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A Deal with Devils

In their remote hiding place both Ares and Loki sat facing each other on the opposite side of a large, stone table. Before them was a makeshift chess board with the pieces representing figures from each of their familiar pantheons. In front of Loki were the miniature likenesses of his brother Thor, Odin, the Warriors Three, and even Lady Sif and Tyr to name a few. For Ares of course there was one of Wonder Woman as well as Zeus and some of the other Olympians. Though also in the mix was a figure of Queen Hippolyta as well.

Loki finally broke the silence with a smiling “I must say, out of all whom I’ve had the pleasure of playing such games with you’ve proven to be one of the more endearing, Ares.”

“The feeling is mutual, my mischievous friend.” The towering god of war smirked as he moved the Wonder Woman figure near that of Thor’s. “From what I’ve heard your brother gave quite the spectacle for the princess. Even after seeing Zeus’ powers she seemed unprepared for what an Asgardian god of thunder had to offer.”

“My adopted brother always was more brawn than brain. I, of course, inherited that luxury.” He moved the Lady Sif figure near that of Athena. “Though I myself have to give credit to your world’s amazons. Brave warriors that would rival the Valkyries if they met in battle.”

Ares chuckled in his throat “We’ll soon see about that then.”

A moment later both the Enchantress and Circe had arrived in the same room. A green vortex created from the magic of Amora had brought then from somewhere far beyond to their secluded sanctuary in a matter of seconds. Neither of the gods had looked away from their little game when they did.

“The Thunderer is still alive!” Circe hissed with anger. “And the Princess! They’ve managed to subside and conflict from either sides.”

“Interesting.” Ares hummed as he moved another piece.

Circe was aghast. “‘Interesting’? Is that all you can say? One or both of them were supposed to be dead by now! Instead they have appeased to Zeus and are now working together against us. How can you possibly still be calm about all of this?”

Loki huffed a smirk and asked Ares “Does she always speak with such un-intendent foolery? It’s quite amusing actually.”

This angered Circe enough to raise a hand, one that was dropped as soon as Ares ordered “Enough, sorceress! Lest I cast you back into the pit that our friend” he gestured at Loki “freed me from in the first place. You’ll find it far less welcoming to a death-cheating mortal such as yourself.” After Circe receded Ares continued “Don’t be so quick to see one flaw become a failure. Where one sees a hindrance…”

He shred eye contact with Loki before the god finished “Another sees opportunity.” His final move had placed Odin’s figure right in front of Zeus. “Amora, my dear, take the sorceress with you. Show her what our next move will be.”

The Enchantress nodded before creating another portal for her and Circe to exit. As they did the ancient witch begrudgingly followed until both they and the portal vanished.

“Do you think she can be trusted?” Loki asked, referring to Circe after such a tense outburst.

“Circe’s motivated by pure revenge. Given what the Amazons did to her and her daughter I’d hardly blame her for wanting all of them, especially the princess, to suffer. As long as her vengeance is promised she’ll continue to be a valued asset.” Ares leaned back and asked “But what about your witch? What does she hope to gain from all of this?”

“Believe it or not Amora is set on winning my brother’s affections. By force if necessary. Unfortunately for her Thor’s heart isn’t easily won. When he’s not courting with mortal woman from Midgard he seems set on choosing Sif. But if all goes as planned then she hopes to ensure her deepest desires for my oafish brother one way or another.”

“But if all goes as planned that would imply Thor’s demise along with the others.”

Loki smirked “I told her it was ‘optional’.”

Ares chuckled “I think I’m actually starting to like you.” Loki bowed a ‘thank you’ before the war god held his chin. “And now it’s there move. This next part is sure to be…interesting.”

The Acheron River, Greece….

After departing from Olympus both Thor and Diana had flown to where the Amazonian Princes claimed was the entrance to the Underworld. Using the Invisible Jet, despite Thor mentioning how both of them could have easily flown, they were unseen by all they passed down below; friend, foe or simple passerby.

When they had landed the two divine warriors found themselves on the banks of the Acheron River in the midst of the more rural area. The thunder god took a moment to admire the beauty of such a place before following Diana down the banks.

“So this ‘Lord Hades’ we seek, he is your uncle then?” Thor asked.

“Yes. But that doesn’t mean we’re on the best of terms.” She explained while drawing her magic lasso “Hades rules the Underworld, as such he’s always aspired for more. More souls to torment. More power to hold. Even that to rival Zeus.”

A little amused grunt escaped Thor when he commented “Perhaps he should meet with Hela. I’m sure they’d have a lot to talk about.”

She stopped and asked “Your aunt?”

“No, it’s…..a little more complicated than that.” Diana didn’t ask any further as she still brandished her lasso in her hand, prompting Thor to ask “That golden rope. I felt its enchantment when it was around my neck. Where does one acquire such an amazing weapon?”

She continued to lead Thor while recounting “It was a gift from the gods to my mother. After the Amazons were cut off from the rest of Man’s World and gifted with eternal life the goddess Hera granted her this lasso to perverse the peace and show all truths, no matter how dark they were. She gave it to me when I left Themyscira to become an emissary between my people and the rest of the world.”

“A bold and noble cause.” He nodded “I too returned to Midgard in the hopes of bringing some light to a world that was plagued in its darkest hour.” He paused and sighed “Sadly it seems to always grow a little darker.”

Diana had stopped and saw the look on Thor’s face. It was clear he was troubled and pained by something personal. Of what she was not completely but her questions would have to wait.

They had arrived at a small cave sitting on the banks, the river’s waters seeping into it. Despite its plain appearance it was foreboding just to look at. Diana looked to Thor who nodded, the two in a silent agreement to continue on no matter what. As they went further in the lasso’s light provided some illumination in the dark cavern. They stayed on the smaller, dryer land inside as they went deeper and deeper in, Thor noting the carvings and paintings with Greek symbols and pictures of tortured mortals and demonic beings.

Once they had reached the end the two found a dead end. As Thor questioned where to go no Diana, in response, held her lasso up to the wall. The power within the rope revealed the so-called dead end was actually an illusion, an entire other room on the other side. A larger river awaited them along with a rowboat with a cloaked ferryman, he turning once both Thor and Diana had arrived.

“Charon.” She addressed the ferryman, his face revealed to Thor as that of nothing but a skeleton. “We have business with Hades. Allow us entrance.” Charon looked to Thor before Diana clarified “He isn’t a mortal. He has the soul of a god, just as I do.”

A moment later Charon seemed to accept this and gestured with a boney hand for them to take a seat on the rowboat. After Diana had taken a spot Thor causational followed before they were both off.

As Charon rowed them down the River Styx Thor commented “How…romantic.” Diana smiling as his little joke.

“Just brace yourself for what you might see. The land of the dead can be a bit….unsettling.” She warned.

He scoffed her little warning off with “I’ve been to my own world’s version of Hell. Believe me, I’d be hard pressed to find….anything….that….”

Thor trailed off when he had looked in the water to see the spectral figures of souls flowing within the black, haunting waters. Their moaning mixed with the chilled air that greeted them as they descended further and further into the darkness.

A light shined ahead before it was revealed to be the inferno interior of what was the Underworld. Thor’s eyed widened as he could see fires that illuminated the abyss, the shapes of men and women walking aimlessly on the banks of several islands and all manner of demonic creatures infesting the place. The tortuous sight brought an unsettling feeling to the thunder god’s stomach as he remained silent the rest of the journey.

Charon finally brought them to what Thor could only assume was the palace of Lord Hades. A large, skull like structure with the trappings of a palace sat on a lone island admits the chaotic scene around it. He brought them to nearest shore and allowed them to exit, Diana asking that he await their return.

Both Diana and Thor climbed the stairs leading into the mouth of the skull-shaped castle and entered into a large royal chamber; or rather a dark, horrific reflection of one. At the end of the chamber was a large, bone-like structured throne where the lord of Underworld sat, Hades.

When Thor had finally seen Hades it was not exactly what he expected. Not some demonic lord of demons sat on the throne but a more regal, defined looking man. Like the other Olympians there was something of a regal air to him, even dressed in dark robes and wearing a pointed crown. His pale eyes had a deeper, meticulous side to them that made Thor tense just looking at him.

As the two approached Hades smiled “Well, well, well. My beloved niece, Diana. And who joins her today? None other than the so-called Asgardian that has caused such a stir even as high as Olympus itself.”

Once they’d reached close enough Diana addressed “Lord Hades. With the respect of-”

“Respect?” Hades chuckled. “Diana, do not insult me. We’re both beyond true ‘respect’ for each other. You can save the formalities, child. I know why you’re both hear.” Seeing the surprise in Diana’s eyes he smirked “Word travels fast. Even down here.”

Diana recounted herself before saying “Then you’re aware that Ares has escaped from your realm. We need to know how. And, if possible, where he went.”

Hades leaned back in his throne while musing “It’s not an easy task to escape from the pits of Tartarus. Not even for a god like Ares. My best hunters sniffed out every possible way he could have gotten out.”

“And?” Diana asked.

“Magic, of all things.” Hades answered.

Diana took a moment before realizing “Circe! She must be helping him.”

“Even if she was we would have known.” Hades clarified. “And to think that the witch’s powers would be able to best mine is….childish. Clearly his aid came from outside this realm.” His eyes soon settled on Thor as a clear indication of who was likely responsible.

Diana turned to Thor and asked “Is it possible? Did Loki help him escape?”

He thought for a moment before answering “Amora. The Enchantress. She must’ve used her powers to free him. And in-turn he freed Ares. If she managed to fool me with the disguise of a Valkyrie then both she and Loki could easily find their way here.”

“But how would they have known all the way into your reality?” she asked.

“I don’t know. But clearly the answers aren’t here.”

Before they could leave Hades called “Hold! We’re not done yet, my guests.” The two turned to face him before he pointed “You. Asgardian. Come closer.” Despite Diana’s hesitant look Thor did so, Hades smelling the air around him. “Ah. The scent of the Old Gods. I haven’t felt such a thing for over millenniums. Such ancient, raw power. I’ve never had an Asgardian stay in my realm before.”

“Nor shall you.” Thor threatened.

Hades smirked “You misunderstand. I wasn’t referring to you.” Both Thor and Diana’s confusion was enough to warrant his continuation. “If what you say is true then Ares escaped only thanks to the aid of the Asgardian god Loki. I cannot tolerate when someone escapes from my realm, let alone with help from unexpected sources. I know you already promised both Ares and Loki to my brother but consider an alternative: bring both of them back to me.”

“And go against Zeus’ word?” Diana asked. “Not only out of respect for my own father but to not do something so foolish for you that will never happen.”

“And Loki has no business in this realm.” Thor added. “Once he’s stop he is to be returned with me to face Asgardian justice.”

“I would not make such an offer without some assurances. And something to trade.” Hades began. “Ares is bound to return to Tartarus regardless. Even Zeus would not be so heartless as to murder his own son. I simply wish to save you both the trouble of dealing with so many parties and settling for one. I can keep Zeus sated even if you disobey him. As for the All-Father Odin well…” he looked to Thor “surely you will sway him.”

Both Diana and Thor looked at each other, the looks they shared a clear indication they were both uncertain, before the princess asked “And the trade?”

“Simple: I offer one gods soul…for another.”

To further illustrate his meaning Hades pointed to a brazier in the chamber near his throne. The flames burst and sputtered with more life to them as an image started to become clearer and clearer in the fire. A familiar shape that shook Diana to her core.

“Clark…?”

Even Thor now could see the man Diana recognized. Clad in blue with a red and yellow shield with an S symbol on the front. Handsome, yes, in a bold, heroic manner befitting the title. And hanging from his back a flowing red cape. His eyes however were closed and lifeless, indicating that indeed this was an allusion to Superman’s soul and nothing more.

After hearing Diana’s response Hades replied “Yes. He’s here, in my realm. Resting comfortably in the fields of Elysium. Where all shining souls like his are meant.” She walked closer to the brazier to see her friend’s soul clearer and clearer. “I will admit to loose such a prize would wound my heart, but the exchange I feel would be more than compensating. So, dear niece, do we have a deal?”

While still looking at Superman’s vision Diana could barely believe that there was a chance to bring him back from the dead. All it would take would be to stop Ares and Loki, a feat she felt while trialing could be accomplished. The price of a villain for the return of a hero.

She paused however and looked to Thor. He glare towards her showed his disagreement. Would she risk challenging him to achieve such a goal? Would there be a way to persuade him? Was that even the right path to take?

Diana looked back to Hades and finally responded “We…. Your offer will be taken into consideration, Lord Hades. That is all I can promise.”

“Hmmm. I suppose it’s a start.” Hades shrugged. After a moment he added “Why don’t I give you this as a sign of good faith: if Circe is truly involved then perhaps you should seek her out on her old island home of Aeaea.”

“But the island is lost. No one has found it since Odysseus’ journey.” Diana clarified.

“For mortals perhaps. But if your island can be found, Diana, than so can hers.” Hades then snapped his finger and a map appeared in his hand, materializing from nothing but air and flame. “Here.” He tossed it to Diana, which she caught, before waving off “Our business is done here. You may both leave.” Diana nodded as she turned, Thor already starting to make for the exit. Before she left Hades called “Don’t forget Diana what will be at stake should you refuse.”

He gestured one last time at the brazier still holding Superman’s image. After Diana gave it one final look she exited the Underworld palace, leaving Hades to sit and wait to see what either she or the Asgardian would do with his offer.

Later…

After a while both Diana and Thor had finally returned to the mortal world, exiting from the cave into the Underworld. The two had taken a brief moment to renew themselves in the light of the sun and the sound of water and life; such a sweet relief from nothing but flame, death and despair. The moment was as short and it was needed before Thor turned to confront Diana.

“That man in the fire. Who was he?”

Diana answered “A friend. And a hero in my world. One who died far too soon.”

“Just a friend?” Thor asked, the indication of a past relation clear in his question.

“Yes. JUST a friend.” She clarified.

“Well clearly you care about him enough to trust in demons like Hades!” Thor implied. “How could you even consider his offer?”

“Just because I said it was considered doesn’t mean I trust Hades’ offer any more than you do! But clearly we’re dealing with a situation that could lead to the deaths of our loved ones. My home. Your people. All of us are potentially in danger.”

“From Loki and Ares?” Thor questioned. “Or you?” Diana was clearly growing angrier by this before he added “I was warned about you, you know? A powerful seer saw that symbol in a vision of destruction and war.” He pointed his hammer at her belt and the double W symbol on it. “I didn’t believe in it at first but clearly I’ve been fooling myself into thinking I could actually trust you.”

“You weren’t the only one warned!” she was quick to retort. “The Oracle told of your coming. The thunder comes and with it an ancient t evil. Maybe the return of the Asgardians of your world to bring down mine. But I won’t let that happen! And I won’t let anyone stop me!”

The tension was clear between them, Thor gripping his hammer while Diana’s hand instinctively went for the hilt of her sword. Everything seemed to slow in that moment. Both waited for the other to make the move. Whoever struck first the other would responded in kind if need be.

Thor finally backed down and claimed “This was a mistake. I’ll find Loki AND Ares on my own.” After taking a step back he threatened “I only pray whatever you do, Diana, you don’t bring danger to my people in the end.”

He twirled his hammer before launching himself into the sky and up and away from the riverside. Diana watched as he flew off into the distance on his own path to find any trace of their enemies.

Her only response was a solemn “As do I.” before flying off herself.

Aeaea, later that day…

Thanks to Hades’ map Diana flew her jet to the hidden island of Aeaea in the Aegean Sea. Unlike Themyscira Circe’s island was only covered by a dense fog that any unfortunate to sail into would likely be lost forever. It was easy for Diana to traverse over before landing her jet on the shores.

As she did the princess could see on the higher peaks of the island the temple of Circe, her ancient home. It looked as she had suspected, abandoned and ruined after so long an absence of its mistress. There was likely no chance that the sorceress would have come back to this place but Diana needed to be certain.

After climbing carved out stairs leading up to the temple Diana looked around, not seeing any sigh of-

A figure was seen hiding in the shadows in the temple, sparking Diana to call “Wait!” as they ran she gave chase, yelling “Stop!”

The chase brought Diana into the temple and going deeper in. As she continued to chase the stranger in the distance she could tell it was a feminine figure. Assured it had to be Circe she used her godly speed to give hasten her pursuit only to eventually come to a courtyard with no sign or idea of where they had gone.

Before Diana could figure out what to do next she was struck hard in the back of the head. The weapon was metal and bashed against her with such force she flew in the air for a moment before landing face-first on the ground.

She tried to pick herself up while looking back, seeing who and what had hit her. A large, muscular bald man wearing nothing put stripped pants and brandishing a large metal ball and chain had appeared behind her. While it was clear he was the one who struck her he was not alone as three others joined him, all dressed in colorful outfits and carrying heavy weapons; including one with a crowbar, another with metal knuckles on his fists and the other’s armor outfit making it clear he was more for running into someone and potential over them.

As they laughed the bald man said “Looky what we got here, boys. A pretty rat that fell right into our trap. Ain’t that right, babe?”

Diana looked to see who he was talking to. In front of her a fifth figure appeared and upon seeing her she realized this had been the woman she chased earlier. Like the others she was tall and strong, her violet colored outfit designed to show off not only her female form but also display her muscular shapes.

The woman looked down at Diana and smirked “And here I thought you’d have more brains for some fancy warrior woman.”

“Who…are you?” Diana struggled to pick herself up while shaking off the blow to the head.

“I’m Titania.” She answered. “You just got personally acquainted with my sweetheart, the Absorbing Man, and his favorite toy. The guy with the fist is called Piledriver. The big metal covered one is Bulldozer. And the one with the crowbar is our ‘fearless’ leader, Wrecker.”

After being announced Wrecker stepped up and declared to Diana “Yeah. You should remember those names, cutey pie. ‘Cause were the Wrecking Crew!”

While Diana managed to get back on her feet Piledriver pointed out “Hey! That witch lady told us Thor was supposed to be here too! I wanted to bust that pretty boy’s pretty face!”

“Guess we’ll just have to settle for hers for now.” Absorbing Man smirked as he cracked his knuckles. “Shame too. It’s a helluva nice one.”

“Hey!” Titania annoyingly grunted, he giving a little shrug. She looked at Diana and sneered “Now you done it. I don’t like when girls try to sway my man away.”

“Then you should find another man.” Wonder Woman retorted as she drew her sword and shield.

As Wrecking Crew surrounded her Wrecker chuckled “Really planning to take us on, girly? Five on one ain’t the best of odds.”

“You’re right.” She said before taking a fighting stance. “You should have brought more.”

Olympus…

As per Lord Zeus’ orders Mt. Olympus’ guard was on high alert in the event of any attack. Be it from Ares, Loki, or even the Asgardians they were to be prepared for action.

While accompanied by two guards Athena patrolled the outer limits of Olympus’ defensive walls. She had seen this holy realm withstand attacks from titans and mad gods and she would not let it fall to some ancient force long thought dead in this reality.

Both she and her patrollers stopped on one of the high walls of the palace to see everything was fine. The calm moment was soon ended however when one of the guards dropped to the floor dead, a going right through his back and out his chest. Athena and the remaining guard turned to see who had attacked them: the Asgardian she remembered as Sif.

As the shield maiden charged, sword drawn, she cried out “Die, Olympian scum!”

Both Athena and the guard countered her initial attacks. With spear and shield the two held against Sif’s blade. However her fighting skills had caught them off-guard in the moment, never dealing with an opponent who fought like Asgardians did.

Eventually the guard fell to her blade, leaving Sif and Athena to fight. Spear and sword clashed and clanged, the sounds of battle echoing through Olympus’ halls. Others, like the winged god Eros and the sun god Apollo, could hear the clashing and ran to aid their sister.

Eventually Athena’s spear locked with Sif’s blade, the Olympian goddess gritting “Traitorous harridan! You dare attack us?”

Sif pushed back and declared “For Odin. For Asgard!” before pushing Athena to the ground.

Her blade was raised and ready to strike before Sif could see the arriving Apollo and Eros; the later with an arrow drawn and ready to fire. With no choice but to retreat Sif turned and ran for the nearest, darkest place to disappear to. While Eros gave chase, eventually returning empty-handed, Apollo went to help his sister goddess to her feet.

“I knew it.” Apollo said. “I knew those barbarians couldn’t be trusted. We must bring this to Zeus at once.”

As the three rushed off Sif, as it turned out, had waited in hiding in the shadows. Once the three gods were gone she smiled and dropped her magic façade. Amora the Enchantress had done her part and now opened a portal to where she was needed next for Loki and Ares’ plan.