I go back home and I let myself fall on the couch as I let the gifts aside. I smile as I remember Hades's promise to me of a romantic night. I get to my feet and go change into more comfortable clothes and I go take a walk through the infinity pool. I get my feet on the water and relax as I have nothing to do for now. Hades is in a meeting with the other gods which I refused to attend. Probably he's getting bored with all the stuff they always talk about. They never get a solution to their problems. I kick my feet against the water making splashes when I feel a hand on my shoulder that startles me.
-Oh, Hades, I didn't hear you coming.
Ha-Are you enjoying yourself?
-Yes, how did the meeting go?
Ha-I got a fight scheduled for Karai. She can challenge anyone as long as is not either of us.
-She's going to like that very much. Who do you think she'll choose? I bet she will fight one of your brothers.
Ha-That's a tough question, last time she was asking me to let her fight Hercules but I didn't let her. Maybe she'll choose Poseidon.
I get up from my spot and I race him home. I win mostly because he didn't want to make a bad impression by running through Olympus.
Ha-Now, where is Karai?
We hear a couple of giggles coming from one of the bedrooms and I look at Hades smiling.
-Three guesses as to what she's doing.
Ha-Shall we?
-Let's.
We open the door and we see Karai and Persephone looking at some things while laughing. I clear my throat and when they look up Karai immediately starts covering up everything so we don't see it.
K-Hey, what you doing?
-Nothing, you?
K-Oh, not much. Just, chatting with my pretty cousin.
Ha-About?
K-Um, clothes? So, is there anything you want me for?
Ha-Not precisely, is more something you wanted. Come with us.
K-Where?
Although she asks she still comes out of the bed and puts her sneakers on. I get out of the doorway and they pass with Persephone following close behind. I watch as Karai tries to get Hades to tell her what he's talking about. I recognize the way as the way to the throne room and I pull Hades down to whisper on his ear.
-I thought the meeting was over, why are we going back to the throne room?
Ha-I had to go get Karai and you for this part of the meeting at least.
I roll my eyes as we enter the throne room. I go to my throne and I see Hades say something to Karai before he goes towards his throne as well leaving Karai at the center with a hug from Persephone before she goes stands by Hades side. I hear as Zeus starts speaking.
Z-Now that we're all here we can start. Karai.
I watch as Karai straightens up with a serious face as she answers.
K-Yes?
Z-Do you know why are you here?
K-Yes.
Z-Then feel free to make your choice amongst one of the gods, demigods or monster here.
Karai nods and looks around at all of them thoughtfully before she smiles as she decides for one of them. She turns to Zeus again and nods confirming she made her choice.
Z-Have you made your choice?
K-Yes.
Z-Who did you choose to fight?
Karai smiles triumphantly at him and I look at her almost in disbelief as I think who she chose.
K-You.
Everyone in the throne room gasps and we are left on a minute of silence before Zeus clears his throat.
Z-Are you sure you don't want to fight anyone else, you can choose anyone else.
K-Why?
Z-Why, I can't fight you. You're just a child.
K-Or perhaps you're afraid of being beaten by what you consider a child.
Z-I am not afraid now choose someone else.
K-You said I was free to choose any god, demigod or monster here and as far as I can remember you are a god unless you somehow has lost your powers or have age caught up with you weakening you to the point you can't fight anymore. Right now to me, the only impression I get is that you, the only strong thing you have is your title of king of the gods.
We hear a thunder resonates in the distance and I see as Karai smiles.
Z-I can't fight you and that's my final word.
K-Okay, then you leave me no option.
Karai goes to one knee and bows her head in a show of respect with a hand on her knee and a fist pressed to the floor.
K-I Karai, daughter of Hades god of the underworld and Hera goddess of family and marriage, upon the Styx challenge Zeus king of the gods and ruler of the skies to a fight.
For a moment everyone in the room is silent before Poseidon speaks up.
Po-Zeus, brother, she has made her choice and she made a formal challenge to you.
Pe-You have to accept now, no matter how you look at it, now you have no way of escaping.
Aphrodite-You are bound by your own rules.
Z-SILENCE!!!!!
Everyone silences up and Zeus rubs his knuckles against his forehead cursing under his breath.
Z-Congratulations, you got yourself a fight. I accept your challenge.
Karai looks up her eyes glowing with happiness and a smile so bright that rivals the sun. She stands up and gives a respectful bow.
K-Thank you.
Z-I hope you're sure about doing this, you can still get out of this without any harm.
K-You better ask Ares for some tips.
Z-I know how to fight, you can go now. All of you, the fight will be three days from now. See you all at the fighting grounds.
Karai nods and turns to go away, we follow after her and go home with Karai smiling and humming happily as we go. When we get home she goes to the kitchen and get something to eat. She takes her strawberry yogurt and eats it happily.
Ha-Are you happy?
K-Very, did you saw his face when I told him I chose him? Priceless, is he stronger or weaker than you?
Ha-Weaker.
K-Then this will be a piece of cake. I mean, every time I train, I train with you and just last month we trained all month without holding back. If I can handle you when you don't hold back I'm sure I can handle him.
Ha-I really thought you were going to either choose Poseidon or Hercules.
Karai frowns and shrugs.
K-I thought about it and I figured I'd challenge Zeus since he's the one that likes fighting the most and the most likely to make a mistake if pushed to the edge. No brains, Poseidon, ah, he wouldn't take the fight seriously and Hercules, he's a brat. He's as dumb as Zeus is. Act without thinking things through.
-That's harsh.
Ha-But is the truth. Now then, you need to rest and prepare for the fight.
