A Letter to That One Shade in Hades

Deep within the lustrous halls of Elysium, a letter is delivered by the God of Swiftness just as the battle comes to an end. It’s addressed to a recurring fan, a friendly face amidst the echoes of the coliseum.

Dear Shade,

I have been meaning to thank you for who knows how many days or nights now. Our interactions are always short, I’m always in a rush after all, but that doesn’t make them any less significant. Every time I enter the coliseum and see the grim smile of the king of Athens and the imponent menace of the Minotaur, I know I can count on your presence, too. I just wanted to say a few words.

I remember my surprise when I found that blasted pair for the first time, an unfair fight if you ask me, and was sent back home with the strike of their steel. But it was different the second time, and the many visits that came afterwards. The grandstands held my face thanks to you. I don’t know how you did such an splendid job with the banner, I can only imagine the lengths you must have gone through, but I appreciate you capturing my good side on it.

Now things are, well, different. I still enjoy giving you and the audience a spectacle when I pass by, and both you and me knows it’s funny to make Theseus mad every time I kill him. But I’m not sure if it will last for long. You see, I have been trying to reach the surface to reunite with someone close to me. And I have a feeling… that next time might be the one.

There’s many fond memories I’m taking with me. I must say I have grown to enjoy my sparring across the underworld, meeting people I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Sisyphus, Patroclus, Eurydice. They have all helped me to get where I am now. Just like you. Even if we haven’t gotten the chance to share similar moments, your company has meant so much.

I don’t know what awaits me on the other side. My family keeps telling me stories about the surface, and I can’t wait to see if they’re true. To feel the breeze, and the sun’s warm touch, for the first time. I won’t be able to send letters from there, but know that you will not be forgotten. Neither by me, nor by anyone else in the underworld. A dear friend of mine, Orpheus, will make sure of it.

As I prepare to leave my room, I just want to say cheers, Shade, for always being there for me. I still have one more battle ahead, and I know who I’ll be dedicating my victory to, one last time.

Zag