Three years later..
Satasha is almost seventeen, she had grown to be a beautiful lady. Now she grew taller than before, her hair now reached her ankles, it was like smooth wavy curtains that she always let it untied, her face was abit round with chubby cheeks and dimples, her lips were heart shaped and her nose was slightly snubbed, her eyes were dear like, grey, and thick curved eyelashes, her eyebrows were black and thick with sharp curved endings.
Her beauty dazzled everyone, her strong presence was far more admirable than her beauty. No one could refuse if she asked something, when she walks all eyes were set on her.
She lived with Fuji for three years learning new skills from him, he trained her hard, harder than anyone before her, she grew stronger and wiser. At her last day she bid farewell to him thanking him for everything and left toward the palace. She wore boys clothes and tied her hair at the end. She made a port gate toward the cross road and walked threw it, once she got there, she glanced thoughtfully at the north wondering how is Lucifer now. She had never forgotten about him, she always wanted to go to him but she then change her mind. Sakata on the other hand was still worried about how much he spent here and wondering if his father was alright or Mano or Mika, he only waited patiently to go back home to see them. Satasha walked toward the south determined to go straight and don't hide from anyone, she marched for twenty minutes then stopped. Some tall handsome man stood infront of her, Satasha looked suspiciously at him, she recognized who he was from his eyes. He had his mother's eyes, Tina's eyes.
The man "Hello there kiddo, don't be afraid I only want to have a small chat with you!"
Satasha carefully "You should introduce your self first, tell me what you want from me then we will have a small chat !"
The man laughed, his laughter gave Satasha goosebumps, it sounded wicked, he seemed like he intended to no good, said "My name is Zeta, I am the second child of Mordroc ,and I want your help with something!"
Satasha cautiously "With what?!"
Zeta hatefully "Killing Zeus!"
Satasha looked amazed at him, she didn't know if he was trying to ambush her or not "I thought you were faithful to him doing his dirty work instead of him"
Zeta smiled coldly "You thought wrong. Now let us go somewhere so we can talk freely"
Satasha suspiciously "Why?"
Zeta "I will tell you everything if you followed me!"
Satasha defensively "And why shall I trust you?"
Zeta "Because if I wanted to harm you, I would have done it before, did you truly think that Zeus left you wondering around freely? He sent me to search for you long time ago but I chose to watch your movements and see why you are so important to him"
Satasha curiously "And why am I?"
Zeta smiled wickedly "Because you are Hades's vessel, Pandora's heart successor, the shadow Phoenix, the hier of hell and the empress of all. You are the chosen one, and I want to take advantage of you as long as I could"
Satasha considering his offer "If I helped you killing Zeus, you will help me with other stuff. We be like partners with benefits, agreed?!"
Zeta "I like you already, now follow me!"
Satasha followed him warily and prepared to strike him if he decided to ambush her.
He made a port gate saying "Come on, after you"
Satasha doubtfully "Together!"
Zeta nodded and they crossed the port gate together, they went to somewhere neither Satasha nor Sakata had seen before, it was a very odd place were the sky was dark with no stars or moon. The city that lay ahead was very bright one, it looked very bizarre place like it was not from this era. Many globs and fluorescent neons were there, like this place had electricity and other modern stuff, but the people that lived there were wearing victorian era clothes, Satasha looked amazed at the city and asked "Where are we?"
Zeta "Purgatory, this is were we the goblins live"
Satasha confusedly "I thought you live in hell?"
Zeta "Nope, that is completely different place, now come we will be late"
They walked toward they city , the streets were very crowded with goblins, some were selling stuff and others were buying it, some were merrily celebrating something and other were just walking around. They march toward a shop for antiques and other goods, they walked in it toward the back room were three men were waiting for them Perseus, Mika and Sitka (Zeta's older brother, the first born of Mordroc and Tina).
Satasha looked at each of them analyzing them,
Mika and Sitka opened their eyes widely shocked once they saw her, Perseus on the other hand looked uncomfortable about her being here with them. Satasha's eyes met Mika's and they both kept looking at each other without blinking till Zeta interrupted "This is Satasha, Satasha these two are my brothers (pointing at them) Mika and Sitka, and this is Perseus I am sure you two met before"
Mika amazed "She looks exactly like Pandora, how this is possible?"
Sitka distressed "It's creepy looking at her, it feels weird, doesn't it ?!"
Mika nodded.
Sakata was shocked how the years did to Mika, he looked younger and healthier than in the future.
Satasha curiously "You know Pandora?!"
Sitka "Yeah, we met her when we were young"
Satasha looking at Zeta "What about you?"
Zeta "I don't remember faces of those who left"
Perseus nervously "Can we tell her so I can go back before anyone notice my absence?"
Satasha looked at Perseus worried, she didn't feel comfortable being with Zeta especially after Tina's warned her not to get involved with him.
Zeta "We called you here to ask you to do something for us"
Satasha looking at everyone "What is it?"
Sitka "We know that you are the chosen one so we want you to read something to us"
Satasha curiously "Read what?!"
They all looked at Mika who presented a copper scroll container, place it on the round table that was in the center of the room. Satasha inquired "What is this?"
Zeta "It's the key to understand everything"
Satasha looked worried at Perseus who nodded, walked forward toward the table and took the scroll. It let out a golden light that circled her hand, her eyes glowed yellow once she held it, she opened the top of the copper scroll container, it contained a parchment with bizarre writing. Satasha opened the parchment scroll, the glowing yellow light disappeared.
Zeta excitedly "What does it say?"
Satasha not certain "I don't understand?"
Mika worryingly "What?"
Satasha exclaimed "How can I understand this? This the first time I see this language? What language is this?"
Sitka "The ancient one, I guess. What does it say?"
Satasha reading the parchment out loud "For who ever is reading this, I am Hades the current king of hell. If you could understand this it means that you lived and now you must continue the plan, but beware of the enemy, Kronos. You may be confused but yes the same Kronos, my father, he did terrible stuff some I can tell you and others that you already know. I will only make this letter short. Don't trust anyone, he is everywhere and ready to kill everyone who Knows the truth, the truth that he killed Zeus and shape shifted as him. He killed my lady Pandora fearing from his fate, now he is after me and my son O'rorochi. He knows that me and my lady took him away, so he's trying to take him back and eliminate us once and for all, he's trying to take his powers so he can get stronger but we were one step ahead of him, we transferred his powers to a vessel that you already know what it is. If the chosen one is reading this then you must know that you are in danger as well, don't ever let Kronos have your power, you are our only hope who can stop this monster. Don't tell anyone about the truth that Zeus is in fact Kronos because they will die, that's what had happened to Pandora so be careful.
P.S: Don't trust anyone, he's a manipulative and he have the ability to shape shift so be careful"
Satasha opened the scroll abit more and saw a that there was writing in invisible ink, she didn't read that out loud "Everything that was said was fake, only the chosen one can read this, if you do then I'll tell you the truth when you visit the cave"
Satasha confusedly "What was this?"
They all were as confused as she was, Sakata felt there is some missing paragraphs or something, it didn't sound complete.
Zeta irritated "So we risked our lives just to hear a lame warnings?"
Perseus who seemed to understand something "It's not lame, it's the truth, Zeus is Kronos and no one knows that except me and Hercules"
Mika and Sitka looked terrified at him but Zeta seemed to had guessed that, Satasha was confused, she didn't know who Kronos was so "Who is he?"
Mika " Your great grandfather, Hades's father"
Satasha investigating "And what is so terrible about him?"
Mika "He defied the heavens and almost destroyed everything trying to rule the world, he is a lunatic who killed all his sons to get their powers and to live longer, except Zeus, Poseidon and Hades who killed him and locked him away from everyone"
Satasha trying to understand "And he is not dead?"
Zeta glared at Perseus "Apparently"
Satasha "What's up with the phrase 'the chosen one', I don't understand what is this or why me?"
Mika "It is a very long story, we don't have much time, if Kronos found out that we know the truth then we all are dead"
Sitka denying "This is just a joke, what's wrong with you guys it's nothing but a bad joke"
Zeta seriously "Let us find the truth shall we"
Perseus worryingly "I don't think this is a good idea?"
Mika agreeing "Yes, and how shall we do that? what if it was true that we all in danger?, You know some of us have families that they want to protect"
Zeta addressing Perseus "You can leave you know"
Perseus "Leave you guys alone facing the danger all by yourselves? I don't think so"
Zeta smiling warmly at Perseus "Good now let's meet again next month and don't tell anyone about anything"
They all nodded, Satasha noticed that something is weird about Zeta, he seemed to know more, and was curious to know, then saw how Zeta only smiles around Perseus 'Why he is so kind to Perseus? Do they know each other very well?' She thought as she kept analysing them.
Mika "What about her? What we do to her ? She knows too much"
Zeta "I don't think she will do anything or tell anyone, but if you did so then you must face the consequence of betraying me"
Satasha unbothered by his warning "Go ahead"
Zeta grind wickedly "Good lad, I really like you, now come with me you won't leave my sight"
Satasha immediately "No, I must be somewhere else, I have to give someone something then you can take me wherever you want"
Mika curiously "Where to?"
Satasha distressed "To the palace, I must deliver a gift to Lily"
Perseus confusedly "Your imposter why?"
Satasha "Just because"
Zeta "She is the next tribe leader isn't she?!"
Satasha nodded.
Zeta took a minute to think then said "Can you do me a favor?"
Perseus angrily "Zeta, she is just a kid!"
Zeta teasing "Well aren't you sweet hearted, I don't want her to kill anyone relax at least not now"
Mika understood what his brother thought and said "Don't worry Perseus we won't break our deal, you must leave now"
Perseus looked angrily at Mika and Zeta and walked toward the door, he addressed Satasha "Whatever happens don't let yourself get caught by Hercules or anyone of the lightning soldiers, understood?" Satasha nodded.
He left the shop , Sitka left shortly after him. Satasha stood alone between Mika and Zeta who she sensed that they intended up to no good.
Mika went and poured two glasses of wine to him and Zeta, They sat on the chairs that was placed around the round table.
Mika "Sit down kiddo, do you want something to eat or drink?"
Satasha shook her head, Sakata didn't feel good about this he thought'How come Mika was so bad back then? This is unlike him'.
Mika seemed blood thirsty, a wicked man to him who greeds for more. Zeta on the other hand was one bizarre man with great political and strategical mind, his face show less of what he thinks. He had a very small glowing hazel eyes with thick eyebrows, a long face with pronounced cheekbones, and a natural shadowy eyes, his nose and mouth were small with fulled lower lip; he had a long silky black hair that reached his bottom that he lifted his hair from his face by a headband, he was wearing silver rings on both hands and one silver bracelet on his left hand. His body was slim and tall.
He took a cigarette from his pocket and started to smoke "I want something from you, can you do it or you want to walk out of this?"
Satasha sat down between them looking at Zeta distrustfully "You need to tell me what you want first then I'll decide if I want to do it or not"
Mika "We cannot take that risk"
Satasha "Neither do I!"
Zeta smirking "We can guarantee to you that you will get your revenge from Lily if you did as we tell you "
Satasha calmly "I don't blame her for anything nor I have a grudge against her. In the contrary, I want to save her from Zeus and her people, If your deal contained this then I will do it, if it didn't then you need to do it yourself; but if you harmed her, then you shall face my anger. Understood?"
Zeta and Mika looked at each other then laughed.
Mika amused "You were right, she is interesting"
Satasha wasn't annoyed that they didn't take her seriously but noticed that they almost had the same personality. The only difference between them that Mika is kind hearted just like his mother, they both drank their wine, then Zeta said "If this is your terms of the agreement, then I will accept. No harm will come to Lily or her people I promise, It's the contrary of this, I want you to bring her here with you so I can gain the white fox tribe trust, sheltering them under my protection and saving them from slavery"
Satasha puzzled "And what would you gain from this?"
Mika "Allies, a very helpful ones"
Zeta "Or rather spies for me and strength when I need it"
Satasha "And why they would trust you? Aren't you the one who enslaved and killed most of them ?!"
Zeta "No, you are wrong, that was Hercules, I only put them under my watch. They are currently working in the castle or the market as servants or labored workers"
Satasha "And what will happen if Zeus found out about what you did?"
Zeta "He won't do anything because no one knows that he had conquered them in the first place, so he would be careful about his actions".
Satasha silently thinking about it, glancing at the wall that opposed her without blinking, then asked calmly "Who can guarantee that she will come with me?"
Mika "Well that depends on you, you must convince her to come here"
Satasha determined "I will do this under one condition"
Zeta gently "What is it?"
Satasha "I want you to make her live in the red palace"
Both Mika and Zeta objected.
Mika "This is impossible"
Zeta "Even if I could let her enter the red palace she cannot live there like a guest without being toyed by its residents"
Satasha "It's not impossible to do anything, she will live there and you two can make this possible"
Mika "And how do we do that?"
Satasha "Tell them what have happened, everything that consider the story except the part that you want them to be your spies. In this way you will prove the white fox tribe that your words is not just empty words but vital action. This way you could gain the trust of its people before the trust of its leader which that will benefit you the most"
Zeta "This sounds convincing but the red palace won't take her easily, we must have strong evidence and allies there"
Satasha "I know people who can help and you have your father try convincing him"
Zeta "He will never listen to me"
Satasha looking at Mika " you maybe able to talk to him I am sure he will listen!"
Mika looked at Zeta and Satasha who were glaring at him "No, No way! He wouldn't listen to me I am not his favorite kid"
Satasha arching her brows "Are you sure?"
Satasha "Now shall we begin?"
Mika immediately "Wait! Convincing father is hard so don't rush going back"
Zeta "He is right, I will go to mom and you go to dad and you kiddo will come with me"
Satasha's face turned pale, she thought about what would Tina say if she saw her with Zeta. She worryingly "I don't think this is a good idea"
Zeta curiously "Do you know mom?"
Satasha nodded.
Mika curiously "Is she one of the people that you know in the red palace because she won't do anything, she has no advantages there"
Satasha "No, I meant Nero and Lucifer"
Both Zeta and Mika at once "You know Lucifer?!"
Satasha "He might had forgotten me so I don't think he will do, I will go with you to lady Tina's house but we have to pretend that we've just met and you must arrive before me to avoid suspicion"
Zeta curiously "Why do you care so much about this ?!"
Satasha avoiding his gaze "Just because"
Mika and Zeta looked at her suspiciously and they got up.
Zeta to Satasha "Follow me"
She got up and followed him, they walked out of the city.
Satasha "You remind me of lady Tina!"
Zeta smirked "How so?"
Satasha "You both have the same personality, you have warm heart and intend to hide it behind the cruel masks of yours"
Zeta smiled "You really are amazing you know, I regret underestimating you, you alone are so powerful without powers, you can be superior but you chose to hide instead training for some reason, I am sure that you forgot how to be a princess".
Satasha rolled her eyes "This place makes me feel suffocated, everything here seems lifeless"
Zeta sighed "That's how purgatory is, same thing goes for hell, except that the people there are hateful"
Satasha curiously "Why do we have to walk all this way just to make a port gate?"
Zeta "Who told you that we will transport by a port gate?"
Satasha "Aren't we going to lady Tina's house?"
Zeta "Yeah, where did you thought she lived?"
Satasha confused 'Did Tina had two houses or something?' She thought.
They kept walking for almost hour till they reached a far away spot from the city, there was a small one level house, it was painted black and looked hunted.
Satasha "I don't think it's a good idea to go in with you"
Zeta comforting "Just go with it! My parents aren't that bad"
Satasha felt a sudden cold breeze coming from somewhere, she didn't understood this place. There were no moon no stars no sky to be seen only pitch black everywhere except the city and few distant houses that were lit.
They approached the house, Zeta knocked the door and a beautiful girl came opening the door. It was Tatiana, she was pale skinned girl with dark brown eyes and sharp nose and eyes, and had small lips with pronounced cheekbones; she had short wavy brown hair with wide shoulders and small bottom.
She annoyedly addressed Zeta "You are late, MOM ZETA IS HERE " alerting Tina.
She noticed Satasha "Who is this?"
Zeta "She said that she was looking for mom so I guided her to here"
Tatiana sarcastically "And since when you do charity work?!"
Zeta calmly "Since you lost your manners. Where is mom?"
Tatiana "In the kitchen"
Zeta walked in the house but Satasha remained looking at Tatiana waiting for her permission to enter the house, Tatiana looked disgustedly at her "Come inside and don't forget to take of those filthy shoes off".
Tatiana let the door opened and went toward the kitchen, Satasha hesitated about entering the house she looked at the long dark corridor that Tatiana was walking in and felt nervous. She then decided to quietly sneak out of here toward anywhere but this house, she thought 'Can I make a port gate here?' . She looked around and saw it was a distant from the city, the nearest house is a kilometer away, she walked toward the nearest house without hesitation. She would want to be anywhere but with Tina at Zeta's presence, her attitude will reveal it all. She had managed to sneak out without anyone noticing her disappearance, Satasha stopped in the middle of the two houses took one last look at Tina's house then quickly made a port gate to the palace. She went through it without hesitation and transmitted to the borders of the city near the palace, it was noon there and everyone was doing their work. Satasha walked threw the towns's forest toward the palace without sneaking or hiding, everyone was busy working, lifting stuff, selling stuff and other people eating at restaurants or merrily drinking at the brewery. She walked for almost two hours till she reached the palace, it hadn't changed since the last time she was there, being dressed as a boy was quite useful if no one noticed her face. At that time boys were able to grew their hair long without being judged. The emperor's palace was in some village in present China, it was a hidden one from the normal humans, this town was the capital city for peculiar people and demons. You can find the verity of powers in the capital, and they all lived in harmony not all but still they lived together in the same place. Sakata was fascinated to see the town at the noon and see verity of people there.
Although everyone was busy working but he saw that many was watching Satasha's moves, she felt it too but didn't want to hide in the alleys fearing for getting caught. She chose to walk in the middle of the road right infront of everyone, it was safer for her. Once she reached the palace gates she stood there looking nervously at it, she prayed to the god that no one will notice her, but her prayers went in avail, once she crossed the palace's gate and walked toward the palace front door she heard someone exclaimed "Satasha?!"
She turned left to the garden and saw tall handsome guy with teenaged girl and they were looking amazed at her.
She looked happily at them and said "Long time no see Settsu, Lily, I missed you guys so much!"