Mori Calliope: Taker of Souls

"Hey, Calli, wait!", you exclaim, trying to keep up with the reaper. Despite being here so often, you can never get used to the physics of the Underworld. Gravity just isn't the same here as it is on Earth.

"Pfft, whatever," she scoffs, not even glancing back at you, "Get moving. We have business in Yomi."

If you weren't aware, the Underworld is divided into five domains, those being Hell, Tartarus, Yomi, Duat, and Youdo. You've been here long enough, but the Underworld still kind of creeps you out. Although you've always felt comfortable at Yomi, considering it's where the capital, and, by extension, Death-sensei, is.

"Why are we heading there?" you question.

"We've met our quota for today," she replies, still not looking back, "Why?"

"No reason, just curious..." you mutter, somewhat intimidated. You've known each other for so long, yet you still can't help but be alarmed whenever she says something mildly threatening. God, it feels so long ago...

...

It was... about a year ago, I believe? You were out late at night running some errands, and you spotted something odd. It was a strange light, blue and shining bright. Curious, you reached out and took it. It was gaseous, yet you could hold it. You took it home, unsure of what it was or what to do with it. That night, you were woken by the sound of footsteps. Frightened, you grabbed a flashlight to investigate. You'll never forget the sight. A beautiful yet threatening girl with long pink hair, wearing a strange leather garment and wielding a long black scythe. You couldn't help but feel allured by her, but you came to your senses and mustered the courage to speak to her.

"W-who are you?" you questioned, "Why are you in my house?"

"You took a soul. Most humans can't do that..." she said. She appeared to be puzzled by you. She briefly examined you, arms crossed. "How did you take that soul?"

"I... don't know what you're talking about," you claimed, but then you glanced at the blue light you found earlier. "Wait, are you talking about that blue thing I found last night?"

"Yes, that would be a soul," she said. A ping of frustration can be heard in her voice.

"I don't know, I just... grabbed it?" you said. It was such an odd experience for you, it was difficult to articulate into words.

"...I see," she said, serious. "Come with me, I'll take you to Death-sensei. Maybe he knows something about this..."

She grabbed you by the arm and raises her hand towards the the ground. A pentagram suddenly surrounded you and, in the blink of an eye, we were in the Underworld. It was quite barren, from what you remember. Leafless trees, dark grey sand, and a lava pool here and there was the only scenery for quite a while. You were terrified, but you pressed onwards, fascinated by the strange landscape. Before long, you arrived to a large city. "Welcome to Rengoku, the capital of the Underworld," the girl proclaimed. You begun wandering the streets with her, and quickly realized you were out of place. All sorts of creatures dwelled there, and none looked like you. Soon enough, an odd group of beings decided to block your way.

"Ay, Mori, what the hell are you doing, bringing a human here?" the one in the middle shouted. He looked like a cross between a man and a leopard. The sight gave you chills.

"I've got my reasons, Ose. I need to meet with Death-sensei." she said, giving them a glare.

"Heh, no way. We're gonna take that loser's soul first," Ose proudly proclaimed. He and his gang started to motion towards you.

"H-Hey guys, calm down," you managed to whisper. Just then, the girl ran toward you and pulled her scythe on them.

"Tch. Lazy asses, not even bothering to go into the human realm to meet your soul quotas?" she scoffs. Threatening the creatures with her scythe, we managed to get through the crowd. "Look for a different profession. Reaping clearly isn't for you."

You decided you should thank the girl. You managed to squeak out a "Thank you". She doesn't say anything. Unsatisfied by her silence, you decided to strike conversation. "So... you're a reaper?"

"That's right. Death's first apprentice." she said.

"I-I see..." you stammered, unsure of what to say to such a claim, "And you're taking me to this Death?"

"That's right. You have the potential of Fate." the girl said, "We're running low on good reapers these days, so any help will do."

"Wait a minute, you want me to become a reaper?!" you exclaimed.

"Not really, to be honest, but Death-sensei might." the girl replied coldly.

You continued walking in silence. Soon enough, you arrived at a large mansion. It was a little gaudy, but you kept those comments to yourself and followed the female reaper's lead.

"This is Death-sensei's place. Don't say anything unnecessary and keep your hands to yourself." she warned. She opened the door, and you were greeted by a large foyer. Photos of various creatures that you assume to be residents of the Underworld lined the walls, and twin staircases led the way to a large room. The female reaper opened the door, and you found the man himself, Death. You gulped. Large tattered robes covered his body, but you were able to make out a skull for a face beyond his clothing. He sat at a desk, appearing as though he was filling out paperwork of some sort.

"Death-sensei." the reaper bowed.

"Mori." Death replied, not looking away from the large stack of papers he was filling out.

"I just returned from the Mortal Realm, and I've found a human who can hold souls. I'd appreciate it if you took a look at him." the reaper explained.

This was enough to make him look up. He took a good, long look at you, then returned to his work. "He's got Fate."

The female reaper nodded. "I came to the same conclusion. What should we do with him?"

"You know better than anyone we're running low on good reapers these days. He needs to be trained," Death said, "Can you train him for me?"

The reaper looked shocked by this. "But Death-sensei, I've got my hands full as it is-"

"I can't trust anyone else with this job, Mori. Anyone else would be too incompetent. And of course you'd be compensated for your efforts." Death claimed.

"I-I see..." the reaper stared at the ground, "I'll do what I can."

Death returned to his work and we left the mansion. The reaper spoke up. "I'm your teacher now I suppose. I'm Mori Calliope, Death's first apprentice. You can call me Calli."

...

After what feels like years, you make it to Yomi. You take a look at your pouch. 29 souls... with Calli's 41, we've met our quota for today. We head towards Death-sensei's mansion and put the souls on a table in the foyer.

"Looks like we've got the rest of the day off," you say, "Wanna go to Grendel's?"

"Sure." Calli accepts. Soon enough, you arrive to your destination. Most of the food in the Underworld is pretty shitty, but Grendel's never disappoints. You open the door, and you are greeted by a lovely cinnamon smell. They've still got cinnamon rolls in stock! You order a few and take a seat with Calli in a nearby booth. It looks like she ordered a milk tea. She takes a sip and strikes conversation.

"Hey, do you ever feel roped into this whole thing?" Calli asks nonchalantly, taking another sip.

"What, you mean reaping?" you say, "Sometimes, but I'm glad it happened."

"Why's that?" Calli questions.

"Well, before you met me, I wasn't really doing much with my life..." you admit, "But I feel reaping is my purpose. If that makes any sense."

"Hm," Calli ponders, "I've never felt that way about reaping."

You sit in silence for a few seconds. Curious, you question her.

"Then what do you think is your purpose?" you ask.

"Never really thought about it, to be honest," Calli said, "Don't get me wrong, I love reaping, but I don't share the passion you have for it."

"Well, what are you passionate about?" you question.

"Well..." the reaper begins to blush, "I've always liked music. Rap especially."

"You should pursue that, then." you urge.

"I mean, I would if I could, but the Underworld needs reapers like you and me," Calli said discontently, "This is my job, I need to do it."

"Hey, don't be afraid to ask for my help," you smile, "I'll take on some extra work in your stead."

"A-are you sure?" Calli questions, seemingly taken aback by your kindness.

"I've already said reaping makes me feel fulfilled. Find something that makes you fulfilled, too." you says.

"I..." the reaper stammers, then returns to her usual, calm self, "Thank you. There are some opportunities I've been looking into for quite some time."

"Of course," you say, "Pursue what makes you happy, okay?"

"I will." Calli agrees, smiling.