Welcome to Gaia! ::

Having had little time to say goodbye when they had vacated Water's quarters, Tempest thought about his promise to Nixie. He would still keep it and find something just for her. But over the days that followed, the man had found little that was still usable or would satisfy a child.

When he heard the strange mewling sounds coming from the edge of the water, it struck his curiosity. Two small cats were trapped in the mud and he quickly moved to help them.

"Hold on. I'll help." he said softly as he kneeled down in the mud to try to free them. They seemed frightened at first, but then at his gentleness, stopped moving to allow him to help.

Tempest pull the first one free but then nearly dropped it upon noting the fish tail it had. It was not exactly a cat. He supposed he had seen stranger things than this 'catfish'. Carefully tucking the first into his shirttail, he reached down to pull the second one free. Trying to clean them a bit in the water, he would have actually let them free. But each time they neared the water, they mewed almost in fear.

"Well, I don't know what to do with you then." he stated, the last of the mud cleaned from them. One was a bluish coloration and the other was a purplish.

Yuri moved closed sniffing them. *Strange creatures.* he commented.

Tempest broke into laughter as he pulled them against him. "Like a talking cat is the norm?"

*It could be.* the feline smirked.

"I'll have to find them a home. Since they don't seem to want to go back into the water. Probably something there tried to eat them."

*Perhaps your little friends. They like water.*

"My little friends?" Confusion slipped down over Tempest for a moment. "What friends?"

*The little goddesses, Tempest. Their father is Water. They might be able to care for creatures such as these.*

A sudden smile broke free. "Of course! They would love these two. And this keeps my promise to Nixie too."

It was a short time later when a box arrived at the door for Nixie and her sister. A card stated :

Calling all of his together, Taj began to carefully inform them of all that Mahl'reth had said. All were silent for several long moments. He had written it all down for Saljin and given it to him to read since there was so much information to be had in such a short time. None of his cryptic words and phrases were included as the need to make them understand was of most importance.

After Saljin was silent, Tempest began pacing the floor. Back and forth constantly moving. He thought about Elana, but also about all those he had once known. Who still survived? Should he not be looking for them? For their own protection?

All sorts of questions slipped through his thoughts chaotically. Finally he approached Taj.

"Taj, I need to speak to you and Saljin a few moments." His voice was soft, but he knew they would help. It was not that which made him more timid.

Taj nodded for him to continue as Saljin stood nearby listening. He folded his arms, wings twitching slightly.

Tempest nodded, and began. "I think we should go out looking for others. My sister is still out there. You said we needed everyone for this. Perhaps people we know are still surviving somewhere. Should we not give them a chance here also?"

He frowned thoughtfuly then pulled his pad out to write.

The man shrugged. "I know a few places where some may have hidden. All we can do is look. Right?" He honestly was unsure but he wanted to at least try.

Taj nodded, a faint smile as he reached out to squeeze the man's shoulder. Writing quickly, he held the pad out to both Saljin and Tempest. He moved towards the cabinet where the weapons were placed.

Saljin frowned. "We should just do a general search on our way also, Taj. Anyone we find we should send or bring back here."

Mystery nodded as he handed out the pistols to both men. Buckling his own on, he silently waited as Saljin carried their packs forwards. They were always packed and ready just in case they needed to run.

They left the house after telling Delphine where they were going and why. She was to great anyone who came from them specifically and find them places to rest. She would also relay the message to Karaskis and Ashe as to what direction they had gone.

They had only walked a few blocks before Saljin stopped, something tickling his ear. He scowled as he glanced around. It felt almost familiar in some fashion.

Saljin...

Someone called his name and he turned in a full circle, staring about him in confusion. Shrugging as they glanced at one another, Taj and Tempest simply stopped to watch the shifter.

"Saljin... The whisper tickled his ear again.

"Show yourself." he growled finally, hand near his pistol. Suddenly a hand pulled his ear as someone appeared behind him. At first he faded out again but then he managed to reveal himself with a sigh. He had trouble once more with using his magic. Things really were disappearing and Puck wondered briefly if he would also.

Taj and Tempest both blinked in surprise when Puck appeared, nearly pulling their weapons out and firing. Saljin whirled but then stood staring. A memory of Jaster's meeting with the fairy of mischief slipped down over the god and his concern eased off. This was a friend.

Yes, Puck is a good friend to both I and Saljin, Taj. If he's here, then things there are bad. We told him to look for us. His voice was faint, but then he was fading more and more each day. All he wanted to do was hold on to see him back.

"Puck!"

"You always were slow, Saljin." A sudden smirk crossed his face as he stared at his friend.

Saljin suddenly laughed, hugging him tightly. "It's good to see you! How are things in the Labyrinth?"

"You, too." the fairy replied, his wings folding down slightly.

"Puck?" Tempest blinked. "Not Midsummer Night's Dream's Puck?" Was he meeting someone from a story.

"Exactly, Tempest. The one and only Puck. What are you doing here? How are things there? How did you get here? Jaster and I thought the portal was ruined."

"It is now. It crumbled entirely after we came through. A group of us left. Elves, fairies, and some others. We knew something was wrong. The magic is changing. Fading again." He glanced over at Taj. "Jaster... you've changed."

Taj flexed his wings in amusement. Of course he would see Jaster. A grin slipped over his face as he shrugged. He had altered more than Puck suspected.

"That's not entirely Jaster, Puck. That is Tajnevaki, the God of Mystery. The other is Tempest. Jaster is there, but different. We will explain later."

"There are others. I'll take you to them." He grinned but watched Taj a moment. "A god, huh? I'm guessing this is why things are so messed up everywhere? The gods are returning."

Taj nodded. To some extent it was their fault, but they were trying to fix it.

"It's being fixed, Puck." Saljin stated. He frowned for a moment. "We are searching for others to get more support. See the Pantheon... the black building? We are in a house nearby that. It's a huge victorian with a large porch. We need to keep moving so unless someone with you needs our help, we will just send you all that direction."

Puck nodded. "We are all fine. Twenty or thirty of us. I never counted. A few minor injuries. A couple pregnant elves. Other than that, we should be able to make it."

"Ask for Delphine specifically, Puck." Tempest added.

The fairy nodded. "Alright. We can do that. I suppose I should just stay this size. I mean it's getting harder and harder to change back. I guess we will have a chance to talk later. A big house with a big porch. Got it I guess. I'm really glad I found you, Saljin. I was wondering if you and Jaster were alright."

"We are fine, Puck. This is our choice." Saljin replied with a smile. It had been his choice to remain with Jaster and then Taj. And it had been Jaster's choice to take the stone.

He moved quickly away after nodding. When he got to the grouping, Puck gathered them round. "I found some friends. I found Saljin and Tajnevaki, the God of Mystery. It seems the problem is their return. But they said they'd explain more later. They have a place we can find sanctuary at least. Let's get packed."

Two of the elven women glanced at each other. "Saljin? What about Jaster?" But before they could discuss it further, murmurrs of "god" spread out amongst everyone. They all moved to begin packing.

"They will explain, but we need to get there." He silently watched both women. Many were in for surprises. "Let's go."

As they continued making a wide circle around the city, more and more people were found. To Puck's group that now resided at the house were added, three more fairies, two aoide, and a stardust winged fox. Taj named him Seere immediately. The creature had been cowering in a box afraid to move.

Taj has spied him, hidden there though Saljin and Tempest had simply passed him by. After several growls, the creature had been coaxed out. The god named him instantly giving him a bit of food which the creature took gently from his fingers. When it settled down at his side, he smiled, nodding to the other two men. And they began moving again.

It was a few blocks down the street when they came to a large barricade. One side was crumbled and they walked around it only to catch sight of a flash of bright color. Soon there was a second flash of color. Two small lizards crawled to the top of the post nearby. They stared quietly at Taj, Tempest, and Saljin as if sizing up their threat.

Taj watched them closely then moved forwards as Seere simply stopped. Mi glanced out from the pocket, giggling in delight. "Oh! So pretty! Um.. they won't think I'm a bug, will they?" She moved back against Taj more securely in the pocket.

Saljin laughed. "I don't think so, Mi."

One crept out onto his hand, then squirreled up his arm to sit on his shoulder. A moment later the second one followed. "We do not eat fairies." His voice clearly stated. "Unless they give us trouble."

Saljin blinked as did Tempest. They spoke in human tongue. "What are your names?"

"I'm GriffeBleue and she's Sonnenebel. We don't know if any others are around. It was all we could do to survive."

Before they could finish talking, Taj glanced over at movement. On the other side of the street, someone walked. Somehow that person looked familiar. Staring in surprise, he suddenly moved across to her. The lizards clung tightly to hang on.

Tempest and Saljin stared in stunned surprise but began moving towards her as Taj was. "Ijera?" the shifter asked softly. Then his pace quickened.

She stopped gazing at both startled out of her search. "Jaster? Saljin? Is it really you, boys?" Ijera suddenly burst into tears, sitting down on the curb. Taj slipped his arms around her tightly, Jaster pushing to the surface. This person meant alot to him. She had been of help when noone else was.

Jaster hugged her tightly as did Saljin, before he let Taj have control back. "Jaster is changing, Ijera. He becomes Tajnevaki, the God of Mystery." The shifter explained softly. "He doesn't speak anymore, though some of Jaster is still there as himself and as part of Taj."

She reached out touching Taj's cheek gently. "I know the mark of silence when I see it, Saljin. I needed food and water. I had to come out. But then I knew you were both special. A god. Who would have thought." She murmurred fondly.

Taj glanced at Saljin indicating water and food. The shifter pulled supplies from his pack offering to her. It took a few moments for her to finish, but they waited patiently. Writing on his pad, Taj said,

She smiled nodding, her eyes bright with tears. "Alright. There is noone but me now. The others were killed or died. I don't want to be alone when I have found both of you again."

A few more moments of rest and she was feeling better. Saljin, the lizards, Seere, and Ijera moved away towards the Pantheon. Taj and Tempest continued looking. There were more to find.

As they neared the area that Tempest had indicated was where the magician friends he knew, Taj frowned thoughtfully. There were most likely tricks and traps hidden inside. They stared for a moment at the door.

Tempest started to walk forwards but Taj stopped him, shaking his head. "No? Why?"

Mystery wrote quickly, but still hesitated to approach the doorway.

Frowning he turned to watch and look around. "I'm not sure, but I would think they had used some of our tricks to keep themselves safe. We would have to go slow, but we should be able to make it, Taj. We need Saljin. He could get inside easily most likely."

Taj nodded, but moved fowards at a very slow pace. As they opened one door, a mechanism slipped into place. The sound was obvious and both glanced around nervously. When he saw the rope sliding along the edge, he watched it trying to trace what it was doing. Then he understood when the huge pipe came swinging down at them. Shoving Tempest to the side, Taj barely dove for the floor in time to miss being hit.

Shoved into the wall nearby, Tempest staggered, sitting down in stunned surprise. Before he could get up, he found a gun barrel in his face. He blinked in surprise as he tried to focus on the people there.

Taj was just about to get up when he heard someone say, "This one has wings, but neither are demons from what I can tell." The voice was soft and whispered to someone who had yet to speak. After a muffled reply, he said, "Get to your feet slowly. Both of you. What do you want here? There's nothing here for you."

Mystery got to his feet, folding his wings back as his arms folded across his chest. He looked amused at what had been said. They meant no harm but were only protecting themselves. The fact that the pipe would have taken their heads off didn't matter so long as they were safe he guessed.

Tempest got shakily to his feet. "A little easier next time, Taj." he growled, shaking his head and flexing his shoulder to loosen it up. It ached where he'd hit the wall. "I'm looking for Charlton. Tell him Tempest is here."

Murmurrs broke out and after a moment, a man stepped forwards. "Tempest? Is that you? You survived then. I wasn't sure anyone had. Did you make it back to Jace?"

"Jace is dead, Charl. I managed to get Joe but Jace died just as I got there. Demons." he replied, as the men around put the safetys back on their guns. He glanced around at the scraggly grouping. They still watched Taj warily. "Charl, this is Tajnevaki, the god of Mystery. We came to take you to the place we are living. It's safer there than elsewhere. Alot is happening and Taj will explain later. He does not speak but trust me, you will understand what he is saying if you need to." Tempest grinned faintly a shrug following.

"I see. A god. Well, not sure about that, but I trust you, Tempest. We've been barricaded up in here awhile. Food supplies are getting low, and it's been rough trying to go out and get more. And leave the kids and older folks here alone."

"Kids? Well, there is more protection there, and alot of us. Even the creatures that are meant to be along are understanding and following us to safety. I can't promise that it will be paradise, but you won't be alone no matter what comes next. Taj?" Tempest glanced at Tajnevaki as the god watched them all.

His eyes gazed at each one for a long while, then he nodded. Moving towards the door, he looked at the sky a moment. Nights were not a place one wanted to be outside. Then his gaze returned to Tempest.

"I understand. Let's hurry. Pack food, water, and anything you need, but only what we can carry. We need to be back at the house before nightfall. We can always come back for anything else later." He moved inside with the rest as a few remained on guard. They'd switch and be given time to gather their things.

It only took Charlton a few moments to tell his people that they were leaving and who Taj was. Most watched him skeptically as they moved to do as asked. So long as they were protected, many did not care.

It took them about an hour to gather the things they wanted and to get them distributed amongst everyone. Even Taj and Tempest grabbed bags to help. Everyone watched Taj warily as they moved. It was not everyday that one found oneself faced with a god. Tempest tried to explain as they asked questions from time to time that the gods were young and returning because there was a need for them to straighten the mess that the world had become. But then he added that it was not just here. It was all the worlds and that they were working to solve the problem by bringing back Creation, that there had been an injury to him.

Most began to relax more as they began to understand the whats, whys, and hows that had changed the structure of life itself. Not just for them but for the gods that were trying to help. Alot needed repaired and it was going to take all of them to do so. Faith was needed as much as godly power. Nothing would come easy but together they all had a chance.

It was slow moving towards the house and Pantheon. The great dark building loomed over everything causing both shivers and hope. It was almost night when they returned to the house. Taj and Saljin directed most to simply find a place to rest for the evening. Delphine and Triq made food for everyone. It was not alot but it was warm and filling. A schedule of guarding was set up for shifts by morning and the children were given space to play. Learning would have to be restored also at some point, but for now fun was necessary.

Taj walked through them all as he took account of all those he had gathered. There were more out there, he was certain, but at least he had these to protect. Other trips could be made to look for survivors, and these would be entirely settled before he went offworld looking for mome.

Taj sat silently writing what he needed everyone to know. And understand. Much was going to happen during this ritual and they should know exactly what was at risk should this fail. Everything was, but he had to make this clear to them.

Without a voice, he could not simply relate it to them. Instead he found pen and paper to write it all down for Saljin to read to them. It was the only way they would know what he knew and could make their choices.

It took him nearly an hour to pen the words in a way that was satisfactory to him. But he also needed it legible for the shifter to read to them. It took time to do that. And several crumpled papers lay on the floor where he had missed the wastebasket testifying to his care on this matter.

When he was finally finished, Taj went back over the wording. Rereading it not once or twice, but three times before he was satisfied with it. A meeting time had been arranged and it was nearly an hour away yet. There was so much still to do and so much to try to repair. Bringing back Harmodius was but a first step in a very long list. So much was gone. The sky. The planets. The cities. The people. Some could be replaced. Others could not.

Walking to the window, he frowned thoughtfully, folding his arms as he stared outwards. Dark and dreary where once there had been sunlight golden and warm. Despair easily slipped through many of those around him, but he refused to let this happen without a fight. Jaster had made him painfully aware of what there was to lose if he did simply give up.

It was why he was writing this all down. There were some things the others needed to know so that they could make their decisions-choice- wisely. He wondered what the people had been like before the fading. Had they merely been a means to an end with the gods? With him? Taj was uncertain but because of Jaster and Saljin, they meant much more now. Where once he might have treated them as toys, he now treated them with a bit more respect based on what he saw in them. Perhaps this was how it should be.

They needed Harmodius back, but all of them had to pull together in this to free Him- at the very least bring Him back to some resemblance of Himself.. All of them had been through so much already beginning with Destruction's reign to the windows shattering casting their effects upon the universe to space pirates to demons. And even to now with the sky still and silently dark.

Creation's return was all that could fix this. They all knew that in some innate way within their very souls. But the mortals did not entirely understand. This was why he gathered as many as he could, looking to their hearts to help bring back the one who could save them all. They owed Him and those under their protection this much. Didn't they?

It was uncertain how many of them would take it. But Taj was certain that it was better for them to be prepared for what was needed on the next day. Creation needed each and every one of them to pull Him back. And it would take them all. Each person gave the Twin Crown power and strength. A name that could allow Him to understand who He was and who they were.

And even with his voice gone, for once he would have to speak on paper, yet not in riddles. Even his domain had a place and time to obscure. This was not one of them and he tried to be as plain as he could be. And now he was finished, but still thinking over his words to ensure they were plain, honest, and serious enough that all would see and understand the import of what they would all be doing on the next day. It was all he could give them now and it was no longer just in his hands, but in everyone's.

The next day would tell whether he had been successful or not. The next day would tell whether they all had been or not. Turning back to the desk, Tajnevaki picked up the sheet of words. Saljin would be his voice in this moment, but all would understand it was he that was speaking to their hearts. They were his chosen and now it was their choice as much as his.

Cinderfae

"I can understand that, but for Cinder it was different to some degree. Her love was the host to water and because of that loss she agreed to become my host." Karaskis considered a moment, "though Cinder never treated Kaelin as she did Merci` - she grew protective...but could not grow to love him." Karaskis offered a smile to Lisana as she finished her thought.

Leaning some she looked over at Taj's tablet he seemed to be writing quite a bit more then usual. Her brow quirked some as she picked up the meaning, matters of the heart and the somewhat winding love she had with Taj made her understanding almost immediate.

Shifting her gaze to look at Lisana she gave Taj's hand a squeeze, waiting to see if the other goddess would pick up on the meaning, "perhaps now though, Tempest will have some other path in his life."

Eftemie

Lisana frowned slightly at the wording. It was a puzzle. A riddle of sorts. She silently stared at the pad and then understanding dawned on her that Tempest had been meant for Taj himself.
And that even they might have picked up on their hosts' feelings in those circumstances. A flicker of worry flicked through her expression as she stared at Taj. Not for herself. For Tempest. A bit of Eftemie stirred but then went silent so little was left to protest what was felt. It faded in the same instant. "You cannot tell him that. He.. it would break him to think that perhaps... He has had enough done to him."

Taj watched her smiling gently as he squeezed Kara's hand. Mystery entirely understood that it was not simply Lisana that had stirred so adamantly on this point. A host had given such feelings to the goddess with whatever lingered of her being to protect the one she loved should he ever need it.

Laughter nodded, smiling somewhat sadly. Sometimes her feelings were too.. mortal? Was there such a thing? "Thank you for that then, Taj. Perhaps with time he will even be able to tolerate me. One can hope."

Turning to Karaskis, he questioned silently if she was ready to go. Only one who knew his expressions as she did would even understand the small hint.

His pace was slow as he contemplated what he would say. Uncertainty slipped down over him digging her claws in. He suddenly sighed finding himself in front of the room that Taj and Karaskis shared.

How long he stood simply staring at the door was unclear until it opened suddenly and he was face to face with Taj. His voice failed him and he nervously fidgeted, turning slightly red as he greeted the god. "Taj, I... I need to talk to you. It's important."

How did one tell a god he was going to be a father by default? This was a new one on him.

Taj's gaze studied Saljin closely for a moment, then he nodded indicating his room.

"No!" Saljin blurted out, shaking his head. "Somewhere more private. Let's use this empty room."

He raised an eyebrow but nodded, following Saljin through the open door. Something had him extremely offguard. This could not be good.

"I'm not certain how to tell you this except to start telling you. When Jaster and I were in the Labyrinth, we met two girls, spent the night with them. Betting and Felista. Sisters."

Jaster stirred at the names. It was one of the few memories he still held onto. *Bettina...* The name echoed between them.

Taj nodded and indicated that the shifter continue. This had to do with his host's past and therefore his own as he was both Jaster and Tajnevaki. A seriousness slipped down over him that had never been there for Taj before the fading. It had all been amusement and whim. Secrets.

"They came with the group that Puck brought, Taj. Both Felista and Bettina are here. They came looking for us and... they know about you and Jaster, but were afraid and remained hidden until Puck revealed them to me. He thought.. that we should know about their condition."

Raising an eyebrow, Taj frowned at the word condition. He reached out a hand to squeeze his shoulder. Indicating he tell the rest, Taj leaned back to finish listening as Jaster continued to stir uneasily.

Nodding in quiet understanding, Saljin went on. "Both Felista and Bettina are.. are pregnant. One carries my child and the other Jaster's. They had been hiding with Puck's people when he revealed them to me. I thought you should know."

Jaster stirred even more strongly at the word. *Father? Me? Damn... I want...*

Taj suddenly asked, *Jaster, what doe you want to do? It is not your burden alone.*

A long moment of silence followed before he replied. *See her.*

Mystery was on his feet indicating that Saljin lead him there. Nodding, they walked down the hallway to the first floor rooms and stopped in front of the last door in the hallway. He knocked, calling out, "Felista, open the door. It's Saljin. And Taj."

Bettina blinked shoving back the pains in her stomach. She had been in labor all night long and did not want to see anyone. Anger at Puck for revealing them and at Saljin for bringing him there, slipped down over the girl. "No." she growled. "Felista, don't let them in."

Her sister stared at her as the other woman continued wiping the sweat from Bettina's forehead. "Bet, it's his child also." Opening the door, she said softly eyes amused, "She's been in labor all night, Saljin. And in a mood, but I guess you will have to deal with it."

Taj's lips twitched upwards as he and Saljin entered the room. Jaster pushed and Taj let him have control. There was a moment of hesitation, but Saljin was the only one who noted it and understood. Moving to the bed, he sat down beside the girl taking her hand and simply watched her.

Bettina blinked and then began to cry, the tears slipping down her face. "Not what I expected. Are you Jaster or Taj?"

He grinned suddenly and shrugged, but then wrote for her.

She stared at him a moment, then reached out to touch his wing with a slight frown. "Did you know before about this?"

Shaking his head, he added,

Blinking hard against the tears, the girl nodded and then winced in pain as it slammed through her body. Gasping, she whispered, "He's ready to be born I guess."

Jaster squeezed her hand tightly, then wrote quickly,

She nodded as he moved out of the way slightly. "You name him, Jaster. It will pull you together."

He nodded, slipping his arms around her. The least he could do was hold her while she had his child. It had not been intended, but he'd not been with her unknowing that this could be the result.

For nearly two hours more Taj and Jaster held Bettina. But just after the child was born, complications set in. The bleeding would not stop. There was little that even Taj could do. He was not Medicine to manipulate the body and cause it to heal. All he could do was comfort her. But then it finally slowed and then stopped entirely. Noone was certain why, but though she would be in bed for awhile, she was still alive.

Jaster had let Taj take over for some time but when both he and the god glanced down at the boy, it was Jaster that picked him up. Holding him gently he glanced down into the bright bluegreen eyes of his son with no clue what to name him. Bettina was asleep, so he needed to think about that and many other things. Placing him in the makeshift crib, Taj glanced around. He would have to figure out about the boy once he had his rooms. As his son, he needed to be protected to prevent being used against him. Zrath would not hesitate.

Slipping out of the room to ensure that Bettina got rest, Taj and Saljin walked down the hallway. The shifter glanced at him silently for a moment. Finally he broke the silence.

"What's wrong, Taj?"

He shrugged, then stopped. He shrugged again, then grinned.

"So in otherwords, you need some time alone." Saljin chuckled, then smirked. "Fathers have alot to think about."



Saljin growled but then sighed turning back towards the hallway and leaving Taj on his own. He wanted to discuss a few things with Felista.