Let's deal some death

  A Hades game Thanatos RP blog. Low activity. OC, multi-muse, AU friendly. Icons by @deathless-determination

[caemidraws]

[Thanatos - Hades]

[neko-mun-rp]

@death-approaches

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

It was amusing someone like Thanatos would get startled by something like a little fae. Then again Alexios wasn’t aware of the soul-sucking butterflies in the underworld to know that Than’s caution was justified. He listened to the god of death tell about the fades and demons, so souls that had done wrong during life did receive punishment in the underworld. That was interesting to know that part was true.

“I suppose you’re right. When Athens fell to grievance a few years ago with the death of their leader Perikles I was there, he was a friend actually. I helped the city through their plague as well and regain structure… Now that I think of it plagues have always come to places I resided in.” Alexios said with brows furrowed. “My mother was married to a man named Nikolaos and had a daughter Kassandra before what happened with Poseidon. After I was born they took me out of Atlantis so Poseidon wouldn’t murder us, we lived in Sparta during my early youth but then I got seperated from them and grew up on the Island of Kephallonia. In my adulthood right before I left to reunite with mother there was a sickness that showed up, there was this family that was about to be killed by guards who had burned  dozens of houses with the sick still inside. They were trying to stop the spread of the plague… But the family had two small children, I couldn’t let them burn those people alive.” The Atlantian paused to rube his eyes to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall. “I returned to the island a year later and the plague had claimed everyone on the island, and it was all my fault.”

     “Perikles is among the heroes who now reside in the Elysian fields. He brought great deal of benefit to Greece while he lived,” Thanatos confirmed, having seen the shade in the peaceful realm of the Underworld. He raised an eyebrow at the warrior’s observation. “I’d harrow a guess that it is much the other way around. My sisters, the Fates, often anticipate the needs of those about to encounter great tragedy.” In this case it was plagues. “They send those who might be a beacon of hope to the hopeless, to tide them through and ultimately save them. And one should not discredit the importance of such souls.” In his opinion, Alex had likely been there to see the devastation first hand and help others as he was wont to do. “I do apologise that you have seen so much destruction in your years, however. I know it is not easy.”

     The reaper listened carefully, nodding at the appropriate times. “So, you have a half-sister.” Than wanted to hear more about Alex’s family. His mother seemed like such a nice lady. He stilled at the mention of the plague. Than could see how badly the incident with the children had affected him. “It wasn’t your fault, Alex.” He placed a gentle hand on Alex’s back and rubbed soothingly. “That family is in a much better place now, and they are together, safely.” The reaper searched his memories for the incident – he’d claimed a good number of the souls on that same island that had resolved themselves to death. “Your actions made them realise the inhumanity of what they were doing and so they stopped trying to burn houses and people like that and instead tried to help them. Though they inadvertently caught the plague after, most of them passed with peace in their hearts, knowing that they had not turned into monsters clinging to life.” Alexios had helped them regain their humanity. “You saved all of them.” 

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

“We have more then other parts of Greece since the mortals have hunted and scared many of them into hiding. Mostly sea creatures though, like nymphs and sea fae. There’s some nagas that live in the caves and forest, I’d place my bet on that than wolves that killed the intruder.” Alexios explained as they walked down the carved pathways onto palace grounds.

Entering the garden through an archway they were greeted by many plants growing out of raised flower beds. Much f the architecture in this area was covered in vines and moss and grass crept over the ground. There were flowering plants and small tree that were skinny and purposefully twisted into artistic abstract postures. There were glowing insects and iridescent butterflies fluttering around leaving little shimmering trails where ever they flew making everything look magical. Something a little larger zipped through the air like a humming bird but when it paused in front of the pair it looked more humanoid. Alexios reached out and gave it a gentle poke, the fae creature made a twinkling giggle noise before quickly flying off. 

“I’m no leader, I’m just a dependable guy…” He replied and led Thanatos over to the moon lilies he had promised to show him. They were large flowers and currently a dark blue color. There was a bench that he sat down on and looked over to Than. “It starts out white on the full moon then goes through the color cycle with the moon: yellow, orange then red in the half moon. Purple and blue before it turns black in the newmoon. Then continues on with the blue turning to green and back to yellow before becoming white again.”

     “Not all mortals take well to animals, I’m afraid. I am glad they find solace here with your people, who also seem more attuned to their kind. Most creatures in the Underworld are shades or demons of some kind, and each with a purpose and a role. Some usher souls to their rightful destination while others are involved in the torture of those who have created grave mistakes during their lives.”

     It was easy to see how alive everything in the area was. There was life in the flora and fauna and it spilled over in its abundance. “The people here really do know how to harness everything that grows,” he said, praising the way even the plants and flowers were artfully arranged. Than stepped back warily when something large whizzed past them, with more presence than the usual butterflies he’d seen in Elysium. The reaper calmed significantly when he saw that it was a small fae. He watched the two interact as he smiled. Even the fae love him.

     “What was it they always say? ‘A good leader does not seek to lead, but is called to it’? You may not see yourself bearing the mantle of leadership but it is easy to see that your people turn to you when they are in need of guidance.” He listened as the warrior explained the flowers. “They are truly a marvel. I’ve never known any flowers to do this besides these,” Than admitted as he took his seat next to Alex.

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

Alexios’ honey golden eyes shined happily as Than got to meet his first hippocampus. The creature made a soft whithy noise and gave Thanatos’ arm a gentle nudge. “The domesticated ones love attention from people and working to pull boats around. The ones the mer-people have that my half brother Triton rules over are more aggressive towards those from land.” He explained and sat back in the boat with Thanatos.

He held the reigns connected to the harness and instructed the hippocampus to begin pulling them with a whistle. They coasted smoothly across the bay between the landbased part of Atlantis to the part that was out in open water. The buildings were carved from polished stone and were connected by elegant  bridges that were narrow and arched over the waterways so boats could pass under. There were lamps that lit the pathways and bridges  and statues of sea creatures that decorated the area.

The atlantian navigated them to the largest building that was Poseidon’s castle and the hippocampus pulled the boat right up to the dock for them to depart. Alexios removed the harness and gave the creature another pet as thanks, it waited for Than to do the same before diving back into the water. “The garden is just this way.” He said and climbed out of the boat first so he could help Thanatos.

     Than still couldn’t believe such a mystical creature existed in Atlantis. “I don’t find myself approaching that many animals in the mortal realm,” he admitted, “But... I do think they are amazing, and in some way easier to get along with. I hazard these are only one of the many magical creatures you have over here.” Somehow, he was glad that Alexios was showing this to him. Than didn’t think he would have been able to meet such creatures on his own.

     The ride was beyond Than’s imagination. He hardly ever travelled anywhere, and chose to portal wherever he needed to be. That meant that transit in itself was a rare occurrence and yet another way in which Alexios was widening his horizon. The reaper took in the wondrous buildings from the new perspective, glancing every now and then to Alex.

     When they reached their destination, Than found himself once more petting the amicable creature, thanking him for their swift and safe passage, before getting out of the boat with Alex’s assistance. He offered the man a grateful nod as he took in their new surroundings. “You know this place and its inhabitants better than most. A great many of them depend on you, it would seem.” It was not hard to imagine; Alex showed a great deal of concern and care for those around him. “You make a good leader.”

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

Something about the reassurance from Than gave the old woman hope that her days weren’t over yet. But more importantly she was happy that her son had found a companion to spend time with, Myrrine often worried about her son working too hard and not having many friends to go out and have fun with so this was like a wish come true. That wish was that Alexios would find happiness with someone.

Alexios was glad the god of death liked his gift, though wondered if he was just being modest in saying it was the first time he received something like this. “Your help meant the world to me. Quite literally as my mother is my whole world.” He said flashing her a fond smile then looking back to Thanatos. “I think the garden would be a good place to share this.”

He went over to his mother first to kiss her head goodnight and asked if she needed anything. Myrrine waved him off and told them to go have some fun. After making sure she was fine to be alone he lead Thanatos out of the house and quietly closed the door behind them. “The palace is part of the ocean-floating part of the city, so we’ll need a boat. But for you we’ll be riding in style.”

The atlantian led the way through the land based part of the city and over to the harbor. No one fished at night so it was all very quiet. There were fishing boats but then there were smaller passenger boats that were more decorative. He offered his hand for Than to hold onto while stepping into the boat to keep steady. Alexios then stepped in and went to the front where he grabbed what looked like a harness and gently splashed at the surface. After a few moments a spiny sea dragon with horse-like features popped it’s head out of the water and looked between the pair of males.

“This is a hippocampus, the horses of the sea and the symbol of Atlantis.” Alexios said as he reached out to give the creature’s blue-purple hide a pet before placing the harness on. “You wanna give him a pet? They’re skin is really soft like a dolphin’s.” He offered and as if understanding the Atlantian the hippocampus stuck is neck out of the water further towards Thanatos to get a closer look at him with it’s large green eyes.

     Than could understand that all too well. Parents generally wanted the best for their children, even if they didn’t always show it, and sometimes made pretty bad mistakes for the sake of their offspring. The reaper was glad to be able to bring comfort to Myrrine; she seemed like a kind and gentle soul and he was keen to get to know her better. 

     Thanatos had been honest with Alexios when he said the gift was special. Nectar didn’t often make it down from Olympus and there was nothing like it in the Chthonic realm. “Your mother is very lucky to have a son such as yourself,” Than reminded Alex. “The garden it is, then,” the reaper smiled as he quietly set down the other package he had brought – medicine and dressing implements to replenish Alex’s supply. 

     He followed Alex out the door, but not before bidding Myrrine farewell and making sure she could stay warm while they were gone. “A boat? Now, that would be something.” Than had almost voiced how he could float or even teleport them over but decided against it when he saw how happy Alexios was to show him around. That and he was actually excited to see Atlantis through Alex’s eyes. 

     The city was peaceful this time of night, and Than had to admit that he thoroughly enjoyed moments like these where the quiet was abundant and everything was winding down. He held onto Alex’s hand gratefully, giving him a squeeze once he was safely within the boat. The reaper furrowed his brow curiously upon watching Alexios splash the water before the boat, but let out an audible gasp when the hippocampus emerged. “I’ve never seen anything like him,” the reaper admitted, completely awed. 

     Than knelt next to Alex, close enough to press against him for added balance. Then he reached into the water and wet his hand before gentle stroking at the hippocampus’s head, his hand trailing down to rub the side of his neck. “He’s captivating... and incredibly friendly,” Thanatos smiled. 

[glrkitsune]

« - I want to engrave every part of you in my memory Zag. I want to taste, feel and kiss every inch of your skin. I could devour you whole now.

- But you have to leave. And you’re starving.

- I am.

- Get an amuse-bouche then. »

//

Twitter : twitter.com/GLRKITSUNE

Instagram : instagram.com/glrkitsune

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

Alexios had tried to rest, but the well being of the ones he cared about were more important than himself. He was the son of a god, he’d get through this but the mortals like his mother were fragile and needed help. His wounds had begun to heal, he had been careful not to tear the stitches on his arm and had wrapped up the bite wound on his thigh to keep it from getting infected but it would take more a few more days to get better.

The atlantian wasn’t wearing his armor, instead sporting  a knee length robe-like tunic of atlantian colors of a sea green-blue trimmed with gold designs and a gold sash tied around his waist. It appeared fancy like something royal in the rest of greece would wear, but this was normal for Atlantis as every one had good quality clothing.

While he was in the other room Myrrine appreciated the compliment even though she knew she wasn’t doing well. “Such a kind young man.” She responded softly. The old mother had noticed Thanatos staring off at where her son went and reached out to place her fragile hand over his. “I’m glad my son has someone like you around, I’ve been concerned about him being alone when I’m gone but if you’re around then I am happy for you both.”

Alexios soon returned, having missed Than and his mother’s conversation and walked in on Myrrine being draped in a beautiful blanket. The atlantian smiled graciously. “Something from your mother, Than?” He assumed since it did look like Nyx had cut out a portion of the night and turned it into a blanket. It was definitely something special, any boon from the gods were.

Myrrine pulled the blanket of the night close and sighed comfortably. “Thank you, dear. Please send my regards to your mother if this is her handy work. I think I might just stay right like this while you two head out, I’m far too comfortable to move…” Though part of it was also she was too tired to try to walk to the bed and didn’t want to embarrass Alexios any more by making him carry her to bed.

“Alright mother, we won’t be too long…” He said and turned his attention to Thanatos, in his hands he offered the other a bottle of Nectar. “It’s not much and I’m sure you’ve received this sort of gift before, but it’s something I’ve been saving for awhile to give to someone special… After all you’ve done for us, you are definitely someone special.”

     Thanatos could definitely relate to that; the need to always be up on one’s toes, working to make sure that backlogs didn’t pile up, and keeping diligently at it to help those he could. Conveying souls on time meant they wouldn’t have to linger on the surface with trepidation, and the faster he brought them to the Underworld, the faster they could be reunited with their families.

     The reaper was pleasantly surprised by the bright fabric Alex wore. It was of a high quality and reflected the affluence of Atlantis. What he’d seen thus far were blacks and greys, but that was likely only due to the disease. “I see you are bringing colour back to the place?” He teased lightly though his face betrayed no emotion, as was usual for him.

     Than was drawn back to the old lady when she reached for his hand, placing his own on hers reassuringly. His eyes flashed with brief embarrassment that he’d been caught staring, but that soon gave way to a chuckle and an understanding nod. “Firstly, I can assure you that it is far from your time,” he smiled, “And secondly... you have my word that I will watch over him.” I care for him a great deal.

     He turned as he heard Alex’s voice re-emerge in the room. “It is,” he smiled. “Mother is good with things like these and she was happy to be making this for this beautiful lady,” he patted Myrrine gently on her knee as he rose. “I will certainly convey your regards to her and I know she will appreciate them. Thank you.”

     The mention of heading out made Than furrow his eyebrow in concern. His eyebrow then raised at the gift Alex presented him. The reaper gasped softly as he took the valuable bottle in his hands. “I must admit, this is my first time receiving such a precious gift. My help was hardly deserving of something this big, Alex.” Someone special? Than’s heart skipped a beat. “But I’m afraid... this is not something I can... drink alone. Will you share it with me?”

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

“Oh really now? Well I’m sure one day I’ll end up down there, then I’ll have my chance to beat all of the great warriors of the past.” Alex said with a grin. His old wound had been a difficult recovery, infection slowed the process but he had been able to tough through it. Like many of the injuries he had gotten over the years.

The atlantian was interested to hear about the Underworld and Elysium, it seemed thoughtful to him that Hades had put some effort into not making it such a dreary afterlife for the mortals but he was sure the other gods that resided there put in their part as well. “Than, Atlantis is the prize jewel of the greek empire. Without a doubt the most advanced city in the world and the most beautiful architecture ever built. Right now the the town is in a depressing state with this widespread illness, but hopefully with a cure we can get back to normal and you can enjoy Atlantis in all it’s glory.”

He was excited to hear that Thanatos would be back so soon and the further complements made him glance away bashfully. He wasn’t any hero, he was just doing what needed to be done. It being something that no one else could do just made it all the more important. “I’ll let her know, thank you for being here for her.” Alexios said looking back to the god of death and watched him depart.

~

The next few days went by slowly. Alexios did attempt to rest, but he still had many responsibilities both from his job and taking care of his mother. He checked in with his fellow guardsmen who were helping get food to those who weren’t strong enough to leave their homes. The fishermen resumed their work now that the contaminated fish were gone, but many had died so there were only a handful of boats going out so there was rationing put into place to make sure everyone got some. The apothecary have been working endlessly in trying to develop a cure, with the spine Thanatos provided them they were able to develop an antidote to counteract the poison, but it’s success rate so far was only half. Alexios made sure to get some food rations for his mother and a small dose of the medicine for her to take.

On the third evening Alexios and his mother had finished dinner and he was going to help her to bed when there was a knock. Hoping who he thought it was he hurried to answer it. “Welcome back, Than.” He greeted with a warm smile and stepped aside to invite the god in disguise into his home. “I was just about to help mother to her room. She’s…” The atlantian’s smile faded a bit. “She’s not worse, but she’s not getting better.”

He closed the door behind Thanatos and headed into the main room where his mother was sitting in a lounge chair in front of the fireplace wrapped in a fleece blanket. Myrrine was having trouble staying warm so her son had been doing every thing he could to keep her from freezing. “Geia, Than. It’s nice of you to visit again.” The woman greeted in a soft tired tone but managed a smile. “Lexi, you should go get him that gift you keep talking about.”

“Mother.” Alexios whined at the use of his mother’s embarrassing nickname. “I’ll be right back.” He said and left the room for a short time to fetch the gift he had got just for Thanatos.

     Thanatos looked graciously amused as he nodded, “Then I trust it will be at least a century or so before you join them in the Colosseum and give all of them a run for their obols?” Alexios was certainly a formidable fighter who would sideline many of the competitors in the Colosseum. 

     “A pity I have not had the chance to observe Atlantis in all it’s glory then. Work has kept me rather busy indeed,” he said regrettably. “I am certain the cure is right around the corner however. Now that we have the spikes in our possession, things should go a lot smoother.”

---

     "Alex,” Than greeted with a smile as he stepped into the house, bearing a few packages under his arm. He looked over the man carefully and then fixed him with a frown. “Something tells me you’ve not been resting as promised.” But he could hardly hold it against him; Alexios had responsibilities and people to care for beyond himself.

     Than’s brows knitted even further when he heard about Alex’s mother. He entered the main room and knelt before the old lady with a soft smile. “You are looking well,” he smiled, encouragingly, Alex’s words about how she had not been improving resounding in his mind. Than raised an eyebrow at the mention of a gift and then chuckled softly at the endearing nickname Myrrine had given her son. Alex had darted out before he could say anything, but he watched the man disappear around the corner before he turned back to the old lady. Alex was turning out to be a lot more charming than he’d anticipated and the reaper wondered if his mother had caught him staring just a little longer than needed towards the direction Alex had left.

     When Alex returned, Than was busy wrapping her up in a comfortable blanket that seemed as though it had been woven from the night sky itself. The soft fabric was littered with stars that almost seemed to twinkle in the firelight. “I thought this might help you stay warm. The weather is turning chilly.” 

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

That wasn’t good news to hear about the man being torn up by wild animals.  Though Alexios held little sympathy for the one that helped to poison his city and mother. They should’ve stayed in Athens or where ever they came from, they would’ve been still alive along with so many who died.

He chuckled softly and shook his head. “No its well earned. I’ve had surgery done by a butcher before. This scar right here-” He paid pointed to an old scar that didn’t heal well on his right shoulder going from the top of his pec to over his shoulder on his back. “-was from a battle axe of a minotaur. He would’ve cut straight through me if I hadn’t grabbed it in time. The butcher was the father of a boy who had gotten lost in the minotaur’s caves. I’m sure if I was mortal I would’ve died from blood loss and the shoddy work he did fixing me up.”

For a brief moment Alexios pouted being turned down, but his smile quickly returned when Thanatos could visit at night. “That’s perfect, Atlantis is most beautiful at night with it’s special lights. I can take you to the palace garden where there’s this rare lily that blooms only in the moonlight and it’s color is different with each moon faze.” The atlantian said in excitement as Than inspected his armor chestplate, luckily for them there were two spines lodged in the leather near where his arm had been struck.

“Any evening you have some free time, just swing by here. I won’t be leaving mother alone much and despite having godly blood it’ll take me a week to heal up.” Alexios didn’t expect Thanatos to show up any time soon, after all Death waited for no one. But he hoped one day in the near future he’d get to spend some time with Than. “… Thank you again, on behalf of all the humans here in Atlantis. Both those that are alive and those who are Shades… I think the other gods could learn a few things from you. Kindness and compassion comes to mind.”

     “By a butcher? My, you are more courageous than a good number of the warriors we have down at the Colosseum in Elysium,” he admitted. “The minotaur is a fearsome creature. It is a miracle that you even survived such an attack, let alone the wound after.” Injuries of such magnitude often took their bearers through infection, if not blood loss; that was on top of immeasurable pain. 

     “Mmm, that sounds like it would be quite the sight to behold, Alex. We have nothing of the sort down in the Underworld.” Everything there was artificial and curated, after all, meant to give the Shades a semblance of the world they once lived in. “I had no clue this place was so astounding.” He frowned as he spotted the spines in the armour, realising how gnarly they were and that their state explained why Alex had been torn up so badly by them.

     “I should be back sooner rather than later,” the reaper admitted as he kept the spines carefully. One for the apothecary and one for the Underworld. “Please, it is I who should be thanking you. There is no one I know but you who could’ve dealt with Scylla the way you had. You have made my job a lot easier now. Thank you, Alex.” With a fond dip of his head, the reaper made to leave. “Please give your mother my regards and apologies that I could not be with her when she wakes.” 

-----

     Thanatos returned three days later in his human disguise, knocking on Alex’s door carefully just as the sun set. He did not know if the demi-god’s mother was taking her rest and did not wish to disturb her.

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

If he wanted to he could leave, but Alexios didn’t want to leave his mother. Especially when she’s in not good condition. He had spent almost all his life trying to find and get back to her, his friends outside of Atlantis would understand.

Taking the alcohol he gulped down a generous amount and sighed in content at the buzz that would was about to come. He shrugged at the question. “I’m not sure anyone could tell Scylla to do anything…” Alexios stated and looked to the god of death as the rest of his injuries were patched up. “What about the man? You haven’t said what happened on your lead.” He pointed out curiously. Than did say that there had been improvements on the way to a cure, but that didn’t answer what happened to the one that had spread the poisoned fish around.

“I’ll be fine thanks to your excellent medical care.” He said with a lopsided smile to Thanatos. “Even though the circumstances weren’t idea, you’ve been good company… Maybe next time you’re around Atlantis and not too busy I could show you around?” Alexios asked hesitantly.

     “If no one can tell Scylla what to do then it’s safe to assume she was working alone, for now.” That was one load off his mind. “As for the man, I found him torn up by wild animals outside of the main city. The search through the harbour led to many dead ends. No one recognised him, let alone knew who his wife was. If there was someone else behind this, they could’ve gotten to him to cover their tracks, but for the most part it did seem like an accident.” 

     “The only thing left would be to get any of Scylla’s spikes we find to the apothecary. I’ll save one to bring to the Underworld, to see if it can help the Shades down there.”

     “That praise is much too high,” Than said good-naturedly, as he kept Alex’s medicine box, “You’re an easy patient to tend to.” For that, he was grateful. At Alex’s request, the reaper frowned slightly. “I’m afraid my eyes don’t do too well in daylight.” He reached for the warrior’s armour, setting it out on the table to analyse it carefully. “But if you don’t mind showing me around once the sun is on the horizon, I would welcome that.” 

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

“It was, Sparta worships Ares and they thirst for battle. I was a great fighter but I didn’t enjoy it like them… Though I do miss the friends I left behind.” He said and sighed in relief when his leg was finished tending to. Alexios shifted in his seat for Thanatos to have better access to his arm. Golden eyes watched him clean out the gashes that the toxic spines made, staying still so not to injure himself further.

“Hm… Having me made her unfertile, my birth had been complicated… I guess it was Poseidon’s way of making sure no one could have her except him. Bastard. It sickens me the way he and Zeus force themselves on mortal women and then the women are punished.” The atlantian said with distain. If he was strong enough to face his father he would do so with all his might to get justice for his mother.

He looked to Than who voiced his concern about the wound on his arm. Alexios looked down at himself and flexed his hand, carefully making a fist and rolling his wrist to make sure he had proper movement. Then when moving his whole arm he noticed it wasn’t in the right place. “Just need to pop it back into it’s socket.” Alexios stated and with Than’s assistance was able to relocate his arm and shoulder back in it’s proper place with a snap. “Ah, that’s better- oh, fuck. ngh, there’s the pain…” He groaned and hung his head as the numbness quickly went away and his brain was just now registering the pain of the wound and being stitched up.

     “Nothing halting you from visiting them when the time is right,” the reaper offered. Perhaps when things had finally quietened down for Alexios.

     “It was cruel indeed for him to mark her that way,” he said of Poseidon as he shook his head. “The Olympian gods have possessive and vengeful streaks.” There was nothing but disgust and distaste on the reaper’s features when he thought of them. “But... for what it’s worth – your mother is very happy to have you with her. Even if the circumstances surrounding your birth have not been ideal, she treasures you greatly. The way her eyes lit up at the mention of you spoke volumes.” Alexios returning to his mother truly had made her life complete. 

     Than lodged Alex’s shoulder back into its socket, inhaling sharply at the sound. It couldn’t have been pleasant for the man. He picked up the bottle of alcohol he’d used to disinfect the wounds and handed it to Alex. “I believe it is gin of some kind. Drink.” 

     To distract Alexios, Than turned their conversation back to the matter at hand. “Do you think someone could’ve put Scylla up to it?” If Scylla was the end of the matter and the husband had been found, in truth they could put the matter to rest. The reaper hoped that there wasn’t anything even more sinister to it. “But... either way, you should get some rest after this.” He tended to the rest of the wounds peppered across Alex’s arm and when he was finally satisfied that he’d gotten to everything, began cleaning up. “I’ll check your armour while you sleep and bring what I can of Scylla’s spines to the apothecary. Hopefully I can bring you good news soon.”

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

Alexios dried his dreds with the towel as the god in disguise went through the med kit to prepare to treat his battle wounds. At the comment of him being fearless he chuckled. “My life has been full of battles. I actually was separated from my mother as a child, I grew up in Sparta and was a Mistios for a long time. Thats a warrior for hire, I was hired by citizens to deal with threats and armies to be their champion in battle. I wasn’t until a few years ago that I found a way back here to reunite with my mother and found out who my actual father was.” He explained while his leg was being treated first, only wincing when the alcohol was poured over the bite would to flush out any possible infection that could do more damage to his body.

The atlantian gripped the arm of the chair while the salve was applied but that was the extent of the discomfort to the treatment. “There might be a spine stuck to my armor but I can’t say for sure if theres any remains in my arm. It actually went numb by the time I resurfaced from the sea…” That probably wasn’t a good sign but Alexios didn’t seem all that worried at all. Truthfully he never cared about his own safety and had been quite reckless all his life. Before even knowing he was part god he knew he was always alright in the end no matter the injury.

     “It sounds like you had a rough upbringing,” the reaper sympathised. Being separated from one’s mother was never easy, especially at so young an age. “But still... you turned out well,” he praised.

     “You grew up in Sparta? That must’ve been where you learned to fight so well.” He was amazed at how well the demi-god dealt with the pain. With Alex’s leg now tended to, the reaper turned his attention to his arms, going for the one closer to him first. Than was meticulous in his removal of the grime, carefully unearthing each cut from under the blood. After a while, he reached for the needle and thread in the medicine kit.

     “Your mother must’ve been happy to have you back. She... didn’t seem to remarry or have any other children after you.” While he spoke, Than held Alex’s arm firmly and deftly stitched up a particularly deep laceration on his lower arm.  

     “I’ll survey your armour while you rest, then.” It was probably a good thing that the spine could be lodged in the demi-god’s defences rather than his actual form. “Your arm worries me, however,” the god voiced as he moved to assess Alex’s limb. Was it dislocated? 

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

It was just a few moments of waiting when he heard the door open and heard the familiar voice of death. Though looking up to him he was surprised in the change of appearance. Alexios liked how Than normally looked but the looked just as handsome this way.

“I don’t have many friends, you must’ve been very convincing.” Alexios said as he pushed himself to his feet. The good news  made his mood brighten significantly. “Really? That is the best news I’ve gotten in a long time, I’d hug you but I’m a mess.” The atlantian said with amusement as he gestured to himself that was soaking wet with seawater and blood.

“Thank you, and yes I did find Scylla,” They headed inside and Alexios propped his trident in the corner and unstrapped his leather and iron chest plate. His tan skin had more than a few pale scars from past battles, he didn’t have the luxury of the other god of healing perfectly when wounded.  He went to the washroom to grab the box with the medical supplies and a towel to attempt to dry himself off with. “There’s not much to tell on my part. Scylla wasn’t in a talking mood when I found her so I couldn’t find out how or why she was here.” Alexios said as he sat down on the wooden dining room chair he pulled over. “But I can guarantee she’ll never come here again. I decapitated one of her wolf-limbs that make up the lower half of her body and dumped in Poseidon’s throne chamber right at his feet. The look of anger and disgust on his face at the way I barged in was priceless!”

     “Well, your mother was more than willing to accept that I was one of the many you’ve helped on your travels who wanted to pay just a bit of that kindness back by checking on her,” he reasoned with a smile. Death Incarnate laughed at Alex’s jest. “Please... the last thing your mother needs is to wake up to two men covered in blood in her living room.”

     Than took the medical supply box from Alex, opening it up to carefully rifle through its contents for what he’d need to dress the demi-god’s wounds before he moved to the man’s kitchen and sought out the most potent alcohol he could find. “That was rather fearless of you. She does not seem the type prone to reason, and still you chose to confront her in her own domain.” It was truly saddening that Lord Poseidon looked down upon his son’s efforts. Alexios had the well-being of Atlantis as his top priority and cared immensely for its people. 

     “I’m going to deal with this gash on your leg first, and then I’m going to examine these scratches,” Than explained, “And I hate to say this but I hope you still have one of her spines lodged in your arm or something to that extent. It might aid the apothecary in finding a cure.”

     The reaper drew another chair to sit perpendicular to Alex’s leg and began carefully inspecting the gnarly bite wound Scylla had left on his thigh. “This will sting,” he warned tersely before dousing the wound in alcohol and swiftly cleaning it out. “It will drain better and heal faster without stitching.” Than followed up by applying a salve and covering the wound with dressing. “But I can’t say the same about your arms.”

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

When Thanatos made the connection the atlantian nodded. “Barely, one would say she’s less a part of the family than I. She along with her sister Charybdis have both been exiled by Poseidon. They do cause trouble for mortals, but usually just the same things to expect when out in the open ocean. What happened here was personal to upset Poseidon.” Alexios explained, he was sure that Scylla wouldn’t put this kind of effort into tormenting humans when there was no benefit. The sea monster preferred the deep see anyway and only really came up to the surface for a meal.

“Lets meet back at my mother’s home. If you get there before me would you check in on her? I’d appreciate it, Than.” Alexios asked, worry still on his mind about the person most dear to his heart.

Grabbing his trident from his holster he dove off the other side of the pier and rapidly swam to the dark depths. He went father than any human could dive, Alexios could withstand the crushing pressure of the ocean and could absorb oxygen through his skin so he could be submerged for as long as he needed.

He had to dive to the sea floor and found Scylla holed up in a cave. There was plenty of dead sea creatures, but not poisoned ones these were remains of what her limbs were devouring. There was no conversation shared, as soon as Alexios swam within range Scylla attacked. She might be a lesser god, even once like the olympians but now she was just a spiteful beast. With those wolf headed limbs of hers it was like Alexios was outnumbered. But the he had the power of the sea and the strength of Poseidon to defeat Scylla and drive her away.

But Alexios fought fiercely, fueled with the pain that had been inflicted on his people and claimed so many lives. Scylla escaped but left a cloud of blood in the water behind her as the atlantian had severed one of her main wolf-headed limbs. He had taken a beating in the process, his right thigh having suffered a nasty bite wound and some gashes over his arms where sharp spines had scratched him. He swam back to the surface dragging the head he had claimed and made his way to the center of the city where Poseidon’s palace was. Alexios kicked in the doors and made his way to the throne room where his father was not pleased at all with the unseemly entrance and the literal bloody mess that was made. 

“I dealt with the source of the plague that was Scylla’s doing. You’re welcome.” Alexios said bitterly as he tossed the scalely serpent looking wolf-head at Poseidon’s feet and left the way he came in as he knew he wouldn’t receive any thanks. The atlantian returned home, exhausted and warry from battle. But he didn’t go inside, he didn’t want his mother to see how roughed up he was and so sat down just outside the door. If Thanatos was already there he was sure the god of death had sensed his approach.

     “I suppose the Olympian and Chthonic gods aren’t as different as I’d come to understand. One of the Furies herself, Alecto, has been banned from the House due to the chaos she likes to wreak, especially on the Shades of mortals. It’s put her and her sisters at loggerheads.” Hearing about Scylla was both tragic yet understandable now. 

     “Of course, I’ll keep an eye on her,” he promised. Then, before he could ask Alexios to consider bringing back-up of some sort, the demi-god had grabbed his trident and plunged into the water. 

     Than went on with the rest of his investigation which led to a number of dead ends, the saddest of which was finding the husband torn about by wild creatures on the outskirts of Atlantis. There was a silver lining however, and it came in the form of the beginnings of a cure. An apothecary had begun analysing the disease and distilled it somehow into a cure. It was no where near perfect and didn’t work all the time, but at the very least it didn’t have bad side effects and was a start.

     As Alexios returned, Thanatos emerged from his house, decked in his usual black chiton sans the accessories and his scythe. His hair was black instead of silver, and his usually golden eyes were a crystalline purple instead; for all intents and purposes, he looked completely human.

     “She’s alright,” he reassured as he closed the door quietly behind him. “I came and checked on her and told her I was one of your friends.” The kind lady was wary at first, but later relaxed the more Than spoke to her. She had a warmth about her that Than was rather taken by. “One of the apothecaries has begun finding a cure. It will ease her pain and help her to sleep. It has limited effectiveness for now but... it’s a start. I gave her some just now.” 

     He frowned at the state Alexios was in. “I take it you found Scylla.” The demi-god looked incredibly roughed up, and were he human, Than was sure he’d have already bled out. “Come on. She’s sleeping so she won’t see you. Let me dress your wounds while we fill each other in,” he said as he offered Alex his arm.

[death-approaches]

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Alexios watched as Than levitated over the pier to take a look at the barnacle  covered pillars to take a closer look. He leaned against the railing and arched a brow when explained just what the god of death was seeing. “Maybe they’re being forced to do this? Would explain why the man was so distraught over his wife but had to leave her body behind…”

He reached for the quarts that looked rather ordinary  but when he peered through it he could see the traces of death and decay. “Woah! This is what you see?” Alexios looked around through the quartz and he could see the trails of the dying people left behind, each having a color unique to them, like their auras left a trail of mist. “I didn’t think something as grim as death could leave anything beautiful…”

Snapping out of his distraction he knelt down and had a closer look to what was pointed out. “Ugh, I think I know what the problem is. Scylla, she’s a sea monster my half-brother Triton fathered. She’s one of the few that can come and go through the sea but she isn’t supposed to be here because she loved hurting the humans. I’m surprised no one has been eaten, she has these long appendages with wolf-like heads that devour everything.” Alexios explained and handed the crystal back to Thanatos. “I’m going to have to go for a swim and dive down to find where she’s hiding. I can drive her out of Atlantis waters while you follow the man’s trail up here.” 

     “So he’s been compelled in someway... either blackmailed or... poisoned, or under a spell, perhaps.” It made sense. He’d seemed so distraught over his wife that it had to be something truly strong to pull him from the cave so abruptly after her passing.

     “It is,” Than offered with a soft smile, amazed at how well Alexios was taking to it. Death was always easier to bear when its marks could be forgotten; to be able to see them all the time could be seen as a curse. 

     “So she’s your... nephew,” Thanatos winced slightly at the implication. This could undoubtedly be another tangle of complicated relations the Olympians had. “She sounds like a dangerous lady indeed,” the reaper voiced as he scanned the area for other marks. There were more than the usual mortal area. “Pardon me for saying this, Alex, but... if you drove her out to the other mortals, would she just continue her havoc on them? I cannot fathom this disease reaching the greater population.” There were more souls outside of Atlantis than within, and they’d certainly be wiped out a lot faster.

     Nonetheless, the reaper had a task now himself, and the matters of Alex’s family were not his to pry into. “I’ll see what I can find of the man up here. Where shall we regroup?” 

[death-approaches]

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He looked to the portal and Thanatos and nodded. He’d used portals before, something similar atleast when traveling in the sea, so he was sure that he’d be fine. Alexios went back into the house to check on his mother and let her know he had more work to do to try and do something about this plague. He didn’t share the information that this crisis was intentional and possibly influenced by someone not mortal. He didn’t want her to worry on what were possibly her last few days. 

The atlantian didn’t take too long with his goodbye, making sure that his mother had some fresh water and bread within reach in case she needed it while he was gone. Kissing her forehead goodbye he grabbed his trident to holster to his back on his way out, he wanted to be prepared for whatever he and Than found at the end of the trail. Alexios stepped through the portal and emerged from the other side that was in the harbor. It had been a bit disorienting but he was able to stable himself quickly.

“I see you already found the last area this stranger was seen.” Alexios said as he stepped up beside the god of death, unable to see what Than could see. “I was thinking, well- rather hoping, that this isn’t because of any of the gods on Olympus. If any of them were angry with Poseidon that they wouldn’t punish the humans of Atlantis and just confront him directly… Maybe this man is really a lesser god like a Satyr who is disguised as a man to blend in.”

     The reaper waited patiently on the other side of the portal as Alexios said his goodbyes to his mother. In truth, it was not wise to leave the lady alone in her state, so the faster they could get to the bottom of this unsavoury business, the faster her son could return to her. 

     A purple smudge on one of the columns of the half submerged piers caught Than’s eye, almost blending in with the deep grey and brown hues of the harbour. “A Satyr is more than possible at this point,” Thanatos agreed as he floated right off the pier and then descended to have a closer look at the mark. “Though I cannot help but wonder what Satyr would risk the ire of the gods by toying with mortals like this.” Was Atlantis merely an experiment then, for a chaos to be wrought on the whole world? Than shuddered to think of it.

     “I can see traces of death, of decay,” the reaper said as he came to eye level with the mark. “Comes with the job.” Reaching into his robes, he produced a purple quartz, clear and the size of his palm, and handed it to Alexios. “Try to look through this... You can see that the mark isn’t human. Some kind of appendage was used to hold onto this column. A tail of sorts? I’m not sure if there are more.”

     The reaper sighed softly. “Whatever made this, it reeks of decay.”

[death-approaches]

neko-mun-rp​:

Alexios didn’t fear death for himself, he was fairly sure he couldn’t die being the son of a god. If he was ever to be slain he’d just end up in the Underworld, not as a shade but just climb out of the river of blood into the House of Hades as Zagerus does in his failed attempts trying to leave. But that wasn’t something Alexios was concerned about.

Thanatos’ promise was comforting, the gods weren’t really known to be sympathetic but Than was definitely different. Maybe it was because he spent alot of time around humans to observe their lives and emotions, or maybe he understood the atlantian’s love for his mother as he did with Nyx. Whatever the reason for his agreement it made Alexios feel better. With the hand placed on his shoulder he reached up to place his own over Than’s and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Thank you. I know she’ll be in the best hands with you.” 

Releasing the god’s hand he took a deep breath to gather himself. They had to find this stranger. “I found out that he had been using a fishing boat and then giving away his catch to the other fishermen, that’s how he spread out the poisoned fish to so many. I tried talking to those who had seen him, but they haven’t seen him since I put extra security at the harbor.”

     Thanatos was glad he could offer what little comfort he could by reassuring Alexios that he would come for his mother himself, when the time drew near. Better him than his sisters, the Keres, who came for those who passed of violent deaths. He gave Alex a rare, small smile and a nod.

     “Back to the harbour, then. There are... other clues we can trace,” the reaper said cryptically before a portal opened before them with a mix of black and purple swirls. Than stepped forward and then paused. “This will be disorienting at first, but you will get used to it,” he threw over his shoulder before stepping through. “Do not rush your goodbye.” The doorway would remain open as long as Alexios needed it to be so he would have time to say his farewell to his mother. Perhaps the next time he returned, it would be with the cure.

     Thanatos waited on the other side of the portal, having had it emerge right into the heart of the harbour. None could see or touch him, so he wasn’t afraid of being discovered. But just as they couldn’t see the reaper, they could not see the trail he was tracking.