The Heavenly Realm

There are multiple realms within the kingdoms. The Underworld and Heavenly realm are the bigger well, known ones. Smaller domains exist. Usually, nymphs, deities, and Gods on the lower totem pole reside in them.

The human realm is one where mortals reside, which Gods have since abandoned their realm, but for the Underworld and the Heavenly realm, a balance must be followed.

Once a human dies, their soul will either go between either realm. If the balance of power leans one way, it can cause problems, such as portals opening and demons causing havoc.

Since many Gods and Goddesses have left the human realm, there has been an increase of souls coming to the Underworld due to the rise of sin. To combat such an issue, Gods will send the lower ones to perform blessings, miracles, and such to sway the good to remain pure and have their soul come to the Heavenly realm when they die.

The realms and Gods and Goddesses tolerate each other, as going into an all-out war between domains would cause mortals a tremendous amount of death, and the domino effect would be catastrophic.

Zagreous is trying to understand why and how Alessia was poisoned. A flower from the Heavenly realm doesn't sit right with him. Why would someone from that realm try to harm someone from his kingdom, more so a human?

The ignorant fools living in a warm paradise need human souls to continue living lavish lifestyles.

A pure soul.

Zagreus storms out of his room and heads to find Donn.

Alessia's soul is pure, the purest soul he has seen in such a long time. More is happening with that human, and he will uncover the truth.

* * *

It's snowing, and the flash of red and blue lights dance in the snowstorm. Alessia knew once again she is dreaming.

The opportunity couldn't have come at a more excellent time. Alessia looks around for the woman in black. She should arrive any moment. This time, she will find out more about Mania. Whether the Goddess likes it or not, Alessia is fed up with being left clueless.

The woman in black emerges from the darkness. Her expression is the same, and the sadness hurts Alessia's heart.

Like her other dreams, she heads straight to the ambulances, but Alessia follows her every step.

"Why are you doing this?" Alessia yells after Mania.

It was probably pointless.

Mania stops. She looks behind her shoulders. The darkness in her eyes grew, and the sad aura that she held was gone.

In its place was anger.

"It seems you have gotten stronger, Alessia." Mania walks closer to her, and the dream quickly turns.

They are in the castle's courtyard in the underworld. She is now sitting on a bench.

"Come." Mania pats the stone bench next to her.

Alessia hesitates but walks towards the bench and sits next to her. The anger that is surrendering this Goddess is overwhelming and dark.

What happened to her?

"As you have found out, I am Mania. I gave you my powers. I needed a human with a pure soul that was untouched. Your soul is a rarity, Alessia, thanks to you. I was able to leave what I could. I am no longer a part of any realm. What you are seeing is my remaining power. After this, Alessia, you will no longer have those dreams of your death."

Mania looks out at the dark courtyard, the plants of the underworld flickering under the fire around the area.

Alessia is trying to figure out what to say. She is too stunned to speak right now.

"Why are you angry?" As the words leave Alessia's mouth, she quickly looks away from Mania.

A bubbly laugh erupts from the Goddess, and she smiles at Alessia, making Alessia turn to face Mania. Her eyes twinkle with delight and humor.

"It seems my anger is still intense, one of the stronger emotions. My feeling is the regret I'm leaving behind, there is a war approaching, and I can not protect my realm, the mortal realm, or my love. There is a darkness that is hiding right now. It's not just evil, demonic, or something sinister that lurks in the underworld. No, it's something far worst." Mania trails off again.

Alessia eyes Mania. Her body is slowly disappearing, and her remaining power is gradually fading. Alessia only has a little time.

"What darkness are you referring to? Is it the reason for you running away?" Alessia shoots out as many questions as she can.

Mania stands up, grabs a black rose off its stem, and glances at Alessia.

"Have you heard of the original Gods? The Titans? The father of Hades and Zeus, and others? He goes by Cronos. He was the king of Titans and ate his children. If you are familiar with the tales, you may have heard this infamous story. Zeus defeated him and threw him into the darkest place a God could go. Tartarus."

Alessia nods her head. She remembers reading about this once. Greek mythology and the Roman Gods are something she studied a bit.

"He is coming back, Alessia. His heart is not a heart but a black hole sucking up power. I was caught in his web and was losing time. I had to find a way to leave something behind that would protect Zagreus and the realms." Mania grabs Alessia's hands, and her eyes glow with the same sadness she saw at the car crash.

"You must wield this power, do not trust anyone but Zagreus and Donn. Other Gods can not be trusted, Alessia. Someone is helping Cronos."

Mania's hands vanish as Alessia looks down. Her eyes fill with panic as she looks back up at Mania.

"Wait–" Alessia was cut off as Mania stands up and smiles mournfully at Alessia.

"Looks like my time is up. I won't be returning. Please give Zagreus a chance. He is a stubborn fool. But please protect my beloved." Mania looks over the courtyard one last time and slowly disappears.

"One thing I realized, Alessia, Gods are not immortal after all." Mania's voice echoes as she completely goes away.