The apex of Dead's Law is me

(冥界の法に従ってオーレはすべてのもの優位に立つ)

Mirfak suspected that he could still use Medusa in an act of faith, a reflection of the miracle from the War of Pallabeda, since the shield was an accessory to his Cloth and Cosmos. However, the shield was no longer a living thing but a material. The Medusa shield lay in fragments before Mirfak, and he could only now depend on his brute force.

It was frustrating to face a silent opponent. There was no praise, no criticism, and no taunts; more so, Mirfak would not fathom the fortitude of his enemy. The moment when mortal steps the path to the death, leading into the jaws of judgment, the chemical balance of life starts to change. It breaks down and is different among everyone. Dying is strange and can be painless; however, Perseus Mirfak was still living.

Dark Meadow had chains that juddered with light; his body apparently guided smog and flame, and had the strength of titans or two Taurus Saints. Under Limbo's darkness, the beast-turned man in obsidian armor reflected a spirit of death. A spirit that came from the dark corners of Yomatsu to take away the former living, while exploiting said former living's state of confusion.

Confusion was one symptom of dying. Because Mirfak was relatively young, his emotions were much stronger. Anyone can relate to him – to always think on what to accomplish and will refuse to die. No one wants to think about their final days. Mirfak kept on with his kicks to repel any form of counter, and then a chain snapped around his neck. His eyes nearly popped out his sockets as his felt his jugular veins being squeezed in. Crushing. He was stunned with a pain like choking, oxygen deprived, and the pressure made him black out. As lithe as the chain looked, it was able to slam the Silver Saint down.

The chain began to glow; Meadow's voice erupted in the darkness.

"The strong—the strong perish as well." Mirfak would not be consciousness to see the wide, abysmal smile of teeth Dark Meadow wore over his chin. The smile was a substitute for a peal of laugher that the monster prevented.

While the Cosmos and influence of Gods were weak when not fully awakened, it was the same for Specters when they walked upon the mortal world. Meadow's strength laid in experience.

A long time ago, the multi-headed Cerberus was birthed by two lawless reptile monsters from the sky and sea. Most monsters had gods for progenitors, and they "died not" nor "grew old". The Cerberus stood parallel with other popular monsters such as Orthrus, the Chimera and the Sphinx. It's unknown as to how it became under the subjugation of Hades the Unseen; it was best known for being defeated by the hero Hercules, the half brother of Perseus.

Therefore, why was a hero's star turning against the virtuous fate, which was laid down for him?

OOO

Athena was now in the hands of Demeter, and her Gold Saints would have to deal with the hurt pride of being tricked. Perhaps they didn't think things would take a devastating turn, and that Hermes would have the nerve to engage his plan right then and there. Then again, no one was aware of Gemini Paradox's return, nor thought she would have the ability to control Gemini Integra.

Despite Hermes's suspiciousness, it was a successful plan. When Seiya returned, he took charge along with Fudou. He stated that it was Athena's orders to go along with their missions. Seiya headed for Dodona; Shiryu returned to Rozan; Safar went to Israel while accompanied by a Silver Saint; the Pope, Fudou and Integra made plans to step into the Underworld safely.

"Lady Athena, you seem content with your fate." Hermes spoke with a neutral air despite pulling a goddess by her neck with a chain. They strode far, following the two rainbow chains seemingly to a destination of nowhere. Everywhere was dark after all.

"Hermes, I am assuming that when you mean 'make a funeral'," Athena said, "it refers to 'my funeral?'" Hermes stopped walking. The Goddess continued.

"I think back at Seiya's words. You say that this is 'interesting' but realistically, as a Gold Saint, it should not influence you so much to the point of changing allegiances. Even if you are into fun and games."

"Athena, you can't say anymore." For the first time, particularly when the entire fiasco began, Hermes spoke seriously. It was not threatening, but seemed to hint a consequence of bad fate. Even a treacherous crony dare sent the message that asking too much would make a goddess sorry?

"That is true, but imagine your fate. Once, you're done with your funeral."

"Are you concerned?" Hermes asked.

"I'll say this - I have faith in everyone. In all of the Saints, including you."

Cancer turned to look over his shoulder and gave Athena a wry smile. "That's fine and all Lady Athena, but if you're gonna die then there's no need to be so optimistic. I do believe anything can happen, but you're not the one to determine everything. Now, come along."

When the Saint resumed walking, Athena gave out a meek groan as her body moved against her will. The Cerberus's chain from the Path of the Dead held her hostage, and while in Hermes's hand, she couldn't help but follow him to her supposed execution.

"Let's just make it so," said Hermes, "that I now look like the villain who betrayed his Goddess, and nearly got his allies killed. Perhaps in the future I will have to face the consequences of fighting my own brethren. I am ready for it."

Athena quietly listened, perhaps in remorse.

"When there's no Holy War, maybe this is a good fate for Cancer," he laughed. "Our morals, our abilities are contested in moments such as these. If there's no sickness or problems, how can nurses and doctors practice?"

"That's right Hermes. You used to tend to the sick and injured in your home village." It was like a casual prattle, strangely with one person having a chain on her neck. No matter what Athena said, even though she enticed the so-called "villain saint" with her gentle composure, she couldn't reach a convincing argument to turn Hermes or to explain himself. He chose his fate as the "villain", and hoped that it wouldn't plunge him in a depth beyond purgatory.

Despite being a prisoner, Athena certainly had much to say. Maybe Cancer kept his guard down and was easy to speak to while confident in victory. It was either confidence or reliance in achieving that so-called "victory"; rather, was it not "positive outcome"?

"You know Athena, I am surprised that you haven't tried to break out. You are a Goddess after all." In truth, the Path of the Dead made it difficult for the dead to leave. They were literally braced to fate as if weaved by Hades' own hands. However, it was also possible that she intentionally went with him.

"I have a couple more questions for you," said Athena. "What is your theory on Demeter's goal?" In other words, what did the traitor possibly learn from his shenanigans of inhibiting the Bronze Saints, conspiring with Demeter and with Paradox?

"Like I said, it is Demeter," Hermes's voice rings as spoke in an open, honest manner. He lifted a finger to the level of his cheek. "Again, despite her love of family, she doesn't think much of Hades or world conquest. Therefore, I think it may all have to do with reviving someone else. The question is who? Who does Demeter care for the most?"

Athena would answer with a prompt confidence. "Her daughter."

"Heh, she has a family on Earth it seems. I see a young girl next to her all the time named Pan, who she sees as a daughter. I know she has a daughter from the Age of Myth, but there was no mention of her."

"When we spoke at my temple, she said to me that 'I'm doing it for her'," said Athena.

"She never specifically said it was a 'her" or her mythical daughter. At least, not around me. Che, how can anyone respect a God who thinks so petty of others over one thing? She couldn't just talk it out?"

With a chain around her throat like a dog, Athena was relatively static, but her thoughts were swirling. Hermes was annoyed by the Gods, she thought, which led to her next question.

"Also, out of concern—is it possible that you want to battle Hades yourself?"

The 'out of concern' first made Hermes pop his eyebrow, and the question itself made him freeze completely again.

"Now, now, that's not very nice isn't it? To revive a man to fight him," he said.

"Not necessarily – you say you want to save the Underworld, so are you planning to seal him in some way?"

"Even if I wanted to, I don't think that's possible for me, especially when Hades rules the dead. Sending a guy to his home and fight him, seems pointless." Hermes then turned and winked at the Goddess.

"But that does sound interesting does it? Me, a God Slayer!"

A villain to the end? Athena did think that the idea was reckless, but kept digging in hopes to find reasoning or good within her Cancer Saint.

"Well, since you're going to meet her," Hermes said as he resumed walking, "how about you ask her yourself?"

"Demeter's plan?"

"She thinks I'm a slug, but maybe she'll think differently now that she sees her plan progressing. So, let's go to her and ask her, you feel me?"

Before, when she was at Athena's temple, Demeter was too upset to unveil anything, taking a stance as another malevolent god that contended Athena. Therefore, Athena had her doubts inside of asking again. However, with Dark Meadow's chain around her neck and taken hostage, did she have a choice but to submit to Hermes's plan?

Eventually, they would indeed meet. The Mother goddess with her platinum hair and verdant eyes, highlighting her beauty, could not be mistaken.

Those two chains that stretched upon where they walked led to two individuals. One was to a man in a thick, tattered robe and unkempt hair; as expected, Demeter was present along with Sir Arion; the second chain led to a strange smoke floating in midair. The man was crouched near an object that shimmered with a smoke like aura – The Ophiuchus Cloth.

"So, there you are, Athena. Good work Hermes."

"That's the first time you praised me."

"I suppose a little competency among the Gold Saints was finally realized." For once, Demeter's presence softened; she didn't sound too acrid despite the current situation. "The others except you and Gemini seemed to have failed. And yet, I put so much faith in Libra."

Athena was always demure in her speech and expression; speaking the Mother's goddess's name, and a cuff around her neck, she would feign worry and sadness.

"You must hate me from the bottom of your heart, Athena," said Demeter. Her resentment wilted and they could chat as equals. For now, she reached a point of ease; her plan was coming together and she expected her daughter and son to finish off the Bronzes on Naxos.

"Lady Demeter, Libra is still on the move it seems. He approaches a strong presence. I will attest that he fought well against the Bronze Saints. Perhaps he seeks a stronger foe," said Arion.

Demeter's brow furrowed, her voice sinking low. "Still, not a single Gold Saint prevented the Bronzes from coming to Naxos. No matter, they will face their fate soon enough."

"Your fear is reasonable, but there is no need to worry now that your plan is in motion." After Arion's reassurance, he turned his stoic eyes to Goddess Athena and Cancer Hermes.

"There is no hatred within me," Athena spoke calmly. "I just only want to know why you are risking the Earth's life for the return of the Underworld? Who is it that you truly want to revive?"

"Your intense concern for Earth has caused life to die, Athena. I am sure that we had this talk already—I plan to restore the balance of life. Yes, it is true that Hades's return might re-launch a Holy War, but you act out of fear for your own worst enemy. If you knew me so well, you'd fathom my needs."

Suddenly, Hermes's gestured a hand up for a moment to talk. "Sorry Lady Demeter, we were chit-chatting on our way over here. She really just wants to know who is she is dying for. In other words, who do you plan on reviving?"

"Only speak when spoken to, Hermes." Demeter said; she was still rather level-headed, but knew she was the one at lead. "This is not a picnic or a debate. Athena is now my prisoner, and soon enough, my own brother's. The only one thing you need to know is that you two may end up being bargaining chips. Athena will most likely have to die."

Eyes rolling, Cancer Hermes tilted back his head and held in a breath to imprison his own sigh of humiliation. I thought we were getting along too. Now I'm a real pawn on a chessboard kneeling to a king. Stubborn witch, he thought.

When his arms slacked, Hermes did not realize that the chain slid out of his hand. He only looked down once he heard the clattering ring of the chain hitting the surface. It slithered behind him and Athena, and jumped into the hand of another.

Stepping out from a gateway of smoke, Dark Meadow arrived.

Demeter looked at him. "Did you do it?" She simply asked, and the Cerberus simply gave a nod, uttering a deep growl to augment the answer. Athena gave out a faltering look. She sensed it and was obviously saddened—Mirfak's star wafting into nothing.

"The Silver Saint right?" Hermes interjected, cupping his chin. "Because Sagittarius got away."

"What?!"

"Easy, easy. There was an intrusion, but looks like Mutt took care of it."

From Hermes's talk or Demeter's anger, Dark Meadow never disconnected from his stone like expression. Waving it off, the Mother Goddess ordered the Cerberus to keep Athena in the same spot and watch her.

"Athena, Hermes, you will witness the mercy and pity Hades shows in his eyes. While in his presence, you will appreciate him and throw away any stubborn pride you hold for Earth. Or rather, for the disingenuous warriors you train for justice. The humans you trained to kill my daughter." That was when she and Arion took their leave. The Goddess returned to her comfort quarters, and Arion to his Garden to check on the Bronzes.

"I'll just look at the views." Smirking, Cancer left it at that and took his leave as well. He thought of standing guard with the dog, even thinking about checking on Paradox, but decided to stay on Naxos where "it's safe". What will be their next plan?

Now there was only three. His hands hovering over Shaina's Cloth, the cloaked man had shaggy white hair that would cover the smile he emitted as he gave off a shallow chuckle. Keeping a firm grip on Athena's chain, Meadow plopped down and lazily rested his chin on the dorsal side of his hands. Even with the chain slacked, Athena couldn't feel its grip alleviate. Despite the rise of the Eight Consciousness—the Arayashiki—she still felt trapped near death.

"Ah, scary isn't she?" The shaggy man finally spoke. He had a rainbow chain on him.

"So, it is her daughter. Even so, the divine punishment of death I still cannot allow."

"That dog guy over there rarely speaks, so I guess it's just you and me."

"Who—who are you?"

The man pulled his hands away from the Cloth and stretched up from his hunch. His palms were effused in a dull glow and they slid over his draping white bangs that curtained his upper face. Dreary eyes looked at Athena, coupled with the warmest smile he could probably muster. But it was the smile of a tired, defeated-looking man who seemed to have locked himself away in reclusion.

"I guess you can't recognize me at all. I haven't been out of Hell for ages. Oh yes. It's great to see a beauty in this murky place." The man paused to watch Athena's curiosity show on her face.

"I am Akelepsos." The name ringed familiar, and Athena raised her eyebrows in surprise. Did her heart jump from some fragility? She did not expect to see someone of a divine name to look the opposite of dapper.

"You can call me Akel for short," he said. "I am plain and simple, fallen from holy grace after all."

"I see. By using the Silver Cloth, Demeter released you from your prison to restore Hades's soul?"

"Yep. We are by the Tartatus gate," he said. He then pointed his thumb at the floating smoke behind him. "And this is Hades's soul under construction."

Athena's eyes followed, and she noticed that the rainbow chain was connected to the smoke. A feeling of dread welled up inside of her heart. While it only looked like smoke, Athena could not see everything before her as a farce. Did it all make sense? The Path of the Dead sought the spirit of the deceased; with Akel in mind, did that also include those who were imprisoned and the King himself? Especially since the King was known to perish?

"Right now, we need seven days," said Akelepsos. He crouched back down to resume his hand swaying over the Silver Cloth. "While I have the Ophiuchus Cloth, I can heal him and connect with his conscious."

"Like you said, 'you fell from holy grace' by doing exactly what you're doing now. Why did you agree with Demeter?"

"I know, I know. I could not help but take her offer of being released—if I help her make up what you destroyed. She and I might be in a lot of trouble, but it's pretty much a gamble. It's possible that this plan can compensate for any punishment."

"I could not allow Hades's lack of love to condemn everyone on Earth. Even if I made enemies of the entire Pantheon, I couldn't allow it."

The fallen god in tattered robes chuckled again. "Ahh Athena, your heart is so pure. How you protect the humans. If I could only dissect you from the middle and take out your heart. To study that heart."

"I assume that I am going to be here to witness his revival?"

"Yep."

"What is Cancer Hermes's role?"

"That guy. It looks like you're going to be sacrificed and he may contribute to it."

"Did I kill Demeter's daughter?"

"Oh come on, that's what she said right? Did you kill Persephone?"

"How? I don't understand."

"Is she not the Queen of Tartatus? I've seen her various times, but souls just don't disappear. To be honest, I hold a bit of resent for you for not seeing her. But the ones who are affected the most are Demeter and—" Akel paused and raised a finger.

"That guy." His finger stretched towards Cerberus Dark Meadow. The one who killed Mirfak and the current representative of Hell.