Guardian of the Gates

Guardian of the Gates was a virtual representation of one of Kassandra's genetic memories, relived by Layla Hassan through the Portable Animus HR-8.5.

Description

Kassandra was confronted by the Cerberos after being thrown into a pit by Persephone.

Dialogue

Kassandra came to her senses in a circular arena in a barren land. She climbed to her feet and assessed her surroundings with her spear still in her hand. She noticed the faint shape of a dog's head with glowing yellow eyes, then another head, and a third. The three-headed dog grumbled.

• Kassandra: Ros? ...Good dog. Good dog.

Ros, the dog from Elysium, had been transformed into Cerberos and revealed himself to Kassandra. Cerberos snarled and three heads of bared teeth erupted in flame. It lunged at Kassandra. Kassandra hissed at the mythical creature.

• Kassandra: Bad dog.

One head of the Cerberos began spitting fireballs at Kassandra, who tried her best to dodge and attack him.

• Kassandra: By the gods. Ros? What happened to you?

Kassandra confronted by Cerberos

Kassandra managed to inflict some wounds.

• Kassandra: The Cerberos is no god.

All three heads of the Cerberos began spitting fireballs at Kassandra, who was able to dodge. She then dealt another blow.

• Kassandra: Oh good. Now it's angry.

Kassandra defeated Cerberos.

• Kassandra: Ros? Is he... dead?

Kassandra approached Cerberos' corpse and and removed an artifact from around its collar. As she held it, it glowed the same color as her spear and shook violently as it attempted to transmute her like it had its previous holder. Kassandra struggled against the artifact as a ghostly Cerberos loomed behind her.

• Unknown: ...Protect the unseen that others wish they saw...

Kassandra grit her teeth together and continued to struggle against the artifact. Thanks to her willpower and the unique blood within her veins, she resisted the artifact's power. It glowed gently in her hand like the artifacts she had obtained before it. Ros' body remained behind her, returned to his normal form in death.

The gate to the Underworld opening

Kassandra walked up the stairway on the far end of the arena and reached a giant gate. The gate opened and she continued her way across the bridge. Halfway across, she heard a voice of someone floating down behind her.

• Hades: You reek of mortal.

Kassandra turned around. Despite never seeing him before, she identified the towering figure at once.

• Kassandra: Hades.
• Hades: The last mortal to dance with Cerberos and live was Herakles. But then, he had Athena and Hermes wrapped around his mighty finger. So tell me, who's wrapped around your finger? Which god helped you slay my beast?

Hades towered over Kassandra.

I didn't need help.This is Persephone's fault.I have gifts from many gods.

• Kassandra: There were no Gods in that Pit. Just me an my spear.
• Hades: Ha Ha! So you did have help from the Gods.

Hades walks closer to Kassandra

• Hades: I know who you are. What you've done. And I'd say you owe me, "Keeper."

• Kassandra: Your wife's the one who pushed me into ta pit with your "beast."
• Hades: My sweet Persephone pushed you to your death. And you've done us all a great disservice by not dying.

• Kassandra: I am Kassandra of Sparta, Bearer of the Eagle of Zeus, Keeper of the Staff of Hermes, Wielder of the Spear of-
• Hades: So you have friends in high places, I see. You're in my realm now. And I'd say you owe me, "Keeper."

• Kassandra: It wasn't my plan to be thrown down that hole. But here I am. What do you want from me?

Kassandra and Hades' 1st meeting

• Hades: Thanks to you, my realm is more chaotic than ever. With Cerberos gone, there's nothing to stop the dead from crossing over to the world of the living.
• Kassandra: So find another dog.

Hades drew his staff towards Kassandra.

• Hades: You find another dog!

Kassandra threatened by Hades

Hades withdrew his staff and turned around.

• Hades: I'm sorry you had to see that. The blood runs hot in my family. You did this, so I think it's only fair that you fix it.
• Kassandra: Fine. Tell me where you keep the multi-headed monsters around here, and I'll be right back.

Hades laughed.

• Hades: No no no, my dear Keeper. My realm, my rules. I have four gates. Instead of one guardian for them all, I want you to find me four guardians - one for each of them. The underworld is filled with kings, heroes, legends. All lost, all trying to find purpose. You could give them that purpose.

(If players choose "How will I choose these guardians?")

• Kassandra: The Cerberos was a fierce guardian. What human could replace him?
• Hades: No human could. A legend, though, immortal in the minds of the living, would strike terror in any who dare to cross over. Find me four of those.

(If players choose "What happens if I don't find them?")

• Kassandra: And if I don't find these guardians, then what?
• Hades: Boundaries between the world of the living and realm of the dead will melt. The vile creatures locked away in Tartoros will roam free. Mortal souls will wander lost for eternity, and I will be very, very angry with you.

(If players choose "I'll do this on one condition.")
Kassandra drew out her Staff.

• Kassandra: Teach me how to use this staff, and it's a deal.
• Hades: Ah yes, the trials of the Keeper. I've already heard how you'll stop at nothing to figure out that boring little stick of yours.
• Kassandra: This "boring little stick" -

Hades tapped Kassandra's forehead.

• Hades: Tell you what, go talk to my ferryman, Charon. Help him put things back in order, and I'll help you fulfil your destiny.

A Tartaros Rift

Hades walked on. As he continued, a portal appeared and several apparitions started crawling out.

• Hades: Ugh! See what you've done? These are everywhere now. Fix. It.
• Kassandra: Oh, I'll fix it.
• Hades: My brother and I have a little wager on whether or not you'll succeed in your quest. Don't let me down. You don't want to owe me twice.

Hades left. Kassandra approached and stood in the portal, activating the rift. After doing so, she eliminated the now vulnerable apparitions which sealed the rift.

• Kassandra: What were those things? Why did I feel so weak?

Outcome

Kassandra fought and defeated Ros, who was turned into Cerberos by Persephone. Entering Hades, she was introduced to his ruler with the same name, Hades, who demanded her to find four heroes to replace Cerberos as the guardians of the gates to Hades. He also directed her to help the ferryman Charon in exchange for his help to master the Staff.

Gallery

• 
  Kassandra regained her ground
• 
  Kassandra observing her surroundings
• 
  Kassandra attempting to retrieve the artifact
• 
  Kassandra obtained the artifact
• 
  Ros' corpse left behind
• 
  The bridge to Hades
• 
  Kassandra witnessed Hades' arrival
• 
  Hades
• 
  Hades and Kassandra on the bridge

References

• Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – The Fate of Atlantis: Torment of Hades