Her Name Is Styxx

First Success

Some time had passed since the two demons emerged from the many entryways to The Underworld, and the sun was beginning to set in the distance. Styxx had been mesmerized by all the bright colors that the surface provided during the day time, but what really awed the young demon was the sunset. The rays of orange, yellow and even pink that filled the sky was absolutely beautiful and once all the color faded the night sky was littered little stars. 

"Don't get too attached to the scenery. Hades doesn't like it when we take our time." Makhai sighed as he stopped at a large forest.

"That's unfortunate." Styxx mumbled as she fiddled with her cloak.

"That's just the life we live, as demons we don't get the luxury of an open sky. Our fate is in The Underworld." The demon chuckled bitterly.

"Is that why you try to be the strongest Reaper?" The she-demon questioned as the two sat down by the treeline.

"It's complicated. Don't ask questions that you don't need to know the answers to. Let's go, we have more ground to cover." Makhai snapped suddenly.

The demon jumped to his feet and disappeared into the trees quickly leaving behind the stunned she-demon. A frown coated the young demon's face as she raced after the retreating form of her mentor and partner. The two demons raced through the night, and during that time, passed through different types of terrain during their journey. As the two reached the edge of another forest, small lights could be seen in the distance.

"Our targets are located in that village." Makhai stated as he looked down from the hill they stood on.

"How will we get in there without being noticed?" The she-demon anxiously questioned as she fidgeted in her spot.

"They're humans, igiaeq, they can't see us. We wait until evening, then we split up and take their souls." The demon scoffed before taking a seat.

"Understood." Styxx mumbled as she jumped onto the branch above her.

The two Reapers remained silent as they watched the villagers meander around and talk to each other. Styxx never removed her gaze from the village as she watched the interactions of the people, and she came to the conclusion that the village seemed to be just like the one back in The Underworld. Children ran around laughing and screaming while the adults conducted their business silently. The sun had reached its peak in the sky, and Makhai had noticed some men leaving the village quickly. 

"Looks like our targets are leaving in a hurry. We may not have to wait for nightfall." Makhai chuckled as he stood to his feet.

"Perhaps." The she-demon shrugged once she landed onto her feet.

Taking off after the small group of humans, the demons were led deep into the forest. Due to the thickening coverage, the sun no longer peaked through the leaves and the humans were left traveling in semi-darkness. The humans had stayed quiet during their journey, but they had also remained vigilant of their surroundings. Their weapons were drawn, and the men would occasionally whisper to each other. Finally after some time, the group arrived at an entrance of a large cave. 

"This is where the child claimed that the beast came from." A man stated softly.

"How do we know that the child was telling the truth? I mean, why would a hellhound be here?" Another man groaned as he stood to his feet.

"How can you say that when children have been disappearing, Antonie?" The first man growled.

"Are you saying that hellhounds would have suddenly shown up for no reason? We are in a village far away from civilization." Antonie stated rather loudly.