Klaus stopped battling and looked at Amoris. "Amoris..."

She opened her eyes and shook her head. "If it doesn't happen, I will have my hair ripped out. If one suffers I cannot stand it. My matches may not be perfect but if the choice of those whom I choose are not their own, I suffer. If Candy chose to leave you, I wouldn't suffer. But this is not normal."

"Amoris," he said, but she'd closed her eyes due to the pain.

Hades got up. "Come."

They all followed him, Phantasos staying back to take care of Amoris.

Hades showed Klaus a river. "This is Lethe." He took a cup and dipped it in it. "Candy, dip your hand in here."

Candy obeyed as Hades took one last look at the red and white striped girl who was always there for him. He took out one glass and drank it.

"For I have sinned by keeping someone here, a match of my daughter's, without anyone's knowledge. Now, I claim Candy a free person."

Candy's eyes became unfocused as she took her hand out. She looked around. "Klaus!" She went and hugged him. "I don't know how long I have been here."

Klaus led her away and as they moved out, he looked back, a grateful look. "I will pay back. Your daughter will be paid."

Hades nodded, awaiting the great wall of loneliness to squash him.

******

As Amoris felt the weight being lifted, she snuggled in deeper. The sheer tiredness had consumed her and she wanted to rest.

"Mora..."

Amoris' eyes shot open to look at Hades. "I am still here?"

"Yes, I requested so."

She got up hazily. "What about the others?"

"They have gone and will return soon," he said. "I am sorry, Mora."

Amoris shook her head. The one strand of her hair which was fighting was back to its normal red colour on her head. Peaceful and calm.

"You must be aware of the factions, dear," he said, worriedly. "I fear your life. Athena's very clever."

"Not a match for love," she shrugged.

"Don't underestimate her," he warned her.

"No. But, if she thinks that she will stop me, it's not going to happen, dad," she said determinedly.

"I know you're brave, honey, but being your father, all I can say is..." he swallowed hard. "Be careful."

Amoris kissed her father on the forehead. "I will stay an hour more."

Hades nodded. "When was the last time you stayed here?"

"A long time when I was just born, I think," she said, going down the memory lane so vague.

Hades smiled a little. "Ah, you were one creature, Mora. No wailing, no crying. Just smiling like the world was beautiful."

"It still is."

"So it is," he said. "To the outsiders. Not to me anyway."

"Shall I prepare your favorite meal?" she asked. Her hands itched to get the pots and get cooking. It was a good pastime of hers, the aroma of the food, overpowering her...

She dished everything out, remembering the exact place of everything.

She stirred the plants and ambrosia, the aroma of cinnamon and spice filling her. She inhaled deeply. "Will be over soon, dad."

As she mixed everything in, she realized that she'd missed him just as Hades did. But, perhaps, while teaching others to love, it seemed she'd forgotten to unite with it herself.

As she went out, reminiscing the bonded time she'd shared, she took a left, turning to where Styx was. Or rather Rex.

And she got the shock of her life.

All the factions were lined up against the river, a weapon in their hands and to her disbelief, there was Eric, his eyes focused, emitting a feral growl.