Chapter 17

(Two Months Later)

Big Mama was restless. Her nightmares were getting worse. She knew her son's life was in danger. The washer woman kept appearing to her with the warning. Big Mama then shook her husband lightly.

"Jupiter? Jupiter, wake up." She said.

Papa Jupiter groaned; and looked at his wife.

"Another nightmare Aileen?" He asked.

Big Mama nodded.

"I just know Goggle is in danger. Oh Jupiter, I can't sleep knowing he is out there. General Ryan wants our boy dead." She replied.

Jupiter nodded. He then kissed his wife.

"Listen, today we will go to see Goggle, and the baby. Besides, I need to go over some things with my boy." Said Jupiter.

Big Mama smiled, and hugged her husband. She always felt better when she saw her grandson.


(Goggle's House)

Big Mama smiled, as she held her tiny grandson. Apollo cooed and babbled. Vanessa was mending one of Goggle's shirts. Meanwhile, Goggle and Jupiter discussed defensive actions for when General Ryan would return. They agreed that their priority would be to get the women and children of the village to safety. However, the center attack was where Papa Jupiter and Goggle disagreed.

"Papa, we have the advantage if we brought the fight below ground. We know the mines well enough. I could even have Hansel and Cyst rig traps before Ryan's return. That way, we will be ready for them." He said.

"No. It's too risky. One of the soldiers might find the women 'n' children. We should take the fight into the hills; like last time. Ya can still set traps in advanced; and we still have the advantage." Jupiter replied.

Goggle nodded. His father had a good point. To risk the women and children being found, risked the survival of the family.

"Perhaps, we could take the fight far into the hills 'n' out by Hades' former territory. We could lure the soldiers into the mines there. That way, the women 'n' children will still be safe; and we'd still have the advantage." Goggle then said.


Jupiter thought about the plan. He then nodded.

"Sounds good." He responded.

Goggle breathed a sigh of relief. Jupiter chuckled.

"Not so easy being a leader; is it boy?"

"How'd ya do it Papa? Come up with stuff like this?"

"I learned it all from Mother Karen. I also had your Uncle Hades helpin'; before he turned on me."

Goggle nodded. He was learning a lot from his father about his new role as leader. He was still not used to being called 'sir', and being admired by the whole clan. He was more familiar with the clan ignoring him, until they needed something; or were going to get him in trouble with his father. Goggle then remembered how his older brothers always talked about inheriting the position of leader. Mars always said he'd be willing to share his position with Lizard and Goggle. However, Lizard never liked sharing. He would have been pissed if he had to have shared his power.

Thank God that bastard is dead. He'd have stopped at nothing to put me in the ground; so he could be the only leader. Goggle thought.

Goggle's thoughts were broken; when Vanessa tapped him on the shoulder. Goggle smiled at his wife.

"What is it Vanessa?" He asked.

"Mama would like to keep Apollo over at her and Papa's house tonight." She replied.

Goggle nodded.

"Sure. It's fine with me." He responded.

That night, Goggle and Vanessa made love like they did the first time.


(A Few Months Later)

The morning sickness had returned. Vanessa knew immediately she was pregnant again. The recent test Jeb sent her confirmed it. Goggle was overjoyed. Another baby was on the way; and so soon. Apollo was already starting to say a few words. Word quickly spread about Vanessa's pregnancy. However, that was not the only good news to be had. Amy and Cyst were expecting another baby as well, and Hansel had asked for Ruby to be his wife. Goggle was very happy for his sister and Cyst.

The next day, Goggle and Vanessa were traveling down to Jeb's to get more supplies. Little did they know the danger that awaited them along the way. As they walked, Delmar was watching them rom behind some rocks. Delmar then spoke into his walkie talkie.

"General Ryan, it's Delmar. Do you copy sir?" He said.

"This is General Ryan. Yes Delmar, I copy. Do you see him?" Ryan responded.

"I saw him. That Goggle fella. He's with a young lady, about the age of one the missing New York kids."

"Excellent. Give the signal."

"Roger that sir."


Delmar gave the signal. Goggle and Vanessa were soon surrounded by soldiers. They were trapped.

"We've been ambushed! Run my love!" Goggle said.

Vanessa clung to Goggle in fear.

"I can't leave you!" She replied.

"Just run! Don't worry about me! Now go! Go!"

Vanessa nodded. She began to run away back towards the village. However, when she looked back; she saw Goggle was being overpowered by the soldiers. Vanessa began to run back towards Goggle - who was trying ti fight off the soldiers on his own.

"Leave him alone!" She yelled.

She tried pulling a soldier off of Goggle. However, the soldier simply threw her aside. Vanessa's felt very dizzy and her vision was blurring. She had hit her head when she fell. Goggle had seen what the soldier had done; and it made him snap. His gentle, warm blue eyes became hardened and cold with rage. He could smell her sweet blood leaking from a cut caused by the fall. Goggle growled like a mad dog; and he went after the soldier responsible. The soldier had no time to react to the assault. Goggle then grabbed the soldier by the throat.

"You'll die for that you bastard!" Goggle shouted.


Moving fast, Goggle drew his knife; and ran it through the soldier's stomach. The soldier could only cry out in agony; as Goggle gutted him. The soldier then fell lifeless at Goggle's feet. Goggle felt something consume him. It was need to kill the interloping soldiers. Slowly, Vanessa raised her head a bit to see that her husband was covered in blood. She gasped; as he looked utterly unhinged. It seemed like Jupiter's corruption had finally caught up with her husband. Goggle, in his madness, flashed a cruel and sadistic smile. He was ready to slice every uniformed outsider to pieces; and serve them to his kin on a hot platter. When another soldier tried to approach him; Goggle whipped out his pistol. A bullet was sent into the throat of the other soldier. Clutching his throat, the soldier collapsed and bled out. Vanessa tried to stand up; but fell back down. She had to get to Goggle. She had to calm him down. This murderous beast wasn't him. It wasn't the man she loved. Wasting no more time, she began to crawl towards Goggle.

"G-Goggle. I'm fine. You can stop now." She said softly.

"Please Goggle. They might kill you if you don't stop." She continued.

Goggle could hear her voice cut through the roaring of the beast inside him.

"Goggle, I beg you. Come back to me."

Kill them! Kill them all!

"Please snap out of it Goggle."

Make them pay! Make 'em all pay!

"Goggle, this isn't like you."

Make them suffer!

"Please listen to me."

No Goggle! Listen to me!


Goggle froze in that moment and clutched his head; as if he was having a migraine. The beast inside him, consuming him; was fighting to have complete control over him. Goggle could smell the dead soldiers' blood. It almost caused him to gag. He wanted to cry out for help; but couldn't. Delmar took advantage of the moment; and seized Goggle.

"No!" Vanessa cried out.

Following Delmar's cue, the remaining soldiers all did their part in apprehending Goggle. Missy plunged a syringe full of thorazine into Goggle's neck. Goggle - after some struggle - went limp. Vanessa watched helplessly; as Goggle was taken away by the soldiers.

"No. Oh no." She said weakly.

Resting her injured head in the sand, she wept. Goggle was now a prisoner of General Ryan. As she cried, she did not see a mutant by the name of Reaper appear behind her. He was an ally of Papa Jupiter; and had seen everything happen from his hill. He had heard of the pretty outsider that had stolen Goggle's heart. Even now, despite her wound and dirt covered state; Reaper could see her beauty.

"You are Goggle's wife." He said.

Vanessa looked up, and tried to run. However, when she lost her footing; Reaper caught her.

"Oh no. Goggle's wife must not try and walk or run away. She is hurt. No worry. Reaper will carry you. Reaper will take ya back to Papa Joop." He continued.

Vanessa nodded. She then fell unconscious in Reaper's arms. Reaper frowned, as he noticed tears continue to roll down Vanessa's cheek.


Well, here is Chapter 17. Reviews are love!