Ice Princess

30

"Shang-Chi is rather interested in your progress with the different forms." Wong informed her.

"I haven't figured it out yet, but with what I've learned from the readings in the library and the different fighting styles, it is going to take some time." She took a bite of an apple and continued reading the book she was currently working on.

"The other forms have been lost to the centuries, we are lucky to have Shang here show you how to manipulate air."

"Wong, how much of this is you counting on me to learn the other forms and just keeping me busy?"

"It's about 50/50 at this point. Although you perhaps teaching the other masters the other three forms will be a valuable resource for us."

"But why? Everyone here is so talented and knows so much already."

"There is a storm coming that we must all be prepared for."

"How do you know this?"

"There is a prophecy of a man who is human, wields magic, is extremely intelligent and is infused with metal."

"Infused with metal?"

"Luckily this individual has yet to appear. But he or she may be lurking in the shadows. There have been been signs." However, the mention of it left a bad taste in her mouth and a niggling in her head that wouldn't go away. "But like so many things, they could just be wrong. It could happen in our life time or another."

"I'm not sure how it works."

"What do you mean?" Wong asked her.

"How old do you think I am?"

"No older than 30."

"That's kind of you. I'm in my 40s. At least, that's how long I've been on earth this time around. I don't know if I'm as old as my original birth from Persephone and Hades, it starts from this life time, or when and if this body dies. Persephone told me that if something happens and I die here, today, I will just rematerialized in the underworld but could come back. Which is one of the reasons why I need you to allow me into the restricted section of the library."

"You want a safe way to visit your parents?"

"Yes, barring the alternative. I have this feeling in the bottom of my stomach that something is going on and while they can't intervene themselves, I need to understand how to control dreams and nightmares to do it. The next full moon is two weeks away, it might be too late. I might not be able to help Bruce or Bucky in time."

"Essentially, you will be making a deal with the devil."

"It is better to make a deal with the devil you know, than the devil you don't. I know I will have to give something for Hades to give me that information and training early. But I will never get it if I am here."

"Permission granted. Only, I will direct you to the texts you need. Unlike the rest of the library, you will not be given free roam. You may find something which will be dangerous. Agreed."

"Agreed."

Melinoe paced the library as Wong found the text. It took him a few hours to uncover it. She sat and read the book back to front, front to back several times to know what she was getting into. She had to cut a deal with them. The tingling that had been on her forehead for weeks now was slowly growing to a migraine and if she didn't do something fast, she might not be able to help anyone.

________

"Melinoe, what are you doing here?" Persephone asked.

"I need to talk to Hades and you." Melinoe said taking Persephone's arm as they went to find Hades. "My friends are in trouble. I need to get in contact with them covertly, I was hoping through dreams and nightmares. And I have this migraine that has started. I know I'm early, but I really need both of your help. I'd be willing to give you a full week if you help me now and allow to help my friends. Once I am done, I promise to return." Once they found Hades, Melinoe repeated what she had just told Persephone.