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In the last chapter, Preparations, we see people having to come to terms with their decisions.
Juan had to face Decima and in the process, gains a prophecy that dictates the end of the World.
Adam made a sudden announcement in Betsie’s party that he is leaving town, shocking his friends into confusion and depression.
While this is happening, danger slowly advances in on Adam...
Who was that shadow?
How will Adam avert this danger?
This is the concluding chapter of Life’s Like That... I call it, Hope.
Hope you enjoy ;-)
Juan had to face Decima and in the process, gains a prophecy that dictates the end of the World.
Adam made a sudden announcement in Betsie’s party that he is leaving town, shocking his friends into confusion and depression.
While this is happening, danger slowly advances in on Adam...
Who was that shadow?
How will Adam avert this danger?
This is the concluding chapter of Life’s Like That... I call it, Hope.
Hope you enjoy ;-) In Nona’s garden, life pulses with her presence.
Vegetation of exotic sorts bloom and sprout, hoping to please their mistress.
However, Nona the Life Giver, is oblivious to anything around her.
Her eyes are gently closed as she reclines on an oak chair, resting peacefully.
It may be possible that her surroundings gave her peace, it may also be that she is dead tired, or...
It may simply be that she had a little too much nectar...
Whatever the reason may be, it managed to make her rest well after performing her duties.
Since time flowed differently for the Fates, it doesn’t matter how long she sleeps, it may only feel like a split-second to us.
Nona finally awakes, she can feel Adam Johansson calling her, but resists the urge to go to him.
She knows too well that they can never be.
Still, she has to meet him one last time to settle his mind and his heart before he leaves.
With a deep breath, Nona stands up and prepares to meet Adam.
Soon, she arrives at his place, noticing the packed boxes and luggage.
“Mei!!! You never picked up my calls! I’m glad we got to meet before I leave tomorrow!”
“Adam... I need to tell you something straight.”
Adam’s face changed to one of concern, “What is it?”
“I cannot deal with long distance relationships. If you are leaving, then I think its best we go our separate ways.”
“W-what? But... Mei... It doesn’t mean I’m not coming back. We can still call... I can still come by and visit...” Adam stammered.
Avoiding his gaze, Mei steeled herself
“I want to pursue an acting career here, Adam.
I cannot afford to spend my time travelling or maintaining a relationship... that I’m not sure whether it will last...
It is just not... economical...”
“...” Adam was stunned.
Tasting the word in his mouth, “Economical?... Is that it? After all the times we had, it boils down to this word?! ECONOMICAL?!”
Adam could feel his rage rising.
Mei didn’t reply.
“Adam, I wish you well and take care of yourself...” Mei turned and left.
Adam watched Mei disappear from his front door and thought sadly,
“So that’s it.. my love live is officially ka-put... zilch...”
Nona knew that this had to be done... But that doesn’t make the decision any easier.
She needed some space from herself, to be away for everybody...
She changed to her normal attire and headed for the Aisle of Seirenes.
Back at Betsie’s place, a stranger studies the surroundings.
“So... That was the Old One eh?
Hmph... I wonder why they had to put me through all this trouble to capture him...”
“Well, since the girl knows him, I’ll start to work on her first...”, he yawned and gave his neck a good stretch.
The stranger tried the door and to his pleasant surprise, he found it unlocked.
He went through the door silently and attempted to close it gently behind him.
Only to be shocked by Betsie’s voice behind him as he closed the door,
“Mister, what are you doing in my house?”
She caught him off-guard and his natural reflexes almost took over.
He cannot let his instincts take over... It’ll be a hassle to clear up later...
“Errr... Missy, I’m looking for a person that came here today. Could you kindly tell me where he is?”
“I don’t think so. I have never seen you in town before and do not want to mix with strangers, looks bad on my profile.
Please leave, mister.” Betsie eyed him warily.
“Heh, you are a sprightful one, aren’t ya?” the stranger grinned as he came closer.
He grabbed her roughly by the arm and pulled her into an embrace. While staring directly into her eyes, he spoke in a deep voice that almost sounded like a growl,
“You WILL tell me where he is, because you want to. Because I demand you to...”
Betsie was caught in surprise, shock, indignation and maybe... a little attracted to this stranger.
There was something primal about him, some sort of animal charisma that draws her to him, reducing her mental defences and seducing her to listen to his wishes.
“W-who are you looking for... mister?” she asked breathlessly.
“I’m looking for Adam Johansson, your friend.”
“Adam? Why would yo-”
“I am ASKING, where is he?” he is getting impatient.
“He... he lives near the south-end of the beach, opposite the spa & massage parlour...”
“Good girl.” and he rewarded her.
Betsie, who has never been with this man before, never felt so eager for a kiss like this...
Her yearning for this stranger never existed til he came in just minutes ago...
This had her very confused and weirded-out since she NEVER kissed on first meetings.
Maybe it is because Adam was leaving, she thought...
With the information he wanted, the stranger makes his way out of the house.
Betsie, feeling very puzzled with herself, decides that she needs some sleep to sort herself out. She didn’t even notice the man leaving when the front door clicked shut.
“Dammit.” He thought.
If it wasn’t for the party, he would’ve nailed the Old One straight on the spot.
Now it’s dark and doing anything right now will break the silence too easily, drawing unnecessary attention...
Maybe he should wait till tomorrow...
After all, he did wait for years to see the Old One, what's one more night?
Anyway, he has to meet a contact the next morning to see what information he can scrounge out...
As he got back to his abode, he glanced at an old picture resting against the wall.
“That picture... that town... sure brings back memories...”, he sighed.
He lounged on a chair, reminiscing the events that day...
He remembered leading a chase into that village, it was very beautiful...
He remembered burning it with torches and colouring the sky a pure red...
He remembered there was a lot of screaming and chaos...
He revels in that memory, sighing with pleasure.
Then he remembered the stain that brought him shame, the stain that corrupted the perfect day...
The Old One escaped; getting away on the last ship from the harbour and was never heard from since.
The stranger sat up, remembering his master being very displeased with the news.
He got banished for centuries before someone called him back, giving him a new title, ‘the Hunter’.
He was previously known as Orion, but that was ages ago...
‘the Hunter’ continued recalling old memories throughout the night...
The same night, Adam changed his attire into clothing that helps him to pack and move stuff around the house easier.
Though, it is strange that he didn't want to remove his dog tag.
As he put the last item (his printer) on the crate and turned around to do a mental checklist of his inventory one more time.
“Laundry folded and packed... Done. Some magazines and books... Done.”
“Luggage... Done. Kitchen equipment... Done. Bathroom stuff... Done.”
“Now, for some grub...” He looks at the table.
It has 2 cans of Campbell CHUNKY... stuff.
Adam was not sure what’s in it, but compared to preparing his dinner with a stove or ordering take-out, pouring out contents from a can is so much easier...
Especially when everything has already been packed.
“Looks... yummy...” Adam thought sheepishly.
After a quick meal, Adam sat down at the edge of the room and leaned against a pillow, stretching his tired legs.
He tilted his head back, having an eyeful of the work he has completed this evening.
“Jeez... It looks so empty... A little depressing even...”
He didn’t like his place so barren of... expression.
Nonetheless, his discomfort and displeasure were soon taken over by exhaustion.
He knows that he has a long day tomorrow and slumped on his pillow, falling asleep almost instantly.
He sleeps soundly at a corner of the house, for one last night.
Early saturday morning, Frank Finn sits in a park fidgeting nervously.
He sees the chess table, but was in no mood to play.
He was told to be here, by someone he fears greatly.
He knew that there will definitely be a meeting, he saw the shadow at Betsie's party before heading off... He got up eventually and walked around, trying to calm his nerves.
He looked over chess table again and started a game, trying anything to get his mind off his anxiety.
He was just getting into the game when he heard a gruff voice...
“Hey.”
Frank turned around, annoyed that his concentration was broken.
“Can’t you see that I’m busy-”, he held his tongue when he saw him.
“Remember me...?”, 'the Hunter' approached with a sneer.
All emotion drained from Frank’s face, except one of pure fear.
“Y-you!!! Ye-yes.... Of course, how can I not?
You... called me here f-for?” Frank stuttered.
“I came for more information about Adam. Tell me what you know about him.”
"..." Frank hesitated.
"If you don't tell me,
I can not guarantee that your life you live will remain the same...
Your work, your friends... your family." 'the Hunter' smirked sinisterly.
On hearing this, Frank looked helplessly at him and spoke reluctantly,
“A-adam, he-he’s leaving town today. I... tried to find out where to... but it seems that he doesn’t know his destination either...”
“WHAT?!?!”, ‘the Hunter’ roared. “You IDIOT, when is he leaving?”
“I... I don’t know.” Frank replied softly.
“You are USELESS! What is the point on having you to spy on him when you CAN'T get anything useful???”
‘the Hunter’ started lose to his anger, he can feel his true nature taking over... and then he reigned it in at the last moment.
Mumbling angrily, “Forget it, you are not worth the hunt....”
During that moment, Frank never felt so terrified.
What he saw... what he has seen through this man’s shades, was very inhuman...
Almost like it was struggling to get out...
As ‘the Hunter’ turned and left hastily, Frank fell backwards on the chair, panting and freaked out from the close encounter.
A little further away, an old lady sits quietly, observing the situation.
She doesn’t worry about being noticed and reads her book contentedly.
The Fates will only show themselves to people they want to, not that 'the Hunter' could do much to her anyway even if he sees her.
“Very... interesting... “ Aisa spoke to herself.
“It seems that the World is revolving around this Old One, he must be...” she lets the sentence trail off, closed her book and left.
“Eldest, you are finally here.” Decima nodded a greeting.
“Eldest.” Nona did the same and she turned away from the ocean.
“Greetings, my sisters. My apologies for keeping you waiting, but I have come across some interesting information and have a deeper understanding of the prophecy.”
“Really? Please, do tell.” Decima was clearly interested.
“During the World’s creation, the Creator is one of the Great Powers. Zeus is another. Even Odin and many others... The Creator prepared the Tzardikim Nistarim to protect and watch the World, Zeus did the same by having us to observe and predict fates, Odin has himself and his array magical artefacts that serve similar purposes..." Aisa crossed her arms and looked towards the sea.
"Don't you think that this is a strange coincidence? That the Great Powers are all acting the same way, even though they are all very different in nature?" Aisa asked her sisters.
Nona and Decima exchanged looks.
Decima then replies, "That... is a very interesting view point, Eldest."
If I get your meaning, you are implying that they are all one and the same? That there is actually only one Great Power?"
Aisa sighed at her indecision,
"I can't say that for certain, it is just that the actions done by each Great Power seemed too similar to be a mere coincidence.
However, it is true, I am inclined to believe they are actually just one essence guiding the World.
Man, using creativity, gave the essence multiple aspects because it is more convenient to suit various cultural needs, in the process, creating many many different possibilities.
The World then became much more... colourful...", she smiled at this thought.
“But... but I don’t see the relevance of this to our problems, Eldest.” Nona commented.
Aisa smiled and turned to her. “Indeed, I was babbling too much... maybe it is because I am old...”
“Nonsense, please don’t say that.
Your counsel and wisdom have proved invaluable to the Fates once too many times,
I am still young and have a lot to understand.
Your advice contains much wisdom that I need to learn from, Eldest...” Nona protested.
“You already are learning, Nona. Breaking with the Old One was no easy task...” Aisa smiled, a little sadly.
Nona frowned briefly and recovered,
"I'm alright, I am more interested in what you found out."
“The prophecy that we know of may not necessary happen.” Aisa replied.
“That’s wonderful!” Nona exclaimed.
“Indeed, as a keeper of fates, I am relieved to hear that...
But... How is that so?” Decima pressed for more answers.
"With the near infinite possibilities that Man have created, comes a different ending for each possibility. The occurrence of the prophecy is only one such ending.
The main issue is that a prophecy is just like us, the Fates. It points out a general path to the most probable ending and moves in that direction... unless its path is altered. We may be powerless to stop it since we are of the same nature, but we can always rely on other agents to influence the course of the prophecy..." Aisa explained.
"Like whom?" Nona asked.
"Man." Aisa answered.
"They always have the choice to fight fate, though it may be most difficult; just like going against the grain." Decima thought to herself for a moment and spoke again.
“I... I think I get it...” , recalling the events with Juan,
Juan, he was supposed to follow my every command, my every wish.
But when the Old One turned up, he just... changed.
He started being more reflective and stubborn, even has the audacity to disobey my orders.... this had never happened before with his predecessors...
...
For what, I asked. He told me it is because he believes in the possibilities of the Old One.”
Laughing to herself, she continued.
“... He believes Adam is the one to ‘break the chains of fate’... those were his exact words. With what the Eldest mentioned previously, of Man's choice to fight fate, it seems to fit with Juan's description of Adam perfectly... like pieces of a puzzle...
Maybe Adam is the one to change the prophecy..."
Aisa nodded in agreement.
Making a sweeping gesture, Decima questioned their existence,
"Now I really wonder, where do we fit in all this?
It seems that the World can go on perfectly without our meddling.
Why should we still continue with our roles as the Fates?”
Nona and Aisa just listened, while contemplating what Decima just said.
“Decima, I understand that you feel lost and cannot control fates as much as you wanted to.
But remember, we are still the Fates; we still have roles and responsibilities to ensure the World continues smoothly.
Nona is the Life Giver, you – Decima - the Decider of Fates and me, Aisa of the Unturning.
People in this World are vulnerable and still need guidance to make their decisions.
They cannot face hostile powers by themselves, so it is up to us to take action when the World is threatened.” Aisa spoke with concern.
“Eldest is right, sis. Try not to bottle everything up to yourself, we are in this together. Share your burden and concerns with us, please. We are sisters after all, right?” Nona chipped in.
Decima stood speechless, seeing her sisters in a new light. She had overlooked the bonds that she has with her sisters for ages... Now, she truly appreciates them for being here with her, when she needed them most.
For the first time in a long while, the Fates smiled.
Since morning, Adam had been trying to move his stuff out of the house and it was taking a toll on him.
“Dammit! I didn’t know I kept that much stuff!...” Adam grunted as he stacked the boxes.
He also prepared some jerry cans of fuel for his trip.
He does not know how far he will travel, but having spares would definitely be convenient.
“Ok... Did a tune up on the engine... Changed the tires...
Yep. I think that’s it.”, swiping his hands of dirt while feeling satisfied.
Adam changed his previous car for this run-down Ford pick-up; it has much more space for cargo and looks less conspicuous.
“Well-well... looks like someone is almost ready to go...” A red-headed man suddenly appeared next to his boxes.
“Err... Hey, I wasn’t expecting company... The name's Adam. What’s yours?” Adam came up to shake hands with this stranger.
That earned Adam a jab in the stomach and he crouched down in pain, coughing. That blow felt like a swing from a sledge hammer.
“Don’t touch me, Old One. You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment...”
“You... You are ‘the Hunter’, aren’t you?” Adam gasped.
“So what if I am?”
“You... you... burned down my town... took the people I loved... I will make you pay!!!” Adam spoke through clenched teeth.
“HAH!! That's a laugh! You can’t win and you know it.” ‘the Hunter’ towered over him. “Why don’t you just give yourself up so no one gets hurt... more than they should?”
Adam stood up in agony and took out his guitar shakily to defend himself.
Just before 'the Hunter' came at him, the cleaner came out of the house.
“Ooooh...oh.. Mr. Johansson, are you going to play a song?
The Dream Escape maybe? I love that track!” The cleaner clapped his hands in excitement.
“Blast it...” ‘the Hunter’ cursed.
Count yourself lucky this time, Adam. I’m on strict orders not to reveal myself in public or to harm innocents.
When I do find you again, you'll wish I hadn’t...” and storms off.
Adam kept quiet, knowing that he is right, he is powerless against him.
Giving Adam one last look, ‘the Hunter’ had to admit, that the Old One was really lucky.
It was as if he was being protected...
“Bah... I don’t care for this mumbo-jumbo stuff...”
He got to his car and shouted, “Till we meet again, Adam...” and drove off.
“Was that your friend, Mr Johansson? It seems that you 2 are old acquaintances!” the cleaner commented.
“Ye... Yeah. We are... really old acquaintances, Josh.” But definitely not friends, Adam thought grimly.
“Thanks for helping with the clean-up. How much do I owe you?”
“Forget it, it was my pleasure.” Before Josh left, he gave Adam a pat on the shoulder. “Good luck, wherever you are going.”
Adam was lost in thought, when a familiar figure walked past him.
“Its... you again, Aisa... What do you want from me this time?”
“Nothing, Adam. I just came to pay a visit... and to say farewell.”
“Well... Thanks... I guess...”
“You are welcome, hope you have a safe trip and may the stars guide you.” Aisa spoke as she walked away.
“And please grow stronger Adam, for your sake and the World. You have to get stronger...” Aisa whispers.
“What was that?... You said something, Aisa?” Adam turned his head to ask, but she was no where to be seen...
*Sighs*
“What a creepy old hag... Though, she seems to know a lot more about me than she cares to give away...” he thought.
“I have a sinking feeling that this is not the last of her I'm going to encounter...”
Realising that his clothes were drenched in sweat, he decided another change of clothes should be in order. While changing, Adam winced in pain as his bruised stomach still stings from the blow by 'the Hunter'.
Sighing, he remembered that he has one last thing he has to do; he has to go to the stadium to fill in some documents and complete some final procedures.
Adam walks through the gates and starts remembering the times at the stadium.
He remembers meeting Frank, Betsie, coach Benson and the rest of the sports crew.
He remembers the practices and training he went through.
Now, he is a Sports Legend and quitting on the 2nd day of his promotion...
“How the hell is that fair?” Adam muttered under his breath.
At the stadium, he meets Frank, who seemed strangely distant.
Frank nods and smiles, but his eyes are betraying his actions... His thoughts seem to be somewhere else.
Breaking the silence was Mr. Blondie’s voice, shouting at some youth.
“...and IF I EVER see you whistling at her again...”
Adam and Frank stared, and laughed to themselves.
“Hey Frank, you alright?” Adam asked in concern.
“I’m cool man. I.. I just have a lot on my mind recently.
You leaving, an old... friend... came by this morning and I have kids to deal with...
You know, the usual.” Frank said with a grimace.
“Haha... Some things just never change...”
Frank got into his new car and hesitated before saying, “Adam, you be careful.”
“Hey, what got into you? I’ll be fine so get going already.” Adam grinned and raised a thumbs up gesture.
Frank grinned back and drove off.
Adam got into his truck and reared up the engine.
“It’s finally time.”
He stopped his truck at some spots of town along way, taking into memory the scenery and landscape that he may not see again.
He went to his favourite cliff, where he got a great view of the Barnacle Bay bridge and the town layout...
He stares into the vast unending sea...
Feeling with bitter irony that he is once again alone, just like when he first arrived...
Like nothing has changed.
But instinctively, he knows that is not true.
This will not be the end, rather it feels like something has just begun...
He will need to find a place and build himself up from scratch.
He will need to make new friends and connections.
He knows... he needs to get stronger if he is to face ‘the Hunter’ again.
He also needs to find out who sent 'the Hunter' after him.
And who is this mysterious lady, Aisa... ?
He sighs, seeing that there is long road ahead of him...
Though great challenges will await him, Adam will not give up.
He will forge his path and he will get stronger.
After all... He has all the time in the world...
“My lady Aisa, the Old One has left.”
“Very good. You have done well.”
Staring into a distance, Aisa spoke to no one in particular.
"Life's like that... we must have hope.
For if there is no hope, there will be no future..."
~fin(?)
That’s all folks!!! \(^0^)/
Yes, I understand there are still many, many holes to fill.
So I deeply apologise if it seems like it ended too fast, but there will be a new series (still in the making) that will carry on Adam’s adventures.
There will be more danger, more myths and more... trouble for him :D
You will see some old casts and new ones...
I’m not sure how far the WHOLE story will go but I will do my best. :P
You guys have been very very encouraging and providing me with feedback, I am in your debt.
Please, feel free to drop me ideas or improvements you would like to see.
Thank you once again for going through this journey with me, I have learned a lot and hope to hear more from you soon ;)
Of course, without the cc creators from TSR and MTS, this series would have never been possible, thank you. *deep bow*
(I'm sure some of us will know where I got the cool beer tee from ;) *wink wink at spladoun* thanks!!! :D)
Hopefully I can still see you guys in the next series. *cross fingers*
Take care and stay chill ;-)
-Frank
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17 Comment(s) posted so far
#8 On Jul 24, 2011 emilymarie0201 wrote:
I saw this posted last night, and I REALLY wanted to read it, but I thought "Emily, wait until tomorrow morning!" so I did. I made myself breakfast and coffee, and sat down to read! Aren't you special?
Great chapter!! 
There are SO many questions unanswered, but this was a great ending to this series. I can't wait for the next one. It's coming out soon right? 
GOOD! Congratulations on the well deserved feature!!!
#9 On Jul 25, 2011 orlov wrote:
#10 On Jul 26, 2011 spladoum wrote:
Ahaha, looks like everyone else explained for me what Jack Daniels is, so I shan't do so myself.
This has been an intriguing series, of immortal beings acting all too human at times. Big surprise there with Frank, definitely caught me off-guard! I'll look forward to whatever happens next.
#11 On Jul 27, 2011 fredbrenny wrote:
That double role Frank is playing ... very interesting. So neither The Hunter or Aisha knows about that? ... Heavens... Adam is to start his own legacy someplace new. I really can't wait (but I know I will have to...) to see how this will continue. Thanks for such an intersting mix of history Myths and Mythology. I really will look differntly at Orion when I look up in the sky... I wonder who or what the belt is.... Or just a belt. I am babling too much.. need more coffee I think. Thanks for a truly enjoyable read. I
at Barb, because I know abot the Jack Daniels thing she has... hahaha... I will forgive you. As long as you won't call Heineken a Whiskey. LOL
See ya Frank! Hope Adam's next story will be out soon!
#12 On Jul 28, 2011 weirdling wrote:
Excellent!
#13 On Aug 2, 2011 RatRaceRob wrote:
So an unusual and entertaining series comes to a close... well done
! Looking forward to catching up with Adam in the new spin-off series 
#14 On Aug 4, 2011 fabrizioammollo wrote:
This is (fortunately) a very open ending! Cool job! I doubt Aisa
didn't know about Frank and the Hunter, she was too close in the park to
miss that... Maybe the Hunter have been tolld exactly what he should
know, when it was better that he does. After all it could have been much
worse! Or maybe Aisa choose Frank as collaborator after she found out
that he worked for Hunter...
I would love to see more about Adam past in the new serie, I'm sure that there are many interesting events!
#15 On Oct 6, 2011 Kilhian wrote:
I wish I could keep reading, I really enjoy the way you write. More action, myths, .... I will come back soon, you do a very good job at this! :P
#16 On Oct 19, 2011 isarpgista wrote:
Oooooh, my!!!
What an awesome "ending"!!!!! I really loved Aisa's explanations to her sisters, "The Hunter" was sooooooooo scary, The involvement of Frank also surprised me a lot, especially at the end, with Aisa! I felt sorry for Nona and Adam... I'm a romantic girl. I was cheering up for them! 
The screenshots were all amazing! I LOVED the fact it's a long chapter!!! A story really amazing, exciting, wonderful, AWESOME!!!
#17 On Nov 2, 2011 greentea_mint wrote:
I've read Taken (part I to III) before I read this n I really think that all of your stories have a similarity: they are awesome!!
Keep up the good work Frank!