And here we are, chapter 6 and the point in the story I know most of you have been waiting for. The explanation of the deal between Kronos and Mundus. Trust me, I've been giving this moment a ton of thought and I promise you it will make sense. Also, I'm still debating whether or not I should integrate Slayer's Return into Godly Demon or just leave it autonomous. The poll is favoring that I keep it as a separate story and if that's the case, I will respect that, but just be aware that I am open to making this a single, very long, story.

Moving on.

If you noticed at the beginning of the previous chapter, I mentioned that I would be including events from DMC 5: Before the Nightmare and I still plan to do that. If you read the novel you would know about one unique detail about Dante in that book, specifically what he gains in it. If you haven't, well, I hope you enjoy this adaptation of it in the next chapter.

Now, to answer some reviews from the previous chapter.

Dragon Bone Z: No, the gods won't be getting Devil Arms and Hades's helm is gone.

MEleeSmasher: I will have short moments between Nero and Artemis later on, but the pairing will remain as it is, him with Saeko. Artemis will have a crush on him and that's that. They might become friends, but that remains to be seen and how I go about this story. Things can change as time and the story progresses.

Guest: I can assure you that Nero will most certainly have a rival. Might not be Greek but he will have someone that he will be at odds with.

Also, I'd like to thank The High Demon Lord for the response to my question. I really appreciate the explanation.

One more thing. There will be a lemon in this chapter near the beginning. It will be slightly longer, may even make up most of the chapter, so sorry about that to specific readers who enjoy the story more than specific parts. However, I would like to make a small clarification as to Nerscylla's appearance. In her human form, Nerscylla has the same build as Queen Mirelia Q Melromarc from Rising of the Shield Hero and similar facial features to the Queen. I hope that narrows down her appearance a bit more. Also, like Wrath of The Sun Deity asked, I'm kinda curious to see what kind of art some might make of her.

...For educational purposes... I'm not a degenerate!

*COUGH* Anyway...

This chapter will be longer than in previous chapters. Most of the chapters were approximately six thousand to six-thousand five hundred words each. So, this may be longer than those with the impending sex scenes coming up. I'm considering making future chapters longer, adding more details and content instead of just posting a new chapter all the time. I could go back and even combine the events of chapters three, four, and five, and just make it into two chapters, but I'm not certain. Let me know what you think I should do.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Capcom owns Devil May Cry, Rick Riordan owns Percy Jackson.

Onto the story.


Devil May Cry: Slayer's Return

Chapter 6: Ancient and New Vows

Ancient Castle, Mallet Island

Ever since Excelsus and his forces made the Ancient Castle on Mallet Island their headquarters, slowly but surely, repairs were being made to the once-mighty fortress. Taking Nerscylla's advice, Excelsus ordered dozens of lesser demons to begin restoration of the great building. Large sections of the medieval structure had been repaired during the current Demon King's absence but for the most part, the entire structure needed a lot of work. However, one section, a bridge that used to connect to another wing of the castle that was currently rubble at the bottom of the ocean had been purposefully left unrepaired. It was at this endpoint did a dark lilac portal appear.

Six of the Seven Sins emerged onto the stone bridge, each one assuming their human forms with Excelsus entering last and doing the same. The castle had been built by humans years ago before Mundus took over the structure for his own plans to invade the human world. So, per their king's order, they had to be in their human forms when inside the castle.

"That went well," commented Excelsus as he shrank in size to his human form and removed his helmet.

"Why couldn't we take something back with us?" asked Kulve, folding her arms, a little annoyed she couldn't take anything of value back with her.

"Because there was no need to," interjected Valfalk, a bemused tone in his words, "You'd think you would have enough after lotting Hades' palace for anything of value and piled it up in one of the lower dungeons."

"It's not like they need any of it," pouted the demon representing greed.

"Well, at least our shared mission was accomplished," rasped Gore Magala, "And now, all that is needed is for our king to give us our next task."

All six demons turned to their master, who was inspecting his armor for a moment. He felt their eyes on him for a second before glancing to see them waiting patiently.

"For now, there is no mission, other than to watch and wait," he commanded. This earned him a few confused expressions. Seeing this, Excelsus let out a sigh, knowing he was going to have to explain this to them, "As you know, I have studied the gods and goddesses of every relevant pantheon; pagan or otherwise, and I know for a fact that despite being called, and I quote: "God of the Sky, Thunder, Lightning, Kingship, Honor and Justice", the only justice the good king upholds is his own. For all his so-called justice he was so quick to blame Poseidon's son, Perseus Jackson, when his Master Bolt was stolen, despite the time of the theft occurring before the boy was even remotely aware of his lineage."

"He lets his pride and arrogance as a god blind him to facts," Valfalk concurred, folding his arms, a snort of amusement coming from him.

"Because of his wounded pride, he blames Nero for the attack, despite the boy not even knowing about it," smiled Excelsus, "Our attack on Olympus was not to defeat the gods and goddesses of the Greek Pantheon, but rather, stoke the fire of Zeus's growing fury of being bested multiple times. And all that anger will be directed at Nero whom he deems the reason behind all of his misfortune."

"I think I like this plan," chuckled Narkarkos, who was more than on board with the idea of letting their enemies tear themselves apart. Less work for them.

"I would not get too comfortable, Narkarkos," admonished Excelsus, a small frown forming as he headed towards the castle, the devils following behind. A pair of massive wooden doors opened. Upon entering the castle, there were numerous lesser demons going about repairing or cleaning the structure, and all of them in some sort of human form and each one dressed as a maid or butler. The more feral demons or ones that can't form any real thought were left in the dungeons beneath the castle.

"Why is that?" snorted the devil representing sloth, "Seems like you have all this figured out, so what's there to worry?"

"For starters, your view on the situation," replied the Demon King sharply as he and the sin made their way to the throne room, "The idea that we've already won, that sort of pride and arrogance."

Excelsus stopped just in front of the doors to the throne room and turned to face his trusted lieutenants, "Yes, we achieved our goal and caused Zeus to attack our foes, but that was one battle. There is no guarantee that we are to succeed. My father believed that by using a construct in the form of Dante's mother, he could trick the son of Sparda into coming right into his hands and he nearly succeeded. What he did not account for was the interaction between Trish and Dante. He believed victory was in his hands and was punished for his arrogance. I will not make that mistake."

"And how do you plan to do that, master?" asked Valfalk, folding his arms. He would admit, Mundus had Dante in his hands and somehow, Trish turned on him by saving Dante at the last second.

"All will be revealed in time, my dear Valfalk," chuckled Excelsus as he approached his number 2 and placed his left hand on the demon's right shoulder, "There is a method to my madness. For the moment, however, indulge yourselves in the castle grounds. I do believe that it is time for you, Kulve, to dive into your 'Money Bin'."

The demoness representing greed shot her master a light glare at the jab while the male demons all chuckled, "Very funny master."

"I'm glad you thought so," teased the demon king.

"But there is one thing that's been bothering me."

"What is it?" asked Excelsus.

"You and all that taunting on Olympus," recalled Kulve Taroth, as she cocked her hip to left and rested her hand on it, "Not really your style to be so condescending and cynical."

"Oh that," waved off the son of Mundus as he turned to the doors leading, "I was feeling theatrical."

"I'm kinda wondering what Nerscylla's been doing since you took her toy away," commented Deviljho as the doors started opening.

"What was that last thing?" asked Excelsus, his eyes widening suddenly as he turned to the demon of gluttony. Before the green devil could answer, a strand of silk latched right onto the demon king's left arm. What came out of the demon could only be described as a surprised yelp as he was yanked right into the throne room, his helmet coming out of his hold and left where he previously was in the air to spin for a moment before falling to the ground with a dull clank.

"Guess that answers that question," snarked Nergigante as he and the sins looked in to see Nerscllya, sitting on the short staircase of about five steps which led up to the platform Excelsus's throne was located, with the aforementioned Demon King in her clutches. A band of web was wrapped around his torso, pinning his arms to his body. The spider demoness even had her spidery legs wrapped around him, along with her human legs around his waist while her arms were affectionately coiled around his neck.

"Master, you're so mean," admonished the demon of lust playfully, gently drawing small circles on his neck with her right finger, "Taking my toy away from me all of a sudden."

"Nerscylla!" shouted Excelsus, clearly surprised by the sudden pull into the arms of the kinky demoness and the subsequent restraints, "What is the meaning of this!?"

"Oh, don't be that way, master," purred the purplette sensually as she planted a few delicate kisses on the left side of his neck, "I'm sure you were aware that by taking my toy away, just as we were having some fun, I'd be left all hot and bothered still."

A look of realization soon fell on the demon king's face. He did not think of the outcome of that.

"It appears our master did not," noted Gore Magala, a slight envious undertone in his words. The sins all chuckled, while Nerscylla just continued her actions of teasing her master and Excelsus just sent all the demons across the room a halfhearted glare. Suddenly, the son of Mundus lit up with a violet light before vanishing. Nerscylla let out a disappointed whine before she was suddenly scooped up into the Demon King's arms from behind.

"I did do this, didn't I?" smirked Excelsus as he held the demon of lust in a bridal carry. Nerscylla just giggled excitedly as she threw her right arm across his shoulder and around his neck while her left arm began tracing patterns across his chest plate.

"You have indeed, master," nodded the Demon of Lust, noting the strong tone he used and couldn't help but smile, knowing where this was going.

"Well, I think I'm big enough to accept the consequences."

"Just how big, are you?"

"Let's find out, shall we?" his tone turned a bit heavy, but the kind you'd hear before getting some.

"Let's," agreed Nerscylla as she began planting kisses on his jawline.

"I will otherwise be engaged until further notice," stated Excelsus as he addressed the sins, who all knew where this was going, "Until then, indulge yourselves."

With that, both he and Nerscylla vanished in a similar violet flash. When the light died down, the two were gone.

"I remember when they first laid eyes on each other," snorted Deviljho as he Nergigante began to leave while the other demons began heading off to their own devices, "Made a comment that it wouldn't be long after getting to the human world would the boss plow her."

"I remember you owing me lunch for a bet we made on how could bag more kills during the attack on the Underworld," countered Nergigante, internally enjoying the demon of gluttony curse about losing that bet.


Royal Bedroom, Ancient Castle, Mallet Island

*Lemon start here, skip if you want to*

A bright flash illuminated the bedroom where Excelsus would often turn to at night. While demons technically didn't need any sleep, it was still nice to rest one's mind and body, but at the moment, it would serve a different purpose. As the light that filled the room faded, it revealed both the aforementioned devil and Nerscylla. The king of the Demonworld set the lovely demon of lust on the floor but remained close to one another.

Nerscylla wanted to get right down to business and leaned right in to kiss Excelsus, trapping his lips with hers. The demoness cupped both of his cheeks as the two of them kissed. While the embraced each other, the king snapped his fingers and his armor vanished in a flash of light before appearing on a stand at the far side of the room. His helmet even appeared and took its place on the very top, leaving Excelsus in only boxers.

Nerscylla moaned in delight as she felt her master's skin and pressed herself right up against his firm body. Excelsus, for his part, rested his hands on her hips. Their kiss started to get a bit more aggressive and greedy. It was after a minute did they pull away from each other, not from lack of oxygen, demons barely touch the stuff, but out of excitement.

With a sultry smile, Nerscylla spun them around so that her back was to the bed and she was in between it and Excelsus. She then stepped back and sat down on the bed, leaving her master to take in her entire, flawless body. The spider-demoness was wearing violet lace lingerie. Numerous patterns were made into the thin fabric of the bra that resembled spider webs and barely covered anything. Along with the bra, was a thin thong that just covered her womanhood and had a small wet patch. And lastly was the garter belt that held up sheer stockings. Her hair was still tied back and her spider legs hugged her body at the moment and only added to her sexual appeal.

"I'm waiting, master," beckoned Nerscylla with one finger, a shameless grin on her face. While her master took in her body, she did the same with his and it was everything she had hoped for: not too muscular, but definitely worthy of ogling, there were a few scars, but that only added to his roughish appearance. His glowing wings then began to recede into his body to avoid getting in the way.

"Now who I am to say no to a request like that?" smiled Excelsus as he approached the lovely spider. The king leaned down to capture Nerscylla's lips with his, using his tongue entry into her mouth. The demoness gladly accepted the intrusion, a sigh of content escaping her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Taking the initiative, Excelsus placed one hand on Nerscylla's lower back and other behind her head to lean her back onto the bed before continuing his attack. Using his right hand, which was previously on her back, he gently began to rub her hip and waist in a slow, sensuous movement, causing the Demon of Lust to purr in pleasure. Nerscylla entangled her hands into his hair, finding it as soft as she had thought earlier, pulling him down to push his lips even further into her own. Excelsus's left hand moved from the back of her head to her breast where he gently massages it while his right hand returned to her lower back to draw slow circles. Nerscylla let out a moan of pleasure, momentarily breaking their kiss.

"Oh... you're so good, master," purred Nerscllya, her eyes closing as an expression of bliss adorned her face.

"I'm glad you approve," remarked Excelsus teasingly, "Though I will admit, I expected you to be a little more-"

"Kinky?" giggled, the demoness as she cupped Excelsus's cheek, "I can be when I want to. But right now, I want to enjoy all of you, so you can enjoy..."

Nerscylla removed her hand from her king's cheek and used both of her hands to remove her bra. However, she couldn't help but tease him and use one arm to cover her exposed chest. Tossing the article of clothing away, she pulled her arm away to reveal to Excelsus her generously sized breasts, likely triple-D.

"...all of me," concluded Nerscylla, giving Excelsus a sinfully sweet smile. The demon king smiled as he took hold of her left breast, feeling her nipple harden under his palm as he started to fondle her. Pinching the pink nub caused her to moan in ecstasy. Taking a moment to give her a quick peck on the lips, Excelsus started to place a trail of kisses from her lips, across her jawline and neck, down to her collarbone and further down. Nerscylla mewled in pleasure as his kisses continued down to her right breast, ending with a teasing lick. Deciding to tease her a bit more, Excelsus started to circle her pert nipple with his tongue, earning more moans of pleasure. While his mouth was busy, his right hand toyed with Nerscylla's left tit. The demoness continued to moan happily, even wrap her arms around his hand to push him even closer to her breasts, even grinding on his right thigh.

Even though she had been very active in the Demonworld, experiencing pleasures that would more than likely break a human mind, none of that compared to rush of making love to the King of the Demon World. Not only that but the slow, methodical, even tactical approach Excelsus took when pleasuring her breasts allowed her to feel every lick, pinch, nip, kiss, and attempt to pleasure her. She threw her head back and moaned when he gently started to nibble her nipple, her body filling with more and more pleasure as he switched his hand for his mouth and vice-versa on her chest, giving oral attention to her other breast. She had secretly already come on his leg while he was licking her sensitive nubs, and felt another orgasm building within her.

"E-Excelsus... M-Master, I close!" gasped Nerscylla as she continued to grind herself more onto his thigh before she eventually came, staining her panties with sexual fluids. She clutched onto the Demon King's head for a moment before releasing him. He pulled away from the demoness to watch her form tremble in pleasure, panting hard enough to cause her chest to jiggle every time she took a breath.

"Came a little quick, don't you think?" teased Excelsus, only earning a pleased hum from Nerscylla. A short chuckle escaped the king before he moved to his next target. Scooting down further, he was now in line with her clothed womanhood. Quickly, he removed her garter belt and stockings, before removing the violet thong and threw it aside. The King was met with a perfectly shaven and soaking wet pair of lips. Moving in, he gently blew on her womanhood, causing Nerscylla to gasp slightly before moaning in delight. Her eyes then went wide when his lips made contant with her pussy.

"Oh, Excelsus!" moaned Nerscylla, wriggling in pleasure as he tasted her core, noting the distinct sweet taste of her fluids.

Taking it a step further, Excelsus slipped his tongue into her pussy, the result was Nerscylla arching her back and throwing her head back to let out a rather loud moan. Smirking to himself, the Demon King placed his hands on her bountiful ass, squeezing her cheeks gently as he pushed his tongue even deeper, tasting even more of her. For a few minutes, Excelsus tasted Nerscylla's honey and cunt before he pulled out and replaced his tongue with two fingers. He had another target in mind.

"OH, YES MASTER, AH!" moaned Nerscylla as she felt his tongue brush over her clit, even gently suck and lick it while his fingers thrust in and out of her entrance. Moving at a rapid pace, knowing he could faster but didn't want to hurt Nerscylla on accident, Excelsus overloaded the demoness with pleasure, making cum a third.

"EXCELSUS!" screamed the spider lady as her juices sprayed into her master's mouth. After a moment, she came down from her orgasm but still had enough strength. Sitting up, she cupped Excelsus's left cheek with her right hand and pulled him into a sweet kiss, her tongue making it's way into his mouth so that she may taste her own honey. After a minute of tasting herself, Nerscylla pulled away from her master, a strand of saliva connecting their lips.

"My turn, master," stated Nerscylla before rolling them over so that she was now on top.

Giving him a quick kiss like he had before he started his attack, she followed his example and started softly kissing her way down his body, across his broad chest, pecks, and abs before reaching his boxers. Taking notice of the very large tent straining the fabric, Nerscylla smiled before grabbing the hem of his underwear, eyes widening at the sight of his ten-inch erection standing tall and proud. She could see the veins pulsing as it twitched.

"I can see us having a lot of fun in the future, master," said the demon of lust in a teasing tone.

Wrapping her left hand around the tower of meat, she started to slowly move her hand up and down his length, resulting in Excelsus grunting out pleasured noises. She used her other hand to tuck one of her two loose bangs behind her ear, moving it to his thigh as she moved her face closer to the monster of a cock her master wielded.

Excelsus watched as Nerscylla worked his length with a steady pace of head hand, her breath making him shiver slightly. Opening her mouth and sticking put her tongue, the demoness started at the base before moving her way up to the head, earning more pleasure sighs from Excelsus. She then wrapped her mouth around the head, still jacking him off with her right hand. Slowly bobbing her head, the Sin of Lust started to suck him off. The Demon King just laid back and enjoyed the treatment, reaching down to massage her scalp. Nerscylla moaned as her right hand moved from his thigh to her own soaking folds, rubbing her wet lips as she started moving faster. About fifteen minutes into the blowjob, Nerscylla removed her hand from his member and shoved his length as far down her throat as possible. Excelsus hissed in pleasure as he pushed down on her head to assist her, taking full advantage of the deepthroat. This deepthroating last about ten minutes before Excelsus began to feel his release.

"Nerscylla, I'm gonna cum!" The Demon King started before releasing several ropes of semen into her waiting throat. Pulling back slightly, the rest painted her mouth white. After a moment, Nerscylla pulled back and swallowed all of his seed before opening her mouth afterward to show she had taken it all.

"I seem to recall you enjoyed my breasts quite a bit, master," teased Nerscylla as she scooted up slightly, "If you really like them so much, I think you'll like this quite a bit."

Taking hold of her breasts in her hands, she wrapped them around his still hard member. Excelsus sighed in pleasure, his grip on the sheets tightening as Nerscylla took his head into her mouth again. For about twenty minutes, Nerscylla sucked on the two inches of cock that poked out from her breasts while using massaging the rest of her master's penis with her breasts. Soon, Excelsus came again, Nerscylla greedily taking all of his seed and giggle excitedly that he was still hard.

"You can still go?" purred Nerscylla with a smile, "Good, I want to have as much fun as we can. I knew that I was in for something exciting when I swore loyalty to you, and it appears we'll do so. Much. More."

Crawling on top of him, Nerscylla moved so that her entrance was in line with the tip of his cock, "Now, fuck me!" she demanded, undoing her hair to let it flow around her like a purple aura.

"Now that is an order I don't mind to follow," smirked Excelsus as he lined up his tip with her entrance. Once the head made contact with her opening, he gently pushed in, Nerscylla biting her lip in anticipation before he buried himself all the way into her with one quick movement.

"AAAHHHH!" cried out Nerscylla in pleasure, feeling her lips quiver as they stretched out for his massive girth. Her entire body trembled in sweet pleasure, frozen in their cowgirl position. After a moment to adjust, Nerscylla then leaned down immediately to plant dozens of kisses on Excelsus's lips, the King returning the favor before thrusting into her.

"Yes!" gasped Nerscylla between kiss before going for another, "Fuck me! Fuck me hard!"

Starting at a slow pace but no less powerful, Excelsus would pull almost all the way out before slamming into her cervix. While they kissed, the Demon King's hands went to her breasts to massage her nipples and tug on them gently. Nerscylla broke the kiss to bury her face into the crook of his neck as Excelsus flipped them over so they were back in their original position. Slowly, he began to speed up.

Wet slapping sounds of flesh filled the bedroom, along with the smell of sweat and sex, the two demons enjoying the other's body to the fullest. Nerscylla held onto him for dear life as he plowed his member into the deepest parts of her cunt. The sin of lust wished this feeling of nirvana would never end as Excelsus delivered his ten inches of flesh into her waiting body.

The demoness was letting out a string of pants, gasps, and pleads for more and Excelsus was more than willing to supply. Her pussy was so tight and warm, each movement causing her to clamp down on him, creating an even tighter fleshy pocket for him to ram himself into.

"Fuck me!" cried out Nerscylla as she wrapped her legs around his waist as Excelsus began to strike her G-spot. The demon king let out a primal growl as he bucked harder into her. They continued for well over what felt like an hour, maybe even longer. It wasn't until Nerscylla began kissing his lips frantically did she feel her orgasm coming.

"M-Master, I'm getting close!" she panted, looking him in his eyes.

"I, as well," replied Excelsus.

"In me! Fucking cum in me! I want your seed inside my cunt!" she pleaded before Nerscylla came, her walls clamping down onto his length to milk for everything he had to give. Despite her restricting size, Excelsus still bucked into, making her cum again before he also reached his limit. He came hard into her tight pussy, flooding her insides with his cum. Both he and Nerscylla cried out the other's name during their release. After a few moments, they both came down from their orgasms.

Rolling them over, Excelsus laid on his back with Nerscylla ontop. His length still lodged inside of her cunt.

"That was amazing," breathed the purple-haired demoness. Resting her head on his chest.

"I'm glad you agree," sighed Excelsus as he massaged her hips with his hands, unintentionally griding his member into her love canal.

"Mmmm," moaned Nerscylla as she felt his length brush against her insides while he brushed a few stray bangs out of her face, "I might not let you go after this."

"I don't I could go after tasting you," he chuckled, moving his right hand from her hip and started to stroke her back, "And I am looking for someone special."

"Looking to go again?" asked Nerscylla as she wriggled her hips, mewling in pleasure at feeling his still-hard erection rub against her, "Because I wish to."

"Only if you promise me one thing," stated Excelsus as he sat them up, the demoness's exposed breasts brushing against his broad pecks.

"What is it, master?" asked Nerscylla breathlessly, her eyes half-lidded while her lips mere centimeters away from his.

"That once we've properly and permanently established ourselves in this world, you will be my Queen," requested Excelsus, surprising the spider demon slightly.

However, surprise turned into honor as Nerscylla, "It would be my privilege, master."

"Don't call me master," asked the demon king as he cupped her cheek with one hand, "Instead, just call me Excelsus."

"Very well, Excelsus," smiled the demoness before the two leaned in for another kiss. While the two kissed, Nerscylla's spider legs unhooked themselves from her body to embrace her king and future husband.

While these two demons entered a new relationship, one being would be looking for answers to a more ancient one.


Underworld

She had not been here at all before and truth be told, she truly wished she didn't have to come at all.

Hestia was wearing a cloak as she journeyed through the Underworld heading for one place in particular, but as she passed by, she could clearly see the devastation left behind by the demons. The very gates into the Underworld were completely destroyed. Heading deeper into her brother's kingdom, she saw more damage, the fields were laid to waste, plenty of corpses remained from the attack but the most shocking was the ruins of Hades's palace.

Standing in front of what was left of the gate, Hestia took in the sight of her brother's ruined home. It was nearly destroyed, leveled to the ground and everything of value taken. Even the pomegranate tree that Persephone would take care of was gone. Her brother lost practically everything in the span of only minutes. It pained her to no end to see her family suffer for this. Perhaps, if she had tried at all, maybe been more active, she could have prevented this.

"No...," she said to herself, "I cannot change the past."

'The past...,' the thought of her past came to mind and a part of her realized what she was doing was borderline insane. Taking a deep breath, she turned away from the palace and headed right towards a slope.

For a few minutes, Hestia continued down the sleep, being mindful of her footing as it got steeper at points. Slowly, the cavern walls of the Underworld began to narrow on either side as the Goddess of the Hearth ventured deeper and deeper into the darkness. Soon, she was inside a sort of tunnel, no black-grass or trees of any kind, just rock underneath and the dim light of stalactites above. Soon, Hestia began to tense as she went deeper into the tunnel, the smell of evil permeating the air, but this didn't feel nearly as bad as being in the presence of Excelsus.

This was a familiar evil, one that Hestia was more than familiar with.

Soon, the eldest child of Kronos entered a massive dark cavern and at the center was a massive chasm, easily the size of a city block. Hestia steeled herself as she continued to the pit, not even fazed by the deep whisper that seemed to echo through the entire area. It was then the voice grew louder for a moment before pausing entirely when Hestia arrived at the edge of the chasm. The entrance to Tartarus

Hestia took a deep breath before removing her cloak and let it fall into the chasm. It was when she removed her cloak, did a near booming chuckle echo through the entire cavern.

"It has been a while," stated the booming voice coming from the chasm, almost rattling the cavern itself, "Hestia."

Steadying herself, Hestia called out.

"I am here seeking council."

"What council do you seek, Hestia?"

"An answer to one question."

"What would I have to gain by answering your question?" demanded the voice.

"If you agree to answer one question, I will release you and bring you to Olympus so that you may answer this question."

The voice was silent for a few moments as if contemplating whether or not the deal should be taken or ignored.

"And what caused you to seek my council?"

"Agreed to my terms and you shall know," stated Hestia confidently.

"And what insurance do I have that you will not betray me?"

The daughter of Kronos took a breather before steadying herself for what she was about to do.

"I, Hestia, First Born of the Titan Kronos, swear on the river Styx that I have no intention of betraying you and only seek an answer to one question I possess and will take you to Olympus as previously stated so that you may answer my question.

Thunder boomed throughout the Underworld, signifying the swear had been made. Nothing happened after the crack and the was proof that Hestia was not lying. The dark voice seemed to hum for a moment before coming to a conclusion.

"I agree to the terms."

"Do you swear on the River Styx to answer my question once we arrive upon Olympus?"

"I swear on the River Styx that I will answer your question." Again, thunder boomed as the promise was made, "Now release me so that we may go to Olympus."

Hestia sighed, somewhat in relief but also in anxiety because of the risk she was taking. But what was happening needed answers and the only one who had answers was trapped in Tartarus.

The goddess of the hearth held out her right hand and a stream of fire burst from her palm and shooting out to the middle of the chasm. The stream then dipped down into the chasm, heading further and further down. Suddenly, a burst of light erupted as a large blast of heat shot up. Hestia took a few steps back as smoke rose up towards the ceiling.

Hestia let out a short cough before looking at where she was previously standing. From the smoke, a figure began to take form. Finer details began to take shape, a broad chest, with powerful muscles, along with a long black beard and equally long black hair. The figure was clearly male, wearing a red toga and brown sandals. The man had golden irises and stood much taller than Hestia.

Hestia swallowed a lump that was in her throat as she looked at the figure before her.

"Hello," she greeted the man, "father."

"Hello, my daughter," replied Kronos as he approached his first-child, his tone sounding extremely superior and arrogant, "I believe you have a question for me."

"Not here," stated Hestia, her own tone sounding cold and abrasive, "At Olympus."

"Then by all means," guffawed the Titan, "Take me to Olympus."

Hestia took a deep breath before letting it out. Fire surrounded both her and her biological father. When the fire died down, both Titan and Olympian were gone.


Council Room, Mount Olympus, New York City, New York

The council room was still in shambles from the surprise attack and many of the gods and goddesses remained behind. The only ones who left were Artemis per her father's orders and Hestia. Zeus was seated on his throne, seething from being shone up, in his own home of all places. A furious scowl plastered on his face.

Many of the other gods and goddesses were conversing with each other, or in Hades' case, consoling his wife, comforting her as best he could. The only one doing anything productive, other than being a supporting husband, was Hephaestus who was repairing parts of the room.

"This is all a giant mess," commented Apollo as he leaned against a pillar, arms folded. With him was Athena, Aphrodite, Ares, and Hermes.

"No arguments there, brother," Athena agreed as she looked around the room, "It is truly an eye-opener. Just how badly we've blinded ourselves to what's out there."

"It really is, but somehow I feel like there's more to this," said Hermes, earning a few looks from those presently speaking in the group.

"How do you mean?" asked Aphrodite, cocking her head to the side curiously.

"Well, I don't exactly know, but it feels personal," the messenger god tried to explain, "Like, when we fought the demons, it felt like there was a deeper meaning to it."

"What in Hades are you talking about?" demanded Ares, "How was this personal?"

"I'm not sure," sighed Hermes, his shoulders slacking, "Maybe I'm just being paranoid."

"Maybe, but I'm still wondering about something," interjected Aphrodite.

"What's that?"

"Where did Hestia go?"

Sure enough, that was a question that had been floating around the entire council room. Right after Excelsus left, Hestia had also vanished out of sight. Leaving her siblings to wonder where she had gone.

"She might have gone back to her home," offered Apollo, however, before Athena could object to that, the doors to the council room that were repaired thanks to Hephaestus swung open and revealed the goddess in question entering.

"Hestia," stated Zeus as he looked down at his sister from his throne, eyes narrowed when he saw the conflicted look on her face, "Where have you..."

Zeus trailed off when he saw who entered behind her. Every single god just gaped in shock as they watched Kronos enter the room. Posideon, Hades, Demeter, and Hera all stared in disbelief at who their sister brought into Olympus. Even the other gods were in states of dumbfounding.

"Hello son," greeted the Titan, glaring at his youngest child, "It's been a while."

"Hestia...," started Zeus as he rose from his throne, his voice shaking with fury, "What have you done?"

"We need to know, Zeus," replied Hestia, looking down, almost wishing to shrink out of existence, "And he is the only one who can give us the answer we need."

"So you release our greatest enemy and bring him here?!" roared Zeus in rage, thunder exploding outside the council room and lightning flashing so bright it was almost blinding.

"It seems the role of king is too much for you, son," taunted Kronos as he brushed past Hestia and towards the hearth at the center of the room, "Look at this place: in shambles and ruin. Not to mention you can't even control your own sister."

"Father," warned Hestia as she got between him and Zeus.

"I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!" bellowed the King of Olympus, the Master Bolt shining brightly, "I DEFEATED YOU AND CAST YOU INTO TARTARUS!"

"And yet here I am, standing before you," continued Kronos mockingly, this time pushing Hestia out of the way, knocking her down to the floor.

"Father, you swore to answer my question," reminded Hestia, her own patience growing thin, but her words went unheard. Soon, the situation started to get worse and worse as father and son traded insults. So, finally having enough, Hestia shouted her question as loud as she could and in that moment the entire atmosphere change.

Kronos's attention changed from Zeus to Hestia in an instant and during that change, his expression took a complete turn. His once proud and arrogant exterior turned into one that she, nor any of her siblings ever seen before. Even Zeus was taken aback by his father's sudden change in behavior.

Eyes wide with disbelief, his expression depicting shock, but it was his Hestia focused on. Behind them, the way they looked at her gave a sign of something she never thought her father would ever show.

Fear-no, more than fear. Actual terror.

"Father?" asked Hestia quieter as she approached the Titan.

"Hestia," began Kronos softly as he turned completely to his eldest child, "What did you just say?"

"I said, 'Did you ever make a deal with a being named Mundus?'" she answered. Hestia flinched for a moment when Kronos reached out to her and grabbed her by the shoulders, but the second he did, she felt him trembling.

"Hestia, daughter," her father's voice shaking, pleading he didn't hear what he thought he did, "Where did you hear that name?"

"A being, a demon calling himself Excelsus," answered Hestia honestly, resting her hands onto of her father's, "He claimed to be this 'Mundus's' son and attacked Olympus. He claimed you made a deal with his father and he was here to collect what was owed."

Kronos let out a sharp gasp, as a flood of memories rushed through his mind. The shock was so great that he nearly collapsed.

"Father!" gasped Hestia as she instinctively caught him, even Posideon who was close by caught his father before he fell. They helped him over to the hearth where he sat down on the edge all the while Zeus watched silently. His anger was gone for the moment as he looked at the being whom he overthrew centuries ago display total fear.

"It's as he said," whispered the Titan to himself.

"Father?" asked Hestia softly as she took Kronos' hand into hers, the Titan looking at his child, terror still filling his eyes, "Who is Mundus, and what deal did you make with him?"

For a few moments, Kronos said nothing before taking a deep breath, he began his tale, of the deal he made with Mundus.

"Do you recall, how I and my brothers defeated my father, Ouranos?" he asked, earning a few nods as the other gods gathered around to listen to the tale, "Well, before my plan was to take action, I was having doubts that I could actually defeat my father, despite the aid of my brothers and the scythe my mother Gaea gifted me. To clear my thoughts of doubts, I traveled alone for a short time. Soon, I found a spot, under a small tree to rest for some time, but during my rest, I had the oddest of dreams."

"In my dream, I was visited by an entity..."


*Flashback*

Kronos looked around what appeared to a white marble temple, rays of light peering passed the marble columns. Walking through it, his footsteps echoing through the entire structure. It was when he rounded a corner did he find himself at what looked to be an office. There were two chairs displaying incredible designs that he had never seen, both were positioned at either ends of a white table with similar designs. The Titan made his way to the furniture, inspecting it curiously.

Suddenly, he felt a presence behind him. He spun around to see a man, roughly his height. He had a kind, almost warm smile on his face, with brown hair, and golden irises like himself. He wore white robes and white sandals.

"Greetings," bowed the man respectfully.

"Who are you?" demanded Kronos, a little on guard.

"My name is Mundus," answered the man kindly, "And you are Kronos, the youngest son of the god Ouranos and Gaea."

This surprised Kronos and put him on edge, "How do you know who I am?"

"Forgive me, I do not get many visitors here," apologized, Mundus with an almost sad sigh, "It appears I'm out of practice, but may I offer you a seat and I will explain how I know you?"

Mundus then gestured to one of the chairs which pulled itself out. Kronos, eyeing the chair a moment, did take a seat while Mundus sat across from him.

"Something to drink?" offered the entity, waving his hand. An ornate glass appeared on Mundus' side of the table and filled with wine, the same thing happened on Kronos' side.

"Now, I believe you asked me how I know of you," recalled Mundus.

"Yes," nodded the Titan, "How is it that you know of me?"

"Well, to put it bluntly, because I have observed you," answered Mundus, having his hand again, to the left of them, a large window appeared above, startling Kronos for a moment as an image of his brothers appeared, "It is one of the few things I can do here."

"But why did you observe me?" asked Kronos, looking back at Mundus.

"Because you are not like your brothers, you are unique," explained the entity, "More driven to achieve your goals than any of them. A drive like that does not appear very often in the world."

This surprised Kronos, however, a part of him felt pleased to hear such praise. A small smile appeared as the two began speaking as if they had been friends for years.

"Mundus told me that I was different from my brothers, that I had more ambition than any of them, and more drive. He saw my methods and complimented them for me. What I fool I was, blinded by his flattery."

Kronos was back in the white temple, speaking with Mundus, both sharing a laugh.

"Mundus became my confidant and even a trusted friend. I trusted him so much so that I revealed my fears about the day I and my brother's challenge my father, Ouranos. He deduced that I required some form of security, a buffer if you will, a means to ensure that I would not lose, and so he offered a portion of his powers to aid me, and all he asked in return, was a means to leave his world and travel to ours. In essence, a deal; I would be given the power to defeat my father and in return, I would free Mundus from wherever he was imprisoned. Foolishly I agreed and Mundus granted me some of his power."

Mundus extended his right hand, blue flames engulfing the appendage. Kronos looked at the hand for a moment before looking at his friend in the eyes. Mundus nodded and gave him a reassuring smile. Kronos smiled and took the hand and the results were instantaneous. Energy poured into Kronos, his veins lighting up brightly while a roar of power erupted from his mouth.

"The power Mundus gave me was unlike anything I had ever felt before."

Kronos fell to his knees for a moment before getting to his feet. He could feel every single bit of energy coursing them him. It was incredible! A wide smile swept across his face as he let out a war cry, all the while Mundus watched, smirking.

"It was intoxicating. He told me this is how Kings come to power. A little help from a friend."

Kronos leaped down from the boulder where he was previously hiding. His scythe raised above his head while the blade burned with energy. He brought down the weapon onto his father who was rendered unable to defend himself thanks to Kronos' brothers holding him down.

"With the power granted to me by Mundus, defeating my father was easy and ushered in a new age. That was until the nightmares began coming."

Kronos tossed and turned in his bed, his face contorted into strain while sweat ran down his face. Inside his mind, he was bombarded by dreams of total madness and terror, monsters and creatures beyond his imagination plagued the entire world. He and his brothers were killed and at the head of it all was Mundus.

Kronos sat up, eyes wide with fear and a cold sweat running down his face. He looked at his hands and saw them sparking with the power Mundus granted him. He clenched his hands, realizing there was something his 'friend' wasn't telling him.

"Mundus!" shouted Kronos as he stormed into the temple, "You lied to me! You don't want to experience the pleasures of the world, you want to corrupt it!"

Mundus merely chuckled as he reclined in what looked like a throne, "It appears you are finally aware of my true plans, but it doesn't matter now. Not when one goal has been fulfilled."

"No, no, NO!" cried the Titan in outrage, "This wasn't what I agreed to! Take your power back, the deal's off!"

Kronos hurled an orb of all the power Mundus gifted him right towards the being. The orb merely melted over him and vanish. An unamused expression was on Mundus's face.

"The deal was that I would help you achieve your goal and defeat your father," reminded Mundus, pointing at Kronos, "You achieved your goal, now all that remains is that you fulfill mine!"

"I won't do it!" roared Kronos.

"Whether or not you fulfill our bargain is inconsequential," stated Mundus, the temple around him beginning to crumble, "While you may not open the gateway, I can promise you, one of your descendants will. They will be more powerful than you, Kronos, and as they say: 'power corrupts."

Suddenly, Mundus began to grow in size, causing Kronos to look on in shock as the entity grew to a hundred times his size. Soon, the entire temple crumbled to pieces and revealed a vast nightmare all around. The Titan looked around in shock as the monsters from his very nightmares were all around.

"EVEN IF I DO NOT PIERCE THE BARRIER BETWEEN WORLDS, KRONOS," boomed Mundus, causing Kronos to stare at him in terror, "ONE OF MY DESCENDANTS WILL. AND IT WILL BE ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN WHO WILL ENSURE MY KIND ENTERS YOUR WORLD AND COLLECTS WHAT IS DUE."

"No, no, no, NO, NO!" shouted Kronos, refusing to believe what was being told.

"ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, KRONOS," stated Mundus as he held out his right hand. In the center, formed a golden disc. One with a demon head biting down on the Omega symbol, "A DEVIL ALWAYS COLLECTS HIS DUE."

The disc flew right towards Kronos and slammed into his stomach.

Kronos awoke with a start, under the same tree he first encountered Mundus. He ran his right hand through his hair and rested his left down on the ground. However, it was the ground he felt, but the cold sensation of gold. Eyes wide with fear, he turned to see the very same disc Mundus gave to him right by his side.

"I had been a fool and been used for another's gain."

*End Flashback*


Kronos had his head bowed, almost ashamed to admit he had been used. Hestia and the other children of Kronos just looked at their father with surprise and confusion.

"The things I saw, even though they were glimpses when I still possessed Mundus' power," Kronos shook his head, "They were beyond terrible, beyond anything I could come up with."

Taking a deep breath he raised his head, "In an attempt to move forward, I tried focusing on my fellow Titans and mother, but I was always reminded of Mundus's promise. That promise became all the more prevalent when I had my first child."

Hestia gasped in surprise.

"When I saw that you had the potential to grow more powerful, I was instantly reminded of Mundus' warning, of how power corrupts. My fear of what might come took control and I did what I believed would ensure this world's freedom from the terror of Mundus."

The Olympians all glanced at one another, realizing that it was just fear of being overthrown that drove Kronos to become the King Canibal.

"If this 'Excelsus' is indeed a descendant of Mundus, then all I can offer is my best wishes," stated Kronos as he sat up and looked at Zeus, "Son, despite our history, none of that matters with the present threat."

"Are you offering your aid?" demanded Zeus incredulously.

"No, I shall return to Tartarus," stated Kronos as he stood up, "Because this is a battle I cannot win, but you might have a chance of."

This shocked all those present. Kronos was going to return to Tartarus willingly?

"The only advice I can give you, my child; is do not squander a single possible advantage when facing someone like Mundus, because you will need every possible advantage."

Hestia looked away for a moment, thinking about one particular individual.

'Nero...'

To Be Continued...