Fate's Path
Safety

I woke up somewhere unfamiliar, the bright sun beaming inside the windows, the warm rays resting upon my face. The room I was in seemed somewhat child-like, with the color theme a light shade of rose. I blinked, pushing myself up. No trace of the black blood was to be seen, I was wearing a thin shirt, so I could see my bandages. I saw a pair of clothes waiting for me, and accepted them instantly, groaning as I slipped on the flimsy red shirt, then the jean shorts and black boots. I heard laughter from the other room, and slowly made my way out. I used the pearl white walls as supports, the hall was even more elegant than the room I had just emerged from. Then again, that room looked like it was meant for a child, pink covering almost every surface.

The hall was long, I counted a total of twelve rooms, each had a door frame outlined in gold. I smiled, it kind of reminded me of Responsum’s house. That’s when I wondered, why weren’t we there? Something must have happened to it, or else they would’ve taken me there. I could only hope no one else was harmed. I finally reached the end of the hallway, looking into a living room. It was huge, a large glass ceiling so we could see the bright sun and the blue sky. Everything else in the mansion (As I assume a place this big is) was variations of pearl and gold.

I saw the back of a girl, smiling to see someone, but cautious as well. Her hair was a deep blue, and her dress tight and formal. She wore heels that matched her hair. “H-Hello?” I stuttered. Apparently talking was still harder than I thought it would be. The girl turned, and I stopped dead in my tracks. “Wh-What in the hell?!” I exclaimed, flinching, and holding my stomach.

I saw worry in her eyes as she rushed to me. “Dear, you should be resting,” She said in an accent I didn’t remember from before.

“No. I-I’ll be fine. Where are my friends?”

She smiled, a kind smile that seemed to light up the room. “Resting, as you should be.”

I let her help me to the white couch, and I laid down. “What about the hospital? Hex took you there!”

The girl sat across from me. “Indeed, she did. But she didn’t need to. Maybe to remove the pole stabbing me… I regenerate. A trait I see you have almost lost.”

“Who are you? You seem different. A lot different than the Lucinda I know…“

She smiled. “That’s because your Lucinda isn’t real. However, I am real.” She leaned forward, holding her hand out from me to shake. “The name’s Fate, and I need your help.”

I raised an eyebrow, only a part of me believed her when she said this. So, of course, when I respond I sound like a fangirl. “Fate? As in the Fate? The Fate that controls all good and bad? And what stuff happens to you?”

Fate chuckled. “Indeed, only I don’t control the good, that’s Destiny. I control the bad things. Make sure that what is meant to happen does happen and also to make sure that the bad people get what they deserve.” Her eyes seemed to gleam as she spoke, and it was obvious how much she adored doing what she does.

I covered my mouth, still in shock. Then an idea popped into my head. “Fate? May I interview you? I know it sounds strange since I am not a journalist or reporter but I really want to know several things…”

I almost expected her to say no and get offended but instead, a sweet laugh emerged and she beamed. “Oh, of course! It could be fun! However, we have business to attend to.” I let out a groan and she shook her head. “Don’t worry, Piper, you won’t have to get up. The business will come to us!” She then stood, and yelled, “Des! Come here!” A guy walked down the long spiral staircase. In a manner of speaking, he was decently hot. He was tall, muscles hidden by a purple hoodie, messy hair and eyes to make the lilac color. His gaze flicked from Fate to me a couple times, and then he sat beside me, diagonal from her.

“You must be Piper. It’s great to finally meet you. Your friends have told me so much about you! They really love you, it’s almost as though they center themselves around you.” His lavender eyes lit up, like he was interested by this statement.

I looked cautiously at the man that sat beside me. He seemed awfully excited to see me. That could be a good and bad thing. However, I sensed goodness radiating off of him. Fate trusted him, I guess that means I could. I mean, Fate did save my life and all. I think. I don’t know, everything is really confusing. “So, you are Des?”

He laughed lightly. “Yes, that would be me.” Then his eyes turned apologetic. “Though Fate and I shouldn’t spend much time blabbering. I’m sure you have many questions.”

I nodded, careful not to make quick movements. “First, What is your part in all this?”

“In short, I make sure certain events, that may impact one’s future, happen when they need to.”

I thought for a moment. “So, you are like Fate?”

Fate laughed. “Ah, no. There is only one Fate. He, my dear, is Destiny.” She gave him a look at bordered on being a glare. I could feel the tension building up and it made me shift uncomfortably.

Destiny broke her gaze, and turned back to me. “Forgive us. We shouldn’t be focusing on our rough spots right now.” He shot a glance at Fate. “Anyway, what other questions do you have?”

I looked from Destiny to Fate, then back to Destiny. “For now, I just want to know where my friends are?”

He simply shrugged. “You’ll have to ask Fate.”

I looked at Fate and she smiled kindly. “I told them all to go chill in the smaller living room and wait for you to wake.”

I shot to my feet too fast and stumbled. All the blood rushing to my head, my wound ached from the sudden movement.

In one swift movement, Destiny was at my side, keeping me from falling. “Are you alright? Maybe you should rest a bit more?” He suggested, a slight hint of concern was in his tone.

I smiled at him, leaning most of my weight against him. It took a moment before I shook my head. “I’m fine... I want to see my friends... Can you lead me there?”

He nodded, giving me a small smile back. “Of course.” He guided me to the other living room, where my friends were waiting for me.

I locked eyes with Connor who was standing right by the door I came through. “Connor!” I exclaimed, flinching before I reached for him. I fell into his open arms and we embraced.

Connor hugged me tightly, but not so much it would hurt me. “How are you feeling?” He asked.

I pulled away to look at him. “Meh, I’m doing fine! Perfectly fine. Pain? What’s that?” Automatic sarcasm, always the best response.

He rolled his eyes, but grinned.

Chris walked over, seeming to be left out. “Um, do I get a ‘hello’?”

I pulled myself fully away from Connor and practically launched myself into Chris’ arms. “Hello! I was so worried for you guys!” I could practically hear everyone rolling their eyes and chuckling softly.

“You are always doing this! Worrying about everyone except for yourself!” Kiera ran up to me, joining the hug with Chris.

“It’s good to have you back, Fangsy,” I heard Chris say.

I flashed him a grin. “It’s good to be back, rainbow eyes.” I turned to see Leo and Marcus standing close. I hugged Leo. It was awkward and when I pulled away we gave each other a look. “Nah,” I said before holding my hand up for a high five that he obliged in. Marcus and I shook hands, his free hand resting against my side as if to make sure I didn’t tumble right over. Someone tapped my shoulder and I turned to see Logan.

He gave me a grin, and I swear I saw relief flash in his eyes.

I stood still for a moment before stepping forward, and I hugged him. I pressed my ear against his chest. He hugged me as if it had been months since he had seen me.

I felt my heart do a little flip as his arms tightened around me. He was gentle like Connor had been. We stayed like that for a moment before I finally stepped back to be nearly tackled by Jamie.

“Piper! You had us so worried!” She exclaimed, then her eyes turned deadly. “I didn’t quite see everything. I only saw you, bleeding. Who did this?” It wasn’t a question, more of a death threat.

My eyes widened slightly at the tone in her voice before my gaze softened, “Max did. He used his magic to pull me away so he could.”

“He just signed his death warrant.” She said, pulling away. “Who’s going with me to kill Max?”

I grabbed her arm. “Now hold on just one second. Rushing in to declare war isn’t smart. You don’t even know where he is.”

“I’ll figure it out.” She glanced towards the door. “Can I go now?”

I shook my head. “I just woke up! Can’t you all take a deep breath, welcome me back and then figure out a strategy.”

Her expression softened, and she smiled. “You’re right. I’m acting out of impulse. We should figure out a plan first.”

I smiled, releasing her arm. “Thank you.” I forced myself to not stumble when I had no one to lean against. Then plopped myself onto one of the couches in the large room. I hadn’t even really looked at the room when I first got in. But it has stairs in the circle leading to a slightly lower part of the room that was outlined in couches. The floor was a soft royal blue color, and the walls were a pearl white. A tv was propped on each of the four walls.

“But you’re not going.” Jamie crossed her arms over her chest.

“Not going where?”

“To replace Max. None of us can afford to have you get hurt again, much less killed.”

That got me back to my feet fast. “If you guys think you can keep me here to worry about you, you have another thing coming! I’m not going to stay here! Not if you guys are risking your lives for me!”

She held my arm to keep me steady, and looked me dead in the eye. “Piper. You can’t come with us. You aren’t going to get yourself hurt again. We won’t let you.”

I whimpered, “I feel fine! Really! I’ll be okay! I want to go with!”

She narrowed her eyes. “You just got stabbed. You woke up five minutes ago, and you need to heal.”

“I healed while I slept.” I crossed my arms over my chest stubbornly.

“Even you can’t heal that fast. I’ll make a deal with you, okay?”

I narrowed my eyes back. “What’s the deal?”

“If we wait to replace Max until after you heal, then you can come with, but you will have at least two people glued to your side when fighting.” I pouted but when I looked around the room I saw everyone - Including Hex - giving me a look. A look that told me to agree. They wouldn’t have it any other way. I groaned, then let out a sigh. “Fine. Deal.”

Jamie smiled softly. “Thank you. That makes me feel so much better.”

I chuckled softly and ruffled her hair. “Thank you guys for caring.”

“We would be sad excuses of friends if we didn’t.” She giggled.

I smiled. “You have a good point there.” I flopped back on the couch again, making myself comfortable.

Chris sat next to me, and put his arm around my shoulders. “So, Fangsy, while we’re in the residence of Fate herself, what do you plan to do? I’m assuming you’re going to interrogate her?”

I laughed. “Pfft, now where would you get that idea?” There was a long pause. “I already asked and she said she would at a later time. But I think they have something going on as well.”

Connor cocked his head to the side slightly. “How do you mean?”

I looked over at him. “First off, there is a lot of tension between the two. That alone would hint that they wouldn’t be living together unless they had to. It reminds me of the pettiness of being kids when you get into an argument and start holding grudges.”

“Huh. I think you’re right,” Jamie said, looking at the ground like she did when she was deep in thought. “I thought I saw that kind of tension between them earlier.”

I nodded, scanning over all my friends. “I think they helped us because they need our help.”

“You’re right,” She said, nodding. “But with what? They’re Fate and Destiny, for Pete’s sake! They practically control the world! What could they possibly need from a few mortals?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Mortals? I’m offended. None of us are mortals. Let’s just ask. I can even do it if no one else wants to ask!”

Jamie’s eyebrows furrowed. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

I laughed, “I was being sarcastic, dork.”

“Oh.” She let out a relieved chuckle. “Also, what do you think is really going on with them? It’s obviously more than a sibling-like grudge.”

I leaned back, Connor sat beside me, his eyes scanning the room. “It has to be more than a sibling-rivalry. They don’t look related.” I looked at Connor. “What is it?”

“Destiny’s favorite color is Purple. When you like a color you decorate with it. This is Fate’s house. I even saw a deep red and a room set up for a little girl. Another room set up for twins it seems. I’m thinking those are for her siblings. Destiny isn’t her brother. I’m pretty sure they used to be best friends and something happened. And I think their rivalry drove away her siblings so they don’t want to help and that’s why they have to ask us,” he responded.

Jamie seemed to think for a second, then looked at Connor. “Holy shit! I think you’re right!”

I laughed. “I think so too!”

Hex chuckled. “Maybe Piper’s perceptiveness is wearing off on you...” she smiled at Connor, her eyes twinkled.

Jamie laughed playfully at Hex’s comment to Connor. “Looks like Piper’s love for long explanations is wearing off on him, too.”

Hex looked at Jamie and I saw her entire face brighten though she did good hiding it. “Definitely,” she said and everyone in the room started a chorus of laughter.

And, though he was failing to stifle his own laughter, Connor rolled his eyes.

I smiled at him, shoving him on the shoulder playfully. “You know you love us.”

He grinned back, and shook his head. “I can’t deny it.”

“I know you can’t!” I turned and wrapped my arms around us. “Because even if you tried, none of us would believe you!”

Chris laughed again. “Fangsy’s got a point. You can’t get out of this one.”

Connor smiled. “I know. There’s no getting out of anything with ‘Fangsy’ here.”

I rolled my eyes and pulled away from him. I ignored the flash of pain when I pulled away. “Not at all. You have been trapped.”

He ruffled my hair the way I had to Jamie just a couple minutes ago. I smiled, sticking my tongue out at him. “Dork!”

He booped my nose with his index finger and chuckled. “I’m the dork here?”

I wrinkled my nose and giggled. “Yes, you are!”

“Damn. I was hoping for a different answer,” he said, grinning again.

I smirked. “Well, I’m obliged not to lie to you,” I said, leaning against him.

He raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Since when? Did you sign a contract or something?”

“I did. I signed a wordless contract,” I said, resting my forehead against his. Someone cleared their throat and I looked up to see Eric. My eyes lit up as I stood to hug him. “I’m glad you are safe!”

Eric smiled, and hugged me back. “Right back at you. Are you sure you’re feeling okay? You seem a bit pale.”

I frowned slightly. “I’m sure, buddy. Thanks for your concern.”

He wasn’t fully convinced by my answer, but he let it drop anyway. “If we weren’t concerned for your well-being, then what would that say about us as your friends?”

“You know, Jamie said that exact same thing, Eric. And I think you guys are past being my friends. You guys are family.”

His face seemed to light up at that, and his smile grew wider. “Aw, that’s nice, Piper!”

I squeezed him against me and smiled. “It’s true!” I looked at Connor. “I said I wouldn’t lie!”

Connor laughed. “True.”

Eric continued to beam, and said, “It’s always nice to have a family again.”

I finally pulled away from him. “It is, isn’t it?”

Chris put a hand on my shoulder, and said, grinning, “Well, look at the pre-family,” he gestured toward Connor, himself, Kiera and I, “and the post-family.” Then he gestured toward the rest of the group. “Amazing how that works, just gotta be social. Right, Fangsy?” He patted my head, clearly teasing me.

I rolled my eyes, batting his hand away. “Shut up, since when have I not been social?”

He laughed. “I’m just saying!”

I shook my head, smiling. “I know, I know!”

Chris chuckled again, sitting back down on the couch, and grinned.

I stretched, making sure not to pull the stitches in my side. I groaned. “I’m bored!”

“Well, there’s not much you can do since you should limit your activities.”

“But I need to make sure to keep my strength up so that I don’t become weaker when we actually get to Max.”

“We can do that when you get the stitches out. You don’t need any more problems as of right now.”

I pouted, crossing my arms over my chest. “Seriously! I’m doing fine!”

Chris narrowed his eyes, not buying this. “None of us believe that, Piper. You suck at lying. You can wait for another week before you start training. Okay?”

I grumbled. “What are you, my father?”

“I might as well be. You clearly don’t know what ‘no’ means,” He smiled smugly.

I stuck my tongue out at him. “No, you are my brother! And don’t you have faith in me? I mean, I did save you, while I had been shot with vampire venom,” I shot back, an equally smug look on my face.

He sighed and shook his head at me. “Of course I do, you’re just not healed yet. You shouldn’t strain your injury. It could get worse, and then it would take longer to heal.”

A voice came from behind me and I jumped. “And then you would have to wait longer to replace my brother.” I turned to see Fate standing at the top of the stairs, staring directly at me.

Chris turned to her, and half-smiled, seemingly grateful that she had his back in this. “Exactly. Thank you.” Then he paused. “Wait. What? He’s your brother?”

I was staring at her, and so was everyone else. Fate looked sad. Heartbroken as she nodded.

Chris’ forehead creased as he concentrated. “Oh my god. What exactly happened to him? Why did he go bad?”

Fate sighed, sitting down across the room as we all sat across from her. “Let me tell you a story…”