Disclaimer: I do not own Servamp or any of the characters.
"King Tantalus, for the crimes you committed while living, you will be punished in the afterlife." Seated on his throne, Kuro listed the king's crimes with a bored expression. He watched the king struggling against the vines restraining him but Kuro didn't pay him any mind. The man had godly blood in his body but Kuro doubted he was strong enough to hurt him.
"Stealing from the gods, revealing our secrets, lying to a god, and murdering your son." Bile rose in Kuro as he read his book but he didn't let his emotions appear on his face. He would never understand the length some humans went to for immortality. The man's haughtiness and greed was his undoing though. Kuro closed the book and tilted a glare at the king. "Tartarus shall be your new home."
He stood and opened the gate to Tartarus. The ground parted in front of the king and Kuro released the vines holding him. Kuro ignored Tantalus's protests and rants as he held the gate open. It was common for souls to resist so Kuro barely reacted when Tantalus tried to attack him. He raised his hand to deflect the arrow Tantalus flung at him.
Kuro swore when he was suddenly tackled out of the attack's path. His eyes widened when saw that Black Cat was the one who pushed him in his lion form. Mahiru slid off its back and Kuro's brows furrowed. He was surprised to see them and quickly closed the gate to Tartarus. "What are you doing here? I told you two to stay in the garden."
"I was worried about you so I watched you with the fountain. When I saw that man attack you, I asked him to bring me here. Don't yell at Black Cat when I gave him the order." Mahiru said. He knew that the man he was punishing was dangerous from the expression Kuro had as he returned to the surface. He was worried about him facing the man alone. "Are you hurt?"
The concern in his brown eyes was so foreign to Kuro that he didn't know how to react for a moment. He turned his gaze away from him and faced Tantalus. The king tried to attack them when he saw that Kuro was distracted. Impulsively, Mahiru stood in front of him when he saw Tantalus aim an arrow at them. He knew that his clouds couldn't protect them so he braced himself for the attack.
Kuro tried to pull him away but he stayed in front of him stubbornly. "Are you an idiot?"
"I'm trying to help you!" He yelled and a pillar of fire burst in front of them, protecting them from the arrow. No one was more shocked than Mahiru because he hadn't intended to use his powers. Kuro pulled him away from the flames and Mahiru felt his strong chest against his back. As the flames died, Black Cat restrained Tantalus. Quickly, Kuro opened the gate again and forced the king into it.
Once the gate closed, Mahiru slumped back against Kuro's chest. It wasn't a perilous fight but he suddenly felt drained. He looked down at his hands and wondered why fire appeared even though he didn't summon it consciously. Kuro stepped away from him and saw the confusion on his face. He could easily guess that he was worried about the control he had over his power.
"Don't look so worried. The fire probably came out to protect you. It's not going to go out of control." He gently placed his hand over his. His words reassured him and Mahiru relaxed a little. Then, Kuro nudged him towards the cave behind his throne. "Now back to the garden with you two. I still have a few more judgements to give."
"I'm staying," Mahiru declared after a moment. He walked to the throne and sat down stubbornly. But his eyes were soft when he continued. "Black Cat and I are going to worry about you if you force us to go back to the garden. If someone tries to attack you again, we're just going to rush back up here to save you so it's simpler for you to let us stay. Please, let me stay by your side, Kuro."
His last plea tugged at something in Kuro and he relented with a sigh. He stood in front of Mahiru and placed his hands on the chair, caging him in his arms. As he leaned forward, he said sternly. "You can stay but I have two conditions. Firstly, you are never to throw yourself in front of an attack for me again. Second, I want you to cover your ears to when I tell you to."
Mahiru thought that his second condition was ridiculous. He knew that it was because Kuro didn't want to upset him with the gruesome tales and that kindness touched him but he argued. "Kuro, I may be a lesser god but I'm still a god. I've seen everything from petty theft to petty wars. I don't need to cover my ears. Humans consider themselves equal partners when they marry and I don't see why our marriage should be any different. I'm staying."
A fire sparked in his brown eyes and Kuro knew that it was pointless to fight further with him. He was glad the remaining judgements were regular souls. Mahiru shifted on the throne so Kuro would be able to sit beside him. There was a quiet strength in him that Kuro had to admire and he sat next to him. Mahiru turned to the ferryman and asked. "What is your name sir?"
"Charon." He answered quickly. He had watched their exchange quietly but he was stunned by it. Most people feared Sleepy Ash so they didn't dare speak his name, let alone argue with him. His master hadn't mentioned his marriage to him and it was shocking to see him act so differently.
"Please send in the next soul, Charon." Mahiru said with a much softer tone. Charon nodded and rushed to fetch the next soul from his boat.
Mahiru knew that a lot of people were dying from the endless winter but seeing the souls being led away from the throne room made his stomach turn. The cold throne made Mahiru lean into Kuro's warmth slightly. He watched Kuro from the corner of his eyes and wondered how he could stay so composed in the face of death. Some people cried and beg while others accepted their fate solemnly but Kuro didn't show any emotion.
"There's only one more soul so you can head back now." Kuro muttered. The chair was large enough for the two of them but their bodies would brush every time they moved. He was distinctly aware of Mahiru beside him. Mahiru shook his head and Kuro wondered why he was so adamant on staying next to him. He was an Olympian so he could protect himself.
Kuro turned his attention back to person that entered the throne room. The man was still alive and he wondered why he would enter the Forest of Ash. He watched the man carefully as he opened the last book he had prepared. "Tetsu Sendagaya?"
"… That's my husband. My name is Misono and I'm here to exchange my life for his." His voice was shaking at first but his back straightened with resolve. Misono took out a letter from his bag and held it out to Kuro. "Hugh— I mean Old Child gifted my husband immortality as a wedding gift. As long as someone took his place on his deathbed, Tetsu may live on. It's all written in this letter and signed by him so you must honour it. Spare my husband!"
"Troublesome." Kuro rubbed his temple and gestured for Black Cat to retrieve the letter from him. As he read it over, Misono nervously shifted from feet to feet as he waited for his answer. There was a strange mixture of fear and determination in his eyes. Mahiru stood from the throne and walked down the few steps so he would be eye levelled with Misono.
"I know that Sleepy Ash may seem like a cold person but he's very kind. He'll hear your story." Mahiru wanted to speak to him because he looked so nervous. "It was brave of you to enter the Forest of Ash for your husband's sake. You must love him a lot to be willing to take his place. Wasn't there anyone else willing to, like his parents or his subjects?"
"Cowards were too afraid." Misono said bitterly but he could understand their feelings a little. He was petrified during the boat ride but picturing Tetsu's face gave him the strength to go forward with his decision. "I love him. Tetsu is a great man and I couldn't imagine being with anyone else. My father wouldn't allow us to get married because his station was beneath mine but Tetsu found a way. I still remember how he drove his chariot into town for my hand. He done so much for my sake."
"That's a wonderful story." The tender love in Misono's eyes as he told his story touched Mahiru. It was obvious that the two were devoted to each other.
"May I ask who you are?" He asked. "You're not the ferryman. I didn't know that there was anyone else staying here willingly."
"My name's Mahiru and I… recently married Kuro. Trust me when I say that he's a good man." Mahiru scratched his cheek shyly. He glanced at Kuro over his shoulder but he was still reading the letter. When he turned back to Misono, there was a knowing smile on the human's face. Misono was a little confused when the god approached him because he wasn't expecting anyone in the Forest of Ash to be so kind.
"Then you must understand why I'm doing this for Tetsu." He said. Mahiru blushed a little because Misono must've thought that they were a couple. He thought that he was a good man but he didn't know what Kuro thought of him. He didn't even know why Kuro asked him to marry him.
"If you two are finished, I've made my decision." Kuro said to catch their attention. "Tetsu helped Old Child so he would've been sent to Elysium. Your husband's fate will become yours. I'll send a letter to Old Child and—"
"Wait, Kuro." Mahiru spoke before he could stop himself. He wringed his hands together when he felt everyone's eyes on him. But after hearing Misono's story and how much he loved his husband, he couldn't stay quiet. "I think it would be better to allow Misono to return to the Human Realm. It's not his time yet and you can't judge him properly until he lived his life as intended."
"What are you doing Mahiru? If I don't do this, Tetsu will die!"
"Going against Old Child will be troublesome." Kuro was surprised that Mahiru would disagree with his judgement. He walked back up the steps to the throne and placed his hand on his arm. His eyes were filled with compassion as he explained.
"We should spare both from death. This way, you won't anger your brother or take a life pre-maturely. If we separate them now, it would break both of their hearts. Tetsu would blame himself and come to the Forest of Ash for him. Wouldn't that be troublesome?" Mahiru pointed out but Kuro knew how dangerous it was to let a human live well past their time.
"Please, Kuro." He whispered in a soft voice and he gave in.
"I will only make an exception this time so don't expect me to spare your soul again." Kuro closed the book.
"Thank you!" He was a little taken back when Mahiru threw his arms around his neck. He hugged him for a moment before he returned to Misono. "Isn't this great? I told you that Kuro is a kind person. There's a bridge that you can use to return to the Human Realm and Charon will show you the way. I hope you have a wonderful life with your husband."
"You're letting us live?"
"Kuro said that it's okay." Mahiru nodded.
"That's wonderful. I know Tetsu would be thankful for you too. We'll throw a banquet for you and…" Misono stopped when he saw Mahiru's sad smile and realized his mistake. "I guess it would be difficult for you two to go to the Human Realm. But I would like to do something to thank you."
"How about you and Tetsu visit us. Kuro isn't the type to enjoy crowded parties so a small dinner with the four of us would be better. He has a beautiful garden we can talk in and we'll have human food." Mahiru compromised and Misono readily promised to visit him again. As he left, he waved to him with a smile. Kuro watched their exchange and wondered if he would visit him. He hoped that he would for Mahiru's sake because he knew how lonely the Forest of Ash could become.
"Well, that was the last soul. It's time to go home." Kuro stretched as he rose to his feet. He stood beside the cave's entrance and waited for Mahiru to enter first.
"Kuro, I'm sorry if I stepped out of line when I argued with your judgement. I know death is unavoidable and I shouldn't try to stop it but I couldn't stand the thought of one mourning the other. You must think I'm silly because I barely even knew them. He could've lied to me about everything for pity." Mahiru looked down at his feet. He stopped walking when Kuro reached over and tucked his brown hair behind his ear.
"I read Tetsu's book and he didn't lie to you about it. You're a good judge of character." He dropped his hand and moved forward. Mahiru watched him for a few moments and his heart was beating in his ear. Kuro didn't seem to notice as he said. "I wouldn't have changed my judgement if I didn't agree with you. Dealing with Old Child or a mourning husband is bothersome."
"Will you let me join you whenever you leave for your judgement?" Mahiru asked as he walked by his side again. He remembered sitting alone in the garden and watching him through the fountain. He was lonely and worried so he hoped that Kuro would allow him to join him.
"If you really want to." Kuro shrugged. Even though his answer was deadpanned, Mahiru smiled brightly. "Today was tame and there will be judgements that upset you. I'm just telling you now."
Kuro voice lowered with the last warning. His eyes became sad and Mahiru wondered if there was something he could do for him. He knew that it must be emotionally exhausting to face death so often and be responsible for people's lives. Mahiru wondered if Kuro ever made a judgement he regretted. He wanted to ask him but he knew that they weren't close enough for him to ask something so personal.
Kuro laid on his stomach and skimmed through one of the books of the dead but he found his mind wondering often. He thought back to Mahiru and the judgements. That afternoon, he saw so many different sides to him like his strength and compassion. The process of judging souls and assigning punishments was an emotional toll on most people but Mahiru was composed through it all.
"Are you thinking of him?" Kuro groaned when Black Cat pawed at his cheek. Sometimes, he wished he couldn't hear its voice. He knew who the beast was referring to but didn't answer and rolled onto his side instead. "I like him. Is he staying with us?"
"He's only staying long enough to learn how to control the fire within him and then he'll return to the Human Realm. Don't get too attached to him." Kuro said the words to Black Cat but it was also a reminder to himself. The cat climbed over him and rested on his head because it could hear the loneliness in his voice. Kuro reached up and petted it. "He doesn't belong with us."
"Mahiru's really nice and warm. Don't you think so too?"
"Of course, he's warm. He has fire within his body." Kuro pointed out but he knew that it was more than that. The kindness and determination in him was clear to see from the beginning when he risked his life for humans. He pictured his smile and knew that warmth in his eyes were from his heart and not the fire. He wondered how long it would take for the Forest of Ash to dim that smile. Guilt clutched him for a moment and he closed his eyes.
"Are you thinking of him?" Black Cat asked and Kuro grumbled in answer. He swatted away the cat again rolled away from it to avoid its knowing eyes. It was pointless to lie to the cat when they were so connected. The beast was created from his shadow and it was acutely aware of his master's feelings.
"No, I'm thinking of how you brought him to my throne room when I specifically told you to protect him. Bringing him into the midst of danger is the last thing you should've done. I'm your master so I don't understand why you listened to him." Kuro changed the subject. But he couldn't blame the cat for being so drawn to Mahiru and his warmth. After centuries in the dark forest, it was only natural.
"He was very worried about you. I had to take him when he asked me to." The cat said and Kuro turned back to it. Mahiru was worried about him? Why would he care about the God of the Dead? He remembered Mahiru's expression when he argued with him and insisted on staying. "He's worried about you now as well. I can sense him outside your door."
Kuro quickly sat up and looked at his door. He hadn't sensed his presence until Black Cat brought it to his attention because he was so lost in thought. A shadow would occasionally pass under the door and he knew that it was Mahiru pacing in the hall. He could easily guess that he wanted to speak to him about something but he was hesitating.
He stood and went to the door. When he opened it, he found Mahiru with his hand poised to knock. In his other arm was a blanket and pillow. Mahiru still looked a little hesitant and Kuro wondered what brought him to his room. He hoped that he wasn't having doubt about their marriage. "Is there something you need?"
"I wanted to speak with you. May I come in?" Mahiru asked and fiddled with his hair. He couldn't meet Kuro's eyes because he was still uncertain if he would let him into his room after the scene they had that morning. There was something that played on Mahiru's mind since then and he couldn't sleep. Surprisingly, Kuro opened the door wider for him to enter.
Without a word, Kuro used his power to put away the books before he could chastise him for it again. Mahiru walked into the room and knelt to pet Black Cat. Then, he placed the pillow and blanket he brought on the ground. "You don't have a bed in here. Is that because you gave yours to me?"
"Don't look so guilty. I stay up late reading these books so I never used that bed anyways. I'll have another one made soon so you don't need to worry about me." Kuro tried to brush off his worried expression but Mahiru took his arm. Gently, he tugged him to where he laid the pillow. He didn't fight him but lightly protested. "I always sleep on the ground so I'm used to it."
"That can't be good for your health. If you don't take care of yourself, it's going to affect your work. You need to sleep and keep yourself warm at night so take my blanket and pillow. I'll also make a bed for you." He materialized a cloud in the center of the room. As Mahiru arranged the blanket and pillow over it, Kuro sat down on the edge and found it extremely soft.
"You really don't need to do this for me." Kuro ran his hand over the cloud. It held a warmth that he wasn't used to after spending years sleeping on the ground. Mahiru only smiled kindly at his protest and sat next to him on the cloud.
"You've done a lot for me since I came here so I want to return the favour. This isn't much compared to how you're helping me but I hope it'll help you sleep well. Just make sure not to sleep in too much. You make sure that he listens, Black Cat." It nodded in answer and Mahiru chuckled. His laugh sounded like a bell and Kuro scratched his cheek shyly.
Black Cat jumped onto the cloud and quickly made itself comfortable between the two. With a sigh, Kuro stroked its head. "Ungrateful cat, I take care of you for centuries and you turn on me like this? You should be on my side."
"He just wants you to take care of yourself like I do." Mahiru said and stood. "Well, I should let you get back to your work. Don't stay up too late."
"Wait, Mahiru." He sat up and took his hand without thinking. There wasn't any fear in his eyes when Mahiru looked down at him curiously and Kuro was at a lost for words for a moment. Kuro pulled his eyes away from him. "Thank you for the bed but you didn't need to give me your pillow and blanket too. There's extra so I'll have Black Cat get a pair for you."
Black Cat scurried out of the room at his words and came back with them on its head. After Mahiru took them, he gave Kuro a grateful smile. "Goodnight, Kuro."
"… Goodnight." He slipped his hand from his and Kuro watched him leave the room. He laid back on the cloud and looked at his hand. Kuro could still feel Mahiru's warmth lingering and it felt strange to him but it wasn't bad. It was just different from everything he knew and he didn't know how to process his kindness.
Mahiru's scream woke Kuro and that was followed by a dull thud. He jumped off his bed and rushed to his room. The silence that followed his scream sent a chill through Kuro. It was near impossible for someone to enter the cave without him or Black Cat knowing. Just as he reached his door, it opened and Mahiru came stumbling out. He ran straight into his chest and Kuro wrapped his arms around him protectively.
"I woke up and there was this pervert in my room!" Mahiru rushed to explain when he saw the worry and concern in his eyes. He panicked when he woke up to someone standing over him but Kuro's arms calmed him a little. He looked back into his room but it was empty. "He's gone."
"Are you sure you weren't seeing thing? It'll be difficult for someone to reach your room with me so close." Kuro pointed out. From Mahiru's expression, he knew that he wasn't panicking over a simple dream. He let Mahiru go and entered the room. It didn't appear that anything was out of place. "I heard a crash. Did the person try to hurt you?"
"I fell off the bed when I tried to get away from him. It was silly of me to panic like that, I know. At least it's nothing more than a bump." Mahiru admitted. He blushed when Kuro tilted his chin up a little so he could see the bruise better. His heart skipped a little but he couldn't turn away from Kuro. He knew that he was only checking on his bruise so there was nothing more to his actions.
"I think you'll survive." Kuro brushed his finger over his forehead and made sure to keep his touch gentle. "If you want, I'll get some ice for you."
"Wouldn't the better treatment be for you to kiss him better." The two jumped apart when they heard a foreign voice. Kuro stepped in front of Mahiru instinctively and scanned the room. His eyes fell onto the butterfly sitting on the bed. He groaned and ran his hand through his hair because he recognized the butterfly quickly.
"Damnit, All of Love, you could've sent me a message before you visit." Kuro said in a bored voice but he was panicking inwardly. His siblings hadn't visited him since Tsubaki created the storm and he had to worry about the reason for Lily's sudden appearance. "Mahiru, this is my brother and the seventh Olympian, All of Love."
"I'm the God of Love but you may call me Snow Lily. I'm sorry for scaring you like that. I wanted to see the person that my brother married." Lily transformed and stood in front of the two. He had a bright smile and it didn't seem like he was a bad person to Mahiru. But he stayed close to Kuro's side as he held out his hand for him to shake. "First impressions are important so I'll make this up to you."
Mahiru was shocked when Lily began to strip and covered his eyes. "What are you doing?"
"Keep your clothes on." Kuro threw a pillow at his brother. "What are you doing here?"
"I already told you. I wanted to see the person you married. It's just a shame that I had to hear about your marriage from my friend, Misono, and not from my own brother." Lily explained and Mahiru brows furrowed. Why hadn't Kuro told his siblings about their marriage? He knew he couldn't ask him in front of Lily but frowned up at him.
"I didn't have time." Kuro said, hoping to end the conversation quickly. "If there's nothing else you need, you should leave—"
"Not until I get to know your partner. As the God of Love, it's my duty." Lily said in a light tone but Kuro knew that he had other intentions.
Okay, Greek mythology lessons (because I know someone's going to bring this up).
(1) Technically, Hades didn't hand out punishments himself but the judges of the dead, Minos, Rhadamanthus and Aeacus did. I changed this because I didn't want too many characters and it's going to be a big plotpoint later.
(2) The Alcestis and Ademetus story has two versions. The most known version of this myth is Euripides's where Hercules saves Alcestis. The lesser known one is where Persephone sympathized with Alcestis and just goes "Return to your husband. Don't worry, I'll talk to Hades. I totally got him wrapped around my finger." I really dislike how the Hercules version overshadowed the original because Persephone doesn't have a lot of myths.
