Self-Control

Looking sideways at Zagreus, Donn asks, "You let her go back? Would that be wise?

With a white cloth, Zagreus wipes his blade. Its silver edge is smeared with black blood.

"Would you rather have her here with us? Do we not just cut down 1000 dark creatures? " He glares at his brother. If anything, Zagreus would rather keep the human safe, but the best option is to have her stay in the human realm.

"I gave her my shadow sword and necklace."

"What, didn't you only give them to Mania?" Donn's voice is filled with surprise.

With an exhausting sigh, Zagreus stands up and puts his sword in its sheath.

"After you talked to me about Hades and Cronus. The reality is that human holds a special part of Mania, and I want to protect that. Mania is gone, I'm still struggling to accept it, but I will protect what she gave up."

Zagreus looks out towards the dark forest, a forest filled with abominations. He couldn't bring the human here. His father is tucked away in a realm you can't simply pop into, no matter how great your Godly powers are.

"Let's go, Donn, the quicker we talk to father. The faster we can determine who is trying to bring back Cronus."

* * *

The sun was beginning to rise as the rays start to peak through the trees. Alessia wipes her forehead as the sweat begins to drip down her face. She is working hard at practicing using the sword that Zagreus gave her.

Her mind is still in disbelief at Zagreus and how quickly he changes his tune. Not only has he tried to kill her twice, but now he is acting all sentimental. Alessia can't figure the man out.

For now, she will at least use the sword that he gave her. Alessia will use it if it helps slay demons and other creatures. Her only problem is it's hard to put energy into it. She can't seem to focus, and it's becoming impossible.

Letting out a groan, she sits on the ground, placing the sword beside her. Since returning to the human world, Alessia has been busy practicing. It might be time to get back out there and start hunting again. The best type of practice is an actual target.

"Seems like you are struggling, Alessia." An unrecognizable voice says behind her.

Without a second thought, she stands up with the sword before her.

"Who's there?" Alessia looks around her and doesn't see anyone. That voice was soft and not like Zagreus's rough and husky voice.

"Seems like a God has gifted you a sword."

Alessia spins around and looks behind her. Again no one is there. Feeling a twitch in her eye, this scene reminds her too much of the encounter with Zagreus.

"I don't care what you are, who you are, or what you want with me. But I'm tired, so if you can't show yourself. I'm leaving." The exhaustion feeling Alessia's voice is enough to show that she is over-dealing with the mysterious ways of the Gods. Whoever is out there is not human.

"You are amusing." A man suddenly shows up in front of Alessia. His hair seems like it is glowing gold with mesmerizing light blue eyes. He was just as tall as Zagreus, but his skin was that of someone who spends time in the sun.

This man is the opposite of Zagreous. He is the sun, while Zagreus is darkness.

He smiles at Alessia. Even though he came out of nowhere, Alessia doesn't sense any threat.

"You are God, I'm assuming?" Alessia lifts an eyebrow, questioning the unknown man. His aura is not human.

"Ah yes, you are quick to pick up on that." His pearl-white teeth become bright, and he gives her a wink.

"My apologies for my sudden arrival. I was admiring the beauty and her sword." He looks down at her hand. Alessia was gripping the sword, ready to swing if she felt threatened.

"Let me introduce myself. I am Phaeton, the son of Helios, the God of the Sun."