Original Stories Fan Fiction / Romance Fan Fiction ❯ Playing With Fire ❯ Hades ( Chapter 23 )

Chapter 23: Hades

Chase/Kel's P.O.V

“You really expect us to believe all this shit?” Scar scoffed glowering up at the brothers. All 10 demons had remained frozen where Kel had left them, making it easier to cooperate.

Chase leaned down invading Scar's personal space, causing the demon to tense as he strained against his invisible restraints.

“I don't give a shit whether you believe us or not. Bottom line is, its happening,” he replied in a quiet and even tone.

Kel glanced over at Kai, who hasn't spoken a word throughout the exchange. They revealed their identities and the reason behind their arrival, but it would seem their audience was finding the concept difficult to grasp.

“So…you're like hell spawns? Like Tage and Ace?” Nas asked hesitantly, afraid to speak.

Kel growled at the comparison and Chase rolled his eyes, remembering their first encounter with the two idiots.

“No, completely different species,” Chase answered before Kel could rip the kid a new whole. “We are what all of you originated from,” he flashed a lopsided grin. “You're welcome.”

“We have no reason to lie to you,” Kel continued. “You've seen what we can do, and we will do a lot more if you don't cooperate.”

“I don't see how we're to blame for this “shift in balance” shit,” Ray chimed in. “It's not like we started it!”

“No,” Kel replied. “But you didn't prevent it either. Instead, you chose to encourage it with your laws. The half breeds in this room alone is proof of that.”

“Shut your fucking mouth!” Shawn yelled taking offense to the comment, being a half-breed himself.

“Calm yourself, Shawn!” Stefan ordered taking their situation a little more seriously then the others.

“I'd listen to him if I were you,” Chase advised. “We're killed for a lot less.”

“I'm so fucking scared!” the boy counted hotly.

“Shawn!” Kai finally spoke, silencing him. The dog lord then shifted his gaze to the brothers.

“I believed your kind to be a myth, but I see now I was mistaken.”

Chase and Kel remained silent, wanting to see where he was going to this.

“But Ray is right. The dilemma you claim is occurring in this world has existed for centuries, long before my time. Humans have known of our existence for centuries, surely you cannot expect us to change now. The damage has already been done. Mating between humans and demons is now a normal custom. Such a union can only survive if the human is turned into a demon, there is no other way. Surely you know that this cannot be reversed.”

“We're well aware of all that,” Kel assured him, receiving confused looks from the others.

“Then what are you going to do…?” Stefan asked reluctantly, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.

Chase leaned back against the wall and smiled. “We can't allow this to go on. Have you ever wondered why centuries ago demons use to mask their identity? Of course not, because if you did we wouldn't be having this conversation, now would we?”

“It's not that simple!” Scar growled in protest.

“Oh but it is,” Kel interrupted. “This world was created for the humans; we only allowed the first generation of demons to remain here under the condition of keeping themselves hidden from human eyes, something all of you have failed to do. This world has been corrupted to such a degree that we don't even have to destroy it.”

“W-what do you mean?” Nas asked wide-eyed.

“The corruption is too strong,” Chase explained. “And if it continues, in a few short years, the entire realm will self-destruct.”

Several gasps echoed through the room, causing the brothers to smile.

“It would seem we're finally getting our point across,” Chase thought to Kel.

“It would appear so.”

“What will you do?” Kai asked his mask of stone back in place.

“There's a vacant world in another realm up for grabs,” Chase continued. “Every supernatural entity within this realm will be teleported to that one, along with all humans who have renounced their human rights to form a demonic union with their mates.”

“So that's it? You're just gonna ship us off?” Shawn scowled with outrage.

“Well it's either that or option B,” Chase shrugged offhandedly.

“What's option B?” Scar asked.

“Kill you all.” Kel deadpanned. Nas gulped nervously while the others wore worried expressions.

“We can't erase the corruption in this world, but we can separate it. We're practically doing you all a favor,” Chase scoffed. “If we didn't come when we did, you all would've been dead pretty soon.”

“Remind me to send you a fruit basket,” Scar sneered receiving a smirk from Chase.

“As for you,” Kel said looking pointedly at Kai. “Since you're the leader of your kind in this world, your position will remain the same in the next. We really don't care what you do with your people or amongst yourselves, just don't give us another reason to pay you a visit, understand?”

The room went silent as everyone waited for Kai's reply. They weren't use to having someone else calling the shots, but that was just too fucking bad wasn't it?

A few moments went by before Kel received a reply. “Very well.”

Chase smirked in triumph. “Good, now that we're all seeing eye to eye…” he snapped his fingers. The demons against the wall dropped to the floor as the barrier around Kai dissipated. “It's time to get to work.

“Work?” Scar asked as he and the others rose to their feet.

“What? Did you think we were going to do everything ourselves?” Kel arched an eyebrow. “It's your world and if you want to salvage what's left of it to take with you, then I suggest you get started.

“You have three months to get your affairs in order,” Chase directed towards Kai. “Gather all your demons and prepare them if you plan on continuing as their leader. When the time comes, all of you will be relocated.

“What about the humans?” Shawn asked.

“Their minds will be wiped clean of any memory or knowledge pertaining to your existence. You'll be nothing more then bedtime stories.”

“How are you gonna do that?” Nas asked with a stunned expression.

“Enough with the questions,” Kel growled getting irritated. “We will deal with it.”

“We'll keep in touch,” Chase smirked before the two vanished from the room.

The brothers reappeared beside their car parked in the mansion driveway. Kel's ocean blue eyes scanned the area, taking notice of the now vacant yard. Only a small crowd remained while the music played at a decent level.

“Your doing?” Kel asked causally.

“I told you I fought a giant flying dog,” Chase grinned. “I wouldn't stick around either. Can you image what would happen if a dog that size pissed on you?”

Kel rolled his eyes, not wanting to image any such thing.

“Do you think they'll listen?” Chase asked referring to Kai and the others.

“Doesn't really matter,” Kel shrugged as he leaned against the yellow Camaro. “We'll just send them to the new world by force…or kill them.”

“True,” he replied glancing around. “Did they leave?”

“Who?”

“The witch and your future wife,” Chase replied receiving a growl from his brother.

“Blow me.”

“Whip it out,” he retorted still scanning the area for any sign of the witch. “Seriously, where is this bitch? I'm starving.”

“Maybe they went— Ahhhh!” Kel yelled gripping his head as a shooting pain soared through his brain.

“What's wron—Fuck!” Chase swore before mimicking his brother's actions. “What the fuck is going on!”

“My…head,” Kel grunted out. “It feels… like its being ripped open.”

Suddenly, the pain intensified. “Ahhhh!” Chase yelled dropping to his knees, one hand clutching his head as the other gripped the car door. “I don't understand—”

“Chase…”

His eyes snapped open as the pain subdued. “…Sage?”

“I could've sworn…” Kel muttered quietly to himself, drawing Chase's attention.

“What?” he asked noticing Kel's pain leaving him as well.

“I don't know why…but Mia's face just flashed across my mind.”

“I just heard Sage's voice,” Chase admitted.

Kel's eyes widened. “This must be another side-effect to whatever's happening to us,” he confirmed.

“Maybe,” Chase nodded rising to his feet. “But that was fucking weird…”

“…Maybe we should find them,” Kel suggested hesitantly avoiding his brother's gaze.

“Aww, you worried about your mate?” Chase mocked even though he couldn't ignore the sinking feeling he felt in his own stomach.

Kel's eyes narrowed into slits. “I repeat, blow me.”

Just as Chase was about to voice a witty come-back, a distinct howl drew their attention. Both brothers went silent in hopes of hearing it again. A few seconds later, another howl ripped through the air. There was no mistaking it.

“It can't be…” Chase said closing his eyes. He stretched his mind out into the darkness, searching for a familiar presence.

His eyes snapped open. “It is,” he confirmed.

“Craven must have sent him,” Kel added as they quickly sprinted towards the forest, allowing the dark energy they sensed to lead them. Kel briefly glanced at his brother, noticing the huge goofy grin he now wore.

“You're happy.”

“I missed him,” Chase replied without missing a beat, running full-speed ahead.

Sage's P.O.V

Sage slowly opened her eyes. Her vision blurry, but eventually came into focus. She tried to sit up, but a wave of nausea hit her and she quickly lay back down. Her head was still spinning from whatever that creep slipped her. She titled her head back in search of Mia, finding her friend passed out a few feet away, but seemingly unharmed.

“Thank god,” she whispered. She then realized that the two demons were no where to be seen. Hoping they were gone, she slowly sat up.

“Mia,” she called but the Panther demon didn't stir.

“Damnit…” she mumbled knowing it was now up to her to get them home somehow. She rubbed a hand wearily down her face in an attempt to snap herself out of the groggy state she found herself trapped in. Suddenly, a rustling sound came from the bushes. Sage looked up, staring straight ahead but saw nothing.

She sighed in relief, blaming her paranoia on the drug still coursing through her system. She began to make her way towards Mia when a loud gargling sound forced her to turn around, realizing it was coming from behind the trees. Her pale green eyes squinted to see past the darkness, her spinning head doing little to help her situation.

“Hello?” she called hesitantly feeling as though she were in a bad horror move. She tried forming a fire ball in her hand, but could only manage a small spark, still unable to call on her powers. Her only lighting was a distant, flickering street light.

“Why does this always happen to me?” She whined as a rough growl startled her out of her thoughts. The sound of something being torn and ripped apart became louder when, suddenly, a hand fell limp from behind the tree. Sage jumped back, her heart racing upon seeing the bloody, clawed hand of a demon. She instantly knew who that hand belonged to, recognizing the gray sleeve of the hoodie the blonde was wearing earlier.

“Oh god, what is that?” she thought listening to the chomping of teeth and flesh, followed by a very animal-like slurp.

“What kind of an animal would attack a demon?” Sage thought as she slowly began to crawl backwards towards Mia, but froze when two blood red eyes caught her terrified gaze. She was tempted to scream but couldn't seem to find her voice at the moment. She remained rooted to the spot in fear as the creature stepped out of the shadows. Her eyes widened in shock, praying to every god in existence that she was dreaming. What appeared to be a large, wolf-like creature stepped into the flickering street light. Its fur was raven black with an almost bluish tinge to it. Its shackles were raised as it took a predatory step forward, the muscles in its body slowly contracting with each movement. Sage stared in disbelief at the red flames that engulfed all four voracious paws, burning the ground as it walked. The creature's jagged razor sharp teeth were stained in blood that dripped down its mouth, soaking into its black fur.

As it approached her, its long back tail whipped back and forth, allowing her to catch sight of the small flame that lit the tip.

“Fuck my life…” she whispered frantically causing the creature to tilt its head like a confused puppy, only puppies are actually cute. Sage continued to crawl backwards towards Mia, but stilled her movements when the creature let loose a vicious bark. Whatever it was, it didn't sound like a dog, of that Sage was sure. She wanted to cry as it neared her, a few inches away. She was even able to feel the heat from the flames as its feet drew near.

“Oh god, of god, o god…” she chanted squeezing her eyes closed. It was so close that she could feel its hot breathe against her exposed skin. She could hear the creature inhaling sharply, but did nothing to hurt her. After a moment of silence, Sage opened her eyes only to see it standing there staring at her with round glowing red eyes. She wanted to shit herself.

“Good doggy…you don't wanna eat the nice witch, do you?” she whispered as it leaned its head towards her and began to sniff. She remained still as its wet nose brushed against her leg. Suddenly, it stopped and sauntered over to Mia, repeating the process.

Sage eyed her surroundings for anything that could be used as a weapon. She spotted a broken tree branch, but it was too far to reach.

“Focus,” she told herself, trying to summon her powers. She concentrated on levitating the branch towards her and sighed in relief when it slowly began to move. The drug had worked its way out of her system just enough for her to regain some of her telekinetic abilities. She threw a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure the beast wasn't eating Mia before turning her focus back to the branch. She finally managed to move the branch within arm distance, slowly reaching out to grab it without taking her eyes off the creature. When the branch was within her grasp, the creature's head snapped in her direction. Sage scattered to her feet, holding the branch out in front of her with both hands. The creature's hackles rose in defense as it advanced on her, foaming at the mouth and barking wildly.

“Here goes nothing…” she mumbled preparing to swing.

“Bitch, if you only hit my dog…”

Sage spun around, surprise written across her face as she watched Chase and Kel emerge from the darkness of the forest.

“Your…dog?” she said disbelievingly as a bark drew her attention back to the creature or dog in front of her. She finally managed to release her first scream of the night as it began running towards her. She squeezed her eyes shut; preparing for the impact, but only felt a breeze whoosh past her. After a moment, she slowly cracked open one eye to see that the beast was no longer in front of her. She turned around, not quiet prepared for the scene that greeted her.

Kel stood over Chase who was kneeling on the ground in front of the creature, petting it.

“You've got to be fucking kidding me…” Sage muttered jaw dropping as Chase made kissy faces at the beast, who happily licked his face in return.

Chase's P.O.V

“Oh I missed you,” Chase cooed hugging the black dog. “Did you miss me?” The creature yelped, attacking his face with slobbery kisses.

Kel rolled his eyes. “Would you two like a room?”

“Oh, don't listen to him, he's just jealous you didn't run to him first,” Chase replied causing the creature to leap towards Kel.

“Urg,” Kel grunted as it landed on his chest, knocking him to the ground. “Digesting…” he scowled whipping the slobber away from his face with the sleeve of his jacket.

“W-what is that thing?” Both brothers turned their heads in the direction of the voice. Sage stood in front of Mia, who remained unconscious on the ground.

“Don't call him that,” Chase glared. “He's a good boy, aren't you Hades?” It barked.

“Hades?” she asked, shaking her head slightly confused. It was then Chase noticed the condition she was in. The pale blue dress she wore to Homecoming was smeared in dirt and torn at the ends, the straps across the back also ripped. Her straightened golden-brown hair was beginning to curl again and her right cheek held a visible bruise. Her arms and legs held various cuts and scratches, but nothing serious.

His expression turned serious as he glanced over to Kel, noticing his brother's gaze currently glued to Mia's prone body.

“What happened?” Kel asked stepping around Hades to walk past the witch.

Sage turned to watch him bend down to examine her unconscious friend, jumping when a hand touched her check. She looked up into icy blue eyes as Chase appeared in front of her.

“Where'd you get this,” he asked his voice low, running his thumb gently over the bruise.

Sage remained silent, but allowed her gaze to shift over to the trees. Chase followed her line of sight, spotting the pale limp hand that lay on the ground behind a tree.

“She's fine, just passed out,” Kel confirmed after looking over Mia and stood, making his way over to the trees. Chase looked down when he felt the witch's hand grip his shirt.

“Look at me,” he ordered as her pale green orbs stared into his, captivated. Chase took note of the far away look her gaze held, her pupils fully dilated. “Did you take something?”

“He slipped a sedative into my coffee…t-they tried to rape us,” she murmured and looked away as if ashamed.

“Who?” Chase asked anger laced in his tone.

“I think she means them,” Kel called dragging a mutilated body out from behind the trees as Hades pulled the other one into view. The bodies were unrecognizable. The faces were ripped open, empty eye-ball sockets, guts and intestines dripping onto the ground, hell, even a few limbs were either severed or missing. Sage buried her head in his chest at the sight.

“Your doing?” Chase nodded towards Hades. The beast barked in confirmation.

“Good boy,” Kel and Chase replied in union. Chase didn't bother asking if either of them were raped because they would have been able to smell it, which they didn't.

“He drugged you so you couldn't use your powers?” Chase asked calmly although a flicker of black flashed in his eyes. Sage nodded leaning into his body. He looked down at her for a moment before slowly, and cautiously, wrapping his arms around her body. He suddenly felt a strong need to comfort her and kill the bastards who did this, but they were already dead. He smirked knowing that their death was far more painful then anything he or Kel could have dished out. After all, Hades enjoyed playing with his food. Another part of him wanted to yell at her. Why the fuck did she leave the party in the first place? But with the state she was in, any complaints on his part would just be lost on her. Which reminded him…

He brushed away the hair from her neck and extended his fangs.

“Chase, what are you—” he sank his fangs into her flesh before she could protest, focusing on sucking out just enough blood to clear the drug from her system. He felt her body melt against his like it always did when he fed from her. After a few seconds he pulled away, licking the wound closed. The witch's eyes drifted open, the grogginess gone from her gaze.

“Thanks…” she said softly, blushing when taking in her current position in his arms.

“You wanna tell me what the hell happened tonight?” he asked refusing to relinquish his hold on her.

“Yes, I'm quiet curious myself,” Kel added as he bent down and scoped Mia into his arms bridal style.

Sage's P.O.V

Sage looked between the two nervously, as if contemplating how to phrase her story without giving away too much.

“Well? Start talking witch,” Chase arched an eyebrow.

“And he was being so nice a second ago…”

“That was then, this is now,” he replied reading her mind.

She released a long sigh. “Well, you guys were taking too long so we decided to go home, but bumped into these two guys on the way out. They invited us to grab some food and Mia was too drunk to refuse, so we went with them. After we ate, we left and they followed us,” she continued leaving out certain details that would surely upset Kel, regardless of his denial to having feelings for Mia.

“When they attacked us, the drug they gave me had kicked in and I couldn't conjure my power. And that's when that…” she nodded towards Hades… “Thing showed up and I blacked out. The rest you know.”

“Hmm…” Kel replied a skeptical look crossing his face.

“You never should have left,” Chase told her his tone serious as his gaze pierced into hers. She suddenly felt like a child being scolded for disobeying her parents and looked away, but realized that she did nothing wrong.

“This isn't my fault,” she snapped hotly, directing her gaze at Kel. “If you weren't such a dick to Mia then none of this would have happened.”

“So this is my fault, is that what you're saying?” Kel asked arching a brow.

“Not entirely,” she replied. “But—”

“So I'm responsible for not only Mia's lack of self-control, but your non-existent common sense to refuse an invitation by two strange men, is that what you're telling me?”

“No, I—”

“Are you joking— is she joking?” Kel turned to his brother, irritation rising in his voice. Chase shrugged his shoulders, purposely staying out of this particular argument.

“What does Mia see in you,” Sage deadpanned, glaring at the demon.

“I don't know,” Kel replied calmly walking away, Mia still in his arms. “Perhaps you should enlighten her once she regains consciousness, maybe then I'll finally be rid of her.” He said before disappearing into the night.

“Argg, how do you live with him?!” she glared in the direction Kel disappeared.

“After a few centuries you learn to accept it,” Chase replied evenly looking down at her, his gaze long and penetrating.

“…What?” she asked fidgeting under his intense icy blue gaze.

“Did you call for me?” he asked randomly.

“My phone's in the car…”

“No, I mean out loud or in your head,” he clarified.

Sage thought back to the night's events, blushing slightly upon recalling that she did in fact call out for him.

“Um…well I was thinking about you,” she admitted ideally toying with the chain dangling around his neck. For some reason, she didn't want to lie to him. “And I think I may have said your name before passing out… Why do you ask?”

Chase remained silent, though she could feel his eyes burning holes into the top of her head.

“No reason,” he lied. “I'm sure it's nothing.”

Hades whimpered softly, drawing his master's attention. Sage stared at the creature.

“So, it's yours?”

Chase chuckled softly. “Yeah, the mutt's mine. Ain't he cute?”

“Um, not really,” she said as the creature lulled out its hideous tongue to the side. “What is it?”

“Hellhound,” Chase replied casually reaching down to rub the creature behind its ears.

“Hellhound…seriously?” she stared incredulously at him. “I thought those were myths.”

“Most people do,” Chase smiled kissing the top of the creature's head.

Sage smiled at his show of affection towards the beast, even though it was a little twisted. “Only you would own a pet hellhound, but why did it save us?”

“Probably because you smell like me and Kel,” Chase shrugged. “I'm guessing he was looking for us, but found you instead.”

“Good timing,” she nodded.

“Damn right,” he smirked. “I think you should give him a thank you kiss.”

Hades huffed and looked eagerly up at Sage, firery tail wagging behind him.

“Hell no,” she deadpanned shaking her head vigorously.

Chase laughed. “You'll hurt his feelings.”

She rolled her eyes. “He'll get over it, I'm sure.”

Chase smirked charmingly down at her, holding her gaze for a moment as he tucked a stray strand of curly hair behind her ear. The action made her blush profusely, shifting uncomfortably under his gaze once again.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?” she asked softly.

“Nothing,” he brushed off before running his hand over her bruised cheek. “You sure you're okay?”

Sage was taken aback by the concern in his voice. “Y-yeah, I'm fine. It's just a bruise…” She trailed off as he stepped closer, cupping her cheek in his hand and leaning down. She gasped when his tongue darted out to caress her cheek, lazily licking along the bruise. Sage shivered at the feel of his touch, the night's events completely forgotten. She couldn't deny she loved it when he touched her, the warmth of his body calling to hers, pulling her in.

He slowly pulled away, but not before placing a kiss on her cheek. “There. All better.” Sage blinked, reaching her hand up to touch her healed cheek.

“Thanks…” she blushed, a smile tugging up the corner of her lips.

“Let's get outta here,” he said before pulling her into his arms again and vanishing from the clearing, Hades close behind.