Ever returned home and expected to be the prodigal son? I never did. But I did expect the respect I had earned, not the jeering, knives, hands, feet and elbows being thrown at me.

Wreaths of fire enveloped me after walking a few dozen yards past the entrance to protect me as well as make sure I couldn't escape.

"Firehawk, it's good to see you!" I recognized the flames immediately. "The flames are so that you can actually stand trial for all your transgressions, Marethyu," the Firehawk says. "Now go to the infirmary." Mistress Nyx and Phoenix follow the two of us, the rest having been disbanded and sent to their respective lodgings. "I did my best while out in the field, Mistress," says Phoenix. "I have heard the stories of how reckless he is, but seeing it in person is something else." Chuckling, Firehawk replies, "I know he had his nanobots reawakened. Mistress Nyx, you wouldn't know anything about that would you?" Without missing a beat, Nyx replies, "Last I knew, they were dormant. The only thing that could reawaken them is in the infirmary, Lady of Fire."

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Once inside the infirmary, the flames dissipated. “Strip,” the one simple command from Lilith the Firehawk brings back fond memories. I resist the urge to make a snide remark, I am guessing my face gave me away though since Lilith and Nyx both smacked me. Phoenix just watched with a confused look.

"Ow. Was that necessary?" I grimace as I rub my head. They both answer simultaneously, "Yes." I stripped off the rags that were once clothes. Immediately, Firehawk tackles me with a hug. Her flames envelope us, completely obscuring us from sight. I can hear Phoenix gasp, being taken aback by the sudden change in the attitude and approach that Firehawk is healing me.

Firehawk and I were lovers before I was in charge of the Underworld. It wasn't uncommon for the head healer and the head assassin becoming close friends or something more. When the flames completely surrounded Firehawk and me, her clothes turned into flames. Both of us were completely nude, embracing each other. As our lips met, I feel all of my injuries fully healing and - going further than what I felt was called for - reawakened my nanobots. When we pull away, Firehawk's robes return and my ebony robes appear on my body. "It's good to be wearing these again," I say, a determined glint in my eyes. “Now then, onto business. How do I take back over the Underworld from Seraph?”