Chapter 14

(One Month Later)

It was around five am when Vanessa started to feel ill. She had been moaning in her sleep and clutching her stomach. Goggle was doing his best to comfort her; and suggested that she go to the bathroom. It was a good thing he had suggested it. As soon as she reached the bathroom, she was kneeling over the toilet vomiting. Goggle rubbed her back and assured her that she would feel better soon. Goggle was worried. Vanessa wasn't usually so pale. at around six, the heaving finally stopped. Vanessa washed out her mouth; then was helped back into bed by Goggle.

"What has come over me? I feel so unwell." Said Vanessa.

Goggle held her close to him. He watched as Vanessa started to fall back to sleep.

"I dunno honey. Perhaps y'all is sick with a bug or somethin'." Goggle replied.

"Ruby 'n' I have to go to Jeb's anyway today to get some things. I'll ask if he has anything to cure ya."

Vanessa nodded. At Breakfast, Vanessa hardly touched her food. Papa Jupiter looked at her in bewilderment.


"What's wrong girly? Ya ain't touched your bacon. Don' tell me y'all have gone all anti-meat on us." He said.

"No Papa. I haven't gone vegetarian. I'm just not hungry." She responded.

"You poor thing. Is everything all right?" Asked Big Mama.

"Not really. I woke up sick this morning Mama."

Jupiter quirked an eye brow.

"Ya feel sick? That ain't good." He then said.

"I'm gonna see if Jeb has anything that can help her. Ruby, finish your breakfast and get your shoes on. We got shoppin' to do today." Goggle said.

"Oh Goggle do I have to? Hansel 'n' I were going to go explore the mines today." She retorted.

"You can see your sweetheart later. Right now I need ya to help me get some food, water, gas, and formula."

Ruby nodded. She finished her meal and quickly got her shoes on. The sooner she got done helping her brother, the sooner she could be with Hansel. Goggle chuckled softly. Ruby and Hansel were close friends, but ever since Hansel had joined Jupiter's clan - it seemed they were now more than friends. Goggle didn't mind the youngest son of Hades courting his little sister; so long as he didn't try anything stupid. They then left the house to go to Jeb's.


(Gas Haven/Jeb's Place)

Jeb had just opened his store for the day. He looked up at the near by hills. He sighed and shook his head. He then lit a cigar and puffed out the smoke.

"I dunno how much more of this I can do." He grumbled.

"Howdy Jeb!" Goggle greeted.

Jeb smiled and waved, as he approached Goggle.

"G'morning Goggle, and you too Ruby. What can I do for ya today?"

"We need some things from your store Jeb. Don't worry, I have payment." Goggle said.

Jeb watched as Goggle pulled out from his pocket a very expensive watch.

"From my Papa's last hunt. Those music fest goers seemed to be loaded with valuables."

Jeb nodded and opened his store.

"Take what ya need." Was all he said.


Goggle and Ruby went inside; and gathered what they needed in a duffle bag. Goggle then tapped Jeb on the shoulder, while Jeb was taking inventory of the items behind the counter. Jeb turned to face the male mutant.

"What d'ya want Goggle?" He asked.

"Vanessa woke up feeling sick this morning Jeb. D'ya have anything to cure her?" Goggle replied.

Jeb quirked an eyebrow.

"Sick in the morning ya say? Goggle, why don't you and I step in the back for a minute. I don't feel comfortable askin' personal questions in front of Ruby."

Goggle nodded.

"Sure Jeb. Ruby, I'm heading into the back with Jeb. Don't leave the store without me."

In the back of the store, Jeb took a swig from an opened Jack Daniel's. Goggle looked at the various headlines pinned up on the wall.

"So lemme ask ya this Goggle. Have you 'n' Vanessa 'laid together' yet?" Asked Jeb.

Goggle nodded.


"Yes. We did. Quite a few times actually." Replied Goggle.

"Okay, has she had her 'time of the month' yet? I noticed Amy 'n' Ruby came 'round to buy their sanitary products. However, it seemed Vanessa didn't have a need to come get hers."

"Nah Jeb. Vanessa has plenty of stuff for that; but she ain't been using it."

Jeb nodded. He took a puff of his cigar.

"Goggle, I suspect Vanessa might be sick indeed; but it ain't from a bug. Next to the feminine products, there is a small group of tiny pink boxes. I highly recommend ya take one." He then said.

Now, it was Goggle's turn to quirk an eyebrow.

"How will one of them boxes help?" He asked

"It's possible that Vanessa might be pregnant." Jeb answered.

Goggle almost choked on his share of Jeb's Jack Daniel's.

"I mean we want a baby sure; but I dunno Jeb. What if she doesn't accept it or somethin'?"

Jeb nodded in understanding. He then placed his hand over Goggle's shoulder.

"Goggle, listen to me. You and Vanessa are married. You love each other enough to want to build your family. I'm sure Vanessa will love the baby unconditionally." He then said.

Goggle grinned and nodded. Jeb patted Goggle on the back.


"You're so much like your Grandma Karen and Mama Goggle. That is to say, you have a big heart with enough room for everyone in it. I'm glad that neither Jupiter, nor your uncle Hades could ever break that in ya."

Goggle then went back into the store to help Ruby finish the shopping. He had just placed the pregnancy test in the bag Ruby was holding; when he heard someone pulling up to the station. The driver of the vehicle then began to honk the horn. Goggle looked at his petrified sister.

"Ruby, take the stuff 'n' stay hidden." Goggle said.

"But Goggle, what will you do?" She asked.

"Don't worry about me. Just do as I say." He replied.


Ruby nodded and hid in the back of the store. Goggle quickly covered his mutated face. He did not agree with most of his Papa's teachings. However, he was raised to fear the outsiders; as much as to hate them. Jupiter always told him that outsiders would kill him first chance they got. Big Brain often said that it was better that the clan killed them first. Goggle kept his gaze downward and made it look like he was merely looking for something, when someone from vehicle came in. Goggle glanced up, he saw the person that had entered was an older woman. She was followed by, and older gentleman. Goggle could tell he was her husband. Two younger women, two younger men and a baby also followed. The baby was being carried by the young man who was obviously the father. Goggle patted his side. He was thankful that he thought to bring his pistol. Lord only knew what these outsiders are doing here; and so close to his family's land too. Suddenly, he felt someone tap him on the shoulder. Goggle struggled to keep himself under control, as he felt the primitive urge to fight or flee rise up in him. He then turned to see it was one of the younger women.

"Hey do you work here?" She asked.

"I help out 'round here." Goggle fibbed.

"Do you know where the restroom is?"

"There is an outhouse 'round the back. I'm sure Jeb won't mind if ya use it."

The younger woman nodded and thanked him as she rushed out the store. Goggle sighed softly.


So far so good. Maybe these outsiders will just grab some food and go on their way. He thought to himself.

Goggle continued to keep to himself, as much as he could. When another one of the outsiders tried to approach him, Goggle acted like something caught his attention; and he'd put space between him and them. Currently, Goggle was by the outsiders' trailer. He was contemplating on whether he had enough time to enter the trailer, and steal some extra food and supplies. Suddenly, the young man who was holding the baby came up to him.

"Hey, can you hold my little girl for a second? I got to check something with my phones. I sell them and duty calls - literally." He said.

Goggle nodded.

"Sure. Give 'er here." He replied.

The man passed his baby to Goggle. It was difficult, because the baby girl was fussy.

"I'm sorry. Normally Catherine isn't this fussy. However, she hasn't been sleeping well on this road trip. I'm Doug by the way." Doug then said.

Goggle nodded. Catherine was still very fussy, as he held her. Glancing over at Doug, Goggle realized he was wrapped up in his work.


"Well Catherine, looks like it's just you 'n' me until your papa is done playin' around with them gadgets." Goggle said.

At hearing his voice, Catherine stopped her fussing. The little baby smiled adorably up at Goggle. Goggle chuckled, as Catherine began to mouth his hand.

"Hehehehe. I guess you are hungry; ain't ya? Well, I guess they won't mind if i just went in to feed ya."

Goggle was about to enter the trailer with the baby, when Doug put his cell phones back in his pocket.

"Thanks for holding Catherine. I never got your name." Said Doug.

"It's Goggle." Goggle replied.

"Oh is that like some sort of nickname the old man gave you?"

"Ya could say that."

"Well Goggle, thanks for holding my baby."

"Don't worry 'bout it Doug. I'd feed her if was you though. She was eating my hand in her mouth like it was a bottle."


Doug nodded. Catherine cooed and reached up to Goggle. He froze, as she pressed her tiny hand over his bandanna. She then pulled the cover down. Doug could see the mutation Goggle was hiding. He tried to hide his shock. Catherine stared up at Goggle wide eyed. However, instead of crying, Catherine giggled and touched the side of his face playfully. Doug smiled slightly.

"It seems you have a way with children Goggle." He said.

Goggle nodded. Catherine then began to babble aimlessly.

The rest of the family then came out of the store. Goggle covered up his mutation and handed the baby back to her father. Once the family got all settled into their vehicle and trailer, Jeb talked to the older man in the driver seat about the 'short cut'. Goggle couldn't let this family go there. They'd all be killed. He had enough of helping his family hunt. These outsiders posed no threat. Why should they be killed?

"Excuse me sir." Goggle said.

"Jeb here is a tad forgetful at times. The shortcut he talks about used to be a road back from the days when these parts was a booming mining town. Made going to 'n' from work easier. However, that road is old, busted, and treacherous. The hills out there are also so weak and broken from all that drilling 'n' digging; that rock slides happen under almost daily basis. Trust me folks, you're better stayin' on the main road. Ain't that right Jeb?"

"Goggle.." Jeb began to say.

"Ain't that right Jeb?" Goggle then said.


Goggle discreetly showed Jeb his pistol. Jeb knew it was best to not continue pushing the subject further.

"Goggle's right folks. My mistake. Safe travels."

The family then drove off. Goggle turned to see Ruby had come out of hiding.

"Can we go home now?" She asked.

"Sure thing Ruby." Goggle replied.

They then left the gas station, and went back to their village.

(A Few Days Later)

Goggle had just finished sparring with Cyst and Pluto. After Pluto left, Cyst had gathered Amy into his arms; and carried her off to his house. For most of the mutant men in the village, sparring got them in the mood for other things. Goggle in this case, was no different than his kin. Goggle hurried back to his house to see his wife. As he entered the kitchen, Vanessa could sense what Goggle wanted; and it wasn't the food in the pot. Turning off the stove, Vanessa walked up to Goggle and kissed him. Goggle wasted no time in deepening the kiss, and grinding up against her. Vanessa's legs once again turned to jelly. She fell right into his arms. Goggle then carried her up the stairs to their room.

On the bed, Goggle had finished tying Vanessa to the bed, like she was back in Hades lair. However, this time instead of straps, it was silk scarves Goggle had found.


"Are ya comfortable?" Goggle asked.

"Yes." She replied.

"The scarves ain't too tight are they?"

"No."

Goggle grinned, as he kissed her deeply. He combed his fingers through her hair. Goggle then held her close.

"Do ya need me?" He then asked seductively.

Vanessa nodded, with a soft yes. Goggle then began to unbutton the front of her house dress. He then began to kiss her neckline, and slowly made his way to her breasts. Vanessa moaned, as Goggle began to kiss and even lightly suck her breasts. Vanessa's breath hitched, she loved how Goggle could arouse her so easily. Goggle then made his way further down. He could feel how moist she was in between her legs.

"Do I make you wet darlin'? Are ya wet for Goggle?" Said Goggle huskily.

"Oh yes." Vanessa panted.


Goggle chuckled and stroked the side of her face.

"You need me. Don't ya my little princess?"

Vanessa nodded. Goggle then took off his shirt. Vanessa blushed, even though she had seen Goggle shirtless plenty of times. She sighed and moaned in pleasure, as Goggle entered her.

When Goggle finished, he untied Vanessa. She snuggled up against him. Goggle held her to him. Vanessa fell asleep listening to his heart beat.

(A Week Later)

Vanessa was collecting Goggle's dirty clothes to wash. She then saw the rosaries Goggle had taken from the dead woman's purse when he had gone to confront Lizard. Vanessa pulled out from the coat pocket, the rosaries to take a better look. Why did these particular beads look familiar? She then saw the note the woman had written. Vanessa recognized the writing as her cousin, Maria's handwriting style.

Please. Please don't let this be Maria. She thought to herself.

To Vanessa's horror, the note was indeed written in Maria's hand. It explained that she wished to meet with the family to reconcile. The note was written as follows:

To My Beloved Family,

By the time you find this letter, if that ever happens at all; I shall be dead. I was on my way from Washington to New York to meet with you. I'm sure you have many questions. Just know that I made a terrible mistake by leaving; and beg your forgiveness. I wish to be a part of everyone's life again. Especially in the life my dear baby cousin. I'm am being held captive by a malformed man called Lizard. He is pure evil. I beg anyone who finds this note - if they ever do - to stay away from this horrible place. If you cannot find my body, don't come looking for it. Just leave it wherever it may be. However, please know that I love you all; and I'm so sorry for everything I have done.

Love,

Maria


Vanessa trembled, as she read the note twice and three times over. The dead woman Goggle disposed of was her cousin, Maria. Vanessa dropped the note and looked at the rosaries. Her heart broke. Knowing the kind of man Lizard was; Vanessa was sure that her cousin's death was not peaceful.

"Oh Maria. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Vanessa said softly.

Goggle then entered the room and saw Vanessa was crying. He hurried over to her side and held her close.

"Vanessa, darlin'; what is wrong? Why are you so sad?" Goggle asked.

"Go away! You helped murder my cousin, Maria!" Vanessa shouted.

Goggle needed a minute to process everything. He then saw the discarded note, the rosaries, and recalled the body he removed from Lizard's house. He was put everything together.

"Oh my love, I'm so sorry. I dunno what to say." He then said.

Vanessa tried to push Goggle away. Goggle was undeterred by it. Then, Vanessa began to hit him, hoping to put him off. However, Goggle simply embraced her closer to him; never minding the hitting. Vanessa eventually stopped hitting him; and cried on his shoulder. Goggle rubbed her back; and encouraged her to let it all out. When she calmed down, Goggle continued to hold her lovingly.

"What was your cousin doing out here?" Asked Goggle.

"She was trying to go back to New York. She wanted to reconcile with my family. A few years prior; she and my family had a huge falling out. So she left New York for Washington. I guess things weren't going well for her; so she figured she'd come home. I guess she got lost; and Lizard found her." Replied Vanessa.


Goggle felt his stomach drop. He remembered her now. He remembered all of the victims he reported to Jupiter. She had wailed long into the night. Goggle remembered being unable to sleep; because of how loudly Maria had screamed. He had no idea what his brother had been doing to her. That was until he had first discovered her corpse. It made Goggle sick thinking that he shared genetic material with such a foul creature like Lizard. He silently wished that his wicked brother was still alive, just to kill him again.

"Vanessa, I truly cannot tell ya how sorry I am for your loss. I swear, I had no clue that that woman was your kin. I would have handled things differently if I had known. I wish I could have read that note; but it was written in some sort of code." Goggle then said.

Vanessa laughed. Goggle looked at her confused.

"It's not a code Goggle. It's Italian. My family all speak it fluently." Vanessa explained.

"Oh. I see. It was in another language." He responded.


Goggle then kissed Vanessa. He felt terrible about everything he'd done to her. It seemed all he could do was hurt her. Her friends and cousin were dead because of his work; and she'd never see her family again. True, he had saved her; but did he really? She was also now possibly carrying his baby. There is no way her people would accept her now. Her life - at least the life she knew back in New York - was over. Goggle sighed forlornly.

"I just wish I could do something to make things right." He said.

"I don't want to hurt you. But all I seemed to have done is hurt ya. Your friends are gone. Your cousin is gone. I've taken everything from you. I dunno how ya can love me. I'm evil; just like Lizard. Just like every other Sawney Bean."

Vanessa brushed the tears falling from Goggle's eyes. Now, she held him lovingly to her.

"You're not evil Goggle. A little touched in the head, but not not evil. You didn't take advantage of me; like the rest of your family would have. You risked your life to rescue me from Hades. You promised me closure with my lost friends. You also kept your promise to keep me safe while I've been living here. You even salvaged my cousin's rosaries; and helped me reconcile with her in my heart. If that's what you call evil; I'd hate to see what you call good." Said Vanessa.

Goggle chuckled at her humorous remark. He had to admit that she was right.

"And never doubt how much I love you Goggle."


Goggle nodded. He then remembered the pregnancy test he got from the gas station.

"I told Jeb how sick you were the other day. He thinks you might be pregnant. He gave me one of these pregnancy tests from his store." Goggle then said.

He then handed her the pink box.

"You want me to take it Goggle?" She asked.

Goggle nodded. Vanessa took the box and went into the bathroom with it. A minute later, she came out.

"How long we gotta wait for results?" Asked Goggle.

"Three minutes." She replied.

Goggle and Vanessa laid on the bed and waited for the results.


(Papa Jupiter's House)

Big Mama was tossing and turning, as she slept in her bed.

"No! Not my baby! Not my son! Goggle look out!" She screamed.

Jupiter shot out of his slumber, after hearing his wife cry out their son's name. He turned himself over and held his beloved wife close to him. Big Mama trembled in her spouse's embrace.

"It's okay Aileen. It was only a nightmare. Goggle is fine. He's probably enjoying his wife; as a young man should. D'ya wanna talk about it?" Jupiter said.

Big Mama, aka Aileen, nodded. She then took a calming breath.

"I saw the 'Washer Woman'. She was washing blood off of Goggle's clothes and weeping. Oh Jupiter; it was awful. I think our son's life is in danger." She replied.

Jupiter tried to keep his insides from churning. Goggle was very different from Mars and Lizard. However, he was still his son. Papa Jupiter would gladly protect his children right 'til the last breath in his body. If Goggle's life was in danger; the fool who dared put him at risk would pay dearly.


Who would be so stupid, as to threaten my boy? Jupiter wondered.

Jupiter then saw tears running down his wife's face. She always believed in signs and omens. After all, she was a flower child when Jupiter first found her. Jupiter smiled; as he recalled the day he first laid eyes on his wife. He then tenderly brushed her tears away. The aging mutant couple then shared a passionate kiss.

"After all these years, you can still take my breath away." He said.

"You always make me feel like I am still the young girl I once was." She replied.

Jupiter nuzzled his wife. Big Mama sighed as she began to fall back to sleep against her husband. Jupiter rubbed her back soothingly.

"Ain't nothing gonna happen to our boy Aileen. Y'all just are worried, because ya love our youngins so much."

With that, he too fell back asleep.


Here is Chapter 14. Reviews are love