Chapter Text
Mourning
Spring
2015
Astarte frowned as she watched James slouched over in his throne.
Astarte knew what he was going through. She was the goddess of fertility, amongst other things, after all.
James had died saving the one he loved, and because of his love, had defeated and dethroned Neron, the local devil. Unfortunately, the love of his life, Hartley, had taken his own life, just before James could save him.
She knew how dangerous love could be. How it could drive someone insane. Make them do things they wouldn’t dream of doing.
How it could so easily crush someone.
She walked over to the throne quietly, and placed a hand on James’ shoulder.
He weakly shrugged her off, never looking up from the space in front of his feet.
Sighing, Astarte waved her hand and a crystal orb appeared.
Upon seeing this orb being shoved under his nose, James looked up curiously.
“Astarte, I know you’re trying to help, but please… Just… Leave me alone.” James pleaded.
“No.” Astarte argued softly. “You might like this. Hold it.”
James hesitantly and cautiously did as commanded, and stared in shock as the orb clouded up, only to clear a second later, showing a young boy, only around two or three years old.
The boy had bright red hair and freckles galore, and seemed to be bouncing slightly only for a woman to scold him to stay still a second later.
“Astarte…” James asked, watching the boy, trying to place why he looked so familiar. “Who… Who is this?”
The goddess chuckled.
“Hartley Rathaway.” she replied. “Not yours, but from a different dimension. This should… show you other versions of Hartley. With this, you could essentially be his… guardian angel.”
James stared at the toddler version of Hartley, as he felt… hope…
“I…” James began. “Thank you Astarte.” he said, as he stood up and pulled her into a hug, whispering again, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Astarte smiled. “Now, if you do do this, he may be the only one to even know you’re there. And… Please don’t interfere too much. Promise?”
James smiled tiredly.
“Promise.”