You Will Live Forever

Chapter 32: War to End All Wars

Larson above.

"Bloody hell. They're even fighting at the gates of hell now!" Seth said, coming back from his jump to hell.

It's been a week since we separated ourselves from the main group. Seth has been back and forth checking in on everyone. Ian has been trying to prep Jeremy and me for our final confrontation with Gabriel.

"What do you mean?" I crossed my arms over my chest. "Angels can't get down there without a demon's help."

"Or a god's," Jeremy mumbled.

"Fuck. Aphrodite took it too far." I growled.

"I mean, she could say the same about you and Athena," Ian suggested.

"We didn't start this. Gabriel did. We aren't just going to give in." I said.

"True. So how do we help?" Ian asked Seth.

"Well, that's just the point of why they're down there. I think they're trying to draw you there, Artemis. Everyone's powers will be to full advantage." Seth said.

"What I don't understand is how angels can still maintain all of their power in a demon's territory when heaven would weaken the damned..." I said.

"Angels can go anywhere. It's written in their genetic code. Unless their wings are ripped off... then they are imperfect and therefore unworthy." Seth said.

"Well damn," I mumbled.

"Look, I know you really want to go down there and help, but Seth is right. What if it's a trap." Jeremy said. "And our friends can handle themselves. They're stronger than they look."

"I don't doubt that. Ian, is there a way I can spy on what's going on without being there?" I asked.

Ian nodded. "I wouldn't guarantee that Hades won't totally find you, but you can definitely do what Seth and I have been doing this entire time. It's actually quite fun."

I glanced at Jeremy. "Do you mind? I promise I'll be right back."

Jeremy chuckled. "I'm not stopping you. You have a one-track mind. Besides, this is a new power, right? I don't even think you as Artemis had this."

"No one has it but us," Seth said, indicating the three of us.

Jeremy smiled. "I'll hold down the fort. You three go check it out."

I nodded. "OK, so I'm guessing I just imagine an out-of-body experience and a person to see all in one?"

"That's right," Ian said. "Ready?" The brothers each grabbed one of my arms. "We're tagging along."

I nodded and closed my eyes. The first person who came to mind was Larson.

Immediately I was in hellfire. Demons and angels were mixed fighting each other. Some angels were fighting angels. Some demons were fighting demons. Angels vs demons. A little bit of everything to be honest.

Larson was fighting a particularly thick looking angel alongside Kibba who was fighting a quick agile one.

"At least we aren't outnumbered this time," Larson said, slashing a sword at the angel who narrowly dodged.

"Doesn't make this any better," Kibba said. He stopped moving completely as his angel attacker ran circles around him. Kibba rolled his eyes. "Ugh, I feel like I'm playing with food." He blew a puff of wind and both the angels were sent flying into literal hellfire where the river of souls dragged them to their doom.

Larson stood straight. "You could've done that before."

"I was bored. I wanted to fight a little bit, but they weren't really up to my standards. Where's Gabriel's expert fighters? I feel like we are wasting our time with the lowlifes." Kibba looked around.