Inexorably drawn

Chapter 8

    A love that blossomed in one of history's big wars. Unshakable and unwavered by the straining clock of time. Achilles never knew that he would ever be standing here in the past after his death. His fingers are holding Patroclus' while their legs are gently placed on top of one another. The small misty river behind them offers a calming view and a quiet atmosphere which allows Patroclus to sleep soundly while he is hugged from behind by his beloved. He holds a spear in his relaxed hand, a habit born and raised during the great war of Troy.

Achilles slides his hand up the dark shaded skin of the warrior's hand, feeling his soft skin.

"Hey Pat? You awake?" He whispers.

Achilles' energy has been replenished. He doesn't find the need to lay down anymore. It isn't like they put themselves in energy draining situations anymore, but the need to simply cuddle like this is always there.

Patroclus groans, moving a dark lock of hair out of his face.

"Mhm." He blinks a few times, taking in the vivid colors of Elysium. "Something wrong my love?"

Achilles kisses the back of his head with a smile then sits up.

"No don't worry." He looks down at the green grass, most which is covered by little white and blue flowers. "I have to go back soon."

The black haired shade adjusts the bright blue leaves on his head, holding it together nicely in his usual carefree style.

"I understand Achilles. I'm just glad that you're here."

Soon as he stops talking, someone walks through one of the doors further away from them, panting and grunting in pain.

"Oh blast. I hate butterfly balls with my entire being." The annoyed young man known as Prince Zagreus grabs one small butterfly attached to his back, pulling it violently and throwing it on the ground. "I'm not taking you on a tour to the surface little butterfly." He laughs painfully, stepping on the bloodied bug.

As he slowly regains his senses by letting his adrenaline ease off, he finally realises the room he is in. Patroclus and Archilles silently await him to come over, looking rather concerned. The blonde bends over and grabs a fine liquid cup of Kiss of Styx, knowing well that this is what Zagreus usually chooses.

Excited as always, the Prince quickly makes his way through the room towards them, even teleporting once. He simply can't control himself when he sees these two together.

"Hello Lad."

"Welcome back stranger."

The pair seems enlightened to see their unexpected guest. As always, his physical condition looks to be in an unclean state.

"Thank you. How are you two? Anything I can help you with?" He wipes off the blood on his cheek before realising that it was pointless as more comes gushing out.

"No need for that. We're waiting to take heed for you lad."

Patroclus extends his hand that holds the cup with the thick red liquid inside. Zagreus chuckles, grabbing it gratefully.

"Cheers." He gulps it down, feeling his strength being replenished immediately. The strength allowing him to defy death. "I will see you soon then."

Having returned to his usual run routine, Zagreus looks back to a conversation he had with Zeus before after giving him the invitation. It was not exactly a conversation. More like a wise advice from his drunk uncle who was throwing lightning bolts at an innocent pillar while whining about his complicated love life.

Uncle Zeus told me to never let my opportunities go. I have been thinking about this since Thanatos brought me to my room. The opportunity I seek...I believe it is right in front of me.

He pauses his ongoing thoughts for a bit to completely destroy an unaware warrior shade. He stabs through the floating eye, pushing it on the ground.

If everything goes right after the family meeting, everyone will be busy talking and drinking. I can definitely get Thanatos and me alone for a while during that time and nobody will even notice. I'm sure lady Aphrodite herself will support me as well if we get on a tight spot.

Dreamy Zagreus stumbles on his way to the next enemy, falling face flat on the ground. He curls like an excited kid, cheeks heated up and heart racing. The enemies look at him confused, drawing their bows to kill his love filled mind.

"It will be amazi-" He jumps back, dodging the incoming arrows. "Tsk. Very nice of you shades."

He calls upon Archilles and Patroclus, who gladly take both fronts and kill the enemies with ease.

"Thanks."

    About half an hour later, Zagreus finally manages to get to the last Vermin chamber where he finds the Satyr sack and a boon from Artemis herself. The young goddess sounds excited when he sends her a message, but it doesn't last long since she realises it is one that she had to work with most of her family members to read.

Now fully prepared and with a hand dripping with Cerberus' saliva after the hellish hound walked by with the sack, Zagreus is ready to face off his father on the surface again.

"Took you long enough." Hades turns, revealing his snowy beard that looks almost as if stalactites are hanging from it.

"How long do you even stand there with your back turned father?"

"Silence boy. Show me what you're capable of with that sword, not with your mouth."

"Both are equally annoying to you." He huffs, drawing out his weapon while the ruler of the underworld once again ruins one of his capes.

"Darkness." Hades calls out, disappearing into thin air.

"Coward."

And so, their battle to death began once again with insults and blood being spilled on the thick layers of snow. Demeter has yet to allow any type of warmth in the world, displaying her cold heart in the best way.

Hades swings his spear, cutting the Prince deeply. The Kiss of Styx saves him, filling him with energy that helps him move forward. His connection with blood is incomparable to anyone else's. With the manifestation of a powerful blood vial, he finishes off his tired father who falls on his knees, succumbing to the river.

On his way out of their fighting spot, the celebrating Prince meets his end by the same goat which pushes him off the cliff and onto spiky rocks. Unfazed by the ridiculous turn of events, he rises from the river, seeking a blanket to clean himself.

Having now given away all of the invitations, Zagreus heads over to Persephone proudly, showing her his empty pockets.

"Well done Zagreus." She puts her hands together with a smile. "Leave the rest to me now my son. It won't be long before the meeting."

"Thank you mother. And...remember that I'm here for you. Don't pressure yourself, okay?"

She smiles happily, cupping Zagreus' slim cheeks in her hands like he is still her little boy. "Of course. I have it all under control." She kisses his forehead, watching as he walks back to his chamber, greeting random shades energetically. This is her own reality. A reality she would never give up on again.

Lovestruck Zagreus sits on the little couch he bought, constantly moving his feet as he wonders about what will come next.

I should talk to Thanatos first. Too bad I can't just summon him here.

His eyes glance over at the neatly set bed by his good friend Dusa. If not for her, it would still be all messed up from last time.

Oh Than, why do you have to be on my mind like this?