Realization

Zagreus looks at the tall golden gates. He last visited this realm some time ago, and the sun's brightness makes it difficult for Zagreus to pay attention.

Compared to the underworld, Mount Olympus is full of life even though it holds souls that have passed.

Zagreus calls this realm the heavenly realm. As the mortal says, it's heaven compared to hell.

After ensuring Donn, Rose, and Alessia were safe, he left his realm. He couldn't bring himself to bring Alessia with him. She should be safe back in his palace.

His visit is to speak with Zeus, his uncle and the son of Cronus.

As he approaches the gates, they open with a loud sound. Zagreus shields his eyes from the bright light and walks towards the palace. He walks past the gardens, filled with exotic flowers he's never seen before.

The palace of Zeus stands tall, with pillars carved out of marble. Two muscular men with wings guard the entrance. As Zagreus approaches the guards, they stop him.

"State your purpose," one of the guards says in a deep voice.

"I'm Zagreus. I'm here to speak with Zeus," Zagreus says.

The guards exchange a look before one of them nods and let him through. Zagreus walks into the palace and is immediately greeted by laughter and chatter. The place is bustling with activity.

He walks towards the throne room, where Zeus is said to reside. As he enters the room, he sees Zeus sitting on his throne, surrounded by his loyal subjects.

Zagreus approaches the throne, bowing respectfully. Zeus acknowledges his presence with a nod, then motions for the others to leave. Once the room is cleared, he turns to Zagreus and speaks.

"What brings you here, nephew?" Zeus asks, his voice booming.

Zagreus clears his throat before responding. "I come seeking your aid, Uncle. This is about Cronus."

Zeus furrows his brow at the mention of his father's name. "What about Cronus?"

Zagreus takes a deep breath before continuing. "I believe that someone is trying to bring him back. The human realm is becoming polluted with demons, dark creatures, and who knows what else. I'm sure this is to collect sinful souls. We have nymphs', Goddesses going missing as their powers are being taken." He spits out everything as quickly as possible.

Zeus leans forward, his eyes fixed on Zagreus. "And you suspect that Cronus is behind this?"

Zagreus nods. "It's the only explanation. Someone is trying to gather power and souls for his return."

Zeus strokes his beard, lost in thought for a moment. "This is troubling news, indeed. We cannot let Cronus return. The consequences would be disastrous."

"I agree," Zagreus says. "That's why I'm here. I need to know if you notice anything different in the realms you protect."

Zagreus is still determining if he should mention Alessia, as her life is already in danger. Zeus may try to get rid of Mania's power.

Zeus notices Zagreus hesitating and raises an eyebrow in suspicion. "Is there something else you're not telling me, nephew?"

Zagreus sighs, knowing he can't keep the truth from Zeus forever. "There is one more thing, Uncle. I have a human girl under my protection. She possesses the power of Mania."

Zeus narrows his eyes, clearly not pleased with this revelation. "And why is she under your protection?"

Zagreus takes a deep breath before answering. "She's in danger, Uncle. The same danger threatens the realms. I couldn't leave her to fend for herself."

Zeus leans back on his throne, considering Zagreus' words. "I understand your concern for this girl. But you must understand the danger that comes with her power. Mania is a powerful force, one that can be easily corrupted."

Feeling a strange heat run through Zagreus's veins, he wished he didn't say anything. Zeus may be his uncle, but he is still a titan God who doesn't have the best relationship with his father, Hades.

He can't let Zeus have Alessia or take power away from her. If Mania's ability is critical, he can't let that go.

Zagreus looks at Zeus, rolling his shoulders back.

"I'm training her," Zagreus states.

Zeus raises an eyebrow in surprise. "You're training her? For what purpose?"

"To control her power," Zagreus replies. "I want to ensure she doesn't fall into the wrong hands."

Zeus considers this for a moment, then nods. "Very well, nephew. But you must promise me that you will keep her safe and under control. Her power is not to be taken lightly."

"I understand, Uncle," Zagreus says, relieved that Zeus has agreed to his plan.

Zeus stands up from his throne and walks over to Zagreus. "I will keep an eye on the realms, and if I see anything suspicious, I will let you know."

"One more thing Zagreus. Cronus isn't a threat we can sweep under the rug. He is dangerous if he returns. Your realm is one of many in trouble. We all are."

"Thank you, Uncle," Zagreus says, bowing respectfully.

"You may go," Zeus says, waving a hand dismissively.

Zagreus turns and walks out of the throne room, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. He knows he has a long road ahead, and now that Zeus is aware of the threat of Cronus, he can only hope that his uncle will help.

As he steps outside the palace, Zagreus takes a deep breath, feeling the warm sun on his skin. He turns to return to the gates, but something catches his eye.

In the distance, he sees a figure moving quickly toward him. As it gets closer, he recognizes the person as Apollo, one of the Olympian gods known for his archery skills and healing abilities.

"It's good to see you, Zagreus," Apollo says as he approaches him.

Zagreus nods in return, wondering why Apollo is seeking him out. "What brings you here, Apollo?"

"I heard about your visit with Zeus," Apollo says, his tone serious. "I need to speak with you about something important."

Zagreus raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it?"

Apollo hesitates for a moment before speaking. "The humans are not the only ones being targeted by these dark forces. The gods themselves are also at risk. I'm noticing some Goddesses sent to check on the mortal realm return gravely hurt."

Zagreus looks at Apollo for a moment and looks back at the palace.

"Is Zeus aware of this as well?" Zagreus questions.

Apollo nods. "Yes, he is."

"What does Zeus say about this? Isn't he concerned?" Zagreus ask.

Something needs to be fixed. Is Zeus already aware of everything happening, yet is he not doing anything?

Apollo looks at Zagreus with a solemn expression. "He is concerned, but he's also hesitant. He knows that if we intervene, it could cause a war. And he doesn't want to risk the possibility."

Zagreus furrows his brow, feeling a sense of frustration building within him. He told Zeus about Alessia, which makes Zagreus feel uneasy. "What can we do then?" Zagreus asks. "We can't just sit idly by while our fellow gods and goddesses are attacked."

Apollo nods in agreement. "I have a plan, but I need your help. We need to gather a team of gods and goddesses that we can trust to take on these dark forces. And we need to act quickly before more harm is done."

Zagreus nods in understanding. "I'm in. Who do you have in mind?"

Apollo looks around for a moment before speaking. "I've been watching some of the younger gods and goddesses. They may not have as much experience as some of the older ones, but they have the strength and determination to fight."

Zagreus nods, feeling a sense of hope. "I'll help you gather them. We can't let these dark forces continue to harm our kind."

Apollo nods in agreement. "We'll start with Athena and Artemis."

Zagreus looks at Apollo and nods his head.

With a task force of Gods and Goddesses. They can team up to take down the darknesses causing issues across the realms.

One thing Zagreus knows for sure, he isn't bringing Alessia with him.

He already lost Mania, and Zagreus refuses to lose Alessia too. The more he is around her, the more his heart yearns for her. This feeling flowing through him confuses him and irritates him.

D*mn. Is he falling for a human, a mortal?

Zagreus shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He can't afford to be distracted now. He needs to focus on the task at hand and protect the realms.

He turns to Apollo. "Let's get started then. We have work to do."