Potentialfate

A new grave had been dug for Gabriel Dean, shortly before Xexys' chaos had started. He was the last of the sacrifices that would be offered to the Watcher by the Proxy, so the set was now complete. The Ocean had always liked their Watcher character and the way the mortals enjoyed the idea of him watching over them. He didn't care to assume that role for his followers, but unlike Life's jealous claims, the Ocean did appreciate the sacrifices made in his persona's name. They would come in handy.

If Lukas hadn't worked so hard to create something that functioned like a reaper, they would be incredibly tempted to end the existence of Trysten Vienot. The man was irritating, slow to accept anything that challenged his Jacobean views, and completely underwhelming as a reaper. He struggled with using the abilities of a proper reaper, which was somewhat understandable given the circumstances, but even Abercius in his mortal body could wield some of the basic magic of a reaper better than Trysten.

Lukas still didn't understand why they had been given the task of babysitting the terrible reaper. Abercius had tried tutoring his father personally, and while he didn't have to take on the uncle he was still quite angry with, Trysten wasn't Lukas' responsibility either. Life had already overstepped in the realm of Death, and Lukas was more than happy to leave Trysten to Gee whenever this realm was stable.

"I don't see why we had to come to Mystic Drownwell," Trysten complained. "This place is sacred to the Watcher and Jacobeans. It's where the chosen sacrifice first meets the Watcher."

"You don't have to be here at all," Lukas snapped. "For the last time, the Watcher is the Ocean and he doesn't care about any of the lives you ended in his name. You're a pretty shitty reaper, and a worse brother. It's not my job to babysit you because your nephew hates you, and you're free to leave at any time. There's not even a point in me teaching you anything if you can't leave your indoctrination behind with your life."

Izanami would want them to be more kind to the fledgling reaper, but Lukas was already in a bad mood, and besides, it wasn't like Izanami was ever any nicer to his employees. Trysten was the least of their worries. They still had to appoint a dream guardian, discretely monitor a blood demon hybrid who was intentionally pushing his boundaries, and, oh yeah, meet with the Ocean for a reason he hadn't disclosed. The very fact that the Ocean was here in this realm while Lukas was trying to piece things together was unsettling. What if they weren't doing their job to the standard the Ocean wanted? What if this was phase two in his schemes against Life and Death? Could things get worse than being stuck in their second incarnation? Probably. His idea to meet in the creepy cult temple was not reassuring either.

"Fine. I'll go home and check on the kids," Trysten said irritably. "It's not like you have anything important to teach me anyway."

"Yes, thank you! Be sure to mention that to Abercius when you see him! You're not my problem to deal with!"

Lukas grinned at the sight of Trysten vanishing into a shower of sparkles, finally leaving their presence. At least the idiot had figured out how to teleport correctly.

Their celebration was short lived, however, as the pool of water in the sacred temple began to boil despite being calm only seconds ago. Before Lukas' eyes, a blonde teenager emerged from the pool, completely dry and looking quite pleased with herself. Lukas bowed their head in greeting, and the teen sat down on the bench beside them.

"Calista. I don't think I've seen this form in a while. I was expecting your usual appearance. Why even bother with the disguise? At this point, this entire realm has been destroyed to the point that the Ocean can manifest in the street and no one will even question it."

Lukas tried not to pull away from the teenager making herself comfortable beside them. They knew she could feel everything they felt, including their fear, so pretending it wasn't there was useless.

"Lukas, you of all beings should understand the value of a good disguise. There's nothing quite like walking among the mortals when they think you're one of them. They like speaking with someone like them."

Lukas cringed at the memory of "Calista's" last adventure among the mortals and how well the Ocean thought he was doing at playing human.

"This is definitely better than last time," they grudgingly admitted. "No one's been hospitalized yet."

Calista ignored the deity's comment completely. She didn't have time to be shamed about prior manifestations that had happened millennia ago.

"Congratulations on tricking your way into doing your husband's job, by the way. There's something different about you that your predecessor never had. You're creative and resourceful, and I appreciate that."

"You could fix the reapers I helped make," Lukas replied. "Why didn't you make Trysten into a proper reaper? It would take just a single thought to fix all of them, and the realm would be safer for it. They'd probably be easier to deal with too."

"Maybe I like what you did with them," Calista laughed. Lukas tried not to flinch at the sound of her laughter. "Maybe I have plans for this realm and I wouldn't want to squash your creativity. Using a Timelady and that pesky ex-reaper? I like it. Now tell me your plans to replace the Dream Guardian. It's last on your list and I want to see that creativity of yours shine. Who is the new Dream Guardian?"

Lukas paled at the question. There were a few candidates they'd thought of, though the obvious candidate didn't sit right with them. It was a cruel destiny to hand to someone so enthusiastic about putting down roots in another realm. Ascending to a position of such power wasn't for everyone, especially considering the fate of the last Dream Guardian.

"I have some thoughts, but I wanted to think it through before filling the position." They paused to stall for time. "What are your thoughts on the matter? I'm sure that you have someone in mind. That must be what you wanted to meet about, right?"

"An eye for an eye," the Ocean intoned. "The one who killed my creation, must pay with his own. She has the talent, and was only born as a gift to me. Her parents offered her willingly to me, same as the people of Jubilant Accosts offered themselves and their children. They are, therefore, mine to do with as I please."

So it was as Lukas expected. The Ocean had someone in mind, and came to see to it that his will was obeyed. She was the candidate that made the most sense to Lukas, but they couldn't bring themselves to put that plan into action. They had seen into her dreams, and wanted the best for an innocent child of two cruel parents.

"Despina wants to go home," Lukas insisted. "She's helped me sort through my dreams, and I've seen hers. She belongs in Pleasantview and Strangetown. I have her father in Limbo here, take him instead. Make him pay his own debts."

"And promote him to the demigod he always wished to be?" she laughed. "No, it's more appropriate to have his daughter ascend. It will torment him for the rest of his existence, and I wish to enjoy that torment. I respect his ambition, but I have to draw the line at attempting to force me to elevate him and his friends into gods above Death. The very thought of him forcing my hand! He sacrificed his children to me, and I will do with them as I wish. The girl is talented and resourceful. She found her own way to this realm and has so much of her father's promise. Her mother's blood ties her to this realm and to my angels. She's the perfect candidate. My first Dream Guardian never lived up to his potential, while she has a fire within her."

Lukas tried to hide their confusion over an angel being in Despina's bloodline. Her mother had been powerful, yes, but an angel? In Jubilant Accosts? This, Lukas would have to look into.

"If you won't tell her, then I will," Calista stated. "The ceremony will take place here, soon. I don't intend to wait much longer for the end of this realm. If you don't do it, then I will."

"The end of this realm?" Lukas repeated. "Why appoint a Dream Guardian if you intend to destroy this realm? Why have me try to piece a defense back together at all? Most of the people here might deserve to be destroyed, but not all of them! Do you know how hard it is for Life to make a reaper? All I did was for nothing?"

"You're becoming sentimental, Lukas Lane. You care about the subjects of your realm, like this blue girl with the horrible parents or the demon hybrid who thinks he can tame blood magic. I never thought that I'd see the day that you cared about something outside of Izanami or your many schemes for revenge. No, this realm won't be destroyed entirely. It will have a rebirth, just as that reaper used you to trigger hers."

"You, uh, know about that?" Lukas said quietly. They'd hoped this subject would never come up during their infrequent meetings with the Ocean. "I didn't mean to-"

"It's my fault for letting so much of this realm rely on soulmates," the Ocean groaned. Lukas tried not to react to their creator taking blame for anything in existence. This might actually be a first. "Your new reapers suffer from that problem, the same as you and Izanami. That demon hybrid and his warlock too, but let's hope they never figure that out; that would be a headache. Great power needs balance, but that balance can cause dependency, and dependency breeds recklessness. This rebirth will correct that. My Dream Guardian has no soulmate and neither does the moon. It will be a clean and elegant solution. Power with the support of others, but not the dependency on another soul to function."

"Is that why Izanami and I aren't our usual selves?" Lukas held their breath, desperate to know the answer, but frightened at what it might be. "Is he going to be okay? I can be stuck like this, if you want me to be, but please, stop whatever you're doing to Izanami. Do it to me instead if you have to. I need him to be okay."

"You've come a long way from begging for a way to murder Death," Calista chuckled. She stood up, indicating that she was finished with this conversation. "Don't worry, my plans for you two will conclude shortly. Please continue to prove my point about soulmates though. I don't care if you notify my Dream Guardian about her new position or not, but the ceremony will take place within the next few days. There will be no other candidates considered, Lukas. Her parents promised her to me long ago, and I will have my justice on the man who murdered my creation. He can rot in Limbo for eternity, but I want him to know the consequences of his actions."

"What did he do?" Lukas whispered to themselves. The Ocean would never give them a proper answer, that much was clear, but what had they missed that promised Despina to a deity who barely interacted with mortals? This was going to need a visit to Limbo to answer.

"I'll see you within a day or so," Calista called out, as she disappeared into the pool she'd arrived in. "Don't be late."

The Temple of the All Seeing Eye welcomed its master after their long absence. It was relaxing to once again be within its walls, guarded by statues of menacing angels. The Ocean remembered when it was built, all those centuries ago after the fall of the monarchy.

It was a peaceful place to unwind and prepare for what was coming. There were a lot of moving pieces, but Calista had been planning this for a very long time.

Karin Jakobsson and Jason Dean played together, completely unaware of what was happening outside. Karin had finally talked her mother into taking Jason in after the death of his parents, and she couldn't be happier to have someone her own age living with her family, especially Jason.

While Karin played blocks with her friend, something miraculous was occurring outside.

"Tollak?" Jakobina gasped in shock, unable to believe her eyes. "Tollak, is it really you? It can't be-you're dead! What sorcery is this?"

Tollak smiled, though something about him still felt wrong to Jakobina. That wasn't his exact smile or the way he had held himself during his life, but they had been separated for a long time, so maybe she was misremembering.

"Mom? Is that you?"

Delicia Lingren dropped the watering can in her hand in shock and stared with disbelief at the sight before her.

"Guthini? Is that you? Has the Watcher returned you to me?"

Delicia had given her son to the Watcher when the Proxy had decreed that Guthini was needed. He was resting with the hallowed dead in the sacred grounds of the Jacobean faith, not standing on the road in front of her.

But it was impossible to deny what she saw. The clothes were a little strange, but it was the same hair, the same eyes...it was a miracle.

"Mom, do what the lady says. You have to-the Watcher needs your help."

Guthini's voice was just how Delicia remembered it. He had always been quieter than the other boys his age, and more sensitive. Perhaps that was why the Watcher had needed him in the first place.

"Lady?" Delicia turned her head in the direction her son was facing. "Oh! I didn't see you there. Hello."

Her words felt awkward, but she was still processing her dead son speaking with her again. Whoever this girl was, she would have to wait for Delicia's brain to catch up. Why was this girl with Guthini anyway? How was any of this happening?

"Hello," Calista replied cheerfully. "I've come to make you an offer. You know how things have changed around here since Xexys decided to throw a tantrum. The Proxy is gone, and outsiders are crossing the border to save their own realm. Men are giving birth, there's a blood demon hybrid down the street-things are changing fast!"

Delicia tried to nod politely, but there was something eerie about this teen. The way she spoke, the way she moved...there was just something off about her. She didn't feel real, though Delicia was conversing with her dead son at the moment, so who knew what was real anymore.

"What's a blood demon hybrid?" Delicia asked curiously. "Is it like the Demon of Nightmares, but with blood? I've never heard of a demon outside of Xexys."

"Ha! I suppose it is a little like Xexys if he was concerned with blood," the girl laughed. The mere sound of her laughter sent a chill into Delicia's bones. "Anyway, your family has served the Watcher faithfully, even giving up your child to him when he asked. What if I told you that the Watcher was willing to reward your devotion? Is there anything that you would want from him? Wealth? Power? Youth?"

"The Watcher couldn't grant a woman as old as I am with youth," Delicia scoffed. This conversation didn't feel real, so why even pretend that such a miracle could happen.

"The Watcher can do whatever he wants. If you want to be a teen again, it can be done. If you want to be a an infant again, sure, why not?"

Delicia's eyes flickered to Guthini. Calista caught this glance and smiled.

"If you want your son back, I can do that. Hell, I can bring anyone back. I could turn your dog into a goat or your baby into a countertop. I just need one little favour from you. The Watcher has a plan for Yacothia."

Lea Lindgren watched her mother in law converse with the air for at least ten minutes. Delicia had gone out to garden, only to hallucinate. Hopefully, their neighbour, Jakobina, wasn't around to witness this moment of weakness. They would never hear the end of it if she had.

"Delicia?" Lea asked gently, walking up behind the older woman. "Are you okay? Who are you talking to?"

Delicia beamed, her face an expression of pure joy Lea never thought she'd see on a woman who had suffered so much.

"The Watcher is going to return Guthini," she exclaimed. "It's a miracle! All I have to do is trust in the Watcher, and do as he asks when the time comes!"

Lea pulled away from her mother in law, searching her face for any sign of fever or delirium.

"The Watcher told you this just now? Delicia, you were talking to the air! There was no one there. Besides, the Proxy is gone and the Jacobeans are in shambles. Perhaps this was just a trick of the Demon of Nightmares meant to lead you into his web of lies. Come inside, and I'll make you some tea. We can try to talk through this."

Delicia shook her head adamantly.

"This was real," she promised Lea. "Guthini is coming back. The Watcher is going to destroy Yacothia and remake it as he pleases, and then Guthini will come back. All I have to do is accept his plan, and follow the commands of someone called the Dream Guardian."

Lea smiled weakly, while ushering her mother in law towards the house where her words wouldn't be overheard by the neighbours.

"Okay. That sounds very interesting, Delicia. Did the Watcher give you a time when this will happen? A couple of months? A year or two?"

Theo immediately pulled away from Jesse to face his accuser.

"Adam? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in bed, waiting for our mission? Are you following me?"

Theo hastily gathered his clothes and pulled them on, while Jesse did the same beside him.

"I'm not following you!" Adam shouted. "All I had to do is think of the stupidest thing I could think of doing and I knew I'd find you. Why did you leave without me? Why are you using blood magic with someone else? You don't even know this guy! This could be a trap!"

Theo rolled his eyes at this, only making Adam angrier.

"That's exactly what you said about Sebastian," Theo snapped. "Everyone is evil if they're interested in me, right? Even when Sebastian turned out to be the victim of his father, not the villain you imagined! We're not together, Adam! We're just casually hooking up and I can't deal with your insane jealousy whenever anyone else looks my way! You just can't seem to understand that I don't want a relationship right now, and you keep twisting-"

"I'm not twisting anything! We've all seen your dreams where you imagine us married! You want me back, but you're too afraid to admit it!"

Theo groaned, and shot an apologetic look to Jesse.

"I can't deal with you anymore! Even if I did want you back, I'm sick of dealing with your jealousy! Jesse and I are helping to break Xexys' curse, and yes, I'm using blood magic with someone else. Lukas told us that I need to work with someone undead, and you're just jealous that that doesn't mean working with you! I am trained to use blood magic, and my powers are stable, so I can do something good. It's not my fault that I wasn't directed to work with someone with crystal magic instead!"

"And the vampires were so quick to agree to help!" Adam shouted. "We don't know what their motives are. They could be helping Xexys for all we know. Aren't they supposed to be at war with werewolves? I'm sure blood magic could help them win that!"

"Goodbye, Adam. You're ruining our relationship with our new allies," Theo said, gesturing to his ex-boyfriend that he was free to leave the backyard at any time. "I'm not going to stand here and listen to your absurd, jealous theories. I'll report to Helle about my progress, and you can find something else to do that doesn't involve following me. I'm going to find a way to wake up everyone cursed with the plague, whether you like what I'm doing or not!"

"Fine! Go play the hero, and sleep with vampires "to save people". I don't care anymore, Theo! You're a selfish jackass who only thinks about what you want! It doesn't matter how many people you hurt or rules you break, as long as you're happy! Have fun explaining this to Helle, while I do something that's actually important!"

Adam stormed off, too angry to even be able to focus on teleporting. Theo's eyes followed him as he left. He was torn between rushing after him to apologize and screaming something hurtful while Adam could still hear.

It was a relief to finally be able to shout his many grievances with Adam. Theo was sick of walking on eggshells or avoiding Adam and now things were finally out in the open. Adam's jealousy was suffocating, and it was going to offend the vampires, just as it had offended Sebastian.

Sebastian....

Theo needed to work out whatever magic or cure he could in order to wake up Sebastian, just as he'd promised. Let Adam simmer in his jealousy, while Theo actually did something about their problems.

"Come on, I think we were on to something," Theo said, reaching for Jesse.

The vampire looked hesitant after watching Theo blow up at his ex, but slowly wrapped himself the demon hybrid once more.

"Are you sure that you don't want to go after him?" Jesse asked. "You could always come back later.'

Theo shook his head adamantly.

"No, let's get back to work."

For the next few nights, Theo stayed with the vampires to work on how his magic could be combined with theirs. Chinh had pulled out some dusty old books on blood magic that Theo had devoured. The library in Pleasantview's collection of blood magic books paled in comparison to Chinh's collection. Of course, there were laws and policies regarding blood magic literature in Pleasantview, while Jubilant Accosts and its vampire population had no rules on the subject at all.

Theo didn't even get so much as a text from Adam, which gave him feelings he didn't want to process. Adam was angry with him, obviously, but he was angry at Adam too. It was nice not having to avoid Adam's clingy behaviour, but Theo still found himself missing Adam. Helle had said that Adam was spending time with his cousin, but she hadn't included any other information. He tried not to let this bother him.

At least Helle was impressed with his easy relationship with the vampires. She didn't want them as a part of her kingdom if they didn't want to join her, and she would gratefully accept them as allies either way. If Theo did somehow find a way to hurt Xexys by working with the vampires, then Helle would be ecstatic.

She was less ecstatic when she would walk out of a meeting with Chinh, only to find Theo and Jesse tangled up together in the room next door.

At least those two were actually getting somewhere with their blood magic casting. The secretive magic of the vampires did align closely with Theo's blood magic and the last time that Helle walked in on them, they had produced a cloud like wisp of energy that hovered in the air. As long as Theo could keep his concentration, the cloud could billow out, filling the room. Anyone who had been in the room observing the process and had the cloud brush against them, had been unable to sleep for two days, which everyone took as a positive sign of its potency. If they could engulf all of Jubilant Accosts or Pleasantview with their wispy spell, it could pierce through the dream sickness, and wake Xexys' victims.