Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

What if Orpheus didn’t turn back to see his lover’s beautiful face? What if he made it back into town a hero, making sure all of their once dead relatives returned home safe and sound? But in return for this change in this old tale, Orpheus’ next of kin, gets into a little deadly trouble.

When Orpheus returned home, he finally turned around and saw his lover Eurydice. “You did it,” she whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek. Orpheus kissed it away as he ran his fingers through her hair. 

“No, we did it,” Orpheus smiled his golden retriever smile as the whistle of the train filled their ears. Like children hearing the jingle of an ice cream cart, Orpheus and Eurydice turned to each other. 

“Persephone!” They ran out the door to go see the goddess of spring. 

“Orpheus!” Persephone hugged him as Eurydice smiled. “You did it. It’s so good to see you two together.”

“How’s Hades?” Orpheus asked, holding Eurydice close.

“He’s okay, probably thinking about what you said.” Persephone shrugged. “We do need to try again.”

“And that’s okay,” Orpheus smiled. “We’ll see you around.” He took Eurydice’s hand as they walked through the forest.

“Orpheus,” Eurydice whispered, staring up at the sky. “I missed you.” 

“I’m sorry,” Orpheus answered. “I’m sorry I caused such a mess.” 

“Lover, you had to finish the song.” Eurydice kissed her lover's cheek. “I can’t blame you.” 

The lovers walked in silence until Eurydice spoke up. “Now that all is said and done…I was thinking we could start a family.”

Orpheus stopped in his tracks. “Orpheus?” Eurydice turned back to him as a tear slipped from his cheek. He picked up Eurydice and spun her around as she laughed. 

“Yes. Yes, of course.”

That conversation is the reason Melody and Poppy were born. 

“Congratulations,” Hermes told Orpheus that morning after as Orpheus sat outside, strumming his lyre.

“Thank you, Mr. Hermes,” Orpheus turned a light pink, slightly embarrassed. “I don’t want their birth to be a repeat of what happened to Eurydice,” he confessed as Hermes put a hand on Orpheus’ shoulder.

“That girl in there—” Hermes pointed to the house. “—loves you very much. And so will they.” Orpheus smiled hugging Hermes.

“Thank you,” he repeated as Hermes smirked. 

“And this ain’t because I’m kind.” 

Orpheus laughed. “Sure.” 

Chapter Text

Time seemed to fly by and Melody and Poppy were ten years old. “Is Auntie Persephone coming?!” Poppy and Melody asked their father with a grin.

“Do you wanna tell them?” Eurydice laughed from the kitchen as Orpheus hugged his wife from behind. 

“No fair, you’re supposed to get the boring jobs.” He kissed her cheek as she laughed. 

“Someone has to be a stick-in-the-mud.” Eurydice smirked proudly as Orpheus turned to his children who had bright, hopeful eyes. 

“Well Auntie Persephone has to go down to Hadestown for six months,” Orpheus explained. “For fall and winter. After six months, she comes back and we have spring and summer.” 

“She gets on the train and goes to stay with Uncle Hades.” Melody grinned. “Why can’t we see Uncle Hades?” Eurydice almost dropped her skillet as she turned to Orpheus who bit his lip anxiously. 

“ No, ” she whispered to Orpheus.

“Well because if we go on the train, we can’t come back,” Orpheus explained.

“What if we walked?” Poppy asked as Orpheus turned away.

“No,” Orpheus explained. “We can’t.” 

“Why not?” Poppy asked. “Why can’t we walk? Why can we go on the train? Why can we see Uncle Hades?” 

“Because he’s not your uncle!” Eurydice exclaimed as Orpheus turned to her. “Orphie, please explain it to them.” 

Orpheus turned back to his children as they waited for an answer. “I can’t.” He stated. “Let’s just drop the subject. Hades is not your uncle. Simple.” 

“Can we pass by the train station?” Melody asked as Orpheus sighed. 

“Fine.” 

Eurydice stood alone in the kitchen as she watched Orpheus, Melody, and Poppy leave. 

“Orpheus,” he turns to her as Eurydice sets the skillet aside and turns off the stove. “Wait for me.” 

Chapter Text

Orpheus and Eurydice take Melody and Poppy by the hand as the whistle screams and the train doors open, all the carts are empty and people clamor to get on, waving tickets around as Eurydice frowns.

“Lover, what’s wrong?” Orpheus whispered planting kisses all over Eurydice’s face as she smiled.

“Nothing,” she replies as Melody and Poppy watch sadly as the train whistle screams again, all the people who waved their tickets around are on the train, heading way down to Hadestown.

“So all those people died?” Melody asked, turning to her parents as Orpheus nodded. “That's so sad.” He rubs Melody’s back. 

“What about their families?” Poppy added,turning to her father. “Won’t their families be sad, just like you were when you lost Mama!” 

“Yeah,” Orpheus replies. “From what I heard, Hades is slowly going back to his old ways.” 

“But it’s only been ten years!” Eurydice turned to Orpheus. “What is his deal?!”

“I don’t know,” Orpheus puts his hand on Eurydice’s waist. “I don’t know.”

Down in Hadestown, two young kids pressed their ears against the door as they heard Hades' thundering voice from inside. 

“Sign the papers!” He exclaimed as the first kid mocked, shapeshifting into Hades as the second kid snickered.

“I can’t just leave my family behind, they need me. Can’t I visit them on the weekends at least?” A meek old lady’s voice squeaks

“I’ll think about it after you sign the papers,” he replies. The scribbling of the pen is heard and a whoosh.

“Aren’t you two supposed to be somewhere else?” A voice answered as the kids turned around to see Persephone smirking at them. 

“Sorry, Mama,” The first kid answered. “We're just playing around.” Persephone smiled softly as she hugged them.

“Juniper, Camellia, how about we go up to the mortal realm together?” 

“Really?!” They exclaimed excitedly as Persephone nodded. She pushed past them and knocked on the door. 

“Did you make an appointment?!” Hades calls from the other side of the door.

“I don’t need to, I’m your wife,” Persephone replies as Juniper and Camellia stood behind her with identical grins. 

“Hello, my love,” Persephone walked over to her lover and pulled him into a kiss. “It’s time for spring,” Hades picked up his pockwatch, watching it sway back and forth. 

“Already?” He groaned as she nodded. “Okay,” she hugged Hades with a smile.

Chapter Text

Orpheus looked over Hermes' shoulder at his watch as the god tapped his feathered feet on the deck impatiently. It made a quiet tap, tap, tap on the wooden floor as Melody and Poppy held onto their mother tightly.

“Aunt Persephone is coming back? Right?” Melody shivered, turning to Orpheus.

“I hope so, my love,” he replied. “Then we Can start preparing for winter again.” 

“Please, be here, Auntie Seph.”Poppy whispered as Eurydice nodded. Orpheus strummed his lyre quietly.

“What’s in Hadestown?” Melody and Poppy asked.

“Oh it’s wonderful,” Clotho grinned. More gold than you can imagine.”

“Really?!” Melody and Poppy asked.

“Oh sure!” Lachesis added. “Everyone lives like royalty.” 

“Not to mention, there’s more food than you know what to do with!” Atropos continues as Melody and Poppy’s eyes light up.

“Yeah, I’d appreciate it if you three didn’t lie to my kids.” Eurydice hissed, holding Melody and Poppy tightly. Ever since Eurydice discovered that the Fates lied to her about the mysteries of Hadestown, she’s been careful not to let them near Melody and Poppy.

Just the train whistle faintly blew as Orpheus turned to Eurydice with a grin she remembered from so long ago.

A few moments later, the train rolled in front of them and came to a stop. The doors opened and there was Persephone with two kids.  

“Here l am!” She squealed as the cold air seemed to roll back in Persephone’s presence.

“Aunt Persephone!” Melody and Poppy exclaimed, running to her.

“How are you two?” She asked with a grin. “Have you been driving your momma crazy?” She asked as Eurydice approached Persephone with a small bow.

“No we’ve been really good!” Poppy answered with a grin.

“Well, in that case….” Persephone pulled something out of the pocket of her fur coat. Two pieces of candy soon disappeared from her hand as Melody and Poppy ran to their father with a grin.

“Look what Auntie Seph gave us!” They told Orpheus as he smiled.

“Juniper, Camellia, did you introduce yourself to the mortal children?” Persephone asked as Juniper held their hand out to Melody and Poppy.

“Hello, I’m Camellia, the goddess of seasons and this is my sibling, Juniper, the god of darkness and shadows.” Melody and Poppy stared up in awe at the gods before them.

“Papa says you can make flowers grow just like Aunt Seph and Grandma Demeter.” Poppy pointed at Camellia who nodded and made a red carnation out of thin air, handing it to Poppy. 

“Here you go, princess,” they smiled as Poppy waved her flower around happily. Melody gave a small frown, watching her younger twin with the flower in her hand as Camellia smirked and gave her a flower of her own. A red rose.

“Don’t be jealous,” Camellia smiled as Melody and Poppy ran off with a grin.

“Were we ever that childish?” Camellia whispered as Juniper shook his head.

“No, of course not, that’s insane.” 

Persephone, Juniper, and Camellia went home with Orpheus and his family that night.

“How’s the Underworld?” Orpheus asked. “How’s Hades?” 

“Grouchy,” Juniper laughed.

“Greedy,” Camellia added.

“And down right cold.” They finished as Melody and Poppy turned to their parents.

“But you told us Uncle Hades was a nice god.” They said as Juniper choked on his drink. 

Persephone, Orpheus and Eurydice turned to Juniper with a small glare. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I just never thought I’d hear ‘Hades’ and ‘nice god’ in the same sentence.”

“Me neither but you don’t have to be obvious about it,” Camellia mumbled, drinking quietly. 

“Hades is uh… going back to his old ways. Rebuilding everything torn down in Hadestown,” Persephone explained.

“What’s in Hadestown?” Melody and Poppy asked in unison. “We want to go see Hadestown.” 

“No, no you don’t.” Camellia spoke up. “Down there it’s cold and dark, and boring.”

“But The Fates said there’s gold down there!”

“And they’re lying. There’s nothing good down there but coal and darkness.” Orpheus answered. 

That night Melody and Poppy laid awake in bed. “Are you awake?” Melody whispered. 

“Yeah, you?” Poppy replied. 

“Yeah.” 

Silence.

“Do you ever wonder what’s in Hadestown?” Melody asked.

“Yeah,” Poppy answers. “I think both Momma and the Fates are right.” 

“What do you mean?” Melody turned in the dark towards her sister who laid in the bed on the other side of the room. 

“Well maybe the good people get the gold, good clothes, and food and the bad people have to work for Mr. Hades.” Poppy explained.

“Do you think we can find out?” Melody continued. “Find out the secrets of Hadestown?” 

“That sounds like fun.” Poppy grinned.

Chapter Text

The next day, Orpheus and Eurydice shook their children awake. “Wake up,” they whispered.

“Mama, Papa, where are we going?” Melody and Poppy rubbed their eyes. 

“We’re going to the spring!” Melody and Poppy’s eyes widened as they turned to each other. 

“Are Juniper and Camellia going?” They asked and grinned. 

“Yup and so is Aunt Persephone!” Orpheus told his children as they got up out of bed.

Juniper and Camellia were already at the table, in their swimsuits as Melody and Poppy slid past them to the guest room where Persephone stayed. 

“Auntie Seph!” They knocked on her door. Out came the goddess in an army green swimsuit and a straw hat with a flower on it. 

“Auntie Seph you look so pretty!” Melody and Poppy grinned, hugging the goddess. 

The crew of seven got to the springs and the flowers seemed to glow just because of her presence. 

Melody and Poppy jumped into the cold fresh water as they laughed splashing each other. Persephone and Camellia gracefully made their way into the water, but not before Juniper pushed Camellia, causing them to fall into the water. Juniper laughed as Camellia smirked. They made a vine to sprout up from the floor of the spring to pick up Juniper and drop him in the middle of the water.

“Juniper. Camellia.” Persephone said sternly to her children.

“But Momma!” Camellia groaned, toying with their auburn curls. “Juniper started it!” Persephone glared at her children as they both swam towards each other. 

Orpheus and Eurydice sat on a blanket, as Orpheus strummed his guitar quietly. A little girl approached him. She was no older than five.” 

“Mister Orpheus?” She asked. “Can you play me a song?” Orpheus’ and Eurydice’s hearts melted as Orpheus nodded.

“Do you have any requests?” Orpheus asked as the little girl bit her lip.

“I dunno.” She shrugged.

“Well in that case…” Orpheus tuned his guitar. “Can I play you my favorite song?” The little girl nodded. Orpheus hummed quietly. “King of shadows~king of shades~” 

Once the song finished the girl thanked him and left quickly. Eurydice laid her head on Orpheus' lap. “I could listen to you play all day.” Eurydice sighed happily as Orpheus smiled, rendered speechless by his wife’s simple but kind words. 

But in Eurydice’s mind, she was working. Juniper and Camellia mentioned that Hades is returning to his old ways. She thought. If he and Persephone get into an argument he’s going to want someone to come and appreciate Hadestown. She was mad at herself for being so naive. I can’t let Melody and Poppy fall victim to Hades’ tricks. I just can't!    

“Eurydice, girl what’s wrong?” Persephone sat next to Eurydice who snapped out her thoughts and found Orpheus and Persephone staring at her. 

“Girl you look like you could use some wine.” Persephone pulls a bottle of wine out of her bag and pours it in a glass. “Dionysus made this one.” she grinned, taking a small sip of the glass before handing it to Eurydice. 

“Thanks,” Eurydice smiled, taking a sip.

Chapter Text

“Juniper, Camellia can you two go check up on your father?” Persephone asked as she picked apples off Orpheus and Eurydice’s trees. Juniper rolled their eyes as Persephone shot him a glare that immediately made them stop acting like a child. 

“Okay.” Juniper trudged back into the house where Orpheus was making two cups of coffee. One for him and one for Eurydice.

“You have to go to Hadestown?” Hermes asked, as Juniper stopped and nodded. The old god chuckled as he got up and walked to the younger one. “Good luck.” 

“Grandpa Hermes, what’s in Hadestown?” Melody and Poppy looked up from the book they were reading as Hermes caught Orpheus gaze. He shook his head as Hermes put his hands in his pockets.

“Secrets will be revealed in due time.” He walked with Juniper to go help them and Camellia pack. 

Juniper and Camellia waved their goodbyes to Orpheus and his tiny family as the train swept away. Lots of nervous souls were on the train. 

“What do you think is happening down there?” Camellia asked, turning to Juniper who shrugged.

“Well we’re about to find out.” Juniper ruffled their head of ombré curls. 

“Do you think Dad will ever stop with the factories and warehouses and the endless wall?” Camellia asked as Juniper shook their head. “Oh come on, Juniper!” 

“Cami, you asked me for the truth and I gave it to you. Dad will never change, I’m sorry.” Juniper faced the window. Albeit, it wasn’t a nice scene. It was just a cave wall whizzing past them as the train reached Hadestown.

The people shuffled off, eager to start work. Work that they had no idea was just slavery. Camellia and Juniper walked off and stared in horror. 

The workers sang their song. The song that Juniper and Camellia hoped and wished never to hear again. “Low~ keep your head, keep your head low~” Camellia clenched her fists as they walked past the workers who sang along to the music of machinery. 

“Ooo! He’s in for it now,” Juniper chuckled following a very pissed Camellia down the castle hallway and up the stairs to where Hades sat on the balcony, watching the workers work down in Hadestown. Hades  sang their song quietly. But it wasn’t in the way the workers sang it, with sweat beading around their temples, working and never ceasing. He sat comfortably, watching them from a distance. He turns and notices a very pissed Camellia and an almost smirking Juniper.

“Juniper. Camellia. You’re early.” He motioned for them to sit at one of the three empty seats. Juniper sat down, leaving two seats. The two that were preserved were Camellia and Persephone. 

“Really? And you’re delusional!” Camellia snapped. Hades’ inviting smirk turned into a strong glare. One that would have sent any mortal running for cover. Instead it made Camellia stand up straighter and keep staring at him. 

“Camellia watch your tone.” Hades threatened. “Do you want to be grounded for one-hundred years?” If a mortal man said that to his daughter, she’d laugh and tell him that he's lucky to live for half of those years. But for Camellia, she knew that Hades would live for those one-hundred  years and he’d live for one-hundred more. 

Camellia instead laughed. Oh they laughed and laughed. Hades shot her a glare as they stood up straight. She said the words that they thought—and kind of hoped— would strike fear in Hades’ heart. Or at least strike fear in whatever he had for a heart. 

“I’m telling Mom.” 

Now it was Hades’ turn to laugh. His laugh became a sort of cackle. The type you’d expect from an evil king like him. 

“Who do you think I’m doing all of this for?” Camellia scoffed, crossing her arms. “I’m doing this for her!” 

“Dad.” They seethed, stepping forward. “Do I need to remind you what happened last time? You kidnapped a mortal girl because Momma didn’t ‘appreciate’ your ‘redecorating.’” 

“She didn’t!” Hades’ yelled as Juniper flinched and Camellia stepped back a little. She rolled her eyes and grabbed Juniper, dragging him back down the stairs. 

“We’ll see what she has to say about this.” 

Back in the Overworld, Orpheus and Eurydice sat down with Hermes and Persephone, talking about Melody and Poppy’s newfound curiosity about Hadestown. 

“We can’t let them try and go down there.” Orpheus said, a tear streaking down his face. Eurydice put her hand on her husband’s back, soothing him quietly. 

“Orpheus it’s not your fault,” Eurydice whispered. 

“It is!” He snapped as Eurydice moved back in her chair. In the eleven years Eurydice had known Orpheus, not once had the poet raised his voice. At least not that. 

“I let my own wife fall victim to Hades’ tricks and I barely managed to save her.” Orpheus gripped his hair tightly, sucking in a breath. “I can’t let him get his hands on Melody and Poppy.

“Orphie, I understand,” Eurydice kissed her lover as his heart rate returned to a normal thump-thump pace. “But we have each other.” 

“And you have us,” Hermes and Persephone told the poet. Eurydice ran her fingers through Orpheus’ hair.

“I’m gonna hold you forever~The wind will never change on us~As long as we stay with each other, then it will always be like this~” Eurydice sang her lover’s promise back to him 

as he smiled. 

Then the front door opens abruptly, causing Orpheus to flinch. In walked Camellia with Juniper on their tail.

“Mom! Dad’s inventing capitalism again!” Camellia said, clenching her fists.

Chapter Text

Previously on And We’re Gonna Sing It Again

Camellia and Juniper walked off and stared in horror. 

The workers sang their song. The song that Juniper and Camellia hoped and wished never to hear again. “Low~ keep your head, keep your head low~” Camellia clenched her fists as they walked past the workers who sang along to the music of machinery. 

“Ooo! He’s in for it now,” Juniper chuckled following a very pissed Camellia down the castle hallway and up the stairs to where Hades sat on the balcony, watching the workers work down in Hadestown. Hades  sang their song quietly. But it wasn’t in the way the workers sang it, with sweat beading around their temples, working and never ceasing. He sat comfortably, watching them from a distance. He turns and notices a very pissed Camellia and an almost smirking Juniper.

“Juniper. Camellia. You’re early.” He motioned for them to sit at one of the three empty seats. Juniper sat down, leaving two seats. The two that were preserved were Camellia and Persephone. 

“Really? And you’re delusional!” Camellia snapped. Hades’ inviting smirk turned into a strong glare. One that would have sent any mortal running for cover. Instead it made Camellia stand up straighter and keep staring at him. 

“Camellia watch your tone.” Hades threatened. “Do you want to be grounded for one-hundred years?” If a mortal man said that to his daughter, she’d laugh and tell him that he's lucky to live for half of those years. But for Camellia, she knew that Hades would live for those one-hundred  years and he’d live for one-hundred more. 

Camellia instead laughed. Oh they laughed and laughed. Hades shot her a glare as they stood up straight. She said the words that they thought—and kind of hoped— would strike fear in Hades’ heart. Or at least strike fear in whatever he had for a heart. 

“I’m telling Mom.” 

Now it was Hades’ turn to laugh. His laugh became a sort of cackle. The type you’d expect from an evil king like him. 

“Who do you think I’m doing all of this for?” Camellia scoffed, crossing her arms. “I’m doing this for her!” 

“Dad.” They seethed, stepping forward. “Do I need to remind you what happened last time? You kidnapped a mortal girl because Momma didn’t ‘appreciate’ your ‘redecorating.’” 

Then the front door opens abruptly, causing Orpheus to flinch. In walked Camellia with Juniper on their tail.

“Mom! Dad’s inventing capitalism again!” Camellia said, clenching her fists.

(End of recap)

“What?” Persephone raised her eyebrows. 

“Dad’s building his foundries and factories and warehouses again.” Camellia scoffed. Then came Hades, in his usual black tux.

“Hades is this true?!” Persephone stood up as Orpheus and Eurydice turned to each other. 

“Everyone still gets to take breaks, it’s not as bad as Camellia says.” He glared at his daughter who rolled their eyes. 

“Momma? Papa?” Melody and Poppy walked out of their room and laid eyes on the King of the Underworld standing a few feet away from them. Obviously they didn’t know that was the King of The Underworld so they blurted.

“Are you Santa Claus?” Juniper and Camellia stifled a laugh, elbowing each other.

“Santa Claus!” They wheezed as Hades glared at them and Persephone laughed a little.

“Um…no.” Persephone composed herself. “This is Hades…my husband.” 

“Uncle Hades!” Melody and Poppy ran to hug Hades as Eurydice fumed, getting up from the table, prying Melody and Poppy away from him. 

“He’s not your uncle,” Eurydice repeated, glaring at the god who towered at least a foot and a half above her. 

“But if Auntie Seph is our aunt, and Hades is her husband, how is he not our uncle?” Melody and Poppy turned to Eurydice. They made a good point. 

“Because he did some bad things.” Orpheus shot a small glare which surprised the gods. Especially Hermes and Persephone who have never seen the quiet, collected Orpheus angry or even annoyed. 

“ I did some bad things?” Hades laughed the same cackle he laughed just a few hours ago. “Orpheus, why don’t you tell them why Eurydice came to Hadestown?” Hades placed his hands on the table and leaned towards Orpheus with a sly smirk as the poet’s heart dropped. 

“Papa, what’s he talking about?” Melody and Poppy turned to their father. Orpheus' mind raced in a chaotic tune with his heart. 

“Get out of my house!” He stood up, jabbing a finger at Hades. Eurydice took the opportunity to take Melody and Poppy back to bed. Back at the table, Hermes and Persephone shot each other a concerned look. “I don't want you around my kids or my wife. Go!” Orpheus pointed to the door as Hades glared at Orpheus.

“Son, I think you need to remember who your talking to. I am the King of the Underworld and you’re just a poor poet.” 

“Dad! Just go! Leave him alone.” Camellia pointed to the door.

“I have had enough of your insubordination, young goddess.” Hades turned his wrath to Camellia who still stood unafraid. Persephone stood up. 

“Hades! Just go!” She pointed to the door as the King left, slamming the door behind him. 

Back in Melody and Poppy’s room, the girls cling to their mother. “What’s Uncle Hades talking about? You went to Hadestown?” 

“I did. And I deeply regret it.” Eurydice tucked her daughters in bed. “You two have to promise me that if you ever see Hades again, you will go to me, Papa, Grandpa Hermes, or Aunt Persephone.” 

“Or Uncle Jax?” Melody chirped as Eurydice nodded. 

“Yes, or Uncle Jax.” 

Orpheus cleaned the tables in the restaurant with such force that Hermes took notice. “Brother, are you okay?” Orpheus didn’t answer as he kept scrubbing it, muttering to himself. “Son….” Still no answer. “Orpheus!” Hermes snatched the rag from Orpheus who looked up and turned to Hermes. 

“Mr. Hermes, can I please have that back?” Orpheus pleaded as Hermes held it further away from the young poet. “I have to clean the tables.” 

“They can wait.” Orpheus sighed, standing in front of Hermes, hands in the pocket of his apron. He remembers being in the same position numerous times as a child. One of the major ones Orpheus remembers is that he had been bullied at school and came back to the restaurant working his fingers off, trying to get his mind off of it. Hermes wouldn’t let him go back to his job until he told him what was wrong. And it always worked. At least not this time. 

Or so Orpheus thought. 

“I’ll just get a new rag.” Orpheus sighed, turning away and walking towards the supply closet. He flipped the light one and went searching for another rag. Nothing. “Mr. Hermes, where are the rags?” 

“You can get them back when you tell me what’s going on.” Hermes set the rag down on a table far from Orpheus’ reach. 

“Hades!” Orpheus exclaimed. “There! I said it! Now can I please have the rag back?!” Orpheus held his hand out as Hermes moved back along with the rag. 

“What about Hades?” 

Orpheus sighed. “He brought up the worst mistake I’ve ever made in my life. In front of my children!” 

Hermes’ tone was cocky. “And you think that angry cleaning my tables is going to fix the problem.” 

“He’s still cleaning tables angrily to fix his problems?” A voice asked as their person emerged with a grin on their face. 

“Jax!” Orpheus exclaimed, hugging his best friend from childhood. Tears filled the poet’s eyes. “You came at the best time!” 

“I did?” Jax smirked as the two left the hug. “Because it seems like you’re getting scolded by Hermes again.” 

“You know what I mean, stupid!” Orpheus lightly punched Jax in the chest with a laugh.

“How are Melody and Poppy?” 

“Oh they’re great!” Orpheus grinned. “They’re gonna be eleven in the fall.” Hermes faked a cough and Orpheus turned back to him. He tossed the rag back to Orpheus who fumbled to catch it. 

Chapter Text

Previously on “And We’re Gonna Sing it Again”

“Momma? Papa?” Melody and Poppy walked out of their room and laid eyes on the King of the Underworld standing a few feet away from them. Obviously they didn’t know that was the King of The Underworld so they blurted.

“Are you Santa Claus?” Juniper and Camellia stifled a laugh, elbowing each other.

“Santa Claus!” They wheezed as Hades glared at them and Persephone laughed a little.

“Um…no.” Persephone composed herself. “This is Hades…my husband.” 

“Uncle Hades!” Melody and Poppy ran to hug Hades as Eurydice fumed, getting up from the table, prying Melody and Poppy away from him. 

“He’s not your uncle,” Eurydice repeated, glaring at the god who towered at least a foot and a half above her. 

“But if Auntie Seph is our aunt, and Hades is her husband, how is he not our uncle?” Melody and Poppy turned to Eurydice. They made a good point. 

“Because he did some bad things.” Orpheus shot a small glare which surprised the gods. Especially Hermes and Persephone who have never seen the quiet, collected Orpheus angry or even annoyed. 

“I did some bad things?” Hades laughed the same cackle he laughed just a few hours ago. “Orpheus, why don’t you tell them why Eurydice came to Hadestown?” Hades placed his hands on the table and leaned towards Orpheus with a sly smirk as the poet’s heart dropped. 

“Papa, what’s he talking about?” Melody and Poppy turned to their father. Orpheus' mind raced in a chaotic tune with his heart. 

“Get out of my house!” He stood up, jabbing a finger at Hades. Eurydice took the opportunity to take Melody and Poppy back to bed. Back at the table, Hermes and Persephone shot each other a concerned look. “I don't want you around my kids or my wife. Go!” Orpheus pointed to the door as Hades glared at Orpheus.

Back in Melody and Poppy’s room, the girls cling to their mother. “What’s Uncle Hades talking about? You went to Hadestown?” 

“I did. And I deeply regret it.” Eurydice tucked her daughters in bed. “You two have to promise me that if you ever see Hades again, you will go to me, Papa, Grandpa Hermes, or Aunt Persephone.” 

“Or Uncle Jax?” Melody chirped as Eurydice nodded. 

“Yes, or Uncle Jax.” 

*End of Recap*

Melody and Poppy stared at the four Hadestown tickets in their hands. Two for each girl. They turned to each other as they hid it behind a stuffed animal on their shelf. 

“What if Momma or Papa finds them?” Poppy asked.

“Uncle Hades said they won’t see them.” Melody replied. 

Just a few hours ago, Melody and Poppy were picking apples from the trees when Poppy laid eyes on another pair of eyes in the shadows. 

“Melody!” She screamed as the person came out of the shadows. 

“Woah! Woah! Woah! It’s okay, little songbirds!” The person came out of the shadows. Melody raised her eyebrows.

“Songbirds?” 

“It’s me, Uncle Hades.” Hades smiled as Poppy looked down at Melody on the ground. “I didn’t get to give you guys a gift.” 

“Momma and Papa don’t want you around us.” Melody crossed her arms. 

“Even if I can get you little songbirds, these?” Hades pulled four tickets to Hadestown out of his pocket. 

“Momma and Papa won’t go to Hadestown with us,” Poppy frowned. 

“Oh no, my little songbird, this isn’t for them, these are for you.” Hades held his hand out as Melody examined the tickets. 

“First of all those are coins, second of all, you have four in your hand but there’s two of us.” 

Hades laughed. “You are smart, little songbird, just like your momma.” 

Melody and Poppy gave each other a confused look as Hades continued.“Little songbirds, you’ll need a ticket to get on the train. And you need a ticket to go back to the Overworld. You wanted to go see the mysteries of Hadestown, right?” 

“How did you know that?” Melody gave a small glare at the Hades. 

“I see it all over your faces, little songbirds. The innocent curiosity of children.” Hades replied as Melody and Poppy turned to each other confused.

“If Momma and Papa find out you're giving us this they ain’t gon’ be happy.” Melody takes the four tickets out of Hades’ hand and hands two to Poppy.

“Little songbirds, they won’t be able to see the tickets,” Hades replies. “I’ll make sure of it.” 

“When do we go to Hadestown?” Melody asked with a small grin.

“When Aunt Persephone leaves for Hadestown, you can come with us, okay little songbirds?” Hades smirked as Melody and Poppy turned to each other and nodded. 

Now, at the dinner table Melody and Poppy stayed quiet which piqued the interest of Orpheus.

“Melody…Poppy….what happened?” Orpheus asked. 

“Oh, nothing, Papa!” Melody answers. “We’re just tired.” 

“Then you should have no problem going to bed tonight,” Eurydice smiled at her children. “Juniper, Camellia, can I speak to you two?” They nodded, getting up and walking into the hallway with Eurydice.

“Was Hades around the house today?” She whispered. Juniper and Camellia shrugged. 

“Please I need you two to think,” Eurydice whispered, despair in her voice. “Was your father around the house today?” 

“Last time we saw him was when he left yesterday,” Camellia admitted. “Why?” 

“I don’t know if Hades did or said something to them and they don’t want to tell me.” Eurydice leaned against the wall, crossing her arms. 

“I’m sure it’s fine.” Juniper shrugged as Eurydice shook her head.

“No, something’s wrong I can feel it.”

Chapter Text

Orpheus set up the microphone up on stage, snapping his fingers in front of it. Upon hearing his snapping on the speakers, Orpheus stepped down and fixed his apron. 

“We’re expecting a full house tonight,” Hermes told the poet. “All we had to do was tell them Persephone was coming!” He joked as Orpheus smiled. Then Hermes' tone became serious. “Are you sure you’ll be okay tonight?” 

Orpheus rolled his eyes with a smile. “Mr. Hermes, it was one time.” The first time Orpheus had seen the restaurant so full he was nine years old. 

Orpheus slipped through the crowd, handing drinks to the patrons as they smiled, thanking him. Orpheus figured it would be a night like every other. The only difference was that when the band played it was louder than normal which resulted in people speaking loudly over the music to be able to hear each other. Orpheus slowly moved to stand in a corner, too afraid to do anything. He broke down into tears and it wasn’t until Hermes noticed him and came to comfort him that he snapped out of it. 

“I’m just saying,” Hermes shrugged. “I don’t like seeing you like that, kid.” 

Orpheus smirked, pretending to fix his tie.“And it ain’t because I’m kind.” He mocked Hermes as the old god threw the rag at Orpheus with a loud, hearty laugh.

“Get to cleaning.” 

That night, Eurydice held Melody and Poppy’s hand as they slipped through the crowd. “Will Papa be singing his song?” Melody asked as Eurydice nodded. 

“Eurydice! Over here!” Orpheus called. Eurydice followed the sound of her husband’s voice to a table with a sign that read “ Reserved for Orpheus’ Party.” 

Eurydice sat down with her children noticing the table had four empty seats. One for Persephone. One for Juniper. One for Camellia. One for Orpheus. 

Orpheus kissed his wife’s cheek. “I have to go get everybody seated.” Eurydice smiled, watching Orpheus say hi to everyone with his friendly grin and help everyone to their tables. 

And to think that he, sweet little Orpheus, yelled at the King of the Underworld just two days prior. It was a mystery to Eurydice and it would be a mystery to anyone else; mortal, man, or god. 

“Orpheus!” Hermes called to Orpheus. The young poet turned to Hermes who held his arm up. His wrist held his watch as he nodded at the stage. It took Orpheus a second to look at the wall and see that the clock read 8:05 pm. Orpheus climbed up on stage. Tapping the mix a few times. Upon eliciting no reaction from the patrons, Orpheus gave a small frown.

“Hello~” He hummed into the mic as everyone stopped and looked towards him. “Hi everybody! Thank you all for coming to our Midnight Music Festival. I’m your host, Orpheus, Hermes’ godson and favorite mortal.” Hermes stood in the back of the restaurant. He laughed the loudest out of everyone at Orpheus’ joke. 

“Well to start our night, I would like to invite Persephone, goddess of spring, Juniper, god of shadows and darkness, and Camellia, goddess of seasons to enter the building please.” 

As soon as Orpheus said it, the goddess of spring, and her children entered. People clapped and cheered as the gods pretended that the events of two days prior never happened. They walked to sit down at Orpheus' table. Orpheus looked over at Eurydice who had a proud look on her face. 

“For our first band we have The Blue Bells.” 

Orpheus sat down with Eurydice as the band began to play. At first Orpheus was able to talk with Eurydice and the rest of the people at his table. And then suddenly, as if someone had flipped a switch, Orpheus was nine again, standing in the corner of the restaurant, listening to everything and everyone. The scraping of utensils against plates. Each person’s individual conversations. And so much noise. So, so, so  much noise.

Orpheus wanted to get up and scream. “Turn it down! Please! Please turn it down!” Eurydice noticed her husband’s panicked expression.

“Orpheus, kid, are you okay?” Persephone called over the music as Orpheus nodded with a smile, noticing Melody and Poppy staring at him. 

Eurydice whispered to Persephone. “We’ll be right back. Stay with Melody and Poppy.” The goddess nods with a sincere smile. 

Eurydice leads Orpheus out of the restaurant, the noisy hell hole is nothing but muffled noises. “Orphie, what’s wrong?” She whispered to home. Orpheus placed his hands on Eurydice’s waist and his head on her shoulder. Suddenly his tears poured out like an endless river.

“It’s—It’s so loud in there!” He sobs. “I feel this pit in my stomach and I feel like I can hear everything in the room. The musicians, people scraping utensils against the plates. People’s conversations. I just—” He breaks down into more tears as Eurydice nods, standing on her tiptoes to kiss her lover. 

“It’s okay.” She whispered, kissing his hand. “I’m here. Melody and Poppy are here. Hermes is here. Persephone and her kids are here. No one is going anywhere, Orphie.” Orpheus hugs his wife.

“Thank you, Eurydice.” Just then, Hermes’ pokes his head out of the restaurant. 

“Orpheus, you’re on.” He called as Orpheus turned to Eurydice. 

“You sure you’ll be okay?”  Eurydice asked as Orpheus nodded, taking his lyre from Hermes. The young poet walked back inside and all eyes were on him. He got to the stage as Eurydice sat down with an encouraging smile on her face.

“Hi Papa!” Melody and Poppy called from the audience with identical grins on their faces. 

“Hello, everyone,” Orpheus smiled. “It’s me again.” People said hello to him again as he smiled. “I was originally going to play you a more upbeat song but because of unforeseen events—” Eurydice and Orpheus locked eyes. “I’m going to play you a quieter version of my song to help wind down the evening.” 

Orpheus strummed his lyre quietly, singing just as quietly and watched as people smiled, almost thankful that he played such a quieter tune. At the end of it people clapped as he gave a small laugh.

“Thank you and good night.” 

Chapter Text

Previously on “And We’re Gonna Sing it Again”

“Well Auntie Persephone has to go down to Hadestown for six months,” Orpheus explained. “For fall and winter. After six months, she comes back and we have spring and summer.” 

“She gets on the train and goes to stay with Uncle Hades.” Melody grinned. “Why can’t we see Uncle Hades?” Eurydice almost dropped her skillet as she turned to Orpheus who bit his lip anxiously. 

—————

“So all those people died?” Melody asked, turning to her parents as Orpheus nodded. “That's so sad.” He rubs Melody’s back. 

—————

“What’s in Hadestown?” Melody and Poppy asked.

“Oh it’s wonderful,” Clotho grinned. More gold than you can imagine.”

“Really?!” Melody and Poppy asked.

“Oh sure!” Lachesis added. “Everyone lives like royalty.” 

“Not to mention, there’s more food than you know what to do with!” Atropos continues as Melody and Poppy’s eyes light up.

—————————

“How’s the Underworld?” Orpheus asked. “How’s Hades?” 

“Grouchy,” Juniper laughed.

“Greedy,” Camellia added.

“And down right cold.” They finished as Melody and Poppy turned to their parents.

“But you told us Uncle Hades was a nice god.” They said as Juniper choked on his drink. 

Persephone, Orpheus and Eurydice turned to Juniper with a small glare. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I just never thought I’d hear ‘Hades’ and ‘nice god’ in the same sentence.”

“Me neither but you don’t have to be obvious about it,” Camellia mumbled, drinking quietly. 

“Hades is uh… going back to his old ways. Rebuilding everything torn down in Hadestown,” Persephone explained.

“What’s in Hadestown?” Melody and Poppy asked in unison. “We want to go see Hadestown.” 

“No, no you don’t.” Camellia spoke up. “Down there it’s cold and dark, and boring.”

“But The Fates said there’s gold down there!”

“And they’re lying. There’s nothing good down there but coal and darkness.” Orpheus answered. 

That night Melody and Poppy laid awake in bed. “Are you awake?” Melody whispered. 

“Yeah, you?” Poppy replied. 

“Yeah.” 

Silence.

“Do you ever wonder what’s in Hadestown?” Melody asked.

“Yeah,” Poppy answers. “I think both Momma and the Fates are right.” 

“What do you mean?” Melody turned in the dark towards her sister who laid in the bed on the other side of the room. 

“Well maybe the good people get the gold, good clothes, and food and the bad people have to work for Mr. Hades.” Poppy explained. 

“Do you think we can find out?” Melody continued. “Find out the secrets of Hadestown?” 

“That sounds like fun.” Poppy grinned.

———————-

But in Eurydice’s mind, she was working. Juniper and Camellia mentioned that Hades is returning to his old ways. She thought. If he and Persephone get into an argument he’s going to want someone to come and appreciate Hadestown. She was mad at herself for being so naive. I can’t let Melody and Poppy fall victim to Hades’ tricks. I just can't!

————————-

“We can’t let them try and go down there.” Orpheus said, a tear streaking down his face. Eurydice put her hand on her husband’s back, soothing him quietly. 

“Orpheus it’s not your fault,” Eurydice whispered. 

“It is!” He snapped as Eurydice moved back in her chair. In the twelve years Eurydice had known Orpheus, not once had the poet raised his voice. At least not that. 

“I let my own wife fall victim to Hades’ tricks and I barely managed to save her.” Orpheus gripped his hair tightly, sucking in a breath. “I can’t let him get his hands on Melody and Poppy.”

——————-

“But if Auntie Seph is our aunt, and Hades is her husband, how is he not our uncle?” Melody and Poppy turned to Eurydice. They made a good point. 

“Because he did some bad things.” Orpheus shot a small glare which surprised the gods. Especially Hermes and Persephone who have never seen the quiet, collected Orpheus angry or even annoyed. 

“ I did some bad things?” Hades laughed the same cackle he laughed just a few hours ago. “Orpheus, why don’t you tell them why Eurydice came to Hadestown?” Hades placed his hands on the table and leaned towards Orpheus with a sly smirk as the poet’s heart dropped. 

“Papa, what’s he talking about?” Melody and Poppy turned to their father. Orpheus' mind raced in a chaotic tune with his heart. 

“Get out of my house!” He stood up, jabbing a finger at Hades. Eurydice took the opportunity to take Melody and Poppy back to bed. Back at the table, Hermes and Persephone shot each other a concerned look. “I don't want you around my kids or my wife. Go!” Orpheus pointed to the door as Hades glared at Orpheus.

————————-

“It’s me, Uncle Hades.” Hades smiled as Poppy looked down at Melody on the ground. “I didn’t get to give you guys a gift.” 

“Momma and Papa don’t want you around us.” Melody crossed her arms. 

“Even if I can get you little songbirds, these?” Hades pulled four tickets to Hadestown out of his pocket. 

“Momma and Papa won’t go to Hadestown with us,” Poppy frowned. 

“Oh no, my little songbird, this isn’t for them, these are for you.” Hades held his hand out as Melody examined the tickets. 

“First of all those are coins, second of all, you have four in your hand but there’s two of us.”  

Hades laughed. “You are smart, little songbird, just like your momma.” 

(End of Recap)

Unforgettable days (or nights) always start out for sure. That’s for sure, dear reader, that’s a fact. If you had told Orpheus and Eurydice about the events that they will experience prior to them happening. The young couple would’ve called you crazy, for their day started out so normal.  

The young couple woke up as they usually did. Really, it was just Orpheus waking up as Eurydice watched. Eurydice was the early riser of the two. Ironically, back when Orpheus was still writing his song, he was up first and went to bed last. Eurydice hardly ever saw him. And when she did, he was not in the moment. Always singing the same “la, la, la, la, la, la, la” under his breath. At times Eurydice wanted to make a joke and say, “How are we gonna ‘la, la, la’ our way out of this one, Orpheus?” But she knew what he could do, singing a simple song, and she knew that the song was important. But did it really have to be more important than her? 

Eurydice didn’t deserve Orpheus and she knew that. She felt like she deserved to be left for dead. A nameless worker for the god of the Underworld forever. But Orpheus wasn’t like that. He risked his life to defy Hades and make the god give him his wife back.  He was almost left for dead after the workers beat him up.  But Orpheus, beaten and broken down, still found a way to raise his voice and get Eurydice back—despite Hades’ cruel objective—don’t turn around or she belongs to me, for eternity. Well…Hades didn’t say that exactly. But that’s what Eurydice felt. 

And now she … belongs to me . 

Eurydice hated those words. The words dripped from the god’s mouth like poison. Pure poison. It was vile. Horrible. From the second the two met. Hades came up from the Underground, picking up Persephone. He sent the young girl a sly, smirk. It made her skin crawl. And to think that Orpheus didn’t notice the way Hades’ sly eyes met Eurydice’s frightened ones. She never told the poet. If she did, he’d be half-way down to Hadestown, confronting Hades before she even finished the rest of her sentence. 

Orpheus was sweet like that. Which is why she was concerned about the way Orpheus, a mortal, demanded that Hades, a god leave his house immediately.  Maybe it was because Hades brought up one of Orpheus’ worst mistakes—in Orpheus’ opinion—in front of Melody and Poppy who believed that the tragedy that happened to Eurydice was just an accident. Eurydice had already forgiven him, but Orpheus felt horrible about it. 

A snake bite . They told Melody and Poppy who asked to hear the full story one day. Momma fell into a snake’s nest, got bitten and died. Papa convinced Hades to let Momma go, and they walked out of Hadestown . Maybe that’s why they thought Hades was a kind god. But would you describe a god as a nice god if they knew what happened behind those closed doors? Eurydice ran her hands down her sides as she shivered, remembering that scary encounter. 

Orpheus groaned as he woke up. He gave a small yawn and then smiled, sleepily at Eurydice. He knew how lucky he was to have Eurydice at his side. He knew he didn’t deserve her at all. He knew that Eurydice deserved someone who could give her everything she ever wanted. Stuff Orpheus could never provide even if he tried. 

“Good morning, my handsome lover.” Eurydice finally said, pressing a kiss to Orpheus’ soft lips. He blushed, returning the kiss to her. The sun streamed through the window as Eurydice yawned and sat up. Orpheus sat up and placed his hand on her thigh, his eyes meeting hers.

“I’m sorry about last night,” he mumbled, quickly looking away as Eurydice rolled her eyes with a smile. She tackled her lover in another kiss as he laughed. 

“Silly, I’m just glad you’re okay!” She sighed, staring at Orpheus was now laying down on the bed and Eurydice was on all fours staring down at Orpheus.

“Momma! Papa!” Melody and Poppy exclaimed, bursting into the room, as Orpheus sat up. “What are we doing today?” 

Suddenly a train whistle blew. The family of four turned to the window as if they could see the train right outside. 

Persephone, Juniper, and Camellia and joined in a chorus of groans. 

“Oh come on!” 

“That was not six months!” 

“This is ridiculous!” 

Orpheus and Eurydice turned to each with a small frown as Melody and Poppy turned to each with a grin. But upon noticing everyone’s reaction, they soon frowned.

“Here! Orpheus and I will help you pack!” Eurydice got out of bed and helped her half-sleepy husband up to his feet. Melody and Poppy turned to each other, smiling. 

“We get to go down to Hadestown!” Melody and Poppy told each other. They raced to their room, until the voice of their father made them stop in their tracks. 

“Where are you two off to in such a hurry?” Melody and Poppy turned to each other.

“We were gonna go get ready to say goodbye to Aunt Persephone. We got a surprise for her.” Melody and Poppy went back to their rooms to pack for the trip to Hadestown. 

Someone knocked on the door. Eurydice opened it and there stood Hermes. “Good morning, Mr. Hermes.” Eurydice nodded as Hermes motioned at his hair. Eurydice blindly moved her finger along her hair looking for the upright strand of hair. Once she found it and set it back in place, Hermes nodded and stepped inside. 

“How are they?” Hermes asked, seeing Persephone and her children packing their stuff in the living room. 

“Miserable!” Camellia called.

“We just saw him three days ago!” Juniper groaned. “He’s insane!” 

Persephone turned to her son who kept packing angrily. She hated that her kids have to live this way. Maybe he’ll let them stay for the rest of time. Persephone thought. Camellia can try taking my place. She’s ready. 

Persephone turned to her children, Camellia, Juniper, and the rest of the people in the living room. Hermes, Orpheus, and Eurydice. “I’ll ask Hades if Camellia can take my place.” 

“Me?” Camellia’s stuff fell. “I-I’m not ready!” 

“But, my child, you are.” Persephone smiled. “You can do everything I can do and more.” Tears filled her eyes as Camellia turned to Juniper who frowned.

Jealousy pangs their heart. Camellia was blessed with the ability to change the seasons and everything in nature. Juniper just got darkness and shadows. What good could that do? 

“Can Juniper stay with me?” Camellia asked, noticing the jealousy in their brother’s eyes. Juniper sat up, confused.

“Me? Why?” Juniper shrugged. 

“Are you kidding me?” Camellia laughed. “You’re my brother. I need you. We’ll stay with Orpheus and Eurydice…if they’re okay with that?” Camellia turned to the poet and his wife and both of them nodded.

“Then it’s settled.” Persephone smiled. Then the train whistle blew again and she rolled her eyes. Persephone could never understand why her husband didn’t trust her to stay for the right amount of time. The first few years after Orpheus and Eurydice went down to Hadestown were okay. Then slowly he went back to his old ways. Only difference was that he actually listened to Persephone. She just wanted him to listen to Juniper and Camellia. Their opinions are valid too. But Hades was….Hades was something else. He was desperate. That’s what he was. Just a tad too desperate. 

Camellia and Juniper just thought that their father was a lunatic. It was a hard thing to believe that at one point Hades really was in love with their mother. It just didn’t sit right. Especially sitting there and watching him sit in comfort while the innocent souls in Hadestown work themselves into the ground. Stuff they knew that he was responsible for. 

Orpheus, Eurydice, Melody, and Poppy, along with Hermes, Persephone and her children, reach the train station. Melody and Poppy stay by their parents, the tickets to Hadestown, clinking in their pockets. 

Hermes seemed to be the only one (other than Melody and Poppy) who heard the coins. It’s just money. He thought, assuming everyone else heard the clinking. Hermes joined in the clinking of coins, shaking the bag of tickets. 

Melody and Poppy turned to each other. “Do you think Grandpa Hermes knows?” Melody whispered as Poppy shook her head. 

The train whistle blew one last time and the train rolled in front of them. Hades stepped off the train, his usual sly smirk on his face. 

“You’re early.” Persephone hissed. Camellia and Juniper gripping their suitcases. 

“I missed you,” Hades replied. He caught a glimpse of Melody and Poppy and gave them a sly smile. Then Hades’ eyes met Eurydice. And suddenly, she was back on that deck, eleven years prior, watching Hades’ stare her down. 

“I was going to ask you,” Persephone began. “If Camellia and Juniper can stay behind and finish my tasks.

Hades shook his head. “No. Out of the question.” 

“But Hades the people—”

“No!” 

Persephone sighed, climbing on the train Juniper and Camellia trailing behind her 

Orpheus and Eurydice turned to go. “Melody, Poppy, let’s go.” 

The twins turned to each other, placing a coin in Hermes’ bag. Melody and Poppy stared at the large metal train in front of them as Persephone waved goodbye. Before anyone could blink the twins climbed on.

“Wait for us, Aunt Persephone!” They exclaimed.

“No!” Eurydice screamed trying to pull her daughters off the train when the doors shut in front of her face. The whistle blew once more as the train began and after a while was out of sight.

“Orpheus, we have to go after them!” Eurydice sobbed, holding her lover tight.

Numb and unable to comprehend the situation, he nods “Okay.”

Eurydice stared down at the deck as the cold came on. She put her jacket on as she turned to Hermes. “Where did Melody and Poppy get a ticket to Hadestown from?” She exclaimed, as Orpheus held her close.

“They must have gotten one from Hades!” Orpheus replied as Eurydice’s heartbeat quickened. 

“They promised they’d tell one of us if they saw him!” She sobbed. Orpheus sighed, turning to Hermes. 

“We can walk, right?” Orpheus asked as Hermes shook his head.

“Well…you can’t. She can.” Hermes replied.

“Why?!” Eurydice exclaimed. “Why do I have to go alone?!” 

“Mortals are allowed to go down to Hadestown once,” Hermes explained. “Orpheus used his turn already. You haven’t.” 

“But I went on the train to Hadestown.” 

“That doesn’t count. Because you died. Orpheus went to the Underworld while he was still alive.”

“So…so I have to walk alone?” Eurydice asked as Hermes nodded. She turned to Orpheus, tattooing her soft kiss on Orpheus’ warm lips. 

“Wait for me?” 

“I will.” 

Walking down the road of gravel, Eurydice whispered as the walls echoed her refrain. 

“Melody. Poppy. Wait for me, I’m coming.” 

Chapter Text

 Previously on “And We’re Gonna Sing It Again”
Well Auntie Persephone has to go down to Hadestown for six months,” Orpheus explained. “For fall and winter. After six months, she comes back and we have spring and summer.” 

“She gets on the train and goes to stay with Uncle Hades.” Melody grinned. “Why can’t we see Uncle Hades?” Eurydice almost dropped her skillet as she turned to Orpheus who bit his lip anxiously. 

—————

“So all those people died?” Melody asked, turning to her parents as Orpheus nodded. “That's so sad.” He rubs Melody’s back. 

—————

“What’s in Hadestown?” Melody and Poppy asked.

“Oh it’s wonderful,” Clotho grinned. More gold than you can imagine.”

“Really?!” Melody and Poppy asked.

“Oh sure!” Lachesis added. “Everyone lives like royalty.” 

“Not to mention, there’s more food than you know what to do with!” Atropos continues as Melody and Poppy’s eyes light up.

—————————

“How’s the Underworld?” Orpheus asked. “How’s Hades?” 

“Grouchy,” Juniper laughed.

“Greedy,” Camellia added.

“And down right cold.” They finished as Melody and Poppy turned to their parents.

“But you told us Uncle Hades was a nice god.” They said as Juniper choked on his drink. 

Persephone, Orpheus and Eurydice turned to Juniper with a small glare. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I just never thought I’d hear ‘Hades’ and ‘nice god’ in the same sentence.”

“Me neither but you don’t have to be obvious about it,” Camellia mumbled, drinking quietly. 

“Hades is uh… going back to his old ways. Rebuilding everything torn down in Hadestown,” Persephone explained.

“What’s in Hadestown?” Melody and Poppy asked in unison. “We want to go see Hadestown.” 

“No, no you don’t.” Camellia spoke up. “Down there it’s cold and dark, and boring.”

“But The Fates said there’s gold down there!”

“And they’re lying. There’s nothing good down there but coal and darkness.” Orpheus answered. 

That night Melody and Poppy laid awake in bed. “Are you awake?” Melody whispered. 

“Yeah, you?” Poppy replied. 

“Yeah.” 

Silence.

“Do you ever wonder what’s in Hadestown?” Melody asked.

“Yeah,” Poppy answers. “I think both Momma and the Fates are right.” 

“What do you mean?” Melody turned in the dark towards her sister who laid in the bed on the other side of the room. 

“Well maybe the good people get the gold, good clothes, and food and the bad people have to work for Mr. Hades.” Poppy explained. 

“Do you think we can find out?” Melody continued. “Find out the secrets of Hadestown?” 

“That sounds like fun.” Poppy grinned.

———————-

But in Eurydice’s mind, she was working. Juniper and Camellia mentioned that Hades is returning to his old ways. She thought. If he and Persephone get into an argument he’s going to want someone to come and appreciate Hadestown. She was mad at herself for being so naive. I can’t let Melody and Poppy fall victim to Hades’ tricks. I just can't!

————————-

“That sounds like fun.” Poppy grinned.

———————-

But in Eurydice’s mind, she was working . Juniper and Camellia mentioned that Hades is returning to his old ways. She thought. If he and Persephone get into an argument he’s going to want someone to come and appreciate Hadestown . She was mad at herself for being so naive. I can’t let Melody and Poppy fall victim to Hades’ tricks. I just can't!

————————-

“We can’t let them try and go down there.” Orpheus said, a tear streaking down his face. Eurydice put her hand on her husband’s back, soothing him quietly. 

“Orpheus it’s not your fault,” Eurydice whispered. 

“It is!” He snapped as Eurydice moved back in her chair. In the twelve years Eurydice had known Orpheus, not once had the poet raised his voice. At least not that. 

“I let my own wife fall victim to Hades’ tricks and I barely managed to save her.” Orpheus gripped his hair tightly, sucking in a breath. “I can’t let him get his hands on Melody and Poppy.”

——————-

“But if Auntie Seph is our aunt, and Hades is her husband, how is he not our uncle?” Melody and Poppy turned to Eurydice. They made a good point. 

“Because he did some bad things.” Orpheus shot a small glare which surprised the gods. Especially Hermes and Persephone who have never seen the quiet, collected Orpheus angry or even annoyed. 

“ I did some bad things?” Hades laughed the same cackle he laughed just a few hours ago. “Orpheus, why don’t you tell them why Eurydice came to Hadestown?” Hades placed his hands on the table and leaned towards Orpheus with a sly smirk as the poet’s heart dropped. 

“Papa, what’s he talking about?” Melody and Poppy turned to their father. Orpheus' mind raced in a chaotic tune with his heart. 

“Get out of my house!” He stood up, jabbing a finger at Hades. Eurydice took the opportunity to take Melody and Poppy back to bed. Back at the table, Hermes and Persephone shot each other a concerned look. “I don't want you around my kids or my wife. Go!” Orpheus pointed to the door as Hades glared at Orpheus.

————————-

“It’s me, Uncle Hades.” Hades smiled as Poppy looked down at Melody on the ground. “I didn’t get to give you guys a gift.” 

“Momma and Papa don’t want you around us.” Melody crossed her arms. 

“Even if I can get you little songbirds, these?” Hades pulled four tickets to Hadestown out of his pocket. 

“Momma and Papa won’t go to Hadestown with us,” Poppy frowned. 

“Oh no, my little songbird, this isn’t for them, these are for you.” Hades held his hand out as Melody examined the tickets. 

“First of all those are coins, second of all, you have four in your hand but there’s two of us.”  

Hades laughed. “You are smart, little songbird, just like your momma.” 

———-

A snake bite . They told Melody and Poppy who asked to hear the full story one day. Momma fell into a snake’s nest, got bitten and died. Papa convinced Hades to let Momma go, and they walked out of Hadestown. Maybe that’s why they thought Hades was a kind god. But would you describe a god as a nice god if they knew what happened behind those closed doors? Eurydice ran her hands down her sides as she shivered, remembering that scary encounter. 

—————-

You’re early .” Persephone hissed. Camellia and Juniper gripping their suitcases. 

“I missed you,” Hades replied. He caught a glimpse of Melody and Poppy and gave them a sly smile. Then Hades’ eyes met Eurydice. And suddenly, she was back on that deck, eleven years prior, watching Hades’ stare her down. 

“I was going to ask you,” Persephone began. “If Camellia and Juniper can stay behind and finish my tasks.

Hades shook his head. “No. Out of the question.” 

“But Hades the people—”

“No!” 

Persephone sighed, climbing on the train Juniper and Camellia trailing behind her 

Orpheus and Eurydice turned to go. “Melody, Poppy, let’s go.” 

The twins turned to each other, placing a coin in Hermes’ bag. Melody and Poppy stared at the large metal train in front of them as Persephone waved goodbye. Before anyone could blink the twins climbed on.

“Wait for us, Aunt Persephone!” They exclaimed.

“No!” Eurydice screamed trying to pull her daughters off the train when the doors shut in front of her face. The whistle blew once more as the train began and after a while was out of sight.

“Orpheus, we have to go after them!” Eurydice sobbed, holding her lover tight.

Numb and unable to comprehend the situation, he nods “Okay.”

Eurydice stared down at the deck as the cold came on. She put her jacket on as she turned to Hermes. “Where did Melody and Poppy get a ticket to Hadestown from?” She exclaimed, as Orpheus held her close.

“They must have gotten one from Hades!” Orpheus replied as Eurydice’s heartbeat quickened. 

“They promised they’d tell one of us if they saw him!” She sobbed. Orpheus sighed, turning to Hermes. 

“We can walk, right?” Orpheus asked as Hermes shook his head.

“Well…you can’t. She can.” Hermes replied.

“Why?!” Eurydice exclaimed. “Why do I have to go alone?!” 

“Mortals are allowed to go down to Hadestown once,” Hermes explained. “Orpheus used his turn already. You haven’t.” 

“But I went on the train to Hadestown.” 

“That doesn’t count. Because you died. Orpheus went to the Underworld while he was still alive.”

“So…so I have to walk alone?” Eurydice asked as Hermes nodded. She turned to Orpheus, tattooing her soft kiss on Orpheus’ warm lips. 

“Wait for me?” 

“I will.” 

Walking down the road of gravel, Eurydice whispered as the walls echoed her refrain. 

“Melody. Poppy. Wait for me, I’m coming.” 

(End of Recap)

Melody and Poppy sat grinning from ear to ear as the train hissed came to a stop. The whistle screamed again as the twins hopped off, swinging their suitcases in their hands. The sky was a dark ruby red. Clouds swirled in the sky but there was no sun. The workers sang their usual song. “Low~ Keep your head, keep your head low~” Melody and Poppy listen to the pickaxe ring creating a dystopian type of harmony. Their faces fell.

“Umm… Uncle Hades?” Melody and Poppy turned to him. 

“Yes?” He answers.

“Are those bad people working down there?” Melody and Poppy pointed to the workers. Hades looked down at them as he nodded. 

“What did they do?” Poppy turned to Hades. He walked with them to his castle, Persephone, Camellia and Juniper behind them. 

“Bad things,” Hades shrugged. 

“What kind of bad things?” 

“Theft…Trespassing. The usual,”  Hades replied. “People in the Overworld want what they can’t have. Work. Money. Food. So they come here trying to take it from us. Persephone stood behind, clenching her fists. That’s not true, She wanted to say. Hades is lying to you. Get on the train right now and go home to your parents!  But she held her tongue. Juniper and Camellia turned to each other. 

“Is there a person who pushes the ice cream cart?”  Melody asked. 

“Do we get to stay in the castle with you guys?” Poppy jumped up each step as Hades laughed. Persephone gripped her suitcase, angry with her husband. Hades tricking Eurydice was bad, yes, of course no doubt about it. But two innocent children who have their whole lives ahead of them, that was just despicable. Those two innocent children who belong to Orpheus and Eurydice. Why that was just another level of low Persephone never knew her husband was capable of reaching. 

“Yes, you do.” Hades replied. “You just have to sign a few papers and you’re good to go.” Persephone dropped her suitcase, frozen in place. Hades, Melody and Poppy turned to her. No. No. No. No. Don’t go inside. Don’t sign those papers. The only steps you should be taking are the steps to get out of Hadestown. 

“Is there something wrong, lover?” Hades smirked as steam seemed to shoot out of Persephone’s ears with how angry was. At least on the inside. Persephone’s shocked look turned into a smile. Hades knew and he knew very well that Persephone wouldn’t argue with Hades in front of Melody and Poppy. All because she didn’t want to expose them to the frequent fights they had. He had her right where he wanted her, in the palm of his hand and she couldn’t do anything about it and he knew that she knew she couldn’t do anything. 

“Nothing, my love,” Persephone smiled. “If you don’t mind, I can show Melody and Poppy around Hadestown.” 

Melody and Poppy paused, looking between Hades and Persephone. “If it’s okay with you, Aunt Persephone, can we go with Uncle Hades? We never get to see him.” 

Persephone sighed, defeated. “Fine.” 

The trio reached the glossy black double doors. Then Hades told Melody and Poppy. “There are papers to be signed, step into my office.” And he closed the door behind. Now a lot can happen behind closed doors, That’s for sure, dear reader, that’s a fact. But maybe this time we know what will happen behind those mysterious doors. 

Melody and Poppy marveled at the decorations in the office. “This is bigger than our house!” Melody spun around, her feet stepping on the black and red carpet on the ground. 

“Is this you and Aunt Persephone?” Poppy pointed to a picture. “I assumed that you were always an old man.” The picture showed a much younger-looking Persephone with a much younger-looking Hades. Instead of his gray hair and beard, Hades had a head of brown hair and a small stubble, also brown. Persephone’s face is soft and her hair also has no gray hairs. She, on the other hand, looks just as beautiful now as she did then. 

“That—” Hades set the picture face down. “—was in another life. In another land, when I was a young man.” Melody and Poppy turned to each other with a small grin. “What?” 

“You’re just like Papa. He’s always making up little rhymes and little jingles!” They told him. 

“Melody how did that special one go?” Poppy asked her sister.

“Um let me see….la, la, la, la, la, la, la~” Hades stopped, turning to Melody and Poppy. A red carnation appeared on the desk. 

“Where’d you get that, Melody?” Hades asked. “I thought I’d never hear it again.” 

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “I thought I remembered, I guess I didn’t.” Hades shook his head, taking the flower, and turning to grab the papers. This is exactly what happened with Orpheus and Eurydice. He was like a stone wall. Powerful, commanding, and he crumbled for one song. Look where it got him, less workers were coming in each year. Most people didn’t want to come to Hadestown anymore. He’d have to go back to building everything himself. He’ll make sure that that won’t happen. This time he wouldn’t break. This time, if Orpheus came back to Hadestown (which he couldn’t) to collect Melody and Poppy, he would immediately have him thrown on the next train to the Overworld.

“Where do we sign?” Melody and Poppy stared at the two identical papers in front of them. Hades pointed to the dotted lines and Melody and Poppy picked up their quills and sighed their lives away. 

Now a lot can happen behind closed doors, That’s for sure, dear reader, that’s a fact. A lot can also happen on factory floors when the foreman turns his back. But even still, a lot can happen along the railroad track.

“Leave me alone!” 

Chapter Text

Previously on “And We’re Gonna Sing It Again” 

“It’s me, Uncle Hades.” Hades smiled as Poppy looked down at Melody on the ground. “I didn’t get to give you guys a gift.” 

“Momma and Papa don’t want you around us.” Melody crossed her arms. 

“Even if I can get you little songbirds, these?” Hades pulled four tickets to Hadestown out of his pocket. 

“Momma and Papa won’t go to Hadestown with us,” Poppy frowned. 

“Oh no, my little songbird, this isn’t for them, these are for you.” Hades held his hand out as Melody examined the tickets. 

“First of all those are coins, second of all, you have four in your hand but there’s two of us.”  

Hades laughed. “You are smart, little songbird, just like your momma.” 

———-

A snake bite . They told Melody and Poppy who asked to hear the full story one day. Momma fell into a snake’s nest, got bitten and died. Papa convinced Hades to let Momma go, and they walked out of Hadestown. Maybe that’s why they thought Hades was a kind god. But would you describe a god as a nice god if they knew what happened behind those closed doors? Eurydice ran her hands down her sides as she shivered, remembering that scary encounter. 

—————-

You’re early .” Persephone hissed. Camellia and Juniper gripping their suitcases. 

“I missed you,” Hades replied. He caught a glimpse of Melody and Poppy and gave them a sly smile. Then Hades’ eyes met Eurydice. And suddenly, she was back on that deck, eleven years prior, watching Hades’ stare her down. 

“I was going to ask you,” Persephone began. “If Camellia and Juniper can stay behind and finish my tasks.

Hades shook his head. “No. Out of the question.” 

“But Hades the people—”

“No!” 

Persephone sighed, climbing on the train Juniper and Camellia trailing behind her 

Orpheus and Eurydice turned to go. “Melody, Poppy, let’s go.” 

The twins turned to each other, placing a coin in Hermes’ bag. Melody and Poppy stared at the large metal train in front of them as Persephone waved goodbye. Before anyone could blink the twins climbed on.

“Wait for us, Aunt Persephone!” They exclaimed.

“No!” Eurydice screamed trying to pull her daughters off the train when the doors shut in front of her face. The whistle blew once more as the train began and after a while was out of sight.

“Orpheus, we have to go after them!” Eurydice sobbed, holding her lover tight.

Numb and unable to comprehend the situation, he nods “Okay.”

Eurydice stared down at the deck as the cold came on. She put her jacket on as she turned to Hermes. “Where did Melody and Poppy get a ticket to Hadestown from?” She exclaimed, as Orpheus held her close.

“They must have gotten one from Hades!” Orpheus replied as Eurydice’s heartbeat quickened. 

“They promised they’d tell one of us if they saw him!” She sobbed. Orpheus sighed, turning to Hermes. 

“We can walk, right?” Orpheus asked as Hermes shook his head.

“Well…you can’t. She can.” Hermes replied.

“Why?!” Eurydice exclaimed. “Why do I have to go alone?!” 

“Mortals are allowed to go down to Hadestown once,” Hermes explained. “Orpheus used his turn already. You haven’t.” 

“But I went on the train to Hadestown.” 

“That doesn’t count. Because you died. Orpheus went to the Underworld while he was still alive.”

“So…so I have to walk alone?” Eurydice asked as Hermes nodded. She turned to Orpheus, tattooing her soft kiss on Orpheus’ warm lips.  

“Wait for me?” 

“I will.” 

Walking down the road of gravel, Eurydice whispered as the walls echoed her refrain. 

“Melody. Poppy. Wait for me, I’m coming.” 

————

The trio reached the glossy black double doors. Then Hades told Melody and Poppy. “There are papers to be signed, step into my office.” And he closed the door behind. Now a lot can happen behind closed doors, That’s for sure, dear reader, that’s a fact. But maybe this time we know what will happen behind those mysterious doors. 

Melody and Poppy marveled at the decorations in the office. “This is bigger than our house!” Melody spun around, her feet stepping on the black and red carpet on the ground. 

“Is this you and Aunt Persephone?” Poppy pointed to a picture. “I assumed that you were always an old man.” The picture showed a much younger-looking Persephone with a much younger-looking Hades. Instead of his gray hair and beard, Hades had a head of brown hair and a small stubble, also brown. Persephone’s face is soft and her hair also has no gray hairs. She, on the other hand, looks just as beautiful now as she did then. 

“That—” Hades set the picture face down. “—was in another life. In another land, when I was a young man.” Melody and Poppy turned to each other with a small grin. “What?” 

“You’re just like Papa. He’s always making up little rhymes and little jingles!” They told him.  

“Melody how did that special one go?” Poppy asked her sister.

“Um let me see….la, la, la, la, la, la, la~” Hades stopped, turning to Melody and Poppy. A red carnation appeared on the desk. 

“Where’d you get that, Melody?” Hades asked. “I thought I’d never hear it again.” 

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “I thought I remembered, I guess I didn’t.” Hades shook his head, taking the flower, and turning to grab the papers. This is exactly what happened with Orpheus and Eurydice. He was like a stone wall. Powerful, commanding, and he crumbled for one song. Look where it got him, less workers were coming in each year. Most people didn’t want to come to Hadestown anymore. He’d have to go back to building everything himself. He’ll make sure that that won’t happen. This time he wouldn’t break. This time, if Orpheus came back to Hadestown (which he couldn’t) to collect Melody and Poppy, he would immediately have him thrown on the next train to the Overworld.

“Where do we sign?” Melody and Poppy stared at the two identical papers in front of them. Hades pointed to the dotted lines and Melody and Poppy picked up their quills and sighed their lives away. 

Now a lot can happen behind closed doors, That’s for sure, dear reader, that’s a fact. A lot can also happen on factory floors when the foreman turns his back. But even still, a lot can happen along the railroad track.

“Leave me alone!” 

(End of Recap)

“Leave me alone!” Eurydice repeated as the Fates laughed at her. They followed her everywhere and she just wished that they’d leave her alone for once.

“Did you hear her, sisters?” Lachesis laughed.

 “Poor Eurydice wants us to leave her alone!” Atropos cackled. 

“You really screwed up this time!” Clothos snickered as Eurydice covered her ears as she kept walking.

“La, la, la, la, la, la, la!~” Eurydice sang—or scream-sang—to drown out the Fates. It seemed like it worked. Her mind was no longer thinking about  the Fates criticizing and insulting her. Instead, in the kingdom of her mind she was back home with Orpheus. 

“Orpheus! Put me down!” Eurydice laughed as the poet spun his wife around before setting her down. He brushes her hair out of her face with a grin. Before tackling her in a kiss.

“Never,” he smirked, peppering Eurydice’s face with kisses. “I missed you too much!” He spun her around and dipped her, his hand around her waist.

“I missed you too!” Eurydice brushed Orpheus’ hair out of his face. “I’m sorry I caused such a mess!” 

“No, no, no, it’s my fault, I deserted you.” Orpheus cupped Eurydice’s face. She scrunched her nose with a smile. 

The next morning in the cottage, Eurydice was making breakfast when Orpheus snuck up behind her, snaking his arms around her waist. She yelped in surprise.

“Orphie!” She hissed with a grin. “I could’ve burned myself!” 

“I’m sorry, lover.” Eurydice turns to Orpheus to press a kiss to his lips. “I’m just afraid that if I let go, you’re gonna disappear.” 

Eurydice set the skillet down, turning to Orpheus and kissing him again. 

Eurydice stood at the wall that towered above her. She slipped through a crack in the wall and held on tight to the two ribbons in her pocket. She tied them to her wrist just as she heard Cerberus growling at her. Eurydice’s heart froze. 

“Don’t just stand there! Go!” Hermes yelled as Eurydice ran past Cerberus, past the workers, past the factories, past Peresephone’s speakeasy. She ties her yellow scarf around her mouth and throws the hood of her denim jacket over her head. The jacket was Orpheus’ and the ribbons were Melody and Poppy’s. 

Back in the Overworld, Orpheus walked to Jax’s house. Congratulations. First Eurydice and now your kids. Orpheus’ intrusive thoughts sang. He ignored them as he knocked on Jax’s door with a quick rhythm. Jax immediately answers. 

“Oh! Orpheus! What’s up?” Orpheus stepped inside and sat down at the dining table. Jax sat down in front of Orpheus, waiting for the poet to answer his question. When he opened his mouth, he choked on a sob.

“Melody and Poppy!” He sobbed. “They’re gone.” 

Chapter Text

Previously on “And We’re Gonna Sing It Again” 

Eurydice stared down at the deck as the cold came on. She put her jacket on as she turned to Hermes. “Where did Melody and Poppy get a ticket to Hadestown from?” She exclaimed, as Orpheus held her close.

“They must have gotten one from Hades!” Orpheus replied as Eurydice’s heartbeat quickened. 

“They promised they’d tell one of us if they saw him!” She sobbed. Orpheus sighed, turning to Hermes. 

“We can walk, right?” Orpheus asked as Hermes shook his head.

“Well…you can’t. She can.” Hermes replied.

“Why?!” Eurydice exclaimed. “Why do I have to go alone?!” 

“Mortals are allowed to go down to Hadestown once,” Hermes explained. “Orpheus used his turn already. You haven’t.” 

“But I went on the train to Hadestown.” 

“That doesn’t count. Because you died. Orpheus went to the Underworld while he was still alive.”

“So…so I have to walk alone?” Eurydice asked as Hermes nodded. She turned to Orpheus, tattooing her soft kiss on Orpheus’ warm lips.  

“Wait for me?” 

“I will.” 

Walking down the road of gravel, Eurydice whispered as the walls echoed her refrain. 

“Melody. Poppy. Wait for me, I’m coming.” 

————

The trio reached the glossy black double doors. Then Hades told Melody and Poppy. “There are papers to be signed, step into my office.” And he closed the door behind. Now a lot can happen behind closed doors, That’s for sure, dear reader, that’s a fact. But maybe this time we know what will happen behind those mysterious doors. 

Melody and Poppy marveled at the decorations in the office. “This is bigger than our house!” Melody spun around, her feet stepping on the black and red carpet on the ground. 

“Is this you and Aunt Persephone?” Poppy pointed to a picture. “I assumed that you were always an old man.” The picture showed a much younger-looking Persephone with a much younger-looking Hades. Instead of his gray hair and beard, Hades had a head of brown hair and a small stubble, also brown. Persephone’s face is soft and her hair also has no gray hairs. She, on the other hand, looks just as beautiful now as she did then. 

“That—” Hades set the picture face down. “—was in another life. In another land, when I was a young man.” Melody and Poppy turned to each other with a small grin. “What?” 

“You’re just like Papa. He’s always making up little rhymes and little jingles!” They told him.  

“Melody how did that special one go?” Poppy asked her sister.

“Um let me see….la, la, la, la, la, la, la~” Hades stopped, turning to Melody and Poppy. A red carnation appeared on the desk. 

“Where’d you get that, Melody?” Hades asked. “I thought I’d never hear it again.” 

“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “I thought I remembered, I guess I didn’t.” Hades shook his head, taking the flower, and turning to grab the papers. This is exactly what happened with Orpheus and Eurydice. He was like a stone wall. Powerful, commanding, and he crumbled for one song. Look where it got him, less workers were coming in each year. Most people didn’t want to come to Hadestown anymore. He’d have to go back to building everything himself. He’ll make sure that that won’t happen. This time he wouldn’t break. This time, if Orpheus came back to Hadestown (which he couldn’t) to collect Melody and Poppy, he would immediately have him thrown on the next train to the Overworld.

“Where do we sign?” Melody and Poppy stared at the two identical papers in front of them. Hades pointed to the dotted lines and Melody and Poppy picked up their quills and sighed their lives away. 

Now a lot can happen behind closed doors, That’s for sure, dear reader, that’s a fact. A lot can also happen on factory floors when the foreman turns his back. But even still, a lot can happen along the railroad track.

“Leave me alone!” 

——————-

Eurydice stood at the wall that towered above her. She slipped through a crack in the wall and held on tight to the two ribbons in her pocket. She tied them to her wrist just as she heard Cerberus growling at her. Eurydice’s heart froze. 

“Don’t just stand there! Go!” Hermes yelled as Eurydice ran past Cerberus, past the workers, past the factories, past Peresephone’s speakeasy. She ties her yellow scarf around her mouth and throws the hood of her denim jacket over her head. The jacket was Orpheus’ and the ribbons were Melody and Poppy’s. 

Back in the Overworld, Orpheus walked to Jax’s house.Congratulations. First Eurydice and now your kids. Orpheus’ intrusive thoughts sang. He ignored them as he knocked on Jax’s door with a quick rhythm. Jax immediately answers. 

“Oh! Orpheus! What’s up?” Orpheus stepped inside and sat down at the dining table. Jax sat down in front of Orpheus, waiting for the poet to answer his question. When he opened his mouth, he choked on a sob.

“Melody and Poppy!” He sobbed. “They’re gone.” 

End of Recap 

“Melody and Poppy, are missing?!” Jax exclaimed as Orpheus shook his head. 

“Not missing. Dead. They got on the train to Hadestown, like—like before Eurydice and I could blink!” Orpheus continued crying. Jax put his hand on Orpheus’ shoulder as the poet swatted his hand away. 

“Mortals can walk into the Underworld once,” Orpheus lifted his head up. He grasped Jax’s wrists, forcing his friend to look at him in the eyes. “Go! Go protect Eurydice, please!” Jax shook his head. “What?! Why?!”

“I’m not leaving you here in this weather. You’re gonna fall into a depression and starve yourself for weeks. Eurydice’s strong, she’ll bring Melody and Poppy back alive. But I need you to stay alive until they come back, okay?” Orpheus dried his tears and nodded. 

Melody and Poppy walked down the steps into the town, fiddling with the straps of their overalls. “We gotta work?” Poppy groaned.

“Uncle Hades said that we have to do a couple of chores and then we can have fun!” Melody walked with a pep in her step as Poppy saw the workers do their jobs as they sang same mechanical melody.

“Melody these are the people who stole from Uncle Hades!” She exclaimed, terror in her eyes. Melody hugged her twin sister.

“Maybe they’re nice.” Melody tapped on one of the workers’ shoulders. “Hi! I’m Melody and this is my sister Poppy. Hades is our uncle!” 

Poppy noticed the worker didn’t say anything. “Doesn’t anybody hear us?” 

The Fates seemed to appear out of nowhere. “They can hear but they don’t care. No one has a name down here.” 

Melody turned to face them. “What do you mean?” 

“Don’t you see?!” The Fates laughed. “No one has a name down here!” 

“That’s not true! Everyone has a name!” Poppy answers.

“You’re here permanently,” The Fates continued. 

“But, it’s just a vacation!” Melody and Poppy protested. “We’ll be back with Mama and Papa…” Melody waved in front of a worker's face. “Why won’t they look at us?!” 

Melody stood in front of the worker and her blood ran cold as she looked at their eyes. “Melody?” Poppy said.

“They look so msiserable!” Melody turned to the Fates. “Poppy! We have to go!” 

“Go where?” The Fates taunted.

“We have to go back! Back home!”

“Where is that?” The Fates asked. “Where is home?”

Melody and Poppy turned to each other, their memories slowly slipping away. “I-I don’t know.” 

“What’s your name again?” The Fates continued. “Look you don’t even remember your names.” 

Melody clenched her fists. “I might not remember my name but I do remember one thing! You lied to us!” She jabbed a finger at the Fates. 

“You two only have yourselves to blame. You listened to only what you wanted to hear.” The Fates soon disappeared as Melody and Poppy turned to the stone wall.

Hades soon stood on his balcony overseeing everyone.“Why do we build the wall?” Hades asked his workers as Melody and Poppy turned to each other. They felt Hades glaring at them. There was only one way out now. Melody and Poppy picked up their hammers and began singing along. Low, keep your head, keep your head low….

Chapter Text

Recap

“Uncle Hades said that we have to do a couple of chores and then we can have fun!” Melody walked with a pep in her step as Poppy saw the workers do their jobs as they sang same mechanical melody.

“Melody these are the people who stole from Uncle Hades!” She exclaimed, terror in her eyes. Melody hugged her twin sister.

“Maybe they’re nice.” Melody tapped on one of the workers’ shoulders. “Hi! I’m Melody and this is my sister Poppy. Hades is our uncle!” 

Poppy noticed the worker didn’t say anything. “Doesn’t anybody hear us?” 

The Fates seemed to appear out of nowhere. “They can hear but they don’t care. No one has a name down here.” 

Melody turned to face them. “What do you mean?” 

“Don’t you see?!” The Fates laughed. “No one has a name down here!” 

“That’s not true! Everyone has a name!” Poppy answers.

“You’re here permanently,” The Fates continued. 

“But, it’s just a vacation!” Melody and Poppy protested. “We’ll be back with Mama and Papa…” Melody waved in front of a worker's face. “Why won’t they look at us?!” 

Melody stood in front of the worker and her blood ran cold as she looked at their eyes. “Melody?” Poppy said.

“They look so miserable!” Melody turned to the Fates. “Poppy! We have to go!” 

“Go where?” The Fates taunted.

“We have to go back! Back home!”

“Where is that?” The Fates asked. “Where is home?”

Melody and Poppy turned to each other, their memories slowly slipping away. “I-I don’t know.” 

“What’s your name again?” The Fates continued. “Look you don’t even remember your names.” 

Melody clenched her fists. “I might not remember my name but I do remember one thing! You lied to us!” She jabbed a finger at the Fates. 

“You two only have yourselves to blame. You listened to only what you wanted to hear.” The Fates soon disappeared as Melody and Poppy turned to the stone wall.

Hades soon stood on his balcony overseeing everyone.“Why do we build the wall?” Hades asked his workers as Melody and Poppy turned to each other. They felt Hades glaring at them. There was only one way out now. Melody and Poppy picked up their hammers and began singing along. Low, keep your head, keep your head low….

end of recap 

Persephone burst into the room, Juniper and Camellia following behind her. “Hades, where are Melody and Poppy?!” Hades stood up, organizing the contracts in his hands with a smirk. Persephone’s heart dropped. “No. You wouldn’t.” 

“I didn’t do anything.” He shrugged. “They signed the deal themselves.” Camellia picked up the papers. She laughed. Juniper and Persephone looked over at her.

“These aren’t legally binding.” Camellia said. “Melody and Poppy are children. Neither Orpheus nor Eurydice signed these papers so therefore their souls still belong to them.” 

Juniper and Persephone turned to each other. “It’s not too late!” They exclaimed with a grin. “It's not too late!” 

Melody and Poppy leaned against the wall, tears threatening to fall from their eyes. “Where are Mama and Papa?” Melody sighed. 

“I’m hungry,” Poppy whined, holding her stomach as it grumbled. 

“Me too.” 

Silence. 

“Remember when we would go outside and look at the stars at night?” Poppy spoke up.

“Or when we’d go see Papa sing at Grandpa Hermes’ restaurant?” Melody asked.

“Yeah…” Poppy nods, slowly losing her memories. “Melody?” 

“Stay with me!” Her twin sister exclaimed, rushing over to her. “We’re gonna make it back home.” 

“But how?” Poppy asked. “It’s hopeless!” 

“No it isn’t!” Melody held her sister's hands. “Please! Stay with me!” 

“Melody! Poppy!” A familiar voice called. Suddenly, the twin girls looked and saw their mother, Eurydice standing there. They rushed to hug her. 

“Momma!” They sobbed as Eurydice hugged her daughters. “We’re so sorry!” 

“Shh…” Eurydice whispered. “I’m here now. I’ve come to take you home.” 

“But what about Uncle—I mean Hades. He’s not gonna let us go.” Poppy whispered. 

“He will, I’ll make sure of it.” Eurydice looked up at the balcony where Hades normally sat, and there he was looking down on the little family reunion.

“He’s staring at us!” Melody and Poppy exclaimed. 

“You!” Hades pointed directly at Eurydice. He walked down the stairs as Eurydice, Melody, and Poppy watched, not knowing what was going to happen. 

“So you make the mistake of showing up back here?” 

Chapter Text

Previously on And We’re Gonna Sing it Again

Melody and Poppy leaned against the wall, tears threatening to fall from their eyes. “Where are Mama and Papa?” Melody sighed. 

“I’m hungry,” Poppy whined, holding her stomach as it grumbled. 

“Me too.” 

Silence. 

“Remember when we would go outside and look at the stars at night?” Poppy spoke up.

“Or when we’d go see Papa sing at Grandpa Hermes’ restaurant?” Melody asked.

“Yeah…” Poppy nods, slowly losing her memories. “Melody?” 

“Stay with me!” Her twin sister exclaimed, rushing over to her. “We’re gonna make it back home.” 

“But how?” Poppy asked. “It’s hopeless!” 

“No it isn’t!” Melody held her sister's hands. “Please! Stay with me!” 

“Melody! Poppy!” A familiar voice called. Suddenly, the twin girls looked and saw their mother, Eurydice standing there. They rushed to hug her. 

“Momma!” They sobbed as Eurydice hugged her daughters. “We’re so sorry!” 

“Shh…” Eurydice whispered. “I’m here now. I’ve come to take you home.” 

“But what about Uncle—I mean Hades. He’s not gonna let us go.” Poppy whispered. 

“He will, I’ll make sure of it.” Eurydice looked up at the balcony where Hades normally sat, and there he was looking down on the little family reunion.

“He’s staring at us!” Melody and Poppy exclaimed. 

“You!” Hades pointed directly at Eurydice. He walked down the stairs as Eurydice, Melody, and Poppy watched, not knowing what was going to happen. 

“So you make the mistake of showing up back here?”

End of Recap

As Hades walks down the stairs in an ominous fashion, Melody and Poppy coward behind their mother, afraid to look up and afraid to let go. 

“Little songbird! It’s so good to see you again,” He smirks, as Eurydice glares. “I’m assuming you’re here for these two.”

“I am, Hades.” Eurydice said. “You kidnapped my kids.”

Hades chuckled. “It’s not kidnapping if they willingly get on my train now is it?” 

Eurydice walked over to Hades. “Just let my kids go, please!” 

“Little songbird, that's not possible.” Hades took the two contracts and held them in front of Eurydice’s face. The woman’s heart dropped into her stomach. “I believe your children are here for eternity.” Eurydice looked over at her kids

“Momma!” Melody and Poppy said with their heads down, “We’re so sorry.” 

“Hades! Please!” Persephone walked down the stairs. Camellia and Juniper behind her. “Please let them go.” 

Hades turned to her. “And why should I do that? If Orpheus and Eurydice lost their kids that’s their problem not mine. The fact that they’re here shows me that they clearly couldn’t handle having them around.” 

Tears filled Eurydice’s eyes. She clenched her fists and glared at Hades. “I’m not asking again, Hades. Let them go!” 

“Little songbird, and you think that a nymph such as yourself is more powerful than a god?!” Hades laughed as everyone stood confused.

“Eurydice’s a nymph?”Juniper and Persephone asked Camellia who nodded. 

“Momma’s a nymph?” Melody and Poppy whispered to each other.

“Hades! You tricked them!” Eurydice exclaimed. “Let them go, and Orpheus and I will be out of your hair.” 

Hades laughed, approaching Eurydice who stood in silence. “You and Orpheus have so much in common, you know that? Both of you fail to pay attention to your loved ones and then you beg me to fix your problems. And you wanna know what? Fine. I’ll fix your problems.”

Everyone watched Hades who stayed silent and then looked up at Eurydice. “Here’s the deal.”