Toying with Destiny

"If what he's doing bothers you, why not just kill him?  If Torn really is taking orders from him, then he'll have no reason to continue with Rainkin dead."  

I glared at Adairis while still pacing.  "It's not that simple for us humans.  We have actual feelings."

I saw him shudder at the thought.  "There are a few things I envy about humans, but your pathetic feelings are not one of them."

"Whether to kill him or not is not my greatest concern at the moment.  We have to find out why he's raising zombies.  It just doesn't make sense.  I can't see what he could possibly hope to gain."  I stopped pacing long enough to move to the small bar in the corner and pour myself a drink.  Draining the vodka shot in one swallow, I poured another before turning around.

"Forgive me for saying so, but if Rainkin is truly insane, he doesn't need a reason to raise zombies.  At least not a reason we could understand."  Rapid looked at me with sorrow in his big blue eyes.  It was obvious that he didn't like being so blunt.

"Maybe, but I've had to deal with a number of Sensitives who've "gone over" and they still almost always have a reason for their actions.  Just because someone's insane doesn't mean that they act without purpose.  Trust me, Rainkin has a goal in mind."  I finished my drink before continuing, "We just have to figure out what it is."

"Not that I give a damn, but whatever it, is it obviously involves you."  Adairis stifled a yawn as if to prove just how bored he was by this conversation.

"For once, you're right.  He had the whole world to choose from, but he came to my town to raise zombies.  He had to know that I would put a stop to it.  Which means he wants to get my attention.  The question is why?"  I was deeply unsettled by this thought.  After all, I'd once loved this man more than my own life.  Too much, in fact, to kill him when I should have. 

Rapid came to stand before me, so that he could meet my eyes when he spoke.  "Torn is my responsibility and I will find a way to deal with him, so you needn't worry about that.  Given how you feel about this Rainkin, I'd be glad to handle him for you as well."

I was touched.  I barely knew this creature and yet he was willing to take not one, but two problems off my hands.  I only wished I could allow it.  "Thank you.  Your offer is greatly apreciated, but I don't operate that way.  I let Rainkin live, which makes him my responsibility.  As for Torn,  I won't stop you from going after him if that's what you choose to do, but don't do it for me.  I'm the one who discovered what he was doing and had Adairis call you so we could gather information.  I have no problem seeing this through to the end."  He smiled and my poor heart skipped a beat.  Stupid, useless, annoying organ that it was, I chose to ignore it.

"Then let us work together on this.  There is safety in numbers, as you humans say and we can't assume that they are in this alone.  So I believe it would be best if we watched each others backs."

With a deep sigh  I said, "You're right, it would be safer if we worked together."  Judging by the way my body was reacting to him, spending more time with Rapid might prove more dangerous than going it alone.  At least I'd have a better chance of coming out of this alive, though.

"Well, isn't this touching."

Adairis was looking at us as if we'd both just grown another head.  Which might be possible for a demon, but was highly improbable in our case.  "What exactly are you referring to?"  I should have kept my mouth shut, but my curiosity got the better of me.

He sneered before answering.  "The little mating ritual you two are performing, of course.  Were you demons, you'd both be naked and rolling on the floor by now."