A Million Worlds Apart

The Decision

Zeus eyed Virgil suspiciously. "Why is the god of death here? That wasn't part of our agreement, Janus."

"His powers allowed us to get here as quickly as possible," Janus answered. "And I would refrain against insulting the son of Nyx. Lord knows that worked out well for you the last time."

"Remy had it coming," Zeus muttered.

Demeter spotted Patton and instantly lit up, leaping off her throne. "Patton! My darling boy! Thank goodness you're all right!"

Patton barely had time to react before she gave him a bone-crushing hug, then stepped back with a worried expression. "Are you all right? Were you hurt down there? You must have been terrified, I can only imagine how horrible it must have been---"

"I'm fine, Mom," Patton mumbled, trying to ignore her nails digging into his shoulders.

"Don't be ridiculous, of course you aren't! You've been held captive in that dark and lifeless place for months! When we get back home, you can tell me everything, all ri---"

"Take. Your. Hands. Off. Of. Him," Logan growled.

Demeter finally registered that he was there and gasped. "YOU!"

Patton stepped back as she stormed towards Logan and stabbed her index finger into his chest. "How DARE you show your face here after what you've done, you wicked, heartless, vile---"

"And what exactly have I done?" Logan said, hands balling into fists. Ares sat forward with sudden interest.

"You know EXACTLY what!" Demeter screamed. "You bewitched my son! You kidnapped him and forced him to live in the Underworld! You probably even assaulted him---I wouldn't put it past you!"

"I think you're confusing me with Zeus," Logan told her.

Zeus's mouth fell open. "Wha---excuse me, I would never---"

"No, he has a point," Hera cut in. "Demeter, what you described is very out of character for Logan."

Demeter spun around. "You have all of the evidence you need! Patton was in the Underworld the entire time!"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean he was being kept there against his will," Hera said calmly.

"Of course he was! He would never leave me!"

"Oh, enough!" Logan snapped. "The only reason why Patton didn't leave before was because he was afraid of you, Demeter! You've kept him sheltered for years! You barely even let him use his powers! And when you found out that we were seeing each other, you imprisoned him!"

"I was trying to keep this very thing from happening!" Demeter shouted. "I wanted to protect him!"

"No, you just wanted to control him!"

"And just who gave you the right to decide that?" she roared. "You know nothing about love!"

"Why?" Logan demanded. "Because I'm a god? Because I rule the Underworld?"

"Don't try to pretend that you care about him!"

"I DON'T NEED TO PRETEND!" he shouted. "I love Patton beyond words! I want him to be free to be himself, and I want him to thrive, and I want him to do whatever he wishes, because I love him!"

He lowered his voice, practically spitting now. "To me, Patton is the brightest star in the galaxy, warmer and brighter than even the sun. And I would rather let the dead flood back into the world than have you shackle him again."