As they arrived, they found Karma holding Shannon captive, a sword pressed against his neck. "Well, well, well," Karma sneered, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Look what we have here. The little Incursio team, come to rescue their precious mentor." Rage (Courage) snarled, his fists clenched. "Let him go, Karma." Karma chuckled. "Oh, I don't think so. You see, this man is quite...enlightening." Frost (Florence) narrowed her eyes. "What do you want, Karma?" Karma's gaze flicked to Rage. "Yes, Rage, do you remember Shannon's mother's ex, the one she dated before she met Father?" Rage's eyes widened in shock. "How did you...?" Karma's smile grew wider. "Yes, I'm talking about the same man. And that's why Shannon, here, is so special to me." Shannon's eyes darted to Rage before returning to Karma. "Karma, stop this." Karma's sword pressed closer to Shannon's neck. "Tell them, Father. Tell them why you can't come to kill me yourself, despite being powerful too." Shannon swallowed hard. "My name is Shannon...and Karma is my son." The team exchanged stunned glances. Sky (Skylar) spoke up, "What? That's impossible!" Dikstra (Kurd) frowned. "No wonder you're so powerful, Karma. You have your father's blood." Karma's smile grew wider. "Ah, yes. That explains why I'm so much stronger than all of you." Rage's eyes widened in shock. "That's why...Father said Keon wasn't his son. He knew all along." Frost's eyes narrowed. "This changes everything." Karma's laughter echoed through the air. "Yes, it does. And now, you'll never be able to defeat me." Karma sneered, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, well, well. Looks like I'm finally getting the welcome I deserve. This is my father's house, after all. I should be treated like the alpha I am."
Rage's eyes narrowed. "You're not welcome here, Karma. You're holding our friend hostage."
Karma chuckled. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong. I'm simply ensuring my father's cooperation. Now, show me to my room. I'm tired of standing."
Frost hesitated, but Sky nodded. "Fine. We'll play along. For now."
Dikstra added, "But if you harm Shannon, you'll regret it."
Karma grinned. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. Lead the way, then."
Karma released Shannon, who glared at him with hatred and contempt. "You're still a monster, Keon," Shannon spat.
Karma just laughed. "And you're still a liar, Father. But we'll play nice... for now."
With that, Karma turned and strode upstairs, Frost escorting him. The team watched, unsure of what to do next.
Once they reached the room, Karma flopped onto the bed, a triumphant smile still plastered on his face. "Ah, this is the life. Now, bring me food and drink. And don't bother trying to escape, Father. I have plans for you."
Frost stood guard, her eyes fixed on Karma. "We'll bring you what you want. But don't think you're in control here."
Karma just laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I'm in control. And soon, I'll show you all what true power looks like." Frost followed Karma into the room, her eyes fixed on him with a mix of concern and caution. "Karma, listen, I don't know what you're going through, but I think I understand that you're hurting. You don't have to do this alone. We can talk, figure something out."
Karma raised an eyebrow, his expression unyielding. "You think you understand? You think you can fix me? I doubt it."
Frost took a step forward, her voice softening. "I'm not trying to fix you, Karma. I just want to help. You don't have to push us away."
Karma snorted. "You're just trying to manipulate me, like everyone else. Well, it won't work."
Frost sighed, trying a different approach. "Okay, fine. But are you hungry? We can bring you something to eat."
Karma's gaze flickered, and for a moment, Frost thought she saw a glimmer of vulnerability. But then, his mask slipped back into place. "Yes, I'm hungry. Bring me something. But don't think a full stomach will make me go soft."
Frost nodded, trying to keep the conversation going. "I'll bring you something. And maybe we can talk more later?"
Karma just shrugged, his eyes already dismissing her. "Do what you want. I don't care."
(Few Minutes later)
Frost returned with a tray of food, setting it down in front of Karma. He took a bite, his eyes widening in surprise. "This is actually good. You cook it, darling?"
Frost smiled, relieved that he was eating. "Yeah, I did."
Karma took another bite, his expression softening ever so slightly. "Thanks, love. You have a talent."
As Frost turned to leave, Karma's voice stopped her. "Hey, Frost?"
She turned back, questioning. "Yeah?"
Karma's eyes seemed to bore into her soul. "Have you ever wondered why she left you, hmm? Abandoned you like a dirty little secret?"
Frost's heart skipped a beat. "Who?"
Karma's smile was cruel, his voice dripping with malice. "Your mother, of course. I'm talking about your mother, sweetheart."
Frost's eyes welled up with tears, her voice barely above a whisper. "How did you...?"
Karma's voice dripped with sophistication and menace. "Ah, Frost, darling. You're so predictable. I know all about your little secrets, your deepest desires. And I must say, I'm intrigued."
He took another bite of his food, savoring the taste and the power he held over Frost. "Your mother, dear Frost. She's a fascinating woman. And I know exactly where she is."
Frost's tears only seemed to amuse him, and he chuckled, low and husky. "Oh, don't cry, Frost. I'm offering you a gift. The truth about your mother, and why she left you. All you have to do is ask... and obey me, of course."
His eyes gleamed with triumph, and he leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I know you want to know, Frost. I can see it in your eyes. And I'll tell you, darling. But first, you have to play by my rules."
(Location: Master room)
Frost found herself standing in front of Shannon's room after speaking with Karma, her heart heavy with the weight of Karma's words. She took a deep breath and entered, finding Shannon sitting on his bed, his eyes fixed on her.
"Shannon, I need to know," Frost said, her voice trembling. "Why did you abandon Karma? What did he do to deserve that?"
Shannon's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of fear. "Keon was a curse, Frost. A constant reminder of my own weakness. I couldn't risk losing my powers, my identity. I had to cut my bond with him."
Frost felt like she'd been punched in the gut. "You abandoned your own son because of your powers? That's... that's monstrous."
Shannon shrugged, his voice devoid of emotion. "I did what I had to do. Keon was a threat to my very existence."
Frost's eyes welled up with tears as she turned and fled the room, Shannon's words echoing in her mind like a cruel mantra. She ran to her own room, slamming the door shut behind her and collapsing onto her bed, her body wracked with sobs.
How could Shannon be so heartless? How could he abandon his own son like that? Frost's mind reeled with questions, but the only answer she could find was pain and betrayal.
(Location Courage's room)
Courage drifted off to sleep, his mind flooded with memories of his parents and his childhood.
He remembered laughter and warmth, his parents' smiles and hugs. He recalled sunny days spent playing in the park, his father pushing him on the swings and his mother chasing after him as he rode his bike.
He remembered his mother's cooking, the smell of fresh-baked cookies and roasting vegetables. He recalled his father's stories, tales of adventure and bravery that sparked his imagination.
He remembered family vacations, road trips to the beach and mountains. He recalled his parents' whispers and cuddles, their reassurances that everything would be okay.
But most of all, he remembered the feeling of safety and love that his parents provided. He remembered feeling like he was home, like he was exactly where he belonged.
As he slept, Courage's heart ached with longing for those carefree days, for the love and security of his childhood. He missed his parents dearly, and the memories only made their absence more poignant.