Chapter 506
They saw the palace, it lookd intimidating. This palace was made of stone, built within the caves. It gave the impression that those who entered would never leave. And they heard growling, which was even more intimidating. As they walked towards it the source of the growling presented itself. This was Cerberus, a giant, three-headed, attack dog. With three heads Cerberus could eat all three of them simultaneously. Buffy couldn't fight this thing, she tried petting it,to show she was not a threat. It seemed to work, Cerberus let them continue to the palace. Upon entering the palace several guards attacked them with swords. These guards couldn't be killed, though they tried to kill the intruders. Buffy thought on her feet. She saw chains on the walls. Buffy grabbed some and began tying up the guards, thus keeping them out of commission. Buffy threw chains to Spike and Angel. Before they could use them the guards stopped. Hades appeared and ordered these un-dead guards at attention. They treated him with the respect of a god. Spike and Angel stayed quiet as Buffy spoke to Hades.
.
Hades: My guards can be overzealous in protecting me.
Buffy: I need your help. I heard you have a piece of the Chalice of life.
Hades: I do. And you wish to use it against the First evil.
Buffy: Yeah. Can you help me?
Hades: To mortals death is to be feared. To me, tears are like wine. Mourning cries are music.
Buffy: You're afraid of the First, aren't you?
Hades: As you should be.
Buffy: Wow, a god afraid.
Hades: Such is the power of the First. It was here long before the creation of the universe. It will be here long after all life had ended. It might very well be the first creature to have existed, ever. I will give you my piece of the Chalice, but you must swear to use it to defeat the First evil, no matter the sacrifice.
Buffy: Okay, I swear. You could help some more. Let me take some more souls back with me. They can help in the battle.
Hades: This I will not do. There is a balance, rules that even I dare not break. To release souls back into the living, would cause consequences that you cannot imagine. I realize that you hoped to see your mentor, but he is lost to you forever.