Last time Will and her friends, including Jaden, were teleported to Candracar, not by The Oracle, but by The Stranger. Apparently Will is being tested as Keeper of The Heart of Candracar, and to pass the test Will must 'face herself.' Jaden is also to help in the test, but The Stranger wouldn't say what he's supposed to do. On with the show!
Chapter 4: A Deal Is A Deal
Deep within the many caves of Mt. Thatnos Nerissa was celebrating her acquisition of the crystal. Her celebration was cut short as Pai-Mey threw a kuni knife at her. Nerissa easily dodged the knife. "That was uncalled for," said Nerissa, "You ruined my victory dance." "I wouldn't celebrate too soon," said Pai-Mey, "We need to talk." "That still doesn't give you the excuse to try to kill me," said Nerissa. "Believe me," said Pai-Mey, "If I wanted to kill you for real, you'd be dead before you knew it. As I was saying, we need to talk, now."
"About what?" asked Nerissa. "First of all," said Pai-Mey, "When we started this venture, you told me that I would be able to kill one who was close to Will Vandom. You prevented me from killing the one that redheaded slit loved. I want to know why." "It's simple really," said Nerissa, "I gave Will my word that she'd get the antidote in exchange for The Heart of Candracar. My word is my bond."
"You also gave me your word that I'd take my revenge on Will," said Pai-Mey, "I want her to suffer as I have and more." She then rubbed her left arm where the flesh ended and the red material began. "I did give you my word," said Nerissa, "Before this venture is complete, you shall have exacted your pound of flesh, but first we shall journey to Candracar and destroy The Temple. I want to see the look in The Oracle's eyes as all reality begins to succumb to chaos."
"Then what are we waiting for?" asked Pai-Mey, "Every second we delay allows The Guardians to prepare for our attack." "There's nothing Will and her pathetic friends can do to stop me," said Nerissa, "As long as I have The Heart of Candracar, they are powerless to stop us. I'm just savoring the moment. We'll go to Candracar when it pleases me, not one second sooner." With that, Nerissa left the chamber.
"Bitch," said Pai-Mey to the empty room, "I should have picked a better cohort to work with to exact my revenge; one who isn't prone to procrastination." "You always were dedicated to the task at hand my dear," said a voice from Pai-Mey. She turned around to see the transparent image of a tall man. At first look, the man seemed to be dressed from head to toe in red leather with a red cape. But at closer inspection the leather turned out to be his skin; the cape turned out to be bat-like wings. His head was covered in the same red leather-like skin in the shape of a helmet. His eyes were dark blue, and his gaze seemed to pierce directly into Pai-Mey's twisted soul.
"Master Femto," said Pai-Mey as she bowed, "You honor me with your presence." "Rise my most loyal servant," said the demon, for it was a demon, "You have no need to humble yourself before me." "Master Femto," said Pai-Mey, "Once again, I cannot express my thanks for your forgiveness for my failure; I have no excuse for failing to providing The God Hand their sacrifice."
"Events were beyond your control," said Femto, "You weren't expecting to contend with The Guardians, not to mention several Shinobi and pirates. How is your new arm working out for you?" "It feels fine," said Pai-Mey as she moved her red arm about, "But I miss my old one, and I was attached to it after all." "Tell me," said Femto, "What is your opinion of Nerissa."
"She could be a great asset to the cause," said Pai-Mey, "If she would spend less time gloating. Her self-pride, combined with her uncontrolled greed for more and more power is her weakness." "Then it is a good thing that you do not suffer from such uncontrolled sins," said Femto, "Now you do remember the rest of the plan." "I do," said Pai-Mey, "Once Candracar is destroyed, I am to kill Nerissa and destroy the crystal. But before I stab Nerissa in the back, I am to make sure that Will Vandom is dead and the other Guardians are marked for sacrifice."
"Very good," said Femto. "Forgive me for asking," said Pai-Mey, "But why not kill them all, or sacrifice them all?" "Isn't it obvious?" asked Femto, "Ask yourself, 'for what reason wouldn't someone be sacrificed?' Think about it." "Pai-Mey pondered this for a minute or two before the answer hit her like a tone of bricks. "You mean to tell me that Will, the current keeper of The Heart of Candracar, that she is…"
"Exactly," said Femto. "Oh this is delicious!" exclaimed Pai-Mey gleefully, "Absolutely delicious!" "I knew you'd enjoy that bit of information," said Femto, "And once the deed is done, you shall be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams." "Ultimate Power?" asked Pai-Mey eagerly. "More than Ultimate Power," said Femto, "Succeed, and you shall stand by my side with the rest of The God Hand, as my bride for all eternity."
"Oh Master," said Pai-Mey, "This is more than I've ever asked fore, more than I've ever desired. I don't know what to say!" "You need not say anything," said Femto, "All I ask is loyalty and success, but remember; it was my force of will that prevented the rest of The God Hand from ripping you to pieces when you failed with the sacrifice. If you fail again, there shall be nothing I can do to save you from their wrath." "Worry not master," said Pai-Mey, "I promise you, Candracar shall burn and The Guardians shall be no more."
The end of chapter 4. Next time Will and her friends plan what to do to get the crystal back from Nerissa. See you next time!