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To many of the other gods, Apollo was the most calm and perfect of all the Olympians; he barely ever complained, did anything for anyone and was always there if you wanted someone to talk to.
But now, as Apollo sat by the windowsill, caressing the purple flower next to him, he couldn't feel less like the way the other gods saw him. As he looked at the flower, the only thing he still had left of his beloved Hyacinthus, a sad smile appeared on his face.
He had done this, sitting in the moonlight thinking about his dead lover, for the past 49 years and still none of the gods knew about it. The only ones who knew about it were Artemis and Hermes. Both of them had walked in on him sitting like this, immediately knowing why he was sitting there and embracing him, trying to comfort him.
Apollo took a deep breath and got up from his seat by the window. He walked over to his bed, letting himself fall onto it, blonde hair spreading across his pillow. He closed his eyes, dreading the next day.
Apollo woke up. As soon as the realisation of what day it was hit him, he covered his face with his sheets and a soft sob left his mouth. Today marked the day that it had been 50 years since the love of his life was killed by his own actions. Every year on this day, he stayed in bed not wanting to come out. (That also meant that the sun didn't come up, the poets and musicians had no inspiration and medications didn't work.) Apollo let out a choked sob and buried his face in his pillow.
Artemis looked up at the dark sky. The sun was supposed to have gone up four hours ago. Many prayers flooded Olympus, all praying that the darkness would pass again.
Artemis sighed. This has been an ongoing trend for the past 50 years. She had tried for 25 years to get Apollo out of his bed but to no use. Their mother had tried for another 15 years, but eventually also gave up.
"Mister sunshine has one of his days again," Ares said, annoyed.
"Let him be," Artemis said. "It's one day once a year. Be happy it's not every week or something." Ares grumbled something and walked away.
Hermes came to stand next to Artemis. He looked at the sky.
"It's been fifty years," Artemis said. "You would think he would be past it by now."
"He still thinks it's his fault," Hermes said. "And those two shared such a unique bond, he was ready to sacrifice anything for him."
"If only there were a way to bring Hyacinthus back," Artemis said. Hermes thought for a second.
"I think we could bring him back," he said, thinking. "Mortals have been brought back from the dead before."
"But then we would need first Zeus' permission and also Hades'," Artemis said.
"Zeus will probably just be glad that we found a way to solve this problem," Hermes said. "And about Hades, Persephone can be very convincing."
Hermes grabbed Artemis' wrist and almost dragged her toward the palace.
"What are you doing?" Artemis asked. "We can't just walk into the palace!"
"I can," Hermes said as they approached the big golden doors. "And you're just joining me."
Artemis shook her head but followed along anyway. Hermes knocked on the big doors.
"Father," he said. "We would like to speak with you. It's important." Slowly the doors opened, letting them into the palace. Hermes and Artemis walked in, the doors closing behind them. As they walked through the long corridor, Artemis looked around in wonder. She had been only into the palace a handful of times.
They reached the throne room. Zeus was sitting on top of his throne, a crease of thought on his forehead.
"Just be quick," Zeus said. "This situation with Apollo is taking up my time."
"We might have a solution for that," Hermes said.
"What do you mean?" Zeus asked, immediately more interested. "There's not even a reason for him to be acting like this."
"There is a reason behind it," Artemis said. "You see, this happens once every year, on the same day. It's on the day that my brother accidentally killed his lover, Hyacinthus."
"So, how long has it been? 50 years?" Zeus asked. Hermes and Artemis nodded. Zeus sighed.
"But how were you planning on fixing this?" Zeus asked.
Hermes took a deep breath. "We were thinking if we could bring back Hyacinthus-"
"Bring back a mortal?! Are you two crazy?" Zeus yelled angrily. Artemis took a few steps back, but Hermes stood where he stood, clearly used to Zeus' outbursts.
"There have been multiple mortals brought back," Hermes said, remaining calm. "Some with less reason."
"But this mortal has been dead for 50 years," Zeus said, calming down a bit. "Trying to make him immortal-"
"Apollo would gladly bind their souls," Artemis said. "At the beginning, he was prepared to die to be with him, this is nothing compared to that."
Zeus sighed. "Fine," he said. "If that is what it takes to solve this problem, it's fine with me. But convincing Hades to let go of one of his precious souls will be harder."
"We promise we'll fix this," Hermes said. "And if something goes wrong, the blame is on us."
"Okay," Zeus said. "You two solve this problem, and I'll be ready to bind their souls."
"We will not disappoint," Hermes said and after that, he and Artemis left the throne room.
"So, part one is done," Hermes said.
"But how are we supposed to get to the underworld?" Artemis asked as they walked out of the palace.
"I go there every single day," Hermes said. "It's as easy as breathing."
As they walked over to the gates, Leto walked up to them.
"Hello mother," Artemis said.
"Hello, sweetie," Leto said. "Have you been to your brother yet?"
"No," Artemis said. "The last time I went to him on this day, I barely made it out alive."
Leto now noticed Hermes.
"Where are you going?" Leto asked, just curious.
"Getting something to hopefully get Apollo out of his heartbreak," Hermes said.
Leto nodded. "Well, good luck then," she said and she resumed her path.
"Hold on tight," Hermes said. Artemis grabbed his arm and held on tight. Hermes took a stand, and they ran off, straight to the underworld.
They reached Hades' palace in no time. Here in the underworld, it was lighter than up above. Hermes walked to the entrance of the palace. After Artemis had recollected herself after the super-fast travel, she followed Hermes to the palace.
There were no doors, so they could just enter. When they entered the throne room, Hades was nowhere to be seen.
"H?! Where are you?!" Hermes yelled. It stayed quiet.
"I don't think he's home," Artemis whispered.
"He's probably having some fun with Persephone," Hermes said with a wink.
After a few minutes, Hades entered the throne room, followed closely by Persephone.
"Hermes," Hades said. "And Artemis. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"We came to ask you for a favour," Hermes said.
"Oh, and what is it that you want from me?" Hades asked, intrigued.
"One of your souls," Hermes said.
"One of my souls," Hades said, laughing in disbelief. "And who might this soul belong to?"
"Hyacinthus," Artemis said. "Spartan prince, son of king Amyklas and Clio, lover of Apollo."
"And why would I let him go?" Hades asked.
"Even after 50 years Apollo is still heartbroken," Artemis said. "Every year, on the day of Hyacinthus' death, he doesn't come out of bed. Meaning that the sun doesn't rise, poets and musicians have no inspiration or music, and medications don't work."
"And if we could bring back Hyacinthus," Hermes added. "This wouldn't happen."
Persephone turned to her husband. "They have a point," she said. "If we let Hyacinthus return, Apollo wouldn't be heartbroken and grieving anymore."
"I don't know," Hades said. "Apollo is immortal, and also seeing his past love-life, he should be used to it by now."
"But Hyacinthus is different," Persephone said. "Remember when he had just died, Apollo almost killed himself just to be with him." Hades still didn't look convinced.
"What is one soul to all of Earth?" Persephone added. Hades sighed.
"Fine, I'll let his soul go," Hades said, finally convinced. "But you'll still have to make him immortal if we don't want this situation again."
"We already took care of that," Hermes said. Hades nodded and with a snip of his fingers, Hyacinthus appeared in front of them.
"Huh? What's going on?" Hyacinthus asked, confused.
"Congratulations, you're no longer dead," Hades said. Hyacinthus looked even more confused.
"You're coming back with us," Hermes said, trying to explain the situation. "Your boyfriend is causing some issues, and you're the only one who can solve it." A tiny smile appeared on Hyacinthus' face at the mention of Apollo.
"So, what do you say," Hermes said, holding out his hand to Hyacinthus. "You want to spend the rest of eternity with your lover?" Hyacinthus nodded shyly, but with a big smile on his face. He slightly hesitantly took Hermes' hand.
"Thank you," Hyacinthus whispered.
"No problem, mate," Hermes said. "Honestly, you're helping us more." Hermes saluted Hades and Artemis grabbed his other arm.
"Hold on tight," Hermes said and they ran out of the underworld.
When Hyacinthus opened his eyes again, he was met with darkness.
"Welcome to Olympus," Hermes said.
"Is it always so dark up here?" Hyacinthus asked.
"It's usually pretty sunny," Artemis said. "But because Apollo won't get up, the sun doesn't rise."
“So, you’re saying that he’s doing all of this, because of…...me?” Hyacinthus asked, suddenly feeling very little.
Hermes nodded. “He still loves you more than anything,” he said. “And he blames himself for what happened to you.” Hyacinthus subconsciously brought his fingers up to his forehead, to the scar that had appeared.
“Come on,” Artemis said. “Let’s take you to Apollo.”
The three of them walked to the palace of the sun, now wrapped in darkness, but hopefully not for long.
Apollo pulled the sheets tighter over his head. Tears were silently streaming down his face, dripping on his already soaked pillow. Thoughts and memories of Hyacinthus swirled through his head, but one kept playing in front of Apollo’s eyes.
The discus flying through the air, the wind suddenly changing, Hyacinthus falling to the floor, his own scream, him kneeling next to the lifeless body of his lover, trying so desperately to heal him, blood staining everything, his tears mixing with his lover’s blood, holding his love for the last time.
Apollo heard the door open, all he did was bury his face deeper in his pillow. Somebody whispered his name, he recognised the voice, but it couldn’t be him. He heard his name another time, louder this time. He covered his ears; he was imagining it, he couldn’t be here. The bed dipped down beside him, a hand resting on his arm.
“Love?”
Apollo took a deep breath and pulled the sheets away from his face. He couldn’t believe what he saw. Sitting next to him, was Hyacinthus.
“Hyacinthus?” Apollo whispered, voice filled with sad hope.
“I’m right here, love,” Hyacinthus said, cupping Apollo’s cheek.
That was all the confirmation Apollo needed and he launched himself forward, hugging Hyacinthus as tight as possible. Hyacinthus wrapped his arms around Apollo, rubbing soothing circles on his lover’s back. Apollo clung to Hyacinthus, scared that if he let go, he would disappear again.
“I’m right here,” Hyacinthus whispered. “It’s okay.”
Apollo let out a choked sob and buried his face in Hyacinthus’ neck.
“I’m so sorry,” Apollo cried. “I never wanted to hurt you. I’m so sorry.”
“I know, baby,” Hyacinthus said, trying not to cry. “It’s not your fault.”
They sat like that for a long time, holding each other, reassuring the other that this was really happening and not a dream. When Apollo eventually pulled away slightly, both of them had wet streaks covering their faces.
“How are you here?” Apollo asked, whispering.
“Hermes and Artemis came to get me,” Hyacinthus replied softly. “One minute I was in Asphodel, the next I was in Hades’ castle. It is still a bit blurry.”
Apollo rested his forehead against Hyacinthus’, longing for physical contact.
“I love you,” Apollo whispered.
“I love you too,” Hyacinthus whispered back. “In life and death.”
Apollo softly chuckled and he pulled Hyacinthus closer to him again. There was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Apollo said and he manoeuvred Hyacinthus into his lap.
The door opened and Hermes came in. Apollo looked up at him.
"Father has finally found some time for you," Hermes said.
"For what?" Apollo asked.
"To bind your souls, you idiot," Hermes said. "Unless you want Hyacinthus to die again."
Apollo immediately jumped up, pulling Hyacinthus with him.
"No way, that is not going to happen again," Apollo said. "Nope, we're going to Zeus right now."
Hyacinthus softly laughed and leaned against Apollo, taking his hand. Hermes tried to stifle his own laugh.
“Come on, then,” Hermes said and he motioned for Apollo and Hyacinthus to follow him.
Apollo wanted to walk out of the door, but Hyacinthus stopped him.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Hyacinthus said, looking down at the floor. “I mean, you’re a god and I’m just a simple human, no one special.”
Apollo lovingly cupped Hyacinthus’ face, making him look up to him.
“I’m sure,” Apollo said. “I’ve never been so sure of anything before in my life. My heart longed for you for 50 years, and that isn’t going to change. I’ll always want you. And you’re not ‘just a simple human’, you’re a demigod, a Spartan prince and an amazing fighter. I wouldn’t call somebody like that ‘no one special’.”
Hyacinthus softly smiled. Apollo always knew how to make him feel better about himself. Apollo pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.
“So, do you want to do this?” Apollo asked and he held his hand out for Hyacinthus to take.
“Absolutely,” Hyacinthus said and he took Apollo’s hand. Apollo smiled at him and together, they followed Hermes, who had already disappeared through the door.