Chapter Twenty: Protector of the Rock

"Yer so fuckin' reckless!" Lugh shouted as we made it back to the car, his green-gold eyes blazing in his fury. I sat in the passenger seat, glaring out the window while he had a rage fit outside. His episode went on for two whole minutes before he decided that he was calm enough to get in the car.

"Done throwing a fit?" I looked at him, watching his entire expression grow cloudy and dark. "If you say anything else, lass, I'll fuck ya into the back seat. Ya might not be happy when I do." His voice came out husky, deep, grave as he stared at me, hoping that I let one little bitty word slip.

I snorted, smirking, tapping my fingers against the door handle. "I'm thinking about building a house. Would you like to help?" I asked, watching his eyes flare up, clamping his lips shut. " I'm thinking about building it from the earth..." I thought back to the DIYs I used to watch, stroking my chin.

"What do ya have in mind, lassie?" He sighed, starting the car and pulling off. I begin explaining to him about the video I had seen where different tribes of people build and carve underground pools and homes so that they can be off the grid.

He listened on, intrigued and excited as if he wanted more than anything to be among nature; I couldn't blame him.

"Next question, where're ya setting this up, lass?" He glanced at me as we turned on down the country road, rolling down the window. I just stared out my window, watching the trees pass us by. " I'll know when I feel it." I glanced over at him, adjusting the seat back so that I could get some shut-eye while he drove; that was my worst mistake.

****

"Daughter...so you finally came?" The voice wasn't one that you could just easily forget; I remember it because she spoke to me once before, though this time, she wasn't the only one calling out to me.

There were so many stars as far as the eye could see, and right in the middle of the sky was a gigantic moon that took up most of the horizon, peering down like an eye. There stood Gaia and Khonsu, gazing up at the stars

"You seriously called me here again? You may have birthed me, but because of you and your gifts... Jack is gone." I became engaged and annoyed, my fingers flexing at my sides, my brows furrowed over my blazing eyes. My red curly locks whipped around my face as a steady, strong breeze blew.

" You needn't worry about that; she's here watching over you just as we do." Khonsu walked forward until he was standing face to face with me, his silver eyes were just as chilling as the moon above. A warm smile gave me a homey feel as he reached out and gently cupped my face with both of his strong hands.

"Dad..." I whispered, my eyes widening as we started at each other. He looked back over to my mother then back at me. "You're just as strong; your journey made you wise... I can see it in your eyes and soul." He pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.

I hadn't meant to, but I embraced him, remembering how I used to before. When the world still believed, I was able to hold and see them physically in person, how the times have changed. "Whatever plan you have, remember we'll always support you." Gaia was next to me at this point, staring up at the stars. "When you need us, we'll be there. Wake up."

--

I woke with a jerk, grasping using everything within me to keep myself from screeching in rage. Lugh had pulled the car over pretty close to the trees, sitting on the hood smoking his rolled-up cigarettes.

He had his shirt off, which was odd, but I guess it made sense because it was humid as hell. If the devil could teabag anyone and rest his nut sack on anyone's head, that would be the best way to describe the heat.

I sat up, getting out of the car, watching his head turn as he glanced over at me. " Yer finally awake, aye?" He smirked, pushing off the hood, standing with a stretch. I felt the heat rising up my neck as my eyes took in his sweating form. He walked over to me slowly, flipping one of his many gold coins in the air. "Sleep well, Lassie?" He grabbed my hand in his and tugged me forward, his green-gold eyes glittering.

I squeeze his fingers tightly, my brows furrowed as I remembered the dream, seeing my parents, my actual parents. "It could have been better, my mind was invaded again." I placed my head on his chest, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me snugly against him. He rested his chin on the top of my head, slowly soothingly rubbing my back. He started to sing to me, picking me up and holding me against him as he did. I kaid my head against his chest, my arms wrapping around the back of his neck as I held myself closer to him, humming along with him.

A man with many talents.

"I can't remember how you came to be. What happened?" I whispered, his singing coming to an abrupt halt. He started down at me, his face twisted up as a very unpleasant memory hit him.

"I was given a rock to protect...the person took my sanity as payment."