Summary:

Yuno makes a decision

Chapter 7: The Wrath of Demeter

"This is a bad idea. I can't believe that you convinced me to bring you," Vanessa said, making sure that Yuno's hood was on their head.

"If Asta is going to do this to defend me, the least I can do is be there," said Yuno.

"I know, I know," said Vanessa. Vanessa muttered. "Zora will kill me."

Yuno knew that Vanessa and Zora had direct and stern orders from Asta to keep an eye on Yuno. Yuno and Vanessa managed to sneak around Zora who had an influx of souls to process because of the fruitless winter inflicted by Yuno's parent. Since Vanessa technically was allowed in Olympus, she was able to sneak him past the guards using her magic. It was way too easy and it made Yuno uneasy as he stood in a crowd of minor deities, watching the 12 Olympians sit in their giant thrones with Asta in the center, basically standing trial to defend himself and Yuno.

Guilt weighed Yuno's heart down and their body tensed.

"Brother," said Dante, in his big old chair. Zenon stood at the side of the chair and Vanica sat in her chair. "Have you come to return Persephone to us?"

"No," said Asta.

"Petulant as ever," said Dante. "You see, Zenon will be marrying Persephone as per Vanica's suggestion so we need her back."

"Them," said Asta. "Use the right pronoun, Dante."

"No respect as usual from you," said Dante.

Asta crossed his arms. "Persephone is their own person. As long they wish to stay in my domain, they shall."

Yuno's heart ached. Asta was so good. He adored Asta's sense of justice and morality.

"Give me my child back," interrupted William, stressed and fiercely angry. Yuno wanted to hug their parent to console them.

"Easy, Demeter," cautioned Zenon.

Yuno clenched their fists. Vanessa had a hand on Yuno's shoulder. Yuno breathed in and out and listened to the conversation.

"I said what I said," said Asta.

"Bring Persephone, so we may hear her wishes," said Dante, ignoring everything everyone just said. "Otherwise, I assume that you just took her for yourself, Dear Big Brother and therefore, Demeter will lodge a complaint against you. And you know what that means."

Asta tensed and a black energy began seeping out of him, forming a wing and his eyes became red. He snarled, "Bring it, Dante, Zenon, Vanica and see how far it can go. I won't budge."

Many minor deities shuddered at the energy outpouring from Asta. Vanessa sighed softly and Yuno shifted in place, ready to run out to help Asta.

"Peace, Brothers, Sister," said Lolopechka, in her soft voice. Poseidon was always a bit of a wild card in Yuno's opinion, but they knew that Asta was fond of that sibling. "I'm sure we can resolve this without a battle."

"I may have a suggestion," said Charlotte, known as the Goddess of Wisdom Athena.

"I don't want to hear it, Athena," said Dante, dismissively.

Charlotte sneered. "Fine, have a bloody match between Hades and Zeus and see how much of the world is left."

Yuno gasped. Vanessa tried to keep hold of Yuno, but Yuno moved on their own. Vanessa cursed, as Yuno stepped in front of Asta. "Wait!"

"My child," said William, about to weep.

"Yuno, what are you doing here," asked Asta. He looked furious.

"It's not Lord Hades' fault that I ran away," said Yuno, glancing at Asta, who looked more like the Lord of the Underworld at this moment than any time before. Asta's eyes were blood red, the black energy became his armor, and there was a very dangerous look in his eyes. But Yuno wasn't frightened. In fact, they weren't afraid of Zenon, Dante and Vanica anymore.

"Sorry, boss, they got away from me," said Vanessa, sighing.

He glanced over at Vanessa and Asta frowned. He looked at Yuno and said, gently, "Yuno, you don't have to do this. Just go back with Vanessa, right now."

"I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me," said Yuno. They said, softly, "especially not you, when you've been so kind to me."

"Yuno…" Asta started.

"Kind? Hades, kind? HAHAH, that's a joke right," laughed Dante. "My brother is evil at his core. Just like the rest of us."

Yuno leveled a glare at the King of the Gods. How dare Dante call Asta "evil." Asta wasn't evil. He was kind and thoughtful. So, what if Asta ruled the Underworld? Death and afterlife was everyone's fate, even gods. Yuno said, not raising their voice, but everyone listened when they spoke. "Asta is kind and generous. He's nothing like any of you. He listens."

There was an intense glaring match between Yuno and Dante, when William got down from their throne to rush over to hug Yuno. "Never leave again, my child. I've missed you."

"Maybe then don't try to marry off your kid," Asta said, unamused.

"Shut up, Asta! You should have returned Yuno when I asked," said William. "Yuno will only marry if they want. Isn't that right, Lord Zeus?"

"Yes, of course," said Dante, in a tone that said that Yuno had better be on the lookout for any tricks. Yuno shivered in their parent's embrace.

Asta sighed and then asked Yuno, "Do you wish to stay?"

Asta's eyes were green again. Yuno loved Asta's eyes, they reminded him of forests. There was a strange look in Asta's eyes. Was he perhaps sad?

Oh, Asta, please don't worry for me. I have to stand on my two feet now.

Yuno knew they had to say yes, because if Yuno said no, Asta would fight everyone to bring Yuno back to the Underworld. "Yes." It was a lie. A lie that hurt Yuno's heart, because they wanted to stay with Asta and everyone in the Underworld but Yuno wouldn't risk their safety.

Asta smiled widely, but a not truly happy smile. Yuno knew the differences in Asta's smiles. The Lord of the Underworld said, "Very well. I guess my work here is done. You'll always be welcome, always. So long, Yuno."

Yuno nodded, fought back tears, as Asta gestured to Vanessa and the two left via the shadows. Goodbye, Asta, I love you. Thank you for everything. Yuno nearly jumped out of their parent's arms at the realization.

Yuno loved Asta.

William hugged Yuno closer. William said, again, "Never leave again."

Yuno nodded, solemnly. They fought back tears, as William didn't let go.

"Now that my pesky moral brother is gone," said Dante, happily in a creepy way. "When's the wedding good for you, William?"

Yuno froze and stared at everyone in horror.

"What?"

"I'm so sorry, Yuno, I just wanted you back," said William sadly.

Yuno saw the shocked looks on Charlotte, Kirsch, Yami, and Lolopechka's faces, meaning that they weren't involved and had been blindsided as well. It was all a trick to get Yuno back. The reassurance that Yuno would be free to choose their spouse had meant to get Asta to leave, thinking Yuno safe.

They tricked Yuno by making it seem like they'd be safe.

"How could you…?"

"So, the wedding?"

Yuno tried to escape from their parent's arms but their body became lax. William said, "Just rest, right now, sweetheart. I'll handle things."

Why…?

Asta…I'm sorry.

~to be continued

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This story will not have chapters in June and July!
But never fear, I plan to knock out the last four chapters for August to finish this story up!