Chapter 18: Heirs Of Fate 6: Lost In The Waves 4
The children started fighting against the invisible soldiers (who kept on getting replenished with reinforcements that kept coming). As Darryl fought, he came across his father, Dempsey.
"Eek! F-Father?" Darryl asked.
Dempsey said nothing.
"Father... what happened to you? Did they really defeat you? Oh no... this is all because you tried to keep me safe. I'm sorry, father. It must have hurt... you must have been scared... but you'd never admit that would you? You'd claim your fine no matter what. Your kinder and stronger then anyone else I know." Darryl said.
Dempsey said nothing.
"That's why I'm not afraid. No matter what's happened, your still you. I'll take over protecting everyone for you. This will all be over soon. The pain, the fear... our fight right now. I'll forget it all. Which is a little sad. But when I see you again, we'll be together for good. As a real family. I want you to know... I have no stronger charm then you, father." Darryl said.
He then attacked and defeated Dempsey, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Angelica came across her father, Drew.
"Daddy! Oh, dear daddy, I finally found you! I've been looking EVERYWHERE!" Angelica said.
Drew said nothing.
"Um, daddy... your not dead, are you? You didn't leave me behind, right? L-Look... I found a bunch of pretty dust bunnies on my way here. Just for you! See, daddy?" Angelica asked.
Drew said nothing.
"What's wrong with your scent? Your supposed to smell all gentle and warm. I'm sorry... I was bad. I thought you died. I gave up on you. This is what I get, right? I always knew one day I'd say goodbye to you and never say hello again. One day, you'd go somewhere far away. But I didn't want it to be NOW! I wanted more time with you! I thought maybe... I could live with you forever. Daddy, come back. Don't stay so cold. Don't make me cry. Come back to me!" Angelica said.
She then attacked and defeated Drew, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Susie came across her father, Randy.
"Father? You there! Wait! Can it really be you, father?" Susie asked.
Randy said nothing.
"I knew it... whatever form you take, I would never mistake the sight of you. But I thought I'd seen the last of you after... oh, yes! Why wouldn't you let me fight alongside you, then? Why did you insist on protecting me? I would have stood with you to the end!" Susie asked.
Randy said nothing.
"I'm sorry... you gave your life to protect me, and all I do is complain. All the same, there was no perfection in what you did. The father I know is strong enough to protect both himself and me at once. Such a man would never die in this miserable place. I'll save you from this fate if you'll only take my hand. I won't let you out of my sight until we've brought you back to yourself. This time, I'll protect you!" Susie said.
She then attacked and defeated Randy, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Rachel came across her mother, Meagan.
"You there... show your face. Allow me to confirm one of my suspicions." Rachel ordered.
Meagan said nothing.
"Hmph... I thought as much. Turning my own mother against me... is there nothing this dragon won't stoop to? If he were a doll, or a clone, I would put him to the flame without a thought. But my own true flesh and blood? Of all the low-down underhanded tricks... fate is cruel indeed." Rachel muttered.
Meagan said nothing.
"Now that you stand before me again, I don't know what to say. It's pointless to apologize or thank you when you haven't ears to hear me. But words have power. None know that so well as I... and so I promise you this. By my words, I will release you and this world from its curse. Mother, I WILL free you, whatever the cost." Rachel said.
She then attacked and defeated Meagan, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Prudence came across her father, Tarthon.
"It's daddy! He's here! You can't fool me, daddy! The nose knows! Uh, doesn't it?" Prudence asked.
Tarthon said nothing.
"Your so silly, daddy! You thought you could hide, but I always find you! Here you go. I got your scarf back. It's a little torn up, but I kept it for you! But I guess you probably don't want this ratty old thing, huh? Is that why your giving me the silent treatment? Throw me a bone, daddy! I'll stitch it up real quick, and we can play together like we used to! Okay?" Prudence asked.
Tarthon said nothing.
"Hmph. If your going to be like THAT, I'm not giving you the scarf back. I almost thought it might bring you back to me, but I'm not that naive... I haven't seen you in too long, daddy. I wanna rassle like the old days. The deal is, if I win, you have to go back to normal. Don't worry if I mess up your face, though. I'll forget about it anyway. Then I'll hold you tight, like I always do when I haven't seen you in forever! 'Kay? 'Kay! Let's go!" Prudence said.
She then attacked and defeated Tarthon, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Lil came across her father, Howard.
"Rocky? Whoa, there! What's wrong? Why did you rear up all of a sudden? Did you see somebody?" Lil asked.
She then gasped as she noticed Howard, who said nothing.
"Daddy... I never thought I'd see you again. Especially not looking like this. Our days practicing together seem so far away now. Remember how frustrated you got with Rocky? Haha, he always was a handful. But he's a good boy deep down. He behaved himself this whole trip! He's been obeying me and really pulling his weight during our fights. He wants to save you just as much as I do! So come back, daddy! Let's go home together and train like we used to!" Lil said.
Howard said nothing. Rocky neighed.
"Rocky... I'm sorry. I'm falling apart a little, but I'm okay. I'll keep fighting for your sake until I can't anymore. It's time for me to show you how good I've gotten with Rocky, daddy. En garde!" Lil said.
She then attacked and defeated Howard, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Dil came across his father, Ben.
"Dad! Is that really you?" Dil asked.
Ben said nothing.
"This is great! I thought I'd never see you again! Guess what? I made a bunch of new friends, AND I figured out how to use Blazing Yumi! I was pretty excited to show you what I've learned and see what you think. I'm not expecting you to gush. I know your not great at expressing yourself, but I love you, dad. If I can make you crack a smile, that'll be plenty. Uh... this is getting awkward, Dad. Are you ever going to say something?" Dil asked.
Ben said nothing.
"Dad... I get it. It'll be alright. I'll get you back to the way you were before. Just make sure that when I jump into your arms with joy, you catch me, okay?" Dil asked.
He then attacked and defeated Ben, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Harold came across his father, Pat.
"Am I seeing things, or..." Harold started to ask.
Pat said nothing.
"Father... so they did get you back there in the Deeprealm. That must have been humiliating for a man who hates to lose so much. Sorry... it's my fault, I guess. You can blame me if you want to. I don't mind because I'm fixing to fix it, along with my friends here. Before long, I won't recollect what I did here, mind you. But you might. So next time we meet, give me a pat on the head and tell me I did good. I promise I won't recoil in disgust the way I usually do." Harold said.
Pat said nothing.
"Here goes nothing. It's been a while since we sparred, hasn't it? I don't recall ever winning, but I've come a long way during this nonsense. My sword won't falter no matter who I'm fighting! Prepare for battle!" Harold said.
He then attacked and defeated Pat, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Kimi came across her father, Hiro.
"That is you, father, and not your shade?" Kimi asked.
Hiro said nothing.
"I'm so sorry, father. You wouldn't be in this state if you hadn't fought valiantly for me. I've taken up Grim Razordark, which you dropped in my Deeprealm, by the way. Yet when all this is over, I will forget all that I've done here, including that. This may be your only chance to see me wield it properly. Ironic, no? So look closely, please. And if at all possible, remember me this way." Kimi said.
Hiro said nothing.
"God... if my prayers reach your ears, then please keep my father safe. Let me use this divine shield to protect him until the day I truly inherit it. Enough of my prattle, though, hmm? I will have my father back and return to him the sacred shield that is rightly his. When that time comes, I pray he will hug me gently and tell me I did well. I have faith that it reaches you, father." Kimi said.
She then attacked and defeated Hiro, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Nicole came across her father, Twan.
"Well, this is unpleasant. I doubt I'll be able to scrub THIS from my memory. I'd hoped not to run into you at all, father." Nicole said.
Twan said nothing.
"Ugh, what a boring expression. I had hoped for a hint of defeat in your face to make it more interesting. But this... this does nothing for me. I don't care to look at you anymore. Come to that... I hate you, father. Why did you leave me behind? If you came to protect me, you should have done a proper job of it! Aren't you going to bother defending yourself? I'm talking to you!" Nicole asked angrily.
Twan said nothing.
"Father... oh, forget it. I don't owe you anything but an arrow into your hide. I'm not letting you off this time. It's time for you to take your own medicine. And then I'll drag you back home kicking and screaming if I have to." Nicole said.
She then attacked and defeated Twan, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Francine came across her mother, Philece.
"Filial duty / One of life's highest virtues / Where did I go wrong? I've been thinking on that subject a lot. I wanted to be a loving daughter. Alas..." Francine said.
Philece said nothing.
"Your soul slumbered before ever I had the chance. Death is inevitable, of course. If you had died, I would feel no sorrow. But this... the astral plane's light / Far off, it flickers and dims / Am I still myself?" Francine asked.
Philece said nothing.
"Rest well, mother. As luck would have it, your soul has yet to pass on. Sleepers need only be awoken. As you have done for me so often, I now have the honor of doing for you. I am no longer a lackadaisical maiden. I can hold my own in combat now. This may turn violent, so I ask that you don't call wrath down on me. I will greet your slumbering spirit with a hearty wakeful slap!" Francine said.
She then attacked and defeated Philece, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Wally came across her father, Jess.
"I had a premonition of this meeting when I first set foot here. It would seem that my precognitive skills have not failed me." Wally said.
Jess said nothing.
"You told me once that heroes don't die, but I know that for the lie it is. A hero only becomes a hero after passing on. They only attain their full heroic stature after becoming a legend. I sincerely apologize, but I must inform you that you cannot become a hero yet. I won't let that beautiful lie be the last thing you ever say to me. We must clash now. It pains me to do so, and yet I must." Wally said.
Jess said nothing. Wally took a deep breath.
"Alright. Hark, O shade! Wally Ramone releases you from the chains of the abyss! My numinous spirit quivers eagerly to meet my father in single combat... by the name and magicks given to me, I cast out the darkness from this place! I cast out evil from you, father!" Wally said.
She then attacked and defeated Jess, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Tommy came across his father, Stu.
"Dad! Hey, Dad! You look... weird. Don't you recognize me? It's Tommy! You know, your son? Wake up, dad! Say something!" Tommy said.
Stu said nothing.
"Ughhh... you've got to be kidding me! I finally get the chance to bust out Midnight Skadi, and now I don't even want to! This is your sword, right? Shouldn't you be yelling at me to give it back? Aren't you gonna say I'm not ready yet? That I'm still too inexperienced! Come on, get mad like you always do!" Tommy said.
Stu said nothing.
"Darn it all! You know I've gotta cut you down now, right? But I'm doing it to save you. I want to hear you laugh again. I want you to mess up my hair, like you did whenever I scored a hit on you. And yeah, it'd be nice even to hear you shout at me again! Your not allowed to die until I've proven myself once and for all!" Tommy said.
He then attacked and defeated Stu, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Chuckie came across his father, Chaz.
"My apologies, father. I would rather it not have to come to blows with you. But here we are. And you taught me that a prince never flees from hardship. Since coming to this land, I've been anxious over my untrained sword arm. I had my doubts that I could live up to everyone's expectations. Not just my newfound friends, but yours as well. But I have barreled through that anxiety. I can hold my head high and carry this divine weapon with pride. I shall demonstrate to you what I mean." Chuckie said.
Chaz said nothing.
"I will soon forget all that happened in this realm. But there may be a place in your heart where you remember these events. If you do, then please clasp your hand on my shoulder when we reunite. The shoulder that has wielded Radiant Naginata in your stead. And tell me that everything you remember here was real. Until then... forgive me, father. I must wield your divine weapon against you!" Chuckie said.
He then attacked and defeated Chaz, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Kimi came across her mother, Wanda.
"Mother! Thank goodness I found you. Are you hurt? Do you need any salve? I brewed a batch just for you." Kiki asked.
Wanda said nothing.
"Mother... oh, I see. My mother is too far away for my voice to reach her anymore. Mother... my home was destroyed. But that might be a good thing! I couldn't go back with you in such trouble. How could I live with myself? It would be too sad to sit in your chair and stare at the front door waiting." Kiki said.
Wanda said nothing.
"I'll never give up, mother. I don't need my salves and herbs to save you. Sorry, but this might sting a bit." Kiki said.
She then attacked and defeated Wanda, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Jesse came across his father, Dana.
"That is you, right, dad? Because if it is, wow, have you ever lost your touch for staying concealed. If you don't shape up, you'll disgrace the Dana name." Jesse said.
Dana said nothing.
"Listen, I want to thank you for what you did. You came to save me, right? If this is what it cost you, then I couldn't ask for a nobler father. You know how I hate responsibility, but all this has kinda convinced me... I'm going to follow your example and become the sixth Dana. Not that you can hear me, I'm pretty sure. Heck, I'll probably forget about saying it soon anyway. But I had to get it off my chest before we got to it. I mean, if I didn't say it, then it REALLY never happened, right? Yeah... that wouldn't sit right with me." Jesse said.
Dana said nothing.
"Glad you agree. Wanna get the big Fifth vs. Sixth showdown started? Bring it, dad." Jesse said.
He then attacked and defeated Dana, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Phil came across his mother, Betty.
"It's been a while, mother. I thought you might have thoughtlessly died on me. Not going to take the bait? Nothing ever stopped you before. It's very unlike you to stay silent when provoked like that." Phil said.
Betty said nothing.
"I always hated you getting the better of me more than anyone. But there's not much I can do about that now, the way you are. Why didn't either of us see what was important at the time? All we did whenever you'd visit is argue and squabble. It's not as if I didn't know there'd be a time you couldn't visit anymore. Even so, I'd think to myself "It's fine. Mother's too bloody-minded to die". Don't I feel foolish now. I had my head buried so deeply in the sand... you knew it, didn't you, mother?" Phil asked.
Betty said nothing.
"Mmm. Well, it's not over yet. We can change things back. There's still time for us. Or so I believe. You see, I can be just as stubborn as you." Phil said.
He then attacked and defeated Betty, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Savannah came across her father, Bop.
"Dad? Why do you look like that? Oh no... I guess this means you really did get defeated back there." Savannah said.
Bop said nothing.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to leave you behind! But then... if you hadn't protected me, I'd never have made these new friends. That's what you wanted for me, right? To see the world... to meet new people. Though I'll be forgetting this soon, so I won't get to tell you all about them. Even so, though... thanks for giving me this chance, dad. I wouldn't take back anything you did. None of it was a mistake in my book. And no matter what you do or who's got control of you, I love you anyway." Savannah said.
Bop said nothing.
"Seems pointless to cry, right? You'd want me to smile instead. It won't be like this he next time I see you. We'll smile wide at each other, and you can welcome me home for keeps." Savannah said.
She then attacked and defeated Bop, who still said nothing after getting defeated.
Meanwhile, Dean came across his father, James.
"Scar Snout, what do you keep looking at? It's just... oh! That's... oh my gosh!" Dean said, after noticing James.
James said nothing.
"Wait... pop, no! Why are you on their side? Your supposed to be a hero! I can't believe you let them take you down!" Dean said.
James said nothing.
"I'm sorry, pop. This is my fault. You lost because you didn't have a sidekick! But I'm through crying. It's time for ACTION! Oh, but thanks, though. For letting me and Scar Snout get away back home. Maybe it's silly to think it's not too late to make up for letting you down. But if you can't be a hero anymore, I'm gonna step up and do it for you! We've all been through so much just to get this far. I can do a little more! Come on, Scar Snout! You and me together are gonna save pop!" Dean said.
He then attacked and defeated James, who still said nothing after getting defeated.