So, back by popular demand, and because I finally have time, here is another chapter! I hope you guys have been patient! Sorry about the long wait but School's getting hectic. So anyway, I decided since I'm finally not completely stressed now that I'd write another chapter. Kind of like a reward since you guys have pretty much said nothing but good things about my story so far! Sorry for the wait but I hope it was a little worth it!

Also, I changed my mind and they will be entering the Sanctuary to battle eventually.

Shout Outs:

Axya (Thanks for your patience!) Jade.j (thanks for the review and for being the first to review!) Odette12 (You really seem to like this story!) and MysticPotion1126 (Thanks for the review! I will fix the spelling of Thanatos from here on out, but it will probably remain "Nebula Scream" since that's what I first heard and old habits die hard. Not mad though. I'm glad you like it anyway!)

So now we'll begin the story! And thanks for reading and reviewing! It makes me happy and helps out when I write!

Chapter Eight: The First Guardian

Shun and Fenrir entered the Underworld close behind the god. They paused a moment as they looked around. They were surprised. They had both once entered the Underworld, and it seemed so completely different now. It was not nearly as depressing. Hades' rage had calmed. It had returned to being a more peaceful place. The dead "lived" as normal lives as they could. They served their sentences and then returned to their homes. The dead were smiling and laughing now, and they seemed completely at ease with the Specters that were guarding everything with careful eyes.

As they stepped forward again into the Underworld Fenrir and Shun both noticed as Thanatos' armor seemed to glow brighter for a moment, sparkling in the dull "daylight" of the Underworld. They followed silently with their wolves, slightly out of place. Fenrir paused a moment, thinking of his wolves. He didn't know if any of them had survived that last attack, but he supposed they would be fine with the healers in Heaven. He patted Lunar's head and continued to follow Thanatos deeper into the Underworld. Both he and Shun seemed a little out of place here. But they weren't scared of what was going to happen.

Suddenly their was the rustle of metal and a small Specter darted out in front of them. He had a very catlike disposition and he wore a Surplice with an open chest and a cat like collar. He had silver hair and gold eyes with a cat like slit in them. His fingers were like claws, but he simply blinked at them in surprise. He didn't dare bare them to strike. He stared at them a moment.

"Cheshire," Thanatos addressed the Specter. "Tell Lord Hades and Lady Pandora. The Guardians have returned. And two of them are here with me."

"But that means," The Specter gasped. Thanatos simply nodded. Looking slightly terrified, the Specter turned and ran away towards the imposing castle. The other two Guardians glanced at the god.

"Being so close to Tartarus," Thanatos explained. "we all know what the return of the Guardians means. Come on. We need to go to Lord Hades. He is called the strongest god for a reason. We can find safety here, just as the others will find safety with Poseidon. And besides, Lord Hades will want to see you Shun."

"I don't even know how a god fell in love with me," Shun cried, blushing darkly. Thanatos smiled a little, amused.

"The same way you got all of us to work together," he replied. "By being you."

"He's got a point," Fenrir replied thoughtfully.

"That's easy for you to say," Shun sighed. "You don't have to deal with it."

"Do you not love him back?" Thanatos asked, though he already knew the answer.

"I-I didn't say that," Shun stammered, blushing harder.

"You mean you do love him?" Fenrir asked. "What the heck did I miss? When did all of this happen? People don't just fall in love over night."

"It happened quite a while ago actually," Thanatos replied. "As Shun and I were becoming friends. Shun accidentally found Lord Hades as he reincarnated into a young god. Of course, Lord Hades was still spiteful about our wars having been ended. But Shun began to talk to him and calmed his rage further. People started to grow suspicious of the young god because of his strange powers over death. And Shun, as is in his nature, left Athena's service for a time to protect the young god from the people who would have wanted to hurt him. Once the god was strong again, our illusive enemies of ours decided to try and attack Shun, only to find that they were no match for Lord Hades. He brought Shun here until he was sure that the danger had passed, and Shun and I got to talk more. After that Lord Hades told Shun that he loved him and well...that was pretty much that."

"I suppose it makes sense then," Fenrir said, glancing at Shun. The God Warrior started laughing suddenly. "Poor Shun. He's always so humble. Being the lover of a god certainly doesn't help anything. Besides the fact that he fought his lover for so long."

"Sh-shut up Fenrir!" Shun gasped, flushing an even deeper shade of crimson. Even Thanatos couldn't help but start laughing a little then.

"Come on," Thanatos said, inviting the two of them into the Underworld with a sweep of his hand. "Shun won't be nearly so self conscious when he's with Hades. He never is. And besides, you two need to come inside where its safe, at least for a while. Everyone will be waiting. Let's go."

Glad for the distraction, Shun followed Thanatos with the wolves panting happily and Fenrir still snickering quietly at the thought of Shun and his lover behind all of the others. The dead paused a little uncertainly when they saw the unfamiliar armor of the two strangers. It had been a long time since any holy wars, and the people here had forgotten the armor of the other armies. Still, they couldn't help but be surprised because even they could tell the massive difference between the Cloth of the Saint and the Robe of the God Warrior. They knew that they were both from different armies, and it seemed to confuse them for a moment. They had no idea why these two could be here. But they didn't seem at all nervous of the god of death. Specters however froze abruptly at the sight of the three Guardians gathered here. Even Thanatos' twin brother Hypnos froze. A look of almost terror passed over all of their faces. But they asked no questions and allowed them to pass without a challenge.

They traveled sill farther into the Underworld. Soon the prisons of the Underworld, and the tortures that they held within, were lost from sight. The last of the buildings faded away as well as they at last approached the castle of Hades deep within his realm. Specters nervously watched the Guardians. They knew very well what their presence meant. Fenrir and Shun couldn't help but glance a little nervously at the surrounding Specters. Years of fighting each other made them naturally wary of each other. But the Specters noticed and quickly backed down so they wouldn't feel threatened by them.

The great front doors of the castle were almost always closed, but now they stood open wide. A woman stood in the door. Shun knew her well. She was tall and thin, beautiful and she knew it. She had long purple hair and lavender colored eyes. She had a dark and dead complexion. But she smiled at them, albeit a little nervously. She welcomed them inside quickly and ordered the gates shut again. It became nearly instantly darker within.

"Please," she said. "Come this way. Lord Hades is waiting within."

"Pandora," Thanatos said. "They're getting stronger. And they're making more movements now. They are preparing for war. You know what this means as well as I. We'll have to make a treaty with every army that we can."

"I know," she replied almost sadly. "But they won't trust us, or agree to it easily. They're too scared of what will happen if they do. They think we're evil. I suppose it can't be helped though. They won't understand why we want this treaty so badly. But they're not at the door step of Tartarus either."

"It'll be alright," Thanatos assured her. "We're not alone. None of us are. We never have been. Come on, let's go you two."

Slightly confused and saddened by the fear of the Underworld, the two other warriors followed without a comment. They traveled farther into the domain of Hades in silence. They weren't sure what else to do. Soon though, they came to the throne room of Hades. It was large, constantly growing so that every member of the Underworld could fit inside. And since people died constantly, the realm of Hades was growing nonstop to accommodate the people, both the castle and the land space. It was a living breathing machine, constantly changing itself to be prepared for any change that could come. The floors were made of polished marble, dark like everything else. The pillars were a slightly lighter shade of marble and the ceiling seemed almost to be shrouded in mist it was so high above them. At the very other end there was the throne, a large imposing structure that was a chair with bat wings on the very top. A smaller throne should have sat beside it, small a petite. But it was no longer there. It have been removed long ago. And sitting in the chair was a man that made even Thanatos and his brother, imposing gods to say the least, look like kittens.

He was huge, tall and well muscled. He had broad shoulders and a wide chest. His skin looked a deadly pale white color, and his eyes were ever watchful and electric blue. There was great power in him. Anyone looking at him could see that instantly. His face was handsome, but roguishly so, as if he would kill you as soon as look at you. His eyes seemed nearly unreadable at first, a complete mystery. He was easily nearly twice Shun's height, and his eyes seemed ancient, his face etched as if in stone. Fenrir supposed he could understand. Who would want to be trapped here, so alone, as the Lord of the Underworld for all eternity? Still, he couldn't help but find himself freeze a little bit. This was who sweet little Shun had fallen in love with? They seemed like complete opposites. He'd heard that opposites attracted, but to this extent?

The god however had seen Shun. His eyes softened nearly instantly and he allowed himself a small smile. Somehow it only seemed to add to the god's mystery. Shun however beamed brightly suddenly and ran to him as the god stood. In an instant Hades had pulled the tiny boy to his chest, holding him very gently. Shun sighed a little quietly so only the god could hear. The god smile broadened just a little and he held the boy gently. Shun's arms were around the god's waist, and the god held the boy to his body, as if afraid to let go. He probably was, Shun decided. It had been 300 years since they had last seen each other.

Fenrir paused, surprised suddenly. He'd never seen Shun act that way to anyone. He'd always seemed so shy and reserved. But Thanatos had been right. Around Hades, he wasn't reserved anymore. The god seemed to give him some confidence that he had needed. Shun seemed so happy suddenly, so Fenrir couldn't help but feel happy for him. The god held the boy very gently and protectively. Fenrir supposed that he was. The god looked like he could break the boy in half. At last the god motioned for the other two to join them and sat again in his throne, taking Shun into his lap. The young Andromeda Saint sat there very quietly and laid his head against the god's shoulder, letting him put his arm around his waist. The other two Guardians came over and paused, watching the god.

"Welcome," Hades said. "To the Underworld. I know that this must be a troubling time for all of you. But you will be safe for a while."

"Everything seems different now," Fenrir said.

"Everyone thinks we're evil," Hades sighed. "Few people don't. Even Persephone. Which is why I ended her bondage to me and allowed her to return to Olympus forever. She never returned. I suppose that's alright though. Now however, the other armies are growing nervous. We've been quiet for so long. They assume that we've either been planning something, or they're scared of what this silence could mean. Either way, they're not too sure what's going on. I understand what this means. And as much as I'd like to speak to Andromeda alone I know that there's little time for that now. I know. The whole Underworld knows and they're scared. We're on the eave of war now. My people dislike war. They're scared of the change it might bring in me. But they're even more scared that me and my army is frightened. They know we're powerful, and they don't know what could scare us. I can't tell them what's really happening. If I do...well...I can't let them panic. I don't want them to get hurt. Not anymore. Not after so long at peace. I want them to enjoy it as long as they possibly can."

"It's only natural," Shun replied. "You're their king. And I think we're all tired of the constant wars. Even if we can't admit it to ourselves."

"But what is our next move?" Thanatos asked. "What are we supposed to do?"

"I don't know," Hades sighed. "We can only do this a step at a time, and baby steps at that. We must go carefully."

"Listen, Lord Hades," Thanatos said carefully. "They were trying to capture Shun, the Andromeda Saint. They said that he was the key to their salvation as well as ours. Do you know why this could be." Hades' eyes narrowed ever so slightly, very dangerously. Not even Thanatos could keep himself from flinching a little at the rage growing slightly in the god's calm eyes. But his voice remained level and calm as always as he responded after a moment's silence.

"It most likely has to do with yet more mysteries that lie in Andromeda's past," Hades replied. "Since he was given his powers first by Hera and chosen by Athena to be a Guardian of Tartarus, he was called the first Guardian, and it is said that his powers must, for the most part, develop before the others. He must be the first because he was the first. However, it's said that since Andromeda was the first, he was given a power that none of the others possessed. What this power is exactly, no one knows or will tell. It's said that Andromeda only used it once to advert a great disaster. And then the memories of everyone involved in that incident were erased. Even the memories of Andromeda himself. That was part of this power. It was so great that it forced the memories of all near to be forever altered so that they could not only advert the disaster, but allow for a second chance. None know what this disaster was, only that it existed. And Andromeda has never remembered this devastating power, how to use it, or what it's effects could be."

"And you think that this is what they want?" Fenrir asked.

"It takes a lot of power to break the seal that binds the Titans," Hades replied. "Perhaps they want it for another reason, but this seems most likely. Its nearly impossible to break that seal from the inside and it takes a lot of power to break it either way. Even if they could find another way to break it, the seal must be broken for the Titans to escape. For that is part of the prophecy. They will be unleashed. But there are other doors than the ones in the Underworld. Secret doors. I've tried searching for them. But I've only found around forty of them. There's bound to be hundreds more. All hidden, some in plain sight. And those are the hardest to find. And the most dangerous. Still, they want Shun because he is the first Guardian."

"We'll have to stay here a while," Fenrir said. "And try our best to get stronger. It's the only chance we've got."

"Maybe," Shun said quietly. "But I...I feel like I need to go help Saori. She's Athena and if I know her, she's going to go try and regain control of the Sanctuary. I have to go help her."

"Of course you do," Thanatos replied. "And we'll come along to help you. The Guardians at least, though I think we should keep the Specters out of the Sanctuary."

"Agreed," Hades replied. "We need to keep everyone as calm as possible. Once you're stronger you can go aid Athena and her Saints. I can send a message to the other two Guardians to tell them that you've arrived safely and to be ready. That way, the Sanctuary can rest at last and know that they are not alone in their battles."

"It will probably take a while," Thanatos said.

"But I believe I heard that Hera is close to being reborn now into her full goddess form," Fenrir replied. "She'll probably contact us one by one to let us know, and then we can begin our fight. We just have to be patient for now and wait."

"It seems that's all anyone's been doing for a long time," Hades sighed. "Being patient and waiting. We waited for your return for 300 years, fearing what it would bring but hoping you would return all the same to save us. And now we must wait for your powers to return." he paused a moment, thinking. "Hmm, I think I'll send some Specters to go guard Hera until she has regained her memories and returned to Zeus. These strange enemies of ours might end up trying to assassinate her so that you never regain your powers. I'd better move quickly then."

"I'll go inform the strongest we have to guard her," Thanatos said.

"And send Cheshire to guard Athena as well," Hades added. "He's rather small. I don't think he'll intimidate her. I don't trust these strange enemies of ours. In fact, send a few Specters to watch over all of the leaders of the armies. Even Hilda in the north. We can't allow any slip ups. Not now."

"I understand," Thanatos replied. Then the god turned and swept out of the room to find the Specters most suitable for the job and to preform his orders. There was silence for a moment.

"Thank you," Fenrir said at last. "For doing this. It means a lot."

"Of course," Hades replied, though Fenrir thought that he saw, for just a moment, that there was tenderness in his eyes. Kindness. "we're all in this together. No matter what happens. We'll have to make it through or die trying. That's all we have left now. Then again, isn't that all anyone really has left? Human or god. It all ends with one mistake. We're close to the end now. But will it be ours or that of the Titans? Who knows until we reach that point?"

"They say that Andromeda can read the future," Shun sighed. "But the power doesn't come when I want it to. It comes randomly, and I tend to only speak in riddles when it does. I feel like someone told me once that the prophecy I once delivered wasn't complete. There was more to it that the part that I spoke then. But I must hold that secret until we needed hope. I feel like we need hope now though. But, the future remains clouded, even in my eyes."

"Maybe you simply have to believe that we need that hope badly enough," Hades replied. "Perhaps if you know you must speak it, then you must simply believe that it needs to be heard. Seeing into the future is a tricky business, and there must be someone else there to hear the prophecy or else it is lost. But there are two of us here now. Do you think you can try?"

"I don't know," Shun said. "Maybe. But I don't know how it works."

"You don't have to know," Fenrir replied quietly. "Simply feel it."

Shun paused a moment and closed his eyes. How was he supposed to feel it? He wasn't sure, but he knew that there was something missing. They had to know. How he had even remembered that someone had once told him his prophecy was incomplete, he was unsure. He couldn't even remember who had told him this or why. How could they have possibly known? He wasn't sure. But he knew that now, more than ever, they needed to have hope against these impossible odds. Something inside of him clicked. Fenrir and Hades both paused as they felt a breeze begin to blow out of no where. It was beginning to grow more powerful. Overhead, powerful winds began to create thunder clouds that sparked with lightning and small booms of thunder. It was unearthly. But Shun suddenly stood with his eyes still closed, turning his head upwards towards it. He walked silently to the center of the room, and they carefully followed, unsure of what was really going on. Images began to spill into Shun's head. He couldn't keep track of him, but words began to form in his head. He opened his eyes. They seemed dead and lifeless, focused very far away and glowing brightly blue.

"Step back," he warned quietly. The God Warrior and god did as they were instructed.

Suddenly, the wind began to howl violently and clouds and ran swirled around them. Neither of them could help but yelp in surprise suddenly as they were thrust into the storm. They fought their way towards the middle, where in the center of the storm Shun stood silently. They understood why he had warned them to step back. The ground around him had been scorched with lightning. But here it was calm and oddly quiet, though the storm raged all around them. People were bound to have noticed. But this storm not only kept them away, but it also blocked out any outside sound. The two of them approached Shun cautiously, unsure what was happening.

"Shun?" Fenrir asked quietly.

"I can feel it," he replied even quieter. "I don't understand how, but I can."

"A prophecy?" Hades asked. Shun nodded. "Then speak it Shun. We're here to listen. Don't hold back. You need to tell us."

Shun was silent a moment more. He said nothing. He was simply waiting. And then his eyes turned down to the ground, as if he was deep in thought. He began to speak, his voice seeming to echo in strange whispers through the clouds around them. Unnerved though they were, the two were careful to remember everything that he said so they could repeat it later if they had to.

Watch the skies, they tell of dread,
watch the seas as they surrender the dead.
The darkest of foes is not who we think
for some can be tempted to evil deeds.
Watch the land as it cries out for blood
and fear the dark in the oncoming flood.

Not one sign must you overlook.
All are pages in a single book.
One single mistake can cost us all
and one wrong word can cause the fall.
Dark tidings will come as a shadow will grow
in the land that has no shadow known.

But the smallest of warriors can learn to be great
when all the others have surrendered to fate.
Those that were labeled the weakest of foes
will come to announce the greatest of woes.
Enemies beware justice in every form
for none can escape when it brews its storm.

Four who know the price at least
will join the first in his quest for peace.
Guardians unite with this strange band
to at last end the curse of the land.

Until the last line of this prophecy be spoken
the curse will remain whole and unbroken.
For this is the last time the clock will rewind
and this will be the restarting of time.

With that, the storm ended suddenly and Shun suddenly fell. Hades quickly jumped forward and caught Shun before he hit the ground. He was still awake, but barely. Fenrir and Hades simply looked at each other suddenly, confused. Neither of them knew what this could possibly mean. It seemed to confusing now, though they knew it would make sense later.

"What?" Fenrir couldn't help but ask. "A curse on the land? Four weak warriors? Rewinding and restarting time? I don't understand."

"I don't think we'll understand anytime soon either," Hades said quietly. He quickly bent down and scooped the boy up into his arms, careful to ensure that his head rested on his chest and that he was as comfortable as he would possibly be. "It seems to have drained him. We'll have to be careful."

Several Specters, both the twin gods and Pandora all quickly ran into the room. They looked confused and relieved to see that they were alright.

"Lord Hades what was that?" Thanatos cried.

"What happened," Pandora gasped as she saw Shun.

"Andromeda has spoken a Prophecy," Hades replied calmly. They all gasped.

"Another one?" Thanatos asked.

"A continuation of the first," Hades replied. "Now we have heard the full prophecy. I'll repeat it to you later. But I think we should get Shun somewhere to rest first. It seems to have drained him."

"Of course," Pandora replied gently.

Shun fell asleep soon after, the words of the rest of the prophecy beginning to burn within his skull, and a dull suspicion beginning to form in his mind.

That is the end of this chapter. It's a shorter chapter that randomly was inspired by a friend at school. This chapter will set up several more things that will come later in the prophecy. Try and guess if you can what the riddle means. If you get it correct then I'll be sure and give you a shout out when I reveal what the prophecy means later on, and I'll congratulate you on being smart because it took me forever to formulate that one. xD