"You think I give a tatzelwurm's slimy seedsack about your little beasties?"

"Of course you don't! You'd roll around in pig slop right before dinner and do it with a smile on your face!"

"Well excuse me, princess! One o' the shit-sniffers took off wit' my chisel! Fuck was I s'posed to do, let 'im have it?!"

"That was supposed to be a hypothetical!"

Kratos of Sparta hadn't considered the hardships of traversing the Realm Beyond Realms further than the basic practicalities. A vessel to carry them. The Unity Stone to protect them from the chaotic energies beyond the World Tree. Heimdall's eyes to show them the way, to show them where they needed to go. All of these things were important.

"Look, it's fine, see?!"

"Did you just lick your hammer?! Oh god, I'm gonna–!"

With an irritated growl, Kratos picked up the dwarf obsessed with cleanliness, reminding himself again that the two were responsible for half of the things that made this journey possible. Ignoring Sindri's continued insults toward his brother sputtered through gagging sounds, he forcefully separated the brothers.

He had done this many, many times.

The boat was only so large. The dwarves had set up a rudimentary workshop toward the aft, mostly so they could monitor and maintain the Mjolnir Engine. They had worked together fine... For a time. But forced into close quarters for so long with minimal outside stimulation and no ability to get space... It was inevitable for tempers to flare. For mental states to fray. It had taken months for that to occur but when it had... Well, solutions had to be devised. Namely the one who could crush everyone on the boat but abjectly refused to do so became the arbiter between them. Mostly this involved forcing them to opposite ends of the boat for a time, and so Kratos dragged Sindri to the fore, leaving Brok grumbling at the aft.

"Ahoy, Sindri!" Mimir called out, unable to look anywhere but into the yawning chaos ahead of them, but fully aware how the Huldra Brothers' arguments ended these days. "Anythin' new under the lack of sun?"

"He licked his hammer! Can you believe that?! Do you have any idea where that thing's been? I do and I wish I didn't!"

"Leave 'im be, Sindri," the disembodied head atop another disembodied head advised. "'E's set in 'is ways as you're set in yours."

"Yeah, well his ways are disgusting!" With a beleaguered sigh, the dwarf looked at the much larger man. "Kratos, need another beard trim? I've got a sanitised knife right here, might as well."

"I would appreciate that."

"So, brother," Mimir said as Sindri situated himself and began the task of carefully cutting away at the overly long and scraggly brown beard. "Keepin' track o' time is a headache an' a half for me these days. How long–?"

"Four years, four months, twelve days."

"... I should stop askin' that question, shouldn' I?"

"Ask as you wish, it changes nothing."

Over four years for the journey alone. Six including the time taken to pointlessly rein dragons, acquire Heimdall, Mjolnir, Skithblathnir, and make them along with the Unity Stone functional. More than six years since Atreus was ripped away from him.

"We'll find 'im, brother!" Mimir asserted. "I'm surer than ever! We're on the right track!" The foresight granted by Heimdall, it was more vague the further Mimir tried to peer. It had started with general guidance, growing much more precise as they ventured further and further, correcting their course to become more accurate. And with each day, with each month, Mimir became surer. What they were looking for was in this direction. Atreus was in this direction. "You should start thinkin' about what you'll say what you'll say what you'll say what you'll what–"

Kratos pushed Sindri's razor away, shifting around in front of Mimir. "Mimir!" Grabbed him by the sides of his head. "Mimir! What is it?!" This had happened from time to time. Usually followed by a change in course. Some insight Mimir had gleaned. And with nothing else to lay their hopes on, they had to trust in it.

"I... I... Oh dear."

"That doesn't sound good," Sindri said as Brok joined them.

"Brother, your boy is in trouble."

"You saw him?!" After so long, so long of not knowing, of being forced to believe. "You saw Atreus?!"

"You'll not like it," the head warned. "For now let's just say 'e's about some familiar faces for you, after a fashion. But the boy has no clue what 'e's walkin' into. But brother, that's nothin' on what we're sailin' into."

"What's that s'posed ta mean?" Brok asked. "Realm Beyond Realms, there's fuck all out here!"

"Not true, I'm afraid. You see that red speck out there?"

All three men squinted, peering into the far distance. "I do not," Kratos answered.

"Me either," Brok agreed.

Sindri pulled out a tube of metal that widened at one end, capped by glass, and put it to his eye. "Oh! I think I see it! Liiiiiittle red dot! What is it?"

"Not so little," Mimir answered. "We'll be on him, or rather, he'll be on us, in about twelve minutes."

"Twelve...?" Sindri's expression suggested that didn't make any sense. To the point he pulled out a journal and some charcoal, quickly scribbling into it. "No, no, that can't be right. The range of that spyglass, our speed..." The dwarf paled. "You said 'he'? As in a creature?"

"Aye... Aye..." Mimir repeated, "And now I've seen 'im, he's seen us."

"He means us harm?"

"He guards this place. Where we're goin'. The Dragon of Dragons." Suddenly Mimir looked stunned, his jaw clicking shut forcefully as his eyes grew frightened. "I wasn't goin' ta... I didn't say that." He did his best to look at Kratos. "Brother. No matter what happens next. You did everything you could. Remember that."

-(-)-

"My Lady," Callisto spoke softly, sitting beside the goddess of the hunt as her lifelong friend and mistress stared into a reflective pool. Seeing what Callisto couldn't see. "Are you certain about this? You could talk to him. He would understand. You were just worried for him."

"I'm still worried for him," Artemis corrected. "But I can't, I, after what I said, I can't. What he's trying to do, what Melinoé was after... I feel so ashamed. I acted just like the rest of them." She let out a shaking sigh. "I'll watch over him. I'll make sure he succeeds, whatever it takes. And then when he comes back, I'll tell him I'm sorry. I'll tell both of them."

-(-)-

"Are you ready for this?" Melinoé asked Atreus, sounding uncertain now that the moment of truth was upon them.

Kratos had already started up the mountain. Atreus had challenged him to a race, knowing the god of strength wouldn't refuse a challenge, even if it wasn't in strength. What was another lie on top of everything else? He would know, find out the truth once it was all over. That was the only outcome for this. Getting Zagreus away and... Hoping Hades would just let it go when faced with the Olympians protecting him, he wanted Zagreus gone and out of sight anyway. On the surface where Hades would never have to see him again, that was as good as any other option.

It was a hopeful plan. An optimistic plan. A reckless plan. The kind of plan someone desperate and without options would make, and the kind of plan someone naive and idealistic would agree to.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be." He was being welcomed into the House of Hades. That was what this plan hinged on. Getting in without incident, then getting out with Nyx's silent support. Once that invitation expired, this would become near impossible. And Hades' patience was just about empty.

The goddess of souls let out a steadying breath. "Okay."

A ring of light covered them, and they disappeared from the town of Litochoro to reappear beside a river.

A familiar river. That led into a familiar structure.

"Here it is."

The young archer stared at the surprisingly squat and ruined edifice. "Is this really it? The Temple of Styx?"

"Or the Necromanteion, depending who you ask." Melinoé's voice. She appeared nervous, scratching at the join of the metal ring on her arm. The flesh and blood side. "The gateway to the underworld for our pantheon." She tried to smile at him. Tried. "You don't need to worry. We're expected. They won't give us any trouble going in."

Left unspoken, the 'getting out' part.

"Hey," she said, coming close, putting a hand on his shoulder. Her false smile fell. Maybe she sensed his nerves, or maybe acknowledged she shared them. "It isn't too late to change your mind. In fact, this is probably your last chance. If you don't want to do this–"

"No." The word was sincere, determined. Foreseen, but still exactly what he wanted to say. "I want to. I know, I don't want to be the kind of person or god or whatever who turns his back on someone who needs help. So..."

She sighed. A much more genuine smile gracing her face. And suddenly she leaned forward, up, and pressed her lips against his cheek. Her scent entered his nose, the memory of it exploding from his past and his present. A fruity aroma he still couldn't quite place, save for knowing it was the scent of Melinoé. "Thank you, Atreus. Really."

"N-No problem," he stammered slightly, proudly walking toward the ruined temple to cover his embarrassment. "Let's go!"

"Atreus, hold on a second–!"

The moment he passed through the fractured doorway, he entered a different realm entirely. Red carpets and undisturbed stonework flanked by pure blue waters. A contrast to the blood red river that flowed far to his left. A crimson red that precisely matched the fur of the mighty three-headed beast that loomed large over him. Three sets of large and fierce teeth bared in his direction. All at once, the three-headed dog howled three times all at once.

Ah. Right. That part.

"AROOOOOOOO!"

"Cerberus, down boy!" Melinoé rushed to calm the enormous hound. "This is Atreus, he's my friend! Father is expecting us, remember?!"

The dog continued to growl, baring his teeth at the young god.

Foreign. Wrong. Invader. Interloper. Rival.

Could Cerberus tell that Atreus wasn't from this world? That seemed impossible. No one else had figured that out, save for the one god who had clear evidence of being... Well, another him. Or maybe that was why. Even were he to be a local, he wasn't technically a Greek god. He was a giant. A Norse god. Was that it?

"Cerberus! Sit! I won't say it again!" Melinoé warned. "Father will be furious at both of us if you cause trouble!"

The giant dog continued to growl angrily, yet he did as commanded. Sitting on his haunches, not a one of his six eyes ever leaving the young god as Melinoé led him past.

"I'm sorry about him. He's not usually like this, he's usually such a sweetheart."

"It's okay," Atreus assured her, hiding his unease. "He's being protective. He's a good dog."

Even furious and distrustful as he was, Cerberus' tail still started pounding on the floor as it wagged back and forth, appreciative of the praise.

The underworld goddess led the guest to the riverside that flowed further into the temple. To a small boat manned by a skeletal figure in a robe decorated with golden skull and coin motifs. "Charon, Atreus. Atreus, Charon. He's the ferryman of souls, guiding them into the Realm of the Dead so they don't wander aimlessly when they arrive here."

"Nice to meet you."

"Hghhhhhhhhh..." was the skeletal god's only response.

"He says likewise," Melinoé translated with a smile.

"Hghhh..."

"Come on." She stepped into the boat, pulling Atreus along with her. "He'll take us down to the house the fast way. Call it VIP treatment for an honoured guest."

VIP. He wasn't all that important. Well, more to say, he knew why Hades thought he was important. He was a mostly unaffiliated god. Olympian, sort of. But an Olympian who hadn't been pushed into staying neutral for the conflict with devils, fallen, angels, whatever else. Atreus wasn't important for being Atreus. He was important because he could be used as a wedge to get the Olympians moving against the other inhabitants of the underworld.

At least, so Melinoé explained it. Hades wanted Atreus to act against the residents of the underworld because if he did, the Olympians would have to either help, or disown him as one of theirs to keep the peace. And there were at least two other Olympians who would have a real problem with abandoning Atreus.

The ferryman barely expended effort rowing their boat down the river. Though of course he didn't need to. There was a current carrying them swiftly downstream, down into the underworld proper. The Realm of the Dead.

"Elysium," Melinoé said as they passed into verdant fields of lush greenery. Beautiful statues of marble, honouring fallen heroes for their deeds. "The most pleasant part of the Realm of the Dead. It's where the departed heroes reside. Great men and women who proved their valour with great deeds. Here they reside in comfort, battling for the joy of it. Like-minded warriors enjoying the paradise they earned through strength and conviction."

"So it's kind of like Valhalla."

"I suppose," the death goddess hedged. "Though there's no great future battle to look forward to here. Just final peace and comfort, the memories of their hardships calmed by the river Lethe."

"Asphodel," she continued as they entered a lower level. The glow of the burning river of lava beneath them still as easy and as tolerable as the soothing environs above. "It, uh..." She pointed out to the distance where things weren't on fire. "There was a problem some time before I was born? The river Phlegethon flooded and kind of burned things up. I've been trying to fix it and made some progress!" she said with a helpless shrug. "I'm sure one day it'll be back to what it's supposed to be."

"What's it supposed to be?"

"Meadows and flowers?" Atreus stared at her and she wilted like such a flower would in this hellscape. "I did my best but Father wasn't exactly interested in helping. It's supposed to be a resting place for the ordinary. People who lived an honest life but not a remarkable one. Not deserving of punishment or honour. It's not as bad as it looks... Most of the souls reside further away from the river where it's more comfortable."

"And finally, Tartarus," Melinoé announced with resignation. "The lowest level of the Realm of the Dead. At least, of ours. This is where criminals, villains, all malcontent souls end up. Here to suffer punishment and torment until the end of everything."

Atreus looked at the pillars of bone, the wandering souls, bloated and butchered. "It's bad, but I think the one above is worse?"

"They wouldn't agree," the quince-haired goddess responded, watching the souls flee from the sight of the living crossing their path. "It isn't Tartarus itself that does most of the punishment. This is the domain of the Furies. The jailers for the residents of Tartarus, in charge of ensuring they continue to exist in a state of suffering, or fear of that suffering."

"Uh... They sound nice?"

"The Furies?" she asked, smiling. "They can be, actually. Once you get to know them. But they have a hard job that does things to you. Having to cause suffering, even if you know they deserve it. It's something that's hard to come back from."

It sounded like she understood that from experience. But Atreus wouldn't ask. Not now. Not here.

"Hrghhhhhh..."

"We're here," she translated again for the ferryman, taking Atreus hand with her spectral one and pulling him out of the boat. "Thanks, Charon."

"Hrghhh..." The skeletal man saluted with his oar, then began rowing back the way he came. Just as easily as he had when working with the current, yet travelling at similar speeds while going against it.

"Ready?"

"I think so."

Melinoé nodded, patting him down, tidying his appearance just a little. "Be respectful, and, don't mention certain things. They'll be pretty obvious when we're in there."

The young man nodded, she nodded back, then led him to the short path that led to the entrance to the House of Hades. The front entrance. As they entered, Atreus felt immediate unease at the decor. Much like Tartarus before. Pillars of bone topped by flame. Piles of skulls perhaps there for no other reason than to look menacing. It was a little much. A little overly menacing. Understandable, it was the Realm of the Dead so skeletal motifs were a lot more reasonable here than, say, Hestia's restaurants.

Still... Most of those residing here didn't even have skeletons.

Then again, the one sitting in his throne at the far end of the hall...

"Father," Melinoé said with a little more officiousness in her tone than Atreus was used to, "I have returned. May I present, Atreus, son of Kratos God of Strength and, uh–"

"Faye," Atreus supplied. He hadn't known that would be important.

"And Faye. Atreus, my father, Lord Hades, God of the Dead. In attendance, Hypnos, God of Sleep, Thanatos, God of Death, and..." Melinoé looked around the hall, seeking another figure but not finding them. "Father, is Lady Nyx not to be in attendance?"

"Nyx is occupied with other matters. It seems Alecto required her assistance in a delicate matter." The God of the Dead rose from his throne, allowing Atreus to see the scope of the one he planned to betray before even their first meeting. "Atreus," his voice, deep and reverberating, that alone pushed the young god to reconsider his future actions. "Welcome to my realm. I understand you will not be amenable to an extended stay. However, we have prepared a banquet, a celebration. We so rarely get the chance to greet new members of our extended family. Or any resident of Olympus. I should look forward to getting to know you as we dine together. In turn, I'm sure I can dispel the harsh things I'm sure my brothers, nieces and nephews had to say regarding me. Our work is not joyous, but we do our duty and fulfil our vital role. No matter what forces might conspire against us."

"Our tavernkeeper and our chef have been busy all day, but there is still some time yet before we shall dine." The skeletal god swept an arm wide to his left. "Please, take some time to rest from your journey. There is a room in the east wing you can use. I'm sure Melinoé can guide you."

"The east– Father?" Melinoé questioned.

"Is there a problem, Melinoé?"

She opened her mouth, but thought better of her response before speaking. "No. Of course not, Father. Follow me, Atreus."

He did so silently. Glancing at the other gods in attendance. The nervously smiling Hypnos. The hooded Thanatos who refused to look at him. Then at Hades whose skeletal face gave precisely nothing away. And yet Atreus felt a strange coiling and twisting in his gut. Something was wrong here. More than the obvious.

"Here," his friend said as she led him through a large doorway into a richly appointed bedroom. If a messy one.

Posters on the walls, scrolls scattered in one corner near a lyre, an enormous mirror dominating one wall. "Whose room is this?"

"... It was my brother's," Melinoé answered, shaking her head. "It doesn't matter. We don't have long. Nyx's protection won't last forever. We need to go, find Zagreus, then race back up to the temple. From there we can–!"

The mirror flashed, stealing her attention. Once. Twice. A figure, a woman, stained in red, appearing in the reflection.

"Nyx?!" Melinoé gasped.

With an ethereal, omnipresent voice, the woman screamed one word. "RUN!"

Atreus' eyes widened as he felt a presence that hadn't been there before. His head snapped up just in time to see a grinning figure in red leap down from the ceiling. "Mel!" He leapt, knocking Melinoé back as he aimed upward, firing a storm of lightning crows from his bow.

"Hahahahaha!" The woman attacking them swung her whip back and forth, each crack shattering several at a time until she landed. Not unscathed, but unbothered. "Looks like the boss still had a little fight in her! I shouldn't have left her conscious!"

"Alecto!" The horror in Melinoé's voice told Atreus just how bad this was. "Why are you here?! You're not allowed in the House!"

"Hahahaha, well about that! Seems Lord Hades decided to make a special exception!" Her tongue flashed across her lips, relishing in the fear she was causing. "Something about appropriate punishment for his traitorous daughter. Don't worry! I'm not allowed to kill you, at least not yet! But I can't wait to see how much you bleed before I have to stop!"

As she raised her whip, Atreus drew and loosed again. "ELGR HRITH!" Instead of a storm of crows, a herd of elks appeared in the room. Each one a constant nova of lightning that consumed the room.

And Alecto in it. "Oo-oo-oo-ooh!" she shuddered. In pain or pleasure they couldn't tell, especially with her continuing grin. "Hurts so good! Gonna have fun with you, boy!"

"No..." Melinoé whispered.

"Mel, we have to go!" Atreus insisted as he pulled her with him through the rear doors into the courtyard.

-(-)-

A/N: This chapter seen very very early on THE GREAT FORBIDDEN P! FEAR THE P! LOVE THE P!