A/N: Thanks to my beta, Olethros.

Erik: the Vampire Hunter - The Continuing Adventures

Episode 19

By: Elektra

Athens, Greece

Oren Phyreus sat on the beach watching the waters of the Aegean Sea lapping against the rocks. He knew this place: The Apollo Coast.

He couldn't help but think of the god for whom it was named: His father and his teacher. It was through Apollo that he found his love for music and his skills for the lyre.

Here and now, however, no one knew who he was, nor how his history meshed with theirs.

Oren hoped to keep it that way. His body was his own again, and he wanted to forget all that had brought him to this place in his life – his second life.

"Hey there," a voice spoke up beside him. Orpheus turned to see a lovely young lady with dark hair and dark eyes smiling at him. "I'm Julie." She held a hand out.

"Oren," Orpheus answered, then turned his attention back to the water. Disappointed with his lack of interest, she turned her attentions elsewhere.

He hadn't meant to be rude, but the less people he befriended here, the better. It was the only way to make sure Sytri didn't find him again.

Now if he could only shake the feeling that someone was watching him.

Elsewhere

Erik looked at his surroundings. He was on a beach, but the sand was black. It wasn't just dark for lack of sun, but literally black.

He closed his eyes and lifted his head. He felt no breeze.

A dream, he realized. He wiped a hand over his face and was not surprised to find his skeletal features exposed. It seemed rather fitting in this place.

He heard the sounds of the water beside him, but not the normal sounds of the tide going in and out. It was a sound made of low moans and cries. He would have called it musical if not for the obvious hatred and anger that pulled down each note every time the waves rose.

Erik crouched beside the strange glowing liquid and held a hand over the green mist rising from it. He slowly lowered his hand – until icy cold fingers clenched around his wrist.

"I would not do that…"

Erik turned to see Hel crouching beside him.

"They may try and drag you in with them," she said.

Erik found her choice of words odd, "They?"

"The souls. Spirits. There are creatures that float here without form or substance."

"And here is?"

Hel smiled, the uncovered half of her face quite pleasant. "Forgive the intrusion," she said. "I thought it would be better to show you rather than tell you. I believe you mortals call it visual aids. I want you to be well educated." She stood up and Erik stood with her.

"This is the Underworld. Ruled by Hades. When you come here, you will have to cross this river – as well as four others - to hold an audience with Hades and work out whatever deal you wish to work out." She glanced towards the green polluted waters, "This is Styx."

"And the other rivers?"

She nodded in approval. "Acheron is the river of sorrow;" The image of the river Styx changed shape, melting and sliding into Acheron. The cries that escaped this river were of deep despair. "Cocytus is the river of lamentation;" the river changed once again, "Phlegethon is made of fire." Erik jumped back as flames rose from what was once water, "… and Lethe is the river of forgetfulness." Faces that looked confused and unsure rose up from the murky waters.

Hel grew serious, "You must be careful there, lest you forget your purpose altogether."

"That works for me…"

Hel looked around the despairing landscape, confused.

Erik frowned, "That would be Sytri. He lacks a body, but not a voice."

"Ahh…" she said with a nod. "Thus I hear him in your head."

"Don't sound so concerned. Should you forget your purpose, I am sure Lou will find a place for you."

Erik felt Hel's icy hand grab his shoulder, "He cannot. I have already claimed Erik."

Erik glanced over at the goddess, "Pardon?"

She looked over at him kindly. "After you leave your mortal body," she assured him. "When the time comes, I will come to retrieve you."

Erik nodded, unsure what to make of that offer. He supposed it was… nice.

"But I have kept you long enough," Hel said, "You should wake up soon."

DeChagny – Giry Residence – Guest bedroom

Erik woke up to the sound of breakfast sizzling.

Usually he was an earlier riser, but judging from the sound of chatter outside the door, he had slept in. He imagined it had something to do with the dream keeping him under.

Of course, it had not completely been a creation of his mind. He knew enough about gods to understand that much.

Erik was silently grateful to Hel for showing him what he would face in the Underworld.

Now if only he could find Orpheus and make the trade: Sytri's soul for Orpheus' freedom. He could be free of his father forever.

"Do you think I'll let you get that far?" Sytri's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"And what could you do?" Erik asked.

Sytri simply laughed.

Unfazed, Erik grabbed his mask and joined the others in the kitchen.

Athens, Greece – three days later

In the Prefecture of Kefalonia, Oren found what he was looking for. The Sakkos cave near the temple of Apollo. This is where Martine had found him, or rather, his head.

He couldn't remember how long this cave had been here. Did it exist at the time of gods and goddesses?

Oren's memories of the past were fading. Being brought back into this world had given him a new life, as if he had been reborn.

He suddenly stopped in his tracks, feeling someone watching him. Before he could pursue his feelings, the ground began to shake beneath him. He let out a cry and grabbed for the rock wall.

A crack appeared inches from his feet. A long, jagged crack ran around the floor of the cavern. It began to split, a force unlike any he had experienced before pulled him towards it. He was helpless to resist.

Something down there wanted him.

Something that wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.

Giry-DeCagny Apartment

Erik jumped awake, startling the girl sleeping beside him.

"What is it?" Christine asked. "What's wrong?"

"He has Orpheus…" Erik answered.

"Who?"

"Hades."

Christine studied Erik, "How do you know?"

Erik tapped his temple, "A little demon told me." He climbed out of bed and pushed to his feet, "I have to make the trade."

"Trade?" Christine asked, then remembered. Erik was going to trade Sytri for Oren, freeing both himself and the young man.

"If he already has Orpheus, I need to go. Now." Erik informed her.

Christine grew worried. "But…"

"As soon as I get rid of my unwanted guest, I will be back."

He quickly dressed and headed towards the door, then stopped and turned to face Christine.

"Did you have a date in mind for the wedding?"

Christine furrowed her brow, "Why are you asking that? Of all times…"

"Pick a date," he commanded.

"What, now?"

"Yes," Erik replied. "Pick a date. And make it soon."

Christine bit her lower lip, "Well, my birthday is coming up soon, but that doesn't give us enough time to plan and-"

"Forget planning. I was never one for fancy celebrations." He took her hand. "I will be there. That is a promise." His voice grew softer. "I love you, angel…"

Before Christine could say anything more, Erik headed out of the room and left the apartment.

Elsewhere

Hades placed his hand on the large restless creature beside him.

"Calm now, my pet." He received a deafening bark in response. It was a sound that would have sent any other soul into madness. "We will be having guests shortly. You shall have fresh meat, my Cerberus."

Three heads nudged their master. He reached into his dark cloak and pulled out three meaty bones – one for each head. He tossed them to the ground and his pet dug into them viciously.

Hades studied his feasting pet and smiled coldly. "Well, I cannot promise you our guests will be as meaty," he said. "There is one that is somewhat bony, though I imagine his beloved makes sure he eats on a regular basis."

"Nonetheless," Hades continued. "They will come soon. Very soon."

End of Episode 19