Summary: One-shot. Major spoilers. The conversation that Sweetie promised Eddie about the Osirian at end of the season 2 finale. If you haven't seen that, don't read.

The Osirian

So far, all that Eddie had heard from his father was that awkward silence at always seemed to fall between the two. It was maddening. He had so many questions, but couldn't seem to ask them. Finally, he just sucked it up and asked the first one that came to mind.

"Was I right when I said that you only kept me away because I'm the Osirian?" Mr. Sweet seemed a bit surprised by the question that seemed to come out of the blue, but answered.

"Yes. I was afraid you would be in danger if I kept you here." That made sense. Eddie didn't really like it, but it made sense.

"And you knew I was the Osirian?"

"I didn't know for sure," Mr. Sweet said, "but I knew it was possible. It's in our blood." Eddie said nothing. "The Osirian always finds the Chosen One. I knew this, but I had hoped that by leaving you with your mother, you would be safe." Eddie remianed silent for a moment, thinking about what the others had told him about their group before he arrived.

"You thought Joy was the Chosen One and kept me away," he said finally. "But when you learn that Nina's really the Chosen One, you all but beg me to come. Why?" Sweetie sighed.

"There can be Osirians from multipul bloodlines," Mr. Sweet explained. "I thought, the way Ms. Martin and Mr. Rutter bonded that maybe her was her Osirian and that you would be safe." It always came back to that, Eddie realized. All his father cared about was his safety. That made a harsh laugh come out. "What's so funny?"

"My whole life, I thought the reason you abandoned us was because you didn't care. But now I realize that it's because you care too much." A sad look crossed Mr. Sweet's face.

"I'm sorry I made you feel this way," he said sincerely, "but I did what I thought was best for you."

"And still, exactly what you didn't want to happen ended up happening anyway." There was more awkward silence.

"Did the others tell you about the last Chosen One and Osirian?" Mr. Sweet asked after a few moments.

"They said that Sara Frobisher-Smyth was the last Chosen One, but wouldn't tell me who her Osirian was."

"That was wise of them," Sweetie mused. "But I think you desrve to know. They told you about Rufus Zeno, right?"

"Rene?" Mr. Sweet nodded.

"Yes. Rufus was Sara's Osirian." Eddie couldn't pretend he wasn't surprised. And horrified.

"The power went to his head and turned him evil. He failed his duty to protect his Chosen One."

"Why are you telling me this," Eddie asked, his voice small.

"Power corrupts us. That is human nature. You musn't let that happen to you, Edison. Protect your Chosen One, but remain you."

"I will. I promise." And he meant it. He didn't want to end up like Rufus Zeno. That really wasn't a pretty thought.

"I know you will. But I'm afraid I've told you as much as I know. The rest you must figure out on your own." Eddie stood.

"Thanks... Dad."