The comet was an extremely fast moving frozen ball, so Raymond and the other devas had to use their prana to propel themselves through space to keep up with it. There was a huge misty cloud surrounding the core of the object, extending out dozens of miles around the comet. A tail of gas and dust extended behind the comet for thousands of miles, as far as the eye could see.
Make sure you get out of there before Rose’s rockets hit! Raymond mentally communicated to the other men.
Dammit, bro, Asher responded. You’ve gotta come in here and check this out. It isn’t made of ordinary stuff.
I can fly, papa, Pax told Raymond, pushing him away. She headed into the thick of the comet’s fog aura, flying down to where Asher’s life force was. When she reached the center, she immediately saw what Asher meant. It’s made from fjuyen, Pax told the others in disappointment. Harder than diamond, and almost impossible to break. Specifically to Vincent, she communicated: It’s even larger than the sphere I had to destroy in Room Four.
Great, said Vincent. So you’ve destroyed this substance before?
No. Suja did it for me, Pax responded angrily. She probably did that just so I wouldn’t figure out how to do it myself.
Get away from the comet, Vincent ordered her, echoing the order to all the other devas. The rockets are going to hit shortly.
The devas all began to fly after Vincent’s trail of energy, moving out of the comet’s foggy coma. Once they were at a safe distance, they hovered in space, silently watching Rose’s rockets approach the gargantuan fjuyen bullet.
Please let this work, Pax prayed to herself. At the very least, the rockets must knock it off course. Rose will be delighted, and it will save us from needing to break our necks trying to throw that thing off course…
The rockets hit the comet, creating a massive burst of fire. Larger than an erupting volcano, flames and ash gushed out from the explosion in every direction.
Whoa! Asher thought, shielding his eyes from the blast and the expected debris.
My wife is a badass, Vincent remarked proudly, watching the mushroom clouds.
Pretty, Pax remarked as she stared at the fiery swirls and coils with wide eyes. I can do that.
For a moment, as they stared at the dust cloud of ash and flame, believing that the comet had been destroyed. In the next few seconds, this hope was crushed as the comet emerged from the explosion, continuing toward the earth unscathed. They all stared in disappointment.
Should we check it for damage? Thornton asked the other men.
Raymond shook his head. There’s no point. It hasn’t even been scratched. It hasn’t been altered from its course by even a degree.
Wonderful, Vincent told the others in annoyance. How about this—let’s tell my wife that her rockets made a difference. A slight difference.
She will know the truth, Pax said. They have telescopes observing this too.
Let’s just go home, Asher said. Take us back, cupcake.
Pax complied, gesturing for the men to get into the circle formation so she could teleport them. Once she had managed to deposit everyone precisely back in Rose’s living room, her knees collapsed under her. This time, Vincent grabbed the back of her shirt, holding her upright the way a mother cat might lift its kittens.
“So, tell us the good news!” Rose said cheerfully.
All the men turned to look at her with vacant faces. Pax blinked to clear away her lightheadedness, and batted away Vincent’s hand once she could stand on her own. She turned to look at Rose, and gave her a similarly vacuous look.
“Not even a dent?” Rose asked in disbelief.
Vincent was expressionless, remaining unresponsive. The other men looked at each other nervously, none of them wishing to be the one who broke the news. Pax was the first to shake her head to indicate the negative.
“Well.” Rose Kalgren cleared her throat, trying to appear unfazed. “It was only a couple billion dollars.”
“Rose…” Vincent said softly, knowing how hard the woman had worked toward this. He had truly believed that she would be successful, at least to some degree.
“No, it’s fine,” she said. She exhaled, waving her hand as if to say that she was already over it. “I guess the ball’s in your court, husband. I hope you have better luck than I did.”
* * *
On the second of August, the devas began launching their attack. While there were a handful of demigods other than those in the three main families, most of the rest could not handle the conditions in space. They had never been into the Pseudosphere, and they had never learned to breathe without air—they had never needed to know.
Damn those spoiled, incompetent humans, Vincent cursed as he watched Raymond and Gordin assault the comet. So attached to their gratuitous luxuries.
Like oxygen? Amara asked her father.
Exactly, he responded bitterly.
The devas who had chosen to be on the front lines, in order of experience and strength, were Vincent, Raymond, Thornton, Asher, Gordin, Pax, Adult Nyssa, and (somewhat) Amara. The lesser devas were left on Earth to protect their human families, and even Amara had opted to remain on the planet—but Pax refused to allow this. Each individual had meticulously prepared several techniques to use on the comet in attempts to destroy or deflect it; Amara had prepared a picnic. Everyone had complimented Amara on her ability to choose the most delicious space-foods.
Pax had been disappointed with Amara’s level of participation, but she supposed that it was impressive enough that the girl could survive in the harsh environment at all. She was a bit frustrated with the fact that the men would not allow her to try any attacks of her own—they all insisted she save her energy for teleportation, and remain ready to bring anyone or everyone home on a moment’s notice, at the first sign of danger. She also frequently needed to teleport the group further ahead of the comet, into its projected path. The comet was moving so rapidly that they needed to stay ahead of it and prepare attacks while it traveled toward them. This resulted in Pax growing very bored of waiting around all day as the men got to have all the fun.
The boredom came to a screeching halt once everyone had tried all of their prepared strikes, and Thornton and Asher had impulsively decided to merge bodies to use their combined power against the comet. Pax had found herself smiling involuntarily at the sight of the new and improved demigod. She could not help but think of Para as she observed Ashton’s indigo hair and enhanced physique.
Now that you all have failed pitifully, you can watch a real god do his thing. I’ve got this, said Ashton, holding both of his arms directly outwards and pouring streams of blue energy out from his palms. He held this posture for several minutes, creating a giant cage of energy. His idea was to use a box-like enclosure to trap the comet.
Adult Nyssa stared with wide eyes, communicating to the girls: For a brainless jackass, that man is damn fine.
Pax and Amara turned to look at her in surprise.
The dark-skinned woman in the lime-green jumpsuit threw her hands up in the air. Ladies, I mean that in the most respectful and platonic way possible, of course. Just—if you could find a way to keep his ignorant mouth shut, I would totally have his babies.
Pax and Amara could do nothing other than nod, and return their gazes to the technique Ashton was in the process of preparing. The giant cage was impressive, and it hummed with potent energy—every drop of it had come from Ashton’s body, demonstrating just how mighty the man actually was. After some time, when the comet was finally nearing the cage, Pax’s dad announced the time:
You have three minutes left joined together, Raymond told Ashton. Make it count.
I will, bro. Watch me pwn.
Did he just say… pwn? You can’t say that out loud, can you? It’s an internet word! Amara complained to Pax, lifting her eyebrows.
Who cares what he says. Look at him—he’s a killer, Pax said, mildly awed by the man. He could actually do this. And if he’s successful, we’ll have to forgive him for using
that word.
The devas gathered around the cage, watching the comet approach. Ashton put his hands behind his head, stretching languidly and relaxing as though he hadn’t a care in the world, and was completely assured of success.
Dear Sakra, I hope Para doesn’t act that stupid when we’re joined together, Amara communicated privately to Pax.
Pax nodded solemnly. She stared nervously as the comet flew directly into Ashton’s blue cage, stretching the ‘bars’ of energy, but not breaking through.
Yeah! Ashton said, pumping his fist. Check out my skills, baby!
Wow, it actually worked, Vincent remarked. For once, my son has done something not completely foolish. Of course, he needed the benefit of an additional brain in order to…
No, Gordin said, frowning. Look at the cage…
Everyone’s excitement was rapidly ended when the comet continued to stretch through the bars of blue energy, finally exploding through the cage completely. Everyone bolted out of the way to avoid the comet’s path.
Damn, said Ashton in disappointment. His body promptly split into two men, both with disappointed looks on their faces.
I really thought he had it, Pax said to Amara. Guess we can’t forgive his use of that word.
I guess not.
I really want a turn to take a crack at it! Pax told the others, turning to them with excited hand gestures. I haven’t had a chance and I have a few interesting ideas...
If we all tried and failed, then there’s no way you can manage, Raymond told her.
She frowned at this, but did not argue. Amara saw that she was upset, and moved to her side.
Do you think Para could destroy the comet? Amara asked privately.
Probably not, Pax responded. Ashton gave it a really good shot, and if he couldn’t…
Girl! Vincent said briskly, moving over to her. Teleport us all to Sakra’s point.
* * *
“I guess I came back in time for nothing,” Nyssa said glumly. “I couldn’t change fate.”
Sakra approached the downtrodden girl, extending his wide sleeves. “No, child. You have already changed our world for the better with your sacrifice. We appreciate what you have done for us.”
“You gave us a real fighting chance,” Gordin said, putting a hand on his daughter’s back.
I really wanted my chance, Pax told her teacher telepathically, but it probably wouldn’t have made a difference. She felt heavy with disappointment.
None of us could inflict the slightest amount of damage on that thing, Vincent responded. He paused, turning to look at Pax intently. You know what I’m going to need to do, girl.
“No,” Pax said, suddenly enraged. Everyone turned to her as she yelled at Vincent. “You can’t—Vince, you can’t do that! There must be another way.”
“There isn’t,” he said simply.
“We have ten days to think of something,” she told him. “Ten days!”
“We can’t save this for the last minute, girl. If we successfully destroy the comet when it’s right beside the earth, there will be collateral damage. What’s the point of that?”
“What’s going on?” Thornton asked.
“Your dad wants to kill himself to destroy the comet,” Pax answered angrily. “Vince—what would Rose say? If someone has to do it, it should be me. You’re happily married with two kids—but I’m expendable.”
“Expendable,” Thornton repeated in disbelief. “Damn you, Pax—I will keep you in an energy prison if you think about doing shit like that.”
Vincent looked at Pax fixedly. “You promised you would never use the technique, girl. You will not break your vow.”
“So this is what you two are doing together? This is what you’re teaching her?” Thornton asked angrily.
“Oh, please. Is it better or worse than what you thought we were doing?” Pax asked in amusement. “Fuck you, Thorn.”
The blonde man smirked in response, accustomed to her anger, but Pax’s father was not amused.
“Language, Pax!” Raymond said with frustration.
“Sorry, papa.” She bowed her head, dutifully acting ashamed, but feeling nothing of the sort.
“There is another strategy which we could employ,” Sakra said slowly. “My wife requested that Pax join her—perhaps if you gave into her demands…”
“And conquer the world?” Pax asked. “I guess I could try. Would I have to actually fight you guys?”
“I’d go easy on you, cupcake,” Asher said with a grin.
Thornton smiled too. “I’d just let her win.”
Sakra nodded. “Exactly. We could surrender the Earth to Suja. See what she does with it… Maybe if she puts Pax at the helm, it won’t be so bad…”
“No fair,” Amara said. “I want to be Queen of the World.”
“She will probably have me wipe out all of humanity anyway,” Pax said.
“Why is she so interested in you?” Gordin asked. “Does she think you really have the potential to defeat all of us?”
“I don’t know,” Pax said with a blush. “I think she likes me.”
“Of course she does!” Asher said. “You’re an all-around likeable gal when you’re not blowing stuff up.”
“No, Uncle Ash. I mean that I think she likes me.”
“Oh.” This was followed by a chorus of the acknowledging syllable all around.
“How do you know that?” Sakra asked, frowning. “What indication did she give?”
Pax’s face flushed hotly. She stared down at the tips of her black leather boots. “Um, she came to me in the vector zone. She was disguised as Thorn and she used his body to… uh, trick me.”
“Oh,” said Raymond in surprise, “whoa.”
“You little home-wrecker,” Sakra joked. “That’s my wife you’re stealing!”
“It wasn’t my fault,” Pax said angrily. “I didn’t invite any of this!”
“But do you… like her?” Thornton asked.
“No,” Pax said uncomfortably, “but if it will stop Vincent from needing to use his trump card, I’ll go to her. I’ll do whatever needs to be done.”
“That seems just as bad as suicide,” Vincent said with a smile. “Look, girl—let’s sleep on this. We do have a few days. Let’s rest and replenish our energies and reconvene here to give this another go in 48 hours.”
Raymond nodded at his daughter, giving her a reassuring look. “We will find another way.”
Chapter 29: Penchant for Puzzles
There seemed to be no other way.
Pax finally realized this as she sat at Amara’s dining table. Ancient manuscripts were strewn chaotically all over the surface, opened to the pages listing various magickal techniques and incantations that might be of assistance. She finally hung her head in her hands, exhaling with a gust that further scattered the pages. It was hopeless.
The doorbell rang, and Amara sang out from the kitchen, “I’ll get it!”
Amara began moving to answer the front door, but it went flying off its hinges.
“You won’t believe what I just figured out!” Layla shouted as she entered the house.
“Why aren’t you in the bomb shelter?” Pax asked with a frown.
“Why aren’t you two in the bomb shelter?” Layla retorted, placing her hands on her hips. “My kids are in there, so it’s all good. They think it’s some kind of fun game.”
“Did you just kick my door in?” Amara asked with a frown. “I’ll have to get that replaced, you know.”
“Listen!” Layla said, making grand, zealous gestures with her arms. “I’ve cracked the puzzle.”
“You know how to stop the comet?” Pax asked.
“What? Oh, no, not that.” Layla shrugged, and continued talking impatiently. “At first I thought ‘This is impossible. She doesn’t exist!’ Because there was literally no record of her anywhere—but then records started to appear, quite suddenly. It was as though she was just created out of thin air.”
Amara sighed. �
�I thought you said you stopped looking into it when we learned about the comet.”
“I lied. I was too curious,” Layla said. “Besides, this was a mystery within my realm of capability to solve. I am just one small human woman with a penchant for puzzles. I grew up reading mystery novels and watching detective movies—that’s what I’m good at. So I figured, why not solve one last case before the world ends? And boy, what a doozie!”
“What did you find, Lay?” Pax asked, closing the book in front of her. She glanced up at Amara nervously. It shouldn’t matter this much anymore, but it did.
“For starters, the day she bought her house—it was the same day her bank account was opened. This is some serious hanky-panky. I tried to find out what was special about that day—all I could think about was that it was the same day you two left the vector zone.”
Shit, Pax.
Keep your face expressionless, Pax advised. She might not know yet. Don’t give away any information.
I’m sorry, Amara said telepathically. I had no clue that Layla would be investigating us or I would have been more careful...
“Did you tell Thorn and Ash about your findings?” Pax asked.
“No. I thought I’d come here first. I’ve never seen anything like this. At first, it occurred to me that you two might have hired Para to get revenge on Thornton and Asher.”
Amara groaned loudly, feeling a sinking feeling in her gut. She looked at Pax, who obviously felt the same. It was terrifying to even hear Layla say the name “Para” out loud.
“All evidence pointed to this,” Layla said. “I ran a check on both of your financials. I saw that Pax has been transferring large sums into Amara’s account. And Amara, of course you’ve been spending a lot on the bunker—but you have also been transferring massive amounts into both an untraceable location and—surprise! The numbers correspond to transfers into Para’s bank account.”
“You checked our financials?” said Amara angrily.
“It’s my job,” said Layla with a cold stare. “So are you going to come clean with me?”
Thirty Minutes to Heartbreak Box Set (Books 1-3) Page 55