OMNISCIENT POV
"Don't f*ck this up," Rae growls at the demon general who has his love chained.
Aklys merely shoots the angel a look filled with fierce concentration and determination as he and Denzyl turn to face one of the gates leading into Hades. A wide set of black stone steps trails down into the dark abyss of the underworld.
"There are no guards," Rae observes as they stand under the entrance to the gate.
"There is no need for guards. Hell has yet to have a soul willing to enter its gates," Aklys responds. "Everyone remember the plan?" The demon general checks as he prepares to enter. His four companions nod their heads in assurance. They can not afford to not know their objective. "Alright then, let's go," Aklys says in a low voice as he begins leading Ilios down the stairs.
The five descend the stairs silently, infiltrating Hades' dark abyss. The lower they travel, the darker it becomes. Just as Kilo thinks they will never reach the end, the slightest red glimmer from torches lining the walls appears in the distance. The party halts at the base of the stairs as they peer into the vast corridor.
"We split here," Aklys addresses his comrades. "The guards begin around that corner," the demon gestures to a turn in the corridor.
Rae and Kilo nod before backing up into the shadows. Aklys and Denzyl lead Ilios farther down the corridor while the other two angels take another route.
"Wait," Ilios stops in his tracks as the party of three travel out of range from the two angels.
Aklys turns to Ilios and looks at him curiously.
"It will be suspicious if I show up unscathed. I need you to injure me," the angel says bravely.
"I agree." Aklys' hand begins to glow red.
"Does Rae know about this?" Denzyl inquires.
Ilios shakes his head. "He would kill Aklys. That's why I waited until we separated."
"I don't think I need to tell you this will hurt," Aklys warns as his hand nears the angel.
"Just do it." Ilios grits his teeth as the demon general burns his shoulder and breaks his arm before slashing his clawes across the angel's chest.
"Convincing enough?" Aklys asks as he helps steady the angel.
"It'll have to do," Ilios grunts as he stands and motions for the party to continue.
Aklys symbols with his hand that guards are near as they round the corner.
"Halt there!" A call sounds as they are spotted by a pair of demons. The two demons rush the party with weapons drawn. Aklys lifts his head, his eyes flaming.
"How dare you draw your sword on your general!" Aklys growls fiercly.
This causes the guards to halt immediately and bow their heads. "G-G-General!" One of the guards salutes. The second is quick to follow suit.
"We heard you were overcome on a mission. H-How did you survive?" The second guard boldly addresses his general.
"Are you underestimating me? How bold," Aklys responds darkly. Denzyl arches a brow at Aklys' presence. He is not to be trifled with.
Both of the guards fall to their knees and press their heads to the ground "We would never! Please forgive us!"
Aklys lets them tremble before him for a few moments, reminding them who he is, before he commands, "Bring me to the king."
"Of course!" The two demons scramble to their feet and salute their general before escorting the trio through the fire-lit labyrinth of Hades.
Aklys' eyes have gone back to their usual red by the time the party reaches the massive doors leading to the throne room.
"Announce to the king that the demon general has returned with a prisoner," one of the guards instructs a demon stationed outside the throne room.
The party of three are ushered into the throne room after the announcement is made. The sight before them freezes Aklys. The throne room has a new addition. The machine the king has spent years developing has been transferred and now stands in the center of the hall just in front of the throne. A giant, crystal glass dome covers a circular platform where a man lies unconscious. Tubes and pipes connect from the platform to several cylinders stationed against the walls.
"Aklys!" The king's voice booms throughout the hall. "It's good to know you did not fail to some measly angels. Come, show me my prize." With a nudge from Denzyl to shake Aklys from his shock, the two demons obey the king's summon and slowly lead Ilios around the machine to before the throne where the king lounges.
Aklys' eyes glow as he sees the unconscious angel chained inside the dome. "We had a deal!" Aklys roars.
"We did, yes. But, you see, if I am to conquer the Heavens, I will need all the strength I can get. And your actaeon just happens to be very, very strong." Smoke begins seeping out from Aklys' mouth and fisted hands as flames engulf his eyes. "I wouldn't do that, if I were you," the king warns. "Now, let me see the infamous Ilios."
"You gave me until the blood sun, and I delivered. Let Orion go, and I will give you the angel."
The king lets out a low, threatening growl. "Remember whom you serve, demon!"
"Release Orion, and I will give you the angel!" Aklys holds his ground.
The king and his general stare each other down for a good minute before the king lets out a sigh. "You finally grew a backbone. Very well. I will release the actaeon...after you tell me who he is."
Aklys follows the king's gaze to Denzyl. "This is Denzyl. He is the reason I am here before you with the angel you so desire."
"He is a demon, but he is not from Hades."
"He is from Sendrum."
"Ah, he is one of those mutts. Well, he must be strong if he was able to help subdue Ilios. I will have to exploit this new demon." As soon as the king finishes his thought, he grunts and grabs his chest. "Ahhh. It has begun. The sun has risen, and the time is perfect. The blood sun will reach its peak at its highest point in the sky. I must ready myself. Put Ilios in the dome!"