The glimmer of morning sun illuminating the shallow sea floor awakened Melvin. It was quiet, as always, and peaceful. He was alone in the small structure of shelter he called home. It had been a long journey and he had been so tired. It was surely his weariness that was cause for such strange dreams. Accepting the tranquility of his usual surroundings, Melvin decided to move.<br/><br/>The mind has a strange way of moving back to that which touches our very soul. It is the essence of life, a fact which as a Priest of Hades, Melvin understood. It is also a fact which slipped the mind of this Priest as he drifted to the lifeless body of the mermaid with the purple hair. Perhaps it was the odd appearance of this mermaid, or the lack of memory for how she passed (or how he came to be delivering her) is what moved his thoughts in this direction. At least this is what he told himself.<br/><br/>The shock of seeing the helmet resting on the floor of his shelter did not at first set with him. In fact, he saw it and swam past it three times before actually pausing in front of it. Melvin's expression went from unconcerned to befuddled as if the small hamster turning the wheels in his brain had begun to move in sync with his discovery.<br/><br/>The thing about being chosen as Champion for a quest by a God, you can never be prepared for it. Melvin Crockett, was by this idea, the perfect choice. The notion of worthiness can trouble a man, or merman, long into the darkest nights, and leave the dirty stains of fear, doubt, and mistrust on the very soul. Unfortunately for Melvin, it was just sunrise.<br/><br/>By Merfolk standards, Melvin was still a young merman. Young merman are old men. The notion of causing trouble with the very gift of a God had not crossed his mind. It had crossed his doubt filled mind that perhaps some measure of proof would be needed as to either his sanity or status among the divine. After all, what dark dreams come from the bottom of the ocean? Securing the helmet slightly too large for him atop his head, Melvin went out into the city to see if he was noticed.<br/><br/>By no surprise, he was not noticed. This was how he spent most of his time, but wearing a large and quite silly looking hat, he was sure that SOMEONE would glance in his direction. The point of wearing a magical helmet is easily lost when all you want is to be noticed. Several times he removed the helmet in hopes that someone would see him there. It didn't help. Perhaps it is somewhat of a cruel joke to bestow upon someone a gift which they already possess. It was on this thought that Melvin decided to hang his fate.<br/><br/>California is a long swim. He made long swims to deliver to the Underworld as well. His parents had moved to the land years ago, maybe he would have a chance to visit? He gathered his staff and traveling gear, and set out for the shore of California. The stains forming on his soul in the long night are as invisible as Melvin, even though the helmet lay packed in the pouch on his side.