The Prey of Truth

The Future

Atticus was greeted by the familiar sight of Hades materialising onto his throne, this time, wearing a black suit, with a loosely done tie.

"Hello, Atticus," the god said warmly.

"Good morning," Atticus replied.

"I trust that you know why you're here?" Hades clarified. "Dianthus didn't try to deter you from coming?".

"Not really," Atticus admitted.

"Alright, well, after much consideration," Hades started, swinging his feet up on the left armrest of his throne and resting his head on the other, as if a teenager, not a respectable God. "I have three possible paths for your future." He said, holding up three fingers to signal.

"One," he announced, holding up one finger. "You can go to the Fields of Asphodel, and all your memories will be taken. So essentially, it's like you have died normally, and gone where most humans go in the afterlife."

"Two," the god continued, holding up his index and middle fingers. "You can go back to Earth, with all your memories of this place erased.

However," he interjected dramatically. "There is a catch. Your lifespan gets cut into a quarter.".

Atticus frowned. So far, he didn't have very good options. Then again, death wasn't fair.

"And finally, three," he concluded, holding up three fingers, revealing a silver band on his ring finger, sparkling in the dim atmosphere. "You can work here as my helper. Essentially, what Dianthus does, but more labour intensive.".

Atticus bit his lip, thinking of the best course of action.

Sensing his discomfort, Hades stood from his throne, "Let's go for a walk. Shall we?".

~

"Did Dianthus tell you what the Fields of Asphodels is?" Hades asked as they were walking.

"Yes, sir" Atticus answered, his hands stuck in his pockets.

"To clarify," Hades started anyway. "You go there if you are neither good nor evil, but mutual or indifferent, which is most people. Those souls get their memories taken from them, and they walk aimlessly around the fields. They don't endure any pain or anything; it's just boring if I'm to be honest." Hades said truthfully.

"What about option two?" Atticus asked, hoping the clarification might help him choose the best path for the future.

"Well, going back to Earth would mean that you continue your life there as normal as if nothing happened. But, as I mentioned, your lifespan gets cut into a quarter. I can't disclose how long you have left of your life, so you could either live a few mere minutes or 25 years at the absolute most." Hades explained. "The last option is that you work here, alongside Dianthus, something like an assistant. You will get separate apartments, of course. However, the work will be gruesome, labour intensive, and extremely busy, so it's not for the faint-hearted.".

Atticus was so lost in thought, that he hadn't realised they had arrived at the apartment. He had barely gotten a word in and was very unsure of what to do next.

Before leaving him, Hades asked, "So, do you have an inkling of what you want to do?".

Atticus shook his head, "I'm sorry, I'll need a little more time.".

Hades chuckled, "It's okay. It's a big decision after all."

Bidding him farewell, the God evaporated, leaving Atticus at the doorstep of the apartment.