The Pandora's Box Trilogy: Book Three: Fate and Rebirth

By Adam Teachout

In the concluding volume of The Pandoras Box Trilogy, Lucy struggles with the choice to leave her own happy afterlife in order to save those shes left behind. Upon seeing apparitions bearing a striking resemblance to her friend Billy, Lucy wonders if he has truly gone. Lucys mother also lies in agony, terrified and alone. To save her, Lucys heart must break one last time as she prepares to let go of what she loves the most

Waiting for Lucy at the end of every road is Pandora, now relentless in her thirst for dominance over the Void, but also fighting to understand the hazy memories that plague her mind. And the mysterious Sphinx plays her final card by showing Lucy Pandoras horrific past. Now tormented with the truth, Lucy devises a plannot to defeat Pandora, but to save her.

Even with the help of Fishface, Little Psycho, and Icky, the nightmare of Lucys future is laid out before her, and she is sure of only one thingher story will not have a happy ending.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456727529

Adam Teachout

Adam Teachout began writing in 6th grade and has never looked back. He is a middle school teacher who coaches wrestling and enjoys video games, reading, and movies. He is also the author of The Return of the Scribe, a story he began writing in high school. Currently he lives with his wife and two daughters in Olympia, Washington.

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The Pandora’s Box Trilogy

Book Three: Fate and Rebirth

By

Adam Teachout

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AuthorHouse™

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© 2011 Adam Teachout. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 2/4/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4567-2751-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4567-2752-9 (e)

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

For Mom and Dad

The best of me came from you…

Contents

Prologue

1 life and death

2 where’s billy?

3 Little Psycho to the rescue?

4 Friends to the end

Pandora’s Story

5 The lure would prove too much

6 face your fear

7 Tea with Pandora

8 Everything I’ve loved, I’ve killed.

9 i want to go home

Epilogue

Prologue

Daddy.

The word danced off Lucy’s tongue as her father’s arms held her tightly to his chest. This love was one she’d never expected to experience again.

And yet here they were, the two of them, standing in the middle of a fantastically bright sky, actually floating on the air, with the blue ocean waves lapping the sandy shore below. She felt like a small child again in his embrace. Safe. A tear slid down her cheek, taking all of her troubles along with it.

Is this heaven? she thought.

My girl, her father said, stepping back slightly to hold her at arm’s length. He still wore his firefighter’s outfit, which made him appear bigger. But his dark brown, curly hair, his soft smile, his emerald green eyes—all these were familiar to Lucy. You’ve grown so much, he said, and I’ve… His voice and head both dropped as he continued, I’ve missed so much.

Lucy’s stomach sank at the sound of her father’s anguish and the pained expression on his face, but then he grinned, and relief washed over her. She smiled back at him, looked across the serene landscape, and asked, Where are we?

A gentle wind took his hair as he gazed at the peaceful setting. I don’t know. Does it matter?

It was most surreal, standing on air, and seeing her father again. She pondered her father’s question. Did it matter? Does anything matter anymore…now that I’m dead? Her thoughts found their way to Billy and the question of whether or not his petrified body had survived the tidal wave. What’s going to happen to everyone? Fishface and Icky? Mom?

Lucy snapped to attention. Dad, Mom’s still there, in the Void.

The wicked part of her conscience, her Fear, immediately spoke. You mean the mom that remade you? That Mom? You’re still concerned about her?

"And we’re here, Lucy, he said sadly. In this paradise."

But…

We’re dead, honey. Gone.

The stone cold certainty ran like ice in her veins. No, we have to go back! Both of us. Lucy’s mind raced. Maybe I can bring us back…somehow. I have a power. We’ve got to try. We can be a family again!

Her Fear chided, Sorry, sweetheart. Dead is dead. You failed the Sphinx’s test. FAILED. At least your ol’ pa is here with you. You could be dead and have the worms wrigglin’ through your bones and eatin’ your eyes. You’re lucky. Lucky Lucy lollipop.

Lucy thought of Anubis’s golden-gloved hand removing her heart. She put a hand to her chest and felt for a heartbeat. Nothing.

Lucy, her father whispered. If you could leave…what if I couldn’t follow? He gripped her shoulders, focusing only on her. "I want your mother here with us, but I think…I think you have to understand that you’re going to be without one of your parents until we all pass on. I don’t doubt your power, but if you could leave, would you want to?"

Lucy closed her eyes as the choice played in her mind. Yes, she said confidently, looking up at her father. My story is not done. I have to go back. Save Mom. Talk with Lucille. Deal with Pandora.

Her father sighed and nodded. My girl… my brave, strong girl.

Lucy choked back her sobs. But I love you, Daddy. We’ll be together again.

He pulled his daughter close to him and held her once more. How are you going to do it? How are you going to get back?

I’ll find a way, Lucy cried.

Her father’s voice cracked, sounding slightly feminine. Congratulations, you have passed.

Huh? Lucy pulled away quickly and caught a glimpse of the Sphinx in her father’s face. Sphinx? she questioned.

Yes, I’m here, her father answered, but Sphinx’s robotic image flickered within his frame. Nice job.

"Nice job? Lucy flared, stepping back and giving her father-Sphinx a cold stare. Was this…all fake? All part of your test? Is that even really my father?" she demanded.

Sphinx fully appeared as the image of Lucy’s father faded to nothing. Sphinx’s midnight blue eyes flashed almost as brightly as the sapphire set in her forehead. No, she answered matter-of-factly, her black wire ponytail swaying as she shook her head. "Not fake. No dream. This is your father’s spirit and yes, you are actually dead. Sphinx turned to look around, her dark blue armor and black leather gloves and boots gleaming in the strong light. It’s beautiful here, don’t you think?"

Why are you here? Lucy asked, still a bit suspicious of Sphinx’s sudden appearance. After all, Sphinx had just said she wasn’t Lucy’s friend.

Sphinx’s blue lips cracked into a smile as she replied, To tell you that you passed my test.

But… Lucy look perplexed. My heart didn’t—

The Weighing of the Heart was not the test.

Then what was? Lucy’s blood pounded in her ears as her anger rose.

Sphinx suddenly stared off into the sky, a wide smirk on her face. Oh, no time for answers now, Lucy. You should see what’s going on in the Void. In the very pillar you just vacated. Not going to be good, I can say that. Uh…probably bloody, too. She stared at Lucy and smiled. Of course I already know what’s going to happen. Her eyes shone wide. You’ve got to get back—quickly!

But how? Lucy demanded.

With a little help from a friend, of course.

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life and death

I’m going to do it! Charles thought confidently. I’m going to save this girl’s life!

The burned man stood in a filthy hospital room that boasted a lone yellowed bulb, walls crawling with bugs, and a putrid aroma. Thoughts racing, Charles turned to survey the scene, ashen skin flaking from his hands and face. A golden woman dressed in an Egyptian robe lay dead in one corner of the room, and a creature with a crocodile’s head lay dead in another corner, both victims of Peri’s golden guns. He glanced at the jackal-headed beast sprawled on the floor on the other side of the gurney. He’s moving. That’s good…I hope.

Mr. Periwinkle, his navy blue tuxedo looking a little worse for wear, stood behind Charles, pistols steadily aimed at the closed doors. Better hurry, the giant, white rabbit advised, because something’s coming, and it ain’t friendly.

The Tin Man, Icky whispered. The mosquito’s giant purple eyes shone wide with fear as it buzzed nervously around the room. He’ll kill us all.

He’ll eat bullets before I go, Peri stated evenly.

The maniacal voice screamed out once more from beyond the doors. I WANT HER HEART! Give me the girl!

Icky heard the Tin Man’s slow, heavy steps and his raspy, irregular breathing as he approached. Lacking any sort of lock, the swinging doors offered no protection from the bloodthirsty, metal man.

Charles cradled Lucy’s heart in his hands and looked at the young girl lying motionless on the silver gurney. Strangely, Lucy had not bled. The jackal-creature had taken out Lucy’s heart by reaching inside her—straight through her clothes and skin—as though she were a hologram. Now all Charles had to do was make the creature reverse the process. Give Lucy her heart back.

Then he would do the rest.

Keeping his eyes on Lucy’s heart, Charles stepped forward to stand next to her body. How’re we doing, Peri? he asked.

He’s getting closer, the rabbit warned. Don’t worry about me. Do what you have to and let’s get out of here, mate.

Suddenly, the jackal-headed creature rose from the other side of the gurney, standing taller than Charles and wearing a menacing glare. His black eyes locked on Icky as he reached out with one clawed hand.

Icky buzzed back and said, Uh, Peri, a little help, just for a second. This thing’s lookin’ at me like I’m dinner.

Still keeping one gun trained on the closed doors, Peri glanced back for a moment, stretched out his other arm, and quickly shot the tall creature in the eye. He’s not looking anymore.

Reeling, the beast slammed into the back wall, holding a golden-gloved claw to his right eye.

Charles slowly approached the fallen, one-eyed creature. Give her back her heart, he said softly. Put it back. Please. Devoid of anger, Charles prepared himself for what was to come, wanting to be at peace in fulfilling his destiny.

His last mission.

Please, Charles repeated, help us save her.

A female’s voice sounded in the room, but only the jackal-creature could hear it. Help them, Anubis she said. Your job is done. She has passed the test—she is pure of heart.

Anubis grunted, apparently satisfied, and held out an open claw to Charles.

Just then the swinging doors burst open, and the Tin Man strode in, brandishing his long axe, red steam pouring from his jagged jaws.

The dim yellow light bulb flickered on and off, hindering Peri’s vision.

Shoot him! Icky cried.

Peri opened fire, his two golden pistols rocketing out bullet after bullet. His aim shifted to all the vital organs a man might have, but the Tin Man was not human. The bullets dented and punctured his frame, but failed to slow him.

His crimson eyes boring into Peri, the Tin Man smiled and stepped slowly toward the rabbit. He opened and closed his sharp jaws. I’ll skin you and wear your tongue around my neck, he promised.

Peri shot him in the face.

The bullet hissed, stuck halfway through the Tin Man’s cheek. Pausing, the metal maniac unearthed a monstrous roar. NOW YOU DIE!

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Trying to concentrate amidst the cacophony of bullets and threats, Charles carefully placed Lucy’s heart into Anubis’s hand, ready to react to any sign of betrayal.

But Anubis didn’t squeeze the heart like a ripe plum. Instead, he held it up over his head, eyes carefully inspecting the young girl’s torso.

Do it, Charles whispered. He heard Peri shout, Need help! and immediately felt pulled to aid his friend. But the heart… The heart was the key. He had to stay and make sure the beast completed the ritual.

I got your back! Icky yelled, flying to the Tin Man and buzzing around his head.

Faster, faster, Charles thought, as Anubis slowly lowered Lucy’s heart. Charles heard Peri call out. Put it in, Charles commanded. He watched as Lucy’s heart melted through her chest and into her body once more.

But she still lay lifeless.

Charles closed his eyes and raised both arms. A miracle…a miracle for us.

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Lucy choked, suddenly feeling heavier. She dropped to her knees, still floating on air.

It’s almost time, Sphinx said to her, grinning. Ready?

Lucy grabbed her chest and looked to Sphinx, who was now her father once more. Ready? Lucy questioned.

Her father smiled. For life, he answered. To live again.

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The top room of the pillar shook, knocking all of its occupants, save Charles, to the floor. He stood tall, one hand on Lucy’s rib cage to keep her from falling off of the gurney. He closed his eyes and concentrated, calling upon his gruesome power. Life is wonderful…for people who are real. My life is only someone else’s dream. Brilliant lightning crackled around the room as a massive blast of electricity tore a gash down Charles’s charred face. He stifled a scream, knowing the worst was yet to come. Lucille, this is my gift to you. He heard Peri yell, Charles, NOOOO! But the burned man had made his decision, and steeled himself for the consequence.

The lightning did its damage to Charles, but it also provided the energy needed to restart Lucy’s heart. Her body convulsed on the table, golden sparks flying in all directions.

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Lucy, gripped by an unseen force, pulled away from her father. She reached out to him. Daddy, what’s happening? Her voice rang with panic. Wait! Daddy, come with me!

He stood still in the clouds, smiling at her. As his image grew smaller and smaller while she flew away, Lucy began to cry. Please come with me, she pleaded, tapping two fingers against her chest. Daddy, help me.

Instantly, her father’s form shifted from firefighter to knight, complete with a massive, shining sword. And he ran to her, crossing the sky, even as she continued to pull away.

Lucy heard a faint but familiar voice say, Lucy? Is that you? She turned her head toward the voice and saw a golden-hued boy floating in the distance. The voice, though recognizable, seemed distorted, as if the boy didn’t quite inhabit the world she and her father now shared.

Lucy’s jaw fell, and her eyebrows rose with shock and happiness.

Billy? Billy, is that—

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In the decaying hospital room, Lucy’s body arched up violently in an awkward backbridge. Her fists clenched, and her mouth stretched wide in a silent scream.

The room continued to shake from the force of the lightning storm, and all but Charles fought to find their balance.

Charles’s body began to shake violently; this was the longest he’d ever sustained a lightning blast. It continued to knife through him, every inch of his body searing in electrified agony. Burned flesh sloughed off his head in waves, revealing his skull. Live, Lucy, live. He gritted his teeth, holding in his cries; he did not want Peri to understand the immeasurable pain inflicted upon him. Bravely, Charles fought to control himself. Live, Lucy. He looked at his outstretched hand and observed just two bony fingers left. He saw his end clearly—there could be no mistake now. He would never leave this room.

Never hold Lucille again.

With that thought, Charles almost lost control of his emotions. NO! He concentrated harder. I can give more—I can give more.

Charles, please… Peri said softly, standing up.

Lucy’s body continued to twitch, but Charles’s sacrifice wasn’t enough to give the girl life—yet.

He glanced at Peri and smiled, forcing the words, Protect her.

Charles… Peri reached out to him.

"Peri, don’t look, please don’t look."

Peri lowered his head, turning away from his friend.

A low grunt, followed by the sound of creaking metal, captured Peri’s attention.

Tin Man’s gettin’ up! Icky shouted.

Peri pointed his guns at their enemy and squeezed the triggers. But not even the constant barrage of bullets could keep the Tin Man from getting back to his feet and reclaiming his axe. He grinned with murderous malice, walking to Peri and raising his axe high. I’m going to split you in two!

Everything you have, Charles—give it EVERYTHING. This is it. You have more! You have MORE! Charles used the last of his energy to will into that room the most devastating bolt of lightning he’d ever created. It struck him on the head, cracking the back of his skull in two.

The room exploded in white light, and the Tin Man flew backwards, smashing through the double doors and sliding down the hallway.

Peri ducked, shielding his eyes, and began to weep.

Icky rocketed to the ceiling, fighting to keep its body in one piece.

And then came Charles’s scream, a scream that held his life essence and died only when he did.

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Lucy’s eyes fluttered open, her vision hazy. Her head fell to the side, and a single tear spilled over her nose. As she blinked to clear her eyes, she sensed an electricity in the silent room; her hair stood on end, and her skin felt hot. What’s going on? she thought. Then she heard a voice.

Lucy!

Icky? Lucy thought. Am…am I really back? She wiped her tear away and slowly propped herself up on one elbow.

The insect buzzed happily in front of her face. Then its eyes turned upwards and it backed up, cowering.

Lucy tilted her head and saw Anubis, who glared at her with his one good eye. The jackal god, teeth bared, bent down towards Lucy’s face, jaws stretching wide.

Oh, he’s going to eat your WHOLE HEAD! Lucy’s conscience shrieked.

A deafening shot sounded, and Anubis’s face disintegrated in a cloud of black smoke, leaving a tall, headless body that staggered around a few steps before falling to the floor.

Lucy quickly swung her legs over the gurney and sat up. Glancing down, she gasped, raising a hand to her mouth.

A dead man lay huddled on the floor, his smoking, charcoal-like body periodically emitting tiny bolts of electricity.

Motion to her right caught Lucy’s attention. Coming toward her strode a very angry looking rabbit with a golden pistol pointed at her face.

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"Whoa! Hold on there! Icky shouted. What do you think you’re doin’ there, Peri?"

Peri swatted Icky away with his other arm and stepped to Lucy, halting his gun a few inches from her still, surprised face. His pink nose twitched as he fought to control his emotions. You see him? he asked Lucy. "The man on the floor…my friend. Peri’s lips began to quiver. His name was Charles. He gave his life for you."

Lucy, although horrified by the golden weapon, broke her stare with the rabbit and once again looked to the crumpled, smoking man on the floor.

"So you’d better be able to do…what he thought you could, Peri continued. You need to save Lucille."

Lucy perked up at the sound of the name. Lucille, she whispered.

And if this is all some trick, and Charles died for nothing… Peri’s eyes narrowed to slits. I’ll end you.

A guttural groan sounded from outside the double doors, followed by a terrible, metallic scream.

Uh-oh, Icky said, eyes popping wide. Guess who’s comin’ back?

Peri whipped around and aimed both pistols on the closed doors.

Lucy reached forward and gently laid a hand on Peri’s shoulder. Don’t be afraid, she said softly. We’ll find Lucille. I promise. And she thought of Billy once more, and how promises made were meant to be kept. This creature had lost a dear friend, and so had she. Billy had been their hero, but now that he was gone, someone else had to take his place. Me, Lucy realized, a sense of pride growing within her. Thank you, Billy, for showing me. Now it’s my time. And she thought of the image of the golden boy in the sky. Was that really him…or even real?

So what’re we gonna do? Icky asked, panic clear in its voice. Lucy, we can’t hurt this guy.

The doors burst open, and the Tin Man stepped through, his giant axe dragging on the floor behind him. His eyes flashed when he beheld Lucy’s breathing body. The Tin Man smiled hungrily and took a heavy step toward her.

You can’t have her! Icky yelled.

Peri opened fire, but the bullets could not faze the crazed man.

Lucy commanded her feet to touch the floor, and they did. She willed her body forward, closer and closer to her assassin.

Peri ceased firing for fear of hitting the girl.

What is she doing? Peri asked Icky.

Icky shook its head. "Dunno. But sometimes…she can do stuff."

Lucy placed two fingers over her heart and tapped them against her chest. She stared at the Tin Man and grinned back at him, her smile widening with each step.

Lucy, um…do you need any help? Icky asked. I’m not really sure of the plan here.

No worries, Icky, Lucy stated. I’ve called someone, and I can feel him nearing.

The Tin Man’s wheezing quickened in anticipation of the girl’s blood washing over him. I’ll pluck your eyes like fine grapes, he whispered darkly. "Pop…pop. He stepped forward and began to raise his axe. Your heart has excited me beyond my own understanding. I’ll carry you back to Pandora in pieces. Fragments of flesh and bone for me to snack on."

Mmm hmm. Lucy nodded nonchalantly, glancing at something behind the Tin Man. She smiled even wider and said, "My dad’s here now, and you’re gonna get it."

The Tin Man’s mouth became an almost perfect jagged O as he pitched forward, his face smashing into the ground. In his place stood the Knight, the figure Lucy now knew for certain was her father, a giant red heart adorning his chestplate.

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Sphinx delighted at the way her/his/its pieces interacted with one another. So many stories in so many worlds had Sphinx put into motion…but here, now, in the Void, the story she began so long ago with Pandora would soon conclude. And most exciting and wondrous of all: this was the first story where her characters would go to their endgame without her interference. Sphinx had resolved herself to soon step out, to see where the human heart and imagination would lead. So long had she pulled all of the strings. Now she could sit back and enjoy the fruits of her machinations.

Pandora’s path seemed clear and set; she would be a formidable opponent for Lucy, Sphinx’s other grand player. Lucy, the girl who had faced her greatest fear, Medusa, and come out alive. But Lucy didn’t have all the information she needed to face Pandora one on one and stand a fighting chance.

Yet.

Sphinx steepled her fingers, pondering the unknown chaos the future would bring. Perhaps Lucy would run into the newest incarnation of Medusa before this was all over? Medusa, riding a giant, black steed, her serpent-like body replaced by that of a headless horseman. Sphinx ruminated on the thought of Medusa and the bedlam her power could cause. Medusa’s ability to turn others to stone makes her too formidable. And now she nears Pandora’s castle. I can’t have her besting Marok and the Army with only a glance. The drama would be lost, and some of my minor characters destroyed. She tapped her chin. How to best solve this conundrum?

The answer struck her.

No longer shall the horseman and Medusa maintain their former qualities. Since the horseman has Medusa’s head, he is now vulnerable to weapons, able to be hurt or killed. And for Medusa – well, what’s left of her – I think her deadly stare should not come automatically. Rather, she will have to use her power by choice. She’ll have to want it. Sphinx laughed out loud. And each time Medusa unleashes her power and ends a life, there shall be a dire consequence.

No, Pandora wasn’t the only one with a plan. With only one move left to make—one last meeting with Lucy—Sphinx waited to compose her final play until the time felt right.

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The Tin Man rolled away, predicting the Knight’s next strike, which came indeed, fast and furious. He watched the mighty sword smash into the floor just inches from his marred face. As the Knight freed his weapon from the gash in the tile floor, the Tin Man struggled to his feet and snarled at his new foe.

Icky flew to Lucy’s side. Move back and let him do his work.

No, Icky, she responded. I will help destroy what I Created.

Um, can you beat him? Icky asked, hearing the intense clanging of blade to axe.

Mr. Periwinkle approached the duo, saying, I can help.

Lucy shook her head and kept walking toward the fight. Stay back with Icky. Take care of each other. After this, we go for Lucille. She turned and faced the two. We go for Pandora. We go to end this.

Icky smiled. You sound like Billy.

Lucy nodded slowly, then turned and entered the battle.

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While her father advanced, Lucy circled the Tin Man and struck him on the back with her fist. A deep boom echoed from inside the Tin Man’s hollow body. "Hey, idiot! she called. I’m right here! You want my blood, my heart? Come and take it!"

Despite her courageous act, Lucy didn’t expect the Tin Man to abandon his fight with the Knight and come after her so quickly. But that’s exactly what he did.

In a rage, he whipped around and launched himself at Lucy, dropping the axe to grab her with his only working hand. Lucy gasped and tried to escape, but the Tin Man caught her by the throat. His long, sharp fingers felt cold against her skin as he squeezed and grinned. My fantasy…your heart beating within me, the Tin Man whispered, lifting her from the ground.

Lucy’s feet began to leave the floor just as her father tackled the Tin Man from behind, sending all three of them tumbling to the ground in a heap; yet the Tin Man’s crushing grip on Lucy’s throat