"You brought a human girl into my territory." The goddess of death began while caressing the head of her six-eyed wolf, Garm, who rested his gigantic head on her lap. A python named Lurifax slithered through the backrest of her throne and settled on her shoulder to sneer at the gods bowed before her throne.

"Now speak for yourself so I can give you equal punishment for your crimes." declared Hela with a frigid tone, making the two wince as they await her verdict. Jormungand and Anubis knelt down in front of her while their arms and legs were bound by cold black chains digging painfully on their skin. The goddess sat above them from her throne glaring at their smug and repentant faces.

"Jörmungand, I never expected you to go any lower but you simply have the natural talent to annoy me. You kidnapped Fenrir's maiden and brought her into my realm without my knowledge! How dare you meddle with my dominion! Much worse you brought her to my champion and they inevitably consummated their union." roared the goddess.

Several spears burst from the ground and pierced through Jörmungand's flesh, making him scream in pain. Even though the pain was excruciating, the Serpent God managed to smirk and stare at her with a loving look.

"My apologies, sister. I didn't mean to offend you. I was—!" Another spear jutted from the ground and impaled his gut, silencing his words.

"I don't want to hear the words of your silver tongue." Hela's beautiful face briefly flickered for a moment and her true appearance surfaced. Her pale white skin was replaced by the decaying blue flesh of a corpse but as quickly as it came it also vanished in an instant. The two gods shut their mouths at this and bowed their heads lower.

"And you Anubis." The Jackal God kept his head low and his ears flat on his head as he listened to her castigation. He could already feel her frigid eyes staring at his soul. It was terrifying and yet utterly arousing for him.

"I expected better from you. You touched the girl and even blessed her soul! Don't think that I won't know and I wouldn't overlook this matter either."

"I have no excuse. I accept any punishment you give me."

Long dark tendrils emerged from the ground and whipped his back hard, leaving a long nasty wound to overflow with his golden blood. His cheeks were flushed pink which the goddess did not miss.

"I could think of a million ways on how to torture the both of you but... I have something much more exciting in store."

Anubis had never known fear until Hela's terrifying glare turned into a sinister smirk.

🌹

It was a beautiful day in Raizenhal. The weather is temperate and mild while the wind blows coolly against one's skin. It was a perfect day to relax and spend some time together with family and friends. As such, Ruby and her wolves enjoy some leisure time in the terrace garden of the royal library where the sunlight hits with a mild temperature.

The queen sat on a neatly made blanket where several fruits and beverages were laid for her pleasure. Around her, the wolf pups played with each other while the few adults present conversed amicably or snoozed in a dog pile. The pups ran around her playfully wanting to gain her attention and Ruby responded by giving them pats and caresses.

The little puppies are very cute and fluffy allowing a smile to grace her lips. One of the more naughty ones began tugging and playing with the skirt of her dress. Ruby shook her head before picking up the pup she named "Nathan" and cradled him in her arms.

"Nathan, you shouldn't eat mommy's dress. I know it's pretty but it's not really nutritious." she reprimanded in a gentle tone.

"Aarff arrff!" replied the pup before jumping out of her arms and going back to his friends.

"I hate children. They're small, smelly, and annoying." Hrod commented as he approached her. He was in his wolf form today and placed his head over her lap making her giggle due to his clinginess.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Hródvitnisson. Fenrir told me that you were also an annoying pup when you were little. You used to chew his tail like how Nathan chews on my dress. You must have been so cute."

"I was not 'cute' I was ferocious and I always challenged dad to a fight. Or you rather. But you never fought back. You were so lazy."

"Whatever you say."

"Nice bling by the way. Where did you get that? Is it from your sugar daddy Dyrroth? I must say his treasury is undeniably spectacular."

"You should just call him Sugar Dyrroth to make it short." teased Runa as she sat on her other side. Ruby blushed a cute shade of pink at the mention of the demon's name. It hasn't even been a week since the two of them procreated in Hela's realm. The memories of their intimate meeting are still fresh in her mind.

"I-it wasn't. It was a gift from Fenrir. He battled Jormungand and claimed this, the Heart of Skadi, as his prize and then gave it to me for protection."

"Woah, you fought with uncle? How did that happen and when did that happen?"

"Well, it was all in a dream. I think."

"Queen Ruby." Sorca greeted as she approached her.

"Oh, Sorca! Hello, have you come to deliver news about Dyrroth's wellbeing?"

"No, it's about Lord Martis. He seems well. He sent a letter through Falcon Polaris." replied the demoness as she handed her a parchment.

'Dear Queen Ruby,

I have safely arrived in Tawalisi with Lapu-Lapu. We are now on our way to Hara Urduja's queendom. The tropical paradise was a refreshing change of pace. I wish you could see the white sand and the pristine blue ocean. You would have loved to play on the beach and collect the pretty seashells.

P.S. Skoll swallowed a crab alive and had indigestion last night. He's fine now though. I think. Hoping to get back soon and wishing you well.

Martis'

Ruby smiled at the sweet little letter. It was only a day ago when Martis left for Tawalisi. She was reluctant to allow him but he was unstoppable on his crusade to help Dyrroth.

Yesterday morning, Ruby was accomplishing her queenly tasks on the throne room when someone suddenly interrupted her conversation with the Minister of Coins. She smiled when she saw Martis, Lapu-Lapu, and Queen Urduja. She then noted the armor and battle gear they were wearing, causing her to be slightly alarmed. Was there an attack she wasn't aware of? Sorca also accompanied them but she was only wearing casual clothes which she wouldn't wear if there really was an attack.

"Sorca, King Martis, Datu Lapu-Lapu, Hara Urduja. What brings the three of you here? Is there a problem?" Ruby stood from her seat and approached the three. She did a small courtesy in respect to their status and they did the same for her. Skoll and Hrod aren't far behind her and the twins watch carefully between the interaction of the four.

They trust no one but their mother and their kin so they keep their guard up against anyone not one of their own.

"There is none, my starlight. However, I would like to inform you that I will be going on a quest to find the Ibong Adarna in Tawalisi to bring it back to Dyrroth and cure him of his affliction. I've made up my mind and I won't quit until I find the bird and prove its effectiveness."

"But that's preposterous! Queen Urduja said that there's no certainty of its healing powers. Why would you risk your life for something that might not even be true?"

"I've told him that as well but he won't listen. Men are stubborn as bulls." added Queen Urduja in exasperation.

"Dyrroth is my best friend and my brother in arms. He had helped me protect my kingdom by going to war with me in Solaria. My people owe him their lives and as such I must risk mine to restore his." Martis declared with unwavering resolve.

"There's no need for that because Dyrroth is winning in Helheim. He's beating Hela's games and making sure that he comes back to me. I know that he'll be fine. He's gonna come back soon. You don't need to put yourself in danger for this cause. In fact, I should be the one going on this quest and not you. I'm his wife."

"My queen, you must give him this quest. I'm sorry to say this but even though I have all my faith in Prince Dyrroth's victory we must never ignore the possibility that he could fail given the circumstances. He has no ally there but Lord Fenrir. I hold great respect for your patron but Lady Hela is also clever. And as you've told us before, it seems that she wants to keep the prince as her champion. If the unexpected happens then we must have a failsafe to rescue the prince and that would be the mystical bird." Sorca reasoned.

"But why can't I go with him?"

"The people of Raizenhal need you more, Ruby. And please, leave this to me. Dyrroth is also important to me and I have lost my honor by falling in love with his woman. I need to repent for my indiscretion and gamble my life for his forgiveness. Please, I need to do this." Martis pleaded, gently grasping her small hands in his large ones.

"But, you could get hurt..." Ruby replied weakly avoiding eye contact.

"I fear no pain nor mortal wound as you do. People who are afraid to get hurt for the people they love do not love at all. I'm also doing this for you to be happy. You and Dyrroth are meant to be together and I don't want to get in your way. I want to be the kind of man who faces his defeat with dignity. I may not be able to possess your heart but your happiness is worth the risk of my life."

"Oh, Martis!" Ruby exclaimed before hugging him.

"Promise me that you will return as soon as you complete your mission. And you'll take Skoll along with you."

"What? Why me?" the wolf complained.

"I don't think that is necessary. I'll be fine on my own. Have you forgotten that I vanquished the dungeon with three thousand floors?" chuckled Martis.

"I know that, but Skoll is a great tracker and an excellent fighter. I'm sure that he'll be able to help you a lot and he'll also keep you safe."

"Do I get a say in this?" mouthed the wolf making his brother snicker.

"Mother is giving you away because you're so weak and ugly." teased Hrod, angering his brother.

"Shut up."

"Fine. If it will give you peace of mind then I shall let him accompany me."

"That's great. When do you leave?"

"I was planning to do it today."

"Why so sudden?"

"Because Lord Dyrroth's body is weakening. We've been feeding him blood orbs to sustain his life but it's not enough to keep him healthy." Sorca informed with a solemn face.

"What?! Why didn't you tell me this earlier, Sorca?"

"I only received the news now, my queen. I was on my way to tell you but then I met with Lord Martis along the way so I told him about it. He told me about his mission and I thought that it was worth the risk. I would come with him but then I don't want to leave your side, Ruby. Not after what happened recently with your... disappearance." Sorca replied giving the wolves a side glance.

"Are we being blamed?" growled Hrod, which everybody ignored.

"You don't need to worry much about Prince Dyrroth. Lunox and Selena are helping for once and they are giving him the mana that he needs."

"That's a relief but I must wonder, how are they transferring mana to Dyrroth? Are they... Kissing him like what Martis did for me?" Ruby fidgeted uncomfortably with her skirt making Sorca chuckle.

"No. Unlike Lord Martis, the two of them are expert mages. I was informed that they transfer mana by touching his heart and chanting a small spell. Oral mana transfer was not an option since they're both committed to each other if that's what you are worried about."

"I—I'm glad that he's alright."

"Ruby, we must be going now. I would like to travel while the sun is still present." Martis cuts in, distracting her from the mental image of Dyrroth being kissed by other girls.

"Very well. I hope you guys have a safe journey." Ruby said before turning to Skoll.

"Please protect my friends, Skoll. I'm counting on you."

"Don't worry, mom. I'll surely help Step Martis to help Step Dyrroth." Ruby bonked the head of the wolf who had taken his human form.

"Stop saying weird things."

"We'll be going then. We've packed supplies and weapons. I'll try to write and send it using Falcon Polaris."

"Okay. Be safe." Ruby spread her arms open and hugged Martis who smiled awkwardly at her. He was still reluctant to show intimacy towards her but he can't lie that he doesn't love her affectionate side.

"I will. Please take care."

When Martis backed away, he pulled out a magnificent-looking dagger from his belt and raised it above his head. He concentrated for a second making peculiar symbols burn gold in the air before slicing through the emptiness. It opened up like a tapestry being split into two. Thousands of colors swirled in the portal like a beautiful opal gem and the four travellers came closer towards it.

"We'll see you soon, little queen." Lapu-Lapu said cheerfully before hopping into the portal followed by Skoll who said a little goodbye before he left.

"Please take care of Liwayway while we're away. May the gods give you their graces." added Queen Urduja.

"Be well, Queen Ruby." Martis whispered before entering the portal which soon closed behind him.

"Any news from Step Martis?"

"Stop calling him that. We're just friends. But yes, he said that he's fine and he arrived in Tawalisi safely."

"That's nice. And what about my idiot twin?"

"Martis said that he ate a crab alive and had indigestion."

"Deserve."

"I'll be going to the library. I would like to find something to pass the time. Want to join me?"

"Well, I might find something nice to read. Skoll's not here so I have plenty of time to spare."

🌹

An island floated over the jagged peaks of Helheim. A grand colosseum sat on top of it with thousands of Hel's tenants chanting in its stands. A battle rages on in the arena where several warriors of different Underworld kingdoms battle monsters of great renown. Several events occur all at once giving the audience a feast of spectacles.

On one side a small labyrinth was set where Sumerian warriors fought against the minotaur. On a small sea, Vikings rode their ships to fight against the Hydra. In another, skilled centaurs battled against scorpion men. It was another exciting day for Helheim since Dyrroth's appearance. The whole land of the dead became filled with feasts and tournaments celebrating his amazing battles.

Below the gigantic statues of warriors with clashing spears, a lavish balcony was set for the Goddess Hela along with her friends. Colorful canvases and glittering ornaments decorated their platform.

"Glad you could join us now, Ereshkigal." Hela greeted as she and the two other Underworld goddesses took their place on a grand veranda. A wondrous feast was laid for the three of them where the finest poultry oozed a delicious aroma. Fruits of all shapes, sizes, and colors were neatly arranged for them to select. Colorful desserts and sweet treats were elegantly made to perfection so that their beauty matches well with their taste.

"Pleased to be here, my dear. I've had such an exhausting time dealing with the newly deceased tenants of Irkala that I had to terraform three times. War is an awful thing living creatures stupidly commit." Ereshkigal replied as she took her seat on an ornate chair specifically designed to match her taste.

"I couldn't agree more." added Persephone as she poured everyone a cup of ambrosia. The two goddesses accepted the golden drink with great pleasure as they settled in their places.

"What game shall you be hosting today, Hela?" Persephone inquired while twirling a lock of her auburn hair.

"You'll see." The queen of Helheim smirked before ordering her servant to let the participants enter the arena after the conclusion of the three bouts.

A metal gate slowly opened from one side of the colosseum and from there Dyrroth entered, clad in black armor.

"Hela, my love. I notice that there aren't enough seats for everyone. Do I get to sit on the floor or on your lap?" Anubis asked as he finally arrived.

"Oh, sweetheart. You won't be joining us at our banquet. Instead, you shall be part of the entertainment."

"What?"

"Your latest transgression had merited my wrath by bringing Fenrir's maiden and Althreya's daughter into my realm. Do you know how painful it was to know that the child of the woman I loved frolicked about in my palace?"

"Well... No, because you don't have any children playing about in my domain. I suppose I cannot share your sentiment but I do get that my actions offended you. I'm sorry for stepping out of bounds but if you get to know her she's actually a delightful person." reasoned Anubis.

"I know. Father told me that she was the spitting image of Althreya and is basically her carbon copy both in appearance and personality. Given that information, she'll be inevitably remarkable, especially since she's Althreya's flesh and blood."

"It pains my heart to know that you still have feelings for 'the one that got away'. It's been eighteen years since she was here and it was only for a brief stay and yet she lasted longer in your memory than any other great warrior or beautiful woman in your domain."

"Isn't it peculiar that you fell in love with the same person your father loved?" Persephone voiced in a meek manner fearing her friend's wrath.

"Need I remind you, my dear, that you married your uncle." spat Hela shutting her up.

"But yes, it was kind of low even for me. However, Althreya was a vibrant woman. It was inevitable. Balder was the god of light but her brilliance and beauty far exceeded his. I loved her honor, her wisdom, her grace, and her tenacity. She was everything that I wanted to be and she was the best companion I've ever had."

"Okay, that doesn't hurt at all. No, I'm fine." Anubis mumbled between Hela's monologues.

"But dear old Loki had to use Fenrir's heart to revive her so that he could be with Althreya only for her to choose a rich and handsome demigod as her husband and completely cut off ties with him. Serves him right for backstabbing his own daughter."

"Don't take it too personally Anubis." Ereshkigal consoled while patting his back lightly.

"No, I'm fine. I just spent the last hundreds of years loving a goddess who loved me less than a person she met for a few days. I'm not depressed at all." mumbled Anubis dejectedly.

"Don't be too sad. She loves you too."

"Oh, Anubis. Grow a pair. You're being too sentimental. Yes, she was my favorite human but you are the one who stood by me all this time. You should have known that no matter who I meet, you will always be my greatest love."

"Really?" Anubis brightened like an expectant puppy making Hela smile a little.

"Yes, but my feelings won't absolve you of your crimes. As such leave my balcony and go entertain us."

"Gladly but what am I supposed to do anyway?" inquired the Jackal God, tilting his head in confusion.

"You shall sacrifice the things you loved the most."