The Eighth Layer of Hell

Striding through the Hell Gate, a horrid cold plunged into my bones, sending a chill dancing along my body. Like nats on shit, the frigid winds burned hotter than any fire clinging to me without end in sight. Veins bulged around my neck as I struggled not to quiver.

"Welcome to the Isles of Despair, the Heart of the Eighth Layer of Hell, Sylvorlum,' Ishar said, emerging from the Hell Gate with Loki trailing behind.

Icy Flame of Azure danced along the walls, brightening the intricate design of Mephisto's castle. It appeared like I had entered a vast fantasy of cold metal and ice. It was, without a doubt, magnificent beyond anything I'd seen. From the tapestries to the various decor presented from top to bottom, I felt out of place before its majesty.

"Come along," Ishar said, taking the lead. "He's waiting."

Uncertainty echoed through my mind, threatening me in many ways, but I maintained a poised expression despite the pain of being seared alive. It took a good five seconds before my body attempted, as we appeared before a towering chamber door guarded by two men strapped in black-plated armor.

My heart trembled, sensing the calm Necrotic Qi surrounding the two Guardsman.

Fallen.

"Lady Ishar," They said, saluting with a respectful gleam, catching me off guard. I always held the inclination that Fallen and Angels held disdain toward Devils. Shit, Uriel even seemed to have a disgust towards me for some reason. But these two showed such a degree of respect that it was unexpected.

"I'm here too! Bunch of dicks." Loki chimed in, muttering to himself.

The faint hint of a smile over Ishar's full lips lifted in a delectable grin as she stepped forward, not addressing Loki, but neither dismissing him. The door to Mephisto's Throne room opened, revealing a unique throne.

It didn't stand tall like mine or sink below ground level. Instead, it stood on equal ground, with a beautiful small pond circling his chamber, bathing the area in vibrant azure. Within the pond laid the souls of the damned, withered beyond repute. A sinister chill I didn't suspect prickled my flesh as I could somehow feel their pain.

Ishar left my side and stepped forward, bowing before the Lord upon his throne, whose eyes didn't slant in the slightest. They were stone cold, plagued with a grim solitude that was almost humbled by my rebellious heart.

"Arsene Snow, Your Highness." She said with a clean flourish.

"My brother, Abbadon, has asked for your help. Any particular reason why?" He calmly mentioned with a set of coldness I'd never seen within him, deepening with every step I took forward.

"I've sent resources at his request." She replied.

"Why."

"Because it's within my discretion: I felt I could leverage his need for resources to spread my influence within the sixth layer. You disapprove?"

Mephisto's chilling expression expressed frustration for a bit as he nodded. "Abbadon is the most ambitious of us all. His greed is akin to an Abyss. Many times he has pushed against Lord Hellmaster's will. Gaining some ground with Hellmasters lax attitude." He paused, and his fingers tapped against his armrest. "He has pushed out more resources from his layer than the first five layers combined. What's your goal?"

"I requested a few Fiscal Policies that would cripple him in the long run." She said without batting an eye. "Your brother is blinded by the turbulence within Iluthath to think clearly. Arcadia is quite a catch. Especially now that it's within reach. "

"Indeed it is," Replied the Fallen coldly, lifting his stone-like gaze to me. "I'm confused."

"So am I," I replied rather stoically. "Why am I here?"

"Your children, where are they."

My brow sank towards my eyes. " Why would I know, and why are you asking?"

"You think me a fool? You remember. When I stole you away, I could feel Aunty Abyss's aura around you. Protecting you from the Paradox. Crowe blocked my path, blinding me to what happened within."

"And why do you think my Nephew was the one to face you?" I pointed out, as many things began to connect. "Why him and not Ves or Iza? With your fascination, I find it hard to believe that you don't have a relationship with my kids. Why is it the Paradox didn't affect you? No other Fallen has shown interest in them like you." I smiled as something clicked. " Oh… I see. That's why Crowe was the one to hold you back. You are like Lilith and me. You can't meet them either."

Mephisto nodded, a growing frustration climbing over his knitted brow. " That was my theory as well. Which is why my craving to approach them has grown."

"And you know I'll do anything to protect them. So unless you have a valid reason to see them, I have nothing to say regarding what happened within the Overworld." I contested, folding my arms over one another. "What are your intentions? And don't say curiosity. I don't want a cliche response."

The winds of Sylvorlum whipped through Mephisto's throne room, clashing with the coldness of the Fallen. My hair fluttered wildly as his aura grew chaotic for a second before returning to a poised demeanor. Nevertheless, I couldn't trust what Mephisto expressed. He has a million faces.

"Shall we leave?" Ishar asked, folding an arm behind her back as she bowed.

"Do so." He said, and without blinking, both Ishar and Loki vanished. Leaving only the frigid winds clawing at my soul.

"You owe me." Mephpisto grimly responded.

I nodded. "I do. But I want an answer."

Uncertainty spilled through his eyes, which closed and opened, filled with a sense of loss as he sighed. "I don't know."

"Eh? What do you mean you don't know?" I spat. Did he expect me to believe that?

"It's true. But within me exist a drive to see them. A need molded out of pure necessity." He said, lowering his gaze from mine. "Have I ever told you? I saw them once. At least, I think it was them. The day I opened my eyes to gaze on Father. The day of my birth. I saw them. Do you know the first word I ever heard was?"

Understanding spilled into my heart as I nodded. " Paradox…"

"Correct. And blank. No other angel has experienced what I have. An entire memory is gone."