Kore and Artemis spent hours devising a plan to escape Demeter's watchful eye and reunite Kore with Hades. They knew the risks involved, but their determination outweighed their fears.

Artemis leaned in close, her eyes glinting with determination. "We must be cautious, Kore. The guards are vigilant, and any misstep could spell disaster."

Kore nodded, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and excitement. "I understand, Artemis. But I cannot bear another moment in this gilded cage."

With a shared resolve, they set their plan in motion. They gathered supplies—a cloak to conceal Kore's identity and a pouch of ambrosia for sustenance. Artemis then thought about the guard stationed at the door—a formidable figure whose gaze never wavered from his post.

"We'll need a distraction," Artemis whispered, her voice barely audible above the gentle rustle of fabric. "Something to draw his attention away from the door."

Kore nodded, her mind racing as she considered their options. Then, a spark of inspiration ignited within her. "I have an idea," she whispered back, her voice tinged with excitement. "But we'll need Hermes' help."

Artemis raised an eyebrow inquisitively, silently urging Kore to share her plan.

"We'll create a diversion," Kore explained, her voice growing more animated with each word. "Hermes can summon a flock of doves to flutter outside the window. While the guard is distracted by it, we'll make our escape."

Artemis's lips curved into a sly smile as she nodded in approval. "It's risky, but it just might work," she murmured.

With their plan in place, they waited anxiously for Hermes to arrive. As they opened the window, a gust of cool night air swept into the room, carrying with it the soft rustle of wings. Hermes had arrived.

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With a mixture of apprehension and excitement, Kore and Artemis explained their plan to Hermes. His eyes widened in disbelief.

With a momentary hesitation, Hermes weighed the risks and uncertainties of their plan, his thoughts momentarily drifting to Hades. Perhaps, he mused, this might be a good chance for him to meet Kore again. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered, shaking his head.

With a resigned sigh, Hermes did as they asked, summoning a flock of doves to flutter outside the window. "I'll be waiting for you at the entrance of the Underworld," he assured them. As the guard's attention was drawn away, Kore and Artemis seized their opportunity, slipping out of the room unnoticed.

Under the cover of darkness, Kore and Artemis slipped out of the palace, moving swiftly and silently through the corridors.

With Artemis leading the way, they navigated through the labyrinthine passages of Olympus, avoiding patrols of gods and goddesses.

Finally, they reached the edge of the divine realm, where Artemis summoned her sacred deer to carry them to the entrance of the Underworld.

As they arrived, they saw Hermes waiting for them, his nervousness was clear despite his attempt to look calm. Kore felt a mix of nervous anticipation and determination coursing through her veins. Artemis, her loyal friend, stood by her side, offering silent support in their daring endeavor.

The entrance to the Underworld loomed before them, a dark and foreboding gateway into the realm of the dead. The air was heavy with a sense of solemnity, and Kore could feel the weight of her decision pressing down upon her.

Artemis placed a reassuring hand on Kore's shoulder. "This is as far as I can go, Kore," she said softly, her voice filled with concern. "I must return to Olympus. It's up to Hermes to guide you through the Underworld from here."

Kore nodded, a pang of sadness tugging at her heart as she realized she would be continuing the journey alone. "Thank you, Artemis," she murmured gratefully, her eyes reflecting the depth of their friendship. "I couldn't have come this far without you."

Artemis offered Kore a small smile, her gaze unwavering. "You're stronger than you know, Kore," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "I believe in you."

With a final embrace, Artemis bid Kore farewell, disappearing into the darkness as she returned to the divine realm. Kore watched her friend go, a sense of determination swelling within her.

Turning to Hermes, who stood nearby, Kore squared her shoulders, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. "Let's go," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor of excitement and apprehension in her heart. Hermes nodded, his expression solemn as he prepared to lead Kore into the depths of the Underworld.