Chapter 18
Fate, the Goddess
"Wake up sleepy one." Came the soft voice of a female presence.
"What do you want Steena?" Paul grumbled.
"I am not Steena little one." The voice said in a happy tone as if Paul should have known this. Paul jerked an eye open and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had long legs and her cleavage was that of a god. Her hair was blond and her eyes were ice blue.
"Whoa . . ." Paul said to himself. Behind the woman was a chair, and behind the chair was a black void.
"Your kinda cute." The voice said.
"Could say the same thing about you." Paul said getting up. The woman offered Paul a seat, but instead he stood crossing his arms against his chest.
"What's wrong?" the woman said getting irritated.
"Well I would like to know where I am . . ." Paul said sarcastically.
"Oh!" she said giggling, "That huh? Sorry, I haven't seen someone in about a good, oh . . . 40 thousand years." Paul looked at her.
"Only." Paul said mimicking her tone. The woman laughed again.
"You must be Paul." She said smiling.
"Sorry, don't remember telling you that." Paul said coldly. More gorgeous as she looked, she knew more about him than he knew about her, and to Paul that was a threat.
"I picked it up from my nephew. You know him as the wannabe Fate." Paul looked at her.
"Your Fate's Aunt?" Paul said confused. She nodded, but then shook her head.
"No." She said angrily. "I AM Fate." Paul jumped back as a crack of thunder bellowed near him.
"Well, if you're Fate then how come he is running the show?" Paul looked into her eyes and saw he hit a nerve. She grew angrier as her eyes narrowed on him. Paul laughed.
"What's so funny?" She said coldly.
"The great Fate came crashing down by her nephew, must make you look B-A-D BAD!" She quickly unleashed a fury of fireballs that Paul dodged hitting the deck. He rolled to his feet and un-strapped his Halberd.
"You my little friend, are going to DIE!"
"BRING IT!" Paul shouted as the woman unleashed a powerful burst of energy. It was purple and had an eerie aura around it. Paul corkscrewed to the left landing on his feet before unleashing another wave of energy at the girl. Fate simply pushed it away before she brought out a piece of string. Paul charged her and gored her right through the chair before jumping into the air beginning to spin wildly. Fate looked up and the last thing she saw was bright white energy.
~*~
Patrick looked up at the sky as he walked the beach. He look somberly at the stars as he thought back to when his life was simple, and he didn't have to worry about his past or Aryans. All he had to do was his studies and look at the stars.
"You are lost," Came Thomas' voice behind him.
"Care to give out a road map?" Patrick asked causally.
"Nope, you have to figure out the way. You are so close to being released. I can see it in you, you are close to your full potential," Thomas replied.
"Yeah well I don't feel like it," Patrick replied.
"What is your motivation?" Thomas asked calmly.
"Vengeance, and that's what scares me. I'm giving up everything for the kill. I'm obsessing over this like I need to kill to be whole again," Patrick whispered.
"You're doing well. I think you can tackle anything in your way. Just believe in yourself," Thomas said patting him on the shoulder.
Patrick spun and moved the hand off him. He looked shocked as he felt the distinct contact. "Who are you?"
"I'm Thomas," He replied.
"Thomas is dead who are you?" Patrick said glaring at the physical representation of his mentor.
"I'm Thomas, whether I'm a clone or the real one is up to you. I must go my pupil," Thomas said softly fading and disappearing all together.
"NO!" Patrick cried out to no one as he saw the apparition leave.
~*~
"We're going to the ship," Shaun said matter-of-factly.
"Why?" Patrick said getting up angrily. Samantha put a hand on his shoulder and forced him back to a sitting position. "What are you doing Sam?"
"You're getting way too physical and I frankly don't want to see you get your ass kicked again," She snapped. Patrick froze. He had rarely seen her that angry.
"It's already been voted on Patrick. You lost, so lose graciously," Clone Paul said softly.
"It's a waste of time. Paul can't swim, neither Dissinger can make it to where the boat rests. And Shaun last time I checked, you couldn't breathe underwater. How do you propose we search?" Patrick said ticking each point off on his fingers.
"Irenes," Steena said quietly.
"What? Talk English lady," Patrick snapped.
"Irenes is a mermaid you dolt! She can search the wreckage for us and possibly get his body back. Another one of your damn rules that you conveniently forgot!" Steena blew up getting in his face.
Patrick glared right back at her, "Out of my face."
"Or what?" Steena said glaring. Samantha finally got up and forced the two apart.
"That's it I'm through with being nice girl. Steena stop bitching about your problems and blaming them on Patrick. Patrick stop taking your anger out on your teammates and pull the stick out of your ass. I'm not the only one when I say I'm sick of the asshole attitude," She said curtly. Steena and Patrick looked at her in shock. "What, did I shock you out of your stupid obsessive grudges against each other? Maybe I should have just smacked the both of you upside the head, because then I could have saved the air. I'm obviously not getting through," Samantha said sitting down in a huff.
~*~
Serge watched silently as Samantha spoke up stopping another fight between Steena and Patrick. He sighed as he felt Kid press closer to him. She sighed as she muttered under her breath, "Wanna get away from tha "kids" mate?"
Serge nodded his head getting up. With all the commotion centered on Patrick, again, it was easy to sneak out unnoticed by the other adults. They went up into the tree house and leaned against the other balcony. Serge realized for the first time that he and Kid were relatively alone, and was terrified. He stole a glance at Kid and realized that she had been doing the same exact thing. Both blushed and looked away.
Kid finally spoke up, "Serge mate, you notice we've been getting kinda....closer?"
Serge nodded taking a nervous gulp. "Ye-yeah, I k-k-kinda have too," He managed to stammer out.
Kid laughed, "You can fight, heck ya can even look death in tha eye, but I terrify you?"
Serge laughed with her shaking his head, "It's just, I don't know what to do."
"Who ever said you had to do anything?" Kid said softly. Serge looked at her and felt his heart skip a beat.
"It's been that way with every girl I know. If I have feelings for them, and then I just go to pieces. I don't know what to say or do," Serge said with a large sigh. He then felt a pair of warm lips on his cheek. He turned and looked at Kid. She met his eyes with her own cerulean ones. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Serge leaned in and kissed Kid on the lips.
~*~
Paul woke up in a small bed that was very comfortable. To his left he saw the woman softly rubbing his back. Paul jumped out of the bed and saw he was barley clothed. Paul quickly covered himself.
"Too late, I already saw it." She said giggling. Paul's eyes narrowed on her as he put his hand out.
"My clothes?" Paul asked sharply. Fate snapped her fingers and Paul was wearing dark blue baggy jeans and a black leather jacket. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a wallet. He opened the wallet and saw green papers, some cards and a picture of himself, his sister Samantha, and two other people, but those two people he didn't recognize. Everyone was smiling except himself, who had on a half smile.
"Realize who they are?" Fate said quietly.
"No . . ." Paul said just as quietly.
"They are your family. Your sister Samantha, your mom and dad as well." Paul looked at the picture of the father. His father had a very ugly black mustache and just looking at the photo made Paul want to rip it up. He heard screaming and yelling in his voice, he looked back to Fate but instead saw a younger version of himself and his father wearing light blue jeans and a wife beater.
"Where's dinner boy?" The father said.
"I am making Macaroni and cheese, but I gotta finish my homework first."
"I'M HUNGRY, START THE DINNER NOW!" The smaller Paul muttered something and got up. His father laughed deeply. "That's right, you better jump when I tell you to Boy. Just like your mother."
Paul instantly grew angry, if he where there, he would have decked his father. In fact he ran up to his father and tried to punch him from behind, instead he went through his father's body.
"Shadows . . ." Paul said quietly.
"Yes, this is a memory of your past." Fate said next to him. The scene faded showing a funeral procession. Paul and his Sister were sitting on a bench. Both were looking very gloomy. Then Paul saw his father walk up.
"There is no easy way to put this, but, we're on our own." Paul walked up and sat on the bench next to himself. His father continued getting quieter, "And this time we're going to have some changes . . ." Both Paul's looked up at their father.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Shadow Paul said.
"You will respect me, and this underground job of yours is over. You will grow up to be a decent human being, not some stupid worthless wretch."
"Dad!" Paul's sister yelled.
"You listen to me too! Your mother may have let you stay out late, but you WILL be home before 10:00 each night! God only knows how many boys you slept with you good for nothing slut. . ." Paul and his sister both looked very angry, but they remained quiet knowing they were defeated.
"How could I be such a wuss?" Paul said to himself.
"Because at that point you feared only two things, your father, and you losing your mother." Fate said.
The scene went back to the kitchen.
"BOY WHERE IS MY STEAK?"
"MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN STEAK!"
"THAT'S IT I HAD IT! I'M GETTING MY BELT!" Paul's father yelled running into the back. Paul heard his sister scream as both Paul's heard a crack. The shadow ran into the back. Paul quickly followed. What both Paul's saw made them sick. His father was beating their sister with a leather belt. Shadow Paul had enough.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Shadow Paul yelled as he linked his arms around his dad from behind and pulled back with all his strength. His father was lifted up and over Paul's head and he landed on his back. Shadow Paul grabbed the leather belt and began to whip his father. After he pelted him for a good five minutes he picked his father up and slung him over his shoulder. He ran to the front of the house and opened the door tossing his father out of the door.
"YOU STAY AWAY FROM HERE YOU PSYCHO!" Paul yelled. His sister tossed his father's bags and clothes at him. Paul went into the back and tossed more of his father's crap at him. His Father just sat there in pain and disbelief. After Paul's sister tossed the last of his things at her father, she turned around before she felt her father quickly grab her. He began to drag her to the car before Paul clubbed his father and tossed him to the ground quickly and he mounted him punching his dad. A police siren got closer as Paul's dad turned the tables actually knocking Paul out with a trophy. His sister screamed as his dad stalked up to her. Before his dad could shove her into the truck a Police man held a gun at Paul's father.
"FREEZE NOW! GET DOWN ON THE GROUND NOW!" Reluctantly his father gave up. Paul saw the scene fade away.
"As you can see your life wasn't the best of lives." Fate said quietly.
"Why did you make me see that?" Paul said coldly.
"In order to become released and defeat my nephew you have to let go of all the feelings you have in your body. You need to be able to forgive yourself. Then you will know true power strong enough to kill a god. There are only three elements that can kill a god. Fire, Water, and Thunder. But only those who are released can complete this task." Fate said leaving Paul alone. Paul looked at her as he quickly ran up to her and silently followed her.
"What do you mean, released?" Paul asked stupidly.
"The world needs a hero, and I want you to be that hero. I have seen it in your destiny." Paul snorted loudly as he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Hero? Lady the last time I wanted to be a hero I almost died. I am quite content on being the understudy." Paul said keeping a straight face.
"Hmmm. You lie." She said looking into Paul's eyes. Paul tried hard to keep his cool.
"Send me back. I'm done here and my mommy misses me."
"When you are good enough for me to let you leave." Fate said plainly. Paul walked up to the front of her and grabbed her by the neck of her collar.
"This is the part where you shut up. I'm a loose cannon going insane and it takes every inch of strength I have not to snap. You, my dear, are not helping me from not snapping." With a quick cat like movements Paul was on the ground mounted by Fate. Paul looked into her eyes.
"Sorry, I don't have sex on the first date. Maybe the second, but never the first." Fate cracked a grin at Paul's comment. She slowly got off of him and helped him up.
"The door is over there little one." She said pointing to a gold double door. Paul nodded walking away. "Leaving so soon?" She said sadly.
"Gotta save a world from the family with issues. Care to watch my back till then?" Fate nodded.
"Good luck. I'll be there when you need me most . . ." Fate said smiling. Paul exited the realm. "Good-bye . . . Chrono Shadow." Fate whispered.
~*~
The group was in the boat as Irenes went back and forth. Patrick sat there his hat tipped over his eyes so no one could see the doubt in them. Steena preferred it that way as she waited for Irenes to finish her search. Finally Patrick spoke the blasphemous words, "He's dead and missing."
"Some one better shut up before I fit my foot in their mouth," Steena growled.
"Just stating the obvious for those with a glimmer of hope," Patrick said sighing. The next thing he knew he was off the deck his hat on the deck and himself being held over the water by a very tense, very angry Shaun.
"You will shut up or I will let you go," Shaun said simply.
Patrick met his gaze coolly, "You really kill a man in cold blood? I never thought of you as a murderer . . ."
"Enough!" Paul's clone said pulling Shaun's arm in before sending electricity through him causing him to drop Patrick.
The other Shaun looked at him quizzically, "Why you stop him?"
"Despite everything that's said this is still the Patrick you two chose to lead. I may not like his attitude, but until we're on ground no one can kill him. We're falling apart because of this just like the last time!" Paul shouted. Patrick rubbed his neck before he got up. "As for you, keep your stupid opinions to yourself. Samantha, your own girlfriend, was assumed dead by you for a year before you found out the truth. Just have a little faith and pull the stick out of your ass!"
~*~
Karsh woke up to see Eric sitting calmly before him. He groaned as he thought about what would come next. Eric only stayed there a grin playing on his face.
"You know the drill, so let's get started. Where is Belthazar's lair," Eric said calmly.
"I'm not telling," Karsh spat.
"Wrong answer." Eric replied as he got the hose. He thoroughly drenched Karsh using it while plastering the Deva to the wall.
"I wont tell you, there is nothing you can say to change my mind," Karsh replied.
"Leave him alone you animal!" came a voice across the room. Eric turned around to look at Riddel. A wicked grin crossed his face as he grabbed a dagger from the rack of knives he had set up as an intimidation factor.
"Animal? Now that's just unfair. You don't give me quite enough credit" Eric said mocking injury.
"Leave her alone Eric, your feud is with me!" Karsh said pulling against his chains feebly.
"Oh but she's as much a part of this as you are," Eric said gently pressing the blade against her cheek to get her to turn her head to the side. He continued the inspection using the dagger to move her head so he could clearly see it. "I can see why you like her Karsh, a fine pick if you like the girl with the veil of mystery," Eric replied after he stopped the inspection.
"What?" Riddel asked unbelievably.
"Oh don't tell me he didn't mention that to you," Eric replied turning to Karsh. "Are you really that dense Karsh, I thought you would have at least told her."
"Tell me what?" Riddel asked unsure of what Eric was getting at.
"It's nothing Riddel, don't listen to him he's mad," Karsh said glaring at Eric.
"Oh common now Karsh, I thought you would have gotten used to me by now. You really are that stupid?" Eric asked placing the point of the dagger under Karsh's chin and forcing it up.
"Leave her out of this!" Karsh growled.
Eric backed up and threw the dagger with a turn of his body. Karsh cried out as the dagger sunk into the wooden beam a foot from Riddel's body. "If you can't figure out what I'm talking about now Lady Riddel, maybe you should consider getting out of the manor a little more."
Riddel looked at Karsh with new eyes as she realized what Eric hinted at the entire time. She also realized why Eric kept her here with Karsh, to break Dario and Karsh at the same time.
"I see you finally caught on. I'll leave you two to get acquainted," Eric replied leaving the dagger in the wall and the door shut.
"Riddel I'm sorry, you're in danger because of me," Karsh said softly looking down.
"Its not just you he's breaking, The more he does this and gets you to react what he does to me, the more Dario worries if I'm hurt," Riddel said looking concerned.
"And when he finally kills you. He'll have two broken Devas," Karsh finished the thought for her.
"How long do you expect Zoah and Marcy to stand against that monster?" Riddel asked curtly.
"Not very long without one of us there," Karsh replied grimly.
"And with my father broken, you can bet that man would do something horrible to him," Riddel said fear creeping into her voice.
"What can we do? We have no elements, our techs do nothing to him, and he has the same damn powers as that group we arrested a long time ago. While we rely on elements he acts with his own attacks!" Karsh said bitterly assessing the situation.
"I agree he seems formidable on paper, but everyone has a weakness," Riddel said softly.
"Yeah water, and you saw where that got us, he actually used steam to conceal himself before he knocked me out and went after you. It's like he somehow was unhurt by it long enough to get what he needed done, done," Karsh said bitterly.
"What could he want with Belthazar's room?" Riddel asked.
"I don't know," Karsh replied curtly. He was angry at the situation and couldn't think clearly.
"Think Karsh, it's important. When the first man arrested for my kidnapping was apprehended he had the same powers, same weaknesses right?" Riddel asked.
"Yeah, Belthazar showed us his weakness, then about a couple of weeks later he started resisting, like he was a normal person," Karsh said.
"Do you remember anything odd?" Riddel asked stretching out hope.
"Belthazar was visiting him often around then and." Karsh dropped off the rest of his comment as he realized something. "Belthazar probably gave that guy something to temporarily get rid of that weakness, meaning Eric is looking for it so that."
"He can be invincible, it's like he's expecting someone. We have to hold on Karsh, no matter what he can't get his hands on whatever is in Belthazar's room!" Riddel said urgently.
Fate, the Goddess
"Wake up sleepy one." Came the soft voice of a female presence.
"What do you want Steena?" Paul grumbled.
"I am not Steena little one." The voice said in a happy tone as if Paul should have known this. Paul jerked an eye open and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had long legs and her cleavage was that of a god. Her hair was blond and her eyes were ice blue.
"Whoa . . ." Paul said to himself. Behind the woman was a chair, and behind the chair was a black void.
"Your kinda cute." The voice said.
"Could say the same thing about you." Paul said getting up. The woman offered Paul a seat, but instead he stood crossing his arms against his chest.
"What's wrong?" the woman said getting irritated.
"Well I would like to know where I am . . ." Paul said sarcastically.
"Oh!" she said giggling, "That huh? Sorry, I haven't seen someone in about a good, oh . . . 40 thousand years." Paul looked at her.
"Only." Paul said mimicking her tone. The woman laughed again.
"You must be Paul." She said smiling.
"Sorry, don't remember telling you that." Paul said coldly. More gorgeous as she looked, she knew more about him than he knew about her, and to Paul that was a threat.
"I picked it up from my nephew. You know him as the wannabe Fate." Paul looked at her.
"Your Fate's Aunt?" Paul said confused. She nodded, but then shook her head.
"No." She said angrily. "I AM Fate." Paul jumped back as a crack of thunder bellowed near him.
"Well, if you're Fate then how come he is running the show?" Paul looked into her eyes and saw he hit a nerve. She grew angrier as her eyes narrowed on him. Paul laughed.
"What's so funny?" She said coldly.
"The great Fate came crashing down by her nephew, must make you look B-A-D BAD!" She quickly unleashed a fury of fireballs that Paul dodged hitting the deck. He rolled to his feet and un-strapped his Halberd.
"You my little friend, are going to DIE!"
"BRING IT!" Paul shouted as the woman unleashed a powerful burst of energy. It was purple and had an eerie aura around it. Paul corkscrewed to the left landing on his feet before unleashing another wave of energy at the girl. Fate simply pushed it away before she brought out a piece of string. Paul charged her and gored her right through the chair before jumping into the air beginning to spin wildly. Fate looked up and the last thing she saw was bright white energy.
~*~
Patrick looked up at the sky as he walked the beach. He look somberly at the stars as he thought back to when his life was simple, and he didn't have to worry about his past or Aryans. All he had to do was his studies and look at the stars.
"You are lost," Came Thomas' voice behind him.
"Care to give out a road map?" Patrick asked causally.
"Nope, you have to figure out the way. You are so close to being released. I can see it in you, you are close to your full potential," Thomas replied.
"Yeah well I don't feel like it," Patrick replied.
"What is your motivation?" Thomas asked calmly.
"Vengeance, and that's what scares me. I'm giving up everything for the kill. I'm obsessing over this like I need to kill to be whole again," Patrick whispered.
"You're doing well. I think you can tackle anything in your way. Just believe in yourself," Thomas said patting him on the shoulder.
Patrick spun and moved the hand off him. He looked shocked as he felt the distinct contact. "Who are you?"
"I'm Thomas," He replied.
"Thomas is dead who are you?" Patrick said glaring at the physical representation of his mentor.
"I'm Thomas, whether I'm a clone or the real one is up to you. I must go my pupil," Thomas said softly fading and disappearing all together.
"NO!" Patrick cried out to no one as he saw the apparition leave.
~*~
"We're going to the ship," Shaun said matter-of-factly.
"Why?" Patrick said getting up angrily. Samantha put a hand on his shoulder and forced him back to a sitting position. "What are you doing Sam?"
"You're getting way too physical and I frankly don't want to see you get your ass kicked again," She snapped. Patrick froze. He had rarely seen her that angry.
"It's already been voted on Patrick. You lost, so lose graciously," Clone Paul said softly.
"It's a waste of time. Paul can't swim, neither Dissinger can make it to where the boat rests. And Shaun last time I checked, you couldn't breathe underwater. How do you propose we search?" Patrick said ticking each point off on his fingers.
"Irenes," Steena said quietly.
"What? Talk English lady," Patrick snapped.
"Irenes is a mermaid you dolt! She can search the wreckage for us and possibly get his body back. Another one of your damn rules that you conveniently forgot!" Steena blew up getting in his face.
Patrick glared right back at her, "Out of my face."
"Or what?" Steena said glaring. Samantha finally got up and forced the two apart.
"That's it I'm through with being nice girl. Steena stop bitching about your problems and blaming them on Patrick. Patrick stop taking your anger out on your teammates and pull the stick out of your ass. I'm not the only one when I say I'm sick of the asshole attitude," She said curtly. Steena and Patrick looked at her in shock. "What, did I shock you out of your stupid obsessive grudges against each other? Maybe I should have just smacked the both of you upside the head, because then I could have saved the air. I'm obviously not getting through," Samantha said sitting down in a huff.
~*~
Serge watched silently as Samantha spoke up stopping another fight between Steena and Patrick. He sighed as he felt Kid press closer to him. She sighed as she muttered under her breath, "Wanna get away from tha "kids" mate?"
Serge nodded his head getting up. With all the commotion centered on Patrick, again, it was easy to sneak out unnoticed by the other adults. They went up into the tree house and leaned against the other balcony. Serge realized for the first time that he and Kid were relatively alone, and was terrified. He stole a glance at Kid and realized that she had been doing the same exact thing. Both blushed and looked away.
Kid finally spoke up, "Serge mate, you notice we've been getting kinda....closer?"
Serge nodded taking a nervous gulp. "Ye-yeah, I k-k-kinda have too," He managed to stammer out.
Kid laughed, "You can fight, heck ya can even look death in tha eye, but I terrify you?"
Serge laughed with her shaking his head, "It's just, I don't know what to do."
"Who ever said you had to do anything?" Kid said softly. Serge looked at her and felt his heart skip a beat.
"It's been that way with every girl I know. If I have feelings for them, and then I just go to pieces. I don't know what to say or do," Serge said with a large sigh. He then felt a pair of warm lips on his cheek. He turned and looked at Kid. She met his eyes with her own cerulean ones. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Serge leaned in and kissed Kid on the lips.
~*~
Paul woke up in a small bed that was very comfortable. To his left he saw the woman softly rubbing his back. Paul jumped out of the bed and saw he was barley clothed. Paul quickly covered himself.
"Too late, I already saw it." She said giggling. Paul's eyes narrowed on her as he put his hand out.
"My clothes?" Paul asked sharply. Fate snapped her fingers and Paul was wearing dark blue baggy jeans and a black leather jacket. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a wallet. He opened the wallet and saw green papers, some cards and a picture of himself, his sister Samantha, and two other people, but those two people he didn't recognize. Everyone was smiling except himself, who had on a half smile.
"Realize who they are?" Fate said quietly.
"No . . ." Paul said just as quietly.
"They are your family. Your sister Samantha, your mom and dad as well." Paul looked at the picture of the father. His father had a very ugly black mustache and just looking at the photo made Paul want to rip it up. He heard screaming and yelling in his voice, he looked back to Fate but instead saw a younger version of himself and his father wearing light blue jeans and a wife beater.
"Where's dinner boy?" The father said.
"I am making Macaroni and cheese, but I gotta finish my homework first."
"I'M HUNGRY, START THE DINNER NOW!" The smaller Paul muttered something and got up. His father laughed deeply. "That's right, you better jump when I tell you to Boy. Just like your mother."
Paul instantly grew angry, if he where there, he would have decked his father. In fact he ran up to his father and tried to punch him from behind, instead he went through his father's body.
"Shadows . . ." Paul said quietly.
"Yes, this is a memory of your past." Fate said next to him. The scene faded showing a funeral procession. Paul and his Sister were sitting on a bench. Both were looking very gloomy. Then Paul saw his father walk up.
"There is no easy way to put this, but, we're on our own." Paul walked up and sat on the bench next to himself. His father continued getting quieter, "And this time we're going to have some changes . . ." Both Paul's looked up at their father.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Shadow Paul said.
"You will respect me, and this underground job of yours is over. You will grow up to be a decent human being, not some stupid worthless wretch."
"Dad!" Paul's sister yelled.
"You listen to me too! Your mother may have let you stay out late, but you WILL be home before 10:00 each night! God only knows how many boys you slept with you good for nothing slut. . ." Paul and his sister both looked very angry, but they remained quiet knowing they were defeated.
"How could I be such a wuss?" Paul said to himself.
"Because at that point you feared only two things, your father, and you losing your mother." Fate said.
The scene went back to the kitchen.
"BOY WHERE IS MY STEAK?"
"MAKE YOUR OWN DAMN STEAK!"
"THAT'S IT I HAD IT! I'M GETTING MY BELT!" Paul's father yelled running into the back. Paul heard his sister scream as both Paul's heard a crack. The shadow ran into the back. Paul quickly followed. What both Paul's saw made them sick. His father was beating their sister with a leather belt. Shadow Paul had enough.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Shadow Paul yelled as he linked his arms around his dad from behind and pulled back with all his strength. His father was lifted up and over Paul's head and he landed on his back. Shadow Paul grabbed the leather belt and began to whip his father. After he pelted him for a good five minutes he picked his father up and slung him over his shoulder. He ran to the front of the house and opened the door tossing his father out of the door.
"YOU STAY AWAY FROM HERE YOU PSYCHO!" Paul yelled. His sister tossed his father's bags and clothes at him. Paul went into the back and tossed more of his father's crap at him. His Father just sat there in pain and disbelief. After Paul's sister tossed the last of his things at her father, she turned around before she felt her father quickly grab her. He began to drag her to the car before Paul clubbed his father and tossed him to the ground quickly and he mounted him punching his dad. A police siren got closer as Paul's dad turned the tables actually knocking Paul out with a trophy. His sister screamed as his dad stalked up to her. Before his dad could shove her into the truck a Police man held a gun at Paul's father.
"FREEZE NOW! GET DOWN ON THE GROUND NOW!" Reluctantly his father gave up. Paul saw the scene fade away.
"As you can see your life wasn't the best of lives." Fate said quietly.
"Why did you make me see that?" Paul said coldly.
"In order to become released and defeat my nephew you have to let go of all the feelings you have in your body. You need to be able to forgive yourself. Then you will know true power strong enough to kill a god. There are only three elements that can kill a god. Fire, Water, and Thunder. But only those who are released can complete this task." Fate said leaving Paul alone. Paul looked at her as he quickly ran up to her and silently followed her.
"What do you mean, released?" Paul asked stupidly.
"The world needs a hero, and I want you to be that hero. I have seen it in your destiny." Paul snorted loudly as he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Hero? Lady the last time I wanted to be a hero I almost died. I am quite content on being the understudy." Paul said keeping a straight face.
"Hmmm. You lie." She said looking into Paul's eyes. Paul tried hard to keep his cool.
"Send me back. I'm done here and my mommy misses me."
"When you are good enough for me to let you leave." Fate said plainly. Paul walked up to the front of her and grabbed her by the neck of her collar.
"This is the part where you shut up. I'm a loose cannon going insane and it takes every inch of strength I have not to snap. You, my dear, are not helping me from not snapping." With a quick cat like movements Paul was on the ground mounted by Fate. Paul looked into her eyes.
"Sorry, I don't have sex on the first date. Maybe the second, but never the first." Fate cracked a grin at Paul's comment. She slowly got off of him and helped him up.
"The door is over there little one." She said pointing to a gold double door. Paul nodded walking away. "Leaving so soon?" She said sadly.
"Gotta save a world from the family with issues. Care to watch my back till then?" Fate nodded.
"Good luck. I'll be there when you need me most . . ." Fate said smiling. Paul exited the realm. "Good-bye . . . Chrono Shadow." Fate whispered.
~*~
The group was in the boat as Irenes went back and forth. Patrick sat there his hat tipped over his eyes so no one could see the doubt in them. Steena preferred it that way as she waited for Irenes to finish her search. Finally Patrick spoke the blasphemous words, "He's dead and missing."
"Some one better shut up before I fit my foot in their mouth," Steena growled.
"Just stating the obvious for those with a glimmer of hope," Patrick said sighing. The next thing he knew he was off the deck his hat on the deck and himself being held over the water by a very tense, very angry Shaun.
"You will shut up or I will let you go," Shaun said simply.
Patrick met his gaze coolly, "You really kill a man in cold blood? I never thought of you as a murderer . . ."
"Enough!" Paul's clone said pulling Shaun's arm in before sending electricity through him causing him to drop Patrick.
The other Shaun looked at him quizzically, "Why you stop him?"
"Despite everything that's said this is still the Patrick you two chose to lead. I may not like his attitude, but until we're on ground no one can kill him. We're falling apart because of this just like the last time!" Paul shouted. Patrick rubbed his neck before he got up. "As for you, keep your stupid opinions to yourself. Samantha, your own girlfriend, was assumed dead by you for a year before you found out the truth. Just have a little faith and pull the stick out of your ass!"
~*~
Karsh woke up to see Eric sitting calmly before him. He groaned as he thought about what would come next. Eric only stayed there a grin playing on his face.
"You know the drill, so let's get started. Where is Belthazar's lair," Eric said calmly.
"I'm not telling," Karsh spat.
"Wrong answer." Eric replied as he got the hose. He thoroughly drenched Karsh using it while plastering the Deva to the wall.
"I wont tell you, there is nothing you can say to change my mind," Karsh replied.
"Leave him alone you animal!" came a voice across the room. Eric turned around to look at Riddel. A wicked grin crossed his face as he grabbed a dagger from the rack of knives he had set up as an intimidation factor.
"Animal? Now that's just unfair. You don't give me quite enough credit" Eric said mocking injury.
"Leave her alone Eric, your feud is with me!" Karsh said pulling against his chains feebly.
"Oh but she's as much a part of this as you are," Eric said gently pressing the blade against her cheek to get her to turn her head to the side. He continued the inspection using the dagger to move her head so he could clearly see it. "I can see why you like her Karsh, a fine pick if you like the girl with the veil of mystery," Eric replied after he stopped the inspection.
"What?" Riddel asked unbelievably.
"Oh don't tell me he didn't mention that to you," Eric replied turning to Karsh. "Are you really that dense Karsh, I thought you would have at least told her."
"Tell me what?" Riddel asked unsure of what Eric was getting at.
"It's nothing Riddel, don't listen to him he's mad," Karsh said glaring at Eric.
"Oh common now Karsh, I thought you would have gotten used to me by now. You really are that stupid?" Eric asked placing the point of the dagger under Karsh's chin and forcing it up.
"Leave her out of this!" Karsh growled.
Eric backed up and threw the dagger with a turn of his body. Karsh cried out as the dagger sunk into the wooden beam a foot from Riddel's body. "If you can't figure out what I'm talking about now Lady Riddel, maybe you should consider getting out of the manor a little more."
Riddel looked at Karsh with new eyes as she realized what Eric hinted at the entire time. She also realized why Eric kept her here with Karsh, to break Dario and Karsh at the same time.
"I see you finally caught on. I'll leave you two to get acquainted," Eric replied leaving the dagger in the wall and the door shut.
"Riddel I'm sorry, you're in danger because of me," Karsh said softly looking down.
"Its not just you he's breaking, The more he does this and gets you to react what he does to me, the more Dario worries if I'm hurt," Riddel said looking concerned.
"And when he finally kills you. He'll have two broken Devas," Karsh finished the thought for her.
"How long do you expect Zoah and Marcy to stand against that monster?" Riddel asked curtly.
"Not very long without one of us there," Karsh replied grimly.
"And with my father broken, you can bet that man would do something horrible to him," Riddel said fear creeping into her voice.
"What can we do? We have no elements, our techs do nothing to him, and he has the same damn powers as that group we arrested a long time ago. While we rely on elements he acts with his own attacks!" Karsh said bitterly assessing the situation.
"I agree he seems formidable on paper, but everyone has a weakness," Riddel said softly.
"Yeah water, and you saw where that got us, he actually used steam to conceal himself before he knocked me out and went after you. It's like he somehow was unhurt by it long enough to get what he needed done, done," Karsh said bitterly.
"What could he want with Belthazar's room?" Riddel asked.
"I don't know," Karsh replied curtly. He was angry at the situation and couldn't think clearly.
"Think Karsh, it's important. When the first man arrested for my kidnapping was apprehended he had the same powers, same weaknesses right?" Riddel asked.
"Yeah, Belthazar showed us his weakness, then about a couple of weeks later he started resisting, like he was a normal person," Karsh said.
"Do you remember anything odd?" Riddel asked stretching out hope.
"Belthazar was visiting him often around then and." Karsh dropped off the rest of his comment as he realized something. "Belthazar probably gave that guy something to temporarily get rid of that weakness, meaning Eric is looking for it so that."
"He can be invincible, it's like he's expecting someone. We have to hold on Karsh, no matter what he can't get his hands on whatever is in Belthazar's room!" Riddel said urgently.