Akashic_Tales Originals
Hades, Inc.: The Billionaire God of Death's Chaotic System
Chapter 13: Detective Moon's Breakthrough
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"I still can't believe we're shopping for a primordial deity," Kyra said as she followed Haiden through the exclusive boutique. The store, hidden on the top floor of Seoul's most prestigious department store, catered to a clientele that was clearly not just wealthy, but otherworldly.
It was Saturday afternoon, less than twenty-four hours before their dinner with Chaos, and Haiden had insisted they needed to find the perfect offering. The boutique, called "Liminal Luxuries," appeared to specialize in items that defied conventional description.
"Trust me," Haiden replied, examining what appeared to be a crystal decanter that contained a liquid that moved against gravity, "my father appreciates effort. Showing up empty-handed would be interpreted as either an insult or a challenge, neither of which we want right now."
Kyra picked up what looked like a normal watch, only to find that the face showed not hours and minutes, but emotions and possibilities. She quickly set it down.
"What exactly are we looking for?" she asked, carefully avoiding touching anything else.
"Something unique but not pretentious. Meaningful but not overly sentimental. Powerful but not threatening." Haiden sighed. "Shopping for Chaos is exactly as difficult as it sounds."
A saleswoman approached, or at least, she appeared to be a saleswoman. Her perfectly tailored suit and professional smile were normal enough, but her eyes shifted color with every blink, and her shadow seemed to move independently of her body.
"Lord Hades," she greeted with a respectful bow. "An unexpected honor. How may Liminal Luxuries serve you today?"
"It's Haiden now, Iris," he corrected gently. "And we're looking for a gift. For my father."
The saleswoman, Iris, momentarily lost her professional composure. "For Lord Chaos? Oh my. That's... ambitious."
"I know," Haiden agreed ruefully. "But necessary. We're having dinner tomorrow."
"A family reunion?" Iris's kaleidoscope eyes widened. "How... wonderful for you."
The way she said "wonderful" made it clear she meant "potentially catastrophic for local reality."
"This is Detective Kyra Moon," Haiden introduced. "She'll be joining us for dinner."
Iris turned to Kyra with newfound interest. "A mortal guest at Chaos's table? Most unusual. And brave."
"Or foolish," Kyra added with a wry smile. "The jury's still out."
Iris laughed, a sound like wind chimes in a gentle breeze. "I like her, Lord Had—Haiden. She has spirit."
"She does," Haiden agreed. "Now, about that gift..."
"Of course. For Lord Chaos, we have several options in our Primordial Collection." Iris led them toward the back of the boutique, past displays of items that became increasingly strange and reality-bending.
They stopped before a glass case containing objects that seemed to exist in multiple states simultaneously, solid and liquid, present and absent, beautiful and terrifying.
"These are our finest offerings for entities of your father's... caliber," Iris explained. "Each is one-of-a-kind, crafted by master artisans from across multiple realms."
Kyra leaned closer to examine the items. One appeared to be a small globe that contained an entire galaxy in perpetual creation and destruction. Another was a set of wind chimes made from what looked like solidified time. A third was a book whose pages contained stories that rewrote themselves based on the reader's deepest fears.
"These are all lovely," Haiden acknowledged, "but not quite right. My father has been particularly interested in mortal creativity lately. Something with a human touch might appeal to him more."
Iris considered this. "We do have one item that might suit. It just arrived yesterday, a collaboration between a mortal artist and a dream weaver."
She unlocked a drawer beneath the display and carefully removed a small box. Opening it revealed what appeared to be an ordinary snow globe, about the size of Kyra's palm. Inside was a miniature cityscape that looked remarkably like Seoul.
"It seems rather... conventional," Haiden observed skeptically.
"Shake it," Iris suggested.
Haiden took the globe and gently shook it. Instead of snow, tiny stars and cosmic dust swirled around the city. As they watched, the buildings began to transform, shifting between modern skyscrapers and ancient temples, future megastructures and primeval forests. The entire history and possible futures of Seoul played out in miniature, cycling through endless variations.
"The mortal artist designed the city," Iris explained. "The dream weaver imbued it with temporal fluidity. It shows not just what is, but what was, what could be, and what might never be."
"Possibilities," Kyra murmured, fascinated by the constantly changing landscape. "It's showing all possible versions of Seoul across time."
"Exactly," Iris confirmed. "Lord Chaos appreciates potential and possibility, the infinite variations that exist within order."
Haiden studied the globe thoughtfully. "It's perfect. My father will appreciate the symbolism, a mortal city containing infinite possibilities, just as mortal lives contain countless potential outcomes."
"We'll take it," Kyra decided, surprising both Haiden and Iris.
"We will?" Haiden asked, amused.
"Absolutely," Kyra confirmed. "It's meaningful without being obvious, creative without being pretentious, and it literally contains chaos within order. Plus, it's pretty."
Haiden laughed. "Well reasoned, Detective. I defer to your judgment."
As Iris wrapped the snow globe in shimmering paper that seemed to bend light around it, Kyra's phone rang. She checked the screen and frowned.
"It's my partner, Detective Park. I should take this."
She stepped away to answer while Haiden completed the purchase, a transaction that involved not just his black credit card but also what appeared to be a drop of his blood on a contract that briefly glowed golden.
"Everything okay?" he asked when she returned, her expression troubled.
"Maybe," Kyra said slowly. "Park's been looking into the background of our murder victims, the conventional aspects, since he doesn't know about the supernatural elements. He found something interesting."
"Tell me on the way," Haiden suggested as they left the boutique, carefully packaged snow globe in hand.
In the elevator descending to the main floor, Kyra pulled out her notebook. "All four victims had recently made large donations to the same charity, the 'Transcendence Foundation.' It's relatively new, established about eighteen months ago. Their stated mission is 'helping humanity reach its highest potential.'"
"Vague enough to mean anything," Haiden noted.
"Exactly. But here's where it gets interesting, the Foundation has been buying property all over Seoul. Specifically, properties located at intersections of what they call 'energy lines.'"
Haiden's expression sharpened. "Ley lines. They're mapping the supernatural energy grid of the city."
"Is that significant?" Kyra asked as they exited the elevator.
"Very. Ley lines are natural channels of mystical energy that flow through the Earth. Where they intersect, the barriers between realms are thinner. If someone wanted to create access points to a buffer realm..."
"They'd need those intersection points," Kyra finished, the detective in her connecting the dots. "So this Transcendence Foundation could be a front for the Mediator's operation."
"It's worth investigating," Haiden agreed as they reached his waiting car. "What else did Park find?"
"The Foundation is hosting a gala tonight," Kyra continued as they slid into the backseat. "A fundraiser at their headquarters, which happens to be located at what their literature calls 'the primary convergence point' in Seoul."
"The strongest ley line intersection," Haiden translated. "Perfect for a major portal."
"The guest list includes some of Seoul's wealthiest and most influential people," Kyra added. "Potential new clients for their 'salvation packages,' perhaps?"
"Or potential new soul donors for their buffer realm," Haiden said grimly. "We need to attend that gala."
"Already ahead of you," Kyra replied with a satisfied smile. "Park secured us invitations through the police commissioner. Officially, we're there to network with potential police foundation donors."
Haiden looked impressed. "Detective Moon, you continue to surprise me."
"Just doing my job," she said, though she couldn't help feeling pleased by his approval. "The gala starts at eight. Black tie."
"I assume you'll need something appropriate to wear?" Haiden asked.
Kyra glanced down at her practical detective's attire, tailored slacks, button-up shirt, and blazer. "Unless 'practical law enforcement chic' is the dress code, yes."
"Driver," Haiden called to the front seat, "take us to Madame Hye's."
"Madame Hye's?" Kyra questioned.
"The finest couturier in Seoul," Haiden explained. "And one of the few who caters to both mortal and supernatural clientele. She can have something ready for you within hours."
"That's not necessary," Kyra protested. "I can find something in my closet—"
"For infiltrating a gala hosted by a potentially world-ending cosmic conspiracy?" Haiden raised an eyebrow. "I think the occasion calls for something special. Besides, it's a company expense. Investigating supernatural threats falls under Elysium's operational budget."
Before Kyra could argue further, her phone chimed with a text. She checked it and her expression turned serious.
"It's from the lab. They've completed the analysis of that residue we found at the last murder scene, the one that kept changing its molecular structure."
"And?" Haiden prompted.
"They're baffled. The report says it's 'molecularly unstable with properties that defy conventional physics.' They want to know if they should send it to a specialized facility."
"Tell them to secure it and do nothing else," Haiden instructed. "That residue is likely from the buffer realm, matter that doesn't fully conform to our reality's physical laws."
Kyra typed a response, then looked up with determination in her eyes. "We need to stop these people, Haiden. Whatever they're planning with this buffer realm, it's already killed four people and who knows how many souls are trapped in some half-formed afterlife."
"We will," Haiden assured her. "Starting with tonight's gala. If the Transcendence Foundation is indeed the Mediator's earthly operation, we may finally get some answers."
The car pulled up outside an elegant boutique in Seoul's fashion district. Unlike Liminal Luxuries, Madame Hye's appeared completely normal from the outside, a tasteful storefront with understated signage and discreet security.
Inside, however, was another story. The space was larger than should have been physically possible given the building's exterior dimensions. Racks of clothing stretched into impossible distances, some containing garments that shimmered with more than mere sequins or seemed to move of their own accord.
A tiny, elderly Korean woman appeared from between the racks, moving with the grace of someone half her apparent age. Her silver hair was pulled into an immaculate bun, and her simple black dress was cut with such perfection that it seemed to exist in more dimensions than the standard three.
"Lord Hades," she greeted with a small bow. "It has been too long."
"Madame Hye," Haiden returned the bow. "And it's Haiden now, as you well know."
The old woman waved dismissively. "Names change. Essence remains. You are who you are, regardless of what you call yourself." Her sharp eyes turned to Kyra. "And this must be the detective I've heard so much about."
"You've heard about me?" Kyra asked, surprised.
"News travels quickly in certain circles," Madame Hye replied cryptically. "The mortal woman who walks with Death and does not falter. Most impressive."
Before Kyra could respond to this rather dramatic description, Madame Hye was circling her, examining her from all angles with the intensity of a scientist studying a rare specimen.
"Yes, yes," the couturier murmured. "Strong shoulders. Excellent posture. A warrior's bearing in a modern form. I know exactly what you need."
"We're attending a gala tonight," Haiden explained. "At the Transcendence Foundation."
Madame Hye's hands paused in their measuring gestures. "The Transcendence Foundation? Be careful there. The walls are thin in that place. Reality slips."
"You know something about them?" Kyra asked eagerly.
"Only whispers. They came to me once, seeking ceremonial robes. I declined. Their energy was... discordant. Unbalanced." The old woman resumed her examination of Kyra. "All the more reason you must be properly attired. Armor comes in many forms, Detective Moon."
With that cryptic statement, Madame Hye disappeared into the depths of her impossible boutique, leaving Kyra and Haiden in the waiting area.
"Is she..." Kyra began.
"Human? Mostly," Haiden replied. "Though her family has served as clothiers to supernatural entities for fifteen generations. It changes a bloodline over time."
"And she knows about the Transcendence Foundation," Kyra noted. "Said their energy was 'discordant.'"
"Madame Hye has exceptional sensitivity to supernatural energies," Haiden explained. "If she sensed something wrong with them, that confirms our suspicions."
Before they could discuss further, Madame Hye returned, assistants in tow carrying several garments draped in protective covers.
"For tonight," she announced, revealing the first, a stunning evening gown in deep midnight blue that seemed to contain actual stars in its fabric. "Protection and perception woven into every thread. You will see what others cannot while remaining unnoticed until you wish to be seen."
"It's beautiful," Kyra breathed, reaching out to touch the fabric, which felt like liquid silk beneath her fingers. "But I can't accept something so valuable—"
"It is not a gift," Madame Hye corrected firmly. "It is a rental. For tonight's purpose only. Though I suspect you will have other occasions to visit my shop in the future."
The way she said it made it sound less like a business opportunity and more like a prophecy.
"And for tomorrow," the couturier continued, unveiling a second outfit, an elegant pantsuit in a color that seemed to shift between deep green and soft gold depending on the light. "For dining with Chaos, one must embody both structure and flexibility. This will serve."
Kyra looked at Haiden in surprise. "You told her about dinner with your father?"
"I didn't have to," he replied with a small smile. "Madame Hye has ways of knowing things."
"The threads of fate are just another fabric to be read," the old woman said with a dismissive wave. "Now, try these on. Time is short, and you have a conspiracy to unravel."
An hour later, they left the boutique with two garment bags and Kyra feeling slightly dazed by the experience. The gown had fit as if created specifically for her, which, given Madame Hye's supernatural connections, it might well have been.
"That was..." Kyra searched for the right word as they settled back into Haiden's car.
"Intense?" he suggested. "Madame Hye has that effect on people."
"I was going to say illuminating," Kyra corrected. "She knew things she shouldn't possibly know. About me, about the Foundation, about dinner with Chaos."
"Welcome to the supernatural world," Haiden said with a slight smile. "Where information flows through channels mortals can't perceive and seemingly unconnected events form patterns visible only to those with the right perspective."
"Like a detective case board," Kyra mused. "Seeing connections others miss."
"Exactly. Which is why you're adapting so well to all this," Haiden observed. "Your detective skills translate perfectly to supernatural investigation. You already know how to look beyond the obvious, follow unlikely leads, and trust your instincts."
Kyra felt unexpectedly warmed by the compliment. "Thanks. Though I'm pretty sure 'infiltrate gala hosted by interdimensional soul harvesters' wasn't covered at the police academy."
"Consider it professional development," Haiden suggested with a grin.
As the car navigated through Seoul's afternoon traffic, Kyra's mind returned to their investigation. The pieces were starting to align, the murdered clients, the financial discrepancies, the ghost in Elysium's AI, the Transcendence Foundation buying properties at ley line intersections.
"We're close to something big," she said, almost to herself. "All these separate threads are coming together."
"Yes," Haiden agreed, his expression turning serious. "Which means we need to be prepared for resistance. The Mediator has operatives in multiple realms and has already demonstrated a willingness to kill to protect their operation."
"Do you think they know we're investigating them?"
"Almost certainly," Haiden confirmed. "Zadkiel's capture would have alerted them. And if they have other agents in Heaven, they may know about our meeting with Ariel as well."
"So we're walking into a potential trap tonight," Kyra concluded.
"Most likely," Haiden agreed. "But sometimes the best way to understand a trap is to trigger it under controlled conditions."
"Is that divine wisdom or just recklessness?" Kyra asked with a raised eyebrow.
"After a few millennia, the line between the two becomes rather blurred," Haiden admitted with a self-deprecating smile.
The car pulled up outside Kyra's apartment building. She hadn't even told the driver her address, but somehow he'd known exactly where to go.
"I'll pick you up at seven thirty," Haiden said as she gathered her garment bags. "That should give us time to survey the venue before making our entrance."
"I'll be ready," Kyra promised. "And Haiden? Thank you. For the dress, and... everything else."
He looked momentarily surprised by her sincerity, then nodded. "You're welcome, Detective Moon. Though I should be thanking you. It's been centuries since anyone has made me see the world with fresh eyes."
With that surprisingly personal admission hanging in the air between them, Kyra exited the car and headed into her building, garment bags carefully draped over her arm.
As she unlocked her apartment door, she couldn't help but reflect on how drastically her life had changed in just a week. From a dedicated but conventional detective to someone who shopped at supernatural boutiques, discussed soul harvesting conspiracies, and prepared for dinner with primordial deities.
And somehow, despite the danger and the mind-bending revelations, she felt more alive than she had in years. More purposeful. As if she'd finally found the case she was meant to solve, one that transcended mortal concerns and touched on the fundamental nature of existence itself.
Her phone chimed with a text from Haiden:
*Wear the iron bracelet tonight. And that determined expression you get when you're about to crack a case. Both are equally powerful protections.*
Kyra smiled as she typed her reply:
*Copy that. One iron bracelet and my best "about to catch the bad guys" face. See you at 7:30.*
As she hung up the midnight blue gown and began preparing for the evening ahead, Kyra felt the familiar surge of adrenaline that came with a breakthrough in a difficult case. Tonight, at the Transcendence Foundation gala, they might finally get answers about the Mediator and their cosmic conspiracy.
And if there was one thing Detective Kyra Moon excelled at, it was getting answers, even if they came from interdimensional soul harvesters at a black-tie event.
[System Update: Investigation Advancing]
[New Quest: Infiltrate Transcendence Foundation Gala]
[Reward: Critical Intelligence About The Mediator]
[Penalty: Exposure of Your Investigation to Enemy Forces]
Haiden read the floating text as his car pulled away from Kyra's apartment building. The System's involvement confirmed what he already suspected, tonight's gala would be pivotal in their investigation.
He pulled out his phone and sent a group text to Luna, Aria, Jinx, and Gabriel:
*Change of plans. Detective Moon and I are attending a gala at the Transcendence Foundation tonight. Possible front for the Mediator's operation. Stand by for backup if needed. Continue preparations for tomorrow's dinner with Father.*
The responses came quickly:
Luna: *Be careful. Financial trails lead to that organization. Definitely suspicious.*
Aria: *I'll position myself nearby. Celestial backup if needed.*
Jinx: *Hacking their systems now. Will have floor plans and security details in an hour.*
Gabriel: *Heaven has flagged that location for unusual energy signatures. Proceed with caution.*
Haiden smiled grimly as he put away his phone. His team was ready. Detective Moon was proving to be an exceptional partner. And tonight, they might finally get some answers about the conspiracy threatening the cosmic order.
The game was afoot, as mortals liked to say. And Haiden Black, formerly known as Hades The God of the Death and Underworld, was playing to win.