Work Text:
Ah, the simple days that makes up most of what Zagreus likes when he visits the overworld. Sure, yeah yeah, He shouldn't be able too-- But He's allowed to break laws. he's a prince after all.
Shining Sun, clear skies, Thanatos walking by his side and laughing at some stupid shit she was talking about. Zagreus couldn't ask for a better day. He pulled The Death goddess to his side- making her yelp as she collided with his body. The two laugh as they continues walking.
''Primordials, I legit don't think today would be good. Zeus must be behaving.'' Thanatos laughed, looking up at the cloudless sky. Zagreus's throat ripped a laugh that made him bang his chest when he almost choked. Thanatos patted his back, smiling as they walked.
Oh this day can't get any better, can it?
The duo sat under an Oak tree, breathing in the cool air. Zagreus laid his head against Thanatos' shoulder as he rested. Prince duties exhausted him all day, while Thanatos leaned her scythe on the tree next to her. Her smile was gone, and was replaced with a deadpanned expression that read more as a sad face. ''You need a break.'' Zagreus laughed, eyes closed.
Thanatos looked at him, raising a brow. ''From what?''
''Your job, stress, everything.'' The prince said, shrugging. Thanatos nodded, leaning her head on Zagreus' head and huffing an exhausted sigh. ''I.. feel so lucky that I have you.'' Zagrues laughed, ''Of course. Where would you be without me?''
Thantos fell silent. They both knew the answer.
Erebus.
''Right.'' Zagreus said, opening his eyes, and leaning up. Thanatos leaned on his shoulder, eyes closed, posture limp. ''Shit- Sorry I said that.'' Thanatos nodded slowly, ''No need to apologize.'' She said, sitting up, looking into his eyes. ''People say stuff they never mean.''
Zagreus hissed, rubbing his head, ''I- I just didn't want you to feel upset with me saying that.'' Thanatos titled her head, raising a brow slightly. ''I'd never be mad at you mentioning Erebus. I just- If you think I'm sensitive to the shit he did to me, Don't be.''
Zagreus looked at the death god, eyeing the symbols of her father's abuse-- latched into her pupils. Grey Four pointed stars, with ash irises, covering dark blue eyes he missed so much. ''If I had any power over him-- I'd break you free. Stop him from seeing what you see,'' The prince placed both hands on Than's face, rubbing her face with his thumb. The god leaned into the warm touch, a grim look on her face. ''I wish that too.''
Zagreus yawned, retracting his hands and stretching. ''Gods- I'm exhausted like all Hades..'' The god laughed, and leaned back on the tree, ''Then rest. I'm right here.'' Zagreus didn't argue, leaning against Thanatos' shoulder and dozing off almost at once. The prince was out in seconds, leaving Thanatos to the waking world alone.
The god traced the under of her eyes, feeling the rest-less nights wear on her.
''Some waking days..''
The sound of something banging on the wall caused Zagreus to bolt up-- and then fall right out of his bed. ''AUGH-'' Rubbing his eyes, regaining his composure, and finally waking up, Zagreus looked around. He was back in his room? But- Did he fall asleep the rest of the day? Ah who cares.
The prince stepped out of his room- to see his sisters run right past his door- Melinoe holding a sword in one hand, and Macaria chasing after her. Strange, almost like what happened yesterday. Zagreus shrugged, walking past the halls, Stretching and passing by the window that over looked the halls of The underworld below. Zagreus paused, and walked right back to the window. Squinting a bit, he spots Harmonia and Enyalius, Goddess of Harmony and Spirit of War, talking to his mother. ''They're visiting again?'' The prince asked himself.
Maybe he was over thinking stuff- until a voice popped up next to him, ''Who's visiting again?'' Thanatos appeared beside the prince. Zagreus almost yelled in horror- but composed himself. ''Ah- I didn't think Enya and 'Monia were visiting again.'' Zagreus laughed, rubbing his neck. The goddess floated to the ground, bare feet feeling the carpet below. ''Again? They haven't visited in months?''
Zagreus looked at his consort, raising a brow-- ''But they were here yesterday? No?'' Thanatos shook her head, ''Nope. You might've dreamt it.'' Zagreus swore his heart was racing. No.. No no no. He laughed. Was Thanatos playing a prank on him? Maybe he missed something. ''Yeah, I'm just dreaming all of this. Okay Oneiroi! Hypnos! You can wake me up!''
When no replies came, Zagreus looked around. It was just him and Thanatos in the hall. Zagreus' heart was racing even more. He's not dreaming.
The sound of heavy footsteps alert the couple, whom see the King walk down the hall, ''Ah, There you two are.'' Zagreus looked back around- eyeing his father, while Thanatos didn't move outside lifting her head to look up at the king. ''Thanatos, I require to see a few people dealt with before sundown today. You are allowed to bring Keres.''
Hades was telling Thantaos to do the same job as yesterday? ''But- She just did that?'' The gods look at Zagreus, Hades looked somewhat surprised and pleased- and patted Thanatos on the back. ''I-I didn't do anything?'' The king stopped and looked at his employee, ''Wait what?''
Zagreus slipped a hand over his mouth. No- Wait- He swears he saw all of this play out already. Hades comes to find them, and then he tells Thanatos that she has a job to do. Then-
''--Well, If you can do that for me, That would be wonderful.'' Hades' voice fades back into Zagreus's consciousness, and he watches as Thanatos disappears into the darkness. ''Well, now that was cleared up, You have things to do son.'' Hades hands Zagreus a scroll, which the prince takes. 'If It's the same things as yesterday..'
The prince unrolled the parchment, and his eyes widen. It's the same stuff. Something is for sure happening-- and Zagreus swears he's dreaming even more now. Any second he'll wake up, and he'll be right next to Thanatos, in the overworld, under the oak tree.
''Zagreus?''
Yeah.. that's not Thanatos' voice.
The prince looked at his father, then nodded. He walked off and darted down the hall.
What was going on?
Zagreus rubbed his eyes, walking past spirits and souls as they wondered Asphodel Meadows. He stretched a few more times-- ignoring a few spirits that asked to speak. Yep-- feels like he had already done all of this before.
Something caught his eyes, and the prince turned his head to see a familiar face-- Thanatos, talking to a dead wife of a mortal spartan. The prince halted in his place, and looked at the list. He can paused his tasks- which he swore he already did- and talk to the love of his life.
''I see that, but I do not believe there is much i can do.'' Zagreus slowed his walking. Okay-- So he remembers this. The wife was worried about her infant daughter and teen son whom are still alive. Thanatos answers she can't do anything.
''Hmmm.. Do you have any relatives?'' The wife and Thanatos jumped a bit as Zagreus walked up to them. ''O-Oh.. I have three sisters, one of whom is married.'' The wife answered. Zagreus nodded, pondering. Thanatos looked at him, ''Don't you-''
''Shh.'' Zagreus shushed the god, by placing a finger on her lips. ''Yes, I have duties, but I can put them aside.'' Thanatos arches a brow, before she opened her mouth-- but Zagreus spoke fist, ''I can get someone to deliver you kids to one of you Sisters.''
The wife looked up at the prince, a wider smile on her face over the former gloomy look, ''Oh Thank you my prince!'' Zagreus nodded, smiling a bit. He turned on his heel as the spirit wondered away-- before Thanatos chased after him. ''What the hell are you doing?''
''Oh? I'm-- helping?''
Thanatos opened her mouth again- but only huffed, face palming lightly. ''You can't just-- do these things in the midst of duties. Go finish your stuff, and we can go walking in that Oak field I said we could.''
Zagreus's smile dropped. Thanatos walked away, disappearing into the fields. ''Do.. What?''
Zagreus crashed onto his bed, arm over his forehead as he glared at the ceiling above. He wish he wasn't a prince sometimes. Duties are exhausting. And didn't he already do what he just did-- Yesterday? Zagreus sat up, looking at his hands in complete confusion. Nothing was making sense, about everything that happened today. The conversations, Enyalius and Harmonia visiting, his duties. Didn't this already happen?
A knock on the archway of his bedroom entrance alerted him, and he snapped his head up, seeing the god cousins at the entrance. ''Hello!'' Harmonia said, a smile on her lips. Zagreus felt his blood run cold-- she's going to ask-
''Can we come to the fields too?'' The goddess bounced to the bed, sitting next to Zagreus. The prince almost felt like the world was moving backwards. He eyes Enyalius, whom was smiling, ''We asked Thanatos already, we just want to confirm with you.''
They aren't going to come.
''Y-Yes! I just hope you two don't become busy later..'' Zagreus said, swiftly getting off the bed, and rubbing his neck. The cousins look at one another, ''No- I don't believe so!'' Harmonia said, getting off the bed. ''If we do, We'll inform you two!'' Harmonia waved as she and Enyalius left. Zagreus waved, an awkward smile on his lips.
They have stuff to do.
''Sucks Enya and Harmonia have duties under Ares right now.'' Thanatos said, making Zagreus' blood run cold once more. Ares calls upon his nephew and Daughter because Aphordite needs them, from what he recalls. ''Yeah.. But hey! You have me.''
The death god smiled, laughing. ''Ahahaha, Correct your highness.'' That didn't make Zagreus feel better.
Shining Sun, clear skies, Thanatos walking by his side and laughing at some stupid shit she was talking about. He pulled The Death goddess to his side- making her yelp as she collided with his body. The two laugh as they continues walking.
But After a bit, Zagreus stops laughing. Thanatos takes notice right away, looking up at her consort. ''Zagreus?'' The prince stops walking, ''I have a question.''
''Ask away?'' Thanatos felt like something was off, placing a hand on the prince's shoulder, and looking up at him. ''Would you ever get mad at me if I mentioned Erebus?'' Thanatos arched a brow. ''What?''
''Would you ever be mad if I mentioned Erebus?'' The prince repeated, Looking at Thanatos now, face worried. The god placed a hand on Zagreus' face, rubbing her thumb in circles-- just like he did.
''I'd never be mad at you mentioning Erebus. I just- If you think I'm sensitive to the shit he did to me, Don't be.''
Zagreus stop moving all at once. ''Zagreus?''
The prince coughed, and pounded his chest a bit- ''H-hey! What a nice oak tree! We should take a rest from walking under it!!'' The prince lightly dragged Thanatos by the hand, guiding her to the oak tree. Thanatos laughed, ''What's gotten into you? You almost had me worried!''
''N-Nothing!'' The prince swore, sitting down between the roots of the tree. Thanatos laid next to him, placing her scythe next to her as he rested his head on her shoulder. However-- even such a small gesture didn't make Zagreus feel comfortable.
Thanatos was talking, but her voice was blocked out. Zagreus moved a bit, black now leaning on the god's shoulder. ''Tired?'' Thanatos's slightly muffled voice asked, but the prince was already knocked out.
Thanatos' smile falls, ''Some waking days..''
Zagreus snapped awake-- and fell out of his bed. ''FUCK!''
Oh no- Not again. No- Not his room.
The prince didn't bother fixing his head. He rushed to the archway of his room-- almost bumping into Melinoe, whom had a sword in hand. Macaria rushed past, chasing after her younger sister. Zagreus' eyes widen.
''S-Slow down you two!'' He called out, making Melinoe stop- and then Macaria came crashing right into her. ''Oof--''
Zagreus stumbled on his own feet- rushing down the hall. His heart was racing so fast. What was going on?! He rushed to the window over looking The Underworld- and spotted his mother, Enyalius and Harmonia. His eyes widen in surprise- and at once- before he spoke, he snapped around- catching Thanatos off guard. ''Hey Sweetie!''
The god floated to the ground, ''Something wrong? You rushed to the window in a hurry..'' Zagreus rubbed his neck, trying to find his words. ''I- Well I was hoping to catch a glimpse of our friends before my duties today! I'm going to SO busy!'' As if on cue, Hades walks in.
''Ah There you two are-'' Zagreus walks up to his father, grabbing the scroll in his hand and darting off. ''Already knew! Bye! C'ya! Have fun!'' He called out as he darted out of sight. Hades and Thanatos stood in shock, before the king handed Thanatos the other scroll.
Zagreus stuffed the scroll away as he darted through the main hall of the castle he called home- bursting through the doors. He swears he was dreaming this time. Right? Right? The prince ran, and ran, looking for the god of sleep, Hypnos. Knowing the god hates being called upon-- Zagreus opted to just looking for him- er, Wherever he may be sleeping. The gods loves his one-person slumber parties.
Zagreus darts for the Elysium fields. Quiet, comfy, and one of the few places he's bonds to find his Brother-in-law. The green fields lit up around him as he darted from location to location. Passing by a tree- and spotting Thalios, and Cadmus, Zagreus spotted a flash of red-- and gave chase.
''Hypnos!'' The sleep god barely turned around before he was tackled by The prince. 'Woah! Chill out!'' Zagreus lifted The god up by the toga, eyes glaring, ''If you're putting me in a dream- You better wake me up! Right Now!''
Hypnos pulled his mask up, looking at Zagreus with complete confusion. ''I Beg you pardon? You? In a dream?'' Zagreus's grip loosened, and he looked at Hypnos with a more perplexed look over an angry look. ''What? No- I mean- yes! I'm in a dream! How can I else explain seeing every single event I've experienced so far repeating?!"
Hypnos threw The prince's hands off him, and he floated upwards. ''Sounds like you're in a time loop, Princey.'' The cheeky grin on Hypnos' face was sure going to make Zagreus wish he had punched him, because if didn't then- he was now-
'Wait- Time loop?''
''Yep!!'' Death's twin said, ''Time Loop! I-- Don't remember what it is exactly. They are far to confusing for me to understand.'' The god said, before he puled his mask down-- and fell asleep. Again.
Zagreus stood there. Perplexed.
''Time Loop? Where have I heard that before?'' The prince had long forgotten his duties, and was now quietly exiting Elysium after he barged in far more angerly before.
The prince rushed back to the Apostle meadows, looking-- Not for Thanatos. He had already beat the god to the wife of the spartan, and offered her help. He was now looking for once Primordial that enjoyed these fields. Nyx.
Finding Night Incarnate shouldn't be far. For crying out loud- just look for a tall woman that dresses as if the Blanket of night was the only fabric she ever uses!!
Zagreus stops in his tracks, feeling the air in his lungs vanishing every step he takes. He sits down, catching his breath, hand on his chest. He needed answers, not the inability to breath. After a few seconds, The prince caught his breath again. He stood up, but his knees felt weak from his running around Hades all day. He was positive he'd collapse right now-- if it wasn't for spotting a Certain Titan not to far away.
''N-Nyx!'' Zagreus called out, knees fumbling as he stood up straight and darted for the lady of Night. The Titaness turned around upon hearing the familiar voice, and looked on as the prince stumbled after her. ''Your Highness? What's going on?'' The titaness held her hand out to help Zagreus stand correctly.
''I- I want to know something-- Just give me a second.'' Nyx nodded slowly, allowing Zagreus some time as he regained his footing. The prince exhaled, and looked at the Primordial before him. ''Do you know about Time Loops?''
The goddess arched a brow, ''Why must you ask?''
''I think I'm stuck in one. Right now.''
The prince looked down at the reflection that was the face of Styx. The primordial, or he liked calling her, blinked at his request. ''Thou- must've seek that of the greater Higher one?'' She asked, ''It's urgent.'' Charon said, ''Supposedly.''
Zagreus face palmed, before he moved to pinching his nose. ''He knows how to stop time loops. If I can break out of this-''
''Listen Titan Descent, I can't offer you to see thy's request. Merely, can you prove you're in a time loop?'' The river replied, voice rippling like the waters.
''Do I need too? I can recall things that had already happened. Enya and 'Monia arriving to visit, Macaria chasing Melinoe, and many.. many.. many more things.'' The prince's voice falls, his head averting gazes from the primordial river. Charon arched a brow, ''Well, if that's the case, I think We have one option without straight visiting my gramps.''
Zagreus looked up at his brother-in-law, ''Is he still involved.'' Charon smiled, '' Well..''
Thanatos sat under the oak tree. Zagreus sadly declined meeting her in the field. Enyalius and Harmonia were called back to Olympus. Hypnos was napping, and no one else offered to join her. Wow. What a day.
Her scythe leaned on the tree, where she had her knees tucked up and her head lowered down. She wanted to cry-- but nothing really came out. She didn't mind being 'alone' but being 'lonely' was something else.
She's always been alone, and she knows it. Ever since she was a godling, small and helpless- and at the mere mercy of her father. Ruthless Darkness incarnate, Erebus. Thanatos was cursed in a way that can't really be undone-- and she hated everything that happened ever since.
Most her relationships with her half siblings fell apart, She didn't get to spend more time with Zagreus anymore, and her best friends were miles away.
If she had it her way- She'd wish to cease to exist. The fates, her own kin of same blood of night, were mocking her. She knew it. The god sat in more silence, just quietly crying to herself. Should someone else find her-- she wouldn't care all that much. Let them find her right now.
The Sun barely peaked over the horizons, showing the end of the day. The god looked up, wiping her tears. ''Embrace me mother, If no one else will.' She said, voice low-- slightly hoarse. She stood up, but was startled by someone tapping on her shoulder. She whipped around- facing a slightly disheveled Zagreus, and an equally confused Enyalius and Harmonia. ''B-But-''
''We don't have time.'' Harmonia said, rubbing her neck with an awkward smile. Zagreus stepped forward, placing both hands on Thanatos' face, caressing her. Thanatos fell into the touch, placing her hand on Zagreus', ''Where have you been that was so important?'' Thanatos asked- genuine hurt in her voice. Zagreus' breath stopped- then he exhaled. ''Time loops a bitch.''
The gods looked at him, Thanatos arched a brow, ''Time- You were stuck in a time loop?'' The prince nodded, retracting his hands. ''I don't get it either, but I guess it had something to do with abandoning my duties and being a lazy scum.''
''Whoever did that to you is honestly me hero.'' Zagreus looked at Thanatos in such a heartbroken manner. ''ThanThan!'' Enyalius and Harmonia laughed, making the prince want to burn the entire field. ''I'm guess whoever did curse you, must've just wished you took these duties head on.''
''Yeah yeah.'' The prince said, once he was calmed down. ''How did you even break out?'' Thanatos said, as Enyalius and Harmonia kept laughing, ''Well..''
''You opted to offer the ability of actually working for what you don't want?'' The specter asked, voice echoing around the prince. ''I hate the idea that if I don't break out of this, I'm going to be stuck in this for who knows.''
The Higher Primordial hummed, ''I see. Well, what is it you want?''
The prince huffed, looking over his shoulder at his mother. ''I want you to restart the day, and I want to do what I need.'' The eye of the primordial looked the prince up and down. There was sincerity in his voice, his words, and his mannerisms. ''Very well.''
''I sorry but you went to my grandfather?'' Thanatos asked, looking at Zagreus with a perplexed looked, mixed with a worried expression. ''Look, I know he forgave me for even fucking you. We're on good terms.'' The death god arched her brow. ''I had to actually do my duties- so this day was.. Loop 3.''
''Oh My primordials.'' Thanatos laughed, face palming. ''Let's just spend today under the tree.'' Zagreus guided Thanatos back to the tree, sitting down, and having her sit next to him. ''And if we fall asleep out here?''
''Let the Night embrace us.'' Zagreus said, smiling as Enyalius and Harmonia sat next to him. ''Very well..''
The sound of something crashing against the wall made Zagreus bolt up-- and fall out of bed. Gaining his composure once more, the prince stood up, looking around after rubbing his eyes, he stepped towards his bedroom entrance. No Melinoe or Macaria chasing one another. The prince smiled and huffed a sigh of relief before two arms wrapped around his lower torso. ''Get back to bed--'' Thanatos said, hair disheveled and looking tired.
Zagreus smiled, picking the god up and returning her to the bed. ''Seems like The time loop is officially over.'' Thanatos sat up slightly, rubbing her eyes, ''Time Loop?'' The prince's face goes pale for a second. ''Wha- The time loop? The three day time loop I was stuck in because I neglected my duties!?'' Zagreus panicked. Thanatos' eyes widen and she goes 'Ohh', which made the prince huff in relief, ''Oh yeahh..'' The god yawned as she lowered back into the bed. ''Then you better do your duties when you wake up.''
''I will..'' Zagreus laughed, ''I will.''
And The prince kept his promise.
No more time loops... For now.