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Zagreus had always considered what it was like outside the confines of his room, the rest of the house he means, perhaps a little bit of the Underworld too. However, he was here, in his bed, weak as a newborn babe, despite being almost full grown. Mother Nyx had told him that it was because of some circumstances with his birth or whatever, and that meant he had to stay in his bed when he had sudden bouts of pain. His body was thin, achy and weak, his feet more like embers on a dying fire than flames. That also meant that he hadn’t seen his father that much in his relatively short life. It was kinda sad, but he understood that his father was trying, and was busy being the God of the Dead. Sometimes, however, Zagreus wished he could spend some more time with him. His thoughts left his head, however, when he was wracked with sudden, agonising pain. His back arched, and he bit his tongue from crying out too loud. Of course, that didn’t stop Mother Nyx from hearing him and coming into his room.
‘Oh child, here’ she said and produced a vial of golden liquid from her robes. He drank it down eagerly and sighed as he felt his pain diminish, only a deep ache lingering. Once again, as usual, he was overcome with emotion.
‘I’m tired of this Mother, why?’ he cried, choking on his sobs.
‘I don’t know, child, the Fates are cruel’ she said, sitting and stroking his hair gently as he sobbed. Soon, he cried himself to sleep, blissfully free from pain.
When he woke, it was to a deep ache in his legs and Nyx sitting in a chair next to his bed.
‘Hello Mother’ he murmured.
‘Hello, Zagreus’
‘Can I visit Father today?’ he asked, rolling over despite the pain.
‘I shall ask Hades,’ Nyx said and stood, placing a kiss on his forehead before going out. Next Zagreus knew, having dozed off for a brief while, he was bundled in a soft duvet and carried out of his room.
‘He says that he is busy, but would like to see you’ Nyx said, cradling his weak body close.
‘Thank you Nyx’ he said, looking around as they walked. They entered what Zagreus knew to be the main hall, the pool of Styx at one end and his father’s tall desk at the other.
‘Father’ Zagreus called as they drew closer.
‘Zagreus’ Hades grunted, turning to look at his son. He opened his arms to receive the bundle from Nyx, tucking Zagreus close to his body, but out of the way so he could still do work. Nyx handed Hades his familiar golden vial, and he placed it in a clear spot on his desk, in easy reach.
‘Thank you for spending time with me’ Zagreus murmured, laying his head on his father’s broad chest.
‘It is alright…. Zagreus’ with that, he was asleep.
Later, Zagreus didn’t know how much later, he woke in his room, with both Hades and Nyx beside his bed.
‘Zagreus, Hades and I have been talking’ Nyx started and Zagreus instantly had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.
‘Yes?’
‘Nyx and I believe that you should start strengthening yourself’ Hades rumbled, dark eyes focused on his son.
‘Not to burst your bubble, but I don’t think I’ll be picking up a sword anytime soon’
‘And I don’t expect you to. Hades and I merely want you to be able to move around without support’ Nyx said.
‘Oh okay’ Zagreus pushed himself up as far as he could, slowly shuffling back until he was propped up. He was excited. He hadn’t really walked since he had tried as a young, even more sickly child, and had fallen, and hurt himself.
‘I have asked the Greek warrior Achilles to teach you, since neither Nyx nor I will have time to’ Hades said, stepping aside to reveal the warrior. The shade gave a gentle smile, bowing slightly at the waist.
‘Nice to meet you, Lad’ he said and Zagreus smiled.
‘Good to meet you Achilles, Sir’
‘Very well, Nyx and I shall leave you two to be acquainted. Achilles, don’t worry about returning to your post’ Hades grunted and followed Nyx out of the room. Achilles moved forwards, having placed his spear down.
‘I'm sorry you’ve been dumped with me Sir,'' Zagreus joked’ I’m afraid I won’t be the best company.’
‘Not at all, Lad. We’ll work on it’
Later, Achilles had helped Zagreus swing his weak legs over the side of the bed, holding onto the shade’s broad shoulders. His blond hair was pulled back and out of the way, held together with a band of leather. Achilles had shed his chlamys and armour, only in his chiton. Zagreus was also in a simple chiton, laurels put to the side.
‘I haven’t walked in a while, I’m sorry in advance’ Zagreus chuckled, almost out of breath already.
‘That’s alright, Lad’ Achilles, ever patient Achilles, soothed. He had brought some sort of oil with him, massaging them into the nearly non-existent muscles in Zagreus’ naked legs.
‘May I ask what this is?’ Zagreus said, tense, pain wracked muscles feeling loose under the constant massaging.
‘It’s a special oil that is supposed to relax the muscles, ' Achilles said.’ It was used commonly when I was mortal.’ Zagreus’ legs felt boneless and relaxed. Achilles leant back on his heels and stood. Zagreus almost fell backwards onto his bed, but managed to grab onto Achilles’ arm.
‘Alright Lad, I’m going to pull you to your feet, that’s all okay?’ he said’ I will be holding onto you.’ Zagreus gulped, but nodded. Achilles gripped Zagreus’ arm, near his armpit and indicated to do the same. Once he had, the shade pulled him up with a grunt, hauling him to his feet. Zagreus squeaked, gripping tightly to Achilles.
‘It’s alright Lad, I’ve got you’ the shade soothed, repeating the line at a low volume. Zagreus’ legs wobbled and threatened to collapse under him, but Achilles’ strong grip held him up. Once he had calmed down from the sudden upright position, Zagreus huffed a laugh.
‘I’m standing. Granted with your help, but I’m standing’ he said and Achilles smiled.
‘You are, how do your legs feel?’
‘Weak, as usual, but good,’ Zagreus said. Then, his pain decided to ruin the moment. His legs started to cramp and the pain jackknifed up his body. Zagreus cried out and became a deadweight, forcing Achilles to heave him up and back onto the bed. He grabbed the golden vial from where it was on his nightstand and tipped Zagreus’ head up, steadily pouring the drink down his throat.
‘It’s alright Lad, you did good’ he said and Zagreus cried, overwhelmed. Achilles held Zagreus as he cried, soothing him by stroking his hair. As he calmed, he got tired.
‘M’ th’nk you, ‘Chilles Sir’ he mumbled in the shade’s chiton. It smelt like leather, oil and fresh laundry with a hint of musk.
‘You’re welcome Zagreus, you did very well’ Achilles said and Zagreus was asleep.
Achilles continued to coach Zagreus in building muscles in his legs. Slowly, but surely, his legs grew slightly with some muscle. Zagreus had taken to massaging his legs with oil to rid himself of pain. It didn’t really work, which irritated him to no end, but he did it anyway. Finally, during one of their lessons, Achilles suggested standing on his own. Zagreus, nervous but excited, agreed. Achilles hauled him up and steadily, bit by bit, loosened his hold until he completely removed himself. Zagreus wobbled, but his legs held him up. After a tense moment, Zagreus looked up at Achilles with an astonished smile, which he returned.
‘I’m standing on my own!’ he laughed, holding himself still so as to not fall.
‘You are Lad’ Achilles chuckled. The feeling of finally standing on his own was euphoric and Zagreus almost glowed with it. Then, predictably, came the pain.
‘Ah Achilles?’ Zagreus said’ I don’t think I can stand any longer.’ Achilles scooped him up just as his legs gave out. This time, there was no sharp pain, rather a deep ache. Achilles lay Zagreus down in his bed, smoothing down a stray strand of hair.
‘I’ll get you something to eat, okay Lad?’ he said and Zagreus nodded.
‘Yes please Achilles, Sir’
‘Alright then, I’ll be back soon’
Zagreus lay in bed after his most recent session with Achilles, staring at the ceiling. He was deep in his thoughts when his room flashed green and a deep gong sounded.
‘Than!’ he called, pushing himself up with trembling arms.
‘Hello Zagreus’ the God of Death said and obliged him by perching on the edge of his bed, scythe propped against the wall. Zagreus rolled his eyes and pulled Than by his chiton to lie down with him. With a snap of his fingers, Thanatos’ armour disappeared and he was left in his chiton and robes. Zagreus tightly wound his arms around Thanatos and buried his face in his dark chiton.
‘M’ missed you’ he mumbled and Thanatos chuckled.
‘I haven’t been away that long, have I?’
‘Felt like it’ Zagreus pouted, looking up at Thanatos. The god simply smiled, before tucking Zagreus’ head back under his chin and started stroking his hair gently.
‘Achilles is helping me learn to walk, I can stand on my own now’ Zagreus said, nosing at Thanatos’ neck, inhaling the scent of musk, sage and leather.
‘I’m glad, I can’t wait to see you walk.’
‘Mmm, me too. Sorry Than, m’ sleepy’
‘That's alright Zagreus, you can sleep’
‘Be here when I wake?’
‘I’ll try’
That was enough.
And so, Zagreus had a routine. Eat, Achilles comes for their session, he stands for a while, pain comes, he lies down, eats, someone visits him, eats, sleep. He was content with this for a while, before he finally asked Achilles when he would start walking.
‘Well’ Achilles started, looking up from where he was rubbing oil into Zagreus’ legs.’ We can try today if you’d like, Lad.’
‘Please?’
‘Of course’ And so, when Achilles heaved Zagreus up, he made Zagreus grip his shoulders as he crouched. He gently took Zagreus’ foot in hand and lifted it. He could feel his foot tremble in his hold and he placed it a little bit forwards from where it had been. He lifted the other, repeating this cycle until Zagreus had moved forwards a couple of steps. He stood and looked at the Prince’s face. It was twisted with a mix of pain and astonishment.
‘Are you alright to continue Lad?’ Achilles asked and Zagreus nodded’ Okay, hold onto me and try to do what I just did.’ Zagreus gripped Achilles tightly and lifted his leg, other leg nearly buckling. He placed his foot down in front of him, as Achilles had.
‘I’ve got you Lad, you’re doing good’ Achilles said as he lifted his other foot and swung it forwards, knocking into Achilles before finding the floor. Both shade and prince chuckled.
‘Give me a moment’ Zagreus said and stood in place, trembling.
‘I have an idea’ Achilles said and scooted so he was behind Zagreus.’ Place your feet on mine.’ Zagreus did so and squeaked as Achilles started slowly walking. While it wasn’t really walking on his own, he was walking. It was exhilarating. Zagreus was overwhelmed and tears started dripping down his face. Achilles stopped.
‘Good tears?’
‘Good tears’
‘I want to try walking on my own,’ Zagreus said to Achilles during their next session.
‘Okay Lad’ he said and hauled the prince up, since he still couldn’t do it on his own.
‘Okay, okay. Give me a moment,’ Zagreus said and Achilles patiently held onto him until he gathered his bearings.’ I think I’m okay now.’
Achilles let him go, but kept his hands hovering, and Zagreus lifted a trembling leg, placing it forwards and doing the other one. He was so concentrated that he didn’t notice he had reached the other side of his room before he hit the wall. Zagreus blinked, then turned unsteadily. Achilles was standing there with a wide smile on his face, and suspiciously wet eyes.
‘Did I just walk the length of my room?’ Zagreus said, astounded.
‘That you did Lad’ Achilles said, pride in his voice. Zagreus stood there for a moment, before his legs crumbled. Achilles caught him, and they both sank to the ground. Zagreus started laughing, a high, euphoric sound, and Achilles joined.
‘I walked’ Zagreus exclaimed’ I walked on my own!’
Zagreus had, in secret, been practicing his walking. Granted, it was difficult to get up still, and he had to help himself with a special walking stick that Achilles had crafted, but he got up. He planned to surprise him and everyone else by walking out to his father. He hadn’t really seen him since he had started lessons with Achilles and he wanted to surprise him. Zagreus grunted as he finally hauled himself up. He stood, debating whether he could make the walk now. He had been able to walk a lap around his room once before needing to sit, and he thought he could make it at least to Orpheus’ music stand, where he could sit if he couldn’t anymore. The musician usually had a spare chair next to him.
Zagreus made the slow walk over to the doorway of his room, his stick clacking quietly against the ground. He emerged and Mother Nyx looked at him with surprise, and then proud elation.
‘Child, you are walking!’
‘Shh, I want to surprise Father’ Zagreus said, smiling, and Mother Nyx enveloped him in a tight hug.
‘I believe that Thanatos and Achilles are giving reports out there’ she said and winked, before letting him go. He smiled and slowly made his way down the hallway. He could see Achilles and Thanatos at his father’s desk, but they hadn’t seen him yet. He could sense Nyx behind him, no doubt ready to catch him if he fell. Orpheus was the next to see him, eyes opening in surprise. Zagreus quickly put a finger to his lips and the musician smiled before repeating the motion. He had to stop for a moment, to give his shaking legs a rest, before powering on.
Achilles spotted him first, having been slightly turned in his direction. The shade’s eyes widened as he spotted him, mouth opening slightly in an uncharacteristic show of emotion. Then, a wide smile took over his face, eyes suspiciously wet again.
‘Hail, Lad’ he called and it made Thanatos turn. Golden eyes widened at seeing Zagreus amble towards them and he disappeared then reappeared in front of him. He gripped Zagreus to him, swaying back and forth.
‘You-you’re walking!’ he said shakily.
‘Thanks to Achilles. But I’m here to surprise Father, ' Zagreus said and Thanatos let him go, pressing a kiss to his head.
‘I’m proud of you’
Finally, his father was the last person to see. Zagreus breathed in, before looking forwards towards his destination. His father had come from around his desk and his hulking form was only a few steps in front of him. Zagreus, in a fit of bravery, let go of his walking stick and took the last few steps quickly, falling into his Father’s arms. He scooped Zagreus up, cradling him close. Zagreus felt tears well up and spill over, dampening his father’s chiton.
‘Surprise Father’ he said and Hades breathed out a suspiciously stuttered breath. Hades didn’t speak, but his actions were enough. Hades cradled him to his chest, swaying him gently, one hand carding through his hair. Hades sighed, before leaning back to look at Zagreus.
‘Zagreus, I think it’s time I told you something, and introduced you to someone.’
Zagreus was in a daze as his father carried him to the surface. He had found out he had a mother on the surface, that Nyx wasn’t his actual mother. Persephone her name was. Hades clutched his son close, tightly wrapped in a blanket. Finally, they reached the surface and Zagreus gasped at both the cold and the scenery.
‘This is snow, and that’ Hades pointed to the horizon as they approached a cliff edge’ is a sunrise.’ Zagreus was in awe of all these things that he hadn’t known had existed. He took in the scenery as they walked, before noticing that the snowy landscape was turning into green. He turned his head, spotting a cottage and expansive garden. A woman was tending to the garden, a basket hung on her arm. She turned at the company, green eyes widening.
‘Hades, what are you doing here? And who is that?’ the woman, who must be Persephone, exclaimed. Hades put Zagreus down, holding on in case he fell. Zagreus brushed him off and the blanket fell, revealing his frail body. He walked a few steps in his mother’s direction slowly.
‘Hello Mother, I’m Zagreus’
Persephone paused, before she sped towards him and pulled him into a tight hug, crying and exclaiming that her son was back. Hades hesitantly joined in on the hug and Zagreus sighed, happy tears spilling over his cheeks.