Amori

Orientation- A Phoenix in the Underworld

On that particular day, the blood weighed heavier on Calli's clothes as she walked uphill to Hypnos' Mansion. Her body had become stiff and sticky from the day's work, and she was more than eager to enter her bathtub. The thought of the cool water against her skin, in contrast to the crusts she felt rubbing on her back, gave a spark of optimism in her steps.

I can't wait to get home.

Unbeknownst to Calli, something far more important than a bath waited for her at the top. Hestia had returned from Olympus, and had brought with her some guests to stay. Zeus had informed Hades about their arrival and the Lord of the Dead was pleased to meet his sister, his niece and the strange creature they had brought with them. As the Ruler of the Underworld, his approval of their mission was crucial. And without his permission, no one could enter the three realms of afterlife- Asphodel, Elysium and Tartarus.

"As long as it is you, sister, my kingdom and it's gates are wide open. Athena, you too are welcome here whenever you want." Hades said, seated on his black throne. "But the creature seems dangerous for this realm. So I am reluctant to let it enter."

"Dear brother, there is nothing to worry about the Phoenix. She was born out of the Fire, which has its origin in Tartarus. Even Zeus cannot disagree that she is safer in here than anywhere else, that is why he sent us here." Hestia replied. "But more importantly, she has to receive apprenticeship under Calliope, the Young Reaper, in order to replace her sooner or later."

"Thanatos' apprentice?" The Dark Lord seemed surprised. "Why would the creature need to repla- is it..?"

"I'm afraid it is. The curse has already taken effect. Calliope grows weak with each passing moment and I doubt that she will be saved in time."

Hades rubbed his stubbly chin, as if to be in deep thought. "Hm, I have always been intrigued by the Death God's choice of a mere mortal to do his bidding. Humans, such frail beings; and yet, strangely, one of them has managed to withstand a God's duty more than any former Apprentice."

"Yes, she is quite the one- stubborn like her Master. But her fate seems sealed, for Dionysus hasn't returned from the East with his Elixir, and we have yet to understand how to use the Fire to save her. My plan was to have Kiara and her live together while we come up with a solution."

"Now I'm curious! Why are you, or rather, why are the Olympians (especially Zeus) so hell bent on saving Calliope, sister?"

"Oh my! Hades, could it be that you haven't heard of the Prophecy?"

"Prophecy?"

Hestia leaned into her brother's ear and whispered the words of providence.

"This is unbelievable!" Hades cried. "Why didn't I ever hear of it before?! Could it be that Zeus was withholding this information, like he withholds his throne?"

"Very few know of it, my brother, even amongst the Olympians. Such news would bring unwanted chaos and make things difficult for all of us."

"....."

"..."

The grey eyed Athena stood nearby as she listened to them talk. Even with all her wisdom, she found it hard to comprehend what they were really talking about. So she kept silent and remained a statue. Next to her was the Phoenix, who followed suit and let the two Elder Gods babble on.

When they were done, Hestia had gained Hades' approval and his blessings.

"May your endeavours be successful!"

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Finally at the summit, Calli fell on the ground due to exhaustion. The climbs were getting harder for her each passing day, and today it felt like she would run out of breath. Her legs were burning and her lungs felt painful.