a twisted version of what could pass as it. Leaving the warm body of his lover behind, the unholy ruler exited the bright chambers, and made his way down to his own. Pulling his shroud of darkness around the span of his shoulder, Hades clad his form in tar stained leather. It was as if he was preparing for battle, which wasn’t all that far from the truth, for he would be unleashing the first of many new forces upon the world. However, he first had to deal with that fury bitch. As much as her rash action had forced his Queen into his arms, the dark King could not let Meg get away with laying hands upon Persephone. Should it have been anyone else, someone of lesser import, the unforgiving God would hand her over to Tartarus. Instead, he would be handling this himself. Summoning one of his loyal minions, he sent the little goblin off to bring Megaera to his throne room. Hades wasn’t going to waste his time searching her out, it wasn’t worth the expenditure of energy, when he could simply sit and wait. Perched in his seat of power, the King sat tapping his fingers against the skull under them. The dark and grotesque throne was a sight to behold, one that was meant to strike fear into the hearts of any who stood before it — the body made up of writhing forms without heads, with limbs contorted and lashed onto bones stained with pitch and blood. Leather much like that which clung the God, provided him with comfort while he rested his frame. As the sounds of others approaching pulled the King’s mind off his thoughts, Hades would bring his eyes level on the form that entered; greeting the fury with no warmth to be found in his words.  ❝ Do you know why I have called you here, Meg? ❞

[heart-like-ice]

            Megaera followed the goblinesque creature reluctantly down the hall to Hade’s intimidating throne room. Her body was completely tense; all of her muscles were coiled on high alert. She was ready to flee, but she knew that it would do her very little good. Hades would probably just send Cerberus to seek her out and she didn’t want to meet her end at the hands of that man-beast.

             She stopped outside the door and her heart raced in fear. She had known she would have to face Hades eventually, but she had hoped more time would pass, that he would have more time to think things over before they met. The goblin opened the door and pushed her inside. She shot him a glare over her shoulder and turned to face her fate.

              The King of the Underworld sat on his disturbing leather throne and gazed icily at her. He was a terrifying man, to say the least. She had made the choice to ally with him because he would be a most unfortunate enemy. She scoffed to herself internally. That worked well, look where it got her.

            She heard the goblin slam the door behind him as he left and she felt her heart drop down to her stomach. She fought the urge to retch on the cold floor. She knew she was quite possibly going to die right here, right now. She had known that from the second that the goblin had found her, hell she had known it from the second that her palm made contact with Persephone’s cheek. She bit down on her lip to keep it from quivering visibly and blinked rapidly to keep tears from her eyes.

            Meg regretted what she did, but if she was to relive the situation she knew she would probably make the exact same terrible choices. She didn’t know why she didn’t have the ability to control herself, when she got riled up she lived up to her name and let the fury show.

               The Queen of the Underworld was not a woman to offend lightly. She knew this. She wished that she had thought her actions through, but she knew that wishing would get her nowhere now. Instead she gathered her wits and knelt before Hades at his throne. Meg took a deep breath and let it out shakily before saying, “I think that I do, my liege.”

[eloise-danver]

Brilliant, broke and beautiful Brilliant, broke and beautiful Cause that’s what we are Brilliant, broke and beautiful Brilliant, broke and beautiful

[heart-like-ice]

All I'll ever be is broken.

TROH Megaera

[withnothingtoshow]

I suppose we shall see then, yes? You think yourself to be so valuable. Oh my darling, how mistaken you are. Nothing more than some little tart that Hades keeps around for fun — you do his bidding, in some sick hope that maybe he’ll feel for you what he feels for me. He won’t, he doesn’t like whores, he likes pure little innocents… Hence myself. 

I have been his for centuries, of course I know what he will and will not do. This does not mean I approve of his actions. Do not push me any further, if you value your existence.

[heart-like-ice]

  Megaera looked at Persephone. She was dumbstruck. She knew she had made a quite possibly fatal mistake, and she regretted it fully, but she couldn't bring herself to apologize. Instead, she turned on her heel and ran as fast as she could away from the blonde woman.

[heart-like-ice]

How can you hold so much hatred?

If you had been through the things I've been through, felt the things I've felt, and hated everyone including yourself for so long, you wouldn't have to ask that question. 

[heart-like-ice]

Don't Waste My Time