Victoria sighed heavily. "What makes you think I would want anything to do with you?"

The question struck him deeply, though he showed no sign of its consequence. "All right." He shrugged. "If you don't want my help, then I'll be on my way."

"Hey! You can't leave me here!" She marched after him. "What help?"

"I thought that would grab your attention." Rayden smiled. "Come and I'll show you." The mystics walked on, vanishing as they did so. They'd crossed an invisible gateway created by the thunder god.

They entered a grand hall, extensively decorated in velvet, marble and cedar. The windows soared from the floor to the ceiling as did the double doors on either end.

"This...this is Rayne Caslte!" Victoria walked about the room, running her hands across the velvet curtains and massive fire place of the grand hall. "But how?" she turned back to him. "Rayne Castle doesn't exist..." She wrinkled her brow and ran headlong onto the patio. The forest spread before her. She knew at the edge of it would be a cliff towering high above hundreds of jagged boulders. She knew the landscpe well. How? She had dreamt up the whole thing!

Rayden went after her but stood in the threshold. "Angel Isle."

"You--you did all this? You created this place--"

Rayden noded. "For you, Victoria. You may not understand, but I had my reasons for staying detached."

"I died alone, father. I was exiled by people whom I thought where my family. Where were you in all of this? Jet-setting through dimensions?"

"You had a better chance on earth realm. I had to sever all ties with you. There was no other way to safeguard your life."

"And now you're making it up to me, eh? You're way behind on Birthdays, Christmas ... not to mention several other holidays. So, what else have you got up your sleeve, father?"

Rayden smirked and stood beside his daughter. "One hell of an Ace."

TBC........