Author's Note: (grins) Guess who's back? Back again…um, enjoy?
Disclaimer: I don't own FOP. And, for the record, the duel's next chapter. Too long, this one is.
Chapter Fifteen: Hidden Agenda
"We need to talk." These words, stated so plainly, sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. In the English language, those four words were quite possibly both heinous and frightening. Besides which, she was hardly in the mood to talk. It was hard enough maintaining a civil conversation with only a couple spoken lines, much less a 'talk'.
Sitting, arms folded across her chest, Vicky glowered at Mark from the couch. She hadn't a wink of sleep and, despite all urging, had not left the couch all night. In fact, she could scarcely breathe without shaking from suppressed anger.
Pregnancy might be enjoyable for some poor, deluded fools, but she didn't want a kid! For one thing, she didn't know how to handle them without screaming her head off. They terrified all coherent thought out of her. That was why she used to be Icky Vicky- her anger at the world coupled with her unease with children constructed this cretin.
Currently, her hair flowed down, cascading down her chest and ending where her tender breasts stopped. Grr…how dare he do this to her. Once again, she clenched her fists, reflecting on how little she wanted a child right now. (Okay, right now and forever- she wasn't mother material). She didn't want to take care of them, get up in the middle of the night to tend to them, or even give birth to them.
((You're scared)), Mark sent simply, sliding down to sit beside her. He grabbed her hand and held it, but she hissed in annoyance. There'd been enough touching with hands.
"Damn right I'm scared! How would you feel if you suddenly discovered there was life in you? I don't want it and how dare you trick me into having one!" Vicky snapped, wrenching her hand from his. No more comfort, that was what had gotten them into this precarious situation to begin with.
Jumping up, she tensed, ready for flight. There she went again, fleeing the situation because she disdained it. Maybe she should have thought of that before she slept with him. She wished she'd thought about it beforehand…
Mark, extremely hurt, gawked at her. Part of him longed to retort, but in the two years he'd spent creating a human/Yugopotamian DNA transfer machine, he'd matured beyond this. He'd allocate her a certain amount of time for fury and perhaps hatred, then she had to grow up or else their child would suffer.
Placing her hands on her widening hips, she glowered at him. Why wasn't he yelling back, telling her the truth? Why did he sit so calmly, with pained eyes? Damn it, she longed to boil some blood, start a fight.
Lust, be it blood or sexual, she understood. Love a bit, but not maternal instincts. And she didn't want to understand it. She wanted to be an irresponsible eighteen year old!
"Scream at me!" Vicky ordered. "Rant and rave!"
"No." ((Because that is precisely what you want. You want to scream and rant and rave and became so angry at me, you lose all rational thought in your madness. You think if you do this, you'll forget that, in six months, you will be a mother.))
It was her turn to gawk. Even without fighting, he'd found a way to delve deep within her psyche and expose her for what she was, terrified. What was worse was he'd done it in telepathy, so, try as she might, she couldn't refute it. Her resolve weakened.
((I understand your fear. I even share it. But, no matter what, I'll always support you, my dearest Vicky.
((You were right in that I too am at fault. But, unlike you, I don't appear to be running, whereas you do.))
"I'm not the one running!" Vicky protested, snarling with her fists balled. "It's Tootie! She's gallivanting off-"
"Why, in a conversation about your pregnancy, do you suddenly defer to your sister? Please don't change the subject- I'm not going to let you get away with it."
Suddenly, in act of bravery (extreme bravery, considering who he was dealing with), he swept her into his arms. She stiffened, but soon, her body grew lax and she rested her head on his shoulder. God, he could feel her trembling.
"I don't want to be pregnant," She moaned, shaking like a leaf. Tears threatened to arise to her ducts and she angrily shut her eyes, forcing them to remain at bay.
Smiling wanly, he stroked her hair. The telepathy therapy soothed the beast within. Now, unfortunately, they had an even less pleasant prospect to discuss- their future.
"We're going to have to start looking for houses. I took what was mine of my inheritance and converted it to dollars, so we need not worry about expenses. We have enough to live comfortably for the rest of our lives- after we marry."
Glancing down at her, he tensed- she surely didn't need another bombshell and her fist was precariously close to an area he'd rather she didn't hit. The less damage done to that region, the better.
"Marry?!" Vicky screeched, pounding her fist. Mark attempted to intercept her but she lunged with the left instead and he was too late. Ow…
"What do you mean, 'marry'?! I'm just getting used to the fact that I'm pregnant with your kid!" She howled, hammering her fist home. Mark saw stars.
Groaning, he mentally fell over, in a great deal of pain. Gasping, he transmitted a silent plea for her to stop- she didn't. Icky Vicky lived.
"Just because you're angry doesn't mean you can punish me there repeatedly," He rasped, shoving her off. It was like a thousand flaming swords continually stabbing him. Curling up in a ball, he waited for the pain to subside.
Vicky snickered. "That'll be nothing compared to the agony of childbirth."
Rising, she turned to leave and perhaps breathe some fresh air. However, before she moved a foot, he seized her hand and kissed it. Stunned, she froze.
((I love you dearly, Vicky. But please stop hitting me there.))
With a sigh, she sat back down, placing his head in her lap. Idly, she stroked his hair, surprisingly soothing. So the beast was subdued- Icky Vicky retreated.
"We're getting married, moving out, and I'm going to be a mother," She murmured. Wanna throw any more bombshells at me or is this enough?
"You forget that that I have less experience with human affairs than you. I do not know how to orchestrate a human wedding, locate a house to buy, or whatever humans do when they are pregnant," Mark murmured, lifting up her shirt to kiss her belly.
"Yeah…" Can't wait to tell Tootie, she thought sarcastically.
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(The hidden room, Lorenzo DeMedici's mansion, 10:45 a.m. PST)
There was a buzzing sound and Lorenzo, pensive, glanced up. Although he continued to casually stroke Wanda's hair, his attention was elsewhere. Instead of the green haired idiot, Juandissimo came first.
Shoving his godson aside, who continued to fawn, the muscular fairy charged through the barrier…only to be repelled. However, every effort cost him dearly- he would not be able to protect her forever…Moreover, he'd have to take her with him to the duel- as soon as she left the room, the barrier dissipated.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Juan roared, ramming the barrier again. Lorenzo glared- the reaction was not dissimilar to a mental attack. He didn't really know how much of this he could stand.
((He will be gone soon)), Wanda sent. ((His true business is elsewhere…with Cosmo.)) She sighed mentally, a mental image of his death conflicting with one of Juandissimo's. She was uncertain, even in her certainty, who would win.
With her message, Lorenzo detected a note of longing- she had, after all, been torn asunder from her soul mate. While The Other could not directly empathize, he knew the anguish of Timmy's loss. Besides, they were still linked and would be until Timmy killed him- the mind meld forged a mighty tether indeed.
"Don't you have to murder Cosmo?" Lorenzo snapped, feeling Wanda shudder at those words in his lap.
((Kill Cosmo? No…)) She moaned. ((He can't…))
So Wanda was ignorant about the terms of the duel; either that or she hadn't thought it would come to a life or death situation. Whatever the case, her anxiety doubled. Apparently, she wasn't as confident in Cosmo's innate abilities as she let on. Truthfully, she was petrified.
"Hmph. You are correct. I must alert the buffoon." Nevertheless, I dislike the fact you are holding my wife in this manner.
Eyes narrowed suspiciously, Juandissimo Magnifico vanished just as Remy cried, "I love you!" Hmph, great timing there- well, he might as well tell him before Cosmo put him out of his misery…That was, if he could…
Remy glowered at them, and flipping The Other the finger. Then, of course, he vanished out of sigh, and darted down the corridor. What a wimp.
Hmm….a clock? But he hadn't noticed a clock before. It had appeared like magic (and he wasn't counting his badly depleted store or Wanda, knocked unconscious and communicating via the mind meld)- where had it come from? Why didn't it feel as though someone were pulling one over on him?
-----
Disguised as a clock, Eschcolex sniggered appreciatively. Oh, woe be the pathetic anti-fairy, turned good due his foolhardy nature. Honestly, falling in love was the curse of the fleshed beings, with their lamentable and 'tragic' pining. His species never fell in love- they were created by the great Master, served their purpose, then perished. None of that silly affection nonsense that drove him insane.
At least this anti-fairy possessed better luck than his predecessor. For Beelzebub's sake, he'd murdered six humans and countless fairies. He'd pillaged, plundered, then fell in love…
Loath though he might be to admit it, lovelorn, feckless, foolish casters wound up in his area. No other being ever demanded a remedy to a love conundrum that wasn't magically or humanly related to anything but him. Whiney little twits, the lot of them. If he didn't earn his commission, he'd quit.
Always, the lovelorn suffered from pangs of unrequited love, and, in most cases, their ultimate objective failed. (For it to work was so terribly mundane.) However, lamentably, the outcome was not as horrendous as he foresaw this particular case to be. Eschcolex had the rare and much sought after gift of foresight- it told him if the summoner was worth taking on. And he had an ominous, or should he say, auspicious feeling about him. Remy, already hopelessly in love, would lose far more than affection. If everything went as he saw the most favorable future going, then he would feast on a soul soon…
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He wished he could concentrate on something other than Tootie. Sure, there was the duel to think of, but it didn't seem to bother him that Lorenzo could kick his ass pretty badly. (Especially if he continued to zone out in the middle of important things). The only thing he fixated on was Tootie, bawling, and him calling her a crybaby. Nothing else mattered.
Unbidden, a memory, half buried, of breaking her wrist, surfaced. The note, telling of all the trivial matters, like time and place, slipped from his grasp. Tootie…
I don't deserve her. All I do is treat her like shit…and she came back for me. I broke her wrist, I snapped at her…and she snapped back. God, she hates me now…
I'm a monster. Look what I've created…an unstoppable killing machine that almost claimed me as acolyte.
But I can end it and make myself feel a little better. The duel's at four thirty, at the old training shed? I'll show him- I'll show up and not only kick his ass, I'll eliminate him once and for all!
Timmy Turner, boy on a mission. Most likely to succeed? Probably not.
-------
(Four thirty p.m. PST, at the old training shed)
He wondered where the transistor had gone off to. Tootie must have taken it after their scuffle…(She had, after all, been in possession of it when she returned). Did she need extra insurance against him? He hadn't done anything that horrible to her, had he?
Yes, he had. And she deserved the insurance…in case he struck again. While he didn't know what he could do about her in the future, he knew what he could do to Lorenzo in the present. It was time to stop one menace from ruining his life again.
Whatever world it was in, he'd rather have it here than face Lorenzo empty-handed. Although he'd defeated him once before, the memories in the training shed seemed ominous and oppressive. Without Cosmo and Wanda there (and no Tootie to burst in), he'd never felt so alone.
If he read The Other right, (and, at the moment, he wasn't terribly certain he could), he too was anxious. But what did he have to be intrepid about? He called the duel, he set the rules, and he was the evil anti-fairy bent on destruction that single-handedly murdered his parents. In this story, he was the villain and Timmy the hero…but the villain, so far, was winning…
The air, stagnant, seemed not to shift with their presence and it was with bated breath that he faced him. (The Other, of course, like Cosmo and Wanda, did not require oxygen nearly as often as Timmy, a mere human, would. Therefore, he wasn't holding his breath like his creator). With the recent shifting of events, he was inexorably destined to lose. If only Lorenzo could kill him and end his miserable existence…no, now was not the time for morose thoughts. Now was the time for action.
Smirking haughtily, The Other crooned, "Are you going to fight me or narrate? Because, while I'm certain thinking must be a foreign concept to you, I will not subjected to the gaping maw of a lackwit. Make your move before I do something rash, like leave."
As if to punctuate his point, Lorenzo yawned, stretching his arms out. Oh, he bored him, did he? Well, he'd soon change that!
Infuriated (always a quick rise, like his creation), Timmy lunged towards Lorenzo's right, fully intending to strike him from the side and pin his arm behind his back. Unfortunately, one thing The Other had not taught him was the art of concealment- do not render your moves so blatant, even a novice can predict it. Timmy's moves were over extensive, nowhere near as concise as they ought to be and easy to detect. His lumbering was far too ungainly and all The Other need do was backhand him in the chest.
Oddly enough, after he did so, he stumbled backward, producing a light pink shield. It glimmered bizarrely, almost like light magic. Timmy did not inquire as to why an anti-fairy would cast such a spell, naturally, and jumped to conclusions.
"No magic shields! You said this would be a fair fight!" The pink hatted boy whined, failing to notice whom exactly the barrier protected. Good ole naïve, gullible, foolish Timmy.
"As tempted as I am to do the dastardly deed and retort, 'I lied!', alas, I cannot." Sidestepping again, Lorenzo swiftly produced Wanda, the spell caster. In mid air she floated, tossing and turning in her trouble sleep. The past versus the 'past' presented itself as a quandary in her mind, one she could not break free of.
"Wanda…" Timmy breathed, recognizing her instantly. At the moment, her appearance was akin to the last time she'd laid eyes upon her. Some sort of restoration spell was clearly at play.
Where…how had Lorenzo wound up with her? That bastard- he had to be using her for something! Or else, he was planning to murder her in her sleep, that'd be just like him!
If she gave any sign of noticing Timmy, though, it remained the same as the situation- absolutely no indication. Personally, he hoped Wanda would recognize him and soon, before Timmy took out all his frustration on him and really kicked his ass. Damn her, knowing what was going to happen before it did. He wouldn't regard this duel with such dread if it weren't for her dire prediction.
Meanwhile, amidst Lorenzo's rumination, Timmy cocked his head, scrutinizing Wanda. Apparently, just as one became distracted, the other did. It wasn't anything to do with their connection, just that Lorenzo was preoccupied with the meeting and Timmy's relatively short attention span (leading to many an "F").
Scowling, irritated at the two of them, Lorenzo feigned a move to Timmy's right and punched him in the jaw. Timmy blocked it, slipping his right hand out and snatching his wrist, bending it back. Damn, he was good....the student surpassed the sensei.
Balking, The Other did the first thing that came to mind, he kicked him hard in the ribs. Timmy, with a gasp, released his wrist and fell sideways to the floor. Hmph, simple minded Timmy, not realizing there could be an attack from where you least suspected it.
Take the thing with Tootie, for instance. He hadn't anticipated she might have a horror story of her own, thus preventing her from spilling her guts, as it were. He never thought before he acted, always brash, and this led him into a world of trouble. Incidentally, it'd led to his birth, so perhaps he ought to be grateful. Perhaps.
Jumping to his feet, Timmy lunged straight on, but changed his position halfway. He rammed into Lorenzo with his side, but The Other put up an arm, propelling his momentum away and spinning him into the wall. The combination dazed his sire.
Patiently waiting for his opponent to regain his wind before attacking again (this was a fair fight, no dirty maneuvers, even if that was what he was notorious for, were to be used), The Other once again glanced towards Wanda. He was assailed by memories, past and present, and some of them were Timmy's. Briefly, he pondered how Timmy had dealt with the memory exchange, particularly the one pertaining to Vicky's rape...and decided now was not the time to muse. As soon as Timmy got up, he had to get back on the offense before he wound up blocking all the shots.
Breathing hard, Timmy kicked off the wall, lunging with his fist out. Yes, he was angry, and anger has no place in a civilized fight. It clogs the senses as well as perception and decision making, thus leading Timmy to make such an egregious error. Lorenzo saw him coming a long way off, allowing him to merely grab his fist in his own, pull him close, slip an arm over his waist, and flip him over. Maybe Wanda was wrong...
Timmy landed terribly, the wind knocked out of him. Lorenzo paused, pity inundating him. How could he do this to his beloved Timmy, even if this was a duel? But to concede defeat was not in his nature...but Timmy...
"Are you all right?" The Other inquired meekly, forgetting that it was he who had dealt the blow. He knelt down beside him (bad move), and lightly brushed an astray hair away from his face. He never thought about the fact that they were entirely too close and within combat.
Grimacing as he shoved Lorenzo's hand away, Timmy head-butted him, ignoring the blinding pain that passed. He then rose swiftly to his feet, delivering a series of rapid undercuts to his jaw (this he had to extend a great deal for), his chest, and his abdomen.
Knuckles striking him, Lorenzo fell back again, sliding near Wanda. Every time he thought he gained some ground, Timmy forced him back. He was like an untamed pit bull....and The Other was screwed.
Unfortunately, Timmy had learned his fighting from the master, who often invoked the art of dirty fighting, so he did not wait for Lorenzo to regain his composure. Instead, he kicked him squarely in the stomach, sending him back another few feet. If Wanda hadn't awoken at that very instant, Timmy might have seriously started in on him.
"That is enough." Wanda, levitating above the ground, examined the two of them. Her eyes were shut tightly, the light pink aura enveloping her...Lorenzo recognized it immediately as her soul form. Apparently, if she wished to converse with Timmy, she must first visit the void, to know him. She must have wanted to talk with him very much, in order to go to such great lengths without The Other to do it.
"Wanda!" Timmy cried, delight mingled with surprise in his voice. "I missed you so much!"
"That isn't Wanda," Lorenzo muttered, miffed at Timmy's naive. "It's her soul's projection, her-"
"That is sufficient enough information for him. He does not need to know more, it does not concern him.
"If I may interject one statement before I return to my slumber, however, it is this- from what I recall, in the void, Cosmo and I taught you better than this. Do not rely upon street brawls to win. You will do under your own cunning and prowess, not under sly tricks and stupid moves."
With that, she fell asleep again. Lorenzo admired her ability to turn the world on and off like a switch and envied it. It would certainly make dealing with Cosmo easier, if ever she retained that ability...or met Cosmo again in this life. Despite her premonitions, he had his reservations.
"What the hell is she talking about?" Timmy asked, perplexed. "Why does her voice sound so odd, so emotion-less? What's with the aura?"
"What's with the twenty questions? It's not my fault you weren't paying attention," Lorenzo snapped, once again irritated at his naive. Or was it just ignorance? Well, whatever it was, it was seriously beginning to irk him.
Taken aback by both, he stood, inert, while Lorenzo, opting not to heal himself, recovered. Their eyes met, Timmy's seeped in hatred, The Other's in concern, love, and self loathing. By pitying him, he was becoming softer…just like how he viewed Cosmo and Wanda. The 'bad side' of Timmy turned out to be not so bad after all. What's a few murders between friends?
An eye on Wanda, The Other performed a sweeping kick, knocking Timmy off his feet. However, before he toppled, he yanked him down by the shirt. Once again, he failed to think before he acted. Lorenzo was paralyzed, warmth rushing to his face and another, unexpected area.
"Was this what you wanted?" The Other remarked dryly, smiling wryly. The way he'd landed, they could easily grind against each other. Unless he was greatly mistaken, Timmy was in no way attracted to him. Heh, stupid mistake.
Grimacing, he sought to slide out from under him, but The Other stopped him. He was poised to kiss him, when Wanda's words rang in his head again. Goddamn it all.
Their eyes met again, Timmy expressing astonishment. Yet again, he'd stopped himself before coming onto him. Obviously, evident in his eyes, he lusted after him, but he restrained himself. Why? He'd sexually molested, abused, starved, beaten, and brainwashed him- why stop now?
Ah, but now was not the time for that. He had to free himself first, because Lorenzo's heat disturbed him. That and he kept pinching himself to prevent himself from kissing him. (God, it was so hard!)
He extended his arm to him, offering him a helping hand up. Timmy scoffed, choosing to rise himself. This repugnant being was not going to be permitted to even donate the simplest aid.
Glowering, Timmy jumped up to deliver a roundhouse kick to the side of his head. Lorenzo ducked, but he bounced off a wall and reached him on the left. There was a deafening crack; Lorenzo saw stars and his vision blurred.
Smirking, Timmy disregarded Wanda's warning and landed punches everywhere on his body, firing rapidly. Lorenzo moaned, barely putting his hands up to defend himself. If Wanda were awake to notice, she would have stopped him, but she'd wasted any gained energy to do so before.
((Stop!)) Lorenzo screamed, chest heaving. Several ribs were definitely cracked, if not broken, his jaw felt terribly loose, his nose misplaced, and everything was scraped up. He couldn't bring himself to speak, he wasn't certain he could choke the words out.
Caught off guard by the use of telepathy, he paused, his fist poised above his heart. Timmy had fully intended to murder him by his own hands, because he was stuck in the moment. The thought terrified him more than he could say.
"I…I went too far, didn't I?" Timmy murmured, blinking. His eyes took in everything he'd done- he was ashamed. Wanda had told him not to fight dirty and, lo and behold, he'd ignored her again. He never listened to her, and this was the result. If he'd only listened to her from the start…
((I concede defeat…you cheater…)) The Other whispered, fists clenched. He'd pull him down towards him, but he didn't trust himself to do so without Timmy launching another assault. Truth be told, he was a little intimidated of the monster he'd helped create.
Sighing heavily, the teenager sunk to the floor, his eyes darting between Wanda and Lorenzo. So he'd won…why did it feel so hollow? Maybe because he hit him when he was down, when he had no way to fight back. He could defeat him, although not as easily, in a fair fight, but he couldn't have settled for that…
((I suppose I owe you the truth, since you've (somewhat) earned it.)) Grimacing, Lorenzo propped himself up on his elbows and regarded him. Timmy sighed heavily, carefully matting his wounds. He'd taken down a towel, disinfectant, and absent-mindedly tried his best to help. Although, if he really wanted to help, he could learn white magic and heal him, but he wasn't disputing that, not in this pain.
"I'm sorry…" I didn't mean to go completely postal on you and beat you into submission. The horrible thing about it is it feels so right, so good…I'm afraid I'm turning into you, by doing it. But it's okay, because you're the bad guy. That's it, right? It's not because I'm turning into a monster…
((No, you're not. Don't lie to me.)) Breathing jaggedly, Lorenzo cast his mind about for that despised realm within, containing white magic. He found more than expected…and, if he was correct, Wanda winked at him. She wanted to help him out, perhaps because she knew the circumstances under which her godson won.
"Shut up." Hatred surged through his veins and Timmy punched him hard in the stomach. Lorenzo moaned involuntarily- it felt like an anvil was being continuously dropped on his stomach. Damn him, beating him while he was down.
((Stop.)) Both halted- it wasn't Lorenzo addressing him, but Wanda.
Her eyes were still shut tightly, but her fists were clenched. She drew energy from The Other again, to converse with Timmy. If it weren't for the fact Lorenzo only had limited power, he wouldn't mind as much.
"Wanda?" Timmy called, whimpering as he were the one lying on the floor, bleeding with broken ribs. For a split second, Lorenzo hated him again, despised that fact that, although he'd beaten him unfairly, he acted as though he were the one injured. Timmy always needed to garner sympathy, repugnant little brat…
Then, of course, he loved him again for his folly. Part of him wondered if it was possible to fall out of love with anyone, much less someone he'd fallen so badly for.
((Yes and no. I told you before, it is of no material concern what exactly I am in this state, nor will it ever be. I merely speak out of the vast injustice you performed and continue to perform upon Lorenzo. Yes, you did defeat him, but you did not do so justly. Yet, you beat him senseless now, supposing he could offer a suitable defense, which he cannot. Halt, godchild.))
Slowly, he murmured, "You aren't Wanda…but you sound like her. How can that be?"
Wanda pulled at Lorenzo's link, and he could feel her longing to cast aside the broken memories, Juandissimo's past and his recent cruelty, and everything that had happened, and just hold him. But no matter how much he empathized with her, he couldn't transform her back to herself, only Cosmo could. That reminded him…
((If you're done abusing me, I have to tell you the truth…about whatever you wish. You beat me and although it was unfair and possibly life threatening, I must uphold my end of the bargain.)) He sighed heavily, shutting his eyes tightly. A peculiar sensation of warmth swept him, accompanied by a pink aura…Wanda….
"Anything I want?" Timmy repeated incredulously- it sounded like the typical too good to be true line.
((Yes.)) Shutting his eyes, he summoned Wanda to him, almost as a means of protection. She levitated over, their bond pulsating. Hmm, this had to be a very odd situation from an outsider. More than likely, that'd be the first question he'd ask.
Wanda settled in his lap, her eyes shut. As soon as he felt her rest, he opened his eyes, discovering Timmy had shifted over to sit beside him and close to Wanda. He reached for her, but, as soon as he did, she returned to her black phase. Strange…
"What the hell? Why is she reacting to you and not to me?" Timmy snapped, eyes still glued to Wanda, back to normal except for her long, sweeping pink hair, no longer constrained in a bun. However, her face was guarded, her thoughts of Juandissimo easily overheard. Apparently, the effort of really trying to force herself out to him and remember him caused her agony.
((She still doesn't remember you. The part of her that does, her soul, causes her (and me) a great endeavor to materialize. Unfortunately, the only reason she can speak at all is because we're in a mind meld…She does everything through me, like a conductor.))
A thousand questions burst into Timmy's mind, all clamoring to be answered. Lorenzo smiled sardonically, waiting for him to assemble himself. He could wait, he had all night.
((Why did you do all those horrible things to me?!)) Timmy cried, instinctively extending his arms out for Wanda. Lorenzo had to slap his hands away in order to prevent another relapse.
There was utter silence for a second; Timmy's heart beat furiously, awaiting his answer. Lorenzo had to collect himself, search for the answer because he sure as hell couldn't conjure it up offhand. His question was complicated, layered like an onion. And, like an onion, it involved tears…only they weren't the lame ones of the tear reflex.
((I was being selfish)), was the first thing Lorenzo said. The answer hung there in the balance, badly needing an extension. All three breathed with bated breath, although, truthfully, only Timmy breathed out of a necessity to.
((I thought I owned you, that you were a property and if I wanted something out of you, I could just use you. You were already under my servitude and drunk on your own newfound power to boot, just like I was. I didn't notice if you were protesting, because I thought it was my right to do as I did.
((At first, it was just to hurt you as much as possible. I hated you, ever since I was conceived in your mind and imprisoned there. I wanted to destroy you, utterly and completely.
((Then, of course, things grew more complicated. I wanted to harm you, but it was mingled with another emotion, one less sinister- I loved you. You, with your naïve, your foolish moves and stupidity…I fell badly for you.
((That was when ownership came into play. I owned you, so I exercised my right as thus to brand you as mine. By taking your virginity, I thought that meant no one would ever touch you, including that loathsome Tootie. She'd abandon you and you'd be all mine.
((I'm really sorry, Timmy.)) He hung his head. ((I'm aware that means nothing to you, but my continual abstinence from touching you ought to show you my penitence. Remorse consumes my being at the thought of harming someone I love so deeply, indeed I scarred him for life.))
An awkward silence descended upon the shed. Shaking his head slightly, he indicated he either failed to accept or otherwise rejected his explanation. Apparently, the method of communication did not sufficiently convey his sorrow.
Exhaling sharply, The Other wrapped his arms around Wanda in an effort to refrain from caressing his cheek. This lack of contact proved quite difficult.
((Why did you rape Vicky?)) Folding his arms across his chest, he projected frustration, resentment, and weariness. An even stronger desire gripped The Other and he had to rise, carrying Wanda, and place the room. He could not remain in a close proximity.
((I think you know the answer to that.)) Lorenzo sighed, sitting aside a table diametrically opposite to his sire. Wanda was like a small child, cradled in her dream like trance.
((I retained the malevolence from her, her unadulterated hatred of you, and if a human is metaphysically and physically submerged in hatred at a point when they are already drowned in sorrow and mourning, their chances of dying are extremely high.
((Unlike normal humans males, I do not expunge my 'seed' during the act of sexual intercourse. Instead, I gain energy, as opposed to losing it. Every time I perform, I grow stronger- I have found no other way to appropriate energy.
((Therefore, my motives for my actions were two-fold; one, to acquire a loathing for you as strong as mine, and two, to manifest enough energy that, if Cosmo and Wanda did indeed foil my plans, I could subsist. Always plan ahead, a good motto. It would have served me well, had I checked more closely and prevented Cosmo and Wanda and your parents from teaming up to display the What-If spell, a spell I did not even view. Ah, but the past is the past…and I regret my actions.
((Does that answer your question to your satisfaction?)) He found, if he replied coolly and calmly, the fact that he was holding Wanda instead of Timmy did not bother him as much. He had to admit, despite his downfall and the loss of his sire, he did not mourn his defeat as he'd anticipated. Although he could not fathom the change of events, perhaps it would have turned out best for his sire were his plan not to succeed.
((Yeah…)) Casting his mind about for another question, Timmy rose, unconsciously heading towards the weapon cavalry and examining the sword at length. He remembered this item, remembered it like the back of his hand. Many a time he'd feinted a thrust at Cosmo and Wanda's chests with it, imagining their reaction. He put it away with a shudder.
((Well?)) Lorenzo pressed. ((Surely you must be curious for other answers, because I know Vicky isn't exactly high on your priorities.))
((Fine,)) Timmy spat, surprising both with his venom. ((I'll admit I really don't give a rat's ass about Vicky, but the fact that you're holding Wanda like that and acting as though you're her godson is seriously pissing me off. What gives you the right to go around like that?!))
((We're in a mind meld, as I said before. It was formed after Juandissimo decided to leave Boston, home of Sophie whom I'm sure you've already met-)) He laughed mockingly, ((-and come here. I had to do something, though, because-))
((You're the one always trying to kill her!)) Timmy sprang forth from the weapons shelf and sought to retrieve her from harm's way. Yet again, she turned black, her breathing becoming very labored. By doing this, he was endangering more than aiding her.
((If I carried the same agenda as before, would she permit me to enter her mind and thus try to repair the damage caused by Juandissimo? No. She would not trust me to do so, and allow herself to possibly be abused. Wanda knows more than you think she does, Timmy.
((I rescued her from Remy, Juandissimo's godchild if you aren't too wrapped up with personal matters to recall. He's dangerously in love with his godfather, to the point where, like I was before, he'll kill any obstacle in his path. Whereas I was content to merely torture Tootie, he wants Wanda dead. He'll stop at nothing to achieve his means.
((I saved her because you're attached to her, are you not? Her death would cause you great grief, as she is the only mother left to you. I did not wish for you to suffer any more than you already have at my hands, so I devised at first, a barrier to prevent Juandissimo and his godson from entering the room.
((However, it soon became apparent that she ailed no matter if the 'handsome' fairy was present. He corrupted her memories, to the point where Cosmo is either an enigma or, worse yet, some sort of commonplace hoodlum. You, I fear, barely appear in her memories at all, and what is present is only in fragments, tatters of the originals…Fortunately, she cannot truly recall me at all, only her soul knows of my existence.
((Therefore, I invoked a mind meld, which, if you must know, is high level and extremely risky magic. It involves two beings tied together so closely, if either dies, the other lives through them. There are no secrets, all is open to the other…a terrifying prospect.
((By doing this, I could examine her memories at length, suggesting what might have happened and correcting which I knew did. I repaired what I could, rebuilt what I could not. Since her arrival, I've spent most of the time in her mind, working with her. She wants to remember you, Timmy, she really does, but it's not her fault.
((We met in the void, which is the only place where we can meet spiritually, since I am not her lifebond, like Cosmo is. She told me I can reform, that there is still some good inside me- but that doesn't directly answer your concern, does it? I suppose I have a tendency to ramble…I miss the sound of your voice too much.))
((She's with you because she trusts you?!)) Timmy retorted, astonished. ((She actually trusts you to hold her, to take care of her, and not expect to be hurt in the process?!))
((You, might I add, permit me to remain in your presence without fear of being violated again or forced to do something against your will. Whatever your reasons were for accepting the duel, you did, and you henceforth allowed yourself to be subject to my whims, were they less than chaste. If you can trust me around you, why can you not trust me around your godmother, who can better defend herself than you, if need be? The mind meld would only happen in complete trust, and, if it fails, she might be able to kill me, without you.))
Again, silence descended upon the room. Timmy scrutinized the floor, instead of looking at Lorenzo and Wanda, and did not look up for some time. The Other did not know what to say, so he kept his mouth shut. Perhaps it was best if he allowed Timmy to ask at his own discretion, as opposed to shoving him towards asking. After all, look at what happened when he had? He didn't want to repeat that experience, thank you very much.
Finally, Timmy gazed up at him. ((Is Remy a threat to her still?))
((Yes. He summoned Eschcolex, a very powerful vengeance demon. The two in conjunction are a potent duo, not to mention the fact Remy's absolutely ruthless. This is why I had to bring her here with me- I dare not risk leaving her alone, in their custody. As soon as I leave, the barrier does and Wanda will not survive.))
Timmy took this news with a heavy heart. If he reached out to touch Wanda, she'd go black again, something he did not want at all, but…
((I should have mentioned this before, but Cosmo will, if he hasn't already, receive an invitation to a duel. Juandissimo means to duel him and kill him, thus murdering his competition. If I were you, as soon as you're done asking questions to your heart's content, I'd return home and dissuade Cosmo from anything stupid, like going off half cocked and unarmed. Although it's impossible to prepare for it and I don't think Cosmo has sufficient battle experience, I'd still like to think Wanda's confidence in her husband is not misplaced.))
Gulping, the teenager continued to examine Wanda, worrying now ardently about her safety. With Juandissimo, supposing, as the victor, he could not foresee an end to her misery. In fact, he could seriously envision something of an apocalyptic nature occurring…poor Wanda.
((Do you have any more questions? I'll field them the best I can, but remember time is short. Cosmo needs Wanda to be present at that duel, more than anything, and she needs to be present in case Cosmo wins and she can regain her memories. Magic can be very particular.
((And recall that this method of conversation is much more efficient than typical human speech. Not only does it save time, it saves lengthy explanation because emotions as well as words are conveyed with every message.))
Nodding, Timmy began to pace the room, hugging his arms to his chest. Apparently, he and The Other shared one trait- neither believed as whole heartedly as Wanda in Cosmo's prowess at dueling. Mere anger did not a winner make.
Ultimately, though, his mind could not focus on any one question and, although he'd love to remain here, Lorenzo explaining every action he'd made in the past nine months, he could not. Cosmo's and possibly Wanda's lives hung in the balance, and he was sick of letting people down. There'd be more time to talk, later, before he killed him…
((Return home. I'll be there, at my mansion, doing my best to hold Remy and Juandissimo off. Keep the link open, though, just in case I need to you uphold Wanda's mind meld. I'm rapidly depleting my energy, so it's very likely.
((Good luck, you'll need it.)) Nodding, Lorenzo released Wanda briefly and pressed his hands against Timmy's face. He sighed deeply, longing to do more but Wanda's warning rang in his head. No sexual contact…
((I love you.)) With that, he vanished with Wanda, leaving Timmy to puzzle out what was going to happen. Lord help them all.
------
Remy, too, paced the hard marble floor. His eyes were narrowed into slits, his fists clenched in anger. The very instant the barrier vanished, Wanda had. His only shot of eliminating her, straight out the window.
Just thinking about her filled him with a sickening rage and he pictured her gasping and bleeding on the floor. He'd watch her die and make sure she did (all haughty villains did not and their opponents never perished), then he'd tell his beloved. Every step was planned.
Juandissimo, in a stoic manner, would be informed (and he'd in no way implicate himself in such a "tragedy"). Then, of course, there'd be the mourning, where Juandissimo would be weeping unabashed upon his shoulder. He'd comfort him lovingly, tenderly.
Then, in a act of sympathy, he'd begin by kissing him and move his way downwards. While he bemoaned his fate, he'd make sweet love to him. He'd please him so much, he'd forget about Wanda completely. He'd release his love for Wanda and accept Remy as his soul mate.
Ah, he'd be in bliss, touching Juandissimo in ways he'd never been before. He'd moan his name…
"Mi amor," Juandissimo said, poofing up behind him and breaking him out of Harlequin Romance novel reverie. Good…it was getting a little too sappy, even for his tastes.
"What?!" Remy choked, assuming incorrectly that he referred to him as his 'amor'. Hmph, fools in love.
"Mi amor is missing!" Juandissimo cried, panic seeping into his voice. "That anti fairy abducted her!"
"Lorenzo?" Remy replied, completely dumbfounded. "Why would Lorenzo take…"
Then realization dawned on him. The Other had been the one who had set up the barrier, impeding him from attacking her. He'd held her in his lap, doing whatever it was he'd done…The fucking traitor. How dare he turn sides like that! He was the villain, for the love of God!
"Yes, him! He took my Wanda from me after I worked so hard to keep her here!" Juandissimo fumed, brandishing his wand and shaking it about. Sparks flew off, causing Remy to duck lest something sentient in the room become a duck or another animal. Whenever Juandissimo entered a storm like that, he grew wary.
"But isn't she coming back with Cosmo for the duel?" Remy suggested meekly, trying not to draw too much attention to himself and hoping Juandissimo would pretend as though it was his idea. That way, he'd said it and it'd helped, but he hadn't been converted into a mongoose by doing so. Being a human was much more preferable to squawking about.
"How do you know about the duel?" Juan gasped, his concentration on changing every item in the room into an animal shifting focus. Damn, so much for remaining anonymous.
"I…" I wasn't spying on you and watching your every move. What makes you think that? I mean, really…just because I'm madly in love with you and I note every time you breathe and exhale, that doesn't mean I watched you write the letter and deliver it. What makes you think that? Stop staring at me!
"You what?" Juandissimo retorted dangerously. "You were spying on me, my godson?"
Yes, my father. Withholding a smirk, Remy replied, in all seriousness, "Yes, but it was for a good cause. I found out…"
What did I find out? How can I compose a lie that he'll buy? Damn, another instance of not thinking before I act. But how can I, when I'm so in love with him?
"I found out that…" Remy trailed off, his brain not catching up to his mouth like he'd hoped. One of these days, they were going to invent something that projected people's thoughts and things would be clearer. Sure, there might be a little more conflict because people that acted civil to each other but secretly hated each other's guts might have some problems, but who cared? At least then he could tell his beloved how much he loved him.
"Never mind," Juan snapped briskly, clutching his wand so tightly it began to crack. "It is of no concern to me. I have a duel to win and a fairy to destroy."
"Good luck," Remy whispered, not even recognizing he'd spoken until the words flitted past his mouth.
"Thank you, but I will not need it. Cosmo, on the other hand, will need all the luck in the world to survive ten minutes."
Furious at Lorenzo for stealing his 'wife' out from under him, Juandissimo vanished, returning to the tree house to await Cosmo's reaction. This promised to be exciting, especially to see Cosmo lose his life so badly. The death of a godparent…
Cocky bastard, Remy thought, but his thoughts were misdirected.
------
(The tree house)
Cosmo slept lazily, his dreams of Wanda and pink hair. Of course, the two went together like cheese and more cheese, but both were delectable. He was deep within the world of dreams, like his true wife, but neither knew that.
He was so involved, he didn't even notice the letter placed beside his pillow. Fortunately, Juandissimo had foregone the exploding envelope, so there was no imminent danger…if he stayed where he was. But, naturally, he couldn't. He loved Wanda so he had to give his life for her.
Rolling over, Cosmo's hand struck the envelope. For some odd reason, this motion reminded him of Wanda and he awoke expectantly, supposing it was her silk underwear or something of that nature. Don't ask- Cosmo had weird associations.
Blinding sunlight lit up the tree house, causing Cosmo to blink in confusion. No Wanda, what was the point of getting up? Ah, but the letter looked intriguing, perhaps he ought to examine it at length. Besides, he was so tired, he was overtired- it'd take him a half a minute to get back to sleep at this rate.
Dimly, the words entered his mind- a duel? A duel for what? What on earth did he have to defend that hadn't already been taken away from him?
But Juandissimo thought he had a shot at Wanda still, that he could continue to take her from him. Merely conjuring an image of that bastard in his head made him quake with anger. He had to get Wanda back, by any means necessary.
Scowling, he placed the letter back in the envelope and was about to gather his wand and go, when a burning sensation spread across his palms. Damn Juandissimo had used fairy powder, which, when mixed correctly, can cause one's skin to peel.
Footsteps sounded on the trunk of the tree house, causing Cosmo to turn around in bewilderment. Wanda? But, wait, wouldn't Wanda poof in? Who else could it be, then?
"Cosmo," Timmy murmured, barely meeting his eyes. He had a sinking feeling his godfather was going to be dead before the end of the day. There was so much he wanted to say to him, yet he knew none of it would be uttered. Cosmo simply wasn't present enough to respond in the way he'd like.
"I don't have time for you, I have to go save Wanda!" Cosmo snapped, snatching his wand. Timmy lunged, but by the time he reached the space he'd formerly occupied, he was gone.
------
Timmy, frustrated to no end, began to throw things about the room. This, of course, was when Sophie and Gary chose to enter. Hmph, the couple of the century- well, if Sophie were a little older and Gary were a little less fixated on rightfully stealing Tootie away from him.
"What the hell's goin' on?" Gary snapped, forgetting Sophie was only nine and therefore unaccustomed to the obscenities of teenagers and adults. Besides, he also didn't care. If she insisted on being his shadow, she needed to get used to that language. He wasn't going to baby her.
"Cosmo's heading off to his death," Timmy murmured, uncharacteristically emotionless. His eyes were clouded over yet again, but this time it was of the thought of Cosmo, dying, while Juandissimo crooned in victory. Well, he knew Cosmo was an idiot, but did he have a death wish or something?
"What?!" Gary cried, darting up towards his creator and seizing him by the collar of his pink shirt. Sophie, stunned and feeling ostracized, chose a spot by the sidelines. If she were asked to root for someone, though, it would certainly be Gary. Experience had shown that Gary was, hands down, a better person than Timmy.
"Juandissimo challenged him to a duel and-" I'm wasting time. The longer I stay here, the more time Juandissimo has to strike against Cosmo. I need to get to that horrible place, Lorenzo's mansion, as soon as I can. Too bad it's at the damn end of town.
"And?!" Gary snapped, shaking him. Timmy shrugged his creation off and, casting one final glance at his former hangout, snatched both Gary and Sophie by the hand, leading them down the stairs and out the door. There was no time to waste.
"What the hell are you doin'?" Gary snapped, yanking his hand out of Timmy's. Blech, who said he wanted to touch that creep? Son of a bitch had made Tootie cry and split open the wounds on her stomach. The only touch he'd like to do with him was putting him in a body cast.
"You're starting to sound like a broken record, you know that?" Timmy retorted, managing to at least carry Sophie down with him. Her dislike of Timmy wasn't as rampant as Gary's, not to mention the fact she detected the urgency in his voice. From what she knew of Cosmo, this was a dangerous situation to abandon him in. It was suicidal, in all sense of the word.
"Let's just get there!" Sophie cried, instantly quieting the boys. You see, her incessant chattering had its positive attributes- once she began to talk, people tended to long for her to seize. But really, she only spoke that much when she was nervous and in an unexpected place. At home, she talked the bullies to death…or until they beat the living crap out of her.
They landed in a tangled mess at the base of the tree. Sophie had lost her footing halfway down and, as Timmy was the only person who had contact with her, she grabbed his shirt. No, make that yanked. Timmy lost his balance as well and they, higher up than Gary, knocked him onto the grass.
Brilliant, Turner, just brilliant, Timmy thought, struggling to disentangle himself. Gary immediately extracted himself, scowling at the two. At the moment, his hatred of both shone through like search lights on a cloudy sky.
"Be careful!" Gary snapped, brushing his coat off. You almost got this dirty! I have no money to replace it, either. Not cool.
"Sorry…" Sophie murmured sheepishly, taking Timmy's proffered hand. She rose ungainly to her feet, but at least she wasn't lying atop him anymore. As much as she shared in Gary's sentiments, she couldn't help but find him cute in an impossible to explain way. Timmy Turner, bucktoothed, pink hatted chick magnet.
"So, where are we goin'?" Gary asked, still pounding his jacket. No speckles of dirt remained, but you could never be too careful. His hands brushed against a splotch of Tootie's blood. Damn Timmy.
Gritting his teeth at the thought of his entourage, he replied coolly (two could play at that game), "The Other's mansion." Not calling him "Lorenzo", that'll implicate the lovely first name basis I'm sure Gary still harbors a grudge against. He never forgets, that kid.
"Where you'll pull a sword out and suddenly murder Cos and Wan?" Gary retorted, folding his arms across his chest. Sophie, completely bewildered, glanced to and fro.
Anyone care to explain? Guess not…She kicked a pebble lying in the wake of the treehouse and clutched Timmy's hand. By now, there was almost no blood circulation, but he didn't notice. All his attention was focused on Gary.
"It was a mistake, all right?" Timmy shot back, wrenching his hand from Sophie's.
"Just like you treatin' Toot like shit?" Gary hissed, spitting in Timmy's face. Timmy wiped it off, his eyes narrowed.
"Somehow, I don't think these are mistakes anymore. You're makin' way too many- ya jerk. I think you're doin' it all on purpose, jus' to piss me off. Well, guess what? It's workin'!"
"I don't have time for this," Timmy snapped, gritting his teeth. However, he underestimated two factors- his testosterone and his raging guilt. If he didn't strike out at something, it'd be bottled up, coming out where he least needed it, with Tootie.
Gary smirked, noting his creator's trembling fists. "Gonna hit me, Tim-Tim?"
"I'm not five!" Timmy roared. "Stop calling me that!"
"Well, if you're not five, how come you keep actin' like you are?" Gary hissed. "No, I take it back. You were better when you were five."
Blood pounded in his temples and, for a brief second, he saw red. No, he couldn't rise to his bait- he had to…had to…oh, he'd forgotten. Did it matter?
Before he knew it, his fist connected with Gary's jawbone and he launched himself atop him. They tumbled around on the cold, half frozen ground, while Sophie, after giving the two a horrified glance, darted off. She'd find the place herself.
Gary kicked him hard in the stomach and Timmy slammed his head into the ground. Dazed, Gary snapped his arm behind his back, holding it precariously close to breaking. Timmy cried out in pain, but retaliated with a side kick slam to his left leg.
"It figures that you'd ignore Cos when he needs you!" Gary snapped, spitting blood onto the ground. Timmy, massaging his tender midsection, glanced at him in bewilderment.
"Huh?" Cosmo?
"Unless you're plannin' on lettin' him die too, like you let your parents? Or are you going to kill him yourself, like you were gonna before?" Gary launched, elbowing him in the face.
"I wasn't going to kill Cosmo!" Timmy retorted, lying through his teeth. But he had to say something to defend himself, didn't he?
"You disgust me," Gary spat, connecting with a punch that struck his bucktooth. He'd always wanted to knock that clear out of his head.
Blood filled Timmy's mouth, which he promptly spat in Gary's face. The raven haired boy wiped it off, countering with a little of his own, and then, rising, stomped down on Timmy's chest.
Timmy jerked, reaching out to grab Gary's leg and pull him down with him. However, before he could do that, Gary stomped on his crotch and, in too much pain to snatch it now, he cried out.
Sneering, Gary proceeded to stomp both on his chest and his groin, occasionally kicking him in the chin or in the groin as he did so. Yes…he deserved every second of this torture.
Timmy saw stars and, through a haze, felt Gary wrench his bucktooth out. He weakly raised his hands in defense, but, switching from the chest, Gary slammed his fist down on his right hand, snapping one of the bones immediately. A white hot pain coursed through his body…and then he knew nothing.
------
"The past is fraught with danger
The future too close to call
We gather here to see
His falling in front of all
Protect my love
Shelter him from the fool
And send him to my arms," Remy intoned, reading the English translation. From behind, Eschcolex began to chuckle derisively, unbeknownst to him. English translations…the poor fool. A soul, soon…
-------
"At leas' I know where the place is," Gary spat, kicking the iron gates furiously. And I deserve to be here…damn Timmy.
I'll be sure to rub this in his face when he wakes up…with a broken hand, a missing tooth, and a hell of a lot of pain. I love you too, Tim-Tim.
For now…it's time to duel.