THE PAINFUL WAY

𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘴

[sangreprince]

Private & Selective Zagreus | Penned by Em | Carrd.

Crossover Friendly | Main Verses: D&D, League of Legends, God of War, Comic Books, The Witcher | See rules & about.

[soppsop]

hades

[sangreprince]

[timebattle-a]

Now   that   was   an   unexpected   albeit   welcome   surprise.   Hearing   and   seeing   Zagreus   here   in   Niflgaard   was   something..   well,   something   she   deemed   impossible.   However,   little   time   was   left   to   display   or   voice   her   concerns   and   happiness   to   see   her   old   friend   once   more.

Hearing   his   words,   she   couldn't   help   but   grin   —   a   welcome   reminder   of   how   they   used   to   fight   side   by   side   in   Tartarus.   "   You're   slackin',   Zag!   "   Loudly   jesting   him,   though   she   did   seem   to   notice   some   kind   of..   difference   compared   to   how   he   used   to   fight   before.   Was   he   holding   back?   That   seemed   unlike   him,   but   perhaps   it   was   his   way   to   show   off   his   new-found   strength   later   on?

There   was   no   holding   back   when   it   came   to   fighting   at   his   side.   Alongside   him,   she   counted   her   kills   out   loud.   Pushed   herself   to   the   utmost,   warping   in   and   out   ;   popping   up   behind   enemies   before   they   knew   what   was   happening,   striking   from   the   back   before   blinking   to   another.   Rinse   and   repeat.

Her   back   rested   against   the   bark   of   a   tree,   panting   and   laughing   along   with   him.   An   arm   rose,   wiping   the   sweat   from   her   forehead   with   the   sleeve   of   her   tunic.   It   had   been   a   while   since   she   last   pushed   herself   like   she   had   now.

"   Odd,   I   haven't   heard   a   thing   about   you   ",   she   managed   to   bring   out   while   catching   her   breath.   It   was   a   jest,   ofcourse.   She   knew   it   was   impossible,   unless   she   somehow   managed   to   find   her   way   back   to   Tartarus.   She   had   attempted   once   or   twice   soon   after   she   left,   though   with   no   success.

Hearing   the   mention   of   'family'   coming   from   him   surprised   her;   he   never   mentioned   them   before.   Didn't   think   he'd   had   any.   Were   they   also   in   Tartarus?   Making   a   mental   note   to   question   her   friend   about   this   later,   she   had   a   more   pressing   question   to   answer:

"   What   are   you   doing   here,   Zag?   Thought   you   told   me   it   was   near   impossible   for   you   to   be   here.   Not   that   I'm   complaining,   ofcourse.   "   Last   sentence   said   with   a   bright   smirk.

[sangreprince]

❝ Well the long and short of it is because grandfather decided to throw me into stasis for an indeterminate amount of time. Likely because I'd be a constant thorn in his side for the rest time which is ironic in its own sense. ❞ He settles down, back also resting against the tree as his hand attempted to straighten ever-uncooperative hair. Failing, as per usual. A frustrated sigh leaving his lips, casting those mismatched hues towards her own. ❝ Oh-haha. And to be fair, if you were hearing about me that means I'm not doing my job. You know, on account of making sure nobody's able to escape the Underworld and all that. ❞

He raises a brow towards Ciri, catching on after a moment.❝ The surface, you mean? Well yes and no. Little baby sister helped me with that part. Finding out where exactly you went was the hard part. I er.. Called in a favor, for that one. ❞  A silent, unspoken thanks being given to Master Chaos in the depths of his mind. In that moment he gathered his breath, a tad labored. His distance from the Underworld placing a strain upon his ability. Even still, it was more than most mortal men could dream of.

❝ As for what I'm doing; I'm genuinely here for a laugh, mate. I was hoping you'd join me for it. Besides you still have yet to teach me that card game you went on and on about. ❞

[avatarwithin]

As she feels her smile verge upon a cringe, she can but wonder why she can't just reign it in. It's only Zagreus! And he's nowhere near as flustered as she is. If only people knew that their Avatar gets all shaky in her boots because of something as simple as hanging out with her boyfriend.

Well, they'd probably be happy that he's nice, and handles the situation much better than her. The kiss says what he needn't, but does anyway. Parting from him, things shift a little closer to how they left them a few weeks back -- with her beginning to feel silly in proportion. Like a spasiklas, as he puts it.

" Oh I'm -- I'm not worried, I just ... " and she catches herself raising defenses where none are needed. Her fingers fidget between his, settle hesitantly. " Or, well, maybe a little. You know it's ... been a while, and this is still new. I guess I was a little nervous to see if anything had changed since few weeks back. But you've only been nice and I'm just -- being all jumpy about it. "

It's easy to talk to him, as usual, and word by word she finds herself more unburdened. " I guess I just ... need some time to settle into this whole girlfriend thing again. " Then, a smile. It's a nice thing to settle into, as much trouble as her nerves are giving her.

Thinking little of it, she leans in to rest her head against the crook of her partner's collar, instinctively chasing the closeness, the antidote it might provide to her reservations. Warmth, to melt away the weeks spent apart at their respective duties. She knows just which way to shift to find her favorite angle, knows the scent of his clothes before smelling them. Everything is as it has been, and all she has to do now is enjoy it. Can't be harder than maintaining the balance of the world, right?

The serene moment is left short-lived however, as excitement bubbles up with her partner's suggestion, and she rises to face him. " Let's do it! We can get a head start that way. Not to speak of being unbothered -- I guess people do really like to approach me... " She pauses then, slowing down to gather her next words with care. " I'm ... really glad we're going, Zag. I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss you these past weeks. Or look forward to this trip. "

As she looks at him then, it's all she can think. Besides admiring him, of course, his features drawn in nothing short of the fiery, tender spirit within. It will always steal a bit of her breath away, won't it? Without even noticing, she's drifted close enough that when she finally leans in, little distance remains to cross. Words alone can never quite express what she thinks, but maybe this is a start.

A shared look with him in the aftermath is enough to bring the red back on her cheeks, but this time she won't let it deter her. She shifts closer to him, legs touching. Hers are growing rather restless, with adventure looming so close by. " Soo ... should we get going? If you're hungry, we could stop somewhere for a bite before we start the hike. "

[sangreprince]

❝ I'm not in a rush. Well. That is to say I'm not hurrying to get anywhere with particular haste. As for hunger, I'm always hungry. ❞ She is just as restless as the Prince, Zagreus noticing as much in her subtle motions. Such actions evoke a smile upon the lips of the god, and he finds her grasp in his once more. Despite the eons, each and every moment shared with the Avatar is one which seems to last twice the eternity he has already reigned. Allowing her to speak was a simple affair, and he did so gladly. When she had brought her gaze to meet his own, he brought his hands to cup her face. A teasing gesture of juvenile playfulness that was below the Prince, and yet—

❝ Korra, I've waited my entire impossibly-long-thanks-to-godhood life to meet you. Or rather, somebody like you. Who never fails to make me happy without so much as a word being said from your behalf. Look. ❞ Her gaze takes the words from his throat, and the smoldering chthonic fire of his heart melts further as she met his eyes. Yet still the ever-flapping gums of Zagreus blither on. ❝ If it's two weeks, two years, or two centuries... You'll find me on the shore waiting as if you had left yesterday. You are... ❞ Everything. It is plain enough without being said. His heart skips under her touch, viewing the woman in-front of him as the Avatar of more than the elements. She was able to bend his heart, his breath and his touch without difficulty. But yet, to describe such a feeling was beyond the Prince. And so he simply puts a hand on her cheek, then brings their lips together for a moment longer. An attempt to hide the growing flush of mortal blood that filled his cheeks. Turning away as if to hide the growing expression of fondness and conceal his embarrassment. 

❝ Right, er. Food. I completely forgot what I was going to say. Maybe something we could get on the road? Apologies I'm completely lost in an uncharacteristically heterosexual moment. ❞

[sangreprince]

Been vibing on my multi! Zag's muse is a lil quiet after writing him for a few months straight, so catch me over there! Note, the blog here isn't dead. Just need some time on other blorbos !

[sangreprince]

I was gonna respond to those asks, but stuff just came up and I'm gonna take the night off. Going to try and respond tomorrow, but I'll be lurking on disc.ord. Feel free to add me there folks!

[avatarwithin]

The comment which the Prince weaves in -- or rather, interjects -- gets a snicker out of the Avatar, coming out strangely shy for such a sound. It plants the seed for a fluster that blossoms soon after, when she is kissed by him in the same fashion. Sure enough, she wanted to retort, but his kiss jumbles whatever she'd wanted to say, and all of it is forgotten when he then speaks. The way she looks at him now is much softer. Still very much flushed, if not flustered. She chuckles, tucking away a strand of her hair. " I ... suppose you do. "

She's never been good at expressing herself in words, unlike Zagreus. Now, she finds that nothing will speak for her better than searching for his hand to intertwine with hers. " That reminds me, uh. Where do you want to ... sleep tonight? " She tries to sound casual while saying it, but can't, heart thumping and fingers curling against his. Immediately, she wishes she'd chosen different words, ones that suggested less.

" I-I mean where we're staying! But also sleeping, but it doesn't have to be that way, even though it's ... probably part of it? But it doesn't have to be. " Whether the ramble makes anything better is incredibly questionable. The two of them are something like lovers or partners now, which is amazing, but the piece of herself that always believed she'll be able to handle whatever comes her way is still a little wayward. Romance feels dangerous, fragile, like an element she can't bend. Not nearly as well as she once thought, anyway.

She also isn't one for elaborate plans. Where to rest is one among the details that just figure themselves out, usually. Out of the two of them, Zagreus seems to possess more creativity and opinions regarding the matter. Their options seem clear enough to her, nonetheless : either staying in town or starting off and camping somewhere. It won't be ... their flat in Republic City, but she's excited for the adventure. Less so for the duty that has tied her to these parts as of late.

[sangreprince]

❝ Uhm.. with you, I suppose? ❞ He takes a moment to pause, attempting to read her expressions. His face shifts to one of contentment and ease, her hand finding his a tender grip. She stumbles and trips over herself, a tell she was a bit flustered. It endears to him. ❝ Anywhere in the shade is preferable. ❞ Zagreus was not the best with the bright light.  He preferred the dim shade and shadows to open sunlight, more sensitive to it than most. And yet he would gladly endure it at her side. As she attempts to un-fluster herself by elaborating further upon her remark, his body shifts its weight and his hand lightly brings hers to his lips for a small kiss.

❝ Spasiklas.. ( Dork ) Korra, you don't have to worry so much. I'm not terribly picky, you know that. ❞ He's like a contrast, perfectly comfortable with her. His words leave him tenderly, as if delicately aware of that fragile feeling and handling it with care. What charisma he has is given with all his sincerity, unable to fake that which folows or not naturally. But he weighs on her question. He tilts his head to the side, as if inviting her own to lean on the space between his shoulder and neck: But not consciously. The Prince could not conjure such ideas of romantic gesture on such a whim, not smoothly.

❝ A valley may be nice. Something off the beaten path a bit. Maybe to the east, up the mountain a bit? Somewhere where we can be reasonably alone without causing a fuss. I'd much prefer somewhere people aren't going to be approaching you to sign things. ❞

[nukednick]

this 1000 year old meme was when i peaked

[hehearse]

again

[Image ID: A digital drawing of Zagreus from Supergiant’s game Hades. His silhouette is dark against decorated grey walls and bright red blood, his expression unclear, hidden by both his hair and the falling blood. He is going uphill, supporting himself with his sword, waist deep in the river of blood. Blood is spilling down from above, dripping from his shoulders and skull pauldrons. End ID.]

[sangreprince]

Hey fellas, I know a lot of people are going through a tough time. I'm sure you've heard about it on the news, but the fires in LA are pretty bad right now. Now granted, it's not all of LA but it is still pretty bad for these communities. There's a lot of misinformation out there atm, so I wanted to put forwards some links where people can donate if they're so inclined. It's a big scary world out there, but it's our big scary world we gotta share. If you got the spare dosh and can donate, here are some links I personally recommend. This post is okay to reblog!

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

California Fire Foundation

[sangreprince]

I think... that's most of my threads replied to! If I'm missing something, let me know! But that said, I'm in a BIG plotting mood so please give this post a like or something if you'd like to get the ball rolling!

[untoldwithin]

the huff of air from the huntress' nostrils is almost as sharp as her arrows. does he mention achilles on purpose? what a low blow to attempt to tease her when she's only being responsible! the huntress dearly hopes that the warmth upon her cheeks is irritation and nothing else. " at least someone down there is trying to keep you out of trouble. it's no easy task, you know. "

zagreus can have his little jab back at her, as long as he keeps walking towards the pit! the fiery little menace ... does he know how convenient it had been to find a mound of mud like this? they don't exactly sprout like mushrooms in fall.

stupid, artemis hears, and her eyes roll again, like the moon itself across the night, but not without the inkling of a smile. oh, she knows the feeling, she'll give him that. sometimes soaking in the mud isn't the first of one's fancies, but when it comes to it, it's absolutely necessary. the hunter must do all she can to remain the hunter.

her features might've been rather grumpy a moment ago, but now they've phased into something appreciative. as the prince descends into the mud, her shoulders finally round with relief. then, as a zagreus-shaped figure momentarily rises from the pit, the usually taciturn huntress breaks into a rare smile. " well done, cousin. " she'll give him the praise where it's due! maybe that'll make him more malleable to the idea next time.

as the prince makes his way to her, with his fresh protective coat, the first thing the huntress notes is the clearer air. would you know it, the stench is gone! she watches him wipe off some excess mud. a rather generous pit, that one. and he did a good job covering up thoroughly, as one should. oh, zagreus. she had longed to hunt with him like this for countless moons, to show him the woods and teach him her methods. it is a greater joy than she could ever have imagined, to have a baby cousin like him.

her hand reaches out to his mud-covered shoulder, to lay there with pride and fondness. " it shall never be said, " she repeats, looking candidly at her brave baby cousin. his shoulder is given a squeeze and a pat, hoping to convey her appreciation. " never let it be said either, that we turned into someone's prey because of carelessness. "

as sweet as the moment is, more can't be spared yet. the huntress is already thinking ahead. " say, zagreus, are you content with tonight's haul? slashed enough satyrs in half? you are welcome in my grove, you know. " hunting with him has been great, but worrying over him distresses her more than she thought. it is distracting, in fact. " and-- and don't you think of returning down there soon, or i'll come hunt you myself. "

[sangreprince]

❝ Well knowing you Artemis, I'll wager you're not actually asking. ❞ He places a muddy hand on her shoulder in turn, a glance that almost issues challenge being shot her way alongside a smile. He knows she means well. But every now and then, he kept her in check. Their family had a reputation for being firm, at times excessively so. And Zagreus made an active effort to make Artemis aware of this where and when possible. In a way, he had escaped that trait. For all his flaws, pride was not among them.

But as they walked along, he looked at her no less fondly. She was family, and his love was unconditional. He did not hang on the balance of select words, or constant praise. The Huntress needed only be herself, and this was enough for her cousin. Even if she chastised him, he did not allow their friction to fester into bitterness. When eventually he spoke, he chose the tone of his words carefully.

Despite the fact she could read him like a book, cover to cover, he still tried to make an effort. Zagreus always cared to be polite, even if his current state of muddied form was less than his first choice of appearance.

❝ Artemis, if I may make an observation: I know you have your nymphs and Callisto.. But you seem lonely out here, by yourself. ❞ He breaks up the comment with a glance towards her, studying her expression. Adjusting his tone to be gentle. Oh, how he expressed his affection in even the smallest acts of consideration. ❝ I'll be the first to admit you're different than the rest of our family... Different in a way that makes it hard to connect with the rest of Olympus. I only say that because I notice you and I well. We spend time together. In a way that you don't necessarily care to do with anyone else in our family. I suppose I was wondering why that is, if I'm not prying. ❞

[lunian]

saw this meme once again and thought about my lovely olympians

Keep reading

[sangreprince]

Should I make a multi, and should I move Zagreus to it?

Yes, make the multi!

As long as you still write him, yes.

No, I prefer the solo blog.

No, you can't handle the multiussy.

Voting ended onJan 13, 2025

[sangreprince]

WIFE / HUSBAND APPLICATION:

Name: you know his name !!

Age: old.

How well do we know each other?: too well, probably.

Do you have a pet name for me?: z...zag... pookie ...?? how about just zag.

Do I have a pet name for you?: gods i hope not.

Are you attracted to me?: yes 😤

Why do you want to marry me?: because we would probably insult your aunt if we didn't.

Big wedding or Small wedding?: do we have to have one at all .... ?

Do you see children in our future?: no 🙅‍♀️ nieces and nephews are like children you can return anyway.

WIFE / HUSBAND APPLICATION: No longer accepting!

❝ ... Are you proposing, Than? ❞ Flabberghasted, the Prince of Hades does not hear the sounds of his dear cousin and patron of love already making arrangements. She does not wait on his answer.

[sangreprince]

@timebattle | plotted starter

❝ Catch up! ❞ He moves under the night sky as swiftly as the wind itself, Temerian steel poised to strike Ciri from her side ( A simple blow she could have sidestepped regardless ) being tossed aside with a simple strike of shoulder. He weaved through the darkness as if he was night itself, cutting and slashing with a speed that matched own. Torches dropped and ignited the dry brush, spreading the light of cinders.

But something was different here. He moved faster, and struck with force that humans simply weren't capable of and yet he was.. Weaker. Impaired, though no less persistent. The last time they battled together, he could match pace with the Witcheress without so much as breaking a sweat. Now it was different. In truth, the distance from his realm weakened him. He was a prince of Blood and Darkness, not the living.

And yet stubbornly he remained, turning a fight she could have handled alone into a game. He counted his takedowns out loud, raced her to targets, vanishing in and out of shadow as if the darkness as if wearing darkness like a cloak. When the last fell, he tripped over himself and caught his balance on a fence. Laughing.

A hand runs through dark brown hair, parting the troublesome locks out of his eyes. A grin plastered upon his expression. ❝ I heard you've been keeping quite busy, Ciri. I wanted to congratulate you earlier, but er. Family kept me occupied. ❞