"I think I understand now," he said in a hushed tone, humbled by the idea that his life meant so much more than he ever knew.
"I can see it on your face." Past-Death smiled. "I really want to take credit for this moment." She took his hand again.
"Me, too," Fate said from behind them. "In fact, I think I will."
"You," Deidre growled, facing him.
Gabriel took another moment of peace, before he, too, confronted Fate. "That's why you wanted me to come here first," he said.
"One of the reasons," Fate admitted. "The other was so I can see you take the oath."
"By one of the three original laws from the time-before-time."
"Yes. It's a historical moment, or will be." Fate smiled. "The first human to become a deity. Don't frown, honey."
Past-Death was scowling at him. "I don't remember why, but I know not to trust you."
"You'd be right," Gabriel replied firmly.
Fate winked at past-Death. "No hard feelings, as long as you acknowledge that I won."
Gabriel said nothing, studying the god. He thought twice about asking the question he wanted to ask. Namely, if past-Death had created Deidre, who created him?
But he didn't think the answer was going to be one he liked. Deidre had gone through nothing but heartache since discovering she was made to be a stand in by a goddess with one purpose. He didn't want to think about what went into making him a possibility.
"You find who you were looking for in the dungeon?" he asked instead.
"Yes, who is in the dungeon?" past-Death seconded.
"No one now."
"Don't be an ass," she snapped.
"Two deities you locked up, one with my help. The other … even I don't know what your vendetta might've been. No one picks a fight with him, except for the Dark One."
"Aaaaahhhh," Past-Death murmured. "I bet that's why. Some part of my elaborate deal with the past-Dark One or Darkyn."
"Who were they?" Gabriel asked.
"Karma, who escaped, and Peace, who appears to be dead-dead," Fate replied.
"Karma," past-Death repeated with a shiver. "I remember not liking her either."
"You picked a fight with Peace?" Gabriel demanded.
"I'm sure I had a reason." She shrugged. "When you hold the souls of the deities in your hands, you really don't care who you fight with now, do you?"
"Death killed Peace, fittingly enough." Fate grinned.
Just when I think she can't surprise me … Gabriel eyed her. "Is Karma dangerous?"
"Very. My sister has none of the restraint I do in general," Fate replied.
"Sister. She'll be thrilled to see you again." Gabriel drew a deep breath. "Okay. First things first: the oath. Second, I'm going to give the death dealers a chance not to spend eternity in Hell."