Time, Fate and Whatever

Lisa Martin

 

 

            "Couldn't he have taken somewhat longer this time?" The slender woman lifted herself from the pillows she had been lying on. "I'm still tired from the last leap."

            "Complaining, whining, that's all you ever do these days," her companion remarked. She was sitting cross-legged on a large pillow, idle picking on the croissant she was holding in her hand. She looked bored.

            "And you're feeling sorry for yourself, because you have nothing to do!" The other woman shot back. She had scrambled to her feet, and was looking around the large room. "I wish I had your life, "she sighed. "Sit around all day and doing nothing."

            "Whine, complain.."

            That did it. Green eyes flashed like lightning, cheeks flushed with anger. "Listen sis, I can't help it that your expertise isn't necessary lately! If you can call it expertise."

            The croissant flew across the room, nearly hitting Time in the face. "I will not take insults, certainly not from you!" Fate spat at her sister, who merely grinned.

            "You're pissed."

            "Damn right I am! Someone has been stuffing his head with all that nonsense that it isn't me who controls the whole thing. That he does it himself. One moment I didn't pay attention, and look what happens!" The pillow followed the way of the croissant.

            "Told you not to get involved with that idiot," Time commented, not at all impressed. She had been living with her sister's temper for millennia.

            "He's not an idiot! Besides," Fate's expression changed from angry to wicked. "You have a thing for him too."

            Time drew in a deep breath and let it out noisily. Patience, she told herself. "Not that it's relevant for this discussion, but I don't."

            "Tell me another lie, maybe I'll believe it!" Fate said. "Didn't you have a job to do?" she added, smiling sweetly.

            "Oh yes." Time let out a deep sigh. Her eyes closed, and she frowned. Fate kept quiet, knowing not to disturb her sister when she was concentrating. Not that she hadn't done it before. She shivered when she thought about that event. Her sisters hadn't been pleased, to use an understatement. In fact, it was her fault they were in this situation now. Despite their efforts, they hadn't been able to restore the damage she had done then. And now the situation had taken a turn for the worse, she had lost her grip on the process. Temporarily distracted by one of her pet projects, she had let her attention slip. The result was a situation, which was even more uncontrollable than it had been. Time had to use all her powers to keep things from getting completely out of hand, which didn't do wonders for her mood. And then there was this other thing..

            "Hello!" As on cue, the 'other thing' appeared in the form of woman. A young, slightly plump, disgustingly cheerful woman, her dark hair hanging around her face in a carefully constructed mess.

            "Sssshhhh!" Fate hissed, gesturing toward her sister.

            The other woman's eyes went wide and she clapped her hand over her mouth. Fate grunted at the sight. "Child," she muttered under her breath.

            "Aaah!" Time let out a long sigh. Her eyes went open again and Fate immediately noticed the weary look in them. She hadn't succeeded. "What's she doing here?" Time's voice was cold as ice.

            "I thought I'd take look at what you were doing," the woman said, blissfully ignorant to the hostility. "You threw him in to another time stream, didn't you?" A hint of malice shone in her eyes and Fate shivered. Despite her innocent looks, this lady was not someone you could ignore.

            "Yes, what else could I do? You control him now. I use what power I have to keep the damage as little as possible."

            "You can't. How many times do I have to tell you this?" The childlike look was completely gone, pale blue eyes became dark blue, shining with an evil certainty that send another shiver down Fate's spine.

            "Stop it!" she hissed, suddenly fed up with the whole situation. "You think you can just show up here and turn things upside down??"

            "That's what I do best. Besides, if you had been paying attention, I wouldn't have been here." The last statement was said with a shrug.

            Time sighed. "As much as I hate to admit it, she's right."

            "Oh great! Gang up on me!" Fate scrambled to her feet and stormed to the door. "I'm going to see my 'distraction'. At least he's fun!!" The door closed with a loud bang.

            "Oh my, insulted."

            "Listen lady, whoever you are.." Time started.

            "Whatever."

            "Whoever, whatever, what's the difference???"

            The woman chuckled. "That's my name, Whatever. I come in when everyone else fails or screws up. I thrive on chaos."

            "Oh do you now?" Time's eyes had again that green color, the one that spelled danger. Her sisters knew better then to mess with her when they saw that, but the intruder merely grinned.

            "Yes. And the lot of you sure created one."

            "The fate of a man doesn't mean anything to you?" Time approached her victim slowly, like a predator its prey.

            "Fate has nothing to do with it anymore. She's out of the game. To answer you question, no I don't care."

            Time drew in deep breath, telling herself that killing this woman wouldn't do any good, if she could kill her at all. She slowly turned and headed for the door. "Go ahead. Create more chaos. Just be careful you don't get caught up in it."

            "Hasn't happened before," was the cheerful reply. "Where are you going?"

            Time paused in the doorway. "Somewhere where you are not," she replied calmly, then turned and walked out. Whatever chuckled and sat down, glancing around her. "Ah grapes!" she smiled and reached out to take a few. Lying down on the pillows, she ate the grapes, smiling to herself.

            Time stormed through the hallway, her calm and collected behavior completely gone now. This was getting out of hand, and there had to be something she could do. She halted in her tracks when she heard a giggle coming from her sister's room. If anything, that sound made her even more angry. The door nearly flew of its hinges when she threw it open. Fate was sitting one her bed, eyes closed, a huge grin on her face.

            "Having fun?" Time asked snidely.

            The brown eyes opened, the grin disappeared, replaced by a slightly annoyed look. "Hey, don't spoil it! It was going so well!"

            "Messing about again, aren't you?" Time paced the room, unable to stand still. She was rapidly working up to a full-fledged rage.

            "No. I did something right this time." Fate's tone of voice was very pleased.

            Time stopped her pacing for a moment and stared at her sister with wide eyes. "You didn't??"

            "Yes. It was about time, don't you think?" Fate looked like the cat that ate the cream. Then her eyes turned weary. "If only.." she sighed.

            Despite her anger Time grinned. "Good girl," she smiled. "One less problem to deal with. Now…"

            "I've got it!!" Fate cried out suddenly. She smacked the side of her head. "Why haven't I thought of this before!!"

            "Too distracted?" Time supplied. She dreaded her sister's plans. Usually they were complicated and utterly impossible.

            "Possibly," Fate grinned. "But if it hadn't been for this distraction I would have never thought of it. We've been looking in the wrong direction! We've been trying to control this and all it got us was an even bigger mess, right?"

            "Yes." Time couldn't argue with that. Her mind was working rapidly and she was beginning to see what Fate meant. "Go on."

            "We've been trying too hard. We wanted to set things right all at once. You can influence the timeline, right?"

            "Yes, somewhat," Time nodded. "Not enough though."

            "Not enough to send him home. But how about letting him land into a situation where he can sort it out for himself?"

            That took longer to sink in. When it did, Time smiled, a wide, happy smile. "You mean?"

            "Yeah!" Fate nodded, returning her sister's grin. The grin faded as she continued, "There is something else."

            "I knew it! Your plans are never simple, are they?" Time rolled her eyes.

            "This one is! The only thing is, we need someone else to join us." Fate looked at Time, who stared back, narrow eyed. The moment the name crossed Time's mind, her expression became stormy.

            "Oh no! Not her! Can't you do it yourself? You did it just now." There was a tiny shred of hope in Time's voice.

            "Not with this one. The others," she waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.. "That was easy. I merely took away some barriers. No sis, we need her."

            "Why?" Time wasn't giving in that easily.

            "Because he hasn't figured that out yet."

            Time sighed. She hated to admit it, but her sister was right. "Okay," she agreed reluctantly. "Shall I call her?"

            "Save your breath. She knows when she's needed."

            "Or not needed," Time muttered under her breath.

            "I heard that." The comment was not offended, if anything it was amused. The voice belonged to a slender blond woman; her pink dress flowing around her like it was part of her body. Blue eyes twinkled with mischief as she regarded the two other women. "It's about time you called me in on it."

            Time let out a snort, but refrained from commenting.

            "Don't tell me you knew all along?" Fate grinned, used to her big sister's antics.

            "Of course." It was said with a wave of a hand. "But you two were so set on solving this yourself, that I didn't want to interfere." She ignored Time's dark glare and continued, "This woman is getting on my nerves, though."

            "On all our nerves," Fate nodded. "Now, the plan."

            For the next ten minutes nothing else was heard but soft voices, discussing and arguing. Suddenly Time stiffened.

            "If we want to do something, we have to do it now. He's leaping again."

            The three women stood together, hands linked, eyes closed. The air seemed to still around them, not a sound was heard.

           

A room appeared around him. Blinking, trying desperately to focus and fighting down the wave of dizziness, Sam stood. Another leap, another situation, another body. He sighed heavily, it was getting harder and harder.

            Before he had time to look around him, the door of the room opened and a man came in. He was carrying a stack of papers under his arm, a cigar firmly clenched between his teeth. Sam gasped. The man looked at him, dropped the papers on the desk and carefully put the cigar in the ashtray.

            "Hey Sammy, whatcha doing here?"

            It was too much. Sam swayed, reaching into thin air to steady himself. He was grabbed by his arms and pushed into a chair. "Hey, easy kid," he heard a gruff voice say, a familiar and oh so welcome voice.

            "Al?" It came out as a gasp.

            "Yeah. Who else?"

            A smile came to Sam's face. Yes, who else? In a strange sort of way it all made sense. He couldn't rationalize it, it was a feeling.

            "Sam, you're acting weird. Been overdoing it again? I told you not to stretch yourself to the limit; it won't do any good. The last thing we need is for the Project Director to collapse. We are …"

            "I know Al," Sam interrupted the stream of words. "I am not doing that." For the first time since he leaped in , into himself obviously, he looked directly at his friend. "Look at me Al. Tell me what you see."

            "Sam, I.."

            "Just look at me!" Sam grabbed Al's arms and forced him to look him straight in the eye.

            "I see you," Al said, then a frown creased his brow. "It's you, but there's something different. You look…older."

            "I suppose I do," Sam replied. "What year is it anyway?"

            "Sam…1994," Al added quickly, seeing Sam's dark stare.

            "Before I leaped. " Another smile, turning into a chuckle at Al's astonished face. "I don't only look older Al, I am older. About six years, I guess. The neural link is already in place, otherwise you wouldn't have noticed the difference. I only wonder why I am here.."

            "Stop!" Al cut in. "What are you rambling about??

            "Sorry," Sam grinned, too giddy to be serious. Whatever force had sent him here, he was grateful. "I am Sam from the future. I have been leaping for years now. For some reason I leaped into myself this time."

            "You are leaping???"

            Sam nodded. "You'd better sit down if you want to hear the whole story."

            Al did as he was asked, too stunned to object. Sam smiled at him, feeling completely comfortable for the first time in years. He told his story, leaving nothing out. Afterwards Al was still staring at him, mouth slightly open, eyes wide.

            "I cannot believe you did that!!" was the first thing he managed to force out.

            Sam shrugged. "Looking back on it now, I barely believe it myself. Yet, it happened, but…not in this timeline. Not yet, anyway." His mind began to work at top speed, the pieces falling into place. "I'm hear to prevent that!"

            "NO!!" Love cried out. "Idiot! Pull the plug on that masterbrain and let our heart take over for a while."

            Time and Fate looked at her in bewilderment. "If he can prevent himself from leaping without the proper equipment, the problem is solved," Fate said.

            "Proper…oh, the retrieval program!" Time grinned.

            "No, no, no!!" Love sighed deeply. She couldn't believe the others were so blind. "He needs a damned good reason not to and what better reason than love?"

            "Says you!" Fate spat.

            "Girls," Time warned. The last thing they needed was an argument. She got glares from both of them, but it didn't bother her. "I think Love is right this time. We ought to give him an additional reason."

            Fate shrugged. "Wouldn't do any harm, I guess."

 

            "And how do you think you are going to do that?' Al asked. "Stay here all that time?"

            "Why not?"

            "You said your leaps only last until you have put something right. How long has your longest leap been?"

            "Um…three weeks. But that doesn't matter," Sam waved the objections away. "I will stay here, I'm sure."

            "Oh for crying out loud!! I've never seen such a stubborn man in my life!" Love huffed. "This doesn't work, ladies." She broke the circle and headed for the door.

            "Where are you going?" the sisters chorused.

            "Desperate times, desperate measures," Love smiled and vanished.

            "You don't think…"

            "She is going there." It wasn't a question.

 

            "You seem very sure of that," Al said quietly.

            "Too damn sure!" The voice startled them both. Their gazes went to the corner of the room, eyes widening at the sight of the woman who stood there. A gleam appeared in Al's eyes, and she grinned at him. "Save it, won't work on me."

            "Don't be so sure about that," Al smiled.

            "I invented that look, Admiral."

            "Who are you??" Sam had found his voice again.

            "Someone who is going to pound some sense into you, let's keep it at that." Love threw him one of her most charming smiles.

            "She wasn't kidding," Al gasped. "She did invent that look!"

            "Bet on it. Enough about that." Love turned to Sam again. "You are so pigheaded! Trying to analyze things to the death. Why don't let you your heart speak for a change?"

            "My heart? I don't understand," Sam muttered, wondering if he had gone over the edge. Or maybe he was just dreaming.

            "That thing in here!" She walked to him and laid her hand on his chest, not too gently.

            "Ouch!" Sam gasped. Not a dream, his mind supplied. "I do know what my heart is, but I don't see what that has to do with the reason I'm here."

            "That's why I'm here. The two of you couldn't figure it out, so I thought I'd help." Again that devastating smile, now directed at the both of them.

            "You know why I'm here?" Sam asked.

            "Sure. I was one of the powers that brought you here." She giggled at their astonished faces. "I'm not gonna explain. Just trust me."

            "Trust you on sight, huh?" Al said, not at all convinced. Then he grinned,. "But what a sight."

            Love fought a battle with herself. Flirting was her skill, something she was an expert at. She could teach this man a lesson or two, and for a moment she intended to do just that, but then her eye caught Sam.

            "If it makes you more comfortable I can change. Don't like it, but if I can keep your attention doing it, I will."

            "Oh lady, you have my undivided attention," Al smiled.

            "Al!" Sam hissed. "Let her tell her what she knows!"

            "Boyscout," Al muttered.

            Love's eyebrows rose at that comment. The frown stayed for a few moments, then she shook her head.

            "Something wrong?" Sam asked, dread in his voice.

            "No, just got distracted for a moment." She was smiling again. "More things on my mind, so let's get this over quickly, okay?"

            "Fine by me," Sam mumbled.

            Love hoisted herself on the desk, getting a truly wicked look from Al for that, which she returned with the darkest stare she could manage. "We, and it doesn't matter who we are, send you here, Sam. It's time this whole leaping thing ended. We can't stop it ourselves, not for lack of trying by the way. You have to do that yourself. We merely gave you the chance to do so."

            "I've been saying that all along!" Sam exclaimed. "And you told me I was wrong!"

            "You were right about the reason, but you are taking the wrong path. Let me ask you something. If the same situation arose, and believe me it will, would you react any differently?"

            It was at the tip of Sam's tongue to say yes, but if he was truly honest with himself, he knew he would take that first wild leap again. Probably in the hope that this time it would be different. "I can work on the retrieval program while I'm here," he said, knowing it for the feeble attempt that it was.

            "That you can do," Love nodded. "but you can end it more quickly."

            "How?"

            "Speak from your heart, Sam. That's the only advice I can give you." She jumped from the desk and added, "For now. I have more tricks up my sleeve, but I don't think they'll be necessary."

            "I'd love to see more tricks." Al was all but drooling.

            "You don't. " Love giggled at the image that presented. "Some advice to you too, mister." She turned to Al, hands on her hips. "Quit the act!!" Then she vanished, and left both men staring at thin air.

           

            "I can't believe you did that!!" Time was furious. Love had appeared again, a very self-satisfied smile on her face.

            "The time for subtle hints was over, dear sister. And hey," Love shrugged, "who cares?"

            "I do!!"

            Love pulled a face. "Oh yes Ma'am, sorry Ma'am. Get that 'high and mighty' look removed from your face," she added. "Makes you ugly."

            Time nearly exploded. Fate thought it wiser to intervene, and forced herself between the two women. "Time out!" Grinning at the look she received for that remark, she added, "No pun intended, sorry sis." Her look turned stern again. "Fighting will get us nowhere. I'm not comfortable with what Love did either, but it could've worked."

            "It better," Love grumbled. "I though I'd met hard heads in my time but he's the limit." A grin flashed over her face and she shook her head. "Correction, I've met one."

            Fate grinned back; a look of understanding was exchanged. "When this is over, we'll work on that."

            "I haven't got a clue on what you're talking about, and I don't think I want to know," Time sighed. "Alright, let's see what she has accomplished."

            Hands were locked again and eyes closed. Slowly a vision began to appear. Love felt a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She succeeded. A feeling of triumph flashed through her, partly for proving her sisters wrong, partly for yet another victory.

            Time opened her eyes, breaking the circle. "I've got to admit it, seems like you did it."

            "Hey!" Fate cried. "Why did you have to do that?? Just when we were getting to the good part!"

            "Sleaze," Time said, unable to keep the grin from her face.

            Fate shrugged. She couldn't care less. Then something occurred to her. "I wonder…" She swiftly walked to the door, through the long corridor, to the huge main room. It was a mess in there. All the pillows were strewn throughout the room; food was scattered on the floor. It didn't bother her. "She's gone!" she cried out to her sisters, who had followed her.

            "Thanks the Gods for that," Time sighed. "This place looks like a pigsty!" She immediately began tidying up the place, her sisters, not that industrious, looked at her working.

            "Now that is solved," Love turned to Fate. "What have you been doing behind my back??"

 

But that is another story……

 

All right, for the nitpickers among you. J There was a Goddess of Love, and a Goddess of Fate, but no Goddess of Time. (At least in the pantheon I used). However, I had some difficulty in using the God of Time in this story. <g>

           

           

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