Chapter 2 College
The explosion wasn't all that loud, but the amount of smoke it produced was truly impressive. Professor Gripentrog stood, his goggles on his forehead, and I had to laugh because he looked like a reverse raccoon. I'm sure I looked the same, and the mass spectrometer that we had placed my shielding ring in, was slag metal. "Well that was interesting", he stated calmly, and I had to giggle a bit. Being around explosions did that to me for some reason. Opening the machine with a small pry bar, he recovered the ring, and looked at it interestedly. "The chemical tests, and spectral analysis cannot identify this substance, so therefore it is not part of our periodic table. You say that Pele, the goddess of the volcano gave this to you"?
"Pele, goddess of fire and lightning, to be accurate", said a new voice. I turned, and stepping through the laboratory door was my Auntie Pele. Beautiful, wearing a Hawaiian print sun dress, she smiled with her beautiful recurved smile, and stepped over to give me a hug, and kisses on both cheeks.
"Auntie", I said "I'm covered with ashes, you'll get your dress dirty".
The Professor staring at Pele's breasts shock himself, a little bemused, then regained his confidence. "Young lady, this is a secure lab. You cannot be here", he said pompously.
Walking over to him she gave him a hug, and kisses on the cheeks. Standing on tip toes she whispered into his ear. "I am PELE".
"Auntie, this is Professor Gripentrog, my teacher".
"See here, young lady", he started to say. Then PELE raised one hand, and molten lava dripped from it on to the floor, immediately followed by a small bolt of lightning, that struck the destroyed mass spectrometer.
Stepping away from him, she studied the lab. "I thought I might make your quest a bit easier. I am connected to your ring, and when something happens to them, I know. What exactly we're you trying to do to it my sweet"?
"Auntie, we were trying to identify what material it was made of"?
"Ahhh Madam, I wish to apologize for my rudeness, and any slight I may have caused", he said looking as if he might go to his knees.
"Orichalcum, they are made of orichalcum", Pele says smiling.
"Auntie, wasn't that a metal that was supposed to be from...".
"Atlantis, yes my sweet. They were to have been the blueprint for civilization", she said sadly.
"What happened", said the Professor, his earlier fear overridden by his love of knowledge.
"They became greedy and vile. They forgot their patron, and challenged her power", said Pele.
"Who was their patron", the professor asked.
From Pele's eye, a single tear fell. Turning to face the door, she spoke. "I can provide you with more of this material, it has properties that effect magic, but you will have to learn how to work it".
Seeing my Auntie in pain, I strode over and embraced her from behind. I never realized how small and delicate she was until that moment. She had always appeared like a Titan, and in that moment, I knew, that immortals could feel remorse. Even worse, their everlasting life caused them to feel that remorse, forever. "Auntie stay, for a bit. Let's get a bite, and catch up. Srey is just down the road, and I know she would love to see you. You have got to see her in her uniform, she is so proud of it".
Leaning back against me, luxuriating in the hug, she stood for a moment. "You know your father is the first human that I have cared about since that day. I took care of my people, but he was the first I loved. The first in millennia I loved".
"He knows Auntie. He, no, all of us love you. He once told me of your first meeting. He said that from the first moment he laid eyes upon you, he knew he would die for you, if you asked it. He wasn't afraid of you, because he sensed in you a love. A deep well of creation. When you fought the Walker, when you went to your knees, it enraged him, and healed him. When Srey, and I were brought before you, we felt the same. You may have given us the rings to save our lives, but that isn't why we love you".
Amazingly I hear tears in her voice. "Then why", she asked, the fate of worlds depending on my answer.
"Because, you are worthy of it. You, my creepy Goddess of Fire and Lightning, are worthy of LOVE, and as my father Talon would say. Your FAMILY." Turning in my arms, she embraced me, for a long time, the heat of her body burned into me, but I didn't care. Immortal, almost forgotten by history, a meme on the internet, I embraced one of the most powerful beings in creation. One who even angels respected. I marveled at one of such power, with no ego. One who gave up her rule over mankind, yet still needed love. "Let's go get a burger". My respect for my teacher only increased, as while we stood, he had made himself scarce, leaving without a word. Smart man, I would catch up with him tomorrow.
"They have Kua Aina here", she asked.
"No Auntie, but they do have Sonic. You're going to love it".
Walking out of the building together, we went into the parking lot to my pickup. A 1961 FORD, fleet side that had once belonged to Talon. I loved this truck. With a 312 Mercury, police interceptor engine, and points ignition. My magic didn't even phase it. Occasionally, I had to replace the points, and set them, but a match book and a Phillips screwdriver was all I needed. We drove up to Srey's Military school.
Once there I talked to the Commandant, but he was cool. An old Vietnam vet, who had seen the impossible. When Srey had enrolled, he had met with my Father Talon. Warriors, he was one that my Father was going to come for, once we could shield him from the Other's. Waisted training children, he would be some real asset training warriors.
Srey entered the office, and when seeing Pele, she bolted forward into her arms. She had changed since I had last seen her. She had cut her long hair down, until she was almost bald. Funny though, it made her more attractive. She had matured, and her slim frame, accented her breasts.
The Commandant sets for a moment. Then left, admonishes us to have Srey back before reveille. Srey is a Jade Court vampire, no problem, she can replenish on me. We go out to my truck, and Srey and Pele are attached at the hip. We go for burgers.
Going to the nearest mall, we exited the truck, and as we walk towards the entrance, we are stopped by a girl. Blond haired, in an old-fashioned dress, accompanied by a huge hulk of a man. I Immediately was interested as he was the kind of man you cannot ignore. Well at least if you are a woman. If you like bad boys, and we all do, he was the epitome of bad. Built, as Talon would say, like a brick shit house. He hovered over the young lady like a doting father.
"Excuse me, can I help you", I asked, thoroughly intrigued?
The young girl speaks. "Hello, you don't know me, but my name is Ivy. The gentleman beside me is my bodyguard, Mr. Kinkaid. It has come to my attention that your father wishes to ask a question of me, and I wished to meet with the members of his family to ascertain whether I should answer his question. There is little written about the man, other than the White Counsel reports that drip with fear, but I have seen some reports from the Jade Court that praise him."
Walking over to her PELE, goes to one knee, and embraces her. "Hello Oracle, it has been a long time". Her bodyguard tenses until he realizes than his charge has fully embraced the situation, and is in no danger.
"Pele", says the Archive, and gives herself to the hug.
"My little sweet", Pele says, and hugs the archive. "How are you holding up", she asks.
"It is hard, but people like Wizard Dresden have made it better".
"Excellent! These are my granddaughters, Courtney, and Srey. If you have any question about the veracity of their father, let me set your mind at ease. He is all he presents himself as. Besides that, we are going shopping, and then for lunch. Please accompany us".
"Shopping", she said?
"Girl, who buys your clothes", I said. "You look like something out of the fifties".
"Mr. Kinkaid takes care of all that", she said easily.
"Really", I said, looking at Mr. Kinkaid. "That is the best you could do"?
"I am a bodyguard, not a fashion designer", he says with dignity. "The clothes I buy are functional, and easy to move in".
"I'll bet he even has you wearing grandma panties", I said looking disgusted. "How old are you girl"?
"In this body, I am sixteen", Ivy said looking down at her dress.
"Sixteen, and you let a man dress you"?
"Mr. Kinkaid has been most diligent in taking care of me", Ivy says.
"So, you are not allowed to dress the way you wish", I ask.
"It has never been a problem, seriously I have never really thought about it".
"Victory Secrets", said Srey.
"Yes, and then Forever 21", I said horrified that any 16-year-old girl would be dressed like this.
Walking into the mall, we reach Victoria Secrets. "First we have to get you some lingerie. Then some clothes than don't make you look weird", I said.
"I'm only here to ascertain whether I should help your father or not", Ivy says.
"That may be so, but I can't let you walk around looking like this, we have got to upgrade your wardrobe. Mr. Kinkaid, would you care to accompany us inside"?
Looking at the shop windows, of mannequins modeling the latest lingerie. "No, I think I'll wait out here", he said.
Entering the shop, I immediately focus on the outfits that I know will drive Sigrum mad. I'm still not sure whether I'm gay or not, especially after seeing Mr. Kinkaid. I think love and sexual attraction is about how much you revere a person. Ivy is lost, but Srey guides her over to more practical lingerie. I know who Ivy is, and people in the store don't realize that these are the two of the most powerful individuals in the world, and here they are, shopping for underwear. I love my sister, but she scares me.
Pele is in a whole different world, and gravitates to the sexiest garments. At one point, she comes out of the changing room in an outfit that even makes the proprietor draw in her breath. Pele could be a super-model. Her vivacious figure a statement in sexuality.
As I said, my sister Srey has changed. Her slim oriental figure had become lush. It was like she had had breast enhancement surgery. Yet I know she hadn't. Totally unconscious about her loveliness. She helped Ivy, who whether she knew it or not was a bombshell. They were in a deep conversation, and seemed oblivious to all around them. In a way, it was kind of scary. Two such powerful beings giggling like the young girls they were. Who together could destroy the world.
Leaving the store with our purchases, we meet Kinkaid.
"Ladies, if you have shopped enough for the moment, I think it's time for a bite".
"Let's go to the Varsity", says Ivy. "From reviews in the local newspapers I hear they have the best food".
Entering the Varsity, a prissy looking employee asks us if we have a reservation. Before we answer a man comes over and whispers into his ear. A total transformation appears, and a young lady leads us to a table. There I see the Baron Marcone seated. Gesturing for us to sit down he speaks.
"Ruby, these people are my guests, take good care of them."
"Baron, we did not expect to see you here", I said.
"I would be remiss in my duties if I did not track the people that were a threat to my people", he says, straitening his tie.
"You feel we are a threat", I say, pulling out a chair.
"I know it", he says.
"Well sweet cheeks, it's beyond your pay grade", says PELE. "Be gone".
"Madam, I respond poorly to threats", Marcon says.
"I do not threaten, but this is a conversation that does not concern you".
"And who young lady might you be", Marcone says, in a chilly voice.
"Ah, Mr. Marcone may I introduce you to my Aunty, Pele, Goddess of Lightning and Fire", I said with a certain amount of force. "And of course, you know my sister Srey, Princess of the Jade Court"?
Srey bowed in a courtly manner. "How many people should I kill sister if this man doesn't vacate out table", Srey asked sweetly.
We were saved from any unpleasantness as Gard appeared, and coming over whispered into Marcone's ear. Give the man credit, he didn't flinch. Standing up and settling his jacket he said. "Well ladies, far be it from me to interrupt your day out. Your tab here is on the house, but Madam Pele, if at some point you have the time. I would like to talk with you. There may be a few things we have in common".
"Mr. Marcone", says Pele sweetly. "Give my family what they want, and don't cheat them. There is nothing you must discuss with me that has any worth. Now if you would like to take me dancing, and give me tribute, well that is a whole different issue".
"Madam, what is your need", Marcone says confused.
Stepping over to him, she whispers into his ear, and I swear to God, he blushes. Pele smiles a smile, one that is as old as time.
"Lady, my only purpose is to introduce you to the one that I promised to your father. She was most curious as to the people she would be working for".
Standing next to Marcone is an elegant beauty. A light skinned black women, tall, dressed in a tank top and flower print skirt. The word that came to Courtney's mind was Nubian. Long, tall and beautiful.
"This is Kelly, my financial adviser".
"Hello Kelly, I'm Courtney, and this is, Pele, Srey, Ivy, and her body guard Mr. Kinkaid".
Giving a lovely bow rather than handshakes, Kelly in a beautiful voice says. "I am very pleased to meet you. I have been informed by Mr. Marcone that your father requires capital, and access to weapons. Personally, I was rather dubious about these transactions, but it seems that it is a good cause, and your father has access to unlimited wealth".
"Thinking about how much money you can make. Is that it", I asked acerbically.
"No Miss Talon, I see several days into the future, so if I decided that I wanted to be fabulously wealthy, all I would need to do is play the stock market. Miss Guard has filled me in to the purpose that your father has in mind with these funds, and that, my dear, I can totally support".
"Ladies, it seems as though I have some prior commitments, so I shall leave you to your discussions", Marcone says as he rises from the table.
"And I as well, I have a significant amount of your father's gold that I need to get working, but it has been a pleasure to meet you. Please tell your father that my office is always open, and I am most interested in meeting with him. At his convenience, of course".
"Miss Kelly, I will tell him, and I will also tell him that I think you will be a welcome addition to our family". For a moment I saw Kelly tear up at my comments. Coming to me with an unexpected hug.
"Thank you, Courtney, I have no family, but I think that I would like to be part of yours".
"You are going to love my mother and father Kelly, and I know they will love you. They are the best at bringing in strays".
"Strays"?
"Any one who is shunned, anyone who needs help. My father will accept. I know because of your talents you have probably had dealings with the White counsel. I know the fear, but with the allegiance with my father. Those fears are gone. Between him, Pele, and Mab, those fuckers can go pound sand. Alone with that, we have a teacher, Bob, who can help you grow your talents. Sister, welcome to the Family".
Walking away from the table, Sigrum takes a moment to hug, and kiss me before she follows her Boss. Sitting at the table, I remember why we are here. "So, Ivy, do you have the incantation to protect people from being infected by Nemesis"?
"There is only one problem. I could write down the incantation, but there is only one person alive who could speak it, me. I know that I am not supposed to interfere with history. Beyond that it takes a sacrifice, "Ivy said quietly.
"A sacrifice, you mean like cut their throat, tear out their heart"?
"No, they must be infected by the Other, and when completed they will be changed. Not the Other, and not themselves", Ivy says looking at her hot wings.
"Then it cannot be one of the Jade Court. All of them would volunteer, but they cannot be infected", Srey said sadly.
"No Srey, and worst then that, they must know they are infected, and choose to end it".
"I would do so to end their threat", I said without thinking.
"You must talk with your father ", Ivy says. "The only one at risk is your Mother, and I know that your father would never risk her".
"No, he would not. It's quite possible that he would destroy the world to save her", I said, remembering my adopted parents attitude towards each other. "
"But if we could find such a person, the spell would end Nemesis ability to control people on this plane. In an instant all their influence would be gone", Ivy says as she dips her French fries into catsup.
Clearing his throat, Ivy's bodyguard speaks." I f they had the chance to end this evil. Why wouldn't they"?
"Mr. Body guard, my father has already handed the Outsider's their biggest defeat. Along with the Jade Court, they have stung them. Before that he gave his life to protect his country. Now he knows the bigger picture, and he has done something that no other has done. He has decided to end this threat. To protect us he would end reality. You have never met him, but once you do you will see".
"See what", Kinkaid asks?
"He is a monster", Srey says, as she eats her hot wings.
"Our monster", I say with complete certainty. "My father would do anything to protect us, absolutely anything. He is not bound by convention, nor pity. He has extended his protection to all mankind. The Outsiders are his threat. Thus, they must die."
"You are not making my decision any easier ", Ivy says, breaking off a piece of bread, and slathering it with butter. "There are conditions, conditions that uphold reality, that your father is unaware of."
"Unaware of, how so"?
"I cannot tell you, but it could be catastrophic. I mean in a Biblical sense."
"How so"?
"End of the world, end of reality, how so", Ivy says calmly. "Your father is introducing new ideas. He is bringing Mankind into the fight. He has shown his absolute hatred of the Outsiders, and his ability to destroy them. It may not be the best option".
"Not the best option how. It occurs to me that any path that destroys them would be good".
"No", Ivy says. " There is more to this story then you know".
.