Vampire Greek: The Burning King

Willa trudged through the crowd, trying not to bump into others while watching the coin. It was almost halfway orange, the heat of the coin softly kissing her thumb. She looked around but couldn’t distinguish any single person. Most people were taller than her and were standing still while others were walked around driftless, bumping into each other and asking questions.

“Have you seen a kid yay high, brown hair black eyes?”

“Has anyone seen a girl wearing a blue dress with a black necklace?”

“Markus?! Are you here?!”

Willa tried her best to avoid them and keep following the coin. Suddenly, someone pushed her from behind and she fell, the coin flying out of her hand. The sweet smelling flowers of Asphodel would have hidden it completely if not for its orange glow. the heat of the coin was burning the plant, causing a strong aroma to waft near her face. She scrambled to her feet, keeping her eyes on the coin as people stepped on it.

If I lose that coin, she thought. I’ll never find my mother.

Willa darted forward and pushed people out of the way to pick it up. The orange glow had started to recede, and Willa began to panic.

Was she walking away? Where is she going? Where could she be?

Willa waved it around, waiting for the orange signal to get bigger when the whole coin turned bright orange, broiling the skin on her fingers. She dropped it in shock and wondered if it was broken when someone put their hand on her shoulder.

“Willa… Is that you?”

Willa turned and saw her mother looking just like she did that night, all those years ago.

“Mom!” She screamed. “They hugged each other fiercely and cried tears of joy.

“It’s been so long,” her mother began. “I don’t understand, everyone told me that anyone that dies by a god’s hand is automatically sent to the Underworld, but you never showed-”

“They made me a goddess, mom. For standing up to Zeus when he was hurting you.”

“That’s… that’s unbelievable baby, I’m so proud of you.” Willa’s mom hugged her again and she never felt happier or safer than at that moment. She closed her eyes and imagined that she and her mother were completely alone, away from the massive cluster of souls walking around. When she opened them again, they were all gone. They were standing on a hill, all alone, surrounded by beautiful flowers and an infinitely setting sun. A warm breeze blew their hair over their faces and carried the scent of the flowers through the air.

“How the, what just happened?” Willa asked her mother.

“Hades is a kinder soul than you think. Some people have anxiety, or they find one person they’ve been waiting eternity for. If they wish for a private moment Hades will know, and sometimes he will give it to them.”

Willa looked around the endless field for a moment and picked up a flower.

“Mom… I’m not here to stay. I’m on a mission.” Willa looked at the coin, which was still orange but now softly humming. “I have to find the Oracle in Elysium.”

“Why did you..you came to see me, didn’t you?”

Willa nodded.

“I don’t remember much, but why would the Oracle be in Elysium?” Her mother asked.

“The spirit stayed with the host’s soul somehow, and Apollo sent me to find her.” Willa replied

“Quests are extremely important. You shouldn’t waste anymore time here.”

“I know.”

“EVITA” A voice whispered. It sounded as if it was carried by the breeze of the wind.

“Our isolation is almost over. That’s Hades calling my name.” Evita replied.

“I would have come to visit you sooner but no one told me it was possible. I’m not even sure Zeus would have allowed me to.”

“How is he now? He must’ve felt guilty about what he did.” Evita replied.

“No, he didn’t!” Willa snapped. “If he did you wouldn’t be in Asphodel. Hera made me a goddess, not him, and-”

“Hera?!” said Evita mystified.

“Yeah.” Willa answered, puzzled. “Why?”

“Zeus warned me about her. He said she would be outraged if she found out about me.”

“She’s been nicer than he ever was.” Willa commented. “He just killed a friend of mine because he thought we were too close.”

“You need to protect yourself and your friends from him. Zeus is a madman. Promise me you won’t let him control you.”

Willa smiled. “I promise. Aphrodite and Hera are on my side. Once this quest is over, I’ll come visit again, okay?”

Evita frowned. “No. I don’t want to see you here alive or dead. You’re capable of so much more. Don’t come here because of me. Seek out your own eternal happiness and I’ll be happy for you.”

They both smiled and hugged each other one last time. When they separated hundreds of people rematerialized all around them, and the cries of people looking for their loved ones filled their ears again. Willa picked up the coin and it stopped glowing instantly. Both sides were cool to the touch. She walked over to a short man and tapped his shoulder.

“Excuse me sir, who did you say you were looking for?”

“My son, Jeremiah. Have you seen him? He has blue eyes and a scar on his cheek-”

“I haven’t, but this coin can lead you to him. Follow the orange light on the side, see?” Willa placed it into his hand and the edge of the coin began to glow again, this time it wasn’t pointing in Evita’s direction. Willa looked around to where her mother stood, but she was gone.

“It helped me find my mother, so I know it’ll help you find your son.”

The old man’s eyes widened and he shook her hand, murmuring a prayer under his breath.

“Thank you so much! How can I repay you?” He asked her.

“Just pass it along, so someone else can find happiness.”

I hope Caitlyn didn’t have trouble finding her dad. She thought as she left the man alone to find his son.