Fighting Fate: Chapter 2

“Veronica, hand me that bag of flour there will ya?” Michael called from the register in front. The store was so much smaller then she had remembered it; only three rows of shelves, that she could easily peer over, the back of the store was covered with cold storage- soda, beer and the occasional hungry man. Setting down the clipboard she picked up the tiny bag of flour and made her way back to set it on the counter.

They had been at the store since six am, and Ronnie had already memorized the entire contents of the store in the first two hours. Michael currently had her checking the inventory to see what needed to be replaced and with how many; she was also told to make the call to the shippers when she was done.

Glancing to her right, Mr. Donavon was still sitting in front of the counter talking with Michael about last season of corn… or something. He had also been there since the store opened, chatting away. He was an older man with balding hair kept hidden under an old red baseball cap, that she was sure he‘d had on his entire life, his tired brown eyes were practically hidden under the folds of his skin and she was sure she could hear faint popping and cracking if he moved the slightest bit.

“Thanks,” Michael said placing the small sack in a brown paper bag along with a couple other items they had been gathering for the older man all morning, still listening to Mr. Donovan, who had taken this particular time to look up at Ronnie, moving his dentures around in his mouth.

A slight shudder ran down her body as she heard the sickening suction of his teeth and gums. Oh God… She thought she was going to be sick, but she smiled politely and tried desperately not to run back further into the store- Like she could really hide in here?

The tiny bell on the front chimed and she peered over the shelves as she made her way back to where she had set the clipboard. A tall blonde stepped through, black sunglasses covering her eyes and her clothes billowing slightly as she moved. Must be passing through… Ronnie thought taking in the woman’s perfect appearance. She wasn’t like anyone she had seen come into the store yet- everyone seemed to have overalls in abundance up here.

Sighing gently Ronnie turned back to her task, what did she care? The woman would probably buy a pack of cigarettes, or a Green Tea and be gone once more. Not like Ronnie. Oh no, she was stuck here. Scratching off one of the names on the clipboard she moved down the aisle further, her temper slightly ebbed up now. She knew it was nothing to get angry over, she had agreed in the end after all. Although what would she do otherwise? She had to drop out of college after her first years because it was just too much money on herself and her parents. Frowning she moved over a couple cans here and there checking their labels as her mind continued to go over events long past. She needed sleep. Last night had just been awful.

She had woken up around three in the morning, unable to breath. The harder she tried to remember her dream the foggier it became, but she was sure someone else had been in her dream… someone who terrified her for reasons she couldn’t comprehend. It was like her dream had been invaded, but she wasn’t sure how that was even possible. Ronnie just determined it was something wrong with her stomach, Michael’s dinner hadn’t been the greatest thing she had ever tasted.

“Well, aren’t you pretty…” A serene voice filtered through her thoughts and she jumped, turning to see the blonde standing close to her; a Green Tea in hand. She looked her over a slight grimace forming on her face. Confused Ronnie checked herself over to make sure she didn’t have anything offensive on. Nope; blue jeans, black long sleeve shirt, all covered with the white apron her uncle made her wear- even that was still clean.

“Excuse me..?” Ronnie said a bit curious as to why this woman was staring her down for no reason.

Something seemed to click in her head and the woman smiled, changing her entire attitude so quickly it made her head spin. “Sorry, I’ve just heard so much from Michael about you. Your Veronica right? I’m Savannah Riley.” She said sticking out her perfectly manicured hand. Raising an eyebrow at the woman, Ronne shifted the clipboard so she could shake her hand.

“Yeah, I’m Veronica…” Was all she could think to even say. Savannah’s hand had been so warm even though it was nearly thirty degrees outside… must be one hell of a heater in whatever she drove. Her long fingered skimmed over Ronnie’s wrist as she pulled back and the look of shock registered on her face. “Sorry! It-it’s a scar…” She said yanking her hand back and hiding it behind the clipboard, as her face flushed a deep red. Savannah took a moment looking her over again; she was beginning to feel like a piece of meat.

“From the fire?” She asked curiously, but there was a something in her eyes that looked like she wanted Ronnie to say no. If she has spoken to Michael about me, then she already knows… Ronnie thought, nodding.

It took a couple more silent looks before Savannah smiled again, accepting her response. “Well let’s hope nothing that terrible ever happens again, shall we?” She said heading to the register. The scent of plums carried behind her as she said a few words to Michael and Mr. Donavon and left the store with a small wave behind her.

Ronnie stared blinking after her. What a strange woman… She thought reluctantly turning back to the shelves in front of her, barely able to concentrate. The scent of plums clung around her like a noose…

The rest of the day was uneventful. The inventory was done, even all the calls made to have everything shipped out. Ronnie was sweeping the last aisle as she heard Michael coming back into the store after helping Mr. Donavon out to his truck. She was surprised Michael ever got anything done with the old man coming in all day to jabber.

“Well, let’s get out of here. What do you say?” He asked picking up his jacket and keys from the back counter. She emptied the dust pan and walked to the counter, untying the apron and placing it in a chair next to the register. Tossing her jacket on she walked slowly outside, waiting on him to lock up. The brisk air bit into her skin and she cursed herself for not having a heavier jacket to bring. The small light on the outside of the shop glistened off the ground and she had to take a second glance to realize a light sheen of snow covered the ground. You have got to be kidding me!

“Um, Michael. When did it snow?” She asked, wrapping her jacket tighter around her. He looked back and scratched his head a bit, seemingly as bit as confused as she was. Hadn’t he seen it when he walked the old man out?

“Humph, must’ve passed through a couple hours ago…” He said and started walking to the truck. Ronnie gaped after him and couldn’t help the question that popped out.

“You didn’t notice?” She asked incredulous as she opened the passenger door and hopped in the equally cold truck.

He chuckled a bit and shook his head, “Honestly Veronica, snow passes through here daily. You just get used to it after awhile.” Starting the engine he adjusted the heat, but it only made the truck sputter. Both of them cursing under their breath they started down the road. It would be a long trip to reach the house, and all Ronnie cared about was crawling into a hot shower.

Slouching down in the old leather seats she stuffed her hands as far in the jacket as she could possibly go after tugging the hood over her ears. Her uncle didn’t seem to mind the cold as much as she did, though she wasn’t surprised, he had lived here for the better part of his life. With her feet crouched up on the seat with her, she could feel the sway of the truck better, and wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Should could hear the slid of the tires as they hit small ice patches, but thankfully Michael took his time.

“Lot of black ice on the road…” He said a little concerned himself as he kept both hands tightly on the steering wheel. Ronnie fidgeted in her seat, not liking the worry in his voice a bit.

“Maybe we should pull over? Or take a different way?” She asked looking up at him, pushing back the front of her hood gently so she could see him better.

“This way is the quickest… It’ll be fine.” He said and glanced at her giving her a reassuring smile. The lights coming around the sharp bend ahead had them both snapping there attention back, eyes widening at the screeching sound that filled the air. The driver ahead was struggling with the ice. The slick black car slid around at a lightening fast speed, fishtailing in front of them. Michael cursed suddenly, “Hold on,” He said gruffly as he tried to slow down and maneuver them out of the way.

It was too late. The truck hit a spot of ice and instead of swinging the truck safely out of the way from the oncoming car; it fishtailed the back swinging Ronnie straight into the car. The scream was stuck in her throat as the headlights flowed over her once more before she was thrust against the door and back again.

-

Aw hell. Zak sat back in the tiny black Porsche, his head throbbing. He hated being half mortal; everything had to hurt. Plus, to make matters worse, he was sure his poor car was totaled. Big stupid trucks.

It had been a long time since he had driven in the human realm, and he definitely never drove on ice before. Oh how he wished he had been he before- it would have been so much easier to just flash himself here. But no, of course not. There had to be limitations. He was never able to flash pop himself fin on somewhere he had never been before. Who knew if he’d end up in the center of a butcher, ready to swing? Or in the middle of someone taking a shower… and be in the shower with them.

Rubbing a hand over his eyes he wasn’t sure the last would be so bad right now. Warm water; and as long as there was a beautiful woman beside him- what did he really care?

A tapping on his window made him turn and shield his eyes from the bright light of a flashlight, shining in through the window. “You alright?” A muffled male voice said. Zak gave a sigh and shoved his shoulder hard into the door. It gave a sickening crack as it popped open, letting him stand in the ice cold air.

Though it was hard to see, he could make out the man that stood beside him, as well as another small figure standing next to the truck. “Yeah, I’m alright.” He said, it wasn’t like he could die anyway… “What about you?” He said and nodded at the other person.

The man standing next to him shook his head, “I’d be more concerned about your car here. My truck took it in stride… but..” He said with a grim expression, only illuminated by the flashlight.

Groaning Zak made his way around to the front, where the truck seemed to have just bounced off his car… after smashing the front. He was right though- there didn’t seem to be a scratch on the truck’s passenger side. He glared at it for a minute; big stupid truck. He thought again as he examined the damage to his favorite car.

“Damn…” He said running a hand through his short blonde hair. He wasn’t sure just how much damage was really there, but it was enough to make him cringe right now.

“You stayin’ somewhere close by? We can hitch it to my truck and tow it for you.” The man said peering over his shoulder at the damage.

“No, I’m just passing through.” He lied, then thought of the most plausible thing to say, “There a mechanic close by?”

“Unfortunately not. He’s gone for the weekend.” He said and Zak gaped at him. The entire weekend… you have got to be kidding me. He thought rolling his eyes skyward.

“There’s no mechanic in the area?” He said, trying to not sound extremely hopeful.

“There’s his assistant, but honestly I wouldn’t trust him near your cup holders..” He said blowing Zak’s tiny bubble into a million pieces.

“Ok… What about a motel?” He said standing back up, realizing he was much taller than the older man. He just seemed to tower over him.

“No one will be in the office until morning.” He said scratching his head and taking a quick look back at his passenger; who was virtually shaking in the cold. “Why don’t we just tow this back to my place? I’ve got a couple extra rooms and a garage to store your car until the Gerald gets back on Sunday.” He said and Zak was genuinely surprised. Could he really stay at this man’s house? The wind picked up and Zak knew his answer immediately. He was just sick of the cold air to care where he went.

“That’s be great, thank you.” He said smiling and holding out his hand, “I’m Zak Dalton.”

The man returned his smile and shook his hand in a tight grip, “Michael. Now let’s get you all hooked up.” He turned toward his other passenger and called, “Hey, jump inside and get the truck turned around for me will ya?” A slight nod of the head and they jumped back inside. Zak realized as he watched them move, it was a girl, her tiny boots slipped gracefully on the step up into the truck. “Your daughter?” He asked as they both watched the car ease back until she was able to turn it around.

“Oh no, that’s my niece. She aint from around here either, just visiting for awhile.” Michael said as they watched her go around, then the reverse lights come on. She started backing up to his car and all his paranoia about women drivers came back to him. His hands fidgeted as she got closer, inch by inch but still not close enough. He could move the damn car himself if it wasn’t close enough, but that wouldn’t be the smart thing to do in front of these mountain people.

Both men raised their hands to signal her to stop, and thankfully she did, Zak breathed a sigh of relief. It only took a couple minutes to get the car all hitched up to the back of the old Toyota but when they were finished, his hands were nothing more than icicles. “Alright let’s get home.”

He followed him to the truck and instructed the girl to sit in the middle, with a hesitant glance in Zak’s direction she obliged. He smiled even though he had no idea what she looked like underneath that large hood of hers; although he could understand her keeping it on- it was freezing outside.

Michael made small talk with him all the way to his house while the girl just sat shaking next to him. He made an inconspicuous attempt to turn one of the heating vents on her but when his hand reached it, he realized it wasn’t working. They were running solely on body heat. God, he really was going to die.

A ghost of a smile played on her lips when he noticed she had caught him. He didn’t know why but he felt slightly embarrassed that she had seen him try to help her state. For the rest of the short ride Zak just kept his attention fixed out the window.

Pulling up to the house Michael was the first to get out, his niece following swiftly behind him. He watched her take the keys from him and bound up to the little white house unlocking the door. Lights soon illuminated the windows and Zak felt a warmth come over him. Heat, he almost sighed.

“Alright let’s get this thing in the garage, then we can go enjoy the heat.” Michael said good naturedly.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” He said waiting for the older man to hop back in the truck as they made their way around back to the two car garage.

-

Ronnie practically ran through the house, setting all the heaters on high before stopping in the bedroom. Throwing off her jacket and shoes she grabbed a towel and headed into the bathroom that connected to the two back rooms. Turning the hot water on blast she danced in the same spot waiting for it to get to the right temperature. Pulling off her clothes she jumped into the hot stream with a slight yelp. It was scalding, but as her body warmed she sighed dreamily. She let her body fall onto the side of the shower stall, just enjoying the hot water.

She could die happily now… she thought before laughing. Oh this place was going to be something to get used to…

After a few moments the blood starting flowing back into her fingers and toes and she soaped her hair and washed her body, reluctantly turning off the water. She stepped out and could already hear the voices in the kitchen. Wrapping the towel around herself she walked back into her room to dry off.

Once dressed she grabbed her flat iron and took another twenty-some minutes to straighten the tiny curls out of her hair so it lay flat, still only reaching the center of her neck.

Thankfully it was warm enough now in the house that she didn’t have to put on an extra sweater on jacket over her pajamas. Walking out into the kitchen, the linoleum still had a slight chill to it, so she planned to get into the living room as soon as possible. That was until she smelt the most delicious thing in the world. Michael’s coffee. “I made you an extra cup,” He said and she turned to see him standing in the living room next to the heater, holding up a cup. With a dreamy sigh she picked up the cup and took a sip, letting the warmth spread over her.

With her eyes closed she didn’t notice her uncle going to put his jacket up in his room, and Zak coming into the kitchen behind her. “Mind if I get another cup myself?” Ronnie heard and jumped slightly.

“Oh sure!” She said, grabbing another mug and filling it with coffee.

“I don’t think I caught your name, I’m Zak.” He said pleasantly. Ronnie shivered slightly. It had been so hard to ride seated between Zak and her uncle. This particular stranger was drop dead gorgeous, had the voice of deadly sin, and the each time her took a breath she felt the swell of his rock hard muscles through both of their jackets. She must have been taking awhile to answer because he cleared his throat, “I’d hate to call you ‘Michael’s niece’ all night.” He said with a slight laugh and she spilled a bit of the coffee.

Oh she was losing it.

“No no, that would be a bit of a conversation downer. I’m Ronnie,” She said turning to look at him full on now, holding up his coffee to him. She had to bit her lip to keep from making any sort of noise that would deem her a sexual deviant. Without his jacket he was even more amazing. His blonde hair was cropped to his ears and fell over into his eyes; which were a stunning shade of green. Standing beside him she realized just how tall he was- he had to be at least six foot seven!

He was staring at her with confusion and what seemed like disbelief written in his eyes. “Something wrong?” She asked, knitting her eyebrows together.

He blinked twice and shook his head, “I- I thought you had curly hair…?” He asked and she tilted her head slightly. He must have seen her hair underneath the hood of her jacket…

“Um, yeah I usually do… I just straightened it. Why?” She asked curious.

“No reason, just a bit different from before is all. So, Ronnie huh? Short for anything?” He asked finally taking the cup of coffee and tilting it to take a long gulp. She winced ready for him to pull back from the steaming heat; but he didn’t.

“Veronica.” She said with a shy smile and turned back to grab her cup of coffee. A sudden intense jolt struck each side of her neck and she jumped, spinning around. Ronnie clamped a hand on her neck and looked up at Zak, who seemed just as stunned as she was.

“Sorry! Loose string… on your shirt. Must have… been the static electricity…” He said looking from her to his hand, which must have been stung too. Both of their breathing had increased slightly from the shock, but she took a deep breath calming herself. It was ok; he was just helping. Not like he could have zapped her or anything anyway.

“Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s fine.” She said with a slight smile. Michael came out and called out to both of them, “Guess we should join him, huh?” She said, unable to help the slight blush that crossed her cheeks when she passed in front of him.

Ronnie walked into the living room, only to lean on the doorframe, letting Zak pass her to sit in the living room. She sipped her coffee as her uncle and Zak talked about getting his car up and running and the closest motels and things. She listened intensively, trying to learn more about the mysterious stranger sitting on the couch. Ronnie was amazed at ho much information Michael was able to get out of him in such a short time.

His full name was Zak Dalton, and he was twenty-one. Originally from Rhode Island, with family spread out all over the globe. Currently he was looking for a new place to settle into, and had originally planned to head down to Norfolk. This surprised her, he was stuck here trying to get there, and she was from there now stuck here- but unlike her, he was free to go once his car was fixed.

She watched the easy conversation between the two men, keeping quiet all the while and sneaking quick glances at Zak whenever he spoke. Once he caught her eyes with his she blushed deeply pulling her mug up higher to hide her face.

“.. The room connected to the bathroom down the hall. Unfortunately the other room is full of old junk right now, so you’ll have to share the bathroom with Veronica, if that’s alright.” Her uncle had just finished saying when a tiny ringing sounded from her room.

Ronnie jumped and both heads turned to her, “Um. Sorry, cell phone…” She said and hastily made her way to her room. Picking up the small silver phone she snapped the top open and pressed the cool metal to her ear. “Hello?”

“Hey babe, long time without a word from you!” A muffled voice said from the other end and she smiled.

“Hey Demitri, how are you?” She asked plopping down on her bed to talk to her long time friend.

“Been missing you doll face. What’s new up in the boonies?” He asked with a hearty laugh. She joined in and began telling him about her new life so far away from home. Ronnie didn’t know how long she had talked, but when she finally hung up, all was quiet in the house and the angry red lights on her clock said it was beyond two in the morning. Groaning she rolled over and stuffed her feet under the covers, pulling them up to her chin.

One more night down, how many more to go?

-

Rolling over in the unfamiliar bed Zak stared up at the plain white ceiling. He wasn’t used to this. He was used to staring up into a black star filled sky every night. Now he was bound by walls. Technically he could just take out the ceiling… but that would be a bit much. He would just have to learn to adapt to the human realm once more.

The house was quiet, all except the occasional creak of the old wood, and the incessant song of crickets that he was sure were hidden under his bed. With a deep sigh he got up, pulling his shirt back and pants back on he opened the bedroom door and walked out into the barely lit kitchen. Ronnie’s voice had drifted quieter in the past hour, so he was fairly positive she had finally fallen asleep.

Waling to her room his steps were silent; and peered through the tiny crack that left her door open. She was sleeping deeply on her side, curled up into a little ball as if she were so cold she couldn’t stand it.

With the room in his sights he flashed next to her bed; not wanting to hear the door creak when he tried to open it. Staring down at her he was still amazing just how lucky he was to have found her here. Who knew she would be in the middle of nowhere like this?

Her breathing was slow and steady, her dark lashes lying flush against her lightly reddened cheek. Curious he reached out a hand to see just how warm it was, only to have that same blue streaked barrier flash on him again. Watching it Zak pulled back his hand as it was shocked with that blue lightening once more. Why couldn’t he touch her? He thought angrily.

In the heat of the moment earlier he had tried to just reach for her neck, in hopes of flashing her out of the room- somewhere he could kill her and not have to hear her uncles pleas. But of course it hadn’t worked.

That would just be too easy. Everything seemed to be a chance of luck with her, until he actually tried the next step. How the hell was he supposed to kill her if he couldn’t get close enough to her?

He could always use a god bolt… The thought struck him suddenly and he smiled. Maybe he was lucky. Get it all over and done with while everyone slept.

Taking two steps back he held his arm out summoned his powers. The golden ball of light flashed and swirled in his hand but a moment before he could blast her, that blue shock wave smacked into his hand dissolving his god bolt.

Zak cursed as his hand sizzled for a few moments until it healed itself. What the hell? He couldn’t help the sneer that presented itself so well on his face as he watched her, still serenely sleeping. She made a soft sigh and rolled over onto her other side.

Anger consuming him he flashed out of her room to Mount Olympus. To one person he was sure to know what to do. “Zeus!” He yelled to the top of his lungs. Zak paced impatiently before shouting again, “I know you hear me! Zeus!”

A intense flash came from behind him, but he stopped short as he saw Athena step in front of him. Her head always covered by that damned armored helmet, and her robes falling in waves behind her ever present breastplate. For someone called, loosely around here, the goddess of war, she sure looked the part. “What is it you need Zak?” She asked impatiently before adding, “Zeus is off visiting Artemis. Apparently she’s gone off and killed some of Hera’s peacocks…” She said with a grimace before crossing her arms around her chest.

“How do you kill a god?” He asked, his anger still flaring. He watched as she merely raised an elegant eyebrow at him. Taking a deep breath he tried hard not to yell his next words. “I’m off looking for the human with Moros’s powers. I was told I’d have to take her life- so how exactly do you kill a god?”

This time she seemed to consider it. Tilting her head slightly, it was a wonder that stupid helmet didn’t slid off. Zak was really beginning to wonder if she were baled underneath it. “Well there was a sort of pact made many centuries ago by the gods, to ensure they couldn’t simply kill one another while their back was turned. A sort of… shield mechanism.” She said and he just looked at her. Sighing deeply she unfolded her arms, “Fire a bolt at me.”

“Excuse me?” He asked incredulous.

Rolling her eyes, “Just do it.”

Holding out his arm, he summoned his powers like before and fired a golden bolt at her. It bounced off a purple hazed shield before a wave of power shot him back. Landing hard on his ass Zak looked up at Athena. “See? You can’t just go around killing gods. If this human has god powers, she’ll be just like us.”

“Great, so what do I do?” He asked standing back up. She shrugged her shoulders and looked over at him.

“I would say you win her trust, until that barrier comes down. Possibly your only bet.” She said then narrowed her eyes, “You’ve found the human?”

Zak tried to keep his expressions calm and give nothing away as he answered her, “No, I’m a little behind. A lot of things have changed on the human plane since I was there last.” He said.

He knew if he told her he had found Veronica, she would be off in no time to tell Ares. They both loved a blood sport too damn much for his tastes. She seemed to accept that and was about to bow out before he had another thought. “Wait, how were Ares and Zeus going to get Moros’s powers if they couldn’t kill him?”

Athena smiled a slow deadly smile, “Many eons ago Zeus and Moros decided to have a battle; it still goes on to this day.” She said and Zak didn’t look convinced. “If both gods agree to a battle, the barrier comes down completely. Now that Ares has jumped into the party for Zeus I can see why Moros hid his powers for the time being.”

“So, Ares wasn’t originally in on the fight?”

She gave a shrill laugh, “Oh heavens no. Their battle goes on way before he was even born.” She said then narrowed her eyes again, “Just remember, for the battle idea to work- the human would have to know everything. They would have to know who you are, and believe the situation their in before an actual battle will commence.”

So, Zeus and Ares were cheating? Zak couldn’t help but be slightly skeptical on both sides now. He would still get the powers, but he’d have some serious questions before he turned them over to either of the gods.

Athena flashed out of the room without another word, leaving Zak there to think. Win her trust, or tell her every little detail until she believes and just have it out with her? He blew out a hot breath while running a hand through his hair; this was going to be interesting.