24 AD

Hades led Helix up a polished gold staircase to a beautiful door wrought entirely of sapphire. To either side of the arched entrance lay a creature somewhat resembling a dog. If a dog had three heads, was hairless and looked at you with blood red eyes. The god gave one of the monstrous heads an affectionate pat as it snarled.

"Don't mind them. Cerberus snarl at everything." Speaking in a lilting language Helix assumed he wasn't supposed to understand, Hades said, "No eating the guest my sweets. If his haunting souls come calling again do chase them back to the pit."

Following Hades inside Helix realized the entire inside of the fortress was really more of a palace. Everything was either formed of polished gold or precious stones. The foyer was a grand sweeping room with high ceilings and many doors leading off to either side. In the back of the room was an open archway leading into what appeared at a glance to be some kind of throne room.

Hades led him to a door on the left and down a short hall. At the end was the only wooden door Helix had seen in the whole place. Carved from mahogany and depicting fantastical beasts of many kinds all bowing before a sculpture that highly resembled Hades.

The god pushed, the door swinging open with a soft click. "Welcome to your home away from home."

The room was large with a cushioned couch and small table. Through an open back archway, there was a bedroom and to the left, a door left ajar revealed a bathing chamber.

Helix took in the room, "Thank you. I don't intend to stay long."

"No matter." Hades shrugged, "I took the liberty of placing clothes for you in the bedroom. Although, I must admit I find both of your forms highly attractive."

Avoiding Hades entirely to curious stare, Helix thanked him then padded toward the bedroom.

"When you are refreshed and ready to talk, take a left from the hall door. I have some petitions to manage so I will be warming the throne with my ass." With that, the god of hell took his leave.

***

The black material was soft as silk against Helix's human skin. A long-sleeved, fitted shirt with gold brocade at the cuffs and neck. Trousers that he at first scoffed at due to their tight design, but once he was wearing them instantly fell in love. The outfit was completed with supple leather boots and a matching cape with a golden wolf head clasp.

Helix felt ridiculous. He also felt more clean and comfortable then he'd ever felt, short of being naked. Giving his reflection one more glance in the looking glass he turned and went looking for Hades. It did not take long.

As he stepped into the throne room there was a low appreciative whistle. Helix snorted softly at the appraising look Hades was giving him.

"Thank you for the clothes."

"No thank you. You fill them in all the right places." Hades licked his lips, red eyes flickering in approval.

Choosing to ignore the reaction Helix, wasted no time, "I have a request. A couple of them actually."

The provocative flicker of Hades' gaze dimmed slightly. Still, he flashed a grin and nodded. "By all means, do tell?"

"I need passage to the Fate to find Nona."

Hades rolled his eyes, "No."

"No?"

"You need to find Decuma and think Nona will be able to help. You also need an entire army to fight her witches and whatever minions Zeus decides to throw at you." Hades smirked slightly, "And unless I'm mistaken you want answers about the spirits of your father and Eslein's sister who were tormenting you by the gate. Does that about sum it up?

"Oh, and you might or might not want your little wolf minion back that went whimpering across the Sallows?"

Realizing Hades obviously knew more about what was going on then he thought, Helix chose his words carefully, "Yes, although if Marcus is still alive you are welcome to keep him. He'd make a marvelous carpet."

Hades laughed, "He might at that."

"Since you already know why I am here, can you help?"

There was a mischievous glint in the god's eye as he stood, descended the short dais and approached Helix.

"Follow me."

Hades led him through the fortress taking numerous winding turns and stairs up and back down.

"Truth be told I was not expecting you so soon. I had hoped Cinix would give you a bit more training in our ways." Hades waved a hand and flames licked to life in the torches set high above them. They walked down a narrow, echoing passage that seemed to go on forever. "My whisperers tell me you are growing rapidly into your new power."

"I lack the time for more training."

Hades snorted, "You lack the patience young immortal. Time is something you now have in plenty."

"Perhaps. I don't think Zeus and Decuma will wait long to attack though. They will assume the same as you, that I need more time to adjust to all of this."

Helix focused on the smells and sounds around him. It was quiet and the only smell was a sharp, rich, nameless aroma coming from Hades.

"True." Hades turned and stopped. For a moment he stood facing what appeared to be a solid wall. The air thrummed with power as he slid solid crimson eyes, to Helix. "Understand that I will help you. If only because I believe you can send my brother and that whore of a Seer to meet my version of justice. But, there is a promise you must make me first."

The hair on Helix's neck rose, "What kind of promise?"

"I told you before you needed to learn what the ramifications would be if you kill an immortal. If you kill Zeus & Decuma the Pantheon will be in turmoil. It seems as if Nythis will allow you to do as you wish in this matter." 

When he did not continue for a long moment Helix raised an eyebrow, "Okay?"

In a blink, Hades face was inches from Helix's, "Give me your word, should my position here ever be threatened you will return this favor and fight with me?" 

There was something desperate in the god's tone, but also something vicious. Helix took a breath trying to keep straight all the deals and promises he had already made. The thoughts brought Eslein's sisters words to mind. 'You are the one my sister must kill to free me.'

"If I agree to that, will you answer some questions and grant me an extra favor as a show of good faith?" 

Hades grinned, "If you agree I will give you far more than you can even ask for." 

Helix steeled his resolve, knowing in his heart that this plan was fast spiraling out of his control. He extended his hand, "You have my word." 

The air itself seemed to tremble as he spoke. A crackling pressure released through his body as Hades clasped his hand in return. 

"Come see your army your highness and ask your questions." 

The section of wall Hades had stopped them in front of melted down and out creating a balcony above a massive chamber. Helix stepped onto the balcony his eyes widening in awe. Huge pillars carved into the shape of coiling serpents stood from the floor to the glittering gold roof high above. From every other serpent's scale was a bright glowing firelight. Looking down Helix beheld a massive army standing silent. Every figure was clad in dark leather armor. 

Hades stepped up next to him, his voice echoing through the whole room, "To King Helix Lycon I give each of you to command as he wills. Obey him in every wish."

"Your souls we are. Our substance yours to command." The cacophony of voices was deafening in their pledge. 

"Every one handpicked by myself and seeking redemption. They cannot be killed by any mortal blade and will answer only to you."

Helix quickly estimated a count, "Ten thousand?" 

"Thirteen actually. If my guess on Zeus's forces is correct you will still be slightly outnumbered. Though I doubt that will make much difference to you." Hades turned leaning with his back to the rail and army. "What are your other requests?"

"Are you sure about this?" The army staring back at him made Helix feel entirely unprepared and overwhelmed all at once. He could hardly process Hades' question.

"Yes," Hades smirked, "It isn't like I am giving you live people to throw at my brother. Besides the more he wipes out the more I get back here. For me, it's a win-win. For them, it is a chance to redeem their souls."

"So if they live they get redeemed?" 

"If they live and prove that they deserve a second chance then they may get one. That is up to Nythis." 

Collecting his thoughts Helix finally asked, "Eslein's sister said something. Something about being rescued?"

Hades head tilted in a predatory fashion, "Oh?"

"She said I was the one Eslein would have to kill to free her." 

"My reach is far but I am not all-knowing. Who is Eslein? More to point who is she to you?"

Helix turned to lean next to Hades against the rail, "Eslein Rey is a- friend. A witch friend. Her sister Alexa was killed in Auzea at Tacfarin's hideout. We slaughtered every soldier involved. No one survived, save her and I. After that Eslein and I made our way together. She is waiting for me to return." 

Licking his lips he took a focusing breath before continuing, "I honestly was not expecting Alexa to be here. And I do not understand her comment at all." 

"While the underworld is my domain, there are a few others who have the power to pull souls out of the afterlife. My brothers, Zeus and Poseidon. Nythis of course, as he is after all the king and Death incarnate." He paused, "Through the use of necromancy, even Decuma can occasionally pull a soul back, although that method tends to fragment the souls into an unrecognizable horrifying mess." 

Hades reached into his pocket and pulled out a small tin, opening it he took out a few leaves and  chewed them, "If I were to guess, your witch has made a deal with one of them to get her sister back."

Turning back to the army Helix tightened his grip on the railing, his mind racing. If Hades was right then according to Alexa, Eslein planned to betray him. What was worse is she was in contact with at least one of the people Helix was trying to destroy. He felt his skin begin to prickle with the desire to shift. Anger and betrayal warred against his desire to trust Eslein's reasons whatever they might be. 

"Easy there, you are bending my balcony." Hades' tone was amused as he looked at down to where Helix's grip was indenting the gold rail. 

Instantly Helix let go and muttered an apology, "Sorry."

Hades waved a hand and the rail repaired itself, "No harm done. That is quite the grip you have." 

"I have one more favor to ask. A demon helped me get here."

"Azag."

Helix nodded, "I made a deal with it. In exchange for its help, it owed me its loyalty and a favor. I want to take it back with me."

The god's eyes widened, then he laughed, the sound of it loud and rumbling, "You claimed a demons loyalty right out from under me? Damn if you aren't something else." 

Helix watched in fascination as Hades' crimson pupils went solid much like a witches eyes. He looked up and spoke in the same strange language he'd talked to the Cerberus in, "Azag, Azag come here to me now." 

In the center of the balcony, a shadowy mist materialized. It rippled and flowed around and around until the familiar shape of Azag solidified. The diminutive demon crouched low, before Hades its whole body trembling. 

"You summoned me, my master."