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Kattar looked over Will's shoulder. He watched as the old wolf moved blocks around the screen. "So this is what you do when you're not having sex?" the Hexadeltan asked.

Will smiled as his hands moved across the screen. "Sometimes we get called into work when we're visiting the highland. The dogs insisted we set up a satellite workstation here in the monastery." The old wolf moved a few more blocks. "This is one thing I do. Eric and I are responsible for a great deal of what happens in Bear Paws Enterprises. There are over twenty-three million people employed through Bear Paws. The choices we make directly affect those lives, and more all the time."

"By moving blocks of color?"

"This is housekeeping. The IT people at Bear Paws understand that I'm visually oriented. The blocks represent funding. I make decisions where I think those funds should go to keep our company profitable. Once I move the blocks into the spaces where in my mind they best serve that goal, I submit it to the board." Will moved another group of blocks. "My board is like your council. To a large extent, they have the final say in approving what I propose."

"Do they ever override your choices?"

"Occasionally. We have a good working relationship. They see things that sometimes I don't. I'm looking top down on the businesses. Keeping a view from the bottom up is their job. That and keeping me appraised on how my view might adversely affect their view."

"And this works?"

"Our GNP..." Will paused, realizing his use of jargon, "... we generate an annual income that is greater than most countries. Keeping that running smoothly is no small feat."

"And you do this and still have time for sex?"

"And spending time with my family not having sex, visiting the businesses on rotation, attending family gatherings; I do a lot of things."

"And the me time I read so much about in the human periodicals?"

"Spending time with my family is my me time. I'm a wolf. We're pack animals. I don't need to be alone very often to stay happy." There were a few more shifts of boxes and Will pushed back from the screen. "There... that's done for the day. Just a few calls to make, and Brian is sending me a new itinerary..."

"Brian?"

"A personal assistant. He's my scheduler."

"Then what does Derrick do?"

"He's also a personal assistant. He keeps me on task with Brian's scheduling."

"Will I ever see Brian?"

"Sure. He and his husbands show up most family gatherings. They come in from Geneva."

"Husbands? He is polyamorous as you are?"

"He is in a triad. Outside of Changelings, we are beasts that don't reproduce. But our family grows nonetheless. Brian and Eldon are werewolves. They met Stephen, a human, at a European shareholder's meeting in Paris. They hit it off and now Stephen is their mate."

"Is he still human?"

"No, he turned. They're a wonderful group of guys."

"And do they engage in sex with other..." Kattar struggled for the words, "... packs like you do?"

Will laughed. "Not so much. They are cordial to their extended family, but they're closed in their sexual relationship."

"And does this displease you?"

Will stood up. "Computer off." He turned and hugged the Hexadeltan. "Not at all. Many in the Were Nation choose to live lives that reflect a different approach to establishing family bonds. They are intensely affectionate with their family as we all are, but it simply does not extend into sex unless they see a need."

"A need for sex? Is there such a thing?"

"There was for Stephen. Stephen's initial friendship with Brian and Eldon was platonic. But the two sensed a need in Stephen to connect with others that extended beyond that. Stephen's shyness kept him from ever voicing the need. But as the three interacted, he never backed away from Brian and Eldon's suggestions to explore a more physical relationship."

"How old was Stephen when they met?"

"He was twenty-eight, I think... or maybe that's the age when he turned," Will said, dropping his head to think back. "They've been together eighty-plus years. It's hard to remember all the dates and ages."

"And in eighty years, they have not expanded their pack?"

"Nope," Will replied. "They seem content with their little pack."

"Curious."

Will looked at the four-armed beast. "What's curious about it?"

"I thought all of you had sex with everyone," Kattar replied.

"That seems to be a common misconception. Adam told you about his Welcoming, right?"

"Yes. It sounded intriguing but equally intimidating."

"That's because when you hear of a gathering of beasts from a few to thousands, you imagine we're all having sex. To a person, everyone who hears about a welcoming, but has never been to one, makes that assumption."

"You aren't?"

Will laughed. "A great number of us might be, but not everyone. Brian and his husbands were at our most recent Welcoming for Adam. They wanted to welcome Adam to the family. But they never took part in sex with others. There was plenty for them to enjoy, even with their closed triad. You gather over two thousand members of your family, and there is a lot of catching up going on."

"And others are the same?" Kattar asked.

"Yes, most beasts who showed up saw no need to go beyond the general festivities of the event. There are some exceptionally talented beasts around the world. We had concerts, huge picnics, and contests pitting packs against other packs in friendly rivalry. There was even a night in the commons by candlelight for couples renewing their vows. Welcomings are often a time when couples realize how long it's been since they renewed their vows, and they take advantage of the time together to change that." Will gave a chuckle. "There is something about a werewolf waiter in a bow tie that makes an evening special. We are, as a group, highly romantic."

Will walked over to the sink and poured himself a glass of water. "Those who had sex with us tended to be our more immediate family. And hundreds of beasts who engaged in sex never had it with us. They were reconnecting with their long-distance family members by taking advantage of a gathering they knew they could hitch a ride to. It was great to see them all. That's why we gather. It's the uninitiated who assume we gather for the sex."

"So everyone who attended made their own choice of how they would interact with you on every level of that interaction?" Kattar asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"Of course. Is that what confuses you?" Will asked.

"The Order stresses conformity. Individualism such as your species displays is unheard of."

"The Unity is much the same way."

"No, their bonding as one was initially genetic," Kattar corrected, "but now it is decidedly a choice. When their children chose a different path, they worried about the outcome, but they did not stop them. The Order is even now discussing whether to allow Adam to continue what he has done; especially considering my choice to follow his example. There is talk of removing me from the council altogether and recalling both of us."

"Recalling you?"

"Forcing us to abandon our hosts and return to the homeworld."

"For having sex?"

"It goes beyond sex, William. You know that."

"Okay, so you love us. We love you. We're doing fine with Adam. Where is the downside to what we're doing here?"

"We are upsetting the Order. The Order is all."

Will looked at Kattar. "They don't know, do they?"

"They have no memory of the events. Derrick didn't want them to relive their deaths by having memories of that time."

"So, they're threatening the head of their council and our husband with a recall? A recall for consorting with the very creatures that saved their lives?"

"That is a good appraisal of the situation," Kattar said with a nod.

Will expressed his displeasure with a low growl. "Your people are dicks," he snorted. "No offense to you or Adam meant," he quickly added.

"No offense taken," Kattar said with a smile. "From the outside, our behavior would seem inflexible. The Order does not allow for deviation. We are a hive mentality. Everyone knows their place. Deviation leads to chaos. Chaos leads to..."

"Their asses being handed to them on a platter by some alien from another universe?" the wolf interjected. "Oh, and those collective asses being saved by a black wolf who has nothing to do with the Order," Will added angrily.

"I agree. But they do not see that. They see you all as a species hardly worthy of merging, let alone their attention in maintaining the universe."

"WHAT?" Will yelled. "Where were they when Adam took our people into him the first time and stopped your fucking Shumuuluud? That was a chaos of your making, Kattar. Our sacrifice fixed that. It was Adam who brought us into this."

Kris looked up from his reading. "Old Wolf, calm down. I don't want you having a stroke over this."

All four hands of Kattar waved in unison, trying to wave away the wolf's anger. "Please no strokes, William. I understand your displeasure. This is not a simple issue. They see Adam's actions with your species as an anomaly... not a normal extension of who you are. Most don't even believe Adam's story of the Shumuuluud. Those that believe, think it was Adam's control over your people that led to the positive outcome. It appeared to us that Adam orchestrated the entire affair. We didn't realize how he involved the individuals inside him."

Will glared at the Hexadeltan. "I changed my mind about your people. They're not dicks. They're arrogant, self-absorbed dicks."

"Old Wolf," the brown bear reprimanded.

Kattar shrugged helplessly. "I agree?" he said with a question, pleading for an end to the wolf's anger.

"Well, that's comforting to hear, I guess," Will said. "Now if we can just get your people to..."

"We've got incoming," Derrick blurted out as he ran into the monastery.

Eric looked up from his seat on the couch. "The Red Wolf?"

"No, Adam, and he's coming in hot... I mean, really hot."

The slamming of a body against the side of the monastery walls was audible even from inside.

"Oh, Jeez," Will groaned. "Now what?" The old wolf shook his head. "I'll go grab the first aid kit. Old Bear, go look to your patient outside."

The polar bear hadn't even lifted off the couch when the otter raced into the room, trying to pat out the fire on his arm. "Ouch, hot... hot..." he said. He looked at the group. "We've got a problem."

"A husband who can't fly?" Will asked coming from the bathroom with the first aid kit.

"Bigger. I admit I'm distracted, but I have cause. The council has called Kattar and me home."

"I heard nothing of it," Kattar said.

"That's because you're the same as I was during my first days with this family," Adam said, exasperated. "You're so caught up in the newness of them, you're filtering out every other incoming message."

Kattar closed his eyes, concentrating. "Oh, Dalph," he whined.

"Okay, short point of order," Kris interrupted. "Who or what is Dalph?"

"One of the five major gods of the Hexadeltans," Kattar responded. "He is the god of mischief and pleasure. They tend to... I tend to call out his name when sexually excited or in crisis." He looked at the staring, bewildered beasts. "This is not an orgasm."

Derrick looked at the bruised and smoking otter. "Adam, what's going on? Why is this a big deal? You go home all the time."

"No, Pup. This is my home," the otter corrected. "The council is calling Kattar and me back on a point of order. They're preparing to recall us."

Will's eyes narrowed as they had only minutes before. "They're going to kick you out of your body?"

"If that is their decision, yes," Adam replied.

"And what about our family inside you?"

"I am unique in sharing so many hosts. I can't tell you what might happen. Only Donovan and I are truly merged. He would, of course, remain in the otter when I am removed, but what becomes of my other family is unknown. I might be hiding exactly who I am and how many individuals share this body from the council. That, and the powers of the beasts inside me..."

Oliver and two temple dogs walked in from outside. "That is fucked up, Adam," the badger said.

"I realize that, but it was to avoid the very conflict I'm in now. And now, I've drawn Kattar into this mess. If this is a recall, we can't go against the will of the council."

Eric stood up from the couch. "Why not?"

"Because no one goes against the Order. The Order is all."

"No, Otter," the polar bear said. "Your family is all. The Order is a job. I admire your desire to persevere in that job, and I appreciate the good work you do, but, at the end of the day, it is only a job."

"They are my people. You don't understand."

"I understand," the white bear retorted. "Look inside you, Adam. You are my husband. You're the father of our child. It doesn't matter if I call you Adam or Donovan. You understand what is right. You know what matters."

Adam looked down at his feet. "I do, Husband. I know. But you ask too much of me to face this alone."

The bear snorted a short laugh. "Really? After all these years together, you thought I would ask you to face this alone?"

"You cannot enter the council chambers without an invitation. I cannot bring you."

Eric turned to Derrick. "Well, Pup? Is this going to be a problem?"

"Nope," Derrick gave his defiant reply. "I have no problem staying by Adam's side. And since I'm going anyway, I might as well take the whole family."

Adam looked up. "Pup, you can't."

"I can."

"It will only make matters worse for Kattar and me."

"We'll see," Derrick replied. "But you already spoke your fear. We will not leave you to face this alone."

Kris rose. "Pup is right. It's about time we met the in-laws."

Adam shook his head. "This can't end well."

Adam felt a thick paw on his shoulder. "We wish to go with you, Adam, if you will have us. Family does not leave one to fight alone."

Adam looked up at the temple dog. "Is this going to be a fight?"

Bolin nodded. "You see what is on the horizon. Turn from the truth and the truth will still be there. One day, you will need to deal with it. Today, your family extends their hands to help. Take them, Otter. Don't turn away from us or the truth today."

Adam reached out, took the hand of the temple dog, and squeezed it. He looked at Kattar. "This is what family is. This is what they offer you."

Kattar looked at the surrounding beasts. One hand at a time, his arms extended toward the husbands. "I know now why he stays," Kattar said. "And I know now why you go. I stand by my brother, and if you will have me, I stand by my family."

"And we are honored to stand by you," Kris said as he held one hand.

Will took another hand. "Welcome to the family, Kattar. I've said it with Adam. I'll say it to you. Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be a bumpy night."

Kattar nodded. "I don't doubt it."

Adam raised his hand, and the monastery was empty.

Chapter 28

The amphitheater had a cold, clinical feel to it. It was metal beams rising upward almost beyond seeing. At the top, the ceiling formed a dome clad in a skin of metal sheets. The drab colors and utilitarian design clearly meant to pack as many individuals into the building as possible.

In that respect, the interior of the building was impressive. Hundreds of thousands of seats and lounges lined the walls of the building. From the floor far below them to the ceiling hundreds of yards above the family's heads, each layer was a balcony extending out into the main stadium. Each mode of seating transmitted a picture of the main floor that floated in the middle of the amphitheater. Those below could see all that was happening from the visuals in front of them. Whoever designed the building had only functionality, not comfort, in mind. "Love what you've done with the place," Will said in a whisper. "Very early Tim Burton, Goth chic."

"Old Wolf, you are either part of the solution..." the white bear threatened.

Will drew his pressed fingers across his lips. "Sorry, Old Bear. I promise today I will not speak. Adam and Kattar deserve at least that much from me in the way of help."

The polar bear leaned over and kissed Will. "I love you, Old Wolf. Thank you."

Kattar nodded in agreement. "Thank you, William. I know that is not an easy promise for you to make."

"The council is called to order," a voice boomed throughout the amphitheater. A creature of folding skin and tentacles moved out from behind the dais and onto the floating floor where the family stood. The first words from the creature's mouth were indecipherable. But Adam raised his hands and his family all listened to a translation in their native tongue. The gist of why they were there was immediately clear.

"This is exactly why we brought you back. We tell you to come alone, and you bring these Earthlings with you in direct defiance of our order."

Adam stood firm. "They are my family. They have a right to be here."

"Only if we say they have that right," the creature replied with a slathering sound to its voice.

Will fidgeted but held his tongue. "They are here now," Adam said. "Let's not waste our time discussing a moot point. Why are we here?"

"And what makes you think you can call a council meeting?" Kattar added. "I am head of the council. That is a choice made by me, not you, Tephos."

"We can call a meeting with the vote of two-thirds of the congregation. You have the right to see those who voted to call this meeting."

Kattar shook his head. "Show me those who voted against this breach of trust. Those are the ones I wish to honor."

A group of thousands of faces sped by the family in images that appeared in the air without a screen or projector. Kattar bowed his head in disappointment. "Three thousand twenty-five out of how many hundreds of thousands of votes?"

"The entire congregation voted. The council was unanimous in its approval of the vote."

"Not unanimous," Kattar said, looking at the creatures of all sizes and shapes that rested on the raised platform that surrounded them. "I did not vote. For the record, I am opposed to this meeting and the vote you took without my authorization." He slowly looked into the eyes of each member of the council before his next words. "And on what did you vote?"

"To recall you both. Your actions wantonly violate our laws. You consort with the creatures we are to defend. You jeopardize the Order."

From the amphitheater came the voice of hundreds of thousands in unison. "The Order is all."

The polar bear looked at the old wolf. "I may have been premature asking you not to speak out," he said as he shook his head.

"I'm biting my tongue, Old Bear, but it's not easy," Will replied.

"The Order is not all," Adam shouted. There was an audible gasp among the throng of creatures in the room. "The Order has much to learn about the universe and our place in it."

"You overstep your calling, Adam," Tephos chided.

"No, he does not," Kattar interjected. "He speaks the truth. Since when has the Order shunned the truth?"

There was a voice of agreement raised in the room, but the family realized, compared to the size of the throng, those who were supportive were few.

"I think your misguided idea of what the truth is might cloud your judgment, Kattar," the multi-tentacled beast said.

"Be careful of what you say, Tephos," Adam said, glaring. "This is what got us into a mess in the first place. Our arrogance to believe that we know all, instead of realizing there is much to learn from those we share bodies with."

The voices of agitated creatures rose with a challenge to their infallibility. Another rose from the dais surrounding the family. Unlike Tephos, with a look that inspired an instinctive unease, the one standing before them now was humanoid and beautiful. The glistening, pale green skin revealed the chlorophyll flowing through the creature. The face was soft and delicate. Long white robes surrounded the being. They were sheer and delicate, flowing in cascading sheets. "We are the protectors of these creatures, Adam," the other said, pointing toward the Terrans. "You act as if they are our equals instead of what they are."

"They are more than our equals, Beslx," the otter rebutted. "They are what we should aspire to be."

Tephos pointed to Oliver. "That? That is what you think we should sacrifice our billions of years of evolution to become?"

Oliver grabbed the otter. "Don't you sees it, Adam? Look at them critters out there. The more power they gets, the more sure they becomes they is using it right every time. Them rainbows that ate everyone, they ain't no fluke, Adam. They is these people just a few more years down the line. They is already telling you what you can and can'ts do, but worse yet, they is looking at the ones they protect as something lesser than they is. This ain't right, Husband. Don't side with what is creeping slowly toward the awful, all the while thinking they is something righteous."

The tentacled creature rose, the layers of skin shifting and folding in on themselves. "This is not the time or the place for your underlings to voice their opinions. We have made our decision."

Adam pivoted around and stared at the tentacled leader. "What did you say?"

"You heard us," Beslx responded. "This has gone on long enough."

"Control your pet, Adam, before we need to do it for you," Tephos ordered. There was a slow murmur of agreement that flowed out from the council and then into the amphitheater.

The otter stared at the council and then up at the hundreds of thousands of beings he could see inside the side walls. There was a low growl that escaped from his lips. "Oliver was right," he said, grabbing the badger's paw. "Fuck this shit." Adam thrust their paws into the air and a yellow light filled the room.

The screams of pain were almost immediately replaced by sobbing from those creatures that could cry and a wailing moan from others. Beings in agony filled the amphitheater; that much was unmistakable. The polar bear looked at his two diminutive mates. "What have you done, Husbands?" He asked.

"What was needful," Oliver said without remorse.

"I don't doubt that, Oliver," the bear said. "We just need to know what was needful."

"I showed them what their noses in the air got them when it came to Delar. Everything... I showed them everything. I showed them Adam telling them what was coming, and them ignoring him because the Sight weren't no power of theirs. All them beasts out there now knows what happened when they was so sure their brains were better than anything out there. I showed them the cloud that drained every ounce of life from their bodies, ripped them apart, and then blowed them up into atoms."

The badger pointed out toward the amphitheater. "I showed them how Adam died knowing they was all on the wrong path because he was more loyal to them than they was ever loyal to him. All the while, the critter who killt them was laughing at how easy it was to sucker them in to killing themselves. They now knows what happened when the otter threw Kattar out into space and onto Terra. I showed them the pup. Now they understands what Adam's pets can do. Assholes deserved every bit of it."

"Agreed," Eric said. "And you, Adam?"

"You won't let me lie and say I showed them the same thing, will you?" the otter asked.

"Not hardly. Cards on the table, Adam. Kattar needs to know."

"As do we," a large group of various beings said as they worked to find their way down to the middle stage where the family stood. "Apparently, you spared us the ordeal of watching our death."

Oliver looked at the various creatures and nodded. "You sided with Kattar and Adam. You already knowed what was needful. No use hurting you for spite."

A large, woolly beast bowed. "Thank you... Did I hear your name is Oliver?"

"That's right," the badger replied.

"Thank you, Oliver," the beast said as it turned toward Adam and once again bowed. "I am sorry we are so few, Adam."

"After today, Chelap, I suspect your ranks will grow. I showed our people the most likely timeline for our future if we do not change our course. In less than one hundred years, a civil war over who controls the power we possess destroys our planet. In the wake of that destruction is the death of every habitable planet in this solar system. Our people become an endangered species. Only the few hundred who live off-world with their families survive. And many of them will be forced from their hosts when the news of what has happened reaches them." Adam shook his head in disbelief. "The hubris of our people to think we have all the answers."

Chelap sighed and pushed back the hair falling over his brow with a long, clawed paw. "Our arrogance will be our downfall."

"It doesn't have to be," a voice said from beside the temple dogs. The black wolf stepped forward. "People of the Order, I have something to say." All heads turned toward the beast whose voice resonated in their heads. "I am Derrick of Terra. We came here today to stand by our mate, Adam, and by our friend, Kattar. We came without an agenda other than to ask you to leave our husband and his brother free to choose their own path.

"We still wish nothing more than that. You have so much to give to our universe. There is so much good you can do. But you have forgotten why you do what you do. The universe doesn't crave order. Look around you. The universe is chaos personified.

"We weren't created to beat the universe into submission. We were born to help each other cope with what it does. That's our reason for existing, but we so often overlook it. We weren't meant to be rulers. We are meant to be servants to the greater good. Sometimes along the line, we forget that. But we can remember. We can relearn what it was to be the universe's caretakers instead of its overlords. If we reach out to each other, we can become better than we are alone. We do not rise by climbing over the heads of those beneath us. We rise by lifting those around us onto our shoulders."

The face of the wolf turned from his gentle smile and his blue eyes darkened. "But know this, people of the Order. Do not attempt to recall our husband. He is family. He is Terran. We protect our own. You do not have to stand by us, and we will still wish you well. But never attempt to force us to your will, because we will rise united, stronger, and braver than you can comprehend. We will defend Terra. We will defend our family, and we do not back down in fear."

The black wolf shook his head slowly. "Please, be our friends. Don't let this day pull us apart. Let it bring us together. There is so much to do, so much more that we can do." The young wolf looked down at his feet. "I guess that's all I have to say. Thank you for listening."

There was a still quiet over the entire amphitheater. And then Kattar picked up the staff that had fallen from the tentacle of Tephos. He pounded it on the stage. And then again. The Three thousand and twenty-five stomped their feet, clapped their hands, or used whatever option they had to make a noise in response to the young wolf's plea. One by one, thousands upon thousands more joined in until the noise was deafening.

Adam looked at his family. "I think we're done here. Who wants ice cream?" All the family's hands rose. When Adam's hand rose as well, the family was gone.

Chapter 29

The sun was rising as Adam stepped out onto the beach. He looked up at the last of the fading stars. "I know, Marcus, I know. It's not easy for me either. They deserve to be told, but I'm not ready to tell them just yet. We need to learn from the history of our family. This is our problem, and we need to be the solution. I'm not asking any of you to lie. I'm asking you to hold off telling them everything. For the time being, helping Kattar settle into a universe where a family surrounds him is a diversionary preoccupation. That distraction keeps them from noticing the questions they have yet to ask themselves."

Adam was quiet for a time. The seabirds continued their songs with renewed vigor as the sun crested the fog over the bay. "I realize he will, Kendal. Derrick always looks back and wonders why pieces don't fit. He always tries to find the links." The otter sighed and paused. "Kattar won't distract Derrick for long. Please, they are my people, Samuel. Please let me try. I promise I will do what I must do if it comes to that, but I hope to turn the tide." A wave rolled onto the beach and splashed up against the feet of the otter. "I know... I know... the tides are never easily turned."

The sand nearby the otter began compressing into footprints, and slowly the four-armed furry creature appeared. Kattar reached down and pulled the otter into a tight hug. The two kissed in the manner their family had taught them. "That was even better than the ice cream," Kattar giggled when the kiss finally ended. "If I understand love as my host defines it, I would say I love you, Adam," Kattar said, smiling. "All I know is that for the first time in my life, I see a life beyond the Order. I have a life that can let me be both of who I am. I won't let Kattar stay in the shadows anymore. The two of us need to share our life."

Adam smiled. "I'm glad to hear that. How did the council meeting go?"

"All I can say is that I'm glad to be back on this island," Kattar said with a sigh. "I'm thinking we need to talk to the family about this, Adam. There is a part of our history you shouldn't hide from your family... from our family."

There was a look of concern on his face. Adam frowned. "Did you figure it out, Brother?"

"Not until just now. You aren't controlling your thoughts, Adam. You need to stay more focused. The Order will hear you if you're not careful."

The otter shook his head in frustration. "I'm trying. But knowing the truth is taking a toll on my concentration."

"And it will take a toll on mine now that I see it as well," Kattar agreed. "I suspect, given a bit of time, you and I will both be struggling to keep this information secret. Adam, we can't let this go unattended. The Order saw their deaths, but one day the entirety of the council's actions will resurface and it will throw this problem back into our laps."

"I just need time to sort out those involved."

"We may not have that time, Adam. Your husband's kindness in wiping the memory of our deaths may lead to a conflict even greater than that which he saved us from."

"What could be greater than the death of our people?"

"The death of our people and the death of your husbands at our hands."

"I won't let that happen," the otter said, stomping his foot into the sand.

"Then you best prepare a course of action soon. I am aware of your issues with charting a course quickly. I know you try to sort out all the options. But, Adam, you also know what problems your hesitation can cause. This time, you cannot let others decide your course of action. You cannot let the Order..." Kattar paused, "... we cannot let the Order stand between us and our family."

Adam nodded. "I know." The otter paused and looked out at the ocean. "I will return to the Order and do a bit of reconnoitering. Before we move, we need to find out who the involved parties were. I think we can convince those not directly involved to side with us."

"I don't envy you your task," Kattar said as he reached out and pulled the otter back into a four-armed hug.

"Can you stay and watch over my family?" the otter asked.

"They are my family now," Kattar answered. "The beliefs of the Hexadeltans closely align with those of the Were Nation. They understand what it means to be a family. Kattar and I both hold our merging together now. When the time comes, be confident that we will both take our place beside you."

"There is no good outcome in this, Kattar."

"I know."

"We save our family."

"I know."

Adam sighed. "I'll go wake my husbands and tell them I'll be off-world for a few days."

The Hexadeltan lowered the otter back onto the sand. "I will watch over Nathaniel and Max as well, Adam. I will watch over the entire island."

Adam lowered his head. "I thought that seeing their deaths would change them. I thought seeing where we were headed as a people would make them choose differently."

"It did, Adam. For tens of thousands, it made a difference. They are no longer on the fence. Many of them returned to the home planets of their symbionts. They are working with their people to make this universe better one world at a time."

"But there are so many more that fell right back into their old ways. Seeing his own death only seems to drive Tephos even faster toward the idea of subjugating the universe for its own good."

"He is not alone. He is persuasive and cunning. Those are not good traits together. Beslx and the rest of the council are moving together with one mind, and the direction they are heading is going to put us all in jeopardy."

The two ended their conversation when they noticed the black wolf and badger walking along the beach toward them. Derrick waved and yelled from a distance, "Our husbands woke up to ice cream and are happy to let the four of us have a moment together."

"You both see it, don't you?" Adam said sadly as the two grew closer.

"Not all of it," Derrick replied. "I'm piecing things together, but I'm pretty sure the two of you have the answers to my questions." Derrick knelt in front of the otter. "What I do feel is your worry and your pain for something we should share with you. Adam, you're our husband. Isn't it time you tell us what should never have been hidden?"

"Ain't no good being married to the best men I ever knowed, if you ain't gonna lean on them when you should," Oliver added. "Time you two stop trying to do alone what you gots to do."

Kattar put one of his four hands on Adam's shoulder. "They sense enough to know the truth. They're right. We're making a mistake trying to do this alone."

Adam's head lifted from where it hung since the conversation had begun. "I'm sorry, Husbands. They are my people. I was hoping they would change. At every turn, I thought one more revelation would help them see the error of gods that look down on those they are meant to live among."

"You ain't gods," Oliver said with a frown. "You's powerful, but you's just critters like the rest of us."

"That's all gods ever are, Oliver," Adam replied. "Gods are the ones that choose to separate themselves from those that surround them because of the powers they hold. Benevolent or merciless, all one needs to be a god is power. All one needs to be a merciless god is the thought that you're above those you say are in your care."

"Then your people ain't very good gods no more," Oliver said.

"You did so much good in the past," Derrick added. "What's happened? Why this sudden change?"

"It wasn't sudden, Pup," Kattar responded. "Our purpose became clouded the more we removed ourselves from sharing the lives of those we sought to protect. Our tinkering with the universe outside of our eighteen-dimensional reality became the thing that intrigued us. The outcomes of those living in other realities were far less important than our own perception of balance in the universe."

Adam waved his hand. Derrick and Oliver's eyes widened at the view in front of them. "You'se seen this for centuries, Adam, and you ain't done nothing?" Oliver said, disbelievingly.

"I did do something, Oliver," Adam protested. "Please understand until I met you, I was the same as most of my people are now. I was visiting Earth because of the corporeal Changelings I hoped to inhabit. What I have learned here on this planet has changed everything for me. Everything. I tried to pass on what I learned. I have sung to my people. The hope was to teach them the history of my family and show them what I found. I tried to remind them what our people once were and should be again."

"And many of us listened," Kattar said. "But power can become the goal instead of the tool so easily. We have lost our link to the people we should serve. Maintaining order in the universe through power has become the goal, regardless of the outcome for the ones we promised to protect so many eons ago." Kattar was quiet for a moment as his words soaked into his own heart. "The Order is all," he whispered. "Great Dalph, how could we have gone so far astray?"

There was a moment of quiet where the sounds of the ocean waves were all the four heard. Adam looked up into the sky suddenly and shook his head. "How could I have been so wrong about my people?" he said, the panic clear in his voice.

Kattar looked at the otter. "What's wrong, Adam?"

"Tephos has called a council meeting. He sought to block it from us, but he forgot about the Sight," Adam said, agitated. He put his hand to his forehead. "There's a reason they didn't tell us."

Adam glowered. "Kattar, get back there. Use whatever remains of your authority and stall. Don't start that meeting until we're there."

"You're bringing someone else?"

"Our family. It's time I leaned on my husbands. It's time we brought our family into this. Stall... and you best be ready for some fireworks."

"Literal or figurative?"

"If we don't get there soon, both," Adam replied.

Kattar faded, and only his footprints in the sand remained.

"Do you see it, Oliver?" Adam asked the badger.

"I seen it, Adam. You shoulds have come to us sooner. This ain't gonna end well. That civil war you said was coming is on your doorstep and you ain't got no army fighting for your side."

"Come with me, please," Adam begged. "We need to stop this."

Derrick shook his head. "We'll come, but I don't think we can stop what's in motion, Adam."

"Please."

"You'se got us by your side, Otter," the badger said as he shifted to werebadger. "Now ands forever."

Adam's hand rose. The spy-hopping Dá Lóng and her children peered into the empty space in the sand when the voices on the beach went mute. The mother told her children not to worry. Their family was watching over them. But as she turned back toward the darkness of the ocean water, even she could not hide her concern.

On the planet of the Order, the otter appeared with a black wolf and a badger by his side. Kattar rushed to give the three a quick hug. "What's happening?"

Adam looked up at the congregation of creatures. "If you stand by Kattar, if you believe that we as a people strayed from our promised path, leave us now. Return to your symbionts' homeworlds and pray this day ends well. Don't put the ones who have offered you their bodies in harm's way. GO!"

The empty chairs that remained were few, but Adam took solace in their vacancy. He turned toward Tephos. "Put an end to this, Tephos. Tell our people the truth before it destroys them all."

"And what makes you think you understand the truth?" the multi-tentacled creature asked.

"The Sight. I am aware of all that happened the day we died, Tephos."

Tephos heaved his body up. "Fortune telling and prognostications are best left for amusement, Adam. There is no evidence that the vision of our deaths is even the truth. It could be little more than mass hypnosis. Even if it was the truth and we died at the hands of subterfuge only you saw, I see nothing but your own keen insight at play. As for what your pets have done, that too appears to be simple magic tricks to amuse the lesser minds of our people. Those around you see past that charade."

Adam turned toward the tentacled creature. "Have you lied for so long that you can no longer even hear the truth?" Adam turned to the congregation. "Delar did not attack us alone. There are members of this gathering who helped him. We were responsible for the crack in the universe that let him through."

"That can't be," cried out one creature.

"It is. The goal was to use Delar and his armies to become the police of this universe. His corporeal armada and our powers were the perfect combination to subjugate this universe."

"You say subjugate, Adam," Tephos interrupted. "There are those of us who view it as bringing order to a universe riddled with chaos."

"And is that why you convinced our entire race to sacrifice itself attacking warships built with your guidance? Was that why you, as the council head, gave orders of engagement that you realized would lead to our deaths? You knew a frontal attack of Delar's army would be futile. You knew it would drain our powers, and you relied on it. Our deaths were the goal all along."

"Sacrifices sometimes need to be made for the greater good."

"YOU DIED, TEPHOS! You died just like all the rest of us."

"An error in judgment. I should not have trusted Delar to hold to his word and leave behind those of us with vision. His ambition was too great." The writhing tentacles of Tephos pointed toward the black wolf. "But it would appear that you corrected my oversight. I won't make the same mistake again."

Adam looked back out at the group. "This is what comes of thinking we have the right to subjugate an entire universe to our will. For those of you who understand now what monsters we have become, turn from this day and leave. Don't stand beside those who now show themselves to be the very thing we once fought against."

Adam stared out at the crowd as only a few more seats became empty. "That is it?" Adam yelled. "All of you will enslave worlds untold for the sake of your ordered universe? You're willing to hide in the shadows for the sake of holding onto your power?"

"I have nothing to hide, Adam," Tephos replied. "But aren't there more pressing engagements elsewhere than a meeting here?"

Adam's eyes narrowed, and the Sight pushed forward past his anger and toward the beast.

"NO!" Adam screamed. He turned to his two husbands. "They're attacking Terra." He raised his hand in the air, but nothing happened. The four remained on the floating platform. "There are others here blocking our exit," Adam said in a panic.

"We can't let you leave without saying goodbye," Tephos sneered. He lifted one tentacle, clinging to a switch. "An old school approach borrowed from Delar. You see, Adam, we've learned from watching our deaths. When in doubt, blow up your enemy." With a flick of the end of the slimy appendage, the phase bombs detonated.

Chapter 30

Will's ears were the first to hear the heavy thud. All the family felt the shake as it moved through the museum house. "Company, men," he yelled as he bounded out through the back door. He looked out on the grassy farmyard in front of the forest and saw the three massive beasts. Each beast appeared to be from a different world. It was equally obvious none of them was from Terra. "We have a situation," Will said, recognizing immediately an enemy in their midst.

Nathaniel followed quickly behind the old wolf and once outside, he turned from the creatures and looked back at the hospital. "Damn," he growled, "This is a hell of a time for Martin and Chipo to be visiting the family in Africa."

Max grabbed his short-faced bear husband and hugged him quickly. "At least it's early. We don't have any humans on the island." Max saw the wolves running toward the calamity. He put his hands to his mouth and yelled. "Wolves, create a perimeter around the hospitals."

"The children," Nathaniel yelled to his husband as the smaller short-faced bear ran toward the hospital.

"Kwan and Hanuel know their part in this, Husband," Max yelled back.

"The Padre and Phillip are already gathering the kids and getting them to the shelters," Will said as he stared at the three on the far side of the field. "If we can contain the mess to this side of the island, we'll be fine."

Kris pushed his way through the door. "Go take care of your patients, Son," he commanded.

With a quick kiss on the cheek of his father, Nathaniel was racing toward the hospital. "Exactly what is happening, Old Wolf?" the Kodiak asked as he turned back toward the three invaders.

"We're being attacked," Will responded. "More exactly, you're being attacked. Friduwulf Hospital and Montana are under siege as well. These creatures are here to assassinate the Changelings."

From the west side of the island, three temple dogs were racing toward the beasts, their khakkhara in their paws. Above the island, thick, dark clouds swirled into a rotating circle.

Eric had caught up with Will just as the wolf hurtled over one of the farmyard fences. He grabbed the wolf from behind. Will's paws raised, and they flared red. "No, Will," the polar bear yelled. His paws slipped further down, pinning the wolf's arms against his side. "There's only one group we know that appears out of nowhere. These are creatures from Adam's world."

"Yeah, so?" Will growled.

"They're hosts. They may not be in control of their actions. If the Order is using them as puppets, we can't kill them. There has to be another path."

Kris bounded toward the first beast, a twenty-foot tall, white-furred creature that was moving toward the hospitals. As the Kodiak neared the behemoth, the beast swung around in a pivot that swept Kris off his feet as a thick tail hit him broadside. Kris realized too late that his proximity to the beast had weakened his position. The temple dogs jumped into the fight, stabbing the massive tail with their staffs. The beast roared and grabbed for its tail in pain.

Kris looked up at the creature, trying to find a point of weakness in the beast. White fur covered most of the body, except on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. Large plates that rose along the ridge of the back resembled those of a stegosaurus. It's what gave the tail an especially hefty punch when it hit the brown bear, and he had no desire to meet it again.

Despite its formidable size, the furry creature had a face resembling a teddy bear. It was almost comical from a Terran perspective. But the sense that the creature was cute quickly changed when the mouth opened and row upon row of sharp fangs flashed brightly in the sunshine. "You heard the Old Bear," Kris yelled as the temple dogs approached. "These might be innocents. Let's try to shut them down without shutting them off."

The three dogs watched as the white beast grabbed for them. "We will try to find another path, Ancient One," Li Wei said as his khakkhara blocked a swipe from the beast towering above him. "But it may not be possible if we are to protect our charges on this island."

Another beast moved toward the wolf and polar bear. Reptilian, the thirty-foot scaly creature moved on four legs that were longer and more limber than a lizard's, but equally stout. There were imposing claws at the end of each foot, but the jaws of the beast were its obvious weapon of choice. Sharp, knifelike fangs dripped wet in the sunshine. The smell of the beast's breath was unmistakable to a wolf that had spent time in Southern swamps surrounded by cottonmouths. "It's venomous, Old Bear," the wolf warned as he tried to get free from Eric's grip.

"Don't kill, Old Wolf," the white bear plead.

"Fine," Will responded. "But don't let them kill us in the process."

The bear set the wolf free and his paws raised, glowing bright green. "Come on, Old Wolf, we do this together. Dial it back." The wolf lifted his arms up, and together, the bolt of red and green light sped across the glade and hit the creature, knocking it to the ground, unconscious. The wolf and bear took a moment to assess the situation before them and turned, preparing to go for the last beast.

They had scarcely moved forward when the third beast lurched toward the temple dogs on the back of the first beast. The largest of the three, the last beast stood upright, grounded by four legs. There was a kind of fur covering the body which might as easily be feathers or something even unnamed in Terran vocabulary.

Whatever it was, the horned beast was actually a beautiful reddish color. It caught the rays of sunshine and reflected them back like iridescent glitter. Except for the four legs, the body of the beast was remarkably like a large ape. The front arms were long and acted like counterweights to the heavy lower half of the body. By swinging them, the creature's forward momentum increased.

When it was nearly on top of the temple dogs, one hand of the horned beast reached for Saand and pulled him up into the air. The remaining two dogs' keen hearing picked up the crushing of bones even over the battle as the creature's hand grip tightened around the hapless temple dog. Katashi pivoted and ducked as the second hand reached for him. Without a moment's hesitation, Li Wei jumped up into the air as the hand with Saand in it sped toward the beast's mouth. Li Wei landed on the hand so close to the mouth he could feel the breath of the beast exhale. He thrust his khakkhara into the thick flesh between the beast's fingers and thumb.

The beast roared and Saand dropped to the ground like crumpled paper. The other hand of the beast pushed up against Li Wei and thick claws sprang out through the dog's body. Katashi looked up to see his husband pulled into the air like a doll. The second hand's extending claws raked across the front of Katashi's body. He stared at the blood covering his golden fur in disbelief and fell off the tail of the white beast and onto the ground.

Will roared and his flaming hands grew too bright to look at. But before he could lift them, lightning surged up from the ground, through the massive beast, and up into the clouds. The bolt downward was equally intense and when the creature fell to the ground, the red fur was burning and black. When those that had seen the bolts of lightning could regain their sight, they saw the beast lying on the ground. Li Wei lay bleeding from the four claws protruding from his body.

"Ancient One," Katashi begged, a question unspoken as he rose. The Kodiak turned from the beast with the armored tail and saw Li Wei's bloody body. "This ends now before Gaia takes them all out," he growled. The green light sent the twenty-foot-tall white beast hurtling toward the forest, where it smashed through the trees. The beast was trying to lift itself out of the forest debris when the white light rolled over the island like a wave. No one standing in the field was upright after it hit them.

The old bear looked up into the sky, and tears filled his eyes. "Oh god, Donovan," he whispered. "Oh god, I am so sorry."

Kris looked at the white beast in the forest. It was unconscious. Whatever had happened, the three beasts were immobile. Eric ran to Saand and knelt down, picking the dog up and wrapping him in a warm, green glow. Kris ran to Li Wei and knelt at the body of the temple dog. The green glow spread out and over the dog, as the bear's head bowed. The blood flowing from the four large openings covering the chest and belly of the temple dog stopped, and the wounds began closing around the claws.

Li Wei's eyes opened, and he smiled at the brown bear holding him. "Do not waste your energy, Ancient One. I'm afraid the only thing keeping the blood inside me now are the claws of the beast."

The smoldering beast stirred. "I meant no harm. It was not my choice," it whispered as its head dropped close to the yellow dog.

"Are you free?" Li Wei asked.

"Yes," the beast replied. "I have not felt freedom in so long. I am so sorry that I have killed one of those that gave it to me."

"And I am sorry that your freedom came at the cost of your life," Li Wei said through his panting.

"I'm afraid," the beast said. Its head drew close enough that its breath blew the temple dog's fur around with each word spoken. "I'm afraid to die."

"Would it help if I were to go with you?" Li Wei asked.

"But what if there is only darkness?"

"Then a dog is a pleasant companion. We have excellent vision in the darkness."

"You would be so kind to the one that killed you?"

"The one that killed me is dead," Li Wei said, looking into the orange eyes of the beast. "You were his weapon, but you were not responsible for my death."

"Enough of this talk about death, Li Wei," the brown bear interrupted. "You both hang in there. We can find another way."

The glowing green polar bear knelt beside Li Wei and Kris with Saand in his arms. "There is not enough power in the two of you to heal both me and my faithful companion. Save Saand."

"We can save you too, Li Wei," Eric said, pleading. "Nathaniel will be here soon."

"But I have promised..." the temple dog looked up at the enormous head beside him and smiled. "How have I been so remiss in my responsibilities? I am Li Wei, son of Jiao-long of the Verital."

The giant horned ape returned the smile. "I am Trabelem of the Shestexar."

Li Wei looked up at the two bears hovering over him. "I have promised Trabelem that I would join him on his journey. It is not good for a temple dog to break his word. His size and wounds preclude him from taking advantage of your gifts."

"No, please," the horned ape said, trying to right itself. The move shifted its claws, and Li Wei howled in pain. The ape went immobile, steadying the claws inside the temple dog.

"I would prefer you not do that again," Li Wei said with a pained look toward Trabelem.

Trabelem frowned. "Please, let them heal you."

"Are you no longer afraid of what is coming?" the dog asked.

"No, I am still afraid."

"Then I am still your companion, now and until the fear is no longer there."

"You offer too much," the ape said as his eyes closed.

"It is the way of my people. We are explorers. This is the last great mystery. I wish to share it with a companion." Li Wei paused, catching his breath. "Be that companion with me, Trabelem."

"Now and until the fear is gone?" the still-smoking beast asked.

"You are certainly welcome to negotiate a different time frame, if you wish."

The eyes of the horned ape flickered open, and the smile returned to its lips. "No, no. I accept your offer. I am grateful, but I am sorry as well."

"As am I," Li Wei said with one last smile. The two bears watched as Li Wei's paw reached out and touched the temple of the giant ape. "Rest, Little One. Our journey is just beginning. You will need your strength." The ape closed his eyes, and Li Wei's gaze returned to the ones in front of him. "I am sorry to leave you without a proper goodbye," he told Katashi.

"It is all right, Husband," Katashi said with a wave of his hand. "Long goodbyes only seem to make the pain that much worse."

"Take care of Saand. Do not let him believe he has failed in his calling. Remind him the choice was mine."

"I will remind him, but I do not think it will calm his spirit."

"You will find a way. I am grateful for our time together, Katashi," the temple dog replied with a low moan. "I have learned so much with you by my side."

"I too am grateful, Li Wei. Do not linger here at the cost of leaving your companion alone. Bind yourself to him while the ancient one's strength still holds you in this place."

"Always thinking of our charges," Li Wei said with a smile. "Look after Spackle. This change of plan will cause him great pain."

"We will make it through this time together," Katashi replied.

Li Wei turned his gaze to the Kodiak. "Time to hold back, Ancient One. Transfer your power to Saand. Save his life. Trabelem is dying. No healing you possess can save us both. I need to be where I have promised to be."

"Please, Li Wei," Kris begged.

The brown bear felt the squeeze of the yellow paw on his shoulder. "We are grateful you have given our brother time to prepare for his journey," Katashi interjected. "But lingering any longer will cause him to break his vow. My husband has made his choice. It is now up to us to honor his wishes, Ancient One."

The green glow faded from the hands of the brown bear, and Li Wei's paw dropped onto the paw of the horned ape. His eyes closed, and the head fell. The claws of the ape retracted, but little blood flowed from the temple dog. His heart no longer beat.

The white bear raised his head. "Jiao-long," he yelled up into the air. "Your child is dead. Where are you? Can you not feel the loss?"

The air above them began moving into a swirling pattern of light that formed a sphere of darkness with galaxies moving through it. From deep inside, the winged dragon catapulted out onto the island. He reached down and stared at the lifeless body cradled in the paw of a massive horned ape. His eyes closed tightly. "Who did this?"

"The Order; Adam's people," Will growled.

"Where?"

"I don't know where, but they took Derrick, Oliver, and Adam," Will answered.

"Then they have me to deal with," the dragon said.

"Brother," the white bear interrupted. "Your son is dead. Reach out and find him. Pull him back from where he's gone."

The dragon shook his head angrily. "Where he is... if he is... I cannot find him, Old Bear. There is no life force for me to grab onto." The wings of the dragon spread out and the dark orb formed above him.

"No Jiao-long," Eric cried out. "If Li Wei is truly dead, that means all your children are grieving. Do not go seeking revenge before ensuring you comfort your children first."

"That isn't necessary," the dragon said as he reached out and touched the lifeless dog on the ground. "I hold them all next to my heart. They know that."

"Then turn away from what you are about to do," the bear urged. "No good will come of you going there."

"He was my son," the dragon retorted. "I will not allow another attack on my children for any reason."

"I understand, Brother," Eric said. "But this is..."

"No, you do not understand, Brother!" the dragon yelled. "You, the Changeling that would wipe out an entire world for the death of his brothers. You witnessed so many deaths; deaths so violent that even Terra could not grab onto a soul before they were lost forever. This is the world around you, Brother. You understood once, but you have forgotten the pain." The stars of a thousand galaxies appeared in the dark orb over the head of the dragon and, with two flaps of his wings, he was gone into the darkness.

As the wormhole closed, the Kodiak put his arms around the polar bear. "He is hurting, Son. He didn't mean what he said."

The polar bear pushed against the brown bear. "Then why do I believe every word he said?"

Chapter 31

Across the universe, the wormhole reappeared, and the dragon flew out into what remained of the amphitheater. Below, clinging to the remnant of the middle level, was a tiny group of four trying to steady themselves as the floor shifted with each move. Derrick's outstretched arm was glowing blue. From the blue light surrounding them, parts of the amphitheater were slowly melding with the shaky support they stood on. Adam, Oliver, and Kattar were surveying the damage all around them. The twisted beams of the structure no longer held up the roof of the building. Two suns shone down into the depths of what remained of the failing structure.

Few bodies remained in the amphitheater, but those remaining bodies lay slumped over, burning in their seats. The smoke gave off a sickening smell. Only the charred bodies of the largest creatures remained. The smaller, incinerated by the blast, left only ash floating in the air and settling onto the wreckage below. Many of the dead lay at the bottom of the building under the collapsed and twisted wreckage of the aftermath of the explosion. Where the dais of the council had once been, only the melted remnant of the metal beams that once held it up remained. Shadows on the wall were all that remained of the dead council members.

"It would appear you have already taken care of my reason for being here," the dragon said as he landed on the far side of the four. He counterbalanced his weight against the others on the weakened platform.

"What happened?" Kattar asked, staring at the crumbling amphitheater.

"Adam done what was needful," Oliver said sadly. "He done what the fathers of the Children of the Night done. He seen the awful, and he knowed he couldn't ask no one but him to end it."

Derrick looked at the badger in disbelief. "But there were thousands and thousands of innocent creatures here. They believed they were protecting their worlds when they merged with the Order."

"And they are safe," Adam said. "They are all home. Those that you see around us made a choice to stay with their symbiont and join the effort to subjugate the universe to their will. I transported any we enslaved to their homes the moment I severed their links from the Order. Their people will find them unconscious, but unaffected by what has happened here today." Adam was silent for a moment and he fell to his knees. "Unaffected, save they are no longer a part of the Order. The Order is dead."

"Our people?" Kattar asked.

"Except for those who chose to leave, all are dead," Adam said as the tears flowed. "I tried... I tried to find another way, but I learned from my family's history. I learned what comes from allowing the Children of the Night to live. A temple dog I love beyond words is already dead. The one enslaved to fight him is dead because the Order forced Gaia's hand. I couldn't let another innocent die to save my people. I turned the explosions meant for us outward toward the ones that planted them."

Derrick stood staring at the damaged amphitheater, and the Sight pushed forward into the darkness. "That wouldn't have killed your people," he said quietly. "Dazed them, maybe. But without the corporeal bodies to house them, most of the blast would have gone right through them."

"I did what was necessary, Pup," Adam said through his tears. "Please, please let this be. I had to do what I promised Donovan he would never have to do again when he merged with me. We hurt in a way you cannot imagine for what happened here today."

The Sight reached further into the darkness; into a horror that Derrick tried to push from his mind. The black wolf dropped to the side of the otter and held him tight. "I'm sorry, Adam, I can be so blind. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in how a thing was done I forget to see the necessity of why it was done. I'm so sorry." He clung to the otter, and the two grew quiet except for the painful sobbing.

Kattar looked at the two and turned to Oliver. "My people?"

"Your people is on the home planets of them critters they live inside," Oliver said as he shifted back to a badger. "The ones that tried to kill you is dead."

"They were my people, too," Kattar said mournfully.

"I learnt years ago that my people ain't what I was born into, Kattar. I learnt it the hard way, same as you today. Your people is standing here beside you. Them that died weren't your kin. They was the awful; some inside of critters who didn't want nothin' to do with this day. Them critters is home safe. Your brother is sitting there in the arms of a wolf hurtin' a pain like you never knowed. Go to him and tell him you understand. Tell him you understand he only done what was needful. Tell him you forgive him for what he don't need no forgiveness for, 'cause he done what was right."

"Did he, Oliver? Did he do what was right?"

Oliver reached up his hands. "Let me touch your head, Kattar." Kattar bent down and the badger's hands rested on the temples of the Hexadeltan. The tiny paws glowed yellow, and the four-armed creature fell to the ground. He began taking deep gulps of air as his body tried to find an expression for what he saw and felt. "You's his brother now, Kattar. Them rainbow critters was the Order. Delar was the fault of the Order. Adam couldn't go asking the universe to start all over every time your Order fucked up. And you seen. You seen what was coming was so much worse. There was so much more death than you can imagine on that horizon, but now you'se seen it. You gots a right to know, but the knowing ain't never gonna make this easier for you two."

Kattar looked down into the eyes of the badger. "No... no it won't. But thank you for letting me see. That is a horrible power resting on your shoulders, Oliver. I'm sorry you see what you see."

"Me too, Kattar," the badger said. "But we takes on what will save our family. One day that will make sense to you, and when it does, all the power you gots inside you will rest easier on your shoulders than it does now."

"Adam is much, much stronger than any of us believed, Oliver. None of us can do what he did alone."

"I knows, but he ain't alone. He's got so many powerful men jumbled up inside him, but when Adam calls them, they is one. And when they is one, they is fierce, and nothing better stand between him and his family that means to do us harm."

Kattar fell back onto the platform and pushed out his legs around the badger. "I understand what you mean by the needful, now, Oliver. It's what we must do, even though it breaks our heart to do it."

"That's as good an explanation as I'se ever heard of it."

"And Adam... my brother?"

"You said you wanted to be our family. This is the hard times that makes us what we is. Take the good when you can, Wombat, but know family never turns away from these days. We sticks together."

"Wombat? Is that meant to be a term of endearment, Oliver?"

"Yeah, Wombat, that's what it is. I'se saying I loves you. I wants you to be my family just as much as you says you wants to be ours." The badger turned away shyly and his foot made a circle on the scorched platform. "That is if'n you'll have me."

Kattar thought for a moment. "If I understand correctly, a wombat is a small creature of rather limited mental capacity. I'm not sure that I like the reference."

Oliver looked up at the one before him. "I didn't think too much on that, Kattar. I'se sorry. They is cute and cuddly, and they ain't frightful like some critters. You sees them, and all you wants to do is pet them and hug them. But you is right that they ain't the smartest critters in the world. I would like it if I could call you something special, but if calling you Wombat makes you upset, you can choose something you like and I will call you that."

"Cute and cuddly, huh?" the four-armed creature asked.

"Yeah, likes really cute and cuddly."

The Hexadeltan smiled and nodded his approval. "I think I like Wombat as a term of endearment now that I understand its meaning to you. It's certainly better than sugar pie or snookums, which make no sense at all." Kattar reached down, scooped up the badger in four arms, and hugged him. "I believe the right thing to say in this moment is 'now and forever'." The two kissed, and Kattar lowered Oliver back to the ground. "And now I have a brother who needs me."

"You's learnin' right quick, Wombat."

Kattar smiled. "Thank you, Badger," he said as he rose and walked toward the otter and black wolf still clinging to each other. He fell backward, extending his legs around the two, and scooted up against the backside of the sobbing otter. "There, there, Brother," he whispered. "What you did, you did to save your family and the universe you promised to protect. I realize it weighs heavily on you, but know you did right."

The otter stirred. "It doesn't make it any easier, Kattar," he whispered.

"No, I realize it doesn't. But in time, your family will get you through this. Don't you think it's time for you to go home? There are those who can help you deal with this. You needn't be here."

"There is still work we've yet to do on Terra," the otter said quietly. "Our dead, the survivors; we must attend to them all."

The Hexadeltan rubbed one of his paws across the top of the otter's head. "You go home. I will attend to that which needs our attention here. I was the high council leader, after all. It is times like these that we must rise to our callings. Tend to the dead and wounded on Partridge Island. They need their family."

The otter nodded in agreement, and with the help of the black wolf, he rose. He wiped the tears from his face and looked at the silent giant dragon. "One of your sons has died today, Dragon. How are you doing?"

"I don't have words for it, Otter. I'm still not even sure I understand what Li Wei has done. All I know is I don't know how to bring him back because I can't sense his chi."

Adam sighed. "Come home with us, Dragon. We have grieving to do. Fourth Night is still so very far away. We should never mourn our dead alone."

The dragon nodded. "Can I impose on you to give me a lift back to Terra?"

"Promise me this, Dragon. In return for my services, you will do me one small favor."

"And that favor is..."

"You apologize to your brother for your words."

"How... how do you know?"

Adam tapped his temple. "The Sight. You may choose not to use your gift, but I use mine when it concerns my family."

The dragon let out a long breath. "I'm not sure I have anything to apologize for."

"That's because you're an ass, Dragon," the otter said without a note of humor in the words. "You are warrior class, and because of that, I allow for a certain amount of impulsiveness. But your brother was born into the healer class. It is his responsibility to deal with the damage you so often place before him. Every other clan of the Unity exists to hold the warrior class in check. My husband is there to temper your actions. He is obligated to try to make you see options other than war and violence. You seem to have forgotten that over the years."

The dragon bowed his head. "I might have overlooked that."

"You threw his calling in his face and told him he was useless to his family because he had forgotten his pain. Eric has never forgotten his pain, Jio-long. He has used to it to strengthen him, to make him bolder and better at being what he has always dreamed of being. He is a healer, Dragon. You belittled that which is sacred to him, and you owe him an apology. In your anger, you ignored his pleas. That, too, deserves an apology. You apologize for being an ass instead of a brother."

The dragon's head didn't lift. "You have a deal. I will make an apology for my words. I should never have spoken them."

"You were hurting, Dragon," the otter replied. "That I understand. Now, let's return to your brother so you can heal together. The death of your son has wounded him as greatly as it has you."

Jiao-long's head lifted, and his neck stretched outward. "So, about that ride home?"

Adam smiled. "Of course. What else is family for?" With a wave of his hand, the family was gone.

Chapter 32

Katashi threw his arms around the dragon and held him tightly. The arms of the dragon wrapped around his son, and the two needed no words beyond the hug to comfort each other. Eventually, the hug softened, and the dragon and his son separated. "I need to make an apology, Father," Katashi whispered.

"As do I, Son," Jiao-long said with a nod. "You take care of yours, and I will attend to mine."

"Then you will excuse me, Father," the temple dog said with a bow. He dropped to all fours and walked toward the fallen white-furred creature at the edge of the forest. As he neared, the creature trembled in front of him. The temple dog rose and said, "I am Katashi, son of Jiao-long of the Verital."

The beast's white fur ruffled in the wind as it tried to back away. "I... I... am Speleck, daughter of Chiglartek and Beylamain. Please... I meant you no harm."

"We are aware of that, daughter of Chiglartek and Beylamain. I wish to apologize for sticking my khakkhara into your tail. Please let me help you up."

"I am afraid that's not possible. I can't move my legs."

"That's 'cause you gots a lame ass backbone as feeble as ours, beast," Oliver said as he approached. "I'se Oliver and you don't wants to know who my momma and daddy were." He smiled. "I broke my back a while ago. Ain't no easy thing fixing that. You okay with staying here on this island until we can make you better and send you home?"

"You hold no ill will toward me?" Speleck asked.

"None," Katashi replied. "We understand the nature of your relationship with the Order. What you did was not of your choosing."

"I didn't think anyone would understand."

"We do," Oliver said. "Can't say all your friends were of a like mind."

"None in the Order were my friends," the beast said trying to shift the plates on her back. "The Order sent fifteen of us to this planet because we had one thing in common. When we found out what the Order was planning, we tried to free ourselves from the merge. The council considered us expendable. We were also fifteen of the most battle-ready creatures in the Order. The council expected that a close-quarter skirmish would easily dispatch you. None of them believed you were as powerful as Adam said you were."

"Well, they made a big mistake there," Oliver said.

"That's true," the beast agreed. "You were on us so quickly that the Order didn't have time to get through their initial shock of being bested by such small creatures. Before they could use their powers, you had already immobilized the bodies they held captive. We fought back against them as best we could. We hoped to give you time." The beast tried to rise again but fell back into the same position. "Where is the Order? I can't feel them inside me anymore."

"They is dead," the badger replied.

"I can't say I am sorry," Speleck replied. "They told us we would be protectors of the universe, not rulers of it. Somewhere along the line, that changed. So many of us were trapped for thousands of years beyond our lifespan; prisoners of the ones we merged with."

"For that, I am truly sorry," Adam said as he approached the gigantic beast. "I am Adam, one of the last of the Order. Those that enslaved you are dead. Those that remain hold true to our promise of protection rather than subjugation."

Speleck frowned. "Forgive me if I don't find any comfort in that promise."

Adam heard the voice of Marcus inside him temper the words he searched for. Adam remembered a werewolf who changed with every touch and the price for broken promises. "I understand, and I will not ask you to believe in my words. You gave too much, and we lied too often." The otter reached out his hand. "But can you trust me enough to let me do one thing as a way of apology?"

"What is that?"

"Heal you and send you home."

"My home doesn't exist anymore. I should have died so many thousands of years ago. What was once my family is long dead."

Adam shook his head in disagreement. "Only six years after you left your homeworld, a massive solar flare engulfed your planet. The world you remember is gone. All that remains is a lifeless piece of rock floating in space."

The great beast choked back a sob. "Then why... why would you tell me you want to send me home?"

"Because I have family. And our family always finds a way home."

"You can't..."

"No, I can't," Adam agreed. "But they can. My family can." He pointed up toward the sky. The two winged bears dropped onto the island with their angel husband and walked toward the colossal beast.

"Speleck," JP said with a smile. "It's so nice to see you again."

"JP, Max, you know these creatures?" the white beast asked, looking toward the surrounding crowd.

"They're our family, Speleck," Max answered. He pointed to the winged man by their side. "This is our husband, Chet. He works from home." Chet made a small nod toward the white beast, and Speleck returned the nod.

"But I haven't seen you for thousands of years," Speleck said.

"Yeah, but for us, it seems like only moments ago," JP said. "We've come to take you home, Speleck, but you must make one sacrifice."

"Anything," the white beast said. "But Adam said my world is dead."

"It is. We can't return you to your home planet," JP said, "but we can return you to the home you have left."

Speleck shook her head. "I'm so confused."

"Time is fluid, Speleck. Moments before the solar flare destroyed your world, we took all your people and brought them to a new world. They are safe on a world where you can all live out your lives and watch your children grow. It's not the world you remember, but it can be the home you return to."

"But my family is dead? That's the sacrifice I must make to be with my people again?"

"No, Speleck," Max replied. "We brought your people to a new world and into a future timeline. To them, they moved from harm's way only two rotations of your sun ago. Your mother and father are fine. Your brother is still a pain in the butt, and your sister is obsessed about having her plates styled. They're all there. There is so much work to do to make your new planet a home."

"Then my sacrifice?"

"You must return home and never tell them of the history they missed. The world we brought them to is the only world they've known since the flare. Those thousands of years you lived through don't exist for them."

Speleck nodded her head in understanding. "Then they don't exist for me. Please send me home."

Adam approached the beast. His glowing green hand reached out and Speleck felt her back legs again. "Forgive me Speleck. I am sorry for not seeing sooner. Forgive me for this day ever happening."

Speleck rose, and her plates shook. "Little creature, you suffered enough at your own hand. We have all suffered enough. Give me time. One day come visit me with Max and JP, we will sip on Tragalian nectar and grieve together for all that we have lost." The beast stretched. "And then we will sing of all that we have found." She smiled at the otter. "I learned that from your family. It has held me from insanity all these thousands of years. If they love you, I will find a way to do the same. They have never made an error in judgment in all the years I've known them." She looked at the two winged bears. "Although I guess if time is fluid, I might not realize how long you've known me."

JP nodded. "It's complicated."

"Then I don't want to know," Speleck exclaimed. She turned to the otter and reached down. Adam felt himself lifted off the ground and brought into a hug. "I am sorry for this day, Adam. I am sorry for what you had to do. Send me home and I will forgive all." Adam hit the ground with a thud. The beast was gone.

Adam turned to see the giant lizard-like creature staring at him. "I wish I could offer you the same. Their planet died, and her people died in that moment. The solar flare erased them from the timeline. They never influenced anything that ever happened in all the years that followed. But your people have thrived."

The scaled creature rubbed his neck with his tail, unsure why he was still alive, and frowned. "I would be happy to find my people haven't evolved one lick since I've been gone."

"Then you will be very happy indeed," Adam said. "Your people hate change, and their world remains exactly as you remember it."

"Then know I am glad for this episode in my life to end," the reptile said. "I bear no ill will toward any who survived this day." He turned to the old bear and old wolf. "You two pack quite a punch. But apparently, if your kind moves entire populations of people through the universe, you pulled your punches. Thanks for going easy on me."

"You're welcome," Eric replied, his fur still glowing green as he held Saand in his lap.

The giant lizard looked toward the others in the group. When he saw the one upright temple dog, he nodded in his direction. "I am sorry for being a part of the death of one you loved so greatly, Golden One."

"As am I," Katashi said with a nod. "Go in peace. Don't let your memory be of his death. Let it be of the love he showed you. You all walk away from this place because he stayed his hand."

The lizard nodded. "Go in peace, Golden One. I will tell the stories of his bravery and his sacrifice to my children and their children. He will be a part of our history that we will not forget." The lizard turned toward Adam. "And what of you, little creature?" the lizard asked. "What of you? What becomes of the Order now?"

"I will watch over you if you will let me."

"Penance for sins you didn't commit?"

"Concern for those who have always been my concern."

"Then so be it."

Adam nodded. "Forgive me."

The beast smiled. "You are only now learning of what makes a family, little creature. When you saw what it was, you did right by what you learned. You protected it, no matter the sacrifice. I am glad that you realized your family extended to me as well. There is nothing to forgive. Come visit me one day. Teach me of this notion of yours. All that we have lost; all that we have found. I think I could use a tutor in such things."

Adam smiled. "I would be honored." His hand went up, and the beast was gone. He looked up at Eric and Jiao-long. "There are others across Terra who were once of the Order and now are free. I need to attend to their care." With a nod, the otter was gone.

Eric stood staring into the space that had once been a giant lizard and a small otter. When he felt the scaled hand push against his shoulder, his paw rose and stroked it. "I am sorry, Brother," Jiao-long whispered. "I was wrong. The error was mine when I said you didn't remember the pain. You have always been the strongest of us. You who hold more power than any of us and yet we task you never to use it in anger." The bear felt a tender kiss on his head from the dragon. "I could never be as strong as you, Brother. The Unity chose wisely. I failed to be the brother I should have been."

The bear sat quietly as the second clawed hand rested on his other shoulder. "I have been away from my brothers so long that I forgot why you were by my side," the dragon said. "Please forgive my words, Brother. You were right. I was wrong."

Eric continued to rub the scaly hand on his shoulder. "I missed you Jiao-long; I missed you so much."

"I'm home now, Eric," the dragon whispered. "Our family brought me home."

"Then I guess I have yet another thing to thank them for."

"And me as well," the dragon replied.

The polar bear turned and the purple dragon lowered his head until the two kissed. There was a slight shake, and all watched the bear kissing a newly formed temple dog. When they separated, Jiao-long smiled at the bear. "I think this body will be gentler on both of us. But if you will allow me one favor..."

"Anything, Brother."

"Can we avoid the trees?"

The Kodiak bear's paws glowed green. "Go, Son," he said as he reached down to pick up Saand. "We'll see to his care now."

Eric grabbed the paw of the temple dog and let the dog pull him up. The two began walking toward the gunnery apartments. "I think we can avoid the trees."

Kris looked at his remaining family. "Come, Dog, let us get your brother to the hospital. This is a time of sadness for us all."

Katashi reached down and freed his mate from the hand of the beast. He hefted the body up into his arms. "I miss him already, Ancient One, but I try to remember that he has done what he always wanted to do one day. He wanted to know what lies beyond, and he did it while attending to the needs of one who was afraid to go alone."

"You are braver than I am," the brown bear whispered. "All I can see is how much I will miss him."

"Then look back," Katashi said as he kissed Li Wei's forehead. "Be grateful for all you have shared with him by your side."

Kris kissed the neck of the temple dog. "I will try Katashi."

The two began walking toward the hospital. From across the field, a young human raced toward the two carrying the limp temple dogs. "What's happened?" he yelled as he saw the lifeless body in Katashi's arms.

Katashi knelt back down to allow the human full access to Li Wei. Spackle grabbed the lifeless body and cried out, "No, Li Wei, you promised! You promised we would mate if only I waited. This isn't fair. This isn't right."

Katashi freed one paw and put it on the shoulder of the human. "It isn't fair, Little One, but it is what we must live with." The young man crumpled to the ground, and the howl he made was one every beast in the field recognized and knew all too well.

In time, the entire island knew of the death of Li Wei. Katashi and Spackle spent hours with the people of the island offering their condolences. As evening approached, the islanders realized it was a kindness to let the temple dog return to his home to rest. The crowd dissipated until at last only three remained in the field.

The rain began falling, and Katashi looked up into the sky, letting the rain wash his tears away. The temple dog turned to Spackle. "It is our tradition to hold watch over our brother together until the fourth night. My brothers..." Katashi stopped and choked on the words, "... our brothers will not be here until tomorrow. I do not think the one we loved would want us to be alone tonight."

Spackle nodded his head in agreement. The dog rose with the body in his arms. "Come, Little One. Let us prepare our love for First Night." The young man stood up and reached out to hold the dangling hand of the dead temple dog. Together, the three headed back to the home of the couple, who were no more.

When the carillon bells tolled eleven o'clock, those near the home of the temple dogs heard the flapping of wings. Zhen-Zhen, the fenghuang dragon, and her mate, Daquong, stood watch on the metal bar of the Radar Battery Observation Post. Inside, Katashi began crying, grateful that at last he and Spackle were alone. First Night had begun; the night of memories. The night when grief was so close, that every time the family tried to roll over and sleep, they bumped up against it.

Chapter 33

Second Night in the ritual of the Changelings was no easier than the first. Second Night; the night of reconciliation, was a time to sort through what had happened. The grieving searched to find an understanding of the death that had occurred. It was always a difficult time because the ones left behind rarely found a way through Second Night that led to finding the answers they sought. It only left them with more questions. All understood that would be the case. No one thought the idea of making peace with the myriad of feelings swirling around in everyone's heads happened in a single night.

Second Night was the beginning of the survivors sorting through their time together with the deceased. It was a time of trying to cling to the memories that, in the years to come, would bring happiness. The difficulty lay in acknowledging the change in the relationship when one heart stopped beating and another didn't. It was the most arduous night of the Fourth Night tradition.

Derrick sat alone on a bench overlooking the bay. He wiped the tears from his face and his hand reached out, glowing blue. He shook his head, and the light faded from his paw. "I realize it's difficult, Little One," said a familiar voice from behind him, "but you did right by your love for a friend."

Derrick turned to see the temple dog towering over him. "He was more than a friend, Bai," Derrick replied.

The temple dog sat beside the park bench. Even seated on the ground, the dog was still slightly taller than the seated werewolf. "And how do you know I am Bai?" the dog asked.

"You're the only one without scars from being with Will and me," Derrick replied with a feeble grin.

The temple dog extended his hands and looked at them. "Interesting," he said. "I seem to be without scars."

Derrick's smile widened. "The scars are the only way we can tell you apart, Bai."

"That is true," the dog said, scooting closer to the bench. "Can I get a hug?" Derrick leapt off the bench into the arms of the dog and held on tightly. "I am sorry for how much sorrow all this has caused you, Little One," the dog whispered.

"It's everything I can do to honor his wishes and not bring him back," Derrick replied, burying his face in the soft, yellow fur. "I can see him, Bai. I can see him in my mind. All I would need to do is turn back the clock just a bit. Let there be a different outcome."

"I'm grateful that you honor our wishes, Pup. You have always been there for us, and we ask so much of you, but this is a test of our friendship that pales beside the others."

"I miss him, Bai."

"I see that truth in your every motion, Little One," the dog replied. "That is why I'm here. We didn't have a chance to say goodbye. I was dead before you returned. I am so sorry."

Derrick looked up into the face of the temple dog. "Li Wei?"

"As best as I can be, all things considered," the dog replied.

"But... but you can't," the black wolf stammered.

"No, I can't," the dog agreed. "But you can. I am here at your request. I will always be here when you need me."

Derrick pushed back from the hug and looked around. Everything seemed in place, but just beyond his sight, he realized the world clouded ever so slightly. "I'm dreaming, aren't I, Li Wei?"

"Yes, Little One. I hope that doesn't lessen our time together for you. Bai and you spend some very happy times in dreams."

"He still comes to me at night when he's horny," Derrick said with a laugh. "He's over there awake in Tibet and he senses I'm asleep. So, he comes to visit me. I wake up a gooey mess every time that I can't explain to the husbands."

"Perhaps you should tell them," Li Wei said. "So they don't worry that they are not draining a sufficient amount of semen from you to stay healthy."

"But Bai is real. He only comes into my dreams because he can. You're not the same, Li Wei. I know you're dead."

"That is true. But is the desire you hold for me to be here any less real to you than with Bai?"

"No."

"Then let us enjoy our time together. Let me say goodbye to you the way I would have wished."

"Am I going to wake up covered in my own cum?" the wolf asked.

Li Wei rolled onto his back, laughing. When he righted himself, he smiled at the young wolf. "One day that would be fun, but for now, let's talk about your powers."

"I promise, Li Wei, I won't try to bring you back."

"That is all I ask."

"I can't feel you, Li Wei," the wolf said sadly. "I mean out there; out in the real world."

"I'm not there anymore. What I did transcended the limitations of our experience."

"Are you alive out there?"

"I'm a part of your soul now, Little One. I'm a memory. This is you reaching out to me in the only way you can. And this is me, reaching out to you in the only way I can. If you ponder too deeply on this moment, you may lose it. For once, Pup, stop trying to understand the truth of something, and accept what you feel to be true."

"That's not like me, Li Wei," the wolf replied. "It's a struggle even now."

Li Wei pushed the young wolf back and stared at him. "If I am only a dream created from your mind to soften this horrible time for you, would it matter? Would I feel any less real to you if you decide that is the case? Would my fur against yours be any less warm because you decide it's not real?"

Derrick nodded his head. "I think it would."

"And what would happen if you made the choice to see me as a figment of your imagination?"

"I would probably wake up."

"And the two of us would be all the sadder for it, Pup."

The black wolf nodded again. "I want you to stay, Li Wei. I don't care what you are."

"In this moment, I am real, Little One. In this moment, we find our time to say goodbye."

"I don't want to do that," the wolf said, looking down at his outstretched feet. "I don't think I can say goodbye."

"There are places I need to be, Pup. What would you have me do?"

Derrick looked up into the smiling face of the temple dog. "Stay here with me forever?"

The temple dog laughed. "And incur the wrath of your husbands? I have no intention of doing that. Pup, we both have lives beyond this moment. We need to return to them. But I want you to understand the choice was mine. I lived on this planet for ten thousand years, and I have seen so much darkness and hatred. I stared into the awful of which Oliver speaks. But I also saw beauty... beauty that eclipses any words used to describe it. And one of the most beautiful things I ever beheld sits here beside me. Do you know why I don't believe in Karma, Pup?"

The wolf shook his head, and the dog responded, "Because of you. There is nothing in my life that I have done to deserve you. You are proof that my life is so much more than I am worthy of, and so I try so hard to be better than I am able because you are beside me."

Derrick rubbed his thighs nervously. "I feel the same way. I try to be better than I am able for my family."

"I hope you always will, Pup." The temple dog leaned back, resting on his elbows. One hand reached out and patted his lap. "Come sit here, Pup. I need to feel you pressed against me."

"It will only get us both aroused," Derrick protested.

"Then I will apologize in advance for making you a sticky mess when you wake. If I am dead, Pup, if what I was is now only a memory, let my last memory of you be the taste of your lips on mine and the joy of me deep inside you."

The dog pushed back the fur of his groin to show the swelling within his sheath. "Before I become only a part of all that surrounds us, let me be the one who surrounds you with his arms. Tonight, let us make love so that all the tomorrows will be gentler on you than these last days have been. Let tonight be my gift to you, and in allowing me to give that gift, let me be better than I am able. Let me realize yet again that you are so much more than I deserve."

Derrick rose off the grass and straddled the wide hips of the temple dog. He leaned forward and rested his head on the chest of the dog and closed his eyes as the furred arms wrapped around him and pulled him in tight. He could sense the swelling cock of the dog moving along his backside and realized his erection was already pressing into the belly of the dog. With a gentle tug, the paws of the temple dog lifted the wolf and pushed him onto the swollen cock.

Derrick closed his eyes as the all too genuine pleasures of being mounted by a temple dog swept over him. When the rhythmic thrusting began, Derrick leaned into the moment and embraced it. "This is going to be so embarrassing when I wake up," he giggled.

"And now?" Li Wei asked.

"Now, it's heaven, Li Wei," the wolf replied. "Thank you for coming back to say goodbye."

"It is what you believed I would always do, Pup," the dog said as the ramming of flesh on flesh became more frenzied.

Derrick's mind thought for a moment about the words the temple dog spoke. He wondered if this was only his brain creating the reality he hoped would be. Maybe this was the act of a mass of gray cells in crisis mode. Thick paws shaking his body pulled him back. "Stay focused, Little One," the dog ordered. "I did not go to all this trouble to let you waste it on speculations. It doesn't matter what I am. It matters only that in this moment we are together."

Derrick felt the thick cock push even deeper as the dog pushed down on his shoulders. He smiled at the yellow-furred beast and nodded. "Take me, Li Wei. I'm here and I won't leave you until we're both spent."

When the temple dog's cock began twitching inside the young wolf with its impending orgasm, Derrick thought only for a moment of ending the dream. It would be easier if his body in the real world didn't respond by leaving him covered in cum. Then he remembered his promise and leaned back so that Li Wei's cock pushed against his prostate and forced the wolf to abandon himself to the orgasm. It was the same overwhelming pleasure he always had when the temple dog pushed him over the edge. His eyes shut tight and the climax swept over him.

What Derrick didn't expect was the sensation of warm lips on his cock as the intensity of the orgasm abated. He looked down at the bobbing head of the temple dog kneeling in front of him as he sat on the bench overlooking the bay. The smiling face of the dog looked up at him as he licked his chops clean. Not a drop of the young wolf's cum had spilled. Derrick stared at the dog, bewildered.

"I was walking along the paths, and saw you, Little One. Your genitalia was in a most aroused state. I could tell your impending orgasm would cover your fur in a way that would be most awkward for you to explain. So, I used my mouth as a receptacle for your ejaculation. I hope this meets with your approval."

Derrick giggled and rubbed the top of the temple dog's head. The scar next to his left ear told the black wolf everything. "Thank you, Rong. It meets with my approval very well."

The dog took one last lick over his muzzle. "I miss him, too, Little One. The abbots of our order all can enter the dreams of those who let them. I do not know if Li Wei lives beyond this life, but I believe he lives in each of us. It takes a remarkable man to call on that memory to say goodbye to the one he loves."

"Is that what I did?" Derrick asked.

"There were two remarkable men in your dream, Pup. I choose not to linger on which one made that dream possible."

"But you saw it? You saw Li Wei?"

"To a degree. My brothers and I have always seen what the others see. It gives me hope that your vision of Li Wei pleasuring you is a sign that he is still with us in one form or another. His death has been very difficult on us."

"Me too," Derrick said with a frown.

"But your copulation was a joyous moment for us all," Rong said as he rose. His massive cock swayed upright. "We are all aroused, but it will calm with time. Until we lay Li Wei to rest, my brothers and I will be celibate."

Derrick smiled. "Rong, you just got finished sucking me off."

"No, Little One. Your dream of Li Wei pushed your body to where your ejaculation would have caused you distress in this world. I was, for lack of a better term, the cleanup crew to ensure your copulation was a memorable one rather than an embarrassment."

"It still felt good."

"I am glad," the temple dog said with a bow. "I admit to feeling a great deal of pleasure as well. Our occasional celibacy sometimes confuses our family. We understand that."

Derrick grinned. "Mostly because you never stay celibate while you're doing it."

"The needs of our family come above all else, Pup. We frequently find a need to interrupt our celibacy to attend to the needs of our family."

Derrick nodded. "And we're grateful. There's never a time when we don't enjoy your company."

From the top of the knoll, three beasts and a human clothed only in a robe came running toward Derrick and Rong. Oliver was pulling Adam along and yelling something, but the sound of the wind and waves concealed the words. As they got closer, the temple dog following the two was trying to push the fur over his erection with little success. The occasional parting of the human's robe as he ran showed that something had similarly aroused him.

As the four got closer, Oliver's words became clearer. "I seen him, Pup. I seen Li Wei."

Derrick stood up and caught the badger in a hug as soon as he was close enough. "That's wonderful. I saw him too."

Oliver's eyes widened. "You did? You seen him?"

"Yeah, we sort of played together."

Oliver's eyes narrowed. "Li Wei fucked you?"

"Yeah."

Oliver voiced a low growl. "Bastard dog. We's gonna have a talk if I ever sees him again."

Derrick laughed as he put the badger back onto the pathway. "But you saw him, Oliver. That's what's important."

Oliver nodded. "We talked the way we used to, Pup. He's still worried about me. He says I needs to close my circle, but I ain't got a clue what he means."

The dog behind Oliver and Adam spoke. "You will understand his words in time, Oliver. Let them rest in your heart for now."

Oliver looked up at the dog. "I will, Katashi. I wish he had visited you."

Katashi nodded. "That would have been wonderful, but we glimpsed him in your company. That alone is a blessing I never expected." The dog brushed his fur back down over the receding dick and smiled at the black wolf. "I am glad that the two of you could be together. I always loved watching my husband copulate with my family."

Derrick looked away shyly. "I always liked you watching, Katashi; mostly because you rarely stayed just watching."

"I find it difficult not to join in, Pup. My family draws me into a world that I always dreamed of living in."

Derrick looked up at the dog as if hearing another speak the words he was too shy ever to speak. "It's the same way with me, Katashi. I used to dream of being in a family like this one so many hundreds of years ago. I never thought there was a way that dream could come true."

"And yet it has," Katashi said as he leaned over and kissed the top of the black wolf's head.

Derrick looked at Spackle, noticing the protrusion of his robe. "You're going to be such a great temple dog," he said with a smile.

"I guess I already am in some ways," Spackle said with a shy smile. "I'm glad you could say goodbye."

"I'm sorry, Spackle. I really am," the black wolf whispered.

"Me too, Wolfy," the young man replied. "But not about what you and Li Wei chose to do. I love you both." He reached out and gave the wolf a tight hug.

Oliver watched while the two hugged. "Holds on a minute," the badger said, thinking. "If Li Wei was fucking the pup, how is it he was talking to me?"

Adam waved his hand. "Don't go there, Oliver. Years ago, when I was an Armbruster's wolf, I saw something that made me wonder if the temple dogs are playing things very close to the vest. After our training, Katashi was talking to Marcus as I headed off to the hot springs. When I got into the hot springs, Katashi was there with me. He never crossed by me, he never went around, and yet, he was there."

Oliver looked up at Katashi. "Is that true, Dog? Is what the otter saying true?"

"Of course. The otter never lies."

"But you. Is what he says about you true?"

"It's hardly accurate as none of us wear vests, but I believe beyond that, his words have a certain truth to them."

"You ain't gonna tell me if you can be in two places at once, is you?" the badger fumed.

"I believe I will hold that close to my vest," the dog said with a smile.

"Bastard dog," the badger said as he stomped his foot on the ground. It had no sooner hit the ground than it turned in a small circle. Oliver looked at his foot and frowned. "Guess we all has secrets we keep. Can't go faulting you for choosing to do the same."

"When there is a need, Little One, we will never hold the truth from you," Rong said as he picked up the badger, and hugged him. "Until then, the safety of our family demands that we not be forthcoming in all things."

Oliver stared at the dog hugging him. "If you wasn't such a good fuck, Dog, I swear I would bonk your nose right now."

"Then I am glad I am such a good fuck," the dog said without letting the hug go.

Nathaniel, Max, Martin, and Chipo came walking over the hill. "I told you they would be here," Martin said as they drew close.

Oliver looked up at the saber-tooth cat. "Li Wei visited you too?"

"Yep," Max said as he picked up the badger and hugged him. "Seems we have a very busy ghost on the island tonight."

"You don't think he's alive?" Derrick asked the short-faced bear.

"I don't know what to think, Pup," Max replied. "All I know is it was good to see him again."

Derrick watched everyone talking and began thinking. The Sight pushed forward. This time, he pushed back. Li Wei was right. If he thought too deeply, he would lose the magic of their moment together forever. That wasn't something he was willing to lose for the sake of knowing the truth.

From a distance in the dark, a lone temple dog watched the animated conversations of his family. "Forgive me, Li Wei," he whispered. "The burden of your death was crushing them. I realize you don't approve of subterfuge, but I couldn't let this continue. I had to give them something to hope for, some small spark of life."

The dog stared at the group and wiped the tears from his face. "I have never known a family beyond you and your brothers," the dog whispered. "I am only now realizing how much I missed by being dead; how much you will miss. And I realize the day will come when they will find peace in your memory, but that day is not today. I needed to ensure they survive long enough to reach that place."

"I would have done the same, Father," Jiao-long heard as a yellow arm reached around him.

Jiao-long looked at the temple dog next to him. "Li Wei?" he asked.

"At least I have the scars to prove it," Li Wei said, extending his arm and shaking his leg to show off the scars he carried.

"How... how..."

"Can I ask you to take your own advice and not think too deeply about this?" Li Wei asked.

Jiao-long nodded happily. "I miss you so much, Son," he whispered as he grabbed the dog in a tight hug.

"And I miss you all. But you planted the seed, Father. When I come to them in their dreams, they will welcome me. I will live on inside their memory and be there in their dreams."

Jiao-long looked at the dog. "I'm dreaming now, aren't I, Li Wei?"

"Of course," the dog said, pushing back from the hug. "We both realize I am deceased, but your family wasn't the only one being crushed by the burden of my death. My father needs me as well. I will always be there for him. Let this moment be. Don't call it into question and lose the moment. Accept this time with me as the gift I hope it to be."

Jiao-long nodded. "I can do that, Son. I will miss you when I wake."

"I am never far from your heart, Father. There are worlds in play here of which we know nothing and realms beyond our understanding. Please trust me when I say all will be clear in time, but for now, I need you to trust me. If I am out there, if it is my time to return, you must believe I will do that."

"But it's equally possible that you might become involved in another life and not take notice of the signs?"

"I am easily distracted, Father."

Jiao-long smiled. "Will you visit us from time to time?"

The temple dog nodded. "I will try to remember." He extended his arms and lifted his leg. "I guess I will need to let my scars go. You already set the stage for me not having them."

Jiao-long turned away, embarrassed. "I couldn't remember where they were. Our family has had a longer time to learn their locations."

"I am grateful for your actions and your words this evening. You were everything I could dream of being for my family. I could not ask for a better surrogate." The scars on Li Wei faded as the fur grew back over them. "I have no problem with this look." His hand reached out and grabbed his father's. "The look suits you as well, Father. Perhaps it is time to let the world of dragons learn who their protector really is."

"But I fly to their world."

"So, maybe a nice pair of yellow wings? They look very fetching on the young bears. I am sure they would be equally nice on you."

Jiao-long thought for a moment, and yellow wings like those of a bat sprang from between his shoulder blades. Li Wei smiled. "You are beautiful, Father. From the first moment I met you on the banks of the Huang-He, I was in love. Never had a man taken me to the places you did, nor allowed me to become what I always dreamed of being. How I wish I was still alive in your world. I would so enjoy having you inside me once more. We never had the time for that in all that has happened since your return."

"Derrick said Bai and he have sex frequently in his dreams."

"That is true," Li Wei said, reflecting on the actions of his brother. "Perhaps I could visit you one day, and you would remind me why I was so smitten with you in the first place. We temple dogs love hanging from high places, and those wings bring to mind many possibilities."

"I would like that," Jiao-long said, flapping the wings.

"But for now, your family needs you," Li Wei said. "My brothers understand why you did what you did, and they will protect anyone from discovering your actions. They understand now that what you offered our family was not a lie. I am here in your dreams as you were in all of theirs. You are learning what it means to be one of the Brotherhood, to be a son of Jiao-long. What one of us do to guard our family, all of us do. We don't care who steps up to become what we all would willingly do. We are overjoyed in your first steps to reclaim the birthright you gave us."

Li Wei ruffled the top of his father's furred head. "Give me a kiss goodbye and be confident that I will watch over my family as long as there is a memory of me to be had."

The two hugged, and their lips met. Moments later, Jiao-long woke with a start. He reached back and rubbed the wings on his shoulders. For a time, Jiao-long tried to determine if his son was there in his dream, as Bai was with Derrick. He struggled with the idea that it was simply his desire to create what he needed most. With a smile, he shook his head. "I don't need to know, Li Wei. I don't need to know."

Chapter 34

Third Night, the night of gathering, was the night that family gathered around those who had suffered the most from the death of the loved one. It was more than a night of condolences. There were never comments about how one understood or how time would heal the pain. It was a night when all who came together acknowledged that no platitudes ever healed a broken heart.

No beast in the Were Nation ever said, "If you need anything, call me." There were no thoughts and prayers. There were only acts of kindness that proved to the grieving that people who cared surrounded them. A warm casserole brought by the saber-toothed cat and his husbands to the temple dog and the young man by his side. Kyle, the werewolf gardener, helped Katashi and Spackle plant a new rhododendron in the front yard of the Battery Observation Post. Shovel in hand, they created a living memorial in memory of Li Wei. Dr. Kong, the Chow, sat with the yellow dog and the human for hours, his arms wrapped around both. Never a word passed between the three. He was another soul tethering Katashi and Spackle to their world, and that was enough. Each act was a balm on the grieving husband's wounds and a salve on the soul of a young human dealing with a world of crushed dreams.

During Third Night, as the day ended, and the stars disappeared behind the clouds, Katashi and Spackle sat with their brothers. The family of humans and beasts filled the field, becoming a larger circle surrounding the circle of dogs. The chanting of the dogs formed the bass line of a melody, and the Changeling bears provided the melody. It was a song no one but the dogs and Changelings understood, but all knew the emotions by heart. Soon, the wolves followed, and one by one, as the spirit moved them, human and beast alike began singing. Tonight, they sang of all that they had lost and all that they had found. The joys, the happiness, and the thrill of knowing Li Wei somehow found voice in both parts of the song. It was a song that gave voice to all that the crying temple dog husband wished to speak but could not. It acknowledged the pain of a young man dealing with so much loss that he couldn't sort through it all.

When the song had ended, the crowd filed past Katashi and Spackle, offering their support. The two did their best to attend to each, but memory dragged their attention away so frequently, their family knew to keep their goodbyes short. When at last the family had all departed, the temple dogs gathered around their brothers. Almost silent wings flapped overhead. The dogs looked up, watched the new temple dog drop from the sky, and plant his feet on the ground. Jiao-long's wings folded up and disappeared into his back.

"Good Evening, Father," Katashi said with a bow. "I am glad you could be here this evening."

"I apologize for my tardiness, Son," the winged dog said with a bow. Jiao-long turned to the young human. He made another bow. "Son," he repeated.

Spackle made a small bob of his head. "Father." The two spoke no other words between them, but the young man needed to hear no other words.

"I was visiting the dragon homeworld," Jiao-long told the group. "They offer their sympathy. A contingent of them will be here for Fourth Night. They will meet us in Tibet. They fear their presence here on the island would distract attention away from the ceremonies. They will bring water from the Stolten springs. It is said to calm the spirit and bring pleasant dreams. "

"I have already had the most pleasant of dreams, Father," Katashi said with a smile. "I have seen my father talking to Li Wei."

Jiao-long smiled back. "Then I am happy for you. I never believed I would ever see him again. I hope he is well wherever he is. Someday, I hope to see him in my dreams again. He made me a promise that I look forward to fulfilling."

Katashi's head tilted to the side. "And what is that, Father?"

"To be with him as we were the day he turned."

Katashi's eyes clouded with tears. "I remember the day you turned me, Father, and all the days that followed. I hope Li Wei returns to your dreams soon."

Jiao-long reached out and grabbed both of Katashi's paws. "I will not wait for my son to return, Katashi. Not while all my other sons wait for me. I have been so preoccupied with taking care of the dragons; I have neglected taking care of my sons."

Bai shook his head. "We understand the nature of your responsibilities, Father. We are happy to wait."

The winged dog shook his head in return. "My responsibilities should have been to my sons first. I have forgotten that."

"We have gladly waited for you, Father," Noboru said. "We will always wait for you."

The winged dog wiped the tears building in his eyes. "I've come home, Sons. You don't have to wait anymore."

Katashi reached out and hugged his father. "Then you will need a place to stay. The bed in my home is lonely without my mate. Stay the night with me and help me prepare to say goodbye to the one I can never say goodbye to." Katashi turned to Spackle. "Can you share our bed with another tonight, Little One?"

Spackle looked at the two temple dogs standing in front of him. "Let me go home to my dads tonight, Katashi. Your father and you need to be closer than having me in the room would allow."

Katashi shook his head. "I would not displace you, Little One. It is not..."

Spackle put up his hand silencing the temple dog. "This is my choice, Katashi. My dads are grieving, too. I need to be with them the same way you need to be with your father. I understand my place beside you. But tonight, our place is to be beside our fathers."

Katashi hugged the human and whispered, "How I love you, Spackle." With a kiss, the dog let the human slip through his paws and watched as he ran off into the dark toward the Light Keeper's Home.

When the young man knocked on the door and it opened, he fell into the arms of the wolf and bear standing in the doorway. The two lead him into the home and few words passed between the beasts and the son they realized had no words for what had happened.

Third night was nearing its end. Spackle had enjoyed the company of his surrogate fathers in bed on many nights before. Yet tonight, the young man realized there was a comfort they offered that extended into times of sadness. He felt the arm of the bear wrap around his waist and pull him in close. Spackle draped his arm over the wolf and the wolf's paw wrapped around his hand. How strange it felt that the two who stirred so much passion in nights past, tonight, brought only calm. It was a lesson learned at too great a price, but Spackle learned it nonetheless. When beasts didn't know where to turn, they turned to each other. In that bond, they endured the unendurable.

The night brought so many new and unexpected emotions to everyone. Katashi and his father sat quietly upright in the bed together. Katashi looked down at his body, rolling his outstretched arms, and staring at the gashes along his chest and belly. Finally, he spoke in a voice just above a whisper. "The scars from the battle are still here," he said, looking at his father. "I don't want them to be there. I want them to heal, but they remain."

The winged temple dog took Katashi into his arms and hugged him. "We cannot let the scars go at will, Son. They heal when our hearts will let them go."

"They cover the scars the old wolf and Pup have given me. Those were my happy scars. So much pain covers their memory."

Jiao-long leaned back and shook the dog gently. "And in time, Katashi, the scars those two have given you will be all that you can see. But for now, the scars of battle are there to remind you that letting go of one as beautiful as your husband isn't as easy as the Buddhists make it out to be."

"The Buddhists have many thoughts we have found bear rethinking over the years. There are things in this life that are worth holding onto. Sometimes what binds us to this existence makes us stronger."

"I am glad to hear that, Son," Jiao-long said. "There are ceremonies and remembrances that need doing before Fourth Night. Help me and your brothers to get through this trying time." The winged dog paused. "And let us help you say goodbye to your husband." Jiao-long pulled his son into an even tighter hug. "We will find a way through this together, Son," he said confidently. He looked up at his other sons surrounding them. "All of us will find our way through this together."

Katashi's brothers helped him and their father recline into the bed and pulled blankets over the two. Each dog gave the two a kiss and then went out into the house to find a place to lie down. The dogs curled up into tight bundles of fur pushed against each other and closed their eyes. That night the temple dogs dreamed, and in their dream, the family reunited with their brother and son, Li Wei. None in the Brotherhood ever questioned how.

Chapter 35

Fourth Night, the night of binding, was not the end of grieving. It was simply a day to let the physical body of the loved one go and bind the heart to what remained. First Night was to help the family understand that all that remained were memories. Fourth Night acknowledged that truth by letting go of the physical body in the candle ceremony. Around the great mound of logs that held the body of the deceased on top, the family made their eulogies. At the end of the family's goodbyes, those attending the funeral lit the pyre by placing their candles on the wooden pile.

Yet, as the family heard the carillon bells ringing to announce the beginning of Fourth Night, it surprised them to find no logs in the field. Only the Brotherhood surrounded two dogs and a frail-looking human in the middle. Katashi gripped the body of Li Wei in his arms and rocked quietly. Spackle was by his side, wearing Li Wei's ceremonial robes. They dwarfed the human, but all understood the meaning of a young man trying to let go of the one he loved while clinging to what little he had left. There was no shroud, no way to tell that the gentle giant wasn't sleeping in the arms of his husband. Every tradition of Fourth Night was missing, and not one who stood by watching challenged the rightness of the night.

When the crowd had gathered, the white bear stepped forward. "We are here to honor our fallen brother. Who speaks on his behalf?"

A temple dog rose from the circle, and his wings spread out. There was a murmur through the group as the dog stepped forward. "I am Jiao-long of the Verital, guardian of the dragon world, and father of Li Wei. I speak on behalf of my son."

The polar bear bowed. "We are honored by your presence as we were honored by the life of your son."

The temple dog's soft fingers bent along the wings. "Ah, jeez, Lee... I mean Eric..." the dog quickly corrected, "do we really have to do all this stuff?"

The polar bear tried to smile. "I have no objection to bypassing the traditions, Brother. I only want you to realize how much we loved your son. This has always been our way. The formality of the words helps me get through it without breaking down and crying."

"But I know how much you loved him, Brother," the dog responded. "I watched as you honored him by staying your hand against his attackers the way he would have wanted you to. I saw you be a better father to my son than I was. Li Wei's life brought him a joy I am only now beginning to comprehend because of the people who surround us now. I wasn't there for him. You, your husbands, and everyone here tonight were his life. You were his reason for living, and in the end, the lessons you taught him were the reason he could bravely do what all of us fear."

Eric rubbed the tears from his eyes. "Crap," he said. "I won't get through this without a rehearsed script."

"Then cry already, Brother," the temple dog said as his wings flapped forward. He looked toward the crowd. "This is Fourth Night. The night we say goodbye to the body of the one we love. But he didn't die four days ago. Tonight is not the night we acknowledge his death. Tonight is the night we say he is not dead; he lives in each of us. We may have to give up his body to the elements that created it, but we hold his spirit in our hearts. I have known my son for such a short time compared to many of you, but I understand why your hearts are breaking. I know why, but I ask a favor of you. Let Li Wei do one last great deed. Let him heal your broken hearts tonight. Come forward and tell your stories. Let us hear of the way he touched your lives. Let the life he lived not end tonight, but be the first night of so many nights when we speak of him in loving tones, in laughter, and in joy."

"We lives in the moment that has the good, Dog," Oliver said, stepping forward. "We lives in the moment where Li Wei is alive. I lives in the moment when a dog took pity on a badger and taught him how to control the voices in his head." A brief snicker went through the crowd, but when the badger turned back toward them, it stopped instantly.

Oliver smiled at the group. "You can sez anything you want about the way he taught me, and I'se gonna be fine. I knows most don't think sex can heal a broken man, but that's because you ain't never been where I was, or had Li Wei touch you the way he touched me. I lies down at night with eight husbands, and I can loves every one of them because them voices in my head quiets down when I tells them to. Li Wei taught me that. Li Wei made it so I can looks you people in the eye and smile at you when you walks by instead of hanging my head in shame.

"It were Li Wei who taught JP and me how to control the powers we gots. He was there in the worst time of our lives when it was all coming undone, and he told us to use what he taught us." The badger set his feet apart and bent his knees. "Circle stance," he said as his body moved in a circular pattern and his arms formed a circle with his palms facing inward.

"Gather the chi in the core of your being," the badger said; and within the circle of his arms radiating out from his chest, a white glow formed. "Control the chi, control the mind," Oliver said as his hands rotated outward in a circular motion. It was a familiar pattern to everyone who had ever seen a Channeler manifesting his powers. "One part moves, all parts move," the badger repeated the words of Li Wei. The light grew more intense as it formed into a tight ball in the rotating hands of the badger.

The badger's eyes closed. "See beyond the chi, see the energy of the universe; see all and be at peace with your place in the vastness." One hand lifted, and the light shot up into the sky. What followed was an explosion of color and fireworks like the crowd had never seen. Without a sound, the lights spiraled through the air and showered down around the people. The sparks scattered everywhere, but none were hot. They were simply points of light dancing across the shoulders of beasts and humans alike, falling to the earth, and disappearing.

Eventually, a single, white glowing ball of light dropped from the sky and enveloped Katashi, Spackle, and Li Wei. "Live in the moment that has the good. Stay with the good," Oliver said as his eyes opened. "Li Wei is the good I ain't never gonna forget. I miss him something fierce, but I stays with the good. I stays with the memory of him that makes me smile every time I thinks of him."

Oliver walked over and kissed Li Wei and then leaned up and kissed Katashi. "I loves you, Dog," he said. "I knows you is all the same, so I loves you all the same. But I ain't never gonna stop hoping that one day your mate comes home. But until that day, you and me, we both lives in the moment with the good, okay?"

Katashi bowed slightly. "In the moment that has the good, Badger." He leaned down and kissed the badger once more. "Li Wei would be so proud of you, Oliver. Your training is complete."

Oliver smiled proudly. He looked at the young man sitting next to the two temple dogs. "You is something special, Spackle. I'm sorry the dog who you was gonna mate is dead. But there is a dog still left here loving you. Don'ts you forget what you has because of all you'se lost."

Spackle reached out his hands and took the badger into a hug. "I'll try not to forget where my place is, Oliver."

Oliver pushed back from the hug and smiled at the human. "Then we is good because our place will be to be by your side forever. You become a temple dog. You become what you was born to be. And you know we will stand beside you."

Spackle made a small bow. "I know."

Oliver turned, but when he felt the huge paws of a bear pick him up, he laughed out loud. Kris towered over the two dogs and the tiny human sitting in the field. The bear placed the badger on his shoulders. The Kodiak leaned over, kissing the dead temple dog, his mate, and then the young man. "Li Wei made it possible for this badger to quiet the voices in his head and control the visions. But, more importantly for those of us who call him Husband, the dog made it possible for the badger to see beyond his fear. He taught Oliver to turn from his self-hatred and find the love he so richly deserved. He has taught us all how to be better mates with every action he has taken."

The brown bear's arm reached out and took Katashi's paw in his. "Your mate deserves more thanks and gratitude than any Fourth Night can offer him, Katashi. We stand by your brothers in our sense of loss, and we realize we will never comprehend the depth of your feeling for such a magnificent beast. But like my husband, I stay with the good. I celebrate a life well lived and an exemplar to us all."

Katashi smiled. "I think he would have enjoyed hearing that," the dog said. "But it would have also pleased him to know that you enjoyed his sexual prowess."

Kris smiled. "Really? You don't think that would be inappropriate at a time like this?"

"He loved your genitalia, Bear. It would be a shame not to acknowledge how much you loved his."

"That is true, Katashi," the Kodiak said, turning toward the crowd. "All too often we overlook that part of ourselves others see as embarrassing when voiced in public. I shouldn't be ashamed to speak of all that made Li Wei so amazing. There is not an inch of him my tongue has not explored, and I can say without a doubt that I never grew tired of my explorations. Beyond that, I cannot comment without my fur turning redder than Jason's out of embarrassment." The crowd laughed and when the laughter subsided, the bear looked back at the two dogs and the human beside them. "I will miss my friend. I will miss his passion for laughter, for play, for sex, and for every physical pleasure this world offers. But, mostly, I will miss the passion he shared for his family. Go in peace Li Wei. May all your journeys be pleasant ones." The bear bowed, holding onto the badger wrapped around his neck, and retreated into the crowd.

Will stepped forward from the group. "I promise not to follow my husband's efforts to complement the talents and abilities Li Wei had for sex. But I will say that he's in the top ten of the most sexually adept men I have ever been with, and I have five husbands who make that list by default." There was a collective giggle from the crowd and the old wolf continued. "But whether we were playing together in bed, or planting rice in the fields, that man taught me so much about myself. He colors my world with the life we've shared over a millennium."

The old wolf squatted down before the three. His hand reached out and touched the jowls of the dead beast. "Do you realize how special you have to be to captivate my attention for a thousand years, Dog? You were amazing. You know I struggle with a belief in an afterlife, but you sorely press me to try. I promise you I will take good care of your husband and the boy he's going to marry one day. Hell, I'll take good care of all your brothers if they'll let me. But you... you dog... I will miss you. I am grateful for all our time together, and I hope you'll forgive me for being greedy enough to say it wasn't near enough."

Will looked up into the eyes of Katashi and wiped a tear from the temple dog's eye. "I will be there, Katashi." He looked at the young man and put his paw on Spackle's heart. "I will be there for both of you."

"I know you will, Old Wolf," the dog said with a bow.

"Me, too, Will," the young man replied. "I have no doubts."

Before another beast could step forward, an older woman walked out into the field toward the dogs. The circle separated as she walked toward the three in the center. She walked with a cane, but she did so with a grace that bespoke of one who never let the changes of age get the better of her without a fight. She leaned over in front of the three and stroked Li Wei's muzzle.

Had the crowd not been mostly beasts with keen hearing, much of what she said would have gone unheard. But as the story evolved, the crowd saw the ripples flowing out from Li Wei's life in the manner he so often taught about the lives of others. "I met Li Wei when I was six years old," the woman said. "My great grandpa Bucky brought me to the island. He would tell me the stories of his training in tai chi beside a giant yellow dog. He took his nursing residency in a hospital full of wolves and a doctor bear. You have no idea how disappointed I was when I saw you, Li Wei. I saw this Chinese man, and you laughed so loud when I told you that you weren't a dog.

"You told me that if I ever came to love you, I would see you as you really were. Great Grandpa Bucky insisted I train with the other children in tai chi class and you were so kind and understanding. I watched you and Oliver and I never saw two men who were so much in love. You two moved with such grace and beauty, and I wanted so much to be like the two of you. I was eight when I saw you, Li Wei; a huge yellow dog and a badger drawing circles in the air. That was the day I realized you were right. All I had to do was love you.

"You taught me so much about myself in that class. Years later, you were by my side, helping me study for my premed entrance exams. You helped me cram for my finals. You helped me research my doctorate thesis on experimental tissue regenerative therapies. The world never saw the chapters on werewolf healing abilities. But the rest of my research has saved the lives of so many burn victims. Nathaniel gave me such a hug the day I graduated. He was so proud of me. And then you hugged me, and I realized somewhere along the line, I had become a part of this vast family of loving animals. So many animals who never once treated me as anything but the human being I wanted to be.

"I have treated three hundred sixty-eight werebeasts in my life before I retired three years ago. I have saved the lives of twenty-three of them. And all because Grampy Bucky told me the truth I couldn't see. You helped me see it. I have had the most amazing life, Li Wei. And I owe so much of it to you.

"You were teaching my grandson, Evan. He's so sad. He doesn't know what to say. I told him his brothers would make sure the tai chi classes continued. But he understands what it means that you won't be teaching class anymore, and he struggles to find words to describe what he feels. He's too young to know what devastated means, but we both understand the emotion."

The woman looked up at Katashi. "I'm Natalie. I was there for your wedding reception."

Katashi bowed slightly. "I remember. Your husband and you did the jitterbug at the dance. I have never been so entranced with a couple gyrating before."

Natalie laughed. "You're too kind. Your husband means the world to me. I am so sorry you lost so important a man in your life."

"I have not lost him," Katashi replied, straight-faced. "He is dead here in my arms."

Natalie shook her head in disbelief. "I'm sorry. I don't have the words to express how sad I am that he died."

"Nor do I. We are two of a kind," the temple dog replied.

The older woman smiled. "Yes, we are." She looked at the dog for a time, watching his eyes. "My grandson Evan will need a teacher. Tai chi means a great deal to a six-year-old boy who stumbles over his own feet. Do you know tai chi?"

"I am proficient in seventy-two forms of martial arts; seventy-eight, if you count those only beasts can perform. If you include the martial arts practiced only by temple dogs, I am skilled in eighty-three."

Natalie chuckled. "Well, then you're capable enough, I suppose. Can I rely on you to be there for my grandson the way Li Wei was for me?"

"I will return from Tibet as soon as we have observed our ceremonies and sacred practices. Tai chi classes will begin at eight-thirty every weekday morning."

The woman leaned into her cane. "You look and sound so much like your husband."

"We are identical, save our scars."

"You will explain that to Even so that he doesn't get confused, right?"

"Of course."

The old woman leaned up and kissed Katashi. "I wish I had words..."

"I have so few myself," Katashi said, bowing again.

"In time," Natalie said, trying to smile.

"In time," Katashi said with a nod.

The evening proceeded in much the same way. Words of gratitude interspersed between laughter and stories of grown men and women who once rode on the back of the great yellow beast. Tales of lives changed, love shared, and the longing not to say goodbye. When the hours had flown by and the candles grew close to burning out, Eric moved back to the front. "What would you have us do, Katashi?" he asked.

"It is time," Katashi replied. "I hope that the children of man will understand why his body must return to Tibet."

"We all do," a doctor dressed in his white coat assured the dog.

Eric pointed toward a group of tables set apart from the crowd. They followed him with their candles and repeated what they saw him do. Each pulled up on a paper square that rested on the tables. They turned into small, rectangular boxes of red and yellow with Chinese characters on them. At the bottom of the box, a fire-cake rested between two narrow bands of wire. Eric took his candle and put it up against the cake, and the little square grew into a bright flame. Eric held it out and waited.

"The lanterns will pull toward the sky as the hot air fills them," the polar bear said to the crowd. "It reminds us it is a mistake to hold on to something that should fly. Grasping too tightly keeps that which we hold on to from ever becoming what it should be. And so tonight, we let go of our brother, our friend, our lover, our mentor." Eric stopped, trying to hold back the choking sob. "Regardless of what Li Wei was to us, we sense the tug of one who needs to be somewhere else, and we let him go so that he can rise to that calling. We let go, even though every fiber of who we are yearns to cling to him."

Eric's arm stretched out, and the lantern danced at the tip of his fingertips. He lifted the paw and the glowing box slowly rose into the sky. "Goodbye, old friend," the bear said. "I let you go, but I hold on to the memories. They are mine. I will never let them go." The crowd followed each with their own words of goodbye whispered to the dog they loved. The sky soon filled with hundreds of red and yellow lights floating in the sky, moving out over the Bay of Fundy.

In the clearing of grass, Katashi rolled the limp body in his arms off onto the ground and knelt beside it. He gently combed the hair on Li Wei's forehead with his paw. "A lifetime was never enough time, my love," the temple dog said as he kissed the lips of the dog below. "But then, it is all we had. Now we have only our dreams. It is not enough. But I will live in the moment with the good. I have a family to keep me grounded there."

Eric rubbed the shoulders of the yellow dog and then turned back toward his husbands. The temple dogs made their way to the front as they passed the white bear returning to his family.

The temple dogs formed a tight, protective ring around the three. Katashi rose, took Spackle's hand, and they began chanting. All watched as the winged dog Changeling crumpled to the ground, reaching out one last time to touch his fallen son. Jiao-long lifted his head and the sphere of darkness appeared above. There were no lights of galaxies far away, no stars, only a faint glow of lanterns from a temple half a world away glowing in the sphere's darkness. The winged dog picked up his son, and all of Li Wei's brothers joined their hands, bowed their heads, and disappeared into the sphere. The receding sphere left in its wake a sense of reality that none could shake. Li Wei was gone.

On the far side of the island, near one of the artillery searchlights, a small stone rose inside the cemetery. It was a marker for those that would never visit Tibet but mourned the loss of their beloved dog, nonetheless. Gaia had seen to their needs. There would always be a place on Partridge Island to remember Li Wei. The marker's gold lettering and intricately carved designs on the dark green stone spoke of its Asian influences. But the image of a temple dog carrying a young child on his shoulders was what all would remember. Even those who could not read the two Chinese characters below the picture would understand what they said: Li Wei.

As the crowd gave last hugs to each other and prepared to go to their lodgings for the night, the rain began. Oliver looked up into the sky and felt the rain on his face. "It was nice of you to hold it off, Gaia," he said.

"I didn't do it," came the voice inside the badger's head. "Look to the young wolf if you want to see who is controlling the weather tonight."

Oliver turned toward Derrick. "Pup?"

"I may have kept it from raining."

"You knows you ain't supposed to be using your powers."

"I know."

The badger smiled. "But you done good. So I ain't gonna bitch. What them others don't

know ain't gonna hurt them."

The rest of the husbands began returning from their goodbyes to the others in the crowd. Will reached out and hugged the black wolf. "I love what you did with the weather tonight, Pup."

"You knew?" the confused young wolf asked.

"The Sight, remember? Don't hide what you're doing, Pup. If you're going to fudge the rules, be brave enough to admit it."

"Okay, Old Wolf," Derrick agreed. He kissed Will and turned to the polar bear. "I kept it from raining tonight, Papa Bear. I'm sorry if that upsets you."

The bear reached out and gave the black wolf a tight hug. "It doesn't, Pup. I kind of figured it was you. Gaia isn't one to change the weather if it helps intensify the mood. She would have let it rain."

"I didn't want anyone to cut short what they had to say because they were getting soaked."

"It was very thoughtful of you," the brown bear said, coming up from behind the black wolf. He joined the polar bear in hugging Derrick, and the young wolf reveled for a moment in the pleasures of being in the middle of a bear sandwich. "Let's head off to bed. It's been a long day."

Martin shook off the rain from his fur. "You men head over to the museum house. I'm going to spend the night with Saand. This will be his first night without one of his brothers watching over him. I notice they touch him the entire time whenever they visit. I have a sense that is part of what keeps him here with us. So, I'm going to substitute for his brothers until they return."

"How is he doing?" Kris asked.

"He's alive. Nathaniel spends hours every day with him, but he's still in a coma."

"We could help," Eric said.

"No, Papa," the saber-toothed cat replied. "You two have given enough. Saand will heal, but not at the cost of you two losing your powers."

"We won't lose our powers," Kris objected.

Martin's eyes narrowed in disbelief. "What happened the last time you brought someone back from the dead, Dad?"

"I didn't have two sons to help me."

"Look, you two," the cat ordered. "I don't know exactly what happens when you bring someone back from the dead, but I know you have my husband worried sick about what you did."

"He wasn't dead," Eric replied. "Not really."

"Trabelem crushed him," Martin disagreed. "Not one bone unbroken, not one organ working. That's pretty much dead in the medical books."

"Not in ours," Eric said. "Trust me, I didn't risk losing my powers to keep him here with us."

"Okay, Papa. You tell me that, and I believe you," the cat said. "You might want to mention that to your son. He still thinks of you as a healer with limitations to your powers." The saber-toothed cat turned and began walking toward the hospital. "You enjoy your night with my husbands. I'll see you in the morning."

The father bear looked at his son. "Do you think he sees?"

Eric sighed. "Martin always sees so much more than he ever admits."

"At least he has a mind not to push for an answer in the middle of all this. But, Son, one day you and Nathaniel need to talk. We shouldn't keep our son in the dark."

"I'll take care of it, Dad. I promise."

"So, am I going to bed with my son tonight or my husband?"

Eric hugged the bear in front of him. "Is it too much if I'm a little of both? I'm not dealing well with Li Wei being gone."

"Of course, my love," the Kodiak replied. "Let's leave the family to fend for itself tonight. I'm sure we can find an open apartment down by the gunnery."

"That would be nice," the polar bear said as he turned toward the far side of the island. "So who cuddles better, my husband or my father?"

"Your husband is better at cuddling. Your father is good at those consoling, long side-hugs while we look over the bay."

"We could take the long way around and sit by the bay for a bit if you don't mind the rain."

"Of course, Son," the brown bear said as he wrapped his arm around the white bear's shoulder and pulled him into a sideways hug.

Fourth Night was ending. The beasts of the island found sleeping alone tonight did not suit them. Even single werewolves accepted invitations to sleep with others. But out on the far side of the island, a badger sat in the pouring rain rubbing the stone in front of him. His fingers traced over the lines of the six names carved on the stone. "I seen Li Wei in a dream, the other night," he said to the stone. "I seen him and I guess he's gonna be okay. Maybe that's just what I wants to believe. Maybe we all wants to believe it so bad our heads just makes it up."

Oliver pushed his head against the stone. "I wish I knowed if you was okay. I wish I could talk with you the way I talked with Li Wei. It wouldn't even matter if it weren't real. Just to see you. Just to say I was sorry. I ache for the wanting." Oliver closed his eyes and cried. In time, leaning up against the stone, he drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 36

Oliver felt the warmth of a blanket surrounding him. His eyes opened, and he looked up at the wolf folding the blanket around him. "Time to come to bed, Oliver," Will said as he picked the badger up into his arms.

"I wanted them to say they forgives me, Old Wolf. I wanted a dream like I had with Li Wei."

"I wish you could have it too," Will said as he began the walk back to the museum. He paused and turned. He looked up at the rain pouring from the sky and ran toward the little chapel. Once inside, he lowered the badger to the ground and shook himself. "You know the drill, Oliver," the wolf said with the command implied.

Oliver shifted to human and then back to badger. "You gots one soaking wet blanket now, Old Wolf."

"I'm okay with that," the wolf said as he shifted from wolf to human to wolf. The puddle of water at his feet was all that remained of the rain squeegeed off his fur by the transition. "There's a little bed in the office behind the chancel. We can sleep there tonight."

"How does you know about the bed?"

"I'm best friends with the Padre, remember?" Will said with a grin. "He and I used to come here sometimes after dark, and well, after a while, having a bed here seemed like a practical thing to do."

Oliver looked askance at the wolf. "You two is gonna burn in hell, you knows that?"

"I don't believe in hell, and besides, I've done a lot of worshiping on my knees with the Padre here. I'm sure I'll be forgiven."

"Just digging the pit deeper, Old Wolf."

"But you would come to get me, Oliver," the wolf rebutted.

"I would, Old Wolf. I would go through hell to gets you and have no regrets."

Will looked into the eyes of the badger. "Oliver, I know this might never end for you. The cuts are too deep to heal without some sort of intervention. But I want you to know, the red wolves, they loved the old bear; they loved Tiff and Tuff. If they really are somewhere they can see you, then hundreds of years ago, they would have forgiven you. If they see us, then they've seen how you treat our husband and our boys. You're a good man, Oliver. The red wolves are like all the rest of us. They forgive. They want the ones they love to be happy. Don't deny them the right to forgive you because you can't hear or see them."

"I guess I never seen it that way."

"Oliver, if your lives were reversed, and you saw a poor, tortured soul begging for forgiveness, what would you do? If you realized he wasn't strong enough to do what his heart told him for only a moment, what would you say to him? Would you forgive him if he hesitated for a few seconds, wrestling with a world suddenly thrust upon him he didn't understand? I don't even care if he became a great man. If he begged your forgiveness and lived out a quiet little life, hurting no one..." Will looked deep into the badger's eyes. "... would you forgive him?"

The badger averted his eyes from the penetrating stare of the wolf. "I woulds. I woulds want him to have a second chance."

"Then why won't you give those poor wolves credit for being at least as kind as you and let them forgive you?"

"Because I'se a badger, and I can'ts see no one forgiving me for nothin'."

"Well, you bastard," Will retorted. "How arrogant does a person have to be to think he's better than everyone else?"

"I ain't better, Old Wolf. I'se worse. Way worse."

"The hell you are, Oliver," Will fumed. "You're my touchstone. You're the soul that grounds me and keeps me in line. Do you know how good you have to be to take on that job without even knowing you're doing it?"

"Guess it'd be tough keeping you in line if you didn't wants it."

"You're right there. It takes a misguided man to think that he's somehow so above everyone else in this universe that he doesn't deserve the same treatment as the rest of us. I don't care if it's good or bad. You need to rethink who you are, Badger. You need to kick your own ass because we've all tried it and it ain't working here."

Oliver looked up at the old wolf. "You called me Badger."

"Damn right, I did. That's how pissed off I am at you right now," the wolf answered.

"You never calls me Badger."

"And I never will again if you just get past how special you think you are and decide to become one of us. One of those who can be forgiven for their mistakes."

"You called me Badger."

"You're missing the point, Oliver," Will yelled. "I love you. I need you to find a way past what happened centuries ago."

"You called me Badger."

Will grabbed the badger into a tight hug. "I'm sorry, Oliver. It was only a moment. I lost my temper. Please don't hold it against me. Say we're both okay. Tell me you forgive me for losing my temper."

Oliver hugged back. "Of course I does, Old Wolf."

Will grabbed the shoulders of the badger and shoved him out to arm's length. "THERE!" he yelled. "See how easy it is? See how easy it is to forgive someone for making a mistake in the heat of the moment?"

"You didn't kill me, Old Wolf," Oliver protested.

"And you didn't kill the red wolves, Oliver." Will pointed toward the graveyard outside. "Humans killed them; bloodthirsty humans. You hesitated. You were confused. But you never killed any of them. You never meant them any harm. Why can't you get that past that thick skull of yours?"

"Cause I'se a badger. You just said so."

"Oh fuck me," Will groaned.

"That would probably go a long ways to helping it get past my thick skull," Oliver said with a smile.

The old wolf stared at the badger. "Are you saying you might actually let them forgive you, even if you never see them again?"

"I'se saying you's helped me see things in a different light. I ain't never thought about how I might be hurting them wolves, never letting them be who they was all along."

Will grabbed the badger into another tight hug. "I love you, Oliver. Please let them rest. Let them be as strong as you. Let them forgive you."

"I promise I'se gonna try," Oliver mumbled. "I'se gonna try my hardest."

"That's all I'll ever ask of you, Oliver."

"I gots something else I would try to give my hardest to you if'n you're up for it."

"Make-up sex, Oliver?"

"They sez it's the best kind."

"In a church? You're gonna burn in hell, you know."

"Well, I'll have you and the padre to keep me company. I should be okay."

The two kissed and soon intertwined in an exploration to determine who would do what to whom. The playful interchange lasted well into the earliest hours of the morning when finally, Oliver closed his eyes wrapped in the old wolf's arms. Will's arm slipped up alongside the badger's temple and rubbed it. "Let them forgive you, Oliver," he whispered as he kissed the top of the badger's head.

In his dream, Oliver ran with the red wolves as they playfully nipped at his heels. They chased him toward a light glowing in the distance. Oliver worried if this was the story he always heard about dead people going toward the light. But the wolves never let up, pushing him ever closer in their race toward the light. As they got closer, Oliver realized it was a simple oil lamp outside an old shack. When the great bear and the young twins stepped out from the doorway, Oliver abruptly came to a halt.

"It's about time you all came home," the polar bear said with a smile. "Come on, you lot. Get cleaned up. Dinner is ready."

Oliver stood immobile, staring at the bear smiling at him. The badger stared at the two young boys, Tiff and Tuff, as they, too, smiled. The surrounding wolves shifted into their werewolf form. One smiling wolf grabbed him and gave him a long, loving kiss. When the kiss had ended, the wolf smiled at him and turned Oliver around, pointing him toward the three in the doorway. "Time to go, Oliver," the wolf said. "Time for you to go home and take care of our family. We have other things to do." With a hearty shove, the red wolf pushed the badger into the arms of the polar bear, and Oliver woke with a shake.

"You, okay, Hon?" Will asked.

"Yeah, Old Wolf," Oliver whispered as he rubbed the tears from his eyes. "I'se gonna be okay. I thinks the circle is finally closing."

Chapter 37

The days slipped into weeks, and the weeks into months. The family of beasts and the family of man struggled with the absence of Li Wei in their life. The dreams ceased, and the longing grew even more intense for their missing. Still, the family stayed in the good. For three months, the family of the bears, the wolves, and the badger shared the home of Katashi, sleeping each night by his side. They too felt a longing for their old friend. They also missed their newest husband. Adam had not returned to Terra since Li Wei's Fourth Night.

Spackle returned home to Lewis and Anders. The young man was changing, and his family recognized the need for him to be in a home that met his changing needs. One of those who watched over the changes most was the young black wolf who had bitten the neck of the human long before the tragic events. All knew of the nights the two spent naked sleeping with their arms around each other, and no one raised a question of its appropriateness.

There were nights when Katashi went missing. There was no need to start a search. Everyone knew where he was. He would hang from the oak tree in the center of the forest and cry. Occasionally, a wail would pierce the fog, and all who heard knew the heartbreak had become too great to hold in. However, the next morning, the dog would be in front of his young students. He would set stance and work through the positions and his grief in gentle swirling circles.

Beside him at every lesson, another dog moved in harmony. The children would watch intently, their arms and legs repeating carefully each gesture of the dogs. On the days they did particularly well, the other dog would unfurl his wings and take the children for short flights around the island. Jiao-long had found a home where his heart could heal beside his son.

Yet, at the end of every day, the wings would spread and the great yellow dog would catapult over the southern cliff face and disappear into the night. The consensus was that Jiao-long spent his nights with his other sons, sharing the grief and loneliness of a father with his surviving sons. On the other side of the world, Jiao-long followed the sun, spending his days with his sons working in the temple gardens and sharing their stories. In the night on Partridge Island, Jiao-long entrusted his son's care to his brother bear and his husbands. His other children all needed him.

Spackle finally turned toward the overweight human one early morning and kissed Derrick. The months of longing he had endured found expression in the two renewing their long-missing physical relationship. Derrick knew Spackle longed to hold another. In this moment, Derrick was a surrogate for one who wasn't there. Still, he held the young man through the loneliness and grief until the human cried the flood of tears he had tried so hard to control. The young man had returned to his family, and with that return, the need to be held and to be intimate with the ones he loved returned as well.

For three days, Lewis and Anders slept in the second Lighthouse Keeper's Home. They allowed the two humans to work on finding Spackle's way back to the beast that lay dormant inside him. It ended when Spackle lay next to Derrick, gently wiping the sweat from the chubby man's forehead. "I'm sorry, Wolfy," he whispered. "I'm sorry I wasn't there through all of this."

Derrick returned the gesture of wiping the young man's forehead clear. "It's okay, Spackle. I understand."

Spackle shook his head. "I don't, Wolfy. It's like a part of me is torn out, and I was trying to use you to fill up that emptiness."

"That's what I understand, Spackle," the overweight man explained. "I know you're trying to find a missing feeling. You thought it was physical because we beasts tie so much of what we feel to our physicality. But you won't find what you're missing here with me."

"I will find it with Katashi," Spackle said, filling in the gap.

"I was only here to help you figure that out," Derrick said, smiling.

"The sex was nice, though," the human said, returning the smile.

"Yeah, it was. And one day we'll be back together and it will be great. But for now, you need to be with the dog you love."

"I can't be with him like this, Wolfy. There was a time when I had balance. I could come home and be physical with Lewis and Anders, and I could go visit Li Wei and Katashi and find myself in so many other ways. But I couldn't be with any of them the way I can be with you. And I wanted so badly to be that way with them."

"And now you can't?"

"Now I can't. Li Wei is dead, and that dream I had... that promise died with him."

The chubby human shook, and the black wolf returned. "It didn't die, Spackle. It changed, the same as me. I'm still the same guy you were with only a few moments ago, but now I'm different. You can be angry at that, you can wish it were different, or you can make peace with what's in front of you and find a way to make it work."

"But you can change back, Wolfy."

"No, Spackle, I can't. I'm not changing back. This is who I am. I'm a werewolf. You're a temple dog. You're only a few years from turning. I look at you, and I realize you're already practically there. You're a temple dog wrapped up inside a human body, and I was here trying to remind you of who you are."

"A cuddle machine in overdrive?"

Derrick laughed. "Yeah, that... and so much more. You need to be with your own. You need to heal alongside your brothers. Come back to me one day, Spackle. Let's bite each other's necks again, but let's do it as who we really are. You're a son of Jiao-long of the Verital, and the protector of the dragons. You are the temple dog born to be the mate of Li Wei and Katashi."

"But Li Wei is dead."

"And Katashi is not. Come on, temple dog. This is what you'll be teaching us in a few years. We stay with the good. Remember all that Li Wei has given you, and then you go out there and make a life with Katashi. You don't die with Li Wei. You live with Katashi."

"Our emotions are strange things," the young wolf said. "When someone we love dies, those emotions can sometimes shut down. We're left with a system that feels nothing because the hurt is all we can feel, and feeling nothing seems so much better than that hurt. Over time, we'll find that the feelings return, and we can either let them return or push them down so we don't have to feel the pain."

"So, horniness is my first feeling to come back?"

"It's not that uncommon, Spackle. Why do you think we have all those stories about rebound sex?"

"I used you, Wolfy."

"No, you didn't, Spackle. I was here to make sure you didn't use anybody else. I love you. And one day, we'll be back on an even footing. But I was here while those feelings of yours were waking up again. I stepped in to ensure you were with someone who would understand that a part of you was still out there with the one you love."

"I miss him so bad, Wolfy."

"And you always will. No one can replace that part of your heart he occupies. You can't fill that spot with me or anyone else. That's Li Wei's and his alone. But there's so much more to your heart than that place where he lives. Don't ignore all the rest of your heart while that one part heals."

"Are you still willing to sleep with me on the tough nights?"

"Sure."

"What about sex?"

"Are you still holding out for your dads to take you when you're a newborn?"

Spackle nodded. "Yeah, that's okay, right?"

Derrick returned the nod. "It's okay. I will be there to cover those needs. But it's time I got back to being a werewolf. It's who I am, Spackle. I think by staying a human, I've kept you from being who you are."

"What's that?"

"You're a temple dog and one that has chosen a mate. I don't know why you two are apart, but it has to end. You've got to go back to him. He needs you, and you need him. He's going to be your mate. Nothing has changed that, but one of you has to step up and reaffirm that's who you want to be."

"And that one is me?"

"Yeah, Spackle. That one is you."

"Will you come with me?"

"It's something you have to do on your own."

Spackle sighed. "Yeah, I thought you would say that. You're right. I hope he understands."

"He's a temple dog, Spackle. At his core is a big old ball of understanding. You're going to have it one day."

"Well, don't hold your breath waiting for it, Wolfy. Because I'm sure not feeling it now."

The wolf grabbed the human back into another hug. "You will, Spackle. One day, I promise you that you will."

The human pushed back and stared at the wolf. "Oh... PlayStation Twelve... we're not giving that up, are we?"

"Oh hell, no," the wolf laughed. "Our relationship isn't changing that much. And as I said, I'll be there when you need the touch of someone familiar. After all, we're mated. I suppose I have conjugal obligations." The wolf grinned at the human.

Spackle laughed and reached out, grabbing the black wolf. "I love you, Wolfy," he said. "Thank you for staying with me."

"My pleasure," the wolf replied. "Go see Katashi tomorrow. We need to get our family back together."

"I will; promise," Spackle replied.

Chapter 38

In the early morning light, Spackle stared over the cliff at Katashi down on the beach. He watched as the slow, gentle movements of the beast flowed in harmony with one who was no longer there. He watched the solitary dog face toward the ocean, letting the grief flow over him like the waves that splashed up against his feet. The loneliness flooded the young man's entire being. His resolve faded, and he turned to leave, bumping straight into a badger.

Oliver glowered at the young man. "Where are you going, Human?" he asked.

Spackle took two steps back. "I can't, Oliver."

"Then you is always gonna be just a human," the badger growled. "That dog out there deserves so much more. He deserves what you promised him you was gonna be."

"Li Wei was his mate. Look at me, Oliver. How can I stand beside him where Li Wei once was? I'm me. I'm not Li Wei."

Oliver's face softened. "He ain't asking you to be Li Wei. That dog is asking you to be the temple dog you promised you would be. He's asking you to be his mate one day when you is ready. You ain't ready to stand beside him in Li Wei's place. But you'se never gonna be ready. Ain't never any of us that will. That place is Li Wei's forever. That dog ain't asking you to replace Li Wei. He's asking you to step up and be the dog you promised to be."

"It hurts so bad, Oliver," Spackle sobbed. "I feel so lost."

"I knows, Human," the badger replied. "Ain't none of this that's easy. But you gots a dog that loves you. Them dogs have taught me all my life to see beyond what I don'ts got, to see what I has. You gots to learn that lesson. Ain't no harder lesson to learn, but you gots to learn it. Because one thing you gots is that dog out there practicing by himself when he should have his future mate by his side."

"I'm not worthy to stand by him, Oliver. When Li Wei was there, I felt I had a chance. They were mated. They were whole. I thought, given time, I would find a way to be a part of them. But now there's this enormous hole and I can't fill it. I can't even begin to fill it."

Oliver shifted to his larger form, reached out, and hugged the young man. "You ain't supposed to fill that hole, Human. You is supposed to hold on to that dog and keep him from falling into it. Together, you can face it and keep the other from falling in. It don't matter that neither of you is strong enough. You'se gonna be strong enough together."

"I'm not strong, Oliver. I'm not that man."

Oliver pulled the human closer. "No, you ain't. But inside you is a dog who is. You gots to let him out, Human. You gots to become that dog."

The young man clung tightly to the badger. "I don't know if I can. I don't want to hurt Katashi by not being the dog he deserves."

Oliver sighed. "You gots the gift to see the truth, but you is looking away from it because it hurts so bad. But you gots to look at it. You gots to see it for what it is. Nothing is more frightening than the monster in the shadows we don't face. None of us is what the ones we love deserve. We is all frail, and we is all weak. We ain't never what we hope to be. But we gives everything we is to those we love and if they loves us back, then we is enough. We is perfect just the way we is. We is all so fucked up, but we is perfect that way, because that is who we are, and the ones who love us accept us that way. Ain't nothing quite so perfect as knowing the ones who love you don't need you to change."

"You promise me that's the truth?"

"See that truth for yourself, Spackle. Turn back to the truth. Turn back to what lies beyond the cliff waiting for you."

"You called me Spackle, not Human."

"'Cause I'se gonna call the dog Spackle. And one day, that dog is gonna fuck my ass, and it's gonna be gratitude fucking for keeping him on his path. And that's the best kind of fucking there is." The badger pushed back and grinned at the young man. "Go, Spackle. Be with him. Katashi needs you. He don't need that idea of perfect swirling around in that noggin of yours. He needs you."

Spackle turned back toward the bay and leaned against the railing. Beyond the cliff, he watched as the dog turned toward him. The leg lifted, the arms stretched out. The paws dropped. Crane stance. The temple dog was welcoming a new pupil. Spackle realized what the lessons would be. He would learn how to grieve the loss of the one he loved. He would learn how to cling to that which was still there. The dog he was becoming would learn the lessons that were inevitable in life.

He walked toward the ramp and hesitated at the top. He heard the voice of the dog over the roar of the ocean. "Come, Little One," Katashi yelled. "I have need of a partner today. One should not practice such difficult lessons alone."

The young man ran down the ramp and out onto the sand. He flung himself into the open arms of the temple dog and clung to the wet fur. When the hug had ended, Katashi placed the young man beside him. The dog's foot lifted and then lowered, tapping the space next to him. Spackle stepped into the space.

Katashi's knees bent, the paws pushed outward, rising to shoulder level and then lowering slowly back again. The right paw reached out as the right leg pivoted. Spackle watched the opening moves of every tai chi session. Katashi was opening his heart and mind to all that surrounded the two. The young man closed his eyes and raised his hands, then lowered them. The human tried to feel the movements. He tried to open his heart, but the sense of loss kept all other feelings pushed aside. He dropped onto the sand. "I'm sorry, Katashi. I'm not strong enough for this."

The thud that Katashi made as he fell down next to Spackle shook the human. "You are stronger than you know, Little One," Katashi comforted.

"No... no, I'm not," Spackle disagreed. Spackle pushed the sand in front of him with his hands. "I know you ask me to stand by you, but that space is where Li Wei once stood. He's gone, Katashi, and I can't replace him. I can't fill the space beside you the way he did."

Katashi was quiet for a moment, waiting to see if the young man had finished. "I never wanted you to fill the space beside me that Li Wei did," he finally said. "I only wanted you to return to that place you shared between us. Li Wei is gone. You are not. I miss my mate, Little One, but I miss the one who promised one day to be my mate even more. Your absence beside me has no reason other than you choose not to be there."

Spackle took a deep breath. "I don't want to disappoint you."

"Then be only what you promised to be. I expect nothing more."

Spackle let the silence between the two linger. "I love you so much, Katashi."

"And I love you, Spackle," the dog replied.

The young man heard his name. The dog hadn't called him Little One. Oliver's words came rushing back to him. He struggled to turn toward the truth; to become the dog he promised to be. "I'm sorry, Katashi. I'm so confused. There are so many feelings I don't understand. I'm sad and angry, and afraid." The quiet returned for a moment as Spackle struggled with the words. "Mostly I'm afraid."

"It is the nature of grief. I too feel emotions I find difficult. My balance seems so uneven nowadays. There are moments when only screaming at the top of my lungs seems to give any relief."

Spackle looked up at the dog. "I didn't know. I thought temple dogs were in control of their emotions."

"We are not always meant to control our emotions. But we can share them. In leaning on each other, we find balance we cannot find alone."

"So, it's okay that I can't control mine?" Spackle asked. "It's okay if I can't hold everything in check?"

"How would you answer those questions if I asked them of you?"

Spackle paused. "I would say it's okay."

"Then it's okay."

The silence between the two returned. At last, Spackle put his hand on the dog's leg. "I'm ready to try again."

The two stood side by side. Katashi waited as Spackle set stance, bending his knees and aligning his spine. "Are you ready, my love?" Katashi asked.

Spackle nodded. "I'm ready."

"Then feel the oneness of who we are," the dog said. "Let our hearts bind together, let our every action become one." There was a pause, and the two looked out upon the open vastness of the bay. They felt the emptiness, and as one voice, they screamed. They screamed all their anger, fear, and grief into the vastness of what lay beyond their reach. The screaming lasted until they grew hoarse, and their voices became a plaintive howl of resignation to what was, and what could not be.

From atop the cliff, Oliver watched as the two crumbled to the ground and clung to each other. "You two is gonna be fine," he whispered. He turned and walked away.

Chapter 39

In the waning days of the third month since the death of Li Wei, Jiao-long spread his wings as the last of the sun slipped behind the horizon. A thick paw grabbed one wing and held it fast. He turned to see the polar bear and smiled. "I have my sons to attend to, Brother," he said, pulling his wing from the bear's grip.

"I'm aware of that. A moment of your time before you visit them," the bear replied. "We persuaded Katashi and Spackle to join their brothers for a brief sabbatical on the highland. They are stepping back into our world slowly, and they sense it is time to share their affections again with their family."

The yellow dog stretched his wings and nodded. "It has been too long. No dog has ever gone over two weeks without sex, let alone three months."

"Katashi has not abstained entirely. His relationship with Spackle has grown. The young man has renewed his vow to not turn until he is thirty. But there is a bond between the two that is cementing itself through their physical activity."

"But that can't be the same as what he can share with others."

"No, it's not. Spackle, even more than Katashi, is pressing for this reunion." The bear paused a moment. "Katashi scarcely remembers what it was like to play with his family without Li Wei beside him. He feels awkward without his mate sharing in our time together. Spackle knows Katashi needs to address that awkwardness. We hope that being with his brothers will help."

"It is certainly worth a try. We all hope for a day when he returns to the Brotherhood."

"He never left it Jiao-long. We watch him in his sleep. He is there beside you all, but he still has to find his footing again without a mate. What he has with Spackle is special, but until the boy turns, Katashi needs more than he can provide."

"And Spackle is okay with others providing that?"

"As I said, he's the one pushing Katashi in that direction. He understands more about our nature than any human I've ever known, and he is more at ease with it than most."

"It will be frustrating for the young man."

"He intends to be by Katashi's side the entire time. We respect his limitations, but we're not backing down from making him a part of Katashi's return to his family. Spackle insists that this is his return as well."

"It's difficult to let a relationship as deep as Li Wei's and Katashi's slip into memory and begin again." The winged dog put his paw on the shoulder of the bear. "You would understand that all too well, Brother."

"All too well," Eric replied with a shake of his head. "Family has always been there to help me find my way back. It's time we helped Katashi go where his heart wants to go, but his loss keeps him from treading."

"And how can I help?" the winged dog asked.

"Stay on the island. Teach the children their lessons. Make sure they have a temple dog to visit when they need one."

"Me?" the dog stammered. "I'm not a teacher. I'm like the children. We follow Katashi."

"You know the moves by heart. The children love you."

"But surely there are others better suited..."

The bear interrupted the sentence, putting his paw on the mouth of the dog. "There is no other better suited than you, Brother." The polar bear pivoted and began walking away. "And stop calling me Shirley," the bear snickered.

"That was a stupid movie," the dog grumbled.

The bear turned back toward his brother. "And in all our centuries together, I never saw you laugh so hard."

"I just woke up from being dead. Everything made me laugh."

"It was good to hear your laughter, Jiao-long. Let the children hear it while we are away."

The temple dog waved his hand to dismiss the bear. "Go," he said. "I will tell my sons of your plan. I will return and stay on the island as long as I am needed."

Eric smiled at his brother. "Safe travels," he said with a similar wave of his hand. The dog turned, spread his wings, and dove from the cliff face. Eric watched the wormhole open briefly, and the night returned. He turned and walked toward the Radar Battery Observation Post.

Inside Katashi's home, the polar bear announced his brother's promise to attend to the children in Katashi's absence, and the dog gave a sigh of relief. "So we all agree?" Eric asked the dog once more.

Katashi nodded. "It will be good to see my brothers."

"And?" the old wolf encouraged.

"And to share my affections again with my family," the dog answered.

"And what about you, Spackle?"

"I'm ready," the human replied.

"Only if it feels right," Derrick said as he hugged the young man.

Spackle hugged back. "It always felt right, Wolfy," he replied. "It took me this long to remember that."

The black wolf never let the hug go. "We wait, Spackle. We always wait for our family to come home."

"Well, let's say we cuddle up together and get some sleep," the brown bear said with a yawn. He reached out and pulled the badger in close to him. "Dibs on Oliver," he said with a laugh.

"I ain't no teddy bear for you to hold at night," Oliver protested.

"I'm aware of that," Kris replied as he nibbled on the back of the badger's neck. "I don't want to fuck my teddy bear."

Oliver giggled as the bear munched a matted path across his neck. "Okay, as long as we's good on who I is. Dibs on Kris," he said.

The others climbed onto the bed and found their way into comfortable positions. "Lights," Katashi said, and the lights turned off.

The family lay together, stroking their paws across each other for a time. "Family," Katashi whispered.

"Yes," came the family's reply.

"My brothers are remarkably gifted in sexual congress."

"They is good at what they does," Oliver agreed.

"And it has been some time since I have been intimate with anyone on such a level."

"You have a point there," the polar bear said as he pushed himself up.

"It might be best if I were to practice a bit before our travels, so as not to disappoint my brothers with my awkwardness."

Kris giggled, and his paws reached out and pulled the yellow dog toward him. He kissed the lips of the dog. "It's like riding a bicycle, Katashi."

"I have never ridden a bicycle," Katashi said, slightly confused.

"You don't forget how to have sex."

"But I forget what pleases you."

The dog felt the lips of the polar bear on his ears and the slight scraping of the fangs over the softest parts. His eyes closed tightly and the thumping of his leg pounded against the old wolf's chest. "But we haven't forgotten what pleases you, Dog," the white bear whispered in Katashi's ear.

"Take me, Ancient One," the dog begged. "It has been too long."

"You only had to ask," Eric said, pushing his thick cock past the yellow fur of the dog's crack and up against the hole.

Katashi pushed back onto the swollen cock and let the sense of being one with another take control. It was a bittersweet moment there amid the pleasures he had missed for so long. He realized that when his paws reached out, Li Wei would not be there to grasp them. Then the hands of the young man grabbed his paws. So much smaller and softer than his husband's. They tightened around his paws and squeezed. "The one who loves you is here," Spackle whispered. "Stay in the good, Dog,"

"In the good," the dog sighed. He closed his eyes and realized he had returned to where his husband always wanted him to be.

In the morning, Katashi stood before the Red Wolf gleaming in the morning sun. Lost in thought, hearing the voice behind him startled him. It was so like his own that he almost mistook it for one of his brothers. "She's a beautiful ship."

Katashi turned to see the young man looking up at the Red Wolf. "Morning, Dog," Spackle said. "I was hoping we could have a talk before we go to the highland."

"Of course," the temple dog replied as he took the human into a hug, picking him up off the ground.

Spackle pushed back from the hug to look into the dog's eyes, but the dog did not let him go. The human still dangled above the ground. "Katashi, let me make one thing clear because everyone made it very clear to me last night. I am not a human. I am a temple dog, and I am the temple dog who is to be your mate. I need you to treat me as that... a temple dog who is to be your mate."

Katashi nodded. "I will remember your words and place them in my heart. I love you Spackle. This has been a hard time for both of us."

"And we're probably going to have hard days ahead," Spackle added. "But whatever comes, we stay together. We continue to heal together."

"I agree," the temple dog replied. He paused for a moment. "This could complicate matters. If I return to sharing my affections with our family, I might put you at risk. Human bodies do not hold up well against the unbridled physicality of a temple dog."

"That's true. I'm pretty sure I have bruised ribs this morning from what happened last night. And I don't want Kris rolling over the top of me again until I'm a dog."

"But you are not thirty years old yet. I cannot copulate with you without turning you. Yet turning you is the most practical way to deal with this situation."

"We'll be fine, Dog. We can both wait. Now more than ever, I want to be true to my word. We get the drill. Share your affections with me, but don't share any of your semen."

The temple dog smiled. "I can think of thirty-nine versions of physical intimacy that would result in an intense orgasm for you while involving none of my semen."

"How many if we add our brothers to the mix?"

"Forty-eight."

"Then there are plenty of options we can share. Let's say we go roust everyone and make that trip to the highland."

Katashi nodded happily. "I would love that, Spackle."

Spackle buried his face in the fur of the temple dog and rubbed it aggressively when he found the nipple. The temple dog pulled him close and Spackle sucked the tip of the nipple into his mouth. He giggled slightly at having a man in his life with nipples larger than most cock heads he had seen. Yet, he also enjoyed the comfort of a body so familiar to him. This was home. In the arms of the temple dog he loved, he was home. It didn't matter what else life would throw at him. In this moment, Spackle knew where he belonged, and he pushed into the moment, hoping it would last forever.

"Forever is a very long time, Little One," Katashi said as if reading the human's thoughts. "But we will do our best to make it last, won't we?"

"Yeah, Big One," Spackle replied. "We will."

Chapter 40

The temple dogs were sleeping in their monastery, nestled against the young human. Under the canopy of trees that was their home, the dragon family slept. The family of bears and wolves had finally tired out the badger. All were moving into position for a night's sleep when the wolves' ears perked up.

"Do you hear that?" Derrick asked the group.

"Sounds like singing," Will said. He paused. "Like Adam singing. Husbands, I believe Adam has finally come home."

"And he's singing to let us know?" Kris asked, rolling over onto his belly and looking out toward the front of the apartment deep inside the cave. "He usually comes running in here and jumps on us."

Derrick smiled. "Well, he's not singing alone, you know."

"I'm hearing at least three voices," Will said as he pushed himself up and jumped off the bed. "I say we go check out our carolers. Who knows? Maybe they're hoping for treats."

Outside, the five scanned the highland and saw the three shadows in the night sitting on the edge of the forest. "Adam, Kattar, and Kattar's twin, it would appear," Kris said. He grinned at the two wolves. "We may not be all that keen on hearing things, but bears have excellent night vision."

"Show off," Will said as he nudged the bear. "Let's go say hello to the family."

The bears, badger, and wolves ran toward the threesome. When the group reached the far side of the glade, the family sat beside the three and listened to them sing. With a friendly nod of greeting, they welcomed the family to their circle, but the singing never stopped. Once seated, Adam leaned toward his husbands, smiled, and whispered. "We're singing to our family. We are hoping they acknowledge us."

"Woulds it help if we sung too?" Oliver asked.

"The more voices, the better, I say," Kattar said, grinning. The singing Hexadeltan next to him nodded his head while maintaining the melody.

"Don'ts understand a word you'se saying," the badger said with a frown.

Adam smiled at Oliver, and his foot pivoted in a small circle. When his hand repeated the same gesture, the words became intelligible. Similar to listening to the dragons, it wasn't a literal word-for-word translation. Rather, images and thoughts melded together. From those images came an understanding of the song that bypassed the need for an interpretation of the words sung by the three.

The three sang of their sorrow seeing the death of so many to defend a universe from the beings entrusted to protect it. They sang of all that they had lost, and in the melody, they shared how great a loss that was. The three sang of a young black wolf saving them from the folly of their ambition. They sang of a love that transcended all their understanding as a temple dog lay beside a dying beast and guided it to the unknown beyond. The three sang of finding a family to call their own and their hope that one day their brothers and sisters would understand what that meant. The three sang of all that they had found.

As the beasts of the Were Nation listened to the words, they realized they had sung this song for centuries. It was a song new to the otter and his Hexadeltan companions, but a song whose cadence was the beat of the Were Nation's heart. Together, they raised their heads and sang. From the apartments across the glade, visiting werebeasts walked sleepily out the front entrance. Their smiles spread as they listened to the music, and soon they ran toward the beasts at the forest's edge to join in the song. Across Terra, the Were Nation listened to the song and the voice of the great white bear calling them to join in.

In the jungles of Brazil, the maned wolf pack woke from their sleep and stepped out from their hut, staring up into the trees that blocked the sky above them. They listened to a song they knew by heart and added their voices. On the plains of Montana, the pack woke and moved out into the still night and sang. A werepig and his werewolf and werecat mates woke from their early morning slumber and walked out onto the porch. They smiled at the realization the family was calling them to a gathering and added their voices to the song.

From inside the monastery, the temple dogs stirred. They shifted their tight circle around the naked human as he, too, woke. "This is what the Were Nation does, Spackle," Katashi whispered in the human's ear. "One day, when you turn, you will sing alongside us."

"I can't sing now?" the young man asked.

The temple dog shook the human playfully. "Of course you can."

The other temple dogs forming a blanket around the human smiled. "Let's go outside to sing," Saand said. "It's always better when we sing outside."

Spackle stared straight-faced at the Dog. "I'm naked."

"So am I," Saand replied.

"You're a dog. You're supposed to be naked."

"So are you. I see no reason to quibble about the body you're in. You're supposed to be naked in the company of dogs who love you. You were the one to set the ground rules for our interactions. I am treating you as the dog I believe you to be."

Spackle smiled. "I guess you got a point there. I best get used to the idea that my nudity is going to be a staple more than an exception one of these days."

"No time like the present," Noboru said with a laugh. "Come on, Brother; let's go give you a lesson on how to chant."

They had scarcely stepped outside when Nathaniel, Max, Martin, and Chipo walked by. "Morning, men," Martin said with a wave. "A very early morning indeed."

"Love the outfit, Spackle," Chipo said, as he waved.

Spencer looked down at his body and noticed the hard-on jutting between his legs. "Oh, crap," he sighed. "This is going to be so embarrassing."

"Nonsense," Katashi disagreed. "It's morning. You're supposed to have an erection."

"Yeah, but I'm a human surrounded by beasts."

"Would it make you feel more comfortable if we all had erections?" Genji asked with a laugh. "I am sure that would be easy to arrange."

Katashi raised a paw. "Gentleman," he said with an authoritarian air, "I believe Spackle has enough pressures on him to stay true to his decisions. Do your best not to add complications to them."

Spackle smiled. "Thanks, Katashi. But it's okay. I know you're only teasing me. I trust you all to help me. The day I turn, I look forward to taking every one of you into my arms and making up for all the nights I wanted to be than your cuddle buddy."

"Still, it's easier if we all control ourselves around you," Noboru said with a nod toward Katashi.

"A valid point," Genji replied to his brother. He put his arm around the human. "Let's go join the song, shall we?" The group of large dogs circled around the human and made their way out onto the grassy field where they added their voices to the song. Katashi guided the young man in the ways of the Were Nation as they began their chant. He learned the reason the Nation sang of all they had lost and all they had found. He learned how to sing his own song, and as he began singing, the voices of thousands of beasts singing from their place on the tiny blue planet filled his ears.

Throughout the boroughs in New York in their early morning, to the bustling arrondissements of Paris in the afternoon, the beasts listened to the song. From the heat of a summer day in Queensland to the freezing world of the Arctic Ocean, the beasts' ears opened. From every point of the globe, the beasts heard their song and responded to let their family know they were not alone.

Across the galaxy, the Unity tapped into their sons' voices and sang. The song flowed uninterrupted for nearly an hour when all heard an unfamiliar voice. Shy, timorous, and almost inaudible, the voice struggled in response to the melody that floated beyond the galaxy. It was the voice of one of Adam and Kattar's people wrapped inside an alien host. It was a voice reaching out to an idea that it didn't understand. Struggling, it tried to say hello to its family without even knowing what the word meant. It was the voice singing to the hope it felt as it listened to the song of the others.

One by one, the voices joined in. Overjoyed, Adam and Kattar rocked back and forth with an excitement they couldn't contain. The song continued to flow until Adam and Kattar could count all the voices of their people singing with them.

When the morning sun crested the tops of the Douglas fir, Adam and Kattar both sang the words of closing to all who had joined in. They thanked everyone for spending time with them. The family of bears, wolves, badger, and dogs bowed their heads and their song ended. The Unity was the last to end their song. They said goodbye to their sons, to their adopted children of the Were Nation, and to the fresh voices who they had yet to meet. Across the universe, four thousand, three hundred, and sixty-eight souls ended their song. They tried to hold on to feelings as elusive to them as the melody that held them captivated for hours. Their voices trailed off into the ether of the morning fog that blanketed the highland.

When the song ended, a jubilant otter ran around hugging all his husbands. He moved next to hug the dogs, and last, the two Hexadeltans sitting in the chilly morning air. "I can't believe it," he gushed. "All of them; all of them responded."

"Hope is a very strong draw for group participation," Eric said as he rose and stretched. "It was a joy to hear them singing, Adam."

Kattar nodded eagerly. "Wasn't it though? I know our songs aren't as beautiful as the Unity, but we sing from our heart, and there are so many voices from so many worlds."

Kris laughed. "We don't actually sing, Kattar. That's the sound of us talking back and forth to each other. It sounds like a melody to almost everyone else, but to the Verital, it's us yakking on the universal party line."

"It is beautiful beyond words," the up-until-now quiet second Hexadeltan said.

"We are glad it pleases you," the polar bear said. "I am Eric." The white bear pointed to the brown bear. "This is my father and husband, Kris." Eric made another gesture toward the Iberian wolf, "And my husband, Will." Another wave extended toward the black wolf. "My husband, Derrick." With one last motion toward the badger, he said, "And this is my husband, Oliver." The bear made a small pivot with his foot leaving a circle in the grass and smiled at the badger, who returned the gesture.

"This is my mate, Slevar," Kattar said proudly. "I am following in the footsteps of Adam and choosing to become one with the people I protect. I never realized how complex and wonderful the Hexadeltan concept of family is. Our species was so intent on forwarding our own goals of order that we never stopped to consider how many of our hosts could teach us such things. How many hundreds of the Order tonight heard a song from their lips that our hosts have sung as a people for thousands of years?"

Slevar bowed in a fashion similar to the temple dogs. "I am pleased to meet you, Terrans. My mate has told me so much about you."

Will laughed. "I don't know whether to think that's a good thing or not."

"It is a wonderful thing. I hope one day our children and yours will share their lives together."

"Children?" Kris asked. "I thought Kattar was sterile."

Kattar nodded in agreement with the statement, and then his smile spread wide. "It occurred to me that if my people could force me to abandon my Hexadeltan host, I could do it voluntarily. Separated from me, Kattar became fertile again."

Derrick looked at Slevar. "So you're going to have babies?"

Slevar shook his head and pointed to Kattar. "He is."

Will laughed, "Kattar, you son of a gun. You have a bun in the oven?"

"I have six buns," Kattar said proudly.

"So I is confused," Oliver said. "Who is we talking to? Kattar the Hexadeltan or Kattar the glitterin' critter with a name we can't pronounce?"

"Both," Kattar replied. "After Kattar and I separated so that he could become pregnant, we talked about how we might merge again. Like Adam in the beginning, we chose to leave Kattar autonomous. We share the same body in the manner Adam does with Marcus, Kendal, and the twins. It is a challenge, but we are both happier this way. We are separate, but we are together. We are Kattar."

"So, you're effectively living in a triad," Will said, smiling. "I'm sure Brian and his husbands will be happy to see you took a cue from them as well."

"I have indeed," Kattar said, reaching out to hold the hand of his mate. "Kattar will live out his life with Slevar. They will grow old together, and when the day comes, I will release our union so that he may join his ancestors, as is their way."

"You'se gonna die?" the badger asked.

Kattar shook his head no. "I will go on. In time, another may share their life with me. But I am Hexadeltan now. I will always stay beside my people until I, too, join those who came before."

Slevar smiled at the badger. "Kattar will always have a home with my people. It doesn't matter to us what name he goes by, or whose body he shares. He is a part of the family. We always take care of our family. We are all grateful for your guidance in teaching him those lessons."

Kattar nodded in agreement. He turned toward Katashi. "Our people now know of Li Wei's sacrifice for those we enslaved. We cannot find words to tell you how sorry we are."

"He was a noble dog. I am grateful to have shared my life with him," Katashi replied.

"I have much to learn, Katashi," the four-armed creature said. "Our people have so much to learn. We could use a teacher; someone willing to share his life with us for a time. I know you share in other obligations to your world, but Jiao-long said you might consider traveling beside us for a time." Kattar bowed his head and whispered, "Would you ever consider taking on new students?"

"I am not opposed to the idea. But I accepted obligations on Terra. My classes with my children are sacrosanct. They already lost one teacher to circumstance. They cannot lose another. Also, the young man beside me would need to accompany me. He is in training to become a temple dog and my mate. Humans do not do well with interplanetary travel. Their bodies are frail. They require large amounts of special clothing that makes their movements cumbersome."

Kattar frowned. "The classes would require extensive travel by necessity. But that does not mean we cannot travel to you. If the homo sapiens are not opposed to aliens standing by their side, perhaps we can broker an arrangement."

Oliver snorted out a laugh. "Humans can't even stand each other if they looks different. Them human kids at tai chi class will do just fine, but if'n any other humans sees you, it's gonna muck up really quick-like."

"Look around you, Kattar," Katashi said. "There are many dogs here. Let us spend time together and find emissaries worthy of the challenge you offer. My father sought to keep me occupied after the death of my husband. He worried I would lose my way and wander from my path. He forgets that so many loving beasts are dedicated to keeping me on that path. For a time we may wander, but we always return."

Katashi pulled Spackle in close to his side. "Perhaps one day, when we are mated, we can venture out to visit the family that appears to be growing around the universe."

The Hexadeltan nodded in consent. "Of course. Until that day, the two of us will visit you if you are agreeable. There is much to learn from all of you. In return, the Hexadeltan race can bring so much of value to you. Those of us who survived the death of the Order need your gifts. So many remarkable races offer so much more than we ever allowed them to share. There is so much we can learn from both you and our hosts."

"Then we will rely on you to let us know when we can be of help," Katashi said with a bow.

"That is a yes?" Kattar said with a hopeful grin.

"My husband taught us to embrace the unknown," Katashi replied. "Your request comes at a time that makes me believe that few paths in our lives are by chance." The yellow dog turned to his brothers. "Are we in agreement?" the nod of all temple dogs followed. Katashi turned back toward the four-armed beast. "We would be honored to help in any way we can."

Kattar clapped his hands together. "This is better than I could have hoped for." He turned toward Slevar. "Can I rely on you to help me with this, Husband?"

Slevar's wide mouth formed a grin. "Of course, Husband. I will be there by your side always." The four-armed creature pointed toward Kattar's side pouches. "Gestation for our people is eighteen months. There will be an interim where my husband must avoid intense physical activity for the safety of our unborn babies. He is deeply concerned that you will need to curtail your sexual contact with him out of necessity. I am willing to step in and provide the contact you will miss by his abstinence."

Kris laughed out loud. "Oh my god, we have temple dogs wrapped up in new bodies."

Slevar looked first at the yellow dogs and then back at the brown bear questioningly. "Is that a bad thing?"

Kris embraced the Hexadeltan. "No, Slevar. That is a marvelous thing. We welcome you to our family."

"I am told I will need to learn to give a blow job on a penis that is not prehensile for our unions to be satisfactory," Slevar said as his four arms hugged back.

"We have all the time in the world... two worlds," Kris said as he pulled the beast tighter.

When the hug ended, Slevar smiled. "Kattar was right. You are creatures who are a great deal of fun to hold. I will wait for our copulation with anticipation." He turned to Oliver and smiled. "And you, I will look forward to fucking." Oliver grinned. Slevar hesitated. "Did I say that right?"

"You said it great, Slevar," Oliver said, raising his arms for a hug. The beast bent over and the four arms pulled the badger up into a hug. Oliver stared into the face of the Hexadeltan. "Well, kiss me, Slevar. We ain't gonna never fuck if you don'ts learn the basics."

The two beasts' lips met, and the others watched, smiling as the two kissed. When the claspers flipped out and rose along the badger's backside, Kattar laughed. "We best back away. My husband is nothing like me. He ejaculates profusely."

"And you don't?" Derrick asked as he stepped back.

"Not at all," Kattar responded, taking the hand of the black wolf and retreating.

"I'se gonna drown," Oliver yelled out laughing.

Slevar looked at the little mammal in his grasp. "I am so sorry, Oliver. My arousal is more than I anticipated. I find your diminutive size to be terribly exotic. But I also realize my size will most likely cause you physical pain. That is not my intent."

"Ain't no problem, Slevar," Oliver said. With a shake, the larger werebadger appeared. "I'se still tiny, but at least you won't tear me a new one. We gots a creek to clean up in. Have at me, Wombat. I'se good with where we's going." When Oliver's eyes widened and he let out a bark, the family knew where the two had gone.

Will nodded. "Oliver has a point. This is one wolf who's not backing away." He went over and wrapped his arms around the Hexadeltan from behind. "Tell me what you want, Slevar, let's make it happen."

"I have already penetrated your mate. The best I can offer you is a kiss and a hand or three to attend to your arousal. I don't believe my anus is quite up to handling penetration yet."

"Works for me," Will said with a smile. As he guided Slevar's hand to his swelling genitals, Will turned to Kattar. "Can you stay a few days?"

"I am on leave for two months," Kattar responded. "For those two months, if it is agreeable with his Terran pupils and Katashi, Slevar and I will spend our time training alongside them."

The family turned toward Katashi, and the golden dog nodded with a smile. "You may share our bed if you wish. It would be nice to let my family return to their obligations without a sense that they have left us alone."

Kattar returned the smile. "We would very much enjoy that. Perhaps you can help us plan the future of what remains of the Order. There has been discussion of visiting all our host planets in packs. We're taking a page from your playbook. We are creating packs that build, packs that provide education, packs that help restore planets."

"Starting with your chosen planet, I hope," Derrick interjected. "Adam and I can help."

"But you hate to fly," Kattar protested.

"It's not exactly flying if I don't see anything zipping by as I go between locations. Stepping into a wormhole is like walking through a door, so I'm good. Besides, you need to fix up your planet first. If you want people believing that you can help, you better have a place that looks like you know what you're doing."

Kattar paused in thought. "Agreed. We would be grateful for all the help we can get. Baby steps back to being guardians. We might need to be gardeners first."

Adam looked up at his husbands. "Please join us at the beginning of that journey. Our people are truly apologetic. We seek redemption from those we injured the most."

Eric flopped down next to Adam, stretched his arms out, and wrapped them around the otter. "We will be there, Husband." He leaned in, kissed the otter, and looked up at the Hexadeltan. "So, how far into your pregnancy can you enjoy sex without jeopardizing your children?"

"I will begin a period of abstinence in eight months."

"So for now?"

"I would be happy to copulate with you while my husband fucks Oliver."

"I think that would be wonderful," the white bear said as he pulled an arm of the Hexadeltan toward him. Kattar smiled and bent over for a kiss.

Kris stood up, slipped alongside the two, and found his place in the increasingly playful interactions. Derrick laughed when he felt Bolin's hard-on press up against his butt. "Take me, Bolin," he said happily; and Bolin obliged the young wolf.

Resting on all fours, the mounted black wolf's grin widened as another massive yellow body walked in front of him. "We were told you enjoy being spit-roasted, Pup," Zhuang said eagerly.

"Well, then show me how we do that temple doggy style," Derrick replied, reaching up with one paw to guide the yellow cock into his mouth.

Adam looked back and forth, trying to decide where to move. "Anyone need an opening filled?" he asked with a chuckle.

Max dropped onto all fours. His rear legs slowly slid toward a full split, lowering the rounded butt until it was the right height for an aroused otter. "I'm yours, Adam. Mount the bear." Adam needed no other encouragement and was deep inside the bear with only a few steps and one jump. Seeing an open bear's mouth, Genji dropped his pendulous dick in front of the bear, and the bear swallowed it without hesitation.

Chipo grinned at the proceedings. He grabbed Martin and Nathaniel. "Come on, Cat," he said, "Let's go double stuff ourselves a husband. They say the third time's the charm." A grin spread across Nathaniel's face, and he gave a happy nod.

Spackle was watching everything happening around him, and his arousal was obvious. But he no longer felt out of place for his erection, only for his human body. Katashi was preparing to suggest an approach to solving the dilemma when Will pulled away from Slevar's fondling. The old wolf gave himself a shake. The six-foot-four human appeared and tugged at his nut sack. He put out his hands to the young man. "Come on, Spackle. You and I are going to show these beasts what animals act like. I promised to have your back, but today I'm heading south to ensure I do just that."

Spackle grinned and stepped into the embrace of a fellow human. Katashi, seeing his future mate well attended to, joined his brothers. The group revelry soon turned into configurations that defied explanation.

From the forest, the dragon children peered out onto the glade, watching their family. Their parents came up beside them, gently nudging them back into the forest. This was a sacred time for their family; one where they bonded their lives anew. There would be days when the young dragons would be a part of all they saw, but today was not that day. Today, the dragon family would leave the family of beasts to play alone in the field.

Out in the grass, the first showering of purple liquid covered the badger and all within six arms' length of him. Will snorted cum out of his nose as he laughed, trying not to choke on the ongoing orgasm splashing around him. He raised his head high and bellowed, "GOD, I LOVE THIS FAMILY!" And in that moment, all who heard the wolf smiled and agreed.

Chapter 41

Spackle walked along the beach, holding the hand of the temple dog. There was no conversation between the two. When they reached the edge of the beach where it met the south-side rock cliff, Spackle sighed. "I will be thirty in another year," he said.

"I'm aware of the importance of the date," the dog replied.

"Do I have your blessing?"

"Of course," the dog replied as his wings folded out and around the human.

"I talked to Li Wei about this."

"Before his death?"

"No. A bit more recently."

Jiao-long pushed away slightly and looked at the young human. "He visits you?"

"I visited him."

"That is not possible, Little One," the winged dog said.

"Yeah, they both told me the same thing. But since I was there, I figured what the heck. A while back, Oliver told me I had turned from the truth. He was right. I didn't want to see the truth if it meant Li Wei had died." There was a pause while Spackle struggled for words that eluded him. "The day I ran out onto the beach to be with Katashi, I told myself never again. I turned toward the truth and embraced it. That's when I began seeing these last few months in a very different light."

The winged temple dog looked concerned. "Such as?"

"Li Wei didn't actually make his first visitations. His loving father, who realized we were all struggling with more than we could bear, stepped in to help."

"All my sons realized that. If you were truly a temple dog, I expected you to figure it out in time."

"I imagine Derrick will figure it out eventually. Wolfy is scary strange in the way he pieces things together. Will and Oliver may not be far behind. But don't worry. They'll forgive you because they understand your heart was in the right place. Besides, if I realized Li Wei visited you and your sons, they will too."

"I wish I could know if he was truly alive."

"I guess it depends on your definition of alive," Spackle said. "He's definitely dead by our standards. But very much alive by another's."

Jiao-long sighed. "You did it, Son. You are truly a temple dog. What you say makes no sense, but I'm sure it's the truth."

Spackle laughed. "I figured if you could talk to Li Wei, so could I. It just took me a while to track him down. All it took was letting go of what I thought I knew and embracing the truth I should have seen."

The winged temple dog laughed. "Dear god, that actually makes sense to me. You are becoming such a fine temple dog. So, what did Li Wei say when you found him?"

"I asked if he was okay with me mating with Katashi even if he and I can't mate."

"And his answer?"

"They both said it was a fine idea."

"Both?"

"Li Wei has a companion. He tries to look like a temple dog when I visit, but he's not really one."

"What is he?"

"I don't exactly have words for what he is. He's not really even a he or a she either. More like a sentient energy."

"Are you sure about this?" Jiao-long asked.

"Yeah, he's kind of the glue that holds a part of this universe together," the young man replied. "And I think a lot of other universes, as well. He goes by the name of Falong."

The winged temple dog laughed aloud. "Falong? Falong was the name of Li Wei's childhood pet."

"He took a name that for Li Wei had strong positive memories."

"And Li Wei didn't tell him he chose the name of a rat?"

"Li Wei loves him, Jiao-long. Falong's lack of contextual understanding didn't negate the fact his name has meaning for Li Wei. Li Wei would never hurt the one who chose a name so dear to him by telling him the nature of the relationship between a boy and a rat."

"Those were troubled times," Jiao-long said with a nod. "Most humans would have gladly eaten the rat instead of giving it their last morsel of bread."

"Li Wei was never most humans."

"I'm aware of that, Spackle. My sons have never been most humans."

"About that, Jiao-long. If I'm to be a temple dog, there is the matter of my turning."

"Let Katashi turn you," the winged dog said without hesitation.

"But you turned all your sons."

"And you wish to be my son?"

"It would help if I could call all the dogs my brothers, and I think my love for you is pretty self-evident."

Jiao-long smiled. "Well, as handsome a human as you are, and as much as the offer appeals to me on so many levels, I will insist Katashi turn you."

"But why?"

"Because he loves you. Because he is to be your mate. There is an intimacy in turning another. I know you, Spackle. If you wish, I will love you as a son without hesitation. The Brotherhood will welcome you without question. But the dog that loves you as his soul mate should be the dog that turns you."

"But there will be genetic differences. I won't be the same temple dog as all the rest if the one who turns me isn't the one who turned them."

"On the contrary," Jiao-long corrected, "you will be more like them if Katashi turns you." The temple dog noticed Spackle's look of confusion. "For thousands of years, my sons have been growing in a direction I have not gone. Without me by their side, they reached out to the universe and became something so much greater than I could ever imagine. The greatest joy a father can have is to realize his children will be better, stronger, and nobler than he is. In that respect, Spackle, my joy is overflowing."

"So, the temple dogs aren't Changelings anymore?"

"They are temple dogs. Unique unto themselves. I may hold their appearance, but who and what they are is beyond my understanding. Trust me, Spackle. Katashi needs to turn you. You can't afford to wait hundreds of years learning to become what they are now. By then, what they will have become will dwarf all the Changelings, save one. If you wish to be by my son's side, let him turn you. Become one with someone who I would one day love to be."

"May I still call you Father the way the other temple dogs do?"

"I would be honored," the temple dog replied, looking at the human before him. "Do you understand what you're getting yourself into, Spackle? I mean, really understand?"

"I see the truth of everything, Father. As with all your sons, I sought out this life without ever knowing why, but always knowing I must. There is something in me beyond the Sight that my brothers share. I'm only now learning to use it, but it appears to be unique to me and Kendal... and possibly Martin, but he never speaks of it. Martin holds back so much from us, but I know he has his reasons. Regardless of anything else, I am convinced my place is beside your sons."

"It is not an easy life, Son," Jiao-long said. "Kendal had hoped to be a temple dog one day. He wound up merging inside an otter rather than becoming one of the Brotherhood."

The young man laughed. "He was heading in that direction. You realize that. Then he met Steve. He went where his heart led him. What you overlook is he did what no temple dog had ever done before him. He took a mate. To do that, given the constraints of the times, he became a werewolf. He did what every temple dog would have told him to do. I believe his path led him to Marcus for a reason. You're the one who taught the temple dogs to become whatever it is they need to be to fulfill their duty. For Kendal, I think that was a wolf."

Jiao-long smiled. "That's true. Even so, the life of a temple dog is far different from what it appears on the outside. My sons have a way of making what they do look easy and graceful, but there are so many things that go unseen."

"I know, Father. They told me stories that will never find their way into the history of the Were Nation. There are powers in play that no one but the temple dogs understand. I will accept that to be with Katashi. I accept that with great power comes great responsibility."

Jiao-long smiled. "The Book of Spider-man. The old wolf is teaching me what I need to know to converse with you youngsters."

"With that great responsibility, there is also great joy to be had, Father."

"That is true. Beyond measuring. Hold to the joy. Push through all else."

The human hugged the temple dog. "Thank you for being the father of us all."

"I turned a few gifted humans so they might live long enough to become what they were destined to be. I never realized how far beyond my imagining that path would lead." The winged dog hugged back. "I am so proud to have another son step onto the path."

"I could do nothing else, Father. From the moment I saw Li Wei and Katashi, I knew. I knew I had to become a son of Jiao-long of the Verital."

The temple dog gently pushed back the human and looked at him. "You see the truth I cannot, but the truth you share with all your brothers. If you ever need anything, call my name."

"Will you be there for the welcoming circle?"

Jiao-long laughed. "A newborn temple dog? I wouldn't miss it for this world or so many thousands of other worlds I have seen."

"That's good," Spackle said as he reached up and rubbed the temple dog's chest, "because I would really like to know just how flexible those wings are."

Jiao-long grinned. "I have always had the horniest sons. I haven't a clue where they get that."

"Like father, like sons," Spackle replied.

"I suppose," the temple dog agreed. "As I said earlier, my joy is overflowing. From time to time, it just seems to spill out in the most pleasurable ways. It can get quite messy with all that joy flying everywhere."

Spackle chuckled. "I am glad you don't believe in a gap between the sacred and the profane."

The dog put out his hand, and the human took it. "The division of the two was a creation of man. We subscribed to it until we realized how little it served us to believe in the dichotomy. My sons were trying to live a life that humans could understand as holy by sacrificing the things humans deemed unholy. In so doing, we sacrificed what is most holy to us." The dog tugged at the hand of the human, and they began walking back toward the ramps along the cliff face.

"Never again, Father."

"Never again, Son." The dog looked out on the Bay of Fundy, watching the waves lap the shore. "Would you like to go skinny dipping with a dog, Son?"

Spackle laughed. "That water is freezing, Father."

"But the blood of a temple dog runs hot, and I will hold you tight."

Spackle shook his head in disbelief at what he was about to do. He unbuttoned his shirt and flung it onto the sand. He kicked off his shoes as he pulled off his pants in one smooth yank. Before long, the two were racing out into the water, laughing and pawing at each other. The dog took the human in his arms, and their lips met in a kiss that kept the human warmed from the surrounding waters.

From atop the cliff face, Katashi stood watching over the two. He smiled and whispered, "How I love you both." He turned away from the cliff and gave the two he loved the privacy they needed to bind their hearts together.

Chapter 42

The chill morning winds blew through the canyons, but the black wolf's fur was more than a match to keep him warm. He followed the creek flowing down the middle of the red rock cliffs to the back where it spilled over from the top of the plateau. The horsetail falls created a small pool at the base where the white spray rose, creating a small pocket of cool misty air. There, in the canyon's shadow, the high desert gave way to small ferns, moss, and sedges. This was Derrick's quiet space in Montana. Miles from the ranch, the canyon was off the radar of anyone, mostly because, as far as he knew, it didn't exist.

"Good morning, Pup," the warm baritone voice said from behind the wolf.

Derrick turned and smiled at the large yellow dog. "Morning, Li Wei," he said as his face turned almost immediately to a frown.

The temple dog saw the countenance change immediately. "I hoped to brighten your day, Little One," Li Wei said as he sat down next to the wolf and dangled his feet into the water of the pool. "Such a sad face makes me wonder if I did the opposite."

"I'm sorry, Li Wei," the young wolf replied. "It's just that everyone else seems to have gotten beyond this point but me. They all miss you, but I'm the only one who still dreams of you."

"You aren't aware of all the things I do when we aren't together, Pup. Don't judge yourself by your perceptions," Li Wei replied. The dog's arm wrapped around and pulled him close. "I told you I would always be here when you need me. You still need me. There is no shame in needing a friend by your side."

"I can't let go, Li Wei. I try to make peace with your death, but so many times I wind up here, needing you to wrap your arms around me."

"I am happy that you do, Pup. I, too, miss you and all my family. We all move through grief in our own way. Don't let anyone tell you that your way is wrong. In time, you may find a place for me in your heart where I might never visit with you again. But there is nothing wrong in my mind if that day never comes."

"Then you don't mind being here with me?" The black wolf asked.

"Not at all."

"Even if deep down inside I'm not even sure you're real?"

"Even if deep down inside you think I'm not real. But realize this, Little One. What you think is the truth is all too often clouded by your experience. I am here to teach you that truth."

"I don't understand, Li Wei," the wolf admitted.

"In time you will. But for now, let us enjoy our time together without thinking too deeply about the mystery of how and why."

"Will has never dreamed of you, but I sometimes think his longing for you outweighs all ours."

"Will and I had a very special relationship," the dog explained. "But for him, the reality of his world takes precedence over his longing. He talks to Alexander and me in his quiet moments, but he believes we're dead, so he doesn't expect an answer. He doesn't believe in an afterlife, and yet he hopes we're out there listening to him beyond where his arms can't reach."

Derrick sat quietly for a few minutes. "Are you, Li Wei? Are you someplace better?"

Li Wei grabbed the wolf and pulled him up into his lap, giving him a firm hug. "I have tasted you on my tongue and felt my body move inside yours. In your arms, I have known pleasures that defy description. We have lain together for days with your husbands. All that still lives on in memory long past my life in your world. I lived with a mate beside me who taught me so much more than you will ever comprehend. If you ever wonder what I learned from dying, I learned what I always knew to be the truth from the first day I became a son of Jiao-long." The dog paused, knowing that the wolf didn't understand his answer to the question. He pressed closer to the wolf's ear and whispered, "Pup, there is no place better than where you are. If you learn nothing else from our visits together, learn that one lesson."

"I just want you to be happy," the wolf replied. "I don't know if you're even you anymore, but whatever comes of us, I hope we're happy."

"Don't wait to find out, Pup. Be happy now."

"I'd be happier if I wasn't only sitting on your lap," Derrick said with a snicker through a wicked smile.

"Sex, Pup? You called me here for sex?" the dog said with a frown.

"I'm sorry," the wolf said, looking down.

Li Wei laughed. "Pup, what better reason could I have to return than to have sex with you? Only a moment ago I told you there is no better place than me inside you. Did you forget my words so quickly?"

"I didn't," Derrick protested. "But I feel as if I should somehow be more spiritual in your presence. You know... like an angel or something."

"And what do you do with the angel that lives with you at the ranch?" the yellow dog asked.

"Chet is different. He's not really an angel."

"And I assure you, I am not either," the dog added.

"It's okay, then?" the black wolf asked. "Is it okay that sometimes I call you just because I miss your touch? You won't be upset that there's nothing more pressing than a longing to have you next to me?"

"What an honor that you miss me for so grand a reason," the dog said with a smile. Li Wei leaned forward and kissed Derrick. "Let us spend our time together, together, Little One," he said when the kiss ended. "Our bodies should be together, even if we are so far apart."

"I wish this was real, Li Wei," Derrick said with a sigh as his paw reached out and rubbed the temple dog's chest. "I wish you were home in bed with all of us."

"As do I, Pup," the dog replied. "But for now, let what we have here be enough." The dog lifted the young wolf up and the wolf felt the dog's cock slap up against the crack of his butt. The wolf sighed longingly and let the dog guide his flesh past the crack and bury itself deep inside.

Derrick groaned his bliss and tried to take in every sense that was giving him the pleasures he missed almost as much as the dog giving them to him. He pushed himself into the moment and let the dog take him. "It's more than enough, Li Wei," he sighed. He didn't close his eyes, as he did in the real world. He didn't want to miss a moment of his opportunity to see the dog he loved.

The two beasts were cleaning each other in the pool when the last of the setting sun's light left the top of the canyon walls. "It is time for you to return, Little One," Li Wei said as he scrubbed the back of the wolf. "We can meet again soon if you wish, but your family will grow concerned if you sleep in too late."

Derrick nodded and turned around to face the temple dog. "It's not the same when we have only a day together, is it?"

"No, Pup," Li Wei agreed with a shake of his head. "But it is what we have. Don't lose sight of all we have because of what we don't have."

The black wolf pushed up on his toes and kissed the temple dog. "I won't. I promise." He grabbed the dog in a tight hug. "I don't want to let go," he whispered.

"Then I will do it for us both, Little One," the dog replied. "Be at peace, Pup."

Derrick's arms hugged the air and then collapsed against his chest. He looked up at the darkening sky. "Goodbye, Li Wei," he whispered as he closed his eyes and bowed his head.

When his eyes opened, Derrick found himself looking into the yellow eyes of his mate. "Morning, Pup," Will said with a grin. "You've been playing with Li Wei again, haven't you?"

Derrick's paw slipped down beneath the sheets and slid along his sticky belly and the cum-soaked fabric. The paws rubbed along the wolf next to him and rubbed against even more of the wet goo spilling over the old wolf's belly. "Oh, jeez, this is embarrassing," he said, fumbling to get up.

Will pushed him back down. "No, you don't, Pup. You earned this orgasm. And by the way you were rocking, I'm pretty sure the reason Eric and Kris are in the shower is for way more than just a quick rinse off."

"Oh, great," the young wolf moaned. "That makes me feel even better. Everyone in the family knows I'm having sex with Li Wei in my dreams."

Will smiled at the upset wolf in his arms. "We aren't complaining, Pup. Some of us even envy you. I miss him so much, but I think this cum between us is as close as I'll ever get. He lives on in your heart in a way he doesn't in mine. Don't begrudge me rubbing up against you for a moment to feel and smell the magic you two find together."

Derrick relaxed. "It's okay? You're not making fun of me?"

"Of course not, Pup," the old wolf replied. "Hold on to him for as long as you can. None of us would ever tease you for that." Will chuckled. "Okay, I'll tease you for it, but you realize I never want you to let that affect your time with that lovable dog."

"He says he misses you. He told me you talk to him and Alexander. I hope it helps to know he listens."

Will rubbed the muzzle of the young wolf lovingly. "It does, Pup. I miss them both so much. The best I can do is talk to them. I wish I had the faith you do to let them back into my life. I'm sorry I can't be a part of what you two share. But I'm me, and you're you, and damn if there isn't a big ol' wall between us when it comes to seeing what's beyond this life."

"I don't know that I believe in any part of my dreams. I just know they make me feel better for a time."

"That's what I'm sure Li Wei was hoping for, Pup. I'm sure he's told you more than once to stay in the moment. He's by your side. Never question what a miracle that is, regardless of where it comes from."

"It could mean I'm insane," Derrick suggested.

"Oh, hell," the old wolf said with a laugh, "this whole family is insane. At least you're the kind of insane that gets you laid by one of the hottest temple dogs out there."

Derrick smiled happily. "Then you're good with this? You don't mind the messy sheets or the nocturnal humping?"

"I'll tell you a secret, Pup," the old wolf replied. "When you start your gyrations, we press up against you and enjoy the ride."

"Well, that's embarrassing."

"You should see it when you're doing it to Kris. Oh... my... god..." the wolf replied. "Eric and I have to clamp his mouth closed when he comes, so we won't wake you up."

Derrick's look of embarrassment intensified. "He comes?"

"Oh, yeah," Will said, nodding. "Buckets. Whoever is nearest to you always gets off. You didn't think all that cum between us was only yours, did you?"

"Yeah, kind of."

"Nope. That's you and me, Pup. I don't even see him, but I still owe Li Wei a debt of gratitude every time he visits you."

Derrick shook his head. "This might take some getting used to," he said sheepishly.

"Li Wei would be happy to know the pleasure he brings us all, Pup. Ask him the next time you're together. I have no doubt what he'll say." Will paused when his ComLink chimed. "Morning, Chet," he said with a smile. "How are you and the boys?"

"We doing great. We're airborne about five kilometers from the ranch."

Will stared at the mirror-lined wall on the far side of the room. "Windows," he gave the command, and the mirrors faded, revealing the large picture windows that overlooked the backyard of the ranch house. "It would appear to be a beautiful day," Will said. "Enjoy your flight."

"Actually, we're doing reconnaissance for an old wolf today. We may have found what you've been looking for."

Will bolted up from the bed. "Really? I figured it had to be out there. How easy is it to access?"

"I'd suggest going in on horseback unless you make the run on all fours. Trucks are off-limits to the area. Hoofed animals and on foot only. There are conservation rules in place, Old Wolf."

"Yeah, I helped make them," Will replied with a laugh. "I'll ask Pup what he wants to do, but my guess is we're heading out later today."

"Do you want some company?" the angel asked.

"Eventually, Handsome," Will replied. "But for now, let's find out if we actually found El Dorado, okay?"

"That makes sense," JP piped into the conversation. "You sure you don't want to fly in?"

"Not unless I want to go without Derrick. Nothing has changed. Getting him to hop aboard the Red Wolf was a big enough hurdle to jump, but he won't go up in the air if he can see the ground below."

"I can shove something in his face if it would help," Max said with a laugh.

"Okay everyone," Derrick huffed. "You know that I'm here listening to this entire conversation, right?"

The collective sigh on the line told the young wolf if they weren't aware of him listening before, the three winged beasts were now. "Sorry," Chet said. "We love you. I doubt we'll ever stop asking you to join us one day."

"That's fine," Derrick replied. "I'll be happy to join you anytime you plant your feet firmly on the ground."

"And yours are in the air, Jefe?" Chet said with a snicker.

"That's as high as I go with you three."

There was a knock on the master bedroom door, and the two wolves said "Come in," together.

The door pushed open, and the angel stood with his two winged bear mates beside him. "You said something about anytime we plant our feet on the ground," Chet said with a grin.

Derrick smiled back. "And mine in the air." He patted the bed next to him. As the wings folded back into the three standing in the doorway, Will realized his day trip might not start until well into the evening.

Chapter 43

The young man and the old dog sat quietly overlooking the Bay of Fundy. "I still miss him, Katashi," the human said.

"I do as well, Spackle," the dog replied.

"Does this change our promise?"

The temple dog reached out and pulled the human in close. "I am sorry that Li Wei is not here to be a part of our mating, but nothing has changed between you and me. Let nothing that has happened in our life lead you to that conclusion."

Spackle moved into the hug and wrapped his arms around Katashi's broad chest. "I want to give you the space you need to heal."

The temple dog closed his eyes and rested his chin lightly on top of the human's head. "I learned a temple dog's grieving does not benefit from space. It benefits from closeness to those left behind. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to realize that Spackle."

"It's okay. I missed seeing that truth myself," Spackle mumbled into the furry chest. "I'm good with this. As long as I'm one of those you stay close to, I'm good."

"Now and forever, Little One," Katashi replied. The silence between the two hugging lingered until Katashi spoke again. "I might need to stop calling you 'Little One'. If you are to be my mate, a term of affection more suitable seems in order. One day you will not be a little one. You will be a very big dog."

"That's still a year away, Katashi," Spackle replied. "I'm good with you calling me a little one for the time being."

"Then we have a year to find a new term of endearment, Little One," the dog said as he kissed the top of the human's head.

Spackle looked up into the face of the temple dog. "When Li Wei visits you, do you talk about me?"

"Almost exclusively."

"I should probably talk to him. I owe him a visit. It's just that I've been so concerned about you. You know how things get."

Katashi gave a little laugh. "Until now, it is Li Wei who visits us. I don't think the door opens both ways."

Spackle smiled. "Maybe that's because no one has tried."

The dog hugged the human even tighter. "You see things that none of us see, Spackle. Go wherever your heart leads you."

Spackle leaned into the hug. "It will always lead back to you, Katashi."

"Then I am good with you wandering," the dog replied. The silence returned, and the two enjoyed the moment of quiet before the first children, eager for tai chi class, came running up to the two. Katashi rose. "Are you all gathered out on the field?"

"Yep," a young girl replied. "We're all ready, Sensei."

"Then let us make our way to class, shall we?" the dog said, extending his paw toward her and the young boy beside her.

Spackle put out his hands toward the other two children standing next to him. "Funny how there are always just enough class representatives to fill our hands when you come calling."

"Yeah," the young boy said, clinging tightly to Spackle's hand. "We take turns."

"Then we taught you well," Katashi said as he walked to the other side of the island with his students in hand.

Later that evening, Spackle sat overlooking the Bay of Fundy again with a temple dog by his side. The dog leaned in as before and hugged the young human. "You know I love you, right?"

"Sure," Spackle replied.

"I don't think you should do that again," the temple dog said.

"Did it upset things?"

The dog shook his head. "You should not be able to move between worlds that easily. Even I require a middle ground where we meet separately from our individual realities."

"I'm sorry, Li Wei," Spackle apologized. "It's so easy to see the path. I've always seen things that others don't. When I was a kid, everyone thought I had a wild imagination. But then, I came to the island, and I saw all the wolves. When you told me that what I was seeing was real, I just... just accepted that maybe everything else I saw was real, too."

"But the world you slip into so easily may not be one that you can always come back from with such ease. You have promises to keep with my husband. You cannot do that if you're trapped on the other side."

"The path back is always clear, Li Wei," Spackle said. "I always see the path back to Katashi." For a time, the two were quietly listening to the waves. Finally, in a whisper, Spackle added, "And I see him."

"You do?"

"Well, he's not exactly a him, I guess. But I don't enjoy calling someone an 'it' because they have no gender. And he seems so happy with you. Everyone I've ever known who sees you that way has been a he, so I call him that. If he objects, I could use something else."

"I think 'he' would be fine," the temple dog replied.

"He loves you, you know."

"I am aware of that. He doesn't have the words for it yet, but I understand his affection for me."

"So, you're going to stay there?"

"It is where I'm needed," Li Wei answered.

"And our mating?"

"We promised each other that we would mate. I will not break such an important vow to you because of a change in circumstance."

"I'm not sure that I want to hold you to that promise, Li Wei," Spackle replied. "I realize that sometimes even what we thought would never change changes."

"And your desire to mate with me?"

"The desire will never change, but the need to mate so that we do right by our feelings toward each other might not be as important as I once thought."

"Distance can do that. The love lingers, but sometimes the bonds we choose to honor that love can change."

Spackle nodded. "He needs you so much, Li Wei. I realize now why you stayed. Being my mate might one day force you to make a choice that is untenable for both of us and unbearable for him."

Li Wei rubbed his jaw along the top of the young man's head. Spackle giggled as the fur moved back and forth and slid over his brow. "You have become such an amazing temple dog, Spackle. In time, you will eclipse everything that we ever hoped to be. Even now you see where our paths lead."

"I will miss you, Li Wei."

A thick paw pushed against Spackle's chest. "Do not miss me quite so soon, Little One. I am still here with you. Stay with me in this moment."

Spackle paused. "Li Wei, you're not corporeal anymore, are you?"

"No, I'm not."

"Then what we experience in this world isn't really affecting my waking world."

"I believe Pup would disagree."

"Wolfy?"

"He wakes up every morning after our visits covered in ejaculate."

"But it's his cum, right? I mean, even if you cum in this world, you don't actually leave anything behind in our world, right?"

"Correct."

"Then we could have sex and you wouldn't turn me?"

"That is true."

"And you and Katashi could take me together here and nothing in our world would change."

"That is also true."

"So we could..." Spackle stopped. "Oh, damn, I want you two so bad," he sighed. "But not at the cost of breaking my promise."

"Then this interlude you were contemplating?" Li Wei asked.

"Never mind. It's more important for me to stay true to what I promised myself."

"I am so proud of you, Little One," the temple dog said.

"But, when I turn... when Katashi and I mate... when all that's done in a year, can we come to you and be with you? Not to mate; we don't have to mate. Just to be together, to know that this..." Spackle said waving his hand out toward to world around him, "... all of this, is what is meant to be. That I wasn't wrong to love two temple dogs, even if one has more important things to do than be my mate."

Li Wei picked up the human and turned him toward a tight hug. "There has been nothing more important than loving you, Spackle," Li Wei whispered. "Grow in your own time, my love. I will not say no to our mating if you understand that in doing so, our goodbye will be so much more difficult."

"The greater the love, the greater the grief when separation happens."

"There are constants in the universe. That is one. Accepting the joy of a union is to accept the sadness when it ends."

"And it always ends."

"Nothing is eternal."

"Then even if only for a brief time, Li Wei, I would love to be your mate."

"I would love for that to happen," the temple dog replied. "But life has ways of changing our plans. Don't place too high a priority on our mating the day you turn, Little One. There may be things of greater consequence that need your care. Know that no matter where our paths may lead us, no matter what responsibilities we must accept, I will always love you."

Spackle gave a nod. "But one day..."

"Of course, my love; one day."

"So, am I sleeping next to Katashi now?"

"I believe if you concentrate hard enough, you will feel his erection pressing against your buttocks."

Spackle laughed. "I love that feeling, Li Wei. I love him so much."

"And I love you both. It is time for you to return to him, Little One."

"But I'll see you again?"

The temple dog nodded. "Of course. But please try to stay here in the area both our worlds can share. No more jaunts to the other side."

Spackle thought for a moment. "I don't know if I can promise that, Li Wei. But I will promise I won't make any trips without a need."

The temple dog hugged the human. "Always do what is needful, my love. It is the guiding light for our kind. I will never question your actions if you tell me that was your reason."

"Then waking up because Katashi because he is about to do the same?"

"That is needful. He so loves waking up with you."

The human gave a tight squeeze and released the dog from his hug. "I will see you later, Li Wei," he said as he stepped back. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. The warm, heavy arm of the temple dog rested across his chest. He picked it up and kissed it. "Good morning, Dog," he whispered.

"Good morning, Human," the dog replied with a little laugh.

"Find a different name for me than that, Katashi," the human suggested. "I don't intend to be a human for long."

"I already have a name for you set in my heart, my love," the dog replied.

Spackle let the words sink in. My love. The words spoken by Li Wei, and now by Katashi; words that filled the gap for all he wanted to say to both dogs. "I like that name, my love," he said, pushing back against the dog. "I like that name a lot."

Chapter 44

Derrick and Will dismounted from their horses and walked toward the opening in the box canyon. "It's beautiful, Pup," the old wolf said. "Even in this light, there is so much color and life."

"I didn't think it was real, Old Wolf," Derrick said, gazing at his dream brought into the real world. "I thought it was something my mind made up."

Will chuckled. "It might be, Pup. Don't forget what can happen when your mind thinks on something long enough."

The young wolf scratched his head. "Yeah, I hadn't thought about that. If my brain plopped it down here, then there's a pond toward the cliff at the back. We might as well go check your theory." He stepped into the small creek meandering through the canyon and followed the upstream flow.

"It could as easily be Li Wei using an actual point in our world to make his crossover," the old wolf postulated.

Derrick turned and smiled. "Then you believe he's real? You don't think I'm only imagining all this?"

"I always believed it was real, Pup," Will replied. "I'm not sure what's happening, but I sense that what you and Li Wei share is very real." The wolf stepped over a few larger rocks covered in moss. "This canyon convinces me all the more."

"I'm glad my husband found a man who can convince him that dreams are as much a reality as anything else he experiences," a voice behind them said.

Will turned to see the Iberian wolf standing with the light of the setting sun shining on him. "Mushy?" he asked with a faltering voice.

"Of course, Pup," the wolf replied. "Who else would come all this way to see such a curmudgeonly wolf?"

"But... but you can't be," Will stammered as he wiped the tears from his eyes. "You're dead."

"I am very much aware of that, Pup," the wolf replied. "Do we need to spend even a moment dealing with the obvious, or do we admit we both miss each other enough to take advantage of this moment?" The wolf extended his arms toward Will, and the old wolf ran into them.

Li Wei wrapped his arm around the young wolf. "I never realized until this moment how deep your love for the old wolf is," he whispered. "Shall we let the two of them enjoy this reunion?"

"I probably can't make it last past morning light, Li Wei."

"It is all the old wolf will need to last him a lifetime, Pup. He only needs to say goodbye. Life denied him that moment. Tonight he will find it. Trust me; the old wolf needs no encouragement to believe this moment is as real as it needs to be."

"And me, Li Wei?"

"All things in their time, Little One."

"But this is our time, isn't it?"

"Not yet, but one day we will need to say goodbye."

"Is it wrong of me to say I hope that day never comes?"

"It needn't be goodbye if that upsets you, Pup," the yellow dog replied. "Years ago, Bai told you that death is such a misunderstood concept for humans. I am learning now that even for the Brotherhood, death goes beyond what we envisioned. There are layers upon layers of existence we discover only by experiencing them."

"But it feels like one day I should say goodbye," Derrick said as he shook his head. "At first, I thought it was because I needed to move beyond holding on to you so tightly. But now it seems as if there is a job I am taking you away from, a place you're supposed to be that you need to leave every time you come to spend time with me."

Li Wei smiled. "You now see beyond yourself, Pup. And you let me become what I must become, even if it pulls me away from you. You are growing into such a magnificent young man. But my promise still stands. Until you no longer need me, I will be here."

"But you have other obligations," the black wolf said, as much a question as a statement.

"I do."

"I can try to be less needy."

"You do what your heart tells you is right. I will never question your need for me to be beside you from time to time. I believe there is a reason that you held on to me so tightly, Pup. It extends beyond simply you and me. I see it now as I watch two wolves tentatively finding their way with each other after so many hundreds of years of longing. This world, this bridge we share; we both have obligations to those we love that we can only accomplish here in this place."

Derrick nodded. "I'll try to make it for something more important than just sex."

Li Wei rubbed his chin. "There are few things more important than having sex with those you love, Pup. We must set aside some time for sex, regardless of our other reasons for meeting. Sex has always been a key for beasts to hold on to the love and memories that we share. It seems a terrible waste of the effort to be here together if not to enjoy sex at some point."

"We have now," Derrick said with a smile. "I can stay here in this moment much longer if you're inside me."

"Then that is where I will be," the temple dog replied. "Between us two, we should be able to hold off the morning light for quite some time."

"I would love to meet Alexander."

"And I am sure he would like to meet you as well. He was very protective of his mate. It will calm his spirit to see that the wolf he loves has found a loving mate to stand by him in his absence."

"So, until all of us are ready to say goodbye, we hold off the sun?"

"I read that the god of Abraham held the sun in place for an extra day so that Joshua could kill his enemies. Surely a night where the moon stands still to let lovers say goodbye will bring back balance to the universe."

"And us?"

"What are we, if not lovers preparing to say goodbye, Pup?" Li Wei replied. "The timing of that goodbye in the arc of eternity is not even the blink of an eye. Perhaps in this moment, we can say the first of so many goodbyes we will share before the day we let go forever."

The arm of the temple dog pulled the wolf even closer, and the two kissed. Li Wei put his thick paws under the arms of the wolf and lifted him into the air. Pulling him closer, the golden dog lowered the black wolf onto his swollen cock. Derrick pushed out his legs around the girth of the temple dog's belly and clamped his legs tight, pushing down as he did so. The yellow cock slipped inside the black wolf with ease. Supported by the arms of the dog and his legs, Derrick pushed up into another kiss as the two fell backward onto a small patch of grass.

From the other side of the creek came a howl that Derrick recognized as that of his mate in the middle of an intense orgasm. Never breaking the kiss, the young wolf let the temple dog take him to that same place.

Hours later, Will sighed as he let Alexander slip out of him and fall next to his side. "As good as you remember it, Pup?" the wolf beside him asked.

"Better," the old wolf replied. The two were quiet for some time when Will spoke again. "I'm sorry I wasn't there, Mushy."

"There was nothing you could have done, Pup," Alexander replied. "If it calms your soul any, it wasn't painful. I just realized I wasn't where I was a moment ago. It took me some time to realize that my body had not fared as well. What happened after that is difficult to explain. I'm not exactly what you would call real anymore by so many of your standards."

"You feel real to me," Will said as he rolled over and buried his face in the chest of the Iberian wolf beside him.

"I am real for you, Pup," Alexander said, moving his arm around the shoulder of his mate. "Everything that I ever was, everything I thought and dreamed, is still held fast in a sacred place."

Will looked up at Alexander's face. "So, there is a heaven?"

"Not the way they taught you. There is no heaven, no hell, only memory. It's eternal and unchanging. But it's nothing like anyone dreamed it to be in our world. Li Wei is only now beginning to understand after all these years apart from you."

"Is he dead, Mushy?"

"I don't think so. By your definition, I am, but he is something different."

"Like the Changelings tethered to Terra for all those years?"

"Beyond that. Immortals have a different set of rules."

"Then the temple dogs are Changelings?"

"From the moment they gave up their human to become something else."

"Just not the gummy slug variety?" Will pressed the question.

Alexander laughed and squeezed the old wolf in close. "Just not the gummy slug variety. Eternals come in many species and looks. And within those variations, some immortals continue to evolve. The temple dogs have evolved far beyond what they were at birth."

"But none of them are truly eternal, are they?" Will asked.

"No. To my understanding, only one has been from the first moment. Only one will be there when it is no more."

"God?"

Alexander laughed again. "Not hardly. You'll be happy to learn your atheism is well-founded. The gods of the humans have never lived, not even as aliens come to earth."

"But the one..." Will pressed, letting the unspoken words ask his question.

"The wellspring of memory. The place from which all reality flows outward, and where all memory returns. No miracles, no deciding who wins what war, no granting of well-deserved blessings. Nothing godlike at all, save knowing all that ever was or will be. And trust me, that doesn't make you a god."

"What does it make you?" Will asked.

Alexander bumped Will's nose with his paw. "It doesn't make me anything in this moment other than what I have always been to you. I am your lover, your mate, the one who even now hopes not to waste this moment on idle talk when there are so many more important things to do with my mouth." The wolf lifted himself upright, dropping Will's head into his lap. He looked down at the old wolf and smiled. "This is our moment, Pup. Our chance to say goodbye. Maybe I was wrong. Perhaps now and then, a well-deserved blessing is given. But, if we struggle too long with the logistics of that blessing, we may lose it forever. Like a memory you can't quite recall, but in this case, a memory you won't have because we didn't create it."

Will rolled out from lying in the other wolf's lap and hugged the wolf tightly. "Is it you, Alexander? I have to know."

"All that I was rests in the body you're holding. The memory never dies. The love I had for you... The love I have for you even now... it never dies. Please, Pup, stay with me. The black wolf struggles even now to keep the two of you here. Don't let his sacrifice go unappreciated. Don't let my last memory of you be of a man who doubted that his mate would one day find a way to say goodbye."

Will clung to Alexander even more tightly. "Mushy, I can't say goodbye. I've never been able to say goodbye."

"Then tell me you forgive me for leaving you. My death shattered so many of your dreams. It crushed so much of who you were. You spent so much of your life trying to help Oliver get past the one moment when he wasn't what he dreamed of being. Help me get past mine. Help me get past leaving you alone in a world without a guide."

Will choked back a sob. "I tried so hard to understand. All those centuries never knowing, Mushy. And then to find out what happened that day was at the hands of the man who was to be my husband's mate."

"I would have done the same as Donovan without a moment's hesitation."

"I know you would, but I learned too late what happened to you. It left me afraid to love again. I couldn't take the chance."

"And so those who loved you intervened. You have so many beautiful husbands, Pup."

Will smiled. "I'd like to introduce you to one of them if it doesn't push our time together out of whack."

Alexander grinned. "He's getting his ass pummeled by a temple dog at the moment." He pointed toward the darkness on the other side of the creek. "I believe this is the third time if I'm not mistaken. His appetite for sex nearly equals yours, Pup."

"It's probably greater," Will said with a sense of pride in his husband. "Not as uninhibited as yours, but he would give you a run for your money."

"Oh, really?" the Iberian wolf said as he stood up. "This is one wolf I must meet before this night is over."

"I call him Pup," Will said shyly.

"I am glad you found one who you can call that."

"I share him with quite a few others," Will said almost apologetically.

"And had we had a few more years, we would have shared ourselves with others as well. We had so little time together, Pup." Alexander's arms stretched out, inviting another hug. "I have missed you so much." Will moved into the hug, and when their lips met, the longing slowly slipped away for both wolves.

Hours later, the temple dog looked up from his copulation and smiled at the two approaching wolves. His pace thrusting into the wolf below him never slowed, even when Alexander squatted in front of Derrick. Derrick looked up, his head bobbing with each thrust of the temple dog behind him. Alexander rubbed the muzzle of the young wolf. "Hello, Derrick. I am Alexander Wambeke; the first husband of William Gentry."

Derrick smiled. "Hi, I'm William's second husband. I'd shake hands, but I'm currently using my arms to keep my face from slamming into the dirt. Li Wei is in the moment in a really good way."

Alexander laughed. "So it would seem. Are you opposed to the idea of spending some time with me when Li Wei wishes to take a break? I would like to get to know my mate's second husband better before we part ways."

"Sure, we can talk."

The Iberian wolf grinned. "I was thinking of getting to know you more biblically if that's agreeable. You're a bottom that loves another bottom. There are things I need to teach you before this night is over about the man you love."

It was Derrick's turn to laugh. "You good with this, Old Wolf?" he asked, looking up at Will.

"Watching my husbands fuck? Have you ever seen me not enjoy that?" Will responded.

Li Wei pulled Derrick back and embedded his cock to the hilt as his body shook through his orgasm. The bulky body of the golden dog shuddered with each volley of cum that filled the insides of the young wolf. The two upright wolves watched appreciatively as the motions slowed. "Had I known it would look like that, I would have insisted on visiting earlier."

Will laughed. "Well, it would seem that Li Wei is ready to take a break, so you two have fun. I'll be happy to enjoy the view."

Li Wei let his cock slip from the young wolf and squeezed it, forcing the last of his cum to spill out on the grass below. "Then it is unfortunate that I will interrupt your happiness, Old Wolf," the temple dog said. "You will not see them with my cock in your mouth."

"Really?" the old wolf snickered.

"There are lessons Pup needs to learn this night at the hands of your husband to increase the satisfaction he brings you."

"Sure, I'm good with that."

"There are lessons you must learn to bring that same sense of satisfaction to my husband when you return. Katashi has Spackle to share his bed at night. The young human keeps my absence from overwhelming my mate. But Spackle has promised not to copulate with my husband until his thirtieth birthday. I will rely on you and your husbands to attend to my husband's needs when they arise."

Will squatted down in front of the temple dog's cock and took it in his mouth. "An excellent start," the dog said after a moment. "But now, let me teach you how to use the tongue and teeth together in positions that you have yet to master." Will could only mumble his eagerness to learn as the tightening cock inside his mouth began leaking the pre-cum he craved.

The sex shared between the four had waned into a gentle group cuddle that seemed somehow as satisfying as the sex had been. How many hours had transpired no one knew or cared to consider. Their spent bodies rested in the coolness of the pond below the waterfall. Alexander held Will in his arms, and Li Wei held Derrick. The four postponed the words that needed speaking until the light of the sun, still an hour from rising, pushed the darkness aside in a pink haze.

"Pup," Alexander whispered, "I may never come again. This is something that was never done before."

"I know, Mushy," Will replied. "Thank you for coming. I will be fine now. I can wait for our reunion to be the old-fashioned way."

"That could be many thousands of years away," Alexander said.

"You'll be okay with that, right?" Will asked.

Alexander squeezed the old wolf tightly. "Never be too curious to find what lies on the other side, Pup. There's nothing as wonderful as where you are now. It's a mistake to think otherwise." There was a quiet that neither cared to fill for a time when finally Will's mate spoke. "I will miss you, Pup."

"I will miss you too, Mushy."

"Be happy, Pup," the Iberian wolf said as he leaned in to kiss the other Iberian wolf. "Please do me a favor."

"Anything."

"Don't visit the memorial on the day I died. There is too much sorrow for that day to hold. Come visit it on my birthday. I don't want you to remember the day I left you. Remember the day I was born instead. Because from that day forward, my life was leading me to you."

"I think I will find that easier to deal with," Will whispered.

"We get caught up in the loss. It's hard to break away from a day that haunts us. But I know you can do it, Pup. I'd like to think you can remember me and smile now."

"I'll try," Will said. "One other thing."

"What, my love?" Alexander said, giving the wolf another kiss.

"Be my mate, Mushy," the old wolf replied when the kiss ended.

Alexander took his mate's head and gently pressed it into his chest. Will felt the teeth sink into his neck and heard the words he needed to hear to let go. "Now and forever, Pup. Nothing has changed. Nothing ever will. We share our memories, and they will live on forever."

"Goodbye, Mushy," the old wolf said through the tears.

"Goodbye, Pup," his mate said, letting the grip of his jaws go. "I'll see you around."

Li Wei shifted his position. "Time to go, Pup. Did you want me to take care of this goodbye?"

Derrick turned around and hugged the temple dog. "Not this time, Li Wei. Kiss me goodbye and let us watch you walk out from here. I need to know you both have somewhere else to be and that you're going there."

"You two come back here often," Li Wei said, almost as a command. "This is now your special place to share."

Will looked over at the temple dog. "The rest of the family will find their way here as well, Dog."

"That was my wish," Li Wei said as he rose out of the water. The dog extended his hand to Alexander, who took the paw and stood up. Li Wei bowed, and Alexander gave a wave to his mate. "There are places we need to be and obligations that now seem so difficult to return to. But return to them we must."

Will nodded. "Go, gentlemen. Know that it will be equally difficult for us to return to ours without you. But we understand what is happening this time. We are all making a conscious choice to be where we go, even if it's without the ones we love."

"Li Wei will never be far away, Pup," Alexander said, staring at the old wolf and his mate. He understood that the two knew the one name was spoken to both.

"Understood, Mushy," the old wolf replied. "Go. Pup is right. I need to see you heading off to work. This time I know there will be a reunion down the line."

"You two take good care of each other," Derrick said with a wave goodbye.

Alexander looked at Li Wei. "You heard him, Dog," he said, smiling.

"That has always been my intention, Pup," Li Wei said with a bow. The two clasped paws and turned toward the mouth of the box canyon. The sun crested and the bright light blurred the two figures walking away into the light. Derrick and Will knew that morning had come and their visit had ended.

Outside the dream, Li Wei stood over the two wolves asleep in the pond. The water flowing over them would clean up much of what remained of the night from their fur. He regretted that his incorporeal body would not let him lick up the last of the cum spilled on their chests. "I will miss them," he whispered.

Beside Li Wei, something that seemed to be transparent flowing rock became billowing yellow clouds. The clouds became the temple dog next to Li Wei. "I will miss them, too," the temple dog said. "I see now why you so eagerly visit them when they call."

"Thank you for your patience, Falong. This transition has not been easy for me."

"I understand. You don't need to stay, Li Wei. I realize now that you made your choice without adequate knowledge of the outcome. You are free to return to your home."

The temple dog turned to his mirror image. "And what becomes of you?"

"I will be as I always have been. Before this universe, before a thousand, thousand universes like this one, I have always been as I am. I will be as I am long after this one ceases to exist and a thousand, thousand universes beyond."

Li Wei's paw slipped down and took the paw of the other temple dog. "But you know now of the memories you hold."

"I know. I cannot undo the doing. We both made choices without adequate knowledge of the outcome."

"You would be lonely."

"A new feeling for me, but I think I can grow used to it."

"But if I stay."

"I will learn to love. Alexander's memories are still so much a part of me."

"And if I was to ask you what you want?" Li Wei asked the other temple dog.

"Stay."

"Now and forever," Li Wei replied.

"Forever is a very, very long time."

"I ask only one thing of you."

"If it is in my power."

"When my brothers die, let them come here to live with us. Don't take their memory and store it away."

"You would do that for me? You would all stay here?"

"We all wonder what comes after life."

"This is not the afterlife, Li Wei. This is life on a different plane. It is the memory of every life ever lived stored all around you. Even the paw you hold is not me. In time, maybe we will be like Donovan and the symbiont that live together. Maybe you will see me as I truly am."

"And you, me," Li Wei said, squeezing the paw. "I know what you are. My brothers know. We would be one with you if you would let us."

"But in their own time?" Falong pressed.

"In their own time," Li Wei agreed. "They have their obligations to their world even as we have to ours."

The temple dog next to Li Wei smiled. "This is our world?"

"I would like to think so."

"I would like to think so, too."

"Then shall we leave our Little Ones to enjoy the last moments of their sleep?"

The newly formed temple dog waved his hand through the air. "Of course, it's all such a beautiful memory."

Where Li Wei and Falong went was nowhere and everywhere. The newly born temple dog would teach his companion about the world in which he lived and what he was. Li Wei watched the new world unfolding, memory upon memory as intangible as air but as necessary to the life of the one he had promised himself to.

In another universe, in another memory, Katashi woke to find the young man sleeping next to him. He smiled. "See to your new companion, my love. We both have our own obligations and now I see we will both have our own joys."

The temple dog leaned over and kissed the human. Spackle's eyes opened. "Hello, Handsome. What's on the agenda today?" he asked the dog.

"I believe I will let you teach tai chi class today," Katashi said.

"There will be a rebellion, Dog," Spackle said with a laugh. "Those kids come to class because a big yellow dog teaches them."

"And one day you will be a big yellow dog. It is time we started training you to accept the responsibilities that will rest on those very large shoulders."

"Okay," the human said sleepily. "Do I get a kiss?"

Katashi laughed. "Of course."

"Do I get to shower with you?"

"After class. We cannot be late, and that is a given if we shower together."

Spackle jumped up and threw his feet over the side of the bed. "Okay, then. I'm good to go."

"You are naked, Spackle."

"So are you."

"I possess fur and a genital pouch. It is harder to tell."

Spackle stretched out and grabbed the pants of his tai chi uniform. He slipped them on and reached for his top. "Okay, Dog, you win this round. But I intend to be naked with you as soon as class is over. I may have my responsibilities, but you have yours as well. I am to be your mate. As best you can, you need to help me act like it."

Katashi rose and hugged the human. He gave him a long kiss and then pushed him back, smiling. "That has always been my intention."

Chapter 45

The bright sunshine spilling down the box canyon finally crossed over the eyes of the two wolves in the pond, waking them. Will looked down at his chest and saw the cum spilled over it. He jostled the black wolf next to him and waited for the wolf's eyes to open. "Thank you, Pup," Will said as his cum soaked paw rubbed along the young wolf's shoulder. "Thank you for everything."

"I was..."

The old wolf's paw pressed up against the mouth of the younger. "No, Pup. Don't try thinking this through. No speculations about the truth of what happened last night."

"I won't, Old Wolf," Derrick promised. "I was only going to say that for hundreds of years, I wondered where you learned to do that thing with your tongue. Last night, I found out when Alexander did it to me."

Will smiled. "I had an excellent mentor."

"The best ever," Derrick agreed. "I know now why you miss him. Every touch, every word from Alexander, was so filled with love. I hardly said hello, and already I regret having to say goodbye." Derrick paused. "Would it be okay if I joined you and Papa Bear at his memorial in August?"

Will smiled. "I would like that, Pup. I would like that a lot. But it won't be in August. It will be September 24th, the day Alexander was born. I'm turning my back on that cursed day to remember a much better day."

"That sounds like a good idea," the black wolf said. "I would enjoy remembering the day he was born as well. He helped the man I love become the wolf he is."

The sun crept over the top of the canyon's crest and the light created a rainbow at the top of the waterfall's plunge. The two wolves stared at it for a time. Will's arm reached out and pulled Derrick close. "Let's say we add a bit more cum to this mess, clean up, and go home?"

Derrick nodded. "Am I bottom or top?"

"You're bottoming, Pup. I owe you, and a gentleman always repays his debts."

Derrick's lecherous grin spread over his face. "Oh, if you're repaying a debt, I expect you to be anything but gentlemanly." The old wolf dove into the water and claimed his first prize of the morning as the young wolf's cock slipped into his mouth.

Hours later, after the two had finally cleaned up, the two werewolves walked to the front of the box canyon and stared at the horses. The two horses stared back and shook their heads no. "Okay," Derrick said as he shook into his human form. "But you better not bitch about our weight, or you're not getting treats when we get home."

The horse moved up alongside the corpulent man and rubbed the rawhide hackamore against his arm. The other horse waited until Will had shifted to repeat the gesture. Derrick stared at the horse for a moment, and Will laughed. He grabbed the overweight human, hefting him up onto the horse's back. Turning to his horse, the six-foot-four human easily made the jump onto its back. The two turned the horses back toward the ranch and the horses made their way toward the rise of the plateau.

Kris looked up and smiled as the two naked men walked into the kitchen. "Well, our wayward husbands have finally found their way home. We were about to send Chet out to reconnoiter your status."

"It's good to be home, Husband," Will said. "How long have we been gone?"

"Really?" the brown bear asked with a laugh. "You've been gone two days."

The two shifted, and the wolves turned to each other and smiled. Kris held out a plate full of sandwiches. "Join us for lunch, you two?"

Derrick nodded happily. "That would be great. I'm starving." He ran up to the bear and hugged him. Kris worked to balance the plate of sandwiches over his head as his free arm hugged the wolf back.

"You two boys smell like mating," Kris said as he sniffed the air. "What have you been up to?"

Will grinned sheepishly. "We kind of renewed our vows. I guess we got caught up in the moment out there in all that beauty."

"So, when do we go out to that canyon and renew our vows with you two?" Kris asked as he pushed the young wolf back and kissed him. "It seems a shame to let all that newly mated scent go to waste when we can add to it."

"How soon can we get Adam back on planet and Oliver off Partridge Island?" Will asked.

"I don't know for sure, but I will make it happen," the bulky bear said as he turned and walked out toward the main hall. "HUSBAND!" he yelled. "The wolves are back and smell of mating."

"I know!" the polar bear yelled back with a laugh. "The whole ranch knows."

"So, we figured if it's okay with our other husbands, we'd head back to that pocket canyon and renew all our vows."

The polar bear bolted from his chair and ran into the kitchen, grabbing the young wolf and spinning him around. "That's a wonderful idea."

The call went out to Partridge Island, and Oliver was heading to the ranch within the hour on the Red Wolf. The five realized their joint request for Adam might be ignored if he was preoccupied with his work. But they proceeded with their plan as if he would return.

As the Red Wolf set its skids on the landing pad, Chet, Max, and JP were busy prepping the horses for their trip. The Percheron was the most cantankerous, having little desire to let a four-hundred-pound Santa up on his back. "It's up to you, Feivel," JP said, dangling the hackamore in front of the horse. "You can go to the canyon with Kris on your back or stay here. Yeah, he's heavy, but it's a pretty short ride. And you get at least two days off while he mates with his husbands." The Kermode bear shook the hackamore. "Or you can stay home and help us with bringing in the hay. It's up to you."

The horse stared at the bridle and thrust his head into the opening. "Good choice," JP said with a laugh. "Besides, you know you love the guy. Come Christmas, who always gives you the best presents?"

The horse walked away slowly toward the gathering group and pushed himself up against Kris. Kris patted the horse's neck. "Thanks, Feivel," the Kodiak said as he shifted into his human persona. "I'm glad you're coming along." The horse nodded his agreement, and the Santa look-alike mounted the horse with an easy jump and throw of his leg.

Eric helped Oliver onto his horse, and the short, burly man smiled at the polar bear. "I'se gonna mate you so hard, Old Bear," the badger said.

"Really?" Eric said as he shifted to human. "And what am I going to do to you?"

Oliver grinned shyly. "You'se gonna mate me even harder, Old Bear. I wants to feel your teeth on my neck and you inside me so bad."

Eric pushed up on his tiptoes and kissed Oliver, who bent over to make the kiss possible. "We have all the time in the world, Oliver," Eric said as he took the hackamore of his horse and flipped the reins over the top of the horse's head. The tall, thinner build of the human made his mount easier. With a thank you to the three winged beasts, the five were off toward the edge of the plateau and the box canyon.

Once there, the five set up a short-stay camp. Blankets for lounging on the dry clay soil where the grass hadn't grown, food for the next few days, and treats for the horses as they set them out to graze. One by one, the family shifted back to their beasts and sat down to a light dinner.

The sun had set, and the stars began taking their places in the night sky when the ball of fire sped toward the canyon. The flaming pangolin hit the ground with a roll. By the third somersault, he righted himself as an otter. The otter started brushing off the dusty Montana clay from his fur when he spotted the pool of water below the waterfall. "Oh, good," he said happily. "Exactly what I need to get this dust off my fur."

Adam walked by the stunned crowd without looking at them and headed straight for the water. He dove in, and moments later came up spitting out a stream of water from his lips like a fountain. He looked at the staring beasts. "Well, come on in, husbands. Two of you smell like mating, and you all smell like horse. If you want my lips on your body parts, I insist we spend some time cleaning them up." The husbands stood still, watching the otter scrubbing his armpits. He looked up. "Well? I'm home; I'm horny, and I've got a tongue that needs to rim an ass something fierce. First one in the water gets to be the one to see what it feels like with cold water and a hot tongue on your hole."

The five husbands ran toward the otter. For a moment, but only a moment, the otter regretted making the promise when all five dove into the water together.

Chapter 46

Eric sat staring at the bison herd sleeping on the plain. Occasionally, the bulky creatures would shift their weight, bumping into others lying on the ground. The snorting and shoving matches it caused would move through the herd like a wave, and as soon as it started, it was over and the bison returned to their rest. "It's nice of you to visit, Li Wei," the polar bear said.

"I find it more difficult to bring you all into the same space than I thought it would be," the golden dog replied.

"So, why me first? And why here, and not the Box Canyon where I'm sleeping?"

"Because this is one of your favorite places to be. Tonight, the new moon lets the stars be particularly bright. It's as if one can see eternity. That is why we are here together. You see on the horizon what the others do not."

"I think they see it. They just hope they're wrong. Max and JP have stopped time-traveling toward the future. It's as if they glimpsed it and that was enough."

"They viewed one version of the future; the version that you fear the most. The future is a set of potentialities. There is no absolute future. It doesn't exist. The young ones have yet to realize that. But I have learned there are many versions of the future, and none are written until the moment they become the past." The temple dog reached out and pulled the polar bear in close to him. "The plans your Verital family put in place are not the only option, Old Bear. You have family here on Terra. It is time you learned what you have spent so many years teaching others. You need to learn how to ask for help when you need it."

Eric pushed his head playfully into the great dog's shoulder, rubbing his muzzle across the yellow-furred chest. "I ask for help all the time."

"But not when it comes to the powers you hold."

"I can't give them away, Li Wei. They entrusted them to me."

"While I love you dearly, Ancient One, they gave them to you because you were the last Terran Changeling alive. That hardly makes the act of transferring the powers to you the same as entrusting them to you. It was more like tossing them at you and hoping they stuck."

Eric chuckled. "I suppose you're right, but I still feel the obligation. The Unity holds me responsible for their care."

The temple dog rubbed his chin over the top of the bear's head. "I understand that. But Gaia understood the risk of holding onto so much power, and she changed a world to protect her people from that power."

"Oliver and Pup are so much stronger than me."

"And why is it that in a universe of powerful creatures, the two she chose to mentor were Oliver and Pup? She has little love for teaching, Ancient One. Only the love she feels for those two drew her to the challenge."

Eric nodded. "I suppose so."

"She loves you even more."

The bear looked into the eyes of the dog. "I will ask her, Li Wei."

"She will be there for you, Old Bear. She has always been there for you."

"I realize Li Wei. But you know how hard it is to talk to your parents sometimes."

"You married your father. You don't seem to find it difficult to talk to him."

"But Mom is Mom, you know."

"She is a lovely woman."

"She's Gaia, Mother of All. It makes it tougher to talk to the starting point of our entire history as the Unity."

"She is your mother."

The white bear took a deep breath. "Yeah, she is. It seemed so much easier when I was young. Before I realized how much more she was than just Mom."

"To her, she has never been more than just Mom. Why do you think she so willingly sacrificed her return to the Verital Unity to stay with you? Do you have any idea how greatly those two altered their lives to be by your side? You are their son. In all the Unity, you are unique to them; not because of your power, but because you are their son. Gaia has never turned from the one calling she considered sacrosanct. Isn't it time you let her be the only thing she has ever wanted to be for you?"

The bear was silent and the temple dog let the silence be enough. Eventually, he pulled the bear even closer to his chest. "Wake, Ancient One. Tonight I will attend to your husbands. Go; attend to that part of your family that you have overlooked for too long."

Eric woke with a shake to find himself on the plateau overlooking the bison herd miles from where he once slept with his husbands. He looked up into the stars and gazed at the expanse of the Milky Way shining in the night. "I miss you, Mom."

The wind picked up and blew around him, stirring up the dry Montana soil. "I have never gone away, Son," the voice said.

The bear could feel all of nature surround him in the quiet voice he heard. The fields of grain, the rippling water at the edge of a lake, the sound of birds in the early morning. It was all there within the sound of a voice that brought him joy every time he heard it. "I know," the bear replied. "I guess I did. Somewhere along the line, I let you become Gaia instead of Mom. I'm sorry."

The blue woman of Derrick's vision appeared alongside the bear. "We are a complicated family," the woman replied. "There is a new Unity being born. One day, the histories will show you as the father of it all. It will be a burden to live up to such a title. Trust me, I know. It does me no good to be an icon. All I ever wanted to do was protect my people, to keep them safe. What I did, I did for our survival, not for a place in the history books, much less as some myth spoken in whispers. The Verital chose to call me the mother of all, not me. I have only been the mother of one son, and he sits here beside me."

The polar bear sighed. "That's all I ever wanted, Mom. To keep my people safe. To protect my husbands and my family."

"We are two of a kind, aren't we?"

Eric chuckled. "You and Dad raised me. We're the Unity. Of course, we're two of a kind."

"Then why is it so hard for you to accept me as your mother? I would understand that if we were on Verital, but the life of a Terran Changeling is so different from the life of those on Verital. Your father and I realized that watching you grow up on Terra. We saw the world that surrounded us, and we learned what it meant to be a parent beyond the homogeneous whole that is the Unity. Why is it so difficult to let me have the title I wanted instead of the one foisted upon me?"

The bear looked down at the blue woman looking up at him. "Because I'm a fool who puts too much importance on how others see you."

"I didn't raise a fool, Son."

The bear reached out and pulled the blue woman with the flowing hair into a tight hug. "I'm going to need so much help, Mom. I don't know what to do with what they have given me."

"Nor do I," the blue woman whispered in his ear. "But together with those that surround us, I am confident there are answers to be found." The words flowed through the bear like a summer breeze off the coast of Vancouver Island. The bear could almost taste the salt on his tongue. Gaia, Mother of All, slipped away in the hug until all that remained was Mom. Clinging tightly to the tiny woman, the bear realized that was all he ever wanted.

Chapter 47

The Kodiak bear jumped from the water and raced toward the polar bear as he approached the family bathing in the pond. The polar bear braced himself for the sloppy, wet hug, and found it somehow more pleasant than he imagined. When the lips of the wet bear pressed up against his, he recalled an ancient Steve Miller Band song called Jungle Love. "Everything's better when wet." He abandoned himself to the wetness and returned the kiss. When the kiss had ended, the Kodiak pushed the polar bear back to arms' length. "How was your night, Son?" he asked.

"It was nice, Dad. It was really nice."

"We missed you."

Eric smiled. "I'm glad. I'd hate to think Li Wei being here could override every contribution I might make to our play."

"He told us where you were. Are things okay with you and your mom?"

"Yeah, I think they're better than they've been for a very long time."

"Did you discuss her need to merge?"

"She is quite content taking care of the responsibilities she has. She said adding another child to the mix would only complicate matters."

"And she can do that? She isn't driven the way we are to merge?"

Eric rubbed the chest of the bear in front of him. "Apparently not. But then, she is who she is. There are layers to her she has never revealed to anyone, including that handsome mate of hers that marooned her here on this planet."

Kris smiled. "We were companions for a time, as is the way of the Unity. I am mated to the bear in front of me and those four behind us. I love Gaia as I love all the Unity, but I am in love with the bear. Never forget what you mean to me."

Eric returned the smile. "It's nice to hear it now and then. Mom said our family was complicated. Our interpersonal relationships as the Unity don't help ease the confusion."

The Kodiak's paw reached down below and fondled the genital pouch of the white bear. "Come on, Husband. Let's go help ease your confusion. You have five very horny husbands who missed your company last night. It's time you took your place beside us."

A frown crossed the bear's face. "One day, that place beside me won't be so pleasant. You get that, right?"

The voice of Santa laughing rang through the canyon. "Of course I do." The brown bear kissed the white. "But today is not that day. Today we remind each other of why we stay together. Today, you let go of that burden and be with us."

Eric felt another set of wet paws rub his back. He turned and smiled at the old wolf. "Come on, Old Bear," Will said. "Today, your only burden is to feed five starving husbands."

"I didn't bring any food," the white bear said with a grin.

"Did you know semen is chock full of sugars and protein?"

"Really?" the white bear asked as his eyebrow arched.

"Oliver said he saw it on the Internet, so it has to be true."

"Five of you, huh?"

"Yeah, we're ravenous," Will answered.

"I guess my work is cut out for me today," Eric mused.

"Oh yeah, you're going to have a very heavy workload. In fact, five heavy loads at least."

"Then I guess we should get started," the polar bear said as he slipped through the paws of the other two and dropped to all fours. He ran toward the eager husbands still in the pond and dove in between them. When he rose from the water, he had a husband in either paw as he kissed back and forth between the badger and the black wolf.

Adam watched with a smile on his face. "This is what I was telling you about," he whispered. "Watch and learn. Go beyond the acts. See the feelings at the core." Throughout the universe, the survivors of the Order watched and began to remember a day when those feelings were a part of who they were. Familiar, and yet not. Exciting and frightening at the same time, they leaned toward the lessons they knew they had to learn. Today, they were grateful it was such a pleasant lesson.

Chapter 48

"Welcome home, men," Chet said as he took the reins of the Percheron. "I hope your time was enjoyable."

"It was," Kris replied as he slipped off the oversized horse. He hit the ground, and immediately, the white-haired elf became a bear. He leaned over and kissed the neck of the horse. "Thank you, my friend. I know I am not an easy creature to transport, but I always appreciate it. Head off to the barn. I have it on the best of authority that Santa has a treat waiting for you." The horse made a small whinny, and as soon as the hackamore was off his face, he walked toward the apples and carrots he knew were waiting for him in the barn.

JP and Max helped the others off their horses and freed the steeds from their hackamores. The horses wandered back to the barn on their own toward the treats they knew awaited them. The blonde bear's wings flipped outward. "You all smell of mating. I hope you realize you're giving the entire ranch two paid days off."

Eric looked at the Kermode bear askance. "I am?"

"Yeah, you are," JP said with a laugh. "We sent all the human ranch hands home and gave notice to the beasts that there is a welcoming circle that starts tonight."

"Seems fair, Old Bear," Will said. "We stir up the pot; we should deal with what comes of it."

Jean Pierre, Jason, and Lothair rounded the corner of the ranch house. "And what comes of it will be a great deal of cum, Old Wolf," the little fox yelled. He waved to the group. "Oliver, can you make sure I'm on your dance card in the next two days?"

Oliver's foot pivoted in the sand. "You is first, Jason. You'se only gots to ask."

"Well, then," the fox said with a wide grin, "I'm taking Oliver out to the pool and we're going to stress the filters scrubbing him down."

Adam pointed toward the badger and fox. "I'm going with those two," he said as he ran after Oliver.

When the two reached the fox, his mate put up his hand. "We expect the three of you to show up as full participants in the welcoming circle," Jean Pierre said.

"But, we only gots two days," Oliver protested.

"Don't make me go all Alpha on you, Badger," the gray wolf replied.

Oliver stared at the wolf towering over him, doing his best to look defiant. The foot spun around, and he knew his attempt was shattered. "We'll be there. Gives us little ones a few hours together, and we'll meet up with you."

Jean Pierre knelt in front of the badger. "If you weren't so cute, maybe we'd be more understanding. But you three are adorable. It's a curse you will have to live with."

Oliver smiled. "I thinks you'se adorable too, Jean Pierre. I guess we all gots to live with our lot in life."

"I will see you around, Badger," Jean Pierre said as his paw reached out and rubbed Oliver's crotch. The badger's cock sprang from its sheath, and Jean Pierre smiled. "There. I gave you the perfect outfit to enjoy my husband's company. You three go off and have fun." The wolf stood back up and walked toward Oliver's four remaining husbands. His head pivoted downward. When it raised into the air, the howl echoed across the plateau. Thirty-five ranch hands heard the call and shifted to wolves racing back toward the ranch house. The workday was over. The night belonged to the beasts.

Chapter 49

The sun had risen twice and fallen again since the call went out for the welcoming circle. Jean Pierre and Eric lay together, away from the crowd, in a patch of yellow grass. Their matted fur smelled of sweat and cum, and both were only too happy to let it be. "You are amazing, Gray One," the polar bear said between a few last deep breaths.

"A rather gifted polar bear taught me much of what I know," the wolf said.

"And a rather fetching French wolf, as I recall," Eric added.

"Who is currently teaching your old wolf a few new tricks," Jean Pierre laughed. The two listened to each other's breathing for a time. When it relaxed back into normal breaths, Jean Pierre broached the subject he realized Eric could not. "Old Bear, we have been too close for there to be this much distance between us. Tell me what concerns you. Don't force me to guess."

Eric turned to the wolf. His paw reached out and rubbed Jean Pierre's muzzle. "The world is changing. The humans are sliding back into their old ways. There are promises I made, but now I find they are more than I can cope with alone."

Jean Pierre shook his head. "Bear, in the last five hundred years, when have you ever been alone? Why is the most insightful man I know always so determined to overlook what is right in front of him with his own life?"

"I've been hearing that a lot of late," the white bear confessed.

"Then perhaps you should listen. Those of us who love you don't enjoy it when you're not paying attention."

"I am not who I pretend to be," Eric said, looking up at the stars.

"What do you pretend to be?" the wolf asked.

"One of the healing clan."

"That is your birthright, Old Bear," Jean Pierre countered. "You will always be one of the healing clan. That you adopted other powers doesn't negate your calling."

Eric's head turned toward the wolf in surprise. "You're aware of what I am?"

"Didn't I just say that we are close? Do you think I don't see your struggles? Do you forget who you came to when you found yourself in love with yet another human on the eve of what you thought was to be your death?"

"I thought I hid my condition better than that."

"You hide it well enough, but there are those of us who see it. We say nothing because we wait for you to bridge the gap you seem to want between us."

"I don't want you hurt."

"I have been hurt before, Old Bear. I hold battle scars so deep that time never heals them. But nothing hurts quite the same as when the one I love won't turn to me when he has nowhere to turn."

The bear looked back up into the sky. "I'm sorry Jean Pierre. You deserve a better friend than me."

"I don't want a better friend than you. I finally trained you just the way I like you."

Eric gave a halfhearted laugh. "What am I supposed to do?"

"Your body is telling you what to do. We have walked this road before, old friend."

"Yes, but hundreds of years before I should walk it again."

Jean Pierre pushed himself up onto his elbows. "There is a war on the horizon, Old Bear. Not a war of weapons and armies. The war is over who will be Terra's protector. Who will rise to defend her?"

"That is my task."

"I don't dispute that," the wolf agreed. "What I do question is if that task is yours alone. Did you consider why you might feel the need to merge so strongly?"

"It's instinct, Jean Pierre. There's not that much to it."

"Instinct is a powerful teacher, Old Bear. Maybe you're not listening closely enough to hear what it is trying to teach you."

"I seem to be good at not hearing of late."

The gray wolf pulled the white bear close and rolled over on top of him. He stared down into the bear's eyes. "We are the Unity being reborn in bodies of flesh and fur. You have never bitten my neck, but you know those ties lay deep within us. What is a merging if not the most intimate way a Terran Changeling has to tell another that they are one? Your desire to merge may be twofold. First, to remind you of who you are, and that you are not alone. You are made of all that surrounds you, and all that surrounds you is yours to call upon when needed. We are you, Old Bear. You need to see that. Perhaps merging will remind you of that fact."

"And second?" Eric asked.

"You need to rest before you face the challenges before you."

"I don't know how soon those challenges will rise, Gray One," the bear sighed.

"I think there is enough time for you to merge with your family. Spend that time with those men without obligation to the rest of the world. Go create some beautiful sons and return to us rested and ready for what this world will throw down at your feet."

Eric made another sigh in agreement. "I would like that. I'm not sure anyone will be eager to join me, though."

"Your family will surprise you, Old Bear," Jean Pierre answered. He paused and added, "They won't surprise me because I actually listen to them, but they'll surprise you."

The bear gave the wolf a playful shove and rolled him over. From on top, the bear leaned down and kissed the wolf. "I love you, Jean Pierre," Eric said when, at last, the kiss had ended. "Thank you for being so patient with me."

"Patient?" the wolf laughed. "Pfft. I am already losing patience in the bear that has let the cum on my fur dry without replacing it with something more spreadable."

"Really?"

"What is it about my friends that they never listen to me? Take me again, Old Bear. And then let's go talk to your family about who will merge with you."

Chapter 50

The Black Rhino was slowly rotating as the gunnery landing site's extensions turned. The ground crew wing men were waving their batons as the ship aligned itself to its pending upward trajectory. Derrick watched it carefully. "Papa Bear, why do we even have a ground crew out there?" he asked.

"Because we have people from the mainland here today who still see everything as if it were current technology. The ground crew marshalling the aircraft comforts them that there is a human element involved in the airships."

"But it's been what, at least eighty years since there's been a marshalling crew at any major airport?"

"We're a small landing site. We're supposed to look low tech. Besides, I like them. Especially when they do their booty dance for the pilots just before the ships take off."

Derrick laughed. "Well, I guess there is that. They really are kind of cute in their little vests twirling those batons."

"They make a sad day a little less so," the bear said as the marshalling crew jumped off the side of the launching pad. The ships blue engines flared and it rose slowly into an upright position. In seconds it was gone, leaving only a vapor trail in the sky.

"Well, there go the temple dogs back to their homes," Will said sadly.

Katashi looked at the empty landing pad as it slowly folded into itself and returned to the top of the gunnery. "I will miss you brothers," he said; his voice trailing to a whisper as Spackle put his arm around the temple dog's waist.

"We'll be back together soon," Spackle comforted.

The Red Wolf's boarding ramp and cargo bay lifted up off the helipad site below the lighthouse. With the doors secured, the airship rotated itself into a vertical position and the family watched it lift off into the cloudy sky. "And so ends the day," Eric said with a sad sigh. "The longer I am with them, the harder it is to let them go."

Will nodded his head. "We all feel that way Old Bear. We grow closer with each year and circumstance pushes us further apart. All I can say is I'm glad the Unity shared some of your old technologies with us to create those airships. At least with them we're no longer days apart."

Oliver stared at the gunnery landing pad. "It's gonna be years that were apart, ain't it Old Bear?"

"I'm sorry, Oliver," Eric replied. "I wish there was another way, but biology always wins out when it comes to our merging. I know that my mergers are far more frequent than any other Changeling, but there are things in play that I don't totally understand. I feel the pull. All I know is that there are consequences to me trying to ignore that pull."

"I knows," Oliver agreed sadly. "But I is gonna miss my family."

"You feel the pull too, Oliver?" the white bear asked.

"I feels it. You is so much a part of me, Old Bear. I don'ts know what to do."

"You stay here on Partridge Island until the merging is done. Your body will synch with Nathaniel's if we're not here."

"I don'ts know if I can do this, Old Bear. I thoughts I could let you go and make your babies. I thoughts I could wait for you, but I don'ts think I can. I don'ts want to be a rock half my life between you and your son, but there's something drawing me back so hard. I can't explain it, but I gots to be there on the highland with you."

"No, Oliver," the old wolf said squatting down in front of the badger. "This is our merging. We can't ask it of you. Nathaniel is your first husband. You should merge with him."

"He's gots himself three other beasts to merge when that day comes, Old Wolf. That ain't gonna be easy for him. Ain't none of them gone through the dark time. I gots two Changeling husbands here. We's all been through the dark time together. I'll be one less burden on Nathaniel's shoulders and just another blob of goo with all of you waiting to be reborn."

Will looked up at the spectacled short-faced bear hoping to see some sort of confirmation on which way the family should go. Nathaniel smiled. "Take him. I don't know why, but the pull is there to be with you. It wouldn't be there if it wasn't where he needs to be."

Oliver looked up at the two short-faced bears. "You won'ts be mad at me, will you, Husbands?"

"Oh, hell yes, I will be, Badger," the larger short-faced bear said with a frown. "I intend to kick you every day you're inside that rock."

Oliver ran to Nathaniel and wrapped his arms around a leg and hugged it tightly. "I loves you so much Bear," he said. "I loves you so much."

Max reached down and pulled Oliver up onto his shoulders. "Okay, Badger, let's get you to the highland before you nod off and become a rock here. I don't want to go tripping all over you every time I have to go pee in the middle of the night."

Oliver grabbed the head of the short-faced bear without the spectacles and hugged him. "I loves you, too, Max. Thank you for being a bear I can loves instead of a human I misses. I loves you more than I can say."

Max ducked his head as he walked out the museum house door. "Well you wouldn't know it to feel it. Where's the hard-on poking the back of my neck?" Oliver scooted forward. The short-faced bear sighed. "Ahh, there it is, Badger. Now that feels like love."

"I'se gonna miss you both so much."

"And we, you, Badger. But we're family here, and we take care of our family. There's a reason you're going with them. We'll find out soon enough why."

Max's words were prophetic. As the Red Wolf touched down on the highland, the family stepped out into the sunshine. A rhino and a saber-toothed cat stood watch for their arrival.

Oliver rushed to the two and hugged both. "You weren't going to leave without a goodbye fuck, now were you, Badger?" the thick grey-skinned beast asked.

"Didn't rightly know if I was gonna see you before I become a rock, Rhino. I'se so glad you two is here."

"Where else would we be, Husband?" Martin asked. He pointed toward the monastery. "They have a room set up for all of you. You will spend your dark time on the third floor where the dogs can watch over you. You best all get there before you start getting hard in all the wrong ways. Besides, you have someone waiting for you."

Will hugged the saber-toothed cat. "Thanks, Son. I'm glad you could make it."

"Good to see you, Father," the cat replied. "Thanks for the call."

Oliver looked up at the rhino. "I guess we is gonna have to wait on that fuckin'."

Chipo laughed. "What makes you think that? Come on, Badger, give me a kiss." The rhino leaned over and picked up the little mammal and brought him up to his lips. A few moments later Chipo mumbled through his lips pressed up against Oliver, "I love you, Badger. You sleep well. We'll be here when you wake. Now change, Badger. I need a big boy beast with me today."

Oliver shook. Chipo pushed the werebadger back and slowly shoved him onto the upright cock jutting from beneath his gray belly. With a shake of each leg he began walking. With each thunderous step, the badger bounced up and then down on the thickening shaft. "There we go, Badger. I figure if I walk heavy enough, I should get you off twice before we get up those monastery stairs." Oliver said nothing, but made a happy little gurgling noise that told everyone Chipo was right.

"The rest of you will have to take a rain check, I'm afraid," the white bear said to the family assembling. He put out his paw and everyone saw the green glow. "It's beginning."

Nathaniel hugged his father. "Hurry back, Papa. I hate waiting to redeem rain checks."

The father kissed the son. "Let's get us settled in, shall we?"

At the top of the third flight of stairs, the rotunda that led to all the bedrooms had one solitary beast waiting. Will smiled at the otter. "I'm glad you could make it, Adam. We were afraid we weren't going to get to say goodbye."

"Sorry I'm late, husbands," the otter said. "But I had to be here." The otter plunged his fist deep into his chest. "Everyone turn around. I don't want you going into the dark time blind."

The family all turned away and looked back when the bright light had faded. Two glowing pandas stood beside the otter. "Hi, dads," the two said with a wave. "Seems it's time for our merging."

Will smiled at the two. "And there, Old Bear, you have your reason for the pull. It's not you that needs to merge. It's our sons. You're just here to help them through their first time."

Oliver jumped off the cock of the rhino and ran toward the two pandas. By the time he reached them, he had returned to his diminutive status. He hugged and kissed the two repeatedly and the two giggled at the attention. "Dad, you're a mess," Samuel said.

"Yeah," Raymond agreed. "You're covered in cum and you're like... well, leaving a slime trail of rhino cum all the way back to Chipo.

"Does you boys thinks I care?"

The twins tightened their hug around their father. "Naw, Dad," Raymond said as Samuel kissed the badger. "We just thought you might want to know why we're so hard."

"Well shoves it in me, Raymond," the glowing green badger commanded. "If I gots to go through the dark time, I'se doing it with my boy doing to me what he does best." Raymond and Oliver fell to the floor and pushing the badger to his side, the panda penetrated him and lovingly wrapped his arms around him.

Raymond looked up and smiled. He gave a few quick thrusts into Oliver. "Yep, we're ready."

Will stared at the remaining glowing panda. "Come on, Dad," the panda said stroking his cock. "You know you've wanted to go through the dark time this way."

The old wolf began to glow a faint red as he approached the panda and kissed him. "Yeah, I have. I'm glad you're here, Son."

"I sort of have to be," the panda said with a laugh. "This is our merging." He flipped the wolf skillfully onto his back. "Legs in the air, Dad. We can't have you doing this face down. You might drown in all that goo when our regeneration starts if we're not careful."

Will laughed and raised his legs. The panda slipped into the wolf easily and extended his paws to the rest of the glowing beasts. "Come on, Dads. We're already hard. Let's make it rock hard shall we?"

Eric shook his head in disbelief. "Oh, this is going to set such a bad precedent," he said and he picked up the black wolf impaling him onto his hardened dick in one quick shove.

"Oh yeah," Derrick said as his eyes rolled back in his head. "Liking this precedent a lot." The two fell onto the floor next to Samuel and Will. Watching the couplings, the green Kodiak smiled. He leaned over and picked up the panda and the Iberian wolf and nudged them closer to the wolf and polar bear. "You okay being inside your son for twenty or thirty years, Pup?"

Derrick looked at Samuel who nodded with a wide grin. "Yeah," the black wolf who was now glowing a bright blue said. "I'm really good with that."

Samuel laughed when he felt the Kodiak maneuver the cock inside him. "Best dads ever," he yelled.

Kris leaned in and kissed Will. "I hate to make you a top for this long, Old Wolf, but really, Raymond needs a partner in this."

"I can do that," Will replied. He tried to move but his crystalline legs wouldn't let him. "Best get me in him before it's too late."

"I love you, Old Wolf," the Kodiak said and he backed the badger and panda up. With just a little wiggle from the butt of the panda, the old wolf penetrated him.

Raymond smiled as he felt the cock slipping inside. "Brother's right," he whispered. "Best dads ever."

Kris stood up and smiled at the daisy chain. He turned to the dogs and family watching what was happening. "Don't try this at home. We're trained professionals," he said as he lumbered over to the polar bear and fell behind him. "All our father's and all our sons are becoming one, Husband," he said as he wrapped his arms around the polar bear. The Kodiak pushed up close behind the polar bear, and whispered, "The boys have given a reason for the merging that all accept as the truth; in part because it is their time. But that time is here because they were born to be beside you, just as all of us are. This is our gift to you, Son. This is our promise. Beside you, now and forever."

"I'm ready, Dad," the polar bear said as the tendrils of green light began to spin out from his fur and joined with the Kodiak behind him.

"I love you, Son," the bear said to the other as he pushed his cock deep inside the bear in front of him. One arm of the Kodiak slipped under the head of the polar bear and the other lay on top of the old bear and young pup. "I love you all, husbands. Sleep well, children," Kris said and closed his eyes. The glowing multicolored fur of all seven beasts began to spin out in intertwining lace. Soon, all that remained of the seven was a glowing green crystal. The brown bear father and polar bear son had brought all into the dark time under their protection. "I wonder what will come of this?" Katashi said to those around him.

"I suspect some very, very horny kids," Spackle said with a little laugh. "That's my Wolfy and Will in there with their husbands and their kids. Nothing but good can come of this."

Martin nodded his head. "I agree. And so the wait begins anew."

"I wish Wolfy and Will were here to see me turn," Spackle said. "Sometimes I feel sorry for them all. They miss so many milestones in our lives when this happens.

Adam touched the stone lovingly. "It's not fair is it, husbands? We wait, you wait, and all around us, the world goes by as if nothing is happening in this room. You are a miracle being born, and our lives can't even slow down to appreciate it."

Falong looked down on the memories being created and wondered. "It has been their way for billions of years, my love," Li Wei said. "Don't go thinking about changing things now."

"But Eric said there were precedents being made," Falong responded.

"He said bad precedents. When word gets out of what has happened, likely all Changelings will copulate through their dark time."

"But look at the memories, my love. Have you ever seen any so beautiful?"

"There have been many as beautiful, but I can't think of any that surpass these," the temple dog without a body replied.

There was a silence in the universe flowing around the memories tying them together. "I am glad you're here, Li Wei," the unspoken thoughts expressed.

"Where else would I be but beside the one I love?"

"You love so many, Li Wei."

"And in time I will be with them as well. But for now, I am with you, this is our moment together."

"Together watching over your family."

"It is pleasant."

"Will and Derrick will miss Spackle's turning. There were promises the mated couple made to each other."

"Sometimes life is that way. We learn to adapt to change."

"Or sometimes we set bad precedents."

"Falong, what are you thinking?"

"Time is so fluid. It's really hardly anything at all. Derrick understands that now. Adam, Max, JP... so many in your family understand that."

"Falong..."

"Maybe for just a moment we let the Changelings in the chrysalis flow in a different stream of time."

"That would be a bad precedent, Falong."

"But they've already set so many bad precedents. Mine would be only one more."

"And why would we do this?"

"So that Derrick and William can welcome their mate on the day of his turning," Falong answered

"I am beginning to think that my family is fast becoming your family."

"I care for them. They create such beautiful memories for so many."

"And for one in particular I see."

"Is it so wrong to want to say thank you?"

"Have you ever done so before we met?" Li Wei asked.

"Perhaps once... maybe more. I really don't remember if it was before or after I met you. Time being time, I never give such things much thought. I have always been, I will always be. Only now seems clear. And right now, I wish to set a bad precedent."

Li Wei laughed. "Perhaps setting a bad precedent would be a good thing."

Falong lingered on the memory of the Kodiak slipping his cock into the polar bear and the feeling of their union. The father and son who were husbands, the layer upon layer of intimacy between the two, the Unity born into flesh and fur; he let it all flow around him and placed it in a sacred place protected for all time. He flowed through the memory of the otter as he watched the green tendrils of his husbands wrap around each other like glowing silk. He remembered every emotion as Adam watched the chrysalis form. When the otter reached out to touch the bloody chest where there was once a gaping hole, Falong felt the longing for two so close they were a part of him. "Sleep for a time, Little Ones," Falong whispered to the glowing crystal. "But not for too long. I am already missing you."

The being that had no form or shape reached out without limbs or hands and pushed the crystal ever so slightly into a different time stream. For the family that waited, nothing changed. Their vigil over the rock was as unremarkable as it always had been. To those moving through the dark time, all was as it had always been. The slow gestation of the children, the reforming of the mates to be reborn from the jumbled atoms; nothing changed. All was as it had always been, save one slight detail. For those within the chrysalis, time moved so much faster than it did for those who waited.

Chapter 51

Chipo flopped down in front of the glowing green rock and tapped it. "What's going on in there, Husband?" he asked. "You're different."

Katashi stared at the chrysalis, trying to see what the rhino saw. "It seems the same as they have always been, Chipo. What makes you think it is any different?"

"Because for a guy that has crappy eyesight, I seem to see an awful lot that others miss," Chipo said, turning back to the group. He saw Spackle watching the crystal as it pulsed the warm green light. "Well, Dog, how are you dealing with this?" A confused human pointed to himself questioningly. "You smell like a temple dog. I gotta assume that you're pretty close to being one."

Spackle laughed. "I sleep with Katashi every night. I didn't have time to shower with him today."

Chipo shook his head. "I didn't say you smell of dog, Spackle. I said you smell like a dog." The rhino leaned toward the human and his large nostrils flared. "Yeah," the rhinoceros said, "I can't see worth a damn, but my nose is always spot-on. That isn't a dog rubbing off on you. That's your scent."

The rhino patted the floor next to him with his three fingers. "Come have a seat, Spackle," he said with a smile. Spackle looked up to Katashi, and the dog gave a nod. Spackle sat next to the chrysalis, and the rhino guided his hand to the rock. "Don't be afraid to touch it, Spackle. Your mates are in there. This is the way you hold on to your connection with them."

Spackle let out an exasperated sigh. "Why does everyone call them that? Wolfy is not my mate. We were playing."

"And Will?" the rhino asked. "Will never plays in such matters."

"I'm not sure about Will," the young man replied. "I'm confused about both of them."

"You know, Spackle, for a guy who's about to become a temple dog, you have a real hard time seeing the truth."

Spackle shook his head. "I see the truth."

"Then why do you try so hard to deny it?"

Spackle rubbed the green stone. "Because Derrick and I were only playing. We were two humans in the middle of having sex and laughing about what it's like to mate. I climbed up on top of him, you know... the way we had done before. It was just me mounting my friend. But then I stared at his neck with that sweaty, matted hair of his, and I'm not sure why, but I bit his neck. I bit his neck, and it all changed. It changed for both of us. Why did he flip me afterward and bite my neck? You know Derrick. He doesn't top, but he did, and when he bit into my neck, I realized it was exactly what I wanted him to do." The human looked up at the rhino. "I didn't know... we didn't know..."

Spackle stood quiet for a moment and bowed his head. "And then Will. When he mounted me in the shower. I told him I needed to know, and he took me and bit into my neck. Will was human, but the answer he gave me was so clear. I hoped for confirmation that what Derrick and I had done was real. I needed to understand what Will meant when he said he would always have my back. Those teeth in my neck were his answer. But I'm not sure I was ready for that answer."

"Do you regret his answer?" Chipo asked.

The young man rubbed the back of his neck feeling the bite marks that had long since faded. "I still can sense them in the stone, Chipo. I told Katashi and Li Wei that one day I would be a temple dog and that one day I wanted to mate with them. And now, every time I rub this stone, I feel as if I made so many other promises to two I can't even touch."

Chipo leaned over and kissed Spackle's cheek. "Every time you touch the rock, you touch them. When you speak to them, they hear. Who better to share your confusion with than those who cause so much of it? They are your mates, after all."

"Temple dogs have never mated outside of the Brotherhood."

"You're young, Spackle. You don't remember a time when temple dogs didn't even mate. Li Wei and Katashi were the first. What makes you think they would be attracted to another dog that couldn't make that leap?"

Spackle's hand rested on a space toward the middle of the crystal. "He's right here. He's falling apart into atoms, but he's right here. This is where Derrick is. Will is over there," the young man said, pointing toward the right.

Chipo smiled and tapped the stone to the left of Spackle's hand. "Oliver is right here. I can feel his heart beating, but it's melding with all the rest. Soon, we won't be able to sense them as anything but one big beating heart. A decade down the line, they'll begin separating again. But we won't be able to tell who's who until they return. The new lives being born will dominate everything when we touch the stone."

The rhino's three fingers and small thumb moved over the green crystal. "One day, I will be inside one of these. Nathaniel will guide me through the dark time, and like you, when you turn, Spackle, I will let go of my human forever."

Spackle looked up at the rhino, confused. "Why would you do that, Chipo?"

Chipo shook, and a young, emaciated black man appeared. Spackle stared at the tall lad. The skin and muscle clung to his bones; the ribs were painfully visible. It was clear that food was scarce before his turning. His eyes followed the gaunt body downward, and at the crotch, he turned away suddenly.

"Yeah, it's kind of impressive, isn't it?"

Spackle laughed. "Your rhino cock is impressive, but I get embarrassed when I accidentally look at another guy's junk."

Chipo smiled. "Well, then look at it intentionally, and we should be fine. I've been looking at yours."

Spackle grinned and looked down. Chipo was right. It was impressive. Relaxed, it had to be at least eight inches, and he had no idea how much larger it would grow when aroused.

Chipo rubbed the stone again. "In two thousand two, my village was starving. President Mwanawasa declared that all genetically modified foods were poison. The government banned them. They went through towns and destroyed entire granaries of donated corn and wheat. They feared what lay inside was tainted with genetically modified grain. The Zambian Government declined shipments of aid from the United States because so much of the corn they sent contained at least some genetically modified kernels. There's a sick irony in letting your people die of hunger because you fear the food will kill them.

"My father and mother had grown weak, giving my two younger brothers their food rations. My parents were two of the first to die when cholera hit our village. My brothers soon followed. With no reason to live, I ran from the village one night and never looked back. Two days into the desert without water, I realized I was dying. Twenty-six years old, and I had never even kissed a girl... or a boy, for that matter. I knew which one I wanted to kiss, but that was as sure a way to wind up dead as running out into the desert.

"I would have died if I had not met Kabelo. If you think I look skinny now, you should have seen me when he found me. He took me in, gave me food, taught me the ways of the Were Nation, and introduced me to his pack. He taught me how to protect the black rhino from poachers, and I learned to love my pack and the animals they protected. On a full moon four months later, he turned me. I am a rhino, Spackle. I use my size and girth to protect, and I have sensual skills that come with having a prehensile lip and Will as my mentor. I am used to the rhino. I am comfortable being him. The man I was before feels awkward and small now. I want to let him go. I want him to rest in peace with his dead family. This man is not me anymore."

Chipo turned to the human. "Spackle, before we let go of our humans, lay with me. I want to say goodbye to this body, but I want to let it know I am grateful for all the years it sustained me. Just once, I want to feel in this body what it's like to lie with a handsome black man who doesn't wish me dead for the feelings I have for him."

Spackle began turning back toward Katashi to seek guidance, but the hand of the tall, thin man pulled his head back. "Don't ask for an answer to this, Spackle. You're going to be a temple dog one day. You need to make your own choices. Yes or no, I won't hold it against you. But I need to know if it's yes, you were the one who made the choice."

Spackle bowed his head. "If I say yes, will the rhino still care for me when I'm a dog?"

"I love you, Spackle. It won't matter to me what you are or who I am. I will always care for you."

"Then yes. Yes, I will lay with you." He looked up into the eyes of the man in front of him. "Where do you want to go?"

"The field outside. The grass reminds me of my homeland in spring when the rains were heavy."

Spackle realized what Chipo was asking for, and it terrified him. To grant Chipo his request was to make love in the middle of the common field. Others would surely see them. The view of the entire field was visible from the temple dogs' fourth-floor balcony. Any beasts staying at the apartments could take two steps out of the cave and see everything.

Spackle struggled for an answer, and it surprised him when the answer came. He was a temple dog. His responsibility was to be an example to all the Were Nation of what was best in them. He stood up and put out his hand. "I'm glad it's not raining today," he said. Chipo let the human pull him up, and they kissed. When Spackle felt the growing flesh slip along his leg, his hand reached down to hold it. He told himself there could be no fear in loving another; no shame for caring. And today, there was no guilt for expressing those truths in the way Chipo needed to share them.

Spackle turned to the crowd blocking the door and pulled Chipo along. As he neared Katashi, he stopped and stood on tiptoe for a kiss. "I'll be home later, Hon," he said.

"I will await your return. Bring Chipo if you two are of a mind to do so."

Chipo leaned up to kiss the temple dog. "I will be a rhino, Katashi."

"And I will be a dog. How fortunate for both of us that we find the

other so attractive."

Chipo smiled and let the other human pull him through the crowd and down the steps. Outside, Spackle surveyed the field. He pointed to an area ten meters away. "I think that would be a delightful spot," he told the thin human holding his hand. He leaned in and whispered. "It will give all the temple dogs a magnificent view of us from the shower's balcony. By the time we get ready to clean up, we will have at least a dozen very happy dogs willing to scrub us down."

Chipo leaned in and kissed the other human. "I am so going to get another slutty merit badge for this, aren't I?"

"Yeah, you are Chipo," Spackle replied. "And I'm about to get my first." Together, the two tumbled to the ground. From the fourth floor, the temple dogs watched with pride at their youngest brother and the man in his care.

Chapter 52

Chipo and Spackle were back in front of the stone two days later to talk to their respective mates. They felt it best to tell them together of what they had done on the highland fields and the growing closeness they felt for each other. Both told the crystal their version of the last two days, often talking over each other as memories flooded the conversation. They gave far more details about their shower with the temple dogs than the time they shared in the field. There were no regrets for the two about such a public display. But in the end, all that transpired seemed somehow more cherished and private than they thought it would be.

Spackle's hand rested on the stone when he said, "The more I think about them, the more these last two days seem so special, Wolfy. I'm redefining who I am and what I'm becoming. But one thing seems so clear. Whatever we are, Wolfy, Will... we're are more than buddies. I'm not sure anyone understands what we are to each other, Wolfy, including the two of us. But our family supports whatever it is we decide. They push us to choose on the side of letting those bite marks stay in our necks because they realize that if we're true to ourselves, that's what we both want. And you Will; there was never a doubt what you meant. I'm just trying to deal with stepping up to be the man whose neck you bit."

The young man tried to feel the two distinct wolves inside and realized that the rhino was right. They were slowly melding into one beating heart. He continued, "Chipo pushed me in directions I don't even think he realizes. If he does, I hope he realizes how grateful I am. I can be a dog, Wolfy. I am confident now I can be a temple dog. And I can be a temple dog that loves a beautiful black wolf and an old wolf that makes my heart skip a beat every time he touches me. I don't know if we'll ever bite each other's necks again, but I understand now what those bites mean to me. I want to be by your side forever, Wolfy. If not in body, then in spirit. I want us to be what the best of lovers always are. I want us to be best friends. Come back, Wolfy. Come back and let's see if life has us biting each other's necks again one day."

Chipo rubbed his fingers on the stone. "What he said, Wolfy. I get that you've never been one to jump into things. You think things through so deeply at times. But you bit each other's necks in the middle of your play with little more thought than it felt right. You bit each other's necks. Maybe the two of you aren't meant to think things through too deeply. Perhaps your bond is from the heart and not the head. I think that's why Will did what he did. To lead you both to the truth you two so skillfully skirt around. There are worse things than letting your heart be open to loving another." The rhino paused and rubbed where he sensed his husband was. "And few things better, huh, Badger?"

Chipo's head dropped forward and hit the stone with a resounding thud. Immediately, Spackle rose and tried to revive the fallen rhinoceros. When he tried to pull the head away from the stone, it wouldn't budge. "DOGS!" he yelled, "a little help in here. We have a man down."

Four temple dogs rushed in, but even their combined efforts could not remove the rhino from the stone. A call went out for Adam to come help, and the temple dogs waited patiently for his arrival. When the pangolin walked in, he gave Chipo a little tug. "That's interesting. Kind of like Thor's hammer, but way cuter."

"That's it?" Spackle questioned. "You come from god knows where, and your evaluation is that he doesn't move?"

The pangolin shrugged. "Yep. That's pretty much my evaluation of the situation." He turned toward the dogs in the doorway, and by the time the turn was complete, an otter stood in front of the dogs. "So, which of you wants to use me as a scrub brush in the showers?" The paws raised were unanimous.

The otter began walking toward the dogs when the human blurted out, "Wait a bloody minute. You're not doing anything? I thought you were some sort of all-powerful being."

"No, that's Superman," the otter said as he spun around. "See? No cape and I can eat kryptonite for breakfast without even indigestion."

Spackle shook his head. "This isn't funny, Adam."

Adam laughed. "No, it's hysterical. Look at Chipo's horn. It's half crystal. Oliver has got his husband in a headlock and he's not letting him go until Chipo understands what he wants to tell him. You're watching Badger being Badger. My husband is a bit of a nudge, you know."

"Then he's safe?"

"Yeah, he's safe. Oliver is crazy in love with Chipo. He would never hurt him. I'm surprised that you dogs didn't figure that out."

"We have had little experience in the badger trying to interact with us once he has become stone," one dog confessed.

"I guess that's true, Genji," Adam replied. "Look, you head on back home to New Zealand and take care of your dragons. Those are my husbands inside the rock. I can look after them for a time."

"But you mentioned being a scrub brush. My return to the temple so soon would negate my raised hand."

The otter laughed. "That's true. Shall we retire to the showers? When Oliver is sure his husband understands what he needs to, he'll set Chipo free."

Genji and the three other dogs bowed. Adam dropped to all fours and raced through the temple dogs' spread legs like a slalom course. On the other side, he righted himself. "Come on Spackle. Your brothers need you."

"I'll wait here with Chipo," came the reply on the other side of the temple dogs.

"No, you won't," the otter insisted. "Waiting for him does Chipo no good, but letting him wake to the scent of showering dogs will cheer him no end. Learn now when to let go of what you can't change, and when changing your course of action is exactly what you need to do."

Spackle pushed through the dogs and glared at the otter. "I don't think you're taking this seriously."

"No, I'm not," the otter agreed. "It's not in my nature to be serious without just cause. Now that you understand he is safe and with his husband, I want you to consider what you should do with that knowledge. When he returns, he will be horny because he's with his husband now. What does the dog you're becoming tell you to do?"

"You're saying going upstairs to have sex is what I should do?"

The six-foot otter approached the human and wrapped his arms around the human's waist. "Yes, Spackle. That is what you should do. My husband... and your mate... told me a long time ago there was a reason I was born an otter. We play, we love, and then we play some more. We love and protect our families. But we're never serious. There are no serious otters. Because in our world we can't afford to be serious. That's Derrick talking, Spackle. The wolf you love. Trust him. He knows so much more than either you or I."

"I've got a rhino I love glued to a rock in here. What am I supposed to do?"

"Go give him a kiss, tell him that when he wakes, he can find you in the showers. And tell him you'd like to find out what that prehensile lip of his can do to a young man's butt."

Spackle fell down on the ground. "Damn it, Adam. I get so confused by all of you."

"No, you don't," Adam replied. "You get confused when you let your human hang onto emotions and feelings that won't serve the dog in you. If you love Chipo, don't hover over him. He's a big boy. That rhino is smart, he's funny, and he doesn't need a babysitter. He needs a dog that loves him and will wait for him."

"In the showers?"

"No, I need you in the showers. Those dogs are enormous and I'm pretty small. But you are delightfully proportional to me."

"I'm not turning until I'm thirty, Adam."

"Yeah, you mentioned that years ago. I haven't forgotten. But I'm not a Changeling or a werebeast."

"What?"

"I'm a symbiont whose body is highly functional, but not one made of human or Changeling DNA. I'm not a werebeast. Kendal created this body using a genetic code unique to me so that I could house my family inside. I can't change anyone, because my body's genome isn't written with Changeling DNA. In short, I'm entirely benign sexually."

"So you and I can..."

"Yeah, we can... anyway you want, and a couple of dozen ways I know you haven't even thought of yet." The otter put out his hand. "And we can do it all while you learn how to pleasure your brothers. That's what Chipo wants, Spackle. He doesn't want you waiting for him pining. Don't ignore who he is. Chipo wants you out there, living your life and having fun. He wants you to take care of others, and become the dog you dream of being."

Spackle's head turned back and forth while he thought about what Adam had said. First, he glanced toward the rock, then the otter, and once again back to the rock with the rhino glued to it. "Give me a second," he said, as he ran over to give the rhino a kiss. Only Chipo heard the words whispered in his ear. Returning to the group, he smiled at the otter. "It's been almost two days since anyone's topped me. It would be fun," he said with a grin.

"That's the true temple dog spirit, Spackle," Adam said. He shook his hand and Spackle took it. Together they walked off to the showers and Spackle's eager brother dogs.

Moments later, Chipo stirred. He pulled his horn from the stone and shook his head. "Wow, that was unusual," he said as he rubbed the back of his neck. He sniffed the air and smiled. "Oh yeah," he said as his prehensile lip curled. "Temple dogs in the shower. Life is good." He raced up the steps to the fourth floor and, seeing Adam and Spackle together, he slipped up behind the young man and wrapped his arms around him.

Spackle felt the leathery skin, saw the three fingers, and turned. "Chipo, I'm so glad to see you. Are you okay?" Spackle asked.

"Oh, I'm fine. I had a little talk with my husband and when we finished, he kicked me back here."

"Well, that was a pretty brief conversation," the young man said.

"Really? I guess Oliver is right. They're in a time stream that's different from ours."

"W... what?" the human stammered.

"They're not exactly themselves anymore, but their individual consciousness remains. Did you know Oliver can swear even without a body? You should hear that little blob of goo go at it when he's frustrated. It took Oliver and me days before we could figure out how to communicate with each other."

"Days?" Adam asked. "You've been gone less than an hour."

"Yeah, that's what Oliver wanted me to know. They're gestating at an incredibly rapid rate when viewed from our time."

"Dual time streams on the same temporal plane aren't possible for three-dimensional creatures," Adam protested. "At least not without one of you stationary and the other going near light speed."

"They appear to have friends in very high places."

Spackle looked up toward the ceiling. "FALONG!" he yelled.

Chipo and the temple dogs stared into the empty space that once was Spackle. The water cascaded down from the shower head above, unobstructed by the human. "Well, that's even more unusual than talking to my blobby husband with my head glued to a rock," Chipo said, shaking his head.

Katashi nodded in agreement. "Spackle can be impulsive."

"Is he going to be okay?"

"I suspect he will return momentarily."

There was a flash of light from outside the showers and a naked, soaking-wet Spackle walked back in. "Okay, this throws a monkey wrench into everything."

"What's wrong, my love?" Katashi asked.

"Falong has put our family into a time stream that moves almost ten times faster than ours. They will spend their thirty-some-odd years inside the chrysalis as they always have, but in this time stream, only about four years will pass."

Katashi clapped his hands together. "That is wonderful. It will lighten the burden of waiting for their return." The other dogs nodded with wide grins.

"But now I have Wolfy and Will returning in only four years. They could be here for my welcoming if I wait another four years."

"That is asking much of a young man eager to be a temple dog," Katashi said, "especially one that has already found a mate."

"I know," Spackle said with a sigh. "That's what I'm talking about." Spackle looked up into Katashi's eyes and stared into them, hoping for a sign of what he should do. All he saw was all he ever saw; complete acceptance of whatever he chose to do. "Everyone is right about Wolfy and me. And Will was right about us both. There's more to us than two guys playing make-believe. I'm not sure what we are to each other, but I know it's more than friends. And Will... Will and I already know what he committed to."

"I am glad you see that now," Katashi said. "The more you turn toward the truth, the more the truth will reveal itself to you." The temple dog rubbed the human's wet skin. "We should finish our shower. There is soap all over you."

"Can we wait, Katashi?" Spackle blurted out.

"It would not be advisable. The soap will dry your skin."

The human gave the dog a playful bump. "You know what I mean."

"Of course, we can wait. They are your mates. That is what we have always done for those we love; we wait for them to come home." Katashi picked up the human and, lifting him into the air, he placed him under the center shower head and let the warm water cascade over him. "Of course, we will have moments when we will regret this decision. Most will occur early in the morning after we have gone to sleep in each other's arms. Today we will have regrets when I return you to Adam's arms to share with him what I cannot."

"I'm sorry," Spackle said, looking down.

Katashi put Spackle back onto the shower floor. His paw slipped under the chin of the human and lifted his face. "I am not, my love. You show your true nature by waiting, and I am honored that your affections extend to me. We will wait together for the old wolf and pup's return. No action comes without consequences. But some actions we take are worth any consequence that comes our way. Waiting for those you love to return to be with you on your turning is one of those acts."

"Thank you," the young man said as he hugged the neck of the temple dog. "I'll try to make the wait worth it to you."

"You have promised to be my mate," the temple dog replied. "There is little you could ask of me that has not already been paid in full knowing that."

"So we wait?"

"We wait."

The young man felt the paws of the otter push up against his back and begin rubbing. "We wait, Spackle," Adam said. "Don't look too far into that future, though. Life is best when you let it unfold without knowing the end."

Spackle turned around and kissed the otter. "Will taught me how to tell the Sight to go fuck itself. I use that lesson every day of my life. Still, the Sight and I are on much better terms than when we started out. Seeing all the truth isn't necessarily as good as knowing what truth to see."

"And with Pup?" the otter asked.

"Wolfy and I will find our way. I'm content to know that we love each other."

"And Will?"

Spackle laughed. "The three of us will find our place together."

Adam smiled. "Then I'm good. What say we get back to this shower?" Adam took the young man in his arms and kissed him. The otter's paws slipped between the young man's legs and stroked the already rigid cock. He grinned and dropped to his knees, taking the cock into his mouth. Spackle groaned happily as his brothers gathered around him to aid his body in finding pleasures he was only beginning to learn.

Inside the commons of the cave, the wolves took a deep breath. "They're at it again," one sighed.

"That boy puts off pheromones that equal the dogs," another said.

"Well, it's not like the shower room is exactly private," a third chimed in. "I'm pretty sure they would enjoy the company."

The first one laughed. "There are twenty-three of us on retreat here, Stan. It would get a bit crowded."

Stan smiled. "Crowded is good. Crowded with temple dogs is great."

The other wolves gathered around the table nodded in agreement. In one smooth motion, moving almost as one entity, the werewolves shifted. Twenty-three wolves raced out of the cave into the summer sun. The dash to the monastery was brief, but the welcoming of the wolves would last well into the night.

For now, though, the summer day was a pleasant diversion for all on the highland. The bright blue and green shifting colors moved through the forest and onto the field. The adult dragons lifted their heads, sniffed the air, and smiled. Their tails pushed their children closer to them as they curled up together. They lowered their heads and closed their eyes, basking in the sunshine's warmth. Together, the family of dragons joined the family of beasts and continued the wait for their family to come home.