Maelstrom (a UC fanfiction)

Chapter 10

  Hades walked for about ten minutes with his dagger remaining on the king’s throat before they reached Lucifer’s palace. Hades paused, scanning the area around them, then he looked at Cerberus who met his gaze and gave him a nod; there isn’t anyone around.

  So then Hades released Lucifer, who frowned as the captain continued through the gates and towards the entrance.

  “Was that an act?” Lucifer asked as he trailed cautiously after Hades and Cerberus. Hades scoffed, twirling his dagger before replacing it in his coat.

  “Yes. If I had killed you, they would’ve had no more reason to hold their fire. But don’t ever think that I wouldn’t cut you open if it meant the freedom of my sons or myself.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it,” Lucifer uttered dryly, then spoke up. “I didn’t know St. John would call the guards. I’m not even sure how he did it.”

  “Blaine,” Hades answered, pushing the doors to the palace open and stepping inside. “He must’ve left the house when he left the room. That’s how the guards knew where to find us.”

  “I should’ve kept an eye on him,” Cerberus growled under his breath.

  They made their way to the lounge room where they left their crew and the king’s family, then the captain slammed the door open, startling several of its inhabitants and they turned to see Hades walking in with Cerberus and Lucifer at his side.

  “We’re going on a trip,” Hades exclaimed.

  “Christ,” Cain muttered before frowning. “What?”

  “We believe the Atlanteans are taking Ambrosius to an island called Atlantis,” Cerberus explained, but he only received confused expressions.

  “Atlan-what?” Abel asked, furrowing his eyebrows. “You mind repeating that?”

  “Atlantis,” Nemesis muttered to herself as she crossed her arms. “That sounds familiar.”

  “Is that where they’re taking Thorn, too?” Bali asked and Lucifer met her gaze uncertainly.

  “We hope so.”

  “So, you’re not even sure?” Raven asked with an incredulous expression and Cerberus sighed.

  “Listen, kid, we don’t know everything. We’re taking the knowledge we have and we’re going to use it to our best ability.”

  “What if your best ability isn’t enough?” Jaques demanded.

  “We can’t waste our time worrying about the what ifs,” Abel told him and Jaques gritted his teeth. “If this is what we have, then it’s what we have, and we’ll be damned if we let your uncertainties stop us from trying.”

  “Where is Atlantis?” Alexion asked, crossing his arms.

  “North of the Indigo Ocean,” Hades said as he pulled out the map and waved it around before he pointed it at Malachi. “Get ready to head out to the ship.”

  “North was where Xandria was going,” Cain spoke up. “Perhaps we could catch up to them before they reach Atlantis.”

  “If only we were so lucky,” Charon muttered before turning to Hades. “And what of Nemesis and the rest?”

  Hades looked at Nemesis, who took a moment to examine the men who agreed to help them. Adrian and Noe were absent; they’re patrolling the palace. Alexion’s expression was stoic, but it’s clear that he wouldn’t stay behind. She studied Sept, who looked like he was already coming up with an argument if he were told to keep here.