Amoris ✔

River Lethe

"No, Candy wouldn't want that," Klaus shook his head.

Arachne tried to think of something. "No, but Hades might."

Klaus knew that not many knew of his gift which resided in the beard. It was possible that Hades knew so. Hope bubbled in him at the thought of seeing Candy.

"Okay. Take me there."

*******

Mirabel was sewing faster, glancing at the big clock in her home every two minutes. It was Eric's birthday the next day and she wanted to gift him, even though he was angry with her.

The shoe was made of soft leather from the skin of a fawn and she'd dusted it with a sheen of fairy wings, which could be obtained if requested. It would be a comfort to him. She hoped he'd like it.

She yawned wide and looked out at the bright sun and rested her head on her folded knees. Slowly, sleep overtook her.

******

Arachne led Klaus out. "I want to receive the Apple. It isn't gonna happen if I try to get in there."

Klaus nodded. "So, you think they will grant me an entry, then?"

"Yes, they do know that you're Klaus after all."

What Klaus greatly feared was not some barring of entry. He feared seeing fear in their eyes. For to become a monstrous creature was not something so lovely to behold.

When they reached the entrance, they saw a nymph guarding the entrance as always. Her eyes bent low to meet Klaus and he saw it. Fear.

"Klaus..." she said timidly. "Hello. What-what brings you here?"

"I won't hurt you..." he said, bowing to the nymph. "I come to collect something for an old friend."

"We need verification," she nodded hurriedly.

Klaus seemed to panic but felt Arachne whisper to him. "Tell the truth. Not many know of my existence."

Klaus did. "I want to restore my friend, here, this spider. She was bitten by one of your poisonous weeds and turned into one. I need my Jingler back."

The nymph nodded. "May I see her?"

Arachne crawled down and hung from her spider web. The nymph looked at her closely.

"Okay, swear by this flower that if you use this fruit for a wrong purpose, you will suffer."

Arachne did so lazily as the nymph held the iridescent flower close.

"May the curse of the Bond Flower befall you if you're evil and may its fruits fill you with peace if you're in the path of the truth," she recited. She tucked it away, calling another one to bring the Apple of Restoration.

Arachne's mouth watered at the sight. After years of living inside that horrible flute...She bit into it and felt her hairy arms turn into that of a woman. She transformed into a really beautiful person.

"Thank you, Klaus," she said.

Klaus went away with her, hoping to not trouble the nymphs any further.

"Well, I shall be off, then after dropping you off," she said.

"I am really grateful, Arachne."

She nodded, leading the way into Hades realm. Arachne had been to Olympus once. As soon as she saw the spirits, she looked at Klaus and nodded again. "This is it."

"It's...gloomy."

Arachne looked around. "More souls, otherwise still the same. Anyway, I will be off. Just enter from here and you will be fine."