DiscordArc here, here's another~


Now you must be wondering, "Mortis how were you able to accept the offer so easily?" Well, I think it's rather obvious. If I've stayed back there, I would've been sent to prison. Now, back to the situation at hand.

The dark palace right in front of me was remarkable. Bones decorated the walls, and the obsidian-color of it emitted the aura of "darkness." I smiled. "Fitting for the Ruler of the Underworld," I've thought to myself. My father put his hand on my shoulder, causing me to turn my attention to him. I caught a glimpse of uneasiness on his golden eyes.

"Son, this may take a while and involve a lot of yelling. So, only come out when I've instructed you to, alright?" pleaded my father. I was surprised; what could make the son of Death be shaken this much? I've numbly nodded my head; asking would lead to no answers at this point. My father nodded back and let go of my shoulder. He cleared his throat and opened the doors of the palace.

The inside was more impressive than the outside. My eyebrows raised above my bangs as I've observed the surroundings. A red carpet donned the floor, and silver pillars supported the black ceiling. Silver markings decorated the walls, depicting the stories of several myths; however, one marking caught my eye. I've walked towards the marking and traced it with my pale fingers. The marking depicted the story of Scylla; a girl who was cursed by Circe due to a selfish man's attempt to woo her over. Anger expanded on my chest. I could relate to her in so many ways; I, too, was a person who was hurt by a woman due to a vile pig. Only difference was: I made the choice to be hurt willingly. I've sighed and walked back to my father, who was waiting for me. He chuckled for a bit.

"Interested in Scylla, my child?" He asked. I've nodded my head and motioned for my father to continue walking. It took us a few minutes before we've reached another set of huge doors. My father gripped the handles so hard, his hands turned white. Sweat beaded down his forehead, causing me to worry. "Son, stay here. I'll call for you when everything's alright," said my father. I've furrowed my eyebrows; something was definitely wrong here. He tried to reassure me with a smile, but it came out more to be a whimpering grin. I heaved a sigh, and just nodded my head. I turned and walked towards the side, and heard my father open the gates.

"Lord Hades, I wish to have a talk with you," announced my father as he closed the doors behind him.

The next 30 minutes were absolutely boring. I've simply stared at empty space with nothing to accompany me with. Every once in a while, Hades' servants would approach me, but they would quickly stir away. It was as if they were afraid that they would die once they come close to me. I couldn't even hear what my father and Hades was arguing about; the room was surprisingly soundproof. Just when I've decided to stroll around a little bit, my father opened the door with a wide smile on his face.

"My son, you may now enter!" he beamed. I've raised an eyebrow at my father's mood. Seeing as how it would only make matters worse if I didn't comply, I've walked towards his direction and entered the throne room. The throne room left me with wide eyes and an open mouth. The throne room was beautifully decorated with several precious gems. Silver and black mostly compromised of the room, but the diamonds, gold, and other gems caused the room to glitter in a beautiful manner. I heard my father chuckle, and I've turned my head to face him.

"You must be very surprised to see this. Were you expecting the throne room of Hades to be dark and gloomy?" asked my father. I felt my cheeks warm up and looked down with shame. I heard my father beam a laugh, causing me to smile a little. "Don't worry, it actually is in the first place; Lord Hades has just decided to make it presentable for you." I smiled at his statement, and rose my head. I've turned to look at Hades who was staring at me with displeasure. Thinking that it would be best to be diplomatic, I've walked towards him and knelt down at the feet of his throne.

"It's an honor for you to make the place presentable, Lord Hades," I've said. I could practically imagine my father smiling with pride. "However, you didn't need to. I prefer the place to be gloomy as I am the Son of Death, and you are the Lord of the Dead," I've continued. I heard my father laugh, and I bet Hades was furious. It stayed silent for a long time, giving me the slightest sense of anxiety.

"Rise, Son of Thanatos," said Hades. His voice had a mixture of grudging respect and delight. I've raised from my spot, and stared at him. The smallest smile donned his face that appeared to be gloomy. If I met him in public, I would've come to him and try to help him out. "Tell me your name, child," said Hades. I was about to speak, but I hesitated. Saying my name felt like acid in my mouth, and I was slightly angry that I had to say it. But before me was a god; I had no choice in the matter.

"Mortis Kim," I've stated in a gravelly voice. Hades noticed my discontentment, and raised an eyebrow.

"Mortis Kim, hmm? Ah, the one who has been giving the Fates and your father the trouble of having to reap the souls you've "killed" back in Colorado. Well, surely this isn't just a coincidence," He said. I was definitely provoked, but I kept my temper. I've just simply smiled at his statement.

"Why now, am I being a thorn in the butt for the lord of the dead? My, my, your skills must be very rusty," I've teased back. I was half-expecting him to blast me on the spot, but he chuckled at my retort.

"I could blast you from where you stand right now, mortal," he hissed out. He sounded threatening, but I heard a tinge of amusement in his voice. The underlying tone of his voice made my smile turn into grin.

"I take it that's a challenge? I am the Son of Death, I doubt my father would reap me," I've said. Hades raised an eyebrow and looked between me and my father. He sighed, before smiling unexpectedly.

"Like father like son. Mortis Kim, I've heard from your father that you are tired of living life on the mortal world, correct?" asked Hades. I've wearily nodded my head. Depressing thoughts filled my mind, but I quickly shook them off.

"Not now, I'm on the presence of a god," I've thought to myself. "Yes, Lord Hades." He tapped his chin.

"Just call me Hades, Mortis," said Hades. My eyes widened for a fraction of a second before I've narrowed them at him. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. This made me even more curious of what was the reason he practically allowed me to call him casually.

"Thanatos is my great-grandfather," said Hades in a voice just above a whisper. Uncomfortable silence filled the room as I've realized my position.

"The greek family tree is so fucked up," I've commented as I put my palm on my forehead. I heard Thanatos laughing behind me, and Hades conjure up another smile.

"Can't agree with you more, Mortis," said Hades. He straightened up in his throne and put out his hand. He raised two of his fingers and let the others down. "I'll give you two choices: one is to die here in my hand, and I will personally escort you to the Fields of Elysium-" I was shocked at this. It must've been obvious because my mouth was literally gaping once again.

"Close your mouth, you're going to catch flies, grandpa," teased Hades. I quickly shut it, and just simply glared at Hades for calling me "grandpa." He laughed at my expression. "If you're going to ask why, it's because I don't see a valid reason to send you to Asphodel nor the Fields of Punishment. You're going there, whether you like it or not." I've nodded my head, deciding not to say anymore. "For the second option: You will be staying here in the underworld for the course of 2 mortal years. However, time flies differently here, so you shall be staying here for 4 years. Along those time, you shall train here for the upcoming prophecy in which I believe will come to pass." I've raised an eyebrow. Who in the underworld could possibly train me? They were all ghosts to say the least. "You will be training under Achilles for close combat, and train under Orion for archery."

When I've heard Orion's name, I've instantly snarled. Achilles was fine, I could get along with him. After all, he was extremely loyal to his family and friends. He was simply forced to give away his wife just for the king's daughter to be returned. After that, he has refused to come out of his tent. He stayed there, brooding over his decision of simply giving his wife away just to take back that selfish king's daughter. After that, he died a very unhonorable death which sparked my anger towards the God of Music: Apollo.

However, Orion was a different story. Orion was no honorable hunter, he was a deceitful bastard. The mortals have always thought that Artemis fell in love with him and vice versa. But what they didn't know was the real truth of the story: He was the Gigante of Delos who boasted that his hunting skills were superior in every way than Artemis. Not only that, but he has attempted to rape one of the goddess' hunters and almost successfully won. When the goddess has cornered him, he has managed to trick the goddess, causing the goddess to believe that Orion was innocent. After that, they've developed a friendly relationship, not until Apollo saw his true nature.

With the help of Apollo, who tricked Artemis, Orion was slayed for good. I was happy when I've found that out, but was enraged when Artemis put him in the stars. Fortunately, she put the scorpion that killed him afterwards just beside his constellation. Hades flinched back from my snarl, before narrowing his eyes.

"You dare snarl at an Olympian god, mortis?" asked Hades with a dangerous edge in his voice. However, I didn't let his words affect me at all. I felt myself rising from my feet, and the aura of death emitting from my body. I was pretty sure my eyes were glowing as I've given Hades a hard glare. For some reason, I felt powerful and replenished.

"I will NOT allow Orion to be my instructor in archery. I would train myself on the profession, I would not seek help from a vile pig," I've hissed. The words seemed to have greatly impacted Hades as he'd involuntarily jerked back on his throne. I didn't notice his body was glowing before my father put his hand on my shoulder.

"Son, calm down! You're going to take away Hades' soul at this rate," panicked my father. I was shocked and quickly collected myself. Hades stopped glowing, and he quickly slumped on his throne. Several of his skeletal servants raised their weapons to attack me, but they were stopped by Hades when he raised his hand.

"You are powerful, Mortis," Hades acknowledged me. He looked at me with an expressionless face. "Too powerful. Maybe I should kill you now," said Hades as he'd summoned his Helmet of Darkness. My father's expression was quickly turned into fear, but I stood my ground.

"And what? Get rid of this pathetic demigod? Go ahead! I have nothing to lose," I've said in a voice just above a whisper. Hades eyed me carefully, before laughing loudly.

"You interest me, demigod. Alright, I'll take Orion off the instructors; you shall be training under Achilles from here on out. Do we have a deal, Mortis?" he said in a teasing manner. I smirked and walked up towards him. I put my hand out, and waited for him to shake it. He had a complicated expression on his face; mostly confusion.

"Ah, it's called a handshake, Hades. It's used to seal off a deal," I've said. I swear, his face has quickly reddened, even for a second.

"Deal then," said Hades as he shook my hand. "Now, dismissed!" shouted Hades as he faded into the shadows. I've turned around and was quickly engulfed by my father with a hug. He let go of the hug and glared at me.

"Don't you EVER. Do that again," said my father with a threatening voice. I've simply smiled at him, and he sighed. "I know that I'm rebellious to some extent, but I've never thought I would be this rebellious. Even my father would agree that I was a gentle kid," complained my father. I've snickered at his statement.

"Oh I am gentle and nice. I just like teasing Hades," I've answered back. He smiled and took a step back from me.

"Here my son, take this," he stated. He pointed his arm upwards, and a scythe manifested in his hand. The scythe had a black and green blade and the other side of it seemed like a devil's wing. The entire body of the scythe was pure black, and a pointed arrow decorated the end of the handle. He handed the scythe to me, which I was greatly surprised about. I gingerly held the handle and swung it around to give it a test. I was content at how light it is, despite it looking like to be very heavy. "The scythe is made of Stygian Iron; the reason why it has a green blade edge was because Greek Fire was used to forge it. Stygian Iron is a magical property that can kill almost anything and absorb its essence; with the magical property of Greek Fire, it will ensure you success in defeating your opponent. You can change the scythe's form depending on the weapon you wish to use. It can bend to your will, but remember: it will cost a great amount of your stamina so I recommend altering between one weapon and the scythe's original state," warned my father. I was fairly surprised by the composition of my scythe, and its ability.

With that thought, I've closed my eyes. I've imagined the scythe turning into two rapiers on both of my hands. When I've opened them, I looked down and saw both of my hands were preoccupied by two rapiers. Each rapier had a black and green steel on both edges with a beautifully decorated guard. The rapier wasn't that thin, and resembled a double edged blade. To test it out, I slashed some of my skin on the blade's edge, and found that it was painfully sharp. I've smiled at my new weapons, and looked down at my waist. Two scabbards were there, waiting for me to sheath my rapiers. I've placed my rapiers to where they belong and looked at my father with content. He was smiling at me.

"Rapiers, eh? What a gentleman's weapon you have," teased my father. I've shrugged my shoulders.

"It's the most graceful way to fight and the gentlest way to kill someone," I've answered. He smiled at my answer.

"Oh, here. Before I forget," said my father as he'd snapped his fingers. The shadows quickly engulfed me, before they disappeared. I looked down at my body and a big smile decorated my lips. I was wearing one of those cardigan-style hoodies that could change what it looks like by zipping its side and buttoning the hanging fabric. Underneath my jacket was a black v-necked shirt. I wore a black skinny jeans with belts wrapped around my left leg. The fabric was torn by my right knee, which looked like a cat has decided to slash at that specific spot. A chain looped itself around my right hip, and I wore black leather shoes. "Here," my father said as he'd flashed a mirror to his hand.

He raised the mirror right in front of me, and I was fairly surprised of my face. My normally messy hair was now swept to the left, but still looked remarkably messy. My long bangs covered some part of my left eye and I turned to the left. My right ear had a cross earring hanging by its lobe. I raised my hand and almost jerked back in shock. I was wearing one of those ridiculous finger claws on my middle finger and a ring on my thumb. It was connected with each other with a small chain. To make sure, I rose my other hand and was relieved to see that it was only wearing a fingerless glove. My father chuckled at my reaction.

"What's the problem, son? Not fitting your taste?" asked my father. I smiled at him.

"No actually, this IS my taste. I'm quite surprised you knew about this, father," I've said. My father simply smiled.

"Of course, I knew. Happy 18th Birthday, son," said my father as he'd disappeared. I smiled to myself and left the palace.


As soon as I left the palace, I was greeted with a number of souls shouting in protest. I've tried my best to get away from them, but they simply found themselves to me. I was further annoyed at how they've wanted me to bring them along to Elysium which I've responded with a snarl. I whipped out my rapiers, and instantly they all backed off. I kept my emotionless façade, and continued walking until I've reached my destination. It was only at that point when I've realized that I was lost. I sheathed my rapiers and pinched the bridge of my nose. This was getting even more annoying. Not only am I lost in the underworld, I was constantly chased by ghosts, begging for me to bring them to Elysium. They must've sensed my Father in me. I've closed my eyes and found myself deep in thought.

"The words seemed to have greatly impacted Hades as he'd involuntarily jerked back on his throne. I didn't notice his body was glowing before my father put his hand on my shoulder.

"Son, calm down! You're going to take away Hades' soul at this rate," panicked my father."

I've opened my eyes, and an idea formulated in my head. I looked towards the group of souls and raised my hands. The souls instantly levitated in mid-air, and I was pleased that my idea has worked. I've moved my hand around, the souls following every movement I make. Then I clenched my fists, and watched the ghosts glow in a disturbing shade of gold. It was definitely blinding, until I've let go of my grip. The light died down, leaving a few confused souls. I felt bad for using these souls as my guinea pigs, but I just had to know. Apparently as the Son of Death, I have full control of a soul. Unfortunately for me, it has seemed to greatly tire me out. I stumbled around to keep my footing, until I was caught by a pair of arms.

"Woah, kid. We're not even starting our training, and yet you're tired already?" said a man with disapproval. I've raised my head to meet him. He wore a greek attire and had green eyes. I knew for an instant that this man was my instructor. I tried to get up, but my legs betrayed me. I only stumbled forwards, causing Achilles to take a step back. He chuckled. "You remind me of Patroclus. I think the two of you would get along," said Achilles. I've closed my eyes, and felt my thoughts consume me. "Heh, you're sleeping?" said Achilles.

"I felt myself rising from my feet, and the aura of death emitting from my body. I was pretty sure my eyes were glowing as I've given Hades a hard glare. For some reason, I felt powerful and replenished."

Another idea struck my mind. This may be a wild guess, but I have a feeling that I also have complete control over my own soul. I redirected my focus on my soul, and felt a tugging sensation on my gut. Without hesitation, I willed it to "burst into flames". Renewed energy filled my veins as my eyes shot open. I jumped to my feet, surprising Achilles. I shrugged my shoulders and tested my legs. I've smiled at my small accomplishment.

"Impressive. Looks like I'll be looking forward to our little practice, son of death," said Achilles with a playful grin on his face. I've nodded my head and motioned for him to lead the way. We walked in total silence; we had nothing to talk about after all. He led me to the Fields of Elysium, since that's where most of the heroes are situated.

The place was absolutely gorgeous; it was like what a man would call "heaven." It was bountifully decorated with flowers and trees. It was as if modernization never happened, and that mothernature was in its full glory. Several demigods played, while the others just simply spent their time with women. We've walked further into Elysium and found an arena where the other demigods were sparring. A few of the famous greek demigods were present in the scene. The others must be resting.

"Alright, here we are. First of before we begin, show me what you can do," said Achilles as he'd taken out his sword. He purposely drew his sword in the noisiest manner to attract the attention of the other demigods.

"Hey, look. Achilles is going to fight," said one of the demigods.

"Hmm, who's he? Never seen him here before," said another.

"Have your choice of weapon, Mortis. Any weapon is fine," said Achilles. I involuntarily flinched at my own name. Achilles noticed and raised an eyebrow. "Fine, I'll call you Kim," teased Achilles. I've smiled to express my gratitude. I've quickly entered my thinking phase, which consisted of me closing my eyes and pinching my bangs.

"He's said to be one of the most powerful demigods in history. He's literally invincible, except for the small part of his heel. In terms of raw power, he would beat me. He's also an excellent strategist, and would easily see through my attacks," I've thought. I inhaled heavily, and let it out. I've opened my eyes and gripped both of the handles of my rapiers. "Looks like I have to go all out. I doubt I would win anyways." I quickly drew out both of my rapiers and entered my battle stance; my right rapier was right in front of me, while the other was situated behind my waist. Their tips were pointed towards him as I've crossed my left foot behind my right foot, standing by its toes. This was a battle style invented by my own after taking a few classes about fencing. I've wanted to try what it would be like to fight with dual rapiers. Achilles raised an eyebrow at my stance and choice of weapon.

"You're using a rapier? You do realize that against my sword, that will be proved useless, right?" asked Achilles. I've simply smiled at his retort.

"Let's find out," I've said.

"Begin in three!" yelled another demigod. Achilles entered his stance which resembled a lot like Cloud Strife's from Final Fantasy. "Three, two, one, GO!" At the final mark, I've dashed forwards. My speed must've surprised Achilles as he was forced to take a step back after blocking a blow from my rapier. I've hastily stabbed with my other rapier, piercing through his defenses. His iron skin simply deflected my blade, but if he didn't have the iron skin, he would've died from it. I've struck downwards with my right rapier and slashed sideways with both rapiers. He managed to deflect my blows as he'd taken a step forward. He slashed wildly at me, causing me to enter a defensive stance. I used my right rapier to deflect most of his attacks, and took a thrust forwards. Achilles saw through my attack and tried to cut off my arm, but I've easily deflected it back. He was surprised as I still used my right rapier to deflect it and not my left one. Using this opportunity, I whipped out my other rapier and entered an offensive stance.

I've slashed at him, and successfully landed a hit on his shoulder. It scraped off the armor on his shoulder. He tried to strike me, but I've deflected both of his successive strikes with my right rapier. I stabbed forwards with my left rapier again, and twirled around. I slashed my right rapier at his face, cutting the bridge of his nose. Now he was beyond surprised that I was able to hit him not once, but twice in one barrage. I've quickly backed off, not taking my chances on striking back.

"Dear Hades, he was able to take on Achilles without a scratch," whispered a demigod.

"No way, no one has been able to hit Achilles twice in a successive strike before," whispered another. I've mentally smiled, but kept my poker face on the outside. I've carefully watched Achilles as he assessed the situation with his eyes. He gave me a contented smile as he'd raised his sword.

"Interesting. I wonder how long you will keep this up," said Achilles. He dashed towards with unexplainable speed. He swung his sword with a neat arc at me, and I wasn't able to dodge it. I felt his blade slash through my jacket, but the damage was still inflicted on my chest. I resisted the urge to vomit and struck back with my left. I parried his next successive blows, but he knocked me off my feet. He slashed down at me, but I was able to block with both of my rapiers. I've stabbed my left rapier on the floor, and kicked him back with my foot. He stumbled backwards, but picked up his pace again. He slashed at me without effort, and I was only able to parry his light attacks. His heavy attacks has managed to find their way to hit me; surprisingly, my clothes weren't torn apart yet.

"Thanks dad," I've whispered to myself as I've jumped backwards. However, it looks like Achilles won't be letting me to take a break. He ran towards me with his sword and swung sideways. I've parried his blow with my right, and I thrust forwards with my left. I've scraped off his shoulder blade, and took this chance to deal a fury of blows on his body. With a demonic speed, I've stabbed and slashed at him like there was no tomorrow. I've struck at his vital parts, and all of them hit with deadly accuracy. Despite still having the curse when he died, I was able to deal damage to him. I've ended my barrage by cross slashing him on the chest. I've taken a few step backwards and entered my offensive stance. He was bleeding all over, and laughed with delight.

"Impressive kid! No one was able to deal damage to me this much, but alas, your blows are too weak. You have taken too much heavy damage. Just one blow from my sword can bring you down!" He announced. He was crazily smiling at me. "This is my win kid; however, thank you for such a fun match!" He said. I've smiled at him; for the first time in the fight, I've shown an expression.

"I won't be so sure, Achilles. Try moving," I've said.

"Huh?" asked Achilles. He tried to move, but almost found it impossible to actually move his limbs. His eyes widened in realization. "You struck my tendons so I couldn't move without me noticing," he said in pure shock. I've nodded my head. Once again, he laughed. He healed himself, being a ghost he is, and sheathed his sword. "It's my loss!" He announced. Several demigods gasped. The undefeated Achilles has lost to a fight with a demigod with a set of weak weapons. I've sheathed my rapiers as well, and felt my body hurt from all areas. Achilles walked towards me and handed me a cube and a flask.

"These are Nectar and Ambrosia. It would help you heal," said Achilles. Without hesitation, I've eaten the Ambrosia and drank the Nectar. Surprisingly, it healed my body. "Although, I have to know; how were you able to defeat me?" I've raised my eyes and surveyed the area. Several demigods were looking at me with awe and respect, which unfortunately included Orion. I've redirected my eyes back at Achilles.

"I've used your own weakness against you. You bear the Curse of the Styx, and your skin has been made of tough iron. You've used this to your advantage and decided to attack in an offensive manner without worrying about the injury. However, that didn't mean that you wouldn't be able to feel pain. I've used that to my advantage, and struck you several times in the same areas to make your muscles sore. Also, my rapiers have been imbued with Greek Fire that helped out in tearing your tendons without you noticing with the help of Stygian Iron which has the ability to harm any being," I've explained with a smile. Achilles smile grew as he'd placed his arms around my neck.

"Everyone, meet Mortis Kim. Our new friend, and sparring partner!" He yelled. On that cue, the deceased demigods shouted in delight.