Hades Realm: Hades, #2

By Arielle Alia

Hades is living peacefully with his new wife in the human world when gruesome deaths committed in the past began happening again in the present.

 

And in every scene where the deaths occur, Hades's blood is left behind.

 

Azael and Iris, Hades's former guardians lead the investigations of the deaths.

 

Because of the result of the investigation, Hades found himself trapped in the world of Athenaeum, the world of the grey souls.

 

If Hades tries to leave Athenaeum, all his memories would be wiped away and he would no longer remember who and what he is.

He would no longer be Hades but someone else.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arielle Alia
• Release date: Jan 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393085331

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Whitechapel, London

The young woman with braided, red hair wrapped around on top of her head crouched beside the dead body. The victim was a woman in her early thirties. Her grey coat was open, and her white shirt was covered with her own blood. The shirt was in tatters as was her flesh, which had been sliced from the chest down to her navel.

Any organs left behind? asked a man's voice.

The redhead turned. Her eyebrows rose while at the same time, her perfect lips couldn't seem to decide whether to snarl or smile.

Azael, she finally acknowledged the man approaching her.

Hello, Iris, long time no see. You didn't keep in touch. He smiled, showing his perfectly white teeth, but Iris could almost see his fangs.

And why would I want to keep in touch with a demon like you? She stood up.

Azael laughed. In demon form, complete with horn and tail and the build of a seven-foot wrestler, he dwarfed Iris's human form. Iris had to crane her neck to look up into Azael's face, though she was already standing. Her five-foot-two frame looked so fragile beside the demon.

I missed your big bones and long legs, Iris. But you looked fucking cute like that, he teased.

Iris glared at him.

If you have nothing else to do, could you leave this scene? I am working.

Undercover?

None of your business! she snapped. Azael always managed to irritate her. Demons never were able to rile her before, but she had spent eighteen years with Azael, and he had discovered all the right buttons to push just to annoy her. Sometimes, she couldn't help but suspect that the demon himself had created those buttons.

But you're already too late. He pointed at the dead woman. The murderer had already chosen a victim tonight.

What are you doing here anyway?

Investigating. I was assigned by Midnight Corp. to look into these strange murders happening all over the world. Murders that copy all the signatures of history's most infamous serial killers. I had just come from the United States of America to check into the Zodiac killer copycat. Now, I am here about the Jack the Ripper copycat murders. He eyed her. And you seemed to be investigating these murders too. Or are you trying to find evidences to pin these gruesome murders to us?

Iris kept quiet. She volunteered to do this assignment not because she wanted to file a petition against the Midnight Corp., but because all the evidences collected by Lightside Inc. were pointing toward Hades. Hades may be working now for Midnight Corp. but Iris had taken care of the half-angel, half-demon since he was a baby. She had been his guardian for eighteen years. At first, she was simply doing her assignment, making sure that Azael, who was also assigned to be Hades's guardian, would not be able to influence the boy with Midnight's beliefs. But in spite of her strict adherence to Lightside's orders not to care about Hades, she found herself becoming fond of the boy. Treating him like her own son.

She had to obey her superiors when she was ordered to leave Hades when he turned eighteen. She had to stand by helpless when both Midnight and Lightside tried to destroy and kill him one year ago. But she couldn't do that anymore. She just couldn't accept that Hades was responsible for all these killings!

If Midnight is interested in these murders, then they must have also found the evidences pointing to Hades, she said quietly.

Azael snorted.

They fucking made a mistake! My boy would never do something like this! I had brought him up with more class and sophistication!

Iris eyes widened.

Your boy?

Well, I mean..., he looked uneasy.

Iris found herself laughing.

When did you start caring for Hades like your own son? Do demons even care about their children?

As if I have a choice! Those eighteen years of rearing and caring for him... I couldn't help it! And though I would never admit this to my superiors, I am going to find evidences that would prove his innocence!

Look there, Azael. She pointed at something green on the victim's fingernails. She fought her attacker. The humans would never discover what that green thing is. But we both know that's blood. And if we do a DNA test and compare that to Hades's blood-

Even if they match, it wouldn't mean a thing. Someone is setting him up again! If I find out that it's Princess Nam- He eyed Iris. Are you going to tell your superiors that Hades is the culprit?

No. I will find who the real murderer is. And based on what I had seen and discovered, this was not the handiwork of any human. This was done by someone from the Midnight Corp. If you really care for Hades, you will help me prove that he is innocent, Azael.

Fuck yeah, even if I have to suffer working with you again!

Then we better leave this place. Several inspectors have been patrolling Whitechapel to prevent another murder tonight. One of them would soon find this body, and this place would soon be swarming with people. We need to find a place where we would not be disturbed. If you are willing, Azael, we should compare notes. Then, we both decide how to best solve this mystery or at least prevent our superiors, especially yours, from declaring another death warrant against Hades.

Azael nodded. Iris changed back to her angel form. She now stood as tall as Azael, though her glowing body remained slender. She unfolded her wings and soared up to the skies. Azael quickly followed her into the dark night sky.

CHAPTER 1

Hades was stronger and more powerful than any normal human. He could remain alert and clear-headed even if he didn't sleep for a week. He could also survive far longer without food and water in the desert than any normal human being could.

The reason for his extraordinary abilities was simple. His mother was the former Archangel Esther and his father, Prince Rosomon, was once the strongest in the demon realm. Both his parents were dead. They both lost their lives after a one-night stand, which resulted to his anomalous birth. Angels and demons were incapable of mating. Their bodies were incompatible. But despite the rules and the facts, Hades was born.

But the past and his true nature no longer bothered Hades. He didn't give a shit about the past. He was much more concerned about the present and the future. He now had a new life in the world of the humans. He was currently living a quiet life as a second year college student in the University of Sta. Cruz.

He usually sported long, dark locks that reached down to his waist. He kept it tied behind his back whenever he was in school. He started growing his hair when he turned eighteen. But now, he had decided to change his hairstyle. His hair was now trimmed high behind his head, but the hair on his sides still covered his ears and reached below his chin. Most of the comments he received when he suddenly showed up in school with this new hairstyle was favorable. They called his hair, cool.

Hades looked like just an ordinary twenty-three-year old college student taking up Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Bachelor of Arts in History. His I.Q. was high enough to enable him to easily finish any four or five-year course within the span of two years even if he took them simultaneously. But that would be boring. The primary reason he enrolled himself in college was to have fun. In fact, after getting the diploma for his two current courses, he planned to enroll again and take two new courses.

When he told his plans to his girlfriend, Alym, she laughed and started teasing him. She branded him as a professional student since he had no intention of leaving school until he had taken up all the available courses in the university.

With his genes, time was irrelevant. Hades was confident that he would be able to accomplish his goals while still looking like a young man in his twenties. Angels and demons were long lived. And since he possessed the traits of both races, he would probably live for a long, long time.

But then, he might have to leave the University of Sta. Cruz and the Philippines. He remaining youthful and not aging would certainly catch the attention of everyone around him who kept growing older.

But the future was not Hades's concern today. It was the present. And it had something to do with the piles of flyers and sample ballots before him as he stood inside the headquarters of the Solaris Party. Solaris was among the three student parties currently fighting for the available positions in the university's student council.

Last year, Hades never participated or even cared about the school's social activities and politics. He was popular with the students, but no one was able to convince him to run for any of the position in the student council. He wasn't interested in the responsibilities imposed by such positions. But this year, he found himself working...no, slaving for the Solaris Party! And it was all because of his girlfriend, Alym Verde, who had decided to run for president despite being only a second year student!

Are you just going to stare at those flyers and sample ballots, Hades? teased Jude. Jude was the campaign manager of Solaris Party. He was also the one who approached Alym and convinced her to run in this election.

I have been going around the campus for two weeks distributing flyers and sample ballots! Hades groaned. But these things continue to multiply! I should have finished giving them away since last week. But no, every day, their numbers continue to increase!

Jude burst out laughing.

I can't do anything about that. Contributions for our campaign in the form of flyers and sample ballots keep arriving. It would be a waste if we don't distribute them. Our supporters are having these printed for us. Alym is indeed quite popular with the student populace.

She must have used some spell to make them like her.

Alym doesn't need any spell. With her beauty and natural charm, people tend to like her instantly.

Hades sighed. Like most men in the campus, it was quite obvious that Jude also had a crush on Alym. Since Alym started going to their university last year, she seemed to have bewitched most of the male students. If those guys weren't aware that he was already her boyfriend, Hades had a feeling that these men would be fighting, probably killing each other just to vie for her attention.

The reason was obvious. Alym was hot! She was also smart, funny and possessed a great personality. Her beauty was a mix of Chinese, American and Filipino, acquiring all the best physical aspects of those races.

You should stop accepting these flyers and insist on cash contributions, Hades grumbled. If they keep bringing flyers and sample ballots, I would be able to cover every part of the campus with these papers!

Aren't you the one who volunteered to do this? Jude reminded him.

How was I to know I would be doing this day and night all on my own? he growled.

Alym said that you are more than capable of doing that job and if we get volunteers, we need to give them some sort of allowance for food and travel expenses. You, on the other hand, we could get for free. He was clearly amused.

Hades shook his head. When he and Alym had agreed to be together, he swore to himself that he would never allow her to trick him again. But it was now clear that he had once again been duped because he was distributing flyers every day all over the campus.

The University of Sta. Cruz occupied a huge piece of land. It’s almost like a small town. A student needed one whole day to be able to walk around the whole campus. Because of the distance between buildings, in-campus jeepneys provide transportation for the students.

Besides, with your looks and charm, the female students would never ignore you. In fact, I heard, whenever you start giving our flyers, they start to flock around you like you're some kind of a movie star.

You are starting to sound like Alym! he accused Jude. But your words cannot make me feel better doing this boring task! Despite his retort, Hades knew there was some truth in Jude's words. He inherited his mother's beautiful, angelic face and his father's height and masculine stature. Though his eyes and hair were black, no one would ever mistake him as being a native of this country. He looked too Caucasian.

Most people who first encountered him were often surprised when he would start talking using the local dialect without any hint of an accent. His Tagalog was perfect and so much like how locals talk. But even if he were in another country, he would still be able to speak the local language fluently. Studying the different languages of the human world was part of his training when he apprenticed for Lightside Inc. several years ago.

You can't trick me into doing this task again! Hades snapped.

Jude laughed harder. His big stomach started jiggling. Jude was intelligent and charming. He also had a way with words. Unfortunately, his number one hobby was eating resulting to an increase in body weight and size every year. Hades sometimes pictured him suddenly bursting like a balloon.

Come now, Hades. You are doing this for love, right? You are giving your all to support and help out Alym because you believe in her ability and want her to win!

And you are doing this because you can't win as student council president. But the moment Alym wins, she would champion all the beliefs and causes of your Earth Club. In fact, there is even a chance that the tenets of the club would be included into the rules of the university itself. He didn't go further to include that like most male students in the university, Jude was enamored of his girlfriend.

I am not denying that. But Alym and I both believe in the same causes and fights. She believes that nature and the environment must be protected from pollution. And that the best way to start changing what is happening in our world is in this school, through the youths. Since this university was founded, a lot of trees had been sacrificed to make way for roads and buildings. And the pollution brought by those jeeps around campus has to be stopped or at least controlled so that-

Hades raised a hand in mock surrender to stop Jude's speech. Since he met the guy, Jude had always been a nature lover. And once given a chance, he would start talking endlessly about mother earth, the environment, pollution and how to save the dwindling forests of the earth. Anyone unlucky enough to trigger his nature speech would be forced to listen to his hour-long beliefs and causes.

I know that already! He grabbed the flyers and the sample ballots. I think I better start distributing these before they start multiplying again.

You only have to do this for two more days, Hades. After that, Alym would be proclaimed as our university's new president, Jude said, full of confidence. But despite our sure victory, we must not stop working. We also need to support our other candidates. Our cause to help the earth would succeed if Solaris Party wins by a landslide!

Hades couldn't deny the possibility that Alym could indeed win the presidency. She was popular in the campus. Most guys adored her, while the girls respect and idolized her. She was said to be the perfect combination of beauty and brains. Hades need not tire himself by giving out these flyers, Alym was sure to win. But then, if she won without any campaigning or promotion, her detractors would have a field day. Rumors saying that she bought ballots to win the presidency would start spreading. Despite her popularity, there were still some students who never liked her.

She had detractors who had their own logical and illogical reasons. It was really impossible to please humans. There would always be some of them going against you no matter how good your cause was. These people were never affected by Alym's charm and continued to suspect her abilities and real motives. Among this segment of the student population were the women who hated her because they liked Hades. There were also the male students who envied Hades because he was able to make Alym his girlfriend. They couldn't accept the fact that Alym had ignored them and had chosen Hades. And there were people who simply couldn't stand that someone was much better than they were.

When news about Alym running for president began to spread around campus, many of her detractors started spreading nasty rumors. That Alym's only asset was her face and body.

All those rumors were put to rest when Alym debated with the other presidential candidates. Everyone witnessed that she was an exceptional speaker. Every word that came out of her mouth had depth and sincerity. Her intelligence and wide knowledge of every topic became so obvious, her opponents were left speechless. She also defeated her opponents when it came to proving a point and standing up to her beliefs. The other presidential candidates never stood a chance. When the debate was over, she was given a standing ovation and loud applause by the audience.

Hades had long since known that Alym would always get what she wanted. She would never give up on anything she believed in. She might fail today, but she would continue trying until she had succeeded. Among those she sought to acquire for herself was Hades. Not that Hades was complaining. He liked and was happy being in a relationship with Alym.

All men envied Hades, and they thought that he had to go through a lot of hardships before he finally won Alym's affections. In a way, it was partly true. Since he almost lost his life because he wouldn't give her up. But it was Alym's decision to make him her boyfriend. She was the one who declared it and even spread the news about their relationship all over the campus.

Though one could say he was forced into a relationship with her at first, he was now happy and contented being with her. And he enjoyed a perverted sense of happiness whenever he would see her get jealous of other women.

He looked at the flyers and sample ballots he was carrying. He groaned inwardly. What the hell happened to him that he agreed to do this job? He couldn't remember. But he had this nagging feeling that somehow Alym managed to put him under a spell to make him do this boring and tedious work!

CHAPTER 2

The Solaris Party won by a landslide. Every candidate from the party was able to beat their opponents. Because of this, a victory party for the supporters of the party was currently being held in the university's basketball auditorium.

And Hades was the one paying for all the expenses. He was at least thankful that he was earning a lot from the jobs brought by the Niesmires. By human standards, one could say that he was a millionaire. But if truth be told, Alym was much richer than he several times over was. The only reason he was paying for this party was because she beat him in a game of rock, paper and scissors.

He poured another punch in his plastic cup. He had several cups already, but even though the punch had wine, he wasn't worried he'd get drunk. Even if he drank several pints of pure wine, he would still remain sober. He, like every employee of Midnight and Lightside, was immune from the effects of wine.

He had only gotten drunk once. It was when he mistakenly thought the wine the Refrar clan of the Niesmires had handed to him was ordinary grape wine. The wine, if it could even be called that, was something else. It affected his mind and emotions resulting to the loss of all his inhibitions. He became like a drunken fool. Every time he recalled his dancing on top of a barrel, he felt embarrassed and mortified. He became the Refrar clan's source of entertainment during that day.

The worst part of that experience was his dancing was recorded courtesy of his friend, Sabu. And since Sabu like all Niesmires were naturally mischievous and gadget savvy, his dancing video was quickly uploaded in YouTube! All the employees of Lightside and Midnight were able to watch his crazy dance!

He was at least thankful that humans couldn't access the video. Unlike the denizens of the supernatural realms who feared and respected his fighting abilities, the humans who knew him were unaware of his true nature. These humans would not hesitate in teasing him mercilessly if ever they saw the video.

His thoughts were interrupted by Myra, Alym's party mate who won the position of the Student Council Secretary. She stopped beside the buffet table where Hades had decided to hang around.

Don’t worry, Hades, starting tomorrow you will have Alym again all to yourself. You have at least a month to keep her to yourself because next month she will be officially assuming her position as Student Council President. Myra smiled. But if you are going to be nice to me, I could make sure that your date with her would always be included in her schedule.

Hades laughed. He glanced toward Alym. She was surrounded by a lot of people. Most were congratulating her on her win. Others were asking for her autograph and wanted to talk to her.

They came here together but because of the many students who wanted to talk to her, they got separated. He headed toward the buffet table while Alym walked and talked to everyone inside the auditorium. Hades had a suspicion that he would only be able to come near her again once the party was over.

But he was already used to this situation. Alym had always liked the attention. She always attracted all kinds of attention wherever she went. And she knew how to handle both admirers and detractors. He was her complete opposite when it came to dealing with public attention. He preferred peace and quiet. Far from any admirers or detractors. He already had enough attention to last him a lifetime.

Ever since he was born, all the attention of the angels from Lightside and the demons from Midnight were focused on him. His birth was an anomaly, and he had always been labeled as a dangerous monster that had to be controlled and guarded.

His dark eyes suddenly noticed a white pigeon entering one of the open windows in the upper walls of the auditorium. To normal human eyes, the pigeon who had settled on one of the beams of the roof simply got curious of the noise and light coming from the party.

But Hades noticed the signal the bird's grey left wing was making. The pigeon was clearly telling Hades to follow him.

You must excuse me, Myra. I need to go to the toilet. I think I have drunk too many cups of punch.

But Hades didn't go to the toilet. He went outside the auditorium. He quickly found the pigeon with the grey left wing perched on a branch of one of the trees growing around the campus. He recalled how he met this pigeon who had introduced himself as Sabu one year ago. Sabu was the one who told him about the race of the Niesmires whom humans referred to as magical creatures.

Are you going to update me again on how many views my dancing video got this time? he barked.

If you want to know how many millions had viewed-

No, I am not interested! he retorted. What are you doing here, Sabu?

A Tarosian baby is about to be born, Hades.

He nodded. He understood what he had to do. Ever since humans entered the industrial age, pollution had begun spreading around the world, and the Niesmires started dying. Many of the Niesmires became sterile and unable to bear children. And children born from pollution-affected parents were weak and sickly. None of the babies survived childhood, some even died soon after birth. Last year, the Niesmires discovered that Hades somehow possessed the ability to give immunity to newborn Niesmires. Because of this, they made a business contract with him. He was called whenever a Niesmire was about to be born.

Then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go! He quickly scanned his surrounding before rendering himself invisible. He then unfolded his batwings, and launched himself into the night sky.

Sabu quickly followed him. Despite the Niesmires' size, Hades had a suspicion that Sabu could easily win if they had a flying race. Sabu also belonged to the Finder Unit. And any Niesmire accepted to be part of that unit was exceptional. According to Sabu, only the best Niesmire was allowed to become part of the unit.

Aren't you going to say goodbye to Alym? inquired Sabu. She would be irked if she discovered you have left her.

She is too busy to notice that I am gone. I will be back before the party ends, and she wouldn't even notice I left. Besides there is no time to waste, the life of this baby is much more important than her displeasure.

We will be using the Sanctuary so we could get to Elder Savin's village faster.

Hades grimaced. The Sanctuary was a magical pathway. There were eight Sanctuary portals all over the world that every Niesmire could use as a shortcut. The portals could take the Niesmires wherever they wanted to go. It was the Niesmires' version of a teleportation system. Hades had used the Sanctuary several times. And he had gotten himself lost in its maze-like corridors twice. If you weren't a Niesmire, there's a hundred percent chance you would get lost without a Niesmire guiding you to the right path.

Stick close to me this time, Hades. I don't want you getting lost again.

"I have learned my lesson, and I will never take my eyes off you again. You have a tendency to disappear and dart into those twisting