Chapter 7

Hercules moved with haste throughout Hell. He'd already wasted enough time fooling around with the jackal and its creatures. But things were different. They say the more things change, the more they stay the same.

More like the more things stay the same, the more they change.

Hell seemed vaguely familiar from his previous visits. Even if it was exactly the same, the infrequent trips would've made it difficult for Hercules to maneuver through it. The fact that things had been altered made it even worse. And Hell wasn't really meant to be navigated.

Hades needs to put up some directories. New souls must have it rough.

Hercules chuckled to himself in frustration. He jogged along hoping something would show him the way.

After a few minutes of aimlessly jogging, he saw a giant figure. As he got closer he noticed it was Brutus. Hercules ran right up to him as if he was reuniting with a long last friend.

"Long time no see stranger", Hercules gave out a hearty laugh. "I seem to be a tad lost. I'd appreciate help or I could beat it out of you." Brutus just stared at Hercules, a stare of annoyance and trying patience. A few awkward seconds passed. Brutus broke the silence.

"My lord sent me to direct you. You are still indebted to him so it wouldn't be wise of him to allow yourself to become lost."

"Makes sense." Hercules let out a big grin again. Brutus scoffed.

"Follow me. I'll take you to the River Styx." That's when Hercules noticed something big on the back of Brutus. It was almost as large as Hercules himself, but a little thinner.

"What's this on your back creature?", Hercules motioned towards the object.

"In due time", Brutus responded coldly, almost bored. "Enough talk, keep up if you can." Without another word, Brutus took off. It took a split second for this to register with Hercules, but then he took after Brutus with a booming laugh.

Ra sat on a golden throne big enough the fit the biggest of men. At his feet, in which he word gold threaded sandals, laid a resting Hyena. It had made itself comfortable in a pile of sand, sand that encompassed most of the room. His traditional royal ancient Egypt attire was in all white. Two large wings were tattooed on his back and it was easily noticeable, even with his dark brown skin. Ra had golden beads intertwined within his dreads. His head laid on his hand, a hand with many royal jewels. An eagle sat perched atop his throne, its eyes piercing and ever diligent.

The giant doors of hardened sand opened. In walked a figure around 5'9". His skin was as smooth as the softest sands and the color resembled it as well. His robe was a light blue had a golden owl stitched onto the back of it. Glasses sat on his nose covering his olive green eyes. He sported a light Cesar. There was a small collection of books in his arms.

"Greetings Lord Ra", the robed man in a respectful tone and even more respectful bow. He glanced up from his bow at Ra. Ra motioned for him to rise. The robed man did just that.

"What information do you have for me Thoth?", Ra asked. Thoth started running through the normal ins and outs of Ra's kingdom, but Ra raised a hand. Thoth stopped immediately.

"Is there a problem Lord Ra?"

"We can go through the normal stuff later. I was thinking of something more specific."

"What do you have in mind Lord Ra? If I know it, you know it." Thoth grinned. As a God of Wisdom, he prided himself on being a good advisor to the main God of Egypt.

"Nomad…What do you know of it?" Thoth had a look of shock?

"That city is the stuff of legends my lord. No one truly knows anything of it." Ra seemed unhappy with the answer.

"Is that all you can spare me Thoth? Surely, you can do better. How did Odinson find his way there, yet you have nothing for me?" Ra's fingers tapped the arms of the throne impatiently, yet in a way that invited Thoth to give him an answer. "Surely you have a reason that moronic brute seems more knowing of Nomad than a God of Wisdom."

"Lord Ra, give me some time and I'll be able to collect information that is fitting to your desires." Thoth bowed again and rose. The liner around the eyes of Ra made his eyes seem even tighter as he squinted at Thoth.

"Very well then. Tell me, do you have any knowledge on what is was Thor may have found."

"Yes my lord. Apparently there are things in the work. There is an unfinished drug that seems to be flooding the streets of Nomad. Minor gods and demi-gods are using it to get a high, but it sometimes also amplifies their abilities and godhood. Some humans have also tried it from time to time." Ra was interested. He sat up and forward.

"And what of the humans that do try it?"

"They almost always die. But very rarely there are those who are momentarily gifted abilities."

"Tell me more of this drug"

"I can't my lord. Even I don't know much about it." Ra once again wore displeasure on his face.

"Tell me Thoth, what good is a God of Knowledge and Wisdom if he can't provide me with knowledge and wisdom?" Thoth avoided Ra's gaze and looked down at his feet. His eyes darted to the giant Hyena at Ra's feet that had begun to stir. He'd witness many a god and human a like be fed to that beast. "As my advisor, maybe you should advise me on why I shouldn't end you right now." Ra sat back and looked down on Thoth.

"Just give me some time my lord."

"You have a month to collect answers to all my questions today and whatever questions I may have for the future. Treat it as your top priority."

"Yes my lord." Thoth bowed and turned to exit the great throne room.

"Thoth…", Ra spoke with such a commanding aura that Thoth immediately froze. Without turning around Thoth answered.

"Yes my lord." Thoth tried to hide it, but his voice was coated in concern.

"Most gods and goddesses wouldn't have a chance to disappoint me as much as you have today. You've always held a certain importance in my life and in my court. You're almost like my other half, being the God of the Moon as well. But don't let our bond allow you to misconstrue your place here in the bigger picture. Do not return here having failed me." Thoth was silent as he struggled under the weight of Ra's words. "Now go about your day."

"Yes Lord Ra." Thoth hurried out of the room and out of Ra's sight