Chapter 20

A terrified silence blanketed the mountaintop as blackness stretched towards infinity. Only the flames from the hearth and the blazing feet of the Chthonic gods cut through the night. The remaining denizens froze in horror as the God of the Dead stood before them, trapped between the two primal fears of death and the dark unknown. Even the hands of his cousins trembled as Athena and Artemis' grasps returned to his arms.

Zag, too, was paralyzed, though not from dread. The red mist that had gently swirled around him condensed thickly, pressing against his legs and holding him in place. He tried to dash forward, to jump, to burn the cloud away, all to no avail. Zagreus constricted his throat and determined he could still speak. For once in his life, however, he debated whether or not he should.

Hades did not search for him, though Zagreus had no doubt he knew exactly where he was. His father's gaze rested firmly on the face of his youngest sibling. Zeus hesitated. Despite his initial reaction to seize full control of Zag's movements, he appeared unaware of what to do next. The King of the Gods looked at his brother in utter perplexity. It was as if it had not occurred to Zeus that Hades would come for his only son.

I suppose that tracks. Not like he's ever asked for any of his countless children that have been brought to our domain.

That Zagreus could still roll his eyes and be sarcastic even when in the midst of the most dangerous stand off since the Titanomachy made him feel a little better. He breathed deeply, clearing his head from shock and worry.

Fear is for the weak.

"Hades! Brother! So good to see you!" Zeus finally boomed, holding his arms out as if to embrace his kin. Instead, the King chuckled and made his way up the platform to take his place back on the throne. Zeus leaned back casually and began to check the ends of his electrified nails.

"Planning to stay a while?"

Zagreus shut his eyes, despair crushing the sharp hope that had filled his chest the moment the lights went out and he knew his father had answered his prayer. All Zeus needed to do was wait. Hades was not long for the Olympic world, and would soon perish painfully in front of the pantheon and its devotees. The prince did not see how his father would be able to fight or argue his point in so short a time.

"You know that I cannot," Hades stated simply. His face turned towards Zagreus. Their eyes did not meet. Instead, the God of the Dead took in the life sustaining cloud that swirled around his son.

"'Impossible', you had once told me," Hades continued in his gruff manner. "'No way around it, I'm afraid', were your exact words when I asked for your help remaining on the surface. Such is why you felt so inclined to help me court my Queen another way."

Zagreus' heart leapt up into his mouth. Had his father asked for more time to be with his mother on the surface before they married? Zag thought about the short visits his parents had shared, once a year, for centuries. Over that time they had fallen in love, but it had been fragile, unforged. If his father had been given leave from the Underworld to strengthen their relationship, would Persephone have come to the Underworld more willingly? Would Demeter have given her blessing to the union? Would it have been easier for the couple, then, to weather the storm of losing their first child…would they have stayed together long enough to learn that they had not?

Hate and anger filled every sinew of his body at the thought. The hot rage poured through his muscles, causing him to shake. Zagreus gripped his hands and imagined what he could do to Zeus if he had Varatha or Stygius in them. He would gut the King of the Gods for what he had denied his family. Zagreus' fingers dug into his palm as he envisioned how he would rip the ridiculous cloud beard from his face. His stomach tightened as though he were already in combat with the God of the Heavens. His foot twitched in desperation at his desire to singe his uncle's skin…

Hello…

Zag swallowed his anger and took a deep, centering breath. He held onto the rage, keeping the power that surged through him, but focused his energy on controlling the hate that boiled his red blood. He needed to keep his head as well as his strength to get out of the situation without getting anyone else hurt. He needed to be smarter than, better than Zeus. He could not allow himself to be ruled by his passionate whims or be felled by his steaming pride.

Zagreus quietly wiggled each toe, flexed his knees, and remained rooted to the spot.

Zeus, for his part, seemed to keep his discovered calm at his brother's bitter retort. He smiled and gave a non-committal shrug.

"Is that so? My goodness, the things you remember," Zeus mused with a shake of his head. "Do you recall-,"

"Zagreus is to return to the Underworld immediately," Hades said. His father's voice was composed, measured and left no doubt that his statement was a command. The easy smile on Zeus' face jolted.

"Brother, you have been down in that pit for too long. You forget yourself," Zeus replied jovially. "My nephew is here at my invitation after so many bold attempts at ascension. It is time that you cut the boy loose and let him be his own god. You are far too involved as a father. It is unseemly."

"I did not come here to debate parenting styles," Hades replied shortly. "Zagreus is to return."

The grin on Zeus' face grew, though his sunny joy was replaced with a dark and sinister aura.

"Dearest Brother, I am disappointed," Zeus tisked patronizingly. "You were our master strategist during the war! All so we could be freed from the binds of our tyrant father. That you would come here and try to rip Zagreus from the welcoming arms of his family when he has only just arrived…alone and on such borrowed time…what ever happened to you?"

Zagreus' breathing hitched when the ends of his father's lips flickered upwards. No one took notice. In fact, the crowd watching the interaction all seemed to relax at their king's casual handling of the God of the Underworld. Zag shook his head. A public smile from Hades was to be met with extreme trepidation.

"I learned to delegate," Hades replied simply.

His father beat his bident against the ground. The black night that had draped the mountaintop suddenly pulled itself back, uncovering the six forms that stood behind the Underworld's king.

The air was filled with screams as Death's blade glinted in the freed sunlight. Nyx stood in front of Thanatos and his twin; her face impassive as the chaos began to form. All three of them were draped in black and red robes fastened by ancient bronze armor. Hypnos had a sword strapped to his side, and Zagreus recognized Stygius' handle. Nyx held no weapon, though the black night she commanded swirled violently above her head.

Megaera stood to Hades' right, Varatha slung over her shoulder in lieu of her whip. To Zag's complete astonishment Alecto and Tisiphone flanked her sides. Alecto sneered viciously when she breathed the crisp mountain air, looking as if she had ingested something foul. Tisiphone moaned quietly to herself as she pinned her arms tightly to her chest. Zagreus couldn't help but grin. There were a lot of murderers present.

With the return of the sunlight the denizens of the mountaintop fled. The mortals, nymphs and satyrs, all but the gods of the pantheon, tripped over themselves as they shrieked about the Fury's whips and Thanatos' simple presence. Zagreus nearly stumbled forward to them by desire alone. He wanted to grab Meg's hand and fling them both into Than's arms so he could shift them home. He wanted to kiss his apologies into their flesh until their skins were seared with his devotions. He would agree to spend the rest of his days-and-nights below the Temple, safely tucked inside the torrid pits and burning rivers of the Underworld. He would cut all ties with his Olympic kin, swear any oath he had to, if it kept his family…his true family…with him and safe from harm.

The prince remained motionless. Running would do no good. Zagreus had pronounced himself an adversary, intentionally or not, to the hierarchy of the cosmos. Zeus could not allow Zag to return home unbound. A free Zagreus was too much of a threat, even when fated to return to the Underworld as he was.

Zag felt the cold sting of bronze armor against his back as Athena shifted into her wartime regalia. Ares donned his helm. Artemis reluctantly pulled her hand away from Zag's arm and readied her bow.

"Don't," Zagreus breathed to his cousins quietly. "There doesn't have to be a fight."

"We have no choice," Athena stated solemnly. "We are bound to Zeus and his laws. Your father has brought readied forces. If this is an invasion…"

"You know it is not!" he hissed. "Please, Athena, there must be something we can do!"

The Goddess of Wisdom paled at his plea, her face falling in lost remorse.

"I can't…I can't think of any-,"

"Heey, Uncle Hades! Aren't you just a sight for these sore eyes because you are!"

Dionysus appeared out of nowhere, a half dozen trays of wine, ambrosia and nectar floating behind him. His smile was wide, easy, and completely oblivious as the God of Ritual Madness walked between the two warring factions.

"And whooooa, is that Alecto and Tisiphone? Looks like you brought half the Underworld for this party! Not that I blame you in the slightest. As I was telling Zag, this feast will be a night to never remember! Or is it daytime now? Who cares! Welcome to Olympus, my Chthonic friends. May I offer you all a drink?"

"Dionysus!" Zeus thundered, standing up angrily from his throne. The God of Wine stood tall, his back turned to his father as he hastily sorted through his bottles.

"Clever, Brother," Athena breathed with a small smile. Zagreus inhaled sharply as he began to understand what was happening. Dionysus had welcomed his friends into his home. Offered them drink. Hospitality. Xenia. If accepted, the Olympians would be sworn to keep the Chthonic beings safe for the night. Zeus himself was patron of the fundamental law of civilization.

Zagreus looked eagerly to his father. Hades remained locked in a staring battle with Zeus. Zeus, on the other hand, was looking at the passive Nyx with great unease. Than kept his cool gaze on Dionysus with muted curiosity, but Zagreus knew he would not act in this instance without direction. Hypnos' eyes were half closed, and Zag wondered if he could even see past his slightly too large helm. Tisiphone began to shake as she silently mouthed the same word over and over and over again. Alecto appeared ready to explode with rage.

They were losing their chance at this peaceful out. If none responded, if the Chthonic denied Xenia, it could be mere moments until the fighting began. Dionysus cleared his throat nervously at their silence, and offered up his selection again.

"Let's see here, what to offer…I have wine, of course. Ambrosia, nectar…fermented fruits of every sort…"

"Pomegranate," Zagreus stated clearly. All eyes turned to the prince for the first time since the gathering. He, in turn, looked only to one.

Meg held his gaze for a moment. A shiver ran down his spine at the connection. There was so much he wanted to say to her, needed to say to her. But there wasn't time. There might never be time again if he couldn't get this right.

Megaera raised an eyebrow slightly. Relief flooded through Zagreus' veins.

"Pomegranate," Meg affirmed, rolling their safe-word off her tongue with a smirk.

"Classic!" Dionysus proclaimed. "Now where is that cupbearer…haha never mind, I'll do it myself!"

With a practiced spin of his wrist he quickly filled two goblets with the dark red wine. He offered it to Meg with an outstretched arm. Zagreus could see the muscles in the demigod's limb shake slightly, though the cups he held stayed firm.

"Cheers, friend," Dionysus proffered.

"Cheers," Meg replied lowly. They both took a sip, and the mountain itself seemed to release a deep breath.

Megaera pulled the cup from her lips and held it in front of Tisiphone. The Fury eyed it widely as she shivered.

"To help keep the edge off," Dionysus urged gently.

"Mur…MUrd…Zagh-REUS!" she sputtered. The prince couldn't help the affectionate smile as Tisiphone allowed her sister to tip the wine glass against her lips.

"Mur Zagreus!" Dionysus agreed with a wild grin, raising his cup before taking another drag. Meg switched the glass into her other hand and held it out to Alecto.

"Fuck that," Alecto spat poisonously. "If you think I am going to drink anything from this garbage pile you…"

The Fury was silenced when Tisiphone erratically flashed behind her. Most of his cousins jumped in shock as the Tormentor of Murder smashed her sister's face against the wine. Alecto screamed, and though a red line of liquid dribbled down her chin, she swallowed the rest of the contents in her mouth.

"Fuck this place!" Alecto huffed, crossing her arms across her chest as she seethed at her older sisters.

"Yeah, fuck this place! Fuck me, in particular," Dionysus replied eagerly, his eyes traveling up and down the Fury's livid frame. The demigod was yanked from his shameless leer when a firm hand landed on his shoulder. Thanatos pulled the God of Wine away from Alecto just as she was about to strike, blocking her attack with a flick of his hand as he took the wine glass from Meg.

"That is a fate worse than Death," Thanatos warned, spinning Dionysus his way. Zag's cousin grinned lasciviously at the touch, eyeing Than's blade and then his broad chest with peaked interest.

"Yeah, but what a way to go!" Dionysus exclaimed.

"You Olympians are intolerable," Than sighed irately. Dionysus cocked an eyebrow and offered Than a sip from his own cup. Death glared, causing the demigod to shiver in both fear and pleasure, before accepting the libation. Than did not return the favor and instead handed his own cup to his mother.

"Lady Nyx, I..agggh!"

The lustful look on Dionysus' face crumpled with pain. He did not move, but Zag could see that Than's fingers dug deep into his tanned shoulder.

"…appreciate and respect your patronage. Welcome to Mt. Olympus!"

Dionysus gasped as he was thrust forward. Nyx smiled demurely but said nothing, and handed the cup over to Hypnos.

A rumble thundered through the sky. Zagreus looked up to see Zeus on the edge of his seat, his face pale as his hands gripped his throne. The King of the Gods seemed to hold his breath as he watched Than's twin take the glass.

Zag was hit with a sudden shock. It was not Nyx that Zeus had been staring at the whole time, but Hypnos. Despite the dramatic arrival of the vengeful God of the Dead, three Furies who would want nothing other than to pull him apart for his vast crimes, the protective Goddess of the Night intent on reclaiming her adopted son, and Death Incarnate all standing before him, Zeus seemed to tremble upon Hypnos' every move.

The prince began to shake with silent laughter. Zeus devalued women. His brother was his vassal, and he expected him to stay in line. Though he watched the scythe in Than's hand cautiously, Zeus was secured in his immortality. But Hypnos…Hypnos casted the mighty Titans to sleep as a mere babe. None in existence could fend off his pull. With a blink of his hooded eyes the Chthonic being would lay temporary waste to Zeus' kingdom, leaving himself vulnerable to Hades' attack.

"You know, I don't really like pomegranate," Hypnos said distantly, wrinkling his nose at the offered cup. "When we were kids, Thanatos and Zagreus once got a whole basket of these things and stuck them up my…"

"Heeey, let's let those bygones be gone, bygoneit! Why don't you trust old Dionysus, huh? Haven't displeased one yet!" the God of Wine interrupted nervously.

"Mattress," Zag muttered loudly, looking at his feet shamefully as he felt his cousins' eyes upon him. "He was going to say mattress."

Hypnos, for his part, shrugged and took a sip. He nearly spat it back out as he gagged on the taste, and shuddered against his bronze armor. Zeus sat back against his throne.

Dionysus wrested the cup from the God of Sleep with an irritated look slipping on to his face. He then turned to Hades who stared back with stone eyes.

"Ha…for you, Uncle," Dionysus stated with an elaborate bow, grabbing a clean cup and pouring the king his own glass. A long silence stretched across the dais.

"I do not partake of your elixirs, boy," Hades finally spat. Dionysus trembled at the appellation. His silver tongue seemed to tarnish in his mouth as he felt the red stare of the God of the Dead. Zagreus closed his eyes and pFFrayed.

We joked that we were one, Dionysus…I have survived that stare my whole life…moved past it's affects…you can too, mate…

"Per-perhaps then you should try it, just once, Uncle? That way you can more accurately degrade my purpose to your denizens who worshiped me a little too hard in life. I'd hate for you to lose any face on my account."

Zagreus buried his laugh. Meg's eyebrow cocked. The side of Than's lips flicked. Hypnos giggled.

Hades took a step forward, his first such movement since his arrival. Either from valor or sheer terror, Dionysus kept his feet planted. As the Underworld King loomed over the demigod, a collective shiver passed through the bystanders. The God of Wine chuckled desperately through his wide smile and held the glass high.

The longest moment in the entirety of the cosmos passed before them. Zagreus' own throat choked upon itself as he forgot how to breathe. All life and death stood still as the standoff bled into a second instant.

The quiet crackle in the fire deafened Zag's ears. The ripple was near silent, yet monumental in comparison to the frozen waste of time and energy that gripped the mountaintop.

Hestia stepped quietly out of the hearth and took her place next to Hera. Hades eyes followed her every move. The Goddess of the Flame gave her brother a wry grin and rolled her eyes in affectionate exasperation.

Hades snatched the cup from Dionysus' hand and took a long sip.

"How…disappointing," Hades stated as his lips soured at the drink.

"Wow, you sound just like Dad!" Dionysus beamed, taking the cup back from the God of the Dead. Zagreus felt the breath of life rush back to the dais as his cousin walked quickly toward him.

"That was incredibly brave and cunning of you, Brother," Athena whispered with soft admiration.

"Thanks, Sis," he beamed. "I do believe I will go throw up violently now."

Zag felt the softening against his back as Athena shifted out of her armor. Artemis hastily returned her arrow to her quiver and lowered her bow, grabbing Dionysus to steady him as he wavered back and forth. Ares removed his golden helm, revealing that his gaze had been firmly transfixed on a single subject during the tense altercation.

"Than," the God of War called in a dark, sultry voice. "You look well."

An intense and ugly emotion rolled through Zag's stomach at the way Ares tasted his lover's name.

"Lord Ares," Death greeted with formal cordiality. Zagreus could feel Meg's irritation as she fed on his needless jealousy. Aphrodite's laugh fluttered through the air.

"My dear, they are devoted," she stated in a loud whisper. Zagreus' cheeks burned red at the public scene, though Ares seemed completely undeterred. The white strip on the warrior's face turned a fraction, resting on the floating form of the Goddess of the Night.

"Lady Nyx," he hailed, drawing her name out on his tongue. Ares' bowed deeply, his eyes never leaving hers. "It gives me great pleasure to gaze upon your visage once again."

Zagreus almost gave away his position as it kept everything in his power not to dash out and whip the lustful look off Ares' face. Thanatos gripped his scythe and turned his head away. Nyx laughed softly.

"I see Olympic hospitality has much improved since our last visit," she said with a cool smile. Zeus quit his seat and stood tall at the mention.

"Indeed," he boomed, raising his arms in welcome. "Welcome, subjects of Hades, to my domain. Or, should I say, as King of All Gods, the most prestigious sector of my domain. All that I have is yours to enjoy. Lady Nyx, please feel free to partake in any of my feckless sons of your choosing. It has been quite some time since I have heard of you birthing a new "fatherless" child…"

"I would be cautious of your insinuations, my king," Thanatos spat coldly, his golden eyes entrapping Zeus' gaze. "We of the Underworld are not as tolerable of hypocrisy as you who dwell so high above us."

A look of pure rage flashed across Zeus' face as dark clouds filled the sky. Hypnos yawned and stretched his hands.

"Hey, Brother! What are we insinuating? Did Zeus accuse something demeaning to Mom again that he actually does all the time?" Hypnos asked casually, turning to his twin.

"Yes, Hypnos. That is exactly what he did," Than answered, his lip curling upwards dangerously.

"I thought so! But I tend to doze off every time I hear him speak," Hypnos stated with perfectly practiced obliviousness. Zagreus chest filled with resounding pride for his adoptive brother at his casual flex. Thunder filled the air.

"Why you…"

Zeus' retort was cut off by another yawn from the God of Sleep, larger and longer than the first. Zag felt himself grow loose with dreamy exhaustion. His cousins all seemed to stagger or blink rapidly. Zeus swallowed his outcry.

"Enough," Hades commanded, stepping forward. Hypnos raised his head up high, and all thoughts of sleep faded away.

"I did not come here to engage in bickering," Hades continued. "I came here to speak to you, Brother, about your abduction of my son. I do not have much time until my lot draws me back to my realm. I will not return to your mountaintop again, Zeus. If I leave without satisfaction, it will be seen as an invitation of war upon the Underworld. My subjects, then, will have no choice but to react in kind."

Zagreus closed his eyes, his spirit shattering at his father's words. Why did he always have to be so…himself? Why did everything have to be black and white, orderly, his way every way? A lifetime of frustration crashed against his controlled anger, pushing against his constraints. All his desires to runaway from Hades, the god and the realm, flashed before him. Zagreus had been miserable for most of his life. Everything good he had his father had either hidden or tried to take away from him. Hades had made Zag feel useless, unworthy. And now he was threatening to tear the cosmos apart for him on principle.

"You would declare war on Olympus?" Zeus scoffed, clutching a newly-formed lightning bolt in his hand.

"I would have no choice," Hades stated simply.

His father's blunt words caused the hate in his chest to intensify, though the subject of his rage shifted. His father was often thoughtless of his son's wants, but Hades always did what he believed was the right thing for the greater good of the cosmos. He had sacrificed everything to ensure the Underworld was a just place for the mortals, both dead and living. He gave all his time to its needs. Every personal want Hades had ever worked towards had been stripped from him. His birthright, the love of his life, the ability to have a relationship with his child. Yet despite his lot, everything that went against him, Hades was still driven by what was right. He honored and respected his wife, let her go, again, to save the lives of the mortals, when by all accounts he could have demanded she stay. And now there he was, actually threatening to tear the cosmos apart, on principle or not, for his ungrateful son. Because that's who Hades was. Stubborn, single minded, honorable.

Zagreus clutched his fist as he turned his gaze to Zeus. King of the Gods. Who publicly disgraced his wife, pit his children against each other, impregnated women with no accountability, blessed and cursed the mortals according to his caprice, and set himself as the rolemodel for the cosmos.

Perhaps we should go to war, Zagreus thought as he grit his teeth. Zeus was a selfish fool who cared nothing for his responsibilities. Hades was a better king, would be a better King. He would straighten out the pantheon, ensure the gods took their roles seriously, did their duty based on honor, not personal desire. He would rule the cosmos justly, guarantee the mortals were better cared for in their life, were more equitable in their treatment of one another. It was the lot he should have had, as the eldest, as the most deserving. Their victory would right an ancient injustice.

And rip my family apart…the mortals apart…the world apart.

Zagreus took a deep breath. He could not let that happen. No matter how right it seemed, he could not accept the massive casualties that would occur at his hand. He glanced to Than, unobjectively intimidating in his armor, and his heart ached for how much he knew he hated being there. His eyes flickered to Meg as she held his spear at the ready. A base part of him could only think how beautiful it would be to see her wield his weapon with her natural grace and mastery. His cousins, his aunts, all stood with bated breath. He did not think any of them wanted the fate his father laid before them. Their oaths would leave them no choice.

Zagreus would not allow there to be a war. He would not let anyone take what was his. He would not stand by and have Zeus stand victory over his father.

And he would definitely not allow Hades to speak for him. Ever.

"Excuse me!" Zagreus said loudly, crossing his arms petulantly across his chest. "No one has asked me what I want in all of this."

Hades turned his head, finally looking his son in the eyes. His face was set, unreadable. Zeus spasmed in anger at his brother daring to turn away from him.

"Your wants are of no consequence, boy," Hades bellowed lowly. "Your selfish whims are what got us all into this mess. And once again I have to clean up after you."

"Uhh, when have you ever cleaned up after me?" Zagreus demanded harshly. "All you have ever done is kept me back, taken what I deserved. Tried to control me. Well, no one controls me and I will not stand for it any longer, Father! And nor will Zeus. Isn't that right, Uncle?"

Zagreus emphasized his request by walking between Hades and the King of the Gods. Zeus nearly dropped his bolt in terrified surprise. Zagreus watched a delighted smile fill Hera's face before he turned to face his father.

"Is that so?" Hades demanded, slow fury filling his voice. "And what exactly do you feel like you deserve, boy?"

"Power," Zagreus stated simply. "Zeus has offered me a seat on the Pantheon."

Zag tightened the muscles in his shoulders, expecting to be struck down in seconds for his bold lie. Instead, he felt a soft hand upon his neck as it slid across his bare skin. A pang of pleasure spilled down his body despite the tense situation.

"And what a wonderful addition to our troupe you would be, Nephew," Hera doted, shielding his back as she pressed against him. "Of course, we only have the twelve seats, but that has been rectified before. Hasn't it, Hestia? Hmmm, but who to choose? I suppose we don't really need two gods of war. Or twin deities of archery? Demeter used to oversee the growing and fermentation of the grapes. And my lord husband already sees himself as the God of Love…"

"I would be honored to fight along side you in a War between the Realms, my kin," Ares added, taking to his mother's side. "What a battle it would be! All the might of Olympus against Death and Chaos Incarnate! How glorious and exciting, to fight against the side that hosts every single warrior, strategist, and armor-man we have ever blessed and sent to their end. What ingenuity will surely flourish on Olympus, knowing each mortal lover, friend and child any of us had through the aeons stands behind their Underworld King, oath-bound to share any of our secrets or weaknesses we had whispered into their fragile little ears…"

"Enough!" Zeus boomed, ripping Ares away with a shove. He turned to Hera, who only looked at him with narrowed eyes. She stepped away regally, causing Zag to shiver when he lost her warmth. Zeus glared in anger at the prince. Zeus held raw desire in his eyes to hurt him, destroy him, kill him. Tisiphone groaned off in the near distance as Zagreus kept his gaze. The prince released his most charmingly obnoxious smirk before rounding on his father.

"Your offer is wasted, Brother," Hades stated with a shake of his head. "The boy is an ungrateful laggard. Incapable of completing even the most menial task to standard. I tried to motivate him with position, and he only disappoints and complains."

"You gave me the dog's job!" Zagreus countered loudly, doing his best not to grin.

"You will not besmirch Cerberus!" Hades said, raising his voice for the first time in the argument.

"I will not return to the Underworld to be your punching bag, Father," Zagreus decreed. "If you want me to go back, you must give me a reason to return!"

Cast me to Tartarus for my insolence, Zag begged in prayer. Punish me for eternity for the mess I made. Sentence me to roll an eagle up a hill…tie me to a giant spinning wheel by the lake where I always just miss grabbing a fishing rod…anything that gets me away from here and binds me to home!

"You dare make demands of me?" Hades asked coldly. Zagreus swallowed his desperate frustration.

Please, Father. For once in my life understand me! Help get me out of this so we can go home and I can tell you you were right.

"I demand what I am due," Zagreus replied steadfastly. Hades stared at his son. Zag watched a twitch ripple across his father's face. It could have been in containment of his anger. Or…or it could have been… a smile.

"If it gets me off this godsforsaken rock, then fine. I will grant you what you are due," Hades stated in a deep voice. Zagreus took a deep breath, standing his ground as he waited to hear what the Judge of the Underworld had in mind for him. He stole a look at Than and Meg, hoping that he had done a good enough job expressing how much he loved them during the short time they all had together. He wondered if his mother would be allowed to visit him when she returned.

"I, Hades, King of the Underworld, God of the Dead, First born of Cronus, hereby designate you, Zagreus, first born of Queen Persephone, Prince of the Underworld, as the rightful heir to my throne."

A gasp filled the air from all around him. Zagreus nearly stumbled back, stunned. None of the Three Kings had declared an official heir to their thrones. Such was seen as an invitation for mutiny. His father declaring him such, in front of most of the pantheon and on Mount Olympus no less, was unprecedented.

Tears filled Zag's eyes at the weight of such a thing. He felt honor and pride for his home, his family…his father, rushing through him. He wanted to return to the Underworld, kiss its ashen soil, and proclaim his love and dedication to the realm.

But Zagreus could not. He stiffened his stance, held his face cold. Zagreus was not just the first born of Hades and Persephone, he was their only born. He was male, handsome, charming…all the most valued qualities for an Olympic leader. It was a forgone conclusion that, were Hades to choose an heir, it would be him. Zagreus had no brothers, no siblings, to lay contest towards him. He had little doubt that any of his cousins would be interested in the job.

What's more, if Zeus believed his eldest brother was after his seat of King of the Gods, Hades just declared his intention for Zagreus to inherit. Heir apparent to the Underworld, to the immortal King of the Dead, would not satisfy Zeus of Zagreus' disinterest of his own position.

"That is not enough," Zagreus replied brazenly. Hades raised an eyebrow.

"Fine, take my whole blasted kingdom now," Hades groused, pulling off his crown and tossing it to Zagreus' feet.

The prince jumped backwards, nearly falling to the ground as he instinctively fled from the weighted responsibility of his father. His heart pounded in his ears as his blood froze in terror. He felt his head grow light. His stomach heaved and he very nearly vomited. Both eyes grew in wide in horrified disbelief as he stared at the implacable Hades.

"Unacceptable!" Zeus thundered, stepping between the two gods of the Underworld. "Unacceptable and impossible! Our lots and kingdoms were divined by the Fates themselves after we defeated the Tyrant! Our crowns cannot be handed over just because one of our children throws a tantrum and threatens to run away!"

Zeus' voice was loud and authoritative, though his eyes wavered in panic between Ares, Hermes and Athena. Understanding dawned as Zagreus watched his uncle scramble suddenly for damage control. His heart blazed with honor at his father's quick cunning. Zeus was trapped. He could not allow Hades to give up his crown, setting a precedent of abdication. The God of the Dead had already caused enough harm by establishing Zagreus as his heir. Zeus needed an excuse to rid himself of his brother and nephew fast, before any additional injury was done to his precious status quo.

They were almost out of this. Zagreus could practically feel the blood-soaked steps of the Pool of the Styx under his unsensing feet. Excitement coursed through his veins. He looked up at his father, ready to share victory.

The God of the Dead paled. His red eyes were heavy. Hades shifted forward, leaning on his bident to steady himself. Fear flooded through Zagreus' system. His father was being pulled away.

No! Not yet…we can do this, Father. I won't let you fall in front of them

"Well then. It seems as if once again I am both too much and yet somehow not enough for the liking of the mountaintop," Hades spat bitterly. "The middle ground then for you, boy, to satisfy the Fates and prepare you for your destiny. Tartarus is ruled by the Furies. Elysium is the domain of the Blessed. Asphodel is the land of the middle, where those with unmet potential dwell. You will cease your foolish dreams of escaping your lot, of having any hand or influence above our realm. In return, you will be given rule of Asphodel…as its king."

"King!?" Zeus sputtered in outrage. "Wait just a-,"

"In your name, Father, I accept!" Zagreus declared without thought, extending out his hand. Hades stumbled forward and clutched his arm. It took all of Zag's strength to leverage his hold and ensure his father did not fall without looking like he was catching him. The waters from the Styx swirled around their connection, sealing their agreement. Zag watched a bit of color return to his father's face as the waters sustained him. He squeezed the arm he held in soft affection. Hades returned the gesture.

The Kings of the Underworld released their grasps. The swirling waters of the Styx immediately fell, raining down through the clouds as they raced to rejoin the River. Zagreus felt himself able to truly breathe as he slowly began to die.

"All hail Zagreus, King of Asphodel and Heir to the Underworld!" Hermes pronounced with a bow, banging his caduceus against the ground in formal announcement. Ares, Athena, Dionysus, Aphrodite and Artemis all took to one knee. Hera dipped her head in corresponding deference. Hestia clutched at her heart and beamed at her older brother.

The Chthonic stood tall. They did not bow to kings in the Underworld. But Nyx smiled in easy satisfaction, as though she always knew this day would come. Hypnos clapped his hands and threw one arm around his brother in a celebratory embrace. Thanatos cast his face to the ground to hide the joyful tears that threatened to fall. Megaera eyes blazed with pride; her lips upturned softly. Zagreus' heart melted into his feet.

"Say your good-byes, boy. You are not to return," Hades proclaimed. He shifted his arm slightly. Than glided behind his king and gently placed his hand upon his shoulder.

"See you at home, Zag."

The House of Nyx and his father disappeared without further goodbyes.

"We must return too," Meg stated casually to her sisters. Then, with speed that impressed the God of Swiftness himself, she hurled Varatha straight at Zagreus' chest. Zag arched himself backwards in complete surprise. In pure instinct his hands caught the spear, but not before the tips penetrated into the flesh that covered his heart.

"Impressive!" Ares pronounced coolly as his eyes scouted across the Fury with intense curiosity.

"Cousin," Zagreus sighed with a grimace as he pulled Varatha out of himself. "I am grateful for our alliance and our kinship. But if you ever look at either of my partners like that again, I will make you a permanent resident of the Underworld."

Lord Ares released a wide smile.

"Understood, my Hell-born King."

Dionysus sauntered past Zagreus and his half-brother, two glasses of wine in hand. He walked straight into the group of Furies without fear, and handed one of the goblets to Tisiphone.

"Heeey, girl! So, what's your deal?" he asked as he grinned lecherously into his cup.

"Muuurrrddeeer," Tisiphone groaned.

"I dig that in a woman," Dionysus proclaimed firmly. "You know, one could argue that I have committed a few murders myself."

"MurDER-er!" she yelled, causing even Alecto to wince at her rapid change of inflection. Dionysus' smile merely grew.

"Yes, I am! And I would absolutely love to see what you wish to do about it," Dionysus replied, raising his glass in cheers.

Tisiphone's vacant eyes stared forward for a moment. She then raised the glass of wine to her lips and took a long drag.

"Murderer," she purred softly, her free hand gripping the handle of her whip. The God of Wine's face lit up with pure delight.

"I don't think so!" Alecto screamed, marching over towards her sister. "It's bad enough I have to keep putting up with Megaera's fetish of the red-blooded trash god. I'd have this drunken piece of garbage bound and flayed with a forty-foot lash before ever touching him!"

"I am amenable to that," Dionysus responded eagerly, his eyes never leaving Tisiphone's. Tisiphone shoved her hand into Alecto's face, sending her flying across the dais to land with a painful thud.

"Murderer," the middle Fury sister concluded, drawing the word out tantalizingly slow. She thrust the wine goblet back into his hand and returned to Meg's side.

"Gods above, I love blondes," Dionysus shuddered loudly. He placed his mouth over the pale lipstick mark that stained the returned wine glass before finishing the drink in one gulp.

Without another word Meg began to flap her wing. Tisiphone matched her rhythm. Alecto joined the group, looking murderous. She released a primal, furious scream. Her sisters joined her, their call piercing the ears of the Olympic gods and shattering several of their dishes. Cracks formed in the nearby columns. Megaera leapt up into the sky before diving fiercely down into the clouds, her sisters right behind her.

Zagreus exhaled shortly as he was left amongst the Olympians. He longed to return home to be with the ones he loved. He also, however, recognized that this may be the last time he got to engage with his cousins in quite some time. Perhaps ever. He doubted Zeus would be so eager to allow his pantheon to assist in his escape.

"Lord Zeus, Uncle, thank you. Words cannot express my gratitude for your blessings and assistance. You are a wise and magnanimous king."

The King of the Gods raised his head, the shock clear in the eyes he kept on his nephew. Zagreus bowed, tamping down the anger in his heart. His honeyed words tasted like ash in his mouth, but he knew for the good of the cosmos, the mortals…his family…he had to play the game. He had to venerate the King, pronounce the whole affair his idea, lavish in Zeus' success and acumen. Zagreus had to lay the path for the concession, for peace. He thought of his mother, of her cunning, her understanding of their family, and, above all, her safety. He could not leave Olympus without ensuring she would not be retaliated against.

"You are…quite welcome, Nephew," Zeus sighed, chuckling to himself. "Though I would have much preferred to have you here."

I bet you would.

"Good luck to you, King Zagreus. Perhaps you can go about making that pit a more cheerful place?"

"I will do the best I can," Zag replied, gritting his teeth to keep from saying anything further.

The heir was waylaid by Hestia, who pulled him against her ample chest for a large hug. Zagreus laughed and kissed his aunt on the cheek.

"Congratulations, Nephew!" she proclaimed warmly. "And tell Hades I was so happy to see him!"

"I-I will…though honestly, Aunt Hestia, I think you will be the first person in all of history to say that to him," he chuckled. He pulled her into another hug so he could whisper in her ear.

"Come visit, if you can. I know he would like that, even if he won't say it. And thank you for all your help."

Hestia pulled away; her smile wide as she patted him on the cheek.

"Don't thank me. I told you that your aunt wanted the same as you. She tends to find a way to get what she wants these days," Hestia proclaimed. Zagreus stared down at his father's sister in confusion, when it struck him that Hestia was not the only daughter of Cronus. Zag looked up the dais. Hera was rubbing Zeus' shoulders affectionately, giggling into his ear as she peppered kisses up his temple. Zeus closed his eyes in pure blissful relaxation, looking as if he didn't have a care in the cosmos. The Queen of the Heaven's caught his gaze and winked.

Zagreus barely had time to gasp when he was surrounded by his cousins. Artemis approached him first, and looked like she was about to give him a hug. She shrunk back, awkwardly, before battling through her reserve to speak.

"You still owe me a hunt," she reminded with a quick smirk.

"Forgive me, my Lady, for my continuous postponement. It would give me great pleasure to do so with you," he stated honestly. Artemis smile grew.

"Something tells me that you'll find a way to make it happen," she declared. Zag grinned at her premonition and bowed his head.

Ares stood behind his sister, raising his arm in silent salute. Zagreus replied in kind. Athena shook his hand, praised his goodness, and pecked him on the cheek. Aphrodite threw herself into his arms and kissed him deeply. Zagreus grew dizzy at the contact. Before he could gain his ground, Dionysus replaced her and pressed his own lips against his passionately too. Zag laughed before pushing his cousin away gently.

"Thank you, mate, for what you did to ease the tensions," Zagreus said sincerely. "You were brilliant. If there is ever anything I can do for you in return…"

"No need to thank me, Zag, man! It is anything for you and that is the 'in vino veritas' truth! All though, if you still feel so inclined as to heap a blessing on the God of Wine, how's about you say a few good things about me to Tisiphone? Or bad things! Which ever you think she will like best."

Zagreus winced and ran his fingers through his hair in discomfort.

"I'll try for you, mate, but she's pretty…dedicated…to her job. And, as far as I know, she can only say three words."

"Our love is deeper than words," Dionysus proclaimed fervently. Zag opened his mouth to speak, then popped it close. He nodded and shook his head.

Hermes stood apart from the group, a look of remorse splashed across his youthful face. Zagreus walked over to his cousin and embraced him.

"I'm sorry, coz," Hermes said slowly, dipping his head down in shame. "I should have tried to help you, I shouldn't have helped Father, I should have trusted…"

"You were right, Hermes," Zag interrupted. "About my father, and yours. I didn't know what I was doing, or how any of this works. You have always been a friend to the Underworld. You have always been an honest friend to me. I can ask for nothing more."

"Still, I would like to make it up to you," Hermes pressed. "We will be working together quite a bit more, actually, now that you're King of Asphodel."

"Father just said that to placate Zeus," Zagreus waved off indifferently. "He had to do something to bind me back home. None of it actually meant anything."

Hermes' eyebrows arched.

"You really don't know how things work, do you?" The Messenger God asked with a grin. Zagreus hesitated, reflecting on his own words about Hermes' honesty. He shook his head, disbanding the notion.

"Look, if you want to make it up to me, be a little nicer to Than? You really get under his skin and it puts him in a mood. You can still mess with him, just don't overdo it," Zag requested.

"I usually stop when I see the vein pop in his temple," Hermes admitted with a shrug.

"See, and that is a step too far," Zagreus explained scholarly. "The sweet spot is when he starts to scowl and lowers his chin. Then you know you got to him but he can still potentially be a good sport about it."

"As you wish, my King," Hermes conceded with a bow. He flew off before Zag could dispel him otherwise.

Zagreus felt the pull of the Underworld embrace him. He glanced across the beauty and majesty of Olympus. In another immortal life he could have grown up visiting this place, grown along side his cousins, aunts and uncles. He could have experienced Life and sunshine and blue rivers. His skin shivered as he grew cold. He watched the color of his hand pale.

Such was not his lot…and he was glad. The Underworld was his home. His heart. Things could have gone a million different ways. Should have gone a million different ways. And yet…yet he would not have changed a thing. Despite the misery and trials he suffered, the countless mistakes he had made, he would not risk his life being any different then it was. He had a lot of work to do. Bonds to mend. Paths to forge. But he knew in his heart things would be alright.

As he felt the loving embrace of Death wrap around his soul, he threw two fingers in the air as the Styx ferried him home.