Selena Frost vs. Cid Turner III

[SnowQueenSCW]

Selena released a loud hum of relief as she sat down on the wooden dock, her feet hanging over it to plant onto the cold, hard ground, the knapsack she’d been carrying rested beside her sitting form. Her leg muscles celebrated the rest as she sat. Beyond her, a good twenty or so feet, she could hear the sound of the hot-spring water almost like a bubbling, churning cauldron! And I’m the witch… she teased as she overlooked the large hotspring that Serpentine Springs had been named for.

They had walked for three hours – the whole group of Frosts and Scythes – throughout the National Preserve, taking delight in the children’s reaction to everything. 

At first, Elsianna and David had stayed close to Selena and Deanna most – Amiliah being held by either Alejandra or Jonathan – however, after the first hour and a half, they had soon begun running ahead and behind the group a little to check out some of the amazing sights. For David, it had been the sight of the tors that had set him off – the towering rock formations formed from the volcanic activities thousands of years ago. Rocks that were, as the little boy had put it, “WAY OLDER THAN EVEN GRANDPA!”, as if Jonathan VanHohenheim was the oldest person in the world to the young boy.

That joke had brought a smile to Selena’s face.

”I’m not an old man.” Her father had grumbled.
“No.” Selena had teased at the time, taking her father’s hand into her own – savouring the warmth his skin gave her hand. “David just uses words… like ‘super-old’. He could be giving you a superpower! Able to mingle and reduce any and all prices at the farmer’s market! The power of heckling for the sake of it! SUPER-OLD!” she had sung a little, earning an eyeroll from her father.

Maybe this was, at least a little for her, Selena making up for lost time – for the years she hadn’t been able to go for walks with her father or explore hot springs and caves and towering rock-structures with him – and grasping it whenever she could. Regardless, she had, admittedly, lowered her guard a little to allow herself a chance to enjoy the day with her family – a notion that seemed to resonate with the rest of the Frost family as the day wore on. Of course, everyone was still on guard with so many of the Scythes around, but… Selena released a quiet huff from her lips as she tried to explain it to herself… 

It just… it was easier to forget about the ‘what-if this is a trap’ notion with her children having so much fun running around the tors or (as Elsianna loved) drawing butterflies and snowflakes on the walls of the bunkhouse, next to the names that others had written there in the decades the reserve had been around. When she could see such smiles on her children’s faces as they ran around the large reserve. 

Now? Now she was simply by herself, sitting on the wooden bridge that linked to the changeroom/bathroom over top of the springs. The rest of the family had gone to change into swim-trunks or something like that.

Selena hadn’t packed one.

Did she want to go into the hotsprings and relax? More than she cared to admit. She was full of doubt and worry from everything, Killjoy of course, but very much so SCW as well. 

She was going to get her world title match against Cid Turner. It was going to happen in her hometown – New York. It would probably be the only shot she would have for a very long time…

And she still didn’t feel ready. 

In truth, she had never expected Cid to get one over on BOTH Chris Cannon and Syren. The man was talented, no doubt, but Syren was… in Selena’s mind, Syren was one of the most talented wrestlers in SCW history. And Cannon? The crazy man had survived Minerva for Odin’s sake! By all accounts, Cid should NOT have retained the championship against either of them, but he had… and she had counted it.

Had there been close-calls and interruptions in that match at Under Attack? Yes, but she and Deanna had done all they could to keep it clean – to ensure the winner would be the undisputed world champion.

The reason for that was too fold. First, it meant no more of that stupid ‘Co-World Champion’ crap that Asher and Cid had been clinging to like lifelines. And the second…

She gave a shake of her head. The reality was that Cid was the rightful world champion from that match and, hence, Selena’s opponent for her own rematch for the World title. 

And he wants to put a baby in your wife…

She tried to hold back the bile that threatened to rise up from her stomach at that sickening thought. The memory that had happened two weeks ago – how Cid had invited Deanna and Selena to his ‘complex’ to see how he and his ‘people’ were, how those people had become delirious at the sight of Deanna’s red-hair and how Cid had wanted to have sex with Deanna and impregnate her based on that-

In a tent.
With people sitting in those wicker chairs you saw.
All to make a child that he didn’t even want…

Selena’s jaw clenched until her face hurt. After all she had been through to have children, the years of believing she never would, the years of believing that she couldn’t, to having her family with Deanna… And Cid, a man that had – infamously – fucked things up with his own family, wanted a child from them just to throw it away into the arms of people that had looked like they were ready to cannibalize Deanna and Selena on sight.

Doesn’t he see that he’s talking about people’s lives?
Of course he doesn’t!

Her mind went back and forth in such a ripcord of thoughts – for Odin’s sake, Cid Turner was now, apparently, engaged to a woman he had JUST met and had one date with! Hadn’t he just been stalking Syren a few months ago over “mad love” or some crap like that? Was there nothing he took seriously? Or was it all just a joke to him? Something that he could bend and distort to fit his needs whenever he wanted and then cast off just as easily like had with Asher Hayes?

Selena couldn’t put it into words – only that the whole thing about Cid: his new ‘religion’, his followers, his wants from Selena and Deanna, and, apparently, his views on marriage, it was all fucked up!

“Afraid you’re gonna melt in the hotsprings?”

Turning her head, Selena stared into the dark eyes of the man standing before her. Like her, he had not gone into the bathhouse to change. Perhaps it was the same reason as Selena – her having no desire to be in such a state of undress, of casualness or weakness, in front of her enemy. Besides, she couldn’t imagine Ryan Scythe in a bathing suit, though she had seen him in less.

A creep of disgust went down her spine at the memory… that she had been in love with him, allowed him to touch her…

“Someone needs to look out for the family.” Selena’s eyes narrowed. “Case your father isn’t around to keep you in place.”

Despite the sting in her words, Ryan merely smiled and nodded his head. “Ah, well, THAT is not going to be the case for much longer.” Without permission, the older man swung himself down to sit on the deck beside Selena. “Old man’s probably just a few more weeks out from a full mental breakdown and then it's ‘off to the looney bin’.” He spoke-sang the last part, a smirk appearing in his lips, showing a little of the pearly-white teeth he head. “You know I blame you for that of course.”

“Do you?” Selena asked, turning her head. 

“Of course.” Ryan repeated, his voice, accented like his father’s, still calm. “I mean you were always a thorn in our side – your whole family was. And with dear, old dad ‘resigning’ as the mayor? All of that power – gone - What else am I supposed to think?”

“That he might have a damn good reason to?”
“What ‘reason’ would that be?” Ryan shot back, his glaring at Selena, who looked ahead into the hot waters of the springs. “Huh? What would drive a man like my father to relinquish such power, willingly? You and I both know that isn’t how he operates.”

“I don’t know-“ Selena answered honestly.

“The hell you don’t.” Ryan hissed, suddenly leaning in close, glaring daggers at the Snow Queen. “The hell you don’t. You have been nothing but trouble from the get-go.”

Turning her head, it was Selena’s turn to glare into the eyes of her former fiancée. “I’ll remind you.” She spoke coldly, refusing to back down. “That you were the one that came to me. You were the one that cheated on and abandoned me. And then, it was YOU and your father that came after me and my family – I didn’t seek any of you out after I left Nome!”

“Yes and look where it’s gotten us.” Laughed Ryan, shaking his head and running a hand through his hair. “Here’s a question.” He shot out to the young woman. “Do you even care about your own people?”
“My people?” Selena asked with a raised eyebrow.
“The people of Nome.” Ryan clarified. “Now without a mayor because of you. Do you even care? Or has the city life made you forget the rest of us here in the middle of nowhere?”

Selena’s jaw clenched at those words. “You have no idea what you are talking about.” She started. “If Nome knew the kind of crap you and your family have done, you’d be driven to the artic islands in Canada. You have lied, used, and abused your position for years, and you know it. You put on a fascade – just like you are now – but you don’t give a damn about them. The only thing you covet is power and riches. That’s all you’ve ever wanted.” She took a deep breath. “That’s the real reason you tried to be with me. That’s the real reason you offered to marry me. And when I wasn’t needed for it – you abandoned me.”

She stared down her former lover, who met her gaze with one just as intense. In many ways, they had been so alike in the past, but now, Selena could not see a shred of herself or her children (thank Odin) in this greedy man.

“I’ll never forget the people of Nome.” Selena continued. “But neither will I forget what so many of them did to me. How they treated me. How you and your family did all you could to make my family seem like lunatics – ‘the crazy miner’s daughter’, right?” Ryan smirked at that nickname – big mistake.

“But I still have faith in those people.” She concluded. “And I believe that they’ll get past this… I think that scares you the most. That they’ll realize just how little they need you and your family.”

“Doubtful.” Ryan suddenly laughed in reply. “I’ll be entering in father’s footsteps soon enough.” 

Selena’s eyes widened at that, the inference of Ryan’s words shaking her more than she wanted to admit. 

“Oh…” a smile crept across Ryan’s features. “Talia and him didn’t tell you about that, did they?” A small laugh escaped his throat. “Give me a year and I’ll be taking over his place as the mayor of Nome – like you said, people love my family.” His eyes were back on Selena’s. “And I can assure you…” he whispered. “Once father is out of the picture, not only will I ensure that certain ‘promises’ are re-examined, I’ll be looking into certain ‘rights of mine’ as well…”

He was trying to scare her. Selena could tell as much.

“You can’t.” Selena replied coldly. “You have no rights to ‘re-examine’ in that regard. You think I wouldn’t know that?”
“Oh, I’m sure… but you don’t have a bunch of little secrets on me, do you? No dirt-sheet or little skeleton to keep me in line, do you?”

He leaned forward towards the Snow Queen. 

“Well, let me be clear. I can’t do anything about David, you’re right about that… but since I never knew of Elsianna’s existence until the last few years, I never signed anything handing her over to the orphanage or to you… so…” he shrugged. “Maybe one of the judges re-examines.”

A laugh came from Selena. “Your father tried this tactic. Didn’t work then. Won’t work know.”
“Father is merely the grandfather, not the biological parent!” he growled.

A lightbulb went off in Selena’s head, Ryan’s words causing a realization in her. “He told you not to say anything, didn’t he?” she watched Ryan shift a little uncomfortably in his purple suit. “He told you not to tell Elisanna and David that you’re…” she trailed off, refusing to say it.

“Their father.” Ryan growled. “Yes. He threatened to disown me or disinherit me, whichever was the most damaging, he said.” 
“That why you’re here, then?” Selena asked, tilting her head.
“I want…” Ryan looked away in time to see four people – Elsianna, David, Jonathan and Alejandra – emerge from the bathhouse, heading straight for the hot-springs. “I don’t know what I want. I want what my father is trying to get – I want what he had, too.”

For a moment, Selena could only think, gathering all this information together in her mind until she suddenly shook her head, a sad huff of a chuckle leaving her.

“You’re beyond sad, Ryan.” She settled on saying, pushing herself to her feet, not surprised when the older-man joined her in standing. “You want all the good things everyone around you has but none of the suffering. You want to see the children you and I sired, but you don’t want to take responsibility to what you did to them and to me. You want your father’s power and position because it’s easy and you don’t want to forge your own way.”

The man turned his head away, but the Snow Queen pressed on. “I have no reason to reignite our families’ war with one another. But I swear…” she leaned in, her words ghosting in a whisper. “Come near anyone in my family, whether you’re the mayor or not… and I will destroy you.”

“That a threat?” Ryan asked, a smirk on his lips.
“Just ask your father what happens to those that hurt me or my family.”

“Yes, by all means, son…” the voice caused Ryan to turn around, seeing the former mayor standing just behind him. “Ask me.”

Selena noticed that Malcolm still wore his long coat over his frame, but that was all she could see. Ryan, meanwhile, could only scoff at his father.

“Why bother?” Ryan asked. “You lost to her, and you’re still standing.”

A sad, knowing smile came across his features. “I am still standing because of Selena’s mercy. She had me where she wanted me and could have destroyed me…but she didn’t.” he gave a tilt of his head at Ryan’s confused expression. “Do you really think that our family would have survived the scandal with the information she had? She could have released it and crushed us, but she asked only for a truce. For peace.”

“Oh, please!” Ryan scoffed, turning away from his father for a moment. “Less than two months ago, you would have called that weakness! It means she can’t do it! It means she can’t do what needs to be done like you and I can do!”
“No.” Malcolm shook his head. “It’s because she values people – even people like us.” A sad sigh escaped the older Scythe. “I had hoped that you would learn from my mistakes, Ryan. But it seems that I asked too much.”

With a gesture of his hand, he waved towards the helicopter that was parked on the landing strip several yards away. “Go sit in the copter. You’re done for the day.”
“I’m not eight.” Ryan replied in disbelief. “You can’t just send me to my room.”
“I could instruct Oliver not to let you on the helicopter and leave you here -  that’s also an option.” Malcolm shrugged. “Ever slept in the wild with wolves prowling around you, boy?”

“I have.” Selena raised her hand, leaning against the wooden panels that made up the deck-bridge. “They get really frisky this time of year.”

With an irritated shake of his head, Ryan moved past the two and down the path, heading to the landing-pad as per Malcolm’s orders.

“I apologize for him.” Malcolm sighed, speaking slowly. “There was a time, believe it or not, that he wanted nothing more than to meet the children, like me. But after everything that happened, he tried to have children with Talia. When that didn’t work, he just – he found it easier to blame everything on you… Sadly, nothing I say can dissuade him of that.”

Her eyes still on the retreating purple suit, Selena sighed. “Might be an issue if he becomes mayor.”

A huff escaped Malcolm, the man rolling his eyes as he leaned his elbows onto the wooden-rails. “He doesn’t have the patience for that. I doubt he’ll get far. Even with the family resources.”

“You could manage him.” Selena offered, albeit reluctantly. “Get him on the right track – least for you. I, personally, think Nome could do without a Scythe mayor for a good few generations.”

The huff turned into a chuckle as Malcolm watched his grandchildren swim and play in the hot-spring, the rest of the Frost family joining, as did Talia and Gavin. 

“Selena…” he sighed. “I want to thank you for today. For allowing me the time to spend with them.”
“I said I would.” The platinum-blonde replied. “I do all I can to keep my word.”
“But you didn’t have to give it.” Malcolm remarked, his eyes tired but still on Elsianna and David. “You could have told me to ‘go to hell’ or something similar and I’d have understood why.”

“I have a nagging voice to deal with.” Selena stated, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. “I didn’t want it crying and heartbroken over ‘doing the right thing’.”
“Your conscience?” 
“Deanna.” Selena answered. “Much as I try, I’m not exactly the most forgiving person – look who raised me. When I fail…she keeps me grounded. When I want to let revenge take over, she keeps me…me.”

The former mayor gave a nod of his head, returning his attention back to the swimmers in the springs. “Did you know I have never gone bowling before?”

The question, out of nowhere, stunned Selena, the wrestler needing a minute to turn her head and regard the old man. “What?”
“Yeah.” He chuckled. “Never bowled a game in my entire life.”
“Not one?” Selena asked, her eyebrows high. “Not for your kids or when you were a kid going to some kind of party? Or some charity as mayor?”
“Nope.” Malcolm shook his head.

“Okay…” Selena gave her head a shake in disbelief. “How? And why not?”
“Never saw the point in it at the time. And then it never came up. Work was more important. Meetings with clients and powerful people took priority… But the other day, I was walking down 6th Avenue and passed the recreation center. People were going in with their bags of bowling balls and… it just hit me. Never played a game.”

“Do…do you regret it?” Selena asked, unsure of where Malcolm’s current train of thought was going.
“Well, not really – not the way you think. I’d probably be terrible at it.”
“I mean…it’s like curling…sort of.” Selena tried with a shrug. “And I know you played that.”

“I suppose.” Malcolm replied. “But it got me thinking about what else I hadn’t done in my life and I had you and the kids coming to see me soon so I didn’t have to dwell on that. But the thought of bowling – throwing a massive ball, dancing like an idiot… then I realized I’d never really danced like a fool anywhere. Not in my office or anything like that…”

“You should.” Selena shrugged, a smile tugging at her lips. “It’s fun to just-“ she suddenly pushed herself off the rails and began hopping and moving her arms in a way that could only be described as ‘spastic’. “-bust a move!”. She added a few shoulder shrugs and a foot kick out.

“Oh, I see.” Malcolm nodded in good nature before turning his attention back to the others. “I am sure you wrestle better than you dance.”
“Nope.” Selena threw back, adding a little run-on-the-spot ‘running man’ into her dance. “I’m hopeless.”
 
The remark seemed to cause a change in Malcolm’s expression, a sad smile gracing his features as he looked down at his interlocked hands. “I know that is not true.” He replied quietly. “I know how troubled you’ve been the last few weeks because of me…and your work… and Killjoy.”

Immediately, at the mention of those things: Malcolm, work (Cid), and Killjoy, Selena’s body stiffened, her expression became cold and her hands flexed into fists, as if ready to fight.

“There.” Malcolm remarked. “I merely mention the real world and all that humor is gone.” It was not him chastising her or mocking her – he was merely observing the young woman.

“Something I learned here – thanks to you and Anastasia.” Selena replied.

The older man gave a nod of his head, the sound of churning water and swimmers feeling his and Selena’s ears. “You know, I haven’t forgotten our deal.” Malcolm suddenly replied. “I want you to know that I am ready to honor it when you want.”

Turning her head to regard the man, Selena saw him shrug. “No time like the present.” She heard him add. That had been the deal – Malcolm could see the children (supervised, of course) and, in return, Selena would ask him any question to which he had to answer completely and truthfully.

“You want to do this now?” Selena asked in surprise. “Might put a damper on the day.”
“You mean moreso than my son?” Malcolm countered. “I imagine it would be best.”

For a moment, Selena looked away, trying to prepare herself to ask the question she desperately needed to know. She had known the question the second she had created the ‘conditionals’ to their deal. She would pin him down about Killjoy! Find out who the bastard was and finally get some answers on what his obsession was with her family.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no question emerged. Instead, she found her eyes moving away towards the distance. She could see Ryan, still walking towards the helicopter, his purple suit standing out. Why was he here? Why were any of them here? Why did this outing have to occur? Why had Malcolm arranged and was so desperate to see her children? And all the kindness and apologies?! These weren’t Malcolm Scythe – not the Malcolm Scythe she knew!

“Why did you quit being the mayor, Malcolm?” 

The question came out of her like a whisper, her head turning towards Malcolm to see his surprised expression. “I know you’re being genuine today… but I also know you. Ryan is not some ‘apple that fell far from the tree’. He’s a ‘chip off the old block’. His love of power and money – he got that from you. So why, why would you – someone of that nature – WILLINGLY give up the most powerful position in Nome? What would compel you, after so many years, to think about bowling and family over power?”

For a moment, Malcolm merely stared at the Snow Queen, his expression of surprise. Perhaps he had expected Selena to ask him about Killjoy – her original plan. Slowly, as the seconds ticked by, a sad smile graced his lips. 

“I don’t know whether to chastise you for wasting such an opportunity… or feel proud of you for getting to the heart of this matter.” Shaking his head, he took a shaky breath, as if it was his turn to prepare himself. “The reason I stepped down as mayor is that I have every reason to believe that I will dead soon.”

An eerie silence washed over them - or was it that Selena’s ears were suddenly blocking out all sound, she couldn’t be sure, but all she could do was stand there, staring at the impossibly calm former mayor.

“What?” she finally, and slowly, asked. 
“You heard me.” Malcolm smiled sadly. “I am quite certain that I will be dead soon.”
“Are you dying?” Selena asked. “Are you sick?”

He gave a shake of his head. “Perhaps I should clarify.” Malcolm tried, turning to fully face the Snow Queen. “Very soon, Selena, I am going to be killed.”

“What?!” Selena’s voice barked out, but it was barely a squeak of sound, her shock gobbling it up. “How is that possible?”
“We both know.” Malcolm smiled. “You warned me about it months ago.”
“K-Killjoy?” she asked, her eyes wide. To answer, Malcolm merely nodded his head. 

“I’ve been receiving visits from him. The first time was July 25th-“
“Rise to Greatness?” Selena asked, earning a nod.

“I was actually watching you win that little match of yours.” The Unbelievable Main Event… Selena thought. “And as I saw you with your wife… there Killjoy suddenly was, standing in my living room.”
“How did you know it was him?” Selena asked. 
“He flat-out told me so. Plus, the black coat and all that…”
“And the black-skull?”

To her surprise, the politician shook his head. “Didn’t need one.” Malcolm admitted. “I know who he is.”

“You know?!” The myriad of emotions gripping Selena – she didn’t know whether to beg to Malcolm to tell her or join her father’s example and punch him in the goddamn face! 

“He told me that before the year ended… he would kill me.” Malcolm finished, as if that explained everything. For the Snow Queen, she was in utter disbelief.

“And that’s it? A death threat and you gave up all your power?” Selena asked. “One maniac breaks into your house and you don’t get better security or go into hiding? You, the great Malcolm Scythe, just give up?!”

“Selena…” Malcolm sighed. “I know Killjoy well enough to know that there isn’t a move that I can make that he hasn’t predicted. I know that, in the position I am in, there is no ‘out’ or ‘second chance’ or ‘option B’. No matter what I decide to do, where I go, he will find me and kill me.”

“He’s that unstoppable?” Selena huffed. “Such a person doesn’t exist! I’ve fought clans and monsters! Including you!”

“No one like this.” Malcolm shook his head. “And perhaps you’d have better luck than me. You are stronger and far more resilient… but… from where I am.” He sighed, almost relieved. “It’s time, Selena. It’s been time for awhile now.”

She stared at him, seeing his calm expression, as if he had accepted this fate for himself long ago. Accepted death as his immediate fate. “So…that’s why you wanted all of this?” She asked, earning a nod from him.

“I wanted to have something pleasant and happy to hold onto in those final moments. I know – at least I am sure – they will be painful beyond my imagination and I wanted something…something happy… to hang onto-“ he cast his eyes out to his grandchildren as they splashed around the hot springs. “You and your family gave that to me, and I will always be grateful.”

“Come with me back to New York.” Selena suddenly offered in a rush of words. “Or we can hide you in the Schonburg Castle. The owners are friends and-“

“Selena…” Malcolm’s hands reached out, and this time, they did not stop, reaching out to gently take one of Selena’s hands. “It’s okay.” He smiled. “I’ve known this was coming for a long, long time. That one day, Killjoy would find me and kill me- assuming your father didn’t first.” He added with a tease, regarding the earlier confrontation he and Jonathan had had. “I won’t endanger you or the children more than I already have.”

“But I-“

“You know how the game of chess goes.” Malcolm pressed. “Sometimes you need to sacrifice a powerful piece to win the game.” Selena looked up, into the tired man’s eyes. “It’s time to sacrifice me, Selena. Because then everything will work out…it’s the only way to beat Killjoy.”

“But…” Selena sighed, pulling her hands away. “Who is Killjoy, Malcolm? You have to tell me.”

Another sad smile, another shake of the head. “I would have had no choice if that had been your question. But Selena, you’re not ready to know who Killjoy is. If you did…believe me… it would destroy you.”
“He already wants to kill me.” Selena implored.
“No, Selena. He wants to kill me. He wants to destroy you. And he will try.” Malcolm nodded. “But I have given you the best chance possible to beat him…” his voice grew distant.
“Long as you die…” Selena’s voice trailed off as Malcolm nodded his head.

Angrily, Selena’s hand rose up to swipe at her eyes. “What the fuck is wrong with me?” She laughed at herself. “You’re a fucking bastard.” She half-spat, half-laughed. “You’ve endangered me, my father, my children, my wife – my entire life. You’ve done nothing but hurt and ruin my life over and over again! You’re an evil man! I’ve wished for so many years that you’d just suffer and die… and now here it is and… why the fuck am I crying?!!”

With more effort, she rubbed her hand against her eyes, trying to erase the tears from existence. For Malcolm, the former mayor merely stood there, his sad smile never fading as he patiently waited for Selena to calm herself.

With a frustrated huff and ‘hah!’ sound, Selena sniffled a little before returning her attention back to Malcolm. “Any other pearls you want to drop my way then?” she asked.

“Just one.” Malcolm smiled. “And it will sound pathetic coming from me, but…” he turned his head to look at the people swimming in the hot-springs. “Let yourself be happy, Selena.”
“What?” Selena asked with a half-laugh as Malcolm turned back to regard her.

“Let yourself be happy.” He repeated. “I have very few of those moments in my life. And, now that the end is in sight – I wish I had just a few more. Like today.”

“That’s it?” Selena asked. “That’s your big advice? ‘Be happy’.”
“No.” Malcolm shook his head. “Let yourself be happy. There’s a difference… it starts with the little things.”

Without any hesitation, Malcolm suddenly unbuttoned his coat, revealing only the swimwear he wore underneath, and causing Selena to turn away on instinct.

“What the hell are you doing?” she asked, seeing the blue trunks the mayor wore.
“Taking my own advice.” He smiled at woman, unashamed. “I’m going to go swimming with my grandchildren.”

Without another word, Malcolm was on the move, walking into the hotsprings to swim with the others. For Selena, she could only watch from her distance as Malcolm laughed and swam with Elsianna and David, not caring that he was being watched by everyone (just to be safe). 

He was happy, Selena could see that.

We don’t all have that peace of mind, Malcolm… Selena thought sadly. Some of us just can’t ‘walk away’ from our responsibilities like you did.

Happiness. It was the mark of Killjoy’s threat. The skulled-man had sworn that once Selena’s was at her happiest, when she had a moment of genuine happiness with Deanna, he would be there to destroy her and take it all away.

And yet…if Malcolm’s words were true, and Killjoy was going to – she refused to word it – then there Malcolm was, still trying to be happy.

It was all beyond confusing for Selena. She didn’t want to die, but, she gathered, neither did Malcolm. She didn’t want to be miserable but how could she be happy when her world was so…out of control? When she was losing battle after battle? When she was failing time and time again?

Her sapphire eyes cast down to the knapsack that was on the side of the bridge next to her. Carefully, she opened the bag to pull out a taped-up plastic bag of store-bought red licorice.

“Hey, Elsa!” she called out to her daughter, earning her oldest child’s attention. “Can have some of your licorice?”

There, standing up to her shoulders in the water, the young girl nodded her head eagerly before swimming again.

“Thanks.” Selena called out, smiling at the few others, including Deanna, that she had gotten the attention of in her shout. Opening the bag, she pulled out a few strands of the candy, looking at it before biting into it, savouring the delicious candy…

The small things… she thought as she watched her family and the remaining Scythes together – perhaps for the first time – no one trying to kill the other. A small victory at best… but wasn’t that what Malcolm was trying to get at? 

It starts with the small things…

************************

Frost Cave
Nome, Alaska
Nov 28th, 2021
2:18pm

“SELENA?!” 

Selena’s head snapped up from where she sat in the dark of the cave, simply meditating in the dark in-between nibbling on the licorice in her hand. The voice came again and, immediately, Selena was on her feet, running down the path towards it, using her flashlight to light the way. Her running shoes kept making sounds as they hit the stone ‘floor’ of the cave.

It wasn’t long until she ‘burst’ back into the ‘resting’ section of the cave, the sunlight streaming from the cave entrance (along with her flashlight) allowing her to see the figure standing there in a thick, dark-blue coat.

“Deanna?!” Selena asked in disbelief before moving over to her. When her hands reached out to touch her and actually met flesh and bone – she knew that this was not a ghost but the real deal Deanna, prompting her next question. “What are you doing here?”

It had been a rough conversation two weeks ago. Rather than stay with the family when it was time for departures from the Serpentine Springs, Selena had hitched a ride with the Scythes on their helicopter to return to Nome to begin her training with her father’s cave for her upcoming match with Giovanni and, more importantly, her world title rematch with Cid Turner!

Of course, the family had been less than thrilled, Deanna most of all. But they had, eventually, accepted that this was where things needed to be for now. With this, quite realistically, being Selena’s last chance at the world title, she needed to try everything to be better than she currently was… which was why her wife’s presence here made no sense.

Smacking some of the snow off her wife’s shoulders, Selena ushered her closer to the firepit, kneeling to begin starting a fresh fire. “How did you get here?” she asked.
“Private charter.” Deanna replied.
“De-“ Selena sighed. “You know I need to be here!” she tried explaining. “Who is looking after the children and-“

“SELENA!” Deanna stopped her, reaching out to take her wife’s hands into her own. “Listen to me.” She implored, the next few words ones that would rattle Selena to her core.

“Malcolm Scythe is dead.”