After long days on the road and silent reflections shared between the two anti-heroes, the chariot finally crossed the boundaries of the sinister city of Charognards. Unlike Osi—where the air, though heavy with sorrow, still left room for a faint trace of hope—here it was suffocating, saturated with ash and dust. The streets were dominated by cruel guards who fed on the submission of their slaves. These wretches, stripped of purpose and dignity, were nothing more than broken shells, already dead on the inside.
The vehicle came to a halt before the great dark wooden gates, which opened instantly at the mere presence of the master of the city. As the massive doors swung apart with a hollow rumble, Death let his horses move forward on their own toward the central square. Once the chariot stopped, two guards rushed to help him down, supporting his steps with almost excessive deference.
In contrast, Darfredon was forced to descend from the chariot alone. No guard thought to lend him a hand, as if he were nothing more than an unworthy shadow. Abandoned, nearly scorned, he set his boots on the rough stone pavement and lifted his eyes toward the towering walls. Behind him, the massive gates closed again with a final, thunderous echo, sealing his return to this place of oppression.
Once the doors were locked, the men who had assisted Death returned to their posts without a word. One climbed onto the chariot to take it back to the stables, while the other was already disappearing into the dusty alleys.
That was when a silhouette drew their attention: a couple was approaching, hand in hand, along the main avenue. Their pace was slow and assured, marked by an implacable majesty. Hades, dark and imposing, walked beside Persephone, whose mere presence seemed to eclipse the pale torchlight.
At the sight of this radiant love, hatred rose in Darfredon's throat. He was disgusted. Every tender gesture between them rekindled the memory of his betrayal. He despised Hades… but even more so Persephone, who had once led him into a perfidious trap, forcing him to face Hades while he wore his helmet of invisibility—an act Darfredon still considered cowardly.
Death, who had not yet noticed the goddess's return—she had arrived several days before his departure for Osi—hurried toward her. He kissed her on both cheeks, bursting into a false but warm laugh.
- I'm happy to see you again, Persephone. But tell me… how long have you been back?
- Heeheehee… it's been about two months and a few days since I returned. Didn't you feel the air grow colder during your journey?
- Now that you mention it, I must admit I did feel it. But you could have come to pay me a little visit when you arrived.
- I thought about it… but you were already busy with your new champion, whom I took the time to get to know a little better.
Persephone's gaze shifted to Darfredon. He immediately looked away.
- Well then, Darfredon… aren't you happy to see me again? she asked in a falsely innocent tone, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
- Shut up, Persephone, he snapped coldly.
- Oh… so the gentleman still hasn't accepted the beating he received from my beloved, she added with a sly smile.
- Your beloved may have simply been lucky. But anyway… since the wind is beginning to freeze with the sorrow of your mother, who never accepted the heart you gave to Hades…
- Ah… don't remind me, Persephone sighed, her voice weary. I only hope that one day… she will understand all the love I have for Hades… and finally accept our union.
Hades, unable to bear seeing his wife discouraged, gently placed a hand on her waist and drew her closer. His gaze was firm, yet tender.
- I hope so too—that she will eventually accept our love. The worst part is that I respected the laws: I even asked my brother Zeus for permission to take my wife's hand. He simply told me that he could neither grant it nor forbid it. So I began courting my beloved… but Hera, my sister, never looked kindly upon our union.
- Yes… but at least your mother, Rhea, stood by us, Persephone said softly. Without her intervention, the world would have fallen into cold and famine.
- You're right, Hades replied with a faint smile. Thankfully, she was there to support us. And today… I am the happiest man in the world by your side.
Moved by his words, Persephone leaned toward her husband and kissed him tenderly. Their gestures intertwined with radiant softness, as if defying the entire world.
But to Darfredon, the sight was nothing but another wound. He turned his gaze away, darkened by disgust and the rage boiling within him.
- You disgust me with your uncle-and-niece love. And the worst part, Hades… is that you don't even have the courage to face me without your helmet of invisibility.
Insulted by such words, Hades gently pushed Persephone aside, then, with a sharp and brutal motion, seized Darfredon by the throat.
- So, if I understand correctly, you dare to call me weak? Know this: my brothers and I defeated Cronos, the former king of the Underworld. Even your brother Lucifer never dared to challenge him.
Gasping for air, Darfredon struggled to breathe. Persephone stood still, watching the scene without intervening. Her gaze may have held a trace of pity, but it remained elusive—frozen in a disturbing neutrality. The guards continued on their way, indifferent to the prisoner's fate. As for Death, he watched the spectacle with a discreet smile, amused to see his "prince" teaching a lesson to his insolent champion without lifting a single finger to stop it.
Yet, despite the crushing grip around his throat, Darfredon burst into a harsh, grating laugh. His voice, muffled, sounded all the more provocative.
- Muahahaha… The difference between you and my brother Lucifer is that he would never have needed a toy to hide behind. Only the weak fight from the shadows, Hades!
- Take back what you just said, growled Hades, tightening his grip even further.
Death, who knew all too well the consequences if Darfredon were to perish before his time, took a step forward. His voice, low yet razor-sharp, cut through the air like a blade at everyone's throat.
- I think he's understood. Let him go. You know as well as I do—if he must die, it will be in the arena, not elsewhere.
Hades tightened his hold, his eyes blazing, as if still torn between obedience and rage.
- Forgive me, my lord, but I cannot tolerate such words, he replied, his voice trembling with fury.
Death's smile widened, ready to raise his voice and impose his will. But he didn't have to. Persephone, who knew full well how dangerous Death was and what he was capable of when he chose to intervene, stepped forward gently. She placed a soothing hand on her husband's back and, in a soft, almost coaxing voice, whispered.
- My dear Hades… Death is right. Let him go. If he must die, let it be in the arena, before everyone. Not here. Not like this. For us. For our love.
Hades closed his eyes for a brief moment… then relented.
- All right, Persephone… but only for you. Consider yourself lucky, Darfredon.
He shoved him away violently. Darfredon crashed heavily to the ground, gasping for air, yet a twisted smile was already forming on his lips. Struggling to catch his breath, he spat out another provocation.
- That's right… listen to your beloved.
Hades clenched his fists.
- You should be thanking her for saving your life.
Darfredon burst into a bitter laugh.
- Saved? She saved nothing at all. She merely delayed my death. And believe me… I hate more than anything being trapped in this mortal body—weak, fragile, vulnerable…
Persephone fixed him with an icy stare, where pity and contempt intertwined. She stepped closer and replied in a sharp, cutting voice.
- If life in this body means so little to you, then go fetch your sword from that chest… and end your life yourself. Everyone would be delighted by your departure.
Death, irritated by this farce, raised his hand to put an end to it and thundered.
- Leave him. He's the kind of man who doesn't understand the word "thank you." But you, Hades… listen carefully. The next time I give you an order, you will execute it immediately. Otherwise, I will consider it an act of treason. Is that clear?
Hades' face hardened as he swallowed his anger. He knew he could not defy the king of Purgatory without paying the price. After a few seconds of silence, he replied in a restrained voice, his eyes lowered.
- Yes… it is clear, my lord. And I offer my apologies for my disobedience.
Darfredon, delighted by the tension he had sown, let out a mocking chuckle.
- What a shame… I was starting to enjoy all that hatred. You know, Hades, you really are your master's good little dog… and you, Persephone, you remain his little whore. Your family union disgusts me. I'd rather return to my chamber than breathe one more minute in your presence.
- Then go, Persephone replied coldly. Enjoy the little time you have left in your miserable mortal life.
- Keep mocking me, Persephone… but remember this well: I will not remain a vulnerable mortal forever. One day, I will confront the one who stole my powers. And on that day… he will pay with his life for stripping me of what was mine.
- If you're still alive by then. You may once have been one of the greatest warriors of the infernal realms… but that will never make you the greatest champion of all kingdoms.
Darfredon answered with a dry, unhinged laugh that echoed like a promise of chaos.
- Wuahahaha… what I've loved about you since the very first day, Persephone, is your obsession with reminding me that I'm nothing but a pathetic mortal maggot. A creature that must drink, eat, and sleep to survive. But believe me… the day I reclaim my powers, you will be the first one I erase.
- Never speak to my wife like that again!
Hades exploded, his voice rumbling with fury. His fists clenched, but he restrained himself from striking Darfredon.
Seeing his rival contain his rage, Darfredon let out a disappointed sneer. He had wanted to savor that hatred, but Hades' self-control robbed him of the pleasure. Realizing his game no longer entertained anyone—and feeling exhaustion creep into his weakened body—Darfredon decided to withdraw.
He turned on his heels without listening to Hades' final words. A few guards stepped forward, but Death merely raised his hand—a gesture sufficient to order them to let him pass. Only Coyote slipped discreetly behind him, a faithful shadow trailing his steps.
When Darfredon vanished into the corridors, Hades turned toward Death, jaw clenched.
- You let him leave alone… without supervision?
Death arched a cold smile.
- What, Hades? Does that surprise you? Here, our guests are free to move about… in their own way.
- Not really… but I don't trust him.
- I understand your mistrust, Death replied calmly. But rest assured: my spy has been watching him since our arrival. And besides… he won't get very far. I felt his energy fading. Fatigue is already gnawing at him.
- But it's barely noon… and he's already exhausted?
- Hahaha… throughout our journey, Darfredon never trusted me. He forced himself not to sleep, as if he feared I might take advantage of him while he rested.
- Heh heh… too proud to admit one of his weaknesses, then.
- Perhaps… but I believe it's shame, Death replied softly. Shame at being seen in this mortal body—forced to sleep, and therefore… to appear weak.
Death let an enigmatic smile linger.
- On that note, I'll take my leave. I must return to my palace. I'm eager to see my little Reaper again.
- Then have a good day, Death… and give her a hug from me, Perséphone replied.
- If you wish, you could give it to her yourself. I'm certain she'd be delighted to see you again.
- I would like that… but Hades and I have too many responsibilities. The Purgatory does not watch over itself.
- Very well. But know this: my doors will always be open to you. On that note… I wish you a pleasant day.
Death walked away, leaving the couple alone in the village. They remained there a while longer before returning to the Purgatory.
Hades settled onto his throne—imposing and dark—while Perséphone sat upon his lap, idly stroking her husband's beard.
- Tell me, Hades… when do you plan to eliminate Death? It's obvious he's trying to replace you with Darfredon.
Hades inhaled deeply, his gaze darkening.
- For now, I cannot say when the moment will come. But Darfredon… he is far too weak to pose a real threat. That said, we will take no risks. The Erinyes will keep a close watch on him.
- Why only watch him? You could send them to eliminate him.
- No. If I do that, Death will think I fear losing my position. And when faced with a frightened prince, he would hesitate for nothing: either he would eliminate me, or he would seek an apprentice even more powerful. No… the best course is to remain discreet. And when Death least expects it, I will overthrow him. And you, my dear Perséphone… you will become the new Queen of the Purgatory.