Inexorably drawn

Chapter 1

Moving through the tense and hot air of Asphodel has Zagreus hoping that he won't have to deal with any more Wave-Makers. These enemies are always a huge pain for him even after slaughtering hundreds of them throughout his new bloody work. He simply can't get used to dodging their wave attacks in time, despite easily doing so with almost every other enemy.

The prince stands still on the hot rocky surface, scanning the new area. His body reeks of death, dirt and smoke from the bombs thrown at him previously.

"This can't be good. There are many Bloodless ahead. I guess it's better than stumbling upon the Witche's circle again..."

Just the thought of being in the middle of their neverending spells of pain sends a shiver up his spine. The young god draws out his sword, pinning down the enemy furthest from the rest. Bloodless can jump very far, which means he has to be able to kill them all quickly whilst reading their movements and striking in time. The prince has done this numerous of times before, his experienced body moving on it's own. Behind him, trails of green leaves and wind appear, hinting at his recent interaction with the Godess of the hunt, Artemis.

"Let's get them Stygious!" He says determined at his red sword beaming with the curse of Chaos that makes it stronger and Ares' hungry boon of Doom.

The Bloodless is sliced in half, falling on the ground and turning into nothing more than dust that will soon be returned to the depths of the river Styx. Its started scream alerts the rest and a battle of life and death begins. The more dead he sends back to Styx, the more appear. Zagreus feels his mortal colored blood being drained from him more and more.

"This has to be the last of them!" He grunts, dodging away from their vicious attacks with his short teleportation ability which he likes to call dash.

Soon enough however, the confident son of Hades is reminded in a grave way, to always look up.

"Aargh!"

Zagreus dies from a Skull-Crusher, that did exactly what its name suggests.

Exhausted, the prince stumbles out of the river Styx and right back in the house of his infamous father. He shakes the blood from his hair and grabs a nearby towel to get rid of the blood before it uncomfortably sticks on him.

"That's that."

Before him, the big hall leading straight to his father's large figure is decorated under his very own suggestions towards the house's contractor, making it far more interesting than how it was before for any souls waiting in line to give their plea, that is, if the god if sleep is willing enough to sort them out.

He looks at the wondering souls, listening to their bickering and curious questions about this place. Seeing how they are all feeling comfortable brings Zagreus joy, so much joy that he accidentally startles Hypnos with his ever so soft laughter.

"W-Wa! H-Hello! Skull-Crusher?" The tired god asks, floating comfortably on his delux blanket made for sleeping through eternity.

"That's right Hypnos! Another Skull-Crusher this time. Can't help but forget they are everywhere sometimes." The prince smiles, his numerous memories of dying because he didn't pay attention coming back to him.

"That's true! Asphodel is a very dangerous place...Just try not getting crushed next time." He advised, a cheeky smile painted on his light grey face.

"Will do."

And with that, Zagreus tries to hurry over to the lounge, hoping that his father won't take notice.

"Back so soon?" The God of the Dead asks with a sassy tone, making the prince frown.

"Yes." He scoffs, continuing on his way without another word.

Queen Persephone who usually stands before Cerberous, the large, three headed loyal hound of Hades, who the prince very much enjoys spoiling with pets and kisses, is now nowhere near his father's desk. Sadly, Cerberous is nowhere to be seen either.

"Welcome back Child." A familiar soft voice calls out to Zagreus. "How was this run? I sense a bit of sadness in you." Mother night expressed, her floating body beautifully flowing in front of many flower vases the prince had personally assigned to be put there so she feels less alone at her little corner.

"Nyx. It's good to see you! I'm not sad at all, thank you for your concern. Just thinking about how I can progress further easier." Zagreus bubbles, his heterochromic eyes both enlightened to see his former mother.

"The key to success is patience. Death is no other than a learning opportunity for us Gods. You have shown better than anyone that dying can be a great teacher for correcting mistakes." Her wise words touch the prince's heart, speaking the truth and only that.

Nyx is not one that Zagreus would ever doubt as she has proven to be right almost every time she says something. Her experience with the world far outweights his own, after all.

"I really hope I have Nyx. Death is no more than a negative thing for most. I doubt any god has died as many times as I have."

Saying that, the prince feels rather strange. He has died many times, taking numerous of lives with him on the way back to the bloody river, but there is one god who has never died a single time even after claiming the lives of millions. His name? Thanatos.

"Nyx, do you perhaps know where Than may be? We haven't seen each other in a few days."

Nyx smiles, her starry clothes gently brushing on her long and lively black hair.

"I have not seen him around either. I'm guessing he must be busy transporting souls. The humans are having a war above us and Thanatos is responsible for them and many others." She explains thoroughly, noticing Zagreus' growing sad expression.

"Oh I see...That must be why. Thank you Nyx. I will talk to you later."

"Stay safe."

The prince peeks inside the lounge under the big door that greets numerous of souls every night and day, knowing well that he doesn't have any fish to give to the cook, nor anyone to talk to. This narrows down his options, leaving only the western hall for him to check out in case anyone needs anything.

It is his favorite part of the palace to say the least, since there reside two of his most welcome faces to see around. Archilles, his mentor and good friend, and of course, Thanatos. Archilles is usually standing between two vases, guarding the king's chamber along with the huge administrative chamber.

Admittedly, the Prince hated working at the administrative chambers, which is why he got fired by his own father for constantly messing everything up. He is more of the fighting type, after all.

As Zagreus approaches the waving Archilles, a quick loud sound of someone teleporting in catches his attention.

"Thanatos!" He yells loudly, his father grunting in annoyance.

The figure stands still, staring at the river Styx as if he hadn't heard the excited voice and quick footsteps approaching him from behind. Right as the God of death turns to see who might be coming, his hands are pushed against his body as Zagreus tightly hugs him.

"Zag...!"