Ascension

ch 50

In the deepest recesses of the underworld, where shadows and spirits dwelled in eternal twilight, Hades sat upon his obsidian throne. The god of the dead, still recovering from the battle with Sumer, brooded over the shifting balance of power among the pantheons. The underworld had seen its share of chaos, but today, a presence of unparalleled power approached, and Hades could sense it.

A blinding light pierced the gloom, illuminating the darkened halls of the underworld. Archangel Michael, Heaven's most formidable warrior, stood before Hades, his wings shimmering with divine radiance and his sword glowing with holy fire. The aura of the archangel filled the space with an otherworldly presence, challenging even the depths of the underworld.

Hades rose, his eyes narrowing as he regarded the celestial visitor. "Michael," he greeted, his voice echoing through the vast chamber. "What brings Heaven's mightiest to my domain?"

Michael's expression was grave, his countenance bearing the weight of dire news. "Hades, a threat greater than Zeus, greater than the Sumerians, looms on the horizon. Lucifer, the fallen one, stirs. His power grows, and his ambition knows no bounds. He seeks to overthrow the balance of the cosmos itself."

The name sent a chill through Hades. Lucifer, the Morning Star, once the most beautiful of angels, now the epitome of rebellion and darkness. The thought of facing such a foe was daunting, even for a god as formidable as Hades.

"Lucifer," Hades repeated, his tone heavy with contemplation. "Heaven's ancient adversary. What does this have to do with me?"

Michael stepped forward, his gaze piercing. "You took an oath, Hades, to uphold the balance and protect the natural order. Heaven and the underworld must stand united against this common enemy. Will you honor that oath?"

Hades' mind raced through the implications. Aligning with Heaven was no small commitment. It meant setting aside millennia of tension and rivalry. Yet the threat posed by Lucifer was existential, transcending the old feuds.

"I have always upheld the balance, Michael," Hades said slowly. "But Heaven and Hell are realms apart. What guarantee do I have that this alliance will hold?"

Michael sheathed his sword, a gesture of peace and sincerity. "I give you my word, Hades. Heaven will honor this alliance. We cannot afford division when faced with such a formidable adversary. Lucifer's fall threatens all creation, including your domain. Together, we stand a chance to repel him."

The god of the underworld weighed his options. Despite the centuries of mistrust, Michael's presence here, in the heart of his realm, signified the gravity of the situation. To ignore this plea was to invite potential annihilation, not just for the underworld but for the entire cosmos.

After a long, tense silence, Hades nodded. "Very well, Michael. I will uphold my oath. The underworld will join Heaven in this fight. We will face Lucifer together."

Michael's stern expression softened slightly, a flicker of relief in his eyes. "Thank you, Hades. Your support will be crucial in the battle to come."

As the archangel turned to leave, Hades called out, "Michael, one more thing. If we are to succeed, we must prepare. The other pantheons must be warned and united. This threat concerns us all."

Michael nodded, his wings unfurling as he prepared to depart. "Agreed. I will visit the other deities and secure their alliances. Stay vigilant, Hades. We will need your strength soon."

With a burst of light, Michael ascended from the underworld, leaving Hades to contemplate the battles ahead. The god of the dead, now bound by a renewed oath, knew that the coming days would test their resolve like never before.