'I'm in pain... I want Adrian...'

'How could you want him...' his voice was harsh at the direct mentioning of his son. He hated his son. 'He's a damn fool. You're deserving of better...'

He was a silent for a while.

'Besides...what do you want me to do about that?'

'I don't know...'

Poison suddenly had a crazy thought, but kept it to herself.

'Just help me.'

'Hiding things are we. I think you forget I know you quite well...do not hide anything from me...I can extract it...painfully...'

He knew that she got his drift. He knew she thought about him killing her mother. A shame...but it had to be done. A punishment was required.

'No, it's embarassing... I don't wanna...'

She felt a sharp stab at her mind.

'I don't like secrets...at all. Secrets are against the rules here, you know what better than most. Do not suffer the same fate your mother did...if you do...Adrian goes with you.'

He sounded cold and calculating. He sensed she was a little shocked that he would threaten his own sons life. He didn't care. If his son was dead, he'd live on as the spirit of fire for eternity. Better to have the obstacle out of the way.

'I... thought, but only for a second... I wondered if Adrian hadn't been born, if I would have gotten stuck with you.'

'You say that like it's a bad thing. I wouldn't mind...your old enough now. You would have gotten...as you so rudely put it, stuck with me indeed...'

He smirked to himself.

Poison blushed.

'That's kinda sick... You're like a million years old...'

'But I don't look it...and I'm fifty seven...'

His mind thought about her...with him. What a wonderful thought.

'You know...I think I could arrange that. I could kill my son...I'm the still the active spirit of fire, he hasn't asserted dominance over me like you have to your father. I could kill him...and take you...'

He smiled.

'What a wonderful idea...'

Oh god, what did she get herself into.

'Uh...'

'No...I think I can wait a little longer...it'll make the taste of victory all that much sweeter...now if your done, I really must be going, I've mortals to...take care of...'

'Okay.'

Poison was slightly relieved to be alone again.

'She's a fighter...I like fighters.' he said.

'Leave me alone' Adrian shot back, 'I want nothing to do with you.'

'Fine then.' His father left him and he returned to what he was doing previously. Drawing. He was a decent artist, he always had been. Poison looked lovley even on canvas.

Poison suddenly realized the thorns and wings were gone. She breathed a sigh of relief, and laid down on her bed.