Love Struck Eternal
Chapter 58 - I've seen beyond.
Sam's POV, A few hours later.
He was here.
Watching me from the corner of the room in complete silence. I could feel his presence clear as day. I couldn't see him, but it was as if I could regardless. I knew just from the feeling in the room that he was getting more and more inpatient by the hour. I wasn't giving him any chance to get close because everytime he did I would pretend to get alerted and hold my ground. After his third try he stopped and for the last two or so hours he's just been watching my every move as I laid here on the bed with my phone in my hands.
I've been going through my messages since giving this to Roslin and there were plenty to look at. One of the more important ones to me was those belonging to Jari. He was checking up on me from his end and it's been a long time since he inquired. I knew I'd have to bullshit something, but the little guy would believe any yarn I spun. After a few messages I found out he was getting along very well with his classes. He had no fears of failing any of them and was confident he had found his passion in engineering. He was currently learning about nuclear power and the ins and outs of building reactors and how they operated. Apparently he had a presentation due soon and it was gonna decide if he could get an internship with G.U.N.
If accepted they'd bring him on board to give him some hands-on courses where he could truly show his potential as an engineer. Maybe even score a job. He was excited, but he was also looking to maybe see me again. I knew that was something I wanted to do as well. I missed him and his family. I wanted to check up on them. I told him I was currently deployed and wouldn't be getting a leave for a few weeks and that in part was true. I'd spend maybe two weeks here, but I'd come back to the US just to meet up with him and his family. He had a long break coming as well thanks to his grades so the timing would work out. I'd get back to him later with more details and that was a promise. I wasn't going to ditch him. I had to see him once more at least. I'm sure when I go back to Tika and the rest of my family, I'd be staying for the long haul. Who knows when I'd get another shot.
With Marcus looming nearby I decided to continue my act and began to mumble to myself just loud enough so he could listen. Letting out a bored sigh as I put my phone between my legs, I looked up at the lights above me and grumbled.
"What the fuck am I doing? This shit is so fucking boring."
Standing up on my feet, I began to pace to the bathroom just to wash my hands and face a little with some cold water. Marcus remained where he was despite that so I soon dried off without any concerns and proceeded to look through the pockets in my jacket for my wallet.
I should have packed before coming here. I can't wear this shit all week. Maybe the mall is open? I thought out loud as I looked it up on my phone. Once I saw it was open, I collected the rest of my belongings and proceeded to the door leading out of my room. Marcus was moving a little, but he had to be getting ready to tag along. I kept my pace up and upon exiting the room I was asked by one of the nearby guards.
"Bored?"
Stopping for a second to stare at the man who I outsized by a few pounds, I replied back with a small smile.
"I didn't think I'd be staying after the ceremony. Didn't bother to bring a change of outfit, so I'm gonna head out to the mall and pick up some stuff. Want anything?"
Giving me a surprised look the soldier soon chuckled and replied back nervously.
"What? You serious? Nah I can't do that. Shouldn't even be talking this much to you. President's…..I mean your dad's orders."
"My dad ain't here man. Chill out a little. You want a drink or a bite to eat? I'm gonna grab some food anyway on the way back."
This dude was really nervous for a moment, but soon came around as I felt Marcus behind me.
Marcus's POV.
"Just like your mother to give a shit about these guys." I thought to myself as the soldier in charge of watching her room gave her a quick answer to her offer. She smiled soon after and decided to say in confidence back to the soldier.
"Count on it then. I'll be back in an hour or two. By the way, what's your name? Didn't catch it last night when we met." She offered her hand to shake and it seems her confidence was now making the once nervous veteran relax. Quite the change considering Sam was a scared little girl before she left home. She really grew into her body in more ways than one. That much I'll acknowledge, but she was without a doubt jacked under that jacket. She was bigger than Raptor in all departments and easily doubled her mom's size now. This wasn't a little girl anymore. She was big enough to be dangerous and I'm sure she's learned a thing or two about self defense since her time on her own. It would be abnormal for a Voltz to be defenseless. I'm sure she was no exception. I thought to myself as he shook her hand and replied with an equal smile.
"Tommy. You're Samantha right?"
"Sam. Call me Sam." She urged him back as she politely detached herself from the handshake and began to continue her way down the hall. The whole time she shouted back at the soldier who was left staring at her in awe.
"Keep it short!"
"I will!" He shouted back as I now continued to pursue her from the sidelines.
Sam's POV, An hour later.
He wasn't going to leave it seemed. Marcus stayed within shouting distance the whole time I was shopping around the mall for some clothes. I wasn't going to give him anything to be suspicious about so hopefully in time he'd ease up and leave me the fuck alone.
"Will that be all miss?" I was asked by the clerk who manned the register. Looking back at the young fox, I replied back almost instantly as I got a hold over my bags.
"Yeah, sorry. I blanked out for a second there. Hehe. Thank you again for your time."
I was thanked back to no surprise as I began my walk back out into the main area of the mall. Hundreds of people littered the area and that made keeping an eye on one single godly fox a chore. Thankfully this went both ways since he couldn't sense me. So to give him a hard time I made it a game to walk between some groups of oncoming foot traffic on my journey to the food court to pick up a bite to eat for me and the guy guarding my room. Tommy seemed like a nice guy. Hedgehogs were never that attractive to me, but something about him being a bit older was nice. Maybe I'm starting to understand my tastes. Regardless I'd get some food and get back to the capital.
Marcus's POV, A few minutes later.
I watched from a table about thirty meters away as the wolf was just casually eating by herself. Her phone in her right hand as she took a drink from a foam cup she held in her left. What was she hiding? There wasn't anything weird about her and I was expecting that to not be the case by this point. She couldn't detect me and with how she is behaving, I doubt this is all an act. She just seemed genuinely bored.
Time seemed to drag on, but after a few minutes I felt something in the air change. My senses picked up on what that feeling was and instantly I pulled out my phone and called my girlfriend who I knew was at work. Her phone rang and rang, but I was soon listening to her voicemail. I began to worry, because what I felt was unmistakable. She was in pain. I kept a very close eye on her condition, much like I did with others who were close to me. Raptor himself being one and even his daughter Sam once upon a time when I could feel her. Getting out of my chair, I decided to change my priority. I had to see what was wrong.
Looking over at Sam one final time, I vanished from the mall.
Sam's POV.
Looking over my shoulder the second the air changed, I saw that Marcus had left all the sudden. What was that about? I wondered as I quickly tried to come up with a series of reasons for why that could be. Maybe my dad requested him? Maybe he was just taking a break? I don't know, but it was nice to not have him watching over me.
Going back to my food and my phone, I soon drifted out of focus and just went on autopilot as I continued to eat some of this burger I craved. During one of my bites, my eyes noticed someone off to my left. When I looked over I was caught staring at this fairly tall fennec fox. Pure white fur and two blue eyes. She was wearing black jeans that formed her lower half perfectly, while dawning a fairly simple plain white tank top, but sporting four blue arm bands. Two on each arm. One just above her biceps and the other just on her wrists. Her face was the thing though that stood her apart from the crowd. She was beautiful. I've never seen a fennec fox like this. She looked at least in her early twenties, but somehow displayed the aura of a disciplined adult, much like me or more like my mother. With a perfect set of white teeth being thrown at me from a beyond gorgeous smile, I lowered my burger and grew even more concerned when her intention was to clearly confront me. Stopping in front of my table, she spoke.
"Sam, right?"
I was trying to figure out if I knew this girl from somewhere in that very moment of being asked. But instead of finding that answer I asked back in confusion.
"Do I know you?"
She was overjoyed it seemed. That or just disgustingly whole hearted on her outlook on life. It could even be considered contagious, because I wasn't getting nervous from being confronted like this. The way she spoke relaxed me. I don't know how else to describe it.
Widening her eyes slightly she replied back nervously.
"Oh I'm sorry. Where are my manners? No, you don't know me. I'm sorry if I made it seem otherwise at first. My name is Lia. I'm a friend."
"Friend of whose?" I questioned as I couldn't help but look her body over and it wasn't just me. Plenty of people were staring now that she showed up. Seeing the attention coming, she quickly pulled out a chair and sat down while replying to my question.
"Roslin. Your master."
Giving her back a worried look, I asked myself if I should just deny that fact she just spoke, but how else would she know that if she wasn't somehow connected to Roslin? Deciding to keep myself calm and collected, I soon replied before taking another bite of my food.
"I didn't know he was seeing someone else."
Lia again widened her eyes, but this time she blushed along with it before correcting me.
"Oh no! Not like that! I haven't….we don't….ahhhh. Terrible start. Okay! Let me just be blunt with you seeing as we never met until now." Calming down almost instantly she continued.
"I'm more like his boss. Has he ever mentioned me? Or perhaps spoke of the attrition around you?"
"Not that I can remember. I'm sorry."
Shaking her head, Lia was quick to reply.
"That's perfectly okay. I'm honestly not surprised. It's a rare case that we have to get involved in the realm's fate. Most of the people we have in power do their jobs and don't ever require much in the form of a visit, but here I am."
"You said your from what? The attrition? What's that?"
Letting out a deep breath she leaned back slightly in her seat before stating back.
"A very well organized group of fellow people like you and I, who tend to all the realms in the universe. Much like your master, we're very powerful. I dare say more powerful than you can ever imagine and you've no doubt witnessed Roslin's strength first hand when he saved you from death. When he saved you from Marcus. Something that under any normal circumstance; shouldn't have happened. You should be dead, but again here we are."
Currently I was chewing down another bite with this woman staring into my soul. She was taking my silence as a chance to try and read my mind. After not even a second she asked me as I put down my burger.
"You don't seem convinced. Have no fear that I'm not here to make that a reality. Your master did the right thing and we've already talked, him and I. I was given permission to meet you under these conditions and trust me if I was to want you gone I could do it without even flinching. My powers far exceed his."
"Really?" I asked back in disbelief. Nodding her head as fast as she could she replied.
"I have no reason to lie to you Sam. What can I do to prove it ? Afterwards, I'd like to spend some time getting to know you on a more personal level."
My eyes began to look away from her to try and find a good thing to ask of her that could prove her confidence true. Looking up above us, I rested my eyes on the roof which was nothing but windows facing the bright sky and the burning hot sun. Not a cloud in the sky today and that's when I came up with the idea. So when I looked back at the fox I asked her curiously.
"Can you make it rain? It's been well over twenty years since we've had a good storm." Lia instantly questioned.
"What? That long? Is this area of the realm cursed or something?" Giving her a small chuckle back I replied while grabbing back onto my drink.
"It could be, but I think it comes down to science more than anything. Humidity in the middle east is some of the lowest in the world. Not enough water vapor can form into clouds to make it happen. We're practically baking." By now Lia figured out where my eyes had gone to suggest such a thing of her. She was staring at the sun for more than a few seconds before looking back at me to state.
"Sounds reasonable enough to be true, but nothing I can't fix. You want a drizzle? Or an actual storm?"
"Doesn't matter to me. Do whatever you want to do." I urged her back as I was starting to question how powerful she was and that's when I was absolutely proven wrong in doubting her. Looking back at the sky; she snapped her fingers together and in about five seconds the sky began to darken from the sudden formation of black clouds. I dropped my jaw in disbelief; as the mere instant water began to pour overhead. The fox just smiled and looked up at me as the entire population around us began to bear witness to this most unheard of phenomenon. No doubt every person from here to the very borders of Iraq were at a standstill from this event.
"Pretty neat right?" Lia then wondered innocently as I was in complete shock. I had no words for her other than this.
"Holy shit…..is that real?"
"Mhmm." She smiled back as I had completely forgotten about eating my food at this point. I was just in disbelief as the roof above us was making noise to each droplet of rain hitting it. The whole mall was drowned out by the sound alone, but there was also no lack of people with their phones out calling others, or just simply taking videos or pictures of the sky. It was wild how fast people had gotten together to just laugh and cheer at this marvel. My only concern was how the hell would this play out now? Marcus had to be super suspicious right now if he was witnessing this from wherever he went too.
With my focus soon coming back to the fox across from me, I listened close as she suggested.
"How about we go for a walk? You can tell me about yourself a little." I was in no position to question her after what she just did to prove her gifts. Unable to really move my body from the emotion, I asked her back as curiously as I could.
"How hard is that to do? Is that something just any god can do?"
Shaking her head while still managing to seem completely at ease, Lia replied.
"Oh thankfully no. Not just anyone can do what I do. That wouldn't be fair if Marcus or even Roslin could do that. So yeah, that makes me the only one in this realm that can summon storms. Heheh." She was genuinely giggling now as I began to collect the food I picked up for Tommy, I proceeded to then ask the higher being before me.
"And you said your part of the attrition? What is that? Some kind of group?"
Nodding her head very fast, the fox quickly got to her feet the second she noticed I was done packing and was ready to go. As I began to stand she replied truthfully.
"Basically, yeah. It's a group of gods who are in charge of….? Hmm….how do I put this? It's a group of people who control the very fabric of creation. This realm; among countless others, we have created since the beginning of everything. Time as you know it we've been around and from my knowledge we're the very first things to ever breathe. We made life. All life."
"That's…fucking crazy. How does that even work?"
Jumping to my left side, Lia grabbed onto my hand and replied as she began to drag me away from the table.
"It would take centuries to explain and right now I just want to talk about you. So come on. Let's jump somewhere. How about you take me wherever it is you're hanging out?"
Unsure of how to explain this to her, I just decided to be honest as we walked our way to the exit of the food court. With her hand still holding onto mine, I mumbled back in embarrassment.
"I can't jump that far yet."
Stopping us on point, Lia gave me two confused eyes before quickly shouting out.
"Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't know. I just assumed. When did you learn how to jump? Recently?" Nodding my head back I replied.
"Pretty much."
"Okay well that explains it then. No problem however. I'll jump us. Just tell me where to go."
"Actually, I drove here. I can't really afford to leave my car behind. It's my mom's. She'd kill me." I informed her of which again earned me her confused face. That's when she asked me a curious question back.
"What's a car?" Stopping her I questioned in disbelief.
"You don't know what a car is?"
Shaking her head back the fox cutely replied while jumping to her tippy toes.
"I'm not typically visiting this realm. I spend most of my time elsewhere. It's hard to explain. I know, I'm all powerful and all that, but I honestly don't know shit about your world. All I know is what I've seen and so far that's been you and a dirty alleyway with Roslin."
Genuinely surprised by her experience with mortals, I was quick to suggest.
"You want me to show you? I mean we can drive around and I can show you some things. While we talk about me of course. Hehehe."
She really was perfectly calm in her skin, despite her lack of experience and with how powerful she clearly was after changing the weather on command; I dare call her innocent and maybe easy to deceive if someone other than me got around to talking to her. Speaking of which I added on quickly behind my question.
"Oh and by the way, can everyone see you right now?"
Looking out at the rain only feet in front of us, she replied while reaching out to dip her hand into the storm.
"Yes. Of course. I have nothing to hide from anyone here."
"What if Marcus saw us together?" I then had to wonder which earned me a swift giggle from the girl. Looking back over to me as she kept her hand in the rain, she replied with a toothy smile.
"He doesn't know any members of my group. To him I'm just some other woman hanging out with you. Plus my control over my very being is beyond his reach. He wouldn't pick up on anything strange or godlike unless I did something in front of him. I'm not even cold like him. See?" Reaching out with her other hand, Lia latched onto my hand again, but this time I paid mind to her touch. She was warm. Unlike me.
"Don't worry about Marcus. He should be plenty busy for now. I gave him something else to focus on. Should keep him distracted considering his position. If not? Well I'll come up with something else. Heheh."
"What about this?" I put my focus back on the storm and that's when she questioned.
"Want me to have it stop? Seems like everyone around here is enjoying it."
"No, of course not. It's just really strange for a storm to blow in from out of nowhere like this. What if he investigates?"
"He won't, Sam. Trust me. Okay?"
I nodded and decided to look down at my hand as she began to squeeze me a little. Looking back up to her eyes, I remained docile as she slowly wondered in her curious voice.
"Now I believe you were gonna show me this….car thing?"
Breaking out of my state of silence, I took the first step out into the rain and dragged her with me as I replied.
"Yeah! Quick! Run with me!"
Lia was surprised by the sudden tug and soon was getting bodied by water just like me. The storm she raised was pretty harsh. Even the wind kicked up and had my hair blowing back as I was thankful I parked close. Pulling the fox out in front of me and gently pushing her to the other side of my car, I urged her while unlocking the doors with my keys.
"Get in! Front seat!"
She had such a vulnerable look about her as she tried to figure out the way into the car. As I got my door open I shouted to her through the wind.
"Use the handle!" She quickly realized and looked so happy for herself as she opened the door and jumped in next to me. Leaning over her lap to reach for the door she left open, I heard her gasp as I closed it and repositioned myself.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I thought it would close itself!"
Chuckling as I had my keys in my hand, I replied while plugging them into the ignition.
"Ha! If I was driving something worth a few hundred thousand bucks then they would have. Don't worry about it though. It's cool." That's when I noticed she was shivering slightly. Turning on the engine got her even more confused and once I turned on the heat she instantly began to relax and seeked out the location of the fans that were providing the warmth. As her hands found the vent next to her, she asked me.
"So what kind of machine is this?"
"It's the kind that gets us mortals from point A to point B in a reasonable amount of time. It's also good for when you're too hot or too cold, as you can tell." Lia began to laugh as she knew what I meant as she continued to hold her hands up to the vents. Once she got it out she then asked.
"It moves?"
Immediately I began to back up the car and she was instantly amazed by it. She really was clueless, but in an innocent way. This whole conversation itself had to be out of the norm for what she probably talks about with her real friends. I'm scared to imagine the kind of cloth she's cut from.
Starting to get us back onto the main roads, I decided to explain the car a little more to her as the other half of my brain tried to figure out something to do. How the hell was I supposed to entertain a real fucking goddess? I asked myself as I considered my options carefully.
Maggie's POV, An hour later.
I stood inside the capital and just watched from the window to my room as it continued to rain buckets. What the hell happened? I've never seen a storm in person before. At least one that was wet. I was in awe just listening to it as there were countless others outside just basking in the refreshing change from the scolding heat.
Going to my phone, I decided to call my mother. Zeta answered within the first two dials and when she did she asked how I was doing. Instantly I replied to her in stuttering joy.
"It's raining."
"What?" She said back in confusion as I now laughed a little before replying.
"It's raining! I don't know how, but a storm just came from out of nowhere about an hour ago and it hasn't stopped! It's amazing! I wish you two were here to see it! This is crazy!"
"Raptor!" Zeta shouted as I assumed she wanted to tell him, but instead she urged me.
"Tell him what you just told me."
With Raptor taking the phone I giggled out.
"It's raining."
"It's raining? Where?" He questioned in the same tone my mother had a moment ago.
"Here! In the Middle east!" I informed him as I quickly went to our messages and sent them a quick twenty second video of the storm from my window.
"Look at your phone! I just sent you a video!"
Staying on the line as my dad got his phone, I just listened quietly as soon both him and Zeta were at a loss for words. In a moment however, Raptor asked me in amazement.
"That's….that's wild. When did it start?"
"About an hour ago." I replied as he then asked me.
"Where's your sister?"
"She went out to get some clothes from the mall according to Tommy. She's been gone since two." I stated as he then urged me.
"Okay. I'm gonna give her a call. I'm handing you back to your mother."
"Okay. Love you!"
"Love you too honey. Have fun." He urged me as I heard the physical handoff of the phone again.
Sam's POV.
"So this is your identity?" Lia asked me curiously as I took her to the hotel I had my gear at. She was looking over the mask I wore of Anubis and as she continued to take in its craftsmanship I replied to her question.
"Yeah."
"The mask is very well detailed. Almost looks like him. I'd love his opinion on this. I bet he would say it makes him look too youthful." Sensing some truth to myths coming from her, I asked her as nicely as I could.
"Is Anubis real?"
Looking back at me with a joyful smile, she replied.
"Very real. He was Roslin's mentor before the torch was passed."
"What?" I widened my eyes in awe as she went back to looking at my mask.
Roslin's master was Anubis? The god of the underworld? I guess that makes sense, but just how long ago did Anubis rule the realm? Why did he never bring this up? He knew who my mask was inspired by, how could he not say anything about him? I had to wonder as I noticed the fox pick up my rifle. It was a little big for her, but she held it with both arms and took in the color of the metal. As seconds passed she asked me.
"What part of your life do you consider more….you? The innocent looking woman who has to hide what she is or the killer behind the mask?" She slowly looked back over at me to see my face. I was thinking it over carefully, but it didn't take long for me to reply back confidently.
"The killer. I love what I do. It makes me feel accomplished. It makes me feel….useful. That and I just really love hurting people. I don't know why or even how to explain the idea behind it, but….?" Putting down my rifle, Lia interrupted me by urging in a convincing voice.
"Don't explain yourself or your reasoning behind loving what you do. It's what we gods look for in mortals. Roslin picked you for a very select few reasons. One of them was clearly your passion. Don't be afraid to embrace that; for it is a gift. If nothing else, it's fun. Heheh. Right?"
I smiled and nodded once before replying back.
"Yeah….your right. It is fun."
Lia liked what I was saying but continued to look through my gear. In time she pulled out the cloak and gave it a curious look. Flipping it around and turning it inside out, the fox soon looked back at me to ask.
"Is this Roslin's?" Nodding my head, I replied back sensing this seemed more serious to her for some reason.
"Yes. He gave it to me."
"Why?" She then asked which is when I embarrassingly replied back to her.
"I….I liked it on him and I….really….well I really wanted one. It goes well with my outfit."
Lia smiled and suddenly the idea behind me having Roslin's became meaningless as her next question to me was this.
"Would you like one to call your own? A new one with a fresh take on what you are?"
"You can do that?" I asked her back curiously, which is when she laughed a little before stating.
"I can do anything Sam. You've seen that. Now answer the question. Would you?"
"Yes. Of course I would. If it's no trouble to you."
"None at all. I'll have one made as we continue spending our time together."
"Thank you." I didn't know what else to say to her. Anything she could do was well beyond my ability to pay back. My thoughts were trying to come up with an idea, but before I knew it she had put the cloak back down in the bag and then turned and faced me completely. Raising both her hands up to my face she asked respectfully.
"I'd like to see one more thing if you don't mind. Your mark? Where is it?"
I lifted up my chin as I informed her back.
"Just behind my ear."
"Hold still please." She urged as she put one hand under my neck and the other just behind my ear to keep my hair pulled back enough for her to see it clearly. Giving me a soft moan she whispered into my ear.
"I'm still impressed he was strong enough to implant such a mark on you. Normally most gods can't mark a second time after giving up their power. Roslin sure is gifted, but…..so are you. I can sense it."
"Can you?" I whispered back nervously as she slowly hummed.
"Mhmm. Hold still now."
I did as I was told and soon enough I felt a slow burn coming from the mark. The burning soon turned hot. Like putting my hand on the stove, but after a few seconds it stopped completely and the heat turned to cold. I was able to look directly at Lia's eyes as she did whatever she was doing and unlike mine her eyes were perfect. So colorful and mesmerizing all at the same time. Noticing my eyes, she asked me while still holding a whisper.
"How are you feeling?"
"Weird." I replied back nervously as she gently chuckled.
"Just hold on for a few more seconds. I'm finishing up."
I gave her all the time she needed, but the second she finished I felt my legs buckle and soon give out. Instantly the woman widened her eyes, but still managed to hold me upright as I had no clue what was happening.
"You're okay. Relax Sam. Sit." She helped me sit down onto the bed and once my ass was planted she said to me calmly.
"It'll take a minute or two, but you'll be okay."
"What did you do to me?" I asked her breathlessly as I could feel my powers surging from within. I had the urge to outright use them all at once and it all made sense as she explained it all soon after sensing the energy in my muscles.
"I gave you my mark. It's a mark that stands above even Roslin's. Given to gods as such. He shouldn't mind considering his intentions for you to take the throne. Consider it an advance on your services to the attrition. You'll soon have all the power you need to match with Marcus. Your father won't be much of a threat unless he learns quickly, but considering his position; I doubt that will ever happen."
"I'm a god?" I questioned in disbelief as she nodded her head once while giggling once more.
"Not officially, but you're on your path to changing that. Let your body rest for a few minutes. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about."
I laid back and just tried to keep relaxed as she just watched over me quietly now. After about two minutes of such silence I reached up to place my hand over the mark. I couldn't see or feel anything there, but I'm sure there had to be something. Looking over to her once again I respectfully wondered out loud.
"How is this mark above Roslin's?"
"Roslin himself is a god. A very good one for when he was in charge of this realm. He had the basics needed to excel at his job and enough power to train a demi to take his place; which was Marcus, who is now the current god of the realm. He still however maintains the same matched strength that his former master had. They are equals." Lia stated as she sat down next to me to go on.
"I'm a god as well, but nowhere near them. Like I said before I'm a member of the attrition. We control everything there is to life and even death. Nothing would exist without us. So as you witnessed back at that….mall? My powers are beyond mortal comprehension and well beyond what a normal god could hope to muster with sheer willpower alone. I could kill Marcus without batting an eye. He wouldn't stand a chance. Whatever I want, I can get. Whatever needs to happen, I can make it happen. I have no limits."
"Can I ask why you saw the need to meet me then? I know Marcus and my father are problems and as far as I knew Roslin and I planned to deal with them in due time."
Looking into my eyes curiously the woman then decided to ask me a question.
"But do you even know why? Do you know what it means to be the ruler of a realm? Has Roslin told you anything?"
"Our….relationship has been progressive. A give and take, but as of late I've been focused on other things and Roslin can't be seen around me with Marcus being so close by." I stated which is when she assumed.
"Surely Marcus has his concerns with you, but he's unaware of what you really are. That I'm sure of. Surely if Roslin was at your side Marcus would know that you're already in a position to dethrone him. He'd probably panic if he saw the mark I just bestowed upon you. I wouldn't worry about him if I were you. Give your body a few days and soon you'll be outside his reach."
I didn't know what to say so I just kept my mouth shut as I soon felt her hand tap my leg to get back the attention of my eyes. Once we were locked back on one another she smiled at me confidently.
"Roslin is my friend. We have a very good relationship and I know he's been concerned with how Marcus has handled his position over the last few decades. Marcus has strayed and he's worried his old demi lost his touch. My people noticed well before he did though and we couldn't agree more with his worries and decided to step in."
"What's exactly expected from Marcus then? What's the job?" I asked her back as she looked in front of her to sigh.
"The job is to maintain an order of steady chaos. Realms grow in size and if left untampered with the realm gets too large and soon enough the people inhabiting the realm will exhaust itself and will lose control. The last thing the attrition wants to do is have a reset. That basically means we start back at square one and plant the seeds once more for a civilization to form."
I stared at this woman as she looked down at her hands. What she was saying seemed unreal. Everything I knew about how life formed was being tossed out the window in such a short time. How exactly could this be true? I asked myself as she gently began to scratch under her own chin at an itch. After a moment she proceeded to state.
"The job the ruler needs to maintain is simply to slow the progression of the realm as a whole. Typically wars are needed to keep realms divided and for the most part that itself is enough to maintain order. The last major conflict to happen was I believe the war Marcus started and since that ended nearly two decades ago; nothing but progression has been gained for the realm. The speed at which you grow will ultimately decide the longevity of the realm. In this case your realm is running through its time a little too fast. That needs to change and Roslin plans to slow everything down, but again he needs to pass the torch once things are in order and considering when I look at you I see someone who is willing to follow in line; I want that person to be you. Assuming you plan to embrace what you are and do the things Marcus and your father can't."
I was deep in my own head still trying to register everything I've been told, but in reality this was everything I needed to hear to understand my position. I always knew Roslin had plans, but he has yet to say anything about them. Maybe with Lia's help I could understand more of what was needed from me, but I also agree with Lia. Wars keep people divided and if she needed the world to slow down then she'd need me. Feeling the warmth of her mark on my skin, I asked her after some final contemplation.
"What do you need me to do?"
Giving me a smile and jumping back to her feet, the fox bounced around and replied happily.
"Right now I just need you to spend some time with me. I wanna personally get to know you. Inside and out."
"Okay. Ask me anything." I urged her, which is when she stopped bouncing to reply.
"Oh I won't have to. Plus that would take too long. We'll merge."
"Merge?" I questioned as she offered out both her hands to me. I slowly gave her both of mine and with a strong pull she got me up to my feet. Holding my hands between us the fox nodded her head and replied to my tone which seemed concerned for what merging meant.
"Your body should be strong enough to host me. It'll feel pretty awkward at first, but this is the fastest way for me to understand you, plus you can't hide anything from me. I'll learn everything you know. I'll experience all that you've experienced. Your soul records it all. It's just a matter of opening up your mind to change. I'm sure Roslin has said the same thing when giving you your first few gifts. This is no different."
"Wait….?" I mumbled as I tried to understand what she was suggesting. Giving me a concerned face back the goddess listened as I proceeded to mumble nervously.
"But what are we merging?"
"Souls." Lia replied with a smile and another happy bounce in place as I widened my eyes to question.
"Really? Will….will I…..be in control?"
"Oh, complete control. Think of me as a passenger. It shouldn't take me too long to figure you out. I'm sure your story is deep, but I'm super excited nonetheless to see it for myself. Can we start now?" I was then asked as we still held hands. Looking down to her hands, I tried to maintain confidence as I was honestly worried about how she would react once she got inside me. Was this gonna hurt? Will I really be in control like she said? How would she view me after? I was worried I wasn't good enough for her and even now I had my fears that maybe she'd see something that could upset her. The last thing I needed to happen was for her to decide I wasn't worth her mark. She'd kill me as fast as she summoned the storm outside this very hotel room.
"Sam?" She whispered which got my attention. Looking back up into her trusting eyes, I took a breath and slowly forced a smaller smile to appear on my face. With hers soon following suit, I nodded my head and announced.
"I'm ready."
"Don't worry, I won't hurt my demi." I was a little confused when she said that, but I had no extra time to waste on questions. Her hands grew warmer and warmer and in a split second I lost sight of her, but felt my entire body cramp up.
"Ugnnnn! Ahhh!" I groaned as I couldn't move any part of my body willingly. I was locked down and soon began to feel my limbs twitch. My arms began to jolt in random directions and my legs struggled not to buckle, but my core felt tight. I could feel my chest constricting me. My ribs felt like they were going to break, but just as I thought that was going to be the case; I regained control over my body and immediately went to touch the nearby nightstand for support.
My body was slowly coming back to me and after a few more long seconds I heard Lia from within my own mind say to me happily.
"All set! Are you okay Samantha? Any side effects?"
Looking up at the light connected to the fan above the bed, I replied while adjusting to this new feeling.
"I think. Everything feels…..foggy."
"That's normal. Just do what I suggested before and rest. It'll give me the time I need and you the much needed time you need." Lia stated which in turn got me to inform her as I could physically feel her inside somehow.
"I can't. I'm expected back at the capital. I'm sure if I don't show up Maggie will be on my neck with question after question and I….I can't stand that."
"Your adopted sister right?" Lia then asked me as I questioned back.
"How did you know that?"
"You don't understand how quickly this method works. I'll know everything soon enough about your life. You do whatever you gotta do. If you wanna head back to that place then by all means I can't stop you. Just take it easy though. I'm not gonna mess around with your more….delicate items."
"What do you mean by that?" I quickly asked her as my thoughts went to my privates. A moment after Lia chuckles at me.
"I don't mean that. Relax. I meant your soul. Don't worry, it'll remain once I'm done."
"Good." I groaned back as I looked back to the bed to stare at my belongings.
I took some time putting everything back where they belonged in my bag and once I was done I said to myself in hopes she could hear me even if it wasn't being announced vocally.
"I'm gonna head out."
"I can tell. I know everything you're thinking from within here. Your body is magnificent by the way. Such strong resolve." Lia stated back which got me to mumble.
"I don't think it's that strong considering the amount of times I've tried to kill myself."
"Nonsense. Trust me." She urged me back as I made my way back outside and to the car. Once inside the driver's seat with the engine on I heard Lia ask curiously.
"Why do you have so much hate for her?" I knew she was asking about Maggie. Seeing no point in hiding my feelings I replied to her as I got onto the road.
"She was my best friend before I met Teddy. I considered her my actual sister back then, but things changed when she joined the army. I guess I saw that as a problem and grew selfish. I blamed her for all the pain I went through after that point, because she was no longer there to help keep me together. I was arrogant and angry. On top of that I was getting bullied in school and harassed by everyone for being my father's daughter."
"You would think everyone would love you considering what that man has done for the land as a whole, no?" Lia was indeed learning about my life it seemed. This became more clear when she decided to go on by stating.
"Leader of the rebellion wars, first president of the middle east, inventor and backer of worldwide cooperation with G.U.N and its allies. Killer of many it would seem and probably has many secrets he's yet to expose. I'm sure a lot of them would burn his own legacy to the ground if they came to light. But….?" I remained focused on the road as she went on and on about my dad.
"He seems like a very doting parent. Loves you with all his heart and even to this day you feel the same way. Killing him isn't going to be easy for you I'm afraid. Fought to have you brought into existence despite losing two other families in the process. Tragedy it would seem finds its home next to his. You love him right?"
"Of course I do." I replied back as she then said to me curiously.
"You had a lot of hate for him not that long ago. What changed?"
"Nothing changed. It was all in the moment and it took a lot of time for me to cool off and think it all over. I understand why he did what he did and again I was being selfish. Just like any kid who has to go through an argument with their parents. I only cared about myself. I love him. I do. Yes it's gonna be hard to kill him when the time comes, but I know I can do that. I've done worse." I claimed back as I made a slow left turn at an intersection.
"I know." She then sighed as I had to assume she already learned of what I did to get where I am now. My thoughts went back to Don Verno's daughter swimming in that pool, but that's when I begged her.
"Can we please drop the conversation?"
Of course. I'm gonna focus anyway. You do the same. I'll let you know when I'm ready to exit your body. Oh and Sam?"
"Yeah?" I said back curiously as her tone changed completely.
"I want to apologize for anything I may have said. I'm not used to interacting with people. It's been a very long time since I've had to actually communicate with another being. So if I'm ever rude or just stepping over my line; please tell me and do not take it personally. I may be almighty, but I'm genuinely curious and tend to talk too much."
Laughing to myself now, I replied as I saw the capital from a few blocks away from where I was.
"You're fine. I wish I had your innocence. Life would be a lot more interesting if I had nothing to worry about."
"Maybe soon." I heard her sweetly say back as I refocused on the road that remained ahead.
Maggie's POV.
I moved to the main lobby to watch from the front windows as the rain continued to fall over our home. I was in a trance just listening to the noise it made when it hit the glass. Everything was so peaceful like this. God if this moment made me want to move out of the middle east.
As minutes passed my eyes were soon brought back to reality as I spotted Samantha making her way to the front door. She had two bags with her from the mall, but calmly walked her way to the building. She didn't even look amused by the once in a lifetime event happening around her. It made me wonder if something happened. When the guards got the door for her and she finished checking in, I decided to run over and see what was going on. Her eyes still looked off when she noticed me and I had no idea why.
"God, you're soaked. Haha." I chuckled towards her as she wasted no time with me and began to walk back up to the officer's quarters. I didn't know what I did and that made me upset. So I followed her close and asked as we climbed the steps up to the second floor.
"It's crazy right? The storm."
"Mhmm." She mumbled back as I then asked her.
"How long has it been since it last stormed here like this? Twenty plus years?"
"Give or take." She again mumbled as she reached the top of the steps before me.
"What did you buy?"
"Clothes." I got back from her as I lowered my ears and stopped my tail from wagging. I just kept in toe as we soon reached her room. I stopped just outside the door and was gonna try and say more, but she was quick to shut it in my face. The guard who manned the hallway noticed and carefully asked me in a respectful voice.
"Everything okay between you guys?"
"I don't know." I whimpered back in confusion as Sam was again keeping herself isolated from me. What the hell was her issue?
Sam's POV.
Throwing down the bags, I took a seat and just used my powers to stare at her through the walls. It didn't take long for her to tuck her tail and walk away and that meant now was the perfect time for me to apologize to Tommy who walked closer to my door while on his patrol. I was gonna pop my head out to greet him, but I stopped in place when I noticed he was about to make a move for himself. Gently knocking on my door, he announced himself.
"Ahhh It's Tommy? Listen, I know you just got back, but I wanted to make sure you were okay. Is….is everything okay?"
I took the chance to open the door and once we were face to face the hedgehog widened his eyes and seemed lost in my eyes as I was practically dripping from head to toe still. Giving him a smile back, I nodded my head and replied to him just as calmly.
"Everything is fine. Thank you for asking. I'm just a little wet right now with the storm and all. Crazy right?" My innocent question brought him right back to reality and with a smile of his own coming back he replied to me.
"I mean yeah. It's fucking crazy. I've never seen rain before to be honest. You?"
"I see it a lot back in the states. It's just weird it's happening here of all places. Someone must have died. Upset the gods."
Tommy began to laugh and that made me confident that his guard was down enough for him to be capable of accepting the gift I prepared for him. Pushing open the door to my room, I urged him to follow me inside.
"Come here for a sec. I got you something."
His eyes lit up and immediately he questioned.
"Wait? You're serious? You really got me food?" Going into one of the bags and pulling out his dinner which was stuffed inside a takeout box, I handed it over to him while stating.
"Of course I'm serious. I wasn't gonna stiff you after asking what you wanted. It's cold, but blame that on the storm. Traffic was a bitch and I spent a little too long shopping for outfits. But please take it and enjoy. I'm sure it's a lot better than the rations you troopers live on around here."
"You couldn't be more right. Thank you. I'm serious. Thank you. Means a lot."
"Not an issue. Just promise to keep this a secret. I can't afford to buy just anyone lunch."
Tommy slowly began to back his way out of the room to maintain a respectable distance from me. I'm sure he was just being careful, but it was nice to see him happy. I might be a fucking lunatic, but it is nice to help someone once in a while.
"You don't have to worry about me. I'm not gonna tell no one. Cold or not I'll eat this now. I'm starving." He chuckled as he began to shut my door.
"Thanks again Sam."
"Enjoy." I chuckled back as I threw my hair all behind my head and began to take off my jacket.
Exposing my bare arms to the world, I stopped to just stare at my tattoo. I even felt it with my other hand before deciding to jump into a quick shower. It took maybe fifthteen minutes, but as I walked out of the bathroom with just a towel, I looked to find my phone blinking. When I checked it I saw I missed a call from my dad, but he did leave a voicemail. I decided to hear him out as I sat back on the bed. Putting it on speaker, I put the phone down next to me and focused on drying myself as I soon heard my dad speak.
"Hey honey. Just wanted to call because I heard it's raining over there. Wanted your take on it. I'm sure it's gonna be all over the news for a while over there. Hope you're doing okay and I really hope you're getting along with everyone. Maggie missed you just as much as your mother did; so go easy on her. Give me a call back if you want, but you don't gotta. I'm sure we'll talk once your mother and I get back. I love you. Goodnight."
Deciding not to text him back, I instead put my phone onto the nightstand and continued my drying process. My thoughts had shifted back to Teddy and his family, but the question was if I should just go there now or tomorrow? I was already nearly dry. Did I really want to go through this again?
Deciding against it, I threw on some sweatpants and a bra and focused on trying to meditate. The moment I thought about such a thing; Lia popped back into my head to suggest.
"Marcus isn't gonna swing by. Trust me. I'll know if he tries, so don't worry about letting your guard down. Just relax and let your body take form for the night. I still need some more time anyhow. Hehe." She giggled as I smiled yet didn't respond. I just wanted to tame this energy I could feel in my soul. I'd go see Teddy tomorrow.
mT Shadow.