Dungeon of Torment

14. The Countdown

Kronos' guards marched through Sector VI of the Undercity, led by Oceanus. This fearsome Titan was huge, with a large belly that disguised the thick bands of muscle that bulked out his arms and legs. He was bald but instead boasted a golden beard that he wore as two long plaits interwoven with glittering threads. His armour creaked and groaned with every step and the ground trembled beneath his stomping feet.

The inmates of Sector VI cowered back, retreating into the storage containers. Street vendors closed up shop, their shutters slamming down moments before the Titan swept down the alley. Whispers skittered in the shadows, catching in the breeze, why was the Titan here? 

The guards wore masks, to help them breathe in the unclean smoggy atmosphere, but as a Titan Oceanus had powerful lungs that could cope. Their masks made eerie static sounds and completely obscured their faces in a luminous yellow fishbowl. The effect was daunting.

"We are looking for the human, Hades Pendragon." Oceanus declared loudly, his voice enhanced and played over every speaker in the district. "Hand him over or all of you will face punishment." Gasps of surprise and alarm followed this statement. Gang leader Hades – who would dare betray him? But if they didn't – what horrific fate awaited them?

A countdown showed up on the screens. They had fifteen minutes.

                         Young Perseus got to feet, pulling his hood up to partially shield his face. Xiaofei seized his arm, stopping him.

"Perseus," he rebuked sternly. Perseus easily shrugged off the older man's hand. "Don't do it."

"You heard them." Perseus gestured to the screen, its red numbers casting a rouge glow over their anxious faces.

"Hades won't be caught by a little nobody like you." Xiaofei retorted, his words were barked harshly but his gaze was kind.

                          The Brotherhood was a rival gang. They ran Sector V and had been trying to expand for months now.

"This is our chance boys," Jett their leader drawled. His cronies sniggered. They wore their caps down low, casting their eyes into shadow. But their mouths were visible, each with a drooping lower lip from the flesh being split by a knife – part of their oaths on entering the Brotherhood's ranks. Armed with bats and hammers they swaggered to the borderline.

"You can't be here!" Jenni barked sternly. She was the sentry, guarding the border between Sector V and VI. She stood in their path, her knives at the ready.

"Don't be worried, grandma." Jett sneered at her, coming to a stop. "We've come to help you all." He looked over Jenni's head at the citizens hovering nervously behind her. "Let us in, and we'll help you capture Hades."

Jenni stood her ground.

"This is VI territory, we're not letting in scum like you!" She threw a knife, the blade arced perfectly through the air before striking one of the Brotherhood. The man groaned, dropping to his knees as he clutched the blade that had sunk deep into his calf.

"Jenni no!"

Jenni froze, faced with her sister.

"Gwen?" Jenni gaped as Gwen stood between her and the Brotherhood.

"They're right. We need their help."