II. Gods and Monsters

20. Shared Pain

"Leave her alone you sick bastard!" Oli yelled.

"Now why would I do that? I promised to take everything from you. To you, she is everything."

"You won't lay a finger on her ever again."

"You say that like you have a choice in the matter," Hades chuckled.

Charlotte took a step back as the heat seared Oli's skin off his bone, The Ghost Rider appearing once more. It turned, its glowing eyes settling on Charlotte. A low growl emanated from it as it bunched up its fists and, for a second, Charlotte believed it was going to turn on her. But instead, The Rider stepped in front of her, blocking her from Hades' view.

"So, you finally put Zarathos on a leash. How adorable."

Without warning, Ghost Rider charged Hades. The self-proclaimed God of Vengeance squared himself up before tackling Ghost Rider to the ground. The cacophony of noises had attracted the attention of Andrew and Carter, the pair bursting into the room behind Hades. The monster raised Ghost Rider by the throat drawing their eye sockets level.

"No forgiveness for all I've seen, the degradation I cannot forgive. Hear the innocent voices scream as their tormentors laugh through all their pain."

Faint glowing lines connected the eyes of both Hades and Ghost Rider. Charlotte's memory flashed back to the night Ghost Rider attacked the precinct, hoping that this power would work on Hades. But it wasn't Ghost Rider performing the deed. These lines were blue, becoming more solid by the second. Suddenly, the lines turned into small whirlwinds of fire, causing Ghost Rider to scream and writhe. The screams split into two distinct voices, Oli's and Zarathos', their cries of agony sending horrified shivers through every bone in Charlotte's, Carter's and Andrew's bodies.

"Oh, how I wish I could kill you. But you have to live just that little bit longer. Long enough for me to destroy your world entirely. Long enough to make you beg for death!"

The streams of fire ceased, Hades dropping his victim to his knees. Ghost Rider collapsed sideways, the flames dissipating outwards as it hit the floor.

"What did you do?!" Charlotte screamed.

"Oh, nothing permanent. Due to the dual personalities that reside within your lover, The Penance Stare's effects are somewhat... decreased as it is shared across both the sinners. Don't worry, he will live to suffer at my hand again. As shall you."

At that moment, Hades waved both his hands. To his left, a ring of fire appeared, to his right another, a third appearing beside Charlotte. Within the blink of an eye, Hades had reached through the portal on his right, latching onto Charlotte, pulling her through and hurling her into the portal on his left.

"CHARLOTTE!" Andrew cried, attempting to charge down Hades, only halting due to Carter's arm across his chest.

"Andrew, don't be an idiot!" Carter barked.

As Andrew struggled against Carter's grip, Hades stepped one foot through the portal, clasping the rim with one clawed hand before turning to face the pair.

"Sleep soundly in your beds tonight, for judgement falls upon you at first light."

And with that, he stepped out of sight, all portals closing with a soft 'whump'.