Archive of Our Own

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“Name?” He asked, voice more stern than he intended to be, he was just so fucking tired.

The sprit of a middle aged woman looked timidly up at him as he sat behind his desk filled to the brim with papers of inboxes and what had been processed.

“Uhh Laura?”

“Laura what?” He said more sharply than intended, he was just exhausted.

She felt her eyes well up. “Laura Elizabeth Watson. Where am I? Am I in hell?”

He sighed, looking at her paper. She wasn’t the first Christian to pass though, on this part of the world he handled the underworld, which was a shock to many people, especially Atheists.

Catholics and Christans were always the most shocked when their time came and it was not Jesus Christ but Thanatos who led them to the afterlife, but Hades always made sure to send them where they needed to go according to their religion and beliefs.

He got her paper and sighed. “No, you are not in Hell, simply the underworld. We’ll get you where you need to go.”

He looked over her paper, confirming her name, age, and other basic background. He came to her judgment that she was a good Christian woman who went to church every Sunday, helped charities, and volunteered at hospitals, no blemish on her life that would condemn her to her God's Hell, or even his own. But that wasn’t for him to judge since she was not one of his believers.

He signed it off that she came through and is to be taken to the angels to be judged by her lord. “Go through that door on the right and you’ll be taken where you belong.”

Laura just nodded shakily, still terrified of the deity before her as she walked away. Hades felt a twinge of guilt at having her walk to the door alone, he normally has someone help but apparently, he did not have enough help and right now all were busy with the mass casualties coming through.

Before the next could come over to him, he spoke. “Laura.”

She stopped, hands shaking as she turned, eyes filled with tears. “Yes?”

“Would you like to know the likelihood of your judgment?”

“Is it allowed?”

“Yes because I am not one of the fates, I hold no guarantee.”

“Yes, please.”

“According to your life’s record of achievements and deeds done, I don’t doubt you will see the heaven you need. But I know how fickle your God can be, if he takes Umbridge with you, come find me and you will get the afterlife you deserve.”

Laura smiled weakly, wiping the tears from her face. “Thank you.” He just gave a nod to her to hurry along. She continued, going through the door down the right hallway, bright light coming through before it closed.

“Next.”

An older man stood before him, a weird sort of arrogance surrounded him.

“I think there’s been a mistake-“

Oh, it’s one of those souls.

Hades both loved and hated getting them, they could be quite the entertainment but his patience was thin as thread.

“I’ve been a good catholic man my whole life, a priest, why am I in hell?”

Hades just glared down at him from his tall desk.

“As arrogant as you are unobservant. If you were listening to the women before you, you would have heard I told her this is not hell but be assured, I can be the devil you fear, name?”

“Henry Richard Taylor, I was a priest, people are gonna-“

“One more word and I’ll feed you to Cerberus. I asked for your name, nothing more.”

The man huffed, somehow having the audacity to be shocked.

Hades looked over his paper, both his anger at this man and satisfaction going up; this man was a sinner, a bad one at that.

Not only did this man actively seek to harm those who were homosexual or just a different culture than him, he was a pedophile, molesting the very kids who were under his care.

“Tell me Henry, why do you not belong in your God's hell?”

“Well I was a priest, a man of God, I worked to uphold his teachings. Who are you if not the devil? How is this not hell? There is only one God-“

Hades just let out a little chuckle.

Henry glared.

Hades just smirked down at him. “Would you like it if I made sure you couldn’t lie?”

“What do you mean? I’m not lying!”

Hades just snapped his fingers and Henry felt a wave of sorts go though him, making him stumble.

“Now, go on and tell me, why don’t you belong in hell?”

“Because I’m a terrible- terri- why can’t I say good?”

“Because you cannot lie. Say all you want to say, we will hear only the truth.”

Henry swallowed, hands starting to shake. “Because I’m a terrible man, I can’t stand those who are different, I use my position to enforce my will onto them.”

“And what about the children you hurt?”

Henry tried to keep his mouth shut but with another snap, words were coming out like vomit. “Because I love to see them squirm in pain, I get off on it.”

Hades just smiled down at him. “See? That wasn’t so bad. Take the door on your left and you’ll be taken to judgment. Next!”

Henry frowned, feeling terrified. “Why not the right? Don’t I get to know how my judgment might be? By my own God?”

“Oh so you paid attention to that? Yes, you would but I know your God is all about redemption and paying for your sins so you can then be welcomed into Heaven. You are currently in my domain and if I deem the sin severe enough I have every right to judge you; regardless of your religious standing. And I do not tolerate the kinds of you.”

Henry was about to beg forgiveness, tears of fear rolling down his face when Hades swished him away with his hand, an invisible force taking Henry away to the pits of Tartarus.

“Next.”

Outside his vision Persephone came walking up, going up the stairs that led to him and his desk that stood more like a podium than a desk. She held a small tray of fruits and cheese. “Hello dear.”

Hades instantly softened upon seeing his queen. “Hello my love, why are you here? You should be resting from your work.”

“As should you.”

Hades sighed, hating she was right but also feeling an immense duty to his job. He has her on a typical work schedule of eight hours to help the dead get to their afterlife, especially children. He got the idea when humans started implementing standardized work hours, he liked the efficiency of it. He had her take her leave two hours ago when those eight hours were up.

“I just wanted to bring you something to eat-“

“We are gods, we don’t need to eat.”

“So? I know you love fruit, even if it doesn’t nourish you.”

He stayed quiet.

She placed the tray on an open area of his desk. “I’ll leave it here and if you feel like it, you can pick at it, alright?”

“Thank you. Now go, enjoy your time off.” He said softly, tilting her head up by her chin gently to kiss her forehead. She smiled sadly and walked back.

Persephone returned and resumed watching the line seem to grow longer and longer, many of the others helping it along, but this earthquake had been particularly devastating, triggering a tsunami after it.

Hades already knew Poseidon was involved, any time he went into an angry fit a tsunami or earthquake followed.

It’s been days since Hades or Thanatos had gotten any kind of break before the disaster happened. And Hades knows his time with her is fleeting, a few more weeks will be spring and she will be with her mother for six months.

She went back to the fireplace, feeling lonely, Cerberus also looked lonely, the three-headed dog lying down, taking a rest from his duties, even laying down they were around five feet in height, standing they neared 10 feet.

Each dog's head whined, having not seen their master in quite some time. She walked over, her dress trailing behind her as she gave them pets on their heads and scratches behind their ears.

“I know, he just has a lot of work to do, I know he’s missing you as-“

Her sentence was cut off by her window breaking and a body tumbling onto the floor before hitting the wall.

Cerberus gave a light growl before seeing they weren’t a threat. Persephone gasped seeing the mess and then seeing the one responsible. “Hemes! What is this? Are you ok?”

She kneeled down to him and he huffed, having flown here as fast as he could. “I’m ok, just lost control.”

She helped him stand up. “You know we do have a door.”

“I was in a rush.”

She sighed. “Why are you here? Is there more help coming to guide the dead?”

Hermes smiled weakly. “Uhh no, unfortunately, just…wanted to…visit you guys. Been a while and been a while since I flew so fast.”

Persephone laughed. “Well, I urge you to use the door next time.” She waved her hand, the glass was repaired and mended and back into the wall where it belonged. “Actually, this is perfect timing, I need your help.”

Hemes grinned. “What do you need your majesty?”

Persephone rolled her eyes. “No need for such formality, we’ve known each other for centuries, Hermes. With the most recent disaster on our part of the world, Hades has been overworked. He hasn’t been home in days, just at his desk working and seeing the souls.”

“Isn’t that his job?” He asked, finger-pointing up.

Persephone softly glared at him. “And?”

Hemes retracted his pointed finger quickly. “Nothing!”

She sighed, frowning and her body softening from the small anger she felt moments ago. “I’m just worried. I’ve tried to help but he won’t let me see to the souls alone, he has me on a work schedule he won’t follow; as the humans say, he’s a workaholic. The souls won’t be going anywhere, they need no food or water, and they are in purgatory; they can wait but he refuses to let them wait. Which I find very sweet and I admire his work ethic but he needs rest.”

“So what am I supposed to do?” Hermes asked, confused.

“I want you to try to cheer him up, I hear he's been snappish with the souls and that’s never good and me going to him doesn’t seem to help.”

“Again, what am I supposed to do? You’re his queen, if he won’t listen to you why would he listen to me?”

“Because you're his friend and one of the only friends he has from the surface.”

Hermes stayed quiet, wanting to help but also not wanting to get too involved, especially since he came here to hide from his latest shenanigans.

Persephone smiled at him, starting to push him out the door. “Just do what you do best.”

“Break windows?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, cause a little chaos. Nothing that can’t be undone easily and no harm to anyone. I’m sure even the souls would love to see a little show of you two bickering and joking.”

“But I’m not a God of Chaos, that’s Lokis deal.”

“I know but it seems to follow you regardless.” She said, gesturing to the window he broke.

“But he’s scary.”

She just rolled her eyes. “Oh stop, he’s a big softie and you know damn well. At least get him to eat some of the snacks I brought him.”

Hemes smiled. “Oooh, what kind of snacks?”

“Just some fruit and cheeses, nothing extravagant.”

“I mean, I guess if he really needs cheering up I could go, I mean, what if the cheese goes to waste?”

She rolled her eyes at him again. “Fantastic, just go please.”

Hermes flew out the door, at the speed of a human runner and not the Mach speed he flew through the window with.

He stopped as a sinner was thrown toward Tartarus, able to see it from his spot, the hall that goes to the king's home near the hall he just walked out from.

Hemes walked up as Hades continued to work and talked to the souls and gave them proper judgment or had them go to where they would receive proper judgment from their God. Most of the particularly bad sinners he likes he keep, to make sure they get the full extent of the punishment necessary, regardless of whatever the soul’s religious beliefs might be.

Hemes flew up the few feet of stairs and smiled. “Busy today?”

“Yes.” He said, signing a paper, the soul going through the right hallway door to face their Gods judgment.

Hemes was about to say something when Hades cut him off, talking to the souls. “Next!”

There was the sound of whimpering and sniffles. Hemes and Hades couldn’t see them over the desk. Hades looked over and saw the soul of a child, no older than four years old.

Normally those younger than 13 went to a separate place, but in the case of mass casualties, it’s never been unheard of for a few souls of children to get lost from their destination.

It was a little boy, looking lost and scared.

Hades did what his Queen had been guiding him to do with little souls.

He got up from his desk and walked down the stairs, kneeling to the little soul.

He hoped he sounded as gentle as he intended. “What’s your name little one?”

Next to him, a flash of glowing paper showed up, the boys name, age, how he died and various other bits of information on it.

“Micheal sir..” He whimpered out.

Hemes was about to take a few bites of grape from the tray Persephone brought when Hades voice stopped him. “Hemes, can you fetch my queen? I need her to help Micheal.”

Hemes was about to say something along the lines of what do you do when I’m not here to fetch her but Hades glaring look toward his hesitance stopped it. “Yeah, yeah, back in a jiffy.”

Michel sniffled, wiping his eyes of tears. “You have a queen?”

“Yes, the most beautiful queen,” Hades said, giving him a little smile.

“Are you a king then? Like in the fairytales?”

“Yes, like in your fairy tales.”

Hermes arrived with Persephone in his arms, making sure she got there quickly as possible. “Your queen.”

Persephone quickly walked over, kneeling down to the little boy with a soft smile. “Hello, little one.”

Micheal gave a shy look. “You are really pretty like he said.”

She smiled brightly, reaching her hand to him, letting him choose to take it.

“Thank you, you’re very polite.”

“My mama always taught me to say sir and mam and to tell girls they’re pretty.” He said, holding her hand.

She stood, holding his hand tightly enough he wouldn’t be lost again, guiding him to the right hallway. “Oh really? You must have the best mom.” She turned back, giving a little wave to Hades. Micheal did as well, waving before continuing down the hall.

Hades sighed as he got back up and back to his desk, reaching for his pen, also summoning Micheal’s paperwork as he looked at it.

He started to look all around his desk for his pen, it was specially made for dealings in the underworld, made of obsidian with platinum lining as its metal casing and a small line of diamonds where one would hook it onto a pocket.

He looked and then stopped himself. He never lost items, especially the pen he needed to sign and confirm people into their judgment. Then he looked over at Hermes who was snacking with various cheese cubes in one hand, a good handful.

Hades gave him a look, glaring at him. “Hermes, you wouldn’t have happened to know where my pen went?”

Hermes swallowed the cheese that was in his mouth. “Oh..uh no, no, I haven’t. Must have rolled away.”

“Without anyone touching it?”

“Yeah, could have put it down wrong.”

“In the Eons I have been doing this, the only times it’s gone missing is when you show up?”

Hermes blushed. “Yeah.”

Hades sighed. “I do not have the mental energy to fight with you, just return my pen.”

Hermes summoned the pen from his personal pocket dimension, handing it over before realizing his little pocket dimension was overfilled, a very familiar trident falling out right as Hades grabbed his pen.

It was unmistakable and loud as it clanked onto the floor and down the few stairs to the floor.

Hades just stared at it and then back to Hermes before standing, Hermes could feel the Gods anger rising as he started backing away. “Is that Posidons trident?” Hades asked, voice controlled.

Hermes stumbled on his words as he backed himself to floor level. “What? why …why would..What? How did that get in there?” He kept backing away, fire licking around Hades feet.

“How did you get his trident Hermes?” His voice stayed controlled but Hermes could feel how Livid he was.

Hermes backed himself into a wall. “Oh well, I was just delivering a message and... And well uhh he was just..so thankful he gave it to me?”

“Do not make me force the truth out of you.”

“What is going on here?!” Persephone yelled from across the room, coming back from helping the child, she was next to her husband within seconds. Hades points to the trident. “That.”

She looked over and glared at it before giving a hard look to Hermes. “Did you steal his trident? Are you why we’re dealing with the mass of souls?” she turned to Hades with a soft look. “Go back to work love, I’ll take care of this.”

The fire around him dimmed down to nothing, his hand going to her waist, kissing her head. “Very well. Be sure to return his trident as soon as possible.”

She smiled to him. “Of course.” She returned to gaze to Hermes and it was hardened again, she summoned the trident into her hand with a few vines. “I should impale with this. Follow me and if you fly away I swear nothing will keep me from finding you.”

Hermes just nodded, more scared of her than he was with Hades. For a Goddess of Spring, she was terrifying, more so than her husband. He followed obediently. Once back in the room, she huffed as she hit him over the head with the trident before throwing it to the ground, startling Ceberous who watched it clank to the ground.

Hermes fell to the ground with the impact, crying out in pain. “Ow, that was… deserved.”

“You're damn right it's deserved! Do you know how many souls your little habit costs? Almost 300,000, along with the normal amount that dies a day. we only take on a few hundred a day! We watch over 17 countries in our zone and in one day we got 300,000, thanks to you. My husband has been working himself to the bone to make sure each soul is properly checked in and judged and shown where they need to go.”

Hermes gave a soft glare. “His work ethic isn't my prob-”

“I will hit you again if you finish that sentence.” She said, a thick vine of ivy summoning around her arm, a threat.

Heres grumbled.

She frowned, body softening. “I just had to help a four-year-old. He was barely a child, still a toddler and he was terrified. You've taken an innocent child from his parents because of your monornic stunt.”

“Technically Poseidon did, he’s the one throwing a temper tantrum.”

“And you knew how he would react when you took it. That's why you flew through the window! Were you coming here to hide like a coward!”

Hermes sighed, the side of his face throbbing as he ran a hand through his hair. “Yes, I was coming here to hide. I flew faster than I have in a long time and lost control on the way here and broke your window.”

Persephone used her vines to grab the trident, bringing it into her arms, walking over to Hermes. “You will take me to Posiedon immediately so I can make sure it’s returned properly.” He just nodded, holding her quickly and flying away.

When the last soul was done, the hall of judgment empty, he nearly slumped into his throne before he heard his old friend next to him. “Long few days?”

He looked and saw Thanatos next to him, standing professionally, arms behind his back, black robes hanging loosely.

Hades sighed, relaxing a bit. He could always unmask from the day safely around him. “Something like that. Hermes was here, stole my damn pen.”

“And Poseidons tridant.”

Hades looked at him with surprise.

Thanatos shrugged. “Word travels fast, especially with all the souls you’ve had to check-in. Apparently, quite a few hundred souls heard about your fire show and became a bit panicked thinking you were the devil. Nyx had to help calm them.”

“I should apologize to her.” He said as he stood, both he and Thanatos walking down to the floor.

Thanatos gave a small smile. “What for? You were both were doing your job. It’s a wonder you didn’t try to smite the messenger on the spot for his behavior.”

“Still, because of my behavior, she had extra to deal with and it will not sit with me to not apologize.”

“How mortals see you as a villain in their media will be a mystery to me. Dioynous is throwing a small celebration for us helping so many souls, you should come, and have a drink.”

Hades shook his head. “I know his get-togethers; he says it’s small, I say it’s twenty people too many.”

“Still, you deserve a drink of wine or meade, you’ve worked hard my friend, and should relax.”

“I plan to do that, in my own bed. Thank you for all your help, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He said, turning to go down the hall to his home.

Once inside his own home, he slumped against the door, rubbing his hands thought his dark hair and down his face.

Cerberus's affectionate woof nearly startled him as the giant dog walked over, wagging his huge tail, threatening to break any fragile items in its wake.

Hades smiled softly to him, petting each head as much as he could so none felt left out. “Hello my sweet baby, I missed you terribly.”

“As did I.”

He turned, seeing his queen, having just returned. She smiled as she spoke. “Done with work?”

He chuckled warmly, holding her close. “For now. Death is never ending.”

She smiled as she spoke. “So Dioynous is throwing a little party for all of our hard work with the disaster.”

“I know, Thanatos told me about it.”

She pulled away. “We should go get a drink. We deserve it.”

“I won’t argue we do but you know I’ve never been a fan of parties.”

“Yes, I know dear but we can get one drink and leave.”

He sighed as she took his hand, leading him out. “One drink.”

As soon as they arrived Dioynous was the first to greet them, smiling brightly as he gave a hug to Persephone. “Yo, glad to see you made it!”

After his hug, he stuck his hand out to Hades. Hades reluctantly shook his hand. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the wine God, his personality could just be…a lot, especially after the days of work he’s currently put in. “We’re here for one drink and one drink only.”

He suddenly saw Poseidon there as well, looking much calmer than he normally is, talking with some others. “He came here? After what his temper tantrum did?”

Dionysus shrugged. “Yeah but don’t worry, I made sure to spike his drinks with some calming herbs, thought it might be better to keep an eye on him here ya know?”

Hades just nodded as Dionysus summoned two glasses of wine for them. “Here, relax, enjoy yourself. So? Get any interesting souls?”

Hades took a sip of the wine before speaking. “Always.”

Dionysus silently urged him to go on, blinking at him as he drank his own wine.

Hades sighed. “There was a corrupt Christian priest and a few atheists. The atheists are always the most confused, believing they don’t go anywhere when they die and they just rot in the ground, forgetting they have a soul with energy."

As Dioynses startd to talk, Hades saw Perhphone leave his side to socialize and greet the other deities. “But don’t they need payment for Charon to even get to you? Why would they end up here?”

“Not all do, just our believers and worshipers since it’s tied to our particular system.”

Thanatos showed up suddenly next to Hades. “You came?”

Hades jumped slightly, forgetting sometimes Thanotos could just instantly jump from one place to another without any sound.

He sighed. “Yes, I wasn’t given much choice.”

Thanatos smiled, placing a friendly hand on his shoulder. “I’m glad, you’re always holed up with your work, we rarely get to see you, as the humans say; I’ve missed your face.”

Hades gave a small smile to him. “Thank you.” Suddenly Persephone was coming over, gently leading both Hermes and Poisedon to him. She smiled. “I believe these two have something to say to you.”

Hades looked confused, Thanotos was holding onto laughter, along with Dioynous.

Hades could see his brother was high, very high to have him even want to apologize let alone be lead. He’s probably more relaxed and laid back than he’s ever been in his entire life.

Poseidon's movements were slow but Hades could tell his feelings were genuine. “I’m sorry, about this mess. I lost my cool-“

“That’s an understatement.” Hades said with a blank look.

His brother continued, either not hearing what he said or not caring; probably not caring.

“And that wasn’t cool. I know my temper controls the earthquakes and then the sea and I’m sorry you had to clean up my mess.”

Hades gave a small nod. “Apology accepted.”

Persephone nudged Hermes who jumped, being terrified of the both of them right now. “And I’m sorry I stole his tridant. I knew how he would react and stole it anyway, I’m sorry.”

Hades gave him a glare but seeing the huge, trident-shaped bruise on the side of his face was satisfying. “Apology pending.”

Dionysus let a laugh escape, Hades bluntness was always a surefire way to make the God of wine laugh till his sides hurt.

Thanotos joined in laughing not nearly as hard as the wine god.

Hermes looked offended and before anything could come out of his mouth, Persephone was already stopping him. “Nope, be glad you got that much for your apology.”

Hermes grumbled. “Alright, I’m gonna go back to the party.” He said, flying away.

Poseidon was tipsy as he went to walk back to his spot, nearly falling into the wine fountain at the center of the room.

Dioynous reacted immediately. “Alright, let’s get you home.”

“But Aphrodite is-“

“Yes and she’s busy sucking face with Aries, she doesn’t want to be bothered.”

“Oh.”

Hades just watched in mild disbelief. Both from his brother being so drunk and high he could barely stand and that he apologized. And that Dionysus was a good host, he wanted people drunk but not drunk enough to cause a problem or get hurt.

Persephone smiled to her husband, holding his hand. “Ready to go home. We’ve had our one drink.”

Hades nodded. “Yes, very much.”

They both turned, Hades hand on her lower back as they went back home to rest.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“I love you so much, sweetheart. Be nice to Charon ok? He’s nice, he’ll help you.”

Before his breath could leave his body, he felt a coin in his small hand; cold and metallic.

He kept going in and out of consciousness, wishing he could tell his mom he loved her one more time, wish he wasn’t so sick. He wasn’t scared of dying, he knew from his parent's teachings Hades would help him to the afterlife. But he was scared of leaving them.

When he opened his eyes he saw a man dressed in black robes, a sword on his back, on the other side of the bed, across from his mom and dad.

Thanatos smiled softly, reaching out to the young boy. “Do not be afraid young one.”

The young boy started to reach out weakly toward Thanatos.

Thanatos got his sword and quickly sliced at the boy, detaching his soul from his body.

The boy was suddenly standing next to him, looking confused. “What happened?” He asked, looking up at him.

The heart monitor flatlined and the boy watched as his mother sobbed, hugging his limp body in her grief, his father trying to be the rock she needs but grieving the same, hiding his sobs behind his hand, his other hand comfortingly on his wife’s back.

“You’ve passed on. Do not worry, they will be alright.”

The kid saw the coin on the floor, having dropped it when he passed. He gasped. “My coin!” He tried to pick it up but his hand went through it.

Thanatos placed a hand on his back. “It’s alright. The coin was on you when you passed, Charon has already received it. Come, Hades is waiting for you.”

In The Underworld, Hades was struggling. Not just at work, but today was the day.

The day his queen leaves for six months.

Only able to communicate through Hermes, unable to hold her soft hands or smell the flower scent from her hair.

He got through the ones who died, mostly the elderly, a few murdered, and one child who died of terminal cancer.

The only one to not show up yet was the child. The hall of judgment was quiet, Cerberus was just outside the gates to the room, looking bored as he lay down.

He looked at the child’s paper again.

Stephen Miller

nine years of age, terminal leukemia.

Parents devout pagans, patrons of Apollo and Athena; the child has been selected by Apollo to enter Elysium.

Payment to Charon received

Status: crossed

It says he’s crossed over but still no sign of him.

He huffed as he stood, walking down the small staircase. As much as he hates the idea, the little soul can wait, unfortunately saying goodbye to his beloved never took long, her mother was always impatient.

She was pacing in their home. She loves her mother, dearly, but she loves her husband just the same. It was always so hard to leave them when the time came. She normally wore black when in the underworld, it would feel disrespectful not to and she had a name to uphold as the queen of the underworld.

But now she wore her soft pinks, a crown of wildflowers sitting on her head she made to greet her mother properly and to bring in spring, awaken the flowers and plants for the coming harvest.

She heard footsteps and the door closing. She turned, seeing her husband looking at her with an odd look, Ceberurs behind him.

She smiled weakly, her inner melancholy making it hard to do so.

He walked over slowly, admiring her spring form. “You are as beautiful as the day I first saw you.” He held her hands, bringing each one to his lips to leave a chaste kiss on each.

Her smile softened. “You say that every year.”

“It’s true every year.”

She laughed softly as he held her hand securely in his. “Come, your mother is waiting.”

She said nothing as he led her out and to the entrance, Cerberus following them, looking sad as well, knowing what was going on.

Hecate was waiting by the stairs out of the underworld, ones very few could gain access to. Hecate smiled as she saw the Goddess. “You look lovely as always my queen.”

Persephone gave a small eye roll before giving her friend a hug. “You tell me that every day.”

Hecate grinned. “And every day it is true.”

“You sound like my husband.”

“I am ready to walk you when you are. I will give you some time.”

Persephone nodded as she went back to Hades, who looked as depressed as his domain tends to look.

Her own eyes filled with tears but she had to stay strong, if she started crying, he’d start crying. It wouldn’t be the first time. And those times were so much harder to leave.

She walked close to him, holding his face in her delicate hands. “Hey, I’ll be back. I love you.”

He held her hands, kissing the palms of each one as a few tears escaped his dark eyes. “Words cannot express properly the love I feel for you. I will be waiting.”

She swallowed down her own tears, leaning up and kissing him gently. Before he could hold her close and never let go she pulled away, starting to walk up the stairs with Hecate at her side.

He watched until they were both gone. He took in a steadying breath. Cerberus whined sadly. Hades wiped his face of any tears and went to to him, petting his loyal companion on each head. “She will be back. Come, we have a little soul to help.”

Ten minutes earlier

The little soul was looking around the underworld in awe as Charon ferried him to Hades. He can understand why so many people might be scared. The boatman dressed in dark robes, even a hood that nearly covered his face. His hands only a little exposed, bony and thin.

He walked over to Charon, tugging gently on his robes.

The ferryman looked over, a harsh look on his face. The boy smiled, waving. “Hi! I’m Stephen.”

Charon's face softened, just a fraction before nodding to him and looking ahead.

It wasn’t long before the boat docked and Stephen walked off. “Bye! Thank you for bringing me here, I wish I could give you a tip.”

Charon walked over, nearly scaring Stephen, just a little. He’s never heard of him walking off the boat. Suddenly a thin hand was on his head, petting his hair gently before taking his hand away and going back to the boat, floating away down the river.

Stephen looked around, seeing the gates to the hall of judgment. As he walked closer to it, the black gates opened automatically. He looked at them in awe. “Oh wow, I wish Mom and Dad could see this.” He said to himself as he continued to walk, seeing it empty.

He was confused, all his parent's teachings said Hades and possibly Ceberous would be waiting but none were there.

He walked in more. “Hello? Mr. Hades sir?” He saw the tall desk, the carpet leading to it black with silver accents and candles decorating most of the walls.

He walked around and saw there was a small staircase that led to the throne, which didn’t seem like a king thrown to him, more like a very fancy office chair, which he thinks suits him. His mom always said he was more like a CEO of the dead, signing papers and making sure everyone goes where they need to go.

He walked up, looking at it closer, feeling the smooth leather before climbing and sitting in it, feeling like the seat may swallow him. “Wow.” He saw a fancy pen as well, grabbing it gently as he looked it over. “So pretty, must be what he signs the souls over with.”

He put it down and climbed from the chair, jogging down the stairs. He saw on either side of the room were doors with locks on them. He tried to open them but they wouldn’t budge an inch. He grumbled, walking away to the open hallway.

He followed it to a door that opened. He looked in carefully. “Hello? Anyone here?” There was no response as he walked inside, going to the small coffee table, a vase of wildflowers the only thing sitting on it. There was a fireplace that was roaring away as well. He walked further in and felt the couch cushion. It was soft as cotton but felt as durable as velvet.

“Oh, who are you? You’re not the big guy.” Stephen turned, seeing Hermes who was looking at him with curiosity.

Stephen smiled. “Your Hermes!”

Hermes smiled back. “You know me? I was afraid mortals forgot all about us.”

“Some have but my mom and dad didn’t, they left you offerings sometimes but they said you never like staying in one place too long.”

Hermes looked at him closely before summoning a small scroll, looking at that as well, matching something up that made sense to him. “Is your name Stephen?”

Stephen smiled brightly. “Yeah!”

Hermes smiled as the paper disappeared. “I remember now. When you first got sick they started praying and asking me for help but I’m not a healer, even if some humans use my staff as their symbol for doctors; still never understood that. I remember now, I remember going to Apollo to help you. Oh.”

Hermes suddenly realized the child couldn’t have been helped, feeling guilty. “Sorry, you’re down here.”

“It's ok, it was terminal, nothing would have helped-“

Suddenly there was growling and he jumped, turning around to face Cerberus and Hades. He cried out in fear, shaking. Hermes going to comfort him immediately.

Hades pet Ceberus to calm him. “It’s alright, they’re not a threat.” He looked at both of them. “Why are you both in my house? And who are you little one?”

Hermes started rambling. “Well I knew what today was and thought you could use the company, I know how sulky you can get without her and I hate to see you so-“

Hades held his hand up to stop the talking. “That’s enough Hermes.” He kneeled, signaling the child closer.

Stephen walked closer. Hades summoned his paper near him. “How did you get into my home?”

Stephen looked confused. “I died?”

Hades let out a small chuckle. “No little one, how are you here? In my actual home?”

Stephen caught on. “Oh! I arrived but no one was there and I guess I got bored and started wandering. The other doors wouldn’t open but this one did.”

Hades inwardly cursed, he must have forgotten to lock his personal door, the first day of spring is always a hard one for him.

Hades nodded, standing up. “Alright, let’s get you where you need to go.”

“Already?” Stephen said, nearly whining, he was enjoying talking to the two deities so much.

Hermes chimed in, walking closer. “He was the son of our believers and worshipers, maybe a little more time?”

Stephen looked up at Hades so hopeful and full of innocence, it reminded him of Persephone when she wanted to get her way.

He sighed. “A little while longer, but I cannot keep you forever, you are required to go to your afterlife.”

Stephen grinned. “Yes! Can I pet Cerberus?”

Hades gave a nod. “Yes, he’s only a threat to those trying to break in or escape.”

Stephen walked over to the giant three-headed dog. He reached out gently, letting him smell. Cerberus sniffed, each head getting a smell before giving a lick that was bigger than his arm, leaving sticky saliva in its wake.

Stephen laughed, looking at it. “Ew, now I’m covered in dog slobber.”

Hermes was already summoning a towel before Hades took care of it with a snap of his fingers. Hermes rolled his eyes. “I mean, sure, you can do that too I guess.”

Stephen started petting the giant dog, each head getting pets before moving to his neck, as best as his small arms could allow. “Could I ride him? Like a horse?”

Hades gave a look. “He is not a horse.”

While Hades was talking, Cerberus had already decided, laying flat and low on the ground for the child to climb.

Hades sighed as Hermes went over, gently picking the child up and helping him onto the large dog's back.

“I think he likes you.”

Stephen laughed as Cerberus carefully stood back up. “I’ve never been this high up before!”

Hades watched with slight worry, not that Stephen could be hurt but the panicky feeling of falling is still a primal fear that survives even after you pass and he was at least ten feet above the ground, quite a lot for a child. And doesn’t want Stephen to experience that kind of fear, wanting him to have the best time before he goes to his final destination.

Hermes seemed to feel similar, hovering in the air near Stepehn who was just laughing as Cerberus walked around surprisingly gentle.

Hermes smiled down to Hades, ankle wings fluttering like a hummingbird. “I have an idea; why don’t we take him on a tour of the underworld? I’m sure the others would love to meet him.”

Stephen joined in. “Yeah! Is Nyx here?”

Hades was surprised. “You know who she is?”

Stephen nodded. “Yeah. My mom and dad told me all about you guys. I didn’t have a patron deity yet, Mom said I was too young to start to worship properly. But I could’ve!”

Hades nodded. “Alright. We can go see her. Hermes.” He called to the god sharply. Hermes looked over, startled midair. “Yes?”

“If you so much as touch anything of hers-“

Hermes shook his head. “Best behavior. Promise!”

Hades gave one more stern look to Hermes. “Hermes will help you off Cerberus, he needs to return to work.”

Stephen pouted as Hermes helped the child down. “Oh man.”

Hermes shrugged as he gently placed the child safely standing on the ground. “He’s a working dog, like the service dogs you have on earth.”

Stephen watched as they walked through the underworld. It was really scary but nothing hurt him or even gave a threat.

It was filled with dark canyons and flowing rivers that looked like lava but it flowed like water.

They passed by where Charon stays, his own small house on an island in the large river, and the boat docked to the side. “Why is his house so small?”

“It’s what he wanted. I always offer him more and he refuses. He lives simple.”

“Oh. Why is he in the middle of the water?”

“He doesn’t like to be disturbed.”

“Why?”

Hades sighed, becoming more irritated, Hermes was stifling his laughter.

“He doesn’t like to socialize.”

“Is the river lava?”

“No.”

“What is it?”

Hermes laughed and Hades shot him a look, shutting him up immediately.

It wasn’t much longer until they got to Nyx's domain which was only lit by the stars that littered the ceiling, or sky, above them, barely giving off any light.

Stephen became scared, hiding into Hades as best he could as they walked. Even Hermes was silent.

Suddenly she appeared, materializing from the stars. Black robes that looked very similar to Thanotos, eyes nothing but black with shining and ever-moving stars within them, stars floated above her head as she moved. “Hades. What do I owe this pleasure?” Her voice was surprisingly soft-spoken for a being so ancient and so powerful.

Hades kneeled down to Stephen, who had started hiding behind him when they stopped. “You have a visitor.”

“A visitor?”

“Yes. He asked to see you.”

“And you allowed it?” She asked, a tinge of irritation in her voice.

“He is one of our own.”

Her face softened at that, there were not many of their believers and worshipers left, maybe a few hundred between each deity. She saw how scared he was. “I see. That does change things.”

She swished her hand softly in the air, her domain turning to a soft night, just before sunrise, giving way to a little more light. She kneeled down to the ground, arm outstretched to him. “Hello, little soul.”

Stephen swallowed, feeling a little better seeing some light. He reached out carefully, feeling Hade's hand on his back, gently urging him. He felt safe if Hades wasn’t scared of her, he shouldn’t be either.

His little hand met hers, she didn’t close her hand around his until his fingers curled around hers, sure and confident.

She gently brought him closer. “Enjoying the tour Stephen?”

He gasped. “You know my name?”

“I know much more.”

“Like what?”

She smiled softly to him. “Well, I know your favorite food is your mother's homemade spaghetti and meatballs, a recipe your grandmother gave her that was from your great-grandmother who sailed to America in 1940 with her infant daughter, who became your grandmother.”

Stephen was in awe. “You know my grandma? And great grandma?”

“I do. Your grandmother passed away last year, she’s currently waiting to see you in Elysuam fields.”

“I wasn’t as sick last year, I was really sad when she died.”

She gently pet his hair. “Death is hard to cope with, what once was there, is not. But you and your parents came together and grieved, memorializing her.”

“Will my mom and dad be okay, without me?” Stephen asked, his eyes filling up with tears.

She nodded, kissing his head. “It will be the most difficult thing they have to deal with but they will be ok, I and Hades will help them.”

Stephen smiled weakly, holding out his pinky. “Promise?”

She smiled softly, interlocking her pinky with his. “I promise. Now go. Your grandmother is waiting.”

He smiled as he walked back to Hades, immediately taking his hand as Hades and Hermes said their goodbyes. Stephen was gushing the entire walk back. “She was so pretty! Is she always so pretty? I think she is, she’s a goddess, they’re all pretty! And she knew my mom and dad and my favorite food! My mom makes the best spaghetti, she helps me-“

Hermes suppressed his chuckle as Stephen continued to ramble before they ended up passing by Thanatos who was on the same path to see Nyx.

He looked confused. “Oh, hello my friends, it is not often I see you here. I haven’t seen you since you came to apologize.”

Hermes smirked next to Hades. “Oooh what for? What did you do?”

Hades glared over to the messenger. “You angered me so much I released flames, do you not remember when you stole my brother's trident?”

Hermes backed away. “Oh.”

“The souls thought I was the devil and Nyx had to come calm most of them down.”

Stephen was in shock, listening to all of them. “You took Poseidons trodant?”

Hades spoke to Stephen. “He did, his actions hurt many mortals and a lot of paperwork. Many of the souls that came here thought I was the devil from their Bible.”

Stephen frowned, looking up with big eyes. “Why would they think that? You’re so nice.”

Hermes scoffed. “Not when he’s angry kid.”

“You made him angry.”

Both Thanatos and Hades looked in shock at the child, trying very hard not to laugh. Hermes pouted. “Hey, don’t laugh.”

Thanatos chuckled. “He is correct. I will see you later my friends.”

Hades gave a wave. “Goodbye.”

It didn’t take long for both Stepehen and Hermes to act up, Stepehen turning his head to stick his tongue out at him, Hermes was shocked but did the same.

This went on for a full minute before Hades picked Stephen up and held him on his hip like a parent. “Enough. Both of you.”

Stephen pouted but felt comfort being in the god's arms, reminding him of his own father's embrace.

By the time they got back to the hall of judgment, Stephen was nearly asleep, head lolling on his shoulder.

Hermes cleared his throat. “You take him to his judgment, I’ll see you later.”

Hades turned to Hermes. “Thank you for your help with the child. With Persephone gone, I’m often at a loss of what to do with little souls.”

Hermes smiled, not sure how to take the rare, genuine praise from Hades. “Don’t mention it. Just good timing. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

Hermes just nodded before flying off.

Hades carried Stephen through the proper door to his judgment.

It took him to Elysium, its green and lush fields of flowers and vegetation went nearly as far as the eye could see before you saw simple houses and the ocean’s edge just on the horizon.

It was evening when he arrived, the sunset almost completely.

There was also a grand temple for any parties; mortal or god hosted. Dionysus often has his parties here, so the chosen believers can partake as well and enjoy along with their deities.

He gently shook Stephen who woke easily. “Sorry, I fell asleep on you.”

Suddenly a voice spoke Hades was more than familiar with, one he wasn’t fond of.

“Hello, Hades.”

He looked as he gently placed Stephen on the ground. “Hello, Demeter.”

It was tense between them. It always was. It was rare Hades personally saw a soul go to their judgment himself, and more rare a soul was chosen for her part of the underworld.

She stood proud, hands folded gently in front of her over her green robes, the centuries only clear in her face if you studied her face, a few fine lines sprinkled on her skin, along with a few strands of gray hair among her blonde hair.

The same color as her daughter and it made his heart ache with the reminder.

Demeter smiled softly to Stephen, kneeling down. “Hello my son, I’ve been waiting for you."

Stephen looked unsure before looking up at Hades. He nodded. “Go ahead. This is where you belong. Your grandmother is waiting here.”

Stephen smiled as he reached up with both hands. Hades looked confused before picking him up again. When he did the child engulfed him in a hug. “Thank you so much! I had a lot of fun, I’m gonna miss you.”

Hades hugged back, almost wishing Stephen didn’t have to leave. “I will miss you as well little one.”

He placed him back down before Stephen ran over, going to Demeter and taking her outstretched hand.

Together they walked away, Stephen not looking back once, Hades pretending it didn’t hurt.

Hades turned back, a familiar loneliness settling in as he walked back through the door.

This six-month arrangement has been going on for eons.

It never got easier.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Thanatos never hated his job.

Even if he did, he can’t change it any more than Hades can change his position as king of the underworld; a somewhat reluctant title.
 
But some days he wished he wasn’t so feared. Some days he wishes people were happy to see him to guide their souls to Charon. 
 
Unfortunately, the spot he was needed at today bordered on another deity group and he had to try to work with them.  Which they were not making easy, it was boarding the Catholic territories and they tended to be territorial.
 
He tried to stay away from the closest area to them, putting his focus on the people that are clearly within his territory. 
 
It was a small, man-made disaster, thankfully. He did not want to help clean up another one of his owns mess like last time. It at least means the death toll is comparatively smaller, maybe a few hundred to a thousand unlike the 40,000 they had during the last disaster. 
 
There was some protest gone wrong, resulting in a small explosion that collapsed a 10-story office building. 
 
And every single person he went to, to lead them to Charon was terrified of him. Their soul backed away in fear.

He even put his hood down to show his face but what he symbolized outweighed his human appearance. 
 
There was a middle-aged man who died when the building collapsed, crushing his body. His soul was sitting up, transparent and numb. Wondering if this was just an out-of-body experience, he would be fine. 
 
Thanatos appeared, kneeling to him but the man knew exactly what was going on.

The man shook his head, tears streaming down his face. “No, no please, I don’t want to die, it’s not my time, please.”

He started to back away but barely moved two feet, his soul still attached to his body. 
 
Thanatos frowned, reaching out softly. “I’m sorry my soul, but your time has come.”

“But I have a family! I have kids “

“I’m aware.” He said gently. 
 
The man sobbed. “Please don’t take me, please.” 
 
Thanatos stayed silent as he stood, getting his sword and severing the soul from the body. “You are not the only one here who left families behind. Come, I will see you to your proper judgment.” 
 
The man backed away from the hand. “No! No, it’s just an out-of-body experience.”  Now that he was disconnected from his body he started to run. 
 
Thanotos hated this part. 
 
He appeared instantly in front of the running man who barely got 12 feet away from him, placing his hand on his shoulder. “Please do not run. You cannot outrun me.” 
 
Before the man could try and run again he transported him the the underworld, leaving him with Charon and soon Hades. 
 
It was like that for most of the souls he retrieved. He knew it was likely because many of the deaths were so quick, the building crushing most, killing them instantly. He understands why they feel so shocked, blindsided and terrified. 
 
It doesn’t help the hurt he feels when they try to run from him.
 
Once his area was cleared, for now, many paramedics were on the scene and helping retrieve and help those trapped. 
 
Artemis and Apollo were helping the medical workers as much as they could, there were many other deities there helping as well.  Thanatos could see the exhaustion on Apollo's face as he helped guide minds and hands, and calm those injured. 
 
Apollo sighed with a tired smile, that was all there was for now until more could be retrieved. He saw Thanotos watching him. Artemis saw him as well. Apollo looked over to her, silently asking permission to see him. Artemis nodded. “Go on. He looks like he could use a friend.”

He smiled. “Thank you!”
 
He gave a big smile to the death god, waving to him before running over to him. “Hey! How you been?”

“I have been better Apollo.” He said softly, sadly.

The sun god frowned, concern clear in his eyes. “Oh no, did you have to retrieve children? I know how that upsets you with disasters.”

“No. They all…fear me. I’ve had several attempt to run away. So many pleaded for me not to take them. Told me about the families they’re leaving behind. It weighs heavy on me today.”
 
Apollo frowned, looking away, thinking of anything he could do to help, “Would you mind if I played a song?” He got his lyre, seemingly out of thin air. 
 
Thanatos gave a tired look to the god of sunlight. “I will not stop you but I have to see to the border area, there are still souls. And I don’t think you’re work is done.” 
 
There was suddenly a cry of elation. “We found more survivors!”

Apollo looked over and smiled, seeing people being rescued.

“I guess I don’t have time for a song. But let’s meet when this is over, with Dionysus.”

“I will see you then.” 
 
Apollo gave a little salute before going back to the medics to help.

Thanatos sighed, using the ability to instantly transport to get to the border area.

There he saw Azreil, already at work, 
 
Azreil was a tall figure, taller than Thanotos, by at least three feet, with six wings on each side of him, eyes dotting his dark wings all the way to the base, a large golden halo was around his bald head, it also had eyes. He wore dark robes and a hood, as seemed standard for any god of death. But his hood was down, he wonders if for the same reason, he pulled his down; to attempt to calm those who feared him. 
 
But the person whose soul he severed with his own sword wasn’t scared, in fact, seemed to welcome him. 
 
The angel spoke, surprisingly soft to Thanatos, all the eyes on his wings and halo looking at him now, even if he didn’t turn his head; it was unsettling and Thanatos is not one to be easily unsettled. “Hello, Thanatos. You’ve done good work today.”

“I see you have been at work as well. Not often we work in the same territory. I hope I’m not overstepping.”
 
Azeril turned his body, the soul went into the afterlife. He got his book that was hanging by a belt on his waist, looking for and scratching off a name with a black feather quill. “Not at all. It is not your fault death happened on our borders.” 
 
Thanatos gave a bow to him, giving a look of the area as he righted himself. He saw Samael   there as well which was not good for him. 
 
Saael was towering, just like Azreial but with more wings, if that was possible. Twelve black wings came from his back, thankfully there was less eyes dotting down his wings to the base but he had two golden halos, crossing over his head with eyes on them, and two dark horns that came from his head. He didn’t seem to notice Thanotos which was good. He was known for being as territorial as a cat.
 
He instantly arrived to a soul, doing his best to push away the hurt from the fear so many seemed to feel. But why were they not so scared of Azreial? They all seemed calm and followed. 
 
Once all souls were retrieved he looked around the area, seeing more medics and another angel, Micheal. 
 
He felt dread settle in his stomach. He’s rarely ever had to face the archangel. Micheal was just as tall and unsettling as Azreial but less wings, only four on each side, white wings with the same eyes dotting down to the base, a large, golden halo that also had eyes but he looked ready for war as he helped heal the injured and guide the medics. Fully armed with a sword and shield on his back, armor plating covering his chest as well.
 
Thanatos felt they got the last of the souls, all that was left was for the healers to do what they could. 
 
Micheal healed similarly to Apollo, petting the injured one’s hair, keeping them calm, and using their abilities to aid in healing. 
 
When Micheal was done he saw Thanotos and gave a weak glare, flying over quickly to stand in front of him. “This is our territory, what are you doing here?”

Thanatos glared weakly as he looked up at him, why were all the angels so tall? “It is a border, I cannot help people died on the border.” 
 
“Well your job is done, you can leave.”

Azreial was suddenly next to his fellow angel. “Micheal, it is alright. He is not here to harm anyone. He is only doing his job, just as we are.” 
 
Micheal just continued to glare down at him, with every single eye on him. “He is from the underworld. He can’t be trusted.” 
 
Suddenly Samael was involved, probably just getting done retrieving his own souls. “Micheal is right. The Underworld cannot be trusted, it is just a short walk away from Hell.” 
 
Thanatos glared but all the angels were so much taller and stronger than him. As he is a God of death, the only power he possesses is being able to freely go between the underworld and the living world. 
 
But Thanatos thought of his dear friend Hades, of how caring and gentle he is with every soul. And the thought of someone calling the underworld Hell struck a nerve. “The Underworld and Hell are nothing alike!” 
 
He didn’t mean to raise his voice but his mental energy was too low to handle this properly. The day had taken its toll on him and his patience was thin as hair. 
 
Apollo must have heard or was already on his way to aid the medics when he was suddenly by Thanotos' side. “Whoa, what’s going on? Thanatos, are you ok?” 
 
Thanatos was about to tell him he was fine when Samael grinned. “We were just having a conversation, little god.” 
 
Apollo huffed. “Little?”

Samael smiled, hands on his hips, his 8ft frame towering over them both. “Yes. Little. I was just telling Micheal that he is right not to trust anyone from The Underworld; it’s just a short stop away from Hell.” 
 
Apollo glared this time but Sameal continued. “And everyone knows that anyone that comes from the underworld are monsters. And the world has no place for monsters.” 
 
Before Thantos or Azrael could say anything or step between them, Apollo already had his golden bow and arrow, glaring at the tall angel with righteous anger, his long blonde hair floating with his growing energy.
 
Sameal reacted as well, energy swirling around him. Both Thanatos and Azrael stepped in to stop their fellow deities.

“Apollo stand down!”

“Samael STOP!” The angel's voice boomed. 
 
Apollo and Sameal just stared at each other in a stalemate through the blank space of Azrael wings that separated them.
 
Azrael spoke to Samaell first, Micheal had his hand on the hilt of his sword on his back, ready if needed.

“Samael, stop. He is only here to do his job. Just as we are. If you do not stand down I will ask Micheal to stop you.” 
 
Samael glared weakly, his anger going down before leaving. “Fine.” He said before turning. 
 
Thanatos did the same with Apollo. “Apollo, come along, we are done here.”

Apollo lowered his weapon before glaring softly to Thanatos, his earlier energy leaving him. “He called you and Hades monsters.”

“I know.”

“He deserves it.”

“I know Apollo. I’m just as infuriated but we cannot start a war simply because he’s rude. Let’s go home.”
 
Apollo sighed, starting to walk alongside Thanatos. “How fast can you get us to the underworld.”

“Three seconds-“

Apollo got his bow and arrow with lightning speed and shot at Samael, hitting him square in the ass. 
 
The angel yelped in pain as Thanatos shoved Apollo into the portal to go home. 
 
Apollo was laughing as they arrived in the underworld, outside of Nyxs home, Thanotos not wanting to bother any of the souls that might still be waiting for judgment. 
 
Thanatos nearly growled, he was so angry. “That was so immature, there are consequences, you can’t just shoot an angel.”
 
Apollo waved his hand. “It wasn’t anything damaging, just enough to hurt.”

“That’s not the point. You risk starting a war with the archangels just because he was rude.”
 
Apollo glared back. “He also can’t be allowed to behave that way. Azrael didn’t stop him properly so I did. I may not be Hades' favorite person and he’s not my favorite but I’m not about to let some guy with eyeballs on his feathers call him a monster. Or you! At least now he knows we won’t take his shit.” 
 
Thanatos sighed. “I think you are hanging around your humans too much.”

“Or not enough,” Apollo said with a smile.
 
Thanatos looked away. Apollo did have a point, even Angels need consequences for their behavior. He can only hope they don’t cross paths anytime soon. “Thank you, for defending me and my home. You didn’t have to do that.” 
 
Apollo smiled. “Corse I did, I wasn’t gonna let him bully you. Now let’s get that drink, I  think we really need one.” 
 
They arrived to the temple in Elsuyam, already there were a few others there, Dioynous of course, Thanatos thinks he lives here sometimes, the wine god is there so often. 
 
Dioynous saw them, coming over with a smile, and giving Apollo a big hug. “Glad you guys made it! How did the soul searching go?” 
 
Dioynous gave a hug to Thanatos as well. He barely returned it, not quite sure what to do. “Uh, it could have gone better. But the souls are where they need to be, that’s all that matters.” 
 
Apollo gave him a look. “So you’re not going to tell him about the angels?”

Thanatos gave him a stern look. Apollo shrugged. “What?”

Dionysus summoned two glasses of wine, handing one to Apollo. “You two have had a day.” Before Thanatos could get the other wine, Dionysus started summoning different herbs into it before handing it over. 
 
Thanatos looked at it suspiciously, carefully taking the wine glass.  “What did you put on mine?”

“Just some relaxing herbs; chamomile, lavender, marijuana-“

“You put drugs on my drink?” Thanatos exclaimed.

“It’s not a drug to us, and even so, it’s not like we have any drug test to pass to continue working. I can feel how tense you are and have been all day; please drink this and relax. You are among friends.”
 
Thanatos couldn’t argue with that logic, he just despised the idea of not being in complete control of himself. But he is among friends and  Dioynous has always been a phenomenal host, making sure everyone was safe as they had a good time. He took a few sips, finding the flavor was exactly how he liked his drinks; sweet.
 
The wine god brought a steady hand to his back, gently ushering them to a cozy couch. “Now tell me everything, how did your day go?”  He said, summoning his own wine as he sat on the grassy ground, carefree and casual. 
 
Thanatos sighed. “I want to state I do not hate my destiny as the God of Death but some days, I wish I wasn’t.” His voice became quiet as he finished his statement, making Dioynous look worried and Apollo giving a knowing, sympathetic look, sitting cross-legged on the sofa next to him. 
 
Thanatos continued. “So many souls are terrified of me. A few even ran away, pleading with me not to take them, telling me of the families they’re leaving behind.”
 
He felt the heaviness of what happened finally come down upon him. He didn’t want to be seen as emotional so he hid it by taking a few large gulps of his wine. It helped lighten the load, his emotions were already a little lighter. 
 
“And then the angels were there.”

Apollo huffed. “Bunch of conceited assholes, they called me a little god.”

“Azrael is alright. He’s always respectful to us. It’s the others that take Umbridge with others, not from his sect.”
 
Apollo swallowed the wine he had in his mouth. “No, it’s Samael and Micheal who are the troublemakers. Especially Samael, the way he talked down to you.” 
 
Dionysus frowned. “What did he say?”

Thanatos looked at the deep red of the wine in his glass. “He said all those from the underworld are monsters; a short step away from Hell. I raised my voice to him.” 
 
Even Dioynous, as carefree as he is, had a certain anger in his eyes. “What happened then?”

Thanatos looked toward Apollo who had a guilty but smug smile. Dionouys saw this, raising an eyebrow with a growing smile. “Apollo, what did you do?”

Apollo took in a breath. “I was about to shoot him but both Thanotos and Azrael broke it up. Which, fair. Not sure we could take on Archangels without Athena or Ares. But before we left I shot an arrow at his ass, it hit and-”

“And it was very risky. We don’t know what the angels plan to do if they choose to retaliate.” Thanatos said, looking over at the blonde with a tired look.
 
Dionouys summoned a wine decanter, having it pour into Thanoto's glass mid air. Thanatos just gave him a weak look. “You're still stressed.”

“How can I not be? We might have triggered a war, those angels are always more than willing to start a war; remember the crusades?”
 
“Yes and we handled it then, we’ll handle it now, if that happens,” Apollo said, continuing. “But I doubt they'll do anything, Jesus is super chill but would probably throw another fit if his archangels got out of hand. They're probably already getting a lecture about respect.”

Thanatos smiled weakly. “I suppose you're right.” 
 
Suddenly cheers erupted from the center. Apollo smiled, seeing Athena in the middle of it with a wine glass and a smile. “What's going on there?”

Dionysus smiled, looking over his shoulder. “Oh, she wanted a celebration. A patron of hers graduated medical school.”
 
Apollo stood quickly. “Wait really? I was helping with that too! How could I forget?” He said, frowning, nearly ready to run over. Thanotos tried to reason with his panic. “We also had a disaster to see to.” 
 
Apollo frowned, feeling awful for forgetting.  “I know, but her Patron, Sophia was working with me as well, I’ve been helping her for years alongside Athena.” 
 
Thanatos smiled, the only real smile he’s had all day. “Go on then. It’s ok to forget, you were helping save lives today and I’m sure Athena and Sophia would understand.” 
 
Apollo smiled back. “Alright. I’ll be back in a bit.” He said, running over to greet Athena who smiled, greeting him with the excitement of seeing an old friend. 
 
“Brother! Glad you made it.” She said as she hugged him. Apollo smiled sheepishly. “Same, I nearly forgot.”

“You’re here now, that’s what counts.” She said with a smile.  “Now celebrate with us, our girl graduated and is now a licensed surgeon.”
 
Thanatos watched Apollo and Athena greet each other, celebrating their believer and her accomplishments with their shared help. But one question nagged at his mind. 
 
Dioynous sensed his change in mood. “I can hear you thinking.”

Thanatos looked to the large blonde. “I’m just wondering; why we’re all the people I went to get scared of me but the ones the angels got seemed to calm and embraced them? Do they not see what we see?”
 
“Oh, that. The angels have some abilities we don’t have, or at least other Gods of death don’t have; they can instantly calm a soul. They don’t always have to use it but you know how they tell the souls

do not be afraid.

It’s some sort of incantation to calm those they go to.”

Thanatos nodded. “Makes sense now. All those eyes are unsettling.” 
 
“That’s putting it nicely. Those aren’t even their actual forms, that’s just their forms for humans. They’re even more unsettling and bigger.”

Thanatos huffed. “Great. And Apollo just risked a war with them.”
 
Elsewhere in Heaven, Azrael stood next to Jesus, at attention as their king and commander lectured Micheal and Sameal, mostly Samael. 
 
Jesus wasn’t often angry or upset, most of the time he was soft-spoken and the personification of peace, but not today.

Not today when Samael was so blatantly rude to boarding deities. 
 
He stood, white robs and arms crossed. “Do you know how close you were to starting a war, over nothing? Thanatos was just doing his job!”

Sameal glared back, Micheal watching his fellow angel with shock.

“He is from the underworld,” Samael said.

“So?” Jesus said, staring right back, even if he was a good few feet shorter than the tall angels. “He’s not from Hell and even if he is, you do not start fighting unless I or Micheal say so, is that clear?” 
 
Samael looked away, hands fisted. “His little friend shot me.”

“You deserved it and you’re lucky Apollo didn’t mean actual harm. Now leave, I have to send apologies to them, on your behalf.” 
 
Samael grumbled, turning away sharply and leaving. Micheal frowned, fearing he may be in trouble. Jesus calmed, his posture softening. “You are not in trouble Micheal, although I would like you to trust the other deities more, I cannot force you to. If you see Thanatos again, just say hello. I promise you, he means no harm.”
 
Micheal bowed. “Thank you, you’re holiness.” He said before leaving the room. 
 
Azrael sighed. “I apologize again for not handling my fellow angels properly.”

“It’s not your job to, Micheal should have been the one to step in and stop it before things escalated. But I’m happy someone did. You did no wrongdoing and are free to go.”  Azrael bowed as he left as well. 
 
Jesus sighed, summoning paper and a pen, sitting down at his white desk and writing an apology letter and makeing sure they know no war will come of this and that it was only a bad day.

The next day, when Thanotos was done with his work, he stopped to see Hades, he always made sure to visit as often as possible during the time his queen has left. He knew how lonely it was for Hades. 
 
While Hades poured him a dark coffee, a drink he preferred over wine, a scroll came flying through the window that oversaw the dark canyons and lava-like rivers of the underworld. 
 
The golden, floating scroll floated in front of Thanatos. Hades looked curious as he sat, his own mug of coffee in hand. “You have a letter from Jesus?” 
 
Thanatos frowned, feeling anxious seeing it floating, wondering what might be on it. “Yes, and I’m not sure why.”

Hades sensed the anxiety in his friend. “Open it.” He gave a command, gently. 
 
Thanatos reached out and gently grabbed it, unfurling it with both hands and reading over the golden lettering.

“He’s…apologizing for his angel's behavior. He promises no war will come of Apollo's behavior as it was justified defending his friends.” 
 
Hades gave a small smile. “I told you there was nothing to worry about.”

Thanatos almost rolled his eyes. “I’m aware. I can’t believe he actually wrote me an apology.”
 
“Jesus is one of the better ones of that sect. He’s always been nothing but respectful toward others.” Hades said as he sat down on the couch across from his friend. 
 
Thanktos filled the paper back up. “It was very kind of him to do.”

“Do you feel better now?”

Thanatos smiled. “I do. Now that I have peace of mind nothing will come of Apollo's actions.”

“Good. Now relax, as you tell me so often.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Thanatos sighed as he got to his latest death today before he started again tomorrow. He was in a house, not particularly large or fancy but he could tell the person he came to guide had been struggling mentally, which would make sense, the young woman was just a few heartbeats away from being pronounced dead and her soul waiting for him to sever from her body. 
 
Name: Vanessa Anne Miller

Age: 22

Cause of death: Suicide, slit wrists

Timeline: on-time

Marital status: in a committed relationship; healthy 
 
As he read the summoned, floating paper over, he already could smell the blood. He teleported inside the room, after mentally preparing himself. 
 
Although suicide deaths are never scared of him, it still saddens him every time he has to guide one. They always regret it, especially if they can see their family finding their body. 
 
But that wasn’t what he was met with. 
 
The young woman's soul was sitting on top of her body, knees curled to her chest as an inky, black shadow figure of her whispers and mutters into her ear. 
 
The demon saw him, grinning menacingly, teeth pointed and sharp as it spoke to the young woman’s soul.  “He’s going to take you to hell, you belong there, it’s where failures like you belong.” 
 
The young woman just sobbed into her knees. “I was just so scared..”

Thanatos glared, getting his sword, more than willing to fight for this young woman’s soul, he pointed it at the demon. “You will leave this young woman alone.” 
 
The demon just grinned at him, standing, growing taller than the God of Death, thin, wispy shadows still attached to the young woman, feeding off her suffering. “We both know you cannot fight me. You have no power other than severing souls; and you know that if you sever her soul now, I will torment him for all eternity.”
 
Thanatos nearly growled as he held his sword, ready to fight, even if it might be futile. “You will leave her be demon!” He swiftly sliced at the tendrils of inky black wisps but it it only went through, it did not sever. The demon laughed heartily. “Your sword only works on human souls. She is mine, and I will never let her be.”  
 
Thanatos swallowed, it was an incredibly rare occurrence a human’s emotions and energy made an actual demon. Although these demons are vastly different than true demons. 
 
These ones are what humans call “inner demons.” Demons that manifest from humans' darkest times but it could take years of a human going down a dark path for one to even start developing. 
 
It was this demon that also possessed the ability to affect deities, the only one that can, although not very much, they can still make a deity weak or even sick if they manage to latch on too long, the cuts from their claws unable to heal.
 
The demon moved as fast as Hermes, swiping at Thanotos, leaving dark gashes across his face, ripping some of his robe open, and bleeding that should have healed in seconds but his unique demonic energy prevented that. He nearly fell backward before he transported himself to one of the few that can help fight against this threat.

He doesn’t often teleport while moving, almost never needs to.

So when he teleported while falling, he ended up falling on his ass and back, in Ares's domain on Mount Olympus with a thud and feeling like all the air he had in his lungs left on impact. 
 
Air he technically doesn’t need but it was still an awful, uncomfortable feeling.

And the deep scratches didn’t help, they throbbed and continued to ooze red blood mixed with the inky blackness from the demon's claws, across his chest and face. His robe ripped a bit but his face caught most of it.
 
He heard running from the God of War, spear ready for whatever intrusion came to his domain. He stopped and nearly threw his spear to the side when he saw it was Thanotos, injured severely. 
 
Ares went to him immediately, yelling to the small crowd of other deities that rushed around to the scene. “Hermes!” Hemes was there in a second, nearly gasping at Thanoto's injuries. Ares didn’t waste time. “Get Apollo! Now!”  
 
Hermes couldn’t take his eyes away, Thanotos face horrific, bleeding red and black, nearly painting his skin. they could be injured like that? But they’re gods, there should be nothing that can hurt them- 
 
Ares gripped his tunic, making him stumble and nearly ripping it with his strength as he growled. “Get Hermes now before I make you target practice!”  Hermes just nodded shakily before leaving.
 
Ares went back to helping the God of death. “My friend, what has happened?”

Thanatos winced as he sat up, hand on his scratched-up face, trying to dull the pain, it was so sharp and blood leaked through his fingers. “An inner demon manifested. My next soul was a suicide victim.”

“Those exist? I had only ever heard of inner demons as a metaphor.”

“That’s real, and they’re a danger to us. My sword is useless against it.” 
 
Suddenly Hermes and Apollo were back, Apollo looking just as worried, kneeling down to him. “What..the fuck happened? We haven’t had these kinds of injuries since the Crusades.” He got to work, placing his hands over-top of the deep gashes and starting to heal them. 
 
“A soul of mine manifested an inner demon.”

“Shit.” Apollo cursed. He knew them, he hasn’t had to fight any but he’s aware of their existence.

“Yes. I’m useless against it. My sword will only sever human souls but if I sever the soul with the demon still attached, it will torment them for eternity, no matter where they go.” 
 
Hermes gaped. “Wait? So not even Hades would be able to detach it before sending them to their afterlife?”

Thanatos winced as the wounds healed, it wasn’t pleasant. “No. It’s why I came here; Ares, Apollo, I need your help.” 
 
Apollo frowned as he continued to heal, a golden light coming from his hands. “Why do you need my help? You got Ares.”

Ares looked over. “Do not sell yourself short, you are a very capable and adaptable fighter. You make archery look as easy as breathing. But I do share your confusion; why do you need two fighters there? Is this demon really that powerful?” 
 
“No. I need someone to talk to the girl's soul, the demon might be able to be taken down by your spear but it’ll be easier if she stops believing what it says. I can help but I thought Apollo's positive energy would be best suited.” Apollo moved his hands, Thanatos now totally healed as if nothing happened.
 
Suddenly Aphrodite was joining them, a golden goblet in hand and concern clear on her beautiful face. “Here, drink this.”

Apollo moved as Thanatos took the goblet, seeing it was simple water, ice cold. “Thank you.” As soon as the water touched his mouth he drank it down fast. The cold temperature calmed and grounded his mind.
 
Aphrodite frowned. “What happened? Everyone is gossiping about you.”

Ares helped Thanatos stand as he spoke. “An inner demon manifested.”

Aphrodite looked to Ares. “Wait? They’re real? I thought they were only a human’s musings on their traumas?” 
 
“They’re very real but they’re incredibly rare,” Apollo stated, he continued, his blonde eyebrows pinched in stress. “You can go hundreds of years before one is powerful enough to manifest. But just because they’re rare doesn’t mean they can’t fight. They can hurt us and the injuries from them won’t heal on their own, they can corrupt  us as well, although none have been successful in full corruption, it’s still a possibility.” 
 
Hermes shivered at the thought. “That’s scary.”  Thanatos couldn’t help but agree. “Most definitely. I attempted to fight it but it obviously didn’t work. My sword is no use, and I knew that. I was stupid.” 
 
Ares gave a proud smile. “It’s never stupid to fight for what you believe is right. Take us to them immediately.” Thanatos just gave a nod. “Apollo, are you ready? I have to warn you, it’s messy.” Apollo gave a weak smile, not looking forward to this but can’t sit by while an inner demon is manifested. “ More than ready.” 
 
Aphrodite came over, handing over the spear that the God of war had thrown in his worry. “Here love, you’ll need this.” Ares smiled at her, taking it gently from her. “Thank you.”

“Be careful, ok?” 
 
Ares grinned at her, his large tan hand winding into her blonde curls. “When am I ever careful?” he said, leaning in and kissing her deeply. Apollo huffed, moving to them to gently pry them apart. “You can do that when we get back.”
 
Aphrodite and Ares blushed. She went to Thanatos and gently took back the goblet. “Be careful as well.” Thanatos blushed deeper, her beauty was like none other and always caused some reaction even to Hades himself. “I will. When you two are ready, touch my shoulders.”
 
Apollo placed his hand on his shoulder immediately. Ares followed as well on his other shoulder, his hand nearly taking over the joint as Thanatos teleported them to the soul.

They appeared in the bathroom, the smell of blood hung heavy in the air, giving it a tinge of copper.
 
Apollo took in the scene before seeing the demon, nearly cuddling the young woman's soul, whispering in her ear. He reacted before Ares could, getting his bow and arrow and shooting at the demon. The demon hissed in pain as it hit its head, looking over at the sun god who had another arrow prepared. “Get the fuck away from her,” He said with a growl, the energy around him nearly vibrating with his righteous anger. Thanatos and Ares taken aback by the hostility. It’s easy to forget that under his positive and sunny attitude is a God that even the most powerful on Olympus feared.
 
The demon just grinned, gripping the young woman's soul harder, making the soul whimper in pain. Before Apollo could shoot another arrow, Ares had already speared through it, making it cry out in pain, a weird whistling sound as Ares lifted its impaled body and threw it across from the bathroom and into the hall. “Apollo, help her now while I have him!” 
 
Apollo and Thanatos went to the soul. Apollo had to really calm himself, seeing the soul so in pain from that demon her trauma made him crazy with the need to protect. He placed his hands on her head gently, as if holding her head, making the girl's soul look in his eyes, his eyes faintly glowing gold. Thanatos watched, he was using his divination to truly understand why she did this and why the demon manifested. Thanatos could hear Ares and the demon fighting, see the demon was still attached to her, even so far away from her soul, the black whisps still connected to her.
 
He looked back and saw Apollo look just as angry as before when he shot his arrow into the demon. Thanatos worried. “What do you see?”

“Trauma. Sexual trauma. From the church she was in.”

“Should I get Jesus for this?”

“Yes. She’s so traumatized from her church but still is devout to him. She is also pregnant. It’s why she decided this.”

Thanatos froze. “What do you mean? Why would she if she knew she carried life?”

“Because it’s out of wedlock. And her parents are still very much deeply, cult-like, religious. If they knew they would disown her, and shame her from the rest of her family and siblings. That with the purity camp she was sent to as a teen where she was molested by the very men preaching purity, it was too much, the demon has been manifesting since her childhood.”

“Can you keep her alive, until her boyfriend gets home?”
 
There was a sudden cry of pain from the hall, Ares crying in pain before grunts of fighting resumed. Apollo looked at him like he was out of his mind. “Are you serious? She’s a hair away from death, this is supposed to be her time. We would be in so much shit with Zeus.”

Thanatos pleaded. “Please. I know I’m asking for a lot but she doesn't deserve this, her baby doesn't deserve this. You know her boyfriend will be coming in that door, you know when, can you just keep her stable until she gets help?”
 
Apollo used his divination again, eyes glowing golden, seeing how long it would be. “He’ll be home in 27 minutes and 15 seconds… fine. I can do that. While I do that, you get JC, she probably would want to see him more than us.”
 
Thanatos smiled before standing and teleporting away.

Apollo went to her body, seeing past the soul that didn't react much to him. His hands went to her body, carefully over her chest before doing what he could to heal her. She slit her writs, sat in warm water, she bled out, her heart barely beating but it was enough for him to work with. His hands glowed as he worked on keeping her heart beating and blood clotting. 
 
Thanatos came back, Jesus with him in his white robes. He frowned with concern. “How did this happen?” He asked softly, kneeling down by the tub to her soul that looked numb and lost. Even with the battle Ares going on, cries of pain echoing from the hall mixing with the demon's cries of pain, the other deities paid no mind.
 
Apollo answered first, irritated with the lord's people. “Your fucking people. They traumatized her to the point that when she got pregnant she tried to kill herself.”

Thanatos frowned at Apollo's snappish attitude. “Apollo, he cannot help what they do.”

Jesus looked back at Thanatos. “It’s alright, he is correct. Unfortunately, many of me and my father's followers are not true believers, using my word to justify their sins and hurt others.”
 
He walked closer to her and held the young woman's hand as her soul looked lost. “My child, can you look at me?”

The soul looked up, nearly gasping. “Jesus? My lord?”

He smiled softly. “Yes, my child.”

Her soul's eyes filled with tears. “I am not worthy. I’m a sinful, dirty person.”

“Only I can bring that judgment on you. You are not sinful or dirty; you are simply lost. Lost in your head, your trauma. you are worthy and you've been so strong, fighting off your inner demon for so long.”

“I’m going to end up in hell.”

“No, not if I have anything to say about it. You are going to live and you're going to get help.”

“But it’s too late-”

“No, do you see them helping you?” He looked over to Apollo who was less than a foot away, using his healing to keep her alive.

The soul looked over, seeing Apollo for the first time. “Who is that?”

“That's Apollo, he’s keeping your body alive until help arrives.”

“But they're false gods, aren't they?”
 
Apollo just gave a little glare to the soul. “Well this false god is keeping you alive.”

The soul smiled weakly at his attitude, finding it charming. Thanatos saw the wisps of darkness from the demon becoming weak as she interacted with them.

Jesus smiled as well. “And want to know something crazy? A god of death wants you alive. You must be so important that death itself wants you alive.” He pointed to Thanatos behind him. Thanatos looked, pulling his black hood back. “Hello.”

The soul just waved. “Hi. why didn’t you reap my soul?”

Thanatos walked closer to her. “When Apollo found you were with child.”

The soul looked away, not feeling worthy enough to even look death in the eyes. . “My parents are going to disown me.”

“Let them,” Jesus said. The soul gasped. “But they're my parents, I only have one set of that, my baby would grow up with grandparents.”

“Your child can grow up without grandparents and they will be fine. Your parents drove you to this. They do not speak for me.”
 
Thanatos heard the front door open and heavy footsteps coming up the stairs. “He's here.”

Apollo sighed. “Thank Christ.” Jesus and the soul just looked over at him. The soul just laughed, the last of the demon's wisps dissolving away as her boyfriend rushed in, seeing her barely alive body. “Oh fuck, Vanessa!”
 
The boyfriend felt for a pulse, feeling a weak but steady pulse. He got his phone, dialing 911.

Ares walked in, looking like he battled hell itself, gashes all over, bleeding but smiling in victory. “The demon is no more!”

Thanatos smiled. “Good, now that she's getting help we can go.”

“You can, I can’t. I move, she dies.” Apollo said. Still healing her even with exhaustion clear on his face. “When help arrives and stabilizes her, then I will leave.”

The soul watched her boyfriend, hating how panicked and grief-stricken he was. “I did that to him?”

Jesus frowned. “You did. He loves you very much. He will make a great father.”
 
The boyfriend ran to the nearby closet in the bathroom, throwing everything out until he found the first aid-kit. It had a tourniquet but only one. Apollo watched as the human took her arm, putting the tourniquet on, twisting it properly. He made a makeshift one with a towel and did the same to her other arm. He was impressed that the human knew such knowledge and wasn’t in any medical field as a career.
 
Thanatos saw how exhausted the sun god was becoming, direct healing takes a large amount of energy. “Do you need any help?’

Apollo tried to smile at him but his eyes drooped with groggyness. “I’ll be fine, not the first time I’ve done this.”
 
Jesus was about to move from the soul to help and give him energy when Ares knelt by him, placing a bloody hand on Apollo's shoulder. “Have some of my energy my friend.”

A white glow came from his hand, transferring to Apollo, his eyes a little less tired. “Thanks.”

The soul just watched it all. “I can’t believe you're all helping me. I should be dead.”

Jesus smiled at her. “When you come out of this, I want you to do something for me.”

She smiled over, her eyes adoring him. “Anything my lord.”

“Leave your family. If they treated you so horribly, in my name, I do not want you to stay with them.”

“But won't that hurt them?”

Jesus gave her a soft, serious look. “After all the hurt they gave you, it’s the least they deserve. Leave them, raise this child with love. They will have a good home with you.”

The soul nodded. “If you command it, I will follow it.”
 
There was suddenly the sound of rushed footsteps, several of paramedics now on scene.

Her body was suddenly being moved, on a stretcher. Her soul followed her body to the ambulance. Once the stretcher was in, a medic was doing chest compressions to keep her weak heartbeat going. 
 
Only once she was in the hands of the paramedics, when chest compressions were done did Apollo stop healing. The four deities having followed the medics to make sure they would be good to go. Apollo nearly collapsed if Ares hadn’t caught him but the sun gun groaned, seeing all the gashes and lacerations the war god had all over. “Fuck, didn’t she say be careful?”

Jesus sighed. “This was certainly an interesting day. Thank you, Thanatos, for sparing her.”

Thanatos frowned. “If it was just her I could have after the inner demon was purged but with child? I couldn’t.”
 
Suddenly the clouds above them went dark with heavy rain, and thunder rumbling. Apollo swallowed. “We are in so much trouble.”

Jesus looked at them astonished. “You risked the wrath of Zeus to save her?”

Apollo glared weakly as he stood on weak legs, pointing to the death god. “Blame him, he talked me into it.”

“Well thank you all for your help-”
 
Suddenly the three Greek deities were teleported via lighting, starting Jesus. He was about to offer to heal Ares and Apollo before they got taken by lightning bolts. He sighed, hoping they'll be alright before going back to his own domain. 
 
The three were bolted to Mount Olympus where Zeus sat at his throne in his palace. Thanatos saw they were in the throne room, although calling it a “room” is an overstatement. It was a long corridor with golden pillars standing on clouds with no actual wall and fuck was it sunny, it was glaring off the clouds as it glares off snow.
 
Zeus huffed. “You  have one minute to explain yourself; why did you lot interfere with a pre-determined death?” Thanatos walked closer. “They were acting on my orders. I needed them to help with an inner demon that had manifested, they were supposed to help purge the demon; Ares to battle and distract it while Apollo helped her to not believe what the demon was saying. But we found out she was pregnant and I could not take her soul, not with one so undeserving inside her. I pleaded with Apollo to help keep her alive until help arrived. He agreed to help, on MY orders. He tried to talk me out of it but I couldn’t take her soul knowing that.”

“And who told you she was?”

Apollo raised his hand and before he could tell his side of things a lighting bolt was hurled at him in less than a second.
 
He screamed as the electricity ran through his body, making him collapse to his knees. The other two went to him but were stopped by another lighting bolt; a warning, as Apollo cried in pain. Zeus walked closer to them with a glare, looking down at Apollo as he spoke to Thanotos. “It is not your job to decide when to take a soul, it is your job to take them, period.”

Ares stood in front of the death god, shield and spear in hand with a bloody glare. “I am not afraid to fight you.”

“Why fight for friends that won’t even stick by you?” Ares was confused but turned, seeing nothing, Thanotos gone. But he was back within a second, with Nyx.
 
Nyx glared as she walked up to Zeus. “What exactly are you doing- Apollo!’ She ran to him as the last of the lighting made its way through his body, making him collapse with a pained groan. She helped him sit up as Zeus spoke. “He helped aid your son into saving a soul he was supposed to take.”

Nyx looked back at Thanatos. “Is this true?”

He looked away, feeling ashamed. “Yes, mother.”

Nyx looked back at Zeus, standing up and standing next to Ares who had a renewed viger with Nyx here with them. “If my son did indeed not take a soul that he was supposed to, I’m sure he did so with more than enough reason.”

Zeus glared, not wanting to make her too mad. “He broke the laws of life.”

“And it will right itself, just as it always has. If it was more than a few deaths he chose not to take, I would worry but one? Really? Are you really that egotistical you cannot fathom the reason why he wouldn’t take a life?”

Zeus huffed. Nyx glared. “Go back to your throne and rule among your clouds. Leave my son to me. And if you attempt to punish my son again, I will rain an eternal night on you.”  With that, Nyx got them teleported away to Hades, knowing Hermes was there and able to get a healer faster than she could. 
 
Hades was about to feed Cerberus, Hermes chatting away about something or other when the three of them teleported in, taking in the moment before reacting. Ares looks like he came out of a war, Thanatos looks more than a little depressed and Apollo looks like he may die if he were mortal, which worries him the most. He rushed over. “What is this? What's going on?”

Nyx ignored him and saw Hermes. “Hermes, get a healer, now!”

“Who? What healer?”Hermes asked, feeling just as panicked

“Any, just whoever is closest.”

Apollo spoke weakly. “My son…Asclepius is in …Elsyuam fields.”

Hermes just nodded shakily before being gone in a second.

While he was gone Hades kneeled down to Apollo who was leaning against Nyx. “What happened?”

Nyx glared weakly. “Zeus happened. The bastard couldn’t take that Thanatos can think for himself.” Hades looked to the death god. “What happened?”

Thanatos took in a deep breath. “I had a soul to get, young woman but there was an inner demon that manifested. I got Ares and Apollos help. Ares to  fight it and Apollo to talk her into not believing what the demon says but he used his divination and found she was pregnant and that was why she killed herself. Knowing there was a life inside her and she was still between life and death, I talked him into helping keep her alive until help came. Zeus was more than a little unhappy-”
 
The sound of the sound barrier breaking cut him off as Hermes returned with Asclepius with him. Asclepius went to his father. “Fatehr! What happened?! Ares? What is going on?”

Hades spoke. “Enough talk, heal them, please.”

The son of Apollo nodded and got to work, healing his father first. He worried, why was he unconscious? Why was Ares so hurt?
 
Finally, Apollo came to, groaning and able to move, his energy coming back to him. “Thank you, my son.” Once he was healed he could stand on his own. He saw Ares, starting to look wobbly on his feet and Apollo stopped him. “I got this one.” Asclepius nodded as he stood. “Now what exactly happened here?” 
 
Thanatos groaned, he did not want to have to keep explaining it, he already felt guilty enough for what Zeus did to Apollo. Hades thankfully took over retelling the story.

Hades paced, a righteous anger filling him. “One saved soul will not bring about the end of reality,if I could I’d march up there and burn him to ash.”
 
Thanatos frowned. “None of this would have happened if I had just taken her soul, perhaps it was better I did.”  Hades softened and walked closer. “Do not listen to that egotistical bastard, that woman was between life and death and would not disrupt any balance. He just can't stand when things don’t go according to plan. You made a decision and I believe you made the right one.”

“But at what cost? Apollo got hurt because of me.”

“Because of Zeus. did you throw the lighting bolt at him?”

“No.”

“Then that was not your fault. He got hurt because of Zeus, not you.”
 
Apollo walked over to them. “You really think me getting hurt was your fault?”

Thanatos looked away, crossing his arms. “Well yes. If I had not mentioned told you about her pregnancy, Zeus would not have taken it out on you. It should have been me that took that bolt.” 
 
Nyx, Ares, and Asclepius just watched the brooding that was going on. Ares frowned, speaking to Nyx. “Is your son always so-“

“Selfless?”

“Guilt-ridden?” Ares corrected.

“Both?”  Asclepius said, looking at Thanatos, Apollo, and Hades talking. 
 
Nyx gave an amused smile. “Yes. He is. It is what makes him such a good choice for death itself; he doesn’t take souls because he wants to, but because he has to.”
 
Ares smiled at her. “Your son is very brave as well. He attempted to fight off an inner demon, even knowing his sword would not have worked. He felt the need to do something to help that soul, even knowing it may have been futile.”

Nyx smiled softly. “That’s my boy.”

Apollo cheerfully spoke up, his normal, vibrant energy and enthusiasm back at full force. “Enough of brooding, I say we-“

“I swear if you say

get drinks

-“Hades started, both he and Thanatos about to roll their eyes when the sun god did suggest, just that. “Of course drinks! Think I’m not drinking after getting hit with lighting?”

Thanatos huffed. “I would rather stay in for tonight. Maybe we can have some tea here, with Hades?” 
 
Nyx just continued to watch before speaking to Ares. “Ready to go home, big guy?”

Ares nodded with a grin. “Yes, I cannot wait to tell Aphrodite about my latest battle.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Ancient Greece 
 
Thanatos sliced through the sickly soul, the middle-aged man’s soul looking at his dead body with melancholy as his family grieved. 
 
His young daughter taking it the hardest. She was only five years old, she was their miracle child. He and his wife struggled and prayed to the gods for fertility, bringing various deities offerings in hopes they could bear a child. 
 
He was nearly 48 years old when his wife announced she was pregnant and brought their beautiful daughter into the world. She was his everything, his daughter became the reason to keep getting up in the morning, to bring home a better harvest, and better pay, to work to get her the best education and childhood she could. 
 
But he was struck with illness, fast and lethal. His daughter sobbed so hard into her mother's side, hiccuping with the force of her grief. Her mother cried, holding her daughter tightly to her. 
 
The man looked to Thanatos. “Will my family be alright?”

“In time. Ready to go?”

The man just nodded, letting the death god show him to the underworld. 
 
Hades signed the papers of a few souls. The next one was a man, who died of illness.
 
Nam
e:
Georgios

Age:53

Status: Middle-class, peasant farmer

Marital status: Married

Family: wife and one daughter

Death: illness

The soul stood before him, concern on his face as if he was more worried about the life he left behind on earth and not where he might go. 
 
Hades saw the worry in the man and sighed, he didn’t like sending the souls if they needed some closure first. “What is on your mind?”
 
The man jumped, so zoned out of where he was. “My family. I worry for them, my lord. I know Thanotos said they would be alright but my daughter, she’s only five, this is her first lesson of death.” 
 
“It is necessary to learn and cope.”

“But so harshly? She is just a toddler, barely a child and she lost her father.” 
 
“I cannot change your death and even if I had the ability I would not change it; death is inevitable and at some point, she has to learn to cope with it. I’m sorry the lesson is so harsh.”

The man opened his mouth to reply but his soul disappeared, along with his paper from Hades desk. 
 
Hades just blinked, looking at where the man was and where the paper was.

“What just happened?”
 
On earth, Asclepius was passing through and heard the grieving cries of the child. He knew them, he’s helped them before. He went to the door, gently knocking.

The door opened and he saw her husband dead on the couch of their living room, behind her. She cried, wiping her face clear best she could, it was wet with tears that never stopped. “I tried to find you but the illness, it was taking him so fast and I didn’t want to be away too long. And she’s too young to send out alone. He passed away about an hour ago.” 
 
He frowned, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, blonde curls almost in his blue eyes. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” 
 
Suddenly the little girl came running, tugging on his arm. “Bring Daddy back!” She sobbed. “Bring daddy back Asclepius!” He kneeled down and hugged her. “I’ll see what I can do.” He stood back up and went to the husband's body. 
 
It was pale, eyes open and vacant, limp as a dying leaf on a tree. He put his hands on him, a golden glow coming from them as he worked his abilities. 
 
It didn’t take long before the corpse, now living body was awake, gasping and blinking in astonishment. “Where am I?” 
 
The daughter ran over, hugging her father, sobbing into his neck. “Don’t leave me.”

He hugged her, but was still confused. He sat up with her, holding her close. He looked to  Asclepius. “Won’t you be in trouble for this?”

He just smiled. “You let me worry about that, take care of this little girl, she needs her father.” 
 
He could only nodded as he decided not to question it, hugging his daughter so close with a watery smile. 
 
Hades let the one soul go. One brought-back soul won’t upset the balance of the universe. 
 
But slowly more souls kept disappearing on him, more papers gone. It became enough that even other souls in the hall of judgment witnessed it once or twice.

Then he realized he should have not let this go. 
 
Before he could call for Hermes to  send a message to Zeus about it. Thanatos was next to him in a second, looking angry. “We have a problem.”

Hades just looked over with one raised, dark eyebrow. “You’ve noticed?”

“Noticed? I sliced a soul from their body and he came along and brought them back, I witnessed it.” 
 
Hades cursed. “Has anyone been able to talk to Apollo about this?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“Very well. I will send a message to Zeus to have a talk with him.” 
 
Thanatos crossed his arms, irritation still coming off of him in waves. “He better. And Apollo had better make him listen or there will be consequences.” 
 
Hades sighed, he hoped consequences were not needed. Asclepius was a good kid, too nice for his own good which is probably what led to this little issue. 
 
“Hermes!” He called, voice echoing and booming in the empty hall of judgment.

Hermes was there in a second. “Whatcha need big guy?”
 
Hades went to his desk, getting some paper, and using his pen. “I need you to deliver this message to Zeus, it’s of utmost importance.”  He wrote out the message quickly and moved to the next one.

“And this one to Apollo. Just as important.” Hermes looked at the letters. Both in his hands now. “Two letters from you, on the same day? Something’s going on.” 
 
“Asclepius is bringing the dead back to life.”  He said, matter of factly.

Hermes' eyes went wide. “Ok…that’s not what I expected. How is he even doing that? Isn’t he, ya know, human?”

“I don’t know nor care how he’s doing it but that he’s doing it in the first place. Now please, deliver those messages.” 
 
Hermes gave a little salute before disappearing. Hades looked over at Thanatos. “Do you think Asclepius will listen?”

“I hope so. I fear what Zeus may do if he doesn’t. Knowing Asclepius, it’s hard to stay mad at him. He does this with the purest intentions, wanting only to help the humans. It’s hard to see a loved one grieving and struggling with their loved one's death. Especially a parent's grief.”
 
Hades just nodded in agreement. Asclepius was a good kid, too nice for his own good but that’s what’s getting him into this mess. He’s blurring the boundaries between life and death and not thinking of the consequences. 
 
Nyx showed suddenly to the two. “I’m sure you two are aware of what is happening.”

“That Apollo's son is resurrecting the dead? Yes.” Hades stated. 
 
Nyx gave a weak glare, angry at the situation. “The fates are livid. The only reason they have not cut his thread is because of his father.” 
 
“Hades sent messages to both Zeus and Apollo, it’s being handled, mother.”

Nyx softened, just a bit. “Good. I hope it can be resolved quickly.” 
 
On Mount Olympus, Apollo was playing some music on his Lyre while checking in on his followers. Some of the offerings manifested near him as a keepsake, like jewelry and artwork, and music, others food offerings that he would snack on in between notes and songwriting. 
 
He was munching on a sun cake when Hermes showed up. He swallowed his bite down and smiled. “Hermes, hey!” But he noticed the sour expression on the message. “What’s is it?”

“You’re not gonna like this.” He said as he handed over the letter from Hades. “There’s another one for Zeus as well.” 
 
Apollo sighed, putting his Lyre down, taking the scroll, and reading.

Your son is resurrecting the dead, talk to him, please.

Hades.

Apollo groaned. “Fuck..and Zeus probably has the same message huh?”

Hermes walked over to the plate of suncakes. “Most likely.” He went to grab one but was shot with an arrow, a small, little one but still enough to form as a warning. “Ow!” 
 
Apollo just gave a playful glare, putting his bow back in its little pocket dimension. “Well, that’s what you get for taking food that isn’t yours. Let’s go to Zeus. Together; I don’t trust you around my offerings.” 
 
Hermes mock gasped. “Rude, I would never do such a thing.” He says as he manages to stuff a suncake in his togas pocket. 
 
Zeus was laughing heartily at a joke Dioynous made. Zeus was feeling bored and called on the wine god. Of course, he came with the best wine and the best jokes.

Zeus was a little drunk when Hermes and Apollo showed up. 
 
Dioynous immediately smiled at them, bringing two more wine glasses into existence, floating by him. “What a surprise! Here, have a drink.” 
 
Hermes got the letter out, and Apollo gently turned down the wine. “Unfortunately I don’t come with good news.”

Zeus frowned. “Whatever is the matter? Is everything alright?” 
 
Hermes just handed Zeus his letter.

Zeus read it over.

Asclepius is resurrecting the dead. Please work this out.

Hades.

Zeus huffed. “Not a man of many words. But this is a problem. Apollo, what do you plan to do about this?” 
 
Apollo sighed. “I will talk with him. I knew his abilities as a healer surpassed me but I didn’t know he was raising the dead. I will talk to him immediately, I promise, this will not happen again.”
 
“It better not or there will be dire consequences. For both of you.”

Apollo frowned, bowing to him quickly. “Yes, father.”
 
Hermes just watched, Apollo left without any goodbye or last word, it made him worry for the sun god and his son. 
 
On earth, Asclepius was helping mend injuries from a farming accident. When he was done, the people thanked him profusely, the injury would have been fatal if left untreated. When he turned around he saw his father, looking irritated, arms crossed. 
 
It wasn’t too often his father visited him directly, and this visit was not looking to be a good one. Apollo sighed, he hated having to be so stern and angry. “We need to talk.” 
 
Asclepius walked over to him. Apollo sighed heavily, already feeling guilty for the lecture. “How many humans have you brought back to life?” 
 
His son looked away, fidgeting with his hands, running his hand through blonde curls. “Just a few.”

“Do not lie to me.”

“I’m not.” Asclepius pleaded but his hands shook with anxiety. 
 
Apollo sighed, again, he wasn’t going to make this easy, was he? His eyes glowed a soft gold and was easily able to see past his lies. He glared as he walked closer. “40 is a few?”

“Many of them were infants-“

“That doesn’t matter, you are playing with the natural laws. You can’t do that.”

“What am I supposed to do if a mother comes with a dying baby?”

“You let them die!” Apollo shouted but immediately regretted it. 
 
His son looked devastated. He walked closer. “I’m sorry for shouting. I know what I said sounds cruel but the fates have already predetermined their death. I know seeing a child or infant die, the mothers grieving…it’s hard. It’s an unimaginable pain they are going through but you cannot bring them back simply for the sake of their grief. It’s blurring the lines between life and death and if they know you can bring them back, they might get reckless, they might stop caring about injury or illness because you can save them. That’s not the natural order of the world and you know it.”

“Even for Stillborns?” Asclepius asked, sounding so small, reminding Apollo of when he was still a child, at least the times he could be there.

“Even for stillborns.” Apollo said softly. It felt so cruel to say out loud but it’s the natural order of the universe.
 
Asclepius just nodded. “I apologize, I did not think they would miss a few infant souls.”

“And adult souls. And yes. Infants may not go through hades but every soul is missed when they are brought back; none are too small or unimportant to go unnoticed.”

“What about animals?” Asclepius asked curiously.

Apollo shook his head, blonde waves swishing with the movement. “None. all die at their time. Alright?”

Asclepius just nodded, looking sad. “Alright, I will follow what you say.”

Apollo sighed, relieved the talk was over. “Good, I don’t like having to lecture. But since I’m here, why don’t we talk, tell me what you’ve been up to, other than breaking the laws of nature.”

Weeks and months went by, the talk seemingly has worked. Hades and Thanatos were happy about that, no souls were popping away, and no papers disappearing.

The issue was taken care of, never to have to bother Zeus or Apollo about it again.
 
But soon he saw a few souls disappearing and it forced his hand to send another message to Zeus. Hermes looked at the letter with a frown. “Again?” Already knowing who it’s going to.

Hades just nodded. “The boy has not learned.” 
 
Hermes just took the letters, all playful demeanor and energy gone, knowing the message won’t bring good news and even bring devastating consequences. He left swiftly.
 
 The next day, Hades got a paper and was about to ask the name to conform the next soul when he saw the name.
 
Name: Asclepius

Age: 23

Marital status: single

Family: Apollo, father,
Coronis, mother

Cause of death: lighting strike 
 
He froze, seeing the name before properly looking up and seeing the soul of Apollo's mortal son in his hall of judgment. He’s honestly not sure how to process him, it’s such a unique and worrying situation. By reading over the paper he knew exactly what happened but it filled him with dread; what does this mean for Apollo? Has he been punished as well? Why did Zeus choose death over other punishments? Does Apollo even know?
 
“Uh Hades? Sir?” Hades looked at Asclepius. He spoke. “I apologize, I was not expecting you.”

“Thank Zeus for that,” He said curtly, arms crossed. Hades could see he was very much like his father, bratty attitude and all.

“Yes, I see. I want you to know I did not want this for you when I first reported the missing souls, I only wanted you to stop. Why didn’t you?” 
 
Asclepius looked away from him, feeling a mixture of shame and pride. “I just couldn’t not do something. You have not heard a mother wail of grief or a child begging for their parent back.”

Hades sighed as he signed the paper. “That is not your judgment to make but I admire your need to help at any cost. Go through the right door to 
Elysium Fields.

Asclepius just nodded and walked through the door. 
 
Hades could already feel the shift in energy among the deities, something big was going to happen, he just hoped Apollo and Zeus survive it but knowing Apollo's abilities and temperament, Zeus should be scared.
 
He was just about done for the day too when Apollo showed up. His energy bristled with anger and grief. 
 
He tensed, seeing the sun Gods rage. “Apollo-”

“Don’t you dare give me any tone, where is my son?” his voice controlled but Hades could see his vibrating energy, could feel it as one feels the sun's rays on a particularly hot day; oppressive and heavy. 
 
“In Elysium fields.”

“why did you even take his soul? Why could you not tell me first he was down here?”

Hades walked down from his desk, walking closer to Apolo. “Because I do my job, unlike your son.”

Apollo already had his bow pointed at the king of the underworld but had not let go of the arrow, the arrow glowing gold, ready to strike as flares of the sun shined around him in his rage.
 
“You didn’t have to take him! You could have called for me!” Hades saw the tears in the sun god's eyes, falling down his face, his anger covering the grief he feels but Hades knew the grief well, he knew how heavy it was, the void it left as if it was sucking in any joy you may see, leaving you hollow.

“I could have tried to fix this!”
 
“You did, he listened for a while but his heart is too good. You should feel proud of him for wanting to selflessly help others, even knowing there will be consequences. Now please, lower your weapon.”
 
Apollo lowered his bow, much of his anger present still, even as tears wet his face. “I’m sorry. I know this is not your fault, you are not the reason he’s dead. But who is? Did his paper say?”

Hades looked away. “His cause of death was getting struck by lightning.”

Suddenly all the passionate rage was back, his bow held in a grip that would have broken a mortal bow as his energy started flickering little sun flares around him, threatening to melt the metal that was around the hall of judgment.“That bastard.”
 
Thanatos didn’t make himself known, not while Hades was trying to calm the sun god. But he heard it all and Apollo left suddenly. He walked toward Hades. “Why did you tell him?”

Hades looked over. “I didn’t, I only stated his cause of death, it’s not my fault if he put the pieces together.” 
 
Thanatos chuckled weakly. “You are correct. I suppose Zeus has had this coming. I took his soul and it was unexpected, to say the least. although the boy needed punishment, I do not agree death should have been the punishment.”
 
“Zeus could have easily taken his abilities away, this was too much. Perhaps now he may think before he acts.” 
 
Zeus was on his throne, as usual, chatting with several other deities, Ares included, Aphrodite on his lap when Zeus was struck by one of Apollo's arrows, dropping him to the ground of his palace with force.
 
He cried out in pain, it dug into his chest, burning a hole inside him, the skin around it turning a deep red and starting to blister; a sunburn, but then he felt ill, weak.

No, sun poisoning.

He knows this is only because Apollo wanted to send a message; if he had wanted him dead, he would be dead. 
 
Ares was already standing at attention, spear and shield ready as he saw Apollo on his chariot, his voice wasn’t booming or thunderous but it was heard all the same. 
 
“How dare you kill my son! I gave him a talk, and he listened! You could not have asked me to deal with him again?!” 
 
Zeus was in the middle of getting up, feeling queasy when Apollo shot another arrow but Ares deflected it, leaving a melted dent in his shield as he yelled back. “Leave him alone! He is no threat, you got him! What more do you want?”
 
Apollo glared down at them, his energy still flickering little sun flares around him. “I want him to fix this. I want him to apologize, I  could have taken that ability away but he killed him instead! Like the lazy, bastard he is!” He shot another and Ares deflected that as well, leaving another melted dent. 
 
Zeus grumbled as he got up, taking the arrow out with a pained grunt, the skin on his hand burning with the effort. “I apologize for nothing! Your son gave no heed to your talk, nothing would have stopped him! How much longer should he tempt the fates? How many people did he have to bring back before you stopped him?!” 
 
Apollo stared down at him, an arrow pointed at Zeus' head, but Ares was his defense. He couldn’t bring himself to shoot and kill the lightning god, it would bring a war that could last hundreds of years. He would never apologize. He was too prideful for that. Then he had an idea. 
 
He lowered his weapon. “You’re right father,” He said with sarcasm heavy in his voice. “But you took someone precious from me, seems fitting I do the same to you.”  He then took the reigns of his chariot, whipping the straps and the swans took him off into the sky. 
 
Zeus growled, using the remaining strength he had to throw the rest of his bolts at him in a rage. But Apollo dodged them and was gone. He turned, looking at the Olympians who had gathered either to help or watch. “ARTEMIS!” He shouted. She was there in a second, having been in the middle of checking in on a few of her followers and patrons when it all went down. “Yes sir- what’s happened to you?” Seeing his red, blistered skin and shaking hands. 
 
Zeus stared her down, face red with anger. “Your  brother is about to do something reckless, go stop him and bring him back to me!”

She just gave a nod. “Yes sir.”

She left, grumbling and wondering what the hell her brother was up to. 
 
He flew to the Cyclops's domain, where Zeus' bolts were forged, bolts that killed his son. He was out of sight easily, one eye meant less depth perception and more blind spots, and Apollo took great advantage of that, drawing some of his most powerful arrows, forged from the sun, he took a steady and sure aim, relishing the moment Zeus finds out it’ll be a long time until he can get his bolts made again, and let go. 
 
It shot right into the Cyclops head, through its temple. It was such an intense heat it melted the creature's eyeball. The others saw and he shot at them, never missing his mark and all dying in the same fashion, eyeballs melted and heads bursting from the intense heat.
 
“Brother stop!” He heard his sister, turning, he saw her in her own chariot. “Why are you doing this?” 
 
Apollo was remarkably more calm now that his revenge had been taken. “Zeus killed my son. He was bringing mortals back from the dead, I talked to him but he didn’t stop. Apparently, Zeus saw it fit to kill him instead of finding other options.” 
 
“He is dead?” Artemis asked, in disbelief.

Apollo nodded, tears starting to roll down his cheeks as the anger he felt slowly left him, making him feel hollow and cold. “By Zeus’hand. He had too good a heart, he kept bringing back loved ones who passed away, unable to hear the wails of mothers whose children died. He would bring back stillborns sister.” His voice cracked and Artemis got close enough to jump into his chariot, her own eyes filling with tears as she hugged him close. 
 
He held her tightly, almost tight enough to bruise. Artemis held him, letting him grieve with no judgment and for all the time he may need. She let a few of her own tears fall silently. When he moved to right himself, his tears stopped, she wiped her own face with a heavy sigh. “I’ve been ordered to bring you back to Zeus.”  She said, looking down at the dead bodies of the cyclops, heads burst from the intense heat of the arrows.
 
“I know.” He said quietly, he wasn’t sure what Zeus had in store for him but it wouldn’t be good, he knew that. He chose not to use any divination to find out, honestly didn’t have the mental strength to do so, he didn’t care what Zeus did, none of it would bring his son back to life. 
 
Artemis did as she was ordered and brought him back. When they arrived. Apollo started to walk toward the lighting god but an invisible force, forced him to his knees but Artemis was in front of him quickly, an arrow pointed at Zeus and a protective anger on her face. “You will let him stand. Do not force him to kneel before you when you do not deserve it.” 
 
Zeus was about to object to her but Ares

and

Athena both backed her up. And those two often never agreed on anything. They were flanked by Artemis, protecting Apollo from any more of Zeus Wrath. 
 
He let up and allowed Apollo to stand.

The others moved as Apollo stood, still staring Zeus down. 
 
Zeus glared but Apollo could still see the signs of the sun poisoning he had given him earlier; his skin was red and heated, his chest where he shot still blistered and peeling and he could see the weakness as his hands trembled. “You promised this wouldn’t happen again.” Even his voice was weak. 
 
“I am not going to supervise his every waking second. I talked to him, I told him there would be consequences. If I had known the consequences would be his death I would have done more than a talk.” 
 
“How could you not know? You have the power of divination, of prophecy, you could have easily seen what was going to come.” 
 
“I don’t use that all the time, you know the amount of energy that takes just for a few minutes of it?” 
 
Zeus shook his head but nearly stumbled before righting himself, glaring weakly at him. “You have been a thorn in my side since the day you were born, amassing having an answer for everything.” 
 
Apollo just sneered at him. “That’s because I know everything before it happens.” He stated, knowing it would only stoke Zeus ire more. 
 
Zeus growled, stepping closer to the sun god, his son. “I have had just about enough of you! For your impulsive attitude and inability to control your son-“

“That’s rich coming from you!”

“One year, on earth, as a feeble, mortal, human!” 
 
Apollo blinked, nearly gasping.  Even the deities behind him were in shock, his sister the most concerned as she went to him, her hands on his shoulders, a small attempt to keep him here. “You can’t be serious, what if my followers, my patrons?!”

“Too bad! They will see you in one year!” 
 
And with a snap of his fingers, Apollo was gone and Artemis was left staring at the spot he once stood.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Zeus wasn’t gracious enough to let him simply arrive on earth, standing. He added insult to injury when he was dropped onto the grassy field, at least 7 feet, making the air almost get knocked out of his chest.

Air he actually needs now.

He coughed, a plum of dust that came up around him when he fell, turning over and groaning but thousands of questions bubbled in his head.

Where am I supposed to live?

How do find shelter?

Fuck, do I need money? How do I get money?

How much food do I need?

Will my followers be ok?

Will I die if I’m sick enough? Would Zeus let that happen?

Will I cease to exist if I die in this form?

He was sitting up straighter now, anxiety starting to thrum through his blood like an angry river, his heart feeling like it may beat out of his chest. It’s never beat like this before; like it was a caged animal, ready to break out of its cage at any moment.

Fearfully he brought his hands to his chest, breathing picking up, nearly hyperventilating with the need to keep his heart safe and not burst out of his chest.

Suddenly a voice called from the distance, he couldn’t hear it, not with blood pumping in his ears. The voice came closer and closer until they were in front of him. “Hey, young man, are you ok? What are you doing out here?”

Apollo looked around frantically, still struggling to get his breathing under control. “Where am I?”

The farmer looked, eyebrows pinched in confusion as he stared at Apollo, kneeling down to him. “You’re in some rough shape. Why don’t we get you out of the sun, get some water in ya.” He started to help him up, Apollo let him, terrified though, wondering what the farmer's intentions were, his new body feeling suddenly so vulnerable and fragile.

He was led into a modest house, Apollo saw what he assumed to be his wife and daughter in the field, tending to grapes to make into wine.

He’s on a vineyard; Dionysus would be so jealous right now. The thought calmed him, just a bit, thinking of his friend as the farmer led him to their kitchen and gently being forced to sit down. “I’ll get you some water, stay right there.”

Apollo just watched as the farmer left behind a door, walking down some stairs.

Wait, he probably can’t go by his actual name, can he? No, he needs a new name. What though?

He had one name come to mind and when the farmer came back from the basement, jug of water in hand, Apollo blurted it out. “Phoebus.”

The farmer looked confused. Apollo corrected. “My name. It’s Phoebus.”

The farmer nodded with a smile, coming over and handing him the water. “Georgios.” The farmer stated with a smile.

Apollo gave a grateful nod before taking the most satisfying drink of water he’d ever had; was water always this good?

Georgios just watched with curiosity. “So what happened out there? Where you from?”

Apollo could only pretend to forget, Zeus having given him zero time to plan anything let alone a name. “I’m not sure myself,” He decided to try to make up a story, he just needed something. “My memories are all fractured and jumbled, I can’t remember much. I must have blacked out 'cause I just remember waking up in your field.”

Georgios looked concerned, walking closer and starting to have a better look at his head. “Hit your head?”

Apollo just went with it. “I must have, but I don’t remember it.”

Georgios brought his calloused fingers to Apollo's blonde waves, inspecting more closely, moving his head this way and that, making Apollo tense and waiting for something to happen. “Well, there’s no mark or bruising.” He moved his hands away. “Have a home?”

Apollo swallowed the grief that was building up. He did, he was just thrown out of it. “I don’t know.” He said quietly, taking another drink of water to push down the lump he felt in his throat.

Georgios let out a breath. “Well, you’re welcome to stay here, as long as you need to.”

Apollo looked up at him, misty-eyed and confused. “But you don’t know me.”

“No, but I know you need help.”

Apollo looked away. “You’re far too generous. What if I’m a thief or killer?”

The farmer smiled softly. “Well then I misjudged you and that’s on me. I’ve recently gotten a new lease on life and I intend to help people, selflessly and without judgment, just as he helped me, in his name.”

Apollo felt like he already knew. “Who helped you?”

“Asclepius. I was dead, I met Hades himself, Thanatos came for me but that man managed to bring me back. It made me realize I took my days for granted, every day blurring into another. The only good thing about my days was my wife and daughter. Of course, I loved them before, but now? Now it feels as they’re deities themselves in my mind. I never gave enough to the gods before, felt I didn’t have enough worth for them. But now, Dionysus has blessed me with a wonderful harvest, helped me see the beauty in every day, and taught me to have fun; we only have one life, and I shall live it to its fullest.”

“When did this man die?” Apollo asked, his voice quiet, fearful if he spoke louder his emotions would show.

“Yesterday, a thunderstorm rolled in, he was in the fields helping with the harvest with another family when a bolt of lightning came down and took him. It was as if Zeus himself had a personal grudge against him. But we decided to build a memorial for him, to remember him and how much he’s helped us.”

“Where is it being built?”

“On the outskirts of our village, just before entering the city. It’s just about done, there’ll be a funeral service for him tomorrow night.”

Suddenly his wife and daughter walked in, smiles and sunburn gracing their faces. The wife spoke, still happily smiling as she walked in. “Ah, who is this, love?” She asked, getting a loaf of bread that was resting under some fabric, protecting it from any bugs that may ruin it as she started to slice it for a midday meal.

Georgios walked over, to her, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “He’s a guest, he’s going to be staying with us. His name is Phoebus.” As he spoke, his young daughter was looking at Apollo with curiosity but it felt as though she were staring into his soul, that she knew who he was.

The wife turned, smiling. “Hello and welcome to our home. I’m Kasandra, this is my daughter-Maria, stop staring at our guest, it’s rude to stare.”

Maria looked away, going to her mother. “Who is he mama?” Kasandra sighed. “Why don’t you ask him?”

Maria looked shy all of a sudden but walked closer and asked “Who are you?”

“I’m Apo-Phoebus, my name is Phoebus.”

He quickly corrected himself.

She smiled weakly. “My name is Maria, I just turned five years old, mama says I’m still her baby but I’m a big girl now, I’m old enough to attend school.”

Apollo smiled, playing along with her. “Wow, you are a big girl now, school is very important.” He noticed how sunburned her face was, the red bleeding into her chest and shoulders.

He frowned. “Does that sunburn hurt?” Maria just touched her face gently, leaving a little white mark before turning red again. “Sometimes.”

Apollo looked up at Georgios and Kasandra, seeing the same sunburn gracing their skin. He latched onto it, that’s something he could focus on while he figured out how to live. “Do you have any Aloe Vera?”

Kassandra frowned. “Unfortunately we ran out a few days ago. We’ve had to wait for payday to restock.”

Apollo thought quickly. “What of Lavender or Chamomile?”

Kasandra looked surprised. “Yes. I Have some for tea. Maria has nightmares and I use it to help calm her.”

Apollo stood. “Can you gather some for me?”

Kasandra nodded and went to a few cupboards and got her chamomile and lavender jars and handed them to him. He took them and got to work. “ I need a mortar and pestle.”

Maria pointed to the table. “We have one right here.” Apollo grabbed it and looked around. “Do you have olive oil?”

Kasandra reached to the counter and grabbed the bottle for him. “Right here.”

Apollo smiled, grabbing it gently. “Perfect.” He added some olive oil to the stone bowl, adding the lavender and chamomile before starting to grind it into a paste.

He kneeled down to Maria, getting some of the light purple goop on his fingers. “This will help. Stay still.”

With his other hand he held her head still and gently put the mixture on her face.

She giggled. “It feels funny.”

Apollos smiled at her. “Yeah, I bet it does, it’s all goopy.”

“It smells nice though.”

Apollo moved to her chest and shoulders that were exposed and red, putting some on there. “It does and now you’ll smell just as nice but don’t let the bees near you, they might think you’re a flower.”

Maria giggled again. Apollo stood and turned to Kasandra and Georgio “Please, place some on your sunburns, it will aid your skin’s recovery.”

Kasandra smiled, taking the bowl. “Thank you, I didn’t think you were a healer.”

Apollo just shrugged. “I know my way around some healing practices. Also, you may want to wear some sort of hat or covering, it can prevent the sunburn.”

Georgios chuckled as he watched Kasandra put the mixture on herself. “Lost our hats from the thunderstorm yesterday. We should go to town and get some new ones, poor Maria looks red as a pomegranate.”

Kasandra looked worried. “Do we have enough for that?”

“Of course, even the cheapest hats will help prevent that sunburn. We can go now if you’re all up for it.”

Maria jumped for joy around her parents in excitement. Kasandra sighed, stopping her from jumping. “Yes, we can go. But we are only getting the hats.”

“Could we stop at the shrine of Apollo?” Apollo asked carefully.

Georgios just smiled. “Of course! He’s blessing us with this beautiful day, we should honor that and thank him.”

Apollo felt a twinge of guilt hearing that, knowing he was not in control of the sun for the next year. He wonders who’s in charge of his duties now, probably Helios, they tended to share the sun when the other was busy.

The family got ready and he looked down at himself, just to make sure Zeus didn’t leave him with nothing; a white toga, gold scarf, and sandals, exactly what he was wearing when Zeus cursed him.

Good. It’s something, it’s less he’ll have to think about but knowing where he’s going, he feels exposed.

He turned to Kasandra who was helping Maria get her sandals back on, having taken them off when she came inside.

“Do you have a cloak or robe with a hood I could wear? My skin is really sensitive, it burns easily.”

Kasandra nodded, finishing getting her daughter's shoes on before turning to him. “I have just the thing. I’ll be right back.”

Georgio and Maria were already out the door, eager to enjoy the sun.

Kasandra came back with a lightweight but dark covering, complete with a hood.

“Here you go.”

Apollo took it, putting it on, and putting the hood up. “Thank you.

Kasandra smiled. “Ready to go now?”

Apollo just nodded as they both walked out the door.

It wasn’t a very long walk to the city, not with Maria talking about this and that, how school was, she was a chatterbox and it was a welcome distraction to Apollo's thoughts.

They entered the city and Apollo isn’t sure when the last time he was actually here, on the land to explore and experience it.

It was bustling with vendors and horse-drawn buggies, the people chatting and talking creating a buzzing noise that was soothing to him. He followed, not watching where they were heading when they stopped, seeing they were at his temple. Why did he even ask to come here?

He kept his dark hood up, holding it as he entered inside, seeing his believers and worshipers giving various prayers and offerings among the tall white pillars.

He hated this.

Walking among them and to never be able to interact or accept their offerings. He sighed shakily, trying to keep his emotions together when he heard crying.

He looked over and saw a young woman with papyrus paper in hand. He walked over to her, unable to resist wanting to help in some way, even if he couldn’t accept any offering or prayer in this form. He sat down by her. “What’s wrong? I’ve never seen someone so upset at this temple.”

The young women sniffled. “I wrote a poem for Apollo but it’s terrible, it’s unworthy for him, I am unworthy of him.”

Apollo frowned.
This was the real curse,
he thought. It wasn’t just being human for a year, but being locked away from his believers, his patrons. Unable to help them, guide them, or thank them.

“May I look at it?” He said, reaching out gently. She sighed, wiping her face free of tears. “Go ahead.” She handed it over.

He took it gently, reading it, trying not to smile.

She wasn’t wrong, the poem was definitely not great. But it was hers and hers alone. She sat down and wrote this for him, took time out for her day, and probably spent some good money on the paper and ink.

“Why would you think it unworthy?” He asked carefully.

She shrugged. “I’m just not very good at writing.”

“No one is the first time. You won't be a master poet overnight.”

She looked thoughtfully at the floor. “I suppose even the best started out like this. But I cannot give this to Apollo, he deserves better. I shall write a new one and try to learn.”

Apollo looked at her as he asked “Can I keep this?”

She seemed confused but smiled weakly. “Sure, I was just going throw it away.”

Apollo smiled. “You would throw out this price of art? Blasphemy.”

She chuckled as she sniffled. “It’s shit and you know it.”

Apollo chuckled as well. “Glad to see you’re smiling at least. What’s your name?”

“Chole.”

“I’m Phobeus.”

She stood, brown hair hanging over her shoulder as she stood. “Well, thank you for cheering me up. I should go. I hope to see you around.” Apollo just waved as she left.

He looked down at the poem in his hand and felt his eyes water. He had an offering, some kind of connection to his followers, even if it was just a bad poem, it was everything to him.

He folded it up gently and placed it in one of the robe's pockets before giving a look around for the family he came here with.

He saw them, helping lead Maria in prayer by the statue of him. He walked over, staring at the gold and white statue of himself as he knelt next to Kasandra.

He’s never seen it like this, from this new perceptive, as a human. It was at least ten feet tall, a bow made of gold on its back, and a lyre of sliver in the statue's hand and he looked remarkably similar to the statue, enough that people could gossip about it and think he walked among them.

Which technically yes, he does but without any of his abilities, he can only heal people through his knowledge now, not his godly abilities. It was an odd feeling seeing himself being worshiped, seeing the people who brought their art, played music, and brought various pastries that looked like the sun and not be able to give his profound gratitude.

“Phoebus, are you alright?” Kasandra suddenly asked, a comforting hand on his shoulder. He spoke and was surprised when it cracked with emotion. “Fine.” Then he felt the wetness on his cheeks, bringing a hand and feeling them.

She came closer. “It’s ok to not be ok. But I must ask, what has you so upset?”

Apollos just wiped his face free of tears. “It’s complicated but thank you for asking.” He reached into his pocket of the robe and held the badly written poem.

Kasandra smiled softly. “There’s been times I’ve been emotional at the temple too. Often they were not good tears, often I needed comfort when I discovered I was not pregnant, again and again after trying so often and doing every remedy for fertility. The gods always comforted me. But there were a few times I cried because I was so happy. I was in awe of the deities and how much they love us so unconditionally. Sometimes it doesn’t seem I deserve that, that I’m unworthy-“

“You are never unworthy.” He blurted out, eyes still watery. She smiled weakly. “Thank you for your kind words. It’s the daily struggle of worship for us; feeling so undeserving and unworthy yet if we are not worthy, why do they help us so? Would you like to pray with us?”

Apollo nodded. She held out her hand to him, her other holding her husbands and his holding Maria’s hand. He reached out and held it gently while she tightened her grip, securely around his.

He watched them bow their heads in prayer. He watched and listened, feeling like maybe he could have a prayer in this way.

I call to you, bright Apollo, son of Zeus

and gentle-natured Leto, god whose many gifts

have enriched our lives, skillful maker of music,

crafter of words whose poetic might brings wonder

to the world of men. Shining Apollo, master

of the Muses, inspiration in art and song

is yours to give. I pray to you, O Apollo,

touch my soul with beauty, touch my heart with light,

grant me the vision to transcend the self,

grant me the spirit to share what I see.

Kasandra spoke softly and surely as she led the prayer. He felt his eyes fill again with tears, there was such a complicated amount of emotion going through him, he wasn’t sure what to feel. By the end of the prayer, he sucked in a shaking breath, a quiet sob escaping him. Kasandra acted quickly, embracing him and holding him close, not questioning his emotions, just letting him have them.

Of Zeus's punishments, this was the most cruel.

Back on Mount Olympus Artemis started taking care of her brother's duties immediately, finding someone to fill in.

And she found who would be perfect.

She found Helios in his own domain, meeting with various other deities of the elements and weather, Poseidon and Demeter among them.

Demeter saw Artemis. “Helios, I believe we have a visitor.” He turned, purple robes swishing with the movement as he smiled, a bit worriedly. “Oh, hello Artemis, what do you need?”

“I need to talk to you. It’s not immediately urgent but it’s important.” She said, hands behind her back.

Helios talked to the elemental gods. “Give us a moment.”

He didn’t let them talk or display any displeasure as he went to Artemis, leading her out of the meeting room he had. “What’s going on?”

Artemis softened, her strong appearance gone now that it was just the two of them. “My brother has been punished by Zeus, he is to remain as a human for one year. He has many followers and patrons and I know this is much to ask of you but would you be willing to take over Apollo's duties to his followers while he is away?”

Helios frowned. “Oh my, what’s happened? Why would Zeus curse him like that?”

Artemis glared weakly. “It is Zeus; it does not take much.”

She told him all that’s been going on and he shook his head. “Zeus is just as impulsive as your brother but yes, I will do what I can to help.”

Artemis sighed, relieved his duty would be covered. “Thank you very much. Apollo and I owe you, if you ever need a favor please let us know, I’m sorry for pulling you out of your meeting.”

“Oh it was a boring one anyway, I’m happy to help my fellow Sun Sharer. How are you handling this huntress? I know you are close with your brother.”

Artemis looked away. “It is hard. His domain, it’s so quiet without him. I’ve been watching over what I can for him and it hurts. I miss him.”

“Olympus will be a much more silent place without his music, without him here. Still, I am happy it is just a year and not an eternity.”

“Zeus should just be happy he’s not dead.”

Helios chucked. “Yes, that too.”

Apollo stared out the window, zoning out as he watched the sunset. He stared at the meal on his dinner plate, he wasn’t very hungry, too emotionally exhausted to want to eat.

Kasandra gave him
the mom
look before huffing. “You need to eat.”

“I’m just not very hungry.” He said, thinking back on all the followers he’s had to help with eating when they didn’t want to because of their depression or stress.

“How about this? You finish off the vegetables and I won’t force you to eat the rest, deal?” She asked as she held her hand out for him to shake.

Apollo smiled weakly, shaking her hand. “Alright. You drive a hard bargain.”

Kasandra just laughed. “It’s a deal I use on Maria all the time. She’s terrible at finishing her plate, always off to do something, never wanting to sit and eat.”

He just chuckled weakly, starting to eat a bit more, now knowing it's necessary to eat, no longer just for pleasure.

He managed to clear most of the plate. Kasandra and Maria cleaned off the dishes in the yard from a big basin of water with Georgio drying them with a towel.

Apollo felt out of place, having no idea what to do, just kinda standing around them. Kasandra with her mother's eye saw this and made a job for him. “Phoebus, would you be able to put the plates away?”

Apollo immediately went to help, Georgio handing him a small pile of clean ones. “Yeah, that’s no problem.”

When that was done, Kassandra was taking Maria to bed when Georgio smiled as he stood by Apollo. “Want to check the wine cellar with me?”

Apollos gave a nod. “Yeah.” He followed him down the cellar he had gone to this past afternoon and got him water.

Once down in the cellar, he noticed how much cooler it was compared to the rest of the house. Apollo smiled, feeling a little bit of home here, thinking of Dionysus.

“So how exactly do you make it? What kinda of wine are you making?”

He spotted an altar to the wine god, with a small marble statue among a few branches of pine sitting among a few leopard furs. Georgio was in the middle of giving a prayer and offering of wine. Apollo frowned. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”

The farmer smiled as he stood, turning to Apollo. “It’s alright, I didn’t warn you. Ever since my resurrection Dionysus has been helping me. He’s become my patron. But enough about that, let me show you around.”

Apollo looked around, it was really spacious, and the only heat there was came from the various candles. The farmer showed him to one side of the cellar. “This is where the extracted juices go to become wine. We add many herbs but our wine is a sweet red, we add things like mint into it.”

“How long until they become wine?” He asked, although he knew the answer, he and the wine god often hung out and he ended up learning more than he ever wanted to know about wine; Dionysus could talk for an eternity about wine.

“About two months it will officially be considered wine but it gets its best flavors when it hits six months or even longer. I don’t have the space to keep some for years so I max some out at one year. Over here,” he showed him to the other side of the room of several wine barrels. “Is the wine that’s ready to drink or be sold. Bottling day is coming up soon but as laborious as it is, it’s how me and my family can live, selling it to vendors and temples and individuals.”

“Well, you have an extra hand for that now,” Apollo said as he continued to observe the cool, dark room. Georgios just chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. “That I do. Let’s retire to bed, tomorrow we’re harvesting the grapes that are ripe.”

The farmer started to go toward the candles to blow out when Apollo stopped, looking at the Altar. “May I give my prayers first?”

The gamer nodded. “Of course. Want to be alone?”

“Yes, if you don’t mind.”

The farmer just nodded, going to the stairs. “Please put out the candles before you leave.”

“I will.” He saw the farmer go up the stairs and when he believed to be alone. He sighed heavily, kneeling down to the altar for Dionysus, getting the wine bottle, and pouring a little wine into the offing bowl.

“Of all the places Zeus could have dropped me, he sent me to the family my son helped. And that you’re their patron of. Damn Zeus, this was calculated, couldn’t have sent me somewhere completely random where I would see no reminders of my old life. No, he sends me here. At least there’s a little bit of you here, I don’t feel so alone. When you see my son, just…tell him I’m sorry.” He gently tinked the wine bottle to the statue and sighed. “Here’s to you.” He took a sip before placing it back and putting its cover back on.

He stood, going to blow the candles out. The farmer had stood at the top of the stairs, wanting to make sure the candles indeed got put out but that didn’t sound like a prayer, it sounded like a conversation with a friend. Before Phoebus could see him he left, several questions floating around in his head.

Who was he?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Apollo couldn't sleep. 
 
He got through day one, just 364 to go. It was quiet in the house, only the sounds of crickets flowed through the air. He attempted to sleep but he just wasn’t tired. Mentally he was exhausted but he just couldn't sleep.  He sat up in the bed, huffing, and decided to just admire the night and look at the moon. 
 
It was full and it made his heart ache, missing his sister. He wondered..
 
He got up, put his robes back on, and went outside.

He walked out a small distance from the house, feeling the grass touch his skin, it was soft and pleasant. Once he felt far enough away, he looked to the moon. 
 
“Artemis, if you can hear this. I’m sorry about this whole damn mess.” his voice raised suddenly, feeling all his anger for Zeus come back but none of the heat of the sun that accompanied it like usual.  “But if I had ever thought, for a  second! That Zeus would kill him, I would have seen about taking that ability of his away! I would have actually fixed it-” 
 
Suddenly he felt the wind blow near him, ruffling his blonde hair as his sister appeared before him with a sad smile. “Hello, brother.” Apollo smiled, the first real smile he’d had all day, and ran to hug her, arms out but ended up falling into the grass with a grunt. 
 
Artemis laughed at him before kneeling to him as he sat up. Apollo blushed. “I forgot, we can’t actually touch.”

“It’s alright, I think we both needed the amusement. How are you fairing?” 
 
He stood, picking grass out of his hair. “Better than I thought I would but that might have been calculated on Zeus' part. Where I landed is a vineyard. My son helped them, brought one of them back from the dead and now Dionysus is his patron.”
 
Artemis gave a nod but had suspicions of Hermes helping somehow, it was just too lucky. “That is rather lucky, At least it’s working out, you have a shelter and people willing to help you.”
 
“But it’s not home.” He said softly, looking away from her.

She frowned. “No,  it’s not. And Olympus is not the same with your absence; it’s too quiet.”

He gave her a look. “Is that your way of saying I’m a chatterbox?”

She chuckled. “It’s not wrong but I meant your music, you idiot.”

“Oh. yeah.” He blushed again.

“Helios is helping.’

“Figured.” 
 
Artemis sighed. “I have to be going, I’ll visit as often as I can.”

“Asclepius’ funeral is tomorrow night,” he said bluntly.

She frowned, walking closer to him. “Will you be alright?”
 
He looked away. “I don’t know. I lost it today at my temple. Do you know how hard it is to see my believers and worshipers and be unable to thank them or help them? One girl was upset because she felt unworthy of me, she wrote me a poem she was going to throw away. I helped her the best I could in this form but…I wish I could do more.” His eyes watered but he wiped at them quickly.
 
She smiled sadly. “You always were a bleeding heart. I will be there, I have to be there to help my baby brother.”
 
Apollo gave a playful glare. “By one minute, I am not a baby.”
 
“Sure you're not,” She said with a smile before it turned into a frown. “I have to go. I will see you tomorrow but you must not acknowledge me, very few can actually see me and if they know you can see me they may get suspicious or even try to recruit you.”
 
“I will do my best.”

“I know you will. I will see you tomorrow night.”

She was gone then, disappearing into the air.
 
He sighed, feeling the coldness of the night air on his skin, loneliness creeping back in as he walked back to the house, waiting for the sun to rise. 
 
By the time he managed to sleep, the sun was rising and Kasandra was waking everyone up for the day. He grumbled as he hid in the pillow and blankets. 
 
She opened the fabric curtains from the window, letting the dawning sunlight come in. “Come! We’ve no time to waste,  Apollo has blessed us with another beautiful day and there’s much to do. The first meal of the day is waiting for you on the table.”

She left, leaving the door open for him. 
 
He sighed heavily, feeling heavy from the lack of sleep. Fuck, it was gonna be a rough second day. 
 
He got up and dressed, walking into the kitchen, feeling his stomach growling as he sat at the table.

He was happy to see he wasn’t in this alone, Maria looked just as grumpy to be up, just staring at her bowl of porridge, playing with it. 
 
Georgio gave a friendly but tired smile. “Good morning, did you sleep well?”

Apollo went to answer but was interrupted by a yawn. “Couldn’t sleep.” 
 
Kasandra frowned. “You should have come to me, I have a tea that can help. Maria often has nightmares and the tea helps her very well.” 
 
Apollo shook his head. “I’m not going to wake you up just because I can’t sleep.”

“Nonsense. Tonight you’re having some tea before bed.”
 
Apollo smiled weakly, it was a nice feeling cared for. “Yes, mam.”

“So, Phoebus, ever harvested grapes before?” Georgio asked as he took a bite out of his bread. 
 
Apollo frowned, he was close to saying yes but he’s never actually harvested grapes, only heard of it from Dionysus and their many talks and he knows that’s a difference between knowing it and doing it.

“No, actually. I’ve read about it though.”

“It’s not that hard, I’ll show you while the girls are getting water for the day.”

Apollo just nodded at that, starting to eat the bowl of porridge. 
 
Once breakfast was done they cleaned up, Kasandra and Maria going to the stream nearby to gather water for the day as Georgio took Apollo to the grape fields. 
 
It was comparatively smaller than most vineyards but it was still just as beautiful with at least six rows of grape vines ready for harvest. 
 
Georgio went to the shed and got the baskets for the harvest and a few pruning shears, handing one of each to Apollo. “Take these and follow me.” 
 
Apollo did as he was told, a bit excited to be learning something new. Georgio showed him, going to a grapevine. “You want to give the grapes a good look over first, make sure they are ripe. They should be firm and purple. If there’s still some green on one or  two of the grapes, that’s alright but if most of the plant is green, leave it, it’s not ready.” 
 
He showed where to cut and showed how to place them in the basket so they don’t get damaged too much.

“Think you got it?” 
 
Apollo nodded. “Yeah, not too hard.”

“No. The hardest part is growing them, to begin with. Now let’s get to harvesting.” 
 
A few minutes later the girls came back from getting the water, storing it away before coming to help with the harvest. 
 
It took a little over an hour but all was harvested and now came the time-consuming part; crushing the grapes. But it was Maria’s favorite. 
 
All the grapes they could fit went onto a screen that was framed and held together with wood, a big wooden, abit of a tall bowl. it. It was nearly as tall as Apollo. 
 
Maria tried to jump it but it was too short. Apollo chuckled, picking her up, and placing her on. “There ya go.” 
 
She didn’t let go and attempted to tug him up to crush the grapes with him. “Crush them with me, it’s really fun!”

Apollo couldn’t say no to her. He chuckled as he climbed up. “Alright-“
 
One step on it and he nearly slipped. Yeah, this was very different from just talking about it. 
 
Kasandra and Georgio both nearly ran to him. “Are you alright?”
Kassandra asked. 
 
Apollo groaned, he didn’t fall but he wished he did. His muscles tensed up and although nothing was sprained or torn, it hurt for a few seconds before he steadied himself. “I’m alright. Never stood on one of these before.”
 
Once he stood he stopped still, seeing Dionysus's figure leaning against the shed that was nearby, watching with an amused smile eating a fig. He just gave a little wave. “And you said this was easy.”  
 
Maria was already stomping with giggles, nearly jumping on the screen.

The wine god chuckled that a five-year-old was better at this than Apollo, a grown man. 
 
Apollo remembered what Artemis said, he shouldn’t be making it known he could see and talk with the other deities. Probably only going to be able to either when alone or at his altar. 
 
He pretended he wasn’t there and focused on balancing Instead, trying to crush the fruit beneath his feet.

It was fun but it was uncomfortable at first, they were squishy between his feet, getting in between his toes and it felt weird but he got used to it, 
 
Kasandra and Georgio added more grapes and it was about 45 minutes before all the grapes were crushed and all the juices they could get out were all in the bowl. 
 
It was easier to get off the grape crusher than on but even Maria made that look as easy as walking by jumping down. 
 
Georgio came over with a towel for them. “Know what we do next Phoebus?” Apollo thought about it, even looking over to Dionysus for an answer who shook his head with a grin. “Nope. With all the talks we’ve had, you know this.”
 
Apollo tried not to react to that, just thinking hard, half the talks they’ve had where he rambled on about wine, they were drunk on said wine. 
 
“We put it into its barrel to ferment?”

“Yes. But right now I lack an empty barrel so we will just get this put into some bottles to store until it can be moved. I have a shipment of wine bottles coming in a few hours. Now let’s get the screen off and see what we have.” 
 
Just as they moved it, Apollo saw Dionysus swish his hand toward the barrel. They took the screen off to reveal a nearly full tub of grape juice. 
 
Georgio smiled, folding his hands. “Praise Dionysus, look at the wonderful harvest. I hope we have enough decanters.” 
 
Apollo looked at all the grape juice and then looked back at the wine god who was gone as fast as he showed. Apollo rolled his eyes and smiled, it was nice to at least actually

see

his friend even if he couldn’t interact with him. 
 
It took a few minutes to get all the decanters. There were at least twenty, of varying sizes. They all got to work filling them, Maria carrying them carefully down to the wine cellar, of the ones she could carry. 
 
Once the juice was low enough Apollo helped take some decanters to the cellar. 
 
Eventually, there was just a small, thin layer of grape juice that they wouldn't be able to bottle, too shallow to get the liquid in and lots of leftover skins. Kasandra came over with a large bowl of water and a towel. “Alright you two, let's get your feet washed.” Maria ran over, her sticky feet picking up any loose grass and dirt. 
 
Her small feet were cleaned and dried quickly. Kasandra looked up at Apollo. “Phoebus, come, let me clean your feet.” 
 
Apollo blushed, feeling weird about the idea of someone washing them. “Oh, I can  get them myself.” He said, walking over and starting to place his feet in when Kasandra grabbed his foot and started cleaning, making him yelp in surprise. “Really, I don’t mind doing this myself.”
 
“That's not the point. You and Maria have helped and aided the juices that help us keep our livelihood, our home, and feed our bellies; you've taken care of us, I will take care of you.”
 
He swallowed down the complex feelings mulling around his head, of her having no idea who he actually is and the act of devotion she was giving. Once she was done and dried them he looked over at the grape skins on the screen. “What will happen to the leftovers?”
 
“They’ll be made for plant fertilizer, we use everything we possibly can.” Suddenly a small distance away, a horse and a large buggy were coming up the path to their home. Kasandra smiled. “What great timing, the bottles are being delivered.”
 
Apollo looked at the sky, getting an idea of the time, inwardly groaning; it was barely into midmorning. Apollo was helping them unload the bottles when Georgio saw the weariness on Apollo's face. “Son, why don’t we stop and have a small meal? You look like you need it.” 
 
Apollo shook his head, holding a box of bottles. “Maybe after this is unloaded.”
 
“That’s already done. We got most of them, Kasandra can take care of the payment and once she does she can join us, come, let's get some food.” Apollo just followed, carrying the box of bottles carefully inside and placing it nicely and out of the way on the floor.
 
Georgio got some food of bread, olive oil, garlic, cheese and some fruit, bringing it over to the table. “Here, the girls will join us in a few minutes. You didn't sleep, you need it more than us.” He started putting together a small sandwich of bread and cheese with some garlic olive oil, dipping it in, urging Apollo to eat as well. “Eat.”
 
Apollo reached for an apple when Kasandra and Maria came in, sitting at the table with him. Then he took a bite. 
 
He hated to admit, he did feel a little better after eating but it was not a replacement for sleep. The rest of the day was bottling wine bottles, Dionysus watching Apollo again, but this time with a more studying eye and less playful, making sure he does it right. 
 
Thankfully he didn't butt in or say he did anything right or wrong so that's good for something, even gave a few smiles and nods his way when he did it right. 
 
By the time they managed to fill all the bottles and then move the new wine into the barrels and cycle them, it was past midday. But everything was done, for now at least.
 
Kasandra smiled, going to Apollo. “Phoebus, Maria, and I are about to go into the city and deliver the wine, would you like to join us?”

Apollo gave a nod, feeling tired but sleep is not for hours and he can’t just not do something. “Sure.” 
 
Georgio smiled, going over to Kasandra, kissing her softly, and then kneeling to hug Maria. “May Hermes bless your travel and bring wealth.” She smiled. “Thank you love. Ok, Maria, Phoebus, let's go.”
 
They got the bottles loaded and the three of them rode in the horse buggy, the driver leading the horses back to town. It was soothing, watching the trees and grass, bees gathering pollen, and the sun beating on his face but it wasn't too humid. He could fall asleep here.
 
He hadn't realized he actually did doze off when the buggy stopped suddenly at the first delivery, the temple to Dionysus. 
 
He rolled his eyes but had an amused smile. There was music being played and a few women dancing when they pulled up. One of them broke away, her purple robes flowing behind her as she went to them. “Welcome! Here, let me help.”
 
She and a few others of his cult came over and helped unload their delivery of wine which was a surprising two boxes, which was about twelve bottles of wine but there were at least fifty people at his temple, at this moment, during rituals or festivities it’s closer to 200-500. Apollo frowned as he handed the last box over to them. “Is this enough wine for you? I know you can use a lot during your worship.”
 
She smiled. “We do. We try to order wine for many sellers, both small and large. We aim to support as many winemakers as possible. This won’t be the only delivery this week.”
 
“Oh, is that what the money goes to?”

She nodded. “Yes, some of it goes to charities but a large sum goes to supporting wine sellers. This wine is actually my favorite.” She said, with a soft smile. “Some wines can be a little bitter or dry or the alcohol is too much. I think the sweetness of this one is just right.”
 
Kasandra smiled, bowing. “Thank you very much my lady for your kind words. May the Lord Dionysus bless you.”
 
They left and went to Athena's temple and he felt weird going to Zeus temple, trying not to glare at it or resist the will to throw rocks at it. 
 
 After that was a few homes and then back home. It was nearly sunset when they got back, Kasandra paying the driver very well and thanking him. ‘I’ll see you next month Alexander.”

He just waved with a smile, leading the horse and buggy away.
 
Kasandra smiled wearily. “I think we all earned a big dinner. Come, let's eat and after we will go to the funeral. Oh, Phoebus, do you need any black for it? I see you only have what is on you.”
 
Apollo frowned. “That is all I have.”

“Tomorrow we should go to town and get you some clothing, winter will be in a few months and you will need something. But that's tomorrow, go relax and I’ll get food ready.” 
 
Maria yawned, leaning against her mother. “I’m too tired to eat mama.”

Kasandra smiled as she picked her daughter up. “I know love, it has been a long day.”
 
As they walked inside, Apollo spoke up. “Would I be able to borrow that robe I used yesterday for it?” 
 
“Oh, yes. Georgio mainly useses it for autumn anyway, plenty of time before then.”
 
Apollo just nodded, agreeing, wondering how he’s going to be at the funeral. Worried he could accidently out himself or worse, out himself and people not believe it and think he’s speaking blasphemy. He knows he’s going to be an emotional wreck when he sees his son's body and all the people that he helped. At least with the hood on the light robe he can hide a little bit.
 
Once dinner was done, the sun was set and the family started dressing in their funeral dressings. He felt anxiety thrumming through him, his heart rate picking up. 
 
Soon they were walking down the path, Georgio leading the way. 
 
He felt his hands shaking, trying to hide them but Maria must have sensed it. She reached her little hand up and held his. “Funerals make me sad too. Last year my pet cat died but Mama promised Hades took good care of him.”
 
Apollo smiled softly to her. “He sure did, he’s very kind.”

“It’s sad that others don’t think so. They’re so scared of him. I’m not, I think he’s really nice, he’s just doing his job.” 
 
Apollo smiled, knowingly. She would be a future patron of Hades, he’s sure of it. “You're absolutely right.” 
 
When they arrived, Apollo felt his heart drop. Although many people were attending he could only focus on his son's body sitting atop the funeral pyre, although he was dressed he could see the scars the lightning strike left behind on his chest, traveling to his neck and exposed shoulders.
 
People didn't notice as he walked closer and closer to him, or they didn't care. He reached out with a shaking hand, taking his son's limp hand in his. Suddenly Artemis, Hermes and Dionysus showed up on the other side, each sharing a sad expression, Artemis placing a hand over his, even if they’re not technically touching. “I’m so sorry for this loss brother.”  
 
He saw his friends and sister, happy to not feel alone in mourning him but wishing so badly he could talk to them. Apollo looked to her, eyes watery before staring down at his son's body.
 
He wanted to hold him close so badly, to cry into his skin until he exhausted himself.
 
He did bring his limp hand to his lips to give one last kiss, uncaring of the people staring.
 
Kasandra went to him, gently trying to pull him away. “Phoebus, they need to start.” Apollo let go reluctantly, a whimper escaping. Kassandra didn’t understand his grief but comforted him all the same, embracing him as they moved to a safe distance. 
 
It wasn’t a big funeral, other than Apollo, he didn't have any human relatives or family, the funeral was made up of all the people he helped, leaving offerings of flowers and poems and various other items as the fire started.
 
Apollo felt the need to stop the fire, wanting to embrace him one more time. He just held onto Kasandra tighter, turning his head and sobbing into her shoulder, completely forgetting to put his hood up to hide like he had planned to.
 
Dionysus watched longingly. “I wish I could comfort him. It feels like Zeus has cursed us as well.”

Hermes agreed, wiping tears from his eyes. “Just glad the luck I gave him worked.”

Artemis smiled weakly. “Knew it.”

“What? Wasn’t gonna let him get into shit with Zeus and not have some luck on his side.” The deities just silently agreed before the funeral was interrupted.
 
“You're all mourning a scam artist!” A man yelled, walking up, a few following him.  Some of the other mourners glared. The priest went to him, a soft glare on his face. “This is a solemn occasion, if you want to protest it, please do so once it is over, not while others mourn.”
 
Apollo watched with a growing, protective anger, slowly coming out of Kasandra’s hold. The new man glared at the priest. “What's the use of protesting if it isn't to disrupt? This man doesn't deserve the respect you're giving him! He doesn't deserve your tears! He never helped anyone, the only people he brought back from the dead were actors he paid!”
 
Artemis saw the look on Dionysus’s face, knowing what it could cause. Artemis stood in front of him. “This is a human situation, we have no need to get involved.”

“Do you not hear him? How is he disrespecting him?”

“I do but it's a squabble, we have no need to get involved, especially you.”

Dinouys gave a soft glare to the ground. “Fine but I make no promises I won’t torment him with nightmares.”

Artemis accepted that as she watched her brother marching over to him.
 
Apollo was already in the man's face, a familiar, righteous anger bubbling up. “You better shut up right now.” He reached for his bow, muscle memory but found air, making him even more angry. 
 
“Why? What are you gonna do? I’m just trying to wake these idiots up to the fact you’re giving your respect to the wrong fucking man. Asclepius was a scammer, paying actors to bring back-” 
 
Apollos fist moved faster than he could think, he may not have his bow or arrows forged from the sun but he has his fists. But his fists didnt stop and soon the other was punching back but he got the upper hand,slamming him to the ground before getting two punches in, two people pulling him off, struggling to pull him off. Apollo screamed at the man, not feeling the tears going down his cheeks. “You take my son's name out of your mouth! He saved hundreds of lives and he paid the price for it! And now he’s gone.” His voice broke as his yelling gradually became soft and sad.
 
The man was holding his face, blood pouring from his nose, his friends sneering at Apollo as they carried him away. People at the funeral could only watch and gossip, not wanting to ask questions, not when he looked so devastated. Kasandra comforted him but Georgio watched, more questions in his head.
 
Between the prayer Phoebus had to Dionuysus and his extreme reaction to the asshole who interrupted. Phoebus called Asclepius his son and he has claimed before in a conversion that his father was Apollo, it’s how he got his gift of resurrection. Although it wasn't something widely known, if at all. Georgio just likes to talk and get to know people, especially those who have helped him so much.
 
He watched the man who called himself Phoebus, sobbing into Kassandra's shoulder, Maria hugging around his legs. He looked very similar to the statue of Apollo at the temple, so much so it made his heart nearly stop at the possibility.
 
Was this mysterious man actually Apollo? And if so, why is he here and human? Does that mean Asclepius was actually struck down by Zeus? 
 
Phoebus was quiet on the walk home, Kasandra putting him in charge of Maria, knowing he needed something to take his mind off of what happened.

While Maria distracted him, Georgio took this moment to talk to his wife quietly. “Love, I don’t think he is who he says.”

Kasandra frowned. “What do you mean?”

“This may sound crazy but, I think he may be Apollo, walking among us.”

She shook her head. “What is your reasoning dear?”
 
“Last night, I was giving him a tour of the wine cellar, he wanted to pray to Dionysus and I left him alone but I wanted to make sure the candles got put out; his prayer wasn't a prayer, it sounded like he was talking to a friend, said things like being dropped here by Zeus. and just now he called Asclepius his son and his emotional display at the funeral, that's something only a parent knows.”
 
She frowned. “He did call him his son..”

“And how similar he looks to his statue at the temple.”

“He did want to hide when we went and he was so upset being there and I had no idea why, he just said it’s complicated. Oh goodness, you really think..” She asked, shock in her voice even as it trailed off, watching Maria talk to him about anything and everything, holding her hand.  “You really think he’s Apollo, walking among us?”

Gergio sighed. “Only one way to find out.”

“No, even if he is, I don’t think he’d want to talk about it. Think about it; he’s been cast out from Olmpus, his son died by Zeus' hand and now seeing his own son's funeral?”
 
“Tomorrow then.”

She just nodded, staring at Phoebus who laughed at Marias jokes and wondered with a pit in her stomach; is this young man really Apollo?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Apollo slept this night but it was off and on, between bone-dead exhaustion from the day and emotional exhaustion from the funeral on top of the shame he feels for breaking down and getting into a goddamn fight. 
 
By the time the sun came up, he had gotten more sleep than last night but the depression he felt was still present. Only two days and he’s feeling like emotional shit with no sleep. 
 
Kasandra came into his room to let him know breakfast was ready but she stopped herself, seeing him with a pause. He frowned. It wasn’t like she to just zone out. “Uhh you ok?” 
 
Kasandra nodded stiffly. “Yes, it’s fine, breakfast is ready.” She said before leaving quickly. Apollo frowned, feeling more shame dig deeper from last night. Was she just as embarrassed as he was with himself? Is she going to kick him out for his actions? 
 
He really didn’t want to eat, he barely wanted to leave the room. He put his robes on and walked out and down the hall and to the kitchen. They both smiled to him but their energy was different. Maria eating contently.  Kasandra smiled. “Good morning, I hope you slept better this time.”

“I did but I’m not really feeling well, I might just stay in bed for a bit.” 
 
Georgio frowned with concern. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah just not feeling great. I’ll be in my room.” He said before walking back, going to his room and closing the door. 
 
He got into bed and laid down, wishing the bed would swallow him up.

He was half asleep when someone knocked on his door. He looked out the window and saw it was midday.
 
He sat up, running a hand though his hair and wiping his eyes free of any tears that might have been there, before getting up and opening the door, seeing both Kasandra and Georgio, making his heart drop; fuck, he was getting kicked out wasn’t he?
 
Kasandra smiled weakly. “We just wanted to talk.” 
 
Apollo reacted immediately, starting to pace the room as he talked, rushed. “I’m really sorry about last night, I didn’t mean to start a fight.. wait, no I did, but still, that wasn’t appropriate to do at a funeral, no matter how disrespectful he was being, I have nowhere else to go, I can be better-“ 
 
“It’s not that. He deserved it.” Georgio said, cutting his words off. “This might sound a little crazy and I hope I am. I accidentally overheard your prayer to Dionysus and it didn’t sound like a prayer, it sounded like you were talking to an old friend.” 
 
Apollo swallowed, this was worse than getting kicked out, they know don’t they?

Georgio continued. “And at Apollo's temple, you hid from everyone and were so emotional there. And then last night, you said Asclepius was your son. Now my memory may not be what it was but after he brought me back, we talked for a bit, asked about his abilities and he said Apollo was his father.”
 
“And the statue of Apollo looks remarkably similar to you,” Kasandra added with a shaking smile.

Georgio just nodded. “I know this is probably insane but I just have to know; are you Apollo?”
 
Apollo felt his face heat up deeply, his hands shook. “I..I mean..I..”

Kasandra looked pleadingly at him. “We have to know, please, be honest; are you truly the sun god walking among us?”
 
Apollo looked away, his heart trying to beat out of his chest again. “Yes.” He said weakly but it was loud enough as Kasandra and Georgio gasped, staring at him now with new eyes, with awe and an admiration he didn’t feel he deserved, not like this.
 
Kasandra was the first to kneel down and bow. “We are not worthy.”  Apollo went to stop her but Georgio followed suit, kneeling with a wince. Apollo frowned, going to him, taking him by the arm gently, and lifting him back up. “Do not kneel before me if it hurts you.” 
 
Georgio looked surprised. “But you are divine.”

Apollo helped Kasandra stand up as well. “No, I’m not. At least not now.”

Kasandra frowned. “What happened? Why did you come to us?” 
 
Apollo sighed. “It’s complicated. Where’s Maria?” He noticed she wasn’t hanging around him like she has been. “She’s at her friend's house. We wanted to have this talk privately.” Kasandra stated.
 
Apollo just nodded. “We can talk about this but I need some wine, it’s a long, messy story and I’d like to have a good drink in my hand when telling it.” 
 
Georgio nodded. “Yes my lord.” He said, walking away. Apollo huffed, following. “Don’t call me that, please.” 
 
Kasandra sat at the kitchen table, staring at him with awe and curiosity. “What are you then, with you here?”

Apollo sat down heavily. “A human, like you.”  
 
Kasandra looked away. “I am sorry you are in such an unworthy form.”

Apollo took in a controlled breath, now is not the time to lecture about “worthiness.” 
 
Georgio came back with a bottle and three wine glasses, pouring each glass. Once the the bottle was on the table, Apollo took it in hand, and started drinking it down. 
 
Once he felt a small buzz, he placed the bottle down and let out a breath. “Zeus cursed me, for my sons mistakes. He kept bringing people back from the dead, like you. Obviously this upsets the natural law and it was a huge problem. I told Zeus I would handle it and I did. I gave him a huge lecture. But in the end, it didn’t matter. He kept bringing people back and Zeus thought it best to kill him.”

He told his tale, bitterly, all his anger for Zeus coming  back to the surface. 
 
Kasandra took a drink of her wine. She swallowed before speaking her questions. “I apologize for anything I may have said during our time to offend you. I realize now I kept mentioning Apollo bringing us this day and how he’s blessing us when you were right here. Curious, who is handling the sun?”
 
Apollo smiled weakly. “Helios, we share the duty of the sun.”

Georgio took his own drink. “What happened after Zeus killed him?” 
 
Apollo took his wine glass. “I sought revenge on Zeus. I killed the Titans that make his bolts. It might be a while until he has his lightning again. He didn’t like my behavior, said it was impulsive; rich coming from him and, and cursed me down here to live as a human for a year, probably so he can just not deal with me for a while; asshole.” He took another long gulp, emptying his glass. 
 
Kasandra sighed. “It certainly explains why you started a fight with that man last night. If I had known that was your son-“

“Stop.” He said. 
 
She stopped, looking scared. He frowned, why were they so scared? “You were wonderful, you gave me comfort, with no judgment.” 
 
She nodded, looking down, still looking so scared, he frowned. “Why are you scared of me?”

“I don’t want to anger you.”

“Why? I don’t even have any powers, I’m just…me. I’m human.” 
 
“I’m sorry again, for Zeus cursing with such an unworthy body.” 
 
Apollo stood wildly, snapping at them. “Enough of that!” They both looked wide-eyed at him, fuck he’s probably not helping them being scared of him but this has to be said. “You humans seem to think so much of what you do for us is unworthy of us or not enough. Do you have any idea how amazing and divine you humans actually are?” 
 
Kasandra and Georgio just shook their head. Apollo continued. “Your lives are a blip compared to the gods but yet you’ve accomplished so much in so little time. Your bodies are so fragile and vulnerable yet you go to work, put food on the table for your children, and sometimes risk your life to do so. You could die at any time but that has never stopped you even once. Even with your body and mind aching you still stand and face the day. Wait here..”  He said, walking back to his room and getting the poem from the temple goer from under his pillow. 
 
He walked back, showing them. “When we went to my temple, it hurt, so much. I couldn’t talk to any of my believers or worshipers there. One young woman wrote this for me, for me! A deity she can barely talk to. She was going to throw it away cause she thought it was bad and unworthy. And no, it’s not good but it’s hers. She wrote this for me, went and got paper, and ink, and took time out of her day to write it. There is not enough words to express my love and gratitude to you all.”  
 
Kasandra and Georgio just listened and watched in awe. Kasandra had tears in her eyes. “You’re very kind but I don’t understand; why is it so hard if you can barely talk to us?” 
 
Apollo sighed, it was a bit complicated to explain to humans. “Imagine being locked away from Maria, you can see her but unable to interact or talk to her. She can give you offerings but you cannot talk to her. Or can’t talk to her very well.”Georgio frowned. “Why can’t you talk to them?” 
 
Apollo looked away, staring at the badly written poem. “Most people are not spiritually open, they might be able to sense I’m there watching or see the signs I give them but only about ten people in Greece alone can talk to me and they're oracles at another temple of mine. It’s a spiritual gift one has to be born with to converse with deities.” 
 
Kasandra let out a breath, looking away. “It sounds like a very lonely experience.”

“As a deity or human?” He asked.

“Both,” Kasandra said with a sad smile, wiping tears from her eyes. 
 
Apollo smiled sadly back, sitting back down. “It’s not so bad as a deity. I have my siblings and fellow deities.”

“How do you get the offerings? Are you even able to eat the food offerings?” 
 
Apollo grinned. “Absolutely! They kinda just show up in my realm when they’re placed either in my temple or just in my name. We don’t need to eat to live but we still enjoy it all the same. Food is amazing. Have you tried some of the sun cakes from my temple? There are so many different ones from my followers, some have a  crunchy honey on the outside and others it’s gooey on the inside..”
 
Kasandra and Georgio just watched as the sun god raved about all the different foods he loves, in awe and a little confused on how to handle this new information; they were hiding a deity in their own house.
 
After that, it was quiet between the three. Apollo frowned. “I really don’t want any of this to change how you view me. I’m still human right now, just as you are. I’m  still me, I  can’t do anything, I’m not divine anymore, at least not for this year.” 
 
Kasandra swallowed. “How can it not change? You are Apollo, the sun god, in my home.”

Apolo sighed in exasperation. “But I’m not. I have no divine powers, no healing or
prophecy
, I don’t even have my bow and arrow; I am just a human.” 
 
Georgio let out a breath. “Well we won’t make any promises on treating you the same but I will do my best.”

“And please don’t tell Maria? She doesn’t need to know.” 
 
Kasandra smiled softly. “Your secret is safe with us.”  Apollo let out a relieved breath. “Good.”
 
Elsewhere in Elysium fields. Asclepius was the only one not happy. It was a paradise, everyone was kind and generous and loving. Dionysus regularly threw some sort of festival but he felt lost among it all. During one of the parties that Dionysus forced him to go to, wanting to help get him out of his depression, even made a special wine for him to help but he barely touched it. 
 
While the party went on, music loud and souls and deities alike dancing, singing and drinking with merriment. Demeter came and sat down next to him. “You are very unhappy.”

Ascelps sat up straighter. “Oh. No, I’m just worried.” 
 
She gave a knowing look. “Don’t lie to me young man, I am one of those in charge of this realm, you think I cannot sense when something is amiss?”
 
He slumped, looking away. She gave a small, comforting smile, taking the wine he didn’t touch from his hands and placing it on a nearby table. “What is keeping you from enjoying your afterlife?”
 
“I worry, about my father. He should not have to pay for the mistakes I made. I knew what I was doing, I knew I was told to stop, that there would be consequences but I didn't think he would also be so severely punished.”
 
“Oh trust me, he is not punished because of you, he is punished because Zeus forgets where your father's impulsive behavior comes from.  I’m sure he regretted it as soon as he sent him away. And you know Hera is giving a mouthful of Hell to him.”

“That doesn't change the fact that he’s cursed to be a human for a year. I cannot even apologize to him from here.” 
 
Demeter brought her arm around him in a motherly hold with a sad smile. “He knows. Parents always know.”
 
About two days went by and Zeus was starting to feel Apollos absence; it was far too quiet. He was always chatting about something or playing music or even singing while he did his duties; it was far too quiet. 
 
“Do you think I was too harsh on him?” Zeus asked Dionysus. The wine god chuckled as he poured Zeus his fourth glass of wine. “Oh absolutely.”

Zeus gave a glare. “I thought you were on my side.”

“You called me here to vent, not take sides, old man. Apollo was correct that there were other ways of dealing with Asclepius.”
 
Zeus groaned drinking his wine down. “I know, but he promised that it wouldn’t happen-”

Suddenly the doors to the palace opened, Hera, walking inside, her blue and green robes flowing behind her, and her hair which is normally braided up, was coming out of its style from her anger as she marched to her husband. “ZEUS! Why have you killed Asclepius?! Greece’s best healer! He was acting as a midwife for many of my devotees, I swear if any of them die because of his absence-oh, Dionysus, hello.”
 
Dionysus gave a controlled look to her, burying down any anger at seeing her. “Hello, Hera.”

Hera let out a breath. “Zeus and I need to have this conversion in private.”

He stood, taking his wine bottle, walking to her. “It’s alright, all of Olmpus will hear regardless with your screeching.”

Here glared. “Do not forget yourself and whom you speak to.”

“It is you who should not forget yourself, do you forget what happened the last time someone forgot who they spoke to?” 
 
Hera looked away, she and Zeus may be powerful but he can take them down, even kill them with madness alone. He looked back at Zeus with a smile. “I will see you next time, Father.” He added, knowing how it angered the queen, before walking out. 
 
Hera relaxed, resuming her tirade as she marched to Zeus. “What in all of creation were you THINKING?! Killing him?!” 
 
Zeus huffed. “I wasn’t thinking-“

“Oh when are you ever thinking! If you’re not starting a war among your children, you’re thinking with your dick!”
 
Zeus threw his wine glass to the golden floor, marching and pointing a finger in her face, his face red with anger.

“You take back your blasphemous words!”

“How many more illegitimate children do you plan to create?!”

“Don’t you dare talk about them like that!” 
 
Hera growled before looking away. “This is off-topic.” She glared back up at him. “If any of my devotees die in childbirth because he is not there because you killed him, I will bring Apollo back myself and let him finish what he started.” Zeus huffed, walking away. “Fine, I will fix this.” 
 
The party was winding down, the souls getting pleasantly tired, and a few passed out. Asclepius sighed, the party scene was never for him, he felt so out of place. At least Demeter knew his worries.
 
“You have been a wallflower all day,” Dionysus said with a smile, now standing in front of him.

Asclepius straightened again. “I’m sorry sir-”

“Drop the sir, it’s just Dionuysus here.” Asclepius was about to apologize again when the wine God stopped him. “And do not apologize when you have nothing to apologize for, now what is on your mind-you never drank your wine, that never happens,” He said, spotting it on the table near the bench. 
 
Asclepius frowned, looking away. “I’m just worried. I left many people behind, people who may die without me there. And then my father, paying for my own mistakes? It’s not fair, all of the blame should be on me.”
 
Dionysus frowned, making the untouched wine glass disappear. “That is pretty heavy, glad you didn't drink it then. I don’t allow drinking to forget or hide from your problems.”

“But you're a god of wine, isn’t that your thing?”
 
Dionysus gave him a look. “I am but drinking wine or any intoxicating substance while already so emotionally vulnerable or using it to hide from your problems, that's not fun. I want those who drink my wine or partake in any substances, to do so because they enjoy it, not to hide. I may be a god of wine but I do not accept abusing it. Here.” He summoned a wine glass and handed it to Asclepius. “Just grape juice, promise,” He said with a smile. 
 
Asclepius took it gently, smelling it and seeing it was indeed, just grape juice, sipping it. “That's very kind of you, thank you.”
 
There was suddenly a flash of light and people gasping. Dionysus turned, seeing Zeus walking his way. He stood in front of Asclepius, not sure what Zeus would want here. Zeus sighed. “I mean no harm, I’ve come to apologize to the boy.”
 
Dionysus chuckled, stepping away. “As you should.”

Zeus grumbled to his son but walked closer to Asclepius. “Son-”

“Don’t call me son.” Asclepius said with a glare, crossing his arms as he stood to face Zeus. “I am not your son, I am not any of your children. I am Apollo's son and you will say my name.”

Dionysus just watched, feeling an unimaginable feeling of pride and amusement. 
 
Zeus glared weakly but allowed it before softening. “I apologize for your death-”

“No, that's not what happened.”

Zeus grumbled. “You are your father's son; I apologize for killing you, better?” Asclepius nodded and Zeus continued. “I am…sorry. I see now that my actions were rash and impulsive. Your father was right and there were other ways of dealing with it. I can’t bring your father back, it’s already set and he will return from Earth in one year but I can at least fix things with you.”
 
Zeus reached and patted his head and suddenly Asclepius’ soul changed, his robes changing to white and gold, like his father but a medal medallion holding it at his shoulder with a snake on it, a staff in his hand, wrapped with a snake. He suddenly felt powerful, could feel immortality running through his veins.  
 
He looked down at himself in awe, a few other deities looking just as confused and in awe. He looked to Zeus. “I don’t…I don’t understand..”

“Hera has made some very good points,” He heard Dionysus snort a laugh. He sighed. “And this way I don’t break the rules of nature and you can still aid anyone in need of you.”
 
Asclepius looked around, nearly smiling. “Thank you, so much. I’ll get to work right away, how do I contact those I helped? How do I contact my father?” Dionysus came over, a smile on his face, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll show you how it all works.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

November Apollo watched over Maria tirelessly. It wasn't the same illness that her father had; even brought back from the dead,  he still has damaged lungs from it, from when he had a fluid infection of his lungs but Maria was throwing up and bedridden with a fever. He hated he could only use his knowledge; no abilities or powers to help heal her. Just skilled hands and a few herbs. Although her parents were more than worried, taking cycles between sleep to comfort her and take care of the vineyard duties. He made anything he knew that would help, had them buy several herbs for so many uses; tinctures, tea, chewing, even the scents could help. Right now Maria was doing good, still able to talk as she munched on mint leaves, talking with her mouthful, voice mumbled. “Leaves taste gross.”  Apollo just smiled over to her from his spot on the floor, a little working area of herbs, mortar and pestle, hands in a constant state of soreness. “But they're mint, you liked the mint candy I made you last week.”“That was candy, these are leaves.”“They are but the oils from them help your stomach, you haven't thrown up in a while.”Maria nodded, swallowing the leaves. “Thats true.” she sniffled, her little nose congested. “What are you making now?” He came over with the bowl. “Something for your nose, so you can breathe better.”He sat carefully on the bed with her. “It’s a mixture of rosemary and basil.” He lifted the bowl and she gave a sniff, best she could and found it did help a bit and smiled. “It smells really nice.”“Oh, you can smell things now? I thought yesterday you said you'd never be able to smell again.” Maria smiled, looking away. “No I didn't.”“You abostely did, I have a perfect memory.” He said playfully, moving and getting a little cloth satchel, putting the mixture inside and tying it off, handing it to her. “Here, any time you get really stuffed up, hold this to your face and inhale.” Maria held it then groaned, her face a grimace . “I’m really hot now..”Apollo held his hand to her head, feeling her fever is coming back, he managed to get it down between a few herbs and some cool clothes but it came back. He sighed. “It’s alright, I’ll get some cool cloths for you, ok?”  she just nodded before her face changed and he already knew before she did, bringing the pot over and aiming her face gently into it, holding her hair back as she coughed and vomited up the leaves she just had, having not supposed to swallow the leaves but he wasn’t gonna strictly enforce such an instinct.  Plus this is only the second time she's thrown up today, which was progress, when she first became ill it felt never ending, her poor little body ending up dry heaving when there was nothing.  She cried weakly once she was finished. “I’m sorry..”Apollo held her close as the bedroom door opened, her parents having heard her noises. He had sent them away to get some rest, they were trying to stay awake and be as vigilant as Apollo. “Is she alright?” Kasandra asked, coming over to the bed, Georgio behind her.  Apollo nodded. “Yeah, she's making progress. The mint is helping her stomach but her fever came back.” Kasandra smiled sadly as she sat on the bed. Maria went to her mom, leaning from Apollo to her mother. “Mommy, I hate this.” she cried.  Apollo took this moment to take the pot and quickly replaced it with a new one, this one now contaminated and he didn't want it in the house. The first day of her vomiting so often, Apollo and Georgio had dug a small hole where the vomit pots could go into, somewhere it won’t be bothered or pose any threat, somewhere they won’t contaminate.  The sun was setting as he walked outside, the air chilly, making him shiver as he got to the hole with a few planks of wood over it to keep it covered. He moved the boards, throwing it inside so it may shatter so it’s not used again before putting the boards back on and grabbing a new one from the supply they bought, Apollo letting them know to get as many as they could, unknowing how often she may vomit. She ended up getting multiple uses out of a few, the poor girl. He stood straighter, now that he’s taking a break, can feel all the aches and pains of being a human healer; his hands were swelling from overuse, his forearms cramped, his back was sore as hell and he feels like he could sleep for the rest of the year.  When was the last time he slept?  “Hi dad.” Apollo jumped, opening his eyes and looking around before seeing Asclepius a small distance next to him, godly robes and a staff in his hands, smiling nervously with the sun setting behind him.   Asclepius smiled, starting to rant. “I know I should have let you know sooner but I really wanted to surprise you but it took a while to figure out how to do anything as a god…are you ok?”  Apollo could only stare, slowly walking toward him. “You’re…you’re…alive?”Dionysus was next to him now. “Alive is a strong word, divine is a more factual one.”  Apollo looked between them both, a smile creeping up his face. “So did Zeus apologize then?”  Dionysus chuckled. “Oh he was humbled by your son. You should have seen him, Zeus called him son and he started all ‘I am not your son, I am not any of your children. I am Apollo's son and you will say my name.’ It was the best thing I’ve seen since Hermes was born and stole your cattle.”  Apollo was in too much shock to react to that particular memory. “And he made him-“ “A God, with his own unique abilities and associations.”  Asclepius smiled, showing off his new robes and staff. “What do you think?” Apollo felt his eyes water, walking closer to him, trying to reach out, seeing it go through. “I wish I could hug you.”    “I know. We will when you return. How is Maria?”Apollo looked back to the house. “She's getting better but her fever won’t leave. Shes vomiting less than she was.” “Want my help?” Apollo smiled. “I’d love your help.”  Apollo got a new pot, seeing the pots they bought were low, hoped they would be enough. He walked inside, making sure to be aware not to talk to Asclepius.  They may know who he is but even he’s  aware of how odd he looks talking to thin air to people they can’t see. She was  asleep when Apollo walked in but her parents didn't seem happy about it. Kasandra pleaded to Apollo. “She just passed out, we were talking and she trailed off and now she's unconscious.”  Apollo went to her quickly, feeling her head. Is her fever even worse? She was just fine when he went outside, has her fever really increased in that small amount of time. “Her fever is worse. Much worse, if we don’t bring it down soon, she may not make it.”  While Kasandra was in shock, Ascelpious talked to Apollo. “Take her to the wine celler, it’s much cooler down there, it’ll help while you get herbs together.”Apollo gave a quick nod before turning to her parents. “We need to get her to the wine celler, it’s cold there, it’ll help cool her, make her a spot down there, I can carry her.” Kasandra didn’t waste time as she gathered blankets and pillows and ran them down to the wine celler, Gerogio following with other various things she might need, an extra blanket, a few toys and books. Apollo picked her up, hating and fearing how limp she is against him, can feel very human panic fill him. Gerogio started lighting the candles for light as Kasandra quickly made a little area for Maria.  Apollo got her laid down and she came back to consciousness weakly, whining as she was moved. “Hurts..” Apollo nodded to her, making sure she was as comfortable as possible. “I know sweetie, I know.” Aslepcious was sitting next to her, his hands over her body, a golden glow coming from them. “I have her stabilized, her fever won’t rise anymore and her stomach won’t vomit but I think you're aware I can't do this forever, it takes a lot of energy.” Apollo couldn't help himself, they already knew who he was and who he could see. “So I have time to make the medicines she needs?”“Yes and make them quick for my sake.” Apollo just nodded, ignoring the looks from Kasandra and Gerogio as he ran up the stairs, going through nearly the entire house to get the herbs he needs, ones he didn't request they buy; like garlic and yarrow, and feels like an idiot. He made the tinctures and remedies as fast as he could, even bringing her some bread. He got them items down the stairs where he saw her awake but pale and miserable. He tried not to force feed her but his need to make sure this miracle child of this family lives was strong. It took hours but they managed to get her fever to break and her aches let up. Ascleipous saw she was asleep and her sickness finally gone. “She’s gonna be just fine,” he said, looking exhausted.  Apollo took this time to properly talk to his son, Kasandra and Georgio as well,leaning against the many large wine barrels. “Thank you, for staying. I’m not sure if she would have made it through the night without your help.” Asclepius smiled tiredly. “Sorry for any attitude before,I wasn't gonna leave until the job was done…” He suddenly saw how pale his father looked, and could see his muscles trembling.  “Father, how are you feeling?” He asked worriedly.  Apollo looked at him and thought a moment. “Exhausted, every muscle in my body aching.”  “I think you might be sick. You should go get some rest.”Apollo gave a weak glare. “Not until she wakes up. We both know just cause she’s going to be fine doesn’t mean her symptoms go away immediately.”  “Then just rest down here, there’s an open area by Dionysus altar, rest there.” Apollo looked and saw the open area, and Dionysus watching him with concern.  The wine god walked over to him, kneeling. “Please, you have worked tirelessly; You deserve rest.” Apollo was about to protest when a hacking, mucusy cough tore out of him, making him quickly cover his mouth.  Asclepius moved quickly to pat his back but his hand went through, he hated it. He wanted to be able to help his father, be able to touch him.  His coughing woke up Kasandra who winced as she moved, having fallen asleep at a weird angle but she saw how rough Apollo looked and went to him immediately.  “Are you alright?” She asked worriedly, rubbing his back. Apollo looked at her but she could see the exhaustion in his eyes and how pale his face was. “I’ll be alright, when she wakes up, I’ll go get some rest.” He said before another cough erupted out of him.  She gave a weak glare. “You need rest, you’re sick too.” “She needs help.” “So do you.” She pleaded. She let out a breath, speaking quietly so Maria didn’t hear his real name. “Apollo, please, go get some rest before I force you to.”  “How would you force me?” He asked, knowing how strong he is compared to her on any given day but she just gave him a mom look and gently pushed him and he wobbled.  He rolled his eyes. “Ok, ok.” “I have been a mother longer than you’ve been a human; I can take care of her.” Apollo finally gave in and nodded. “Alright.”  He got up with a wince, every muscle was aching. Kasandra stood with him, helping him steady on weak legs. “Alright to walk on your own?” “I think so, I’ve never been sick before..” he said, trailing off. His stomach threatened to bubble up but it never did.  But he closed his eyes and took a few breaths. Kasandra came to his side. “I’ll help you up to your room. If you’ve never been sick before you won’t know your limits.” She brought an arm around him. “Let’s get you to your room.” “What if I vomit?” He asked weakly as she helped walk with him.  “Then I will clean it. You cannot help what your human body does sometimes, vomiting included. It’s late but come morning I will go to town and get more pots so you can vomit safely in them.” Apolo just silently agreed, willing his stomach to settle but as they got to the upper level a cough came from his throat and felt his stomach try to escape. He ran out of her arms and barely made it outside before he was gagging and coughing up stomach acid, having barely eaten while taking care of Maria.  Kasandra was kneeling with him, rubbing his back and feeling his forehead. “A small fever, nothing to be too concerned about right now.”   He whined miserably. Kasandra brought a rag from her apron to his mouth, cleaning it off. “Ok, now let’s get you to bed. If you have to vomit again, there is an open window in your room.”  He didn’t say anything as she helped him stand, getting him to his room and tucking him in.  She gave him a soft look, feeling his head again. “How are you feeling now?”  “A little better, now that I’m resting.” He said quietly. Ksandea smiled, looking relived. “Good. Now stay in this bed unless you absolutely have to get out. I will bring you some breads to help your stomach in the meantime.”  He didn’t say anything, his body already becoming groggy and sleep starting to overtake him, a little bit.  Kasandra hoped she or at least, her husband could be spared the sickness going around. They were already behind on vineyards duties and the illness draining some of their funds. She went back down to the cellar and saw her husband was awake, petting Maria's hair. Kasandra kneeled down to him. “Apollo is sick.” “I’m not surprised. He was running himself into the ground taking care of her. Think he’ll be ok?” “I don’t know. He’s never had a human body. He’s never been sick before.”  Maria yawned, waking up and looking confused. “Why are we in the wine cellar?”  Kasandra smiled, kissing her daughter's head. “Because you had a fever, it’s cold down here.”  Maria grumbled. “It’s too cold.” Georgio chuckled, standing and helping his daughter up. “Let’s get you to a proper bed. Feeling better?” Maria nodded, standing. “Just cold.” She looked around and back up at her father. “Where’s Phobus?” “Hea a little sick sweetie, he didn’t take care of himself while taking care of you and now he has the flu too.” Maria frowned as her mother picked her up, cradling her to her chest. “Did I get him sick?” “It’s possible but he also didn’t take care of himself, didn’t sleep very well and barely ate. He put his needs to the side to help and not taking care of yourself can lead to being sick.”  Kasandra explained softly as she carried her daughter to the upper level, walking to her room.  “Will he be ok?” Maria asked in worry. And Kasandra didn’t answer immediately. She wasn’t sure what to say. Maria has no idea Phobus is actually Lord Apollo, cursed to be human for a year and thus has never been sick.  “He will be fine, just worry about getting some sleep, you’ve had a rough week.” Maria just nodded as her mother got her to her room, tucking her into her bed. She gave her a kiss on the head and left the room. Georgio followed, looking worried. “Apollo is sick?” Kasandra nodded but gently shushed him, bringing him away from Maria’s room. “Yes. He’s already vomited once, and has a small fever.”  “Will he be ok?” He asked worriedly, they both knew the consequences that could happen.  Kasandra looked away, feeling just as scared. “I don’t know. I don’t know if Zeus thought to give him the tolerance needed to survive sickness or if his body is wholly new.”  “What will happen if he doesn’t?” He asked quietly. Kasandra’s eyes got wide, could he die? As a human and deity? Would he just go back to his former body of the divine or would that be the end of the sun god? She swallowed, feeling terrified of the prospect of the unknown of him not making it though. She heard coughing and vomiting from his room, making her chest clench with fear. She looked at her husband. “I don’t know. For now let’s forget about that and just help him, do we have any more pots for the sick?” “A few, I’ll have to get more when the shops open in a few hours.”  “Get the remaining pots, I’ll get mint and some bread.”  She stated before running around her home to get the bread and mint.  Dionysus watched as Apollo was sick, handing his head out the window before nearly collapsing back into the bed. Asclepius was there, looking exhausted as he did his best to keep his fathers fever under control.  The wine god walked over to him, worried as he saw his friend so sick. “What happens if he dies?”“I don’t know. This is the first time I’m aware of that Zeus made one of us human. We have no idea what the consequences could be.”   “I’m going to find out, do what you can here, I’ll alert Artemis as well.” He met Apollo's eyes for a moment but they were hazy with fatigue and illness. Fear coiled in Dionysus' stomach as he left.  For once, Dionysus caught Zeus doing his work, having some form of meeting  with a few other major deities similar to him.  Dionysus didn’t waste any time or go to him with any formality, just walked into his white and gold meeting room and went to him, the others staring and even glaring at the rude interruption. Zeus gave a forced smile to him. “I am in the middle of a meeting, what is it?”  “Apollo is sick.” He said, not bothering to whisper or quiet  enough the others all hear.  Zeus then ushered him out of the room with a glare. “Yes. He’s human. Humans get sick.”  “He could die. We’ve never had a deity turned human. What happens if he dies?” He asked, anger leaving him for a moment, worry replacing it.  Zeus huffed. “It’ll be Hades problem then.” “That’s not the point.” The wine god said with a glare. “Then what is?” Zeus asked inpaintly. “The point is that we've never had a deity turned human, die. A deity’s soul and a human are different, he has patrons, worshippers, Helios is pulling double time doing Apollo and his job. And as a new human he’s never been sick, there’s a strong possibility he could die and then what?”  Zeus groaned. “He has his son watching over him and his sister, he will be fine.” He said as he started walking away, back to his meeting.  Dionysus glared at him. “If he dies, I’ll make sure you regret it.” He left, leaving the threat to hang in the air. Zeus tensed at that, knowing exactly what he’s capable of. He pushed it aside to finish his meeting.  When he came back, Apollo was asleep and pale with a sheen of cold sweat on his brow. Artemis has joined, apparently having heard already. He’s never seen the huntress look so scared.  She looked over at Dionysus. “What did he say?” Dionysus glared softly at the ground. “That if he dies, it would be Hades problem.”  Asclepius felt just as angry but did not have the energy to properly convey it, his voice quiet. “Fucking bastard, so we have no idea what would happen to him?”  Artemis glared softly at her brother, determination in her eyes. “Let’s not find out. Asclepius,get some rest.” “I’m fine-“ he started but she fixed him with a steely glare, hands still  over top her brothers sleeping body.“Go rest, now. You will need your energy for this.”  Asclepius just nodded and disappeared. Dionysus walked to Artemis, kneeling by her. “What will you do? If he passes?” He asked quietly, already feeling a protective anger building, wanting to go after Zeus for his calloused words.  “I’ll make sure my arrow doesn’t miss.” She said lowly, putting all her energy into her brothers condition.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The whole week Artemis and Asclepius took turns keeping Apollos condition stable but he wasn’t getting better.  He was vomiting up far less often than any other human who had the same flu but he was still horribly pale, barely able to stand and both deities worried that if they stopped their constant care he may die, fearing they were his only thread between life and death.  Both healers were exhausted, Kasandra and Georgio were beyond scared and Maria wasn’t allowed to see him.  And Dionysus hated that he couldn't do anything other than bring a smile to Apollos face, when he was conscious enough to perceive him. One day both healers were aiding him and Artemis heard sniffling from the other. She looked, seeing tears going down his face and fear in his eyes. She softened. “He will live.” “Will he?” He asked shakily, a tremble in his glowing hands that were a fixture over top of his fathers body. Artemis wanted to hug him close but she couldn’t, not when they were occupied keeping her little brother alive.  Before she could give some speech about human resilience, he spoke quietly and tearfully. “It’s been days. It’s only because of us he’s still alive, if we stop he won’t make it though one day. I’m scared.”  Dionysus overheard this, walking over to them and kneeling. “We need more help.”Artemis glared weakly. “We could get every healer and he wouldn’t improve. Asclepius is right. We’re the only thing keeping him alive. I bet the fates are livid.” “That’s not what I mean.” He said. The healers looked confused, he continued. “I’m going to get Hermes. See if he’ll use that luck he’s so known for.”  Asclepius looked sharply at him. “Whoever you think will help improve him, bring them here. I don’t care if we need all of olympus.”  The wine god just nodded and disappeared to find the messenger.  He found him where he always is; in the underworld annoying Hades.  Hades was in the middle of judgment of a soul, Hermes talking his ear off about something and the king of the underworld letting him as he finished the judgment. Dionysus walked in and although Hades saw him first, Hermes announced him, flying down to him quickly. “Hey! What brought you here?”  Hades was walking next to him. “It’s about Apollo.”  Hermes looked between the two. “What’s going on? Is he ok?” Instantly becoming concerned for his friend and half brother.  Dionysus started. “Apollo is a hair away from death. The only reason  he has not passed is because of Asclepius and Artemis.”  “The fates have been rather angry with that.” Hades said, although they were necessary, he never liked to be around them too long.  “But why does that bring you here?” He asked.  “I need Hermes.”  Hermes just pointed to himself in surprise, even Hades looking over curiously. “Me? You want me? You know I’m not a healer right?” “Yes but you bring a great deal of luck to those in need. It brought Apollo to a house of one of my patrons.”  Hermes frowned. “Yeah but I can’t control what the luck does. It’s not like I can magically cure him instantly with it, I have no idea what it will do once I bless someone with it.”  Dionysus walked closer to him. “Please, I’d rather not force you to help but we are desperate. If Artemis and Asclepius stop, he dies.”  “Can’t Zeus do something? It’s his mess.” Hermes said, he had never used luck to attempt to heal someone before and worries what it could do.  Dionysus huffed, crossing his arms. “I asked, he said it would be Hades problem.” He looked to Hades. “His words directly.”  Hades bristled but sighed heavily. “I am not surprised, that pompous Buffon.” Dionysus turned to Hermes once more. “I’m giving you one more chance to come willingly.” He said, lifting his hand up, starting to glow an eerie purple with black tendrils curling around his fingers.  Hermes shivered and huffed, giving in. “Alright! Alright, I’ll go! I hold no promise this will work.”  He walked to Dionysus but went to his other side without his glowing hand. “Stay away from my head.” Dionysus put his powers away and together they went back to Apollo. When they arrived Hermes was taken aback by how bad the  sun god looked.  “You weren’t kidding. Sure he’s still alive?” He asked, worried and kinda terrified. Asclepius nodded. “Yes but only by our hands.”  Hermes swallowed. “I’m…I’m not sure my luck can help here. What if it kills him?” Dionysus, being a bit taller than the messenger, leaned down to him. “It won’t.”  Artemis looked to Hermes, pleading. “Please, we need your help. Apollo needs your help.”  Hermes nearly groaned before sighing, getting close to Apollos bed. “Alright! Alright.” He put his hand on Apollos head, getting a gauge on how much luck he may need. Hermes eyes got wide, looking to the other deities. “The amount of luck he needs is a miracle level. Ok, yeah, sure..”He started talking more to himself than the others as he opened his little pocket dimension that held all his collectibles, trinkets, offerings from worshipers and various things he’s stolen.   “Just perform a miracle, no big right? Just might upset the balance of nature and bring the fates wrath on us- here we go.”   He ended up hefting out a golden cauldron and his staff. The other deities just watched, never seen him use his luck like this before but he said it would be a “miracle level” of luck which implies he would need a lot.  They never saw the chaotic deity so focused as he used his staff, wings down in the pot of what looked like molten gold, throwing in a few herbs to do it, with a seemingly precise calculation as he stirred. Suddenly his eyes started to glow gold, his staff illuminating as the others watched in awe before his entire body started to glow, the staff disappearing as he brought it out of the gold, reaching his hands inside and kneading it like one would knead bread, getting the golden, godly herbal mixture in his hands as a big, golden ball of clay before managing to slap it between his hands, the ball disappearing.  Asclepius watched, stunned and confused. “Where did it go?” Hermes showed him the large, golden coin with his staff depicted on it. “It’s all in here.”  The coin glowed brightly. He brought it to Apollos hand. Although his own hands went though, the coin didn’t, landing in his palm.  Apollo weakly held onto it, bringing it to his chest in his disoriented and half asleep state.   “As I said, I have no idea what it will do but he has the luck you requested.”  “How will we know it’s working?” Asclepius asked.  Hermes just shrugged. “I don’t know, I warned him that, when I use my luck I have no control over what it actually does. Could work in a few minutes, could work in a few days but considering the high amount of luck in the coin, I’d say hours. That’s just a guess though, do not come at me if that doesn’t happen.”  He finished, his hands up in defense.  Artemis smiled weakly, fatigue in her eyes. “It’s better than nothing. Thank you for your help, I promise to find a way to make this up to you.”  “Just next time you need help, don’t send him-“ he thumbed over to Dionysus who gave him a look and a raised eyebrow.  “He’s scary.”  Asclepius smiled weakly. “Scary? Him?” Artemis looked over to her nephew. “You have no idea.” She said as a matter of fact and not just a passing saying.   Soon Hermes was gone. Dionysus coming and going, trying not to be clingy but wanting to know how it’s going.  Kasandra and Georgio did all they could, bringing cool clothes to his head, checking his fever, trying to get some food into him. Even though he’s barely vomited, he also has zero appetite and so much fatigue it makes it hard to eat.  While Kasandra was getting him to eat little bits of bread, dipped in some oil for some form of nutrition, she saw a shiny gold coin in his hands.  She didn’t take it out of his hands but turned his hands over to see it, knowing her or her husband never gave him a coin.  She nearly gasped, seeing the brilliant golden coin with Hermes staff on it. She felt her eyes water in gratitude, knowing even though she can’t see or communicate well with them, they are helping and watching over him. She made sure to keep it in his hands, going back to gently hand feeding him what he could handle.  Although still exhausted, Artemis and Ascelpious stayed and kept Apollo stable. They watched Kassandra help him best she could, even if it was only comfort.  Hermes ended up paying another visit, much to the healer's surprise. “You’re back?” Artemis asked.  Hermes walked over to them. “Well I realized the luck I gave him won’t mean shit if you fall asleep on him.”  He put his hands on both of them, a small splash of golden glitter falling onto the healer's head, disappearing into the air. Asclepius blinked, confused but suddenly feeling better. “Oh, thanks.”  Artemis looked relieved as well. “That’s very thoughtful-“  There was suddenly a knock on the front door of the house. All deities and Kasandra. Who was sitting on the edge of Apollos bed looked.  Georgio announced from the hall. “I’ll get it.” He walked to the front door, opening it and seeing a herbalist girl from town, holding a very large leather bag with a staff of Asclepius on it. He raised an eyebrow. “Can I help you?” “I was wondering if there’s any sick here in need of assistance?” “Yes but how did you know that?” He asked. Kassandra overheard and rushed to the door. “Thank the gods, Hermes luck is true. Come in! Follow me!”  Georgio just watched his wife let this young woman in, Maria watching as well, seeing them pass by her bedroom.  The herbalist went to Apollos side immediately, feeling his temperature. “How long  has he had such a high fever?” “About a week.”  The herbalist looked surprised but got a few things out of her bag. “It’s a miracle he is not dead. I’m going to give him a tincture for his fever.”  Georgio was suspicious, watching her from the doorway with his wife. “How did you end up here? It’s a good trek from town.” The herbalist got out her bottle of tincture. “That’s exactly why I’m here. I realized It probably became forgotten, you’re not the only home suffering from this sickness. This tincture should help bring his fever down.” It took a few hours but the herbalist worked, unknowingly alongside Artemis and Asclepius who watched and aided her.  But not only did the fever lower but it broke completely, leaving him sleeping properly.  She smiled, wiping his head of any sweat build up, using a cool cloth Kassandra brought her. “You’ll be right as rain in no time.”  Kassandra smiled weakly, fidgeting with her hands. “Will he live?” “Oh yes. He’ll most likely feel pretty bad, his body went through a lot. They’ll likely be some aches and pains and fatigue but nothing they won’t do much harm and should go away within two days with rest.” Kasandra couldn’t help herself as she  smiled, coming over quickly and hugging the young women. “Oh thank you so much! Thank the gods for sending you.”  The herbalist just went along with it, hugging back with a smile. “Always happy to help.” Once the herbalist left, Kassandra and Georgio finally rested themselves, going to their own bed and fall into a deep sleep.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Apollo groaned awake, the bright sunlight filtering through the window. He turned away so he didn’t see it, feeling like he went a few rounds with Ares. Suddenly the door opened and Kassandra walked in, bringing a hand to his forehead. He weakly slapped it away with a whine.  She chuckled softly. “Guess you’re feeling better.” “If by better you mean got into a fight with Ares and lost? Then yes.” “Well the fact you’re able to hold a conversation is good. And your fever is completely gone.” “Then why do I still feel like this?” He asked weakly.  “Cause your body just went through a lot to try to keep you alive. Those aches and pains should go away in about a day or two with some food and movement. Now let’s get you up and get that blood circulating.” She started urging him up.  He grumbled but complied, knowing exactly how important that is. He stood and felt achy but not weak, not like before.  He ended up walking well on his own, following her to the kitchen where Georgio and Maria were eating their breakfast. Maria smiled brightly, getting out of her chair and running over, hugging him tightly. “You’re ok! I’ve missed you.” “I’ve missed you too..” He said confused, the time of him being sick was a huge blur, images and voices blended together into one big mess.  Kasandra cleared it up, seeing his confusion. “We had to bar her from seeing you for fear she could become sick again. And you were in no state for visitors.” Apollo frowned. “How bad was I? I can barely remember anything.” Kasandra looked away. “We’re surprised you’re not dead, if that’s any indication. Only by the luck of Hermes are you alive.”  Apollo stayed quiet and hugged Maria back. He went to the table and ate but he wished he knew what went on when he was so out of it, especially if Hermes got involved.  The rest of the day went by, slowly feeling better with each easy task Maria gave him and food she made him eat, making sure he got the nutrients he needed after barely being able to keep down bread for a week.  By the time night came, he waited until the family went to sleep before heading down to the cellar. He walked down the stairs and already saw Dionysus waiting casually and drinking from his goblet.  Apollo made an amused noise. “Just waiting for me or did you know I’d come visit?”  Dionysus shrugged with a smile. “A bit of both, glad to see you’re doing well.” “They said I almost died. Is that true?” Apollo asked. He saw Dionysus go from smiling to softly serious, a frown on his face. “You did. It was only by the grace of your sister and son that you even stayed alive during its duration. I got Hermes to help, he’s not a healer but he can bring an awful amount of luck to those who need it.”  “Explains why she said but he luck of Hermes I’m alive. Thank you, for your help. I’d shake your hand but..”  knowing it was no use, he couldn’t physically touch the deities, his hand just going through any of them.  Dionysus chuckled. “It’s no problem but you should really thank your sister and son, they’re the reason you’re even still standing, they kept you out of the fates hands and oh boy, they were not happy.” Apollo swallowed, not sure if he wanted the question on his mind answered. “What would have happened if I died?”Dionysus just shrugged again. “No ones sure. I went to Zeus about the issue and he said you will be Hades problem. He refused to attempt to fix or even acknowledge it.”  Apollo glared at the ground. “The fucking bastard.” Dionysus chuckled. “Exactly what your son said. He’s truly his fathers son.”  Apollo let out a sigh. “Sorry you had to go through all that trouble. Where is my sister? And son?” “Getting some much needed and much deserved rest. They watched over you for nearly an entire week, keeping you from passing and out of the fates hands. They promise to come visit when they’ve properly rested. You should be resting too.”   Apollo gave a nod in agreement. “I know, I just wanted to come talk to you, I don’t remember anything, it’s all a blur of images and voices.”   Dionysus took a drink from his goblet before speaking. “Well you talked, now go sleep.”   Apollo huffed. “I’m going, I’m going.” He started walking, starting to go up the stairs. “You're as bad as Hades, I Thought you were supposed to be the fun one.” Apollo teased.  Dionysus chuckled, watching him. “I am, I’m only this stern with those I care about.”“Oh well I’m honored.” Apollo said with a small bit of sarcasm. Dionysus gave a more serious look. Apollo huffed, walking up the stairs faster. “I’m going, don’t give me any nightmares please.” He said, voice drifting away as he made his way out of the cellar, on his way to his room to get some proper sleep. The next day, with more energy now that he’s gotten sleep, he did all he could to help around the vineyard to make up for lost time.  And they had a lot to do, next month would be time for one of Dionysus biggest festivals and that means lots and lots of wine. And lots and lots of wine that needs bottled.  He’s not sure how long he was in the cellar, bottling wine, Kassansra bringing more bottles when he runs out and he was concerned, the bottles were taking over nearly the entire floor. “This will probably use up all your wine reserves.”  She smiled. “That’s the idea. The festival of Dionysus is good in that sense, gives us a chance to have a break from the wine making, it uses the final harvest and allows us to give the wine barrels a good clean.”  Apollo gave a nod to her story. “Makes more sense. I’ve known of his festivals, I’ve never seen one.”  Kassandra smiled as she grabbed a few filled bottles to put into her basket to take up stairs with her. “You should go. I went to a few in my youth, they’re the best or worst time you’ll ever have.”  Apolo chuckled weakly. “I don’t know, I barely know what they do there, just that it’s a lot of debauchery.” “Well that’s not All that’s there, there’s also the theater and music and signing, no one will force you into anything you don’t want to do. They even have plain grape juice and drinks for people who do not wish to drink alcohol. You should go, have fun. Your only human for the year, might as well have a good time.” Dionysus was watching and listening in, Apollo saw him at the corner of his eyes. Dionysus walked closer, his form going through the many, many wine bottles.  “You know I’m just going to say the same.”  Apollo gave him an exaporated look before sighing and agreeing, reluctantly with her. “I guess I could go check it out for a bit.” “And have some wine?” The wine god urged with a smile. “And have a glass of wine.”  He said bluntly and dry.  Both Ksasnraa and Dionysus cheered in union. Kassandra smiled, standing with the basket of filled wine bottles to transport upstairs. “You’ll have a wonderful time my lord.”  Apollo gave her a look, getting an empty wine bottle to fill. “You’ve seen me vomit my guts out, I think we’re way past formality. I’ve told you, Just Apollo is fine.” He finished with a smile.  Kassdrna just smiled and took the bottles upstairs. Dionysus took this time to properly talk to the sun god, info dumping about all the best wines the festivals have and which he should avoid.   Apollo just let him talk, letting his gentle baritone fill the silence of the wine cellar as he filled bottle after bottle. Apollo chuckled after a while. “You’re telling me this as if I’ll actually be knowledgeable enough to know what the fuck I’m drinking; I just taste wine. Plus, it’s just one drink. I’m not planning on staying the entire night.”  “That’s what they all say, then come sunrise the healers have to help those who overindulged from just one drink. And then they go back and do it again the next night!” He said with a chuckle.  Apollo rolled his eyes, moving the filled wine bottle to get a new empty one. “That’s just crazy; why go back and do it all again when you know you’re gonna be in the same position as last time?” “Because it’s fun! You have to learn to let go and live life to the fullest!” He said cheerily, summoning his goblet of wine and drinking.  Apollo huffed, shaking his head looking away as he got a new bottle, placing the filled one down. “You say live life to the fullest, I say you should take care of your liver.” Dionysus just laughed, with a huge grin on his face and a sheen of wine trailing down his chin.  December  With all the wine delivered to the sanctuary and temple of Dionysus in Athens, Apollo was borderline abandoned to the festival by Kasandra and Georgio, promising to come for him in the morning.  The festival has barely started, people still getting their shops set up, actors still practicing lines and rehearsal, it was early.  Dionysus appeared next to him, dressed differently than usual.  This time he showed off his horns that were normally hidden away, he adorned himself with a deep purple toga with a pleat of leopard hanging off his exposed shoulder with a few grape vines around his neck like a necklace with a golden goblet in one hand filled up to the brim. Apollo looked him over. “You look different.” He said simply with a smile. Dionysus smiled, bringing a hand to his shoulder. Apollo surprised when he felt skin on skin.  “Thank you my friend, now let me show you around-“ “You can touch me?” Apollo asked in shock.  Dionysus smiled, giving a nod. “Yeah. This is the one time of year I have enough energy to visit in this form. It’s why many of the others can’t do this, the energy it requires would put them to sleep for weeks. because of the large amount of devotion here for me, if allows me to visit in this form. But when it’s done, I am sleeping for days. And not just from the hangovers.” Apollo nodded, looking thoughtful. “So if Artemis Or Asclepius had a festival like they, I might be able to touch them?” “Yes but I wouldn't count on that; they’re healers, if they had festivals they would be vastly different from mine. I can’t say with any certainty it would generate enough energy for them to have a corporeal form.” “What about Zeus? Isn’t he always down here with mortal lovers?” Apollo asked, arms crossed.  Dionysus just waved his hand, waving the thought away. “Zeus is his own, he is king of the gods, next to you he’s the most worshiped of all of us. He has more than enough devotion and energy to be among humans. And you do too.” Apollo gave him a look. “Obviously I knew I could, that’s how I got Asclepius. I just wish they could as well, I just want to be able to hug them.”  Dionysus brought an arm around his shoulders. “And you will, but now let me show you around before it really gets going.” Apollo was dragged around by the wine god and was surprised to see so much serious theater, Dionysus explaining all of it.  Apollo watched the actors rehearse,surprise on his face. “So when they do the plays, they’re not drunk or high? Really? I thought that was your entire festival.”  Dionysus gave him a look. “Indulgence is not the entire festival, I take theater very seriously, drinking and substance use while performing or rehearsing is forbidden among my devoted.”  Apollo smiled. “Wow, I didn’t  expect that.” “Just because I’m a god of wine and ecstasy doesn’t mean I don’t encourage moderation. I want people to drink and be high to have a good time, not to escape their problems.  “And all the sex?” Apollo asked curiously as the wine god  was walking away from him, to go further up to his temple.Dionysus turned with a smile and swung his arms out. “I am a god of fertility Apollo! Now come! Let me show you the temple!”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Apollo caught up, jogging up the hill to the wine god's temple and was surprised when he got to the top, seeing a huge theater, and an actual temple further back behind it, white pillars with grape vines, a golden throne, various offerings of wine goblets, wine bottles, wine jugs, and people already around it, praying, drinking, dancing, playing music, even a few already having sex, in front of the golden throne! 
 
Apollo was a little more than shocked and taken aback. “Whoa, was not expecting that this early.” Dioynsus laughed next to him. “They are just excited and if it was not for worshipers like them today, I would not have the energy to have a corporeal form. Let's go see them, I wish to give them a blessing.” 
 
He started walking down, Apollo gaped at him, following. “Uh no, we should at least let them finish.” He said rushed, blushing all the way to his ears. Dionouys stopped, smiling to Apollo as he pointed to the couple, Apollo, able to see the bit of purple magic fly out of his hand and into the couple who started fucking much faster, Apollo looking away, not sure he could blush more than he is, their plesure more intense as they moaned and cried before finishing.

“Ah, look, they're finished and had quite the time.” The wine god said, enjoying Apollos discomfort far too much as he continued to walk down the theater seats.

Apollo followed, having to jog again to catch up.
 
The couple were catching their breath when they saw the wine god walking to them. The woman gasped, nearly pushing her male lover off. “Our lord! He's here!” The man sat up, both of them looking to cover themselves as Dionoysus chuckled, kneeling to them. “Do not cover yourself for me, for your bodies and intimacy are divine.” He placed a hand on both their heads. “I bless you with abundance to get through this coming winter easily, may you have little trouble  and good dreams always.” 
 
The lovers bowed their heads to him, hands folded in reverence. “Thank you my lord.” 
 
Dionysus stood and went back to Apollo who was watching the people at the theater temple. All in various states of drunkenness or worship. Many couples off to the side and making out or getting into heavy petting. “You’re worshipers don’t waste time on festival day do they?” 
 
“Oh absolutely not. The ones not engaging in these activities are those rehearsing for the theater.” Dionysus said with a smile as he walked and waved to a few people, Apollo seeing purple magic flew from his fingers with every wave; giving all of them blessings. 
 
“It’s still hard to believe they’re not engaged in wine or drugs or even sex. Especially with it going on all around them.” 
 
Dionysus turned to him, looking oddly serious. “That’s because the theater is sacred here. To do well in theater you need a clear mind and body. They will enjoy the fruit of their labors but for now they are working. Why don’t we go see them, come along.”  He continued walking, showing the way for Apollo to follow.
 
They got to where they were holding the dress rehearsals, everyone was engrossed in their work, going over lines and music, tuning their instruments when one of the actors noticed Dionysus, nearly gasping. 
 
“Our lord is walking among us.” He got to his knees quickly, many others following. Dionysus smiled at them. “Please stand, I do not wish for you to stop rehearsing simply because I am here. I am just showing my friend around, he’s never been to one of my festivals before.” 
 
The man who bowed walked over to Apollo with a smile. “You will have a fantastic time. This theater works all year long to make sure our plays are ready for the festivals.” 
 
“Do you get paid for it?” Apollo asked. The small band of actors around laughed. The man next to Apollo chuckled. “No, not at all! We work our regular jobs. Some of us are paid actors but it is often not enough to get by, so this is a hobby; a labor of love.”

“What’s this play you're doing about?”

Night

The festival was in full swing, people feasting, drinking wine, singing, acting, and more fornication, some in public, others in private places designed for it. And many, many drugs of every sort. 
 
Apollo was more than a little intimidated by it all. In his divine form, he could drink as much as he wanted with no fatal consequences. Can get as drunk and high as he wants, with just a hangover no matter how much he used or drank.

But as a human he’s fragile, nearly died from being sick a week before.

While Apollo was lost in his head, Dionysus handed him a glass of wine and Apollo was immediately suspicious.

“What did you put in here?”

Dionysus just rolled his eyes with a smile. “Nothing you can’t handle.”

“That doesn’t answer the question.”

Dionysus stops to look at him. “It’s a mixture of wine and cannabis, nothing more.”

Apollo gave him a look. “You say that like it’s nothing.”

“That’s because here it technically is. Do you not trust me to keep you safe here?” The wine god asked with concern.
 
Apollo frowned, looking away, he’s never seen the wine god so serious. “I didn’t. No. But I do now.”

“Good.” He got closer to Apollo, staring him down. “Because I may be a god of wine and ecstasy but that doesn’t mean I don’t take your experience lightly. I will guide you and protect you, if I think you may be harming yourself or others, I will stop you and force you to drink some water; understood?”

Apollo nodded. “Got it.”
 
Dionysus smiled then. “Good, then drink up!” He summoned his own goblet of wine and clinked their glasses together.
 
Apollo smiled back, feeling a little better as he sipped the wine, finding it surprisingly sweet, especially if it has cannabis in it. “How is it so sweet? Cannabis isn't a sweet herb.”

Dionysus laughed. “I can make wine whatever flavor I like. I know you like sweet things so I made sure your wine was sweet.” Apollo gave a nod, smiling. “That’s really thoughtful, thanks.”

One hour later

Apollo didn’t hold his liquor at all in his human form, more likely a different level of tolerance. He had two glasses of cannabis infused wine, and two regular wine from Dionysus and was rather cuddly when drunk… or high, it was hard to tell which is affecting him more. 
 
As they watched one of the plays going on, from an area reserved only for Dionysus and anyone else he deems worthy to be in the small view area he had set up, which was primarily other deities.
 
Although Dionysus kept his attention on the play, proud of the actors, the work they did to bring this to fruition; the creativity of humans was divine. 
 
He also kept a careful eye on Apollo, who was nearly in his lap, asking questions about the play he will likely not remember in ten minutes. 
 
“Oh well this is an adorable sight.” Hermes said, grinning at the two as he suddenly arrived. 
 
Apollo smiled, trying to get up but totally off balance as he nearly fell. “Oh Hermes, hey… hey..have..ha…have you had the..uhh..” Apollo was lost in thought, forgetting the word t as he pointed to his wine glass.
 
Dioynous chuckled as he summoned a glass of water. “Wine?”

Apollo snapped his finger to him. “That! Or at least the..the ..uh wine he makes?” 
 
Hermes chuckled as he held up a wine glass. “I never miss an opportunity.” 
 
Dionysus stood, taking the wine glass out of Apollos hand (it was nearly empty anyway) and replaced it with the glass of water. “Drink, you can barely walk.” 
 
Apollo took the water and drank. Hermes gave a look to the sun god. “How much has he had?”

“Only four glasses, two had cannabis infused in it. I’ve been keeping an eye on him. After that I may allow him one more glass of wine but then only water.” 
 
Hermes looked at him surprised. “Normally you’d be encouraging drunkenness.”

“He is not normal. He has never been human before and thus has no idea where his limits are. And right now that limit is three glasses of wine before his coordination and inhibition leave him, I’ve found as a human; he is a cuddly but happy drunk. Which works, makes it easier to keep an eye on him, I don’t have to go looking.”  
 
Apollo slumped on the wine gods shoulder, pouting. “Hey I can hear you talkn bout me.” 
 
Dionysus smiled. “Oh? And what were we saying about you?”

Apollo was about to tell him but blinked. “I…that…” He grumbled, forgetting entirely what they were saying. “Shut up.” 
 
Dionysus took the glass from him, which was empty and filled it with water again from just his hand before giving it back. “Drink.”

“Do I get more wine if I do?”

Dionysus gave him a look over, studying if he could handle making another glass and sighed. “Maybe. We will see, the night is still young. Please, drink your water.” 
 
Suddenly all the torches around the amphitheater went out, a few people either crying out in fear or crying in happiness. But it stopped the play dead in it’s tracks and there was a wind so sudden and harsh the musicians fell from their spots in gaggle of limbs and clanging instruments. Apollo watched with fear, starting to hide behind the wine God.
 
Dionysus watched it all with a mixture of annoyance and fondness. “Loki, show yourself and let me play the resume.” 
 
Loki appeared suddenly, ginger hair, with several braids in it went past his shoulders. “Ruin all my fun.”

Dionysus sighed but smiled. “You tried ruining my play.” He swished his hand, getting the torches lit once again, the orchestra pit already set up again. 
 
Loki rolled his eyes. “Oh you weren’t even watching it, you were too busy babysitting the sun god. Hello Apollo.” He finished. Waving to the drunk sun god who was barely moving from Dionysus' side. 
 
Apollo pointed  unsteadily. “You’re…you’re Loki….”

“And you're very drunk. How are you this drunk on human wine?” He asked with mild concern. 
 
Hermes came over, swishing his own wine in its glass. “He’s human. It’s a whole thing.”

Loki's eyes got wide as he looked back at Apollo. “He’s human? What in the nine realms happened?” 
 
Hermes was about to tell the story when Apollo beat him to it. “Zeus happened! Damn bastard!”

Loki gave a nod. “I should have known this was Zeus’s doing.” 
 
Hermes sipped his wine. “Long story short; his son was bringing people back from the dead. He got told to stop, didn’t stop and Zeus thought it best to kill his son and Apollo got back by killing those who make his lightning bolts and thus Zeus cursed him to one year as a human. Also Dionysus added a little extra to a few wine glasses.” 
 
Loki smiled at Dionysus. “You drugged him?”

“Drugged implies he was unaware. He was fully aware and he’s drinking water now.”  He pointed out Apollo drinking the water from his glass, slowly getting more sober as the water worked its way through him. 
 
“True. What did you put in it?” Loki asked.

“Cannabis. Nothing he can’t handle.”

Loki held out his hand, an expecting look on his face. 
 
Dionysus rolled his eyes but relented, giving Loki the same wine he had made for Apollo, filled glass appearing in hand. “There? Happy?” 
 
Loki sipped the wine and grinned. “Very much.” He heard the play starting up from where or left off. “Oh good, they’re back.”

“No thanks to you.” Dionysus said with a little smirk pointed at the Norse gods' way.
 
 The play went on and eventually the group of deities watched it to its end and moved on to the party part of his festivals. 
 
Apollo was almost entirely sober at this point but the effects of the cannabis were still there as they walked around, watching some spots of dancing and singing and other areas for fornication, in public or behind closed doors and Apollo was back to blushing as he watched it all. “The birth rate after your festivals must be crazy.” 
 
Dionysus laughed, slapping him on the back playfully. “I am a god of fertility Apollo. That’s kinda the point.”

“I’m just sayin, Hera and Artemis have their work cut out for them with the birth rates. Can I have more wine now?” 
 
Dioynous sighed and summoned a wine glass, handing it to Apollo. “Here, there are no drugs in it.”  Apollo smiled as he took the glass, drinking it. 
 
They got to a dancing area and Apollo nearly ran in before Dionysus stopped him. The sun god looked at him with confusion before the wine glass was taken out of his hands. “Now you may go dance, we don’t need to risk broken glass.”

Apollo grinned, buzzed from the wine before he nearly ran and danced with ten people, feeling the familiar feeling of music fill him, even if he was a little uncoordinated from the wine and cannabis. 
 
While Apollo danced, Hermes joined in, Dionysus walked away, greeting and blessing various festival goers, being asked to bless a few couples with fertility issues and before he knew it he completely lost track of Apollo. 
 
And Hermes.

And Loki. 
 
He looked around before calling out. “Hermes!” Hermes was there with his famous speed.

“Yeah?” The messenger god asked.

“Can you help me find Apolo? And Loki?”
 
“You know he can probably take care of himself right?” Hermes said, sipping his second glass of wine.

“Need I remind you he is a human and not divine at the moment?”

Hermes smiled at him, summoning his staff. “For a god of ecstasy you sure do a lot of babysitting.”  The staff's top glowed, Hermes flying around the festival above Dionysus. It didn’t take long to find him.

“Oh I found him, he’s having a very good time.”

“What is he doing? Where is he?”

“He’s down that way, round the corner. Loki too and with a very..endowed handsome man.” He waved his staff and gave Dionysus a little golden trail to follow. 
 
He followed it with worry, if Apollo were still divine, in his right state of mind, he would even help the sexual experience for him. 
 
But Apollo was human. And not in his right state of mind which means he cannot consent properly. 
 
He found him down an alley, a few other couples there as well, mostly using it to rest in a quiet place, unphased by Apollo and the man he was grinding against, pinned against the wall by the mans hands. Loki leaning against the other wall with a satisfied grin on his face.
 
A deep purple glow came from his eyes, his hand outstretched with purple swirling around it going to the man. “You will leave him alone right now and leave this alley.”
 
The man pulled away, suddenly looking at Apollo with horror. Dionysus wasn’t sure what he made him see, but it worked, the job done as the man ran screaming from the alley, alerting some of the other people. Loki saw Dionouysus helping Apollo and cursed to himself as he used his magic to shield the wine god and apollo.
 
Apollo glared weakly, he was far more drunk than when Dionysus left him. “Wha…what was…I’m still hard..” he stuttered before he nearly collapsed, barely able to walk.
 
Dionysus came over to quickly and caught him with a concerned look. “By the gods you are wasted.” He looked over at Loki, glaring weakly. “Did you have something to do with this?”
 
Loki huffed as he walked over to him.. “I simply increased the alcohol in his drink, him wanting to fornicate with that man was not me. He was fine, he wasn’t being raped.”
 
Dionysus got Apollo steady, holding his arms, he felt like jelly in his grip. “No but he may regret it in the morning. If he wants to engage in sexual activities here he can do so tomorrow once he is in the right mind to make that decision. Now I must get him somewhere to sleep this off.”
 
Loki glared as he followed him. “Just let him have a little fun, you are a god of ecstasy and madness yet I am seeing nothing of the sort tonight.” 
 
Dioynous glared at the Norse god, turning to him, still holding Apollo carefully. “Be careful how you speak of my divinity. You are my friend but you are on thin ice.” 
 
Dionysus felt Apollo tense and already knew what he needed. He got him to kneel on the ground gently before he started vomiting, coughing and gagging as his body purged the high volume of wine he had. 
 
Dionysus soothed him, holding his hair back from his face before glaring weakly over at Loki. “This is why I was careful with him. He has never had alcohol or substances in a human form and his tolerance is low. Now he may be lucky if he remembers tonight at all.” 
 
Hermes came over with a weak smile. “If it’s luck you need.”

Dionysus gave him a look as Apollo was done coughing. “I just want him to remember tonight and to be able to hold down water.” 
 
Hermes came over, being careful of the puddle of vomit as he squatted down to them. He brought his hand to Apollos head and gave it a little pet, some golden flakes spreading from his hand to Apollos hair. “There! Easy peasy! He should be able to remember everything tonight but water I cannot be sure of, I am not a healer. But he’ll be fine in the morning, just will feel like shit.”
 
Dionysus gave a nod to him. “Thank you for your help. Now to find somewhere he can rest.”  
 
Hermes used his staff once more, bringing back the little golden trail he used earlier to find Apollo. “Follow this trail, he won’t be bothered there, i'll make sure of it.” 
 
Dionysus stood but found Apollo was unable to walk, nearly unconscious. “Please do not vomit on me brother.”

“No..prom…see..” Apollo said weakly as the  wine god hefted him onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, following the glittering golden trail Hermes provided. 
 
It thankfully wasn’t long before he got to one of the rooms for sex, unoccupied and unused, it was a little out of the way which was conveniently lucky for them. 
 
He got Apollo inside and laid him down. “Here, rest. Hermes?”

Hermes was next to him. “Yeah?”

“Can you bring him some bread, he may not hold down water but bread can help sober him up. And keep his stomach settled.” 
 
There was a distinct soft booming sound as Hermes left and came back, a bowl of breads in hand. “Here.” Loki watched them attend to Apollo who was barely conscious.

“I sense there is more to you babying him than your saying.” Loki said simply, sipping his wine.
 
Dionysus looked over at him as he got a slice of bread, putting the bowl down. “He almost died recently and I do not know what will happen if he does. He is no longer divine for the time being so he no longer has a divine soul but he is a former god. I asked Zeus what could happen should Apollo pass and he said it was Hades problem. Right now he is only alive because of the care of his sister and son. I had to get Hermes to help properly get him healthy.”
 
Loki looked over at Hermes who was snacking on some of the bread that he had brought. “But you're not a healer.”

Hermes swallowed his bite. “No but I bring luck. And he needed a lot of it.”

Loki let out a breath. “Well that certainly paints the picture of why you've been babying him.”

“And because I have no idea how much alcohol you gave him. Him vomiting, unable to walk or barely talk, barely conscious; those are early signs of alcohol poisoning. Artemis would have my head if I let him die from something in my own domain.”
 
Loki gave a nod to that. “She is scary when she mad. I suppose I  apologize for increasing his alcohol content. I only meant for him to properly have a good time, not… this.” He waved his hand to Apollo who was weakly nibbling the bread.

“Thank you Loki for your apology, you should go enjoy the rest of the night.”

“Nah, this is far more interesting than the festival. Now that we have time, why not tell me his story; in whole and spare no detail.” He said, sipping his wine with a grin. 
 
Sunrise 
 
Apollo groaned awake, feeling like he had the flu again. His head pounded, his muscles felt like he ran a marathon and his stomach threatened to purge itself. 
 
Hermes smiled at him. “Oh he’s alive, welcome back to the world of the living.”

Apollo sat up weakly, holding his head with a wince. “Fuck…I’m not sure I’ve ever felt this terrible after drinking.”

“That’s cause you’ve never gotten drunk as a human.” 
 
Apollo silently agreed. “What happened last night? It feels fuzzy.”

“It’ll come to you.”
 
Apollo got his legs over the bed when he stopped. “I called Zeus a bastard, in front of other people didn’t I?”

“Yeah. Ya did.”
 
Apollo blushed, the entire night coming back. “And made out with a guy in front of others…”

Hermes chuckled. “Made out with is putting it lightly. I think you were about to ride him in the middle of the festival.”
 
Apollo blushed deeply and groaned, hiding his face in his hands. “And I was too. Damn.”

“Are you upset you couldn’t fuck him or upset that it got that far?” 
 
Apollo sputtered out. “Both?! I don’t know right now. Right now I just feel like shit.”

Hermes handed him a basket of covered breads. “Here. It’ll help. I’ll let Dionysus know you’re awake.” 
 
It didn’t take long before Hermes came back with the wine god. Dionysus smiled weakly, looking tired. “I’m glad to see you’re awake and well. How are your memories?”

“I unfortunately remember everything and I’m feeling like shit. The bread helps.” 
 
Dionysus chuckled. “I am just glad you’re ok, you were not doing so well for a bit. Loki increased the alcohol content in your wine and I don’t know how much it was. You were at risk of alcohol poisoning.”
 
Apolo looked up at the wine god. “Thanks for having my back. Without you to guide me through this festival I may have wound dead. Or done things I regret. Like trying to have sex with that man In public. I wish I did that a teeny bit sober. If you hadn't helped me I would have vomited on him. Mood killer.” 
 
Dionysus chuckled. “Well you can alway search for a partner again tonight if you like, with less alcohol.”

Apollo gave a weak smile. “Honestly sounds like fun.”
 
Loki poked his head into the tent. “Ah, the sun god is still with us.”

Apollo huffed. “No thanks to you.” 
 
Loki walked inside, his tall figure barely fitting inside. “I was unaware of your brush with near death recently. And I apologize for interfering with your wine. It shan’t happen again tonight. But I brought you an offer of peace.” 
 
Apollo smiled weakly to him. “You don’t need to bring me anything.”

“You nearly vomited on Dionysus, was at risk of alcohol poisoning and I feel terrible about that.”  
 
He handed over the wooden box, at least a foot or more wide and deep. “Here. It’s something from my land.”
 
Apollo took it carefully. “A snake isn’t gonna pop out and bite me?”

“No, I promise and I may be a god of chaos but I keep my promises.” 
 
Dionysus and Hermes watched carefully as Apollo opened the box, smiling when he took out the item. 
 
It was a lyre but not a golden one like his own on Mount Olympus. 
 
This one looked like it was made from bone, runes intricately carved onto the handles. Loki smiled softly. “It’s made from the bones of a wolf, the runes represent inspiration, clear mind and intuition.”
 
Apollo smiled looking it over. “It’s beautiful.” Even feeling like shit, he plucked a few strings, playing a small tune quickly as if he never stopped playing for months.  
 
He stopped playing, the song ending, his eyes watery. “This is a very thoughtful gift. I hadn’t realized how much I missed it.” 
 
Loki smiled softly. “I’m glad I could give you a little piece of home. I shall see you again tonight.”  And he was gone, faded into the wind. 
 
Hermes smiled. “He’s actually really nice when he isn’t causing shit.” 
 
Apollo silently agreed. “I should let Kasandra know I’m staying for the festival.”

Hermes peeked up, grabbing another slice of bread. “I already did. I had someone send the message to her.” 
 
Apollo let out a relieved breath. “Good. Is it alright if I stay here for a while and rest?” 
 
Dionysus almost rolled his eyes as he stood. “Why do you think you are here? Of course you can stay. Stay as long as you need.”
 
Apollo smiled, getting more comfortable in bed, adjusting the lyre. “Thanks.” He started to play and barely noticed when the two gods left the tent to prepare for another wild night.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

One year later  Apollo had a good routine now.  Kassandra, Gerogios and Maria all felt like his own family and almost forgot his situation when the squeaking of an eagle at his window woke him up.  It was barely dawn and he startled awake, groaning before he saw the Eagle at his window. “Oh. What does he want?” The eagle squeaked again and he saw it  had a letter in its claw, letting it fall to the bed.  He got it, opening it up quickly and reading it.  It’s time to leave. You’ve done your time as a human and thus are forgiven for your sons and your own behavior.  Apollo frowned as he looked back at the eagle, he should be happy he’s going home, but now it's like leaving Olympus all over again. It filled him with melancholy, a bittersweet flavor left on him. Leaving Kassandra, Maria, Gergios, especially Maria who still had no clue who he was, she was nearly his second sister. “Can I have until sunset to say goodbye?”  The Eagle squeaked before nodding its head.  He sighed in relief,at least he had some time to figure out how to tell Maria he was leaving.  He got up, ready to start the day, each minute feeling heavy on his mind and heart. He walked to the kitchen and found Kassandra there, getting breakfast ready, kassandra at the table playing with a random ball she had.  Kasandra smiled but it went away when she sensed his unease. “Good morning, is everything alright?” Apollo put on a smile, at least for now, he hoped it was convincing. “Yeah just…still waking up.” It wasn’t. She knew that was a lie but played along with her own small smile. “Food is just about ready and then we’ll be harvesting.” Apollo gave a smile as he got to the table, Maria playing with the ball at the table, snatching the ball from Maria. She cried out in surprise and delight. “Phobus! Give it back!” she yelled, trying to stretch her little arm for it. Apollo chuckled as he sat down next to her, juggling the single ball. “Only if you can catch it from my hands.” She tried once, missed. He winced playfully. “Oh so close.” she tried again. And again. He chuckled. “Are you even trying?”  He pestered. She grumbled and eventually caught it with triumph, holding it up. “Ha! I got it!”  Gergios walked in, hand on his head. “Please keep it down, my head is pounding.”Kassandra huffed but smiled. “Well that is what you get for drinking three bottles of wine at the temple last night.”  Gorgeous chuckled weakly as he went to her, holding her close. “It was worth every second of misery today. I did it in Dionysus name.”“ just make sure to have some water, he would be upset if you did not take care of yourself.” Gorgeous gave a nod, kissing her head. “I will love.” The day started to go too fast, the grapes picked,  smashed for their juices, Apollo never gotten the hang of smashing them with his feet, alway at risk of falling, Dionysus watching with amusement always. While they got the juices to a barrel Kassandra brought Apollo away from the others in the basement, back to the kitchen . She frowned. “What is wrong? Your energy has been..different since you got up.” Apollo frowned. “I go back today. To Olymbus. Zeus sent a message. He’s allowing me until sunset before I have to leave.”Kassandra smiled sadly, feeling her heart ache with missing him already. “It has been a year hasn't it. Time goes by so fast.”“I don't know how to tell Maria.” Kasandra looked away. “Yes, you two are quite close.”“She’ll be heartbroken.” Apollo said softly, already hating having to leave, hating he got so close to this family. “I know. But Maybe we can tell her the truth, maybe see if Lord Zeus will allow you to prove to her later you are our lord the sun god?” Apollo frowned. “ I can ask. But I can't be sure of anything. His temperament can be as fickle as Poseidon. I will try to ask him now.” he stated before walking outside and letting out a breath. The sun shone and the sky was blue, perhaps he was in a good enough mood to allow this. “Father…I have another request.”  The same eagle from earlier flew by, landing in front of Apollo. Apollo sighed, not sure if he wished Zeus show himself or not but it still hurt just the same he chose not to. “Maria, their only child. She's become like a baby sister to me. She will be heartbroken if I just…disappear. She doesn't know who I am. At sunset, before I leave, would you allow me to show her and prove who I am? I am hoping it will help her with me leaving.”  The eagle just stared at him, long enough Apollo thought maybe Zeus had left  the eagle but the eagle did not move before it squealed and nodded its head. Apollo gave a nod back, relieved of the answer. “Thank you father.” he said simply and the eagle flew away to perch on the house.  The day went as normal but Kasandra and Gerogios both could tell the idea of him finally leaving to go home hung heavy on his mind. While getting the juice into the barrels and adding in the ingredients, Apollo could see Dionysus watching him with a worried eye. Kassandra and Gerogio and even Maria left him alone in the cellar for a moment, it was nearly sunset already. Once alone he slumped against one of the barrels, sensing the wine god walking over to him. “You’ve become quite close with this family.”“Yeah, I fucking know, I don’t need reminded.” he snapped. He instantly regretted it as he groaned, turning to face him. “Sorry, I…I’m just stressed about it. Maria doesn't  know who I am. She’ll be heartbroken when I leave.”“I saw Zeus agreed to allow you to show proof, he must be in a very good mood, he wouldn't normally agree to such a thing.”“What? Happy I'm coming home after he cast me out?” Apollo said with a small amount of bitterness. Dioysus smiled weakly, knowing thats exactly it. “Well…yes.  He has missed you quite a lot . It’s why he made your son a god and placed a constellation of him in the sky; he feels bad for what he did, he knows he is acting impulsively.” “Then why couldn't he show himself to me? Came to me through eagle. You all come to me as you are but he can’t? He misses me so badly he can’t forgo a few duties for a few minutes?” Dionousys let out a breath. “I cannot say for sure why he doesn't but I'm sure he has his reasons.”  Apollo huffed. “Yeah, I’m sure he’ll have a wonderful excuse.” Dionysus walked closer, a soft glare on his brother. “I understand your hurt and why you feel so bitter but do not forget he is my father as well, be wise how you chose your words.”  Apollo looked away, running his hands through his hair. “Sorry, just…”“Alot of feelings you can’t name?” “Yeah.” Apollo stated quietly. Dionysus saw an empty wine glass sitting on a table, waving his hand and having it fill. “Drink. Only one.” Apollo gave him a look as he walked over. “Aren’t you against drinking your feelings away?”“Which is why I said only one drink. You’re not Drinking your feelings away, only relaxing yourself. Sunset is in less than an hour, you can’t be this bitter when you see Zeus again.” Apollo took the glass. Drinking gratefully. “You got a point. Rather not extend this sentence if I say something j regret. Or worse.” Dionysus summoned his own golden goblet with a chuckle. “I’m not sure your sister would allow that. She may be a quiet loner like Hades but she was ready to go after father if you died. And I’m sure most of Olympus would follow her.”  Apollo smiled weakly. “Yeah, she’s not as…impulsive as me but her wrath is something.”  He took a long sip of the wine, not ready to say goodbye just yet. “The lyre Loki made me, will I be able to keep that?” Dionysus nodded. “Of course, you may not be able to physically take it  with you but you can ask the family to take the instrument to your temple. Once left at your altar it’ll manifest just as any other offering.”  Kassandra suddenly came down the stairs. “Apollo, I think it’s time. There’s an eagle here that’s not leaving.”  Apollo felt his stomach drop, finishing the wine and placing the glass down gently on a nearby table. “Guess it’s time.”  Kassandra smiled sadly, her eyes starting to water. “I’m very glad that of all the houses you could have dropped into, that it was ours.”  Apollo returned the smile, feeling his eyes water over as well.  “Don’t say your goodbyes yet, I don’t want to be crying before I even get outside.”  Kasandra chuckled wetly, embracing him quickly and releasing, not wanting to hold him up any longer. “Ok, time to go.”  He followed her up the stairs, but turned quickly, going down the hall and to the room he’s occupied for the past year, reaching under the bed and grabbing the Lyre Loki had made him.  He looked at it softly, held it with reverence and wished he could carry it to Olympus with him.  He stood, holding it in his hands and going out and down the hall. He walked outside, spotting his found finally near a patch of wildflowers overlooking the sunset. It hadn’t dipped under the horizon yet, it was steady, orange and waiting. He wondered if Helios slowed the sun for him.  The eagle from early startled him as he flew and perched on his shoulder.  “you can’t just do that.” The eagle squeaked at him a few times, probably saying “I’m your father and king of the gods, I can do what I please” Apollo just rolled his eyes before taking in a deep breath, walking over. As he got closer he noticed Dionysus and Artemis were not present, they’ve been present often enough or felt odd to not see them, especially the wine god.  Maria saw him, she smiled brightly as she stood from the ground, running to him.  He kneeled down, welcoming her in his arms, the eagle flying away. She hugged him before crawling onto his back.  He stood, holding her weight easily. She saw the lyre in his hand. “Are you gonna play for us?”“Maybe, let’s see how this sunset goes, ok?”   He carried her over and the sun still didn’t move; He’ll have to thank Helios for this. They sat down with the rest of the family, Maria in his lap now.  She reached easily and got his Lyre From his hand, holding it. He chuckled. “You gonna play me something?” “No, I just wanted to look at it. It’s not like any lyre I’ve ever seen.” “That’s because it’s very special. A friend made that for me.” “ Can you play us a song?”  He gently moved Maria to his side. “Not while you're sitting on my lap, hand it over.”  Now sitting by his side, she handed the lyre to him. He got it set up, starting to play it as easily as breathing.  The familiar sensation of cords on fingertips was familiar and a distraction from the goodbye he’ll have to make.  He continued to play, and play and play until the sun was dangerously close to disappearing under the horizon.  He stopped, taking in a steady breath, feeling the eyes of his found family on him, knowing what was going to happen. He looked to Maria’s who was nearly asleep on the ground, curled up by him, a bow and arrow under her that he didn’t remember being there before. He gently shook her awake.  She woke up. “Sun set?” “Not quite. I have something I need to tell you, it’s very important.” Maria sat up, holding his hands, her big eyes wide and attentive.  He smiled sadly, holding her little hands in his. “I’m leaving, when the sun sets.” She frowned, nearly about to cry. “Don’t worry, I’ll always be with you. Wanna know why?” Marine nodded, wiping her tears away. He felt his own tears start as he stared at her. “I’m the God Apollo.” Maria gasped. “Really?”“Really really. Zeus made me human for a year, zapped me down here. I did something rash and impulsive so he punished me. Had me live as a human for a year. And it’s been the best year of my eternal life, cause I got to meet you all.  But I have a favor to ask you, before we part ways; can you take my lyre, to my temple, when I’m gone?”“You can’t take it with you?”“No,unfortunately. Promise me you’ll take it to my temple altar.” Maria  smiled with watery eyes. “I promise.” Apollo looked behind her, the sun seconds from setting. With a lump in his throat, he hugged her close. She hugged back as he watched the sun set and his family's watery eyes watching him before he disappeared, materializing into golden, fine glitter in the air.  He materialized in Elysian Fields, his godly family smiling and cheering. Before he could properly process where he was, his sister came running, tackling him in a tight hug.  Apollo hugged her back, letting a few tears fall into her shoulder. She sniffled. “Oh how I’ve missed you brother.”He pulled away gently. “I’ve missed you too.”  “Father.”Apollo turned to the side, seeing his son. The tears that were starting to calm came back as strong as one of Poseidon's storms. Apollo went to him quickly, nearly sobbing into his neck as he wrapped his arms around him.  Ascelipious voice was thick as he hugged his father. “I’m sorry. I should have listened to you.” Apollo pulled away, his face wet with tears as he brought his hands to his sons face. “Don’t ever be sorry for helping people. I am to blame, I decided to be an impulsive brat and went after Zeus and his titans. This punishment is on me.” “This punishment is on both of you.” Both looked, Seeing Hades and Persephone. Apollo was surprised, Hades was never one to socialize unless his queen forced him to.   Apollo wiped his eyes. “I suppose. I’m sorry I tried to kill you. I was just…” he trailed off, trying to think of the right word.“Grieving.” Hades said softly. “I understand how grief can turn to anger and a need for revenge. I hold no ill feelings for you.”  Apollo nodded. “Same to you. I know you were just doing your job. It was out of line of me to ask you to not sign in his soul.”  Suddenly Dionysus and Hermes came over, Hermes flying and hovering with two wine goblets. “You have been here for ten minutes and there’s still no drink in hand.” Hermes said with a grin.  Dionysus smiled at Apollo. “Glad to see you back. Fathers waiting for you.” Apollo huffed, taking the wine from Hermes. “Can’t come see me himself? How typical.”   Dionysus gave Apollo a look, crossing his arms. “Apollo..” “I know! I know, I’ll watch my words. Or Hermes will. Right, Hermes?” Apollo smirked over at the hovering messenger. Hermes rolled his eyes. “I suppose I could help, I’d rather you didn’t get cursed again.” Apollo took a large drink of the wine and found his father easily. Before he could walk over, Hades' hand on his shoulder stoped him. “A word of advice dealing with my brother; pick and choose your battles wisely. You’ve found out the hard way how dangerously impulsive he can be.”  Apollo gave a nod, sighing. “I sure did. Thanks, now I just need to keep my own impulsivity in line.” “Good luck.” Hades said with a tone that Apollo caught. Apollo chuckled weakly, pulling away. “Was that a joke? From you?” Hades just gave the smallest of smiles before walking away. Apollo rolled his eyes. “Alright, keep your secrets.”  He started walking to Zeus who was in the middle of the room, laughing and talking. He felt Dionysus and Hermes following him.  Zeus turned, seeing him. With a big smile he walked over quickly, hugging Apollo tightly. “Oh my son! You have returned!”  Hermes sensed Apollo ready with a bitter reply, waving his hand to keep Apollo's mouth shut.  Apollo hugged back with a strained smile, still feeling so many complicated emotions. Zeus pulled away, holding his sons shoulders gently, his eyes sad. “My son, I am so sorry. Striking your son down was not the right decision and banishing you was an even worse decision. I have been terrible to you and I will do my best to make up for it, alright?”  Hermes waved his hand again, keeping bitter replies from Apollos mouth. Apollo let out a breath, smiling weakly. “Alright.” Zeus smiled, kissing Apollos head, brushing against blonde waves, ruffling it with his hand. “Wonderful. Now..it’s time to celebrate your homecoming.” Zeus gently pulled Apollo along, ready to celebrate and drink and party while Apollo decided dealing with these complicated emotions can wait for another day. After the celebration he went to his area on Olympus, just before sunrise. He found Helios there, readying his chariot. He jogged over. “Helios!”  Helios smiled when he saw him, meeting him half way. “Ah! Welcome back Apollo! Olympus has lost its shine without you here.”  Apollo smiled, hugging him quickly. “Thanks for taking over my duties. Artemis told me about it.” “Oh it was no problem but I did struggle with helping with music for your worshipers. I do hope I didn’t mess things up.”  Apollo chuckled. “I’m sure you did fine. So has a lyre shown up yet? With runes on it?” Helios frowned. “No, are you expecting one?” “Yes. It’s a gift from a friend.” Helios sighed. “Well I’m sure it’ll show up, the day hasn’t started yet.” Apollo nodded to him. “Stil. Thanks for your help.” Helios smiled. “Anytime. Now I have a sun to rise”  Helios got into his chariot and flew off quickly. Apollo sighed as he walked over, seeing the various offerings and looking them over quickly, reading every poem and hand written song. Pictures painted, cookies baked, no lyre yet.  He got back into his routine before he was cursed, checking on his worshipers and patrons, appreciating all the offerings.  An hour after sunrise, the lyre showed up. He picked it up quickly with a smile, looking it over, feeling his eyes water, remembering the good memories.  Now he could relax and be home.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was just another day in the underworld. Made better with  Persephone being around to help with the little souls and grace the king with her presence.  He still had a list of souls to go when there was a sudden light, a holy light. He was momentarily blinded by it before it calmed and showed Gods messager, Gabriel.  His wing span on his two wings was nearly seven feet in both directions, nearly making a candelabra fall with the wings unfurling.  He was dressed in linan and bronze armor but held a paper with gold lining and a golden cross on the back. But for all his holiness and strength, he had a weary smile, obviously not happy to be sending this message. “Hello Lord Hades.” “Hello Gabriel, what is it you have for me?” He asked carefully, sensing his nervousness. The angel walked closer. “Well nothing fun, I can tell you that much.” He got closer, and handed Hades the paper, reaching up to the large podium desk. Hades gently grabbed it and read it over before glaring at the paper. “He can’t do that, that soul is mine.” “Well he did, and it’s causing a bit of a buzz up in heaven which is why he sent me here for you.”  “You want me to go to Hevan to bargain for my own devotees soul?” He asked, not even hiding his shock or anger. His fingertips heating up, engulfing the holy paper in flames.  Gabriel nodded nervously, wincing. “Defend is a better world but yes. Unfortunately, even Jesus wasn’t too happy with it but you know his dad; possessive as heck.” He finished with a nervous chuckle.  Hades grumbled as he stood. “Give me a few minutes to get my affairs in order.” “Take all the time you need, I won’t be leaving.” “Then if you’re not leaving, can you put your wings away please? You nearly broke a candelabra when you showed and nearly hit an innocent soul.” He said, walking down the small stairs of his desk. Gabriel looked and saw how much space they took, the eyes of the souls there looking in astonishment, quickly bringing them in. “Oh! Sorry Lord Hades, sir!” Hades just gave a calming hand but didn’t respond, making his way to his personal quarters.   Persephone   met him with a smile but it faulted when she sensed his anger and anxiety. “My dear, what’s going on?”  Hades walked while talking, his queen following as he made his way to his bedroom, as sacracely as its used, it’s still nice to have. “God wants me to go to hevan to defend my own devotees soul!” His voice was like thunder, echoing off the stone and obsidian walls as he found more official and formal attire. “Just because he went to church every Sunday with his family, lived in their house! He had no choice in that matter!”      Persephone  just let him vent, listening intently. He snapped his fingers and changed his normal black toga and cape to something more formal.  Long flowing black robes that had a lining of sliver. He even got his crown that he never wears, placing it on top his black waves of hair that were managed, barely reaching the tips of his ears.  The crown was simple but elegant, made with stone, jewels of obsidian and diamond with an image of a very intricate skull in the middle.  He went to his Queen, holding her arms gently. “I do not know how long this will take, can you take over the judgment of souls while I am gone?” “Of course love. I know you’ll bring the soul where they belong.” She said with a soft smile.  He just gave a nod, leaning down to kiss her quickly. “I will be back as soon as possible.” He said simply and left the room.  He went back to Gabriel who perked up when he saw him. “Ready to go?” Hades stood next to him. “Yes.”  Before they went, Hades saw Hermes fly in. He just knows this will be the gossip of oylpius. When they arrived to heaven, or at least the judgment hall of hevan, it was bright. Like really bright.  Hades has to close his eyes for a moment to get used to it. He was soon met with Jesus who came over to him, a frown on his face. “I am so sorry about this, I’ve tried to talk him out of it.”“It’s alright, I have no ill will toward you. Where is your father?” “In the hall of judgment, I’ll show you to it.” Jesus said, leading him to the white and gold building that looked eerily like Mount olympus.  When the doors opened he was surprised, this wasn’t any hall of judgment , it was a courtroom, with God as the judge, Jury and executioner and all those in heaven in attendance to watch; entertainment to them.  He hated how nervous he felt, feeling all the eyes on heaven on him, feeling more than a little out of place as he walked into the white and gold room dressed in deep black and sliver. He saw many angels didn’t bother to hide their true form, trying to avoid their 100 eye stares, they were more than a little unsettling.  God spoke loud but calm. “Hades, glad you could make it.”  God sat behind a tall desk so he could look down upon the judgement, his face full of white beard that was close to the skin and graying, aged hair that curled to his shoulders.  Hades glared to him, seeing the soul in a booth in the middle of the room, like some kind of circus. It was one of his patrons, a mortal he personally helped and cared for, helped put his very soul together; his soul child.  The sight made all his unsettled nerves tighten up, making him feel a righteous anger bubble to the surface. “Is this how you judge souls? Put on display for entertainment?”  “Only very special cases-“ “I want him out.” Hades said bluntly. Gods gave him a look, many of those who came to watch starting to gossip about it amongst themselves causing a hum of discussion. “Need I remind you, you are in my domain death god.” “And you brought me to defend for my own devotees soul, I’m not asking he be set free, I’m asking he not be placed as enterment for all of hevan to  watch. He is a human soul, not a circus moneky for you to gawk at.”  God sighed, turning to Micheal who was next to him. “Relase the soul but they do not leave this room.” Micheal bowed. “Yes my lord.”  Hades watched as Micheal walked over to booth that held the soul, opening it up and letting them leave, hesitating before finding a seat with haste, looking at Hades in awe as he sat, unbelieving this was all happening. God sighed, getting a small stack of papers out. “Let’s begin. Today we are gathered to discuss the judgment of the soul, Ethan Smith. He has done just as much good as he has sin. Saved a life by defending someone from a mass shooter, he respected and loved his parents and family, even when they may have abused him, always going out of his way to help those in need. But he used curse words, would get black out drunk at least once a month and worst of all, he committed the unforgivable; rejecting me as his one true god and disrespecting the life I gave him.”  “What do you mean disrespected the life you gave him?” Hades asked. He never got the information since God took the information before he could read it. “He committed suicide. It’s a act of murder.”  Hades looked over the soul, they looked ashamed and regretful at hearing it said out loud. “How is it murder? It was only himself he sought to kill. He never harmed others.” “It is a murder of the life he was given by me. Life is precious, any  unnatural end such as this is murder.”  “May I see his paper your holiness?” Hades asked, he couldn’t defend this soul without the information that the other god had in their hands.  God nodded, creating a second copy, letting it float down to the death god. Hades took it and read it over, seeing the rough life Ethan lived.  Regliois trauma, forced to hide his religious beliefs and identity but still stayed devoted to Hades and many others. He was one of Hades patrons, personally helping his practice and had tried to protect him, he remembers even trying to talk him out of his suicide on more than one occasion. It broke his heart knowing this time he couldn’t be convinced. Hades glared up to God. “He has trauma, from your people.”“I’m aware.” “And yet you still deem him such a sinner for rejecting you? When the church and his own family treated him so terribly? He was abused by your people! It’s no wonder he rejected you.”   God glared down at Hades. “It is no fault of mine what my people do or how they interpret my word. I may not approve of what they do but they have free will. It is up to them to interpret my word.”  “Yet because of your people you would condem him to Hell. Has he not suffered enough on earth? He committed suicide for a reason, he was suffering and could not take any more, pushed beyond his limits.”  “He would not be in Hell forever, just to pay penitence for his sins but for rejecting me I cannot guarantee he will be welcomed into heaven after his time in Hell is done.”  “Why? Does he not deserve comfort? Does he not deserve that eternal rest?” Hades asked, looking over Ethan’s paper, if God hadn’t been possessive and took his devotees soul, he would have been in Asphodel by now. “He will find it, but he has sinned and sinners must pay penance before entering heaven.”  God said simply. “Do not act as if you are better than me, death god, have you not sent souls to taterus?” “Yes, those deserving of it. Rejecting me or committing suicide is not worthy of eternal damnation, I am not an egomaniac such as you.” Hades said with a glare.  Gasps erupted around the audience, even Jesus came over next to Hades with shock on his face, ready to defend him if needed, knowing his fathers temper. God glared down at him, standing quickly.  “Do not forget yourself and where you stand!” His voice booming, echoing through the room. Many of the angels and audience shivered with gods power.  Hades stayed still as a rock, staring him down from his spot. “You took my soul from me, my own devotees soul. Just because he was forced to go to church with his family every Sunday does not mean he worshiped you. He did not make an altar for you, he did not pray to you. He did not devote his prayers to you. He devoted himself to me, it even  says on his papers he would go to the underworld for me to judge. This court is ridiculous and nonsensical, give the soul over to me so I can send them where they properly belong.”  God was fuming, the audience gossiping and talking. “I should smite you where you stand for your insolence!”“Do it, I won’t stop you but you will have my queen to contend with. And she won’t come alone. Would you like to risk a war?” “You would cause a war for one soul?” God asked, unbelieving of what he was hearing. “Yes. Now release him to me.”  “You truly forget who you are speaking to death god!” One of the seraphim cried out, flying over to Hades from its spot by Gods throne.   It was a large, ten-winged creature, with huge eyeball in its center of where a torso would be. Eyeballs lining every wing and all looking directly at Hades. He kept his composure but the angels true forms were always unsettling, horrifying even.  Hades stared the Seraphim down. “I think it is he who is forgetting who he speaks to. That soul belongs to me.”  “No. It belongs to him. You will see in this souls paper he not only went through the holy communion but has been confirmed by the church, bathed in the blood of Christ. Your people’s religion has no such way of being so connected to its people.”  Hades looked, he also saw the evidence needed to help speed this up. “Yes. But you’ll also see below it, his soul parents; myself, Apollo and Dionysus have all helped put his soul together; he is my child on a cosmic level. Does your people’s religion have that?” The seraphim looked confused and looked  to God for answers.  Gods sighed heavily, knowing it’s become a useless battle. Jesus walked up to him. “Father. Please, release the soul to him. Have I not died for this souls sins?” He softened, listening to his son. “Yes, you have.” “Then his sins are paid, release him.” Jesus said simply.  God nodded. “Alright. The soul is free to go with Hades. I will not risk a holy war over one soul. Micheal, take his chains off and escort him to the death god.”  Micheal bowed. “Yes my lord.” Micheal walked over to Ethan’s soul, taking his white, glowing cuffs off his ankles and wrists. Ethan stood and Micheal had a gentle hand on his back as he escorted him to hades. “Here your highness.” Micheal said.  Hades nodded politely. “Thank you Micheal.”  He looked to the soul who looked like he was trying to hide in on himself, tears going down his face.  Hades placed a gentle hand on Ethan’s shoulders. “Hello my son.” Ethan swallowed, bowing in reverence. “My lord, father hades, it’s an honor.” Hades brought his hand to the souls chin and gently forced him back to standing. “There is no need for such formality for me, Let’s get you where you belong.”  Gabriel was next to him with a smile. “I’m glad this ended happily. Ready to go?” Hades nodded, keeping a hand on the souls shoulder, making sure they all make it back to the underworld. “Yes, thank you Gabriel.”  Once back in the underworld, Hades felt relief. Gabriel smiled. “Home sweet home, hopefully we never see eachother again, and I mean that in the best way.”  Hades gave a small smile to the angel. “I understand, thank you for your help.” Gabriel just smiled before giving a little salute, disappearing in a blinding white light.  Both Hades and the soul were momentarily blinded. Hades sighed, rubbing his eyes from the ache of the bright intensity before sighing deeply. “Are you alright my son?”  Ethan stopped rubbing his eyes. “Yeah, thank you for all your help.”   Persephone  smiled from the throne and desk. “Glad to see it went well.”  Ethen  turned, seeing her. He nearly gasped, starting to get to his knees before Hades stopped him. “I’ve told you, there’s no need for such formality, we are not your church.” Ethan swallowed. “But it’s your Queen.”“I’m aware.”  Persephone smiled, getting up and walking down the small staircase, her pink dress trailing behind her, blonde, golden hair hanging over her shoulder in a braid with flowers within it. “Hadws has told me all about you.” “He has?” Ethan said, looking surpised. “Yes. He tells me about all his patrons and soul children and their accomplishments and losses. I’m so sorry the world was so unkind to you. We’ll make sure to get you where you belong.”  Hades summoned Ethan’s paper and his pen. “He is going to Elsyam fields. It would have been Asphdal but after the ridiculous court of hevan, you deserve a better afterlife. My love, is he the last of the souls today?”  Personone nodded with a smile. “He’s the last one.” “Good then I can personally see him to Elysianm fields.”   She smiled as she went to Hades, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon then.”  Hades gave her a small smile before looking to Ethan, arm outstretched, ready to guide him. “Let’s go my son.” Ethan just followed, unsure of what else he should do. Hades guided him, his arm gently on his back as they walked.