Chapter 3: Welcome to The Underworld

A/N I've decided that I want to continue this fic and include Zagreus. Yes, I know he was technically Persephone and Zeus's child, but I'm changing it because I only want Asami x Akihito.

xXx

"NOW KIRISHIMA!"

Kirishima immediately opened a portal to The Underworld and Suoh released The Furies to distract Demeter. Asami whistled and Midnight emerged with the other black stallion, Dusk, with Asami's chariot attached. Not wasting any time, Asami gently placed Akihito in the chariot before jumping in beside him and driving towards The Underworld.

Demeter watched, unable to do anything, as The Furies held her back from chasing after Asami and Akihito. She screamed, her voice full of anguish, as she saw her child disappear in front of her.

Asami Ryuichi had taken his Destined One.

xXx

'Oh my! Is this really happening? Am I really being kidnapped by Asami Ryuichi? What does he want from me?' Akihito felt so disoriented. Why would Asami Ryuichi, King of The Underworld and God of Wealth, pose as a mortal for AN ENTIRE MONTH, and decide to kidnap a minor goddess like himself? What were Asami's true motives? Were the nymphs accurate when they described him as a prize to other Goddesses and Gods?

He had been stunned when his mother appeared out of nowhere to yell at Aidoneus…err… well…Asami Ryuichi. Akihito had been so sure that he was alone. He wondered why Asami had revealed himself and what he wanted to say before his mother had arrived. Was he serious about wanting to court Akihito? Why had he pretended to be a mortal? Why in the name of Zeus was Asami interested in him?

As the horses charged across the River Styx, somehow running on top of water and bypassing Charon and his boat, Akihito felt nervous and apprehensive. He felt the pit of dread in his stomach grow larger as he approached The Underworld. His mother had always told him horror stories about river nymphs led astray by the unmarried King of the Dead who seduced them and then tossed them aside. Anyone—mortal or otherwise—who ate the food of The Underworld were bound to the place permanently and there would be no way to save them. Demeter had always described The Underworld as a horrific place filled with Titans, corrupt souls, and enslaved nymphs. She described it as a place full of nightmares come true. Entering The Underworld was an adjustment for Akihito's eyes because the entire world was hidden from the sun, likely because Asami hated Apollo and the feeling was mutual.

Despite not having natural light, The Underworld was vibrant with beautiful artificial lights. There were beautiful paper lanterns that lit up the town as if there was a festival going on. Cutting straight through the moderate-sized houses there was a pathway leading up to an imposing castle—clearly Asami's palace. The majority of the souls were able to live in the towns and cities unless they were sentenced to Tartarus. Akihito was told that The Underworld was a dreary place full of miserable souls, but it seemed as if the place was filled with people continuing normal activities despite dying. There were children playing in the street and it looked like The Mortal Realm without the natural sun.

As the horses began to head towards Asami's kingdom, Akihito noticed there were bunches of flowers on either side of the paved road. Looking at the flowers more closely, Akihito realized they were the same ones that Asami had asked him to help grow. The palace itself was overwhelmingly enormous, and it was lit up as if there was a special party going on. There were intricately designed paper lanterns and it seemed as if every room was lit up to reveal the gothic-style castle.

The palace had been redecorated by a 31st century designer who wanted to keep the gorgeous Medieval façade while also ensuring the building had all the comforts of the modern era. As God of Wealth, Asami was able to retain the alluring gothic-style appearance of his home while the building was able to adapt to the present-day inventions. He enjoyed learning from mortals and incorporating some of their creations in his own life. A perfect example would be Asami's chariot with Midnight and Dusk, that had gifted to him after Kronos's death, which he would use interchangeably with his limousine.

Asami felt his hands tremble slightly as he held the reins to steer the chariot forward. He hadn't exactly planned what would happen once they went to Asami's home in The Underworld. At least Kirishima and Suoh had had the foresight to place bouquets of flowers on the pathway to Asami's kingdom in an attempt to welcome the young goddess. He wanted his Akihito to have all the comforts in the world and he hoped the beautiful boy would feel slightly more at ease if he was welcomed with flowers. He was so close to Akihito that he could feel his heart ready to beat out of his chest.

Once Midnight and Dusk halted at the stairs that led into Asami's palace, Suoh and Kirishima were waiting at the on the stairs to greet their future queen. Although they had observed the young goddess for a considerable time when Asami had pretended to be human, they had never been formally introduced to Akihito. They had always been hidden when Asami was spending time with Akihito or watching from afar per Asami's instructions.

Kirishima pushed up his glasses and cleared his throat, "Welcome back Asami-sama! We are delighted to meet the stunning, kind-hearted Goddess of Spring, Takaba Akihito. My name is Kirishima Kei, also known as Hecate, and I am the God of Magic and Witchcraft."

As Kirishima gestured to his partner, Akihito stared up at the massive blond and he began to feel frightened. Even while standing in the chariot, he was still a foot shorter than the other man. Much to his surprise, the other blond seemed aware of his stature and introduced himself in a gentle voice. "My name is Suoh Kazumi, also known as Thanatos, and I am the personification of Death. My job is to collect souls after The Moirai decide a mortal's time has ended and Atropos cuts their thread of life."

"Um, hello Kirishima-san and Suoh-san. Well, I guess you know my name, so there's really no reason for me to introduce myself…Why am I here? Why did King Asami take me? Why did he pretend to be mortal for a month? Why did he give me a bouquet of flowers that we grew together? What do you all want from me? Is this about some random Olympus event where you kidnap Gods and Goddesses from other realms? What did my mother mean by The Moirai pairing me with you? What did she mean when she said…"

"Akihito, please, I'm sorry for stealing you from the Mortal Realm and I'm sorry for deceiving you. I meant what I said about growing the flowers for a maiden I have fallen in love with. I pretended to be a mortal to get to know you better. As your mother said, you're my Destined One. The Moirai, also known as The Fates, told me they had created you specifically for me. Then I met you under the guise of Aidoneus and you were even better than I had hoped. I wanted to tell you the truth and then let you make your own choice, but when your mother Demeter appeared, I panicked and grabbed you. All I'm asking for is a chance to get to know you. Please. Just one chance." Asami grabbed onto Akihito's left hand and looked beseechingly at the blond.

Behind Asami, both Kirishima and Suoh had dropped their jaws in shock. They had never heard Asami apologize, let alone beg for forgiveness It truly was the magic of The Fates to pair the two together. Akihito was truly Asami's opposite in every sense of the world. The young man looked so petite and delicate standing next to Asami.

While Kirishima and Suoh stood stupefied, Asami took the time to admire Akihito. The King was in awe of his Destined One's incredible beauty. His golden hair reminded Asami of King Midas's Golden Touch because the curls would have attracted the greedy king. Akihito's hair reached halfway down his back in lovely ringlet curls and his eyes reminded Asami of Poseidon's favourite ocean where he occasionally brought his brothers. The younger man's skin was as smooth and perfect without any blemish. Of course, Gods and Goddesses never had blemishes, but there was something so wonderful about Akihito that drew Asami in.

Akihito felt his face burn at Asami's close inspection of him. He had never expected that his mortal friend Aidoneus would end up being an immortal God, let alone King of The Underworld and one of Kronos's offspring. Zeus, Poseidon, and Ryuichi (sometimes called Hades) were known for being "incorrigible womanizers who only cared about getting their dicks wet," according to Akihito's mother. Demeter had such a hatred for the three brothers that it was often surprising to discover Akihito's father was Zeus.

"Your majesty, I think you must be mistaken. Right before you grabbed me, my mother had mentioned The Moirai pairing us up. Naturally, they would have created a bride who was your equal. So of course, I can't be your bride because I'm a nobody. My father was a poor mortal who died before I was born. I'm a demigoddess, so I can't have an immortal Destined One, especially not the King of The Underworld. I'm sure my mother is straightening this whole Destine One mistake out right now with The Moirai as we speak."

"Did your mother lie to you and convince you that you're a demigoddess?"

The question put Akihito on guard. It was as if his entire sunny demeanor had changed, and he shot a withering glare at Asami. "What do you mean by 'did your mother lie?' What exactly are you implying about my mother, King Asami?" he asked in a frosty voice.

Asami's heart clenched at the sour face, and he felt as if he was treading on thin ice. Unlike his brothers, Asami had never been on the receiving end of a partner's scowl because he had always been a faithful lover and had always worked to compromise with his partners. It was honestly terrifying, especially when he realized how much power this young goddess had over him. He knew he needed to tread carefully, or else Akihito would never be his. "I'm not sure what Demeter has told you, but your father is not a mortal nor is he dead. He is none other than Zeus, my younger brother. If you don't believe me, we can visit The Moirai and Zeus himself."

Asami could see the confusion on Akihito's face along with doubt and potential anger. Before he could protest, Asami decided to interject. "Please, I promise I don't want to keep you a prisoner. I just would like to get to know you in my true self without Demeter's interference. Am I correct in assuming she limited your contact with all Gods and Goddess. Did she even allow you to leave The Mortal Realm let alone leave your house?"

Akihito tried to blink back tears as Asami gently reminded him how his mother had kept him locked away from the world. It felt like his head was spinning and he needed to cry, but the tears were trying to evade him. He loved his mother with his whole heart, but he had also begun to resent her as the years went on. He wanted to interact with people aside from his mother and the occasional guests that Demeter allowed him to see.

"Akihito, I don't want to force you into anything, but I think its time for you to talk to The Moirai and then you can decide if you want to return to your mother or stay with me. I promise that after you talk to Atropos, Lachesis, and Clotho that I will respect your decision no matter what you choose."

"And if I choose to leave, will you allow me the freedom to go home and will you leave me alone?"

"Of course. Just remember, we are bound by the Red String of Fate, and we're meant to be together."

"Alright, take me to The Moirai."

xX In Another Part of The Underworld Xx

"What do you mean THAT little blond slut is Ryu's Destined One?!" Sudoh screeched in anger to his empty house. He had puzzled when he noticed Asami's lackeys placing bouquets of flowers on either side of the main pathway leading to Asami's castle. They had been chatting about the future Queen of The Underworld, so Sudoh was preparing to head up to the castle when he saw Asami steer his chariot with another blond next to him! "I'm sure The Fates made some mistake! I was by Ryu's side for everything! How dare those old slutty hags pair me with the creepy nymph Sakazaki!"

When he had heard Asami was visiting The Mortal Realm, Sudoh had assumed that his beloved Ryuichi was asking HIS parents for their blessing. It would make sense for Asami to tell Sudoh's parents that their son would be the future Queen of The Underworld, especially since his parents had encouraged his marriage to Sakazaki. If the King of The Underworld asked for Sudoh's hand in marriage, it would be impossible for Sudoh's parents to reject Asami even if Sakazaki was already married to him. Instead, Asami had brought back some blond flower-bearing hussy. Fuming, Sudoh wanted to punch the other blond square in the face! Why was Ryuichi denying the amazing chemistry between them? They were hotter together than Zeus and whatever woman he was debauching, especially because until now Asami had always been faithful! How dare Asami cheat on him!

Sudoh tore through his closet, yanking clothes off the hangers and throwing them onto the floor. Where the fuck was his favourite outfit? Asami Ryuichi was always a fan of the leather outfit, especially when it was complete with the handcuffs and collar. Sudoh knew his ass looked fantastic in the leather pants. One look at the amazing Sudoh Shuu and Asami Ryuichi would surely forget all about the trampy little flower goddess. "That stupid flower boy looks like an innocent virgin, who obviously is incapable of satisfying Ryu's needs."

He smirked as he found his favourite leather pants and matching collar. The last time he wore this outfit to have sex with Asami, he had the most mind-blowing sex of his life. "I need to be the one to save Ryu from a miserable marriage. He'll be so fucking grateful that he'll worship me and make me his queen. Never mind Sakazaki, The Fates were wrong to set us up. Ryu is the only man that I want. I want to be Queen of the dumb dead people. It doesn't hurt that Ryu is also the God of Wealth and Riches. I will be a better match than that floozy."

xX Back in Asami's Castle Xx

"Kirishima, prepare the limousine. Midnight and Dusk need to rest for tonight. Suoh, please notify The Moirai that we plan to visit and then take the horses to the stables."

"Yes Asami-sama."

Asami gallantly offered his hand to Akihito who seemed to be in a daze as they rode in the limousine to visit The Fates. It was as though he had been turned into stone by Medusa.

Fortunately, Akihito's trance-like state wore off when they arrived at the house. He marched ahead of Asami which gave him a chance to admire the slender form of his little goddess. Even if Akihito chose to return to The Mortal Realm, he would always be bound to Asami in a way that not even Demeter could break.

"Welcome King Asami Ryuichi and Future Queen Takaba Akihito," Atropos, Lachesis, and Clotho spoke in unison.

"You found your Destined One—"

"—The Goddess of Spring—"

"—And Future Queen of The Underworld—"

All three sisters decided to circle around Akihito like vultures until Asami pulled him to his side in attempt to shield the young Goddess from The Fates.

Much to Asami's surprise, the tension left Akihito's shoulders and he relaxed into his side. It was instinctual. As if he was made for Asami…because he was. Akihito had been born to be Asami's equal in every single way imaginable. He was perfect for Asami.

Finding Akihito felt like everything was slotted into place. It gave him sense of peace in a way he hadn't felt since losing his mother Rhea. He had no idea how lonely he felt until he thought about Akihito leaving him for The Mortal Realm after meeting with The Moirai. Part of him wanted to chain the young goddess up and refuse to let him leave The Underworld, but he didn't want to trap his love the same way Demeter kept him confined to The Mortal Realm. It would be hypocritical for him to steal Akihito away from Demeter and then turn around to do the same thing. Akihito was a Goddess who deserved his own life. He wasn't an object to put on display or a little pet meant to be leashed. Asami never wanted to be the chains that trapped Akihito, he wanted to be the partner who helped him fully bloom into his own person.

Clotho smirked at the couple, while Lachesis openly chuckled. Atropos cooed, "You two are such an adorable couple!" Asami felt both exasperated and bemused by their reactions. He knew he was acting very unlike himself and out of control. He had felt unbalanced ever since learning the name of his Destined One. Once he met Akihito, he felt a magnetic pull to the young Goddess, and it only increased over time.

Jumping straight into the questions, Clotho asked, "So what bring you to our humble abode young Goddess of Spring?"

"I'm told you were the one who matched me up with Asami-sama and I was allegedly created to be his bride. I want to learn more because my mother told me that I am only a demigoddess."

While Atropos and Lachesis tried to stifle their laughter, Clotho openly snorted, "Is that what Demeter said to you? Oh my word, she really wanted to forget all about her time with Zeus…"

"Not that anyone blames her," Asami muttered under his breath, "Sleeping with either of my younger brothers isn't exactly something most Goddesses are proud of doing. Especially anyone who sleeps with Zeus ends up facing Hera's wrath."

"I heard that Asami-sama!" Lachesis drew attention to Asami's mumbling.

Acting as if she hadn't heard anyone speak, Atropos addressed Akihito. "Yes, we created you to be Asami-sama's bride and Queen of The Underworld. Whether your mother like it or not, Zeus is your father. We had actually gone to visit your mother a while back to tell her that you were Asami-sama's Destined One…"

"We told your mother that she had to present you to Asami-sama, or we would tell him that you were his Destined One! Because she didn't tell you the truth, here you are!" Clotho interjected.

It felt as though The Moirai told him that his entire life was a lie…which in a way is exactly what they did. Akihito felt like he would float away if Asami's arm wasn't around his shoulders. Zeus? His father? Him…Akihito, Goddess of Spring…meant to be Queen of The Underworld? Had his loneliness finally led to him hallucinating about a life outside of his mother's control? Why had his mother lied for so long?

Akihito felt foolish. He had always been known as "Goddess of Spring." If he was a demigoddess like his mother claimed, he wouldn't have the powers nor title of a Goddess. Why had he believed his mother? Why hadn't he ever questioned her?

As Akihito was clearly lost in thoughts, Asami filled with both sorrow and anger. He hated seeing his Destined One so conflicted and mournful. The sheer hurt and sadness in Akihito's hazel eyes was evident.

"Thank you. We'll be taking our leave now." Asami gently guided Akihito to the front door.

Clotho called, "Goodbye Asami-sama!"

Lachesis waved, "Come back any time!"

Atropos looked exasperated with her younger sisters. She was clearly aware that the young goddess was in shock. "We'd love to see more of our future queen at a later date. I hope he will be okay."

Everything passed by in a blur and before he knew it, Akihito was back at Asami's palace. Instead of standing outside in the courtyard where he met Suoh and Kirishima, Asami led him inside to the massive kitchen. There were countless nymphs cooking and chatting while Asami sat him down at a little wooden table in the corner.

Akihito finally became more aware of his surroundings once Asami placed a mug full of tea in front of him. "Here, drink this. It will help. And before you accuse me of trying to trap you in The Underworld, this is tea brewed from leaves from The Mortal Realm. I thought it would be nice for you to have something from your home and there is no risk of you being permanently bound to The Underworld. I meant what I said about allowing you to choose what you want. I just want you to be happy…even if you're not with me." As much as Asami genuinely wants the best for Akihito, he feels as if his throat is going to close up as he thinks about Akihito choosing a life without him.

Instead of immediately responding, Akihito stares at the tea in front of him and takes a few deep breaths. Asami is torn between giving the young goddess space and wanting to wrap his arms around Akihito. "Asami-sama, I'm willing to give you a chance under a few conditions."

"Name your terms."

"I want an apartment in Olympus that you won't take away from me no matter what happens between us."

"Done." Asami pulled out his phone to try and find a penthouse in Olympus that Akihito could move into that very night. For anyone else, it would probably be impossible on such short notice, but many different people in Olympus owed Asami favours.

"I also want you to take me to The Mortal Realm to see my mother, so I can ask her the truth."

Pausing mid-text, Asami jerked his head up and stared at Akihito with an incredulous look on his face. "Sorry, what?"

"I want to ask my mother why she lied. I want to get some of my belongings from The Mortal Realm before moving into my own apartment."

"Why?"

"I need to know the truth. I want to know why she lied for so long and why she tried to hide me from you and the rest of the Gods and Goddesses." Akihito looked directly into Asami's eyes with a determined expression on his face.

Asami felt a sense of pride bubble up inside of him. Akihito was finally addressing him like he was his equal. It was like getting a glimpse at a potential future with Akihito as his queen, especially since he agreed to give Asami a chance at a relationship.

"Alright, Flower. Let's go visit your mother. If she tries to stop you from leaving, I will be calling the Furies again."