#anyway (SPOILERS CONTINUE) Thanatos was just like

[cleromancy]

i think the funniest thing to me about hades game so far is zags like. total lack of understanding of the concept of punishment. i think nobody ever bothered to explain the concept of hubris to him and now its too late and zagreus, who is tied for stubbornnest god in all of hell, really thinks they should all just cut the mortals some slack

[bscully]

Why Zagreus is such a good character

*Obligatory Hades spoiler ahead* Zagreus is so so so interesting from a meta perspective. While his design certainly went into the "attractive bad boy" direction, he is not your usual hyper-masculine protagonist.

Definitely not!

It starts off with his physique, which is not that of a tall, beefy body builder, but more of an ancient greek athlete. He is also shorter than most other Gods, of average size by mortal standards, and doesn’t take kindly to people making fun of his height. I find that a fascinating character design choice to make. From there, let's continue with his character.

His temperament is sanguine; he is a ray of sunshine and loves to share all the warmth that rests in his heart. Which is a fascinating trait to have as Prince of the Underworld, who is veiled in Darkness by Mother Night, Nyx, herself. The following Berserk quote comes to mind: "He who bears light exists in the deepest shadow".

(There is a big conceptual overlap between Hades and Berserk, but I’ll just leave it at that for this post)

Zagreus is a sociable, extroverted type who values family and bonds over everything, is respectful, polite, charming. From someone like him, genuine kindness and honesty are a guarantee. Together with his capacity to empathize, it allows him to form meaningful relationships. His noble spirit and attitude are befitting of a prince. He does not mind stepping out of his comfort zone and challenge himself, either.

When you first beat Hades, he asks Zagreus to tell Persephone that Cerberus is doing well. Zagreus instead demanded an answer for a question in exchange of telling her. However, this question was left unanswered as Hades was taken by the Styx before he could reply. Later on, because Zagreus is a good-natured person and knows his priorities, picking his mother’s needs over the grudge he could hold against his father, he tells Persephone anyways.

There are moments in the game where he is sensitive, observant and catches up on social cues very quickly. He listens to others and apologizes to them when he feels like he may have overstepped a boundary, such was the case when Thanatos berated him for allowing Orpheus visiting his muse Eurodyce and meddled into their affairs without their consent.

Sometimes he appears to have troubles expressing what he feels, or is perhaps insecure or anxious to express it (particularly when interacting with Meg, who is rather intimidating). But despite his hesitations and fears I think he is still doing a good job at it.

Judging from a brief conversation with Alecto, he appears to know how to form healthy habits and deal with difficult situations in a productive, nurturing manner (the fact that 1. Alecto doesn’t take kindly to his attempts at getting along and 2. Zag doesn’t like her for it, is kinda funny to me). He is capable to mediate and settle conflicts between people, this is literally one of the game's primary goals.

Judging by what happened between him and Megaera, it appears he also wasn't always this mature and went a long way learning from his mistakes. His sometimes boastful confidence and his running mouth probably were one of them. Regardless, I'm deeply impressed with Zagreus' emotional intelligence and maturity.

Considering how so many other protagonists typically are characterized, this such an unusual way to write a male one, and as such he really stands out.

I believe it is absolutely necessary that protagonists like him exist and we honestly do need more like him: as these shine a different light on nurturing masculinity and what it can be.

Zagreus is not less of a man because of the radiant and kind person he is. Quite the opposite so, I personally find him extremely attractive (he’s doing things to me oml). He is just being himself: unfiltered, optimistic, with a good sense of humor. He is not even trying to fulfill any gender roles in any shape or form, simply embracing the bonds he has for what they are, living the moment. He does whatever it takes to make the world around him a better place and make the people around him happier. And he started doing that once he stopped running away from his problems.

This reassurance is something boys and men (including those who identify as such) urgently need nowadays.

PS: I’m still not over the fact he canonically likes plushies, the lil dork

[ladygreek]

OKAY.. I HAVE SOME THOUGHTS

Blood of Zeus season 2

Spoilers below, proceed with caution!

First of all.. Hades and Persephone are absolutely everything. I adore them as characters and as a couple. Their loyalty to each other was beautiful and their willingness to do anything, no matter how horrible to reunite their family had me crying.

I adore the way they met, how he kept himself hidden because he didn't think she'd want to see him. Hades saving Persephone from Ares but completely able to hold her own with her own powers. *chefs kiss*

WHEN TWO SOULS ARE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER NOTHING CAN KEEP THEM APART.

And I'm sorry, that tree Persephone made of the two of them? I fucking cried like baby. And the way you could see Hades' heart break when it got destroyed KILLED ME.

Rip my heart out why don'tcha. Also, baby Zagreus and Melinoe? Love.

Hera getting a redemption arch was fantastic. I loved her in season one but her anger was misplaced for the most part so it was nice to see her make a come back.

Ares.. oh Ares. I know some people aren't going to like his portrayal but I actually liked it. Not all of Zeus' children are going to be decent and someone had to be a "bad guy" and frankly I'm just glad it wasn't Apollo for once.

Speaking of Apollo, him not accepting that discus because that's how Hyacinth died? My poor baby.

I'm really glad we got some Athena and a bit more Artemis this season. Hestia was great, I absolutely loved her. Hecate (I'm guessing that was her) and seeing Thanatos was also a welcome suprise.

Demeter's portrayal had me conflicted. Lying that your daughter was abducted because you didn't like her sutor is crazy and manipulative, especially letting it continue as the two of them had a family. I also understand that she wants power and control but blackmailing her daughters husband to do so was not the best choice.

Seraphim.. my sweet sweet Seraphim. My heart broke for this man. Introducing a love interest that died "because of him" was gut wrenching, hasn't he suffered enough? I feel like he really redeemed himself and was trying to do right by the one last person he could do right by.

Heron.. okay, so I'm probably not gonna get a lot of love for this BUT I didn't really like his character in season one and I still don't really like him now. He's okay I guess, there's just something about him that doesn't do it for me. I also don't think he's fit to be the next ruler of the heavens. Maybe my opinion will change if we get another season.

Did I mention how much I loved Hades and Persephone?

I read somewhere that the creators of the show have 5 seasons planned out. I'm really hoping we at least get one more because that cliff hanger was UNFAIR.

I hear this season is getting some hate on Twitter and I don't really know why. Overall I enjoyed it much more than season one. I'm definitely biased though considering Hades is my favorite Greek god and Hades and Persephone are my favorite couple.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. Now to get my boyfriend to watch it with me. And then watch it 6477858585 more times.

[garuda4321]

Another Luminous post! This time, not story. Entirely solo dives and wonderings I now have. And I have discovered more tablets (and figured out how those blasted circles work!) so, just like last time, there are probably (undoubtedly) spoilers ahead.

Alright. So in some of the promo material, we were shown structures and ruins and icebergs and caves and all that. And having played more, I can confirm a lot more legendaries made it to Luminous than I had anticipated (still no Maga Tapa sadly, maybe he’ll be a UML? Doubtful but hey, I just wanna see him again outside of Manoa Lao).

Now, regarding biomes. I will admit, each square on the map seems to be a different tile set. This does provide variety but at some point you see some of them and no what is in it and where it all is. I don’t mind this personally, treasure isn’t always the same. Tablets… those seems to be the same and can be repeated in the same map, so that’s less fun. I’ll get to those in a bit though. Continuing on with these tiles, they are usually not the same ones touching one another. Sometimes they’re a single tile such as the “there is literally nothing but sand” one. Sometimes they’re a 2x2 segment (micro atoll, some rocky canyons, some kelp forests, and more). However, from the maps I’ve seen, there is usually one specific 5x5 area that is an entire biome. These are the ones I REALLY want to talk about as the 2x2 and 1x1 can be called most of the “normal” sea.

Frozen Sea. As you might guess, this is an iceberg area. Now you can simply travel under it and, yeah, there’s some stuff under it, crabs and small fish, but most stuff is either around it (dolphins and narwhals), but most is IN it. Dolphins, Greenland Sharks, Silverfish, Orcas, and more. There is even an ice cave inside this cave. Now, finding the entrance/exit… can take a while. I will admit I passed it twice before I found it. Overall a rather enjoyable segment.

Freshwater Caves. Another one where you do need to know where the entrance is. I’d say it’s an expansive network of caves except it isn’t. It’s more like the iceberg. You have an entrance, it dumps you into a larger interior, and there is a smaller cave inside. However, this biome is where you will find your catfish and other freshwater fish. So, all else being equal, it’s about the same as the frozen sea, just a slightly different tile set and species list. Still an enjoyable area though.

The Abyss. Haaa… I don’t like the abyss. Not because it’s a bad biome! I just don’t like being that deep with those creatures. Especially Praya Dubia… *shudder*. Anyways, ignoring that… THING… it’s a very diverse biome surprisingly for being at a depth of 180 meters. From the itsy bitsy critters (there are some TINY ones down there) all the way up to… THAT… there’s a bit for everyone here! Potentially even a Thanatos (I swear, had a dive site with 3 of him… so Threenatos?). This is a good moment for me to explain circles as this is where I figured them out. The circles are all the same, brown and interactable. They all tell you to return with a creature. In this specific case, it was to find the white insect that lived on the floor. A giant isopod. Simply find what is requested (giant isopod), hope you have the capacity for it, and then have the creature follow you to the circle and you’re done! Mystery solved! Future circles with the same thing will tell you that it’s already been done and what mystery it was. But yes, the abyss. Deep, dark, some creatures I don’t like and others I do, overall a very well done biome.

Last biome I’ve discovered (also possibly the last unique biome, can’t quite say yet). Ruins. The game calls it the Ancient Sea, and I understand why, but the ruins are just as important (more on that next with the tablets). Now, these ruins are likely old (as in at least ten thousand years). Now, the creatures we can discover here… that’s also the case. Definitely old. As in there are creatures that date back to the Devonian Period. (To save you the trouble, Devonian ended 359 million years ago and began 416 million years ago) Needless to say, there’s a lot of dinosaurs in this area! Plesiosaurs, Coelacanths, Nautiloids, and a LOT more. As someone that was once very knowledgeable with dinosaurs and such, WOW did I explore the daylights out of that place. The giant tower/lighthouse, the collapsed buildings, the stone boxes, all of it. This is my FAVORITE biome (yes it’s because it’s an ancient civilization inhabited by dinosaurs).

Time for the tablets! Now, I’ve discovered some of the tablets, definitely not all of them. There were a people before the Oannes (see previous Luminous post) called the Apkallu that created a massive lighthouse (think Tower of Babel height, the thing is and was massive). Now, there are other tablets about some God(?) named Ea. Ea created(?) everything(?) and then sent seven sages. I think I’m missing a tablet around here personally because the next logical one is that one of those seven left(?) or was unhappy(?). However, before the Apkallu became the Oannes, they left behind a “two pronged key”. Quick salvage note, the anchor coin is described as a two prong, so chances are this key was an anchor. Ridiculous, but not Okeanos protecting the Pacifica Treasure ridiculous (seriously, the only way to reach it is by swimming meaning it had to flood so you could reach it). Continuing, apparently the “foolish kings” saw the two pronged key as useless and salvage. Then the tower fell into the ocean because the Oannes were unable to control the power(??). As stated, I’m definitely missing some tablets and pages of this story. But it is intriguing! And it is reminiscent of the Okeanides, which is no surprise considering the amount of callbacks to Blue World (a model of Jean Eric’s boat, a birthday note to Oceanne, Daniel essentially being another GG, all the returning Blue World Legendaries).

Now with all that being said and done, there are still things I’m wondering about. Specifically the Dragon’s Eyes (salvage). Allegedly the rumor is that these are made from an actual dragon’s eye and that when you look at it it feels as if it’s looking back at you. I have three. How many eyes does this dragon have? How many dragons are there? Are they the singing dragon’s eyes? And why did this dragon have so much stuff? Statues, rings, even a coin!

Another one I wonder about, the philosopher’s stone. I’ve found two of them. How many did Nicholas Flamel create and why did they decide throwing them in the ocean was the best call in the long run? Did Dumbledore just request some student to take the stone and toss it into the ocean or something?

Alright, that’s the end of my ramblings. Gonna be fairly quiet next week (Destiny fans, don’t worry, I’ll still tell you the nightfall, raid, and dungeon) but expect to see more stuff after that! (Maybe I’ll remember to start taking pictures when I dive so I can actually show what I mean instead of a wall of text). And yes, there will be a lengthy post on UMLs (there seem to be quite a few of them), the completed tablets and circles, and the rest of the story.

[derekscorner]

The Universe

Spoiler warning for anyone who hasn’t played any version of Persona 3. With the remake announced I’m sure there’s more than one of you intrigued but new to the story.

I’m about to ramble about the finale of the story so be warned~

The Universe & The End

This post was initially about me hoping they don’t change the protagonists final arcana. Yes, I know that’s a silly worry but it was late and I had spent twenty minutes doing the best I could to make up slots for @personabingo​ ‘s card generator.

I had meant to add ‘The Universe’ to that card but I honestly doubt they’d alter such a crucial plot point. That said, I’ve got Persona 3 on the brain and OST in my ear so I’ll ramble anyway.

Not from a worry of story change but solely for how important this story moment is. The MC of Persona 3 is the first and the only protagonist (either the male or female) to obtain the Universe.

For those who’ve only played 4 & 5 with only hearing of 3 may be confused as to why. What is so special about ‘The Universe’ compared to ‘The World’.

Different Ends & Differing Messages

The two key differences of the world and universe arcana isn’t just the power granted but the theme of gaining it. The World is presented to the protagonists of Persona 4 and 5 at the end of their journeys.

They began with the arcana of the Fool and through their connections and experiences they found their place in the world. The world arcana itself represents the end of this journey through life. The leads of 4 & 5 know who they are, what theyre about, and what they have to do to set things right.

Thus their bonds transform into The World and their ultimate persona arises from that card to stop the threat. This journey is possibly felt stronger from Yu Narukami (P4) over 5 (Joker) thanks to it’s themes of lies and seeking the truth of the world I think but that’s a separate tangent.

“How is this relevant?”

Simple, The World arcana is the end of your journey but the leads of P4 & P5 as well as their teams have found their place in the world. Their lives will continue, they’re a part of the world. All doubt and conflict is resolved.

‘The Universe’ by comparison isn’t just granted from finding one’s place in the world. The Persona 3 protagonist went beyond that, they found the answer to life.

What they understand is a question that everyone asks but no one gets their answer. It’s a universal constant, a rule, a cornerstone.

Life & Death

Persona 3′s whole theme is death. The finality of it, the importance of ones journey towards it, and the answer you gain once you reach it’s end.

Everything about the P3′s leads life is marked by death. The experiments of the Kirijo Group, the aspect of Nyx’s Avatar that was sealed within the protagonist as a child, the awakening of their persona (Orpheus) and the persona Thanatos, their ill fated trip through Tartarus...

So many things happen in P3 that results in a death or is related to a previous death. The way it pains and moves the characters- hell, the whole loner vibe of the lead (at first) is due to them having no one left.

That’s where their journey takes on a tragic meaning. Every social link, every member of SEES, isn’t just you fulfilling game sh*t it’s the lead forming bonds again. They’re living life and finding deeper attachment to it.

The game even eludes to the protagonists infinite potential as being caused by them housing an aspect of death (Nyx’s Avatar) within them for a decade. In this regard the protagonist even contrasts Nyx.

While one is answering the call of humanity for death the MC is fighting for life. In a sense, the world (perhaps causality/fate) shaped the only possible being that could resist Nyx.

But that kind of miracle comes at a cost.

“To live is to die; they are one in the same..."

Again, you likely ask how any of this drivel is relevant. It is because what I’m trying to convey is that the protagonist of Persona 3 didn’t just find their place in life. Through their bonds and journey they became a facet of life itself...but only in death.

Not once does P3 refute the actual event of death. Cast may cry and moan the pain it causes but they ultimately do understand that it is unavoidable. That’s what makes the final climb up Tartarus so melancholic.

Even if they will die they try anyway because that’s what living is. When faced with Nyx itself and their lives about the end the lead feels the honest emotions and thoughts of everyone they’ve met and helped.

In those final moments what the lead hears isn’t just SEES support but the support of everyone and the words being sent aren’t a final breakdown over the end but their genuine desire to live and help them.

The lead had already found their place in the world and it was time to go beyond that. In that moment they come to their answer and Igor presents them with ‘The Universe’.

The Miracle

On the offset you could interrupt and say “P4 and 5 also end with that power of friendship moment!” and you’d be right to an extent. The outcome is what differs these moments of triumph.

With ‘The Universe’ the protagonist of P3 ascends alone and with their newfound power that even Igor considered limitless the lead performs the great seal and stops Nyx’s descent.

This victory wasn’t as simple as stopping a shadow/deity that humanity created subconsciously. You can’t just stop death itself. The MC understands this and that’s what makes it tragic.

Nyx will always be there, death will always be there, they are a facet of the universe and in order to save everyone the protagonist has to become the same.

This also ties into why I consider the story of ‘The Answer’ so crucial to the P3 experience. Death is immutable and even with ‘The Universe’ the only thing that could be done was to seal Nyx away from Humanities cries for death.

People may make “door-kun” jokes but that door is a part of reality. A soul with limitless power doing the only thing it can to prevent a premature end.

The saddest part is that the protagonists soul will always be there. The SEES can only take solace in their leaders sacrifice and try to live fulfilling lives. They can only hope that humanity has a turn around so that the seal is no longer needed one day.

But even then death is immutable. There’s no body for the MC to return to, even in peace they can only hope that his soul will know rest one day.

Conclusion

In the end I have no deeper meaning to say, I’m not trying to praise how busted the universe arcana is, what I wanted to get off my chest is just how deep it is. The whole theme of death for P3 is tragic and inspiring to me.

And for the few out there that actually argue who’s strongest among Persona characters I hope you set that aside. Sure, ‘The Universe’ can do many things but it’s a power that costed the lead their life.

What matters to me is the theme of it. Those who have the world have found themselves in the world but for the lead who found the universe they went beyond that to safeguard life. They found the answer to life and that is just infinitely more beautiful.

bye now~

[descendantofthesparrow]

Before Rewrite - Hades

*Spoilers for D3 rewrite~!!!! takes place from when Hades gets to the isle to the scene where Mal takes the ember from Hades!*

=

Hades cursed the rulers of Auradon every hour of every day for putting him on this wretched isle of filth and trash. He was a god! The god of the undead, the underworld! He was a crucial player in the mortal's circle of life; without him, there would be no place for souls to go, Thanatos would harvest them but with no one to claim them; they would wander around the lands forever.

He could already sense the disturbed souls, miserably watching their families walk by, or through them. All alone with no one to turn to and nowhere to go.

He had only been here for two weeks and he was already sick of it; he may have never liked it but his job was important and he needed to get back to work

-

Two weeks and four days…that's all it took for the gods to replace him. He didn’t know who it was but they seemed to know what they were doing, claiming souls so fast Hades could hardly sense when one had left the mortal world to live in the underworld.

Hades perked up at the sound of crying

Oh, Hadie.

He turned on his heel and speed over to the makeshift crib of his son, rubbing the top of his fuzzy blue hair and picking him up; gently rocking him as Hadie continued to cry, Hades didn’t know from what but he would try to find out.

-

Like the little god he was, Hadie unexpectedly thrived on the barren isle of the lost; with what little food he got and with little sun, Hadie grew quickly and strong. At four years old he was already growing into his namesake; though Hades couldn’t ever resist being a dad over his little gap tooth in the middle of his teeth.

Hades just wished Persephone could see Hadie grow, and Hades wished he could see his little flower, Melinoe, grow into the headstrong warrior she was meant to be.

-

Whaaaaaaaat the fuck did he do….what in the actual fuck did he DO?!

He had stupidly gotten black out drunk at Gaston’s bar and somehow ended up with Maleficent! Of all people on the isle?! No-not out of all people, just with someone in general!?

He had prided himself in being the most loyal husband of his brothers, Zeus who had slept with a woman every time Hera blinked, and Poseidon; who wasn’t any better.

Hades had always been loyal and true to his wife…well there were those two times BUT compared to his brothers; he was loyal.

AND NOW HE HAD TO GO AND FUCK UP THAT STREAK; over 1000 years, 1000 years! And some bad whiskey had to ruin it.

He left that bed without a word, rushing home to his 4-year-old son who luckily hadn’t woken up yet from his sleep; and Hades swore if nothing came from that mistake, Hadie would never know about it.

-

Welp…that was something that came from the mistake. 11 months after the incident with Maleficent-

-There, right in front of his gates to his underground lair; was a little baby girl, halfheartedly swaddled in a green blanket and set at his gate, a little note taped to the front.

‘your problem now -M’

Hades leaned out of the gates, looking around for any goblins or any sign of the mistress of evil herself. But there was nothing. Hades sighed and crouched down, gently picking up the baby girl and holding him to his chest, her cries quieting as her cheek pressed against the fabric of his shirt.

She opened her eyes, vivid green with sparks of gold and yellow. She laughed, reaching up to his hair with a gummy smile. Hades sighed again and turned on his heel, closing the gate with his foot.

At least he got another chance at raising his daughter, and he would do his best to do as he would’ve with Melinoe.

-

Hadie had asked a billion questions when Hades placed the new baby in Hades old crib, leaning over and peering down at his little sister. Hades had explained it the best way he knew how to a child; but Hadie miraculously understood, didn’t blame him. All he did was reach down towards his sister and grin as the baby took his finger.

“I like her! Are we keeping her?” Hadie had asked, his gap tooth making his little grin seem even bigger.

“she's not a dog Hadie, but yes that’s the plan. I don’t think her mother’s coming back.” Hades rubbed Hadie’s fluffy blue hair and then reached out to rub his daughter's bluish-purple hair gently, her two-month-old hair curling around his fingers.

“What's her name?” Hadie continued to babble off questions, his yellow eyes staring directly into his sister's emerald eyes.

Hades thought for a moment, pursing his lips as he looked at the note and turned it over. Nothing other than Maleficent's writing and initial. Either the fae hadn’t given the baby a name or didn’t care enough to tell him.

“Morana“ the pagan Slavic goddess of winter and death; he had met or once or twice, not enough to know her but the name matched the baby girl before him well enough. (in this world, gods of all religions/beliefs exist in the same universe, they usually keep to themselves and rarely interact.)

Hadie repeated the name, pulling his finger around with Morana still holding onto him. “I like it!”

-

Three months later, Maleficent returned and took Morana from him; not even letting him give her a damn thing to remember him by. “I need an heir, that evil queens been bragging about her little rat and I won't let her get the upper hand with it” Hadie watched from behind Hades legs as the fae walked away with his little sister, her blue-purple hair stark against the black of Maleficent's sleeves.

Morana cried the entire time, reaching out for her father with tears streaming from her sparking yellow-green eyes, her face red with the flurry of confusing emotions she was feeling.

Hades took a step forward, going to take his daughter back but was stopped by Maleficent's goons, all glaring at him.

He was outmatched.

He stepped back, glaring at Maleficent's back as she took back their daughter she had abandoned so heartlessly three months ago.

-

Mal. That was her name now. He had heard many talk about the newly revealed daughter of evil; the daughter of Maleficent. Mal.

Hades clicked his jaw at the thought of her name, Maleficent had been shellfish and named her own daughter right after her; Hades would bet his stash of chocolate that Mal’s full name was just Maleficent.

At least Hades had been original.

-

Throughout the next couple of years, as Mora-Mal. Grew up, Hades kept out an eye on her; just out of sight from her and just barely stepping in if any of the older people of the isle, who had…less than ideal moral compasses, got any ideas about his daughter.

A few times he tried to go up to her, but each time she saw him she either ran away in fear, or stared him down with no spark of familiar want or recognition.

So he kept away, respecting her non-verbal wishes and leaving Mal to herself.

It didn’t stop him from trying to keep her safe. He left her food on the nights Maleficent or her goons forgot, never charged her when she came into his restaurant, was never harsh with her. Some of the other villains got curious at his gentleness with Mal but quickly shut up with a spark of red in his eyes. He might’ve lost his magic but he was still a god.

-

Hades watched from the shadows as Mal and her three ‘friends’ climbed into the limo, the son of Hook and son of Gaston climbing in alongside them. Mal looked up at Maleficent, who did an odd gesture and Mal nodded, sliding in and closing the limo door behind her.

He followed the limo all the way to the bridge, watching his daughter leave the isle for the first time and go to Auradon. If she didn’t end up burning it down; he hoped she would have a good life away from her mother.

-

Over three years later, his son was chosen to go the Auradon by his sister, and Hades watched melancholy as Hadie packed his things; fiddling with the dull ember between his fingers. Hadie hefted his bag over his shoulder and grabbed his duffle bag, nodding at his dad; who stood and walked over to his son “stay safe” Hades muttered, pulling Hadie in for a side hug, his hand resting on the back of Hadie’s head. “say hi to your mother and sister for me?” Hadie nodded against him, using his free arm to squeeze Hades back, and turned on his heel, walking out of the mines.

-

Only an hour later Hades stood at the bridge plaza, ember in hand; pointing it at his daughter, who cried out in pain against the embers draining powers. He pulled back as much as he could, he needed to get out; he just couldn't do it anymore, the isle was hell and he needed to leave.

Mal screamed in pain again and Hades faltered, remembering her cries for him when Maleficent took her oh so long ago. But the girl besides Hook took his falter and rushed at him, slamming him back behind the barrier and walking back through it a moment later.

Hades growled to himself, he had failed his attempted escape and hurt his kid. He stood and walked away from the plaza, planning to stay in his lair for the rest of the week in shame.

-

It was just the next day when he saw his kids again, Hadie and Celia standing in front of him; giving the excuse of a forgotten bass and some delivered goods. But Mal wasn’t as quiet as she should've been, he grabbed her hand just as she grabbed the ember and pulled it from her grip, staring her down behind his sunglasses.

She meekly asked for the ember multiple times, and on the third time, he raised his brow, holding up the ember in the air as he looked down at his daughter “You’re only half Hades, the ember won't do everything for you that it does for me” Mal huffed and gestured to Hadie.

“Hadie’s gonna be the one to use it anyway, I just wanted-to…” Mal looked up at him wide-eyed and shocked, and Hades had a startling realization that Mal might have not known about him at all.

After a few minutes of Mal screeching about her mother’s lies and her not being able to understand how ‘she’ happened, she demanded the ember once more “if you wanna make up for being a lousy dad” ouch that stung, he didn’t mean to be one; he just was forced into that position “gimme the ember”

Hades gave Mal the ember and watched her walk out, sighing sadly as he realized he could’ve been there for Mal a long time ago if not for his stupid assumption. He warned her about the ember getting wet and she just pushed past him, Hadie sharing one last glance with him before following after her.

Hades sighed, collapsing back in his minecart turned chair and leaning his head back. So much for respecting her wishes as a child, she hadn’t even known he existed as her dad.

-end-

people who i want to read this cuz ahhhh ya know? 

@disneyfan50​

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[c-is-for-circinate]

More Hades thoughts:

Chaos just told me, "This space grows more interesting when you occupy a small amount of it." Chaos is, without doubt or exception, my favorite family member. They are so completely different and removed from everything and they still love us. In their own primordeal strange way that does not experience love in any mortal sense and yet still experiences emotions of good and yes and approval when Zagreus is near, when they can see what we're doing, when we come by to talk. I put their aspect on my shield. They are my stepmom's parent and that makes them my grandparent, sorry, no take-backs, you used to play hide-and-go-seek with Nyx when the universe was little, and you told me about it, and now I love you forever, kthxbye.

I continue to love the family relationships in this game entirely. We have seen more and more cracks between the Olympians, where they don't entirely like or trust each other even as they put on big smiles and talk about being a Big Happy Family Up Here, Come On Zag, What's Taking You So Long, Why Would Hades Ever Want To Leave This? (The dialogue for Zeus and Aphrodite's duo boon makes me cringe, it's perfect and also perfectly awful). The game does such a good job of being subtle about highlighting some of the issues within this family. Athena is the Reasonable One, who talks about how Nyx seems sensible in the same breath that she mentions how the Olympians don't have much to do with cthonic gods, of course, and also that underworld is simply wretched, let's get you up here where you belong--and okay, the underworld is wretched for Zagreus, but also, hey, I just put down new rugs and installed an oven in the lounge kitchen, it's not that bad, and not only has Nyx been endlessly kind to me, you are currently under the impression that she's my mother, so maybe don't give me that "you won't be judged for your parentage up here on Olympus" like she's something to be ashamed of, ok?

Speaking of relationships, I've finally met Thanatos, and, welp. First of all, he is great (his accessory gives me more attack if I don't take damage in a room! He doesn't want Zagreus to get hurt!!!). He is terse and full of Emotions that he pretends not to be experiencing. He is also, based on the way he said "you didn't even say goodbye" the first time I ran into him, very clearly Zagreus's actual, current boyfriend (unlike Meg who is very clearly his ex), who we didn't actually technically break up with before we started trying to escape Hades and get up to the surface, so that's Extremely Awkward. (Achilles called him our "closest friend". Why not just call him our "dear companion", Achilles, come on, and also yes I am still keeping an eye out for your boy, he's got to be in Elysium somewhere do I need to nectar you up to get you to spill details come on.) Like, you could make a case for platonic affection with a vast unplumbed reservoir of UST, I guess, but that is not the most obvious interpretation. (Also awkward: given the timing of everything, Zagreus probably last saw Than before the Persephone-discovery, which means that if they were in fact dating, then, welp. Congrats, Zag, you are definitely a Greek god. Thanatos and Hypnos's dad is canonically Nyx's brother in the first place, it's probably fine. Do love that dialogue line they decided they had to put in about 'I should've known you couldn't be my mother, Thanatos and Hypnos couldn't possibly be my brothers', though. Got to be very delicate about admitting to such things when you're making a game about Greek mythology.) Anyway love the dynamics of Meg who loves but also feels owned by her job enough that she has to try and stop us, vs Thanatos who pretends he's not helping us while absolutely helping us, vs Nyx who knows so much more than she's telling anybody but has an agenda here that we can only be glad is probably for our benefit. (Fun fact, in the Aeneid, the three Furies were the children of Nox and Pluto, aka Roman Nyx and Hades, so like, there's that, too.)

You know, running the same gauntlet of enemies again and again should get boring, and at points it does, a little, but there's something almost meditative about the pattern of it. And I think the really rewarding thing might be that as Zagreus gets stronger, I do too. I might do a little more backstab damage and have a lot more hit points than I did when I started, but none of that matters if I can't position myself to do the backstabbing. I think I may have figured out how to take out the giant purple crystal miniboss without absolute misery and spending fifty hit points on it, and that's not just Zag's build getting better, that's me as a player. Hell yeah.

It's increasingly clear how this game intends to keep going even after I reach the surface, which I am almost going to manage to do. (Yes, it's going to take me ninety runs. Whatever.) Because, look, it says right in the codex: "The darkness, having taken root within, connects the bearer to the Underworld and makes them inseparable." Unless I strip every point of Darkness out and make a full run with zero buffs--which, spoiler alert, is NEVER going to happen--Zagreus is gong to be four thousand points into the darkness by the time I get up to the surface no matter how many times I try. It's not the pomegranates, it's the dark of he underworld itself, and whether we are going to be the Persephone of this myth or simply take her place so she doesn't have to descend again and again each year, we will never get to stay on the surface for long. We can visit, maybe, if we're willing to battle our way back out past every enemy and exit each time we go. But we're not going to live on Olympus, and we're not going to move in with our mom in her little cottage by the sea. Not right away. Maybe not ever. Even though the Fates have prophesied that we'll escape--the reward for fulfilling that one is so much more Darkness. We will leave, soon. But that sure doesn't mean we're going to get to stay.

[breadoffoxy]

Blood and Darkness

Summary: You were Death and Jungkook was Life. Two sides of the same coin bonded through blood and darkness.

Written for the BTS Ghosite Marathon. Prompt: Theme: X-Inspired, x = Hades

Drabble: 7/30

Pairing: Thanatos!Reader x Zagreus!Jungkook

Genre: fluff, humor, minor angst

Warnings: small Hades spoiler, mentions of blood and violence but not depicted in detail, tiny amount of angst in the form of feeling betrayed and abandoned

Word Count: 1,067

A/N: I love Hades and want to do more of this with other groups since there are so many amazing characters. I’d love to hear your thoughts on which character you would make each member if you know the game. Also, knowledge of the game isn’t required to understand this. Think of it as a Greek mythology au.

You would go to the ends of the world for Jungkook. Which is saying a lot considering you were Death. Nearly everything was in your reach except the far realms of the underworld belonging to Chaos. Yet despite being the literal incarnation of death, you couldn’t stop him from dying over and over again.

Namjoon once told you to think of it as a cycle of rebirth. He believed Jungkook to be the god of blood and life. Fitting, you thought, with the family motto being blood and darkness. The warrior also continued on saying the two of you were two sides on the same coin. With a chuckle, he explained that’s probably why the two of you got along so well despite your opposite demeanor. You never seen him laugh so much when you said with a straight face, “A coin with common sense on one side and stupidity on the other.”

Jungkook’s return is, as always, loudly announced by your brother, which you hear now. Jin always has the most wonderful advice such as did you try not stepping into that trap and wow Jimin’s whip hurts, don’t get hit by it. Obviously.

Despite Jungkook’s best efforts you still are distant from your brothers, but you are trying. You swear he’s closer to them than you’ll ever be though. Yoongi will most likely remain a mystery to you as your interactions, at best, are more of a business transaction than anything. You bring him dead souls, and he grumbles and ferries them across the River Styx. The two of you appreciate the simplicity of it all.

“Ah, here you are brooding in your corner again I see.”

“I’m not brooding.” Turning, you see Jungkook striding towards you with a grin in his red and black robes. His feet glow like burning embers, lively and bright just like his essence. “Why are you so happy to be back?”

Jungkook doesn’t speak until he’s right next to you. You can feel yourself tense at his closeness, but he doesn’t seem to notice. “I saw her again, my mother.”

No longer does the sting of betrayal hit you when he talks about his mother. You first believed him going on a suicide run out of the underworld to find the woman who left him after his birth to be him spitting on you and everything you’ve gone through. You yelled at him, bitter and resentful, yet you helped him anyways. As pathetic as it sounded, he was your whole world. With each escape attempt he went on you saw him grow and become all the happier with his newfound purpose. Every time he saw you, he’d grin that stupid smile he was wearing now. You learned he wasn’t replacing you, but expanding his world, and you’d do anything to help him because you-

“What are you thinking about?”

You do not startle, you are Death, but Jungkook’s smirk swears you did. Blatantly turning your head to the side, you grumble, “Nothing.” Jungkook’s smirk grows at your answer and before he can go on about it further you whisper, “I’m glad your efforts are proving fruitful. How is she fairing?”

“Well.” Jungkook looks wistful before his face clouds over. “I still feel as if I never have enough time with her.” The look is gone and he is smiling again. “I helped her with her garden and had some strawberries. Have you had them before?”

Tilting your head to the side, you think hard on it. Jungkook’s eyes soften at the sight and continues on when you shrug. “Well, no matter. I must tell Taehyung about the taste. Maybe that will be enough to give him inspiration again.”

“If your fantastical feats you boast haven’t risen him from his mood, then I’m not sure if strawberries are the key.”

“Never know until I try. Come.”

“I rather not.”

Jungkook pulls aside his tunic to show off the large vial of ambrosia.

“Fine.”

The two of you walk through the hall side by side, and you are happy that the master of the house is out. Jungkook stops to give Cerberus a big pat on the head and then he excitedly talks the depressed looking musician. The man actually perks up and strums at his harp. Taehyung asks a question, Jungkook shakes his head, and then the musician’s expression sours. An awful twang sounds out and Jungkook backs away slowly before catching up with you.

“Next time, remind me that I need to bring down some strawberries for him.”

You snort at his remark and nod at Hoseok as you approach the dining area. He waves excitedly at you before screeching at the sight of Jungkook and disappearing at the blink of an eye.

“What did you do this time?”

“Nothing.” Jungkook doesn’t look convinced though. “I think?”

“If by nothing you mean the bloody mess the champion of Elysium dragged in and went on in great detail about your heinous deeds as Hoseok cleaned up after him?” A suave voice asks behind you. Jimin nods at you in greeting as he steps around the table he was at, but just raises an eyebrow at Jungkook.

“Is he really the champion if I keep beating him?” Jungkook doesn’t look ashamed in the least. “Plus, what if I said he deserved it?”

Jimin shrugs, “I could care less about him but what your exploits do to burden the house is something that falls on me. I may be able to put in a good word with you with Hoseok though.” Jimin reaches his arm out, waiting expectantly.

Jungkook, already anticipating this moment, pulls out a bottle of ambrosia. “How about this to sweeten the deal?”

“There is no deal, this is me taking contraband.” Despite his words, Jimin is smiling as he pockets the valuable drink. “Now do try not to get into too much trouble.”

Jungkook watches Jimin leave and once the fury rounds the corner, he pulls out another bottle of the splendid drink. Discreetly, he pours a cup for him and you. Being gods, you didn’t have to eat or drink, but everyone in the underworld never misses their chance to get a taste of the rare delicacy, even you.

“You are unbelievable.”

Jungkook grins over his glass, watching you enjoy the drink. “Oh, come on, you love me.”

“Please,” you scoff, but his words never rang truer.

[weapon13whitefang]

TWD NEW EPISODE TITLES

1101 - Acheron Part 1

1102 - Acheron Part II

1103 - Hunted

1104 - Rendition

1105 - Out of the Ashes

1106 - On the Inside

1107 - Promises Broken

1108 - For Blood

Instantly the titles of 1101 and 1102 caught my attention. Acheron is one of the five rivers in the Underworld. It’s “the river of woe or misery” and is the river where the newly dead would be ferried across by Charon in order to enter the Underworld. At least in some adaptations. In other adaptations it’s the Styx they cross. It’s a principle river. It’s also said the dead who do not have payment for Charon will walk the shores of the Acheron for all eternity.

I thought it was very interesting they’re touching on something that’s heavily related to Greek Mythology. Especially with the underworld which is associated to Hades. And that’s the start of Season 11… Which generally sets the theme for the whole season.

So. It seems we’re gonna be entering the underworld. Which is appropriate considering it’s a zombie apocalypse and they’re surrounded by the dead… Seems our people will be just like the many Greek heroes who entered the Underworld for whatever task they had…

Only thing is, sadly, only 10 heroes entered the Underworld and survived. Er, Orpheus, Odysseus, Psyche, Heracles/Hercules, Alcestis, Aeneas, Theseus, Hippolytus, and Sisyphus.

Now some of these heroes of the underworld went to the underworld to retrieve the dead OR for love. While others it was simply a trial and it was part of their quests.

Like Orpheus. See Orpheus’s wife, Eurydice, died from a snakebite on their wedding day. He went through literal Hell to ask Hades to return her. Hades was so charmed by Orpheus’s music, He agreed but issued a condition that she was to follow behind him, and Orpheus could not look back— if he did, she would remain in the Underworld. Spoiler, he looked back and she was returned and Orpheus returned to the living and swore off love.

The story of Psyche and Eros(Cupid) is a well known story. But in case you don’t know it that well, Eros fell in love with the beautiful mortal Psyche and took her away to a darkened palace to be his bride. He kept her well taken care of and gave her lavish gifts. But he warned that she could never learn his true identity, which she promised and agreed to. But poor psyche was tricked by her jealous, evil sisters, who already suspected the truth of who the mysterious voice/being was. Psyche went and looked upon her husband’s face by the light of an oil lamp while he slept. In some versions some of the oil from the lamp spilled onto Eros’s shoulder and burned him. In others he heard her approach and woke up. Either way he reproached Psyche for not listening and breaking her promise before he flew away.

Psyche went looking for him but Aphrodite, who had originally forbid her son from having anything to do with Psyche, who she didn’t like because people would say she was prettier than Aphrodite. Anyway, Aphrodite - in vengeance against Psyche - gave the girl four very impossible tasks. The last task had Psyche go to the underground to ask Persephone to put a piece of her beauty inside it. She gets past Cerberus and even has payment for Charon but she gets curious and looks in the box Aphrodite gave her, and inside was death-like sleep. Eros, who either healed up from his oil burn or because he was keeping an eye on Psyche, rescues her and puts the death-sleep back in the box and gets her out of the underworld. End note, she gets to marry Eros because Zeus sanctifies the marriage and Psyche becomes the Goddess of Soul.

And then there’s Heracles, who had to be extra, and went to the underworld and back twice. His first time was to save the Princess Alcestis (yup the one on the list) . He wasn’t in love with her or anything, he did this for King Admetus after defeating Thanatos (no not the purple asshole, the God of Death) he volunteered to go get Alcestis for Admetus after he forgot to give an offering to Athena for her help in his tasks. He gets her back. The second time was for the trials of Heracles and the last one was to take Cerberus from the underworld. Which he did then returned him to Hades.

Now ten made it back from Hell, but many did not. One such character was Pirithous. He was friends with Theseus (the one I listed above) and these two fools set out to take wives that were daughters of Zeus. Theseus went for Helen (yup, Helen of Troy- THAT Troy) who was 13 at the time and were going to hold onto her until she was of age to be wedded. But Pirithous chose to go big or go hone. He chose to try for Persephone… Yup. He went and tried to steal the Goddess of the Underworld. With Theseus’s help. In the end Theseus escapes the Underworld due to Heracles. But Pirithous not so much. He’d committed a great crime trying to kidnap a God’s wife. Pirithous turned to stone and was condemned to remain in the underworld there eternity.

Now even thought I listed Sisyphus as an escapee of the Underworld, his story is a wee bit different. King Sisyphus was a well-known trickster. See, Sisyphus revealed that Zeus carried off Aspos (the river God’s) daughter. Of course this enraged Zeus. So he sent Thanatos to take Sisyphus to the underworld. But Sisyphus bested Thanatos and chained him up. Well with death in chains, no one could die. So Thanatos was freed by Ares, who was mad that battles weren’t any fun anymore cause no one died. Well then Thanatos found Sisyphus and turned him over. However, before he was taken away, Sisyphus instructed his wife not to perform his burial rites. Because of this, Hades did not receive the customary sacrifices, and so he sent Sisyphus back to scold his wife. He then stayed in his kingdom and died of old age. And for his trickery, Sisyphus was tasked to roll a boulder up a hill with the condition being that he would able to go free once he had finished (as in get the Boulder to the top). Sisyphus tried, but everytime he got close to the top of the hill, the boulder would fall back down and so he continues to try again, and again, and again, forever.

Basically you can see that going to the underworld can work out or there’s a terrible consequence. It’s a nod to the ole belief that going to hell and back is a torture and can affect a person.

So for the first two episodes to be named after a river associated with death… It’s terrifying but fascinating. This paints the rest of the season… Will they survive the trip or loose to it..

[stygiusfic]

Please share some Nyx thoughts!

Nyx thoughts! I definitely have quite a few of those! Some we have already discussed, but I’m putting them here anyway, along with a few screenshots.

Below the cut: Nyx’s parenting and support, in terms of her relationship with Zag, Meg and Than versus Hypnos. Some minor spoilers for late-game Nyx conversations.

First of all I just want to say I appreciate Nyx so so much, especially in the early game. When Zag has just started escaping, it really feels like Nyx is one of his few real allies in the House of Hades (the other main one being Achilles). While seemingly everybody—up to and including Meg and Thanatos—are critizising Zag for trying to escape, calling him selfish and generally denying that he has a right to make his own decisions regardless of others’ expectations, Nyx is 100% in Zag’s corner. 

Not only does she make his escapes possible by giving him use of the Mirror of Night and putting him in contact with the Olympians, she’s also there to encourage him when he comes back dejected after a failure. And after he’s succeeded, she still makes sure he knows how much she cares. She’s an excellent mother figure to him.

As far as we’re able to see, she’s an excellent mother figure for several others in the House. Thanatos adores her and he is very straightforward about telling her on at least one occasion, which is not his usual MO to say the least. The easiest way to get him to agree that anything is a good idea is to tell him Nyx thinks it’s a good idea. I find it both endearing and a little exasperating at times.

She has a similarly positive relationship with Megaera, who can sometimes be overheard asking her for advice. Some of it about her attraction to Zag and how it seems opposed with her current duties of killing him before he escapes. Nyx is the #1 MegZag shipper in the House and I can’t help thinking that her reassurances to Meg play a big part in Meg finally deciding to give Zag another chance.

And Megaera questions Nyx, where Thanatos does not. It’s interesting, and makes me like Meg even more, but I also appreciate the way, when she apologizes to Nyx for her doubts, Nyx encourages her to question as a healthy habit. I very much respect her for that.

So, all around, great parenting! Except. EXCEPT. I will die mad about her treatment of Hypnos.

Okay, so Hypnos isn’t the most competent at his job in the House. Fine. He sleeps at his post often. Fine! But keeping lists is not his domain; Sleep is. I feel that he deserves to be cut a little slack, considering that unlike everyone else whose work honors their godly nature, he’s trying to soldier on in a role that doesn’t suit him. And it never stops feeling strange that she continues to keep her distance, considering that she’s been on the other end of that experience.

I can’t emphasize enough how much distanced parenting just isn’t it, chief. You were clearly upset when you and your parent drifted apart, but you’re going to turn around and also distance yourself from your child, because things worked out for you eventually so it must be a good tactic? I don’t know what to tell you, honey.

I said in an earlier post that she is never seen talking to Hypnos, but only a few days later I actually got a conversation with the both of them! And I thought, oh, Hades is so much about people fixing their relationships by being honest with each other, surely this is that? Well... not quite.

Sigh. Please hug your sleepy son. I’d do it, but I can’t quite reach through the screen.

In short: I love and appreciate Nyx, but sometimes I want to shake her.

[hyena-kid]

alright but. this is where Hades (the game) is different.,,

(excuse me for any mistakes i am peabrain and still have much to learn,, im just sharing abt the game 👍👍)

also like. spoilers for hades game obv

at first hades seems like an antagonist. quite the tempered father, and not letting you free, visit the outside world and all.

but later on in the game you learn more. yes, hades did lie to his son, the entire world, even persephone not knowing the truth of zagreus. zagreus was dead to persephone, and that was because hades never reached out. thought it would be better off like that.

but zagreus eventually meets persephone. and after some time persephone comes back to the underworld. to hades. (though from what I know this was something added after the game's release?)

and oh damn isn't hades the sweetest boye to persephone. there is dialogue where all zagreus hears is hades asking persephone if there's any trouble, if there's anything he can do for her, etc. he's constantly checking on her and she gives him valuable council regarding the underworld.

hades was very faithful, yes. with the queen gone for the gods (no,, no pun intended) know how long he still thought of her. he kept a photograph of her in his private chambers, right next to his bed. he was clearly worse without her, and missed her. but he kept to himself.

persephone gets hades to talk to zagreus, too. since their relationship is a little uh. broken.

hades apologises, not asking for forgiveness. they come to some sort of understanding. and it's clear that hades never really wished to hurt his son either.

i'm not sure anyone can play the game start to finish and continue thinking hades is the antagonist. actually, there probably isn't really an antagonist in this game. i mean, even the enemies zagreus fights are just doing their jobs.

also, hades calling his son zagreus for once :')) and zagreus calling him sir. they still have little "fights", if you even call them that since they seen quite lighthearted, but,,,, ohmynfhn

i'm not sure the olympians hate him either. the gods, i mean. they do have... opinions, about his temper and all that, but i've only ever heard the gods talk about getting zagreus to the surface- not much hating on hades. they're all family, i guess.

i remember.. thanatos, was it? he mentioned stuff about zagreus' relationship with the lord was definitely broken.. but also, if i remember correctly (excuse me for i have a literal banana for a brain) something about starting anew.

supergiant wasn't trying to make hades seem antagonistic, specifically towards the end.

more like.. just a person with flaws.

... flaws being his temper and inability to express emotions (especially to zagreus)

course, zagreus had some thoughts on him. but that is fair. for one lied to and kept in invisible chains, he's allowed to feel that way.

and!! orpheus' songs never mentioned anything bad about hades, either.

i mean, he couldn't. he's literally that man's muse. but rather, in songs like "In the Blood" and "Hymn to Zagreus" (latter being more of a nod to the alternative story with dionysus and zagreus, which in the game was more fictional than anything) orpheus sings of zagreus' inability to be free, to run away from.. everything, really. family.

the styx taking him and all. not something hades controls, if i remember correctly. but i still needa look at the lyrics again, man, i have no clue if orpheus' songs mentioned why zagreus could not escape.

.. supergiant did great portraying hades. not to mention from zagreus' view, too.

anyways, hades (game) *hyperfixates*

now i feel like looking around at the hades community here on tumblr. never checked much, about time.

(also my deepest apologies to whomever i reblogged this from i may have rambled a bit,, just uh. ignore it /lh)

Hades: is faithful to his wife

Hades: spends his time chillin in the Underworld

Hades: doesn't really get involved in the shitstorms other gods cause

Hades:

Hades:

Hades:

Hades: is the antagonist in every media about greek gods

[leonthecardboardunicorn]

Land of Agreement, Chapter 11

So, I planned this chapter before Rembrandt’s route dropped, so this is gonna veer kinda far from canon. But there will still probably be spoilers for Rembrandt’s route- as well as the usual for Hugo’s, Hisoka’s, and Lucious’s.

A few hours later, there was a knocking at the door. Despite everything, I found myself going tense, but Hugo gently put a hand on my shoulder. “I'll go check it out.”

A few minutes later, I heard familiar voices and relaxed. And our friends poured into the room, and I couldn't help but smile. “It's good to see you all again,” I said. I thought that I'd never see them again so many times, but here they were with us again.

“Liz, are you all right?”

“I'm fine,” I said. “Just had a long day yesterday.”

“Hugo,” Alfonse asked, “are you sure you'll be fine to go with us? Your magic-”

“It's fine,” Hugo said with a smile. “We managed to work it out.” In time, I would certainly explain what had happened that night; they deserved to know the truth. ..Most of the truth, anyway. But  this was not the time or the place for that. “I'm not going anywhere.”

There was another knock on the door, and the others looked over with understanding. Alfonse turned back with a smile. “Liz, we need to speak to Hugo for a few minutes. In the meantime, I think there's somebody here to speak to you.” I didn't have time to answer before the others disappeared into the other room.

“Liz?” My heart almost stopped at the familiar voice.

“Klaus?” Last time I had seen him, it had been right before everything had gone haywire. He had been chasing me down then. To say my heart wasn't skipping a beat as he walked through the door..

“I can't say that I really understand everything, but Vain explained almost everything to me,” he said; I'd never seen him so bashful. “I wanted to say I'm sorry. When Thanatos gave the order to come after you and Hugo, I should have-” He stopped. “I'm sorry, Liz.”

'Don't cry, don't cry-' “It's all right, Klaus. A lot of things happened, a lot of confusing things, but.. I'm just happy everything's all right now.”

I talked with Klaus for a little bit, trying to explain everything that had happened. Finally, the others came back into the room.

“Are we all ready?” I asked, getting to my feet. And just like that, we were on our way, to the final battle. To the Castle in the Sky.

“Are you all right?” Hugo immediately came to my side once we made it to the castle. It was my first time teleporting such a large group, so I was a little woozy, but I gave Hugo a smile.

“I'm fine, I'm fine,” I reassured him. Still, I found my heart racing as I looked at the Castle. The last time I had been here, I had gotten trapped in the Labyrinth.

And I saw a figure standing at the gates to the castle, waiting for us. I stood a little straighter as I saw him. 'The battle is over,' I told myself. 'There's no reason to be afraid.'

“So, you've finally arrived,” Vain said. I saw the others tense up as they saw him.

“So it is you,” Caesar finally spoke up. “You're the man we rescued all those weeks ago.”

“Yes. And it's about time that I properly introduced myself. My name is Vain- Valentine Peers. Your group has also known me as Thanatos.”

“So you're the creepy skull?” Zeus asked. Vain nodded.

I figured they'd have a lot to say to him, but to my surprise.. They started bombarding Vain with questions! “How long ago did you come to this time?” “Do you have time powers too?” “How did you get so high up in the Ministry so quickly?” He fielded the questions with ease, though I could see a little strain in his expression.

And then the ground beneath us started to rumble, and we were suddenly painfully aware of why we were there. “Perhaps it would be better to continue with this questions session after we stop Felix,” Vain said coolly. “Do what you will with me then.”

Now all we had to do was find Felix. That was.. easier said than done.

“Man, these castle halls seem endless..”

It felt like we had been walking for an eternity, and every hallway looked the same.

“Liz?” I froze as I heard the familiar voice; instinctively, I reached out and took Hugo's hand, but he raised his other hand. I took out my own wand as the figure came into view. I'd know him anywhere.

Rembrandt. We had once trusted him, followed him blindly, but he had been using us.

“Don't take one step closer,” Hugo growled.

“Felix has sent me to get you,” he explained. “He's been waiting for you for a while; he said he wanted you to see the revival of the Dragonkin.”

“This is.. unusual,” Vain commented. “However.. it may be prudent to meet with him. At the very least, it appears that sneaking up on them is impossible.”

“You know your way around this place?” I asked at last. “I figured only Felix or Lacan would know how to get there.”

“I may not know this place as well as they do, but I am still the Consort of the Dragonkin,” he said, raising his chin. “Come with me.” With no other choice, I followed after them, and Hugo went with me.

“In all the timelines we've lived through,” Vain whispered, “I can't think of a single one where Willem betrays Felix. And now it appears that we know why.”

“Rembrandt might just be leading us straight to Felix- or straight into a trap.” I squeezed Hugo's hand and continued forward.

We walked mostly in silence, but, to my surprise, it was Willem who spoke first.

“Vain.. Hugo, I've been told that you two are from the future. You've seen what happens when the Dragonkin awaken?” Vain nodded. “And what will happen when Lacan awakens?”

Vain was quiet for a long moment. “It will not go like you believe. The moment in a timeline when Lacan awakens is when a timeline is lost. The world will be engulfed in flames.”

“I see.” Willem looked ahead. “Lacan was dear to me like he was my own brother. But.. I don't wish for this time to fall to darkness. Isn't there.. any way?” Silence, and he didn't ask again.

My heart was in my throat as I stepped into the room. 'I've been here before..' The last time we had been in this place, there had only been a coffin in the room- and Felix was sealed inside. Now, Felix knelt before another coffin.

“It's a shame that you had to see this place like this,” he said without turning. “This castle was once filled with beauty and splendor, a shining beacon of light. I would've asked for a better place for my brother's awakening, but.. ah well, none of it matters now. The only thing that matters is that Lacan will soon be by my side once more.” As he stepped towards the coffin, I saw three objects shining in his hands-

“Felix, please don't do this!” I cried out. “The ending you seek will never come! If Lacan wakes up, the world will only fall to destruction!”

“Then let it fall.” He turned to face me. His eyes were as cold as ice. “You have no idea of the truth of the war, did you? We tried to live in peace with you, but you turned around and stabbed us in the back. Our homes, our families, our very lives were taken from us.” His gaze fixed on Hugo and Vain. “The two of you are Harkin's blood. I can still remember the day that he was sealed away, that he fell. Would you like me to tell you that story?”

“N-no-” Vain shook his head; I'd never seen him look so pale.

“We never wanted to fight in that war,” Rembrandt spoke up, sadness in his eyes. “We gave technology to humans, but they only took more and more. Felix and Lacan were sealed inside this castle, and I.. I was taken prisoner.”

“I was locked away for a thousand years within my own mind, with nothing but grief and hatred to fuel me. Why should I give any pity to the world that turned its back on me and my brethren?”

I felt sick to my stomach. I had heard about the war against the Dragonkins, but not this. Nobody had ever spoken of this. “Felix-”

“I have no more time for humans. Willem,” he turned back to the coffin, “take care of them.” He stepped forward, his horns starting to glow.

“The time for talk is over,” Vain growled, and I drew my own wand.

The battle felt helpless. No matter what attacks we threw their way, it rolled off of them like water. If Willem wavered for even a moment, Felix was there to fill in. And any place where an attack came close to Felix, Willem would cover him just as quick.

'I can't let things end here!' I thought. My magic might've been weaker than it had ever been before, but I couldn't just let things end here. I needed my powers. Dodging another attack aimed my way, I closed my eyes, remembering all of the hours of training I had done with Hugo- willing time to stop!

When I opened my eyes, everything was still; Felix and Lacan were frozen in place, side by side. But Hugo's familiar golden eyes turned to face me, and my chest felt a bit lighter. “I'm surprised you're awake.”

He smiled at me. “Our powers are linked now, Liz,” he reminded me, taking my hand.

“That's good, cause I'm not sure what I would have done without you..” I said, feeling suddenly bashful. But there was no time for that. “I don't know how long this is going to last. We need to act now; what do we do from here?”

“Think now, who do we need to unfreeze?” I wracked my brain, and my gaze fell back to the coffin. I remembered someone examining the seal-

I ran to Caesar's side, tapping his shoulder, and he immediately unfroze. “What's going-”

I pointed to the coffin. “Lacan's seal!” His eyes widened. “You knew Felix's seal right away, is there anything you can tell us about Lacan's?”

“I can try.” He ran to the coffin, kneeling at the edge. My heart was in my throat as I looked back to the others. How long would this last..? But Caesar only shook his head. “This is..”

“What?”

“I don't recognize this; this is unlike any seal I've ever seen before,” he said, cursing under his breath. “It's completely unlike Felix's seal, I can't-”

And my blood ran cold as I heard a familiar laughter. “You could search all the world for information on Lacan's seal, but you'd find nothing. I am the only one who could unseal him- as I am the one who sealed him away.”

“You did?” I yelled without thinking. “How could you-”

“I had no other options. I knew the pain that awaited us when the humans got their hands on us; I would not let that fate befall Lacan. It may have taken a little time to regain my power,”- as he spoke, the stones glowed in his hands- “but at last, I have regained enough to awaken him.”

'I have to freeze them again-' But, as I raised my hand, my power wavered once more, and I fell.

“I gotcha!” Luckily, Vain caught me.

“I'll take care of this.” This time, Hugo raised his hand, but Felix reacted first. A wave of his hand sent Hugo into the wall.

“Hugo!”

It all happened so fast- and, suddenly, there was a body floating in the air, surrounded by light. There was a brilliant flash of light-

And I saw him as he fell, a young man dressed in white. The resemblance was striking, the same soft features, the same golden blonde hair. But most striking was that he looked no older than I.

Felix caught Lacan in his arms, and his eyes fluttered open. Sea green eyes. “W-where am I?”

“It's all right,” he said gently. “We're all right now, you're back again-”

“Felix, the castle is under attack! The Twilight Unit was captured, and-” He looked around wildly, seeing a world that was no longer there. Was he reliving the moment that the castle fell?

'To him, that was only a moment ago..'

“Lacan, little one, it's all right!” Felix said, holding onto his shoulders to steady him. “The war is over. See? Willem is here.” Lacan looked up as Willem knelt by his side, as gentle as could be.

“Willem..” A small smile slipped on his face. “You're safe. I.. I thought I'd never see you again.” My heart ached as I watched them. For the first time, Felix was smiling, tears in his eyes. 'They look like a family..'

“What of the others?” Lacan asked, turning to Willem. “I heard that your unit fell with you. Are they all right?” And their expressions fell. “..Willem?”

“Lacan, they're gone.” Felix squeezed his hand. “You and I and Willem are the last of the Dragonkin. But- but we're going to bring them back! Now that the three of us are together again-” I saw a million emotions race across Lacan's face as the pieces fell into place. Sadness, denial, shock- and then anger. “Now that we're together again, everything's going to be all right!”

“Let go of me.” Felix recoiled as though he had been burnt. As Lacan got to his feet, his gaze fell on me, on our group, scattered about the room. “Humans.” I saw hatred in his eyes- the same hatred I had seen in Felix's, and I wanted to run, but I had no strength left in my body.

Summoning up the courage, I called out, “Lacan-”

“Shut up,” he snarled. “Why have you come here? If you're the one who's taken the rest of my people, are you here to finish us as well?” Dark magic crackled at his fingertips. “I must warn you, I won't go quietly.”

“No! W-we didn't want to fight!” I cried out. “We're not the ones who hurt you! Those people are long gone!” He tilted his head. “The war with the Dragonkins was thousands of years ago!” What could I say to convince him? What could I say to stop him? “People are not the same. The world has changed.”

“Lacan, don't worry about them,” Felix said, coming up to him. “There's nothing these humans can do to you anymore. They can barely even move, let alone fight. Our priority should be-”

“Shut up! Why did you bring me back?” Lacan snarled, all of his attention on Felix now. “Why did you bring me back to the ruins of our castle, of our people? You should have let me sleep!”

“But this is not the end!” Felix answered. “Look at them! Among them are two Dragonkins, Harkin's sons.” Lacan's attention fell to Vain, to Hugo, sensing their magic. “They come from the future- a world where the Dragonkin have been restored. We haven't lost yet, Lacan, there's still time-”

And Lacan started to laugh. “This is the last of the Dragonkin? The three of us- and two half-born traitors? If this is what became of our people.. I'd have rather died with them in this castle, fighting by their side! But you..” He whirled back on Felix. “You sealed me away!”

“Y-you have no idea what they would have done to you if they caught you- what they did to me or to Willem! You would've been-”

“Have you considered that I would've been able to stop them?” Lacan said with a laugh, and chills ran down my spine. “I would've been able to do what you clearly weren't. If I had your power- no,” he stopped himself, “when I have your power.. I would be able to finish this.”

“L-lacan!?”

Vain quickly covered my eyes, but I couldn't block out the scream. And when I pulled his hand away, my heart wrenched at the sight. Lacan stood proud, dark magic- Felix's magic- whirling around him. And Felix..

Felix had fallen, clutching his chest, as white as a ghost. And he weakly reached out a hand to whoever could hear. “Help me-”