Chapter 16
Down but not out
The next day Samantha met Christy on the deck. She was kissing with Diss before she noticed Samantha. She whispered something to Diss who nodded and headed off. Samantha took a deep breath before walking up smiling.
"How's everything," Samantha asked Christy casually.
"Much better, seems that Paul is going to recover nicely. Diss wasn't hurt badly, and Patrick got to vent some anger. He seems calmer now," Christy replied sitting on a chase lounge.
Samantha sat on the one across from her," Some of his anger? How much anger does he have?"
"Too much, He was angry at your death, your second death, his brother's death. He lost everything to the Aryans, and then when he finally tries to settle down, they rip him from our world into this one," Christy said sorrowfully.
"So much pain," She said softly looking down.
"It wasn't your fault Samantha. You couldn't have changed any of those events now if you tried."
"I know, but there is pain in everything that happened. Pain in my own deaths," she traced a finger over the scar, "Pain in my best friend. Pain in watching him grow up without me there to assure him he's doing the right thing, and I came so close to breaking my vow," Samantha whispered.
Christy put a hand on Samantha's shoulder, "I'm not going to stand between you two. I have Diss to father my child, and I know you two need each other."
"What? How did you.." Samantha stuttered.
"Samantha, you don't give me nearly enough credit. I am a master Psychic after all," She said tapping her temple.
Samantha laughed, "I forgot about that. I guess it's onto my next question, How's the child?"
"We came close to losing him when Eric tied me up. I'm starting to show though," She said patting her stomach gently.
"I hope he grows up strong like his father," Samantha whispered.
"I hope he grows up patient like his Mother," Christy echoed. Both remained silent before Samantha dropped the bombshell,
"Did you always trust Patrick?"
"What?"
"I mean when you two met did you trust him, or use him to get away and ended up trusting him?"
Christy looked down, "There was a time, up until the First Council of Hosts that I didn't trust him."
"I ask because it seems to me like he isn't even reaching his maximum ability, like something is holding him back," Samantha whispered softly.
"Are you implying something," Christy said coldly.
Samantha only got up in response, "I'm only saying that it wouldn't have been hard for a Psychic such as you to theoretically dampen his powers, so he not only wouldn't he realize it, but he would find a way to explain it."
"It's a good thing you said theoretically, while yes it's possible I never once altered my fiancées mind. I'd say that would be a pretty bold statement coming from someone who barely got to see him," Christy simmered.
"I'm just wondering how someone who preformed Inferno at the Battle of Temple Diablo, later could barely perform a simple flame based attack. It would have taken a hell of a hit to the head to knock that information out of his mind."
"He said the Symbiote gave him the power to unleash it in fear of what Hydros would have done to its current host," Christy said tersely.
"How convenient the symbiotes have gone dormant mentally," Samantha said walking away.
"I said I did nothing," Christy said.
"I technically never said you did anything," Samantha pointed out.
"'Technically' can easily go both ways," Christy said coldly.
"And so can logic," Samantha retorted. She then went below decks.
"How could she have figured me out so quick..." Christy whispered.
~*~
"Lunch Time Eric," Karsh said opening the door. Steam spilled out fogging his vision. He coughed as he covered his face to prevent himself from burning before he felt a chain wrap around his neck.
"I'll kill you later, for now have a nice deep rest in the steam room, courtesy of me," Eric breathed hitting Karsh in the back of his head before exiting the room. He kicked up a lance and threw it impaling the Dragoon at the end of the hallway and rushed the man covering his mouth to prevent him from screaming. With a deft twist he ended the Dragoon's life. "In the grand scheme of things you were nothing, so to nothing you return," He muttered.
~*~
Paul slowly got up out of bed. He looked down on the cabinet next to him. Three broken gold pieces to the locket and two pictures were lying neatly in scattered positions. Paul looked at it and sighed. He went into the bathroom to take a shower. He figured he needed something to take his mind off his loss. When he shut the shower door the bathroom door opened and Steena walked in tiredly.
"What happened to knocking?" Paul grunted from over the shower curtain.
"You said we need to talk. I am ready now." Steena said confidently. Paul stopped the water and grabbed a towel. He positioned it around his waist and opened the shower door.
"Go ahead." Paul said leaning against a wall.
"I have been cranky ever since I found out my way of life was simply gone. In this world there are no dragons. And I grew up studying them, learning everything about them. So to suddenly see them gone is a big crunch on my heart. And I was stupid to push the last thing in my heart away. So I apologize. Can you forgive me?" Steena asked looking hopeful. Paul remained quiet. Steena looked at him before Paul opened his arms and embraced her.
"Of course I do." Steena smiled hugging Paul tighter. "Don't forget you're not the only one who lost something here." Paul whispered. Steena nodded still holding him tightly. "I'm gonna finish my shower, OK?" Paul said softly. Steena nodded smiling as she watched Paul turned around. Then she whipped up a comb and tossed it at Paul's towel. The comb undid the towel and she saw Paul's backside without interference.
"Nice . . ." Steena said whistling then laughing leaving. Paul just smiled getting into the shower.
"I influence people too much . . ." Paul muttered.
~*~
Patrick stood on the deck of the ship. He still wore the gloves from last night deciding to keep them on incase they were needed, and he looked out onto the horizon.
"Still the nature boy aren't you Patrick," He heard a familiar voice say.
Patrick turned around to see Christy standing behind him, "Yeah, I guess you could say that."
"Listen I thought we should talk," Christy said softly.
"What's there to talk about?" Patrick asked confused.
"Us," She replied simply.
Patrick looked down. "What do you have to say? I'd guess I'm a pretty bad father abandoning my Fiancée to get revenge on someone," Patrick said looking back over to the ocean.
"I don't blame you one bit for that. You've changed, and I realize that the person I fell in love with isn't there anymore. I also know that you still love Samantha. Even my Diss loves Samantha, so I'm letting you go," She said softly.
"What?" Patrick asked turning to face her.
"You two need each other in ways I can't even begin to describe. You give each other the reason for going on. I know you two so well because you've been on each other's minds since you met up again. In fact she was thinking of you before you saw her. I'm not stupid you know," She said matter-of- factly.
"Never said you were," Patrick replied.
"I just want one last thing from you," She said standing next to him.
"And what's that?" Patrick replied smiling.
"Good bye kiss for mommy," She said turning to him. He kissed her softly, before he deepened it for her. When he finally pulled back he whispered,
"Thank you for understanding, I know the way I said it wasn't the best way. I just couldn't stand it when you treated me like the same man."
Christy looked down a second before she replied, "I know it must be hard to remember everything. All your faults and your failures, but you still have to understand that you choose to change. You are never forced into anything in life."
Patrick lifted her chin to look her in the eyes, "Christy I'm not going to go into who I was. I just want you to know that I need to reconcile with my past before it consumes me."
"I hope you succeed, the last thing we need is for Eric to win after all you did to keep him down."
"I hope so too," Patrick said before giving her a friendly hug and going below decks.
~*~
"You failed me again!" Fate yelled.
"Sorry," Lynx looked down.
"Worse off you're pushing Patrick to his prime point. I'm not ready for that yet!"
"Sorry again," Lynx muttered.
"If you fail me one more time your Fate will be sealed. Do I make myself clear?" Fate growled.
"How can you seal my Fate?"
"Like this," Fate said. He brought his hands together and slowly spread them. Between his hands formed a small string of golden light, once he was done stretching the string he pulled out a pair of scissors.
"Art's and crafts? I thought you were the demi-god FATE. Not the earthling Martha Stewart," Lynx spat.
"Now you will feel my powers," Fate said softly as he gently scraped the scissors along the thread. Lynx's response was immediate as he fell to his knees pain wracking his body. Blood flowed into his eyes blinding him as he heard Fate's voice over him, "Never question my will again. Or I will cut your life line and end your pathetic mortal life. You will learn respect for your master."
~*~
"Oi, what a cruise." Kid said relaxing on a towel on the upper deck next to Serge who was polishing his weapon.
"Yup." Serge said quietly. The weapon was already shining brightly, but he continued to polish it.
"You done polishing that mate or are you waiting for that imaginary smudge to come out?" Kid asked watching him apply more polish to the swallow.
"I got nothing better to do." Serge replied. He finally put the rag down and examined the swallow; it was made of a solid metal blade. Gleaming brightly in the sun light he finally laid it next to him.
"I agree there mate, but ya gotta find something else ta do while ya here." Kid replied cautiously.
"Like what?" Serge asked.
"I don't know just pick something!" Kid said rolling over on the towel.
"I guess I could try and find the adults," Serge replied.
"Don't bug them. they need to unwind," Kid replied hastily.
"Unwind?' Serge asked looking at Kid. With her resting on the towel he sighed stretching out beside her.
"Yeah, they got a lot of anger at each other, and it looks like Pat might even be going crazy," Kid replied.
"Yeah, he doesn't seem like he's even listening at times," Serge agreed.
"Yeah, you should probably stick with me mate, I'll teach ya how to relax," Kid said playfully punching Serge on the shoulder.
"I think I might just do that," Serge replied.
~*~
"No one wants to play anymore?" Eric breathed as he held a dagger to his victim's throat.
"I'll do anything you want let her go!" Viper pleaded. Eric only smiled.
"Your pain is like a drug to me Viper. Perhaps I should kill her to watch you crumble. Or even maybe I should kill another one of your inept guards. All in fun of course until a Deva grows the balls to try me," Eric said. He gently pressed his dagger to his victim's throat causing a small river of blood to trickle from her white throat. He caught some on his knife and carefully licked it.
"You sick animal!" Marcy yelled. It was all Zoah could do to restrain her.
"Ahh the little one has quite a mouth. Perhaps she has the balls to fight me?" Eric said. He was in the main chamber of Viper manor. Riddel was in his arms with the knife pressed against her throat. Using the chair Eric had gotten above where the dragoons could have easy access to him. Then he stepped off the platform still in plain view of the people amassed below, including Dario who was absolutely livid.
"I swear when I get my hands on you..." Dario started.
"You'll what? Bleed all over me when I slit your throat? Tell me Dario, what is Riddel like in bed?" Eric said savagely.
"You dirty-"Dario began again as he drew his sword.
"I suppose I'll just have to find out myself. Hey, I didn't say you could move!" With that Eric shot flames at a man moving towards the switch to lower the platform. The dragoon burst into flames running around wildly. Two dragoons quickly dropped him and helped him put himself out. "Another man moves to hit that switch and the conversation ends here and now with her blood on that unlucky bastard's hands!" Eric shouted out.
"You heard the man, don't move!" Viper commanded. The men near the switch moved clearly away from it into the main part of the Hall. An old man quickly moved into the room.
"Old man, if I feel you in my head I'll kill her before you can put me down!" Eric breathed.
"You are an animal plain and simple. Hiding behind someone when you can't possibly win," Belthazar spat.
"Then catch old man," Eric hissed pushing Riddel hard. She shrieked in fear as she started falling to the ground. Belthazar waved a hand and she stopped a few short feet from the ground.
"I'm an elder worthy of respect young pup," Belthazar said, and without any sign of effort he gently placed Riddel on the ground. "You will now learn that," He snarled as he stretched forth with his mind.
It didn't take long for Eric to figure out what was going on. With a deft throw the dagger sunk up to the hilt into Belthazar's throat. He clutched at it violently as he went down. "Where is your protector now Viper? From now on I call the shots." With that he leapt down using flame jets to hold off the Devas, he pulled the knife viciously from Belthazar's throat. Blood spurted across the hall covering the men. Eric wiped the blade on Belthazar's body before he stretched his hand out. A strip of fire shot from both sides and formed a solid oak quarterstaff. "Things are going to change around here, and if you don't like it I'll kill you myself." Viper couldn't help but look at Belthazar as he drew his final breath.
~*~
Clone Paul and Steena were sun bathing on the upper deck when they saw Miki running up to him.
"Oh boy . . ." Paul said tiredly. Miki approached before she gave a weak smile.
"How is your uh, twin brother doing?" Miki said awkwardly. Steena sighed getting up.
"Why don't you just leave us alone? Come on Uh, umm . . . Vlad let's go." Steena said hurriedly getting clone Paul up. Miki smiled again weakly as clone Paul turned his back on her. Steena instantly whipped around and blocked the dagger that Miki threw at Clone Paul. Miki tried hard to throw another before Steena kicked viscously into Miki's stomach and thrusted up her knee into Miki's face.
"Okay little bitch . . ." Miki said wiping her brow. "You wanna play with the big girls, fine by me."
"Bitch? You referring to yourself?" Steena retorted.
"LAME!" Miki shouted stressing the vowels out whenever she could.
Miki dove in with a hard high foot that Steena easily caught and whipped over her side causing Miki to crash into a bundle of barrels. Steena cracked her neck and taunted for Miki to bring it.
"Little Bitch got bite . . ." Miki mumbled to herself as she grabbed one of her daggers tightly. Miki dove in with a death blow that Steena rolled under, jumped up to her feet and set up her super kick. Miki whipped around and met in person a hard crashed boot in her jaw. Miki skidded to a halt just before the edge of the boat. Steena swayed back and forth up to Miki.
"Later . . .BITCH!" Steena yelled kicking Miki's head in and throwing her off the boat. Steena was satisfied after she heard a loud splash.
~*~
Patrick sat in the middle of the Grand Slam. Since the fight no one had come down, and the monsters had been caged. He decided to take advantage of that and now sat squarely in the middle of the cage eyes closed, cross legged, and his hands resting softly on his knees.
"Calm," He whispered to himself. He continued to whisper the word as he slowly started to empty his mind. The memories slowly left one by one the last being the one that hurt the most.
"NOOOOOOO!"
"You brat! You want to die like your master?"
He was surrounded by men, "We are his protectors now."
"Then I challenge him to single combat. A duel of hosts!"
His head had spun as he remembered his emotions. His brother was unforgiving of those that stood in his way.
"You'll have to do this on your own," A voice whispered in his ears. If only they knew that he would have to endure everything from that point on alone. He hadn't even had Samantha as a condolence. He sighed as he finally set that horrible memory aside. Finally with his mind clear he stretched his mind forward.
"Have you finally decided to give in to your anger?" A voice said. The voice was monotone and emotionless.
"No, I've decided to accept my past for what it is," Patrick thought grimly.
"You decided to accept this?" A body now floated across his mind. It was charred and he instantly was sick to his stomach. The worst part was that he knew it was a woman. He could identify it by the pelvis, and the fact that he instinctively knew disgusted him. "No stomach for this anymore? You used to tape their screams and use them as a lullaby."
"ENOUGH!" Patrick finally shot his eyes open. He was covered in sweat. The last thought had managed to become verbal and was now echoing back at him. The animals stirred at the noise and a few gave retorts the room quickly growing louder and louder. He looked around and finally seeing no one broke down. "I'm a wreck; I can't even accept what I was."
He jumped when he heard a reply, "Then maybe you're going about it wrong." Samantha stepped out into the open and quickly climbed the fence sitting on the top. Patrick looked up at her wondering how long he had been crying. He quickly wiped his eyes. Out of all the people he knew one of the people he least wanted to see him like this was now perched above him.
"Sam, how long?" He asked. No sense in hoping, might as well find out.
"Since you walked in, I was going through my exercises, you aren't very quiet when you're in a mixed mood," Samantha replied.
Patrick looked down only to see two feet land in front of him as Samantha jumped. He then saw two knees before he felt her hand on his chin. It gently pushed his head up till their eyes met, and it was then that Patrick felt the electric jolt through his body.
"You were crying, you're in trouble, what's going on in there friend?" She asked.
"I'm not even sure. I'm just not ready to accept my past," He said softly.
"The usual way?" She asked.
"What?" Patrick asked frowning.
"Are you trying to accept it the usual way?" Samantha asked clarifying.
"And how's that?"
"All at once no punches pulled," She answered softly before she moved herself closer to him.
Patrick felt something warm spread through his body as he replied, "I guess I was."
"You need to accept it slowly, start small," She said softly.
"I don't think I need a course on accepting my past," Patrick grumbled as he started to get up. He felt her arms wrap around him strongly and pull him back to the floor. He hit with a loud thunk.
"Not yet, you don't leave here until I'm satisfied," She said looking him in the eyes. A smile shone in them as he finally realized what was going to happen.
"Fine, we hand back eyes if it comes to that?" He asked quietly.
"Only if it comes to that, but most likely I'll be handing you your balls," She said smirking.
"Only you would go there," Patrick said getting up. He went to a corner of the cage and hung his flannel in the corner. His hat followed suit and in a surprise move he took off his shirt, revealing a white tank top with a sweat spot on his chest and back.
"Only you would think that dirty," Samantha countered. She dropped into her fighting stance as Patrick cracked his knuckles and neck. Looking at his hands he took off the gloves tossing them into his corner, and dropped into a conservative stance.
"Am I in trouble?" She asked playfully.
"Why's that?" Patrick asked confused.
"The gloves came off," She replied.
"No you were in trouble before," He replied. With that he opened with a kick. Samantha expertly blocked and countered attacking with a kick of her own. Patrick dropped himself to the ground under the kick and punched at her open stomach.
Only it wasn't there and neither was she. She quickly danced to his side and got him in a headlock. His hands instinctively grabbed hold of her arms only to find the vise like grip unbreakable. He finally pushed up till they were both standing somewhat and he grabbed her by her waist and arched his back backwards sending her shoulder first to the mat.
Samantha instinctively clutched her shoulder, "Learn that from Paul?"
"I picked up a few traits," He said crouching low as he backed off waiting for her to get up. He didn't have to wait long before he rushed forward tackling her and sending them both to the mat hard. As both regained their breath they realized the position they were in with him on top of her.
"Well, well, well...." Samantha said slowly.
Patrick moved to get up only to find her arms and legs wrapped tightly around him. He tried a little harder before he finally gave up and relaxed on top of her. Her arms slowly began to rub his back slowly and thoroughly. All he could do is grunt in relief as he received the massage. "Curse you," He whispered.
"Obviously not enough for you to do anything to stop me," She whispered in his ear before she nibbled on it affectionately.
A shiver coursed through his body as instincts screamed in his ears. He finally gave in and began kissing her deeply and wildly. She had to stop the massage to keep up with him as they reduced themselves to a more primal kiss. When they finally broke apart they looked into each others eyes.
"Race to the room?" She asked.
"No, not yet, I'm not ready for that yet. Just wait a little more, I promise we'll get to that later," He said softly kissing her lightly after the statement.
"Then I'm not sleeping alone anymore," she said softly against his lips.
"I didn't say we couldn't do that," He said lightly. She nodded softly before they kissed again, the animals finally roaring and making noise.
~*~
"You'll never get away with this!" Dario spat.
"Oh please, stop with the clichés while you still appear intelligent," Eric mocked after slamming the prison cell shut. The Four Devas had been locked in separate cells to keep them from helping each other escape. Viper himself was in the cage that the trap door fell into. Eric whistled a tune as he opened the door to the room that had once been his prison. Riddel was now chained at the place that his counterpart had once been.
"What do you want?" Riddel asked cringing away from him as he approached.
"Where is Belthazar's room?" Eric said coldly.
"I, I, I- don't know," Riddel stammered.
"You mean to tell me that he is the one person your father trusts the most and you don't know where he sleeps?" Eric growled. Riddel flinched as if he had physically hit her. Instead he stepped closer to her and she could feel his breath wash over her as she closed her eyes and tried to shy away from him.
"Maybe a Deva does, I never thought to ask," She said softly. He thankfully backed off so his breath didn't wash over her anymore. She felt incredibly dirty from just standing next to him. She thought it had ended when they brought her and him in, but apparently it had just begun.
~*~
"Time to get up," Samantha said softly. All she got in reply was a low groan. She heard screaming and wailing as loud footsteps got closer. Then the door was kicked in and water splashed everywhere.
"GET THE HELL OFF THE BOAT, DISS' AND SAMANTHA'S FIRST!" Paul screamed holding his clone over his shoulders. Clone Paul was knocked out from a falling beam that hit his head hard. Patrick's eyes jolted open as he smelled something very familiar to him . . . fire. Christy and Steena were holding an unconscious Diss over their shoulders as Shaun and his clone grabbed Patrick.
"I CAN CARRY MYSELF!" Patrick grumbled.
"PAT, THE GROUND IS FULL OF WATER!" Miguel shouted over the loud shrieks of Henry the Squirrel. Patrick looked down to see Shaun wading carefully through the water that was up to his knees. Clone Shaun carefully picked up Samantha as he waded through the water with everyone.
Along the decks men and sailors were screaming.
"WHO DID THIS?"
"WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH LIFEBOATS!" Patrick looked ahead to see a small hole flooding with water.
"HOLY!" Diss screamed as a huge explosion knocked clone Shaun and Samantha down under the water. Patrick immediately jumped into the water as he felt steam erupt from his body. He saw Samantha kicking up out of the water. He then saw two hands pick him and Samantha up. Pat looked up to see himself get slung over Paul's shoulder and Samantha on top of clone Paul. Patrick could still feel the steam erupt as he looked at Samantha next to him. She was out. He looked up to see the light suddenly darken. He then saw Lynx stand in the doorway. Paul blasted Lynx away jolting everyone around, but no one really seemed to care as Paul stomped on Lynx's face. He thrusted the weight off his shoulders as he turned around.
"PAUL! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" Steena yelled. Pat felt himself get picked up.
"Oi mate, yer heavier than I last remember." Kid said. Serge lifted Samantha over his shoulders as they all ran into the boats.
"WHAT ABOUT PAUL?" Steena shouted. Before a reply came a loud explosion sent the mast cracking down destroying two lifeboats.
"NO TIME, WE GOTTA GO NOW!" Serge said extremely loudly. He and Miguel began paddling as clone Shaun jumped into the water. He swam up to the boats and got in as they began to paddle to the Hermits hideaway.
Down but not out
The next day Samantha met Christy on the deck. She was kissing with Diss before she noticed Samantha. She whispered something to Diss who nodded and headed off. Samantha took a deep breath before walking up smiling.
"How's everything," Samantha asked Christy casually.
"Much better, seems that Paul is going to recover nicely. Diss wasn't hurt badly, and Patrick got to vent some anger. He seems calmer now," Christy replied sitting on a chase lounge.
Samantha sat on the one across from her," Some of his anger? How much anger does he have?"
"Too much, He was angry at your death, your second death, his brother's death. He lost everything to the Aryans, and then when he finally tries to settle down, they rip him from our world into this one," Christy said sorrowfully.
"So much pain," She said softly looking down.
"It wasn't your fault Samantha. You couldn't have changed any of those events now if you tried."
"I know, but there is pain in everything that happened. Pain in my own deaths," she traced a finger over the scar, "Pain in my best friend. Pain in watching him grow up without me there to assure him he's doing the right thing, and I came so close to breaking my vow," Samantha whispered.
Christy put a hand on Samantha's shoulder, "I'm not going to stand between you two. I have Diss to father my child, and I know you two need each other."
"What? How did you.." Samantha stuttered.
"Samantha, you don't give me nearly enough credit. I am a master Psychic after all," She said tapping her temple.
Samantha laughed, "I forgot about that. I guess it's onto my next question, How's the child?"
"We came close to losing him when Eric tied me up. I'm starting to show though," She said patting her stomach gently.
"I hope he grows up strong like his father," Samantha whispered.
"I hope he grows up patient like his Mother," Christy echoed. Both remained silent before Samantha dropped the bombshell,
"Did you always trust Patrick?"
"What?"
"I mean when you two met did you trust him, or use him to get away and ended up trusting him?"
Christy looked down, "There was a time, up until the First Council of Hosts that I didn't trust him."
"I ask because it seems to me like he isn't even reaching his maximum ability, like something is holding him back," Samantha whispered softly.
"Are you implying something," Christy said coldly.
Samantha only got up in response, "I'm only saying that it wouldn't have been hard for a Psychic such as you to theoretically dampen his powers, so he not only wouldn't he realize it, but he would find a way to explain it."
"It's a good thing you said theoretically, while yes it's possible I never once altered my fiancées mind. I'd say that would be a pretty bold statement coming from someone who barely got to see him," Christy simmered.
"I'm just wondering how someone who preformed Inferno at the Battle of Temple Diablo, later could barely perform a simple flame based attack. It would have taken a hell of a hit to the head to knock that information out of his mind."
"He said the Symbiote gave him the power to unleash it in fear of what Hydros would have done to its current host," Christy said tersely.
"How convenient the symbiotes have gone dormant mentally," Samantha said walking away.
"I said I did nothing," Christy said.
"I technically never said you did anything," Samantha pointed out.
"'Technically' can easily go both ways," Christy said coldly.
"And so can logic," Samantha retorted. She then went below decks.
"How could she have figured me out so quick..." Christy whispered.
~*~
"Lunch Time Eric," Karsh said opening the door. Steam spilled out fogging his vision. He coughed as he covered his face to prevent himself from burning before he felt a chain wrap around his neck.
"I'll kill you later, for now have a nice deep rest in the steam room, courtesy of me," Eric breathed hitting Karsh in the back of his head before exiting the room. He kicked up a lance and threw it impaling the Dragoon at the end of the hallway and rushed the man covering his mouth to prevent him from screaming. With a deft twist he ended the Dragoon's life. "In the grand scheme of things you were nothing, so to nothing you return," He muttered.
~*~
Paul slowly got up out of bed. He looked down on the cabinet next to him. Three broken gold pieces to the locket and two pictures were lying neatly in scattered positions. Paul looked at it and sighed. He went into the bathroom to take a shower. He figured he needed something to take his mind off his loss. When he shut the shower door the bathroom door opened and Steena walked in tiredly.
"What happened to knocking?" Paul grunted from over the shower curtain.
"You said we need to talk. I am ready now." Steena said confidently. Paul stopped the water and grabbed a towel. He positioned it around his waist and opened the shower door.
"Go ahead." Paul said leaning against a wall.
"I have been cranky ever since I found out my way of life was simply gone. In this world there are no dragons. And I grew up studying them, learning everything about them. So to suddenly see them gone is a big crunch on my heart. And I was stupid to push the last thing in my heart away. So I apologize. Can you forgive me?" Steena asked looking hopeful. Paul remained quiet. Steena looked at him before Paul opened his arms and embraced her.
"Of course I do." Steena smiled hugging Paul tighter. "Don't forget you're not the only one who lost something here." Paul whispered. Steena nodded still holding him tightly. "I'm gonna finish my shower, OK?" Paul said softly. Steena nodded smiling as she watched Paul turned around. Then she whipped up a comb and tossed it at Paul's towel. The comb undid the towel and she saw Paul's backside without interference.
"Nice . . ." Steena said whistling then laughing leaving. Paul just smiled getting into the shower.
"I influence people too much . . ." Paul muttered.
~*~
Patrick stood on the deck of the ship. He still wore the gloves from last night deciding to keep them on incase they were needed, and he looked out onto the horizon.
"Still the nature boy aren't you Patrick," He heard a familiar voice say.
Patrick turned around to see Christy standing behind him, "Yeah, I guess you could say that."
"Listen I thought we should talk," Christy said softly.
"What's there to talk about?" Patrick asked confused.
"Us," She replied simply.
Patrick looked down. "What do you have to say? I'd guess I'm a pretty bad father abandoning my Fiancée to get revenge on someone," Patrick said looking back over to the ocean.
"I don't blame you one bit for that. You've changed, and I realize that the person I fell in love with isn't there anymore. I also know that you still love Samantha. Even my Diss loves Samantha, so I'm letting you go," She said softly.
"What?" Patrick asked turning to face her.
"You two need each other in ways I can't even begin to describe. You give each other the reason for going on. I know you two so well because you've been on each other's minds since you met up again. In fact she was thinking of you before you saw her. I'm not stupid you know," She said matter-of- factly.
"Never said you were," Patrick replied.
"I just want one last thing from you," She said standing next to him.
"And what's that?" Patrick replied smiling.
"Good bye kiss for mommy," She said turning to him. He kissed her softly, before he deepened it for her. When he finally pulled back he whispered,
"Thank you for understanding, I know the way I said it wasn't the best way. I just couldn't stand it when you treated me like the same man."
Christy looked down a second before she replied, "I know it must be hard to remember everything. All your faults and your failures, but you still have to understand that you choose to change. You are never forced into anything in life."
Patrick lifted her chin to look her in the eyes, "Christy I'm not going to go into who I was. I just want you to know that I need to reconcile with my past before it consumes me."
"I hope you succeed, the last thing we need is for Eric to win after all you did to keep him down."
"I hope so too," Patrick said before giving her a friendly hug and going below decks.
~*~
"You failed me again!" Fate yelled.
"Sorry," Lynx looked down.
"Worse off you're pushing Patrick to his prime point. I'm not ready for that yet!"
"Sorry again," Lynx muttered.
"If you fail me one more time your Fate will be sealed. Do I make myself clear?" Fate growled.
"How can you seal my Fate?"
"Like this," Fate said. He brought his hands together and slowly spread them. Between his hands formed a small string of golden light, once he was done stretching the string he pulled out a pair of scissors.
"Art's and crafts? I thought you were the demi-god FATE. Not the earthling Martha Stewart," Lynx spat.
"Now you will feel my powers," Fate said softly as he gently scraped the scissors along the thread. Lynx's response was immediate as he fell to his knees pain wracking his body. Blood flowed into his eyes blinding him as he heard Fate's voice over him, "Never question my will again. Or I will cut your life line and end your pathetic mortal life. You will learn respect for your master."
~*~
"Oi, what a cruise." Kid said relaxing on a towel on the upper deck next to Serge who was polishing his weapon.
"Yup." Serge said quietly. The weapon was already shining brightly, but he continued to polish it.
"You done polishing that mate or are you waiting for that imaginary smudge to come out?" Kid asked watching him apply more polish to the swallow.
"I got nothing better to do." Serge replied. He finally put the rag down and examined the swallow; it was made of a solid metal blade. Gleaming brightly in the sun light he finally laid it next to him.
"I agree there mate, but ya gotta find something else ta do while ya here." Kid replied cautiously.
"Like what?" Serge asked.
"I don't know just pick something!" Kid said rolling over on the towel.
"I guess I could try and find the adults," Serge replied.
"Don't bug them. they need to unwind," Kid replied hastily.
"Unwind?' Serge asked looking at Kid. With her resting on the towel he sighed stretching out beside her.
"Yeah, they got a lot of anger at each other, and it looks like Pat might even be going crazy," Kid replied.
"Yeah, he doesn't seem like he's even listening at times," Serge agreed.
"Yeah, you should probably stick with me mate, I'll teach ya how to relax," Kid said playfully punching Serge on the shoulder.
"I think I might just do that," Serge replied.
~*~
"No one wants to play anymore?" Eric breathed as he held a dagger to his victim's throat.
"I'll do anything you want let her go!" Viper pleaded. Eric only smiled.
"Your pain is like a drug to me Viper. Perhaps I should kill her to watch you crumble. Or even maybe I should kill another one of your inept guards. All in fun of course until a Deva grows the balls to try me," Eric said. He gently pressed his dagger to his victim's throat causing a small river of blood to trickle from her white throat. He caught some on his knife and carefully licked it.
"You sick animal!" Marcy yelled. It was all Zoah could do to restrain her.
"Ahh the little one has quite a mouth. Perhaps she has the balls to fight me?" Eric said. He was in the main chamber of Viper manor. Riddel was in his arms with the knife pressed against her throat. Using the chair Eric had gotten above where the dragoons could have easy access to him. Then he stepped off the platform still in plain view of the people amassed below, including Dario who was absolutely livid.
"I swear when I get my hands on you..." Dario started.
"You'll what? Bleed all over me when I slit your throat? Tell me Dario, what is Riddel like in bed?" Eric said savagely.
"You dirty-"Dario began again as he drew his sword.
"I suppose I'll just have to find out myself. Hey, I didn't say you could move!" With that Eric shot flames at a man moving towards the switch to lower the platform. The dragoon burst into flames running around wildly. Two dragoons quickly dropped him and helped him put himself out. "Another man moves to hit that switch and the conversation ends here and now with her blood on that unlucky bastard's hands!" Eric shouted out.
"You heard the man, don't move!" Viper commanded. The men near the switch moved clearly away from it into the main part of the Hall. An old man quickly moved into the room.
"Old man, if I feel you in my head I'll kill her before you can put me down!" Eric breathed.
"You are an animal plain and simple. Hiding behind someone when you can't possibly win," Belthazar spat.
"Then catch old man," Eric hissed pushing Riddel hard. She shrieked in fear as she started falling to the ground. Belthazar waved a hand and she stopped a few short feet from the ground.
"I'm an elder worthy of respect young pup," Belthazar said, and without any sign of effort he gently placed Riddel on the ground. "You will now learn that," He snarled as he stretched forth with his mind.
It didn't take long for Eric to figure out what was going on. With a deft throw the dagger sunk up to the hilt into Belthazar's throat. He clutched at it violently as he went down. "Where is your protector now Viper? From now on I call the shots." With that he leapt down using flame jets to hold off the Devas, he pulled the knife viciously from Belthazar's throat. Blood spurted across the hall covering the men. Eric wiped the blade on Belthazar's body before he stretched his hand out. A strip of fire shot from both sides and formed a solid oak quarterstaff. "Things are going to change around here, and if you don't like it I'll kill you myself." Viper couldn't help but look at Belthazar as he drew his final breath.
~*~
Clone Paul and Steena were sun bathing on the upper deck when they saw Miki running up to him.
"Oh boy . . ." Paul said tiredly. Miki approached before she gave a weak smile.
"How is your uh, twin brother doing?" Miki said awkwardly. Steena sighed getting up.
"Why don't you just leave us alone? Come on Uh, umm . . . Vlad let's go." Steena said hurriedly getting clone Paul up. Miki smiled again weakly as clone Paul turned his back on her. Steena instantly whipped around and blocked the dagger that Miki threw at Clone Paul. Miki tried hard to throw another before Steena kicked viscously into Miki's stomach and thrusted up her knee into Miki's face.
"Okay little bitch . . ." Miki said wiping her brow. "You wanna play with the big girls, fine by me."
"Bitch? You referring to yourself?" Steena retorted.
"LAME!" Miki shouted stressing the vowels out whenever she could.
Miki dove in with a hard high foot that Steena easily caught and whipped over her side causing Miki to crash into a bundle of barrels. Steena cracked her neck and taunted for Miki to bring it.
"Little Bitch got bite . . ." Miki mumbled to herself as she grabbed one of her daggers tightly. Miki dove in with a death blow that Steena rolled under, jumped up to her feet and set up her super kick. Miki whipped around and met in person a hard crashed boot in her jaw. Miki skidded to a halt just before the edge of the boat. Steena swayed back and forth up to Miki.
"Later . . .BITCH!" Steena yelled kicking Miki's head in and throwing her off the boat. Steena was satisfied after she heard a loud splash.
~*~
Patrick sat in the middle of the Grand Slam. Since the fight no one had come down, and the monsters had been caged. He decided to take advantage of that and now sat squarely in the middle of the cage eyes closed, cross legged, and his hands resting softly on his knees.
"Calm," He whispered to himself. He continued to whisper the word as he slowly started to empty his mind. The memories slowly left one by one the last being the one that hurt the most.
"NOOOOOOO!"
"You brat! You want to die like your master?"
He was surrounded by men, "We are his protectors now."
"Then I challenge him to single combat. A duel of hosts!"
His head had spun as he remembered his emotions. His brother was unforgiving of those that stood in his way.
"You'll have to do this on your own," A voice whispered in his ears. If only they knew that he would have to endure everything from that point on alone. He hadn't even had Samantha as a condolence. He sighed as he finally set that horrible memory aside. Finally with his mind clear he stretched his mind forward.
"Have you finally decided to give in to your anger?" A voice said. The voice was monotone and emotionless.
"No, I've decided to accept my past for what it is," Patrick thought grimly.
"You decided to accept this?" A body now floated across his mind. It was charred and he instantly was sick to his stomach. The worst part was that he knew it was a woman. He could identify it by the pelvis, and the fact that he instinctively knew disgusted him. "No stomach for this anymore? You used to tape their screams and use them as a lullaby."
"ENOUGH!" Patrick finally shot his eyes open. He was covered in sweat. The last thought had managed to become verbal and was now echoing back at him. The animals stirred at the noise and a few gave retorts the room quickly growing louder and louder. He looked around and finally seeing no one broke down. "I'm a wreck; I can't even accept what I was."
He jumped when he heard a reply, "Then maybe you're going about it wrong." Samantha stepped out into the open and quickly climbed the fence sitting on the top. Patrick looked up at her wondering how long he had been crying. He quickly wiped his eyes. Out of all the people he knew one of the people he least wanted to see him like this was now perched above him.
"Sam, how long?" He asked. No sense in hoping, might as well find out.
"Since you walked in, I was going through my exercises, you aren't very quiet when you're in a mixed mood," Samantha replied.
Patrick looked down only to see two feet land in front of him as Samantha jumped. He then saw two knees before he felt her hand on his chin. It gently pushed his head up till their eyes met, and it was then that Patrick felt the electric jolt through his body.
"You were crying, you're in trouble, what's going on in there friend?" She asked.
"I'm not even sure. I'm just not ready to accept my past," He said softly.
"The usual way?" She asked.
"What?" Patrick asked frowning.
"Are you trying to accept it the usual way?" Samantha asked clarifying.
"And how's that?"
"All at once no punches pulled," She answered softly before she moved herself closer to him.
Patrick felt something warm spread through his body as he replied, "I guess I was."
"You need to accept it slowly, start small," She said softly.
"I don't think I need a course on accepting my past," Patrick grumbled as he started to get up. He felt her arms wrap around him strongly and pull him back to the floor. He hit with a loud thunk.
"Not yet, you don't leave here until I'm satisfied," She said looking him in the eyes. A smile shone in them as he finally realized what was going to happen.
"Fine, we hand back eyes if it comes to that?" He asked quietly.
"Only if it comes to that, but most likely I'll be handing you your balls," She said smirking.
"Only you would go there," Patrick said getting up. He went to a corner of the cage and hung his flannel in the corner. His hat followed suit and in a surprise move he took off his shirt, revealing a white tank top with a sweat spot on his chest and back.
"Only you would think that dirty," Samantha countered. She dropped into her fighting stance as Patrick cracked his knuckles and neck. Looking at his hands he took off the gloves tossing them into his corner, and dropped into a conservative stance.
"Am I in trouble?" She asked playfully.
"Why's that?" Patrick asked confused.
"The gloves came off," She replied.
"No you were in trouble before," He replied. With that he opened with a kick. Samantha expertly blocked and countered attacking with a kick of her own. Patrick dropped himself to the ground under the kick and punched at her open stomach.
Only it wasn't there and neither was she. She quickly danced to his side and got him in a headlock. His hands instinctively grabbed hold of her arms only to find the vise like grip unbreakable. He finally pushed up till they were both standing somewhat and he grabbed her by her waist and arched his back backwards sending her shoulder first to the mat.
Samantha instinctively clutched her shoulder, "Learn that from Paul?"
"I picked up a few traits," He said crouching low as he backed off waiting for her to get up. He didn't have to wait long before he rushed forward tackling her and sending them both to the mat hard. As both regained their breath they realized the position they were in with him on top of her.
"Well, well, well...." Samantha said slowly.
Patrick moved to get up only to find her arms and legs wrapped tightly around him. He tried a little harder before he finally gave up and relaxed on top of her. Her arms slowly began to rub his back slowly and thoroughly. All he could do is grunt in relief as he received the massage. "Curse you," He whispered.
"Obviously not enough for you to do anything to stop me," She whispered in his ear before she nibbled on it affectionately.
A shiver coursed through his body as instincts screamed in his ears. He finally gave in and began kissing her deeply and wildly. She had to stop the massage to keep up with him as they reduced themselves to a more primal kiss. When they finally broke apart they looked into each others eyes.
"Race to the room?" She asked.
"No, not yet, I'm not ready for that yet. Just wait a little more, I promise we'll get to that later," He said softly kissing her lightly after the statement.
"Then I'm not sleeping alone anymore," she said softly against his lips.
"I didn't say we couldn't do that," He said lightly. She nodded softly before they kissed again, the animals finally roaring and making noise.
~*~
"You'll never get away with this!" Dario spat.
"Oh please, stop with the clichés while you still appear intelligent," Eric mocked after slamming the prison cell shut. The Four Devas had been locked in separate cells to keep them from helping each other escape. Viper himself was in the cage that the trap door fell into. Eric whistled a tune as he opened the door to the room that had once been his prison. Riddel was now chained at the place that his counterpart had once been.
"What do you want?" Riddel asked cringing away from him as he approached.
"Where is Belthazar's room?" Eric said coldly.
"I, I, I- don't know," Riddel stammered.
"You mean to tell me that he is the one person your father trusts the most and you don't know where he sleeps?" Eric growled. Riddel flinched as if he had physically hit her. Instead he stepped closer to her and she could feel his breath wash over her as she closed her eyes and tried to shy away from him.
"Maybe a Deva does, I never thought to ask," She said softly. He thankfully backed off so his breath didn't wash over her anymore. She felt incredibly dirty from just standing next to him. She thought it had ended when they brought her and him in, but apparently it had just begun.
~*~
"Time to get up," Samantha said softly. All she got in reply was a low groan. She heard screaming and wailing as loud footsteps got closer. Then the door was kicked in and water splashed everywhere.
"GET THE HELL OFF THE BOAT, DISS' AND SAMANTHA'S FIRST!" Paul screamed holding his clone over his shoulders. Clone Paul was knocked out from a falling beam that hit his head hard. Patrick's eyes jolted open as he smelled something very familiar to him . . . fire. Christy and Steena were holding an unconscious Diss over their shoulders as Shaun and his clone grabbed Patrick.
"I CAN CARRY MYSELF!" Patrick grumbled.
"PAT, THE GROUND IS FULL OF WATER!" Miguel shouted over the loud shrieks of Henry the Squirrel. Patrick looked down to see Shaun wading carefully through the water that was up to his knees. Clone Shaun carefully picked up Samantha as he waded through the water with everyone.
Along the decks men and sailors were screaming.
"WHO DID THIS?"
"WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH LIFEBOATS!" Patrick looked ahead to see a small hole flooding with water.
"HOLY!" Diss screamed as a huge explosion knocked clone Shaun and Samantha down under the water. Patrick immediately jumped into the water as he felt steam erupt from his body. He saw Samantha kicking up out of the water. He then saw two hands pick him and Samantha up. Pat looked up to see himself get slung over Paul's shoulder and Samantha on top of clone Paul. Patrick could still feel the steam erupt as he looked at Samantha next to him. She was out. He looked up to see the light suddenly darken. He then saw Lynx stand in the doorway. Paul blasted Lynx away jolting everyone around, but no one really seemed to care as Paul stomped on Lynx's face. He thrusted the weight off his shoulders as he turned around.
"PAUL! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" Steena yelled. Pat felt himself get picked up.
"Oi mate, yer heavier than I last remember." Kid said. Serge lifted Samantha over his shoulders as they all ran into the boats.
"WHAT ABOUT PAUL?" Steena shouted. Before a reply came a loud explosion sent the mast cracking down destroying two lifeboats.
"NO TIME, WE GOTTA GO NOW!" Serge said extremely loudly. He and Miguel began paddling as clone Shaun jumped into the water. He swam up to the boats and got in as they began to paddle to the Hermits hideaway.