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[fresh-file-fresh-start]

A Sharp Bittersweetness

Summary: Megaera hasn’t had the best relationship with the prince of the Underworld. Everyone knew that. And throughout their long and personal relationship, she thought she knew him better than most. She was wrong.

Megaera didn’t know what she would expect when she emerged from the Pool of Styx, a scowl etched into her features as she mulled over her death. Felled by the unruly prince she was supposed to stop, how disgraceful. Harshly brushing past Hypnos without so much as a word of greeting to him, she settled into the corner of the House she had taken residence in after the lounge had closed. She clicked her tongue. Typical Zagreus, always bumbling around without a care for the mess he made. She knew he would come back, no one ever made it in or out of the Underworld intact. Hopefully by then, he would realize where his place was in the House. When would he learn that his pigheaded stubbornness only brought pain to those around him? It didn’t matter, he would learn soon enough, even without her beating the lesson into him. She pointedly ignored the proximity her corner was to his room, and seethed.

She didn’t get to sulk for long, though she would never call it that, before she heard the shades whispering to themselves. Amid the flurry of words, she was able to pick out what they were murmuring about. Apparently Zagreus had not only stumbled his way through Asphodel, but was beginning to run amok in Elysium too. If she weren’t as petty and spiteful as all immortal beings tended to be, she would’ve been impressed. But true to her nature, she merely wondered which one of the Exalted would bring him low. She hoped it would happen sooner than later, doubtlessly Zagreus would try again after dying. And she relished in the idea of a rematch. She knew she sounded contradictory, why would she want a rematch if she also wanted him to stop running around? She knew what he was like. He wouldn’t settle for just one attempt. His stubborn nature shone through in all of his actions, making him laughably predictable at times. The moment he fell, he would be raring to go again, to see how much further he could go than before. And once he came across her, she would stop his foolishness once and for all.

But as the news came in, of Zagreus defeating the champions of Elysium and breaching the surface, the wisp of dread Megaera refused to acknowledge reared its ugly head. There was no way he could actually do it, not on his first try.

“It seems the prince is making remarkable progress, is he not?” Nyx’s voice floated over from her own respective corner of the House.

“Tsch. Sooner or later, it won’t matter. He’s going to come back here when he eventually succumbs to whatever horror roams the surface. Here, where he belongs.” Megaera replied coldly.

“And what if he truly leaves? What then?”

“Then good riddance!” Megaera turns sharply to Nyx. “If he wants to leave so much, then so be it. He can be a problem for his family on Olympus for all I care, it just means he won’t be a problem for us.”

Nyx’s gaze softened. “And yet you still care for him.”

Megaera’s hands balled into fists at her sides. Yes, she still cared for him. But she loathed it, hated it with all her being. The fondness she felt for him made her burn with rage, how dare he make her feel this way after what he’s done?

“So what? He’s leaving, isn’t he? How I feel won’t matter. It doesn’t matter now anyways.”

Whatever else Megaera was about to say died on her lips as she watched Hades rise from his desk, walking to his personal chambers. She grinned viciously. He did it, he really did it. Oh, he was really in for it now. Zagreus would have no chance against the might of Lord Hades, then she could have her rematch.

“Court is now in recess until I return.” he spoke offhandedly, his helm in one hand and his spear in the other. He left without fanfare, vanishing into a plume of smoke.

Megaera waited in what could only be described in a twisted sort of anticipation. She may have had mixed feelings about the prince, but contempt ranked high among them. He was nothing but a reckless fool to her, squandering his birthright and doing what he pleased. She nearly perked up at the sound of splashing water, every bone in her body screaming at her to run over to the pool to see if the prince came back. But she had both pride and dignity, perhaps a little too much, and refrained herself. Much to her horror, it wasn’t.

From the waters of the Pool rose none other than Lord Hades himself, looking every bit as outraged as Megaera had felt when she first returned. She was scarcely able to stop herself from gaping at him, though many of the shades around her were far more open about their disbelief. Nyx merely hummed thoughtfully from her corner, almost shrinking back into the darkness she commanded.

“What are all of you look at?! Get back to work!” Lord Hades snapped at the gawking shades, scattering them as they hurriedly returned to their stations.

A tense, heavy air fell over the court, the incessant buzzing of the shades began to make Megaera’s skin prickle with restlessness. Her break was over anyways, she couldn’t afford to slip up anymore now that Zagreus’s successful escape from the Underworld was partially her fault.

She didn’t know what would be worse though, staying in the House or going back down to the depths of Tartarus where her work laid before her endlessly. As important as her job was to her, Megaera couldn’t help but feel something like that wretched knave-king Sisyphus. No, she refused to dwell on these thoughts, her time to leave was well overdue if she was having thoughts like these. She removed herself from her corner and bade Nyx goodbye perhaps a bit too hastily, but who would notice anyways? Megaera braced herself for Tisiphone’s silent judgement and Alecto’s sneering laughter, finding both of those far better to deal with than the tightness in her chest and the bittersweet taste on her tongue.

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In Twilight’s Glow

Summary: Twilight is the point in a day right before the sun sets, when the world is awash in a glow of reds, purples, and blues. But it can also represent the end of something, the glow of twilight brings the end of more than just daylight. The twilight of Zagreus’s stay in the Underworld has come, he just needs to get past one last obstacle.

Spoiler warning for the final boss/endgame of Hades! (it may be unnecessary to put this but just in case)

Blood pounded in Zagreus’s ears as he caught his breath. This was it. The end was so close, he could taste it. He knew the end was near the second he stepped out of the arena in Elysium, the very air changed as he moved forward. Through the Temple of Styx he went, weaving through the tunnels that wove a deadly maze filled with rats, satyrs, and gods knew what else. Frankly, he was surprised that he made it this far. Zagreus knew he had been preparing to leave for a long time, but he knew nothing about what the Underworld or the surface held. He was always a quick thinker, and he was thankful for that skill. He didn’t want to think of what would’ve happened if he wasn’t. He double checked what little he brought with him before scanning the area one last time. This was really it, he could hardly believe it. No matter how much he told himself that, he was still in awe. Zagreus was finally going to leave, leave behind all the people who never cared for him and find the ones who would. Nodding to Charon as he passed by, Zagreus offered the Satyr Sack to Cerberus as an offering. He breathed a sigh of relief to himself as Cerberus accepted the sack.

“Cerberus, wait!” He called after the three-headed hound before it left. “Come here boy, I want to say goodbye to you before I go. For good.”

The hound didn’t know what his master’s son spoke about, but he appreciated the company regardless. Sitting down next to Zagreus, Cerberus tore into the bag with relish, eagerly devouring whatever foul contents it held. Zagreus sat next to the hound, stroking his vivid red fur lovingly as he looked on at Cerberus fondly.

“I’ll miss you boy, I really will. Out of everyone here, you were the only one who was really there for me. Thank you, so much.” His voice cracked at the end as tears threatened to well up in his eyes.

Cerberus whined at Zagreus as he finished his treat, sensing the sadness of his young master. He nuzzled the godling with his three snouts, hoping that he could comfort the young man. Zagreus chuckled sadly as he continued to stroke the hellhound, he wanted to enjoy this last moment for as long as he possibly could. Finally getting up, he embraced the three heads of Cerberus, one after the other, and gently kissed each of their brightly colored noses before making his way past them.

“Goodbye Cerberus, goodbye Charon, goodbye Underworld. If I ever have to come back, I hope it’s on better terms.”

With a single, bracing breath, he pushed the door open and walked out into the cold.

It was the cold that shocked Zagreus the most, the wind biting at his skin, his nose, his very self. There was some white substance all around him, falling from the sky and onto him in soft flakes. The rushing of water, the gently falling flakes, the red-purple glow of what he assumed to be the sun setting in the distance, it was all so surreal to him. He was slightly disappointed that he didn’t get to see the sun, but he knew that once he left he could see the sun as many times as he wanted. It didn’t take away from the majesty of scenery either, the white around him turning purple and blue with the fading light.

“Wow...” He walked slowly through the scene, trying to take in as much as he could at once. It was a little overwhelming, but in the best possible way. Zagreus wasn’t even sure that could exist until he was experiencing it for himself. He was so entranced by what he saw around him that it took a while for him to notice the large silhouette that stood at the end of the white clad field he found himself in. When he finally did notice the silhouette, the familiar red cape, he only groaned to himself. Of course he would be here. 

“The air of the surface... it blows senselessly in whichever direction it pleases, I’ve never been accustomed to it. I’ve no doubt that you prefer this to the stillness of the air below.” The silhouette spoke, facing the water. 

“Why yes, I do. It’s quite different from what I’m used to, but I enjoy it nonetheless. But I’m not here to listen to you drone on about the air here, Father. I’m here to leave, not even you could stop me. I’m frankly not surprised that you’ve unearthed your Helm of Darkness for this, it suits you well enough but will change nothing. You’ve tried to muster your forces again and again to kill me, only to fail. You’ll fall like them too.” Zagreus snarked in response, disgruntled about having to get past yet another obstacle when he was so close to freedom. 

Hades scoffed, finally tuning around to regard his son. “Hmph. Such arrogance from you, I expect nothing less of a god and one as unruly as you. It should not have come to this, taking up arms against each other. For all you’ve done around the House, I’ve done a reasonably good job of keeping my temper. Unlike you.”

“You’ve done nothing but berate me time and time again, you’ve lied to me, you’ve summoned literal legions of the undead to try and kill me, but sure I’ll admit you’ve done a good job of bottling up your more severe emotions. I suppose you’ll use this as a way to properly lash out against me after all this time, won’t you?” Zagreus sneered bitterly. He had enough of Hades, enough of the House, enough of being treated like nothing.

“We’re gods, boy. Killing one another is our lot. Although, I always thought I was above it. I told you that you can not leave this place. It seems I will have to enforce my own rules. I’m sending you home, now.”

Summoning his spear, Hades leveled his spear against his son. Zagreus pulled out his own sword in response, mentally preparing himself for what would most likely be the most harrowing battle he’s fought so far. He knew of the violent relationship between the gods and the Titans, the gods took the bodies of their parents and cut them up into tiny pieces before scattering them to the vast expanses of Tartarus. They were immortal, yes, and still were in what little remained of them. But some fates were worse than death. His grip on his sword tightened. He will not meet a fate like that.

He lunged at Hades, feeling the powers of his Olympian family course through his veins. Hades was powerful, but slow. Zagreus used his natural agility to his advantage, darting into attack his father before quickly dodging from any retaliating hits. He continued to do this, deftly dodging any attack his father threw his way and using the powers he was granted when he needed a boost. He internally scoffed at his father, he would think that the almighty God of the Dead would be stronger than this. But he supposed spending all that time doing parchmentwork dulled his fighting capabilities.  

“Grrrr... I expect nothing less from a student of Achilles, but even your swiftness could outpace your mentor. How is it possible that you’ve become this strong?” Hades growled, clutching his side as he braced himself against his spear for support.

“I don’t need to answer to you, how I got this strong doesn’t matter here. What matters is the strength I have, enough to fell you.” Zagreus replied curtly, raising his sword again. “Now, you’re the one who will be going home, not me.”

“Heh, to be brought this low by my own ungrateful child, I expected such treatment from my brothers. But from you? I will not stand for this.” With a shout, Hades stood up straight again, proudly brandishing his spear.

“Oh great,” Zagreus grumbled. “Of course it wouldn’t be this easy.”

Zagreus wasn’t entirely sure whether he should be impressed or annoyed at the fact that his father got even stronger now, attacking with beam attacks that he only narrowly dodged by ducking behind large pillars. But he refused to back down, refused to give up. He watched his father carefully, memorizing attack patterns and adapting to new ones. It wasn’t the quickest way to fight, but it was a steady and reliable one, and slowly yet surely he wore down on Hades. With one last slash, Zagreus felled the God of the Dead.

“Gah, blast!” Hades cried out, collapsing on the ground. “I... how... Go. Go, then. Go!! Get out of here, get out!” He snarled, looking away from his son.

“I told you that I would, Father. And I’m going to. Goodbye, forever.” Zagreus spoke softly, finally putting his sword away.

“Pah, forever. There is no forever for the things we do, boy. We are forever, you will come back eventually. Forgetting and forgiving each other’s offenses only to commit them again is as much a part of us as felling our own kin. You can not escape this.”

“Perhaps not, but make my words it will be a very, very long time before I ever even consider coming back. Until then, take care of Cerberus for me would you? He was the only one between us you really cared about.” He turned to leave, stopping only at the call of his name.  

“...Wait. Wait before you go, if you find her, if you somehow find her... tell her Cerberus is doing very well.” Hades gasped out, his strength fading.

“I owe you nothing here Father, but I guess I will do this one act of kindness for you. To make up for the kindness you didn’t give me.”

“Don’t you have questions for me, boy? Questions about your mother?”

“I’ll have plenty of time to ask her when, and not if, I find her.”

“I... urgh.... blood and darkness.... I can only hope that you find what you seek.... ngh... There... is..... no.... escape....” Hades collapsed and did not rise again. 

Zagreus watched solemnly as the waters of the River Styx rose up to accept his father’s body, and continued to watch as it slowly sunk away into nothingness.

“Goodbye, Father.”

He only looked up when he felt a ray of warmth hit his face. Raising his head and a hand to shield his eyes from the light, he gasped in wonder as he saw the sun rise. Beaming to himself, he continued to stare with a heart full of hope as it rose higher and higher in the sky.

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No Reconciliation

Summary: Nyx knows she hasn’t been the best mother figure to Zagreus, and she fears it may be too late to start. All she can do now is give him a second chance, if not to mend his relationship with her, then to find a mother who can love him like she never did.

Nyx observed quietly from her corner of the House as Lord Hades berated Zagreus yet again. She always felt a twinge of guilt at merely standing by and letting it happen, she held some authority in the House as its creator after all. But there was a reason why the House didn’t become what it did until Hades came; she was a creator, not an authority. She knew she was making weak excuses at best, trying to convince herself that she couldn’t do anything to help her ward. Her flimsy attempts to persuade herself never worked, and she felt her guilt only well up even further in her heart to see Zagreus storm away to his room after yet another argument with his father. She bit her lip, thinking to herself. Perhaps she could help him after all.

It took a lot of work, more than Nyx anticipated if she was honest, but she finally came in contact with Athena. She was grateful that Athena was one of the more... reasonable members of Lord Hades’s family. Of the members of Olympus, Athena was one of few who appreciated the value of subtlety. Nyx told Athena what she needed to know, the full truth would raise too many questions. Athena knew she wasn’t telling the full truth, but accepted it anyways. Nyx was pleasantly surprised that the Olympians weren’t as scornful of their Cthonic counterparts as she initially thought them to be, and that filled her with a rare sense of hope. Maybe, with their help, Zagreus could finally find a life for himself where he was happy. Finally, they agreed to an arrangement. The gods of Olympus would aid Zagreus in his attempts to escape, and in return he will join them. She didn’t fully know if he would truly go to them, he was nothing if not willful, but Nyx knew he would appreciate the help nonetheless. Now, to bring the news to Zagreus.

After yet another argument with Lord Hades, Nyx stopped Zagreus before he left.

“Excuse me, my child, may I have but a moment of your time?”

Taking a deep breath, Zagreus looked at her with mild confusion. “Of course, Nyx. What do you require of me?”

Inwardly wincing at the formal tone he took with her, she continued on. “Let us discuss more in your chamber, I do not think it wise to speak of such matters here.”

“Of course.” he agreed easily, confusion and apprehension growing within him. Was he in trouble somehow?

“I know you wish to leave this place, the realm in which you were born.” Nyx spoke plainly, shocking Zagreus.

“I- Look, I can explain. It’s only a passing desire, I swear. I’m merely frustrated with Father, is all. I don’t actually mean to leave, I just need space and time away from him, that’s all it is.” Zagreus hurriedly tried to explain. How do she know?!

Nyx smiled thinly at him. “You needn’t lie to me, my child. As the creator of this House, I know all that goes on within it. I know you are serious about this, and I have come to aid you.”

Zagreus could only gape at her. “You- You’re really going to help me?” he asked incredulously. “But you’re going against Father! Are you sure he won’t turn his wrath on you?”

“I thank you for your concern, child, but your lord-father is my equal. He holds no power over me, merely with me. He knows I am the Night itself, one far older than he. Your father is known for his surly moods, but he knows better than to pick fights with powers far greater than he is.”

Nyx couldn’t help but think of a much younger version of Hades as she spoke, of a young godling like Zagreus who wished to find his place. She smiled to herself of the memory of him pointing his spear at her when he first traversed the Underworld, curious to see what his newly acquired domain held yet wary of what lurked there.

Shaking off the memories, she continued. “I have come in contact with your family from your father’s side, the Olympians. The goddess Athena will aid you when you choose to escape, and she will call upon the rest of your kin to aid you as well.”

“I thank you, truly, and I mean no offense when I say this,” Zagreus spluttered, trying to make sense of what he was hearing. “but why are you helping me? I know the gods of Olympus look down upon the Cthonic ones, so why bother to try and contact them?”

Nyx sighed quietly, she knew he would ask this. Yet answering him truthfully would mean facing a reality neither of them liked but both were aware of.

“I know that in my time since I’ve taken you in as my ward, I haven’t been the most... attentive. I’m ashamed to admit that the distance I feel with you reminds me of the relationship I have with my own parent, the primordial Chaos. And like the relation I have with them, I fear there is no way to mend what we have. I offer this to you as a second chance. To find your birth mother, so that she may give you the love that I did not.”

“I see.” Zagreus spoke hesitantly. He didn’t really know what to do about this. He knew she was distant, but to hear her admit it... it filled him with emotions he couldn’t place.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, really I do. And I will make sure this opportunity does not go to waste. I... I don’t know how to repay you for this, Nyx.”

She shook her head. “You needn’t repay me for this, my child. I only wish for you to be happy, and this may be the best way to do it. I wish you good fortune and safe travels when you do decide to leave. Before I leave though, I wish you give you this.”

She offered him a bundled piece of cloth, as dark as the Night and silky to the touch. Zagreus carefully unfolded it, holding it out.

“You’re giving me your shawl?” he breathed incredulously.

“I am. Consider it part of my parting gift to you. It will cloak you in battle, and keep you safe from prying eyes.” She could only hope it would be enough to deliver him out of this realm safely.

“Thank you again, so much for all of this Nyx. I promise that when I leave, I will keep you in my memory.”

She nodded in gratitude. “You honor me, my child. Now, I must return to attend to the House. I bid you farewell.”

After Nyx left, Zagreus inspected the gift she had given him again. Gently thumbing the material of the shawl, he began to wonder what his family on Olympus was like. He grinned to himself. Maybe, for the first time since he first planned to leave, he had a real chance to leave this place after all.

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Collecting Dust

Summary: Time works differently in the Underworld than anywhere else. There is neither night nor day, and all of its inhabitants are either dead or immortal. Thanatos only begins to realize the toll time takes long after Zagreus is gone.

It didn’t sink in right away. The fact that Zagreus was gone. Ever since he left and didn’t look back, a void filled the halls of the House of Hades. Even as the lights of Ixion shone on unwaveringly, it felt dimmer somehow. Everything stayed the same on the surface level of things, but everyone knew the most important things ran deeper than that. Thanatos leaned against the balcony of the west wing, contemplating. He realized that the last words he spoke to the prince weren’t... the nicest. It wasn’t even a proper goodbye. But he figured it was supposed to be like that, an escape attempt would be too obvious if farewells were involved. It didn’t hurt any less, but he knew it to be true. Hopefully that would be enough. His mind drifted to Zagreus’s room, now reflecting on the bygone days of spending time with him there as children. Perhaps it would be nice to visit for old time’s sake. It’s not like anyone was going to use that room anymore.

Passing by Dusa, the custodian, Thanatos paused as she cleared her throat to address him.

“Um, excuse me? You wouldn’t happen to be trying to go into the prince’s chambers, would you?”

“Yes I am. Why, is something the matter with it?”

“Oh no, it’s not that! It’s just... you see, the last request His Highness made to me before he... left was to leave his room as it is. It’s probably very dusty by now. I wish I could properly clean it, but I don’t want to go against his wishes.” Dusa spoke nervously.

“That’s alright, I won’t be there long.” Thanatos assured her.

Surely it would be that bad, right? It’s only been a short time since Zagreus left, does dust pile up that easily? Maybe he should thank Dusa properly for it then, keeping the whole House in order must’ve been harder than it looked. With a nod in her direction as a farewell, he headed off to the other side of the House.

Upon reaching the chamber, Thanatos wasn’t sure if he should be surprised or saddened by what he found. The room was covered in a thick layer of dust, even the mirror that Mother Nyx had gifted Zagreus was more gray than purple now. The neatly made bed, the messy table, the intricately stacked piles of scrolls, the room held a sense of methodical madness that was uniquely Zagreus’s. And now it was all buried in dust. The almost stiflingly still room gave Thanatos a sense of finality as he gingerly sat down on the bed. It was like one of those extravagant crypts mortals would use sometimes, now he was beginning to see why they would use them. To preserve the memory of someone who’s gone. Perhaps it would make sense that the god of death would best understand the rituals mortals made surrounding his domain, but dying didn’t hold much significance to him. It still didn’t, but he felt he understood the mortals a little more now. When someone leaves and you know they won’t return, you wish to keep as much of them with you as possible. Even when their physical form is no longer there. It’s odd that even gods would experience something like this, and Thanatos supposed this was as close to death as an immortal could get. And so, for the first time in the history of creation, surrounded by the memory of a friend long gone, the god of death grieved.

[fresh-file-fresh-start]

Fresh File AU!Zagreus

(and what changes about him)

• Zagreus is a lot more reserved than his canon counterpart, he’s a lot more careful and deliberate about his actions

• The normally talkative and friendly version of him is reserved for people how considers close to him... which isn’t a lot of people

• He purposefully maintains the image of a spoiled and lazy prince so people are more likely to underestimate him

• In reality, he’s a very hardworking person who’s very smart and quick on his feet

• Zagreus spends a lot of time planning his escape, so he keeps his room messy to hide his plans in plain sight and to add to the ‘lazy and unmotivated’ image he has

• He’s still kind to the people he encounters, but it’s more of an act of common decency than anything else

• He’s cordial and friendly but on a very surface level with most of the people he interacts with

• The only one he truly misses after he leaves is Cerberus; the very last time he sees the dog, he gives Cerberus the biggest hug he can before leaving

[fresh-file-fresh-start]

Hypotheticals

Summary: Zagreus wonders if he really has a chance to escape. The answer he gets is as disappointing as he expected.

On a rare day when Zagreus sees Thanatos at his balcony, he comes over for a chat. It’s not often he got to see either of his friends, with how busy they were and all and he wouldn’t pass up a chance to talk to one of them. (And he wonders, distantly, if they really were his friends anymore. Friendships didn’t have to break through fights and anger after all, they could fade and dissipate like anything else.)

“Hey Than.” Zagreus greeted, ambling up to the familiar balcony that became known as Thanatos’s little corner of the House.

“Zagreus.” he greeted. “A pleasant surprise. I’m taking a short break as of right now, but I guess it’s not bad that I get to see a familiar face around here.”

“You’re always working so hard, Than. You should take a break more often. Burnout is very real after all.”

Zagreus casually leaned against the balcony, his nonchalant demeanor belied his careful gaze. Should he ask Than..? Out of everyone here, he knew the most about the surface. Maybe he had a chance...

Thanatos scoffed lightly. “As if you would know about overworking. But, I guess your words hold merit. If I constantly push myself too hard then I won’t be able to work properly.”

Zagreus knew that Thanatos meant well, but his words still felt like a backhanded compliment. He was aware that he maintained a certain... image. One that was very different from how he truly was. And he knew that keeping up such an illusion would help him in the long run. Yet the feeling of knowing that the people around him will never know him as he truly was still stung. Zagreus knew what burnout felt like, he had experienced it himself. He was far more careful about avoiding it nowadays, he knew his limits. But the effects of burnout and a seemingly peculiar avoidance of extremely hard labor only made people scorn him more for his supposed laziness. He wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but the resentment he held wasn’t exclusive to his father. Of course, he held the most scorn for his father, but he wasn’t blind enough to think that he didn’t resent some of the others a little either.

Forcing out a chuckle to cover his feelings, he turned to Thanatos. “Wow Than, that’s a little harsh. But I guess you’re right about that. What would I know of working hard?”

An awkward silence fell between them, causing Zagreus to internally wince. Perhaps he didn’t hide his feelings as well he could’ve.

Clearing his throat, he turned to Thanatos. “...Hey Than?” he asked softly.

“What is it Zagreus, I need to get back soon.”

“It won’t take long, I promise, but I had a question.” He took a deep breath. “Do... Do you think it’s possible to escape from the Underworld?”

Thanatos lightly scoffed. “It’s hopeless to try and escape this place. With the literal armies of the dead your father commands, the ever shifting chambers of the entire Underworld, and even Cerberus himself, there’s no way anyone would escape. Your father always said there was no escape from this place, and he’s right.”

“...I see. Thank you, Thanatos.”

“Of course Zag, I’ll be seeing you around.”

“Yeah, see you later.”

With a brisk nod, Thanatos left to return to his duties, oblivious or perhaps intentionally ignorant of the turmoil that Zagreus experienced. Leaning more heavily against the balcony, he stared down at the river Styx as it rushed past him. He knew that Thanatos would say that, he himself had believed that there wasn’t any escape once. And yet, the words still stung, no matter how prepared he was for it. He rose from his spot at the balcony, heading towards the courtyard to brush up on his swordsmanship again. He knew that what people thought of him and of this place didn’t matter to him, once he left they wouldn’t again. But for pride’s sake, and pride alone, he would prove them all wrong.

[fresh-file-fresh-start]

Training with Ghosts

Summary: It’s hard to gauge your own growth when no one else is around to mark your progress.

Zagreus grunted as he twirled his sword in his hand and lunged at the air, envisioning some sort of enemy there. Twisting and dodging, he swiped at an opponent only he could see. Finally stopping, he put his sword away and rolled his shoulders.

“Phew, I think I’m getting better at this! I think? I haven’t had anyone to really spar with in a long time...” He mused to himself.

Even in the days of his youth, his mentor, Achilles, wasn’t really the type to give feedback outside of lessons. And now that his lessons were completed and Achilles was given guard duty in the west hall of the House, Zagreus saw even less of the fair haired man than ever. Not that he’d want to, truth be told. Achilles always seemed to look through him and not at him, gazing at a nonexistent horizon. He knew... enough about his mentor, how he’d died and all. Zagreus didn’t fully understand mortals, but even by mortal standards Achilles seemed oddly attached to something as a shade. It didn’t matter. With enough preparations, he wouldn’t have to see his unnervingly distant mentor or the rest of the House again. Humming to himself, he contemplated for a bit. Maybe, if he really was serious about leaving, he could get in a little more sword practice. The more prepared he was to leave, the better. Grabbing his sword once again, he prepared to battle against ghostly foes yet again.

[fresh-file-fresh-start]

i do want to show you something

Sky you are brilliant, amazing, a show stopper, an absolute genius-

Anyways thank you for the content, love your work and your efforts to fuel this au. You’re doing great!

[fresh-file-fresh-start]

Masterpost! (As of 2/25/21)

Main Posts

• Introduction

• Training with Ghosts

• Hypotheticals

• Collecting Dust

• No Reconciliation

• In Twilight’s Glow

Au Related Posts

• Some fanart!

• Character changes + some headcanons about Zagreus

[fresh-file-fresh-start]

Introduction

Welcome to my Hades au! The name of this au is called Fresh File, and here’s the basic premise for it:

Zagreus’s life in the House of Hades is a lot different than it is in canon, all the people he have connections with are far more distant to him than they were in the game. Because of this, his escape plan starts many years earlier and it’s only finalized by the start of the game’s canon. Zagreus escapes the Underworld on his very first attempt, leaving behind his old life in the hopes that the new one he finds will be better.

Additional note: Zagreus is no longer bound to the Underwrold here, he now has the ability to stay on the surface for as long as he wants to.