Part One: Empty Eyes(Drabble)
Category: Uncategorized

Trigger warnings: Dark themes, mature content, mentions of fictional violence and blood in this story. Viewer discretion is advised. Some parts may be triggering to some as there traumatic moments in this.

~One: Empty Eyes~

10 years earlier.....

Mephisto: We both know this day had come Leila............

Leila: We had a deal..........if you take my daughter, you have to take me, too!!

Styxe: Mom no.....

Mephisto stared down at the new embodiment of Zarathos and who held the power. She fused with the fallen angel who later became the Spirit of Vengeance. He smirked at Leila's proposal as he motioned her to follow.

Mephisto: Just like your own mother before you, you're willing to make the risk. But I'm afraid your daughter would soon take up.

Leila: Like Hell you are!!

The devil himself traps Leila in dark chains as he pulled her forward with a force that even she couldn't escape from. 

Mephisto: A deal is a deal. I helped save your daughter's life. You sold your soul so she can survive. You owe me, but I own you both. Let's go to your new home hm?

A flash of red lightning sends the three down below. Into the depths of the wastelands known as Hell. 

Ten years later.............

~Profound Scars~

Hell. One place that I spent since I was sixteen as a way to make my mother give payment. I didn't even know it would be a long time. But I feel my thoughts get interrupted by sounds from one of the rooms in this dungeon. 

"AHHHHH!!! Yes!!! I am close!!! Don't stop!!OHHHH yes!!!"

Ugh. The depravity that happens down here. I sit in my cell as I held what appeared to be a shiv of some kind. I was waiting for one demon guard to give me his signal as he was helping me escape. For him to defy Mephistopheles just so I can flee........he told me to not come back for him.

I saw him wave his signal from my cell. He gestured the demons to come get me for a torture session. As soon as they walked in my cell and I can tell they were hoping for a "good time" before taking me to be tortured. They're dead wrong. I longer stabbing the demon guards and took off running. 

Vulk: I was able to get you clothes and you'll need this. 

He handed me a coin. I looked at it closely and I recognized it. A penny for the ferryman. Payment for the other escort who would get me out of here. But I couldn't stop thinking about her. My mother.

"Can't we bring my mom with us?"

Vulk: Listen, kid. I tried but she won't budge! I can take you to her but she would tell you what I said about her. 

I was in disbelief. He lead me to my mother's room where she embraced me with a hug.

Leila: Styxe what are you doing?? If they see you here.........

"I don't want to leave you here!!"

She stared at me and then hands me her pieces of jewelry. All belonged to my paternal grandmother. Naomi Kale. 

Leila: Take these. I can't go with you. Since I'm the new Zarathos, I can't leave! 

I hugged her one last time and I went with Vulk to get to the ferry to get out of here. Other demons were on our tail when we approached the docks. He handed me the bag to which I took it and go on the boat. The ferryman was very tall. He offered his grotesque looking hand. I handed him the coin and the boat departed from the docks. 

~Save a Penny For the Ferryman~

Ferryman: Your name........never thought anyone would have that. Then again, it isn't the first time. 

I turned to look at him. The hood covered his entire face and his voice sounded more........ancient. But his eyes glowed like flames of a candlelight. The way he stared rowed across the sea of lost souls. I had changed into the clothes Vulk gave me. 

As we traveled across, I couldn't help but sense hatred as we traveled towards the docks of the living. River of hate. Or in Greek mythology, River of Styx. My mother named me after the titan goddess of hate and broken oaths as well as the ferryman of Hades. 

Ferryman: We're here........do keep in mind he will find you. 

"I know......but I been down here for a mere decade, would it be the same up there?

I saw him stay silent then shook his head.

Ferryman: Time differs from the time here in the Nether realms. When you return to Earth, it'll seem like you were gone a few years. 

Then I saw him shuffling into his robe then his grotesque looking hand gave me a small journal and three coins. 

Ferryman: May Hades guide you......but do tread carefully. 

"You wouldn't sell me out to him would you?"

That's when he turned to me, I felt a shiver down my spine. He reached his hand to place on my shoulder but in a firm manner.

Ferryman: I don't associate myself with the right hand of Lucifer. Even if he try to force me to speak of your location, he would have to kill me before I would reveal it.

".......I thought Mephisto is--........"

Ferryman: Archdevil. Lucifer is the true king of Hell. Let me get a portal open for you. 

I watched him create an opening rift in midair. Almost like tearing reality with one slice. Before I could ask more, we heard bells ringing. 

"W-What's happening??"

He was quiet and I heard the bells ring twelve times. But on the thirteenth time, he turns to me.

Ferryman: Vulk is warning us that Mephisto is aware of your escape. Go! I'll hold the demons off.

I nodded and went through the portal and it shut behind me shortly after. 

~What's Coming to Me~

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Present Day

New Orleans. One place my mom loved and so did my step grandmother and my grandfather. I went looking for their house as I can feel the memories flood my mind of what it looked like. I know they lived in the city and I could smell southern cooking in the air. 

I saw one of the kiosks serving and I recognized them. I walked over just to see the food but checked my bag and I couldn't find money except the coins the ferryman gave me. 

Lucia: It's on me, sweetie. 

"I can't believe you still recognize me."

Lucia: I recognize the hair color and eyes easily. You aged a little. You been gone a few years, sweetie. But you look like you haven't eaten in weeks!

I was surprised she noticed. All this time. But I know she said a prayer for me knowing where I was. Despite how sore and worn out I was, it was nice to see I was missed. But I don't know if she would fathom or understand where I've been. 

I walked toward my grandparents which wasn't far. They were still here. I banged on the door hoping they'd answer and I saw my grandpa come to the door. 

Carlo: Can we help you with something, Miss?

"Grandpa......it's me.....Styxe..."

Carlo: How dare you say that! 

Maria: Carlo? Who's at the door?

Carlo: Some strange woman claiming she's our granddaughter. But we both know she went missing a few years ago. 

I saw grandma come to the door. All she could do is look at my eyes as I felt her hands cup my face. 

Maria: ........It's her......she just aged a little bit.......

Carlo: Styxe?! Oh my god I am so sorry I...