Growth

With a weary expression, Alessa puts some distance between herself and the God before her. She knew better than to trust one, no matter how nice they may seem, especially with an unknown one that came out of nowhere.

"What do you want with me?"

He tilts his head and points at Alessia.

"I want you!" He winks at her.

This guy seems too weird for her. Alessia takes a few more steps back and moves her hand to the necklace.

He lets out a laugh. His eyes twinkle with humor. "I am not going to hurt you. No need to call that depressing Zagerus. I want to talk, and I hope to convince you to come to my side and leave that awful smelly place called the underworld."

"What does a human like me have to offer you?"

"You have a connection to the underworld that I do not. The princes do not like me, and we fight when we gather. I want to see their actions since Hades is no longer around." Phaethon grins, trying to show innocents.

Alessia knows better than to fall for a sweet smile. This God is up to no good, no matter how much he tries to hide it.

"I think I'll pass, as I had my fill with Gods lately." Alessia turns around, still gripping the necklace.

"I didn't think you would say yes." Phaethon's voice changes drastically. The sweet honey sound is now replaced with disgust and annoyance.

Alessia is good at detecting blood lust and danger; right now, alarm bells go off in her head that she is in trouble.

"Zagreus." She whispers under her breath as she squeezes the black stone.

Her body goes against her will, stops walking, and falls to the ground. Alessia can't move a finger. She looks up in sees Phaethon looking down at her.

"I guess I will have to take you by force."

* * *

Zagreus can feel Hade's pressure as they finally enter the realm where he is living. It was filled with many creatures that didn't come in contact with others, and the battle was long and overdrawn.

His father resides in a massive castle with many barriers surrounding it. No surprise to Zagreus. His father doesn't want to be found or disturbed.

A feeling comes over Zagreus, and he stops walking.

"What's wrong?" Donn ask.

"Alessia, she is in trouble. She has called my name." Zagreus didn't let Donn continue, and within a split second, he grabs Donn's arm, and they left the realm.

"Why are we in the human realm?" Don looks around while trying to figure out what's going on. Zagreus stretches his senses and follows the trail of Alessia's energy. It leads him to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city.

Donn raises a brow. "This doesn't look good."

Zagreus nods and steps forward, his eyes glowing with power. As they enter the warehouse, they see Alessia lying on the ground, paralyzed.

Phaethon stands over her, a twisted grin on his face. "I see you decided to come after all, Zagreus."

Zagreus narrows his eyes. "Release her."

Phaethon laughs. "Why should I? She's exactly what I need to bring down the princes of the underworld."

Zagreus steps forward, a fierce aura emanating from him. "You know that's not going to happen. And you'll pay for what you've done to her."

Phaethon's smile turns into a snarl as he charges toward Zagreus. The two clash in a violent battle, their powers tearing the warehouse apart.

Donn rushes over to Alessia and manages to break the spell that was holding her captive. She shakily stands up and looks at the two battling Gods.

Zagreus was putting up a good fight, but Phaethon was using dirty tricks and had the upper hand. Alessia knew she had to do something to help.

She grips her sword and concentrates all her energy on it. Suddenly, a bright light engulfs her, and she feels a surge of power run through her veins.

With newfound strength, she charges toward Phaethon and delivers a decisive blow to his side, causing him to stumble back. Zagreus takes advantage of the distraction and provides the finishing blow, knocking Phaethon out cold.

They all sigh in relief as the adrenaline begins to wear off. Alessia looks like she might pass out, as the overwhelming energy that went through her body is now causing her body to drain of energy.

Zagreus rushes over to her and catches her before she falls. "Are you okay?" he asks, concern etched on his face.

Alessia nods weakly, a small smile breaking through. "I will be. Thanks to you and Donn."

Donn grins. "Don't forget yourself. You took down a God with that strike."

Alessia blushes slightly, still feeling the aftereffects of the surge of power.

Zagreus helps her up. They leave the destroyed warehouse, Donn following closely behind.

"Phaethon won't be bothering anyone anytime soon," Zagreus says, his eyes still glowing from the recent battle.

Alessia looks at him, a mix of fear and admiration in her eyes. "How do you do that? The glowing eyes thing?"

"It's just a side-effect of being a God. We have a lot of power running through us." Zagreus chuckles.

If Phaethon has come after Alessia, who else will want to attack her or hurt her? Zagreus wonders what his next move will be. Go back and talk to his father or protect Alessia?

Donn glances over at Zagreus and sees the conflict in his eyes.

"I can stay with her, and you go talk to Hades," Donn says.

Zagreus was still determining if he wants to leave Alessia with him. But he knows that Donn is a skilled protector, and he trusts him. Zagreus nods his head and thanks him.

"I'll come back as soon as I can," Zagreus says, turning to leave.

Alessia reaches out and grabs his hand. "Be careful."

Zagreus nods and gives her hand a reassuring squeeze before leaving.

As he returns to his father's realm, his mind is racing. He knows that he needs to protect Alessia and pay attention to his duties as the Prince of the Underworld.

When he finally arrives at the castle, after going through the dark forest, he is greeted by his father's guards. They bow in respect as he passes by, and he makes his way to the throne room.

His father is seated on his throne, looking as regal as ever. Zagreus approaches him and bows before speaking.

"Father, I need to speak with you about something important."

Hades look at him with an air of ignorance. Knowing full in well why his son has decided to visit him.

"This is about Cronus, I'm assuming?" Hades says while his eye glows a dark blue.

"Yes, father, it is. You are more than aware of this, aren't you? I didn't believe Donn and was still hoping you weren't aware. As it seems, you sacrificed Mania, didn't you?" Zagreus grips his sword, his blood lust oozing out of his body.

"There is more going on than you realize, Zagreus."

Zagreus could barely contain his anger. He had suspected for years that his father was involved in Mania's disappearance, but hearing it confirmed it sent him into a blind rage. He raised his sword, ready to strike.

Hades held up a hand, his expression grave. "Put down your weapon, Zagreus. There is no need for violence."

Zagreus hesitated, then lowered his sword. "What could possibly justify sacrificing one of our own?"

Hades sighed heavily, his blue eyes flickering with emotion. "It was a necessary sacrifice. Cronus was growing too powerful, and we needed a way to weaken him before he could do more harm."

Zagreus frowned, not fully understanding. "But at what cost? Mania was one of us. Her life mattered."

Hades nodded solemnly. "I know, Zagreus. And believe me. It was not an easy decision to make. But sometimes sacrifices must be made."

He looks at his father and wonders if Hades knows that Mania's power is in a human.

"Do you know a human name Alessia?" Zagreus questions his father. Hades raises his eyebrows, surprised by the mention of a human name. "Alessia? No, I don't believe I do. Why do you ask?"

Zagreus hesitates, unsure if he should reveal what he knows. But he knows deep down that he can't keep this information from his father any longer. "Mania's power is in a human. Alessia. I've been in contact with her, and she's in danger."

Hades' eyes widen with shock. "What? How is that possible? I thought Mania's power was lost when she was sacrificed."

Zagreus shakes his head. "I don't know how, but it's true. And Cronus is after her. I can feel it."

Hades looks at his son with a mixture of concern and awe. "You must protect her, Zagreus. She may hold the key to defeating Cronus once and for all."

Zagreus looks at his father as more questions need answers.

"If Mania's power is needed, why did you let her die, and her powers be taken? How long before Cronus comes back? Who is the God helping him gain back his power?" Zagreus crosses his arms, unhappy with how the conversation is going.

Hades take a deep breath before answering. "We let Mania's power be taken because we had no choice. It was the only way to weaken Cronus. Her power is greatly needed. To hear that a human has some of her power will help us defeat Cronus. As for when he may come back, I don't know. It could be years, or it could be tomorrow. And as for God helping him, I don't know that either."

"Last question, father, why are you in hiding then?" Zagreus ask.

"I am in hiding because I fear for my life. Cronus is ruthless, and he will stop at nothing to regain his power. I cannot risk being found by him or the God helping him." Hades eyes cast downwards.

Zagreus looks at his father with pity and anger. How can his father be so weak and scared? But then he remembers that even the God of the Underworld can feel fear. "I understand, father. I will do my best to protect Alessia and find out who is helping Cronus."

Hades nods a grateful expression on his face. "Thank you, Zagreus. Your bravery and strength are greatly appreciated. And please, be careful. Cronus is not to be underestimated."

Zagreus nods, sheathing his sword before turning to leave. As he walks through the dark forest, he can't help but feel a sense of unease. The world's fate is in his hands, and he knows the future will be filled with danger and uncertainty. But he also knows that he cannot give up. Not when so much is at stake. With that thought in mind, he sets off on his quest to protect Alessia and defeat Cronus once and for all.