Chapter Text
The third time Zagreus feels the distinct tug of being Summoned, he feels remarkably calm about it.
He knows that Zelda is finally free, and he believes in their combined power (is that sacrilegious?). If he’s being called, it’s likely to answer some questions or, wonder of all wonders, simply to socialize.
As luck would have it, he feels the Summoning while chatting with Thanatos on the balcony, so actually getting to Hyrule is simple. Just holding out a hand and a playful smile and saying come with me again? and there they go. It’s incredibly strange to go without Charon’s transportation, but on the plus side, he doesn’t fall flat on his back.
When they arrive, it’s to see Link and Zelda standing in front of them, ever-burning leaf still between Link’s fingers. Zelda grins and claps her hands together.
“Oh good! It still works. So then, we should be able to use this method to trade materials without a need for the boatman’s tax, yes?”
Any chance of Zagreus returning her smile immediately drops. “Um. Excuse me, I must be misunderstanding. I believe I told Link that was not a good idea. You really don’t want to get on Charon’s bad side.”
“You say that as if you haven’t fought him several times.” Thanatos deigns to actually stand next to him instead of hovering.
Zagreus rolls his eyes. “First of all, you told me yourself that if Charon were truly upset, I’d know. Secondly, he gave me discount cards for winning, so he can’t be all that bothered.”
Than tilts his head, conceding the point. “Fair. Regardless, Zagreus is entirely correct here, princess. Finding ways to cheat my brother out of his fare never ends well. Immortals have a long time to hold a grudge.”
Zelda waves a hand, casually dismissing the god of death like Zagreus has never seen before. “Surely he can understand our thought process, seeing as we’re from another world. And really, from a mortal perspective, perhaps his grudge won’t seem so long after all.”
Zagreus stares at her with a faint sense of horror, gaze slowly turning to Link. His friend is just standing there, expression perfectly neutral, until their eyes meet. Then Link shrugs, apparently unbothered in the face of this madness.
Zagreus is developing a horrifying suspicion that Link may, in fact, be the voice of reason in their relationship. It’s a sobering thought.
“Princess Zelda, please,” He says, very aware that Thanatos has gone silent with his own sense of shock. “I understand your curiosity and desire for efficiency, but this really isn’t the wisest way to go about things. Charon is a reasonable person until you cross him. I’d rather not see the other side of him.”
“No,” Thanatos chokes out. “No, you really don’t want to see that.”
Zelda frowns, considering them. “Hm. I’m not convinced, but I suppose if you both feel so strongly about it, perhaps we can find another way.”
The relief of it nearly knocks Zagreus over. The rest of their visit is fairly pleasant, though he finds himself looking at Zelda in a new light. Perhaps wisdom can be more reckless than he first thought.
When they return, Zagreus leans heavily against Thanatos and groans. He feels Than’s shoulders untense beneath his head.
“That was…troubling.” Thanatos says. “And more than a little frustrating.”
Zagreus laughs into his skin. “Oh, someone steamrolling you every time you try and bring up a point because they think their perspective is more accurate than yours? Yes, that can be quite frustrating.”
“Alright,” Than sighs, leaning down to kiss the top of Zag’s head. “I deserve that one.”
“I think we got through to her, though.” Zagreus hums, tugging Thanatos backward until they both tumble on his bed. “At least I hope we did.”
“I’m sure we did. She’s a reasonable person.” Thanatos says, sounding rather more like he’s trying to convince himself than Zagreus. It’s understandable. Perhaps Zagreus will pray to Athena for advice.
A world away, Link watches the love of his life turn a Chlam over in her hands. “How sure did they seem about our plan not working, do you think? Because I have to imagine we’d be able to find a way around the problems, and it would be more convenient.”
Hylia help him, but he does love her. Even when it might be unwise.