Hunters

Alessia and Zagreus look at each other in surprise, not expecting such hospitality from a ruler of another realm. But they accept gratefully, knowing that they need a moment to gather their thoughts and heal their wounds.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zagreus says with a bow.

Queen Titania nods in acknowledgment before motioning for her servants to come forward. They lead Alessia and Zagreus to a small, secluded area of the garden where their injuries are tended to, and they are given food to eat.

Alessia can't help but feel grateful for the hospitality of the Fae realm. She and Zagreus were in the middle of a dangerous battle, and now they found themselves in a peaceful sanctuary.

Alessia can't help but ponder the events that led them here as they rest and recover. Lucien, the demons, the battle...and Zagreus's protectiveness towards her. Was it solely because of her powers?

"Zagreus, what did you mean my powers are sealed?" Alessia asks him, as she recalls him telling Lucien that.

Zagreus looks at her, his expression serious. "Hades put a seal on your powers. As for the reason why, I'm not sure yet."

Alessia feels a sense of frustration washes over her. She had worked hard to hone her powers; now, they were useless. She couldn't help but wonder what Hades had in mind when he did this.

"Do you think we can break the seal?" she asks Zagreus hopefully.

Zagreus sighs, his expression troubled. "It's possible, but it won't be easy. We'll have to figure out what kind of seal Hades used first."

Alessia nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. She had always known that Hades was mighty, but she never thought he would go to such lengths to control or use her.

She looks at Zagreus and notices the wound he received from Lucien healed fast. Though the blow was powerful, it may have hurt him briefly, but he seemed fine now.

"You healed fast," she comments, admiration in her voice.

Zagreus nods, a small smile on his face. "It's one of the perks of being a God. We heal quickly, even from serious injuries."

Alessia can never get used to seeing the powers of Gods and their abilities. She looks around her and wonders what other wonders and dangers lay in the Fae realm.

As if reading her thoughts, Queen Titania appears before them once again. "I see that you are both feeling better. I apologize for the sudden transport here, but I must ensure your safety."

Zagreus stands up, "Why did you bring us, your majesty?"

Queen Titania looks at them both, her expression serious. "There is a great danger that threatens both our realms. A darkness is spreading, and I fear it may consume us all if we do not act swiftly."

While adjusting his long black hair, Zagreus looks around the garden. If Lucien is helping bring Cronus back, is he going after realms all over and trying to gain more power?

The biggest question that is bugging Zagreus is, who is Lucien exactly? He assumes he is a minor God, but after battling with him, he is different.

Alessia notices the troubled expression on Zagreus's face and places a hand on his arm. "What is it?"

Zagreus turns to her, his eyes filled with concern. "I'm worried that Lucien may be more powerful than we thought. He seemed to have an endless supply of energy during our battle. And his intentions are still unclear."

Queen Titania nods in agreement. "Lucien is a mystery. He appeared out of nowhere here in our realm, claiming to be a God. But none of us have ever heard of him before."

Alessia furrows her brow in thought. "Do you think he could be working with Cronus? Trying to bring him back and gain power by doing so?"

Queen Titania nods gravely. "It's possible. Cronus was a powerful Titan, and many sought his favor and power. But we must not jump to conclusions. We need more information before we can act."

Zagreus nods in agreement. "Agreed. We need to find out more about Lucien and his intentions. And we need to figure out how to break the seal on Alessia's powers, so we can be prepared for whatever comes our way."

Queen Titania smiles at them, her eyes shining with determination. "I will do everything in my power to help you. Together, we will face this danger and emerge victorious."

Alessia smiles at the Queen, but a deep thought bugs her. Without her powers, she is useless, and Zagreus will need to risk his life protecting Alessia.

Before meeting Zagreus and Donn, she could seal and exorcise demons without a sword. Can she do the same in other realms even if her powers are gone?

Alessia's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of a Fae guard. He bows respectfully to Queen Titania before speaking.

"Your Majesty, there is someone here to see you. A visitor from the mortal realm."

Queen Titania's eyes widen in surprise. "A visitor? From the mortal realm? Bring them to me at once."

The guard nods before disappearing, and Alessia can't help but feel a twinge of curiosity. Who could it be? And what business would they have in the Fae realm? She didn't know humans could visit other domains like herself.

Within minutes, the guard returns with a hooded figure. Queen Titania nods at the figure before turning to Alessia, Zagreus, and the guard.

"I wish to speak to our visitor privately. Please, give us some space."

Alessia and Zagreus exchange a glance, wondering who this visitor could be. They nod in agreement before following the guard out of the garden and into the palace.

As they walk through the ornate halls, Alessia can't help but feel a sense of awe. The Fae realm was unlike anything she had ever seen before. The beauty and magic infused every aspect of their surroundings, leaving her feeling almost dizzy with wonder.

Finally, they reach a room where the guard leaves them. Alessia and Zagreus take a seat, both feeling slightly impatient as they wait for the Queen to finish speaking to the visitor.

Just then, the door opens, and Queen Titania walks in, a severe expression on her face. "I have some news. The visitor is from the mortal realm but not just any mortal. He's a hunter."

"A hunter?" Alessia repeats, confused. "What kind of hunter?"

"His name is Gabriel. He's a hunter of the supernatural. Demons, vampires, werewolves...anything that goes bump in the night. And he's here because he needs our help."

Alessia's eyes widened in shock. She didn't know other humans fought such things.

"What does he need our help with?" Zagreus asks, his curiosity piqued.

Queen Titania sits on a nearby chair and gestures for them to do the same. "It seems that a powerful demon has managed to cross over from the mortal realm to ours. Gabriel has been tracking it for months, but it's too powerful to handle alone."

As if reading her thoughts, Zagreus looks over at Alessia.

"There are humans like that. They are a tiny population of them. I am surprised you never ran into them while fighting demons back in the human realm."

Alessia looks away, feeling slightly ashamed. "I...I didn't know. I always thought I was the only one fighting against demons in the mortal realm." She looks away and crosses her arms.

If she had known that there were others like her or at least something like her, she wouldn't have been so lonely before meeting these Gods and a Fae queen.

Though the reason for her powers was that a Goddess gave them to her, the fact remains. She wouldn't have to battle alone if she knew hunters existed.

Zagreus looks at Alessia and can sense her mind is spinning with thoughts. "Alessia, before we met. Donn and I sought you out because no humans could do what you do. The hunters make tools, study, and have eyes open to see these things. But they do not have powers like you. I'm unsure if they can see us, Gods or Goddesses. As I believe we can hide our identity from them. Unlike you, you can see all."

Alessia nods slowly, taking in his words. She had always felt alone in her battles against the supernatural, but knowing that others were out there fighting the same fight made her feel a sense of camaraderie.

Queen Titania clears her throat, bringing their attention back to her. "Gabriel has requested our help in tracking down and defeating this demon. He believes that it may be working with Lucien and Cronus and that stopping it could be the key to stopping them. I brought him with me so you can meet him." The door swings open, and Gabriel steps into the room.

Alessia's jaw drops.

The hunter is tall, with broad shoulders and a muscular build. His dark hair is cut short, and his piercing blue eyes seem to take in everything around him. He moves confidently, and Alessia can't help but feel a flutter in her chest. She knows him. Alessia had met him before.

But where? She can't put her finger on it.

Gabriel nods at them in greeting, his eyes lingering on Alessia for a moment longer than the others.

"Hello," he says in a deep voice. "I'm Gabriel. It's good to meet you all finally."