ALL NOVEL Chapter 22: Chapter 22: A Son’s Journey
The air was crisp as Alex approached the graveyard, his steps slow and deliberate. The world around him seemed quieter, as though even nature itself respected the solemnity of his journey. Clutched in his hand was a bouquet of wildflowers, each carefully selected for their meaning—forget-me-nots for remembrance, lilies for purity, and violets for devotion. His heart was heavy, but a sense of determination carried him forward.
Merope Riddle's grave stood at the far end of the cemetery, shaded by an ancient oak tree. The headstone was simple, bearing her name and the years of her brief life. Alex knelt before it, his fingers grazing the cold stone. "Mother," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "I'm sorry it took me so long to come here."
He placed the flowers gently at the base of the headstone, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to the gray stone and dark earth. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel the weight of her absence, the loss of a woman he had never truly known but deeply respected. "I promise to make you proud," he said softly, his words a vow to himself as much as to her.
After a moment of silence, Alex stood, his resolve hardening. There was still so much to do, and his next destination awaited. He turned away from the grave, the weight of his visit settling in his chest, and opened a portal to the Underworld.
The Underworld was as foreboding as ever, its dark landscapes stretching endlessly under a sky of swirling gray and black. Shadows danced across the jagged rocks, and the air was thick with an oppressive energy. Alex's destination was Hades' castle, a towering fortress that loomed in the distance like a monument to despair. The gates were guarded by skeletal warriors, their empty eye sockets glowing with an eerie light.
"I need to see Hades," Alex said firmly, his voice echoing through the cold air. The guards exchanged a glance before stepping aside, their movements mechanical and precise. The massive gates creaked open, revealing the dark halls of the castle.
Inside, the atmosphere was even heavier. Torches lined the walls, their flickering flames casting long shadows that seemed to move of their own accord. At the end of the hall sat Hades on his throne, his presence commanding and regal. His dark robes flowed like liquid shadows, and his piercing eyes seemed to see straight into Alex's soul.
"Hades," Alex began, his voice steady despite the oppressive aura. "I've come to ask for your bident."
The god of the Underworld raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint, amused smile. "You wish to wield my bident?" he said, his tone equal parts curiosity and challenge. "Do you truly believe you are worthy?"
"I do," Alex replied, meeting Hades' gaze without flinching. "I've proven myself time and again. I want to use it to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Hades stood, his towering figure casting a long shadow over Alex. "If you want my bident, you must earn it," he declared. "You will face me in combat. Show me your strength, your determination, and your resolve."
Alex nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. He stepped into the center of the hall, his wand already in hand. Hades summoned his bident, the weapon appearing in his grasp with a flash of dark energy. Its sharp points gleamed ominously, and the air around it seemed to hum with power.
The battle began with an explosion of energy. Hades moved with a speed and grace that belied his imposing size, his bident striking with precision and force. Alex dodged the first strike, his instincts kicking in as he countered with a blast of magic. The spell collided with Hades' bident, sending a shockwave through the hall.
Alex knew he was outmatched in raw power, but he relied on his agility and quick thinking to stay in the fight. He conjured barriers and launched spells in rapid succession, each one aimed to keep Hades on the defensive. But the god was relentless, his strikes growing more powerful with each passing moment.
"You fight well," Hades said, his voice carrying a note of approval. "But power alone is not enough. Show me your resolve!"
Summoning his full strength, Alex unleashed a barrage of spells that lit up the hall with their intensity. Fire, ice, and lightning danced through the air, each one aimed with precision. But Hades deflected them all, his bident spinning like a blur.
The battle raged on, each exchange pushing Alex closer to his limits. His breaths came in ragged gasps, and sweat dripped down his face. Despite his exhaustion, he refused to back down. This was more than a fight for a weapon; it was a test of his worth, a chance to prove himself.
Finally, Hades landed a blow that sent Alex sprawling to the ground. The impact left him dazed, his body screaming in protest as he struggled to stand. Hades approached, his bident glowing with dark energy.
"It seems you've reached your limit," Hades said, his tone neutral. "But tell me, Alex—why do you fight? What drives you to stand against a god?"
Alex looked up, his eyes blazing with determination. "I fight because I have to," he said, his voice steady despite his pain. "Because there are people who need me. Because I won't let them down."
Hades regarded him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he extended a hand, helping Alex to his feet. "You have spirit," he said, a note of respect in his voice. "That is a strength greater than any power. Take the bident. You have earned it."
With a wave of his hand, Hades summoned the bident and placed it in Alex's hands. The weapon pulsed with energy, its weight both physical and symbolic. Alex felt a surge of power course through him as he gripped it tightly.
"Remember," Hades said, his tone serious. "Strength is not measured by victory alone, but by the courage to stand when all seems lost."
Alex nodded, his heart swelling with gratitude and determination. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
As he left the castle, the bident in hand, Alex felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead were daunting, but he knew he was ready to face them. With the wisdom of Hades' words echoing in his mind, he returned to the world above, prepared to continue his journey.