DESCENT

II - The Other Half

PROSERPINA:

Proserpina, who had been following her two remaining prey she had taken down at least eight since last night—grew increasingly perplexed when the life sources Thanatos was specifically tasked to take for the meantime had led her closer to what sounded like the midst of a battlefield.

One that was echoing with roars and curses that would have surely amused the god of wine.

When the young goddess finally came upon the open field, though choosing not to physically emerge from the shadows just yet to observe–

She tilted her head to the side, long plaited dark hair dangling over one shoulder aimlessly, her equally dark eyes staring curiously as she beheld the men that moved and fought like the spawns of Ares but are... actually playing some sort of violent sport?

The cold breath of storm-bringing Notos whipped along the muddy field, creating a faint, white mist while lightning flashed above them from time to time. Large raindrops struck the ground, mirroring the intensity of the still on-going game that had her suppressing a shudder at the sheer violence happening in front of her.

Oh Hades, what on earth had Proserpina stumbled upon now—a secret training camp of soldiers? Spawns of Ares?

No.

There are only three demigods left in this world (excluding her, she no longer counted–) that were... permitted to live after the Righteous Purge several years ago: Nicholas Cayden, son of Athena. Rei Kashima, son of Hypnos.

And–

'Let's not go there.'

Proserpina forced herself to focus back on the game instead, gripping her sword's handle as she quietly tried to stamp down the sudden surge of fury and compose herself.

As she appraised the players and the spectators to distract herself, Proserpina easily recognized that the souls of the players are werewolves while on the sidelines, various nymphs ranging from aurai to Bacchic nymphs who are all visibly trembling with excitement and barely hidden lust as they watched and cheered, most likely seeing the spectacle as no more than a mud-wrestling match between strong men instead of a barbaric brawl.

Proserpina resisted the urge to roll her eyes as the nymphs laughed and wolf-whistled, screeching cheers of encouragement, already annoyed by their crude behavior... and I just got here not even a minute ago.

Thanatos, sensing her irritation, murmured:

'Ignore them.'

Sighing, she slowly unsheathed the blade as she finally stepped out of the shadows, completely unbothered by the rain soaking her clothes and hair as she locked eyes on her prey, mingling amongst the nymphs, clapping, and cheering: an empousa.

This empousa, like the rest of its sisters that Proserpina had slain, looked like an attractive female but with flaming red hair and with one brass leg and the other one a donkey leg. To be honest, there is no need for them to be dealt with personally... however; these fools had been reported by the hunters of Artemis stalking her mercenaries to feed on and while Proserpina would normally not be allowed to intervene in the mortals' affairs even if she was inclined to do so since her younger brother was a hunter tasked to take down monsters as well.

Fortunately for her—and unfortunately for them, William's demigod friend, Nicholas, had specifically requested for her assistance to dispose these empousai before they killed more of the other mercenaries which is the most likely the only reason why Hades had allowed her to be here in the first place.