Chapter Three

CHAPTER THREE

    “You shouldn’t have done it!” Liru growled at Daien. “The poor creature, depressed, sad.”
    “And his uncle, too.” Daien said, “That is the point.”
    “Break the curse! Don’t make him suffer!” Liru pleaded.
    “If he is worthy.” Daien replied, the black fox looking down at Simon.
    “If he is worthy of what?” Liru asked.
    “If he can de-- What?!” Daien spluttered, outraged, “You sent that little rat Kira down there, didn’t you?!” He turned towards Liru, as, far down below, Kira walked up to Simon, a snake dangling from her mouth.
    “You shouldn’t mess with the lives of mortals, Daien.” Liru said calmly.
    “Neither should you!” Daien spat.
    “You were saying? Worthy of what?” Liru asked, changing the subject
    “If he can defeat Cerberus…” Daien said softly.
    “What? Never! That horrid beast should be locked up forever and never fed or let out - ever!” Liru said,  “None could defeat it!”
    “Tut tut, never say never, my dear,” Daien scolded in a teasing tone. “Anyway, it would grant him his wish. Go to the Other Realms as a human if he loses - or live as a human if he wins.”
    “If he accepts the challenge. If he doesn’t I don’t care, it’ll let him live and spoil your fun,” Liru glared.
    “If he lives I will lift the curse,” Daien said. “I’m not completely acting in self-interest.”
    “Pha!” Liru said, “But if he does accept, though only a fool would,” she added in a mutter, “you must promise to break the curse. Promise by your honor and place as a god.”
    Daien looked slightly worried, but he hid it well, as he nodded. Strands of gold and blue magic wound around both of them.