25. Gates of Hell.

Underneath the dark blanket of the night, the black moonless canvas of the sky was sliced by a fierce lightening, splitting the black canvas by a brief light which was soon followed by rumbling thunder, the promise of heavy rainstorm.

On the colourful street lit by various neon lights and street lamp, the light drizzle and strong winds had chased all the inhibitants indoors. Seeking shelter from the angry black sky. The few unlucky souls which were hurrying to their destinations out on the streets stayed clear of the lone figure moving silently in the rain. Dressed in black, like an angel of the night, unfazed by the rain.

He stopped at the middle of the road and glared at his wristwatch as of it was the reason he was out in the rain, another 10 minutes have passed. He sighed pinching his nose, reigning back his anger. The quiet albeit intimidating air surrounding him was broken by a croaking sound of a toad which had hopped it's way over there. The unlucky reptile which was unknowingly courting death hopped on the black shoe, seeking shelter from rain.

Without glancing down, Zeus kicked his leg and the toad went sailing through the night sky croaking loudly as it disappeared into the darkness.

Slowly, he returned his hand down and into his pocket and continued further down the road, he could pick up traces of her aura in the air, she isn't far. But he couldn't for the life in him locate her, she is just all over the place, like an evil spirit.

He'd been going in circles under the rain for 30 minutes ever since the waitress told him she left with bags of takeaways. He couldn't even start fantoming about what she was upto in the rain with food bags.

His already dark face became even darker and the threatening aura surrounding him intesified. Even the water droplets descending from the sky seems to be weary of pelleting him.

Trickling down his slick back hair down the very sharp outline of his jaw which was even sharper as he clentch his jaw. The once shiny black dress shoes had turned muddy along with the legs of his expensive suit pants.

His lips curled up slightly in a snister smile. For all the time he'd spend under the rain, he'd make sure she assume complete responsibility over all the damages he'd suffered.

*

Achoo!

Que sneezed rubbing her nose. Her stars must be shining, perhaps something good is coming her way. Looking up at the starless sky, she decided that her stars were probably shining brightly at other places where the sky is not angry. Or even in other worlds. Oh well, as long as they are shining, the location didn't really matters.

With that on mind, and a nylon bag drapped over her head, she moved happily under the rain searching the corners of the streets for the homeless.

She'd given away most of the food and only a little had left. Although she was soaked down to her granny pants, she felt happy to be able to help other others though she made sure she made zero body contact with them.

Trudging in the muddy waters, with light tiny balls of rain hitting the coltered road and ricocheting back to the edges of her white dress, soiling the once very white dress which at one time had turned muddy and brown.

One day, she thought, one day when this is all over, she'd baked lots of food and distribute it out to the homeless at the corners of the street. Maybe that way her stars would keep shining. If she have enough money to feed herself. Hopefully, when the marriage is dissolved, Zeus would still keep her as his personal assistant, that way she could make good money.

But with him comes other issues, one she is not really ready to face.

Sigh, guess that dream would not be possible. She'll need to figure out more methods to shine her stars. She ignored the thought and rounded another corner that leads to another dark alley.

She paused in front of the alleyway and observed. It was so quiet that it appeared empty and she turned to leave when something caught her eye at the end of the alleyway. Although it was dark, she caught on a flicker of light deep within.

Thinking it was another hobo squating in the dark trying to light up a fire, she made her way towards the light, dodging the rain dropping from the roof of the buildings.

"Hello, is anyone here? I've brougt food." she called in a whispery tone. Deep down she knew she was crazy and attracting danger but she still carried on itching closer.

"Hi," She said in a flat tone when she was met with a fenced wall. She had arrived at a dead end. The flicker of light she'd seen was actually a hole in the fence. Dropping the bag in her hand, she squat down and peep through the little hole.

Squinting her eyes, she was blinded by orange glowing flame. She could vaguely see blurry figures in black passing by the flame at a distance. She moved back and observed the brick fence. It wasn't very high and the surface was smooth.

Hmmm.

After a tedious effort and a bruised knee, she managed to hike herself up the fence. The workout she did the previous days payed off cause she was able to lift her butt up the fence, that or she slimed down. Looking over at the other side, she gasped, quickly slamming a hand over her mouth.

A narrow hole that looked deep was carved on the ground circled by markings burning in orange flame. Without doubt it was a door opened by magic. Three huge creatures with elongated limbs were standing around the opening as more of them crawled out of the hell hole.

The hole closed up under her eyes when two more came out, making a total of five of them. As if nothing had ever happened, they walked around and headed towards the fence. Alerted, she tried to hide and toppled down from the fence in haste. Ignoring the pain from the fall, she scampered for a place to hide, her heart thumping in her chest recalling when they werw outnumbered by these monsters.

How many more are they?

Ignoring the pain in her butt, she managed to hid behind a large trash can when the fence toppled down and they strolled down the dark alley, communication in a twisted tone.

With one hand covering her mouth, she reined in her breathing making sure she made no sound. The water dripping from above pelted the metal can which made loud sounds, she badly hoped they don't look her way.

After what felt like eternity, they finally left the alley and she released a breath she had no idea she'd been hilding in. She got up from her hiding place and tiptoed out of the dark alley hoping to not meet them on the way.

Just how many of them have crossed over? She wondered.

She traced her way back to the restaurant which was quite far, she had no idea she'd gone that far. The street was quiet which was creepy and the cold wind blowing increased her fear. She became jumpy at every sound and when she looked up ahead, a lone dark figure stood eerily still in the middle of the road. She halted in her steps not knowing whether to run or stay. The distance and droplets of rain made it hard for her to distinguish whether it was a person or a beast.

They made no movement to advance and appeared human, albeit extra ordinary tall. The beasts were slouched unlike the ramrod straight person who seems to be equally staring back at her. Being the first person she'd seen so far, she sprint towards him. Yes, he might be dangerous person, a kidnapper even but atleast he is human, she'd rather die by humans rather than be disected by demons.

As she got closer, his features became apparent which made her stomach dropped. Of course it's him. And judging by the look on his face, she is not sure if it's a good idea to keep advancing forward. But she had no other choice.

The coldness seeping through her soaked dress multipled tenflods from the glaciers piercing through her from his cold gaze. She could see smoke was coming out of his nostris before he turned around sharply and left.

Swallowing a very bitter ice block of saliva, she followed him like a good ol cat. Momentarily forgetting the danger she'd seen when faced with an even greater danger.