Chapter Five

Hercules and the beast clashed again and again. Although his life was indeed in danger, Hercules relished every moment of this contest. He loved that his life was in danger. He enjoyed the heat of battle. He lived for situations that called for him to showcase his strength. There weren't too many things anywhere that could challenge him. As the struggled ensued, Hercules efforts were not spreading as thin as quickly as his smile. In fact, he was just getting warmed up. The beast, on the other hand, was clearly growing frustrated. It didn't seem used to meeting beings of this caliber. It was almost beyond it's measly comprehension.

Seconds turned to minutes. For the average warrior, it would've felt like eons. But to a man having as much fun as Hercules, time never seemed to move from the moment at hand. He ducked a punch and immediately countered with a stab of his sword. Yet another piercing wound appeared on the creature's body making it roar out in pain. The path to the gates of hell which were covered with ash and brimstone were now splattered with blood.

"Enough", a voice spoke so softly, yet the power and confidence it was cloaked with cut through the noise of battle with ease. The creature screeched but immediately halted. Hercules followed suit, cautiously. The voice seemed to emanated from the gate so that's where he turned his attention to. The damaged gates struggled, but they creaked opened slowly. Two figures walked through the gate towards the combatants. One was a pitch black jackal. Its eyes were crimson red and intense. The paws were huge and the fangs were massive. Scars littered the coat of the jackal. It walked with a supreme confidence and next to it was a massive individual. He stood at a massive 9ft around 728lbs, making even Yeti's look dwarfish. His body was covered in muddy brown fur, but the fur of his face was a mix of black and brown. He had big black combat pants and on each side were bone axes, his weapon of choice.

"You brought help beast?", Hercules chuckled. He slung his sword over his shoulder. The creature growled but a quick glance at those approaching made it humbly remain where it was at. Hercules seemed almost confused to see this.

"You should learn more humility Son of Zeus", the voice spoke again. "Or maybe that's an oxymoron?" Hercules turned toward the new arrivals again. They had finally reached where he and the beast stood. Hercules walked up to the new giant.

"So what is this, your little brother? Does he fear you?" Hercules laughed again. The new being responded.

"It is not I who he fears demi-god", he said. The demi was said as an insult. "And it was not I who commanded him." Hercules confusion grew, but for the first time since reaching the gates, he was frustrated.

"Who are you to speak down on the Son of Zeus?"

"I am Brutus. I am no speaker. I am and mere servant."

"I have no time for these games." Hercules pointed his blade at the 9ft Brutus.

"I suggest you exercise your caution boy", the jackal spoke. His voice was coated with an authority, but had an undertone of amusement. "This arrogance no doubt comes from your father. Try to use a trait from your mother, boy." Hercules mouth almost dropped. With everything he's seen in his time, a talking jackal should not have taken him aback. But all the same, it did exactly that.

"Who are you?", Hercules sheathed his sword. The jackal turned to the creature and then to Brutus. He motioned for both of them to return through the Gates of Hell.

"I see you've met the Cyclpocalypse" the jackal chuckled. "We created it to be a guardian of hell. Part Cyclops, Part Minotaur, and a dash of some other things. This wasn't bad as far as test runs go."

"I was just working up a sweat", Hercules mocked. "I wished to have some fun, but I see that is at an end now."

"So what business do you have here Hercules? I take it you are not here to visit your uncle. Maybe you've come to play fetch with Cerbus?"

"That info is not mine to disclose and it isn't yours to request mut."

"I suggest you mind your tongue." The jackal was now visibly upset. It glowered angrily at Hercules. "This is your final warning." Hercules wanted to mock the jackal again, but his primal instinct advised against it. There was definitely something he wasn't seeing, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Look, I need to travel to the River Styx. I'm looking for someone."

"Who could you be looking for in Hell?" the jackal grinned. Hercules remained tight lipped. "No matter. I won't stop you."

"Nor could you. But I need to do this in secrecy."

"Then your better move more discreetly. You've already caused quite the ruckus in this realm."

"I got carried away." The jackal chuckled. It turned away from Hercules and started trotting back towards the gate.

"You have my silence, but it does not come free bastard. You will answer my call when it is issued." Hercules anger raged when he heard bastard leave to muzzle of the jackal, but he let it slide. The jackal was right, he had already wasted enough time here and brought too much attention to himself.

That's my folly.

A quick blink and the jackal vanished, all that was left behind was a puff of black smoke. Hercules brushed off the surprise and started in the direction of the gate. He was back on the path of his quest.