He rose from his siege as soon as Death and Sleep entered, and moved down the few steps which would have kept him in a higher position, joining them in the hall. He approached Sleep first, moving closer to brush their foreheads together, then turned around and did the same with Death, and there he had to vaguely frown.
«I wouldn't recall feeling you so warm.» Commented then, and Thanatos shrugged with a vague smile.
«My beloved brother made my heart beat.» He said then. «And now I'm cursed with physical heat.»
«I have been calling for Hypnos, but I'm glad to see both of you.» Hades smiled back, looking at them in turns. «I can see that you have rested.»
«We were in need of reposing together, yes.» Sleep said. «And… I wish to enlighten that this time, I'm not concerned with Death's heart, and completely innocent for once. He did it all by himself.»
«I'm still unsure about this, brother.» His twin intervened, but luckily they didn't seem willing to go on bantering.
«As I was saying,» the younger god resumed. «I'm glad to see you both. I'm about to answer Zeus' call, for my brother wants me on the Olympus to settle the terms of the peace with Athena. I need to leave my domain in your care, Twins.»
«We'll be glad to administer in your stead, then.» Hypnos answered with a brief nod. «What were you calling me for? Is there any matter I can assist you with?»
«There is one, yes. The human child which you are currently keeping asleep in your offspring's Dreamworld… bring him to me.»
As supposed, Sleep's expression suddenly darkened and his golden eyes shone in an almost dangerous way. He said nothing still, and simply nodded before making his purple star shine, signaling that he was calling for one if his children.
«Why do you want him back?» Thanatos asked, and Hades turned towards him.
«I have plans for him.» He answered. «He has been dangerous both for Earth and the Underworld… still, deprived of the powers he gained, using my cosmo, he can very well become a resource.»
«A resource.» Strangely, Death was looking almost amused. «That child was a real troublemaker, Hades. He risked wreaking the worst havoc ever seen since the Titanomachy. And you just need to look at my brother in the face to see that he agrees with me, for once.»
«I know.» The younger god glanced at Sleep's now somber features. «But as I said, he can be a resource now. I will see if I have a mean to use him… if his mind is still intact, I could very well try and raise him. He's still young, easy to shape, and has shown quite an instinct for ruling.»
«You plan on raising him.» Hypnos sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. «Hasn't he caused enough problems already, while acting as your vessel?»
Hades was about to answer but the white figure of Oneiros appeared some steps behind his father, holding the blonde child in his arms, still asleep. The demigod kneeled and lowered his head, almost deposing the smaller frame of the human on the carpet, and Hades gestured him to stand.
«Thank you, Dream God.» He said. «I wish you to bring this human in my chambers.»
«It will be done, my lord.» Oneiros answered with a nod, and vanished in a small distortion just a moment later.
Hades turned towards the other two, finding Sleep still deeply frowning, arms now crossed on his chest.
«I have no children of my own, Hypnos.» He said. «My consort can't bear an offspring with me, and I'm aware that it's not her fault but mine. I will try and see if that child can be educated and shaped into an Underworld dweller, and in that case I will raise him personally… if not, I have other uses for him.»
«I won't argue.» The golden haired god answered in a detached tone. «Do as you please. I'm aware that the child can't pose a threat anymore, nor he will in the future, ever again… mine is a personal resentment and nothing more.»
«I'm aware as well.» Hades had a vague smile and placed a hand on Sleep's shoulder. «But I trust your judgement, you know I do. Both your voices will be heard, if you have something to say about it. For your perception of things, should I just send that human into the stream of souls, and allow him to reincarnate?»
Hypnos just reurned his gaze for some moments, and eventually smiled back.
«You chose a perfect set of words, young god.» Said then. «My compliments. No, I wouldn't want to know that your former vessel had the chance to reincarnate… I prefer him here and kept under control, with no means of causing troubles even in his next life.»
The Underworld Lord nodded, then turned towards Death.
«Thanatos?»
«I must say I'm interested in what you will make of that child.» The other answered, slightly smiling as well. «And also to know if he remembers any of what happened during the past mortal years. It is unlike me to feel curious about anything, I know… still, this particular human proven himself to be worthy of attention.»
«Very well, then.» He nodded again. «From my departure on, my domain is thus entrusted to you. Upon my return, we will be officially considering this Holy War as the last one to have ever taken place.»
They saluted each other, brushing their foreheads together again, and Hades went up the small staircase, reaching for his powers to summon there a specter, as soon as Sleep and Death had left his palace.
...
He had decided to speak with the Bennu in a more reserved room than the hall, wanting to keep the conversation as private as possible. Still, it seemed that the simple fact was making the young specter all the more anxious.
He had one leg bent on the carpet and head lowered down, and the weak light of the candles was enhancing his elaborate surplice with reflects and glimmers. And his flaming dark energy was wavering around him, already heated up in tension.
«Stand up.» The god said in a calm tone, remaining sat with his legs overlapped, and hands placed at the armrests of the chair. «I haven't called you for a sermon, Bennu. You can look at me in the eyes, and tell me what's making you so wary.»
«I am not wary, my lord.» The specter complied and rose, remaining at a distance. «I just… I suppose the matter regards the presence of…»
He stopped and seemed too nervous to put thoughts into words, and Hades considered how young he was, that Black Phoenix. For human perception, he would be considered nothing less than a kid.
«Yes.» He patiently answered the unfinished question. «Death and Sleep have awakened from their rest, thus I asked the latter to bring me that young mortal, the one which was chosen to be my vessel. You were aware he was sleeping in a Dreamworld.»
«I was.»
«And now I'm allowing you to sense his presence here, in one of my chambers.»
The figure of the Bennu had the slightest movement backwards, made visible by how the black surplice shimmered again.
«Yes, my lord.» Said then, and his features became darker. «And if I am to be reprimanded, chided or even punished, I am ready to accept any of these measures.»
«Now try to be more reasonable, young specter. If I was to punish you, I wouldn't have waited for Hypnos to bring me that human.»
The specter said nothing to that, and just stared back at him with an almost tense expression, but to the god, it was clear that he wasn't afraid. He only seemed to be expecting something grave to happen.
«I am well aware that your loyalty lies to me.» He added. «I am also aware that you've been fighting on behalf of a person which was pretending to be me, and you did it not only because you're a devoted specter… but also because your heart felt for that human. He reminds you of your younger brother, for the memory of your mortal life is still present and strong in your mind.»
«I will…» The specter closed his eyes and nodded. «I will not deny any of it. And as I said, I am ready to take responsibility for what I did.»
«The point is that you did well. During the first phase of the Holy War, and even when I was awakened from my slumber, to rise on Earth with my immortal body. You never turned against me, Kagaho… but were you having subversive thoughts, maybe?» The god sat more upright. «It feels like you're almost begging me to scold you. What is this about?»
«This is about allegiance.» The other replied. «I am loyal to you, Lord Hades, now and always. My fire and my soul belong to your command. But I pleaded you to spare Alone's life, when the time came. And I…»
«You would have opposed me, had my answer been a "no".» Hades smiled vaguely as the specter's features became even darker. «It was clear as daylight. Do you realize that if the child had died, you could have claimed him as a prize? You're an Underworld dweller now. Death isn't the end anymore, not for you.»
«Why…?» The Bennu insisted. «Why am I not to be punished, then?»
«Because you're young, inexperienced, and your fire burns like that of a thousand blazes.» Hades sighed to himself as the other blinked and seemed almost embarrassed. «Know that the Black Phoenix always was the closest specter I had, the one belonging to my personal guard, and you carried your task as you were supposed to. I can allow mistakes made out of kindness and sentiment, young specter… for sometimes it is better to learn from them than to suffer for them.»
«I…» The Bennu seemed unsure of what to say, and quite distressed too. «I don't think I should be given a soft treatment. I won't deny, as I said. I didn't care if that human had your will awakened or not… I only wanted to protect him, no matter what. It feels frustrating even just to think about, but he does remind me of my younger brother, and…»
He stopped, and the god nodded at his unfinished sentence.
«You're so very sincere, indeed.» Said then. «And again, this particular circumstance did not hinder the outcome of the war… or rather, it helped us win. Your actions were those of an Infernal Judge, for when it is a time of war, they have the task of leading vanguards of specters. And even if you refused to replace the Garuda, I am most certain you would have done well in his stead. You possess the spirit of a chieftain.»
«I don't wish to take such a delicate role as it is that of the judges, now that the war is over.» The specter replied. «I wouldn't be fit for the obligations it brings.»
«And you won't be forced to take it, be sure. Garuda Aiacos will be back to his errands as soon as his confinement is over, thus there's no need for you to overthink that matter.»
At that, the Bennu slightly lowered his eyes and frowned.
«And yes…» Hades resumed. «I am aware that you destroyed the Garuda surplice, back then, allowing him to return to the livings. And that it was your initiative. As I said, you would be a good leader, for you never hesitated in taking decisions and put them into action.»
There was a long moment of silence, while the young specter seemed to need some time to recollect his thoughts. He ended up breathing deeply, and eventually looked back at the god again.
«I still feel as if I was being treated more sensitively than I should be.» Said then. «I made mistakes, many of them. I haven't been truthfully loyal, and I took initiatives that had to be harshly reprimanded by Lord Hypnos, after you rose to Earth with your immortal body. How is it that I am in no need of a punishment?»
«If I follow this line of thoughts, I should be punishing every single specter which fought in the past Holy War.» Hades answered calmly, deciding that explaining with patience was the best set of actions he could take, with that short tempered kid. «Every single one of them made mistakes, Death and Sleep included, with the possible exception of the Wyvern, whose conduct was as usual impeccable. Now tell me, why should I punish only you, who have fought so valiantly? Do you want me to consider you a traitor…? You don't seem intentioned to call forth your Corona Blast to end me, but I could be mistaken.»
The Bennu must have noticed he was being teased, for his scorching energy wavered again around him, and he just glared at the ground while pressing his lips together.
«Then… why have you called for me, my lord?» He asked eventually, again lifting his eyes up. «If not to scold or punish me.»
«It is because I have a task for you, Bennu.» He answered. «Let's start again from the beginning. I've asked Hypnos to bring me the young mortal which was supposed to be my vessel, and he's now confined in one of my chambers, as you can sense.»
The young specter nodded, and seemed actually a little less tense.
«Am I to be involved in something that concerns his fate?»
«Indeed. Let's put aside the matter of your allegiance for a moment. What remains is the fact that a human, and such a young one, was able to behave as a leader… you and the other specters followed him without questioning his words. His actions can be considered quite out of the ordinary, I would say.»
The young specter was again sporting an impatient look. The god wondered for a moment if it was due to the nature of the speech, or only to the Bennu's own flighty spirit.
«I take that Lord Hypnos wasn't… pleased, to say the least.» Said then, his tone a little somber.
«He was almost offended at the fact that the young mortal was able to deceive him.» Hades observed, smiling vaguely again. «I've known him for so many centuries, and I could say that I've never seen him so genuinely furious towards a human. He had to force himself to comply, when I asked to keep the child alive, and restrain from sending him in the dead souls stream.»
«Lord Hypnos wanted to kill him.» The specter was frowning again. «I thought it was a precaution, but…»
«It was because Sleep had lost his temper, for once. But I prevented him, luckily enough, for I need the young mortal alive, even if belonging to the Underworld for the time being.» The god gestured to keep silent, wanting to finish without interruptions, and the Bennu nodded. «There are many issues to take care of, but now the time has come for me to address this one as well. I want you to keep the closest as possible with that human, to observe him and talk to him, and take notes of everything… what he remembers of the past happenings, if he remembers at all, what he thinks of the situation, if he's inclined to fear specters or not. I want you to take him around the Underworld and show it to him, being both his leading figure and his shield.»
He paused to let those words sink in, as the young specter seemed to have frozen in place and had his eyes now widened.
«Such as things are, you will be responsible for him and his actions.» He added. «And whatever happens around him will be imputed to your decisions.»
«But, my lord…» The Bennu objected. «Why? I mean… I want to, I really do. Then again, I can't see the reason behind this.»
«Can't you?» Hades vaguely tilted his head. «If things are how I think them to be, it will be possible to grow the young mortal into one of our kin. He's fit to be part of my people, almost forcing himself as belonging with specters and Underworld dwellers. He deceived the Twins and young Pandora, manipulated allies and foes alike, and he can be a great resource for I now rule Earth as well. I need people like you and him, in my lines. And I will trust your judgement on this… if you consider him fit, he will be trained and raised as my own child. If not, you can still keep him and consider him your prize.»
«Why me?» The young specter insisted, frowning all the more, and Hades almost scowled at his persistence.
«Because you're already close to him, and he needs a person he trusts to get used to this place. Then again, normally this would be a task fit for Hypnos, but the circumstances don't allow him to take care of this matter.» Since the Bennu seemed willing to keep pushing, he rose from his seat and approached, cutting his sentence before he could form it. «Are you refusing? If you are, I will try and deal with the mortal personally, but I am aware that there's need to show a protective and gentle approach towards him… and those qualities, you possess. I'm not about to repeat myself, hence, if your answer is no, I won't insist any further.»
«I will do it, my lord.» The other answered. «I'm glad. I only fear I could be unfit for the task, and… nothing. I feel the need of thanking you, I would have never imagined anything like this.»
«You're still tied to that human.» Hades observed. «This, I know. And even if my reasoning proves to be wrong, you will keep him as your prize, for you deserve one. It was you who assaulted the Sanctuary during the last strike, Kagaho, alongside the Wyvern and the Balrog. The war was won with your contribution, and you fought valiant as a general.»
«I am…» Again, the young specter almost stammered and was nothing less than embarrassed. «Thank you, Lord Hades. I won't disappoint you, I can swear it on my name.»
The god nodded and again reflected on how hard it was, to reason with the Black Phoenix. But as young as he was, the Bennu could be considered one of the most promising warriors he had ever seen, wearing a surplice.
Also, no one could be more suitable than him, for that task. And if the child, Alone, would've proven himself willing and fit to belong in that realm, Hades had all the intentions of raising him as if he was his own son; being Earth's protector was going to be hard, he was aware of that, and in the future, the need for someone to lead the realm of the living would have presented itself. Who could have been better than that human kid, which had begun the Holy War on his own accord, leading specters and killing golden saints one after another…
Then again, that would have been only when and if the child could prove himself ready. He demonstrated to possess quite an instinct for ruling, but it was still just a hypothesis.
«You will report every happening solely to me, when I get back from Olympus.» He said, and the Bennu lifted his eyes again, apparently snapping out of his thoughts. «I shall go soon, for my brother has summoned me, thus the Underworld will be ruled by the Twins in the meantime.»
«Yes, my lord.» The young specter answered. «I shall not report to the Twins, then, and wait for your return.»
«Precisely.» He said then. «You can consider yourself dismissed.»
«Just one more question.» The Bennu insisted. «The boy could ask me about his mortal acquaintances, namely the Pegasus saint and the former vessel of Athena. What should I tell him?»
«Whether to lie or tell the truth, it's your choice.» The god answered. «Now go. I trust you'll be able to find the young mortal by yourself.»
The other nodded and bowed, taking a step backwards, but then seemed to hesitate again.
«I am most sorry for my insistence.» Added then. «But if I am allowed, I wished you not to go to Olympus without a guard.»
«What is this about, Bennu?» He inquired, crossing arms on his chest and frowning. «Do you fear a retaliation of some sort, perhaps…?»
«I do. If she finds you there, Athena could retaliate.»
«She wouldn't. My niece can be a gracious loser… I invited her here to establish the conditions of the peace, and she accepted, but my brother insisted I'd be the one visiting them on the Olympus. Your concern is misplaced.»
The specter nodded again, even if he didn't seem completely reassured, and eventually gave another bow and finally retreated.
Left alone, Hades decided it was the time to visit the former saint he kept prisoner, before leaving. Entrusting the Underworld to the Twins was nothing new to him, having it happened in many occasions before, but this time there were so many things to settle down that he wished to postpone his visit to the Olympus.
Then again, he had waited long enough already to answer his younger brother's call. It was with a rapid pace that he approached one of the doors of his palace, brushing the engraving to make some of the symbols glimmer, then waited for it to open.
The chamber was dark, but black candles fluttered burning as he walked beside them. And sitting cross legged on the bare ground, eyes closed and expression plain, the prisoner didn't shift an inch upon the god's approach.
Hades considered that it had been like that from the very moment he had retrieved him from the stream of the dead. The former Virgo saint never showed any disorder for his condition, no high temperature or distress of some sort, as if he was already used to what was happening… all to the god's surprise and interest. Right at that moment he had his breathings even and features relaxed, as if he was sleeping, and his heart had a slow pulse, that of a resting person.
«I must say I am impressed by how adamantine you are proving yourself to be.» He said in a low voice, which still echoed in the black walled room. «I've come to speak to you, fallen warrior. I do not wish to coerce you into anything, nor to keep you as a prize… I am solely interested in your abilities, since what you achieved with your powers is something I would have never thought of. Using the fruit of the Mokurenji, to trap the souls of the specters into rosary beads, is ingenious as an act of heroes from the myths.»
There came no answers, as expected, only the smallest twitch of the other's brow informed Hades that the young man was listening.
«I can see that you're growing tired. You're in need to rest your mind and body, and to eat fruit which have grown in the Underworld to adjust… and I'm aware that you achieved what mortals call the eight sense, but you should know that it won't serve you, now, for your physical body is indissolubly tied to the Underworld.» He went on, still keeping his tone low. «You must also be aware that currently, Earth is mine to lead and protect. I won't be the dark ruler you were taught me to be, but not to make mistakes, I need a human advice… many are those who I trust, but they have belonged to the livings too long ago.» He paused again, and the former saint seemed to breathe at an even slower pace. «Mine is a request for your counsel. I understand that you're young, albeit behaving as a veteran soul, so that I will let you think about my offer for a while… but if you do not wish for it, I will let you rest; I appreciate valor, so if your desire is to rejoin the stream of souls and reincarnate, you will be granted it, and sent there by my hand.»
The god made all the candles die down except for one, then turned towards the door again.
«I will ask you again, in time. Your silence will be taken as a no to my proposal, and you won't be given second chances, for I can't allow you too much of my patience. Until then, I bid you farewell.»
...
As the light steps faded and the door slid closed, Asmita opened his eyes.
He could hear the slow crackling of the candle flame, even if his blindness didn't allow him to see any of it. He breathed slowly in and out, lowering his head, and joined hands in the mudra of Equilibrium, reaching for his inner eye.
His mind was too weak to establish a link with that of his comrades, he was aware of that. And something, in the walls of that room, wasn't allowing him to reach out even in the slightest, for trying was just draining his energy.
Accepting the Underworld Lord's offering was his only chance to leave that place, Virgo could see it. Opening his eyes again he pretended to be looking at the door, trying to imagine how Hades could look like, picturing him by the sound of his voice.
It was deep, but the soft tone was that of someone which was trying not to disturb a sleeping person. The cosmo he brought with himself was almost suffocating, for that was his immortal body, and so dark that the room had turned cold as soon as he had stepped in. And the smallest of rustles had suggested Asmita he had long hair, and probably wore a robe down to his ankles. Most certainly not his divine cloth.
The Virgo saint had tried to follow the conclusions of the war, manifesting his presence through Gemini Defteros as things progressed. Asmita remembered being there to comfort him, after he managed to find a way to help his twin brother.
I know you're here as well, somewhere, he told himself, as if speaking to his friend, but not even trying to reach for his presence for he knew it was no use. I wish I could be beside you, right now. You did what you had to do, Defteros… it was not your fault.
He needed to wait. There was nothing he could do from there, he had been trying but had to resign to that knowledge. He would have waited, then. Tolerance wasn't something he lacked, and Asmita folded arms together, relaxing his muscles whole to keep his inner eye open. And resolved to wait for that door to open again.