Interlude 2: Vengeance's Child

Interlude 2: Vengeance's Child

Interlude 2: Vengeance's Child

Mercy

Mercy watched in the back of her mind as her siblings struggled to find a solution. She felt the weaves of fate change when Fate appeared, with their desperate last ditch plan.

No, not our last resort. Death was wise enough to plant those seeds after all.

But she had to admit to herself that those seeds, those two people from that far distant planet whose souls had merged with the bodies of children who had died, would not grow for a long time. Perhaps never, if they succumbed to the hardships that so plainly lay ahead for them.

This effort however, was one to prevent all of that. To prevent the need for those seeds in the first place. Perhaps, perhaps it would work. Her heart trembled at the idea of its failure, and her hands shook at the possibility of their success.

An avatar of vengeance. What a dangerous thing.

I hear you my love. He is far from the first God to have an avatar. Nor will he be the only one with a child walking around on the world. Justice radiated light reassured her that things, no matter how dark, would be set right in the world.

Thank you my love. I know. We are here after all, to help one of your very own.

And to see about raising one up to you as well.

Mercy smiled at that thought. It was a long shot. The Toad-Prince that stood and bowed in front of his queen mother was on the verge of ascending into the Emperor stage. But Mercy was only one potential aspect he might glean from the Dao. He could very easily see others, and if he did, he would be forced to choose. And there was always the possibility that he did not choose her.

It is such an unlikely thing. I have never done this before. What if I fail, as our sister Love has done?

I'll send Chronos. Hell be happy at getting to help others from his world, I think.

Even Justice smiled at that. Yes. I think he would.

A moment of doubt filled her as she felt Vengeance's influence grow even more in the world. It wasnt overwhelming by any measure. She could crush it with her own will if she had to. But . . . still. It was growing.

Do you think he will keep his word?

Who?

Your brother.

Yes. He has never lied to me before. Others, yes. Me? Never. We have been at odds as often as we have been on the same side of issues and problems in the world. But honesty was never a problem between us. Hell have his new child offer Ascension into the heavens rather then death, should it come down to it. And theyll avoid a war if they can. Well see how it plays out, this chess game we have authorized.

Will the Golden One not attempt to interfere?

Justices mask of confidence slipped then. Just for a moment. Just for her. I do not know. The Dragon God has not responded to any of our summons, and I can not feel him anywhere. Perhaps he is in hibernation, or consumed with some project somewhere else? I do not know. But he has not said, or done anything to stop this.

I thought the Dragons of the Jade Empire were his favorite sons. This is very odd husband.

Yes. Yes it is. When we are done here, with the Prince, we will launch a search for him. Perhaps he can intercede before the fighting begins.

Or make it worse. He is rather prideful.

Yes. Yes he is. And his servants in the Jade Empire are beyond most mortal warriors. Dragons . . . Dragons are a terrible thing.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.