II. Gods and Monsters

Meanwhile

Amadeus anxiously awaited the return of his master. That was his official title anyway. Through the centuries they had formed a bond that extended beyond the reaches of servitude.

Amadeus had spent many weary nights repairing armours and healing wounds as the master would watch in stony silence. One night, Hades spoke. He would tell him tales of lands time had forgotten, realms beyond human imagination and battles which shaped the course of history. Hades had seen men of steel die and dark knights fall, he had seen empires come and go more times than history itself remembered, all this he would pass on to his servant.

In return, Amadeus would tell him more grounded tales; those of star-crossed lovers, fantastic discoveries and humour to tickle the heart of any. They would spend many nights laughing, weeping and held in suspense by the other's narrative. The many barriers between the pair were gradually worn down until Hades presented Amadeus with an offer:

"My dearest friend," he had said, "You have served me well for longer than any human should. In return, I grant you this; the ability to leave this work behind, to live anew and forge your own path. You will forever have my gratitude and your tales will stay with me for all eternity."

"My Lord," Amadeus had responded, "As generous an offer as that may be, you are as integral to my life as I am yours. We have known each other far too long for me to abandon your quest, for it is now also mine. I shall see it completed, or die trying."

A handshake had solidified this promise, and in that moment, they had formed a mutual respect.

Many hunts later, he was still at his side, aiding in any way he could. And he was proud of it. Their crusade was a noble one, and through their combined efforts, had been successful thus far.

A roaring of fire announced Hades' arrival. It took no time at all for Amadeus to realise something had gone terribly wrong. Hades was missing his helmet and when he reverted to human form he was covered in cuts, bruises and blood.

"My lord, is everything alright?" Amadeus asked calmly. He feared he already knew the answer.

"Metatron," Hades responded in a deep tone.

He then lifted himself up, coughing as he did so, and proceeded towards the bathing room. Amadeus knew better than to try and assist him without his asking, the last attempt had almost cost him his arm.

"Dare I ask whether the deed is done?" Amadeus queried politely.

"The Rider's quarry are dead, but he himself still lives. The human has gained control of the spirit somehow. He must be getting help from somewhere. None have advanced this quickly before."

"Help? How? We have destroyed every Ghost Rider previously."

They entered the bathing hall in silence, Hades shedding his armour as he approached the waters.

"I do not know, but I intend to find out. But now that they have intervened," he spat at the mention of his old adversaries, "we must be more careful."

Amadeus retrieved the armour as Hades lowered himself into the waters. He let out a sigh as it soothed the damage done to his human form.

"Will you require another helmet, my lord?"

"If it is possible my old friend. I was rather fond of that one. Construct an identical copy if you can."

Amadeus bowed as he exited the room. The helmet was simple enough, but it would take time to complete, and he doubted the master would want to wait.

Hades leant back, allowing the water to run up to, and over, his shoulders. The bleeding had ceased as soon as his skin touched the water and the swelling had begun to recede. In a few moments, his wounds would have vanished, and with them, the pain. Hades had allowed himself to be caught unawares by the cybernetic hunter. That would not happen again.

But this mysterious aid to the Spirit of Vengeance puzzled him. Heaven had no reason to both hunt and help the human, and help was not something that appeared in Hell's vocabulary. So who, or what, could possibly have caused the boy to gain full control so rapidly? He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and then remained still. He would find this sinner and crush him like the rest, but for now, rest was essential. For now, Hades would sleep, and dream of a world free of the tyrants that currently used it as a chessboard.