Prologue: Five Years in the Underworld

Author's Note:

I couldn't wait and now this exists. Honestly, part of me wanted to start writing a bit on the next part of my animal crossing story series. However, I do find myself not as writing as much as I used to. Not sure why and I feel it hindering my writing just a bit. I mean for those who checked out and read my other works are familiar with some other stories that aren't finished yet. For those who enjoyed those stories I am deeply sorry. I am not sure where to focus anymore, I feel lost. Well anyways, I hope you enjoy this prologue, this is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off.

/

Nacho's P.O.V.

Hades or the Underworld for less confusion. My stay there was not pleasant to say the least. I can still recall my experience even when I leave it for the time being.

Year 1

I recall crashing straight into craggy terrain as I went through the portal. Taking Aten with me, our battle continued. We kept going at it until suddenly we were pulled away from one another. Who did was none other than Hades himself. God of the Greek Underworld and now staring me down. I still got ready for a fight and to my surprise Aten laughed as he revealed his deal with the god. Hades wanted me and now I was delivered to him on a silver platter. Aten took his leave as I was left alone with the god.

"It would be best if you just surrendered yourself now Beast. You're in no condition to fight me."

That's what I remember him saying. I of course remained defiant and tried to fight him. *Sigh* despite my best efforts I was soundly defeated and brought to heel in chains. Thus started my stay here. I was brought before the judges of the underworld, and it was decided that I will be tested since I am a living being who defied death. I asked Hades what his deal with Aten was. He never answered me. Just looks somber as my wings were crushed and I was tossed into the depths of Tarturus. My goal to climb out of there and return to Hades.

I was not sure how long I plummeted into the abyss. Eventually I hit the bottom with nothing but the screams of agony of those who remained. I was alone with rock, lava, and fire all around me. The only way was up and so I began my journey. Traveling the hellish landscape witnessing those tortured and giant beings walking across the landscape in big strides. It wasn't long though until my basic need to eat and drink water started creeping in my mind. With my new physique I am sure I can last longer without those necessities, but for how long though I didn't know.

My body grew weaker as the days passed, at least I think they did, and progress was uncertain. I was taunted by food and water appearing out of nowhere. I was not a fool though, I read the myths, if I eat anything that came from this place then I will be damned here forever. Monsters took notice of me and began to hound me. Harpies, Minotaurs, nagas, whatever lesser monster associated with Greek myth. They are feral and out for blood, my blood. These creatures were imprisoned down here and not of the underworld. A possible source of food…but can I really lower myself into devouring such beings?

The more I avoided them and the hungrier I get; the idea gets more tempting. After killing one harpy that overreached. I looked at it and came at the crossroads. The beast within desire food…but I just couldn't. The thought of eating something humanoid rubbed me the wrong way and I fought those desires tooth and nail to retain my humanity. What will Ankha or even Isabelle think of me? I ate the heart of monsters before…but even I am not sure.

I lasted some time longer before falling unconscious…somewhere. I did not know as this place did not have landmarks to speak of. I just felt so tired…next thing I knew I woke up somewhere else with towering creatures staring at me. Cyclopes, three of them, they looked at me curiously as I slowly got up. One of them spoke in ancient Greek to me, to which I seldom understood as I knew modern Greek. Still, I was able to make out a bit what they said.

"Are you alright? What is a living soul doing down here?"

"He has been here for a while now…he is wasting away."

"Shame, a descendent of a titan and god should not be in such a condition."

I asked them who they were, and they told me that it wasn't important. That I must have sustenance. I smelled cooked meat, vegetables and even some grounded roots. My mouth watered, but I shook my head. I asked them if it was from the underworld. They of course told me that it isn't. Obviously, I didn't believe them, just knowing how this world operated.

"We would not lie to you. If this was underworld food, then we wouldn't be able to leave ourselves."

"That would be bad for weaponsmiths."

"Especially for ones renowned as us. We forged Zeus's bolts after all!"

I slowly realized who I was talking to. Brontes, Steropes, and Arges, the three legendary cyclops brothers. As soon as I uttered their name they began laughing and confirmed their identities. Like me, they are living souls. They explained to me that they were on the hunt for some materials for their forging as Hades contracted them some time earlier to make some armor and weapons. Part of which the materials was in this hell. They even packed many lunches and feasted on some of the monsters down there to keep themselves going.

I was apprehensive about eating those monsters and their meat, but they assured that eating them will not damn me here. Rather they are the only things I can eat if I am going survive down here. I told them my worries of losing myself, but they simply shook their head.

"They are not human, nor are they sentient."

"You might as well be eating a goose which is no more aggressive."

"If they were sentient, then that might conflict with your moral dilemma. However, they are not bound by such moralities, they are just out there wanting to eat you."

They're right, grumbling in my stomach and the weakness I feel told me that it's the only way. So, I figuratively bit the bullet and ate some of the food they shared and drank what water they offered. My body felt relief and satisfaction it hasn't felt in a while now. I was far from my full strength, but it was enough where my damaged wings started to heal. I asked them where I should head to get out of Tartarus as I was being tested by Hades.

They suggested I look for the river Phlegethon as it is the only one of the major rivers of the underworld that travels into Tartarus. I must follow it so I can get back. I stayed with them for I assume for a day before taking off. However, I asked them what they meant by me being the descendent of a Titan and a God? I recall Tezcatlipoca saying something similar, but only the God bit. He was vague on who his ancestor is, so he was left in the dark.

"We can smell it in your blood."

"We met both Titans and Gods, so we know the difference."

"But never we smelt one who shared ancestry from different pantheons. We don't know who exactly, but we know your titan ancestor is here. Somewhere, you should ask Hades about this. He may know more."

I took their words with a smile and told them I hope to see them again. Taking some supplies, I made my trek through the hell that is Tartarus.

Year 2

The screams of pain and begging for mercy by the inhabitants was tiring on my ears. They make the time blur together, but the monsters kept me focused. For each one I encounter the more I kept myself fed on their remains. Still, they did not make it easy as very quickly I found myself losing the use of my powers from the monsters whose DNA I absorbed. Soon I was throwing normal strong punches and claw strikes. My tentacles remained but could no longer fire the sticky slime that the Narkakos would emit. Despite that my physical capabilities remained, and deep down I can feel a stirring in my soul from all the eating I done.

The feeling of feral instincts, the one that was corrupted and had to quell into silence. Like a mouse though, it was small, and not growing stronger. Was this the reason why my powers faded? The question echoed in my head during my respites in this hell. My wings would eventually fully recover, and I was able to cover more ground. Harpies attacked me more often though and eventually I realized there are even bigger dangers down here.

The Hecatoncheires, powerful giants who had one hundred arms. I have forgotten that some patrol Tartarus as guards. I doubt they would be friendly to me should they see me. I did my best to avoid them as I looked for the river. However, like the cyclops they seem to smell the blood of a titan within me. One encounter where one dangerously got close to a porous cavern, I was in. Though faint they immediately grew suspicious and never left the area. It was when I managed to get a fair distance away that they stopped investigating and continued their patrol.

Thankfully I found the river eventually and began following the flow to hopefully my freedom. Along the way I ran into one of the more famous denizens of this hell. King Tantalus, stuck in the river trying to eat the fruit above him only for it to move away when he attempted to grab it. The water below him would do the same should he try to drink it. He did not notice me as I left him behind as nothing more than just an encounter.

Just one of many as I met other inmates. All too preoccupied with their own hell to notice a living man among the dead. Better for me, less things to deal with. Looking upward I noticed the river is going up a steep climb. Good thing I have wings, maybe then I would get some answers quicker.

It took me time, maybe a few more days, but eventually…I was able to reach the main hub in the underworld. And waiting there for me is Hades with a smile on his face.

Year 3

"You have passed your first test Beast," is what I heard from him as he stood over me, "Now your real training begins. You must be ready because I need your help in the future."

"Help? This is one heck of a way to ask!"

"It is unorthodox, yes. However, there is a good reason. Long ago before the fall of the Greek God's favor with mortals. I was approached by an oracle who warned me that Typhon would return and take over all of Greece. It was his destiny and we the gods only delayed the inevitable. She told me that Typhon could only be truly defeated once he fulfilled his destiny, and that would happen when Ragnarök was complete. When the time comes, it shall not be a god that defeats him, but a Beast."

"So, she told you to seek out this beast, a.k.a. me and you signed a deal with Aten to bring me to you?"

"The oracle did not describe who or what the beast is. Just that it will be the creature that would be the omen of Ragnarök. However, when I caught wind of the appearance of a large creature ripping a hole in the walls of reality itself. It was certain that was the beast the oracle spoke of. I didn't think Aten would be capable of bringing you to me. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but considering you survived Tartarus and I am feeling some of your power emitting from you right now. I know for certain now that you are indeed the beast in the flesh."

"I wouldn't get too excited; I am not as strong as I used to be. I lost most of my powers."

"Not all of them, your physical power remains. In addition, there is a new power you have awakened but not fully utilized yet, Soul Power."

"Soul Power…" I think back to my fight with my instinctual side and what I was able to use to fight back.

"I see you know what I am talking about. Good, less work for me however using this power is not easy. As a man who worked with the souls of many though, I see no better teacher to this power."

"Wait…you want to teach me how to use soul power?"

"Yes, but make no mistake. I will put your body and soul to the test. You are probably going to hate me, but this is necessary. Knowing this, will you take my tutelage?"

To be trained in soul power by the God of the Greek Underworld. Not an offer many would get if at all. Still, I would be an idiot not to take this chance and so my answer was obvious, "Yes, teach me how to use this power so I can protect those who I love and care for."

"A noble soul, even in the body of great power. I am glad then; our training begins in the courtyard. Follow me and do not lag."

I gave him my word and followed him. The training he put me through was a slow burn. Plenty of trying to reach into my soul and using the energies within to invoke that hidden power within. Frankly it felt like I was doing a bunch of Tai Chi to steady myself. Still, this was necessary as I couldn't just release this power I have. I swear it took half a year just to get any form of tangible control over it. Then Hade's lessons would get more intense.

Putting into various stressful trials that tested my spirituality and resolution. Visions of my loved ones, picking on my insecurities, glimpses of the monster I could have been. I swear some of these really wore down my will power. Hades put me through the wringer and at times some of the trials took me more than one tries for me to complete. He wasn't kidding that I would be hating him for all of this. Still, I endured and my mastery over the power grew. Now I was able to form shapes of weapons and enhance my own punches and physical attacks. Still rough as Hades will tell me, but it was progress.

Though my training though I noticed that Hades himself was starting to look worse for wear. He would not tell me why when I asked so I simply just learned to not bother him about it. He'll tell me when he is ready. Though at times I thought I noticed what to be Osiris talking to him. I can only guess why two God of the underworld would need to meet. Eventually another person who I could not identify spoke to him as well, just what is going one?

Year 4

My training continued into the next year, (Hades told me the time). Another near half year until finally I was able to get close to perfect with my abilities with soul power. Now able to manipulate my own soul energies to create soul weapons in the shape of familiar monster hunting tools I used in the past. In addition to using the same energies to attack with blasts and more focused physical strikes. Being able to even strike at a target's very soul itself if I focus enough.

Hades would tell me my training with him is complete, but there are still more skills I can learn on my own. In time I will discover them and be open to even more abilities. Along the way I can reawaken the beast within and become the beast once again.

"There is one last trial for you."

"I am ready for it, whatever it is."

"Good, because you shall be returning to Tartarus once more. I am sure you remember the Cyclopes that helped you in Tartarus?"

"Brontes, Steropes and Arges. Yeah, I remember them, how are they?"

"Finished with the job I had them do. Special armor for a noble beast."

"Wait, are you saying you sent those guys ahead of time to build armor for me?"

"Yes, I was anticipating your success. To be fair, failure would mean that you weren't the beast, so the testing before was justified. Now though your test is to go back into Tartarus and find them once more. There you shall receive your new armor, and on your return, I shall give you one last mission in addition to defeating Typhon. Now go great beast and claim what is yours."

"No problem, I'll be back before you know it."

Finding the entrance to Tartarus once more. With confidence I dove into the abyss of my own free will. Determined to claim the armor that was made for me. The familiar path I took following the river stole many gazes as I flew above the damned souls and monsters below. Some reaching out to try and take me down to their level which only failed as I stayed out of reach and slew the ones who flew after me. They stood no chance as I looked for the cyclopes. They could be anywhere, and the monster meat proved to be my main sustenance as I explored the hellscape.

The multifaced and armed guards I avoided fighting as even with my new power I still cannot take those things on. Besides they were just doing their job so I can't blame them for that. Still, it didn't make finding the brothers any easier. The caves became my next spot for exploration. Knowing their size, it had to be big one, so that narrows it down. Days passed and more wrong turns later. I eventually stumbled upon a cave with smoke coming out of it. These tend to be promising or a path straight into lava.

"Well, they can't all be routes to lava. I hope at least, I am getting tired of meeting dead ends of lava."

The passage was wider and deeper than the others. My experience as a monster hunter shined through as I noticed the walls were dug out rather than be naturally made. Walking deeper in and then I noticed the heat of what can be a makeshift forge. A large forge and with it the three familiar faces of Brontes, Streopes, and Arges. They smiled at me as they finished their work.

"Well well well, why it isn't the beast himself."

"Hades sent word you were coming."

"This was quite a project, we just barely finished it as you arrived."

In the same order they greeted me I said my hello's as I walked to the middle of the room as I heard the harsh hissing of metal being quenched, "Color me curious, but what kinda of armor are you making? I mean, you all probably know my hide can be tougher than any armor?"

Brontes chuckled at me, "We are all aware of that beast. That what made Hade's request so difficult. How do we armor the already well defended?"

"So, we decided to get creative. Metamorph Armor, an adaptive armor that fits to the form of the wearer," Streopes smiled as continued to explain, "We been told of your abilities to shift forms, that would be trouble for any armor. So, with some magic and materials of the underworld I am proud to announce the Wrath of Tartarus armor. Forged from the lava, fire, and essence of this hellscape. This armor will protect you from the supernatural and even the most destructive of unholy forces. As being made from a hell such as this no other ailment can compare. This armor can even absorb certain magics such as fire, earth, and dark element magic so you can repurpose for your own abilities."

Arges stroked his chin as he added to the description, "Not only that, but this armor will enhance your soul power control. Making it easier for you to focus. In addition, you're able to summon the chains of Tartarus to ensnare and scorch your foes with the fires that burn here. Also, as a generous donation from Hades. His cap of invisibility was fused into this armor as well. Giving you an activatable cloaking that only works when you aren't in direct combat."

"Whoa…I knew you guys are good but consider me excited to try it out!" They smiled at me as they reveal to me a metallic cube with a molten glow. Magically it reacts to me, and the metal turns to liquid as it flows onto my body and began covering areas of my body. The less tough areas of my body began to be covered in the metal before turning into proper armor. The first thing I noticed is a mask like visor covering my face. The shape I felt like a Corinthian helmet but completely covered my face with some sort of HUD appearing within my peripheral vision.

Checking my body, I was now wearing an ornate chest plate that bore the frightening visage of an angry screaming soul in the center with two smaller ones next to it. Following downwards lead to a small bunch of skulls and what I can assume is a scene taken out of Tartarus itself. Looking towards my shoulder guards they hold a similar design, but just a single black skull wrapped in chains. The bracers on my forearms stopped before my boxing glove like fists and sport a fierce set of three curved scaled spikes. Looking down to my waist I see that I am wearing a tasset covering my pelvic area and thighs. As on brand it followed the same design as the rest of the armor including the shin guards. Whatever areas the metamorph armor couldn't reinforced just became a layer of metal on those areas of my arm and legs to complete the look.

Brontes brought out a mirror and only then I saw the design of the helmet. Which has a cyclops skull visage to it with my horns completing the look.

"Oh heck yeah, thanks guys. I may not be at full power, but this will certainly help in the long wrong," Making some quick poses with the armor before returning to my neutral position.

Brontes smiled at me, "We are glad that you approve. Take good care of it beast and it will serve you well in the journey to come."

"However, should you ever in need of our services. We are planning to set up shop somewhere in the mountains. We'll send you a message when we are ready," Steropes added.

"Just take this with you, a communication rune stone. We don't have them modern phones, so this is the best we can do," Arges handed over the small stone as I put it into a satchel.

With business wrapped up we said our goodbyes and wishing each other well. After that I took my leave. Starting my journey to leave Tartarus again, but this time many of the damned souls avoided me and the Hecatoncheires ignored me. Seeing the armor told them that I was not one of the sinful souls here. Only the foolish monsters challenged me at this point, and I used them as practice for my new armor abilities. Binding them before incinerating them with the same fire that burns here. There was nothing left of them as I continued onwards.

Year 5

Finally, I returned to the center underworld. To my surprise it was not just Hades waiting for me, but Osiris and one other strange man dressed in an elaborate purple tux.

"Welcome back, Nacho. The Beast, I see you obtained your armor. You are ready to head back out into the world," Hades said with a smile, his skin looked paler since the last time I saw it. Something was wrong with him, "But as you see I brought company over. Osiris and Baron Samedi, they wished to meet you in person."

Osiris gave me a friendly smile despite his somewhat diminished state resembling an old man with his dried-up green skin. Baron Samedi however closed the distance between us before grabbing my hand vigorously shaking it, "Well met brudda, I heard about the awakening of the beast. You left me with a hefty amount of work you did, and with Ragnarök hitting center stage, well…let's just say the balance of life and death is thrown out of whack, yah hearing me?"

"Uh…sorry?" I was off-putted by the energetic and seemingly friendly skull painted face of this being. His smile didn't leave his face as he continued speaking, his Cajun accent very apparent in his voice.

"Sorry bout that, just excited to meet the man who is going to help even things out. As good old Hades said, I am Baron Samedi, Loa of Death. Best not forget as I am a big deal."

There was a sigh from Osiris as he walked up next to us, "Please refrain from pressuring the man. He is about to have a lot on his plate."

The baron shrugged and stepped away with a smile with a bow, "I guess I should have seen this coming. Well, I am an expert in fulfilling requests. So, what do you need Osiris?"

"Not just me, Hades as well. Nacho, we are both dying and for different reasons. I need a chosen and originally, I set my sights on you. However, your transformation into the beast complicated and made it impossible. You are already something on our level, even beyond it when given the time. As such you are incompatible to receive godly power from me or other gods into your body. Knowing you though, you will probably find ways to evolve and develop further beyond a god. Getting back to my request, I must ask you to find me a worthy candidate to be my chosen and…"

I nodded and cut him off, "Consider it done."

Osiris paused before smiling, "Looks like you aren't that much different from your past lives. No challenge too big. Still the conditions for my chosen are specific in terms of quality. I am looking for someone who can be a great leader and make tough decisions, but empathic to others. I guess you can say somebody with righteous kingly qualities. This also goes without saying that they must also either be Egyptian born, related to Egyptian born, or close relationship with an Egyptian born. It may sound strange, but this condition is important as we really can only give our powers to those who are in close relationship with our people."

"Makes sense to me, I'll keep an eye out for you."

"Thank you, Nacho, I have confidence in your judgement."

He gave a respectful bow before moving to the side and Hades took his place. Despite his intimidating appearance I can feel that his health is failing, "Hades, I take it that your request involves your failing health?"

"Tch, yeah. When I made a deal with that man, Aten. He hit me with a curse that would weaken my body. He must have wanted to make me a non-threat to Apep and easy pickings. I been holding it off as long as I can, but even then, I would eventually be reduced to a man stuck in a state of near death. Saying it now, I want you to help me get rid of this curse. It's a powerful one, but if you find a way please come back and help me out. I know I should be the last person to ask from you."

I held up a hand, "It's quite alright, besides its thanks to you that I was able to get more familiar with my new body and power. I'll see what I can do when I return to the surface. I'm not exactly an expert on curses, but Ankha might know something."

"Very well, do what you must, and I will make sure you are rewarded in kind. That is my promise to you," Hades paused for a moment to catch his breath before speaking again, "As for your main task, you need to deal with Typhon. Of course, you need to gather your strength. I had scouts check the land and its far different than I remember it. However, Ares and Dionysus are amassing forces to help deal with his armies. Effective they are in keeping the monster army at bay, but the two cannot agree on leadership. As such they haven't made progress pushing them back. They are in Athens, so I shall have you resurface there. Their main base of operations should not be far either. They call themselves the Defenders of Greece, and I suggest you meet up with them. Take this with you so they know I sent you."

Hades pulled out a token and placed it into my hand. Explained away as basically a business card of a god. Storing it away I look back to the sickly god, "Alright, consider it done. Anything else I should know?"

"Well just one thing, Baron Samedi will be tagging along."

"Wait…what? He is?"

A hearty laugh abruptly cut into our conversation and it was none other the baron himself, "That's right brudda, my duty is to make sure you fulfill those promises. Not to mention make sure you help with the balance of life and death. Let's not forget, you did cause one of the greater mass events of death in history. Got to keep track after all."

"Okay…honestly wasn't expecting that, but I guess it make sense. I suppose you aren't going to do much else?"

"Nah, maybe liven things up and bury bodies. It's what I do, I can't do much unless you make a deal with me."

Hades immediately jumped into the conversation shortly after Baron said deal, "Do not under any circumstances make a deal with the Baron. He is a businessman and his words under said deal are law. You may end up with more trouble than anything solved with him. Do you remember the Black Death Pandemic?"

"Uh yeah, that one widespread plague in Europe. Wait…that happened from a deal?"

"Well, what happened when the person of said deal couldn't fulfill his end of the bargain."

I look to Baron for confirmation, and he simply smiled, "That was a wild party that one was. It was simply to die for."

I swallowed a lump in my throat as I confirmed to Hades, I will not make any deals with the Baron anytime in the future. With agreements done, Hades led me to Charon who in turn escorted me along with the baron to the exit of the underworld. I can hear the earth crack as the light of the surface world came to be. I stepped out into the new changing world and came face to face with what was left of Athens and the building community that stopped and stared.

Many with a look of fear and who wouldn't? I was probably the scariest things in the area right now. I looked around and my eyes fell onto a large temple like building in the distance. That must be the main base for Ares and Dionysus. With the objective in sight, I made my way towards it. Along the way my thoughts drift towards my girlfriends.

"Ankha, Isabelle, I can't wait to see you two again," I smiled to myself as the world will know the Beast has returned, to help save the world.