Life is hard, that's why no one survives (half-closed)

[dodgeouttahell]

WHO: Zagreus et al.
WHERE: wherever, whenever
WHEN: Dec and perhaps January
WHAT: Catchall and closed starters for people. Pls find my plotting comment here or throw me a wildcard if any of the prompts work.
WARNINGS: TBU

Comments

[dodgeouttahell]

I'm not sure.

[Though, as they cross the hall into… another hall, and one with big statues looming in between the columns of gods and goddesses staring unrelentingly as if into their souls, Zag's feet stop.

And he makes a face.] You don't think they want to be my soulmate, do you?

[Whatever happened to asking?]

[salvageable]

[ OKAY, now this is too hard to not notice. Dokja's eyes go wide at the looming statues surrounding them, and he's only half-paying attention to Zagreus while he inspects the nearest column. ]

I'd be more worried about them breaking or taking them.

[ He sounds as distracted as he looks, gaze lingering over the statues for a moment before turning back to Zagreus. ]

Hey, where did you say you were from again?

[ "Again" like they ever discussed this in the first place. ]

[dodgeouttahell]

[It takes a second, but Zagreus's face falls. As though he's gotten brand new information, which—]

Can they do that?

[Well, it is. It had always felt that those objects had some anchor to them in the room, like a force that couldn't dislodge them.

Why he assumed that this place wouldn't find a way to change that, one way or another, is a serious oversight on his part. He walks a bit faster, although he's mindful not to dash out of Dokja's sight.

Looking over his shoulder at him, he actually tries to remember when he had told him where he came from. He doesn't think it came up when he was almost hacking off a lung.

But still, he's always ready for the backlash, so he sends Dokja a somewhat rueful smile.] Hades. I'm the God of the Dead's son.

[salvageable]

[ Taking note of the faster pace being set, Dokja keeps up without complaint. There's a newfound urgency in the air, and while these aren't his Tethers on the line, it's not like he wants to see harm come to Zagreus.

And then, the reveal. There's a stutter to his step, and Dokja nearly trips at what he hears. He's barely aware that he's recovered, that he's still automatically following after Zagreus while his thoughts race to process this brand new information.

... Thinking about it, it makes sense. The architecture, the statues... Had Yoo Sangah been here, she would have noticed it right away. ]

Is... is that so...?

[ There's a slight shakiness to his voice, memories going to a place he hadn't wanted to revisit. The instinct to close off as much of himself appears, and Dokja tries not to think about how this makes them brothers.

Different stories. Of course the God of the Dead would be present in other worlds. Dokja hastily changes the subject. ]

Let's hurry. Do you think we're almost there?

[dodgeouttahell]

[God, this guy would be so delighted at the idea of having an almost!brother.

Ah, there it is. Zagreus does nod, though his brow weighs heftier with some slight unsurprising realization. He's used to those Chthonic being feared or shunned by most mortals until they find themselves stepping into the halls of the House.

Then, Hypnos signs them in, and suddenly everything stopped making sense for them, with his sleepy, cheerful disposition as he'd go, sleep mask on his forehead as he tutted over the notebook, "it says here that you fell off a cliff. Well, that's just silly; humans can't fly!"

He smiles sadly.]

I suppose you've heard of it, then. Not many people have.

[They cross another door.

The hall is open on one side, the columns holding out a balcony. On the horizon lies a single, lonely mountain, mist and clouds covering its peak. But Zagreus' gaze focuses on the bright spot of sunshine in the distance, just before the foot of it. He takes a deep breath. It's impossible to get there now.

No. Not impossible. Just never attempted.

He looks at Dokja.] We're almost there.

[They cross the hallway and into.

A bedroom. As messy as a normal bedroom is except.

Who the hell is this guy?]

So, uh, am I interrupting something?