The King of Ithaca Falls Into A Twisted Reality

Prologue

Zeus' lighting struck the boat, killing everyone except the captain, King of Ithaca, Odysseus. Instead the lone survivor was cast into the ocean, only the wreckage of the ship sinking with him deeper into the sea as the rest of the crew were turned to ash instantly. Tired and still wearing the stab wound that was given to him by that very same crew, the ragged king hasn't got the energy to even try to fight with the waves that were dragging him down. Odysseus could barely move, the pressure was far too great both mentally and physically, his vision slowly faded, not even strong enough to keep his eyes open. How could someone like him even think of going home if he isn't even strong enough to even try to stay afloat? "I think I could help you with that" a cold voice answered his thoughts what? "You want to get home don't you? To survive the ocean despite its very own God trying to kill you? I could help you there, deliver your body to a safe island, well safe enough island?"

Odysseus was silent for a moment, using all of his willpower to open his eyes only to find that he was no longer in the sea. Instead it was almost entirely pitch black, only change was the person, no, God standing over him, their body was leith, skeleton like and it was only enhanced by the ash grey skin that they donned. The body was only loosely covered by torn cloth and chains and their height was indiscernible but from what he could see they were much taller than a regular man. But the tell tale sign of who this was, was their face, while a black hood was covering the majority of their head what could be seen was the skull that they had in replacement of their face, with the only light in the darkness coming from the blue flaming orbs that were in the gods' eye socket, bioluminescent blue liquid was also dripping down from the socket onto the rest of the gods' body and clothing. It was Hades.

"You are correct Captain. I am Hades, God of the Underworld, and I have a proposition for you. Complete a task for me and I will guide your body and soul to the safest island nearby." Odysseus' throat was dry but he managed to croak out a small "Why?". The god in front of him tilted their head to the side, somewhat surprised he could talk in his condition but continued on anyway. "You are one of the few mortals that have travelled to my home and returned, not only that but the task I need completed requires a skilled warrior that has certain kind of intelligence even most God's lack" Hades paused, seemingly staring directly into Odysseus' eyes but it was impossible to tell for sure.

"This task however," the God finally continued, "is not like one you have ever done before. You shall venture into a different realm, one not reachable to any mortal nor most Gods. I sadly cannot disclose your true objective at this moment, but what I can tell you is that you need to help there, no matter what, help. You need not worry about the time you spend there either, any time spent within this other world will not translate into our world." they stilled again, then leaned down closer to Odysseus. They were waiting for an answer. The man was barely able to move but with the rest of his strength managed to give a small nod, "Thank you King of Ithaca, and good luck." And with that Odysseus passed out, but not before catching a glimpse of a black horse drawn carriage.