Chapter 14
Belthazar.
"That's not right! THAT'S NOT RIGHT!" Shaun yelled. Steena was second to get up from the powerful blast from Paul.
"Oh my head." She said rubbing her head softly.
"YOU'RE ALL FREAKS!" Kid screamed. One by one everyone slowly got up and checked on each other. Christy slowly helped Diss up to his feet as Steena had trouble seeing the life in Paul.
"Come on get up." Steena whispered collapsing onto him. Diss walked over and tried to pick Paul up falling down himself.
"Oh my head." Diss whined. Fargo helped himself to a cigar while Serge helped Shaun up.
"Damn lunatic." Kid spat as she looked at Paul. "Could ave killed us all." She said quietly as everyone glared at her. Paul slowly opened one eye and saw Steena first.
"Mommy?" Paul said weakly. Steena gave a soft laugh kissing Paul.
"No, but damn close in some cases." She said holding him.
"Where did it go?" Serge asked dumbly.
"Hey, where is the Time Devourer?" Diss asked angrily noticing it was gone.
"It took flight outta here. We didn't stop it." Paul replied weakly. A man dressed in funny clothing approached them.
"Hello, you must be Serge and the subjects," The man said.
"What do you mean by subjects?" Patrick said his eyes narrowing.
"Belthazar what are you talking about?" Serge asked.
"How is it that you know my name Serge?" Belthazar asked quickly.
"I had suspicions, and my experiences in Chronopolis one name kept popping up, Belthazar. I just put two and two together and you came up," Serge replied quietly.
You are quite right young man," Belthazar said smiling.
"You didn't answer our questions though," Serge pointed out.
"I'll explain it all. First I have to tell you that once again that thing used you. It needed to be nearly killed to transcend from this form to its next form. In the center of this planet is a creature that is slowly eating away at the planet. Years ago it went dormant when three brave kids destroyed it. Since then it has found a new thing to feed on. Time itself," He said slowly.
Diss let out a low growl. Everyone took a step back from him. He was still wearing the gloves and there was no telling what he'd do. "It used us again, this time it's personal," He threatened.
"Calm down there," Christy said gently putting a restraining hand on his shoulder.
"Yes it used you, but that wasn't the least of your problems. After it had gone dormant a small kingdom had decided to use it as a power source. The queen of this kingdom was called Schala. Lavos lashed out and absorbed the queen of this empire making it crumble like a house of cards. When she was absorbed the beast became what you know as the Time Devourer. We at Chronopolis know this beast only as Lavos," Belthazar said looking down.
"I've heard of that being, back when I was in Fort Dragonia," Serge said stepping forward. "It told me that when Lavos fell from the sky fires of evolution burned nearby monkeys forming the humans of today, why would it want to destroy us if we are its offspring?"
"Humans are too efficient at destructive behaviors that Lavos itself was doing. In order for the time crash to work Lavos had to insure when it devoured the last bit of time the planet wasn't already destroyed. Humans were an unwanted side effect of Lavos' entry into this world. The race in charge at that time was the Ancient Dragonians. When Lavos fell they were killed overnight, allowing humans to flourish, and indirectly setting Lavos' plans awry," Belthazar explained.
"So in this dimension we are nothing more than an artificially created nuisance?" Serge asked stepping forward.
"To Lavos, ten years ago Chronopolis received proof that Schala was not only alive, but aware. During a storm at the facility a small boy came into contact with the Frozen Flame. The flame itself is nothing but a piece of Lavos with great power. That is where the rumors of being able to wish upon the flame and have it come true came from. Chronopolis has been using it as a power source ever since we got it away from this city, Dinopolis," Belthazar continued his explanation.
"Then where did this place come from mate?" Kid asked bitterly.
"In an alternate dimension the Dragonians continued to survive after Lavos' fall from the heavens. The time crash was caused when the barrier between dimensions shatters allowing them all to coexist. The problem with this is that when the infinite possibilities come forth any overlaps are erased. Chronopolis saw it slowly start happening and began to shift time. When it finally happened Dinopolis had already been overlaid into our dimension. Lavos seeing that Chronopolis could destroy it took the city for its own ends in order to combat our influence. Ironically the Dragonians had saved Lavos when his own coming had killed them," Belthazar said looking up at the stars.
"What about us? Where do we fit into all of this? We already broke control of one race in our dimension, why were we brought here?" Diss said stepping up to Belthazar.
Belthazar looked down before replying, "I have been watching you for a long time R-246. I have watched you grow and learn. When you had defeated our champion I knew you would be the savior of the Aryans. In this dimension we held our cloning facilities in Chronopolis subtly taking it over until we had complete control. I never meant for your companions or your lover to get involved, but like the last time we were trying something important a storm came up and we drew all three of you into this dimension," Belthazar said pointing at Paul, Shaun, and Diss.
"So you thought you could just kidnap me?" Diss said stepping forward. His hand twitched violently. "You thought to rip me from this world to serve your Aryan masters and have a new plaything. You ripped me from my fiancée and child to make me into some sort of super human?" With each word anger leaked into his voice until he was roaring. Paul and Shaun restrained him as his hand twitched again.
"Let him go, I want him to realize who he is talking to," Belthazar said calmly. Paul looked at Shaun and they nodded releasing Diss. Diss instantly dove for Belthazar without thinking. Belthazar merely sidestepped and turned to face his attacker. As Diss recovered from his roll he brought his staff out.
"Agile, lets see how you deal with this!" Diss said firing a stream of fire at the man. About an inch from actually making contact a shield of rock rose up. "The hell.Shaun! What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"It's not me Diss, That was all him," Shaun replied putting his hands up in a placate gesture.
"That's not my only trick young master," Belthazar said. He dropped the rock barrier and brought his hands forward in front of him. With a deep breathe he let forth a stream of water hitting Diss full force into a pillar the water continued to drench him as steam issued from his body where the water touched. Finally Diss erected his shield of fire. "Maybe now you know who you're dealing with you will give me my due respect."
Diss got up slowly taking a step forward shakily. He dropped the shield before looking at Belthazar his gaze one of pure hatred. "If you think I will show any respect for an Aryan you will need to hit me harder than that," Diss said he took another step forward.
Paul and Shaun tensed up as did Christy when they heard the word "Aryan". Serge looked at Kid who only shrugged. Glenn only stepped forward unsure of the situation, but willing to jump in.
"You humans always were stubborn," Belthazar sighed before he snapped his fingers. Diss crumpled in a heap before he turned to face the others. "If you wish to face your enemy go to the place where it all began, 'Where Angels Lose Their Way'," With that he disappeared.
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It took Paul the better part of a week to get used to what Belthazar said. He walked up and down the halls of the S.S. Invincible when Diss joined him. Together they walked up and down the hall thinking to themselves quietly. After a few laps Shaun joined them thinking to himself. They didn't say a word until Steena, Orlha and Christy came around a corner talking merrily.
"ORLHA!" Shaun yelled happily. Paul and Steena gave each other a hug and Diss and Christy gave each other a passionate kiss.
"That would be me." Orlha muttered giving Shaun a friendly hug. Steena whispered to Paul and Paul grinned devilishly.
"So he does, does he, it's pretty obvious." Paul commented. Steena hugged Paul as Diss tried desperately to fit in the loophole. Christy grinned as she clued Diss in on the situation. Diss grinned realizing what it was. Serge walked in quietly with Glenn and Kid as they looked at the members in the room.
"We decided that no one has to go with us to fight the Devourer. We will take it on ourselves." Serge said quietly.
"HELL NO!" Paul and Shaun yelled at the same time.
"We go in together." Diss started.
"We go out together." Christy finished.
"Thanks guys." Serge said as quietly as he could.
"Face it." Shaun started.
"We're family. Like it or not." Paul finished. Serge left the room with that thought in mind.
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"With those freaks on our side it might be easier." Kid said jokingly. Glenn was sharpening his Einlanzer when he spoke softly,
"This battle will be like nothing we faced before. It will have downfalls, it will bring many sorrows, but we must keep in mind that if we fail, this world will be at risk." Serge nodded as he grabbed a towel to wipe some sludge and debris off his Mastermune. Kid whipped out her dagger and joined them.
"Might as well look professional, ay mates?" Kid asked in a cheerful manner. "Wouldn't want to look bad for our date with destiny now would we?" Serge and Marcy nodded.
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"I'm not going to like this next battle am I?" Paul asked stupidly lying on his bed. Diss and Christy were opposite of Paul lying in bed next to each other.
"Most likely," Christy said kissing Diss gently.
"Thought so," Paul muttered. "I want to reflect on our journey here." Paul said quietly.
"Go ahead." Diss said.
"Well it's like this. First we met with Serge and Kid at Arni Village, and then we go to Fort Dragonia and get separated. After that I go on weird journey to the Dead Sea and fight some guy hell bent on destiny and FATE. After that I nearly kill you Diss and with a little luck we bring you back from the light side." Diss interrupted.
"Don't you mean Dark Side?" Paul shook his head. Christy and Diss laughed.
"After that we nearly get squashed by the six "Dragon Gods" so we can get Serge's body back." Steena walked into the conversation and took a seat next to Paul. "Then I meet this beautiful girl." Paul said smiling. Steena leaned on Paul and smiled.
"After that we go to Chronopolis and find out we're all genetically altered." Again Paul was interrupted.
"Freaks, Kid said calmly sitting on Shaun's empty bed. Slowly everyone entered the room.
"Hmm, must be story time." Paul said in a joking manner. It got a small chuckle going.
"Go on." Christy said trailing off.
"So then we go to Chronopolis and kill FATE, only to find out we were used. Then I black out and Shaun goes a journey to save me. During this time Diss turns into a wreck and fights Eric. When Shaun arrives he has the Mastermune and not Masamune, which I needed. With the Mastermune Serge, Diss, and Glenn go to save Kid." Kid Interrupted again.
"Oh, by the way, thanks." Paul continued.
"Kid wakes up and everyone is happy for a whole thirty seconds when Shaun explodes and yells at Diss for not caring about me. Then this whole temper tantrum goes off until we get the idea of Chrono Cross. So on another fun filled action packed adventure...."
"Yippee Skippy." Everyone finished. Paul stared blankly.
"Copy cats." Everyone got a small soft laugh out of that. "You guys retrieve the Chrono Cross and bring it to me. Only to find out the blasted contraption doesn't work." The two girls appeared next to Paul at this point.
"Hi." Catherine said happily. Everyone said hello to Catherine as Paul continued.
"Thanks to Catherine, Steena was able to find the Masamune and bring it to me, only to find out the evil me was lying in wait." Paul cleared his throat. "After a gruesome battle I was able to defeat myself and remember my past. Then we have a kick ass party and then meet Starky. With Shaun and Starky's brains they managed to toss a hunk of junk on our boats so we could fly."
"Negative." Shaun and Starky said at the same time. Paul didn't bother to explain why it was tossed on.
"Anyways we headed off to Dinopolis and nearly get crushed, maimed, killed, and/or destroyed."
"Put your head between your legs." Shaun mumbled.
"In short." Diss commented.
"Then we fight the blasted Time Devourer, barley escape with our lives, only to find out the thing was barley scratched. Then we meet Belthazar and wind up here getting ready for the fight of our lives. Thank You." Everyone clapped softly for Paul as he gave a small bow.
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Diss looked around at the night sky while on the deck of the Invincible. Christy came up from behind wrapping her arms around his waist. As she rested her head on his shoulder he smiled kissing her cheek.
"Whatcha thinking there?" Christy whispered.
"Everything and anything really, Hydros, this adventure, you, our child." He trailed off as he looked at the stars.
"You really are a nature boy aren't you?" She teased him.
"Don't you know it," He whispered back as he turned in her arms and wrapped his arms around her. She rested her head on his chest as he looked up at the stars again. "You ever realize how our lives are never normal for long?"
She chuckled nodding, "Like we're always being dragged from one problem to another?"
"Exactly," He said as he gently placed a hand on her stomach. She looked up at him smiling as she kissed him deeply.
"Our son is doing fine," She whispered softly against his lips.
"How is his mother?" Diss whispered back.
"She's wondering if her husband would like to go to bed right now," She whispered grinning.
Diss grinned before replying,"You saying to hell with the doctor?"
"Not to hell but more like, once won't hurt our child any. Besides I think you deserve it after all you've been through."
"Go find a bed alone somewhere I'll be along in a second," Diss smiled as he kissed her again softly. She nodded before turning and leaving. Diss looked up at the sky when Kid approached him.
"Um, mate?" Kid asked uncomfortably.
"Yeah Kid?" Diss replied not sure why she was this way.
"About the stuff we did together with Lynx, ya forgive me?" Kid asked hopefully.
Diss laughed out loud," I'm sorry, I really should be the one asking for an apology. But yes I forgive you." Kid grinned before rushing up and hugging him tightly.
"Thanks Mate, go to yer Sheila, I'll make sure you guys get some privacy." Kid said grinning.
"You heard all that?" Diss said suddenly very uncomfortable.
"Yeah mate, but don't worry. Yer secrets safe with me, just go to her, I'll make sure no one bugs ya," Kid said before releasing him. Diss quietly thanked her before heading below decks. Kid smiled as she got an idea. Paul wouldn't be that hard to contain.
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Diss lay face down on the bed as Christy sat on his lower back. She slowly started rubbing his back as he sighed relaxing. Her hands slowly rubbed out every knot and cramp in his back until finally she was done. He turned around under her so he was facing her. She smiled down at him as he slowly sat up hugging her close as he kissed her passionately.
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"So I have to keep him from looking for Diss?" Steena asked incredulously.
"Yeah Diss is taking the night off with his Fiancée. It's up to ya to keep Paul off him mate," Kid said slowly.
"I'll try my best Kid, but if he asks where Diss is what do I tell him?" Steena asked unsure.
"Tell him that Diss is busy talking ta Fargo and Serge," Kid replied quickly.
"Alright, well I better find him before he goes looking for Diss. Upfront though Kid what is he doing with Christy?" Steena asked confused.
"Trust me Steena, ya don't want to know. Just keep Paul from doing too much looking for Diss," Kid said dodging the question. Steena sighed and nodded before turning to look for Paul.
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"Let me get this straight, you want me to lie to Paul and say Diss is in a private meeting with me and Fargo?" Serge asked quietly.
"Yeah mate, shouldn't be too hard. Just be sure ta not let Paul see inside," Kid said smiling.
"Alright, so what will Diss be doing in the mean time?" Serge asked.
"He's taking the night off with his Sheila," Kid replied quickly cutting off any further questions walking away to search for Fargo.
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"So Diss is with that pretty lass of his?" Fargo asked smoking his cigar.
"That's right, so if ya could be kind enough to make it easier on him. If Paul comes up to here asking around for Diss, ya just 'ave ta not let him in here and tell him he's in a private meeting with Serge and you mate," Kid replied quickly.
Fargo laughed heartily before replying, "It would be my honor to help out Diss. He's saved me skin a couple of times so I figure it's about right ta giving him a night off from his problems."
Kid grinned; her plan was set into motion. As she left Serge walked in to talk with Fargo and Kid skipped merrily down the hall knowing she would keep her word to Diss.
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Paul could feel the tension in the air, somebody was keeping secrets. Every time he saw Kid she jumped and ran away. It hit him suddenly when he saw Steena.
"DISS IS WITH CHRISTY! DUH!" Steena held her head low in shame. She failed before she tried. Paul grinned as he left walking down the decks.
"What am I going to do." Steena asked herself hopelessly. "How do you deal with a man who thinks irrationally and has built his own logic?" With that said Steena chased after Paul.
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"MAYDAY, MAYDAY!" Glenn roared as he ran into the room with Fargo and Serge. "HE FOUND OUT, HE FOUND OUT, HE FOUND OUT!" Glenn was running around in circles holding his head. Fargo had to smack Glenn in the head so he would calm down. "He found out." Glenn said quietly.
"So we gotta find Paul and do the right thing. Tie him up." Fargo said annoyed.
"Let's go on another fun filled, action pack adventure, yippee Skippy." Serge said tiredly as he grabbed some rope.
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"Nope, not here." Paul said crawling out of a cupboard. He dusted himself off as he saw Steena walk up to him. He knew she knew where Kid knew where Diss and Christy were.
"Diss said he was with Serge and Fargo." Paul grinned laughing.
"HA, YOU THINK THE MIGHTY PAUL WOULD FALL FOR THIS." Paul stopped grinning deep in thought. "Unless you want me to believe he isn't there!" Steena grinned knowing she tricked Paul. She waited five seconds before she took her time chasing after Paul again.
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"Get ready." Kid whispered with a net. "Ere he comes!" Serge prepared his rope and Fargo was ready to tackle him. It wasn't long before Paul roared around the corner. Kid tossed the net, Fargo dived at Paul, and Serge ran up to tie the rope. In the end Fargo was hog-tied and Paul was gone.
"I think we missed." Serge said quietly. Fargo dropped his cigar out of his mouth.
"I think ya did." Fargo said annoyed glaring at Kid and Serge.
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"Damn, I was tricked." Paul said putting one hand up to his jaw. "Now where would Diss be." Paul began to pace around impatiently. Steena walked into the room with more confidence in her stride.
"I told you he was." Paul closed a fist at her telling her to hush up. "DON'T YOU BE CLOSING YOUR FIST AT ME BOY!" Paul looked at Steena in disbelief. Steena walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him pushing him over to a pole. She slowly began to kiss him as she took the small rope out of her pocket. In no time Paul's hands were stuck to the pole. "Sorry." She said walking away.
"WHAT? NO, DAMNIT NO!" Paul said trying to break free. "NO NO NO!" Paul yelled squirming around.
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"I got him tied up to a pole." Steena said proudly. Kid congratulated her. Serge was helping Fargo get out of his mess.
"Great job matey!" Fargo said. No one noticed Starky walked right by them.
"So, now what?" Serge asked.
"We, uh, wait for them ta finish." Kid said trailing off.
"With what?" They all asked.
"Nothing." Kid said whistling walking away. Steena laughed as she helped Serge untie Fargo.
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"Very good Starky." Paul said rubbing his wrist.
"Nooo Problem." Starky said happily.
"Remember, keep this a secret."
"Starky liiike secrets." Paul looked around as he came up with an idea.
"Starky, has anyone walked around with a bed lately?" Starky nodded. "Where to?"
"Starky can't teell youuuu, Starky promised." Paul cursed loudly ringing the little blue aliens neck. "Uhgg, aghh, aaa" Starky wailed. Paul dropped Starky.
"Sorry, what direction did the bed go?" Starky pointed to the storage room. "Thanks Starky."
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Steena walked past the room where Paul was with the intent to give him cookies. She was shocked to see Starky rolling around on top of his fish bowl helmet.
"STARKY! WHERE IS PAUL?" Steena tried to say calmly.
"I caan't teeell youuu. Starky promised." Starky said happily. Steena walked up to Starky and grabbed him by the neck.
"You tell me where Paul is or you won't keep secrets anymore, GOT IT?" Starky spilled Paul's location and plan. "Thanks." Steena said walking away. Starky went back to his relaxed state.
"Thiiis planet is veeery primitive, but Starky liiike it." He said doing a 360. "Wheee!"
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Paul was looking around for the storage room when he heard footsteps.
"When I get my hands on him." Steena mumbled. Kid stopped her and whispered.
"You know, I think of you as the man of that relationship." Kid said loudly and a bit exaggerating. Steena nodded getting the hint. Paul listened with full attention.
"You know Kid, I always had feelings for you." Kid blushed. "And not just feelings of a friend."
"Oh Steena, I waited so long to hear those words." Paul's heart raced. Steena spoke with as much sarcasm as she could.
"Let's forget looking for Paul!" Steena said wildly. Kid nodded and together they ran off.
"This I gotta see." Paul mumbled moving through the rafters carefully.
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Christy laid her head on Diss' chest sighing softly. As Diss gently stroked her hair she slowly started drifting off to sleep. She looked up at him smiling.
"Ready for sleep?" Diss asked softly.
"Mmm, as ready as I'm ever going to be." Christy said yawning. They slowly fell asleep in each other's arms peacefully. Diss was happy for the first time in a long time.
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"Oh Steena, I am glad to see our feelings are out." Kid said slowly. Paul lost his footing and fell with his foot caught. He was now hanging upside down. He swung back and forth when his eyes widened. Fargo and Serge were slowly advancing.
"Uh-Oh." Paul said squirming to get free. "Hey guys, if you're real quiet I can show you Steena and Kid's true feelings!" Paul pleaded.
"Oh Paul, my feelings for you will never fade." Kid said exaggerating to an extreme.
"You are sick." Steena said to Paul grinning.
"I just realized something." Paul said quietly. "THERES A MOUSE ON THE DECK!" Kid and Steena jumped and Fargo looked around. Serge was pushed over to the side as Paul made a run for it. Before he turned a corner he looked back at them and held his fists up in the air. "I AM INVINCIBLE!"
"Yeah and I'm your daddy," Shaun said hitting Paul hard from behind.
"But, Diss is doing the good stuff!" Paul pleaded rubbing the back of his neck. Shaun stopped.
"He is?" He asked dumbly. Paul nodded. "Let's go make ourselves comfy." Steena glared at them.
"GET THEM!" Kid yelled. Paul and Shaun were all the way up and ahead of them as they charged forward.
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Christy lay fast asleep as Diss relaxed looking around. His thoughts turned to his friends and why they hadn't tried to barge in on them. Had they actually gotten a night off without seeing them? Suddenly, Paul and Shaun ran into the room followed behind by Steena and Kid.
"Awww, it's already over!" Paul whined waking up Christy.
"Paul get the hell outta here before Christy kills you," Diss growled. Paul and Shaun turned to leave with Steena and Kid following behind them Christy looked up at him confused. "It's alright honey, just go back to sleep." She nodded laying back down using his chest as a pillow again.
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"YOU FOOLS!" Steena and Kid blared at Paul and Shaun.
"I'm sorry." Paul and Shaun said quietly.
"WHAT WERE YOU TWO THNKING?" Steena asked angrily.
"I'm sorry." Paul and Shaun said again.
"I'm disappointed in the both of you." Kid said annoyed. "What do you have to say BESIDES sorry?"
"I wish we moved faster." Paul said bursting out laughing.
"HIYA!" Steena yelled kicking Paul in the head.
"Owie." Paul said falling to the floor.
"What about you Shaun?" Kid said.
"I'm with stupid." Shaun said quietly. Steena was about to kick him when Kid stopped her.
"Try again, or I'll get medieval on you." Shaun looked at his downed comrade.
"I beg forgiveness?" Shaun asked. Kid glared at him.
"Strike two." Shaun looked at Paul.
"Give me liberty or give me death!" Shaun said running away with Steena and Kid in close pursuit.
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Diss woke up the next morning; Christy had already dressed and gone above decks. He slowly dressed looking at the gloves. He placed them in his pocket sighing.
"Thomas, I hope you are having fun up there, cause I can't shake the feeling I'm about to join you," He said heavily. He got up picking up the staff he had used as a weapon for years. He exited the makeshift room they had set up and went above decks.
Everyone was scurrying about grabbing things and preparing for what was easily the most important battle of their lives. Diss looked around and saw Christy grabbing both Paul and Shaun by the ears bringing them down to ear level. He jogged over to hear the end of the tirade.
"If you ever pull a stunt like you just did again I swear to god I will KILL YOU!" She hissed angrily. She turned around smiling as she hugged Diss tightly. "You ready?"
"Just want one thing to be clear here and now," Diss said quietly.
"What?" she asked looking into his eyes.
"No matter what happens I love you. I wont allow anything to happen to you, so as soon as your down I'm going to get you out. If you wake up on the beach go home and wait for us understand?" Diss said quietly. Shaun and Paul looked at each other, then the couple in front of them.
"Alright, but not a moment sooner understand?" She said cupping his face in her hands before kissing him fiercely. "If you have to take me back, the portal back to our world is in Chronopolis. Be sure to get back quickly. Have Paul recharge the battery on this end too, so that there is sure to be enough power for all of you."
Diss nodded before returning the kiss. He cleared his throat as he went to the top of the deck calling for everyone's attention one last time.
"You guys all know who I am. You also know what we've done to get to this point. We are on the edge of another great victory for the human race. This thing sees us as no more than a bug to be squashed. I say we're more than that. I look into the faces of everyone here and I see the faces of friends and people I trust with my life. When I came into this world I was but a bitter lonely man. Now, I'm probably the luckiest man alive. My group has four rules that I'm sure you guys have heard, but for the sake of this fight, I feel like we should say them as guidelines," Diss started. Everyone nodded encouragingly as he went on.
"Rule one: If you screw the group, you're going to die," Diss said quickly.
"Rule two: Everyone goes in together, everyone gets out together," Paul said.
"Rule three: No matter what happens, you never leave a body behind. You will return, dead or alive," Shaun said solemnly.
Christy spoke up loudly, "Rule Four: No matter what, you will never kill in cold blood." The group smiled as they looked at her. She gestured for Diss to go on.
"This thing has obviously screwed with us; it tricked us into killing FATE. While FATE did deserve it these so called 'Dragon Gods' used us to further their aims. Therefore it must die. Second I can't stress the importance of rules two and three. We will get you out dead or alive, just like we all came in together we will leave together. If you fight, I will guarantee you will make it back out. Even when it could cost me my life my friends will testify that I would never knowingly leave a member of our group behind," Diss continued. Shaun, Paul, and Christy nodded clearly for everyone.
"The last rule is obviously not in effect. This thing has threatened to take our lives. It has drawn first blood from us; therefore it will pay for its crimes. To kill this thing is to take a life in self-defense. Even if it wont destroy everything we know till long after we're dead, we will not allow this thing the chance to do so now. It knows we're coming after it, so it may try to kill us now and keep itself safe. Then I say we prove it wrong!" Diss said rallying the people. They cheered loudly as Paul screamed out,
"HEY LETS GO ON ONE LAST FUN FILLED, ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE! YIPPEE SKIPPY!" The blessing given Fargo steered the ship to Opassa beach, where the final day of reckoning would occur. As they did so Diss pulled out the gloves putting them on.
"Soon I will be home, and this world will be saved," He said quietly as Christy stood next to him nodding.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"No, I said I could go, not you." Paul said annoyed. Steena hugged him tighter.
"Admit it, you need me." Paul glared at her.
"I can't live with the fact something should happen to you." Paul said.
"And you think I can if the same happened to you?" There was an odd silence as the two looked at each other. Paul just muttered a vulgar phrase to the sky as he looked at Steena again.
"Okay, you can come, but if the cheese is lacking you better leave." Steena stared at Paul long and hard.
"The cheese?" she asked confused.
"Ya, the cheese." Paul muttered breaking the hug. Steena looked at Paul hurt as she spoke calmly.
"You need to calm down, we have four hours before we get there, and we're going to wait another hour so Serge and Glenn can say goodbye to love ones. RELAX!" Paul looked at her carefully.
"So, you implying we get some stuff down?" Steena looked at him confused before she got the idea.
"Yeah, there's plenty that needs to be finished." Steena said carefully. The two hugged each other when Christy approached them.
"Paul, don't do it." She pleaded. Paul and Steena looked at her.
"Do what?" Paul asked.
"You know what I mean." She said tiredly. Paul glared at her as he held Steena tighter.
"Go away." Paul said in a cold tone. "Go away, let me live MY life." Paul said as dark as he could. Christy looked at Paul before she left.
"You changed." She said carefully.
"I KNOW I CHANGED!" Paul screamed at Christy. Steena backed away from Paul scared of what he might do. Christy turned around slowly startled.
"What?" she asked.
"YOU THINK I HAVEN'T NOTICED THAT I HAVE BEEN ALTERED TO THINK IRRATIONALLY SO I COULD PUT DISS IN HIS PLACE?" Christy motioned for Steena to leave.
"Look, I know what you're-" Paul cut off Christy quickly.
"DON'T TELL ME YOU KNOW WHAT I AM GOING THROUGH! NO ONE CAN KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE ALTERED SO YOU GO CRAZY! CHRISTY, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW!" Paul screamed glaring at her. Shaun and Diss listened in on the conversation getting closer to Christy.
"Paul, clam down." Diss warned. Paul literally lost it. With two bolts of lightening he blasted Diss and Shaun away so he had a clear path to a motorboat.
"I'm going scouting." Paul said in a twisted manner. Steena looked at Paul as she decided to go after him. She jumped on the boat as it sped away.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"Any reason you wanted to follow me?" Paul asked coldly.
"No." Steena replied. Paul didn't bother to look at her.
"Who is she to judge me?" Paul asked angrily. "She has no idea what happened to me, what I am going through." Paul began to pace the small boat as best he could. Steena moved out of his way as she watched. "She has no right to tell me how to live MY life." Paul continued. "Can you believe her?" Paul asked to Steena.
"Well, um." Paul cut her off.
"That's what I thought." Paul said pacing again. Steena had no clue what to do as she thought quickly. "The nerve of that woman!" Paul blared. He sat down and drew his knees to his chest. "I hate my life." Paul whispered. Steena sat next to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
"Life is not meant to be hated." Steena said in her wisdom like tone. "Besides, everyone here got the short end of the stick on life. We were all told how to live it according to FATE." Paul sniffled.
"Why do people like poking tubes and crap in my body?" Steena remained quiet. "Who cares if Diss was stronger in some ways? It wasn't like we posed a threat to them. Well, maybe we did." Paul said deep in thought. Steena just held him tighter. "All in all, the grand scheme is we all die in the end. So no matter what we do it doesn't matter." Steena tried to console her boyfriend but failed horribly. He was just too depressed.
"All life matters Paul. You and me were meant to be together, what is so bad about that?" Paul looked at her and smiled before he frowned.
"The fact we have to go our separate ways." Steena became silent. She didn't forget that information, she was just hoping to avoid thinking about that. "But that's a long way along the road. Let's just enjoy our trip." Paul said calmly holding Steena tightly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"That's it I've had it up to here with poster child!" Diss yelled as he got back to his feet. Everyone looked at Diss apprehensively as he went to the side of the boat Christy grabbed his arm trying to hold him back.
"Diss, listen he's just upset let him calm down." She never finished as he turned on her.
"Calm down? HE'S HAD A FRICKING MONTH TO CALM DOWN! IF HE CAN'T KEEP HIS COOL I'M GOING TO MAKE HIM LOSE HIS HEAD PERMANENTLY!" Diss said prepping a motorboat. Shaun tried to hold him back with Christy's help.
"Listen Diss he's stressed let him get it out of his system," Shaun pleaded.
"Oh that's rich! Tell me how long before he gets almost killing me for the umpteenth time out of his system?" Diss shouted as he got in the boat dropping it to the sea. Kid looked over the railing at him and shouted down,
"Diss mate, don't lose yer cool for a freak like him! Save it for the guys at Chronopolis that did this ta him!"
"I gave him plenty of chances, he's just struck out!" Diss said powering up the motorboat. Christy leaned over the rail and yelled loud enough for everyone to hear,
"PATRICK ERIC DISSINGER! YOU GET YOUR ASS BACK UP HERE RIGHT NOW BEFORE YOU SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE ON A COUCH!" Diss actually stopped and looked up at his fiancée jaw dropped open in awe.
"But Christy-" He shouted up before he was cut off.
"No buts you get your ass up her otherwise you are spending your life on the couch! Do you understand me?" She shouted down her voice filled with great anger.
"LOOK WHAT HE- " Diss was again cut off.
"I DON'T CARE IF HE DESTROYED THAT DAMN JEEP OF YOURS! YOU GET YOUR ASS UP HERE, THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE OTHERWISE IT'S THE COUCH FOR YOU!" Christy yelled icily. Diss looked up at her saw she was dead serious and began hoisting the boat back to its original position.
"You gotta teach me that mate," Kid said in awe as Diss finally did as he was told.
"Its instinct, threaten a guy with no more sex and he'll do almost anything to keep it how it was," She said still glaring at her fiancée. Fargo laughed in awe as Diss sheepishly stepped on deck and went below decks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Steena opened her eyes as she saw the motorboat hit Opassa beach. She tugged on Paul's arm to get him up. Paul slowly opened his eyes to see Steena looking around.
"We made it." She said. Paul looked at the sun.
"Well, we got a few hours before the others arrive." Paul said coolly. "We could get some work done." Steena looked at him and grinned. She slowly began to kiss Paul moving closer to him. Paul grabbed the nearest blanket he could find.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"How much longer until we're there?" Diss muttered angrily.
"Calm down Diss you're acting childish again," Christy chided him.
"Who's the child, me or him? He can't go five minutes without making a nuisance of himself unless he's asleep or unconscious." Diss grumbled.
"You are for not forgiving him. I know he's almost killed you for the umpteenth time. I know he's been stressed and should have released it somehow, but that doesn't help us now does it?" Christy said bitterly.
"Touché," Diss said grumpily. Shaun merely leaned against the wall looking out the window.
"Three hours, you guys better cheer up or it's going to be one long fight." Shaun mumbled as he sighed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Paul opened his eyes as he realized the boat drifted a bit of shore. He carefully moved Steena out of his way and brought the boat back to shore staking it down with his Halberd and rope. He walked out to the sand and sat down. He sighed and picked up the sand between his fingers and let them gently blow of his hand from the cool sea breeze.
"Like sand in the hour glass." Paul muttered to himself quietly. Catherine walked up behind Paul with a small shovel and a bucket.
"Wanna build a sand castle?" She asked. Paul smiled and nodded helping Catherine build a sand castle. It was a basic castle, a small moat and one large tower. He found a twig and a leaf, which he used for a flag.
"All done." Paul said happily. Catherine smiled as she swung her hand and destroyed the castle. Paul looked in horror as his creation was destroyed in less than a second.
"That was fun, bye!" Catherine said vanishing with her bucket and shovel. Paul muttered his thoughts as he crawled in the boat next to Steena. He lied down next to her and softly ran his fingers through her hair.
"What time is it?" Steena asked tiredly moving closer to Paul.
"I don't know." Paul whispered softly. Steena just picked the blanket up and placed it over her head.
"I need a drink." Steena whined. Paul just rubbed her back gently as he closed his eyes.
"That's not right! THAT'S NOT RIGHT!" Shaun yelled. Steena was second to get up from the powerful blast from Paul.
"Oh my head." She said rubbing her head softly.
"YOU'RE ALL FREAKS!" Kid screamed. One by one everyone slowly got up and checked on each other. Christy slowly helped Diss up to his feet as Steena had trouble seeing the life in Paul.
"Come on get up." Steena whispered collapsing onto him. Diss walked over and tried to pick Paul up falling down himself.
"Oh my head." Diss whined. Fargo helped himself to a cigar while Serge helped Shaun up.
"Damn lunatic." Kid spat as she looked at Paul. "Could ave killed us all." She said quietly as everyone glared at her. Paul slowly opened one eye and saw Steena first.
"Mommy?" Paul said weakly. Steena gave a soft laugh kissing Paul.
"No, but damn close in some cases." She said holding him.
"Where did it go?" Serge asked dumbly.
"Hey, where is the Time Devourer?" Diss asked angrily noticing it was gone.
"It took flight outta here. We didn't stop it." Paul replied weakly. A man dressed in funny clothing approached them.
"Hello, you must be Serge and the subjects," The man said.
"What do you mean by subjects?" Patrick said his eyes narrowing.
"Belthazar what are you talking about?" Serge asked.
"How is it that you know my name Serge?" Belthazar asked quickly.
"I had suspicions, and my experiences in Chronopolis one name kept popping up, Belthazar. I just put two and two together and you came up," Serge replied quietly.
You are quite right young man," Belthazar said smiling.
"You didn't answer our questions though," Serge pointed out.
"I'll explain it all. First I have to tell you that once again that thing used you. It needed to be nearly killed to transcend from this form to its next form. In the center of this planet is a creature that is slowly eating away at the planet. Years ago it went dormant when three brave kids destroyed it. Since then it has found a new thing to feed on. Time itself," He said slowly.
Diss let out a low growl. Everyone took a step back from him. He was still wearing the gloves and there was no telling what he'd do. "It used us again, this time it's personal," He threatened.
"Calm down there," Christy said gently putting a restraining hand on his shoulder.
"Yes it used you, but that wasn't the least of your problems. After it had gone dormant a small kingdom had decided to use it as a power source. The queen of this kingdom was called Schala. Lavos lashed out and absorbed the queen of this empire making it crumble like a house of cards. When she was absorbed the beast became what you know as the Time Devourer. We at Chronopolis know this beast only as Lavos," Belthazar said looking down.
"I've heard of that being, back when I was in Fort Dragonia," Serge said stepping forward. "It told me that when Lavos fell from the sky fires of evolution burned nearby monkeys forming the humans of today, why would it want to destroy us if we are its offspring?"
"Humans are too efficient at destructive behaviors that Lavos itself was doing. In order for the time crash to work Lavos had to insure when it devoured the last bit of time the planet wasn't already destroyed. Humans were an unwanted side effect of Lavos' entry into this world. The race in charge at that time was the Ancient Dragonians. When Lavos fell they were killed overnight, allowing humans to flourish, and indirectly setting Lavos' plans awry," Belthazar explained.
"So in this dimension we are nothing more than an artificially created nuisance?" Serge asked stepping forward.
"To Lavos, ten years ago Chronopolis received proof that Schala was not only alive, but aware. During a storm at the facility a small boy came into contact with the Frozen Flame. The flame itself is nothing but a piece of Lavos with great power. That is where the rumors of being able to wish upon the flame and have it come true came from. Chronopolis has been using it as a power source ever since we got it away from this city, Dinopolis," Belthazar continued his explanation.
"Then where did this place come from mate?" Kid asked bitterly.
"In an alternate dimension the Dragonians continued to survive after Lavos' fall from the heavens. The time crash was caused when the barrier between dimensions shatters allowing them all to coexist. The problem with this is that when the infinite possibilities come forth any overlaps are erased. Chronopolis saw it slowly start happening and began to shift time. When it finally happened Dinopolis had already been overlaid into our dimension. Lavos seeing that Chronopolis could destroy it took the city for its own ends in order to combat our influence. Ironically the Dragonians had saved Lavos when his own coming had killed them," Belthazar said looking up at the stars.
"What about us? Where do we fit into all of this? We already broke control of one race in our dimension, why were we brought here?" Diss said stepping up to Belthazar.
Belthazar looked down before replying, "I have been watching you for a long time R-246. I have watched you grow and learn. When you had defeated our champion I knew you would be the savior of the Aryans. In this dimension we held our cloning facilities in Chronopolis subtly taking it over until we had complete control. I never meant for your companions or your lover to get involved, but like the last time we were trying something important a storm came up and we drew all three of you into this dimension," Belthazar said pointing at Paul, Shaun, and Diss.
"So you thought you could just kidnap me?" Diss said stepping forward. His hand twitched violently. "You thought to rip me from this world to serve your Aryan masters and have a new plaything. You ripped me from my fiancée and child to make me into some sort of super human?" With each word anger leaked into his voice until he was roaring. Paul and Shaun restrained him as his hand twitched again.
"Let him go, I want him to realize who he is talking to," Belthazar said calmly. Paul looked at Shaun and they nodded releasing Diss. Diss instantly dove for Belthazar without thinking. Belthazar merely sidestepped and turned to face his attacker. As Diss recovered from his roll he brought his staff out.
"Agile, lets see how you deal with this!" Diss said firing a stream of fire at the man. About an inch from actually making contact a shield of rock rose up. "The hell.Shaun! What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"It's not me Diss, That was all him," Shaun replied putting his hands up in a placate gesture.
"That's not my only trick young master," Belthazar said. He dropped the rock barrier and brought his hands forward in front of him. With a deep breathe he let forth a stream of water hitting Diss full force into a pillar the water continued to drench him as steam issued from his body where the water touched. Finally Diss erected his shield of fire. "Maybe now you know who you're dealing with you will give me my due respect."
Diss got up slowly taking a step forward shakily. He dropped the shield before looking at Belthazar his gaze one of pure hatred. "If you think I will show any respect for an Aryan you will need to hit me harder than that," Diss said he took another step forward.
Paul and Shaun tensed up as did Christy when they heard the word "Aryan". Serge looked at Kid who only shrugged. Glenn only stepped forward unsure of the situation, but willing to jump in.
"You humans always were stubborn," Belthazar sighed before he snapped his fingers. Diss crumpled in a heap before he turned to face the others. "If you wish to face your enemy go to the place where it all began, 'Where Angels Lose Their Way'," With that he disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
It took Paul the better part of a week to get used to what Belthazar said. He walked up and down the halls of the S.S. Invincible when Diss joined him. Together they walked up and down the hall thinking to themselves quietly. After a few laps Shaun joined them thinking to himself. They didn't say a word until Steena, Orlha and Christy came around a corner talking merrily.
"ORLHA!" Shaun yelled happily. Paul and Steena gave each other a hug and Diss and Christy gave each other a passionate kiss.
"That would be me." Orlha muttered giving Shaun a friendly hug. Steena whispered to Paul and Paul grinned devilishly.
"So he does, does he, it's pretty obvious." Paul commented. Steena hugged Paul as Diss tried desperately to fit in the loophole. Christy grinned as she clued Diss in on the situation. Diss grinned realizing what it was. Serge walked in quietly with Glenn and Kid as they looked at the members in the room.
"We decided that no one has to go with us to fight the Devourer. We will take it on ourselves." Serge said quietly.
"HELL NO!" Paul and Shaun yelled at the same time.
"We go in together." Diss started.
"We go out together." Christy finished.
"Thanks guys." Serge said as quietly as he could.
"Face it." Shaun started.
"We're family. Like it or not." Paul finished. Serge left the room with that thought in mind.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"With those freaks on our side it might be easier." Kid said jokingly. Glenn was sharpening his Einlanzer when he spoke softly,
"This battle will be like nothing we faced before. It will have downfalls, it will bring many sorrows, but we must keep in mind that if we fail, this world will be at risk." Serge nodded as he grabbed a towel to wipe some sludge and debris off his Mastermune. Kid whipped out her dagger and joined them.
"Might as well look professional, ay mates?" Kid asked in a cheerful manner. "Wouldn't want to look bad for our date with destiny now would we?" Serge and Marcy nodded.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"I'm not going to like this next battle am I?" Paul asked stupidly lying on his bed. Diss and Christy were opposite of Paul lying in bed next to each other.
"Most likely," Christy said kissing Diss gently.
"Thought so," Paul muttered. "I want to reflect on our journey here." Paul said quietly.
"Go ahead." Diss said.
"Well it's like this. First we met with Serge and Kid at Arni Village, and then we go to Fort Dragonia and get separated. After that I go on weird journey to the Dead Sea and fight some guy hell bent on destiny and FATE. After that I nearly kill you Diss and with a little luck we bring you back from the light side." Diss interrupted.
"Don't you mean Dark Side?" Paul shook his head. Christy and Diss laughed.
"After that we nearly get squashed by the six "Dragon Gods" so we can get Serge's body back." Steena walked into the conversation and took a seat next to Paul. "Then I meet this beautiful girl." Paul said smiling. Steena leaned on Paul and smiled.
"After that we go to Chronopolis and find out we're all genetically altered." Again Paul was interrupted.
"Freaks, Kid said calmly sitting on Shaun's empty bed. Slowly everyone entered the room.
"Hmm, must be story time." Paul said in a joking manner. It got a small chuckle going.
"Go on." Christy said trailing off.
"So then we go to Chronopolis and kill FATE, only to find out we were used. Then I black out and Shaun goes a journey to save me. During this time Diss turns into a wreck and fights Eric. When Shaun arrives he has the Mastermune and not Masamune, which I needed. With the Mastermune Serge, Diss, and Glenn go to save Kid." Kid Interrupted again.
"Oh, by the way, thanks." Paul continued.
"Kid wakes up and everyone is happy for a whole thirty seconds when Shaun explodes and yells at Diss for not caring about me. Then this whole temper tantrum goes off until we get the idea of Chrono Cross. So on another fun filled action packed adventure...."
"Yippee Skippy." Everyone finished. Paul stared blankly.
"Copy cats." Everyone got a small soft laugh out of that. "You guys retrieve the Chrono Cross and bring it to me. Only to find out the blasted contraption doesn't work." The two girls appeared next to Paul at this point.
"Hi." Catherine said happily. Everyone said hello to Catherine as Paul continued.
"Thanks to Catherine, Steena was able to find the Masamune and bring it to me, only to find out the evil me was lying in wait." Paul cleared his throat. "After a gruesome battle I was able to defeat myself and remember my past. Then we have a kick ass party and then meet Starky. With Shaun and Starky's brains they managed to toss a hunk of junk on our boats so we could fly."
"Negative." Shaun and Starky said at the same time. Paul didn't bother to explain why it was tossed on.
"Anyways we headed off to Dinopolis and nearly get crushed, maimed, killed, and/or destroyed."
"Put your head between your legs." Shaun mumbled.
"In short." Diss commented.
"Then we fight the blasted Time Devourer, barley escape with our lives, only to find out the thing was barley scratched. Then we meet Belthazar and wind up here getting ready for the fight of our lives. Thank You." Everyone clapped softly for Paul as he gave a small bow.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Diss looked around at the night sky while on the deck of the Invincible. Christy came up from behind wrapping her arms around his waist. As she rested her head on his shoulder he smiled kissing her cheek.
"Whatcha thinking there?" Christy whispered.
"Everything and anything really, Hydros, this adventure, you, our child." He trailed off as he looked at the stars.
"You really are a nature boy aren't you?" She teased him.
"Don't you know it," He whispered back as he turned in her arms and wrapped his arms around her. She rested her head on his chest as he looked up at the stars again. "You ever realize how our lives are never normal for long?"
She chuckled nodding, "Like we're always being dragged from one problem to another?"
"Exactly," He said as he gently placed a hand on her stomach. She looked up at him smiling as she kissed him deeply.
"Our son is doing fine," She whispered softly against his lips.
"How is his mother?" Diss whispered back.
"She's wondering if her husband would like to go to bed right now," She whispered grinning.
Diss grinned before replying,"You saying to hell with the doctor?"
"Not to hell but more like, once won't hurt our child any. Besides I think you deserve it after all you've been through."
"Go find a bed alone somewhere I'll be along in a second," Diss smiled as he kissed her again softly. She nodded before turning and leaving. Diss looked up at the sky when Kid approached him.
"Um, mate?" Kid asked uncomfortably.
"Yeah Kid?" Diss replied not sure why she was this way.
"About the stuff we did together with Lynx, ya forgive me?" Kid asked hopefully.
Diss laughed out loud," I'm sorry, I really should be the one asking for an apology. But yes I forgive you." Kid grinned before rushing up and hugging him tightly.
"Thanks Mate, go to yer Sheila, I'll make sure you guys get some privacy." Kid said grinning.
"You heard all that?" Diss said suddenly very uncomfortable.
"Yeah mate, but don't worry. Yer secrets safe with me, just go to her, I'll make sure no one bugs ya," Kid said before releasing him. Diss quietly thanked her before heading below decks. Kid smiled as she got an idea. Paul wouldn't be that hard to contain.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Diss lay face down on the bed as Christy sat on his lower back. She slowly started rubbing his back as he sighed relaxing. Her hands slowly rubbed out every knot and cramp in his back until finally she was done. He turned around under her so he was facing her. She smiled down at him as he slowly sat up hugging her close as he kissed her passionately.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"So I have to keep him from looking for Diss?" Steena asked incredulously.
"Yeah Diss is taking the night off with his Fiancée. It's up to ya to keep Paul off him mate," Kid said slowly.
"I'll try my best Kid, but if he asks where Diss is what do I tell him?" Steena asked unsure.
"Tell him that Diss is busy talking ta Fargo and Serge," Kid replied quickly.
"Alright, well I better find him before he goes looking for Diss. Upfront though Kid what is he doing with Christy?" Steena asked confused.
"Trust me Steena, ya don't want to know. Just keep Paul from doing too much looking for Diss," Kid said dodging the question. Steena sighed and nodded before turning to look for Paul.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"Let me get this straight, you want me to lie to Paul and say Diss is in a private meeting with me and Fargo?" Serge asked quietly.
"Yeah mate, shouldn't be too hard. Just be sure ta not let Paul see inside," Kid said smiling.
"Alright, so what will Diss be doing in the mean time?" Serge asked.
"He's taking the night off with his Sheila," Kid replied quickly cutting off any further questions walking away to search for Fargo.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"So Diss is with that pretty lass of his?" Fargo asked smoking his cigar.
"That's right, so if ya could be kind enough to make it easier on him. If Paul comes up to here asking around for Diss, ya just 'ave ta not let him in here and tell him he's in a private meeting with Serge and you mate," Kid replied quickly.
Fargo laughed heartily before replying, "It would be my honor to help out Diss. He's saved me skin a couple of times so I figure it's about right ta giving him a night off from his problems."
Kid grinned; her plan was set into motion. As she left Serge walked in to talk with Fargo and Kid skipped merrily down the hall knowing she would keep her word to Diss.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Paul could feel the tension in the air, somebody was keeping secrets. Every time he saw Kid she jumped and ran away. It hit him suddenly when he saw Steena.
"DISS IS WITH CHRISTY! DUH!" Steena held her head low in shame. She failed before she tried. Paul grinned as he left walking down the decks.
"What am I going to do." Steena asked herself hopelessly. "How do you deal with a man who thinks irrationally and has built his own logic?" With that said Steena chased after Paul.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"MAYDAY, MAYDAY!" Glenn roared as he ran into the room with Fargo and Serge. "HE FOUND OUT, HE FOUND OUT, HE FOUND OUT!" Glenn was running around in circles holding his head. Fargo had to smack Glenn in the head so he would calm down. "He found out." Glenn said quietly.
"So we gotta find Paul and do the right thing. Tie him up." Fargo said annoyed.
"Let's go on another fun filled, action pack adventure, yippee Skippy." Serge said tiredly as he grabbed some rope.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"Nope, not here." Paul said crawling out of a cupboard. He dusted himself off as he saw Steena walk up to him. He knew she knew where Kid knew where Diss and Christy were.
"Diss said he was with Serge and Fargo." Paul grinned laughing.
"HA, YOU THINK THE MIGHTY PAUL WOULD FALL FOR THIS." Paul stopped grinning deep in thought. "Unless you want me to believe he isn't there!" Steena grinned knowing she tricked Paul. She waited five seconds before she took her time chasing after Paul again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"Get ready." Kid whispered with a net. "Ere he comes!" Serge prepared his rope and Fargo was ready to tackle him. It wasn't long before Paul roared around the corner. Kid tossed the net, Fargo dived at Paul, and Serge ran up to tie the rope. In the end Fargo was hog-tied and Paul was gone.
"I think we missed." Serge said quietly. Fargo dropped his cigar out of his mouth.
"I think ya did." Fargo said annoyed glaring at Kid and Serge.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"Damn, I was tricked." Paul said putting one hand up to his jaw. "Now where would Diss be." Paul began to pace around impatiently. Steena walked into the room with more confidence in her stride.
"I told you he was." Paul closed a fist at her telling her to hush up. "DON'T YOU BE CLOSING YOUR FIST AT ME BOY!" Paul looked at Steena in disbelief. Steena walked up to him and wrapped her arms around him pushing him over to a pole. She slowly began to kiss him as she took the small rope out of her pocket. In no time Paul's hands were stuck to the pole. "Sorry." She said walking away.
"WHAT? NO, DAMNIT NO!" Paul said trying to break free. "NO NO NO!" Paul yelled squirming around.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"I got him tied up to a pole." Steena said proudly. Kid congratulated her. Serge was helping Fargo get out of his mess.
"Great job matey!" Fargo said. No one noticed Starky walked right by them.
"So, now what?" Serge asked.
"We, uh, wait for them ta finish." Kid said trailing off.
"With what?" They all asked.
"Nothing." Kid said whistling walking away. Steena laughed as she helped Serge untie Fargo.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"Very good Starky." Paul said rubbing his wrist.
"Nooo Problem." Starky said happily.
"Remember, keep this a secret."
"Starky liiike secrets." Paul looked around as he came up with an idea.
"Starky, has anyone walked around with a bed lately?" Starky nodded. "Where to?"
"Starky can't teell youuuu, Starky promised." Paul cursed loudly ringing the little blue aliens neck. "Uhgg, aghh, aaa" Starky wailed. Paul dropped Starky.
"Sorry, what direction did the bed go?" Starky pointed to the storage room. "Thanks Starky."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Steena walked past the room where Paul was with the intent to give him cookies. She was shocked to see Starky rolling around on top of his fish bowl helmet.
"STARKY! WHERE IS PAUL?" Steena tried to say calmly.
"I caan't teeell youuu. Starky promised." Starky said happily. Steena walked up to Starky and grabbed him by the neck.
"You tell me where Paul is or you won't keep secrets anymore, GOT IT?" Starky spilled Paul's location and plan. "Thanks." Steena said walking away. Starky went back to his relaxed state.
"Thiiis planet is veeery primitive, but Starky liiike it." He said doing a 360. "Wheee!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Paul was looking around for the storage room when he heard footsteps.
"When I get my hands on him." Steena mumbled. Kid stopped her and whispered.
"You know, I think of you as the man of that relationship." Kid said loudly and a bit exaggerating. Steena nodded getting the hint. Paul listened with full attention.
"You know Kid, I always had feelings for you." Kid blushed. "And not just feelings of a friend."
"Oh Steena, I waited so long to hear those words." Paul's heart raced. Steena spoke with as much sarcasm as she could.
"Let's forget looking for Paul!" Steena said wildly. Kid nodded and together they ran off.
"This I gotta see." Paul mumbled moving through the rafters carefully.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Christy laid her head on Diss' chest sighing softly. As Diss gently stroked her hair she slowly started drifting off to sleep. She looked up at him smiling.
"Ready for sleep?" Diss asked softly.
"Mmm, as ready as I'm ever going to be." Christy said yawning. They slowly fell asleep in each other's arms peacefully. Diss was happy for the first time in a long time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"Oh Steena, I am glad to see our feelings are out." Kid said slowly. Paul lost his footing and fell with his foot caught. He was now hanging upside down. He swung back and forth when his eyes widened. Fargo and Serge were slowly advancing.
"Uh-Oh." Paul said squirming to get free. "Hey guys, if you're real quiet I can show you Steena and Kid's true feelings!" Paul pleaded.
"Oh Paul, my feelings for you will never fade." Kid said exaggerating to an extreme.
"You are sick." Steena said to Paul grinning.
"I just realized something." Paul said quietly. "THERES A MOUSE ON THE DECK!" Kid and Steena jumped and Fargo looked around. Serge was pushed over to the side as Paul made a run for it. Before he turned a corner he looked back at them and held his fists up in the air. "I AM INVINCIBLE!"
"Yeah and I'm your daddy," Shaun said hitting Paul hard from behind.
"But, Diss is doing the good stuff!" Paul pleaded rubbing the back of his neck. Shaun stopped.
"He is?" He asked dumbly. Paul nodded. "Let's go make ourselves comfy." Steena glared at them.
"GET THEM!" Kid yelled. Paul and Shaun were all the way up and ahead of them as they charged forward.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Christy lay fast asleep as Diss relaxed looking around. His thoughts turned to his friends and why they hadn't tried to barge in on them. Had they actually gotten a night off without seeing them? Suddenly, Paul and Shaun ran into the room followed behind by Steena and Kid.
"Awww, it's already over!" Paul whined waking up Christy.
"Paul get the hell outta here before Christy kills you," Diss growled. Paul and Shaun turned to leave with Steena and Kid following behind them Christy looked up at him confused. "It's alright honey, just go back to sleep." She nodded laying back down using his chest as a pillow again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"YOU FOOLS!" Steena and Kid blared at Paul and Shaun.
"I'm sorry." Paul and Shaun said quietly.
"WHAT WERE YOU TWO THNKING?" Steena asked angrily.
"I'm sorry." Paul and Shaun said again.
"I'm disappointed in the both of you." Kid said annoyed. "What do you have to say BESIDES sorry?"
"I wish we moved faster." Paul said bursting out laughing.
"HIYA!" Steena yelled kicking Paul in the head.
"Owie." Paul said falling to the floor.
"What about you Shaun?" Kid said.
"I'm with stupid." Shaun said quietly. Steena was about to kick him when Kid stopped her.
"Try again, or I'll get medieval on you." Shaun looked at his downed comrade.
"I beg forgiveness?" Shaun asked. Kid glared at him.
"Strike two." Shaun looked at Paul.
"Give me liberty or give me death!" Shaun said running away with Steena and Kid in close pursuit.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Diss woke up the next morning; Christy had already dressed and gone above decks. He slowly dressed looking at the gloves. He placed them in his pocket sighing.
"Thomas, I hope you are having fun up there, cause I can't shake the feeling I'm about to join you," He said heavily. He got up picking up the staff he had used as a weapon for years. He exited the makeshift room they had set up and went above decks.
Everyone was scurrying about grabbing things and preparing for what was easily the most important battle of their lives. Diss looked around and saw Christy grabbing both Paul and Shaun by the ears bringing them down to ear level. He jogged over to hear the end of the tirade.
"If you ever pull a stunt like you just did again I swear to god I will KILL YOU!" She hissed angrily. She turned around smiling as she hugged Diss tightly. "You ready?"
"Just want one thing to be clear here and now," Diss said quietly.
"What?" she asked looking into his eyes.
"No matter what happens I love you. I wont allow anything to happen to you, so as soon as your down I'm going to get you out. If you wake up on the beach go home and wait for us understand?" Diss said quietly. Shaun and Paul looked at each other, then the couple in front of them.
"Alright, but not a moment sooner understand?" She said cupping his face in her hands before kissing him fiercely. "If you have to take me back, the portal back to our world is in Chronopolis. Be sure to get back quickly. Have Paul recharge the battery on this end too, so that there is sure to be enough power for all of you."
Diss nodded before returning the kiss. He cleared his throat as he went to the top of the deck calling for everyone's attention one last time.
"You guys all know who I am. You also know what we've done to get to this point. We are on the edge of another great victory for the human race. This thing sees us as no more than a bug to be squashed. I say we're more than that. I look into the faces of everyone here and I see the faces of friends and people I trust with my life. When I came into this world I was but a bitter lonely man. Now, I'm probably the luckiest man alive. My group has four rules that I'm sure you guys have heard, but for the sake of this fight, I feel like we should say them as guidelines," Diss started. Everyone nodded encouragingly as he went on.
"Rule one: If you screw the group, you're going to die," Diss said quickly.
"Rule two: Everyone goes in together, everyone gets out together," Paul said.
"Rule three: No matter what happens, you never leave a body behind. You will return, dead or alive," Shaun said solemnly.
Christy spoke up loudly, "Rule Four: No matter what, you will never kill in cold blood." The group smiled as they looked at her. She gestured for Diss to go on.
"This thing has obviously screwed with us; it tricked us into killing FATE. While FATE did deserve it these so called 'Dragon Gods' used us to further their aims. Therefore it must die. Second I can't stress the importance of rules two and three. We will get you out dead or alive, just like we all came in together we will leave together. If you fight, I will guarantee you will make it back out. Even when it could cost me my life my friends will testify that I would never knowingly leave a member of our group behind," Diss continued. Shaun, Paul, and Christy nodded clearly for everyone.
"The last rule is obviously not in effect. This thing has threatened to take our lives. It has drawn first blood from us; therefore it will pay for its crimes. To kill this thing is to take a life in self-defense. Even if it wont destroy everything we know till long after we're dead, we will not allow this thing the chance to do so now. It knows we're coming after it, so it may try to kill us now and keep itself safe. Then I say we prove it wrong!" Diss said rallying the people. They cheered loudly as Paul screamed out,
"HEY LETS GO ON ONE LAST FUN FILLED, ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE! YIPPEE SKIPPY!" The blessing given Fargo steered the ship to Opassa beach, where the final day of reckoning would occur. As they did so Diss pulled out the gloves putting them on.
"Soon I will be home, and this world will be saved," He said quietly as Christy stood next to him nodding.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"No, I said I could go, not you." Paul said annoyed. Steena hugged him tighter.
"Admit it, you need me." Paul glared at her.
"I can't live with the fact something should happen to you." Paul said.
"And you think I can if the same happened to you?" There was an odd silence as the two looked at each other. Paul just muttered a vulgar phrase to the sky as he looked at Steena again.
"Okay, you can come, but if the cheese is lacking you better leave." Steena stared at Paul long and hard.
"The cheese?" she asked confused.
"Ya, the cheese." Paul muttered breaking the hug. Steena looked at Paul hurt as she spoke calmly.
"You need to calm down, we have four hours before we get there, and we're going to wait another hour so Serge and Glenn can say goodbye to love ones. RELAX!" Paul looked at her carefully.
"So, you implying we get some stuff down?" Steena looked at him confused before she got the idea.
"Yeah, there's plenty that needs to be finished." Steena said carefully. The two hugged each other when Christy approached them.
"Paul, don't do it." She pleaded. Paul and Steena looked at her.
"Do what?" Paul asked.
"You know what I mean." She said tiredly. Paul glared at her as he held Steena tighter.
"Go away." Paul said in a cold tone. "Go away, let me live MY life." Paul said as dark as he could. Christy looked at Paul before she left.
"You changed." She said carefully.
"I KNOW I CHANGED!" Paul screamed at Christy. Steena backed away from Paul scared of what he might do. Christy turned around slowly startled.
"What?" she asked.
"YOU THINK I HAVEN'T NOTICED THAT I HAVE BEEN ALTERED TO THINK IRRATIONALLY SO I COULD PUT DISS IN HIS PLACE?" Christy motioned for Steena to leave.
"Look, I know what you're-" Paul cut off Christy quickly.
"DON'T TELL ME YOU KNOW WHAT I AM GOING THROUGH! NO ONE CAN KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE ALTERED SO YOU GO CRAZY! CHRISTY, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW!" Paul screamed glaring at her. Shaun and Diss listened in on the conversation getting closer to Christy.
"Paul, clam down." Diss warned. Paul literally lost it. With two bolts of lightening he blasted Diss and Shaun away so he had a clear path to a motorboat.
"I'm going scouting." Paul said in a twisted manner. Steena looked at Paul as she decided to go after him. She jumped on the boat as it sped away.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"Any reason you wanted to follow me?" Paul asked coldly.
"No." Steena replied. Paul didn't bother to look at her.
"Who is she to judge me?" Paul asked angrily. "She has no idea what happened to me, what I am going through." Paul began to pace the small boat as best he could. Steena moved out of his way as she watched. "She has no right to tell me how to live MY life." Paul continued. "Can you believe her?" Paul asked to Steena.
"Well, um." Paul cut her off.
"That's what I thought." Paul said pacing again. Steena had no clue what to do as she thought quickly. "The nerve of that woman!" Paul blared. He sat down and drew his knees to his chest. "I hate my life." Paul whispered. Steena sat next to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
"Life is not meant to be hated." Steena said in her wisdom like tone. "Besides, everyone here got the short end of the stick on life. We were all told how to live it according to FATE." Paul sniffled.
"Why do people like poking tubes and crap in my body?" Steena remained quiet. "Who cares if Diss was stronger in some ways? It wasn't like we posed a threat to them. Well, maybe we did." Paul said deep in thought. Steena just held him tighter. "All in all, the grand scheme is we all die in the end. So no matter what we do it doesn't matter." Steena tried to console her boyfriend but failed horribly. He was just too depressed.
"All life matters Paul. You and me were meant to be together, what is so bad about that?" Paul looked at her and smiled before he frowned.
"The fact we have to go our separate ways." Steena became silent. She didn't forget that information, she was just hoping to avoid thinking about that. "But that's a long way along the road. Let's just enjoy our trip." Paul said calmly holding Steena tightly.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"That's it I've had it up to here with poster child!" Diss yelled as he got back to his feet. Everyone looked at Diss apprehensively as he went to the side of the boat Christy grabbed his arm trying to hold him back.
"Diss, listen he's just upset let him calm down." She never finished as he turned on her.
"Calm down? HE'S HAD A FRICKING MONTH TO CALM DOWN! IF HE CAN'T KEEP HIS COOL I'M GOING TO MAKE HIM LOSE HIS HEAD PERMANENTLY!" Diss said prepping a motorboat. Shaun tried to hold him back with Christy's help.
"Listen Diss he's stressed let him get it out of his system," Shaun pleaded.
"Oh that's rich! Tell me how long before he gets almost killing me for the umpteenth time out of his system?" Diss shouted as he got in the boat dropping it to the sea. Kid looked over the railing at him and shouted down,
"Diss mate, don't lose yer cool for a freak like him! Save it for the guys at Chronopolis that did this ta him!"
"I gave him plenty of chances, he's just struck out!" Diss said powering up the motorboat. Christy leaned over the rail and yelled loud enough for everyone to hear,
"PATRICK ERIC DISSINGER! YOU GET YOUR ASS BACK UP HERE RIGHT NOW BEFORE YOU SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE ON A COUCH!" Diss actually stopped and looked up at his fiancée jaw dropped open in awe.
"But Christy-" He shouted up before he was cut off.
"No buts you get your ass up her otherwise you are spending your life on the couch! Do you understand me?" She shouted down her voice filled with great anger.
"LOOK WHAT HE- " Diss was again cut off.
"I DON'T CARE IF HE DESTROYED THAT DAMN JEEP OF YOURS! YOU GET YOUR ASS UP HERE, THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE OTHERWISE IT'S THE COUCH FOR YOU!" Christy yelled icily. Diss looked up at her saw she was dead serious and began hoisting the boat back to its original position.
"You gotta teach me that mate," Kid said in awe as Diss finally did as he was told.
"Its instinct, threaten a guy with no more sex and he'll do almost anything to keep it how it was," She said still glaring at her fiancée. Fargo laughed in awe as Diss sheepishly stepped on deck and went below decks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Steena opened her eyes as she saw the motorboat hit Opassa beach. She tugged on Paul's arm to get him up. Paul slowly opened his eyes to see Steena looking around.
"We made it." She said. Paul looked at the sun.
"Well, we got a few hours before the others arrive." Paul said coolly. "We could get some work done." Steena looked at him and grinned. She slowly began to kiss Paul moving closer to him. Paul grabbed the nearest blanket he could find.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
"How much longer until we're there?" Diss muttered angrily.
"Calm down Diss you're acting childish again," Christy chided him.
"Who's the child, me or him? He can't go five minutes without making a nuisance of himself unless he's asleep or unconscious." Diss grumbled.
"You are for not forgiving him. I know he's almost killed you for the umpteenth time. I know he's been stressed and should have released it somehow, but that doesn't help us now does it?" Christy said bitterly.
"Touché," Diss said grumpily. Shaun merely leaned against the wall looking out the window.
"Three hours, you guys better cheer up or it's going to be one long fight." Shaun mumbled as he sighed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Paul opened his eyes as he realized the boat drifted a bit of shore. He carefully moved Steena out of his way and brought the boat back to shore staking it down with his Halberd and rope. He walked out to the sand and sat down. He sighed and picked up the sand between his fingers and let them gently blow of his hand from the cool sea breeze.
"Like sand in the hour glass." Paul muttered to himself quietly. Catherine walked up behind Paul with a small shovel and a bucket.
"Wanna build a sand castle?" She asked. Paul smiled and nodded helping Catherine build a sand castle. It was a basic castle, a small moat and one large tower. He found a twig and a leaf, which he used for a flag.
"All done." Paul said happily. Catherine smiled as she swung her hand and destroyed the castle. Paul looked in horror as his creation was destroyed in less than a second.
"That was fun, bye!" Catherine said vanishing with her bucket and shovel. Paul muttered his thoughts as he crawled in the boat next to Steena. He lied down next to her and softly ran his fingers through her hair.
"What time is it?" Steena asked tiredly moving closer to Paul.
"I don't know." Paul whispered softly. Steena just picked the blanket up and placed it over her head.
"I need a drink." Steena whined. Paul just rubbed her back gently as he closed his eyes.