Chapter 14: Enter the Underworld!

Steven's Point of View

I couldn't stop thinking about what Lunalyla explained to me yesterday night. Apparently I had enter through a gate to travel into the Underworld where Charon lives but I have to find him first. I knew that since it was my trial, I had to go alone but she told me to prepare for anything warning about Undead and Demons that lurk deep on the other side of the gate. But I had to prove myself not just for myself but for everyone whose lives are at stake counting on us. I had to be ready, no matter what. Night had slowly become morning as the light of the sun dawned on a new day. "Yo Steven. You up man?" A familiar voice spoke as I look to see Skullzy standing by my bed. "Morning Skullzy. What you doing up this early? I mean the sun barely peeked." I spoke looking at my friend oddly.

"Because this is the best time to go through the Gate of the Underworld since it appears at this point of time. Lunalyla's got the portal prepared and we need to get you down there. I came here here to tell you good luck and give you your Anti Undead stocked backpack." Skullzy explained as he handed me my Cheeseburger backpack and gave me a hug. "Thanks Skullzy. What's in here anyway?" I asked a little confused like at the bottles and stuff in my bag. "Well. It contains Anti Dead potions that damage and repel undead monsters, Franken bandages to treat wounds and injuries caused by demons and undead monsters, several demon traps, Protection Sigils, and To Touch and Not to Touch manual for foraging and walking across the Underworld." Skullzy answered before I took out what looked like a Spell tag of some sort.

"And what's this?" I asked curiously as Skullzy scratched his head. "Well, Tora told me to you that Lunalyla's and his son Raijin is somewhere in the Underworld. Just like his father he's a Yokai but he's around 9 years old created by Lunalyla's Electric Elemental and Tora's Spirit Lightning. She was hoping that you can also find Raijin down there. He might be able to help you down there and take you back since he holds the ability to warp between Lightning Tag will lead you straight to him." Skullzy explained as I was extremely surprised and amazed. "Sure but I'll make sure Lunalyla spills the beans about any other things she held from me." I said with a goofy grin as Skullzy and I fistbumped each other. "Well then. Good luck Steven. We're waiting for you to come back." Skullzy answered with a smile as I nodded and headed outside.

I stood outside to see a black mirror with its rims made out of bones and skulls with two skeletons of demons held onto each side of the mirror and a purple eerily swirling energy in the center of the mirror as Lunalyla stood beside it. "I'm glad you come make it Steven. I had to give Skullzy the message because my power is keeping the Hades Mirror here and the portal to the Underworld stable but we don't have much time Steven. We discovered the location of Azul and Coatlicue and the Gems along with Duncan and the others are heading there. I'll be joining them to once you pass through the gate but Skullzy was loyal enough to stay and wait for you. I wish I could do the same but I must face these Guardians as well. My son Raijin is somewhere near the portal on the Underworld side. Find him first, he'll lead you to where Charon is but be careful. Undead monsters prey on humans so they'll mostly attack you but I have faith you can do this Steven." Lunalyla explained as she looked a bit drained.

"Alright, I'm going and I will come back. Just promise me you guys stay alive and safe because I see you again as soon as I get out!" I spoke with a smile on my face causing Lunalyla to smile. "Then go forth Steven Universe! The Heart and Shield of the Crystal Gems and my dearest friend! Shine like the star you are!" Lunalyla shouted as I took a step back and ran with all of my might leaping through the portal. I flew across the purple energy of the vortex as I got a glimpse of Lunalyla waving before the way I came closed behind me. Then everything flashed lavender before I got my sight back. I picked myself up from the ground to notice my new surroundings. The Underworld was a large area filled with crunched up earth, scattered bones giant twisted petrified trees, man eating plants by a dozen, gray grass, a blood red sky filled with dark clouds charged with blood red lightning, cracks of earth showing lava brimming between them and jagged spike stone but what was off the distance really caught my interest.

It was a gigantic tower of bones and crystal that rose to the sky as flashes of purple lightning shot from the top into the air as a gray vortex of darkness stood from above. "So this is the Underworld. It definitely earns that name, it's really creepy but I have to brace it! First I need to find Raijin. *pulls out the tag as it began to glow softly* I wonder if…" I spoke as I moved the tag around to see the light fluctuate from bright to dull where I move it. "I get it! The tag grows brighter if I'm facing the right way where Raijin is! It's like playing hot and cold! Alright, it's time to find myself a Yokai!" I spoke as I headed off in search of Raijin. I began to hear the rhythm of the Underworld itself as I thought maybe it's a perfect place to try a new type of song. To keep my mind busy from the outlook of this world in fact to embrace it.

(Song: Of Darkness and Light, Song inspiration: Bleach Fade to Black B13A)

🎵Darkness and Light… Darkness and Light. Darkness. Darkness. Light! Light!

Walking the path of the dead, there you were. From the light, I tried to be there.

The sky turns black as the moon drips red

There is no turning back, as I walk among the dead.

I lived in the sun unknown to what lurks in the darkness

When I went to the other side, the demons came out to play!

I am one of the light and you were the one darkness caress

But we both made a promise… That we'd meet again!

Darkness and Light… Shadow covers and illuminating light!

Flight of day and the howls of beast's night

Of blackness and of illuminating stars!

I will be there to catch you when you fall!

Darkness and Light! Darkness...Light.

Alive in the light, Dead by night.

We both saw the evil that came alight

Brilliance of an Angel and Wickedness of a Devil

Both factions are starting revel and rebel

Against the bond across our hearts fearing the chaos that will start.

Darkness and Light. Rip the sky asunder

Rage with roaring thunder

Bring me to you tonight!

You gave me my strength and might

Walk the path of the dead, one of light

Walk the path of life, one of dead

Do you see? Both different but we are alike

Rising from depths and fallen from the sky's pike

It's time to set things right!

Darkness and Light! Darkness and Light!

Sun shines and Moon lets out a battle cry

Darkness! Light!

Stars will cast the dye! Darkness and Light!

I promise you I'll be by your side

Now I don't walk the path of light or her the path of dead

We shall walk the path where whatever lies ahead

Of darkness and light.🎵

"That's the most incredible song I've ever heard. It actually controlled the Undead to your bidding earlier. In fact, it seemed like the whole Underworld bended to your will for a moment as you sang. Who would've thought I hear the mythical Song Spell: Of Dark and Light?" A young male yet slightly beastly child voice spoke as I noticed the Lightning Tag was growing brightly giving me a glimpse of who spoke. It was a mini Tora but he looked different!

This Tora looked like the other I met but he was at least 5 ft 6 in height, younger and his fur was a bright light blue, his eyes actually had blue iris and yellow pupils in the shape of jagged lightning bolts, yellow lightning bolts and orange stripes with on his arms and legs, he had the same long red hair on his forehead but the mane behind it was blue and orange streaked, his tail was long and braided with yellow beads going down the tail with a chakra between each one and a Thunder Ring stood on each side of his shoulders and his ears were zigzag and pointed up in the air. "Wait… Are you Raijin? Tora and Lunalyla's son? My name is Steven, they asked me to find you." I explained as Raijin looked surprised. "My dad and mom asked you to come look for me? Did they want me to come back because I can't handle this place?" Raijin asked a little annoyed.

"No! They said I needed to find you so you can help me find Charon. You don't know this but they are on world that is about to be destroyed by the Beastial God of Fire Ignis. I have to find Charon so I can fully master Reap, my Reaping Justice Magisword." I explained as Raijin looked at me surprised. "Is that so? Well, you find that huge dark river over there? That leads to the Lake Styx also known as the Pool of Souls. Charon lies somewhere at the lake. Seems easy right well your wrong. You may have been accepted by the undead and demons here able to sing the sacred song of this place but there one that rebels against all. There's an extremely power Bonebreak Dragon that has been wreaking havoc close to the lake. No one knows why but it takes down anything that moves towards it for some strange reason." Raijin spoke as he scratched his arm.

"That is a problem… Raijin, can you take me to Lake Styx? You are pretty cool and I like to learn more about you. When Lunalyla spoke of you she sounded very proud and it'll be awesome to see you in action as well. So what do you say?" I asked with a bright smile on my face as Raijin looked confused before nodded with a grin full of sharp teeth. "Sure. I've been wanting a challenge. Let's go see Charon." Raijin spoke as he picked me up and placed me on his back. "I suggest you hold on. You thought my dad was fast well… I'm even faster." Raijin roared as lightning began to burst from the back of the drums on his thunder ring as he took off running as fast as a bolt of lightning. "WHOOOOOOOA! WE'RE GOING SO FAST!" I shouted as I hanged onto Raijin with all my might.

"I am a spawn of pure lightning! My lightning allows me to travel at incredible speeds, speeds so fast that I can warp through realities! My Thunder Ring keeps all of this endless power in check and help me regulate without it, I end up being a living spirit of complete lightning and electricity so strong that I can fry anything around me! I train in the Underworld to get better handle of my power. Here, I CAN LET LOOSE AS MUCH AS I LIKE! YEEEEEHAAAAA!" Raijin howled as he leapt into the air and was running across the air at wicked speeds. "This is amazing! You are so cool!" I shouted as Raijin laughed. "I just realize something… Lunalyla said your 9 years old but you look much older." I asked curiously. "Oh, I guess she forgot to tell you that Yokai grow faster than normal living species. My dad's race can become adult sized at the age of 12. I'm more of a Junior adult." Raijin explained as I nodded.

"I know that my mom packed you some Anti Undead supplies, well we're going to need for the Bonebreak Dragon. It's the Highest Level Undead Dragon here and it's no joke about its strength. We're going to need that tough to handle the big fellow or we'll never get to the lake along with my speed. For this entire fight, you need to stay on my back. I'm fast enough to avoid the attacks as you dish out those potions. But you need to protect me because if you get knocked off then you are as good as dead here. I'll give you a signal to toss a potion. You ready?" Raijin asked as I nodded. "Alright then! LET'S GOOOOO!" Raijin howled as he went even faster than he did before as the ground crackled and the grass was set ablaze from his intense speed. In the distance something white appeared far from us. It was a gigantic dragon completely made out of bleached white bones with razor sharp teeth, two long jagged horns on its head and a blade on its nose, blade like bone wings, large metal blade talon bones and multiple tails of bone swinging behind it as it howled with rage and anger standing in front of a huge murky lake.

"There's Lake Styx and the Bonebreak Dragon. The sucker's at least 120 ft in size for a juvenile! But what's it doing all the way here? Steven, change of plans. We need to knock this sucker out or try to calm it down. If you use those potions, it won't stun the sucker but kill it and you don't want to deal with full grown angry Bonebreak Dragons. Remember that song you sang earlier? Try to use it on the big beast. I'll stun it with lightning because the moment it hears us then it'll start attacking. Can you handle that?" Raijin asked. "Yeah! Tame to the beast!" I shouted as I got ready to sing.

"Darkness and light. Darkness and Light. Dark. Dark. Light Light!" I began to sing as the dragon noticed us and roared in rage unleashing a flurry of bones at us. "Thunder Arrow!" Raijin howled as lightning charged in my Thunder Ring and unleashed it in a form of lightning made arrows. The arrows slammed into the dragon stunning it for a bit as I continued to sing.

"Alive in the Light. Dead of night. We saw the evil that came alight." I continued as the dragon got up and let loose a huge bluish fiery breath at us. "Keep singing! I'll outrun that blaze!" Raijin shouted as he went faster to stay out of the blaze.

"Thunder Howl!" Raijin roared letting out a huge lightning bolt like howl that shocked the Bonebreak Dragon stunning it further. "Darkness and light. Rip the sky asunder! Rage roaring thunder! Bring me to you tonight! You gave me my strength and my might!" I sang as the song was easing the dragon more causing its attacks to start going slower. "Keep it up Steven! We're almost there!" Raijin howled once more as the Dragon fired a barrage of spine needles at us. "Lightning Storm!" Raijin howled as he released a huge burst of electricity from his thunder rings that zapped the dragon slowing it down but it still continued to fight.

"Darkness and Light! Darkness and Light! Sun shines and moon let out a battle cry!

Darkness! Light! Stars will cast the dye! Darkness and Light! I promise I'll be by your side!

Now I don't walk the path of light or her path of dead. We shall walk the path where whatever lies ahead. Darkness and Light…!" I sang to the top of my lungs as the dragon completely stopped and black smoke flew out of it while it fell to the ground. "We did it! Now let's get down there!" Raijin shouted as he dove towards the ground and landed beside the dragon's head coming to a halt. "Is he going to be okay?" I asked a bit worried about the dragon. "She'll be alright but I wonder what that black smoke was anyway? It's almost like it was taking control of her and where are her parents?" Raijin asked concerned. "I'm afraid they are dead, young lightning spirit and Wielder of Reaping Justice." An eerie male voice spoke as something appeared from the lake.

It was a skeleton wearing a purple head dress and rope on its body with a gold necklace around its head wielding a stick. "Charon!" Raijin shouted as I was surprised greatly. "So that's Charon! Wait, what do you mean her parents are dead?!" I asked surprised and upset. "Something is happening in the Underworld. Black smoke of unknown origin has been rising here possessing any creatures that dwell in this realm. That young dragon was possessed by the black smoke after it watched it's parents get killed by rampaging monsters. I'll believe whatever is happening in the world of the living is related to this black smoke incident. If it continues the dead will ravage the Underworld and escape to wreak havoc in the world of the living. I've been using all my power and assistance from Estark to keep it under control but it'll soon become too much for us but somehow you were able to quell it for now." Charon explained.

"Quell it?" I asked confused. "That song you sang. It's an ancient Song of Power belonging to the Undead and Element of Darkness. It's melody can ease and control the dead or those of darkness but can also free those of possession like it freed this young Bonebreak Dragon from the black smoke possessing it. I have been watching you young one. I've been trying to find someone to inherit my power for quite some time. Someone who has the spark and when I found you from seeing your mother. I knew you were the one. Steven Universe, I ask of you. Please take my power of Death and save this world from calamity. It is up to you." Charon spoke as he held out a sphere of dark purple energy in his hand. "The power of Death itself. You should feel honored Steven. You are the only one who can use this power right." Raijin spoke as I thought about it.

"Life and Death. Charon… I accept your offer but can I ask you a favor. Can you teach me how to use properly? Not as a teacher, but as a friend." I asked as Charon looked surprised before chuckling. "That's the kind of answer I wanted to hear Steven. I would love to. Take this, my power of Death is yours!" Charon spoke as the sphere flew towards me and entered my body as I began to glow and Reap reacted to the energy. When the light vanished I completely changed. I was now skinnier and more muscled as my skin now became a chalk gray looking like an actual teenager but a foot taller, purple runes of a skeleton stretched across my body, my eyes were purple with white iris, a tail and wings of bones followed behind me and my ears were pointed as my clothes turned into a cape with a dark purple star on the back, black skirt with bones aligned across it, white bone bracelets across my wrists and ankles and a dragon skull dawned on my head as my curls were longer and braided.

Reap had also transformed as well taking the form of a huge scythe with similar design to its blade form. "You have now dawned the form of Hades. Ancient Arcane Knight of Death, The Skull Reaper, Musliheim! You've earned this power and my mark. However I advise you to remain in the form for a reason. Your friends and loved ones are in danger. They are fighting Azul as they speak but whatever possessed Catastrophe is targeting Azul waiting for your friends to exhaust their energy to take in out in one fell swoop! You must get to them and stop it before their master succeeds! Good luck. This portal will lead you to their location. Be swift my friends and take this Steven. It'll assist you later on when you get back home." Charon explained opening another vortex and handing me a bone flute. "Come on Raijin! We have to save the others!" I shouted as Raijin nodded and we leapt into the vortex.

Our friends were in danger and now it was up to me and Raijin to save the day but can we make it in time!? Find out next time on The Gem and the Hybrid!

Character Files with Alex Mercer: Raijin

Hello everyone. This is Alex Mercer with another character files this time discussing the character Raijin.

Just like father like son, Raijin is a lightning spirit like his father but created with his parents combined electrical powers. Despite being 9 years old he ages quicker than others and has a different attitude. He loves to be free and run at amazing speeds and by using the power of his lightning enables him to leap between realities with incredible speed and strength. He wants to prove that he is strong just like his father and mother showing similarities to Steven himself. He is currently looking for someone to haunt and become his partner.

This is Alex Mercer signing off. See you next time.