Welcome to Gaia! ::

She smiled as she gazed at both masks. Side by side just as she and Tempest had become. A special place on the wall together was all that befit them.

Thinking back over the evening, she frowned slightly, hoping that her father and mother didn't mind the celebration. Somehow she knew they did not. Wherever they were in death. Hopefully they were together.

It had been a night filled with delight and laughter. At least from her perspective. She'd never had an entire evening like that. Even the walk home in the dark when the worst things were around didn't seem to intrude on them. It was magical and filled with the brightest sunshine.

The bracelet found its way into her jewelry box as she took it off. The glass beads caught and reflected the light momentarily causing her to smile. Picking up the stone, she stared at it for several long moments.

It lay in the palm of her hand, sparkling and glittering as it cast a rainbow around her. Dazzling the refractions of thousands of tiny crystals caused nearly every shade of blue and violet imaginable to shimmer and dance in the lamplight. She laughed as she held it. Tempest had chosen well. It did seem to fit her. Perhaps she'd do a painting centered around the gem. Tossing something like that into her work always made her enjoy painting more.

Still studying it, she could easily see it was not the type of gem to be polished and smoothed. It was the type that one enjoyed as it was or set into a piece of jewelry created specifically to offset the stone in a way that revealed its shape, quality, and beauty. Somehow she knew it would take just the right design for it, but at that moment nothing came to her. Perhaps later when she had studied it further, she'd come up with an idea that would suit it.

It wasn't like it was going to get up and walk away. She snickered slightly, amused at the thought of the stone sprouting arms and legs and crawling away spiderlike.

Suddenly yawning, Eftemie blinked as she stared at the clock. It was nearly dawn. At least as much dawn as they ever had now. The sky barely lightened between day and night. She'd been impressed that nothing had interrupted the carnval. At least she saw nothing that did.

Sighing she turned the stone over again watching the kaleidescope of color as she rolled it gently in her fingertips. It sparkled so beautifully. It would wait until she was not quite so tired, and it soon found its way into her jewelry box. Closing the lid, she yawned again, heading for the bed nearby. Soon she was snuggling beneath the blankets for warmth.

She'd think about a setting for the stone tomorrow.

The flash of amusement had reached out touching her gently. It wasn't true awareness and yet there was that within the stone. It shimmered faintly even with no light, stirring as a wave of direct emotion pulled, coaxing and cajoling movement. Luminous for a moment, it lit up the inside of the box briefly. A moment more and the glow faded as if it had never been.


She rolled over onto her side, a frown shifting across her face. The dream slipped down over her uncomfortably, interrupting but not enough to awaken. Eyelids flickered as visions appeared revealing themselves to her even though not understood.

Laughter rippled through the air. It was sad. Haunting as if it knew something she did not. She whirled to try to catch a glimpse of the person.

Only mist greeted her.

"Who's there?" she called. "Is someone there?"

It was faint at first. Barely noticeable.

Tilting her head at the sound, she frowned slightly. "Is someone there?" she asked again, searching the area slowly.

No reply, but the faint sound increased. She scowled at the sound.

Wings?

The rustling of the bushes in front of her caught her eyes as she understood that whatever the sound was, it was on the other side of the barrier now in front of her. Slowly, she pushed the leaves aside with her fingers. Just enough she could peek through to see what the problem was.

Bushes? When did they appear? Wasn't she simply standing in mist?

The thought barely appeared before it was swept away by something huge. Huge and very violet.

When the huge body swung past her, Eftemie blinked in surprise, suddenly biting on her lower lip as she stared. It looked like a swollen grape many times larger than it should have been. A horn thrust straight upwards on the very top, but the most curious thing was that it had wings. The creature whirled in pursuit of something that flashed violet as it dodged the branches of the other plants in the immediate area.

The small puff of light darted through the space she had created, zooming past her head and away. Startled, she backed up as the purple blob suddenly slammed into the branches that her hand held aside. The next instant he was thrashing about, firmly stuck where he was.

She giggled as he struggled, stuck in the small opening she had created to see through.

*Let Yeti free!*

A blink in surprise as the name slid over her.

"Yeti?" she asked, starting awake. Sitting up in the bed, she glanced around her. The dream had been so vivid. Unusual for her. She could almost see his huge purple shape still struggling to get free. The large raspberry eye rolling in exasperation.

Suddenly she giggled. "I guess I ate too much at the carnival. It's definitely giving me strange dreams." Shaking her head, she rubbed her eyes wearily. She was still tired and hearing noone else up yet, she just rolled back over, nearly drifting off again.

"Yeti.. " she mused. "Flying purple people eater." Then she giggled again.

"Jace," he said shaking his head in annoyance. "A fight is starting outside. Do you want us to break it up?" Running a hand through his hair, Tony, the main bouncer for the club, nearly sighed in frustration. It was always one thing after another recently.

He was getting tired.

The club owner frowned at his words, but turned towards him. He and the other bouncer at his side wore worried expressions on their faces.

"Who is it?"

"Dane and Paul. If it continues and from the things said, I think it will spread. It's not good." he stated in a way that Jace knew he'd already sized up the situation before coming to him.
He flinched at the mention of the cause. Both Dane and Paul were good friends. Most likely it was nothing but the thought of it spreading gave him an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. It roiled around as if he'd eaten something spoiled. No good would come of this. He was suddenly sure and moved for the door.

"Follow me but stay out unless I need your help." he said, pushing the door open and stepping out into the stale night air. Stopping he watched them for a brief moment to see what was happening.

As one hit the other, he suddenly sighed, moving towards them. He'd have to break it up. They were standing in the parking lot of the club and on his property. He was responsible for it.

With no other choice, Jace touched Dane on the arm. His first mistake. Not his last.

"Stop. Both of you. Let's go inside and.." The word 'inside' seemed to echo for a moment as time slowed down. His second mistake.

Suddenly he stumbled backwards from the blow he'd not seen coming his way. Grimacing he grabbed hold of his stomach, gasping for breath. Pale he nearly retched on the pavement as he stumbled against the lightpole next to him.

Dane didn't stop. He moved towards Jace, the new target of his fury, eyes ablaze. Jace barely avoided the next time Dane's fist came his way, but the third hit him squarely in the jaw.

"Damnit! Jace is in trouble!" Tony growled, already moving towards the club owner.

Both bouncers moved quickly shoving Dane away from him. Pulling Jace to his feet they half-dragged, half-pulled him to the door of the club as the crowd milled about. Tony glanced worriedly at them before closing the club door.

"That's it." Jace said, sitting down in a chair nearby. "Club's closed for the night. Pack the band up, Tony, and get them out the back door. The girls too. Make the announcement and get the customers out the back way."

Tony clicked the door lock. The barmaids circled the room telling everyone about the crowd getting nasty outside and suggested they slip out the back way. Few hesitated and quickly vanished out behind the stage.

He rubbed his jaw and side, flinching slightly. Nothing broken, but his ribs and jaw were both bruised and he could taste the blood where his teeth had sliced his lip. Dane never reacted like that. What had stirred him up so much? Suddenly he didn't care.

Getting to his feet, Jace shook his head. Then he jumped when the battering on the door began. The door shook and though it was metal and solid, it wouldn't take them long to smash in the windows. The word 'inside' echoed again silently in his mind causing him to clench his jaw tightly.

"Jace... that won't hold for long." Tony said, staring at the door. He could see the shadows against the windows.

"I know. Let's get out of here. They aren't going to stop until it's all gone." the owner growled. The Prospero would be gone before the night was over.

Grabbing the money from the till, he dumped it into a bag from under the counter. A few other things he picked up, taking them upstairs with him after locking the back door behind them.

"Get out of here. I'm just grabbing the stuff from the safe and then I'm going too."

"We'll wait on you, Jace." Tony said folding his arms.

"Alright." he said, hurrying up the stairs. The sound of shattering glass reached his ears and he nearly hesitated. Gritting his teeth tightly, he focused on what he needed to do.

The crowd surged into the club, shoving tables and chairs over splintering them. Several headed for the bar, grabbing the bottles as they could. But even that was not managed without fighting and bashing the very items they coveted. The mirror behind the bar shattered as a chair was thrown into it, scattering reflective fragments over the area and the people there.

"It's a lost cause, Tony. Don't even think of going back." Jace said softly when the man moved towards the door. "Let's just get out of here." He snagged the last couple personal items he wanted to hang onto shoving them into his pack. The last thing were his guns, two pistols he kept well cleaned and oiled. The safe's contents were emptied into the bottom and he'd stop to sort later.

"I'll be at Tempest's if you need anything. I'll do what I can." Jace said, handing each man a stack of money. "It's not much, but you'll need this. Let's take the emergency stairs. I think there will be fewer there."

"Alright. And it's okay, Jace. We didn't expect this." the bouncer said, shoving it into his inside vest pocket. "Let's go."

When they got to the corner after slipping around the side of the parking lot, Jace and his men glanced backwards shaking their heads. People were fighting and running out with things, but even then they weren't getting far as someone else noticed they had something and began battering them.

His worst fear was confirmed.

The Prospero was gone and with it a great deal of his hope for normalcy returning to the world.

"Get out of here. Don't stop for anything." Jace said, hugging each man and then moving off down the street as Tony and his friend moved another direction.

A coward. The word slipped over him as a something distasteful in his mouth. He loved the Prospero, but at that moment, he'd not been willing to fight for it. Why?

He thought about it as he continued walking down the street. His bouncers had always taken care of fights more than he had. It was the reason he'd hired such good people. Tony could size up a situation quickly and had prevented a great many brawls over the couple years he'd been with Jace, often putting himself on the line and taking the brunt for Jace.

He was the coward and at this point, he didn't want Tony or anyone else injured because of him. It was all he could do. Let the Prospero fall to ruin while he and the others remained out of harm's way. At least for this moment.

He flinched uneasily, shivering lightly as he walked down the street. A tin can rattled, garnering his immediate attention as he steeled himself for whatever was going to happen. When it rolled around in the stale breeze, he relaxed slightly. It wasn't safe at night. And worse alone as he was.

But then he had no choice in the matter either.

With no backward glance at the club, Jace continued walking. Tempest had said that if worse came to worse to come to them. With no family, it was all he could think to do. He remembered the chance he'd given the man so long ago. It had paid off in more than one way. He had a friend and he had a place to be. Right now, he was grateful for it.

Several times he glanced back over his shoulder at the touch of sound behind him. Twice he'd even hidden shivering in the dark until the sensation of being followed passed him by.

When he finally reached the door, relief slid through him as a breath of fresh air. His jaw hurt. His side hurt.

He was tired. Not entirely physically, but tired just the same.

The world now seemed to drain a person's soul, sapping the strength each had to use it for its own. But the use was different and only escalated the darkness that came creeping and coveting the very essence of what it did not contain as a portion of its own existence.

He wished it would end and the world would turn upright once more to prevent all from drowning in the depths as they were. Likely it would not and he knew that even as he hoped for more.

Pushing the intercom button, he said, "Tempest, it's Jace. I need to talk to you."

His arms were around Eftemie as they sat in front of the fire just listening to the music playing. When he heard Jace's voice, Tempest knew instantly something was wrong.

"Jace should have the club open. I have a bad feeling about this." he scowled getting to his feet.

*Are you sure that's him? With the things that have happened recently, it could be a trick.* Yuri growled slightly, moving towards the door with the man.

"Just a minute, Jace. Tempest is on his way down." Eftemie said softly in reply as she touched the intercom by the doorway. Something was very wrong for Jace to be here now.

"Thank you, Effie." the man said softly, then remained silent.

"That's Jace, Yuri. I know his voice, and there's an edge to it as if he's worried. I've heard it before." Tempest stated, his hand opening the door. A moment later they were down the elevator and at the front door.

"Maybe he closed early." Tempest said, peeking through to see if it was Jace. Opening it, he pulled him inside, relocking quickly. Turning to stare at his friend, he frowned. "A fight?"

"Not just that. It's gone, Tempest. A mob... a fight started and before we knew it... " his voice trembled slightly as he shook his head unable to continue. "I hope I'm not intruding on you. I.. didn't have anywhere else to go."

"Jace... I'm so sorry." Tempest replied, hugging him tightly for a moment. This man was more his father or big brother than his own father had been. "Of course you are welcome here. I'd not have told you to come otherwise. We have plenty of room. Joe's here now too, but that I'll tell you later or let him. Let's go upstairs and get you some tea to settle down your nerves and you can tell us what happened."

Using the elevator, Tempest, Jace, and Yuri were soon at the door to the apartment. Locking it behind them, he took his bag, shoving it to the side.

"Sit down and tell me what happened."

"It was bad. Dane and Paul began fighting in the parking lot. Those two are best of friends but something had them stirred up. I tried to stop it, barely got out a word or two and found myself belted for my trouble. Dane didn't stop there. Tony and one the other guys pulled me out and we closed the club early, sneaking the band and customers inside out the back door. Next thing we know they are tearing the door off the place and smashing the windows." he explained softly, his hands shaking as he accepted the cup of tea from Eftemie.

She frowned watching him. His lip was bruised and cut causing it to swell. His jaw was turning very purple and getting larger still. And he continually rubbed his side. "I'll get you some ice for that jaw, Jace. It's swelling and turning purple. And some painkillers too."

"Thanks, Effie." he said. "Tempest, I just grabbed what I could and lit out. I feel like a coward but people- when they are like that- are... just unreachable. What is wrong with this world? Things like that shouldn't happen. And it's only going to get worse."

Returning with the meds and ice pack, Effie sat down on the couch beside him.

"You aren't a coward. I'd say you had more sense than most by leaving. It's alright, Jace. You can stay here as long as you like." she said softly, hugging him for a moment.

"I know, Jace. Too many strange things are happening right now." the younger stated, walking over to the window to watch out for a moment. The street was empty and desolate.

A thought dropped down on him as he thought over the last few months. He had an idea of what was happening, but even he had thought to some extent that it was his imagination.

A shudder dropped down over him and he shoved the thought forcefully away from him. He didn't like it.

But what could he do? What could any of them really do?

And if that was the problem, was there a solution other than the obvious?

He didn't know. He was quite certain that he didn't want to either.

The same dream slipped down over her again.

The same purple creature stuck in the brush.

What it meant she didn't even venture to guess. Other than to think that she'd eaten some maniacal portion of food that was attacking her from the inside.

*Let Yeti free!*

The voice slipped over her as she turned to face whatever was there. As her eyes sought its shape, she indirectly understood that it was the same creature. Its voice was becoming exceedingly familiar to her.

But this time as Yeti struggled to free himself, another figure jumped into view. It danced around, smirking slightly as it began to torm.

"Monkieboy! Stop that!" a voice giggled, trying not to laugh at all. She knew that the one she couldn't see would continue.

She glanced back at the snorting, derisive creature that danced around teasing Yeti. It looked more baboon than anything else. A disgusting noise became a taunt as it ignored everything said.

With a sigh, she woke up, staring into the darkness.

"I swear I better lay off the sweets. Now it's a Monkieboy." Eftemie blinked, shaking her head. "Too many odd things dancing in my dreams lately."

Three days later, she was dressing for the true show. For some reason she'd not been sleeping well. Again. Someone's voice kept waking her up. Tiredly she stared at herself in the mirror. Her expression reflected her exhaustion. Dark circles loomed under her eyes. Shrugging it off as most likely the flu or a cold coming on which would reflect the weather recently, she stared at the gem for a moment. Something about it still bothered her, but it was a part of the costume now.

In truth everything bothered her right now. Everything was creepy and dark in some sinister way. It was as if the hand of some ancient god had stepped forward to take all that was good from sight, replacing it with all the ugliness and pain it could dream up. Neighbors slammed their doors in the faces of people they knew well. Screams were often heard as well as gunshots, glass breaking, and she was certain a myriad of other unseen actions taken to injure another.

Her pets were all sticking close by. Whenever she went outside even just the outer balcony, either Yuri or Moonshadow went with her. The rest acted as they normally did, but a sense of alertness was in them all. It was as if something was waiting to happen and she was beginning to pick up their feelings of unease. Even her garden was struggling with the utmost care even enclosed as it was. They all tended it faithfully everyday only to find more dead leaves on the floor the next morning.

Tempest had helped somewhat. They liked him and he tried to amuse them with his tricks and jokes. Even Ataxis had curled up to the young man which was very surprising for the draught as he let noone near him except Eftemie.

Hopefully things would change. For the better.

Somehow she knew they wouldn't. Or couldn't.

She stared out the window, glancing down into the street. Several people were walking quickly down the street in a hurry as if they didn't really want to be out there. She knew they most likely didn't. She didn't. But she needed to.

A feeling suddenly slipped over her. A wave of dizziness slammed down and she swayed reaching her hand out to the wall to steady herself. A flush of heat swept over her as if she were suddenly fevered. Her mouth went dry and she closed her eyes tiredly a moment as she leaned entirely against the wall.

*It's time.*

Her eyes abruptly opened as she glanced around the room. Noone was there, but her.

"Time?" she blinked. "Time for what?"

The voice had spoken softly as if from a great distance but was as clear and sharp as the ring of a bell right next to her.

Eftemie gasped softly as another wave of dizziness swept over her. She felt so hot suddenly and thirsty. She was really thirsty for some inexplicable reason. Moving slowly towards the door, she stopped halfway there, swaying unsteadily for several long seconds.

She suddenly felt something or someone pulling at her. Dragging her down. She shoved trying to reach the surface the way a drowning person tries to reach the air just above them. It's easily seen, but just out of their grasp. A weight seemed to slip into her, leadening her movement and suddenly all was dark.

Crumbling to the floor, Eftemie lay still as the jewel began fusing itself into her navel, the skin closing around the edges. Light laughter echoed. A faint tinkling of sound. Weak and frail. It was both gentle and mocking at the same time.

*Time... for... Laughter...*

Soon.

It had begun.

"Has anyone seen Eftemie?" he asked, a frown slipping onto his face. She'd be late for dance. "Is she still getting dressed?"

A sudden smirk on his face. "I didn't think there was that much to the costume."

Joe glanced over from where he was doing the dishes.

"Maybe she decided not to go, Tempest. She wasn't feeling well earlier. I don't think she's been getting much sleep."

"Is she in her room?" Jace asked as he watched both men. "I thought I heard someone moving around up there but it's been quiet for awhile now."

Sighing suddenly, Tempest moved towards the staircase to her loft. Surely if she had decided not to go, she would have said something to one of them.

Pushing back the curtains, he called tentatively, "Effie?" No reply was forthcoming. He frowned as he stepped further into the room.

"Joe!" he yelled rushing forward. She was lying face down in the center of the floor. At her side instantly, he felt for a pulse. Strong but too rapid he decided after another moment. Noting the flushed cheeks, and the odd rhythm of her breathing, he picked her up moving her quickly to the bed.

Noting the paleness as they rushed into the room, Joe flinched.

"Fevered?" he asked immediately.

"Yes, but I'm not certain why. She doesn't appear to be injured or even have the markings the plague victims have had."

"I'll get some water and a cloth." he said, slipping back down the stairs. Surely the same thing that took his wife from him was not going to take his niece also. Had he carried it to her by coming here? Surely not. The doctors had given him a clean bill of health after they took his wife's body and quarantined him immediately afterwards.

Grabbing a bowl he filled it with water and some cubes of ice. A cloth from the drawer would work and he quickly moved towards the upper room after another moment.

Jace and Tempest were both sitting beside her. Tempest was removing her shoes and costume to try to get her into something a bit more comfortable and warm. She was shivering slightly from the heat of the fever already.

"She's cold from the fever already, Joe." Tempest said. "How did this come on her so fast?"

"That's just the way it is, Tempest." the older man stated tiredly as he placed the bowl on the table beside the bed.

"Well, it sucks." the younger growled in sudden frustration. He pulled the jeweled belt off that had held the stone against her naval. Then he stopped glancing down at the stone. He couldn't see an edge to the stone to pull it free.

The skin actually looked as if it had grown around the gem. Almost as if if were now embedded.

Embedded?

He blinked in surprise, staring for a moment.

He had forgotten what had been said that night. But it all swam back to him as clear as daylight.

"There was a mention of the jewel that rests in my hip.. These are what this.. 'shop', if you want to call it that, peddles....

This is a place were gods are reborn into mortal shells...

Tempest scowled. He'd given the gem to Eftemie. He gazed at the stone again. Had he unwittingly given her something that would injure her?

"Gods..." There was a question to the word. Had that been what the one named Kaelin had been trying to tell him that night. He flinched, pulling her nightshirt down over it. When she woke, he'd talk to her and see what they could do about it. Perhaps there'd be a way to remove it.

She opened her eyes, frowning slightly at the headache. Rubbing her temples, she glanced over to see Tempest asleep in the chair next to her bed.

Why was he there?

She could hear Joe and Jace not far away, talking quietly. Their voices a low murmurr though she could not hear the words they said.

Something was wrong. That was the only word she could find at the moment. Her thoughts were fuzzy. Diluted and misty though they flickered back to the last she remembered.

The costume.

Raising her head slightly, she flinched when her stomach hurt, though she quickly glanced down at herself. A nightshirt. Not the costume.

*Laughter?* she wondered silently. *Time for laughter? What does that mean?*

Why was that thought important?

*It is.*

*Why?*

*What I am.*

She blinked certain she was hearing things. Afterall, she had answered herself on more than one occasion. Just not so... loudly.

A gentle sigh echoed through her.

*I am laughter.*

The reply shocked her slightly, causing her head to thump more. Drawing her breath in, she closed her eyes slipping back to sleep.

But not before she wondered who the voice in her head was.

And more importantly, how did she get rid of it?

*You can't.*

The reply came immediately, laced with amusement even as she drifted off.

The next time she opened her eyes, Tempest was watching her.

"How do you feel?" he asked softly. The stone was fully embedded now. He was quite certain that something more was going on. How did he tell her about the stone now fused into her naval? How did he tell her that it was his fault?

She stared at him a moment. "Did I get sick?" she asked in confusion.

*Sort of.*

Amusement again.

"You had a pretty high fever, Effie." he said, still watching her. She appeared to be slightly confused. That was normal for a fever as she'd had.

"I see."

*Do you?* A faint echo of amusement again slipped through her.

Her expression flickered slightly at the odd voice. She pushed it away again as her imagination.

"What was wrong with me?" she asked. Her eyes noted the worn and worried expression on Tempest's face.

"We weren't really sure." he replied. "I found you lying on the floor."

"On the floor?"

*Fainted. With good reason.*

*Shut up!* she growled inwardly, but glanced back at Tempest somewhat impatiently.

Amusement slipped free again.

"You fainted. Do you..?" he asked hesitantly. "Do you remember anything?"

Eftemie shook her head, frowning as she watched him. Teeth tugged at her lower lip in slight frustration. "Only... I was suddenly..."

*Hot.*

"Hot and awfully..."

*Thirsty.*

"Stop that!" she snapped in frustration.

Nonplussed Tempest could only stare at her silently. He watched her closely for several moments causing her to grit her teeth.

"I'm sorry." then "What did I do?"

She sighed, shaking her head. "Not you, Tempest."

Another echo of soft amusement slid over her, caressing.

Tempest continued to watch her thoughtfully for a moment. "Alright. You've been asleep three days. Do you want anything to eat?"

*Thirsty.*

She grit her teeth again. "I'm a little hungry." she struggled not to say it, but then she added, "and thirsty."

He nodded, moving towards the staircase. How did he tell her what he suspected about the stone?

And more importantly, was he going to lose her?

"He said the host was gone. That he is the result of the stone. The person no longer exists, but a god has been shaped in their place. He did something. I don't really know what it was, but Elana, he had power to control something. He said he was God of Water. How many gods are there?"

His attitude changed slightly. He shook his head for a moment. "Not yet. I need to understand this." It was her question about what he thought that he avoided.

At least for another moment.

"He said... His exact words were.. 'This is a place were gods are reborn into mortal shells, tainted by their sickly emotions and forced to bow and scrape to Harmodius. I hope you are prepared, if you were brought here to this door you are likely doomed to become the home of one of us...' I had thought to go back another day, but I never did with things the way they were."

"Even the one he was arguing with that day acknowledged him as a god though she didn't seem to care that he was. And then it was as if another person had taken control of her body and spoke with her voice for a moment, apologizing to him."

"Are the gods really returning?" He blinked in surprise. An odd feeling slammed into the pit of his stomach.

If they were and they were linked to the stones in some way... Had he just doomed the girl he loved to becoming one? And if so, what god was she?

The dreams settled down over her, teasing and causing a restlessness that was not there before. The stone was fusing more and more each day and the changes were getting much more prevalent. The girl lying there didn't know. She was still sleeping and had been for weeks, seldom waking up for more than a few moments at a time, but others had noticed.

Jace and Joe worried over her and the changes they had begun to notice. Tempest and Elana were no less anxious. After losing his wife so recently, Joe tended his niece constantly until the others forced him to get some rest. Tempest could be found sitting in the garden, brooding, and Jace went about trying to ensure that everyone ate properly. Elana was withdrawn and silent as she watched all.

She nearly sighed as she reached out trying to take control of Eftemie's body. A finger moved or a foot twitched. The girl was still sleeping, dreaming vividly. Perhaps it was best that she remain that way for awhile yet.

Lisana knew that it was going to be an uneasy thing in the beginning. And she was still looking at the memories the girl had. Her life had not been easy losing so many and now she was taking more. The goddess mind flinched slightly, though unseen.

Eftemie would hate her for this. But it was too late now and what had drawn her to the girl was the fact that even sad, she had still laughed. It had drawn her the first time she'd been near her. Laughter with a vibrancy and life to it unlike anyone else's. Nothing less would have pulled her attention.

But what was the best way to do this?

She had no clue. Instinct for survival took over and she sought control aggressively.

Instead she moved the fingers of the right hand. Her right hand. The thought amused as much as caused her to sigh inwardly. This was not her body. But it was her body and would become so more and more each day as she pushed for control and the girl was forced aside. It was a contradiction that all would go through to live once more- at least the gods born of stones.

She had died in dark times as other gods died. The memory was faint but it was nonetheless there and several emotions became prevalent as they gained strength shattering her with fear, pain, and darkness. Scattered thoughts of creatures running rampant and people rioting crazily once more caused rememberances of her last days to surge into view. The girl had seen such also. Now.

Dark times were here. Again.

A frown flickered through her as she tested moving a foot, then a knee, then the entire leg. The girl's mind was still sleeping when she sat up swinging her feet out over the side of the bed. For a moment she swayed, hands reaching out to steady herself.

Blearily she blinked, taking in the furniture and things around her. The times she'd moved before someone had been there, cooling her forehead and trying to soothe her back to sleep.

A hand moved to her stomach where the stone was embedded. She glanced down, studying it for a long moment. This clothing would never do, she decided as she moved from the bed to the mirror. The girl had a nice shape and she smiled slightly as she moved to the closet. Hopefully she would have more suitable clothing.

Lisana sighed as she stared at the garments in front of her. A loose light violet top and a light white gauzy top caught her eye and she smiled. Then a few other pieces of clothing took her attention. Soon she was dressed, not entirely as she desired, but it would do and her navel was nearly covered though her legs were left mostly uncovered.

The girl's hair was rather straight. She sighed but began to comb it in a way that it became a bit more wild. It was not her own yet. She had turned away, laying the hairbrush back down by the mirror when the jewelry caught her eye. A smile slipped across her face at the silver and violet bead bracelet. Only glass beads but very pretty and sparkly. Several necklaces in the same colors were layered around her neck.

It was then her hand bumped the small windchime. The tinkle of the small metal bars sounded like the faint whisper of laughter. She nearly giggled at the sound. It reminded her of lighter days. She blinked slightly trying to pull the memories into focus in front of her. They slipped away causing her to sigh.

Something awful had happened to the gods. She wondered if others were out there as she dangled the chime from the fine chain it was attached to. A few moments later, the small bars were swinging freely as a pendant, tinkling against one another as she walked to the edge of the loft.

There was more to see out there and she planned to see it now.

The streets were barren, a wasteland. The buildings looked to be in disrepair, dirty and dingy in what she knew from Eftemie's memories was a vibrant bright town filled with people living happily. At least for the most part.

The stale breeze tossed dry leaves around until they dryly cracked, falling into smaller pieces no less brittle and decaying. Those too were picked up, scattered here and there only to shatter lifelessly to the ground.

For a moment she sighed. There was little life here and even less laughter. She faintly remembered full vibrant laughter as when the gods ruled. This place reflected none of the grandeur of the temples and palaces that she'd once known. It was quite the opposite.

Whatever was drawing her onward it was not immediately visible but more an intangible thing that caressed her knowing and desire for understanding. That Destruction was dominant at the moment filtered its way into her thoughts. But why? He'd been so when the gods were fading. That much was a faint memory that trickled down to her immediate awareness.

Lisana was quite certain though that when she'd been pulled back, reshaped that it had been Harmodius touch she'd felt. Gentle, soft, and yet firmly demanding her return. A need to understand filled her, but then she smiled. It really didn't matter one way or another. She would live and laugh as long as she could. And when she was unable, she had no doubts that Creation would once more pull them from the darkness and ignominious state they found themselves in.

A laugh slipped free and into the air as she stopped to lean upon a nearby barricade at someone's door. A bit of tiredness slipped into her as she waited a few moments, resting to regather strength that was not entirely hers.

She was just standing there silently listening when she saw the flash of violet. It gleamed brightly for an instant glowing with power. Her eyes narrowed as she studied the area only to see it flash once more. Thoughtfully she wondered what it might be, but then she snickered.

"How will I even know unless I see what it is?" she smirked at her own ineptitude.

Eftemie would have giggled and said she'd had a brainfart. The word amused Lisana as she moved towards it, leaving her lips curling upwards. The very idea of it amused her immensely and she'd already decided to use it when it would have the most effect on someone.

The flash of violet was a bag. It seemed transparent in nature, but was filled with something the moved, swirling as if it were not only alive but filled with something that wanted to get out. For a moment, she studied it. A vibrant deep violet, a pale shimmering purple, and an equally brightly glowing aqua shimmered within. A key shape on the outside caused her to reach down to touch it. Whatever it was, it wanted out. The sensation of being trapped came to her but she simply watched it several moments as she caressed the outside.

Picking it up finally, she tried to untie it. The bag would not open causing her to raise an eyebrow. Hesitantly she nearly placed it back where it had been, but then as she studied it, Lisana decided it was meant for her. Uncertain why, she simply frowned as her eyes flickered over the movement within.

She'd keep it awhile and see what became of it. Whatever was inside, perhaps it would be amusing in some way. For now it was hers. Turning towards the street as she tucked it into her pocket. Obviously it needed a key and perhaps at some point she'd find one. For now it would sit upon a shelf at the loft until she figured out what to do with it.

She'd keep it awhile and see what became of it. Whatever was inside, perhaps it would be amusing in some way. For now it was hers. Turning towards the street as she tucked it into her pocket. Obviously it needed a key and perhaps at some point she'd find one. For now it would sit upon a shelf at the loft until she figured out what to do with it.

It was then that Eftemie chose to move causing Lisana to frown. She'd hoped she wouldn't do so, but she'd have to keep her from taking control at that moment. There were things she needed to do.

Unhesitatingly, Lisana had shoved Eftemie into the crowded, dusty labrynth where the oddities in her memories were stashed. It took nearly all her strength to push the girl there while she garnereed control ove her body. Even then it was incomplete. It would be so until she and Efte came to some form of agreement. Peace. Whatever that middled ground was called that they met on.

At some point, she'd find her way out. And the girl would regain control. For a short time. She knew she'd have to shove her aside and into the dusty tomes and cobwebbed hall. It always made her a bit weaker to do so, but the girl was easily distracted from consciousness. It was a process that took her three steps forward and sliding two backwards before she could push forward again.

She was gaining, but slowly.

Lisana knew she should give the girl a chance. A twinge of guilt and nervous laugh slipped out as she paniced a little. She was entitled to it as some part of her felt this was wrong. To take the life of one against their will so that oneself might live could be considered self-defense. Unless one added in the factor that she had lived before.

She had lived. And faded. Some would say that she deserved no new life- no second chance to have all that she had lost- at the cost of another.

But still she wanted to live. And a part of Eftemie would live within her as she slowly took over the memories and body. Even it if twas to die again, she still craved this life, wanting to feel and laugh again.

The moment had arrived and it was time to tell her what was happening. The bag in her hand caused her to frown slightly. It felt as if it had moved. Just like the girl whose body she was making hers. Her muse was working overtime she finally decided shoving the thought away. She did need to tell her.

She tread gently through the memories in her, their mind's eye. Much of this was becoming her own and quickly shoved to the side as she tried to keep control. The thoughts, emotions, and rememberances she'd not taken yet were pushed even more tightly into a corner. That was where Eftemie's consciousness lay. And she needed to find her.

At times they struggled against one another when both wanted to be awake. The conflict usually carried their body to physical exhaustion with one gaining control but not for very long. It left them weakened.

Usually Lisana eased off a bit so that the girl had her familiy and friends for a short time. But she'd not be able to do that forever. At some point she had to take control entirely so that they would be able to survive.

At the moment, she simply needed to make her understand what was happening.


So many doubts invaded her thoughts until she sighed seeking the girl out in *their* head. At least physically. When she found her, buried deep within the dusty hall, Efte was sitting in the corner, piles of books around her. Humming a tune as she brushed each one off, she soon replaced it on the shelf.

Her footsteps echoed as she walked to her causing the girl to turn and stare at her. She shimmered slightly as she watched Eftemie. As her mind reached out to touch the girl's a bit more closely, she sighed again. A dusty hall was what the girl had seemed to be drawn to, so it was what she had tried to give her. One small corner. For now.

"Oh! Who are you? Where did you come from?" she asked blinking in surprise but then laughed. "I'm Eftemie."

The sound echoed around the mindscape they were standing in, causing it to ripple in various places. Not real sound but thoughts that rippled with life and sentience.

"Lisana. Do you... know who I am?" she asked slowly.

Eftemie watched her and then laughed. "No. Should I? But if you don't, then we might be in trouble." Turning back to the stack of books, she picked up the next book, swiping the dust off. A small sneeze exploded into the air, causing her to giggle even more.

Lisana raised an eyebrow in amusement. She was always laughing. It's what had drawn her. No others had ever had that joyful laughter that this one seemed to have no matter what happened in her life.

"I suppose I should just say it. I don't think you have a clue otherwise."

"Tell me what?" Her hands continued working on the stack of books as she suddenly picked up a rag from between two. Using it to brush the dust from the tome, she carefully placed it in the shelf when it was dust-free to her satisfaction.

"Efte, the stone.... " she began stopping as the girl turned to face her.

"Stone? Oh, you mean the one that Tempest gave to me. It's beautiful isn't it?" she began with a huge smile firmly planted on her face. "It was all sparkly and purple and blue."

She sat down on the floor beside her. "Do you know what the stone is, Efte?"

"What it is? Oh, probably Amethyst or..."

"Not what I mean." she said shaking her head in extreme amusement. "I... am the stone, Efte. I was once the Goddess of Laughter. Harmodius brought me back, but every stone needs a body to live again. At least I"m pretty sure it was he who is bringing the gods back. Or was at one point."

She stopped turning to stare at her. "You are the stone? How is that possible? You don't look like a rock to me." She smirked slightly at the last comment.

Lisana stared at her a moment and then began to laugh. "No, I suppose I don't. I once lived a long time ago. I don't remember it all. Not yet, but I do know that I was brought back for a reason. I think... this world needs laughter again. Times are dark right now. Destruction is here."

"Destruction? Oh! You mean the way people are fighting and afraid." she stated understanding gleaming for a moment. Or so she thought.

"No. Destruction is more than that. He's a god. At least half of Harmodius, Creation."

Eftemie watched her silently, the wheels turning in her head. "A god?" she finally replied. "But gods don't exist, not really. Do they? I mean.." She suddenly remembered the god-killer and the appliance had eaten Byrne and others. "Humm.. I remember a god-killing fridge.. and.. but that was... well, I really don't know what that was." she admitted, a perplexed expression crossing her face.

Lisana shrugged. "It would fit I suppose."

"So you are a stone." She moved back to the thought.

"The goddess from the stone, yes."

"I see." she replied pursing her lips as she studied the girl next to her. Then, "Goddess of what?"

Lisana blinked, her jaw nearly dropping open in surprise. She stared a moment. "Laughter."

Eftemie stared back momentarily. "Then why doesn't everyone laugh more? Too many walk down the street scowling. Even before it got as it is with Destruction and all."

"I've been dead."

"I see. How'd you die?"

"Something happened. People stopped laughing and I faded away. Many did then."

"So why do I see you? You don't look faded to me."

Her eyes narrowed in almost annoyance. This might have been funny except she was trying to be serious.

"The stone. This is just..." she indicated the images around them as well as she and Eftemie. "our minds talking to one another in a more comfortable way."

"I see. So you really aren't there. So if I hit you with this book, it's just an image and so are you?" she asked with a smirk.

Lisana stared, her mouth opening to say something, but then closed before she could utter a word. For an instant true amusement sparkled forth though she knew that Eftemie did not entirely understand. Instead of trying to even explain further, she broke into laughter.

"I'm not entirely certain now..." she finally replied smiling.

Eftemie had brandished the book, but cleaned it off instead, placing it carefully on the shelf. Her eyes sparkled in amusement even as only an image.

"For a moment I thought you were going to hit me."

"For a moment I was tempted."

"I see. I'm glad you didn't."

"I still might. Some day."

"Some day, I might let you."

Sighing as she opened her eyes again, Lisana frowned thoughtfully. She had tried, but Eftemie was not ready to hear it yet. Some part of her knew. Lisana was quite certain of that, but like everything else, she needed to avoid. At least for a little while. She could give her that much.

A sudden thought crossed her mind at the thought of Eftemie hitting her.

"A book with one's name on it instead of a bullet?" The thought suddenly amused her. If it did, she most likely deserved it for taking what was not hers.