Here's chapter 10.
There's no action in this one but as the title suggests the Guardians finally set foot on the world of Neth'len. And there's more…
Enjoy and Review.
The library of Hades' palace is a vast seemingly endless room of shelves filled to the brim with aging withered scrolls, many of which covered in centuries of dust and cobwebs, the shelves themselves were large and ancient, the tallest of which were almost as high as the room and required near dilapidated walkways to reach the top of. Large iron chandeliers hung form the high stone celling and lit the room in a dull and ominous red glow. Murals and paintings lined the walls around the room and smaller walls built between the large gothic pillars that supported the roof. The murals themselves pictured great moments in the history of the Olympians and what on Earth would be called Greek mythology, however the faces of the Olympians were erased and the paint and plaster themselves were faded and cracked form age and neglect. Scattered around the place were ancient objects and other Items that seemed to be there only for atmosphere.
This is also the one of only a few places where Persephone, Queen of Underworld, could find peace.
She often spent long days and nights here away from Hades and the dead world around. There were an immeasurable number of books and scrolls lining the shelves, and most were biographies.
Everyone who died and now lives in Underworld or otherwise has been trapped there has a biography on these shelves, and Persephone has read most of them.
She made her way thought the labyrinth of shelves over the dark stone floor and blood rugs towards the far corner of the library. Here was where the newest books and scrolls were kept. There were rows of thousands of scrolls dedicated to the Aethions, a race that has lived trapped and buried in Underworld ever since Hades cast his dark spell over them. Amongst them were Scrolls of explorers form Earth who unknowingly found portals and had become trapped. And finally there were the newest scrolls, those who were stolen from Meridian.
She dreaded reading these scrolls and she already knew their ends. She sighed as she looked at the most recent scroll. She had destroyed it hours earlier when it first arrived. Carefully she picked it up and read the name on the parchment.
'Irma Lair of Heatherfield, daughter of Tom Lair and Anna Lair.'
There was a part of her however that was relieved as she opened the scroll to the very end and read the last paragraph.
'She met her end by Thanatos' Scythe on the fields of Heatherfield. He escorted her soul from the Earth to a new home in Tartarus. Where it shall remain for Hades' pleasure. For she was an enemy of the god and king of this Underworld.'
It was then she noticed something new underneath it, something that wasn't there last night when she first found the scroll and freed Irma's soul.
'She remained in Tartarus for forty-seven minutes and fifty-two until her soul left this world for anew.'
And again under that Persephone saw something else, something that almost didn't want to be seen. She focused and it disappeared but when she looked away it could be seen. She tried to look and not look at the same time and there it was. Glowing blue was the symbol of the Heart of Kandrakar with the Water Guardian's drifting across the paper next to it. And then the fiery blue words; 'Risen form the dead, her body built anew, by the power of the Heart, Quintessence and Kandrakar.'
"What is the matter with you?" Persephone gasped and jumped as she rolled up the scroll at the sound of Hades' angered voice echoing across the shelves. She began backing away as she saw his shadow and the shadow of another man drawn long down the lies in the flicking candle light. "I sent you and Nyx with the instructions to rid me of these pesky children and you return having executed your own mother and left two Aethions behind!"
"Forgive me Hades, but Nyx did betray us." Thanatos replied. His voice was cold and soulless and the words entered her head without using her ears. Persephone snuck around the bookshelves and remained in the shadows, careful not to bang the shaves, rustle parchment or kick misplaced skulls as she moved to get a look.
"I have no doubt that she did, it is mealy the fact that you failed." Hades sneered, "First Hecate, now Nyx and you, and don't even get me started on Eris! How is it so hard to murder five little girls? You just need to slit their throats in their sleep and be done with it! Anyway it's too late now; the attack on Neth'len is tomorrow, you're staying here Thanatos, hopefully theses rebels will be easier for you to handle than five girls."
"There still is the matter of the water Guardian's escape." Thanatos said in a stern voice.
"Yes. And there were only four people here who could have folded her to Earth. Bia, Deimos, Phobos and… Persephone."
Persephone froze in fear as her husband said her name. His tone was one of anger and betrayal. What made it worse was the fact that his harsh words were right up against her ear, so was his face. Beads of sweat dripped form her brow as Hades' left hand curled around her and stroked her cheek. She gulped.
"But you wouldn't do anything so foolish and traitorous would you my dear? You know better than that, you love me don't you?"
"Y-Yes." Persephone answered with a quiver.
"Good." Hades said as he gently kissed her cheek. "You are so beautiful, the most beautiful thing on this world, it would be a shame if something happened wouldn't it?"
Persephone nervously nodded.
"Now what's that you got there?" Hades said as he reached around her for the rolled up scroll that Persephone clasped close to her chest.
"Nothing! I was just reading again." Persephone said as she quickly fumbled to place the scroll on a nearby shelf and turn to Hades with a nervous smile.
"I see you've wasted no time moving into our latest additions." Hades said as he looked around the clean and pristine shelves. Here were the names of the Meriden people who were taken less than a week ago. "Why don't you go and get yourself cleaned up for breakfast."
"Yes, yes I will." Persephone said as she cautiously left.
Soon afterwards Hades turned to Thanatos who was hiding in the shadows and said; "I want to know exactly where she goes and what she does."
"You do know that she was lying, don't you?"
Hades turned away and with a grim sigh he replied; "Yes."
"Now class." Ms Melville said. Her deep green eyes peered out of her glasses and meticulously scanned across the classroom. "Taranee Cook. Wake up!"
Taranee jumped her head form the desk and then sank again as from the chuckles of the classmates around.
"Now as I was saying." Ms Melville continued, she was angry and looked far more menacing than any teacher the class had ever seen. "Mr Collins has made a merciless recovery from his near-death experience." She said through gritted teeth, her fingernails digging into the desk. "So I'll unfortunately not be here much longer." At that moment the class was prepared to celebrate however they kept it quiet, except for Uriah. For Will however celebration was at the far reaches of her mind as she shrunk under Ms Melville's harsh relentless glare of pure hatred.
"Now, who can tell me when world war…"
Will lost interest in the lesson as she called Taranee in her head. "Taranee, did you see the way she was looking at me when she mentioned Dean?"
"I think you've got a point there." Taranee telepathically answered. "Remember yesterday? When we suddenly started fighting, someone used magic on us and she's the only new thing."
"You've got a point? You don't think she's working for Hades do you?" Will asked.
"Maybe, there's only one way to…"
"Miss Cook do I need to repeat the question?" Ms Melville's stern and heartless voice cut off their silent conisation.
"Uh… nineteen thirty-nine?" She squinted in panicked discomfort.
"Yes, well done." Ms Melville said in a voice with less enthusiasm than a sloth in a marathon.
Meanwhile in the Sheffield Institute's woodwork class three boys were gathered around a workbench talking amongst themselves.
"I still can't believe I was hypnotised into dating Hay Lin's grandmother." Eric cringed as he continued sanding the wooden pieces in front of him.
"You think that's bad you should try being possessed and then forced to attempt to kill your girlfriend." Matt sighed.
"You know this still seems so unreal." Nigel said as he put down the bottle of wood glue that Eric quickly commandeered for his own work.
"You'll get used to it, eventually, and even then things still surprise you." Matt said.
"Did you hear about last night?" Eric asked. "They were ambushed and Irma died!"
"How's that possible I saw her this morning talking to that red hared woman outside school."
"You mean Cassidy." Matt said. "Yeah I saw her to, I think it has something to do with the heart bringing her back, after all Cassidy herself was dead for sixty odd years."
The others gave him a look as if he was insane even though they knew he was telling the truth.
"So what are they doing today?" Nigel asked attempting to change the subject but failing with his own question.
"They're going to see the Oracle at lunch about Hades' planed attack on that Netherland place." Matt said.
"Neth'len." Eric said.
"What?"
"It's Neth'len not Netherland." Eric corrected before turning to Nigel. "Hay Nigel, did you do something with your hair and… um… eyebrows."
"Don't ask." He sighed.
"And what about you Matt, aren't you involved in all this?" Eric asked.
"I am but I leave the diplomacy for the girls." He said whist attempting to line up a hammer to the small nail on his crudely designed wooden shelf.
"You've got a point there." Nigel chuckled. "Say, is it true when you said that your dormouse and Cornelia's cat are also these regent thingies."
"Yes they are. It was a kind of spur of the moment thing. Pass me another nail would you."
Nigel complied and they continued to work in silence for about a minuet until Eric suddenly burst out saying; "I can't do this!"
"It's just woodwork. You've done it all before." Matt said with a confused look.
"No not this! I mean sit here whilst an insane formally mythical alien god is attempting to conquer the known universes!" He said. It was then he noticed that the eyes of everyone in the room were staining right at him.
It was the teacher who was the first to speak; "Eric, I think you need some fresh air. Don't worry; it's probably just the glue fumes."
"So what did Cassidy want with you this morning?" Hay Lin whispered to Irma as they sat at the back of their maths class.
"She heard of… that incident last night and wanted to discuss… well, discuss death with me."
"What did she say?"
"She just wanted to prove a theory about it."
"What theory?"
"She said something about going where you believe you are going unless someone takes your soul by force, like me." Irma sighed.
Hay Lin conceded this for a moment before asking; "Where did she go?"
"Limbo."
"Limbo?"
"Yes, it's a default place or something." Irma said.
"Wow." Hay Lin mused before turning back to her books. She read for a brief moment before turning back to Irma and said; "Thanks again for using your healing powers on me."
"No problem Hay-Hay." Irma whispered with a smile. "Even I was surprised on how well it worked."
"Yeah, there isn't even a mark on me." Hay Lin replied.
"And never one on in your book Hay Lin." A third voice said.
"Sorry." Hay Lin panicky said as she began to scribble down random numbers and symbols in the hope of impressing the teacher who stood over her.
Persephone paced back and forth in her chamber. It was a large room and the only place in the whole of Underworld that she could call her own. Here flowers and plants of every shape, size and colour grew in a vibrant garden. It was the most colourful and, in all sense of the word, lively place outside of Elysium.
In the canter stood a great tree whose braches spared oven the garden and bloomed with blossom. Persephone tenderly approached the ancient tree, trending carefully so not the harm the grass.
She reached out her hand and gently stroked its smooth bark. This tree was more than any other tree.
"So you finally decide to call."
Persephone turned to see a ghostly figure standing to her side.
"I'm sorry I didn't do so sooner mother." Persephone said.
Demeter, Persephone's mother smiled. "You have nothing to be sorry for," She said "I know what Hades has done. I know you're now trapped there. Are you ok?"
"I'm fine… for now. Mother, I must ask you for something."
"What is it my dear?"
"Tell Hermes to go to Kandrakar with a message that Hades will attack Neth'len tomorrow."
"That's it? After all this time you just call me to send a message to Hermes." Demeter said with a frown.
"I'm sorry mother, but please you have to stop Hades."
Demeter chuckled, "I was only messing with you Pespe."
"Mum!" Persephone growled. She always hated that nickname, that and she was over five thousand years old.
Demeter laughed but suddenly froze when a voice called, "Persephone, where are you?" It was Hades.
"I'll pass on your message, good luck, I love you Persephone." Demeter hurriedly whispered.
"Love you too Mum." Persephone whispered as Demeter's apparition faded.
Persephone then turned to the door and replied to Hades. "I'm in here."
"Ah there you are." Hades said with a serious smile as he turned the corner. "I thought I heard voices in here."
"I was just talking to my plants." Persephone answered with an unsure chuckle even though she could and often did so.
"Well, let's go for a walk shall we?"
Persephone shuffled nervously before nodding lightly. "Ok. Where did you have in mind?"
"Oh, just over the place." Hades said as Persephone left the room. Hades remained in thought for a few seconds. He gently bowed his head and with a face that showed a hint of regret he sighed before following.
Pupils traversed the school and its grounds in an organized chaos to get food, escape classes and for many be with their friends. The Guardians however had no time for that as they secured the washroom and checked it was clear of others. When they were satisfied that they wouldn't be disturbed Will raised the Heart of Kandrakar and in a flash folded them all to Kandrakar.
"Welcome Guardians." The oracle greeted them.
"Oracle, we have a problem. When we went to Underworld yesterday we received news that Hades next target is a place called Neth'len." Will said.
"Neth'len. Are you sure?" The Oracle asked.
"Yes."
"This is most troubling." The Oracle grimly said. "You must head there at once. Hades must, under no circumstances, take Neth'len. If he were to do so then there will be little hope."
"Why? Is the Heart that powerful?" Taranee asked.
"Yes, but not just the Heart, you see Neth'len is a rare world. It is one of a few worlds where the raw magical essence of all of reality combines to form a physical substance."
"I take it that's bad then?" Irma asked.
"In the wrong hands is can be. The substance is simply known as manna and on Neth'len it is abundant in the ground, the air and the water. It is also what Hades uses to create his super portals like the ones he used over Meridian."
"So if we don't stop him, then he'll be able to attack anywhere on mass." Taranee summed up.
"Yes. Unfortunately Underworld had a small amounts of manna, I don't know how much he's used but with the Heart and the world there is little we can do to stop him."
"Oracle!" A new voice called as Hermes burst through the doors and hurriedly ran in. "Oracle, I have an urgent message, you too need to hear this Guardians."
"What is it? What's wrong?" Will asked.
"We've received a message form Persephone. She says that Hades' planed attack on Neth'len is happening tomorrow." Hermes said.
"Are you sure of this Hermes?" The Oracle asked.
"Yes, I've meet her, she can be trusted and this message came strait form her to her mother to me."
"Then there's no doubt. Guardians, you must go now and warn them Queen Vic'illa." The Oracle ordered.
"What about school, we just can't leave?" Taranee said, receiving some sighs form the others. "Oh, and our boyfriends and families if we don't get back in time." She said in an attempt to regain respect. "What? Astral drops aren't that good."
"Don't worry. I think I may have a solution." Hermes said with a smile.
"Hay, there you are." Eric said as he, Matt and Nigel approached the Guardians who were sitting on some steps on the Sheffield Institute's grounds. "So how was it?"
They were met by blank and unease faces as if they had never met each other before.
"Will, are you ok?" Matt asked. There was something different in her chocolate coloured eyes, something that only he could spot, they weren't Will's eyes.
"Psst, guys." A new voice said behind them taking them all of guard. It was somewhat familiar and had a Greek accent.
They turned slowly to see a young man in athletic clothing and a sports jersey with 'Olympus Athletics' proudly wrote on it. The face was instantly familiar.
"Hermes?" All three said.
"Yes it's me. Listen, the Guardians are going to take longer than they thought."
"So who are they?" Nigel said, guesting to the Guardians' look-alikes.
"They are Muses. Who you would know as Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia and Hay Lin are Calliope, Thalia, Terpsichore, Erato and Urania respectively."
The boys turned back to the Muses in disguise, each had a friendly smile and gave a little wave. The boys responded with their own nervous smiles and waves.
"As I told you," Matt whispered to the others. "There always are surprises."
The city of Lin'dominion was the gleaming jewel of Neth'len. Nestled near the mouth of the Lin River it was a city of green parks and golden brick. To the east were the great docks and factories and brought the city and the Heartdome immense wealth. Locomotives rolled though the cathedral like stations as people flocked the cobbled streets and bustling markets.
The sun leisurely rose over the land as one of its two moons still hung low in the sky. Student mages strolled the grounds of the Eliz'wad Academy that stood proud and tall over the city on the banks of the river, but not as proud and tall as the palace of Queen Vic'illa.
Private Haleed Jo'sin stood at attention behind of the palace's golden gates. It was an honour to be in the Heart Guard. His crimson uniform was spotless along with the white slash and helmet, golden buckles, deep black trousers and polished black boots that reflected more than most mirrors. He held a rifle over his right shoulder and was noiselessly complaining how strenuous it is to stand perfectly still for three hours strait, he didn't know how much more he could take, and he's only been there for thirty minutes.
It was a strange tearing sound that caught his attention. A blue glow shone over him as his eyes turned to the source.
He flinched.
Haleed fumbled for his rifle. He slipped it from his shoulder and forgetting that it wasn't loaded pointed it at the five strange creatures that had suddenly appeared. The first thing he noticed was their colourful outfits. Next was their skin and hair. One had red hair and another had a golden yellow! Their skins were pail white, yellowish and brown and on top of that they had wings like a bug of some kind. Besides that they looked Nethish. He'd never seen such creatures yet they looked somewhat familiar.
"FREEZE!" He screamed as four other and similarly shocked guards also raised their weapons.
"Whoa! We're friendly!"
"Yeah, we're good guys!"
"Friends."
"Good, friends."
Haleed had no idea what to do. He never trained for this. Angry mobs, evil mages, wild animals, dragons, all these he could cope with. But these staring creatures were completely alien. There was only one thing he could do. "COLOUR SERGEANT!"
The Colour Sargent rapidly sprinted up towards the five strangers. He drew his sabre as he stopped and stared in surprise and confusion.
Will decided to take charge. She stood tall and lowered her hands. "We are the Guardians of the Infinite Dimensions sent here by the Oracle of Kandrakar to bring an urgent message to Queen Vic'illa."
"Well said Will." Irma whispered to her.
The Colour Sargent looked between them unsure of what to do. He was educated. He had read the ancient stories about the times Neth'len was willed and untamed. When the Hearts would do battle for each over as the world around became a magical wasteland. Kandrakar at the centre of infinity sent forth five Guardians to save this world. They stabilised the magic and left only one Heart. He'd seen the illustrations, paintings and statues. These girls looked exactly like them. If they were here now then something big was about to happen.
"Lower your weapons men." He said as he sheathed his sabre.
"Sir?" Haleed began.
"I said lower your weapons. These are the Guardians."
The other guards slowly and cautiously complied.
"What's going on here?" A new voice said. The Colour Sargent turned with a salute to the new man. He was large and wore a great coat over smart and finely decorated clothes. He also had a small wide brimmed hat with a feather on his head.
"Sir Ra'leigh. These… people just arrived. They claim to be the Guardians of the Infinite Dimensions sent by Kandrakar with a message for her majesty." The Colour Sargent explained.
Sir Ra'leigh looked at the Guardians with as if he'd seen a ghost, or five. He too knew the significance. "Yes… well, welcome to Neth'len. I'm Sir Ra'leigh, Her Majesty Queen Vic'illa's steward and most trusted advisor."
Queen Vic'illa's palace is not unlike Elyon's once was. It had a grand castle front with spires, barbicans and turrets. The only real differences were the guards who wore red jackets opposed to hide armour and chainmail, the grounds that were to the back of the palace, were larger than Elyon's and included forests, a lake and green meadows where sheep like creatures grazed.
The Guardians followed Sir Ra'leigh inside and down a decorated hallway with large windows to the left that let the morning sun flow in and lit up the portraits, paintings and tapestries that lined the right wall where large varnished wooden doors with golden handles stood. Some were open and inside were maids cleaning and in though one door which opened into the great banquet hall the butler oversaw footmen clearing the large table and setting it for its next use.
The walls seamed to glisten gold as they approached a large set of doors with two guards set on ever side, each wearing finely polished still chest plates over their red tunics, white helmets with a main of white hair flowing down to one side sat on their heads secured by a golden strap under their chin. Their white gloved hands clasped their hilts of their sabres and with a precise swoop they drew their blades into a salute.
"Wow. Elyon's guards relay need to learn from these guys." Irma commented as they came to a stop and Sir Ra'leigh turned to them.
"You're about to be in the presence of Her Majesty. You should be fine so long as you don't do or say anything offensive and don't speak until spoken to."
The Guardians nodded as Sir Ra'leigh pushed open the doors.
Quean Vic'illa's throne room was a long grand hall with a great red and golden carped up the centre. On either side were lavishly decorated columns holding up the great roof and large windows looking down upon the city. At the far end was a raised golden throne surrounded by red velvet curtains and on the throne sat Queen Vic'illa.
She sat with a regal aura. Here long black hair cascaded graciously over her ruff and down her back. A crown sat on her head and her dress was adorned with golden embroidery. She had a face that was both kind and serious that regarded the Guardians with a mixture of interest and worry as they approached.
They stopped before her and Sir Ra'leigh gave a small bow.
"Welcome Guardians." The Queen said. "It is an honour."
"Indeed it is Your Majesty." Will said with an nervous undertone. The only experience she had with royalty was Elyon, and Elyon shook off all the royal traits. "I only wish it was under better circumstances."
"Kandrakar has sent you here with a purpose. I know something is about to happen to my world, please Guardian feel free to speak."
And so Will began to recite all the events. How hades destroyed Meridian, how he stole Elyon's power, and how he intend to do the same to Neth'len. The Queen was horrified.
By the time Will finished they were joined by three others who listened in worry.
Firstly there was Lord General Sir Wenlin. He was a tall strong man in a smart red military uniform. He was the General of Queen Vic'illa's army and he looked as if he could fight anyone and win without that army. The second was Lady Yas'bellac, a witch in black and scarlet with silver hair and pointed hat. She also had a raven like creature perched on her shoulder. She held the position of Prim Witch, in charge of medicines, witchcraft and humanitarianism across the heartdom. Finley there was the Archmage Zweth'noor, head of the Eliz'wad Academy of Magic. He was a large man with even larger red robes that looked as if they could hide an elephant. He had a great grey beard, a pointed hat and half-moon glasses perched on his large nose.
"We cannot let this happen. I shall not let my people suffer." Queen Vic'illa said defiantly.
"And we shall not your majesty." Said Wenlin. "We shall smite these Demons from the sky and I'd love to see one of these Behemoths stand up against artillery."
"You'll turn Lin'dominion into a crater General. What about the civilians?" Yas'bellac scolded, here arms crossed over her chest to prove the point.
"Well they'll just have to leave, wouldn't they?" Wenlin answered.
"You're talking about the evacuation of over seven thousand people in less than a day. Nothing has ever been done on that scale before. It will be chaos! And the resource needed will leave us worse off when they attack." Sir Ra'leigh said.
The room fell to silence for a moment as everyone thought of what to do.
"I think I have an idea." Zweth'noor eventually said in an old and wise voice. "Guardian you said that these super portals are created by four points of charged pure manna?"
"Yes, I think that's right." Will answered.
"Well… If we divert these… emitters to say a field… and position them in the right place then maybe, just maybe, we can chose where we fight them."
"What's your point mage?" Wenlin asked.
"That's Archmage to you, and my point is that with the right control and concentration, we can make the portal open where we want it to, and your armies will be waiting for them."
"But can you do it?" Queen Vic'illa asked.
"I'm afraid not your Majesty. Olney you are the one powerful enough for this task." Zweth'noor answered.
"Then I shall do it." Queen Vic'illa said. "Lady Yas'bellac, I want you to alert the city and prepare the hospitals. Wenlin you are to deploy my armies. Bring in everything you can and choose a battlefield. Zweth'noor you are to get the Academy to assist the people of the city and the battlefield. Remember we have no more than a day."
All three responded with bows and "Yes your Majesty" before leaving with their tasks.
"Thank you again Guardians. You are welcome to do as you wish, feel free to explore our city and palace. But first there's something I have to do." Queen Vic'illa said as she rose from her throne and gestured for the Guardians to follow her towards a set of doors on the side of the throng room. "I'm sure that by now your presence is now known." She said as she opened the doors and stepped out onto a balcony with the Guardians close behind. They looked down in amassment at an immense crowd spared down a vast avenue, there were some cheers at their presence however the tone was of nervousness and worry, here and there were flashes of picture boxes and the glistening of spyglasses from the back as everyone listened carefully.
"Wow, news dose travel fast here." Irma commented.
"Our civilizations founding is all due to the Guardians. In fact the city and the river are named after the leader of them, a Lin Wei." Queen Vic'illa said.
"A relative of yours?" Irma whispered to Hay Lin, she just shrugged in response.
Queen Vic'illa cleared her through and stood at the edge of the balcony as the crowd descended into silence, in fact the whole world seamed to go silent.
"My People." Queen Vic'illa began. Her voice flew over the crowed and even those at the far end of the avenue, under a tall marble column where stood adorn was a golden statue of the Guardian Lin Wei, could hear her as is she was standing right in front of them. "I'm sure you've heard the rumours that the Guardians are here. They are true." There was a cheer from the crowd yet it was shrouded with concern. "They have come, under orders from Kandrakar to warn us of a coming great catastrophe." There were sudden gasps and murmurings throughout the crowd. "Tomorrow, a great evil will come to our world. There armies will seek to destroy us. There monsters to enslave us. They have already attacked another world and stolen their Heart and this world, my Heart is next. Therefor I'm asking you all to prepare for the impending war. Please show compaction for your neighbours and prepare to defend your families. We are doing what we can, however we can't keep everyone safe. I wish you all luck in the time to come."
"This is where you hang out?" A discussed Erato disguised as Cornelia asked as she looked around the basement of the Silver Dragon.
"Surprising, she has the same personality as the real Cornelia." Nigel muttered as he, Matt, Eric, Hermes and the five muses disguised as Guardians filled into the subterranean room.
"Don't mind her. She expects everything to be covered in flowers and hearts with pink and pure white drapes." Thalia, disguised as Irma said.
It was an interesting day for the boys to say the least. Firstly Eric found himself being out done in everything astronomy related by Urania, which help to remind him that she was most definitely not Hay Lin when she began to get close to him. Nigel had to constantly drag Terpsichore, disguised as Taranee, away from any music as she and everyone else suddenly would begin to dance. Secretly he also wished that the real Taranee could dance as well as her.
Everyone around Thalia would suddenly begin telling jokes and preforming other comic acts that for many they would never do. Erato began handing out love poems to boys addressed to their girlfriends and when they would ask Cornelia (Erato) why she would simply reply with "You'll thank me later."
Finally the most bizarre thing was when Calliope, disguised as Will, approached Uriah and his gang whist they were picking on Martin and recited a poem detailing everything she would do to them if they didn't leave Martin alone. Surprisingly they quickly backed away leaving an astonished Martin and Matt. What was worse for the boys was when they inevitably ran into Alchemy, she simply said a week "Hi" before ducking her head and quickly disappeared around the nearest corner.
When there was a flash and tear of an opening fold they three sighed in relief.
"Ok so who are these Guys?" Irma instantly asked upon seeing Thalia as herself.
"They're muses." Hermes said. "Guardians meet Calliope, Thalia, Terpsichore, Erato and Urania. They've agreed to take your place will you're fighting Hades."
"Not so much agreed rather ordered to by Zeus." Thalia said.
Matt sighed before turning to Will and asking; "So Will, what's going on with Nef… Nerf…"
"Neth'len." Eric said generously.
Matt sighed; "What's going on with Neth'len?"
Will sighed. "The Queen is preparing for war, a battlefield is being decided, the people of the city are barricading their homes and everyone is trying to think of a way to survive."
"So you're going then?" Matt asked.
"Yes, we have to. It's our duty to protect all worlds." Will sighed again. She truly wanted to help yet the prospect of another Meridian loomed over her and the other Guardians. They all felt the same however they knew they had to help.
"I'm going with you." Matt reassuringly said.
"I know you will." Will said with a slight worried smile.
In Hades' throne room a large round table stood. On the table was a map created from magic showing Neth'len's Lin River valley with the great city spiralled out for most of it. Around the table in the dark candle lit room stood Deimos, Phobos and the red haired winged woman Bia.
"So, why do you have those wings?" Phobos asked in an attempt to starve off the bedroom. They had been waiting there for half an hour and still no sing of Hades.
"I was born with them." Bia said darkly.
"Careful Phobos, you won't like her when she's angry." Deimos whispered with a sly smile.
"Really. Well you look like that Guardian leader only with bigger wi EEK!" Phobos stopped as he suddenly found Bia holding a rather large and very sharp knife to his neck and a glair that could terrify the dead in her eyes as they bored deep into his own.
"If you wish to keep your vocal cords I'd advise you stop talking." She said darkly. Phobos went to nod in agreement only to get an unpleasant reminder of the blade.
"Ok." He gasped out. Slowly Bia withdrew the blade and walked back round the table twirling the knife in her hand.
They remained in silence for a while, with Deimos quietly chuckling to himself, until Hades finally entered through the lard black doors. He was drying his hands on a dark towel before chucking it at an unsuspecting Erinye. His face was more blank and serious than normal.
"I'm sorry I'm late." He said in a dry and emotionless voice as he stood at the table. "So, here's the plan."
Hades began talking to the others while deep below the dark palace in a murky dungeon cell chained to a wall was the broken and sobbing form of Persephone.