The King of Darkness

Chapter 11

The Idiots Travel Guide through the Underworld

Monsters of the Underworld

1. Sphinx

This creature is believed to have the body of a lion, head of a woman and the wings of an eagle. This creature enjoys riddles and will challenge anyone that crosses its path. If you answer the riddle correctly, this creature will devour itself out of anger and frustration. If you answer the creature incorrectly, you will be strangled and then be devoured. 

2. Cyclops

The cyclops are giants that possess great amount of strength and ferocity, with one eye protruding  from the forehead. But do not fear them they are actually friendly, yet have a short temper and can drink you under the table. 

3. The Hydra

The hydra is a water monster with reptilian traits. This creature is very dangerous, its venom and even breath that is exhaled is deadly to a human. For every head that was removed, two more would grow back in its place. Hydra's hide in underwater caves mostly at the entrance of the Underworld. 

4. Cerberus

Hades' loyal guard dog, massive hound with three heads and guarded the entrance of the Underworld. This creature only attacks the living but won't attack any spirits.

5. Medusa

Medusa, a creature that can turn any living thing to stone by  just a single glance. Medusa used to be a beautiful woman but was transformed into this hideous serpent, after being raped by Poseidon in Athena's temple. Her hair is composed of writhing, venomous snakes and her legs is the tail of a serpent. 

The Rivers of the Underworld

1. Styx

This river is the largest river that circles the Underworld seven times. It is also known as the River of Hatred. 

2.Lethe

Named after the Goddess of Forgetfulness. Entering the Underworld, the dead drank the waters of Lethe to forget their previous life of existing on earth. 

3. Acheron

This river is also known as the River of Pain. Charon, the ferryman, takes the dead across the Acheron to take them from the mortal world to the underworld. This river borders the world of the living. 

4. Phlegethon

Known as the River of Fire, for it travels deep into the Underworld where everything is on fire and where the most sinister souls live. This river leads to Tartarus. 

5. Cocytus

The River of Wailing, meaning that this river is of cries and lamentation. This is the river for souls that Charon refuses to ferry over. These souls have not received a proper burial and therefore the river bank of Cocytus would be their wandering grounds. 

This river flows into the River of Pain (Acheron)

The Underworld is full of creatures that will give you mercy or kill you with no mercy. 

To seek shelter in the Underworld, seek Mermaids which stay in the River of Styx but be careful with these mermaids they may be friendly and beautiful. You must not drink or eat anything that they give you. If you end up drinking or eating anything, you give them permission to eat you. 

I stopped reading the book and put it down next to me. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, allowing everything that I have read sink in. 

"This place is so messed up." I said and just sighed. There were creatures that lurk the Underworld freely and anything can happen. 

I was thinking about the monsters and most of them didn't seem dangerous but with Cerberus he didn't attack me. Does it think that I am a  spirit, well I am dead am I? Everything  was becoming so confusing and nothing made any sense. 

Then I remembered one of the Rivers, the River of  Forgetfulness. Did I drink the waters of it?

My mind become fuzzy and a sharp pain shot through my head. I yelped in pain and  I was starting to see that woman again. 

"You need to remember," she said and she was coming for me. I screamed and I was suddenly on the floor of the library, with Zeus looking down at me, with a worried expression and fear. 

"You saw her again didn't you.", he said and I looked at him confused. 

"What is happening? Why do I see this woman? What does she want me to remember?" I asked and he just kept quiet. 

"You should ask Hades these questions." he said and walked away from me. He left me on the floor and I was catching my breath. 

I slowly sat up and I was in my room. 

"You have questions, that you  would like to have the answers to," Hades voice come from beside me. He was sitting on the single couch and looking at me.

"How did I get here?" I asked. 

"I brought you here and now ask me the proper questions." he demanded and his voice wasn't this calm and arrogant tone anymore. 

"What must I remember? Why is there a woman in my dreams or wherever I look, she keeps on telling me to remember?" I asked and he stared at me for a  while. 

"I don't know why this woman is after you but obviously you are important and that you must desperately have your memories back but I can't give back your memories yet." he said and looked away from me.  

"Please, I need to know. Why can't you give me my memories back?" I asked and I was prepared to beg him to tell me. 

"I can't, not yet. Not until I-," he stopped what he was saying and then the door opened. Zeus came in and was holding a tray of fruit. 

"I have come to see how you are feeling and brought you some fruit," Zeus said and placed the tray on my lap. The  plate  had strawberries, blue berries and sliced banana.

"Thank you."

"Zeus please leave. Can you not see that I am busy with helping Violet?" Hades said but there was hate in his voice. 

Zeus didn't say anything and left the room, without uttering another word. The door closed and dead silence fell upon us. 

"Hades-", I was interrupted with his lips softly pressed against mine. I was completely shocked at his action and was frozen in place. His soft-warm lips was sending shivers down my spine and making my head go all fuzzy. Before, anything more could happen he pulled away and went back to his seat. 

"I can't give you, your memories back. Not yet." he whispered and once again he disappeared, leaving me all alone in my room and with so many questions that are still unanswered.

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