This place is huge. In the past, he didn't offer me this place; he just offered me a different one. Being an attorney really pays off. Before he comes here, I should get some food and try to put my plans on paper. Aww, my phone charm is broken. Well, I could run to the store real quick. It's still early, and I should have enough time. I think I saw a shopping center on the way here, about a mile up. I better start walking.

On the street coming back

Man, that was cheap. The good thing about five years ago is definitely the cost of living. I'm going to make a killing in the housing market with this economy. Since it's late, I should get home fast. Walking really feels good on a cool night. What's that sound? It sounds like people running.

“Watch it, witch”

“What the hell, you just bumped into me, asshole!”

“You better be happy I have somewhere to go, or I would handle you”

I must look really weak to you right now. “I doubt you would be able to even with time” I want you to try me now because my mood is spoiled thanks to you. I want to take this chance to relive some of my anger.

“Don't worry next time I see l’ll settle this score” *Runs and jumps in a car*

“Asshole, you better run.” Man, I really wanted to release this anger. I'm so pissed. “Why were they even running?” Aw shit you gotta be kidding me they did such a cliche thing and killed a man in an alley. No class at all. They're too sloppy.”

Let's see if he's alive.

Bends down to lift his head, and his face is exposed.

You have got to be fucking kidding me. Of all people, why is he here?

“I can't believe it even though I'm seeing him with my own eyes.”

I feel the rage that once haunted me in my past rising. And I'm going to let it take over.

“Salvatore”

Looking at him, he seems to be bleeding from a gunshot wound. If left untreated, it’s fatal.I can't help but smile. This bastard killed me then, and now his life is in my hands. I’m not the forgiving type, so let's have some fun.

“I promised myself that I'm not going to kill anyone in this life, but I'll make an exception when it comes to you.”

It's good I brought my pocket knife, Now you can feel what it's like to die

“Now, now, don’t tell me you don’t like my gift. I brought him to you with a lot of trouble. Took a lot of time.” A smile is dancing on his face again. For some reason, it's annoying me.

The surroundings are frozen, nothing is moving again and that stupid voice. He's back

“What are you doing here and interrupting me?” I'm not even going to try and hide my irritation so I can get to my business.

"Remember I said I'd be watching? And watching, I have been. It’s quite entertaining so far." His smile never reaches his red eyes.This man is dangerous.

"I'm glad I could entertain, but I need to know what you mean by 'gift.'"

"Well, I delivered your savior to your doorstep, so you didn’t have to find him. No need to thank me right away"

"This is the scumbag who ended me. He buried me in a ditch." I can’t control my voice. I'm screaming at a powerful being, but who cares? This asshole brought my murder in front of me.

"To be fair, he thought you betrayed him and put his family and business in jeopardy, getting some of his people killed."

I can’t believe he’s smiling right now. “That wasn’t me.”

"I know, and there’s no need to scream or cry, because right now you need to ask yourself: who was it?"

"I don’t know. But I know he killed me.” I can’t believe I have tears streaming down my face right now.

"Think, little one. You're smart. Who could it have been?" Why did his voice turn serious and his eyes are glowing again?

"All I figured out before he killed me was that money was moving from an account that shouldn’t have even existed to another account linked to the Taso family. I was waiting on the hacker I hired to tell me where the account came from and maybe who."

The tears are stopping.

"Then the hacker was killed." His voice is cold. Why does it seem like he's getting more serious?

"Yeah. He was killed. And then Lawyer Kim... he all of a sudden..."

"Was taken away too. Do you happen to remember when, as the fire started to get hot and this all started?"

"I don’t know and I don’t care, because I’m leaving my old life behind and going to make money. I'm not here to try and right my wrongs. I’m back in time to try and live a good life, free of whatever crap I was pulled into last time by this asshole." *Kicks him, and he moans.*

"That seems like a great plan, but there’s one problem."

"What’s that!?" Why can’t I control my emotions? I usually don’t lose my cool like this and scream.

"Remember I told you Fate has tied you to a path, and she doesn’t like being defied."

"So, I’ll just leave. Your kind is bound by principles. It’s not like she can follow me."

Its that smile again

“…She's going to follow me? What kind of psycho is she? She messed my life up and she wants me to just die.”

"In truth, she wants you to die a terrible, gruesome death."

"Really? What the hell did I do to her?"

"Well, not much. Just breathing, having a heartbeat. You know, just existing." His smile is back, is he bipolar or something. Is that possible since he's not human?

"So even if I run, I’ll be chased?"

“Bingo little one. Remember, you got this second chance because I made a bet with Fate."

"I guess this is the best time to ask: how do I play into this bet, and why bring him here?"

"Now we’re talking business. I can’t tell you what the bet consists of, but I can tell you this: That man is the key to you living, and that’s why Fate used him to kill you. Kind of like her poetic way of sticking it to you."

"Him? How is he the key to me living a long life when he was the one who cut it short!?"

"Temper, temper now. I know this isn’t ideal, but it’s the way things have to be if you’re going to survive. You don’t have to love him, let alone like him, because I know I don’t. But you do have to work with him. You need to be a part of the family business again, and this time Fate can’t interfere."

Fate can't interfere at all?

"How can you interfere with Fate and stop her? I’ve never heard of gods—"

"You mortals are pretty obsessed with putting my kind on a pedestal. She is far from a god, let alone someone I can’t control." His eyes glow violent red but he's smiling.

"My mother said something similar when I was young. She said the gods they speak of in our books were never gods but beings. They are like humans but have powers."

"Your mother was a smart woman."

"Yes, so smart she told me the deity of Fate was dangerous and not so benevolent as she seemed to her people. My mother said she was one deserving of hate."

"Some mortals just know."

"What’s the coincidence of my mother being right and you being here? My mother was almost obsessed with those books on the gods and the story of a war, even though it was fiction. In the book, they were guided by principles and oaths that they couldn’t break. How is she walking so free to do whatever?"

"You know, Angie, a mind is a brilliant thing, but it’s also a weapon that is to be used to protect yourself."

"I know that."

"Then know this: I’m not the only being able to see you, and I’m not the only one interested in this bet. Take that man with you. Make sure you treat him, gain his trust, and get back into his family’s circle. That’s the key to ending this."

"I can’t. If I go down that path, I’ll lose those who mean something to me again. I don’t have any family. I can’t risk that. This time around, I’m going to make sure I protect them."

"If you don’t risk it, they will die. So, the only way to make sure they have a chance to live is to return." I can't believe this.

“I got it. I don’t know how I’ll explain this to Lawyer Kim, but I got it.”

"Don’t worry. He seems like the type of mortal that is into being a hero. So, I would say you’re safe."

*Stairs at the body* I Can't believe it.

“Now come, come, it's time to get him inside. I'll even help by making him lighter for you until you get there.”

*Picks him up*

"I can’t believe this."

"Neither can I.” This asshole is next on my list after Salvatore.

"I’ll be in touch, so until then."

Back in the other realm

" ’He seems like the type that likes to be the hero?’ ” Louis seems to be somewhat annoyed with me

“ Louis, you seem somewhat offended.I'm guessing you didn't like my little joke about lawyer Kim.”

"I take no offense to your majesty, we mortals have things like hero complexes that motivate us to be better. Even if it’s to our own demise."

"Yes, that flaw is what humanity is about."

"Hmm."

"I still owe Lawyer Kim a thank you for protecting her. He did so even with his last breath. Because of that flaw, she has a chance."

"I'm sure he deeply appreciates your gratitude."

"I'm sure he does too."

“Your Majesty, it's been a while since I've seen that sincere smile. I'm glad it's back”.

"Me too Louis, me too."