FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 29

The Red Wolf slowed over the frozen ground and Tiff pulled the lever to lower the rear ramp. "Are you sure about this, Father? Did you see the temperature readings outside?"

"I'm aware of the temperature, Son," the old wolf replied. "That's why your old man will wear a thermal regulator suit. I don't trust my fur to keep me warm today." The Iberian wolf backed up to the wall where a red suit hung. As he neared it, the front spread apart and when he pushed back against it, the suit moved quickly to envelop the wolf. "Get me within twenty feet of the ice and I'll take it from there," the wolf said as he placed the face shield down over his eyes and muzzle. He adjusted the breather unit and gloves.

"Are you sure he's even out there? There aren't any readings showing him there."

"Because I promised him that there never would be. Gizmo knows where he lives, but Ori has kept it from appearing on any reading. That was my promise, and they both helped me keep it."

"Please be careful," Tuff said as he rotated in the captain's chair. "That transponder of yours drops even five degrees, and we're coming in after you."

The ComLink in the headgear activated. "Fair enough. But give me time. This will be a difficult visit. He's never happy to see anyone."

"Then why, Father?"

"Because I promised him I would." The wolf watched as the Red Wolf steadied over the ice. "And because we owe him this much. Yea or nay, he has a right to be told what's coming and decide if he's joining us."

"Good luck, Father," Tiff said.

"Thanks, Son," Will replied. "Let's hope it's two to beam up when you get my next message." The wolf ran down the extended ramp and leapt into the air. He landed in a snowdrift and was soon racing down an icy path that only the keenest eye could see.

The old man looked up when he heard the knock on the door. "Come in, Old Wolf," he yelled. "I don't know why you even call yourself a wolf. You make enough noise to be a bull with a bell around his neck."

The door pushed open, and the suited wolf walked through the door, quickly closing it to keep out the burst of cold air that rushed in with him. "I'm not on a stealth mission, Old Man," Will replied as he removed his helmet.

The old man stared at the wolf and chuckled. "It's not that cold out today. Why the fancy duds?"

"It's minus forty degrees out there, Nickolas. I promised my kids they wouldn't find me a frozen wolfcicle in the permafrost if I couldn't locate you."

"You're a werewolf, Will. You can handle the cold."

"Yeah, but I can't handle my kids bitching at me to bundle up."

The old man laughed and leaned back in his chair. He pushed a small toy horse from his hand and put down his carving tool. "What brings you here? I thought you promised I wouldn't see you again unless the world was ending."

"I kept my promise," the wolf said as he punched the center harness of the suit. It unfolded away from his body. He reached into a pocket and grabbed something the old man couldn't quite make out.

The man pulled at his white beard. "Ending? How?"

"Depends on what you consider ending, I suppose. There's a set of asteroids headed toward Earth. They're smashing into the planet in ten years if the humans can't pull it together and deflect them."

The man picked up his toy horse and carving tool and began scraping at one of the toy's legs. "So, I guess we're dead in ten years."

"I doubt either you or I would bet on any other outcome."

"Thanks for the heads up." The old man didn't look up but continued carving the toy. "It might have been nicer if you had let me be. Now, all I'll do is worry about it for a decade before I die anyway."

"We're leaving, Nickolas. The Changelings and most of the Were Nation are leaving. We took Terra somewhere safe."

Nickolas looked up. "Where?"

"Twenty-eight light years from here. The Were Nation is moving to another solar system."

The old man pulled at his beard again. "I might miss you, Old Wolf. I'm not saying I will. But I might."

"I'm here to ask you to come with us, Old Man."

"There's too much history I live with here," Nickolas replied. "It's easier to let it end in ten years. It's easier for us all, I think."

"Not for me, Nickolas. You're special. You are the husband of a Changeling."

"I was a husband, Will. The humans murdered him, remember? They beheaded him as a witch in thirteen forty-five. But then that was before your time. I'm not surprised you don't remember."

Will let out an exasperated breath. "I remember, Nickolas. I didn't forget. He was a healer, like my husband, a member of the Green clan."

The old man put down his toy horse. "He gave his entire life to finding cures for the humans, and in return for his kindness, they killed him. The humans couldn't see his ability to cure their ills with herbs and molds as a gift from their gods. It had to be from their devils."

"I know, Nickolas. I know. But I doubt Bertrand would want you to stay here and wait for your life to end. Leave this place and all the death behind. Come with us. Start a new life."

"A bit late for that, don't you think?" the old man asked.

"It's never too late. Trust me. I've seen my share of death. I understand what it means to have blood on my hands. But there is redemption to be had. There are other lives to live."

Nickolas snorted a laugh. "You killed a few hundred men who were only too happy to die for their cause." The old man pointed to a thick book resting on a table. "I watched half of Europe die knowing the cure for the Black plague rested inside that book. His journal still has cures for diseases that humans never deciphered. But since the day he was murdered, I haven't opened it. How many died because of my indifference to their survival?"

"You never murdered another human, Nickolas. You only let them live their tiny lives without the benefit of a book they didn't deserve. It was their own folly that led them into the messes they had to dig themselves out of."

The old man shook his head. "A sin of omission, Old Wolf. I'm not sure it's any less of a sin than the ones you feel you committed."

Will squatted beside Nickolas, placing his paw on the old man's shoulder. "You paid penance in this frozen world long enough, Nickolas. Please come home with me. There are worlds out there that need the man you once were."

Nickolas laughed again. "A toymaker? Since when did the children of Earth need little wooden toys? How many centuries ago did everything I do become obsolete? How long has it been since everyone I ever loved and everything I held dear crumbled to dust?" The old man pushed the back of his hand over his eyes, wiping away the tears. "Go, Old Wolf. This only hurts me more than being alone."

"Not without you knowing something exists beyond your pain, Old Man. I left you out here because it is what you asked of me. But please don't ask me to let you die here alone."

"That was always my intention, Old Wolf. You're not changing anything with this visit. It's just digging up old memories that are far too difficult for me."

"But we need you, Nickolas. Your people need you. Leave the humans and the pain here on earth and join us as we go to a new world."

The old man let his head drop to the table with a thud. "Why do you do this, Old Wolf? Why must every visit be like this?"

"Because I love you, damn it!" the wolf roared. "Because there are those of us who remember the man you once were; who remember that gentle soul."

"That man died the day the humans stuck the head of his mate on a pike," Nickolas said, never lifting his head.

"No, that man didn't die. He lost everything that ever meant anything to him. But he didn't die. You're not in this alone, Nickolas. So many of us have been there; so many of us feel that pain; but we had someone reach out and pull us back from the abyss. You don't realize how many of us have our arms outstretched, waiting for you to grab one hand."

The old man looked up. "Look at me, Will. Are any of you cursed to stare in the mirror every day to see both your mate and the creatures that killed him? Do you know what it feels like to want to carve away your flesh so that you don't stare into the face of death? There's a reason there are no mirrors in this house. There is a reason I can't live with the thought of who I am."

The old wolf understood. Although dead before Will's birth, the stories of Bertrand's life with Nickolas were etched in the history of the Were Nation. Bertrand had never been a beast. He had always lived amongst the humans and never adopted another form. When he met Nickolas, the two found a friendship that allowed both to flourish. Bertrand began a study of botanicals that led to cures for many of the common diseases of the day. Nickolas's love of children and toys finally found a willing accomplice in their distribution. They would journey out into the night to leave behind gifts for needy children and bottled cures for the ill.

Together, they worked for years. Over time, the mythos of Nickolas grew. He was a man who came bearing gifts, who brought healing. Who but a saint was capable of such miracles? The legend spread and others adopted the idea of bringing anonymous gifts at night. However, Bertrand watched as Nickolas grew older. One night he stared at Nickolas's aging face, the beard growing grayer and sparser every year. Bertrand realized his feelings for the human extended beyond simple affection. The thought that one day soon the human might die terrified the Changeling. He risked everything and told the aging human that his love went far beyond what those around them thought proper.

Nickolas was thrilled. All his years of quiet longing to be with the man he loved finally found a pathway to expression. Bertrand loved Nickolas the same as Nickolas loved Bertrand. The night they stayed together, Bertrand told Nickolas the truth about who he was. When the Changelings revealed that truth to humans, they were almost always met with disbelief. Nickolas believed without hesitation. He became one of only two men to embrace the Changelings without questioning who they were. The other was a Mutwajigwan who met a polar bear on his vision quest.

Will looked into the face of the white-bearded man and spoke the words voiced so many years ago. They were the words that framed one of the greatest love stories of the Were Nation and one of its greatest tragedies. "I don't care what you are. I only care how you make me feel, and how I feel for you. If you are from another world, then I would share that world with you."

"Don't use my words against me, Old Wolf," Nickolas chided.

"I'm not, Old Man. Don't you remember? He didn't mean it to be a curse. He gave of himself so that you could share your lives together. You were two men very much in love. The story of a Changeling turning a human so they could be together. It's not uncommon, but you two were the best of who we are; the healer and the gift giver. I never met you, but as a child, your legend was a touchstone that I clung to. You were a dream that someone would visit me every Christmas and give my sister and me something wonderful. I heard the stories from the other children, and I dreamed of what a wonder you must be."

"I never gave you anything, Old Wolf."

"Oh yes, you did, Nickolas. Every Christmas in our house was the same as any other day. My father may have held off on a beating or two. You know… to honor the holiday of peace on earth." The old wolf rubbed the shoulder of the aged man again. "But that dream that you were out there kept me alive. I dreamed that one day someone would come and be so much more than what my father ever was, even if only for a night. That helped keep me alive. You gave me more than you realize without ever having given me anything. You gave me hope."

"I'm not the legend," the old man said. "I was an owner of a toy store in love with a man who wasn't human. We were kindred souls. I was never human either. Humankind was a horrifying mystery to me. Their cruelty, their avarice, their ability to turn on their own made my soul ache. Bertrand was the only one I ever knew who made me feel whole. When I turned, I became what I always dreamed of being. My days of being a brown-skinned Turkish man were gone. I became Bertrand. Fat, jolly, white-bearded Bertrand. My turning was the death knell for my mate."

Will remained quiet. He knew the story by heart, but it didn't matter. It was in the retelling that Nickolas would find his path out of the grief that overwhelmed him. Only by voicing the horrors of his life could Nickolas find a way out from them. Each retelling galvanized the truth of Nickolas's loss. But as the stories repeated, the realization that Nickolas was not alone would creep into his life, chipping away at the anger and hurt. There were those listening to him tell his stories, and one day he would realize they loved him the same as the one no longer by his side.

"Within a year, rumors spread of the two twins in league with the devil," the old man continued. "Bertrand's practice dwindled until only non-believers sought him out for their care. Parents forbade their children from visiting my toy shop. Our nightly excursions became increasingly risky; until one night a mob cornered us."

The heaving sobbing between words made what Nickolas said almost unintelligible. "Bertrand saved us. He shifted to a bear that cleared a path for us from the mob. We fled from Turkey toward France, but the legend of the twin demons followed us. In France, the witch hunts were at their zenith. Trapped again by an angry mob one night, they pushed us back into a blind alley. Bertrand gave me his journal and told me to guard it. With one last kiss, he shifted into two identical twins linked at one foot. He walked out of the alley. They took him and beheaded him right there on the street."

The quiet that followed was unbearable for the old wolf. He was well aware of how the story ended; he knew how deep humanity could sink. "They took the heads and stuck them on pikes. The city of Paris danced in the street with those two heads bobbing up and down on sticks. They danced while cheering for the death of the man I loved. And I sat in the dark watching what they did."

"There was nothing you could do, Nickolas. He gave his life for you. You did what he wanted you to do. You stayed low, and you lived."

"No, Old Wolf. I died that day. The body lived on, but I didn't. I would be happy to die up here in this frozen world if only I could. But I haven't even the courage to kill myself." The old man pushed back from the table and walked toward the iron stove in the corner. He kept his back to the wolf and whispered, "How I envy you, Old Wolf. How I envy any beast that can shed his human for something else. Who I am tears at my insides every time I see my reflection in the teakettle. I see Bertrand, and I am reminded of the cost we paid for loving each other."

"Our world has changed, Nickolas," the old wolf said as he stood up. "There are those who can help you change to whatever you want."

"Can they make me a simple toymaker whose only wish is to lie by his Changeling mate every night for eternity?"

"No, we can't do that. But we can help you find a better life than this, Nickolas. I'm sorry for all you lost. I can't change that. But there is a world out there that needs you; that needs what you once brought to this world."

Nickolas gave a bitter laugh. "Oh, really? A new world full of Changelings and beasts? A bunch of grown men need a toymaker?"

Will forced a smile. "Okay, the toys we'd want you to make differ from what you're used to, but I'm not talking about us."

"Ever the lecher," Nickolas said, a soft smile coming to his face.

Will put the metal box onto the table and tapped it. The hologram rising from it showed a grassy field with small, four-armed creatures running about, screaming happily. "Who are they?" Nickolas asked.

"They're Hexadeltan children. They're going to be our neighbors," Will replied.

The old man walked over to the images. One of them stopped its play and stared at the white-haired man as if it could see him. Nickolas reached out to touch the image and found himself in the field with the young creature looking up at him. "Your fur is pretty," the Hexadeltan said.

Nickolas gazed at his surroundings. His nature pushed past his confusion. "Thank you. Yours is attractive as well."

"All our fur is pretty much the same color. No one has white." The young Hexadeltan reached out and touched the human's hand. "You only have two arms. Did you lose the others?"

"I am not a Hexadeltan. I was born with only two arms," the human replied.

"Oh," the young one said, unsurprised. "That's okay. If you need more, we can help you. We have lots." She leaned up as if to tell a secret and Nickolas squatted low to hear it. "I'm Abid. Don't tell anyone, but we're all Abid. I figured that out."

"Everyone of you is Abid?"

"That's our name until we choose our new name. Everyone my age is called Abid."

"Well, that is curious. Why is that?"

"Because when we choose our name, it will tell everyone a bit about who we are."

"Really?"

"My parents are Kattar and Slevar. That means they will mate with anyone."

Nickolas laughed. "They sound like werebeasts."

Abid shook her head. "No, no, silly. I mean they can be a momma or a poppa. They are happy either way. Some of us want only to be mommas when we grow up. That's me. When I choose my name, it will end in tel. The others who want to be only poppas will choose a name that ends with der."

"So, the names like your parents that end in ar are okay with being both male and female?"

"Yes. It's simple," the young Hexadeltan said. "Our names let others know what kind of sex we prefer when we greet each other. It helps avoid confusion should we engage in sex."

The casual comment surprised Nickolas. "Is that something that happens often?"

"Oh yes," the young one replied. "All the time. Don't you have sex all the time?"

The old man sighed. "Not for a very long time."

"That's sad," the young one said. "Is there something wrong with you?"

Nickolas paused, thinking. "There might be. Someone I loved very much died a long time ago. I've never been the same since."

The little four-armed one thought for a moment. "Do you think you'll ever get better?"

"I'm not sure."

"Do you want us to help? My fathers could have sex with you. It doesn't matter to them what your name ends in. They would be happy to help. It's sad to think that you don't have sex with anyone."

Nickolas sighed. "That may be true. I am second-guessing quite a few things of late."

"Did you want to play with us today? We don't have sex because we've not gone through puberty yet, but we have lots of fun games we play."

"Really? Do you have kites? A sunny day with such a pleasant breeze practically screams to have kites flying."

"What are kites?"

"Pieces of paper and sticks you send into the sky on a string."

The awe that came over the young Hexadeltan's face was instant. "You can do that?"

"Of course."

"How?"

A much taller Hexadeltan approached the two. "Honey, the nice man has to go home now."

"Ahhhh, Dad," the young Hexadeltan pouted. "He was going to show me a kite. It can fly on a string."

The Hexadeltan looked down at the squatting human and extended his lowest paw to help him back up. "I am Kattar. I am Abid's father… or mother. You can use either title. I am comfortable with both; although Abid calls me Dad."

Nickolas pushed himself up with the aid of the thick paw, steadying him. "I'm Nickolas. Your daughter was explaining a bit about your lives."

"Ah… so she wishes to be a female? She hadn't told us yet. That will be so much fun." He looked down at the young Hexadeltan. "Abid, are you ready to choose a name?"

Abid laughed. "That's silly. I haven't even reached puberty."

"But you know you want to be a female?"

"I think so. But I can wait a few years before I choose, right?"

"Of course. And you can change your mind at any time in your life. That is a choice we all can make."

"I might be like you and Dad. I might be both."

"That would be fine as well. But for now, Abid, we must let Nickolas return to his world."

"Is this real, Kattar?" the white-haired man asked.

Kattar nodded. "The device you touched is a temporal manipulator. You're effectively in two places at once. You can interact with this world the same as you could moments ago in your world."

"But why am I here?"

One of the Hexadeltan's upper arms wrapped around the human's shoulder. "William loves you very much, Nickolas. Your whole family does. So many worlds beyond your pain need what you can offer them. Even if it's simply teaching my child how to fly a kite. They wanted you to share in a glimpse."

"I am not sure I can face another world. I can't even look out on mine."

"Yours was a cruel and superstitious world. The gods of your world were harsh, vindictive, and uncaring. You locked yourself away from that world, and we all understand why. But the world has gone on without you. It's changed, and you remained the same. We understand if you can never forgive the humans for what they did to your mate. I would find it difficult to find such forgiveness myself. But your brothers, the ones who love you out there, do they deserve the same indifference? What has William ever done to you, but try to be your friend?"

"Nothing," Nickolas responded. "I am too harsh on him because he forces me to look at things I don't care to."

"And feel things you don't wish to feel?"

The human nodded. "Yeah, that's him."

"We are Hexadeltan. We are not human, so we do not understand the ways of the humans. But we understand the ways of the Changelings and the Were Nation. They walk a path very similar to ours. We could be twins save their rather limited range of motion with so few limbs."

Nickolas smiled at the words. Kattar knelt down. "You can smile. There might yet be hope. Choose, Nickolas. Inside that house of yours lives all the savagery of that night in Paris, and all the days that followed. There inside that shack, the horror remains and never dies. Outside that world are new worlds to explore that can bring healing and rebirth. I never met your mate. But I have met many Changelings. Where you are now is not where the man you loved wanted you to be. I am confident this is true because he was the Unity, and the Unity always wants their children to come home."

"I'm afraid," Nickolas whispered. "All that's left of me is my hatred for what the humans did. If I give that up, what will I be?"

"I can't say. But we are all willing to help you find out. We will help you carry your grief. We will stay by your side, silent until you're ready to speak. The Hexadeltan world will learn your stories, and marvel at how great a love you shared. All of us will bear witness to the beauty of that love and not turn away from the pain it still brings you. There are no saints in our world, Nickolas. You have no legends to live up to, no fables to abide by. You can be who you once were. A simple toymaker."

"It is all I ever wanted to be."

"Do you think you can make a horse with six legs? That would look very much like a therberling."

Nickolas laughed. "You will never stop badgering me if I tell you to go away, will you?"

"I made no such promise to you. I don't perceive myself as making such a promise in the future. In one decade, if the asteroids hit Earth, your shack will be destroyed. It is my intention to pull you from that shack before then. I have four strong arms. What do you make of my chances?"

Nickolas looked up into Kattar's eyes. "You are buying into trying to help a very damaged man."

"I see only the man who has yet to see his surrounding family. If I can get you to see them, all else will take care of itself."

"I can't leave my home. I can't step back into the world of humankind."

"Then might I make a suggestion?"

"Of course," the old man said.

"Come live with us. We could use a toy builder. There are billions of children in our world who dream of the magic of Baleifar. It's like your Christmas; only with more lights, fewer presents, and no deity to worship."

"You have no gods?"

"We did at one time. They were gods of nature, of procreation, of mischief and laughter. We speak of them fondly. The lessons they taught us are recited at our celebrations. But there are no demons, no devils in our world. Long ago, we realized that dark entities live only through our amoral actions. My people would have honored your husband's gifts. We would have taken joy in your union."

Nickolas fell to his knees and began to cry. Kattar took him in his arms and held him. The centuries of being alone collapsed around the ancient man in the simple act of a hug. In time, he choked out the words through his sobbing. "You sound so much like the Unity. You sound so much like Bertrand."

"We are very similar; only furrier. I love the Unity dearly, but they are rather gelatinous."

Nickolas laughed again. "Can I talk to Will about this?"

"Of course. I'll return you to the shack. But should you ever wish to return home, know that we are so much closer than our distance would imply."

Nickolas stood leaning against the table. "You're a bastard, Will," he mumbled.

"Yeah, I am. That's always been the consensus. But I'm a bastard who loves you, so if this is the one shot I can take without breaking my word to you, I'm willing to accept the fallout."

"What do you want me to do? What can I do?" Nickolas rotated around the room with his hand outstretched, pointing. "This is who I am, Old Wolf," he cried. "This is what I've become."

"It's not who you are, and you can become something different."

"So easy for you to say, Old Wolf. You can shift away from the human you once were. You aren't trapped inside your own hell."

Will sighed. "Okay, Adam. You win. I need your help."

Nickolas stared at the wolf. "Who is Adam?"

The six-foot-tall otter appeared next to Will. "That would be me. I'm Will's husband."

"You married that?" the old man said, pointing to the wolf.

"Yeah, he grows on you after a while."

The old man shook his head. "What? Like a fungus?"

Adam laughed. "Admit it; you miss him when he's away."

"Maybe," the white-bearded man replied as he stared at the two. "So why does the old wolf need your help?"

"I'm an amalgamation of Changeling and other alien powers. I can do things that Will still hasn't quite figured out."

"Such as?"

Adam's hand lifted, and Nickolas felt the immediate change. He towered over Will as he looked down at his body rotating the four arms covered in white fur.

"The claspers and hemipenis will take some getting used to, but trust me, they're a great deal of fun," the otter said nonchalantly.

"What have you done?" the newly born Hexadeltan beast fumed.

"I gave you your wish. You're not a human anymore. Not one cell of yours has even a hint of human DNA."

"I didn't ask for this," the white beast protested.

"Actually, you did. This option seemed more pleasant than ripping off your skin, which I believe was your original suggestion."

"That was a statement made when I was emotionally stressed."

"Fine. I'm good with that," the otter said calmly. "But since Will promised that this would be his last visit before the world ends, I think I will leave you with at least one of your requests fulfilled. You can like the way I fulfilled the request or not. It doesn't matter to me. You're probably going to be dead in ten years, anyway." The otter leaned in close and whispered, "It always pays to have a good fallback position to cover up any mistakes you make. You don't like this, and in ten years, no one's the wiser."

"This is ludicrous," Nickolas said, waving his four arms.

"No, this is your new life," Adam said. "Deal with it."

"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!" the white beast yelled.

"Of course," Adam replied calmly. "Come on Will, we're leaving."

Adam opened the door, and Will stepped through the doorway onto the grassy field. A dozen furry little children looked up and screamed in unison, "Uncle Will!" They raced toward the old wolf, and he scooped up two of them. "Abid. Abid. How are you two doing?"

Adam looked back at the white Hexadeltan. "I apologize for this, Nickolas. But sometimes a man is so thickheaded and set into his ways that he can't see the damage he is causing. When that happens, we either have to suck it up and bear the hurt or we turn around and smack him upside his head and ask him what the hell he's thinking."

The white beast was nearly hyperventilating. "What makes you think you have the right?"

Adam grinned. "I'm your family. That gives me all sorts of rights, including the one to be a thorn in your side. Like Kattar, I didn't promise to leave you alone. If you choose, Will is out of your hair, but the rest of your family is just starting to ramp up their game."

"This is insane."

"Oh, yeah; it is," the otter agreed. "Welcome to the family."

"Get out!" the white beast commanded.

"Of course," the otter replied and stepped out onto the sunny field outside the door.

Nickolas slammed the door, and his head fell against it. "Why would you do this to me?" he said through his tears. He stayed immobile, struggling with his feelings when after a time, he heard a hesitant knock on the door. He leaned back and threw the door open. "WHAT!?!" he yelled at nothing in front of him. He looked down and Abid stood shaking in front of him.

"Oh dear god," Nickolas said, dropping to his knees. "I'm so sorry, Abid. I thought you were the otter."

"Uncle Adam?"

The white beast nodded. "He turned me into this," he said, waving his hands over the new body.

"You look very pretty," Abid said with a smile. "I will have to thank him. You look so much better with all your arms attached."

Nickolas laughed and stared down at his arms, rotating each hand and watching them move as easily as his human body once did. "I guess I do like this look better."

"I was wondering if you could come out and play?"

"Did your father send you here?" Nickolas asked.

"No, he said we were supposed to leave you alone, but your house dropped into the middle of our playing field. So, you sort of messed it up. Abid and I thought maybe you would come and play with Abid, Abid, Abid, and us. Abid and Abid need to go home soon, but they can come and play another day. And Abid, Abid, Abid, Abid, and Abid left with Uncle Will and Uncle Adam."

"Your family is very large," Nickolas said.

"Yeah, it is. All Abid are family, no matter who our mothers and fathers are. Do you want to come out and play with us?"

"I may not be very good at it. I'm out of practice."

"That's okay. I'm great at it. I'm probably the best Abid at playing that ever lived."

"It's been hundreds of years since I stepped out of my house.," the white Hexadeltan said.

"Then you must be soooo ready to play."

"Just the opposite. It terrifies me."

Abid smiled. "Then do what my dads tell me to do when I'm afraid."

"What's that?"

"You take a deep breath and let it out slowly."

Nickolas groaned. "That's what the old wolf does."

"Yeah, my dads learned it from him."

"And then what?"

"You put your hand out to someone you trust and let them help you."

"I'm not sure I have anyone like that anymore, Abid."

Abid smiled. "Of course you do, silly. You have me. I'll even put my hand out first, so you don't have to do the scary part about asking for help."

"Do you really think this is going to work?"

Abid stuck out her hand and shook it playfully. "I'm like my dads. They're the best dads ever. Anytime I'm afraid they know what to do. And they taught me what to do, so you know it's going to work." She shook the hand once more and Nickolas took it. He stepped through the doorway and closed the door behind him.

Chapter 30

Will looked at the temple dog, frowning. "Come on, Dog," he said. "You can do this. You've done it before. The man needs your help."

The dog shook his head. "I am the keeper of memories, William," the dog explained, "not the balm on wounds that never heal."

"But you've been both," Will protested. "You were the healing I needed. Thanks to you, I had the chance to say goodbye to the one I loved. You helped heal a wound I never thought possible."

"Li Wei and Derrick were most insistent."

"Oh, Dog, you have no idea what insistence is until you deal with me," the old wolf replied.

"William, how many Terrans have wished for one last chance to change how they acted before their loved one died? Do you realize how many wish they could be with the ones they love one more time? I can't go doing that every time someone asks."

"And I'm not asking you to. I'm asking you to help one of your family. Sure, not many get a family benefit like this but look at the memories you hold. How many times has a simple dream of a loved one saved the life of a grieving soul?"

"Those were the dreams of grieving individuals. Minds struggling to find closure created those dreams."

"I get that, and if a dream would work for Nickolas, I would have one of my other family give him that dream. But you know him, Falong. He will see the difference between a dream and what you can do."

"I can't guarantee you the outcome of what you ask, William," the dog said. "Bertrand might be angry about how he died. He might complicate matters even more. His memories of that night are so profound I never explored them. There is darkness there beyond imagining."

"Human darkness, Falong," the wolf corrected, "not Changeling. Please trust me on this. We can bring Nickolas home without you, but he could use your help."

The temple dog turned and stared at his twin. "What do I do, Li Wei?"

Li Wei smiled. "What do you want to do?"

Falong sighed. "I want to help, and I wish to be a part of your family, but you ask a great deal of me. One can't step into other's lives this way without consequences. William seems to be overlooking that. I am the holder of memories, not the creator of them."

"Then you can say no," Li Wei said. "If this will complicate your world, tell Will, and you will hear no more from him — ever." The temple dog looked down at the old wolf. "Isn't that right, Will?"

"Yeah," the old wolf agreed with a snort of frustration. "Falong, if I'm out of line, tell me. It's not my intent to knock your world out of whack."

Falong thought for a time. "Perhaps once more." Will looked up at the dog and smiled. "But you must live with the outcome of this meeting, regardless of what it might be."

"Of course," Will agreed. "I have faith in the love those two shared."

"And you promise you won't return to ask for more if it complicates your world even greater?"

Will paused. "Okay, Falong. You see all time and space as one, right?"

"Correct."

"You know the outcome of this, right?"

"Right."

"So, tell me if I'm asking you to do something boneheaded and I'll back off."

"I can't do that, William," the dog replied. "You are asking me to step into your world as a family member and perform a task. I am saying I will do that if you wish. I am not telling you I will alter the flow of consequences that stem from that action. You came asking me to perform a favor. If you wish to retract that request, that too is acceptable to me. But the choice of what I do rests squarely on your shoulders."

"Falong," Will sighed, "you can be a bastard sometimes."

"Then I will fit well into this family of mine."

Will laughed. "Okay, Falong. On my shoulders. But we don't hurt Nickolas, right? He's been hurt enough. If you know that's the outcome, you stop me. That's what a true friend would do."

“His life and yours will become far more complicated, but I will not intentionally let him be hurt,” Falong said, nodding.

Will shook his head and looked at the other temple dog. "What do I do, Li Wei?"

"What do you want to do?" the dog asked.

"I want to do right by Nickolas," the old wolf replied.

"Then follow your heart, Little One."

Will paused in thought. "This won't tire you out, will it, Falong? I mean, there are a bunch of horny family members out there waiting for us."

Falong laughed. "No, William. It won't tire me out. I will set the pieces into motion, but they will find their own path without me. The same as you and your husband did that night."

"They're going to be off in their own world while you're in the real world?"

"All worlds are real, William. Because you don't see them or understand them, doesn't make them any less real. A goldfish is aware of only the universe in its bowl. But that doesn't mean the universe beyond its world is not there."

"So I'm a goldfish?" Will huffed.

"No. By comparison, the goldfish is probably more attuned to the world beyond than you," Falong replied with a smile. He watched Will frown, and reached out, pulling the wolf into a hug. "I love you, William. I am protective of you and those you love. But I can't let you think that bridging our worlds is something that won't cause those ripples Li Wei speaks of so frequently."

Will hugged back. "I know, Falong, and I'm not asking you to protect me from my choices."

"Can one of your choices be the opportunity for me to mount you tonight?"

Will looked up into the eyes of the temple dog and smiled. "I don't think I'll ever want you to protect me from that choice."

"You might not say that after I've had you. Remember, I don't have the pheromones to relax you the way a true temple dog does."

Will thought briefly about the consequences of a temple dog's girth without the pheromones. "What say we stay close to Kris tonight? He puts out more than enough to cover anyone close by."

"Then the answer is yes?" the dog said with a smile.

"Yes, Falong. Yes to mounting me, and yes to letting Bertrand and Nickolas see each other one last time."

The dog pulled the wolf into an even tighter hug. "It will all work out, William. But even after tonight, there will be a need for much healing between our worlds."

"For me and my butt, or for Nickolas and his grief?" the old wolf asked.

"Yes," Falong replied.

Chapter 31

The white-furred Hexadeltan pushed the carving tool through the soft wood. "Be careful to always make your cuts planned. Feel the grain of the wood, Abid. Never force your tools into the wood. You're only taking away from the wood what it will give up. The toy lies inside. You're only carving away that part that isn't the toy."

Abid looked up and smiled. She took the tool in her middle hand and pushed it into the wood. "How do I know what toy is inside?" she asked.

"That comes with experience," Nickolas said, smiling back. "For now, let's just work on the carving techniques of each tool."

"I hope I still make a toy when it's all done," Abid said as the first chip of wood fell onto the table.

"Oh, I'm sure that will happen," the white-furred Hexadeltan encouraged.

The two were quietly whittling away at their wooden blocks when Abid froze and her eyes widened. She stared beyond the white beast across the table from her. "What's wrong, Abid?" Nickolas asked when he saw her face.

Abid pointed behind the white beast. "The old you is here," she replied.

Nickolas turned and stared down into the face his memory had etched into his soul. The rounded body and face, the white beard, and the eyes that sparkled had never left his memory. The red cloak edged in gold brocade was as familiar to him as the day they disappeared from his life. He sat dumbfounded as the old man climbed up on the chair beside him and stood up on it to give the white-furred Hexadeltan a kiss. "Be right with you, my love," he said as he rubbed the beast's chest.

The rotund elf turned toward Abid and smiled. "Hi, Abid. I am Bertrand, Nickolas's husband. You're dreaming right now, as is Nickolas. But this is a special dream because it's real. This is a place where the two of us can be together. It's important that no one wakes us, or we won't be together anymore. Do you understand?"

Abid nodded. She put her block of wood and tool down.

"Good," the man said with a smile. "I need you to wake up and tell your parents that they need to keep the area around our house very quiet until Nickolas comes out of the house. Can you do that?"

Abid nodded again and jumped down from the stool. She ran toward the door and opened it.

"Don't slam the door, Abid," the old man said.

Abid nodded once more. "Will we get to visit later?" she asked.

"I'm afraid not," Bertrand answered. "This visit is for me and my husband. We don't have much time, so I hope you understand why I want to spend it all with him."

"I do," the little Hexadeltan replied. "It was nice meeting you." She ran back into the room and climbed up beside the white-bearded man. She leaned in and kissed his furry cheek. "Thank you for letting your husband come live with us," she whispered.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," the jolly man replied.

She leaned closer to the cowl covering the old man's head, pushing it back to expose his ear. Abid whispered in the ear, "He hasn't had sex in forever. I really think you should fix that."

The old man's laugh echoed through the room. "That is my intention, Abid. Now run along and talk to your parents."

Abid ran to the door and when she quietly closed it behind her, she woke up with a start in her bed. She looked out on the dark night through her window. She climbed out of her bed and raced to her parents' room.

Inside the workshop, the white Hexadeltan sat motionless. Bertrand smiled. "Do I get a hug?"

Nickolas shook himself out of his confused state and hugged the man in front of him with all four arms. "I know this is a dream," he said sobbing, "But please don't let me wake up from it."

Bertrand pushed back. "I wish this was forever, Nickolas, but our time is limited."

"How?" the confused beast asked.

"Will is a most insistent advocate for you," the portly man replied. "Your family has grown, Nickolas. And it now includes one who holds all the memories of so many worlds, including ours."

"So, you're still alive?" the Hexadeltan asked eagerly.

"No, my love. I'm still dead. But the memories we shared will never die. And if you take those memories and wrap them up into a body, somewhere between your world and his, we can find a place to share a moment together."

"I don't understand," Nickolas said.

"Then, for the moment, do nothing but trust that this is real. Our life was never what I had hoped it would be. I thought we'd live together forever as happy as we were in our early years. Forgive me for wanting more. Forgive me for ever turning you."

The white-furred beast grabbed the old man back with his lower arms and cradled him close. "I should have died with you."

Nickolas sensed the old man shake his head. "No, my love. I wanted our love to go on. I wanted you to go on. But our world was such a harsh place. I didn't realize what a burden I placed on your shoulders that night."

"I died when they killed you."

"But here you are alive again."

"And here you are, alive again."

The old man smiled and kissed the side of the beast's muzzle. "But only for tonight, my love. When dawn comes, I must return to memory."

"That isn't fair," Nickolas cried out. "You can't come back into my life only to leave."

"Yes, I can," the white-bearded man said as he pushed back the cowl and untied the cape. "Nickolas, I'm here to say goodbye. I'm here to help you let go of the hurt and remember what we meant to each other."

"I never forgot that."

The old man shook his head. "No, you did. Who we were was so much more than the two of us. We were open to the world. We cared for those around us. You're beginning to recapture those feelings thanks to all the little Abids dragging you into their world. But I also feel the guilt and anger you never let go. I'm here to ask you to let those feelings go. Don't let them be a part of our legacy together."

"I don't know if I can do that," the furry beast admitted.

"But you need to try," Bertrand pressed. "This is our life together, Nickolas. This is our memory of who we were. Please don't let it be clouded by so much hate."

"What would you have me do?" Nickolas screamed. "They cut off your heads and danced with your dead body in the streets."

"And they're dead, Nickolas. They're all dead. Every human that ever hurt us is dead. They paid the ultimate price a human can pay. They slipped into the ground and no one remembers them. No one even cares they lived. What greater revenge do you crave?"

"I didn't want revenge," Nickolas whispered. "I wanted justice. More than justice, I wanted you."

"And I, you. But that's not what the world gave us. They took us from each other. But you forgot that there are so many who still care. There is still a life worth living waiting for you. Bury that anger and hatred toward those who hurt us alongside their bones. Let your grief ease. I know it will hurt when I leave you again, but let tonight remind you of those who still live beside you. There is an old wolf who has spent lifetimes trying to bring you back into the fold. You spurn him and he tries all the harder. Do you know how much he loves you? Do you know how much your whole family loves you?"

The Hexadeltan shook his head. "Not really."

"Because you are so intent on holding on to emotions that slowly kill you instead of letting the emotions trying to bring you back to life take hold."

The white beast turned his head away. "I might have been mistaken in my choices."

The old man snorted out a frustrated laugh. "Might have been? Really, Husband?" The white-haired man threw the cape across a chair and unbuttoned his shirt. "There is a little girl out there convincing her parents to quarantine your home so as not to wake you. She's trying to make sure that we find the time to say goodbye so that when you return to her, she knows you're in a better place."

The Hexadeltan still looked away from the Changeling who was now pulling off his shirt. "She may have a very long wait," the beast said

"I don't think she cares how quickly it happens," Bertrand said as he kicked off his boots and pulled at the belt on his pants. "Just so long as she sees progress. Abid is quite an amazing young lady."

"She is that," Nickolas agreed.

"She said I should make sure you broke your sexual dry spell."

Nickolas turned and stared at the grinning naked man before him. He paused, fumbling for words. "You are still the most beautiful man I ever met."

"Beautiful enough to bed me again, my love? I agree with Abid. We should have sex. There is a great deal we need to discuss, but it would be so much easier in your arms."

"I can't change, Bertrand. Adam said this body was my only option. I'm too big. I will crush you."

The shift was slow and gentle as the man grew and became Hexadeltan. When the stretching and changing had ended, the two were identical. Bertrand reached out his upper right paw. "Be my mate, Nickolas. I'm rather fond of your new look. And for the record, this time around, I changed to look like you. I think I made the right choice. That body really does suit you."

Nickolas grabbed the other Hexadeltan and held him tight. "I love you, Bertrand."

"And I love you," Bertrand said as his claspers began to swell. "Oh, this is interesting," he laughed as they flipped out and tightened around the beast before him. "You're going to need to guide me in using this body. It sure isn't anything like our earthly bodies."

Nickolas shook his head. "It's all a mystery to me. I've never had sex in this body."

"Really?" the other Hexadeltan asked. "We're both virgins? Oh, this should be fun." Bertrand felt the other beast's claspers tighten around him as his hemipenis elongated. That, at least to him, was a familiar sensation. As it probed past the tightly clamped legs of his mate, he realized there was a mobility in his genitals that went far beyond his previous set. He kissed the beast in front of him. "Oh yes, Nickolas, this should be a great deal of fun."

Chapter 32

When morning shone through the windows, the two spent Hexadeltans looked up with saddened faces. "It's time, my love," Bertrand said as he rose from a thick puddle of purple goo. "I need to go."

"Please, no," Nickolas said, pulling the other Hexadeltan back into the thick liquid. "Stay."

"I would if I could, but this is taxing the one making it possible. He can't hold this world in place for much longer. You must let me go."

"Will I ever see you again?"

"We made a memory last night, Nickolas," the white Hexadeltan responded. "This is who we are in this moment. One day, when all your memories flow back to their origin, this moment will find us together. I have to believe on some level that will be enough."

"I will miss you, Bertrand."

"And I will miss you, Nickolas. But promise me you will take care of our family."

Nickolas nodded. "I promise."

"And promise me you will let them take care of you."

"That's harder to do," the white Hexadeltan sighed.

"Promise me."

"I promise," Nickolas agreed.

The one Hexadeltan took a few playful licks along the wet fur of the other. "We didn't do too bad for a couple of virgins, did we?"

Nickolas smiled. "I'm glad you were my first this time as well."

"Me too," Bertrand said. "Sorry to leave you with all this mess."

"From what I understand, this is the norm. They say it dries up quickly."

Bertrand stood back up again and extended his paw. "It's time, Husband. Walk me to the door?"

Nickolas let Bertrand pull him up. The two slipped on the cum soaked floor walking toward the door and almost fell back down again. They laughed and kissed, holding tight to their soaking-wet bodies. Nickolas felt the first change as the body he clung to started to lose its corporeal firmness. "Let me get out that door before I disappear in your arms," his husband begged.

With one last kiss, Nickolas let the hug go. Bertrand opened the door and stepped through it, closing it behind him. The lone Hexadeltan stared at the door for minutes and then threw the door open and rushed outside. "Bertrand, WAIT!" he yelled. He looked out on the field to the three watching him. The dream had ended, but as Bertrand had promised, he was not alone. Kattar, Slevar, and Abid came running toward him. "Did you see him?" Nickolas asked.

"No," Kattar replied. "You were the first person to step through your doorway. But it would appear that your time together was pleasant." The brown Hexadeltan rubbed his paw along the wet fur of the white and plunged the paw into his mouth. His eyes closed, and he licked his chops. "Exquisite," he sighed.

Slevar extended his paw toward the white Hexadeltan. "May I?"

Nickolas gave a confused laugh. "I guess."

"It is a common practice for our species to groom each other after sex. Often we spend hours licking up the mess before bathing," Slevar said as he ran his paw along Nickolas's other arm. He shoved his paw deep into his mouth, savoring the cum. "My mate is correct. Your ejaculate is remarkable."

Abid looked up at the three. "Nickolas, you and my parents should have sex. If your husband is gone now, you will need friends that understand why such an old Hexadeltan still knows nothing about sex."

Nickolas looked down at the diminutive beast. "And how do you know I know nothing about sex?"

"Because it surprised you when Dad asked if he could taste you."

"That's not exactly sex."

"Is where I was born."

Nickolas laughed. "Okay, there may be some things I need to learn."

"A lot," Abid said with a smile. "But we can teach you. Anyway. I'm off to school. But you and my parents really should have sex."

Kattar rubbed his paw over the little girl's head. "Why don't we let Nickolas decide that for himself, Abid?"

"Okay, Dad," the little ball of fur replied. "I'm off to school." Abid reached out and hugged the white Hexadeltan. She stepped back and looked at her wet fur. She took her paw and licked it. "They're right. That's yummy." Abid turned and ran across the field back toward the city.

Nickolas stood dumbfounded once more. "Our ways may seem peculiar to one raised in a Terran society," Slevar explained. "Would you like some help bathing? It is much easier with extra hands. We could talk about what happened last night if you wish."

The white Hexadeltan nodded. "That would be nice. I'm afraid that my whole workshop is covered in cum."

"That is to be expected," Kattar said with a smile. "It is why most of us prefer sex outdoors. But don't worry, in a few more hours, we can help vacuum the dust."

"So, it does dry that quickly?"

"Yes."

Nickolas thought for a moment. "So, if the three of us were to have sex in the workshop, would the mess be about the same in a few hours?"

"There would be more to vacuum, but not much else. You're welcome to bathe at our house while it dries."

"I've not been a part of the Were Nation for hundreds of years. I forgot how much I miss the touch of another. Bertrand reminded me of what I was missing."

"We would be happy to touch you," Slevar comforted. "It is in our nature to touch the same as the Were Nation."

"I will be awkward, I'm sure."

"Sex isn't a competition, Nickolas," Slevar said. "It is a communion between those who love each other. We are more than happy to provide guidance if you wish. Kattar is especially good at vocalizing his desires, often at high volumes."

Nickolas laughed. "That sounds wonderful, Slevar. He put his paws out on both sides and the three joined hands with him in the middle.

They had only taken a few steps back toward Nickolas's home when the two brown Hexadeltans pulled up short, pinning the white one between them. They leaned forward, looked at each other, and nodded their heads. "Oh dear," Kattar said. "This will complicate matters."

"What will complicate matters?" Nickolas asked.

"You are pregnant," the Hexadeltan replied.

Chapter 33

"Stop laughing, Old Wolf," the white Hexadeltan bellowed. "And you, Otter; you best stop it right now. This is serious."

"Of course it is," Will replied, "but you must admit there is a certain humor to it."

"You might think differently if you were the one about to sire six pups," Nickolas yelled. "There's nothing funny about it for me."

"What do you want us to do, Nickolas?" Will asked. "Are you saying that you don't want the children?"

"No," the white beast said as his voice calmed. "I'm not saying that. But how? I mean, none of you got pregnant despite all the stories being told about Will and any Hexadeltan with a come-hither smile."

"None of the Were Nation, including Will, are Hexadeltan," Kattar replied.

"You mean this isn't an avatar?" Nickolas said, rubbing his white fur.

"No," Adam answered. "You're Hexadeltan; right down to your triple-strand DNA. You said you wanted to be anything but the human you were. I made sure you got your wish."

"But that's not what I meant, and you know it," the four-armed beast protested.

"I was sure if I gave you an out, you would take it," Adam replied. He waved out toward the open door. "That's your world, Nickolas. Those are your people. I needed you to make peace with the most peaceful people I know. I needed you to feel what they feel, to be a part of who and what they are. You can't be that as some beast that only looks like them."

"Then, I really am pregnant? How is that possible? I only had sex once in this body, and that was with Bertrand. He's a Changeling."

Adam shook his head. "Apparently he wasn't last night."

"But you just said…" the white Hexadeltan fumed.

Will sighed. "He told us there would be complications."

"Who said there would be complications? How do I wind up pregnant with children of a Changeling?" Nickolas asked. "Nothing you told me, nothing he said explains this."

"That is because nothing in your life prepared you for being a Hexadeltan," Slevar said. "We are hermaphrodites. That makes options possible for us that are not available to the Terrans."

"Like what?" the white Hexadeltan asked.

"We can impregnate ourselves."

Nickolas turned toward the wolf and the otter. "The first of you who says one word involving what you just heard will find out what it's like to be punched by four fists." The old wolf zipped his fingers across his lips, and the otter repeated the gesture. Nickolas turned back to the two Hexadeltans. "Are you saying this was me? I did this?"

"No," Kattar said, shaking his head. "You and Bertrand did this. The eggs and sperm were yours, but the acts that made you receptive to their implantation were only possible because you were with a man you loved. Bertrand gave all that he had to your union. In doing so, you both were in a moment that created what is inside your wombs." Kattar reached out and rubbed a pouch on Nickolas's side. "We have couples where one is infertile. When their unions result in a child, we do not question who is father or mother. We rejoice that a child is born from a loving union."

Nickolas looked down at the paw resting on his side. "I really am a Hexadeltan? I really am pregnant?"

Slevar came up alongside Nickolas and rubbed the pouches on the other side. "You and Bertrand created children where none were there before. I believe the love you two shared eclipses any we have witnessed. To return from death to one you love, and transcend all obstacles to leave behind a part of yourself that will live on," Slevar paused, "that is truly amazing."

"These are Bertrand's and my children?" the white Hexadeltan asked.

"In every sense of the word that we consider sacred," Slevar answered.

"I'm pregnant with Bertrand's babies?"

"Do you have cravings in the morning for spegel?" Kattar queried. "Do you sing songs to the little ones as they're resting in your wombs?"

"Yes," the confused beast replied.

"And the crying?" Slevar interjected.

"Oh, jeez, like a faucet," Nickolas replied. "Abid tells me it's normal, but I am such a mess."

"You're going to be a mother," Kattar consoled. "This is normal for Hexadeltan mothers. There's no need for a pregnancy test. The secondary signs of pregnancy happen within hours of the implantation."

"But how?"

Will laughed. "Seriously, Nickolas? You didn't use any form of birth control, you didn't follow any of the ways to delay implantation, and now you're wondering why you're pregnant?"

"I never heard of delayed implantation!" Nickolas yelled. "I didn't even realize I was a Hexadeltan until a moment ago. I thought I was still a beast."

"You are a beast," Will said calmly. "A very sexy, lovable beast. You just aren't human anymore. That was your wish."

"But not…" the white beast shook his head. "Not like this. This is more than I can handle alone."

"That's why you're with your people," Slevar said. "There are no single parents in the Hexadeltan world. An entire community raises every child. Any parent struggling with their obligations to their children has only to turn to their neighbor and they will find the help they need." Slevar let his free arm wrap around the white Hexadeltan. "I'm sorry so much has been put on your plate, Nickolas. But if you want these children, you will have all the support you need now and all your future days."

Nickolas hugged Slevar. When he let go, he looked at the otter standing next to the old wolf. "If I'm a Hexadeltan, then I have a lifespan?"

"Yes. You have about three hundred and sixty years left," Adam replied.

"And when I die?"

"Two worlds will mourn your passing," Will said, "And you will join the great stream of memory that binds us all together."

"You seem so confident of that, Old Wolf," Nickolas sighed. "How I wish I had your faith in an afterlife."

Will laughed to hear that said of him. "I'm not sure if I believe in an afterlife, Nickolas," the old wolf replied. "But I have intimate knowledge of the one who holds all the memories ever created. He was the one who made your night with Bertrand possible."

The Hexadeltan looked down at the wolf. "You know God?"

"I know Falong. He's a friend of the family. And that means he's a part of your family as well. One day I'll introduce you. He's lovable but awkwardly shy around others."

Nickolas snorted out a frustrated breath through his flat nose. "We should get along splendidly then."

Will hugged the white beast. "Nickolas, the world never stopped turning because you stepped aside. But our world has always waited for you to come home. We're the bridge between where you are now and where your heart wants to be. Trust me long enough to find yourself a new footing. I swear if you haven't found a place where you're at peace in ten years, I will throw you in front of that asteroid myself."

"Your bedside manner is horrible," the white beast mumbled as he put two left arms around the old wolf and pulled him close.

"Yeah, I know," Will said as he buried his muzzle in the white fur. "That's why I let Eric do all the doctoring while I assist."

"You promise I'll find my way through all this, Old Wolf?"

"I promise," Will replied.

"I suppose I can wait another ten years."

"You won't be waiting," Will said as he looked up into the eyes of the white beast. "We won't let you sit back and watch what happens. That's not our way."

"Oh lord," Nickolas sighed. "What does that mean?"

"Well, for one thing, it means the four of us are getting out of here before Abid shows up."

"Oh crap," Nickolas blurted out, looking about the room. "That's right. I promised her we would carve today." The four arms let go of their hugs and Nickolas backed away. He began crying. "Oh, this won't do. I always have cookies for Abid. I was so caught up with this pregnancy thing, that I forgot about her visit."

Adam smiled. "There, there, mother-to-be. What did I say about asking for help?"

"It's not like any of you came with cookies," the sniffling creature replied.

Adam reached behind his back and pulled a plate of cookies out. "Almond, raisin, and coconut chunk," the otter said grinning. "I believe she has a fondness for them."

The beast wiped a paw across his face. "Thank you, Adam. I'm sorry about the tears."

"They'll go away in two months when your hormone levels stabilize," Slevar consoled the weeping Hexadeltan.

"How long am I going to be pregnant?"

"Eighteen months," Kattar replied.

"Eighteen?"

"You can have sex with Slevar and Kattar until the twelfth month," Adam pointed out.

The Hexadeltan began crying again. "They won't want to have sex with me. Look at how puffy I am. My pouches look like I'm carrying cantaloupes inside them."

"You are absolutely radiant, Nickolas," Will said as he held one of the four hands. "Any of us would be thrilled to have sex with you."

"You're not just saying that?"

"Would you like us to visit a few times a week until you're through the hormonal surges?" Kattar asked.

The Hexadeltan wiped his runny nose again with an upper arm. "You would do that?"

"Of course, Nickolas," Slevar said. "We will enjoy teaching you about your body. Being unfamiliar with it has resulted in your pregnancy before you were prepared for it. It would be nice to avoid other complications from your inexperience."

The white Hexadeltan rubbed his eyes. "My pregnancy might not be the complication I thought it was, Slevar. I shared one beautiful night with the man I love. I thought it would be all I ever had. Now, I realize that when I look in the eyes of all my little Abids, Bertrand's love for me will be reflected."

"And through that love, there will be new loves, and new lives born into your world. Your husband has given you a precious gift," Adam said with a smile.

Kattar and Slevar both laughed aloud. Nickolas and Adam stared at the two. "They don't always seem a precious gift once they are born. Your terrible twos are nothing compared to a Hexadeltan at eight months," Kattar said with a chuckle.

"Don't forget the first six months and the two a.m. feedings," Slevar added. "But you will be a wonderful mother, Nickolas. Teaching you how to be one will be our responsibility. We can discuss such things after we have copulated in the future. Our unions will increase the bond we will now nurture as your birthing coaches."

Nickolas smiled. "I'd like that, Slevar."

Will pointed behind the white Hexadeltan and Nickolas turned to see the smaller brown version of himself. "Abid," he said happily.

Abid stood staring at the white beast. "You've been crying."

"Yes," Nickolas said. "I was told it's common for mothers to cry in gestation."

"Yeah, it is," Abid said with a laugh. "Better get used to it, at least for a while."

"It won't upset you?"

"Naw, Dad did it all the time when we were gestating. We watched the home movies. We all know about it. It's kind of funny sometimes." Abid leaned close and waved for her colossal counterpart to come down. Nickolas leaned over and Abid whispered in his ear. "Don't watch the part where we're born. That's totally gross."

Nickolas smiled. "I'll try to remember that."

"You will be a great momma," Abid said. "And a great daddy. Your Abids will be so lucky. I wish I could start all over again so I could be there to play with them."

"But you're only six or seven, right? You could play with them as they grow up."

Abid laughed. "I'm ten. I'm almost an adult. My growth cycle is going to start next year. I'll be as big as you by the time I'm twelve. There are bunches of things for you to learn, Nickolas."

Nickolas made a little chuckle. "I suppose so. Your fathers are trying to convince me of that."

"You can talk about it when they visit you for sex," Abid said. She stared at the otter holding the plate stacked with treats. "Are those almond, raisin, and coconut chunk cookies?"

"They are," Adam replied. "And they are for after you're done carving, not a moment before."

The two adult Hexadeltans smiled at their child. "You heard him, Abid. Tend to your studies before you tend to those cookies," Slevar said.

Abid frowned. "Yes, Dad," she reluctantly agreed.

Slevar and Kattar gave their daughter a kiss and a quick hug. "We'll be going now. We can plan for a day to copulate later, Nickolas. Today is Abid's time to be with you."

Nickolas shook his head. "I don't think I'll ever get used to parents talking about copulating with others in front of their children."

Abid laughed. "You best get used to it. I'm the one who suggested it to them. Hexadeltans are never happy alone. And I want you to be happy."

Nickolas squatted down and hugged the little Hexadeltan. He waved goodbye to her parents as they walked out the door. "I am happy, Abid. I'm not sure about most of what's happening to me; but right now, hugging you, I am happy."

"Then we will need to hug lots," Abid said with a giggle. She took Nickolas's lowest paw in hers. "Come on, Nickolas, let's make something fun."

Nickolas looked at the two remaining Terrans. "You'll excuse me, please. Abid and I have a date."

Abid laughed. "No, we don't silly. I'm here to practice wood carving. You're going to date my dads."

Nickolas smiled and gave a nod. "You'll excuse me, gentlemen. Abid and I have toys to carve."

The wolf and otter grinned back at the white beast. Adam raised his hand and all that remained was a plate of cookies floating in midair. Abid reached out and took the plate. "You don't think it would be that big a deal if we ate a couple before we start, do you?" she asked.

"I don't think that would be a big deal at all," Nickolas said as he grabbed a cookie and shoved it into his mouth. Abid smiled, took a cookie, and followed the older Hexadeltan's lead.

Chapter 34

"Oh, this is such a mess, Old Wolf," the white Hexadeltan sighed as he pushed the dinner plate away from him.

"It's going to be fine, Nickolas. You're carrying children sired by Bertrand and you. How can that be a mess?"

"Because I'm a man, damn it. I don't know how to be a mother, let alone a single mother."

"Aren't your visits with Kattar and Slevar helping?"

"I don't know. They try to help, but all they seem to do is point out how woefully inadequate I am for this challenge. Things that should be instinct for a Hexadeltan are completely missing in me."

"You can learn," Will said. "It's not as if you don't have any motherly instincts. There must be some inside you to be a toymaker. You love kids."

"Not my own; only other people's," Nickolas sighed. "I enjoy making them smile and then sending them back to their parents to deal with all the other parts of childhood that seem too daunting."

Will laughed. "Okay, so you'll need to work on your mothering skills. There are two wonderful mothers who you have an ongoing sexual relationship with. Just make sure your post-coital pillow talk continues to discuss changing diapers."

The white Hexadeltan sighed. "We don't wear clothes."

"Okay, so learn about paper training your kids or whatever it is you do. Those lovable Hexadeltans are men the same as you, and they both did fine being mommas."

Nickolas shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose you're right. Perhaps I shouldn't be so anxious. Everyone is as supportive as Kattar said they would be."

"So, we're good here? You're still on board being a mom?" Will asked.

"I guess so."

Will smiled. "For now, I think 'I guess so' has to be good enough."

Nickolas gave a nod. "Thanks for dropping by. I enjoy my talks with you."

"That wasn't always the case."

"No, but when we talked back then, you dealt with different issues. It required you to be more blunt because I wasn't willing to listen. I see that in retrospect. You helped me see things I didn't want to look at. That couldn't have been easy for you. Rarely am I a willing participant in being shown my faults."

"I didn't mean to show you your faults, Nickolas. I was trying to get you to remember your strengths."

"Thank you for trying. I'm still struggling with those ideas, but I have hope."

Will smiled. "Then you have all you need, Old Man. You gave me hope. It saved my life."

"It seems as if you returned the favor."

"Seems so. I'm happy for both of us." Will extended his arms. "Come, give me a hug. I have a board meeting to attend to."

Nickolas extended all four arms and embraced the old wolf. He rested his head on the wolf's and kissed the furry crown. Nickolas struggled with his feelings. The old wolf meant more to him than he could admit. And yet, the ease with which Nickolas entered sexual unions with his fellow Hexadeltans seemed somehow out of place with the old wolf. Despite knowing Will's proclivities, Nickolas hesitated to broach the subject of sex. He wondered why the old wolf had never done so.

Will looked up into the Hexadeltan's face. "Gotta go. I don't want to be late. There's a time for everything, and right now, that time has me in a board meeting. I will drop by later this week."

"Thank you, Will," Nickolas said. He watched Will step through and close the door behind him. Nickolas realized the wolf was no longer on Terra 2. "There's a time for everything, Will? I wonder if you said that more for my benefit than anything to do with a board meeting?" The white Hexadeltan shook his head. "I hope one day I find my time with you."

Chapter 35

The white Hexadeltan and the Kodiak walked together away from the crowd. As they neared the forest edge, the Hexadeltan let out a sigh. "Is everything okay, Nickolas?" Kris asked.

The Hexadeltan nodded. "It's fine, but a bit overwhelming. There are so many beasts."

"The monthly runs draw quite a crowd to the Highland. It can be daunting for the uninitiated, but we thought it might be a good way to meet a few of your family."

Nickolas laughed. "There is so much of your world that has passed me by. So much I missed."

The bear slipped his paw into Nickolas's. "You're here now. Let the past be the past. There is more than enough in this world to fill your heart with joy instead of regret."

The white beast smiled at the bear. "I was sure Will's husband would understand. That man raises so many emotions in me. Not always pleasant ones, but somehow always what I need."

"He's a handful. But he loves you, Nickolas. Never forget that."

"I don't," the Hexadeltan replied. "But that's not why I asked you to take this walk with me."

"I assumed you would get around to the reason in your own time."

The white beast stopped and stared into the eyes of the bear. "You are so different from Will. He drags me into his world. You follow me and gently nudge me where I need to go."

"We often end up in the same place."

"I'm beginning to realize that," Nickolas said as he resumed the walk. In time, the white beast stopped in the middle of a small clearing in the trees. He looked up into the forest canopy at the few patches of blue sky. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting it go slowly. "I have been told that you shift to Santa."

"It was the one image I realized both comforted and aroused Will and Derrick when I first came to Terra. I needed them to hold defending their ground until I could explain who I was."

Nickolas smiled. "I understand."

"I don't wish to hurt you, Nickolas. If my changing will cause you grief, I promise I will never change in front of you."

"I brought you here so that you could make the change. Here, away from everyone, we share what happens only between the two of us. It may seem strange to ask, but I need to see you. I want to be comfortable with the men who will be in my life. And since Will appears determined to be a permanent fixture in my life, his husbands by default will be there as well. I’m aware of how your family works. I have met Adam."

Kris laughed. "I have more than a few nudges for husbands. Wait until you get to know Oliver better."

Nickolas fell to the ground and pushed his feet out. "I can't promise what this will do to me, Kris. But I need to see him. I need to see your Santa."

"The first one or the adjusted one?"

"There's more than one?"

"When I first came to Terra, I assumed the red suit and white trim was a fur of some type. I manifested it as such. I was a sort of Santa teddy bear, complete with a rather large red velvet dick that I felt both the wolves would enjoy."

"But now?"

"I am a man, a very furry man with white hair and a beard." The Kodiak paused. "I'm overweight, barrel-chested, and I have a rather large uncircumcised dick meant to give my husbands and Noboru what they long for."

Nickolas laughed. "It doesn't sound like your Santa strays too far from your bear. Could I see you, please? It means a great deal to me."

The bear shook and in his place, the naked, overweight man stood. Kris turned around slowly. The Hexadeltan stared at him for the better part of a minute before he burst out laughing. "Well, not the response I think any man hopes for when he stands naked in front of another guy, but I'm good with it," Kris said with a smile.

"No, no," Nickolas said, waving his arms. "I'm sorry. It's just that you look nothing like Bertrand. The braided hair halfway down your back, the long beard bound by rune stone beads, the chest and belly hair… I mean… how do you get that much hair all over you and not call it a pelt?" Kris smiled, and Nickolas laughed again. "And that…" he said, pointing to the dick that swayed between Kris's legs, "… that thing is abnormally large for a human, right?"

Kris laughed. "Will has abnormally large appetites."

The Hexadeltan tried to compose himself. "So I’ve heard. His reputation proceeds him."

"Derrick's appetites are even greater," Kris added. "And I prepare days in advance just to keep up with Noboru on Christmas Eve. That dog crams three hundred sixty-four days of longing into one incredible night."

Nickolas wiped the tears from his eyes. "Thank you, Kris. Thank you for showing me. I didn't know what I would do if you looked like Bertrand in your Santa form. Relearning what it means to be a beast is a challenge, but I knew your family linked to that challenge in a way I had to accept. I didn't want you to feel you couldn't be yourself in my company."

"So, we're good with this? I can be Santa and we don’t have a problem?"

The Hexadeltan nodded. "Yes, yes, it's wonderful." The paw from his lower set of arms reached out and stroked the dangling cock. The swelling was instantaneous. "In fact, some of what you are is amazing. I see why your husbands are so fond of their Santa Claus."

Kris smiled as his cock continued to swell. The head pushed out from the foreskin as the skin grew tight. "Whatever I have that interests you, you are welcome to it," he said as he reached out his hand and rubbed the muzzle of the Hexadeltan.

Nickolas needed no further encouragement. He leaned forward and took the swollen cock into his mouth. He closed his eyes and for a moment, the soft flesh over the ridged pole had a familiarity to it. When his muzzle pressed up against the base that ended in a patch of white hair, he sighed somewhere between joy and melancholy. It was the taste of a man, not a beast. The scent of a Changeling filled his nostrils. It was so close to the memory of Bertrand that the tears of laughter changed to tears of another kind.

"We don't have to do this," the white-haired man said. "I am more than happy being a bear with you."

Nickolas let the cock slip from his mouth. "It's just a memory, Kris. I have so many of them. Let me stay here with you and sort through them. I promise soon enough those memories will be of you."

The jolly elf nodded as his hands pressed the head of the Hexadeltan back onto his cock. "Take as long as you need, Nickolas. There is no need to push the memories aside. I am happy to be here with them all."

Nickolas began a rhythmic bobbing that soon brought the man in front of him to full arousal. It was the same and yet different from what he felt in the arms of his ancient love. He knew how to pleasure the portly man in a way he was only now learning to pleasure the beasts. There was a familiarity, a gentle easiness that came with holding the man in front of him. As his claspers flipped to surround Kris, Nickolas's tears expressed his joy. He was home.

Chapter 36

"If I could get everyone's attention, our son has an announcement to make," the Kodiak said as he stood above most in the crowd. "He has chosen his avatar."

All eyes turned toward the blob of glowing blue undulating beside the Kodiak. A small tendril reached out, touched the brown bear, and became the twin of the brown bear. Noah smiled at the crowd in his new body, his paw clinging tight to his father's. "This has been such a hard choice for me. I've been trying to settle on one body I will share with you that reflects who I am. So much of what I am is what you helped me become. It is easy to honor you all by changing every time I touch you. But I realize that confuses many of you. So, understand that even as I make this change, nothing has changed about how much I love you all, how much I need you, and how grateful I am to be born a Terran."

The body of the brown bear shifted slowly. "We are Terrans who will one day soon journey across the galaxy to live beside another race that has shown us a love we never found on this planet. They welcome us without fear, without prejudice. They are the image of what we were taught to believe is our goal in life. The Unity watches us, and they learn from who and what we are becoming. One day, I hope we will all be able to return to Verital and show the Unity that we are something they can be proud of. When that day comes, I hope we bring the ones who helped us along our way.

"We are becoming more than Terrans. We are evolving beyond our single world and reaching out to others. In those others, we are finding examples of what is best in all of us, and today…" the bear, who was still shifting smaller and rounder, paused. "Not only today but going forward for my life, I choose to honor the gift it is to have the Hexadeltans in our lives." With a shake, the transformation was complete. A russet-colored, four-armed beast stood before everyone.

The beast was not the mottled fur of brown, black, gray, and white of a Hexadeltan. He had white furry pads for feet that made him look like he was wearing booties. The facial features were unmistakable. The black muzzle, although much flatter than the badger, had all the same markings. A combination of black and white spread across the newborn Hexadeltan's face. It blended the rusty brown where a badger's gray coat would be. The thin white stripe bordered by even thinner black stripes started at the tip of his nose and faded into the russet fur at the tip of a stubby tail. But it was his eyes that drew everyone's attention. Set against the outline of black fur, the bright blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight.

Noah turned to the Hexadeltans, who stood watching. "My fathers will always be a part of me. I hope the coloration doesn't offend you."

Kattar shook his head in unison with the rest of the Hexadeltans. "There is no offense taken, Noah. You are beautiful, and your choices honor us even as they do your fathers."

"Are you a fully functional Hexadeltan?" Slevar asked.

"Not quite. What I am was built on my double helix DNA structure. I may look like a Hexadeltan, but I'm still a Changeling," Noah replied. "Reproduction for me will be the old-fashioned way of becoming a rock. My body's functionality will work in the same way as yours, but I will be sterile. And I'm pretty sure my cum is going to be white because I'm struggling with trying to make it purple."

Slevar smiled. "Then our unions will make a most beautiful shade of lavender."

Noah smiled. "I hope one day soon to test that theory."

Kattar looked at the crowd. "But isn't the nature of your people to welcome a newborn with such activities?"

"I was born many years ago, Kattar," the ruddy Hexadeltan replied. "This is just choosing my avatar."

"But you are a newborn to us. You are the first of your kind to adopt our appearance."

The grin on the striped Hexadeltan spread wide. "That is true. While my Terran family may see me as something else, I am a newborn to my Hexadeltan family."

"And as such…"

Noah raised his hands above his head and waved them in a circle. "I welcome all my Hexadeltan family to my turning," he yelled. He spun toward his smiling fathers. "And to all my Terran family as well."

True to Slevar's hypothesis, the newborn Hexadeltan's cum became a lovely shade of lavender when it mingled with that of his Hexadeltan family.

Chapter 37

The multicolored Hexadeltan lay in the arms of the white. Nickolas sighed. "Thank you for letting me steal you away from the crowd for a bit," he said. His paw sloshed over the chest of the beast, rubbing away the mixing white and purple cum. "There is so much to learn about being a Hexadeltan. It helps now and then to spend time with a novice. It makes me feel like I'm almost in control for a change."

Noah chuckled. "It was my pleasure. I had hoped we could find a bit of time together. How many more months before you enter your celibacy phase?"

"Two," the white Hexadeltan replied. "I didn't think I would miss the touch of another so much, but that has changed. I'm dreading this part of my pregnancy."

"So, I understand traditional sex is off the table, but what about cuddling?"

"They say it's fine, but most Hexadeltans will lose control of their claspers if they cuddle long enough. That's the whole reason we go celibate."

"Hmmm…" Noah said. "You said 'we go celibate', not 'they go celibate.'"

"I'm committing to the idea that the Hexadeltans are my people. Adam did right by me. I needed to commit to leaving behind the human world."

"So, what are your feelings about hanging out with a Changeling that looks like you?"

Nickolas pushed up on his lower set of elbows. "Are you making an offer?"

"Actually, yes," Noah replied as he also pushed up. "There is a lot I need to learn about this body. But I am confident I have much better control over my claspers than most Hexadeltans I've played with. It seems to me we can work out something to help you through your pregnancy."

"So, this is a short-term affair?" the white Hexadeltan asked.

"I'm hoping I'll grow on you. But Will is my dad, so I'm trying to acknowledge that there may be issues."

Nickolas looked down shyly. "I say I hate him, but you know how much I love him, don't you?"

Noah laughed. "Of course. We all do, and he loves you. Oliver said he hated Will for years but look where they are now. I don't want to tread on a developing relationship. My father is a remarkable man. I want to give you the space to figure that out for yourself."

"I won't marry your dad, no matter what Oliver did," Nickolas said, shaking his head. "But you're right. I still haven't quite figured out who he is in my life. I don't even understand why we haven't had sex yet." The white Hexadeltan paused. "I mean, I enjoy sex, and I know he does, too. But we never seemed to find that moment where we let down our guard. He's so difficult to deal with sometimes. That man can be unrelentingly pushy."

"Yeah, he can. The more he loves you, the pushier he gets."

"Who knows? Once he feels I'm settled in, he might stop his visits."

Noah tilted his head in confusion. "You really don't know my father, do you?"

Nickolas looked away, embarrassed. "No; no I don't. Any other man would have walked away if I treated them the way I treated Will. But he stayed. He stayed and wouldn't let me go into the oblivion I craved. I don't know why he did what he did, but one day I would like to understand."

Noah rubbed Nickolas's chest. "One day you will. For now, try to enjoy the journey. And forgive him for being a nudge."

"So, we're good? I mean, what you're suggesting has nothing to do with what your father and I need to work though?"

The multicolored Hexadeltan smiled. "We're good. I can show up on days when Father isn't visiting."

"I would be grateful. Social interactions don't come easy for me. I've been out of practice for too long."

Noah laughed as he pushed himself up and moved to Nickolas's side. "I never would have guessed. You seemed fine to me."

"I was trying to get past that mess created by the temple dogs and my fellow Hexadeltans, and I slipped on the cum. Falling on top of you is hardly a skilled introduction."

"I don't know. It worked for me, and considering where we are now, it seems to have worked for you."

Nickolas shook his head in disbelief. "I guess it did," he admitted. "I am happy where I am right now." The white beast pushed his paw through the cum on the Changeling's belly and pushed the paw into his mouth. He chuckled to himself. How natural it seemed to do something that only months ago shocked him. "Do I need to worry about you altering my DNA? Am I going to become a Changeling and a Hexadeltan?"

"Our genetic code is not a match. I can never turn you. But I don't see that as a drawback. It doesn't matter what our differences are if there is love between us." The Changeling took the paw of the Hexadeltan and slipped each finger one at a time into his mouth, carefully licking them clean.

Nickolas marveled at how intimate the action seemed. He couldn't identify what he felt, but whatever it was, his eyes began to tear up in response. The white Hexadeltan stared into the blue eyes of the multi-colored beast. "Is there love?"

Noah smiled. "There is always love to be had. I'm willing to set aside some time to see where this goes. Do I have a travel companion?"

Nickolas nodded. "You have a travel companion."

"Good then," Noah said as he pushed the other Hexadeltan back into the puddles of mingling white and purple goo. "We're already a mess, and you said we have two more months…"

"Take me, Changeling," the white Hexadeltan said with a smile.

"Oh, you almost make Changeling sound sexy," Noah giggled.

"It always has been to me," Nickolas replied. For a moment sadness crossed his face as the memory of another Changeling love crossed his mind. This time, he understood why the tears pushed past his eyes and streamed across the fur of his cheeks. He was ready to push the image from his mind when Noah pulled him into a tight hug. "Never let him go, Nickolas. He is here with us now, and that's okay. If you're saddened by his memory, then be sad. We can stay here in the sadness until it softens. One day, his memory will bring you joy. And on that day, we will stay in that moment as well."

"You don't mind?"

"Have you ever known a Changeling to mind sharing the ones they love?"

"No."

"Then why would you think I would mind?"

"It's just that…"

The striped Hexadeltan put his finger up to the lips of the white. "Shhh… Let go of the worry. Tell me a story, Hexadeltan. Tell me of the first day you met Bertrand. Let me fall in love with the man that you fell in love with. Let's start our friendship by telling each other the stories of our past."

"There is so much darkness in my past, Noah," the white beast whispered.

"Then one day we will share that too, and we will find a way to forgive life, even if we can never forgive the ones who forced that life on you."

Nickolas took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I think I can find that much forgiveness in my heart."

The striped Hexadeltan leaned in and kissed the white. "Tell me a story, Hexadeltan," he whispered.

"It was so many lifetimes ago; I scarcely remember it."

"Then it is time we bring the memory back."

"I remember the front bell ringing on the door when he came through. I thought it was another child hoping to play with a toy. When I came out from the workshop and saw him, I couldn't believe how beautiful he was. His beard was so full and so white. I had never seen another like it. I knew I was staring, but I couldn't turn away. Everything about him captivated me. His pale skin, and his rust-colored leather overcoat with golden designs I had never seen before. He was such a wonder. That poor man had to carry on the conversation entirely by himself because I couldn't utter a single word in his company."

The multi-colored beast let out a laugh and pulled the white beast closer. As the evening wore on into the night, the love story untold by Nickolas for centuries found a voice again.

Chapter 38

The little white Abids ran around the field laughing. Nickolas looked after each carefully, doing his best to keep them out of mischief. He shepherded them away from the forests and the resting dragons. One of his Abids knelt in front of the blue gelatinous form in front of them. They poked it with their finger. Instantly, the blob became an identical white Abid. The little child laughed, and laughed even harder when the blue blob returned. Abid poked the blob again, and the return of the identical Abid brought another round of laughter.

Nickolas followed the game between his child and the Changeling until finally, he called out to the youngster. "Abid, leave Noah alone. He is not a toy."

The blue blob shifted, becoming an adult Hexadeltan. "It's okay, Nickolas. We were having fun."

"Abid needs to see you as a person, not a plaything."

Noah smiled. "Abid's father could see me as a plaything, and I don't think I would object."

Nickolas laughed. "You are so much like your fathers. I sometimes don't know how to respond to you."

Noah nodded. "Yeah, I forget sometimes you didn't grow up around them. I guess I'm used to it. Innuendo is a staple around the house. But you can always tell me to stop. I don't want to bother you by overreaching."

"But that's it," Nickolas said, shaking his head. "I'm not sure I want you to stop. You're all so free and uninhibited. I envy you. I'm a single dad, and sometimes I get horny." The Hexadeltan sighed. "A lot of times I get horny. I guess it's hardwired into my triple-strand DNA. But I can never be as forward with my desires as you seem. Too many years of living alone. Too many years being human."

"Is that difficult for you?" Noah asked.

"Sometimes," Nickolas replied. "I spent so much time alone that I forgot how to interact with beasts. Good Dalph, I forget all the time how to interact with other Hexadeltans, and they've spent years trying to teach me."

"There is a learning curve to us, that's for sure," Noah consoled. "But despite our forwardness, you understand that there is a genuine affection for you underneath, right?"

"I do."

"And you're just as free to say yes to my suggestions as you are to say no?"

Nickolas laughed. "I understand that, too."

A little Abid came up to Noah and poked him. Instantly, the large Hexadeltan was replaced by a blue blob. Abid retracted their finger, and the Hexadeltan returned. Abid laughed and ran away. "But I don't mind spending the day with the kids, either."

"Thank you for volunteering to help me with them today. This is their first trip to Terra. They can be a handful."

"That explains the choice of the highland over Partridge Island. The island has the tree house apartments, but these kids running around the underground would be a nightmare."

"Exactly. No Partridge Island until they've matured a bit."

"Well, they grow up fast. Before you know it, they'll be adults."

"They're still babies, Noah," Nickolas said with a chuckle. "They have another ten years before they're adults. But they're already turning heads because of their white fur. I don't know what I'm going to do when puberty hits."

"You're going to do just fine. You're a good father," Noah said, "and a wonderful mother."

"Thanks," Nickolas said. "I'm trying to be. Your father was right when he said a new life was waiting for me. I just never realized how different it was going to be." The two watched the young ones at play for a time when Nickolas whispered, "Yes."

Noah looked at the white Hexadeltan. "Yes, what?"

"Yes, Abid's father would like to see you as a plaything one day."

Noah grinned. "And what would you like your plaything to look like? I am a Changeling, after all. My options are unlimited."

Nickolas looked at the russet-furred Hexadeltan in front of him. His paw reached up and traced the markings of a badger on the flattened face. He stared into the bright blue eyes, which seemed to sparkle with an internal light. "I like you just the way you are."

"Well, that works out well. I'm happy with your body as well. We can enjoy pointing at all the body parts we like on each other later tonight."

The white Hexadeltan smiled. "I think I can do that."

Noah tapped his ComLink. "Hey, Ori, are any of my dads available to do a bit of babysitting this evening?"

"Derrick and Kris are both free. However, they are watching Stargate SG-1. It might be best to interrupt them before they become involved in other distractions."

"Can you ask them if they can drop by the highland tonight around seven? Nickolas and I should be able to tucker the kids out by then."

"Of course, Noah. I will inform them that you and Nickolas are spending the evening together. I'm sure they'd love to take the children exploring the caves until bedtime."

"Thanks, Ori. You're the greatest," Noah said as he tapped the ComLink. He looked at the white Hexadeltan and smiled. "Let's see what we can do to wear out these kids, shall we?"

"What do you suggest?" Nickolas asked.

"Since my dads will be showing them the caves, I say let's visit the dragons. Their babies love kids." Noah paused. "Not to eat, mind you, more like playing with siblings. The kids will love them."

Nickolas shook his head in disbelief. "So much to learn, so little time."

"My words every night when I close my eyes, Handsome," Noah said with a grin. "And I feel tonight it will be truer than ever." He reached out his four hands. "Come on, give me a hug, and let's go round up the kids."

Nickolas took the Changeling's hands in his and entered the hug. The two lingered in the embrace until Noah's lower hands slipped into Nickolas's. "Abids should have two parents that love them. I can never have Abids, but I love the Abids in my life. And I love their parent."

Nickolas grasped the paw in his. "I admit I'm attracted to you, Noah. But look at the big picture. You're looking at a long-term commitment. You need to think this through."

"I've thought it through. I want to be there for your kids, and I want to be there for you. Roughly every two hundred years, I must find a mate to cocoon with. There's a good chance that will happen later in your life. I will be gone for decades. When I emerge, you'll have another child to raise, albeit one that's billions of years old. And you'll be a part of a multi-parent family. If you can make those accommodations, I think I would make a fine mate."

"I… I don't know," Nickolas stammered.

The Changeling pushed his face up against the Hexadeltan and kissed him. When the kiss ended, Noah asked, "Do you love me?"

Nickolas nodded shyly. "Yes."

"Then tell me you'll be my mate before our kids find those dragons without us. You have no idea how much mischief they can get into by encouraging dragon babies."

So many thoughts sped through Nickolas's mind. So many fears, so many doubts, and with the second kiss from the Changeling, they evaporated when he heard himself say, "Yes. I will be your mate."

Chapter 39

"We've got incoming," the young woman yelled as she threw back the left side of her well-worn brown duster, exposing the bulky gun beneath the coat. She pulled the gun from the holster as the lenses dropped in front of her right eye, giving her a clear view of what she saw in the distance. From across the field, the gigantic beasts broke through the trees. "We have a T-Rex and a terror bird," she said as she ran toward them.

Amongst the group, two young men looked at each other. "Oh, hell no," one yelled, throwing down his gun. "That's not even funny."

The simulation stopped, and the crowd turned toward the two. A small mammal behind the kids snickered. "I thinks it's funny," the badger said.

"We made a mistake five years ago, Oliver," the other said. "Are you ever going to forget it and let it go?"

"Ain't never gonna forget it, Rob," Oliver replied. "But you gots to know it was funny."

Rob nodded. "Yeah, for all of you. For the two of us, it's still embarrassing."

"There was a reason for me adding it to the simulation," Derrick said as he wrapped his arm around the other man and pulled him into a sideways hug. "Life doesn't always throw at us what we expect, David. Sometimes what we must deal with is everything we don't want to deal with. Trust me, you need to learn that lesson. I'm still learning it."

"But you created the highland, you brought back Jiao-long and his sons, and you stopped the invading pirate fleet," David protested. "You're like the rock star of kick-ass awesomeness."

"Those might seem like highlights of my life to all of you," the black wolf with blue highlights said. "But for me, David, they're kind of embarrassing. I wasn't willing to do any of them at first. My family had to drag me into doing what I should have done all along. My family was there for me. I understand that my place is beside them now. But there were some very rocky bumps to understanding how I fit in. We hope that what you do here over the next few days will help you realize where your place is. One day you might be called on to do something that for you is unknown and unexpected. A glimpse into that world without the complications of a permanent outcome is what today is all about."

"This is like a dress rehearsal on life?" the young woman asked.

"Exactly, Avery," Derrick replied. "Your life isn't ever going to be normal. It's going to be filled with so many new worlds and challenges. We want you to be as prepared as you can be. Some of that will mean meeting new races from other worlds. Sometimes it will be deciding how to take on a T-Rex and a terror bird when they're coming at you full on."

"And I sez, we finish this lesson before our lunches gets cold out there on the real highland," Oliver interjected.

"Agreed," Derrick said. He pointed to the gun on the ground. "You might want to pick that up, Rob," he said. "Resume simulation."

With a loud squawk, the beasts from across the field began running toward them again. The twelve students moved out into position and pulled their guns. "Choices to be made," Derrick yelled. The twelve lifted their weapons, made quick adjustments, and fired. The beasts dropped to the ground.

Oliver stared at the ancient animals as their chests rose and fell with labored breaths. He smiled. "You all done good."

"Okay, everyone, explain your actions," the black wolf ordered.

"I choose the option that protected the innocent," one student explained. The others nodded in agreement. "They're just animals either looking for a meal or trying to protect their turf. Either way, they're not an imminent threat to us, so I stunned them. We can move them somewhere safer now."

"Good answer, Franklin," Derrick said with a smile. "Now, let's try something different." The group found themselves on a foreign planet. A small city lay in the desert sand a short distance away. From overhead, a massive airship moved toward the town. As it neared, it opened fire on the mud huts. Alien creatures similar to Grays poured out of the village.

Each student watched as inferior weapons fired from the surface at the airship above. The aircraft's shields easily deflected the attack, and the damage to the city was intense and without mercy. The students began adjusting their weapons in response to what they saw. Every student struggled with the best approach to dealing with the overwhelming attack above them. As they did so, throngs of aliens fleeing the town saw the students in the distance. Hundreds of aliens racing head-on raised their hands, clutching weapons.

The tiny group of students stared at the approaching swarm as the aliens began firing their weapons. Bright blasts of light began exploding all around them. Outnumbered, the students lifted their guns. Unsure what to do, each chose their path of action. "I fucking hate this Kobayashi Maru shit," Oliver growled under his breath.

After lunch, Derrick and the class walked deep into the highland forest. "So, the aliens attacking us on the ground were actually the bad guys in that scenario?" Avery asked.

"They were pirates invading another world, Avery. The airship was trying to defend the people of the planet against an invading guerilla force."

"But we couldn't have known that," Rob said. "The airship seemed so powerful, and the townspeople were overwhelmed."

"That was the lesson's purpose, Rob," the black wolf replied. "The strongest force isn't always the evil it may appear. The underdog isn't always right. Those who seem innocent on the surface might very well not be. The world we live in isn't black and white."

"So, what was the right answer?" Avery asked.

"You chose it, Avery. You and the others who hit your recall button made the right choice. This wasn't your fight, and you didn't have enough information to make a wise choice about who you sided with. You let the Sight do what it wants to do. You let it show you the path that protected you."

Derrick looked at another part of the group and smiled. "The rest of you learned a similar lesson by ignoring the Sight and trying to solve a problem that wasn't yours to solve. Both sides overwhelmed you, attacking you because they both saw you as the enemy. Without knowing the surrounding circumstances, you can't make a wise choice. Sometimes stepping back to get a clearer idea of the mess you're in might be the only answer."

"But when you went up against the interdimensional pirates…" Avery said, letting her silence ask the question.

"I hesitated not because of an unknown but because I lacked the confidence to do what needed doing. I had all the information I needed to choose a proper course of action. And yet, my family had to push me into doing what I should have done all along. Will died before I committed to what I had to do, even though I realized what I needed to do well before that moment. I won't let that ever happen again."

"I still have doubts about which course of action I should take," Avery whispered, slowing the walk to a standstill.

Derrick motioned for the class to walk ahead. "You all have a class waiting for you back in the commons. Head on back. I'll see you all tomorrow." The students complied, and soon Derrick and Avery were alone together. They began a slower walk back toward the cave. "Do you have doubts about which course of action to take because you don't have enough knowledge to choose? Or are you hesitant because you lack the confidence to do what you feel you should do?" Derrick asked.

"Because none of my choices seem to be clearly the right one."

Derrick chuckled. "That was the purpose of today's lesson. Rarely are our choices right or wrong. Mostly they are a 'what is the greater good?' option. We have to realize that there might be adverse consequences from even the best choice."

"That's a tough balancing act to ask of someone only twenty-three years old."

Derrick laughed again. "It's a tough balancing act to ask of a guy on the wrong side of five hundred years old. But that's the world we live in, Avery. We do the best with what we have. And if we ever err, let it be that we erred on the side of kindness."

"I still can't decide if becoming a beast is the right thing to do," Avery said, stopping short in the pathway the two walked. "No, that's not it. It's not whether to become a beast; it's deciding if I will stay a woman or become a man."

"We'll love you no matter what you choose to do."

"I get that. That's not the issue."

Derrick smiled. "I realize it seems difficult now, Avery, but it isn't, really."

"You have no idea how hard it is," Avery corrected.

"Not your individual dilemma, Avery. But I understand what it's like to feel born into a world where I don't fit in. Your struggles and mine are different, but the underlying reasons are the same. I'm not saying the choices you face aren't difficult. They are. I'm saying that when you finally find your answer, you will look back and see that the choice you made was the one you were always going to make. All the struggles you're dealing with now are only you sorting out the details.

"It's the story of my life, Avery. I struggled with being gay, with becoming a werewolf, and with loving more than one man. I struggled with accepting the powers that I have." Derrick laughed. "Heck, I struggle with nearly every choice put before me."

Avery chuckled. "I know that feeling."

"But I realized I was gay before I even had a word for it. I knew I loved Will, and I loved Kris and Eric. From the moment I saw Oliver, there was another man I wanted to call Husband. You can fill in the list of all the rest. With them as a part of my life, I realized what I had been taught about who I should love was wrong. My conflict wasn't with my husbands, it was with what society taught me versus what I was learning to be true. The struggle was figuring out whether I could honor the person I knew I was.

"I understood what holding the powers of the Blue clan meant. I had known it for fourteen billion years. Oliver and I watched it create a new universe. When the pirate fleet was before me, I knew what I could do. There were so many decisions to make, but by the time I had to make them, I had the answers. It was only accepting them as my answers that I struggled with. I had to realize that what I was — was exactly who I was supposed to be. Every time I've ever turned from my feelings and tried to meet society's expectations or someone else's standards, I have been miserable. Every time I have pushed past my fears to be the person I knew I was supposed to be, I have found that peace you're looking for."

The blue-eyed black wolf resumed the walk, and Avery followed. "It's not been easy," Derrick said. "I sometimes fight what's in my best interest because I cling to old beliefs that don't work. But I am half a millennium older than you. I've had a few extra years to figure out where I fit in."

"Is it going to take me that long?" the young lady said with a frustrated sigh.

"No, because I'm going to give you a hint. We often sense deep down inside the path we should choose. For you, the choices seem monumental. But they're not if you pay attention to what your heart tells you. So, here's my hint, Avery. Listen to every word carefully. Memorize them. Stay with them until you understand their meaning for such a remarkable young woman."

Avery nodded her agreement. "What is the hint?"

"Be who you were born to be."

Avery frowned. "That's it?"

"That's it."

"I can't say it's any kind of epiphany for me to hear that."

Derrick nodded. "Give the words time. Remember them for now and consider what they might mean now and then."

"Be who I was born to be."

"There you go. Once you understand the words, your path will be clear."

"It will?"

"Don't worry about all the future outcomes. Let the future take care of itself. Become who you were born to be, Avery."

"I don't know who I was born to be."

"Give it some thought. Keep a watchful eye on everything around you. The answer is there for you. Use your Sight. You were born with it for a reason."

"I hate the Sight."

"Yeah, me too," the wolf replied.

"But…"

The wolf squatted down and hugged the young woman. "Become who you were born to be, Avery."

Avery sighed, returning the hug. "Is your family always so cryptic?"

"Pretty much. In a few hundred years, you'll get used to it."

Avery shook her head. "I doubt it."

The hug endured. "Yeah, you're probably right. I'm not used to it. But I realize the answers always lie behind the words if we do what Oliver calls pondering. Ponder on the words for a while."

"Be who I was born to be."

"Until you choose to be something else, be who you were born to be. There is no one in this universe quite like you, Avery. You only need to see that."

The young woman let the hug go and gave another exasperated sigh. "Marrying a temple dog has made you as confusing as they are."

Derrick laughed. "I don't doubt it. But one day you will understand, Avery. On that day, I want you to know you found the answer."

"Now that is definitely a temple dog talking," Avery said with a laugh as the two began walking again.

"They're right about most things, young lady," the wolf said, pointing to the path that led back to the cave.

"Yeah, they are," Avery said as she put her hand into the wolf's paw. "So, is it okay if now and then I talk to you about what I'm going through?"

Derrick nodded. "Sure."

"Even if I'm confused?"

"Been there, done that; like within the last week, done that."

Avery laughed. "You all make it seem so easy."

"Being a beast for some of us is easy, Avery. But that doesn't mean the path to that choice is. And I guarantee you if you're not sure, you do not want to make the change, because you will hurt in ways you never thought of hurting."

Avery smiled. "Thanks, Derrick. I talked to you hoping to find answers. Instead, I found a whole new set of questions to ask myself."

"It might be hard to believe, but that's a good thing," Derrick said.

"Actually, that's the one thing I do believe. Asking questions has always been a good thing in my life. Knowing which questions to ask seems more important to me every day." The young girl jumped up beside the wolf and kissed his cheek. "Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring."

Derrick smiled. "My pleasure. Can I walk you back to the commons and your next class? I can explain your late return if needed."

Avery grinned. "That would be nice. I'm pretty sure Dr. Greenwald has a crush on you, so he'll go easy on me with you there."

Derrick laughed. "Dr. Greenwald? Really? He has a crush on me?"

"Oh, big time."

"Huh," the black wolf thought aloud. "I guess we learn something new every day."

"If we're lucky," Avery replied.

Chapter 40

"Wakey, wakey, everyone," Oliver yelled through the hallway. "The sooner you gets breakfast into you, the sooner we can gets back to school."

Rob stumbled to the door of the apartment. "You say that like it's a good thing, Oliver."

"It is a good thing. You is right on top of the weekend. You study hards today, and tomorrow you gots an entire weekend on the highland to do whatever you wants."

David appeared at the same open door as Rob trying hard to put a leg through his boxers. "We might choose to sleep in late instead of having a badger badgering us to get up."

Oliver laughed. "You boys is twenty-five, so it ain't my place to point out how you uses your spare time. But if you'se gonna sleep in the same room, you best be learning how to manage that time better than you does your hormones."

Both young men grinned awkwardly. "Point taken, Oliver. We'll do our best to pay attention to our studies today," Rob said. "It's only a few more months until graduation. We both need to hit the books more than we do each other."

"Time enough for both," Oliver said as he walked past the two and moved down the hall. He rapped on each door and repeated his greeting. Soon enough, the last of the Partridge Island class was dressed, fed, and moving out onto the highland glade.

Avery looked across the grassy field and stared at the two beasts moving hand in hand along the forest's edge. Around the two, smaller white creatures danced and played in the early morning sunshine. "Who are they?" she asked, pointing toward the group.

"That is Nickolas and Noah," Oliver replied. "Them little ones is their children. Nickolas and Noah broughts them here to spend a week on Terra."

"They're not Terran?" Avery asked. "The whole family looks like bears."

"Ain't bears. Count them arms they have. Nickolas is a Hexadeltan. Noah is a Terran Changeling."

Avery shook her head in realization. "Wait, Noah? I've met Noah in the New York offices of Bear Paws Enterprises. He was a blue…" her voice trailed off, trying to think of a kinder word than "blob."

"He chose himself an avatar," Oliver replied. "Seems one reason he chose to become a Hexadeltan is because he loves himself one."

"Oliver, would it be okay if I went to say hello to them? I'm supposed to visit the Hexadeltan home world in a few months. It would be nice to break the ice with a few of them."

Oliver gave a nod. "That sounds like a good idea, Avery. They is going to be our neighbors. It mights do you good to say hello and gets to know them better."

Avery leaned over and hugged the little mammal. "Thank you, Oliver. I promise I will catch up on whatever gets taught today."

"Promise me you'll use your Sight, Avery. Ain't nothing I need to teach you today. If that family grabbed your attention, they is the lesson you needs to learn."

The badger felt the young woman kiss his cheek and release the hug. She turned and ran toward the family in the distance. "Thank you, Oliver," she yelled, never looking back.

The little Abids noticed the young woman running toward them first. They all stopped and watched her as she moved through the grass. "Look, Papa," one Abid said, pointing toward Avery. "A human is running toward us. What do we do?"

Nickolas watched the running human and pushed past the fear it stirred. "I would suggest we prepare to say hello. Come along, my loveable Abids," he said as he reached out his hands, and his children ran toward him, forming a ring around him.

Avery caught up to the family before her breath did. She stood for a moment, leaning over, trying to catch her breath as she said, "Hi, I'm Avery."

Noah smiled. "Hi, Avery. We've met, but I was a blue gummy slug."

Avery's look of surprise was unmistakable. "Gummy slug?" she asked. "I thought that was sort of derogatory."

"It seems accurate enough," Noah replied. "And it makes our family laugh, so we're good with it when it's family that uses it."

"I'm not exactly family," Avery said, still trying to catch her breath.

"You're young," Noah corrected, "you have a bit to learn before you realize how far your family goes."

Avery looked up from trying to catch her breath and looked more closely at those who stood before her. Their bearish nature was still there, but the four arms made clear they were not Terran. Not knowing what to do, she stuck out her hand to the beasts standing together. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, hoping someone would take the extended hand.

The pure white Hexadeltan took the hand and shook it. "I'm Nickolas. These are my children," he said with another hand waving to the surrounding little ones.

One child waved. "I'm Abid."

Another child waved as well. "I'm Abid."

One by one, each of the six children waved and gave Avery their name.

"Six Abids," Avery said, shaking her head. "Your father doesn't seem to be very inventive with names."

"No, silly. All Hexadeltan children are named Abid until we choose our name when we become adults," one of the bravest Abids said.

Nickolas looked down at the child. "Abid, you shouldn't call people silly because they don't know our customs."

Abid looked away shyly. "I'm sorry, Avery. I have never met a human before."

Avery knelt and looked the little creature in the eye. "And I have never met a Hexadeltan. Although I have heard a great deal about your people."

Abid's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really. If I understand most of what I hear at Bear Paws Enterprises, we're going to be neighbors."

Abid's smile widened. "That would be wonderful. Do you change like the other Terrans? What do you become?"

"I haven't turned yet. I still have a few years before I need to make that choice."

"Me too," Abid agreed. "I am still thinking about what I want to become."

Avery leaned back into her squat. "Really? Are you shapeshifters as well?"

All the little Abids laughed. "No," one said. "We are always Hexadeltans, but we get to choose what sex we wish to be. A male, a female, or one that is flexible."

"You can do that?" Avery asked.

"Oh yes. All Hexadeltans do," Abid said.

"We are hermaphroditic," Nickolas said, hoping to clarify Abid's comments. "When we reach the age of majority, we choose how we wish to be perceived by others. It is not necessarily a lifelong choice, but it helps us interact more comfortably with each other."

"I'm choosing a name that ends in 'ar.' That means I will be like my dad. I can be either sex, and I will be happy."

Avery's eyebrow arched. "Really?" She looked up at Nickolas. "I'm not sure I understand."

Nickolas chuckled. "It takes a bit of education to make sense of it all." He gathered the Abids together and let them each shake hands with Avery. As they did so, he explained the names and how they educated the Hexadeltans about their sexual preferences.

"But you're Nickolas," Avery said, confused. "Your name doesn't end in any of the options."

"I was human by birth," the white Hexadeltan explained. "Adam, who I suspect you know, changed that. I am a Hexadeltan now; right down to my triple-strand DNA."

Avery thought for a moment. "You're Nickolas?" she said, her eyes widening as she realized who she was talking to.

"Yes," the white Hexadeltan nodded. "I thought we already made that introduction."

"No, I mean you're Nickolas, mate of Bertrand. Your story has been told to me since I was a little child. I'm so sorry for how your story ended, but I am grateful you let it be told. I hope one day to find a love that special."

Nickolas's eyes clouded with tears. "He was my everything. So many thousands of years later, I still miss him. But these are our children. It means so much to me you haven't forgotten him."

"Are you kidding?" Avery gushed. "You are the story by which so many of us frame our desires and dreams of a future mate. Will used to read us your story when we were children. The toymaker and the Green clan Changeling. The lovers from two different worlds that found each other and became one." Her eyes took on the same cloudiness as Nickolas's. "We never learned the sadder parts of your story until we began reading the histories of the Were Nation on our own. Will never spoke of the tragedy. He said it kept us from understanding the lessons your lives taught us. We learned from the histories of Bertrand's death and his ultimate personal sacrifice. But Will taught us why that was his choice from all that came before."

"I never knew," the white Hexadeltan said as his head lowered.

"When Will heard your story, he said it was as if his life was being lived by another. Without knowing you, without ever hearing your story, he was so much like you. He became an Iberian wolf because his mate was an Iberian wolf. Will became his mate's twin to show his love was identical to his mate's. Like you, he became what he loved most years before he ever read about you and Bertrand."

Nickolas looked up. "Will doesn't have an Iberian wolf husband."

Avery looked into the eyes of the Hexadeltan and saw the confusion. "No, his first husband, Alexander. He was killed during the Battle of Osogovo. He was one of the fallen who saved humanity."

Nickolas took great sobbing breaths. "No… no… he never told me. He never told me," he cried out.

Noah came over and wrapped his arms around the white beast as Nickolas fell to the ground. "Avery, Nickolas doesn't know the history of our people. He is only now beginning to learn."

Avery reached out and grabbed the beast. "I'm so sorry. It never occurred to me. I thought everyone had heard Will's story. It happened so long ago."

"Nickolas hasn't read our histories," Noah explained. "He doesn't realize his impact on our world, and he never learned of Will's history or that of his family."

"I'm sorry," Avery repeated as she hugged Nickolas. "I thought Will would tell you. It never occurred to me he wouldn't tell you."

"Because I am an old fool who couldn't have listened until today," Nickolas said through his sobbing. "I was so wrapped up in clinging to my pain, I couldn't have seen another's."

Noah brought his sideways hug in more tightly and extended his two free arms toward the crying Abids. They didn't know what had happened, but they felt the emotions of their father and cried with him. Noah reached out and gathered them together. He waited until the children and their father's sobbing slowed. His top hand rubbed Avery's head. "Stay with us, will you, Avery? I think there are stories that Nickolas and his children need to hear. Nickolas needs to hear his story through the eyes of another. He needs to hear the love story that has lived on as a touchstone to our people." The Changeling paused. "And he must hear Will's story for the first time."

"I don't think I can do that," the sobbing young woman said.

"I believe you can," Noah countered. "In fact, I believe that today, you are the only one in the world that can."

Avery wiped her eyes and looked at the little Abids looking up at her. She gathered herself together. This was her family, and she learned from a very early age that her family told the stories of their lives to each other. The telling of stories was how they bound their hearts together. She understood what was being asked of her. Tell the stories of her family so those who listened could learn. Derrick was right. Avery made the choice to tell the stories of her family long ago. She needed only the courage to embrace the moment now when the stories needed telling.

Avery sat in the grass, and the Abids gathered around her. "Your father and Bertrand met long ago when he was still a human," she said. "It was a sunny day when Bertrand entered Nickolas's toy shop. Your father came from the back room where he made his toys. He expected to see children. Instead, he saw the most beautiful man he had ever seen. The older man had white hair and a beard, and dressed in robes of rust, trimmed in gold." Avery looked up at the little Abids surrounding her. "The moment your father saw Bertrand, he was smitten." She shook her head, realizing the word might be unfamiliar to the children. "Do you know what smitten means?" The Abids smiled and nodded. Avery wiped her sleeve across her face again, and the story continued to unfold.

Across the field, Oliver watched. "You brings him home, Avery. You brings our brother home," he whispered as he wiped the tears from his eyes. He turned to the other children as they began grouping together. "Today we is going to meet your family. You'se all met Katashi and Spackle. And you've seen their brothers whenever we gots a family gathering. Today there is six of them dogs here. Some lives here full time. Some is visiting. But they all is special, and today we is gonna learn how you tells them apart." Oliver waved toward the monastery. "Come along, Little Ones, and learn why them dogs calls every one of us that."

Chapter 41

A quiet crowd of young adults milled about the room. Their foster parents and instructors seemed equally distant from the party surrounding them. Some snacked on the cake or sipped from punch cups, but few seemed happy about the gathering. Derrick and Oliver stood off to the side, watching a celebration that was anything but.

One young man sighed as he stared at the cake, the bright words "Congratulations Graduates" drawn in frosting across the top. He put a piece of the cake on a plate and grabbed a fork. "We are the last of our kind, and the next to leave," he said. "Everyone else gets to stay here and continue their studies. David and I are going home."

"You has each other, Rob," Oliver said. "You'se already home. Wherever you is, you is home. Learn that, and you'll be fine."

"We're turning, Oliver," Rob said with an unmistakable sadness. "I always dreamed of it, and now on the eve of our turning, I have so many unanswered questions. I doubt I can ever be like the beasts surrounding me."

"You done good, Rob," Oliver said. "One day, you will be such an amazing beast. You sure is an amazing young man. Both of you has grown so much in the last six years."

David put his arm around Rob. "Remember what they taught us, Hon. Few of us ever feel ready. It's for sure none of us knows what we're getting into when we turn."

Rob looked into the eyes of the other. "Yeah, but I see so much, and I can't say as I like what's on the horizon."

Derrick's head tilted as he looked at the young man. "How far ahead does the Sight show you, Rob?"

"I don't know. I see wars, Wolfy, but not like the history books. They're smaller. There are no bombs or missiles, just people killing people with guns. When the Sight pushes forward along the timeline, I push back. I don't want to think about what it tries to show me."

Oliver rubbed the arm of the young man. "I'se sorry, Rob. Seems each batch of you kids gots one who sees distant. Ain't rightly fair for a young man to see what's comin' that way, but the Sight don't seem to care."

Rob gave a sad grin. "Lucky me," he said, the irony clear in his voice.

"You gots a man who loves you," Oliver said. "You'se one of the lucky ones. But you'se gots to see it through all the bad the Sight throws at you."

Rob felt the surrounding arm tighten. He smiled at David. "I know, Oliver. You taught me well. You all did. Stay with the good."

Oliver put his arm around Derrick and pulled him close. "Stay with the good."

The classroom door opened, and a young woman rushed through. "I'm sorry I'm late. Work ran late, and Chip was docked in D.C." She looked around the somber room. "Yeah, this is about what I expected. Hi guys," she said with a wave.

The greetings came back from the rest of the room. "Hey, Avery."

"I'm going to miss you all so much. Tonight marks the end of my schooling, the end of being able to make mistakes that only affect my grades." Avery looked at Rob and David. "That world is slipping away tonight for the three of us. For you two, so does your life as humans."

Rob nodded. "I heard you're heading to another planet tomorrow."

Avery frowned. "Yeah, I am. I'm the liaison for Bear Paws Enterprises to the Hexadeltan prime home world."

"Why you? Why not someone with a bit more experience? Don't they know this is interrupting your schooling? You should have two more years, regardless of the fact you run circles around all of us now."

"I have no clue. Derrick's recommendation seemed to have a lot to do with it." Avery looked at the black wolf standing in the corner. "You said I would understand one day. But I'm not optimistic. I've been cramming every fact and figure I can into my brain, but I still don't know how to be an ambassador to a species I've only met once."

"They's a friendly group of folks," Oliver said as he walked over and hugged the young woman. "You'se gonna be fine with them. Derrick is right. You is the one that they needs to meet. And they is the ones you needs to meet." He passed the hug off to Derrick and he, too, hugged the young woman.

"You two," Avery sighed. "Always the vague mystics. I swear you're temple dogs in beast clothing."

Derrick smiled. "You are a bright woman, Avery. We can't go telling you what to think anymore. We rely on you to know your path when it's before you."

Avery shook her head and laughed. "Well, you have more faith in me than I have in myself. I'm good at trade negotiations and promoting Terra, and I'm good at making sure everyone is on the same page, but what path I'm on, that's still a mystery."

The badger gave a nod. "Maybe that's what Pup is trying to helps you with. Maybe your path is much farther than this earth can hold for you."

"You think so, Oliver?"

The badger nodded. "You'se on your path, Avery. You only has to remember what you were taught."

"I've been taught a lot, Oliver."

Oliver looked up at the black wolf with blue highlights and smiled. "Just them words he spoke to you, Avery. Be who you was born to be."

The young woman smiled. "Still working on that one, Oliver. Those words are as mystical as ever."

Derrick reached over and put a piece of cake on a plate. He extended it to the young woman. "There's no hurry, Avery. No rule says you must turn at twenty-five. You have time. Use it."

"And somewhere along the line, the big picture is going to reveal itself to me in less than two years, huh?" she asked.

Derrick laughed. "Nope. We're way older than you, and I don't think we've ever seen the big picture. And that's saying something because Oliver and I saw the universe being born. But sometimes we glimpse enough of the picture to make sense of our lives. I learned one thing along the way, though. We see what we're supposed to when we are ready to see it. It's not always the way of beasts with the Sight, but it is once we learn to control it."

"I'm still not even sure I will become a beast, Derrick. That bear I once thought I would be is looking more distant lately."

"Could have been it weren't a bear," Oliver said. "You keep an open mind, and maybe one day it will all seem clearer."

Avery laughed. "Okay, Oliver. That's the plan I'm going with. Wish me luck, you two."

"We always wishes that for you, Avery," Oliver said as his foot made a little circle on the wood floor. "Now eats that cake before the old wolf shows up. Ain't gonna be much of it after he gets here."

Avery smiled and walked over to where the cake was. She put down her plate, picked up the serving spatula, and pushed it into the cake. Lifting a large slice of the cake with the letters CON on it, she plopped it onto a plate. Avery smiled and showed it to Oliver and Derrick. "Will should get a kick out of this when he shows up, don't you think?" she asked.

Oliver smiled. "I loves you, Avery," he said as he hugged her.

Derrick join in on a group hug and whispered, "Me, too. We all do."

Chapter 42

"Hey, Hon, look at this will you?" the man in a blue blazer asked, pointing to his vid-screen. His dark hair and skin were common on the island and were a vivid contrast to the pale white skin and blonde hair of the man he was talking to.

The other man, with an identical blue blazer, shook his head. "What did we say about terms of endearment at work?"

The man frowned. "I'm sorry. I don't call you Rob anywhere else. Sometimes I slip."

Rob walked over to the monitor. He leaned over and kissed the top of the other man's head. "Then perhaps we need to rethink our professional relationship, David. Let the humans deal with it. I'm tired of trying to remember to call you David as well. What say we do our best? If we slip, we slip. But we don't consider it an infraction of our personal work ethic. We let it be, and others can deal with it as suits them."

David looked up at the smiling man above him. "I'd like that. We're the best loss prevention team in this room. They can cut us some slack if we give each other a peck on the cheek now and then."

Rob nodded in agreement. "So, what's up, Hon?"

David pointed toward the screen. "This guy."

Rob looked at the man on the screen. He was graying and bearded, but not with the trendy goatees and sideburn tattoos of the moment. The beard was long, and while well maintained, it spoke of a style rarely seen outside history books. His clothes appeared clean, but those of a man who lived without affectation. The denim overalls and the flannel shirt were out of place in the most opulent casino in Puerto Rico.

"He's what; sixty, sixty-five years old?" Rob asked.

"Yeah, the records say sixty-two," his mate replied.

The two watched the older man study each card as he flipped them and placed them on the stacks. The dealer stood above him carefully watching, ensuring the older man held to the game's rules. "Cute," Rob said with a laugh. "But he's playing solitaire. That's not exactly a high-roller game. What's our concern?"

"You know how I ask Ori to hunt for anomalies on the video feeds?"

"Sure."

"He's one of them. Ori and I uncovered a mystery."

Rob let his finger trace the image of the older man. "Do, tell."

"He showed up from the mainland about fifteen years ago," David began. "His entry record is here," he said as he brought up another screen. "Check out his addresses. He came from Vegas. He lists three previous addresses; all of them gambling towns. The name on his passport is John Smith. He's a sixty-two-year-old man who, according to that passport, was born in a gambling town, and moves to a new gambling town every twenty years like clockwork."

"Wow. He couldn't even take the time to think up an original alias?"

"Apparently not. But look closer at that passport photo, Hon," David pressed.

"He hasn't changed since it was taken ten years ago. He's identical; right down to the length of his beard."

"Yeah, exactly. He comes in here, plays solitaire long enough to win a few bucks, and then leaves. He's never a big winner. The most he ever makes is a few hundred."

"Does he win every game?" Rob asked.

"No, he has wins and losses, but he always comes out ahead; never enough to flag him for anything we search for. He makes so little each visit that he doesn't even need to report the winnings. The guy stays under the radar; way, way under the radar." Rob nodded. "But for Ori…"

"Yeah, for Ori, a man with a seventy-five percent win rate at solitaire is a bit much."

"And that's not only in our casino. I had Ori check," David said. "He hits the strip casinos all about the same. We get a visit from him every other month. He visits six other casinos on a rotating schedule. We're all too big to even care what a guy like him might be doing."

"The house shuffles and deals the cards, right?"

"Right, but Mr. Smith often asks the dealer to shuffle multiple times past the normal three. He says it's for good luck, and he seems right about that." David brought up another screen with the older man in a casino playing solitaire. "This is Mr. Smith in Carson City a while back. It was a routine scan. It wasn't flagged as anything questionable. Sorry about the quality of the video. The original tapes were destroyed long ago. But you know Ori. She keeps everything."

"Tapes?"

"Videotapes from nineteen ninety-three."

"We're looking at a beast."

"I'm pretty sure we are but one that has never come into a casino as anything but a human."

"Even after the Night of Blinding?"

"He may be like us, where these visits are his livelihood. His ape suit might be his work clothes, and when he gets home, he changes back to a beast. But I think there's more to this mystery than an old werebeast that plays solitaire for his groceries and rent."

"So?"

"Can I ask the senior manager to go say hello to him? You know the rumors about what's happening in Montana and the Florida reefs."

"They're not rumors, Hon," Rob said. "We've known about what was happening all along. Oliver sure never held back when we were in school. No one is trying to keep anything that's going on from us."

"I know that. What I mean is the rumors that the closer we get to the day they finish those things, the more of us are coming out of the woodwork. We're finding beasts that have been lost for centuries and living alone. It's like a homing beacon has been turned on."

The fingers of the standing man stroked the image one more time. "We're gathering. It's a migration and even the outliers are finding a way home."

"So, go talk to him? If he has the Sight, you'll be able to see that as soon as you hit the casino floor."

"Sure, David. Best professional foot forward," Rob replied.

"I don't think he needs an introduction to the Chief of Loss Prevention, Rob. I think he needs to meet the man I call Hon."

Rob leaned over and kissed the top of David's head again. "Understood, Hon." The man straightened his corporate blazer and turned toward the door. He pressed the keys on the lock pad and left the room. A few noticed his departure, but they were too lost in their own work to wonder what the two men had been talking about before Rob left.

Down on the casino floor, Rob found the solitaire station. He talked briefly to the dealer, and the dealer walked away, leaving Rob to take his position. The older man looked up from his cards. "He just got here and you're replacing him? Is there something wrong with the dealer, or is it me?"

"Neither. Jim is a great croupier, and you're a valued customer."

The older man stared at the suited man in front of him. "Are you Security? No one is that polite."

Rob smiled and pointed to the cards. The old man was holding a five of hearts from the stock in his hand. "Red five on the black six."

The older man smiled. "Not yet. I have a feeling." He placed a nine of hearts on the tableau onto a ten of clubs and beneath it lay a five of diamonds. He moved the card to the six, and an ace came to the top. The older man moved it up to the foundation. Five more cards moved up to the foundation before he placed the five of hearts on a newly exposed black six.

"Impressive," Rob said.

"You know what they say, 'lucky in cards..."

Rob laughed. "Your love life must suck."

The old man looked up, and Rob stared into the haunting hurt of the other's eyes. "I've seen better days." He placed a few more cards. He didn't look up when he spoke. "Am I in trouble here?"

Rob shook his head. "No, not at all. I only came to ask why a werewolf spends so much time alone playing solitaire when there are others of his kind all around him."

The old man pushed back away from the table, startled. Rob noticed the fight or flight instinct kick in as the bearded man looked back and forth toward the exits. Rob put his hand out, and the shift tore through his clothes. In the tattered rags of his clothing, the seven-foot werewolf towered over the older man. Frozen, the older man didn't know what to do. "They can't see us. They haven't been able to see us for hundreds of years," the werewolf said.

Still frozen, the older man whispered. "They can't?"

"Do you see anyone running away?" Rob asked.

"I worry more about you being shot to death."

"That's the look in your eyes, isn't it?" Rob asked. "The one who turned you; they killed him."

The old man nodded. "We were together that night. We were just two men in love doing what men in love do out in the woods. So many torches, so many guns."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Rob said.

"We tried to run away. The bullets were everywhere; tearing into the trees, into the ground..." Rob understood the long pause that followed. "Into the man I loved," the older man said as he flipped a card over from the stock. "When he fell, I picked him up. I carried him for miles, running for our lives, never looking back. Eventually, I slowed down and put him on the ground. The one life I was running to save wasn't there. He died slung over my shoulder, and I wasn't even aware of it. I swore I would never change again."

"You never heard of the Night of Blinding? The Changeling that blinded all humans to our existence?"

"What's a Changeling?"

Rob sighed as he shook his head. "Dang, you really are out of the loop, aren't you?"

"I live alone. Except to get food and provisions, I stay away from town. I was a mountain man. I know how to survive out there in the wild. A jungle is just a forest with more bugs and critters. Unlike humans, most critters want to be left alone. You don't bother them; they don't bother you."

Rob’s paw remained extended. "Take my paw, John. It's not good for a beast to be alone. The humans hurt you beyond believing. You need to share that hurt if you're ever going to find a way to carry it."

The older man flipped another card. "I'm fine on my own. I have a sixth sense about things."

"Like how all the cards will play out before they're even dealt?"

"Yeah, like that."

"We call it the Sight. Others like us were born with it. Some acquire it during times of great stress. But if you have the Sight, why don't you see us? Why don't you see us all around you?"

"Perhaps because the wolf I saw was killed for being with me."

"You weren't to blame."

"I'm not sure if they came to kill us because we were werewolves or sodomites. I know which one they found out about first. A slip of the tongue; I called him my love, and another heard. The whispers as we walked together began within hours. Small towns in the Northwest weren't very tolerant or forgiving. If I hadn't spoken the words. If I had only held my tongue…" Another card flipped onto the foundation. Rob watched the cards play out. Finally, the last card moved to the foundation. The old man looked up. "They killed him because I called him my love. I won't let that happen ever again."

"They killed him because they were superstitious, narrow-minded monsters. Human history is filled with them killing everything they don't understand. That's not on you, John," Rob said. He thought back to only moments ago and his conversation with David. He realized he had the same innate fear of upsetting the surrounding humans. How could that fear affect him to the point he avoided expressing any affection toward the man he loved? "It's not on any of us. We are who we are, and we should never need to back down from what we are or who we love."

The older man looked up with tears in his eyes. "Tell me that when the humans kill the only one you ever loved."

"I can't understand the pain you hold inside, John. I hope I never do. But I understand the love you felt for your mate. You're not alone, John. You never need to be alone. Take your winnings and let this be the last game of solitaire you play."

The old man watched the printout pushed onto the table by the wolfen paw. "My name's not John," he whispered. "I'm Glenn."

The paw covered the hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Glenn. Humans can't see us unless they love us. You're safe. The whole Were Nation is safe."

"I hate this body. I hate everything that reminds me of what I've lost."

"Then let it go. You don't need to hold on to it."

"It's not a full moon," the older man said.

"That was a myth to protect us. We change at will now," Rob corrected. "This is your moment, Glenn. This is the turn of a friendly card; your chance to walk away from the game stacked against you so long ago."

The old man looked down at his hands and the Sight pushed forward. He shook and gave in to the freedom as the clothes ripped away and the fur spread across his growing body. The pain of bones that had forgotten how to shift was searing, but it didn't matter to Glenn. The memories were flooding back. With all the sorrow he held on to, returned a memory of the happiness he once had. He pushed through the pain to embrace even a moment of that happiness again.

As the last change moved through him, the panting werewolf looked up toward the other. "His name was Stanley."

Rob's paw extended once more. "We would love to hear all about him. He must have been quite the wolf to turn such a handsome beast."

Glenn smiled at the image in his mind. "He was so beautiful. We were timber wolves. Thickset wolves, as wild as the surrounding forests. It was heaven before it turned to hell."

"You are still beautiful," Rob said as he helped the other up. "And the Northwest still has a bit of heaven deep in those woods. Welcome home, Glenn. I know there is much to talk about, and so many stories to tell, but you're home now, and you're safe."

"I hope you understand why I might not feel either home or safe."

"Completely," Rob replied. "I know it's a lot to ask of you, but I need you to trust me. I need you to go back to the Northwest."

The newly changed werewolf's look of befuddlement was evident. Rob smiled. "I need you to reclaim the one place you loved as yours. Find that place again that was once yours and Stanley's. He lives in you, Glenn. All that love you two shared still lives up in those woods. It lives in the most remarkable dogs that can help you reclaim that love. There is a world out there that you should have been a part of long ago. Let the Sight show you a glimpse, and then let us get you there."

The Sight pushed forward into a new and confusing world of images that flooded Glenn's mind. Yet, through all the confusion, the one overriding sense inside him was one of safety. It was unfamiliar, but like the distant memories of the man he loved, it calmed the voices inside him. "How long is the flight between San Juan and Vancouver?"

"About twenty minutes, give or take. We'll wait longer for them to book the flight than the flight itself."

"I guess you're right. I slipped out of the loop," Glenn reflected.

"There's a lot to learn, but the Were Nation is large, and we will be there for you."

"And you?"

"My name is Rob. My mate is David. If you want, you can spend the night with us while we arrange for your flight. You aren't going to Vancouver. You're going to a place we call the highland. It's a sanctuary for beasts trying to find their way home."

Glenn stood awkwardly, rocking in thought. "I would like to go there." He paused a moment. "Could I have a hug?"

Rob reached out and pulled the other wolf in tight. They lingered in the hug until Glenn pushed back and looked up into the face of the taller wolf. Rob didn't need the Sight to see the yearning in the other wolf's eyes. He lowered his head and the two muzzles met in a brief kiss.

When they separated, Glenn's tears streamed down along either side of his muzzle. "It has been so long…"

"Too long, Glenn," Rob said as he again leaned into a kiss he didn't care if anyone saw.

Chapter 43

A quiet crowd of young adults milled about the room. Their foster parents and instructors seemed equally distant from the party surrounding them. Some snacked on the cake or sipped from punch cups, but few seemed happy about the gathering. Derrick and Oliver stood off to the side, watching a celebration that was anything but.

One young man sighed as he stared at the cake, the bright words "Congratulations Graduates" drawn in frosting across the top. He put a piece of the cake on a plate and grabbed a fork. "We are the last of our kind, and our first to leave," he said. "Everyone else gets to stay here and continue their studies. David and I are going home."

"You has each other, Rob," Oliver said. "You'se already home. Wherever you is, you is home. Learn that, and you'll be fine."

"We're turning, Oliver," Rob said with an unmistakable sadness. "I always dreamed of it, and here on the eve of our turning, I have so many unanswered questions. I doubt I can ever be like the beasts surrounding me."

"You done good, Rob," Oliver said. "One day, you will be such an amazing beast. You sure is an amazing young man. Both of you has grown so much in the last six years."

David put his arm around Rob. "Remember what they taught us, Hon. Few of us ever feel ready. It's for sure none of us knows what we're getting into when we turn."

Rob looked into the eyes of the other. "Yeah, but I see so much, and I can't say as I like what's on the horizon."

Derrick's head tilted as he looked at the young man. "How far ahead does the Sight show you, Rob?"

"I don't know. I see wars, Wolfy, but not like the history books. They're smaller. There are no bombs or missiles, just people killing people with guns. When the Sight pushes forward along the timeline, I push back. I don't want to think about what it tries to show me."

Oliver rubbed the arm of the young man. "I'se sorry, Rob. Seems each batch of you kids gots one who sees distant. Ain't rightly fair for a young man to see what's comin' that way, but the Sight don't seem to care."

Rob gave a sad grin. "Lucky me," he said, the irony clear in his voice.

"You gots a man who loves you," Oliver said. "You'se one of the lucky ones. But you'segots to see it through all the bad the Sight throws at you."

Rob felt the surrounding arm tighten. He smiled at David. "I know, Oliver. You taught me well. You all did. Stay with the good."

Oliver put his arm around Derrick and pulled him close. "Stay with the good."

The classroom door opened, and a young woman rushed through. "I'm sorry I'm late. Work ran late, and Chip was docked in D.C." She looked around the somber room. "Yeah, this is about what I expected. Hi guys," she said with a wave.

The greetings came back from the rest of the room. "Hey, Avery."

"I'm going to miss you all so much. This is the end of my schooling, the end of being able to make mistakes that only affect my grades." Avery looked at Rob and David. "That world is slipping away tonight for the three of us. For you two, so does your life as humans."

Rob nodded. "I heard you're heading to another planet tomorrow."

Avery frowned. "Yeah, I am. I'm the liaison for Bear Paws Enterprises to the Hexadeltan prime homeworld."

"Why you? Why not someone with a bit more experience?"

"I have no clue. It's not as if I applied for the job. Derrick's recommendation seemed to have a lot to do with it." Avery looked at the black wolf standing in the corner. "You said I would understand one day. I'm taking the job on your recommendation. But I'm not optimistic. I've been cramming every fact and figure I can into my brain, but I still don't know how to be an ambassador to a species I've only met once."

"They's a friendly group of folks," Oliver said as he walked over and hugged the young woman. "You'segonna be fine with them. Derrick is right. You is the one that they needs to meet. And they is the ones you needs to meet." He passed the hug off to Derrick and he, too, hugged the young woman.

"You two," Avery sighed. "Always the vague mystics. I swear you're temple dogs in beast clothing."

Derrick smiled. "You are a bright young woman, Avery. We can't go telling you what to think anymore. We rely on you to know your path when it's before you."

Avery shook her head and laughed. "Well, you have more faith in me than I have in myself. I'm good at trade negotiations and promoting Terra, and I'm good at making sure everyone is on the same page, but what path I'm on, that's still a mystery."

The badger gave a nod. "Maybe that's what Pup is trying to helps you with. Maybe your path is much farther than this earth can hold for you."

"You think so, Oliver?"

The badger nodded. "You'se on your path, Avery. You only has to remember what you were taught."

"I've been taught a lot, Oliver."

Oliver looked up at the black wolf with blue highlights and smiled. "Just them words he spoke to you, Avery. Be who you was born to be."

The young woman smiled. "Still working on that one, Oliver. Those words are as mystical as ever."

Derrick reached over and put a piece of cake on a plate. He extended it to the young woman. "There's no hurry, Avery. No rule says you must turn at twenty-five. You have time. Use it."

"And somewhere along the line, the big picture is going to reveal itself to me, huh?" she asked.

Derrick laughed. "Nope. We're way older than you, and I don't think we've ever seen the big picture. And that's saying something because Oliver and I saw the universe being born. But sometimes we glimpse enough of the picture to make sense of our lives. I learned one thing along the way, though. We see what we're supposed to when we are ready to see it. It's not always the way of beasts with the Sight, but it is once we learn to control it."

"I'm still not even sure I will become a beast, Derrick. That bear I once thought I would become is looking more distant lately."

"Could have been it weren't a bear," Oliver said. "You keep an open mind, and maybe one day it will all seem clearer."

Avery laughed. "Okay, Oliver. That's the plan I'm going with. Wish me luck, you two."

"We always wishes that for you, Avery," Oliver said as his foot made a little circle on the wood floor. "Now eats that cake before the old wolf shows up. Ain'tgonna be much of it after he gets here."

Avery smiled and walked over to where the cake was. She put down her plate, picked up the serving spatula, and pushed it into the cake. Lifting up a large slice of the cake with the letters CON on it, she plopped it onto a plate. Avery smiled and showed it to Oliver. "I think Will will get a kick out of this when he shows up, don't you?" she asked.

Oliver smiled. "I loves you, Avery," he said as he hugged her.

Chapter 44

"Hey, Hon, look at this will you?" the man in a blue blazer asked, pointing to his vid-screen. His dark hair and skin were common on the island and were a vivid contrast to the pale white skin and blonde hair of the man he was talking to.

The other man, with an identical blue blazer, looked up and shook his head. "What did we say about terms of endearment at work?"

The man frowned. "I'm sorry. I don't call you Rob anywhere else. Sometimes I slip."

Rob stood up and walked over to the monitor. He leaned over and kissed the top of the other man's head. "Then perhaps we need to rethink our professional relationship, David. Let the humans deal with it. I'm tired of trying to remember to call you David as well. What say we do our best? If we slip, we slip. But we don't consider it an infraction of our personal work ethic. We let it be, and others can deal with it as suits them."

David looked up at the smiling man above him. "I'd like that. We're the best loss prevention team in this room. They can cut us some slack if we give each other a peck on the cheek now and then."

Rob nodded in agreement. "So, what's up, Hon?"

David pointed toward the screen. "This guy."

Rob looked at the man on the screen. He was graying and bearded, but not with the trendy goatees and sideburn tattoos of the moment. The beard was long, and while well maintained, it spoke of a style rarely seen outside history books. His clothes appeared clean, but those of a man who lived without affectation. The denim overalls and the flannel shirt were out of place in the most opulent casino in Puerto Rico.

"He's what; sixty, sixty-five years old?" Rob asked.

"Yeah, the records say sixty-two," his mate replied.

The two watched the older man study each card as he flipped them and placed them on the stacks. The dealer stood above him carefully watching, ensuring the older man held to the game's rules. "Cute," Rob said with a laugh. "But he's playing solitaire. That's not exactly a high-roller game. What's our concern?"

"You know how I ask Ori to hunt for anomalies on the video feeds?"

"Sure."

"He's one of them. Ori and I uncovered a mystery."

Rob let his finger trace the image of the older man. "Do, tell."

"He showed up from the mainland about fifteen years ago," David began. "His entry record is here," he said as he brought up another screen. "Check out his addresses. He came from Vegas. He lists three previous addresses: all of them gambling towns. The name on his passport is John Smith. He's a sixty-two-year-old man who, according to that passport, was born in a gambling town, and moves to a new gambling town every twenty years like clockwork."

"Wow. He couldn't even take the time to think up an original alias?"

"Apparently not. But look closer at that passport photo, Hon," David pressed.

"He hasn't changed since the photo was taken ten years ago. He's identical; right down to the length of his beard."

"Yeah, exactly. He comes in here, plays solitaire long enough to win a few bucks, and then leaves. He's never a big winner. The most he ever makes is a few hundred."

"Does he win every game?" Rob asked.

"No, he has wins and losses, but he always comes out ahead; never enough to flag him for anything we search for. He makes so little each visit that he doesn't even need to report the winnings. The guy stays under the radar; way, way under the radar." Rob nodded. "But for Ori…"

"Yeah, for Ori, a man with a seventy-five percent win rate at solitaire is a bit much."

"And that's not only in our casino. I had Ori check," David said. "He hits the strip casinos all about the same. We get a visit from him once a month. He visits six other casinos on a rotating schedule. We're all too big to even care what a guy like him might be doing."

"The house shuffles and deals the cards, right?"

"Right, but Mr. Smith often asks the dealer to shuffle multiple times past the normal three. He says it's for good luck, and he seems right about that." David brought up another screen with the older man in a casino playing solitaire. "This is Mr. Smith in Carson City a while back. It was a routine scan. It wasn't flagged as anything questionable. Sorry about the quality of the video. The original tapes were destroyed long ago. But you know Ori. She keeps everything."

"Tapes?"

"Videotapes from nineteen ninety-three."

"We're looking at a beast."

"I'm pretty sure we are, but one that has never come into a casino as anything but a human."

"Even after the Night of Blinding?"

"He may be like us, where these visits are his livelihood. His ape suit might be his work clothes, and when he gets home, he changes back to a beast. But I think there's more to this mystery than an old werebeast that plays solitaire for his groceries and rent."

"So?"

"Can I ask the senior manager to go say hello to him? You know the rumors about what's happening in Montana and the Florida reefs."

"They're not rumors, Hon," Rob said. "We've known about what was happening all along. Oliver sure never held back when we were in school. No one is trying to keep anything that's going on from us."

"I know that. What I mean is the rumors that the closer we get to the day they finish those things, the more of us are coming out of the woodwork. We're finding beasts that have been lost for centuries and living alone. It's like a homing beacon has been turned on."

The fingers of the standing man stroked the image one more time. "We're gathering. It's a migration and even the outliers are finding a way home."

"So, go talk to him? If he has the Sight, you'll be able to see that as soon as you hit the casino floor."

"Sure, David. Best professional foot forward," Rob replied.

"I don't think he needs an introduction to the Chief of Loss Prevention, Rob. I think he needs to meet the man I call Hon."

Rob leaned over and kissed the top of David's head again. "Understood, Hon." The man straightened his corporate blazer and turned toward the door. He pressed the keys on the lock pad and left the room. A few noticed his departure, but they were too lost in their own work to wonder what the two men had been talking about before Rob left.

Down on the casino floor, Rob found the solitaire station. He talked briefly to the dealer, and the dealer walked away, leaving Rob to take his position. The older man looked up from his cards. "He just got here and you're replacing him? Is there something wrong with the dealer, or is it me?"

"Neither. Jim is a great dealer, and you're a valued customer."

The older man stared at the suited man in front of him. "Are you Security? No one is that polite."

Rob smiled and pointed to the cards. The old man was holding a five of hearts from the stock in his hand. "Red five on the black six."

The older man smiled. "Not yet. I have a feeling." He placed a nine of hearts on the tableau onto a ten of clubs and beneath it lay a five of diamonds. He moved the card to the six, and an ace came to the top. The older man moved it up to the foundation. Five more cards moved up to the foundation before he placed the five of hearts on a newly exposed black six.

"Impressive," Rob said.

"You know what they say, 'lucky in cards..."

Rob laughed. "Your love life must suck."

The old man looked up, and Rob stared into the haunting hurt in his eyes. "I've seen better days." He placed a few more cards. He didn't look up when he spoke. "Am I in trouble here?"

Rob shook his head. "No, not at all. I only came to ask why a werewolf spends so much time alone playing solitaire when there are others of his kind all around him."

The old man pushed back away from the table, startled. Rob noticed the fight or flight instinct kick in as the bearded man looked back and forth toward the exits. Rob put his hand out, and the shift tore through his clothes. In the tattered rags of his clothing, the seven-foot werewolf towered over the older man. Frozen, the older man didn't know what to do. "They can't see us. They haven't been able to see us for hundreds of years," the werewolf said.

Still frozen, the older man whispered. "They can't?"

"Do you see anyone running away?" Rob asked.

"I worry more about you being shot to death."

"That's the look in your eyes, isn't it?" Rob asked. "The one who turned you; they killed him."

The old man nodded. "We were together that night. We were just two men in love doing what men in love do out in the woods. So many torches, so many guns."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Rob said.

"We tried to run away. The bullets were everywhere; tearing into the trees, into the ground..." Rob understood the long pause that followed. "Into the man I loved," the older man said as he flipped a card over from the stock. "When he fell, I picked him up. I carried him for miles, running for our lives, never looking back. Eventually, I slowed down and put him on the ground. The one life I was running to save wasn't there. He died slung over my shoulder, and I wasn't even aware of it. I swore I would never change again."

"You never heard of the Night of Blinding? The Changeling that blinded all humans to our existence?"

"What's a Changeling?"

Rob sighed as he shook his head. "Dang, you really are out of the loop, aren't you?"

"I live alone. Except to get food and provisions, I stay away from town. I was a mountain man. I know how to survive out there in the wild. A jungle is just a forest with more bugs and critters. Unlike humans, most critters want to be left alone. You don't bother them; they don't bother you."

Rob’s paw remained extended. "Take my paw, John. It's not good for a beast to be alone. Humans hurt you beyond believing. You need to share that hurt if you're ever going to find a way to carry it."

The older man flipped another card. "I'm fine on my own. I have a sixth sense about things."

"Like how all the cards will play out before they're even dealt?"

"Yeah, like that."

"We call it the Sight. Some of us were born with it. Others acquire it at times of great stress. But if you have the Sight, why don't you see us? Why don't you see us all around you?"

"Perhaps because the wolf I saw was killed for being with me."

"You weren't to blame."

"I'm not sure if they came to kill us because we were werewolves or sodomites. I know which one they found out about first. A slip of the tongue; I called him my love, and another heard. The whispers as we walked together began within hours. Small towns in the Northwest weren't very tolerant or forgiving. If I hadn't spoken the words; if I had only held my tongue…" Another card flipped onto the foundation. Rob watched the cards play out. Finally, the last card moved to the foundation. The old man looked up. "They killed him because I called him my love. I won't let that happen ever again."

"They killed him because they were superstitious, narrow-minded monsters. Human history is filled with them killing everything they don't understand. That's not on you, John," Rob said. He thought back to only moments ago and his conversation with David. He realized he had the same innate fear of upsetting the surrounding humans. How could that fear affect him to the point he avoided expressing any affection toward the man he loved? "It's not on any of us. We are who we are, and we should never need to back down from what we are or who we love."

The older man looked up with tears in his eyes. "Tell me that when the humans kill the only one you ever loved."

"I can't understand the pain you hold inside, John. I hope I never do. But I understand the love you felt for your mate. You're not alone, John. You never need to be alone. Take your winnings and let this be the last game of solitaire you play."

The old man watched the printout pushed onto the table by the wolfen paw. "My name's not John," he whispered. "I'm Glenn."

The paw covered the hand. "I'm pleased to meet you, Glenn. Humans can't see us unless they love us. You're safe. The whole Were Nation is safe."

"I hate this body. I hate everything that reminds me of what I've lost."

"Then let it go. You don't need to hold on to it."

"It's not a full moon," the older man said.

"That was a myth to protect us. We change at will now," Rob corrected. "This is your moment, Glenn. This is the turn of a friendly card; your chance to walk away from the game stacked against you so long ago."

The old man looked down at his hands and the Sight pushed forward. He shook and gave in to the freedom as the clothes ripped away and the fur spread across his growing body. The pain of bones that had forgotten how to shift was searing, but it didn't matter to Glenn. The memories were flooding back. With all the sorrow he held on to, returned a memory of the happiness he once had. He pushed through the pain to embrace even a moment of that happiness again.

As the last change moved through him, the panting werewolf looked up toward the other. "His name was Stanley."

Rob's paw extended once more. "We would love to hear all about him. He must have been quite the wolf to turn such a handsome beast."

Glenn smiled at the image in his mind. "He was so beautiful. We were timber wolves. Thickset wolves, as wild as the surrounding forests. It was heaven before it turned to hell."

"You are still beautiful," Rob said as he helped the other up. "And the Northwest still has a bit of heaven deep in those woods. Welcome home, Glenn. I know there is much to talk about, and so many stories to tell, but you're home now, and you're safe."

"I hope you understand why I might not feel either home or safe."

"Completely," Rob replied. "I know it's a lot to ask of you, but I need you to trust me. I need you to go back to the Northwest."

The newly changed werewolf's look of befuddlement was evident. Rob smiled. "I need you to reclaim the one place you loved as yours. Find that place again that was once yours and Stanley's. He lives in you, Glenn. All that love you two shared still lives up in those woods. It lives in the most remarkable dogs that can help you reclaim that love. There is a world out there that you should have been a part of long ago. Let the Sight show you a glimpse, and then let us get you there."

The Sight pushed forward into a new and confusing world of images that flooded Glenn's mind. Yet, through all the confusion, the one overriding sense inside him was one of safety. It was unfamiliar, but like the distant memories of the man he loved, it calmed the voices inside him. "How long is the flight between San Juan and Vancouver?"

"About forty minutes, give or take. We'll wait longer for them to book the flight than the flight itself."

"I guess you're right. I slipped out of the loop," Glenn reflected.

"There's a lot to learn, but the Were Nation is large, and we will be there for you."

"And you?"

"My name is Rob. My mate is David. If you want, you can spend the night with us while we arrange for your flight. You aren't going to Vancouver. You're going to a place we call the highland. It's a sanctuary for beasts trying to find their way home."

Glenn stood awkwardly, rocking in thought. "I would like to go there." He paused a moment. "Could I have a hug?"

Rob reached out and pulled the other wolf in tight. They lingered in the hug until Glenn pushed back and looked up into the face of the taller wolf. Rob didn't need the Sight to see the yearning in the other wolf's eyes. He lowered his head and the two muzzles met in a brief kiss.

When they separated, Glenn's tears streamed down along either side of his muzzle. "It has been so long…"

"Too long, Glenn," Rob said as he again leaned into a kiss he didn't care if anyone saw.

Chapter 45

Oliver carefully balanced the two meals in his hands. "So, which one of you ordered the stroganoff?" he asked the two older men sitting at the table.

Both the men laughed. "The Senior Center gives out one lunch and only one lunch a day, Oliver," one of them said. "We are both getting the stroganoff."

"Yeah, I knows," Oliver said with a grin through his thick beard. "But I likes to make your outing special. Likes you were in a fancy restaurant." He looked down at his overweight body clad in a flannel shirt and blue jeans. "I guess I mights have dressed fancier if I wanted to make that idea work."

"You're fine," the other older man said. "Although if you ever want to do something about your hair, I once owned a salon with eight chairs, and I was still the best in that building."

Oliver ruffled his long hair tied back in a ponytail. "My hair is funny-like, Aydin. You can cuts it any way you likes, and if you gives it a week, it will be the same as it were."

Aydin laughed. "Yeah, I had clients like that. You're a fine looking man regardless of what you're wearing or what hairstyle you choose." The dark-skinned man with white hair paused. The badger in human form could see the hesitation but didn't force the question Aydin wanted to ask. "Oliver, are you and Derrick partners?"

Oliver beamed with a proud smile. "Yeah, we is. He is my joy." It was Oliver's turn to pause. "Well, at least one of them."

"How long have you been together?" Aydin asked.

"Longer than it might seem," Oliver said, trying not to lie. "How long have you and Carlos been together?"

Carlos put down his fork. "I remember these things better than Aydin does. We've been together for sixty-eight years. The big sixty-nine is coming up in November, provided my husband remembers it."

Aydin gave his husband a friendly shove. "Two times out of sixty-eight, I forget. But I married an elephant, so he never lets me forget those two times."

"You makes such a handsome pair," Oliver said. "I'se glad you found each other."

"We are too," Aydin said as he picked up his fork and took a bite of the noodle dish.

"But we consider what's down the line and wonder," Carlos said. "It seems as if the closer we get to each other, the more aware we are of that clock ticking."

"It is difficult not to notice it," Oliver said. "Things always seems to change. Like Derrick and I is going to be moving soon, so not many more days before we has to say goodbye to everyone here."

Both men looked up, surprised at what they heard. "No, Oliver. You've been here for years," Carlos said. "I hate to admit our social life is this sparse, but we look forward to seeing you or Derrick every weekday."

"And we looks forward to seeing you," Oliver agreed. "We enjoys volunteering here. Derrick was the one who said we needed to do something like this to reminds us that the world ain't always as bad as it seems."

Aydin shook his head. "Oh, it's probably as bad as you think it is," he said with a chuckle. "But at least here you get to see those who made it through still standing."

"You is good people, Aydin, Carlos," Oliver said. "Do you think after lunch, Derrick and I could sit down and talk with you? I am pondering something, and sometimes Derrick has got the words I don't for things like that."

Carlos gave a wide grin. "You mean something beyond the walls of the Senior Center?"

"Yeah, way, way beyond the Senior Center," Oliver said.

Carlos put his hand on Aydin's. "It would be nice to have another couple in our life."

"I’m not sure that's what Oliver is suggesting, Bebetom," Aydin said.

"Bebetom?" Oliver asked.

"It's a term of endearment in Turkish," Aydin said. "He calls me Corazón."

"You needs a whole language dictionary just for your pet names," Oliver said with a laugh. "But Carlos ain't far wrong in that I'm going to suggest shaking up your life with some new friends."

Aydin sighed. "We outlived all our friends, and it's tougher to go out and meet new ones if you know what I mean."

"I knows what you means."

"But if you and Derrick would like to get together after lunch, I'm game," Aydin said. "At least we like you two."

Carlos gave a nod. "After lunch it is."

Oliver smiled. "Good. I gots to get back to work before they fires me," he said with a laugh. He headed back to the kitchen and even more plates to deliver to those waiting.

An hour later, the four sat in an empty conference room. "I realize Oliver told you I'm better than him at explaining things," Derrick said with a frown. "But anyone in our family would be better at this than I am."

"You're our friend, Derrick," Carlos said. "I'm sure your family is wonderful, but knowing who we are talking to helps."

Derrick glanced at the Hispanic man. Somehow, it comforted him that Carlos looked so much like Chet. But the words still came out with an uneasy cadence. Never had he approached anyone about turning, let alone a couple so deep into their last years together. "You two mentioned to Oliver that you felt the clock ticking."

Aydin nodded. "We rarely let that kind of thing slip. But it's easy to let things slip around Oliver. There's something about him that puts us at ease."

Oliver chuckled. "I can shows you a whole bunch of folk who'd disagree."

"We're not concerned about other people, Oliver. That stopped being an issue years ago. We like you. That's good enough for us. We don't need to look at the online reviews."

"Aydin is right," Carlos said in agreement. "Somewhere along the line of growing older, other's opinions became less important. We rely on each other, and we seem to agree about most things."

"But about that comment," Derrick said. "How do you feel about that ticking clock? None of us can stop it, but if you could slow it down to a crawl, would you do that to stay together?"

"If you're asking, would I love to be with this man forever?" Aydin said, putting his hand in Carlos's. "The answer is yes. But we're realistic enough to understand that forever isn't an option. We're trying to make these last years count."

"Neither of us is afraid of death, Derrick," Carlos added. "But we both worry about leaving the other alone. We got so wrapped up in each other that we never built much of a support system to deal with one of us not being there for the other. The Senior Center is for the most part our main social outlet, and that's not something we can fall back on during a crisis."

"So, all things considered, you would opt to stay together over letting life take its natural course?" Derrick asked.

Aydin shrugged. "In a perfect world, yes. But as we mentioned to Oliver, this is far from a perfect world."

Derrick paused, trying to gather his courage. He realized the two were the perfect couple to make the offer to, but he hesitated. His mind went back centuries to when Will offered to turn him. He now understood the fears that raced through the old wolf's mind. There was a reluctance to offer such a sacred thing to the two he met only for a few moments each weekday. The fear of Aydin and Carlos rejecting the offer, or the risk of losing a budding friendship if the two thought they were being mocked, was real.

However, Terra and Earth were no longer the same. The lives of the Were Nation and the humans were drifting apart. So much change was on the horizon. If Derrick didn't speak up now, he would lose the opportunity forever. Derrick pushed forward, past his shyness. Why was the submissive so frequently asked to step up and do the tough job he would willingly let anyone else do? "The world isn't perfect," Derrick said, "but it has options you two aren't aware of."

"Oh god," Carlos groaned. "You're not Forever Life salespeople, are you?"

Derrick laughed. It was what he needed to hear. Something that made him laugh. Anything to break the ice. He waved his hands. "No, no. Nothing like that." He paused. "But something that's not far off their advertising shtick." The chubby man stroked his beard. "I never realized how difficult it is to tell people the truth about ourselves."

"I always found telling the truth was the simple part. The outcomes were what worried me," Carlos said with a smile. "Tell us what you want to tell us, Derrick. At our age, few things shock us."

"Yeah, that's what you sez now," Oliver mumbled. He reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a small photo now laminated in plastic to preserve it from deteriorating. "This is me and my other husband, back when we first met."

"You're Polys?" Aydin asked. "That's what had you worried? Most of us jumped that hurdle in our twenties."

"Naw. Ain't worried about that," Oliver said. He turned the picture around. "Look at the date."

The two stared at the faded handwriting. "April 14th, 1896," Aydin said aloud. "I don't understand, Oliver."

"Will and I went to Deadwood in 1896," Oliver replied. "Will is a romantic, and he wanted to take me to the finest hotel in the area. We was there during the grand opening weeks of the Bullock Hotel. Will proposed to me lying in a bed like we was some highfalutin rich folk. When you asked how long Derrick and I had been together, I said longer than you would think. I didn't lie. We's been mated for centuries, and I've known Will for even longer."

The two stared at the date in silence. Oliver turned the picture around. "That's me and Will back in 1896. We don't grow old because we ain't exactly human no more."

The two pushed back from the table at which the four sat. "I'm not sure where this is leading, guys, but it isn't funny," Aydin said.

"Ori, help," Derrick said.

"Of course, Derrick," the ever-polite female voice said for all to hear.

"Who's that?" Carlos asked, looking around the room and finding no one to link to the voice.

"My name is Ori," the voice replied. "I am an AI created for the Were Nation, a group of individuals whose history remains obscured for most humans."

"I'm not sure either of us understands what's happening here," Aydin said with frustration bordering on anger in his voice.

"That is to be expected," Ori replied. "Derrick and Oliver care for you deeply, but they are new to introducing the Were Nation to the inexperienced. Would you be comfortable if I were to explain it to you? Unlike the two before you, my resources are a bit more extensive. If nothing else, you will learn about the history of your world from a different perspective."

Aydin stood up. It was clear he was getting ready to leave. "Stay, mi Corazón," Carlos said. "We know these two. Whatever they hope to do, it's not to make us look like fools."

"But this is insanity," Aydin said. "They're asking us to believe they're centuries old."

"They are," Ori interjected. "What they are asking you to do is open your mind to that possibility. I assure you; we have never considered you to be fools, nor will we lie to you. But we are asking you to take a leap of faith that few are ever asked to take."

Aydin sat back down. He stared at Carlos. "Bebetom, if this turns out the way I expect it to, I will have something to remind you of far more embarrassing than me forgetting our anniversary."

"I will risk that, mi Corazón," Carlos replied. "The men before us say their life together spans centuries. I watched us grow old together, and the longer I am with you, the more I fear my life without you. Would it hurt to consider options, even the most outlandish of them? I am not ready to say goodbye to the one I love."

Aydin leaned in and kissed his mate. "Nor am I, Bebetom." He turned toward the two. "I won't be an easy sell; I can tell you that. But I will keep my mind as open as I am able."

Derrick smiled. "That is all we will ever ask."

An image floated between the four, rotating slowly. "Do you recognize the man?"

"Who doesn't?" Carlos said with a laugh. "He's the CEO of the biggest conglomerate in the world."

"Are you aware of his name?"

"William Gentry," Carlos replied. He paused. "Wait. He's the Will in Oliver's picture?"

"He is," Ori said, showing the two pictures beside each other. "This is what we would have you believe. But we do not ask that you accept this idea on faith alone. The story starts long before Oliver and Will's meeting in the eighteen hundreds. But for now, let's use that time frame as a beginning."

The hours passed. The five in the room carried on an energetic conversation about the two who never grew old, and what it meant to the two who were aging daily. Finally, Aydin interjected. "Wait… wait a minute. If I get this right, you're saying these two men in front of us are some sort of werewolf creatures…" He paused, letting his mind wrap around what he had said.

"Derrick is a werewolf. Oliver is a werebadger. Oliver is much smaller than most werebeasts."

"I kind of fucked up my turning," Oliver said apologetically.

Carlos laughed. "That so sounds like the Oliver I know and love."

Aydin pointed to his husband. "There!" he said. "If this story is true, if all that stuff about not seeing the beasts until we love them is a fact, then why don't we see these two as some sort of half man, half animal?" The older man paused a moment. "Unless it's sexual love you're talking about, Ori. I guess I'm not ready to jump that hurdle with either of these two, but I'm pretty sure I love them as friends."

"That would be more than adequate to see them as their animal avatars," Ori replied.

"Then why don't we see them?"

"Because we never come to the Senior Center as beasts," Derrick answered. "We're always in our human persona."

"Well, then, turn into a werewolf," Aydin challenged. "That will end my disbelief."

"You'se got a strong heart?" Oliver asked. "Don't want to go showing you something that's gonna kill you."

Carlos laughed and leaned in toward the scruffy man. "How about you turn, Oliver? If you're a badger, and as small as Ori says you are, it shouldn't be nearly as shocking."

"Probably for the best," Oliver said, rubbing his beard. "When I turn, I gets, smaller. Won't ruin my clothes tearing them apart the way Derrick would."

"Well, then, there is a simple answer to proving everything you said," Aydin interjected.

The badger appeared wrapped in clothes far too big for him. Aydin stared, dumbstruck. Carlos laughed. "I knew we loved you," he said. "Oliver, can I give you a hug? I've wanted to for so long."

Oliver smiled. "Is hugging a badger okay with you? I try turning back to human and these clothes will leave me in a world of hurt growing back into them."

Carlos smiled. "I would love to hug a badger." The two hugged while Aydin continued to stare without a word.

Derrick put his arm around Aydin. "It's a lot to take in. I remember when I first met my pack and my future husband. There was so much inside my brain rewriting itself to adjust to the new reality."

"I don't know what to say," Aydin muttered. "My husband is hugging a talking badger. Everything you told us is the truth."

"We don't lie," Derrick said. "It always messes things up when we do. But I imagine the truth is messing things up for you two as well."

"Why, Derrick? Why tell us all this?"

"I think you know, Aydin. The Were Nation is gathering. We're finding those who have been lost for years. Sometimes it's one of our own coming home. Sometimes it's finding the ones who are yet to be a part of the Nation but were born to be beside us."

"And you think that's us?"

Carlos pushed back from his hug. "That is us, mi Corazón. I have no idea what animals we are, but I knew the moment Ori started telling us their story, I had found a truth I grew up believing. All the tales of my people, our belief in spirit animals, and my trade. Now I know why I painted alebrijes for a living when everyone said I'd never make ends meet making colorful little animal carvings. These are my people, Aydin. I think they're yours too."

"If they're your people, then they are mine," Aydin said as he wiped a tear from his eye. "I will go wherever your heart leads you. I never made a mistake trusting in you."

"Then where do we go from here, you two?" Carlos asked.

"There is still much to learn before you make your choices," Derrick said. "The temple dogs Ori mentioned love novitiates. Introducing them to you might be the best way forward. Oliver and I have other obligations."

"You're going to pass us off to the closers?" Aydin said with a shake of his head. "There's a team of dogs out there that gets us to sign on the bottom line?"

Derrick smiled. "Not at all. We will be very involved with your life going forward if you let us. But we have lives outside this center, and we have to attend to them."

"As do we, Derrick," Carlos said. "Aydin forgets that when he gets wrapped up in things. If you stay fully involved in what's happening, we can do the same."

"We want to be a part of everything," Derrick replied. "Would you be willing to meet with the rest of the family someday soon? There are so many of them out there waiting to meet you."

Carlos smiled. "I would like that."

Aydin gave a nod. "I would like that, too."

Ori remained quiet, knowing that Derrick would soon ask her to set up transport to the highland. The gathering of the Were Nation continued, and she was delighted to be a part of it.

Chapter 46

"Nickolas, Noah!" the woman yelled from across the promenade. "How are my two favorite Hexadeltans?" Avery waved to each of the six white Abids. "Goodness, you seem to grow taller every day." Once half her size, all the Abids now looked Avery in her eyes. Each Abid returned the wave as they ran toward her.

Nickolas extended his arms as he drew close and embraced the woman. "We're doing great, Avery. My little Abids are heading off to secondary school for the day and being picked up by Kattar and Slevar later. We're setting up an evening of entertainment for them so Noah and I can make an off-world trip."

The six Abids rolled their eyes. "Dad," one groaned. "When are you going to stop calling us your little Abids?"

"When you choose your names. Until then, you're my babies, regardless of your size. Get used to it."

Another Abid smiled. "We already are, Dad."

The Abid closest to Noah looked at Avery and then at her proximity to the Jump Gate. "Are you going to Earth?"

"Yeah. Three of my old classmates are turning today. There's going to be a huge gathering on the highland."

"Looks like we'll see you later today," Noah said. We're heading to the welcoming ceremony. Nickolas has never attended one. I insisted he meet the family in a way a Hexadeltan can truly appreciate. Only for the night, though. We can't leave our children alone for too long before they get into mischief."

Avery shrugged. "I want to congratulate the guys on their turning, but I won't be staying for the Welcoming. I was going to try and catch them before they left Partridge Island."

"Is there a reason not to join the whole family?" Noah asked.

"I haven't turned. It's awkward. I'm older than all three of them."

"Understood," Noah said with a nod. "Not to put any pressure on you, Avery, but I never met a human more deserving of being a beast. I hope you realize that."

Avery gave a half-hearted smile. "Thanks, Noah. I'm not sure why I've put it off. But every time I head back to Earth, I seem more confused by what I hope to get from the turning. I used to be so sure of myself, but lately, it's been a jumble. Honestly, I feel more at home here on Terra 2 than back on Earth."

"Well, we're glad you do," Nickolas said with a smile. "We love our Madam Ambassador."

Avery grimaced. "Ewe, please don't call me that. I hate it when I get called that at the trade meetings."

"Adam calls you that all the time."

"Yeah, because he knows I hate it. That otter can be such a pain in the butt sometimes."

"Tell him not to call you that."

"I did once. He said he would stop calling me Madam Ambassador the day I stopped being someone else's representative and started being myself."

Noah made a chuckle. "That sounds like Adam. Did you give any consideration to his suggestion?"

"What suggestion?" Avery huffed. "He's like your whole family." She waved her hands as if moving around a crystal ball. "Oh, we're the great and mystical family of beasts. We will never come out and tell you what you should do. We just skirt around it and confuse the hell out of you."

Noah laughed. "Perhaps they want it to be your choice."

"Everyone should realize you can tell me right to my face what your opinion is. It will still be my choice when I decide," the human said with increasing frustration in her voice. "I don't have to accept whatever you say. I can say no to anything. It's right there in the Were Nation handbook."

"That's true," Noah agreed. "But they may hope you find the one choice you say yes to on your own."

Avery shook her head. "Getting very close to the mystical edge there, Noah."

"I'm not trying to be mystical, Avery. And I don't want to frustrate you, but there is one thing I am sure of. Until you know what it is you want to be, until that image of your beast is as clear as your image in the mirror, you shouldn't turn."

Avery sighed. "I'm sorry, Noah. I appreciate the advice, but it only frustrates me more. You have my promise I won't change if the path forward isn't clear. My desire to turn is there, but so is complete confusion about what to become. I don't want to make Oliver or Clyde's mistake."

"Maybe you're not seeing what's in front of you," Abid said.

"What?" Avery asked.

"If you want to be something, why not be someone who loves you?" Abid explained.

"There are many people that love me, Abid. I can't be all of them," Avery sighed.

"Then be the one you were born to be."

The words of Abid almost exploded inside Avery's mind when she heard them. She closed her eyes and Derrick's smiling face appeared, repeating the same words. Her head rocked back and forth. "No, it can't be that easy."

"It was never meant to be hard, Avery," Noah said.

"Why didn't I see it the first day I met you?" Avery asked as she opened her eyes. "I was so busy trying to figure out what Terran animal would be my avatar that I never paid attention to the beast I was born to be."

"It's like staring at one of those autostereograms from the late 20th century."

"A what?" Avery asked.

"They were pictures that contained a three-dimensional object illusion if you looked past what you first saw. Most people only saw random noise and color patterns, essentially gibberish. Others observed an object or words embedded in the picture. Once you understood the secret to seeing the unseen, it was easy to find what was there all along. The trick was looking beyond what was obvious."

"But why not just tell me?"

"I think Abid just did."

Avery looked at Abid and smiled. "I could hug you."

Abid smiled. "Then I think you should."

Avery reached out and pulled Abid into a hug. "Be who I was born to be."

When Avery released the hug, she looked up at Noah. "I'm really unsure about the sex part. It's not that I'm not curious, but well, you know… intersex. I'm not the most popular gender on campus."

Noah laughed. "That, too, we understand. On Earth, you're rare and confusing. Here, you're the norm. We could always get together and study Hexadeltan anatomy and how things work. You don't have to turn the day you figure out what you want to be."

"You would help me with that?" she asked.

"You said we were your favorite Hexadeltans, right?" Nickolas replied. "Isn't this something you should explore with your favorite Hexadeltans?"

Avery smiled. "I can't wait to tell everyone. I'm turning. It might not be right away, but soon. My beast isn't in the mirror. They're the ones who surround me every day."

"Choose your fur pattern carefully," Noah said with a smile. "We can attest to the popularity of going with something different from the norm."

"No," Avery said, shaking her head. "I differed from the norm my whole life. I finally found a place where I fit in, where I can be one of the crowd. That's what I want. Let the others stand out. I'm happy being like everyone else."

"Well, then keep an eye out for which of the norms you're happiest with. If you didn't notice it already, there are a lot of ways you can mingle gray, brown, black, and white together," Noah said with a laugh.

"I have time to figure all that out," Avery replied. She paused a moment. "Noah, about that turning. Do you think you can help me with that when the day comes?"

Noah smiled. "In your own time, Avery. I would be honored to be there when you figured it all out."

The human grabbed the Changeling and hugged him. "Thank you. Thank you both."

Abid put a hand on Avery's shoulder. "Don't forget us. We need to be thanked again, especially if you're hugging."

Avery looked at the children surrounding her. She extended her arms. Abid, Abid, Abid, Abid, Abid, and Abid all ran toward the offered hug.

Chapter 47

"How are you doing in this menagerie?" Jason asked the wide-eyed werewolf. The two stared out at the crowd milling about the highland glade.

"It's amazing," Glenn responded, holding tight to the fox's paw. "The temple dogs tried to prepare me for the day, but I didn't realize how many of us are out there."

"And this is only a handful of us. There are over forty thousand beasts in the Were Nation," Rob said as he stared out at the gathering. "It can be overwhelming."

"It can be," Glenn agreed. "But it's exhilarating at the same time. There are so many different feelings stirring around inside me. I wish Stanley could be here to see this day." The werewolf leaned forward, pressing his paws onto the railing surrounding the monastery balcony.

"Yeah, I wish he was here, too," David agreed.

Glenn turned to the Puerto Rican wolf. "Really?"

"He's a part of your history, Glenn," David replied. "You're a remarkable man. The man who turned you had to be as remarkable. When you tell us the stories of you two, we realize how much we wish he was here with us."

"You don't mind me bringing him up all the time?"

"No, why should we?"

"It seems weird," Glenn answered.

"Not to us," Rob said.

The little fox nodded in agreement. "We are a species that thrives on being together. Whenever we gather, we sing of those no longer with us. We remember the joy and we acknowledge the sadness. Those we love live on in us, and by sharing our memories, they live on in those who surround us. We want to know about your life, Glenn. The stories of your life with Stanley inspire us. You have become a part of our history. We wish to add our voices when you sing your song."

"If he was here, do you think he would mind sharing your affections with the two of us?" Rob asked.

Glenn shook his head no. "He would have loved you two. We didn't get into town often, but it's not as if we were hermits. We preferred our own company. But if we had met you, I think we would have found two more reasons to come into town."

Rob laughed. "Well, we're honored."

Jason let the timber wolf's paw slip from his. "This is a good time for me to leave you three together. I need to get back to my husbands. Having more than one husband is a handful. But I wouldn't trade it for the world." The fox turned and waved goodbye as he headed off toward the stairwell.

There was a quiet lull in the conversation for a time. The three were growing comfortable with the silence where memories flowed and sorted themselves out. Finally, Glenn spoke. "They say Terra will be more like Earth before the humans."

"That's what they say," Rob conceded. "There will be cities and farmland, but far more wilderness than Earth has now."

"The dogs said I could find a place like here to live. That I didn't need to live in a city."

"Terra will be wide open to homesteading, that's for sure."

"I was hoping maybe you two could settle down in a city close to the mountains. Somewhere I could come and visit you now and then."

"That's doable," Rob answered.

"I would like that," the timber wolf whispered.

"You might want to rethink this idea of yours, you two," David said with a sigh. "Rob and my skill sets aren't as valuable in a city of werebeasts. We could struggle for months to find a job. It might be easier to find ourselves a little place out in the woods together. Glenn, you're savvy enough to teach us how to live in the wild. There's not that much tethering us to city life. But we're finding our ties to you are growing and we like that." He paused in thought. "If you don't mind the two of us disrupting your solitude."

Glenn smiled and shook his head. "No, I don't mind. I don't mind at all." The quiet returned. "It's not an easy life," Glenn said. "There is a great deal of work to be done, but it is easier when more hands chip in."

"You'll find there are a lot of hands willing to chip in, Glenn," Rob replied. "We only need to ask, and there will be scores of hands to help put up a house or a barn. We can make ourselves a home wherever you're happiest."

The quiet returned. From atop the monastery balcony, the three watched the crowd for a time. "I'm happiest when you're beside me," Glenn whispered.

"Yeah, us too," David replied. "We gave our two-week notice to the casino two weeks ago, Glenn. The temple dogs said they're happy to have two more seeking sanctuary on the highland."

Glenn turned to the two. "You're coming here?"

"We already moved in," Rob replied. "They were kind enough to give us the room adjoining yours. They said the door between the rooms has no lock. We didn't have much to pack. We gave most everything away. So much seemed unimportant once we decided we were giving up our humans. They say we can do it, and we should save a bundle on clothing costs."

"Plus, we figure the wolf we love doesn't need us to be human for him, so what's the use of hanging on to our ape suits?" David added. "They're like an appendix or something. I doubt we'll miss them."

Glenn wiped a tear from his eye. "Are you sure about this? There was a reason I made the choice to give up my human. That reason isn't yours, it's mine. You can't imagine how painful it is to let go of your human."

"You survived, Glenn. And you seem happier having made the choice. Your choice is guiding ours," Rob said. "That's enough for us. We're doing this in solidarity with the man we love."

Glenn bowed his head and shook it. "How could I possibly repay you for such an act?"

"We get to give you a reach-around hug and bite your neck every morning you do the dishes, right?" David asked.

Glenn snorted out a laugh. "Yeah."

"I'm in," David said.

"Yeah, me too," Rob added.

"But there's so much about me you don't know."

"We've listened to your stories for five months now, Glenn. We know who you were in the wolf's company that turned you. All we need to do is live up to Stanley's legacy and we know this will work out."

Glenn's paw swiped across his eyes again. "You two already do that. Stanley would have loved you two so much." The silence went unchallenged until Glenn spoke again. "I love you two so much."

Glenn felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see a temple dog smiling at him. "It might be prudent for the three of you to retire inside the monastery before your mating rituals begin. This crowd is already aroused by the young men who turned today. Your mating will most likely push many of us over the edge."

Glenn smiled. "I'm not sure that's a bad thing, Zhuang."

"It is not. But you require time to choose the path of your mating and to revel in your union before asking us to join you. It would be a kindness to us all if there was a door between you and us until that moment has been realized."

"Thank you, Dog," Rob said. "We appreciate your help in doing this right."

"There is never a wrong way to express the love you three have for each other, Little One," the yellow dog replied. "We seek only to minimize your damage to the highland."

The three laughed. Paws grasped paws as the three let Zhuang lead them downstairs to their rooms inside the monastery. When he had shut the door behind the three, the temple dog turned to his yellow-furred mate. "Glenn's return to our world has been exceedingly boisterous. They will probably break down the wall between their two rooms."

"Without a doubt," Bolin replied. "It is fortuitous that Greg and Mike are here for the turning. They can help facilitate the repairs after Rob, David, and Glenn mate."

Zhuang bowed slightly. "Shall we go seek the newborns?"

"Do you think they've had sufficient time to greet those who have come to welcome them?"

"We could ask."

"That seems wise," the one dog said, with a brief bow to the other. His paw extended and hand in hand, they walked out onto the highland, pushing into the crowd.

Chapter 48

"Well, it was going better than I expected until this," Kurt said, staring at the reports before him. "We just lost our ability to be even close to having a planet suitable for habitation by Eric's deadline."

"We're building cities and we're working laying out the farmlands. What more can you ask for?" one wolf asked.

"It's not us I'm worried about," the Epicyon replied. "We can move in anytime. But there's an ocean out there that suffered some major dieback of krill and corals because of changes in the water's chemistry and temperature. The seas are so full of nutrients that there's been an algae bloom worldwide. We moved too quickly to establish those ecosystems, and they told us what a mistake we made by dying. We need to replant entire coral reefs, and there aren't that many viable populations to spare. It's not as if we can get more from Earth. They haven't seen half the species we're trying to grow for centuries."

"Well, what do we do? The labs can only produce so many replacements through cloning before we inbreed weaknesses."

Kurt gave out an exasperated sigh. "I don't know. We haven't tried terraforming on this large a scale before. Oceanic ecosystems are a novel concern for us. Mars had no oceans. But the whales want to be our neighbors. That won't happen without better luck than we've had thus far. Our projections demand a viable ocean to provide over half our oxygen requirements alone."

"Which is why we're here," a polar bear in the corner said. The other polar bear gave a nod.

"Inukshuk, I'm sorry we don't have better news to give you or your pod," Kurt said. "We're doing everything we can. But water covers seventy percent of our world, the same as Earth. We had enough viable krill population to seed maybe a quarter of that area. Their swarms don't enjoy staying in one place. We tried corralling them long enough to get them breeding by themselves, but that's not a simple task. This dieback is a major setback. We barely had enough to sustain the fish population swimming around out there. Now we find out many of them are floating belly up because of that algae bloom.

"The coral are even worse off. Some breed only one night a year, and the temperature has to be spot on, or they bow out from the whole thing. The algae blocking the sun has devastated the reefs. We're trying to clean it up, but even the Megalodons can't scoop it up fast enough, and you've seen the size of those ships."

"Is there another food alternative you can offer the pod?" the other polar bear asked.

"I'm sure we can find some protein-based synthetic that can replace the krill, but I can't imagine your pod being too happy about that, Quinn. And they aren't the only cetaceans asking for sanctuary on this planet. With the oceans the way they are currently, we're looking at housing you in tanks to ensure the water is safe enough for you to survive. It's a pretty dour life you're looking at."

"I suppose so, but it beats sitting in an ocean trying to outrun whaling ships. And don't forget that asteroid Gabriel brought to our attention."

"We might need to call in the big guns for this," the Epicyon said with a frustrated head shake.

"I doubt they're opposed to that. If you did your best, that's all they ask," Quinn replied.

"We've done so well topside I was confident we'd do better than we have with the ocean."

Inukshuk nodded. "Yeah, it's way more complex than you think. There's a reason the Great Barrier Reef is a graveyard now."

"I know, but how can Derrick and Oliver even help us?" Kurt groaned. "They're okay with making some trees and plants because they're familiar. But the ocean is as much a mystery to them as it is to us. They can't create what they don't at least partially understand."

"I have a suggestion," the blue bear in the back of the room said.

"Anything, Max," Kurt said with an exasperated sigh.

"Let us talk to Derrick and Oliver. I think we can fix this problem. You guys redouble your efforts topside. Get more trees planted to offset the algae bloom. We'll take care of the oceans."

"What about the Leviathan?"

"Tell Patrick and Yarnell to give the oceans a rest. See what they can do to help you with the freshwater populations."

"Are you sure?" Kurt asked.

"Yeah, let's leave this to the pros."

Kurt gave a half-hearted laugh. "I thought we were the pros. It's a humbling experience to realize Mother Nature doesn't take kindly to hubris."

"No, she doesn't. But we'll see what we can do to talk her into helping."

Chapter 49

Four naked men stared at the yellow metal boat bobbing up and down in the water. "What's this thing?" Oliver asked.

"It's a submersible," Max replied, looking over the side of the ship they were on. "A four-man submarine. Well, for us, it's a three-man submarine. JP would take up too much space in it. So, he's sitting this one out."

"We're not all that thin ourselves," Derrick said, rubbing his gut. Oliver gave a nod while he rubbed his own belly.

"Yeah, but your ape suits will at least fit inside," JP laughed. He shook his six-foot-four girth, and the mass of muscle and fat barely shifted. "It doesn't matter how I come at this idea. I'm not fitting into that thing."

"I still don't get the idea, to be honest," Derrick said.

"You want to help the whales, right?" Max asked.

"Of course we does," Oliver replied.

"What we're trying to do is to build them a home they can live in."

"Wasn't that why we built the Leviathan?"

"Yeah," JP answered. "Unfortunately, things didn't work out quite as we had hoped, and we're getting down to the wire here. If we can't fix things, they'll be stuck in a pen until the world catches up to them. And that might not be for a very long time."

"Then what are we doing?" Derrick asked.

"If you see something, can you recreate it, even without knowing what it is?"

Derrick scratched his head. "Probably. We've both done things we don't understand. But we've never tried to fix an ocean before."

"No, you haven't. But let me ask you something. You two watch Animal Planet reruns, right?"

"Right."

"Oliver, can you make me a Portuguese man-of-war?"

"Why woulds I do that? Them things is nasty."

"Yeah, but they're complex, and if having only seen a show about them means you can create them, then this idea might work." Max pointed to a tank filled with water. "Put a man-of-war in there."

Oliver closed his eyes, and the man-o-war appeared floating in the water. "Well, JP?" Max asked.

"It's a Man-of-war. Right down to the four animals that make it up. I think we can do this."

"Do what?" Derrick asked.

"We get in the sub and take you on a ride around the coral reefs and other ocean locations. You look out, and whatever you see, you create that thing in numbers large enough to populate a similar place in Terra's oceans," Max replied. "I figure the distance isn't a problem, as you've sent entire fleets of aliens across the galaxy. How hard can it be to send millions of little Krill?"

"Ain't going in any metal box that goes underwater."

Derrick shook his head in agreement. "Not to put a stop to your idea, but you have two guys who don't like the idea of getting into that thing. And what happens if we see something like a box jelly that we don't know is deadly poisonous? We could create a new world full of the awful without even knowing it. We both think lionfish are pretty, but I'm willing to bet they're not included on any Terran species list."

JP slapped his forehead. "Wolfy is right. We can't ask them to recreate everything they see."

"Doesn't the Leviathan have a list of what they're supposed to pick up?" Derrick asked.

"I would think so," Max said. "I suppose we could ask them."

"Patrick and Yarnell would wants to help the whales," Oliver said. "Better to talk to them than hoping we knows what to send."

"Okay, this idea is busted. Let's get back to the mainland and get in touch with Patrick and Yarnell," Max said. "Maybe we can work with a list."

JP shifted his bulky body. He rubbed his hairy chest and looked at the three naked men in front of him. "So, speaking of getting in touch," he said shyly. "We're all here in our ape suits, and damn, but you're all so cute this way. Do you think the world will survive if we spend a few hours here on the boat together?"

Oliver laughed. "Well, if it can't, I knows me two bears with wings that cans turn back time. I sez we play with them first, Pup. Then we gets down to business."

"That works for me," Derrick said with a smile. "Dibs on the bottom bunk," he laughed as he rolled backward onto the boat's deck.

Max rose and pulled at his ball sack. "Okay, Papa Wolfy. You are so irresistible, I'm in."

"Make sure you're in balls-deep, and I'm good," the overweight man said with a giggle as he rolled onto his belly.

Derrick felt a thick hand press up against his back. "I believe my husbands know of my request to be the first to go balls-deep into you."

Derrick looked back at the hawk-man behind him. With a shake, Chet became the smaller Mutwajigwan. The black wolf smiled at the two winged bears. "Thanks for giving him a lift here."

"We like to keep our family together," JP said, returning the smile. "Especially when it's you and our husband we're watching together."

Chet fell behind Derrick and pushed apart his legs. "Prepare to dive," he laughed. His head bobbed down into the crack of the man before him, and his tongue began exploring.

Derrick sighed when the tongue found his hole and probed even deeper. "Oh yeah, you guys will need to turn back time if this day is an issue," the happy chub groaned.

Chapter 50

The following morning, Oliver and Derrick stood on the pier watching the waves lapping against the moorings. "What's wrong, Oliver?" the black wolf asked the badger.

"I don't thinks I belong here, Pup. I looks out on that ocean and what they is asking us to do, and I don't feel this is where I belongs."

"Why not, Oliver?"

"Because I is me. I is an angry little badger that always has to fight what's inside him to do what's right. All too often that means I stands down and does nuthin', because if I does something, I'se going to muck it up."

Derrick wrapped his arm around the badger and pulled him in tight. "Remember all those years ago when Delar entered our universe, and you stepped back because you understood the path you saw wasn't what we needed?"

"Sure, Pup. I knowed you were what was needed."

"Because I had to learn I was stronger than I knew; I had a right to stand with my family when we faced the awful."

Oliver nodded. "I remembers."

"You stepped back to let me stand alone so I could learn I had a right to stand by you all. You stood by me, even when I thought you had deserted me during my crisis of faith. I had this idea that my family would always save me, and instead, you were standing on the sidelines, telling me to fix the problem. I didn't understand you were with me all along. You were helping me find my place in our family."

"Yeah, it weren't easy, but I wanted so bad to do right by you."

"Everyone did. It took me so long to realize what you were doing for me."

"But what's that got to do with today?" Oliver asked.

"Today, I return the favor." Derrick leaned over and kissed the top of Oliver's head. "You and I have powers no one rightly should. And it means we must keep a tight guard on them to ensure we never become the awful."

Oliver nodded again. "I knows. It's why I ain't sure I should be here today, Pup. You is kind. You knows so much more than I does. You creates so much beauty with your drawing and paintin', I knows you can do what's got to be done out there in the ocean."

"But I need you, Oliver. I need you there beside me. Not because I can't do it alone, but because you need a time when the world doesn't ask you to fix the awful. Because you need to stand down from that calling and create something beautiful."

"I ain't sure that's in me, Pup."

"But I know it is, Badger. Trust me. You once asked me to stand alone so we could stand together when it ended. I'm asking you to stand by me, so when this is all done, you will realize you can stand alone and do right by the powers you possess."

"I don'ts know what you mean, Pup."

"You fear that angry little badger who rushes in and mucks up everything. And yeah, you have a temper, but you are also one of the kindest men I ever met. Your challenge isn't to sit back and not use your powers for fear of messing things up. Your challenge is to use those powers in the way you hope I will use mine. We're here together to help each other over the difficult hurdles because that's what it means to be us. I can do what Kurt is asking us to do because I've done it before. You've done it before too. You need to find the Oliver I know who will push himself to do right by the whales, and right by everything this world needs us to be."

"That ain't a simple thing to do, Pup," Oliver sighed.

"But that's what you must do because you stopped stepping back from what was difficult so long ago. This is your time to realize that you're not all anger and fight. The world needs you to be the artist you see in me. It needs you to create something beautiful, and you need to find that badger inside you. He's there inside you. All we need to do now is help you find him."

"You really believes he's there inside me?"

"I know he is, Oliver. He was there in my arms last night. Why do you think we have so much sex together?"

"'Cause banging your butt is just about the funnest thing ever?"

Derrick laughed. "It is that, but I think it's also to teach us that our touch can heal so many things. Touch can heal a wounded soul. It can ease an unbearable burden, and it can create something beautiful in something we never thought could be beautiful. There is so much power inside us, Oliver, and we need to learn how to use it. But not only to fight the awful. We need to learn how to make something beautiful come from what's inside us."

"And you is saying tomorrow is one of those days?"

The black wolf with blue highlights nodded. "Yep. More importantly to this discussion, tomorrow is your day. I need to step back and support the one who needs to rise to this challenge."

"I'se probably going to muck it all up."

"No, I won't let that happen. You only need to learn that you won't either."

"I woulds like to look back on something and realize I done right by it, and not by blastin' something else into smithereens," Oliver whispered.

"It's in you, Badger. And the hardest thing I'll do tomorrow won't be creating some tiny plankton. It's helping you make that dream of yours come true by stepping back and not doing for you what you need to do for yourself."

"I needs to make plankton?"

"You need to make a home for the whales. Not only for them but a home for all Terra's children seeking sanctuary."

Oliver closed his eyes and looked inside himself. "All them years ago, the old bear, Nathaniel, Max, Martin… so many gave me sanctuary. They saved my life. Seems proper I should do the same for all them little critters who can'ts do it on their own."

"They're asking you to step up to the one calling you dreamed of all along, Badger," the wolf said, pulling his sideways hug tighter. "This is your moment to realize you can stand by your family, not by being strong, but by being kind. By being the badger you've been all along."

"And I will be there by your side as well, Oliver," the two heard the voice from behind them say.

Oliver and Derrick turned to see the smiling bone-crushing dog surrounded by his crew. "I've been on the ComLink all morning with Adam and our friendly neighborhood polar bears who are usually whales. I think we can do this. Not you two trying your best alone, but with us all helping you in the ways we can."

"What's you mean, Kurt?" Oliver asked.

"I realize you both worry that things might go wrong when you don't understand everything you're supposed to do. But your instincts are good. Whatever we call the universe out there seems more than happy to let you succeed, even when you hold little more than a rough outline of what you hope to do."

Oliver nodded. "That's true. Pup and me has always had help even when no one seems to be there helping."

"The Were Nation will step up to be by your side," the Epicyon said. "Our crew of terraformers studied for decades on how to bring life to a planet. My forte isn't marine biology, but Lozinski and Katopodis are as good as they get. And Inukshuk and Quinn live in the world you're trying to repair. Adam says we can help you by providing backup on a day when so much depends on you."

Derrick smiled. "You're going to be Support?" he asked.

"We're going to be Support."

"Like how?" the badger asked.

"We do that hand on the temple thing Adam does so well, and we watch what you do. Mostly, we let nature find its way. What's out there in front of us will eventually reach balance, but we don't have decades for it to do that. So, we ask you to help. There are those of us who understand what needs to be out there, and we can guide you to create that world. Not only us but all the cetaceans on Earth can teach you. All the sentient creatures of Earth can raise their voices tomorrow." Kurt shrugged. "I guess that means you'll be hearing from some species of octopus. I admit the more I learn about what surrounds us, the more I realize there is still so much to learn."

The Epicyon knelt in front of the badger. "Oliver, Derrick is right. There is so much inside you that is beautiful and kind. Tomorrow, the two of you need to let that part of yourselves out. And we will do everything we can to help you with that process. Tomorrow, you won't stand alone saving this world. We will stand together and make things better."

Oliver gave a nod in agreement. "I woulds like that, Kurt. I woulds like to make something beautiful with the ones I love, for the ones I love."

"And there is one other to help us, Oliver," Derrick said, pointing out toward the water.

The calm waves on the bay stirred. A swirling water funnel rose from the water, taking on a humanoid shape. In moments, the familiar image to some appeared, while others stared for the first time at the legend they had only heard of. The blue woman in tight leather garb smiled at Oliver and Derrick. "Hello, my handsome cohorts," she said. "You two appear to be planning quite the undertaking."

"I thinks Pup is more sure of this than I is," Oliver said as his foot pivoted on the pier.

"He has always seen the fulfillment of dreams as possible more so than you, Oliver. It does not mean you're not capable of dreaming, though." The blue woman turned to the black wolf. "Why am I here, Pup?"

"A red algae bloom is killing off everything else," Derrick responded. "We could use your help."

Gaia laughed, and the sound flowed through the crowd like a breeze across the waters. "You don't need my help, Pup. You need the help of the one who has always been a part of your world."

"I don't know how to talk to Gaia."

"But she knows how to talk to you," the blue woman responded. "Open your mind, Pup, and you, too, Oliver. The one who created the forests of the highland needs to up his game."

Derrick turned to Oliver. "You created the forests?"

"Might have," Oliver said, the pivot of his foot repeating as he looked away shyly.

"All that you are, all that you two will ever be, is a conduit to a part of the universe seeking unity and peace."

"Ain't much of the universe that wants that, Gaia," Oliver said, looking at the woman floating before them. "This universe seems pretty happy to kill us all."

The laugh that all felt within their core was as calming as watching the sunrise on still lagoon waters. "You are right, Oliver. That is why you were given the gifts; to offer balance to a very unbalanced universe. What is out there," Gaia said with a wave of her hand toward the sky, "is very much hostile to all of life. Even so, life persists. You two are there to give it a helping hand on occasion. Your plans tomorrow appear to be such a day."

The blue woman knelt as if the pier extended beyond where it did to where Gaia floated in the air. She looked into Oliver's eyes. "I know you struggle with your relationship with womenfolk. But she is kind, and she wants to help. Open your mind, Oliver. Let her in."

"Ain't sure I can do that, Gaia," the badger said, looking away. "Ain't never been so intimate with no one but my husbands in that way."

"But you, Oliver, are like the temple dogs. You do what is needful. You dig down into the part of you that knows what needs to be done, and you make it come to the surface. For the first time in your life, you are being asked to find that part of you that brings life with the powers you hold. I know it's scary, Oliver, but grab onto this moment and cherish it. There are so few times we are called on to perform a miracle of creation. You felt it once on the highland. By letting her in, you will find a joy you never imagined possible."

Oliver nodded. "I will do my best."

Gaia leaned over and kissed the cheek of the badger. "And that is all we will ever ask of you." Gaia stood up. Her form and shape changed, becoming a woman of flowing water. "I believe my part in all of this is done for now. As you would say, Oliver, ponder on our conversation. I will never leave you two. I am always by your side." The woman of water spun around once and a pillar of water splashed back into the ocean.

There was quiet while everyone thought about what they had seen and heard. "I think we have a plan of action," the black wolf said as he stood up. "Oliver and I will become the link to all our family sees. We will make a home for those we bring here, and we do that by letting the one who knows more about this world than anyone guide us."

Oliver turned and pulled the wolf into a full hug. "I will tries, Pup. I swear I will do my best."

Derrick pulled the hug in close and rested his head on the shoulder of the badger. "Like Gaia said, that is the most we will ever ask of you, Oliver." He pushed back the hug and smiled at the badger. "What say we get ready for tomorrow?"

Oliver smiled. "You'se going to be there beside me?"

"Where else would I be?"

"Me too, Badger," the Epicyon said with a grin. "Tomorrow, we start at first light."

Oliver smiled at the crowd. "That's all I needed to hear. I'se good. Let's go make us some little critters for the whales to eat."

Chapter 51

The foursome stood in front of the Leviathan, talking with Patrick and Yarnell. "We have lots of materials for you to look at, Wolfy," Patrick said. "If it will help, we have most of our specimens on board to review. We limited our initial collection of species. Too many species eat too many other species for us to make a broad catch of everything at the start."

"So, we can do this?" Derrick asked.

"It is complex, Wolfy," Inukshuk answered. "We need to bring the red algae tide under control before anything can move forward. Once that's done, you should be capable of helping restore the balance. Oliver created a forest with multiple tree species. It wasn't because he understood or even knew of them, but because he wanted the temple dogs to have a forest that they could enjoy. I figure there's something more to you than a simple ability to create what's in your mind."

"Like whats, Inukshuk?" the badger asked the polar bear.

"Like magic. Something we don't get because we don't get everything out there," the white bear replied. "I doubt we need to figure it out. We simply take advantage of it. We push forward and thank whatever powers came from you being out there in the universe for fourteen billion years."

"So, can we look at the critters?" the badger asked.

"Sure, Oliver," Yarnell replied. "Hop on board, and we'll take you to our collection sites around Earth. You can study up on our process."

"How long is that gonna take?"

"Well, if we stop to play, it shouldn't take more than six or seven hours," Quinn replied with a grin. "We'll hurry, but you can read while lying on your tummy, right?"

"I don't think we will be able to concentrate if you're plowing our butts," Derrick said with a laugh.

Quinn looked at Inukshuk and then back at the six. "Could Max and JP play with us while you read? Please, Wolfy. It's been weeks since we've been with another beast."

"I'm willing to make the sacrifice," JP said, waving his paw.

Derrick laughed, and Oliver shook his head. "Go find the books and plant us in front of the viewing screens. You've got four hours, and then we're off to Terra."

Six hours later, the Leviathan set down into the Terran ocean. "Four hours… I said four hours, everyone," Derrick said, trying his best to sound stern.

"My apologies, Wolfy," Quinn said apologetically. "Look at them. They're so hot with those fluffy bodies and those wings. We can help with your studies if you don't feel ready."

Derrick leaned over and kissed his son. "That's okay, Quinn. I doubt I could have kept it less than four hours with those two." He stepped out onto the Leviathan's deck. "I'm hoping this works, but no promises." He slipped his legs over the deck and leaned forward toward the water. Oliver sat down beside him.

The wolf's paw reached into the water and scooped up a handful of the slimy reddish-brown sludge covering the top of the ocean. "These will be our rocks, Badger," he said.

"What's you mean, Pup?" Oliver asked.

"When we created a new highland, all we had to work with was rock and stone. But you made trees. I made temples and pylons. You created a forest with waterfalls. I made make-believe caves with living blind fish in the pools, all from the atoms of the stone and debris surrounding us. The same stuff makes up most of the universe. It's how it's configured that makes it what it is."

"Sure," the badger said with a nod. "But I likes the way you is configured way better than that red goop in your hand."

Derrick laughed. "And I like the way you're configured, too, Hon." He shook his paw, flinging the algae back into the ocean. "What we have to do is see this algae becoming all the life the ocean needs to survive instead of what's killing it. But that means even some of this red goop has to survive for those things that eat it."

"But I don'ts knows what eats that goop, Pup. How is we gonna do that?"

"We do our best, Oliver. Whales know what they need to live in the ocean. In the same way you created a forest for the temple dogs, we create a world for the whales. We don't need to know everything, but they know, and Inukshuk and Quinn will teach us the same way the dragons taught me. We let them teach us what they need."

"The highland is piddly compared to this ocean, Pup. And this ocean is one of eight oceans out there. How is we gonna do an entire planet?"

"The way Li Wei taught us, Badger. We don't try to change the entire ocean. We change just one drop at a time. One krill, one sea anemone, one coral polyp at a time. We see what they see, and we bring it to life. I bring order from chaos, and you, my love, heal the ocean. And the way we do that is to rely on all those around us to guide our actions." Derrick's eyes closed, and he sighed. "And mostly, we do that by opening up ourselves to Terra. We let her in."

"We opens ourselves up to Terra, and we does our best," Oliver agreed. He shifted to his werebeast, laid on his belly, and reached toward the water. The four behind them watched as the black wolf began glowing blue, and Oliver radiated a familiar green. Their colors spread out into the water and soon extended beyond the horizon in every direction. All four behind them wondered what was happening beneath the water beyond the glowing light.

"Okay, gentlemen," Quinn said as he knelt beside Oliver. "As much as it goes against my instincts to leave this badger on his belly without climbing on top, let's all get into position." The polar bear slipped over the side of the Leviathan's deck and bobbed back up in the water, covered in red algae. He put his paw up alongside Oliver's temple. "I can float for hours here, Oliver. I'll be your link to the whales. But try to listen to all the voices coming from Earth as well. There are dolphins and narwhales who one day will live here. There is even a group of manatees hoping you hear them today. Their voices are just as important."

Quinn paused as he steadied himself against the deck. "And I guess that means today you listen to many species that we've overlooked for far too long. There are cephalopods out there that are far smarter than we know. If there's a way to let them speak to you, we best listen. It's not only the mammals who need a voice today."

Inukshuk slipped over the side of the deck next to Derrick and put his paw against the black wolf's temple. "You know what to do, Wolfy. Work with the little picture. Let the big picture take care of itself."

A wolf knelt beside the black wolf. "I'm Janusz Lozinski, Wolfy. I will watch you, and when there is a place where I can help, I'll do my best dragon impersonation and try to help you see what I see."

"Thanks for being here, Janusz," Derrick said, as the wolf's paw settled on his other temple.

Another wolf sat beside Oliver and placed a paw on the badger's temple. "I'm Ulysses Katopodis, Oliver."

"Likes the Greek guy that went sailing all over the place?" Oliver asked, looking up at the wolf.

"Exactly," the wolf said with a chuckle. "I was born to live a life beside the ocean. I will be doing the same thing as Janusz is doing for Derrick. Only, I'm your partner for the day."

"It's nice to meet you, Ulysses," Oliver said. "I'm thickheaded sometimes, so you go slow with me and try not to get upset."

"I'm in no hurry today, Oliver. This is too important to rush." The wolf closed his eyes and tried to visualize the ocean that stretched out in front of him and around the world.

"Let's get this started, gentlemen," the black wolf said. "And ma'am, if you will," he whispered, "be gentle with us. Oliver and I might not be very good at this." The quiet of the surrounding ocean was all that anyone else sensed.

Oliver and Derrick looked out at the ocean. In the distance, a water funnel rose from the water and spun toward the Leviathan. It never grew beyond a few feet as it grew closer. At last, it spun into a blue woman with flowing hair that seemed always in motion. She floated on the water before Oliver and Derrick and smiled. "What an amazing gathering," Gaia said with a voice as quiet as waves lapping a lagoon. "Can I join you?"

Derrick smiled. "You are always welcome, Gaia, but we didn't want to push you into this. It's our mess, not yours."

Gaia laughed, and everyone felt the ocean come alive. "When have you ever known me to be pushed into anything?" Her body slipped halfway into the water below, becoming the water as she sank. "Terra needs a voice until you can hear her on your own. No hand-holding today, Pup. Terra and I are active participants in the life that surrounds you. This is her world. It is mine. She, more than any other, knows the history of life on Earth. Today, she helps build that life here on Terra. Listen closely, Pup, Oliver. It is in the whispers that you will find your path today." The blue woman became a column of water disappearing back into the ocean.

One paw of Derrick's reached out and grabbed the nearest paw of the badger. The wolf's other paw swirled into the red algae, his eyes still closed. Around the paw, the water grew clear, and the darkness of the ocean below began returning. Oliver repeated the motion and the dark blue of the ocean spread from under his paw. Those watching the group of six wondered what would happen now that the group was eight, albeit two beyond their sight.

Three hours later, the four were still wondering. It was then that Oliver began singing. The baritone sounds were familiar. "Is that Changeling?" JP asked.

"No," Patrick replied. The voice of the glowing blue wolf matched the badger. Patrick twisted his head, listening. "It's whale song. They're talking to the whales beyond Inukshuk and Quinn's pod. They're learning what the whales need to thrive and they're creating that world for them."

"But can an ocean full of krill be enough?" Max asked.

"No, but for the krill to survive, there has to be a delicate balance of algae, phytoplankton, and zooplankton," Kurt replied. "There has to be fish larvae and small fish for the whales to eat. Oliver and Derrick are trying to find the balance we couldn't."

As all listened to the song, Max dropped to his knees, and his eyes brimmed with tears. He looked up at the others. "They hear her. They can understand Terra speaking to them. She's guiding them beside the whales. All the voices of the oceans are flowing through her into them. Gaia is there beside her. Derrick and Oliver couldn't be in better hands."

The winged bear reached down a paw into the water. "There has to be food for all the creatures that the whales consume. Cetaceans are a primary indicator species. Their lives depend on so many factors in the oceans being healthy. My father is creating an ocean for the whales. Beyond the whales, Oliver is making a world where all those creatures they saw inside the books will find a home within our oceans.

"They're creating life from the elements?" Kurt asked.

"No, the life never left. Terra did for the ocean what she once did for the Changelings. As the coral died, she held onto its life force until it could be returned. Derrick and Oliver aren't creating things so much as bringing them back into a world where they can survive."

"Terra held onto the life force of billions of coral polyps?" Kurt asked the blue bear.

"And so much more. The krill, the fish, all that you transplanted is floating out there in the ocean. All Derrick needs to do is guide their life force back into their bodies. He's more a doctor than anything else. Oliver is creating homes for all that Derrick is fixing up. He's doing the heavy lifting. Seaweed and kelp forests are appearing along the northern coasts. Mangrove swamps are growing to protect the coastlines from tropical storms in the south. Oliver is creating the environments that will be the birthplace of thousands of animal species. He's making shoals for the fish along the sandy coasts. Rock reefs for coral are popping up in the temperate islands and along the southern hemisphere coastlines." The blue bear wiped a tear from his eye. "Oliver is seeing a dream he never thought possible coming true. I don't think I've ever seen him so happy."

Patrick knelt beside Max and put his paw into the water. "The whale songs are like the voices of my ancestral home; so like the Unity." The wolf closed his eyes and sang. His mate, Yarnell, stood behind Patrick and placed his paws on the other wolf's shoulders. He closed his eyes and joined in the song.

JP knelt beside his mate and added his voice to the song. It spoke in a language the winged bears understood beyond the words to the depth of meaning only offered by emotions. It was the song of all that the whales had lost and all that they had found. It was the song that was taught to Max by his family and his black wolf father kneeling before him. Derrick's paws swirled in the water, radiating the blue light even brighter than when he first began.

Max and JP bowed their heads. They closed their eyes and tried to open their ears to all the songs being sung, the song of life that before only Derrick and Oliver sensed. At that moment, the song from across the galaxy filled their ears. At first, they thought they were listening to the whales, and then they realized the song was one they had listened to since childhood. The Unity had joined the song from Verital. Their voices rose in solidarity with the whale's plight and offered guidance to the two with their hands thrust into the water.

Two bears, one white and one brown, raised their voices in greeting their long-distance family. When they did, they felt the songs of all the cetaceans from light-years away flow through them. Eric and Kris looked up into the sky and in the waning light of the day, they saw beyond their sight. They saw a tiny planet in a single-star solar system where the whales, narwhales, and dolphins breached the water in celebration. The lazily floating manatee looked up toward the sky. A sense of profound gratitude washed over them as they realized they were not forgotten.

When the voices of Eric and Kris joined in the song, Oliver and Derrick smiled. The two great Changeling healers added their wisdom to the efforts of all. There, linked in song, Derrick and Oliver glimpsed the ocean that went even beyond the needs of the whales. Their understanding came from watching Terra evolve over four and a half billion years. All of life on Earth became a part of what the wolf and badger saw in their mind. All they needed to do was listen, and the song became reality flowing from their paws.

From across the galaxy, more voices joined the growing chorus. The Were Nation, whether on Earth or Terra, dropped to one knee and listened to the song until, at last, they could find the words to sing. Adam led those of the Order with ears to hear in singing the song. Even little Abids followed their parents' lead and sang to the creatures they had never seen but knew one day would be their neighbors.

The two from another universe continued to radiate their chosen colors for hours when suddenly Oliver shifted to white. With the shift of Oliver's colors, Derrick took on a different glow. Blue still dominated the light, but flecks of green, yellow, and red sparkled through the blue and flowed into the badger. Both beasts' eyes were closed tight as the song changed. Only the two knew the song. It was the song of the coral from a thousand years ago growing along the Australian coast. It was the song of microscopic life beyond imagination. There were plant and animal species so vast that thousands remained uncatalogued. But Oliver and Derrick understood their song. It was the song of thousands upon thousands of animals and plants, so countless scientists grouped them as one. The riders of the ocean currents, the wanderers known by a Greek name — plankton. The song of the krill soon followed. It was the song of all that they had lost on Earth and all that they found now on Terra.

Each color shift triggered a new song in the minds of the two bound together. Never failing, they responded to the songs. All who watched knew something beyond their skill set was in play. After hours of listening as the songs changed, came a voice that wrapped them in the warmth of a tropical sun. The one whose voice they had listened to earlier. It was a voice that promised to fill in the gaps that Derrick and Oliver could not. From Oliver's lips came the whispered thanks to Gaia. And then, with a pivot of his foot against the deck, Oliver whispered his thanks to Terra. A voice never spoken in the universe before answered, and all of life surrounding them responded to her song.

The darkness of night turned to dawn before Oliver and Derrick pulled their paws from the ocean. With the first light spreading across the water, the song ended. The polar bears pulled themselves from the water, and the eleven on the Leviathan stood up, staring at the dark blue water before them. They knew that magic had happened, that something beyond their understanding had taken place. In the morning's calm light, they felt an indescribable serenity that the whales had a new home on Terra.

Patrick hugged both Oliver and Derrick. "Kurt and his team can check things out," he said. "But If I'm not mistaken, our next trip will bring the whales to their new home."

"I think you're right, Patrick," Max said. "I think the first migration of our ocean family is about to begin."

Another round of hugs took place, and Patrick, Yarnell, and Kurt returned inside the Leviathan. Derrick made a twist of his paw, and the remaining eight were gone. The Leviathan's outer circles spun, and in moments, it too was gone. All that remained was a calm ocean that Terra felt teeming with life.

Chapter 52

"I don't understand why we need to go. I'm sure the Earth governments can pull it together and push those asteroids out of the way," the red panda said as he worked at his station.

The Leonberger looked up from his work without his characteristic smile. "The best estimate is that Earth will be ready to move those asteroids about six months after they hit. Armel, I love you, but you're looking at this from the wrong perspective. It isn't about you losing your mansion. It's about you saving your life."

The panda sighed. "But it's my mansion, the kids, and the temple," he whined. "It's everything that I thought would turn my life around. Now they're ordering me to uproot it all and move off to some godforsaken planet in another solar system. A place where my money means nothing, and I get one suitcase of carry-on luggage."

"Armel," his wolf husband barked. "They said no such thing. It wasn't an order. And the notice said to take only what is necessary if we make the move. There will be exceptions to everything, and I'm sure they can accommodate the three of us if we bring more than most. Our science gear alone will be extensive."

"We're going to be on a planet of beasts that never get sick. How's that for job security?" the panda asked.

"We don't get sick, but the Hexadeltans do, and with their triple-helix DNA, they will keep us very busy learning a whole alternative approach to immunology," John replied. He pulled a vial out of the incubator and closed the lid.

"The Hexadeltans don't have orphans. The entire community raises the children, even those without parents."

"I hear the children are friendly. I'm sure they will love visiting us," Marvin said, smiling under his face shield.

"But there's no promise that anything will work out. We could be stranded on a planet where my skill set is totally useless," Armel sighed.

"I realize that, Hon," John said, turning to his mate. "There are going to be a lot of changes we'll have to make. But we'll be together, and we'll be alive."

"And is there any guarantee that Tamil and his family will be our next-door neighbors on this new world?" Armel asked, folding his arms defensively.

"No, the temple dogs will have temples built, but there's been no word that they'll locate us anywhere near them. Don't forget they build most of their temples in out-of-the-way places, and Terra has substantially more out-of-the-way places than Earth. There's not even a promise that all the temples will be built on Terra. The Hexadeltans offered temple construction sites on Terra 2 and Terra 3. It seems Hexadeltans enjoy the company of temple dogs as much as their teachings." The wolf picked up the vial and stared into it. "Okay, I win. I found the cure for the Stelphan flu."

The Leonberger looked up. "What? How could you find it that quickly?"

"It's a mutated variation of Holland flu, which means it's a type A variant. Its major mutation is a stronger silica shell, like a zombie virus. All it takes is the right chemical mix administered with modified mesoporous nanoparticles to target the delivery. We shatter the silica shells of the virus, exposing their innards to aggressive antiviral treatment."

Armel glared at the wolf. "That's the third time this year you've come in first."

"Don't blame me for making this a contest, Panda. I said we should have a three-way, even when we are working here in D.C. I'm more than happy to share the credit with you."

The red panda huffed. "No, you take the credit. My results show that my mind is more on this move than on our work. I'm sorry, John."

The wolf came over and wrapped his arms around the panda from behind. He stroked the chest of the red beast's hazmat suit. "I understand how hard this is for you, Hon. We have such a beautiful home, full of so many wonderful kids. I love our life. I love everything about it. But our family is moving away, and I mean all our family. We stay here, and you won't miss just Tamil; you will be living in a world where every beast you love is gone."

"I only love you two," Armel grumbled. He paused. "And Tamil." Another pause. "And Katashi and Spackle... and most of the temple dogs." He paused again. "I probably love Derrick and those two bear boys of his with the wings." He sighed. "And their hawk husband. He's always so nice to me." The silence lingered for a bit. "Okay, the list is a lot longer than I thought. I'm not going on with it."

"We go where our family goes, Armel," John said, tightening his hug.

"I'm going to lose so much."

"The orphanage will be fine. Some stellar people are stepping up to take our place, and the endowments are rock solid."

"I was hoping the orphanage would be my get-into-heaven-free card," the panda whispered. "You know, to make up for all the crap I've done."

John rubbed the shoulders of the panda through his suit. "I don't think it works that way."

Armel gave another long sigh. "No, I suppose not."

Marvin looked over at the two, and his tail wagged, causing his hazmat suit to shift back and forth behind him. "Look, you two, we have each other. We always land on our feet. This will be no different."

"I guess," the panda said, bowing his head. "I just wish…" his voice trailed off.

From across the room, the secondary lab door opened with a bang as it hit the wall. A large, rotund creature barely discernible inside his hazmat suit bounded in. "Hi, Everyone," the suited beast yelled.

"Hi, Tamil," came the response from the three.

"I'm here to tell you you're almost late for dinner."

The Leonberger slapped his head. "Damn, I forgot to tell them, Tamil. I completely spaced it."

"That's because you don't carry a pen and paper to write things down. Or one of those little tablets."

Marvin turned around in his hazmat suit and spread his arms. "This is the only time you see me wearing clothes, Tamil."

"Yes, and that is good because you look so much better naked."

Marvin laughed. "Well, thank you, Tamil. I feel the same way about you. But there's not a lot of room for notepads on a naked beast."

"I could show you where Will hides his," Tamil said with a grin.

Marvin's eyes rolled. "No, that's fine. I can imagine. That sheath of his is so loose, I'm sure he stretches it."

"It is a great deal of fun to play with. You can stick your tongue all the way inside."

This time, John burst out laughing. When he composed himself, he asked Tamil, "So, when is our dinner engagement?"

"In half an hour."

Okay, you go back out, do the decontamination routine, and get out of your hazmat suit. We'll meet you back at Chip. Are we having dinner on Heart Island with the kids?"

"Yes, so please do not shower together, or you will be far too late, and the children will need to go to bed before they see you."

"Done and done," the wolf said. "Off you go. We'll get things cleaned up here and see you there."

Inside the dining room, Katashi watched the red panda picking at his food from across the table. "Is there something troubling you, Armel?" he asked.

"This proposed move to Terra."

"It is a major change of life, indeed."

"I'm not sure if I can do it. There is so much I might lose."

"And possibly your life to lose if you don't make the trip."

Armel nodded. "I'm aware of the downside of staying, Katashi. But I don't deal well with change."

"Change is not easy. But it is the one constant in life we cannot avoid," the temple dog replied.

"But this was my moment, Katashi. This is where I thought I had grabbed the brass ring and was holding onto it. I understand what it means to love someone. I have two wonderful husbands. I know what it means to care about the people at this table. This was my chance to be someone different."

"And you are," the dog said with a nod.

"But is it enough?"

"If it is the best you can do, then it is all we would ever ask of you."

"I wish I could know if I was doing this right. I don't want to ruin my one chance at life."

"A reasonable desire, to be sure," Katashi replied.

"Is there anything you can do to help me, Katashi? Is there some guidance, some answer I don't have to fight you for?"

"I have never fought you, Little One," the dog said with a smile. "The battle would be very short-lived."

"No, you know what I mean. You're always so vague."

"It is in our nature to encourage you to find your own answers."

"But just once, could you help me see a bit into my future, to see what comes of what I'm trying to do?"

"Perhaps you could talk to Falong. He has a far better grasp on the future than any temple dog."

Armel's head tilted in confusion. "Who is Falong?"

"My husband's companion."

"Spackle?"

"No, Li Wei."

"He's dead, isn't he?"

"Yes, but still very much alive."

Armel snorted. "You've lost me, Katashi."

"Falong is a being that has existed since before this universe was born and will be here long after it has dimmed. His perception of time is unique and might afford you some answers, although I can't promise that."

"How do I get an appointment?"

"If you can return home with us tonight, I will see if I can help bring you together."

"I would appreciate it. Honestly, I'm at my wit's end with everything going on."

"Then it is indeed fortuitous that Falong has no ending. Perhaps he can see beyond where you think your wits have ended."

Armel stared down at his food and decided to let the comment go unchallenged.

Chapter 53

Armel looked around the newly created landscape. It was like a memory of his childhood — happy but slightly out of focus, with details lost in the vague images. "I tried to find a time when you were at peace," he heard a voice behind him say. "It was difficult."

Armel turned toward the voice and stared at the yellow temple dog. "I don't know how this works. Katashi helped me."

"It is difficult for both of us. We worry so much about the rightness of things. You, because seeing beyond your own needs is new to you; me, because sharing this place with you is new to me."

The red panda nodded. "I hope you don't mind. My life leaves me worrying about what comes after I die. I was hoping you could tell me."

"It may not be possible for me to do so," the temple dog replied.

"But everyone says you hold the memories of everything that ever was or will be," the panda protested.

"I do," Falong admitted. "But that does not mean I see what comes beyond my world."

"Is there anything beyond your world?"

The temple dog lowered his head in thought. "Before today, here in this garden, did you ever contemplate the idea that I might exist?"

Armel shook his head. "No," he replied.

"Then, if you were me, would you be presumptuous enough to say there was nothing beyond what I perceive to be real?"

The red panda shook his head again. "No."

Falong smiled. "Come, let us sit on the swings."

Armel laughed. "They will fall apart under your weight."

"This is a dream. I choose to believe the swing will hold my weight. Let us find out which of us is right."

The two walked through the garden to the swings. As they sat on them, the wooden frame creaked but held in place. "You win," Armel said as he pushed against the ground, moving the swing back and forth. For a moment, he was glad of his larger size and grateful to the otter who gave it to him.

Falong followed Armel. Placing his feet against the ground, he pushed off. Soon, the two were swinging back and forth in tandem. With this simple act, the images swirling around the two became clearer for Armel. "Has anyone told about the story of Alexander Wambeke and William Gentry's reunion on this plane of existence?" the dog asked. Armel nodded. "To tell you the truth, I didn't think it would be possible," the dog said.

"But you know all that will be," the panda interjected, shaking his head. "How could you not see the outcome of your efforts?"

"Because sometimes all that ever will be, isn't what it is, until it has become."

Armel's head dropped, and he slowed his swinging. "God, now I understand what Oliver means when he says you make his brain hurt."

"It is not intentional."

"I realize that. It's your way, like all the other temple dogs. It takes me a while, but I decipher most of what you're saying. Some things we don't understand until we experience them. I'm a scientist. I can see the difference between a hypothetical and a fact. And I know how tenuous even what we perceive as facts are. That said, I have been told the story."

"When I searched for a way to bring Alexander to Will, I sought to find a memory so strong that Alexander still lived within that memory. It wasn't difficult. Throughout his remarkable life, one memory stood out above all the rest, one moment of pure bliss living beyond even what we call memory. It was moments before dawn when Alexander woke. There was the scent of roses outside the bedroom window. Sunlight had yet to creep across the sill. And there, within that perfect setting, he felt the werewolf pressed up against his back. A mountainous, furry wolf pressing close, his thick arm wrapped around him. Alexander was a werewolf, unafraid in the moment of who and what he was. He was a werewolf in love with another werewolf.

"This was the memory of all memories where I realized I could find Alexander and bring him back into the arms of the man he loved. This was the one moment in time when he was at total peace. They were two of the most amazing beasts, and here they were in their element. Will stirred and kissed the neck of Alexander and then bit into his flesh. They were moments away from hours of lovemaking that would see them both return to their human forms as the full moon set. For the two of them, it made no difference. They were so much in love. In that moment, I knew I could bring Alexander back to the wolf he loved."

Armel sat motionless in his swing. "I never considered how it happened."

"No one but Li Wei and myself know the truth. Will never probed to find out how it happened. He was content that it simply happened."

"Then why tell me?"

"Because you asked a question that burdens you. You must understand the story of Will and Alexander to ease that burden."

"Why?" Armel asked.

"Because I realize there is something beyond me cataloging all the memories of the universe. I recognize there is more to the memories than their mere existence. They live, they are. There is more to them than any of us can imagine."

"An afterlife?"

"If you choose to call it that."

"And for Alexander?"

"A place where he lives next to a wolf he loves. All other memories of the wars... the losses and struggles still exist. Even the moment of his death lingers. But Alexander, the man who graced your world for far too little time, set all those memories aside in favor of a perfect day in the arms of the man he turned."

"He's in heaven?"

"Perhaps. Alexander is where who he was has led him. Others have memories leading them to a far worse place because that is where their thirst for power or money led them. The one moment of crystal clarity is where they find themselves. It is the moment of their fall, repeated for as long as the memory exists. I hope their memories are not strong enough to be as self-aware as Alexander's are. I hope they are only preserved as part of the Universe's history. If they are more, then I pity them. Fear ruled their lives. Fear guides the memories."

"Because the fear of losing everything is all we ever think about. Even at the top of our game, we are never satisfied with what we have. We constantly worry about the rug being pulled out from under us." The little panda was quiet for a moment. "I am always worried that the rug will be pulled out from under me. Even more so, now that I have so much more to lose than money."

Falong smiled and put his paw on the red panda. "I am grateful I did not need to point out who I was referring to." Falong waved his paw outward. "This is the memory closest to a moment of pure bliss I could find in your life. You were a child, five years old. It was summer, and you were swinging up into the air so high you believed you could fly if you only let go."

"But I have husbands. I have friends. Why aren't the memories of those I love as strong as Alexander's? Am I incapable of that?"

"I trust you are capable. The memories of the men in your life are strong, but so are the moments when fear and self-interest rule your world. What surrounds us here is the one moment in your life where you saw yourself as good enough, just as you were. There was no struggle to find the next best thing, to gather more, or to one-up the ones next to you. This was before your parents died, and before that trauma awakened a part of your brain that was dormant. This was before the chemistry of who you were was altered, before…"

"Before I became a sociopath," Armel whispered.

"And in becoming, you have never found your way back to this moment. You have never been truly at peace."

"What do I do?" Armel asked. "It's not like I can change. You said it yourself. I always worry about this all going away. My best friend is a tiger who sees what I cannot. Tamil is always at peace with what comes his way."

Falong nodded. "That is true. He is remarkable. When I see his memories, there are so many to choose from where he is in what you call heaven. He has the most incredible ability to live in the moment. It creates such strong, clear memories."

"And mine," the red panda said, waving his paw out toward the garden, "mine are an out-of-focus dream I can barely grab onto. I want it to be more than this, Falong. I want John and Marvin beside me in a memory above all the others. But how can that happen if I can't let my fear go?"

"By realizing you can let go of the fear. The memories I hold do not control anyone. They have no power in and of themselves. One cannot choose which memories are or are not. They all exist. Yet which of those memories we attend to is a choice we all make."

"But how?"

"You're a genius," the dog said with a smile. "You figure it out."

The red panda glared at the yellow dog. "You sound like Will."

The dog bobbed his head the way the dogs often did instead of a full bow. "I am honored you think so."

"He's a bastard."

"Yes, but his birth has so little to do with his character."

"You know what I mean."

"I do, but you overlook what I mean. Will's character was forged through a hard life, one where he has lost everything so many times. By comparison, you have lived a life of ease. And yet, despite the horrors he has seen, he rises above them. I can choose so many memories where he lives forever. His mating with Alexander. His mating with Derrick, Kris, Eric, Oliver, Donovan, Adam, and Spackle. Every memory is so clear, so remarkably preserved. Even his time with you, Panda, is a part of the memory he holds sacred, and in doing so, it remains crystal clear."

"With me?"

"He loves you."

Armel paused and sighed. "Yeah. I love him too, but please don't tell him that."

Falong laughed. "You have my word. But you should tell him yourself."

"I think he knows."

"I imagine he does," Falong agreed. "But you do not trust that he loves you. You think he does, but you're not sure. And in that doubt…"

"Is all that I fear," Armel sighed. "I have never risked telling him I love him for fear he wouldn't feel the same."

"The longest journey begins with the first step. Or so I have been told," the yellow dog replied. Falong pushed his feet against the ground and began swinging back and forth again.

"Are you telling me that if I tell Will I love him, it will lead to me letting go of my fears of rejection? I can lose my fear of losing it all by telling that curmudgeon I love him?"

"Not all, perhaps, but some. You might let go of the fears that cloud your most precious memories. You have such wonderful memories yet to make. Take the time to do the work you need to do. They can be like this memory that surrounds you, somehow blurred by your fear. Or they can be clear, defined by a man who has conquered those fears and doubts."

"You're saying I'm the one to make my own heaven?"

"I am not saying there is a heaven. I am saying some memories are stronger than others in every life. Those memories seem to live on beyond even how I care for them. That has always been the case in all the lives I care for. Yet, even I was unaware until Li Wei looked up at me and smiled. He taught me what surrounded me, and in the knowing, so much has changed. The mistake humans make is clinging to faith that heaven will come after they die. Will has realized we find heaven in the now or not at all. Tamil is trying to teach you that. You have the capability of being an apt pupil. Why not become what Tamil hopes for you?"

"But the afterlife..."

"Has always been irrelevant to our conversation," the dog replied. "Your fear has always been whether you're going to heaven or hell because of your actions. What Will and Tamil are trying to teach you, what I am trying to tell you, is that you are searching for answers to the wrong question. The question to answer is not where you are going after this life, but what personalities inside you will rule you in this life. There are those battling for your soul. They are not doing it for what comes after your life, Armel. They are doing it to save the soul in the life you're living now. Let them help you, but more importantly, help yourself."

"I can't say that's going to be easy," the panda sighed.

"I never said it would be."

"You can't just look into the future and tell me?"

"Li Wei trained me to be a member of our family. What could have made you think I would give you any answer but the one I gave?"

Armel shrugged his shoulders. "Just hoping, I guess."

"Really, Panda? I am growing less and less convinced that you are a genius."

Armel frowned. "Yeah, me too." The panda paused. "Thanks for the guidance, Falong. I will try to muddle through as best I can."

The dog smiled at the little panda. "I offer a suggestion, something that might help in your muddling. Do you remember the story of the great polar bear and his spirit animal?"

Armel chuckled. "The story where Derrick and Will feared Eric would return as a hedgehog?"

"That story. The two misunderstood the nature of the totem. It was never what Eric wished to be. His Mutwajigwan son taught him that a totem could guide him when pain was all he could feel. When Eric's world collapsed, he could place all that mattered to him into the care of a tiny hedgehog that existed beyond this world."

"I don’t understand."

"There are so many memories surrounding the ones we love. At their death, often the only emotions we can feel are the pain of loss, the wondering if we did enough, if we were good enough. There are so many questions and so much suffering. Chet understood that pain and he understood that one day, the great bear he loved would feel the pain. And because he loved him, he taught him how to store away the memories of that which transcends life.

"The spirit animal was a caretaker for the memories Eric held most dear. When one he loved died, he would wait until his spirit could calm enough to bring the totem to his side. He held out a chest filled with all the joy and happiness that filled his mind when he saw his love in the quiet times. Every sacred memory, every touch, and every emotion that words cannot describe was held within a box for the hedgehog to take.

"With only a nod to say he understood, the hedgehog would carry the box back to the dark forest from which he came. Deep in the forest, where no other could go, the hedgehog kept the chest safe and protected. Beyond this world, beyond time, the hedgehog guarded what was most sacred to the polar bear. And on days when those memories were most needed, Eric knew he could meet the hedgehog at the edge of the forest, and the little beast would return to him all that he had lost and all that he had found."

"The songs…"

"The songs," Falong repeated. "Eric's hedgehog, the songs we sing... all are mere devices to hold on to what can save us in our darkest moments. They are there to hold on to the memory of what matters in our lives. Eric has buried five human husbands. He watched forty of his brothers die. So much violence and so much pain surrounded every one of those deaths. The only way the white bear survived was to place his love somewhere the world could not destroy it, somewhere far away from the world he lived in. And he entrusted that love to the one he knew would guard it for him until the day that all time ended along with his life."

"The hedgehog. It wasn't something Eric wanted to become," Armel whispered as his paws rubbed together as if trying to hold on to a fleeting memory. "It was someone he needed to believe would hold his memories sacred and safe."

Armel turned to the tiny hedgehog in the swing beside him. The hedgehog spoke. "The totem was there to teach Eric what I am only beginning to realize transcends our understanding. In his brief life, the Mutwajigwan had found a way to protect the best of who we are when we are with those we love." The hedgehog became a red-tailed hawk and spread his wings. "For Chet, the totem was a red-tailed hawk that flew to a world beyond his to save those memories. His slaughtered people live on in those memories. His love for the white bear never fades." The bird shifted back into a hedgehog. "For Eric, it was a hedgehog. They have both found the one who could take those memories and place them far from the world that so often tears those memories apart."

Armel looked at the tiny mammal and nodded to say he understood. "They gave their memories to you without ever knowing that was what they were doing." Tears welled up in the panda's eyes. "And you hold them until they need them again." Armel bowed his head. "You hold on to mine, as jumbled and messed up as they are."

The temple dog returned, and he nodded. "Those memories have to be protected, Armel. It would be best if you found your way to hold on to them. It may not be through a totem or a song, but you must find a way. I save all the memories in the universe, but you must learn how to access them when they are needed. Gather them now, store them away, and realize one day they will be the only thing you ever owned of worth."

Armel's paws never stopped rubbing together. He struggled with how he could hold on to something as fleeting as a memory. He looked back up at the dog sitting next to him. "Thank you, Falong. I don't know why you temple dogs always frustrate me at the start. By the end, I seem to find the answers I hoped to find. But never seem to be the ones I wanted, only the ones I needed."

"It can be frustrating. Li Wei is my companion. Our discussions are often frustrating for me."

The red panda laughed. "Well, at least I know I'm not alone. Thank you again, Falong."

"It has been a pleasure," the dog said, slipping out of the swing. Falong extended his paw to the panda. "Would you like to have sex now?"

"Ex… excuse me?" Armel stammered.

"I believe I said Li Wei is my companion, my teacher. You have wanted sex with me since you awoke here. I would be remiss if our more important task let us overlook the more pleasurable one."

The panda rubbed his paws awkwardly. "It wouldn't be in imposition?"

"I wanted sex with you since you first woke. I would be honored to join our bodies together. It might be enjoyable if you started out as the smaller panda."

Armel considered his options for a moment. He jumped from the swing, shook to his smaller size, stood before the dog, and looked up. "No time like the present, Falong. I'm going to risk rejection. Dog, will you have sex with me?"

Falong laughed and swooped the little panda up into a tight hug. "Start with the simple challenges, Armel. Asking a temple dog to have sex is a sure bet, but it is a bet nonetheless."

The two beasts' lips met, and Armel felt his rising cock slip up into the soft yellow fur of the dog holding him. He knew that somehow memories were forming. The tiny panda did his best to ensure that Falong's memories and his would be pleasant ones. When he realized Falong was intent on the same thing, he let his fear go and entered the moment.

Chapter 54

Armel woke with a start, staring up into the eyes of two temple dogs looking down at him. A rotund tiger with a huge smile came up over the dogs' two heads and looked down at him. "Did you sleep well?" the tiger asked.

"Not a wink," Armel replied. "I was having a visit with Falong."

"Oh," Tamil replied in a matter-of-fact tone. "Did you enjoy your visit with Falong?"

"Very much so," the red panda replied. "I see now why you visit him."

"There is also the matter that he is the companion of our husband," Katashi said with a nod.

Armel pushed up from the bed, stared at his cum soaked belly, and swung his legs around to the side. "Yeah, there is that. I appreciate your kindness in helping me visit him. I'd love to spend the day with you all, but I need to make a trip."

"Will?" Spackle asked, handing the panda a towel.

Armel gave a shy smile as he reached for the towel. "Yeah, Will. How did you know? John is at the lab today. Marvin's in Washington D.C. Why didn't you choose one of them?"

"You were with my father, remember? We kind of know the same things."

"Well, that's just creepy," Armel grumbled, rubbing his belly vigorously.

Spackle leaned over and kissed the panda. "It also means I'm aware of all those spots you love licked, Panda. And like my father, I'm more than willing to lick them."

Armel looked up at the brindle dog. "Really?"

"I believe you're working on a project where we are supposed to help you. So, I will not answer that," Spackle replied.

Understanding replaced Armel's momentary confusion. "Spackle, I would love to have sex with you as soon as I get back from New York. Do you think we can make time for that?"

Spackle smiled. "We have a date. We'll work out the details when you get home."

Armel smiled in return. "That sounds great." He turned to the two other beasts in the room. "And you two… could I persuade you to join me with your husband?"

Katashi and Tamil both made a polite nod. "Sure," Tamil answered with a lecherous grin."You can bring your husbands. I like it when we all play together even more than when I play with only you. And I loooove playing with you, Panda," the tiger said as his grin turned somehow even more lecherous.

"Thank you for being in my life," Armel said. "Thank you all. I have so much to learn, and so much I need to do. Somehow, when I'm with you, I believe I can do it."

Katashi made a polite bow. "We agree, and most are optimistic about our lives together. There is much to learn that is easier to discover because we are together."

There was a small chime on Armel's chest. "Chip has returned to the jump-gate, Dr. Jackson," Ori said in her perfect cadence. "It is ready to take you to New York."

Armel stared down at his cleaned-up belly. "Is everyone in the loop about what I'm up to? This is just weird."

"Will asked me to return the craft to its Safe Harbor Island dock rather than leaving it in DC waiting for your husbands' return trips," Ori replied.

"So, even Will knows?" the panda sighed.

"Will knows you two need to be together," Ori replied. "Much like your current companions, his Sight seldom gives him details about why he needs to see you. It tells him only that you need to be seen." Armel thought about what the polite, ever-calm voice had said. Ori paused and added, "He said it is always that way with the people he loves. With others, he sees everything."

"I don't understand," the panda said, confused.

"You are a genius, Dr. Jackson," Ori answered. "Please act accordingly."

"Damn it," the frustrated panda protested. "Is everyone going to bust my chops today?"

The metal robot entered the bedroom and waved back to the hallway. "We have all promised to help you, Dr. Jackson. If busting your chops accomplishes that, we will be more than happy to bust your chops. Now comb your hair and get ready. William has set aside the morning for you, but he has afternoon appointments. It is strange how much work he has to do now that he has retired."

"Yes, Mother," Armel sniped as he walked by the robot toward the bathroom. "Do I have any appointments I need to know about today, Sybil?"

"Your calendar is clear," the robot replied.

"Really?"

"The day was set aside two weeks ago by request."

"Who requested it?"

"Spackle."

Armel turned to the striped temple dog. "Am I ever going to figure out this family?"

Spackle smiled. "I doubt it. I see everything, and sometimes they confuse me. But I know they love me. I let the rest sort itself out."

"And do they love me?" the panda asked.

"That's for you to find out, Panda," the dog replied. "Today, you begin searching for that answer in earnest."

The panda shook his head in disbelief, and then, doing his best to fortify himself against the invading fears, he took his first step into the day.

Chapter 55

Armel had scarcely stepped off the puddle jumper when the polar bear came rushing toward him. Despite knowing that Eric would never hurt him, his diminutive size still left the panda crouching as the bear approached. "Shift to small, Armel," the bear yelled from half a silo away. Armel did as instructed, and the bear scooped him up as the bruin ran back toward the puddle jumper. "The dang thing is launching in thirty seconds," Eric said as he rushed through the door and plopped into a seat.

The auto-restraints locked the bear into place, but the panda remained unrestrained in Eric's arms. Eric smiled at the panda he held fast. "So, we're good here, right? This is like a hug. We agreed we're okay with hugs as greetings, right?"

Armel shook his head in disbelief. "Yeah, we agreed hugs are good."

"And kissing? That's okay as well, right?"

Armel nodded. "Yeah, we do kissing."

The polar bear lowered his face to the panda's lips and rose moments later. He stared at the panda. "What did we decide to do when you're sporting wood like that?" he asked, staring at the erection poking up from the red panda.

"You just French-kissed my entire upper torso with that tongue of yours. What did you expect?"

Eric smiled. "Doesn't answer my question."

Armel groaned. "Go ahead, have at it. It's not going down as long as you're holding me." The panda was grateful they were the only two on board when the chittering that was a part of all his orgasms echoed throughout the shuttle.

Moments later, the two stepped out on the docks of the Florida underwater habitats. Standing at the front of the pier were a familiar wolf and Leonberger. Armel ran toward his husbands. "What are you two doing here?" he asked.

John picked up his tiny husband and gave him a kiss. "You smell like polar bear saliva and sperm," he said with a snicker.

"That would be my fault," Eric said apologetically. "I grabbed him to make the shuttle on time. He was in my arms, and he is so cute with that hard-on of his poking up in my face…" The bear let the rest of the story go untold.

"Yeah, I would have done the same thing," Marvin said as the wolf passed the tiny panda to him. The dog gave the panda a lick from crotch to face and laughed. "Yeah, spermy with nice tight nipples. That's the way I loves me some panda."

"So why are we here, Eric?" the wolf asked.

"Will has been working on a project he wanted you to see."

"Down here in Florida?"

The winds picked up around the group, and the Leviathan appeared at the end of the pier, its outer rings whirling to a stop. "No," Eric replied. "Off-world. We know you three are struggling with making the move. Will is hoping that he found a solution."

The two walked to the end of the pier and shared similar greetings with Patrick and Yarnell, the Leviathan pilots. When the Leviathan docked on Terra, the group stepped outside to see a village that looked as if it had existed there next to the ocean for centuries. The architecture was European, with cobblestone roads and Tudor-style storefronts. Some buildings were quaint white-washed brick with wide wooden beams. A few even had thatched roofs.

Eric waved to the buildings. "This is only one hamlet we're working on. We wanted it to have a small-town ambiance for those hoping to find a getaway from our more modern cities. It's more about a sense of place than reproducing an era of history. Of course, it's pretty much what you'd think our designers would create. Those slate roofs are all solar cells. The thatch roofs are composite waterproof materials with heat collectors under them. The roof systems link to help keep the whole town warm and lit twenty-four/seven. There are old-style windmills and fields of tulip and iris growing further inland." Eric pointed up. "And all these lovely bridges overhead joining who knows what for those intent on exploring,"

The three followed Eric with curious looks, trying to figure out what he was doing. But the town often distracted them as intended. For all the mystery Eric posed, they enjoyed their relaxed walk through the empty village. "One day, shopkeepers and tenants will move into the upstairs apartments, but in the meantime, it's still a work in progress."

Ten minutes into the walk, they turned up a street and saw the railing in the distance. "That's the River Walk," Eric said. "It's not your traditional river, mind you. This one empties into the ocean, so it's pretty big but also beautiful."

As they approached the walkway, the group went under yet another bridge, enticing visitors to explore. As the four rounded the corner, the tree-lined River Walk extended in serpentine fashion for what seemed to be miles. "It's forty-two kilometers of trails and pathways winding in and around smaller towns along the river. There are a few fishing villages where we hope to go fishing one day, but that won't be for decades. Fish populations can only grow so fast, you know. Until then, the restaurants will use cultivated meats, and our fishermen will be actors. The seagulls will be real, though," Eric said with a chuckle.

The river was true to its description. It carved its way through forests with steep walls of stone and ferns growing everywhere the water touched. Statuesque fir trees towered above the cliffs, and smaller willow dotted the river's beaches. Smaller tributaries entered the river through tiered cascades. Bridges of stone traversed the creeks flowing from waterfalls. "We're thrilled the Hexadeltans chose to go metric. They find it more logical than their current system. Apparently, they took that system from the size of one of their first king's feet. His foot was ninety-five centimeters. It made no sense to anyone, but they never changed it to something more logical. There are entire schools of little Abids that can run circles around Will with their understanding of metric measurements."

Armel slowed the pace. "Not that this isn't enjoyable, Eric, but I thought I was going to see Will today."

"Oh, of course," Eric said with a nod. "A bit more of a walk, and we'll be there."

"Where?" John asked as they rounded yet another curve in the river.

Eric pointed in the distance. "There," he replied. About a quarter mile from where they stood was the edifice. Surrounded by deep cliffs on either side, it was imposing not only in its size but also in its beauty. It rose from the river, instantly recognizable to all gazing at it.

"It's Boldt Castle," Marvin said, slack-jawed.

"As close as we could make it," Eric said. "There isn't much marble on this planet, so much of what you see will be white granite. But it will hold up better, and the grain in the stone is spectacular." Eric paused. "Boy, does that make me sound gay or what?" he said with a laugh.

"It's Boldt Castle," John said with the same stunned look as Marvin.

"Right. But since George Boldt had nothing to do with this, we thought we'd call it Jackson Manor," Eric interjected. "Sorry, Marvin, but with Peters as your last name, you know there's going to be all sorts of innuendo about the place that won't make for good press. And John Kennedy will always have a dark history to it." The three stood staring at the mansion with its shiny copper roof and gray stone walls. "Besides, Will insisted on Jackson Manor, and you know the old wolf. If he doesn't get his way, he'll bitch until you give in."

Eric started walking again, and the three followed. Soon, the four beasts stood before another Tudor-style building familiar to all three. "It's on the opposite side of the river and not on an island, but other than that, it's a faithful reproduction of the Yacht House. We built it on the shoreline here for ease of boarding visitors."

"Visitors?" Armel asked.

"Boldt created Heart Island with the ego of a millionaire out to impress his friends. He built playgrounds of miniature castles and lavish indoor swimming pools. There's a tower dedicated to distracting you with everything from bowling alleys to snack bars. You men know the drill. Your place has always been a haven for kids. Terra 2 and Terra 3 are full of kids who dream of an island like this. We did our best to ensure Jackson Manor is a stone-for-stone recreation of the original Boldt Castle and all the outbuildings. The greenhouse is a duplicate of your design, Armel. We want those you love to enjoy the jungle world you created." The polar bear stopped in front of the Yacht house. "Especially one corpulent tiger that loves you more than you realize."

Eric opened the doors to the Yacht House and ushered the three past displays of coastal life, the local towns, and old boats. Outside, a transport skiff lay moored to the side of the large pier with queues winding back and forth to get to the boat. As they neared the skiff, the three noticed a familiar face at the helm. John waved. "Cable, what brings you here?"

"I have a love for transporting people across the water. There is no Partridge Island on Terra. There are no wars to remember and no history of immigrants dying on our shores. I chose this because I get to transport those in search of fun and laughter. And today, I am lucky enough to show four handsome men what a wonder they have stumbled upon." With a broad gesture, he waved the men onboard.

"Normally, we would travel to the Arch," Cable said, once the others had climbed aboard. "We removed all other access to the island you remember on Earth's Heart Island. It's not only for aesthetics, but it maintains the privacy of those who live on the island." The skiff veered off to the right rather than toward the left, where the entry arch rose from the water. "Today, I will give you the grand tour of all that surrounds Heart Island. We kept that name. It seems fitting, considering those who will live on the island."

The boat moved at a lazy pace along the river. Soon, it was apparent another island lay beyond Heart Island. Cable pointed to the island. "Safe Harbor," the wolf said with a smile. "The home of those who work on Heart Island, and the fields where they grow their food." He paused as they rounded the island and sped forward. "And of course," he said with a wave toward the trees in the distance, "the forest where their actions will make a joyous sound on nights with a full moon." Cable made a boisterous laugh. "Safe Harbor will be as much a tourist destination as Heart Island for many a lucky beast."

The skiff flowed past various moorings and piers for boats. "There are no boats at the moment, but then there are also no employees of Heart Island, so it is not an issue. The building and docks outside look as if everything is ready for occupants. But the builders have much to finish inside."

The skiff rounded the far side of Safe Harbor Island. Looming not far distant, the three stared at the temple shining in the noonday sun. Cable remained silent and let the three gaze on the temple. "It's perfect," Marvin said. "How could you get it so perfect?"

"We didn't," Eric said. "The Leviathan is on temporary hold in our effort to repopulate the oceans. We're waiting for things to settle out there in the great blue. So, Will pressed it into service for a different task. It brought Miào d?o over from Earth in sections. You three didn't even notice it was gone. An island between you and a complex viral puzzle to solve kept you too focused to notice. The three inhabitants who will live there have already begun their preparations to move in. I think you might know them."

Armel stared at the temple rising from the island amidst the tall trees. "It seems closer."

"It is," Eric agreed. "Positioning and island size had some constraints because of the river's sides. We maintain the river's water levels by a series of small, salmon-friendly dams further upstream. It will protect the islands' locations from seasonal flooding. Honestly, we don't know what that flooding might be like, but we're prepared for it."

The skiff moved again, heading to the opposite side of Safe Harbor and Heart Island. In time, it moved through the gates of the entry arch and docked at the stone mooring. "Everyone, off my skiff," Cable said with a laugh. "Go out there and meet the man responsible for this massive expenditure of monies we don't have."

The four stepped off the skiff and walked across the drawbridge. The castle was so familiar, yet somehow different. "It has that new castle smell," Marvin said with a chuckle. "The dock is like Earth, only the water is cleaner, and walls aren't quite as moldy."

"Don't let Sybil hear you say that," Armel warned.

"No, never," Marvin agreed.

"Gentlemen," the wolf at the top of the incline said with a wave of his hand. "Welcome to Fantasy Island."

Eric leaned over and whispered. "It's some ancient TV series. Ignore his references. He's only telling you how happy he is to see you."

The three nodded and moved up the path toward the castle. "So, what do you think?" the old wolf asked.

"Why, Will?" John asked. "Whatever possessed you to do this?"

Will pointed to Armel. "Him."

The panda's eyes widened. "Me?"

"Yeah, you." Will crouched down in front of the panda. "Armel, you've had such a rough life and not of your choosing. I know what that feels like. I know what it feels like to be constantly afraid that somehow someone will take all you have away from you. It's happened to me. It scarred me in ways I can't tell you. I was terrified of ever loving again. It took the bravest wolf I have ever known to yank me from that spot and drag me into his world. Derrick threw me a lifeline that I never thought I'd find. But at some point, I had to grab onto that line. I had to commit to risking it all again. I can't thank my pup enough for that moment in my life.

"Oliver knows that same story as well. It took a thirteen-foot-tall Megatherium to pull him back from the abyss. Hell. Look around you at any gathering, and I can show you a dozen men whose lives are so filled with the awful I have no idea how they even survived. But to a man, someone stepped up and reached out to them." The wolf paused. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "And they took that hand. They let go of their fear, and they took that hand.

"I'm married to an otter that has so many amazing men inside him. One watched his husband sacrifice himself to stop a tanker from destroying the conference hall on Partridge Island. That tanker crushed Steve under tons of metal to the point they couldn't even find most of him. Kendal survived what none of us should have to survive, and when he met another man who hurt as bad as he did, he didn't turn away in fear. He put out his hand, Armel. He risked it all, and Marcus took that hand. Those two men saved our universe because of one extended hand. They knew what it meant to be afraid. But they rose above it by taking the hand of the ones who loved them.

"Men willing to show you that path surround you. You married two of those men, and they have always extended their hands to you. We all stand by you, our hands extended. But you have to get past your fear. You must risk it all, knowing it might not work out but doing it nonetheless. This house, this island, it all means nothing if you don't reach out and take it. It's our mantra, Armel. It's what we live by. Save one…" the wolf reached out his paws toward the panda. "Save all."

The little panda shuddered. Armel's paws reached out and took the wolf's. He choked back a sob. "I'm afraid, I'm so afraid I can't be what you want."

"You already are what I want. You are the man who took my hand when I offered it to you. That is braver than most I know."

The panda continued to shake. "I… I…" the panda felt the tears but couldn't let go of the wolf to wipe them away. "I… love you, Will."

"Yeah, I know," the old wolf said with a smile. "I love you too, Armel."

The red panda forced a smile. "Would you like to have sex with me?"

"Sure," the old wolf replied with his smile widening into a broad grin. "With or without that entourage of yours?"

"Both, if it's okay with you. But can it be the two of us first? Can we just lie together and talk? There is so much I want to say."

Will reached out and toyed with the panda's erection. "Is this going to get in the way of all that talk?"

"No, I think we can get around to it eventually."

Will looked up at the three who stood watching. "Armel and I are going over the powerhouse. It's made up the same as it is on Earth."

John smiled. "Good choice then. You two have fun."

Will gave a nod to Eric. "Old Bear, could I persuade you to take those two handsome canines to the greenhouse and show them what bears do in the woods?"

Eric put his arms around the wolf and dog and pulled them close. "It would be my pleasure. We'll see you gentlemen later." With a tug around their shoulders, the bear walked toward the greenhouse with his willing captives.

"I'm sorry that it's taken me so long to tell you I love you, Will," the tiny panda whispered.

"I'm sorry I made it so difficult for you to find the words."

Armel chuckled. "You can be a bit of a bastard."

"Yeah, I can. So can you. But today, what say we be lovers and let all the other titles befitting our names slip away?"

Armel smiled. "I would like that."

"Change, Panda," the old wolf commanded. "I have a need of a top, and that tiny thing between your legs won't cut it."

Armel shook, and the six-foot panda appeared. "Better," Will said. "Much better." He grabbed the panda's paw and pulled him toward the Power House.

Armel willingly let the wolf pull him in the direction he realized he wanted to go. It was toward a man he loved and away from his fears. He couldn't be sure, but in his heart, he felt the memory would be as clean and clear as any he would ever have.

Chapter 56

"Inukshuk, Quinn," Derrick yelled as he raced toward the polar bears. Eric turned to see the bears walking out from the ocean.

Derrick hugged each of the bears. "My second and third favorite polar bears in the world," he said, squeezing both.

"Which world?" Inukshuk asked.

"I don't know," Derrick said, letting go of the hug. "Which one are you on now?"

"Here on Terra. The transfer of our pod is complete. We occasionally go back to Earth to consider other species' transfers. All the pinnipeds and cetacean species are trying to ensure that some of their family survives here on Terra."

"Is it working out okay?"

"Our pod has never seen an ocean so clear or full of life," Quinn said. "We only need to show our fellow sentinel species what this world looks like, and they know they want their children to grow up here. It requires a lot of sacrifice and changes in behavior, but they're making the leap. We can't thank you and Oliver enough for all you have done for us."

"I'm glad we could help."

"Where is Oliver? We'd love to thank him in person."

"He's on Agries. Some of us are gathering to say goodbye to the Order returning to their home planets. A bunch of them helped in the transfer of beasts to Terra. Their skills in space bending are invaluable; even if Kris is upset, not everyone gets to go through his Stargates. We're stragglers taking care of some last-minute business, but if it means I got to see you, I'm good with that."

"Maybe we could get together later in the week and have each other for lunch," Inukshuk said with a smile. "It's been a long time since we've had the pleasure of your family in our arms."

Derrick nodded. "So, no whale sex. We're talking polar bears, right?"

"If our family's number one power-bottom is declining the offer from his whale family, I'm going to say it's bears all around."

Derrick tilted his head. "Will is our number one power-bottom."

Quinn laughed. "That's not what he said."

The black wolf beamed with a sense of pride. "Really? That is so cool."

"Very cool indeed," Quinn said, rubbing the top of the wolf's head. "So, how about two days from now? Sometime around sun peak?"

Derrick gave a happy nod. "Sure, that sounds great. We'll eventually get a calendar and clocks that work for this planet."

Inukshuk kissed the top of the wolf's head. "We're whales, Wolfy. We don't really do calendars and clocks."

"Two days at sun peak."

"We're heading into town to say hi to friends," Quinn said. "You two stragglers are welcome to join us."

"Not today," Eric replied with a wave as he approached the three. "We're already late." He put his arms around the young wolf. "I will look forward to sun peak in two days, but for now, we need to get to Agries." Derrick twisted his paw, and the two were gone.

"Weird," Quinn said, staring at the empty space. "I mean, I love the boy to pieces, but that's just weird."

"Says the whale that just became a bear," his mate said, shoving himself into the other bear.

"Yeah, well, that's only marginally weird. Teleporting your husbands across the universe with a twist of your wrist is major weird."

"Yep," Inukshuk said with a chuckle. "I guess we have two days to up our weird game, or that family will eat us alive."

Quinn put his paw in that of his mate. "Oh gawd, I sure hope so," he said as they began their walk into town.

Chapter 57

The gray werewolf and the oversized tiger walked without words in the early morning fog. In time, the wolf spoke. "Thank you for joining us on our run last night, Tamil. There has been a long history of only wolves running in the night. I hope to change that. Our family has grown so far beyond our pack, and I don't want anyone in our family to feel they are excluded."

Tamil smiled. "I had a great deal of fun. You are a very friendly pack."

"My son seemed especially smitten by your affections."

"He is young, and I remember what it feels like to be young."

Jean Pierre laughed. "You are two of a kind. And I am grateful Fenrir has such an uninhibited tutor for proper beast behavior." The wolf was quiet again before speaking. "I'm sorry, Tamil. I misjudged you."

Tamil's look of confusion was evident. "How?"

"I saw your turning as something against all the laws of the Were Nation. That was a mistake on my part. I, of all beasts, should have known better, but dogma blinded me over decency."

"I'm not sure I understand," Tamil said.

"My husband, Jason. I turned him when he was sixteen."

"Oh," the tiger exclaimed. "You're not supposed to do that."

"I was aware of the law," Jean Pierre agreed. "But there were circumstances. The humans were willing to murder him because of who he loved. He was only a boy. He hadn't even tasted life, and the Nazis shot him and left him for dead. All for loving another man. There, dying in my arms, I realized there was so much more to life than the law ever taught us. I couldn't let him die."

"Then you did the right thing," Tamil replied. "Jason is a wonderful fox. This world would be so much lonelier without him. He makes an excellent husband, I'm sure."

"That is why I am apologizing, Tamil. I was wrong about you, and I should have seen from the start what I did not."

"What did you not see?"

"That you were not just a tiger, any more than Jason was just a boy."

Tamil continued his walk with Jean Pierre. The tiger reached out and took the wolf's hand. "I understand why you might be confused. I am not a human. The turnings were always with humans."

"No, Tamil. That was the mistake I made. The turnings have always been with those whose lives would benefit from the turning. There are rules to guide us, but sometimes rules don't allow for those who need that gift the most. Sometimes, to save a life, we turn a young man. Sometimes, to honor a promise, we turn a tiger."

Tamil smiled. "I am not a normal tiger, Jean Pierre. No normal tiger would want to become what I am. It has taken me a long time to learn that lesson. I'm not always sure I understand it, even today. But I know I am not only a tiger. I am something more."

"And I was willing to group you with all the other tigers," Jean Pierre confessed. "I apologize for my mistake. You are so much more than I ever understood. Your husbands did right by you. I would have chosen a different path, and I would have been wrong in doing so."

Tamil squeezed the wolf's paw. "Then we are lucky that you met Jason and not me."

Jean Pierre looked up at the smiling face of the tiger. "Yes, we are both lucky. Will you forgive an old wolf for not seeing you for what you really were?"

Tamil's boisterous laugh echoed through the forest. "I don't even know what I really am. Why would I think you should know?" The tiger leaned down and kissed the wolf. "I forgive you, Wolf. I am glad you see me as different now. But don't feel bad you made a mistake. We all make them. Spackle tells me if we never make mistakes, it is probably because we are dead. I think he is right."

"I do, too," Jean Pierre said with a nod. "What say we head back to the pack and roust them all? They are expecting us on Agries by noon. I'm sure you and my son can teach us old dogs a few new tricks."

Tamil smiled. "You are not a dog, Wolf. You are a wolf. But I think Fenrir and I might enjoy teaching you new tricks. Does that mean you will join us?"

"Today it does."

"I am glad you will be there with us. I enjoy keeping families together. Perhaps your husbands can join us."

"And your husbands joining us would be nice," the alpha added.

Tamil laughed. "With that many of us, we will have a brand new pack."

Jean Pierre reflected on the words. "No, Tamil, not a brand new pack. The pack we should have had all along. The pack I dreamed of having for so long." He looked up at the tiger. "I will race you back."

The werewolf shifted and became a wolf as he raced back through the fog of the forest. He smiled as the little tiger raced past him. Without slowing, he ran toward his pack and a new world.

Chapter 58

The heavyset brown bear and the lithe blue woman walked along the grassy path together. The breeze was enough to move the taller grass across the plain in undulating waves. "You haven't merged in millions of years, my love," the Kodiak said. "It is not good for you to hold back from what you taught us. The truth is the truth for all. The Unity is who we are. It is time for you to merge."

The beautiful woman looked up into the eyes of the Kodiak. "I waited until I knew our child was safe." Gaia's voice was the new world coming alive. It was the sound of glacial waters cascading down the mountains toward the alpine forests below, the voice of the jungle birds singing in the rain forests. Her voice blended with the therberling hooves as the herd before them galloped across the plain. Her voice was so beautiful that, for a moment, it took the bear's breath away.

"Our son is safe. We are all safe for a time," Kris replied.

“And where am I supposed to find someone not intimidated by the idea of merging with the Mother of All?”

Kris laughed. "I admit I was young. You were daunting."

"But you were glorious, my love."

Kris leaned down and kissed the blue woman. "I am not intimidated anymore," he said when their kiss ended. "We can bring along the family if you wish."

Gaia shook her head. "A child born of our union will be like our first. They will share in the family legacy. One day, they will stand by their brother, and that bond will unite a family with powers beyond imagining. If we are to merge, we cannot let your husbands distract us in the dark time. Will is incorrigible even as a rock, and Oliver is too impatient. The child's education before its birth will, of necessity, be paramount."

Kris nodded in agreement. "Then the two of us?"

"I would like that," the blue woman agreed. The two stared out at the new world for a time, listening and watching. "You are welcome to return to your husbands, my love. I will stay here. There is work to be done. Terra is settling in, but she has needs we have yet to meet. Her mother and sisters seem content for a time to be planets without life, but Terra is still adjusting to her new surface."

"Would it help if I were to join you?"

"I think your husbands might object."

"I am certain they will. But if we are to incur their wrath, it might as well start now. They will see, soon enough, the path we must take. We raised a bright son, and he married well. They will get through this."

Gaia laughed, and it flowed around the bear, like water flowing over a cascade. How quickly his mate adapted to her new world. How easily she brought him into that world. The two kissed and became the grass that covered the plains for kilometers in every direction.

On Agries, Oliver looked up into the night sky. "Damn fool bear. You ain't coming back until that merge is over. You went and left us without even a goodbye. We ain't even gonna find you until after you and Gaia is a rock somewhere inside a cave."

Adam stroked his badger mate's shoulder. "She needs to rest, Oliver. She needs to return to the arms of the Unity she gave birth to."

"I knows," the badger grumbled. "But I'se gonna miss them both. Hardly got a new world in place and they is gonna be off making a baby."

Derrick smiled. "I learned that sometimes saying goodbye makes leaving harder on everyone. They have my blessing. I'm willing to wait for them to return with their newborn. He'll be the first Changeling child born on a new world. That will be quite the chapter in the journal."

Will looked over at the black wolf. "Who is to say the child will be a 'he'?" Will said with a smile.

Derrick nodded. "You're right, Old Wolf. The child will be whatever they want to be. I'll be happy whatever they choose."

Eric looked at the two stars that appeared as one from a distance. "When we find them, we can build a home next to them, so we can watch over them until they return. I'm no longer interested in sleeping inside caves waiting for family to return. We need a new home where the Were Nation can visit. I say we plop it right at the foot of where Mom and Dad are sleeping."

"I likes that idea, Old Bear," Oliver said. "Me and the pup would be happy to help, but maybe when Greg, Kirk, and that team of theirs gets a break from them big cities, they mights want to help."

"It will take them some time to build a new ranch house," Eric said. "But I like that idea. Let's keep the family involved wherever we can." He looked over at the stripped temple dog. "And you, Spackle. I have it on good authority that your contractor's license is still up-to-date."

Spackle smiled at the polar bear. "It is. As is my architectural license. But those are all Earth-based. There's nothing in place for Terra."

"Are you still willing to help, despite not being street-legal on Terra?"

"You made sure we had a home on Terra. I see it as my duty to ensure you have a home as well."

"We will get together and talk about it soon," Eric said as he wrapped his arms around Spackle.

"You are all welcome to stay here as long as you like, gentlemen," Tephos interjected. "This planet rarely sees guests who aren't in the middle of some squabble. It's quite nice not to hear bickering intransigents." Tephos looked at the badger, and the tentacles shifted quickly to the forefront. "That means folks who won't budge an inch bitching about all the others who won't budge an inch, Oliver."

Oliver smiled at the multi-tentacled creature. "Thank you, Tephos. I'se gonna get used to you in time."

"And I you, Oliver," Tephos replied. He repeated his offer. "Please, feel free to stay. There is enough lodging for you all. It gets lonely after the Order has returned to their homes."

"Thanks, Tephos, but tonight it's best that we return home as well," the polar bear replied. He still gazed out into space toward the glow of a binary star system eight light years away. "It's finally done. Jupiter and her children are in their new homes. Mom and Dad are taking a well-deserved break. Everyone has done such amazing work. It's time for us to go home. The last major wave of the Were Nation is about to travel to a new world. We should be there to greet them."

"We'll take care of that, Old Bear," the French wolf promised as he hugged Eric. When the hug broke, he looked down at his fox mate. "There's a great deal of information to pass along for all the new arrivals. Walking through a doorway and onto a new planet can be disorienting."

"I tried to keep things as much the same as I could," Eric said sheepishly. "But those planets are big, and there's only so much wiggle room in their orbits."

"You did an amazing job, Old Bear," Jean Pierre comforted. "It's like any move into a new home. So many things to adjust to that never even crossed our minds. But we'll be fine."

Jason smiled. "Most of it is falling into place, Old Bear. Terra is an orbit that will create a year that's three hundred forty-two days. We will need to get used to the years flying by even more quickly." The young fox looked down at his chest and tapped his ComLink. "Terra's rotation will require new clocks to accommodate twenty-five hour days and hours that are one hundred minutes long."

Ori's polite voice responded. "It is already done, Jason. It will take a bit of getting used to for most, but at least it will make going metric easier for the last of the stragglers."

Lothair laughed as he picked Jason up and placed him on his shoulders. "The Hexadeltans are picking it up faster than some in our family who struggled with it for centuries. There might be a point of diminishing returns in trying to get the stragglers to convert."

"Of course, Lothair," Ori replied. "But I feel it is my place to always encourage my family to change for the better."

Jason nodded and put his head down on the top of the wolf. "I'll talk to the Hexadeltans. Maybe we can get some of them to drop by and give our stragglers a few lessons on the metric system."

Will grinned. "Tell them I have a few suggestions on how best to teach me about fluid measurements."

Jean Pierre laughed. "Ever my habituated old wolf. I look forward to our lives together."

"My alpha, now and forever, Gray One," Will said with a bow of his head.

"Well, we best be getting along," Lothair interjected. "Find your parents, Old Bear. Build that ranch big, and add a few outbuildings. My husbands and our son don't wish to be far from you when this all settles down. But for now, we have temporary lodging next to the Northwestern Stargate. It's not many hours before the sun rises over our temporary home."

"There are already townships out there involved in the middle of their day," Will said. "Go on home and get some rest. I imagine Chet and the boys have their hands full settling in the herds."

Jason rubbed Lothair's head with his chin. "They're on top of it, Will. The Behemoth brought the bison over weeks ago. There is so much to be done, but for the first time in all our lives, what needs to be done doesn't involve trying to protect Terra from her inhabitants."

"Of everything you said, Jason, I think that's about the most comforting," Spackle said. "Safe travels, you four." The crowd watched the wolf/fox family step toward the shimmering darkness and they were gone. The striped temple dog put his paw into that of the polar bear. "It's been tough, but you did great, Eric. You promised to save Terra from the threat of the humans. You've done that. The Terran dragons and my brothers are safe and resting in new homes. In protecting Terra, you protected us all. Save one, save, all."

Tamil rubbed the back of the white bear. "You did a good thing, Eric. A long time ago, Dr. Wells told me that sometimes we are willing to hurt so we can become what we dream of. I didn't understand him then, but I do now. I know how it hurts to become something new. But sometimes the hurt is worth it."

Eric smiled at the rotund tiger. "Thanks, Tamil. It's nice to know you understand. It's never easy to let go, even if I know it's for the best."

Derrick wrapped his arm around the polar bear. "I'm sorry, Old Bear. I'm sorry it turned out this way."

The polar bear wiped a paw across his eyes. "I am too, Pup."

"Ain't your fault, Old Bear," Oliver said as he looked past the light-years at the tiny third planet orbiting the sun. We done it to ourselves. If humans is ever gonna get out of the hell they create, they's gonna have to do the digging themselves. And I'se saying that as a guy who once was them, and who knows how hard doing that digging is."

Nathaniel stared into the same night sky. "I still hope. I'd like to think there's always a possibility for redemption. Perhaps they will figure a way to come together."

"I agree with you, Bear," the striped temple dog said. He waved toward the tiny solar system surrounding Sol. "Lincoln once said, 'We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.' Any species that can create such a child deserves a chance to find those better angels."

"There is only another year before the tipping point, Spackle," Will replied. "The development team in Germany says they're six months behind on a plan that didn't have enough time budgeted for from the start. They blame the bickering between countries over who has to pay to build the asteroid deflector," The old wolf took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Humans have always been slow to see the truth and are all too happy to make up a story that calms their fears instead of addressing them. They already made up a handful of them."

Spackle leaned over and kissed his mate. "Ever the bringer of facts we don't want to think about. Thanks for keeping us honest, Husband."

Will frowned. "Sometimes I hate myself for the things I see."

"Which is why you have so many husbands that love you," Adam said as he reached out his paw and put it in Will's. "You go on keeping us honest, and we will remind you that you have no reason to hate any part of who you are." He turned to the thinning crowd. "William is right, but I still hope Nathaniel's prediction wins out. They have the technology. All they need to do now is find the will. I hope they find their way." He looked up at the wolf and smiled. "Take me home, Husband?"

Will reached down and pulled the otter up onto his shoulders. "It would be my pleasure, Adam."

The striped temple dog wiggled a paw. "How about me, Husband?"

"You staying the night?" the old wolf asked.

"Can the husbands come with?" the dog queried, nodding toward Katashi and Tamil.

"Wouldn't want it any other way," the old wolf replied. The two clasped paws and Spackle put his free paw out toward his tiger and temple dog mates. The five walked toward the portal and it enveloped them.

Derrick turned toward Tephos. "Thanks for everything, Tephos. We'll see you again soon, I promise." The tentacled creature did his best to create a smile and waved a tentacle goodbye. The black wolf reached for the paw of the polar bear. "It will all work out as it should, Papa Bear," Derrick said. "Your work is done. It's time to go home."

"Thank you for everything you have done, Pup," the polar bear said, squeezing the wolf's paw in his.

Derrick looked up into the bear's eyes. "Thank you for asking. I can't tell you what it means to me to be a part of you that way."

Eric tightened his grip around his husband's paw, and taking a few steps, the two were gone from the planet.

"Come on, Max," Chipo said, extending his three-fingered hand to the oversized bear. "Let's take this cat of ours home." Martin grabbed the rhino's free hand, and the three stepped through the portal.

Oliver and Nathaniel stood together, the last of the family on Agries. Oliver continued looking up at the night sky. "Come on, Oliver," Nathaniel said, nudging the badger. "Time for us to go home. Terra is waiting."

Oliver nodded. "It's just that I sees something, Bear."

"Don't look too close, Badger," the short-faced bear replied. "I don't think Papa wants you to. It's hard enough for him to do what he did."

Oliver nodded again. "I figured he was walking away forever."

Nathaniel laughed aloud. "Badger, have you forgotten the day you two met on Partridge Island? My Papa never gives up on those he loves."

"Didn't rightly know he loved the humans. He ain't got no real reason to."

"Well, he loves his husbands, who love the humans."

"But we's here, and they's there," Oliver said, pointing out toward space.

"He still hopes."

"You thinks it's gonna do them any good what he done?"

"Time will tell. To tell the truth, I hope they don't need it. I hope they find their way on their own."

"But just in case they stumbles…"

The bear reached down and pulled up the badger onto his shoulders. "Just in case they stumble, Badger. Just in case."

The two stepped into the wormhole and the darkness folded into itself. The badger and the bear were home. Light years away, eight planets orbited the lone sun as they had for billions of years. From space, it looked as it had for eons, save the faint green glow that wrapped itself like a shield around Earth, the Moon, and Mars.