Training

Alessia leans against the balcony's railing and looks out at the city of the underworld. It's dark and grim, and the residence below look miserable. Alessia does feel pity for the souls and demons down below. However, they committed heinous sins, so their fate led them to the underworld.

Ironically her fate led her to the underworld. The sins she committed isn't why she is here. Instead, a Goddess forced her to take power she didn't want, and now Alessia is about to begin training under a God of this realm.

She isn't sure if she can trust Zagreus yet. He seems somewhat bipolar and flipped his switch a little too soon. If Alessia is honest with herself, she isn't even sure what to do now and if she is making the right decision by staying here.

"Alessia!" A voice yells behind her.

Glancing over her shoulders, she sees Donn.

"Hi, Donn."

"I thought I smelled a familiar presence." Donn walks over to her and stands next to her on the balcony.

Alessia gives him a small smile and leans her back against the porcelain banister.

"I heard you will be training with my brother, and I wanted to check on you." He eyes Alessia with worry. Donn was a little shocked to hear his brother easing up on Alessia.

Mania's disappearance has blinded Zagreus for the last few years, and his love made him mad. For his brother to open his eyes and see that Alessia has a pure soul surprised Donn. Her soul is the color of white and has a refreshing scent of spring. Human souls all have different smells and colors. To see a soul as white as Alessia's is hard to come by.

So when Zagreus attacked her, Donn thought his brother would never change. Donn isn't sure what made Zagreus open his eyes and see someone other than Mania.

The only thing Donn can hope for is that Alessia can finally change his brother. To be a God is one thing, but to be a God in love is entirely different. But to be called the underworld king, Zagreus must let Mania go.

"Donn?" Alessia looks at him. He was spacing out.

"I'm sorry, Alessia. I was thinking about my brother. Did you say something?" He looks at her and grins.

"I was just saying I'm fine. I'm adjusting to your brother's mood swings if that is what they are called."

Donn lets out a laugh.

"Yeah, my brother's moods change pretty fast. Suppose he gives you any trouble. You can find me, okay?" Donn pats her on the shoulder while trying to reassure her.

"Thanks. I'll be okay. I'm supposed to meet Zagreus now, so I better get going. Thanks for checking in on me."

Donn watches her as she leaves the room. He can only hope she can survive Zagreus's mood swings and his power to sway the heart.

* * *

The training court was about the length of a football field. It held different areas, like fighting with a sword or bow and arrow. Alessia was in awe as she steps foot on the dirt-filled site. Look around. She spots someone changing a few feet away.

She goes closer to see if it is Zagreus, and Alessia stops. She quickly hides behind a dummy that is filled with hay. Her heart beats wildly at the sight of Zagreus.

The little bit of light that the underworld gets is by fire. A torch was flickering by him, casting shadows and showing his powerful muscles. He was shirtless, and his body was glistening with sweat.

Alessia swallows hard, maybe because she hasn't spent much time around guys or even dated men. But seeing Zagreus with his muscles dripping with sweat, it's hard not to notice that he is beautiful.

"I know you are there, Alessia."

She jumps at the sound of her name.

"Oh, I was just admiring this craftsmanship on this training dummy." The dummy is herself, admiring how stupid she is. Alessia steps away from her hiding spot while slapping her hands to her face.

"Get a grip Alessia." She whispers to herself. There is no time for her to have a crush on Zagreus, especially when he just tried to murder her. Maybe it's her hormones, which are just at their peak now.

For the timing being, Alessia just needs to focus on getting stronger, and then she can prepare for whatever happens after that.

She walks towards him, and he throws a sword at her. It's as long as her arm, and the handle is beautiful. It was gold with markings of different flowers on it. Alessia meets Zagreus's gaze and gives him a look of confusion.

"I'm going to teach you to wield a sword. You can put your power, spirit, or soul into a sword. This way, you can attack a demon, a monster, or an unregistered soul with it without relying on silly markings or items. I know you figured out how to put a demon into a vial and cleanse them, but this way, you can quickly send them back here." Zagreus picks up his sword and circles around Alessia.

"I want you to show me what you got." With a smirk, he stops walking around her and enters a fighting stance a few feet away.

Alessia has never used a sword before, and he wants her to come out swinging. She isn't concerned about hurting Zagreus, as he is immortal. But what if she accidentally dies? Is this his plan to teach her, and she accidentally kills herself?

"Come." Zagreus flicks his wrist, beckoning her to attack.

Only one way to find out what his plan is, and that is to attack.

Alessia runs towards him with the blade below her hip, lifting it as she nears and swings it at him. He dodged quickly and was behind her, with his sword on her throat and his mouth by her ear.

She can feel his breath against her neck, her heart racing at how close he is to her.

"You can't just blindly attack Alessia." Zagreus's voice was deep, and it vibrates against her ear. Sending a wave of shock through her body.

He grabs her arm and twirls her around to face him. This time his sword was at his side, and he leans close to her face.

Zagreus looks her up and down and shakes his head.

"I'm going to make a Goddess out of you, human. Attack me again."