After that, we ate and told Kronos all of the random stories about what we’ve done throughout time. She seemed very interested in them and asked plenty of questions about items from the future such as trains and stuff. Though, she found it rather enjoyable to make fun of me when I did something stupid throughout the story. Thankfully, Elysif backed me up and told Kronos off. Are you kidding me! She did the exact opposite and joined in making fun of me. Even Compton joined in along with my last hope, Lily. I became the butt of their jokes for several hours.

Eventually, Hades regained himself and ate along with us despite his disdain for Kronos. Kronos did tell him about the issue we had and he also agreed to keep the ritual a secret. He knew better than anyone what could happen if such a ritual became known so he had no problem agreeing to make sure that Merlin never learned the truth about it.

A few hours passed by and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Even Lily who for most of this time wanted nothing to do with Kronos out of fear. It wasn’t that much later that Hades requested that we left. Kronos wasn’t too happy about it but she didn’t stop us. The fact that we stayed was enough to make her happy. As we passed through the strange physics-defying hallways and paths to Hades realm Hades stopped to look at me.

“When we get back I want you to take this ring.” Hades said with a cruel tone as he showed me the ring on his right ring finger.

“What is it?” I asked.

“It’s the device that allows one to pass from Tartarus to the human realm as well as find their way through Tartarus.” Hades explained.

“Shouldn’t that be something that you take care of?” I asked.

“Well… yes. Though, if what you say about this Merlin is true then I would rather have nothing to do with it. Plus, it is far safer in the hands of my creators chosen than I.” Hades said with a weak smile.

“I doubt that.” I said to myself.

“What was that?” Hades asked.

“Nothing. I’ll accept this but I can only promise so much.” I said.

“All I ask is that you try.” Hades said right as we got to the door we entered through before. As soon as he opened the door he gave me the ring and went back to sitting at his desk.

“One more question?” I said.

“What is it? I have enough work piling up from that little excursion as it is.” Hades asked with an annoyed tone.

“Is there a back door to this place or do I have to go the way I came?” I asked. He gave me a look of absolute confusion and stupidity.

“Can’t you jump through space and time?” He asked with an inquisitive look.

“Oh, right.” I said as I started to focus. Just as I closed my eyes I felt as if a large knife just got stabbed into my back. No, wait. There is a giant knife sticking into my back.

Looking over at Hades who had a surprised look on his face as he looked not at me but at the doorway. I shifted my gaze to match his only to see Merlin standing in the doorway with a disturbing smile on his face. Another blade shot out of the ground towards my chest. Using whatever strength I could muster I formed the blue-ish black mist around myself and pushed myself off of the blade in my back just in time to avoid the one coming at my chest.

“My, my. I thought for sure that that would kill you. I guess it isn’t my lucky day.” Merlin said with a maniacal chuckle.

“Hades, run!” I yelled as I drew my sword. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to kill him but I could at least buy time for Hades.

“Right!” Hades yelled before letting out a loud whistle. Upon doing so the entire area began to shake. From the doorway, thousands of skeletal beings crawled in to attack Merlin. Along with them came a large three-headed dog, a Cerberus. Jumping onto the Cerberus, it crashed through the wall behind him and jumped out into the undead cityscape below.