Chapter Text
Usually after a successful escape attempt Zagreus ends up in his mother's garden. He helps her tend the plants and has time for a short talk before that Styx claims him once again.
This isn't his mother's garden. He looks around in confusion. It's a small messy room, half finished drinks scattered around, a messy sink and general untidy clutter. He turns a little further before smiling.
A large window is filled with greenery. An array of plants, none of them familiar to him.
'Mother could name them all for me. Tell me their uses.' he thinks approaching the plant corner. There are tall broad leafed ones, narrower leaves with intricate patterns. Some hang, scattering shadows on the opposite walls. There are at least 20, if not more.
He gingerly and respectfully touches one. It has dark oval patches coming from a central stripe, tall leaves with dark edges and a red underside. He is fascinated by them.
--
You had woken up late again. The upstairs neighbours had a party last night and you had not a wink of sleep. You tug on a short robe, and walk into your apartment
You walk to the small kitchen, oblivious to the visitor. You start the coffee machine and the whirring of the gears startles Zagreus.
He draws stygius and turns ready for monster, but all he sees is you. Half asleep against the counter, legs almost completely exposed.
He widens his eyes. Stiffening completely. You're a mortal. He doesn't know what to do and stays there frozen. Finally you turn. After a yawn you also stiffen.
There's a very muscled young man in your home. He's got red and yellow laurels in his black hair. One red and one green eye and is... Well. He's imposing.
For a moment you both stare. Then finally you speak.
"Who the fuck are you?" You squeak, startled and feeling vulnerable.
He frowns. "You don't need to be so rude." He scoffs and for a moment his eyes darken, and your resolve dissolves.
You furrow your brow, weakly shrinking and backing against the counter. You swallow slowly and take a breath.
"I .. how are you here? Who are you? Why are you carrying a sword and what's with the Greek getup?" You ask, trying to hide the tremble in your fingers. "Would you... Put your sword away?"
He looks at the sword he's grasping, and sheathes it. He looks at you again, noticing your shaking. He softens and sighs.
"I'm sorry my lady. I clearly have trespassed and startled you. Why don't we start over? I'm Zagreus, Prince of the underworld and son of Lord Hades."
You pale and while you no longer shake, every muscle tenses.
"The underworld?" You squeak and slowly he nods. He frowns again and steps closer.
You grab the nearest object, brandishing at him.
"I don't think I have ever been threatened with a teaspoon before." He remarks, and your eyes look to your hand. Inside a teaspoon. You look back up at him. He's very close now. "I don't mean to scare you, but I swear I am not here to harm you."
Slowly and gently, he takes the spoon out of your grasp and sets it down. Zagreus steps back and gives you space again. You release the breath you held. Your tense muscles ease. It's easier to trust him now.
He smiles, and you relax further. "Now, I must ask. What did you mean by... Greek getup? I was under the impression all mortals wore. Maybe not anymore. I am out of touch with your kind, I'm far more familiar with the dead."
You nod. "Yes. The underworld. I don't think I wanna go there yet if that's what this is about. Y'know, an early grave."
He chuckles. "No, that's Thanatos' job. Not mine. I.. well I want to escape.'
"From an impenetrable maze built to keep mortal souls trapped for eternity?" You ask dryly, reaching for your mug of coffee.
He sighs. " You forgot about the monsters. But yes. That is the goal. I have managed to get to the surface a few times now, and always I have seen my mother. Persephone."
You nod, slowly taking this all in as you pray you're not insane.
"I didn't expect to find myself here. Nor encounter a mortal, or see some wonderful plants." He turns and looks at the plant filled window. "Mother doesn't have any that look like these, though I'm sure she'd tell me everything about them.'
You smile, and point to the one he touched earlier. "the one in the glass jar is my favourite. A Rattlesnake Calathea."
He turns his gaze back to you. "I am fond of serpents. My friend Dusa has a headful of them. I'm sure she'd like that plant too." Suddenly, he grimaces.
He blinks at you slowly, picking up his sword. "Look, I apologise. I have trespassed, and intruded on you my lady. I hope you won't think badly of me for this. I'm afraid though our time will be cut short."
He suddenly seems wobbly, even paler and then. Thud. He's dead, or unconscious you can't tell. You watch, hoping you are not losing your sanity, as a pool of blood gathers around the prince, and he and the sword vanish.
--
"Ugh. Damn the Styx." Zagreus mumbles. His encounter with you was different. Instead of being eager for another taste of freedom, the prince is laid on his bed regretting all he said. "I don't understand why she was so ... Scared. I thought mortals would be more.. understanding."
The prince is rambling to no one in particular, more just trying to understand why. Why did he meet you? Why were you vastly different from what he had heard of mortals? Why there? Why you?
He's too busy with his swirling thoughts that he doesn't feel the sting of a mark burning onto his arm.
With a sigh Zagreus gets up. He heads out again, only you can answer all these questions.
--
You were out of sorts. That's the least of it really, after the encounter with, Zagreus. You had noticed a sting, an itch that won't quite leave. Beside the redness there's no mark there.
You've at least attempted to tidy, having been filled with embarrassment after the surprise visit. You have made notes about him. It was terrifying, at first, but as you talked you came to an easy conversation.
You sigh. Rubbing the itchy area on your arm. You look at the clock and groan. It's late, and you have work tomorrow. Sighing and stretching you head to bed, still the itching persists.