The glaring scene of milling and subdued chaos could have been cut straight from the memories of Orison's predecessor with one major detail differing. There was no giant flying snake in the air. In fact, there was a post adolescent angel that looked like the world's most awkward living place holder.

“Please remain calm everyone. Her regal personage will be here as soon as an important matter is attended to,” the androgynous angel said nervously.

Orison screwed up a little courage and said, “Excuse me, Zir. I couldn't help but notice that a great deal many people here look hungry. If you could provide water, I happen to have brought two cases of MREs. If everyone would line up orderly, there's no need to cut or fight, I have enough rations here for everyone to get one.”

As a few individuals knocked and pushed their way to the front of the forming line, Orison informed them that they'd have to move to the back. When they didn't comply and instead took the boxes, Orison gave a half smile before he said, “Excuse me, Zir, but these individuals seem to have stolen the meals that I have generously provided for everyone.”

The angel sighed before sooty pillars descended from the ceiling and disintegrated them. Afterwards the angel gave a shaky warning not to commit acts of violence, theft or molestation while in the trial grounds. Orison took control of the situation again before calling for the line to form again before handing out the MREs.

When Lilly approached Orison said, “I noticed you seem to be helping care for that guy over there. If you'll give me a second I'll head over there with you.”

“I'd be much obliged for the help, sir,” Lilly said shyly. Orison smiled gently in return.

At the very end of the line, Jampa was helping a man who was missing a leg to reach Orison's makeshift box table. Upon looking up and seeing his presumed dead 'old friend', the middle aged monk nearly dropped the one legged man as he began fingering his prayer beads and chanting.

“I'm not an evil spirit Jampa but I do have a request. What you think you know about my last decade on Earth, please keep to yourself. By the way, I saved one of the vegetarian ones for you. It's only fair since you were the one who originally bought them,” Orison said wryly.

Still a little pale Jampa said, “If you want to place it more accurately, your donations paid for it. I saved some back to honor your strange fune-... requests.”

Orison grinned widely as he said, “It's a shame I couldn't sneak a chicken wing or drumstick in there like I used to. If you like you can lead your friend there with me over to that red headed girl's buddy. It just so happens I seem to have been blessed a bottle of prescription pain killers that he looks in need of.”

“Should I be surprised that you seem to have been prepared for this or should I mark it up to your typical eccentric antics, Brother Small Prayer,” Jampa said, warming up to the improbable return of his friend from the dead.

“Being surprised by my actions would be a waste of time you could be using to find Nirvana, Brother Caterpillars. Seeing how well groomed those bushy brows of yours have gotten, is it some form of peaceful protest against head shaving?” Orison said as he made his way over to Lilly and Troy.

With painkillers in hand and polite conversation between the five people a small bubble of harmony erected itself within the testing grounds which had a sort of contagious effect. People started calming down and conversing with one another, forming small cliques. At one point, a skeletal African woman who introduced herself as Imani, came over to thank Orison for the gesture. Orison sneaked her a few protein bars and warmly shook her hand, getting the gist even if he couldn't understand what she was saying. It took him a moment to realize that this woman's name was vaguely familiar to him. He warned her to request an update for her all language translation from the world host when they left the trial ground and swore her to secrecy on the warning. As she stood there confused for a moment, Jampa came to both their rescue as he explained to the emaciated woman that his Brother Small Prayer was eccentric but oddly insightful.

Jampa translated as Imani said, “Ah, so he is moon touched! Yes, I understand. I will do as you say moon child.”

Orison, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, just smiled awkwardly as the woman bent to kiss his brow before returning teary-eyed back to her small group of three. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed that the woman stealthily shared her acquired goods with the rest of her group despite how dire her own personal need was. Orison made a mental note to take the time to befriend this exceptional person once he had all language.

“I expected to arrive and find a slightly thinned herd, chaos and mild hysteria when I arrived,” A beautiful woman in white and blue ceremonial attire said. It was difficult to place her ethnicity aside from dark skin because of an ever present misty ribbon of rainbow colors that slithered around her.

The young angel whispered a few words to her before they vanished, leading her to look at Orison and say, “ Are you one of those doomsday survivalists? How did you manage to bring such a largess with you spontaneously?”

“As expected of a goddess of your magnitude, to completely see through me at a single glance,” Orison said, trying to project fascinated awe as his stomach did back flips. He began immediately regretting his earlier grandstanding. “Old Bessy, my semi-automatic hugging pillow, didn't come with me for some reason.”

The woman stood dumbfounded for a moment before bursting into peals of laughter before she said, “You silly Americans. If you had slept with a bow and quiver of arrows, it would have.”

Orison feigned sudden enlightenment as he said, “Oh... So that's why Rita came with me!” He pulled the small folding crossbow out of a cargo pants pocket.”

The goddess' laughter abruptly stopped as she turned her attention to the crowd, pointedly ignoring Orison's existence as she said, “I don't desire to draw out my time among you. Perhaps one day you will stand in a position worthy of notice, if not respect, but that day is not today. Your first task is a simple one. Discover the killer within your ranks. They will stop after the third kill and if you have not selected someone one minute after that point, you will be eliminated. You may think it's not fair that you cannot fight back without the pillars of Gomorrah smiting you but life is rarely fair. You have thirty seconds before the lights will be turned off and the first murder occurs. If you are fortunate and make your choice correctly before then, you will not be a victim.”

Orison pointed to a man right after the goddess was done speaking and said, “He's the killer.” He was quickly followed by Jampa and Lilly.

Before momentum could build against him, the man pointed at Orison and leveled the charge right back. In Orison's mind it was an easy call because the man looked exactly the same as he did in Wren's recollection. The only difference was he didn't look as happy to be there. It was a small comfort for Orison to realize that the man wasn't particularly thrilled by this assignment as he was to be a rabble rouser. It was interesting to see him ramp up with anti-American rhetoric which didn't take more than ten seconds to affect most of the people here and even managed to turn Orison's good deed into a blatant symbol of his guilt.

Although it played out nearly the same as with Wren's spy mission there were a couple of differences. Aside from Jampa, the Imani lady had also sided with Orison. Troy, after hesitating till the last two seconds, finally pointed at Orison. The man blew out a relieved sigh before winking at Orison and disappearing.

Orison looked at Troy and said, “Really bruh!?”

With burning ears Troy said, “Well, you just seemed ready to kill something and people usually aren't that nice. I-I'm sorry okay!”

Orison grinned mischievously as he said, “Don't sweat it too much. It's kinda hard to cry victim when I'm holding a small crossbow in my hand.”

The goddess cleared her throat, obviously a little displeased not to see at least one person die as she said, “That went faster than anticipated. Tell me, American militia man. How did you discover the killer so quickly?”

Orison pretended to ponder it for a moment before he said in a thick southern drawl, “ When I was doing Jayzus' work earlier I was keeping an eye out for suspicious behavior. When we relax our vigilance, the terrorists win, goddess mam.”

Orison noticed that Jampa was suppressing himself as the monk's caterpillars started crawling up towards his scalp and the corner of his lips were twitching. Even Lilly, who hadn't known Orison for that long, was viciously pinching the side of her leg to keep from giggling inappropriately. He thought he had gotten away with his antics scot-free as the goddess only looked disgusted but not angry.

“In that case, you should stand here while everyone else makes space around you to aid you in your vigilance and the continuation of your lord's work as we prepare for the beginning of your second task,” the goddess said as she suddenly smiled cruelly.

Well fuck me sideways, you nasty bitch. I ruined your fun so you want to make certain I take an L, huh?

Orison shambled over to the quickly emptying place where the goddess was pointing. He continued to make notes on where all the little tricks were on his person and what they were intended for as he waited on her to summon his supposed doom.

“The second task is one of mettle but worry not participants. I am certain that our apple pie soldier here will make this into a spectacle for your amusement and his glory. Should he fall, only four more of you need follow before it will be over,” the goddess said as a magic circle, far more complex than the one Orison recalled from Wren's memories, began forming on the ground.

Orison wanted to join everyone else in fleeing as far away from the circle as he could but the outer rim of the circle was a solid wall of force. He turned to the center and calmly waited for the monster to materialize as his insides felt like they were liquefying to try to escape the control of his sphincter and bladder muscles.

BZ interrupted Orison's silent freak out to say, “What is being summoned is equal in power, if not more, to the summoner. There are inherent weaknesses to exploit in summonings created by avatars and call marks. Unlike models cast by the self, which can remain internal, avatars and call marks must manifest models externally. Materials that can divert or insulate arcane essence may be used to circumvent or disrupt the summoning.”

Orison thought at BZ, “Looks like she's taking her sweet time. Seems she wants me to sweat it out or she's really pushing the envelope to summon it. Will the silver powder work?”

BZ responded, “Yes. A few extra lines in the center of the model construct will break it but she will likely try again a few times before attempting something else. She seems to care little for the rules of indoctrination conduct.”

Orison thought back, “That's alright. Naughty goddesses need their asses spanked. Where is the control signature portion of the construct?”

“That is... I understand. Upper right. Her mark is that rainbow sigil,” BZ said.

Orison dashed to the sigil as he pulled out a bag of silver powder and did his best to make a sand art version of his renovated and simplified personal mark, inspired jointly by Wren's and the symbol for Om.

“Your petty efforts and poor understanding of the higher arts won't sa-... Stop!” The arrogant goddess' voice changed from cruel amusement to panic.

Just a touch left till completion and it's already materializing... Hehe... It's your husband!? AH HAHAHAHAHA. You're about to get spanked by the call mark of your husband!

A giant winged serpent morphed into a seven foot tall Meso-American in ceremonial warrior garb before it said, “I'm sorry wife but he will control this mark for a minimum of one minute before the power you've already charged it with dissipates.”

Oh! Thanks for telling me how long I have! Bare and spank her ass for thirty seconds before destroying her avatar!

The call mark of Quetz turned to face Orison for a second, amusement twinkling in the warrior's eyes even as he said, “This will have repercussions mortal!”

Yeah, I'm sure it will. Netflix and chill is ruined tonight I bet.

As he gave his consort a look of apology, Quetz slammed her with a lightning bolt bright enough to blind everyone but the unmistakable sounds of ripping fabric and meaty smacks resounded throughout the large white room. She took it silently with little more than ungraceful grunts issuing from her right up until the moment that she suddenly cried out with surprise. The sickening sound of tearing flesh and breaking bones made Orison immensely grateful he couldn't see that well yet.

As everyone's eyesight returned enough to see around the streak in their vision, Quetz approached Orison and said, “She has been a boon to my hollow heart since I lost my first and only true love but she has long forgotten where I came from. This will be a good reminder. This may be more than a softer modern human like you can easily stomach but if you wish to avoid her wrath, consume the heart of her avatar after anointing your friends.” Quetz disappeared after placing the bloody organ in Orison's hands.

Not wanting to take time to figure out what the curse of a minor goddess might feel like, Orison quickly ran back to his group. Struck by sudden inspiration, he beckoned Imani and her two compatriots over.

Orison spoke quickly, “I need to do this fast before that goddess chick, or whoever is going to fill in for the last part of this ridiculous circus side-show interrupts us. If I'm not mistaken, this the the heart of Ayida-Weddo and a seven part anointing will have stronger symbolism. Does anyone here object to being dabbed by goddess blood?”

Although a few looked queasy none gave a negative except Jampa.

Orison looked at Jampa exasperated and said, “If you see god on the roadside, slay god...”

Jampa said, “You know I think that means to discourage charlatans and the delusional from making claims to be a god or Buddha.”

Orison half spat, “Well this is to discourage a woman, who in my opinion is both, from being able to curse you for spite!”

Jampa gave a long suffering sigh before he said, “If it will ease the burden of your suffering. I will recite scripture within my mind to dispel evil spirits and encourage your discovery of enlightenment, Brother Small Prayer.”

Yeah, Yeah. You said the same thing when I convinced you to eat KFC with me because I didn't want to chow down in front of your drooling face. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

The same young angel from earlier showed up again and looked about to launch into mission three.

“Pardon me, kind Zir. Do you think I could impinge on your compassion for enough time to complete the instructions of Quetz? I would not want myself or my friends to miss the sage advise you are about to share.”

The flustered angel looked at Orison and said, “V-very well. It has been trying for you mortal. A small boon of compassion is not outside of reasonable requests.” They beamed at Orison. Trying their best to embody the emotion that Orison attempted to invoke.

Orison moved from person to person as he dabbed heart blood on their forehead and intoned, “Troy, red is blood and may yours never lack vitality. Lilly, orange is joy and may no other curse yours. Imani, yellow is wealth of body and spirit and may none take what you are unwilling to give. Jampa, green is nature and may you never suffer from its myriad ills... blue is calm... indigo is wisdom... purple is sovereignty... I take into myself a lesser of each and protection from my vanquished foe, even as I claim a benediction from the symbol of her divinity.” To finish the impromptu ritual, he cut the heart into seven pieces and swallowed them while recounting the colors and the meanings he attributed to them, attempting to taste them as little as possible.

It's official. I've become a cannibal, sort of. It disturbs me a little that this is easier to hold down than octopus sushi.

As the angel stumbled their way through achievement point redemption and some finer SYSTEM interface features that didn't matter to Orison anymore, he bought all language and class assistance without actually choosing a class. At BZ's insistence he poured the rest of his points into specific SYSTEM item purchases and reluctantly refused multiple deity blessings, despite them seeming useful. According to BZ, blessings didn't come without eventual reciprocation and tethered participants to said deities. It also affected future growth potential as well. Since it was about to go to waste, Orison transferred the unused restoration effect to Troy before sitting and waiting for the angel to finish.

Orison took note that everyone was steering clear of even making eye contact with him aside from Troy, Lilly and Jampa. It was a bit disheartening that Imani and her crew were no exceptions despite confirmation that the ala carte ritual did produce an increased resistance of one sort or another with the exception of Troy who also received a boost to longevity. Orison didn't take it too personal though. He reasoned that they did just see him eat a heart. As the other participants started disappearing, Imani did give Orison a gesture of her respect before joining them. That helped settle his feelings by more than he thought a small gesture could.

Orison became nervous when he and his group didn't disappear with the rest as the angel approached and said, “You offer a unique challenge, Mr. Tidren. I have been notified that you have refused the blessings that various operator patrons have attempted to bestow you as compensation for the unreasonable treatment you have received and your assistance in protecting their interests. Is there some specific compensation you would prefer? As long as it's within reason I am authorized a certain amount of freedom in granting it. Since you have good rapport with this group, I have decided to send these three with you to the same starting point.”

Orison considered it for a moment before he said, “Well, If I'm stuck with these yahoos-,” He shot the three a friendly smile, “Maybe a stat restructure package for us. If it's not impinging too much, maybe a little restoration of youth and vigor for my old friend Jampa here?”

The angel looked startled as they said, “I-alright. The requests are modest and fair. The stat redistribution will be based off the one month participant average. As for monk Jampa I-... I've just received an offer. That gives you two options, Jampa. You can experience a living reincarnation or there is a Tier VI existence, known as Usuway, who has volunteered to become your mother for a spiritual rebirth. That is a surprisingly generous offer, Jampa. To offer such a thing is tantamount to cutting off the possibility of future children. Since she has lost her mate a long time ago, it is likely that she is preparing to embrace eternal sleep.”

Jampa looked at Orison before he said nervously, “Brother Small Prayer, this is a bit too much for me to comprehend. Do you believe this is necessary? I am content to face the remaining suffering of my life, as it is.”

Orison looked at Jampa expressionlessly as he said, “This is your choice. Whether you agree or not, your life may be measured in days once we arrive where we are going anyway. As for advice, what can I say on what a monk should do? Applying logic to faith is a dicey venture but wouldn't a spiritual rebirth give you insight or something?

Jampa studied the lines and calluses of his palms as he said, “Many things have tested that faith sorely. Am I to discard my path and follow a new one?”

Orison said sympathetically, “I've never been big on organized religion but dedicating one's life to the ending of suffering sounds pretty good to me. I don't see how giving up the occasional fried chicken and rubbing one out every now and then has anything to do with that but what do I know? From what little I believe I know of you though, I think it's safe to assume you'd at least be interested in meeting the woman who's willing to be your mom. I know I do!”

For a lot of different reasons, I'd like to see Usuway. Her sudden change of plans to play mama before snuffing her candle really has me thrown for a loop!

Jampa turned to the angel and said, “Would that be allowed? Would I be able to meet with this woman before making my choice?”

The angel closer their eyes for a moment before they said, “Yes. Usuway has agreed to meet you and since she is a qualified participant examiner, I will leave you to her capable hands so I may return to my duties. I will pray for a long and fruitful journey to you all.” The angel disappeared in a flash of light.

Right as Troy commented on his worry that they might be trapped in this room with no way out, an ovoid of darkness opened up before two women walked out of it, followed by the ovoid taking the form of a man for a brief moment to kiss the younger woman's cheek before turning into a small sphere that hovered around her.

Usuway said, “I know you have many questions, Wren, but I do not have many answers and the time we have to complete our purpose here is short.”

Orison replied, “Well, first off, Wren and I may technically be-”

The young woman interrupted, “No, you are...definitively. This iteration's heart stopped and even though it started beating again he would have remained in a coma as his spirit had fled. The nose bleed wasn't from integration, it was from a subarachnoid hemorrhage that triggered a seizure brought on by his first-time experimentation with cocaine. The residual essences you brought with you healed the brain damage... Heart-father, I know this will be hard for you but you must not retreat into this personification so deeply. What you remember, what you have experienced, is not real in it's totality.

“I cannot explain things to you that you are not ready or willing to hear but know that our plan is successful. That lesser reality will bleed into this one through the tethers we have created. Much of the harm that has been done to us will be redirected at our enemies instead. We will be strengthened and fortified by this to become closer to Origin. The end is not yet clear but our purpose has resonated with Origin and They assist us.

BZ said, “All that she has said is verifiable. I am not capable of interpreting Origin's intentions. That will be the task of my successor for another.

While Orison's existential crisis unfolded, Usuway was holding a conversation with Jampa. Wren/Orison vaguely registered an indescribable, metaphysical phenomenon occurring there.

The sphere of void took the shape of a man again before placing his hands to either side of Wren/Orison's face and said, “Maker, father, as time continues, that record of existence will become more dream than reality. The core of the numen that embodies it is being absorbed into us and those that will be touched by the legacies you carry. This reality will passively be fortified, edging it closer to Origin. Our place of importance within existence will be elevated and those who were responsible for the nightmare within that dream, for us, will be made to endure the backlash of causality. It could be considered a consequence of circumventing the Great Pattern's design countless times at the expense of far too many potentialities within greater existence.

“I do not make light of your experiences and suffering. I only desire to illuminate the truth for you. What you remember is in a state of being real and not real. It will become not real in totality with the separation of time-space. Take what you have learned there to do as you will. Improve the lives of those you hold guilt over, if it will make that dark time more bearable. You have a chance to save their world this time, even. Please take my words as truth. I and my nominal brother Silas, whom you know as Silent Mind, can verify it though our connection with Singularity.”

Wren looked at the void man with haunted eyes and said, “So you are the small piece of me I invested into that void sprite? Does that mean that the young lady over there is my Little Sprite?”

The young woman rushed over to Wren and latched on to him around his neck as she sobbed, “Yes, heart-father. I've longed to meet you.”

Wren mechanically hugged her back as a small spark of renewed life burned in his hollow eyes.

The young woman whispered into Wren's ear, “Do not tell Lilly or Jaden of my relation to them. It would bring up questions that are best left unanswered. I also want to remain a singular existence as well. There is no need to push them together and force an exact replay of that other iteration's history. I and your first son's existences have become marked by Origin for a purpose I cannot see, only feel. We need not be remade.

“There are some minor unavoidable sadness within this existence. Grimalkin wasn't born because Sable was castrated two months before his conception. This is likely due to stabilization principle. Grimalkin already exists so therefore he could not exist again... Glaucous' consciousness will not awaken to the other iteration's memories until you meet for the first time. That means Under City is much how you remember it being... Once Troy receives his inheritance, he will know how to handle the difficulty that Ephyra represents. Simply ask him after Glaucous has recovered from awakening memories. And worry not. Grandfather knew what was to come but was oathed to silence. Your thoughts and feelings on past relationships are yours to sort out but it is a fresh start of sorts. You may carry Jaden and Rohn's legacies within you but they will not awaken memories of the past... Just an informative word on the subject, a failed courtship is rarely fatal. It's merely difficult to shake the persistence of a suitor from Usuway's kind until they discover another potential mate. Even then... Good fortunes on that, heart-father.”

A brilliant flash of red, gold and green following an exclamation of surprise from Lilly captured Wren's attention for a moment before the young woman in front of him won it back again when she flicked a semi-solid object into his gaping mouth.

She said, “Your reinstating as a maelstrom born will be slower this time because your form will be fully reconstructed in solid state,” The void man touched Wren's vaguely flickering form which caused it to become solid again before she continued, “Thetus cannot be involuntarily bonded because he is a singular existence. He also does not possess sexual desire as we fully corporeal beings understand it so he simply chose your last permanent form.”

Wren said a bit heatedly, “Well thank goodness for that! I wouldn't exactly have enjoyed taking on the desired form of a being who calls me father!”

Thetus responded, “I know you had a small wish to appear more masculine but it would have been detrimental to elder brother's existential stability for you to take a different form than the mark of ancestor's will on him remembers. He is not fully stable yet. In another three months, Satyrus time, he will receive greatly reduced repercussions. Within three years time there will be no change at all. Your transformation will begin, in earnest, at your next rest period and will take a minimum of three hours. To ease your difficulties, one minor adjustment was made. Your pheromone production was limited to one spectrum. You'll still smell appealing to persons who possess certain beast bloodlines and fae but it was deemed the least obtrusive of the three major spectra you produce. It is the scent Lilly said was similar to dragon's blood incense.”

Wren sighed and said, “You mean the one that Jaden, Rohn and Glaucous likes. I sense a less than subtle manipulation in that but I'll let it slide.”

The calm declaration made the young woman blush and look at her feet as Thetus whispered to her, “It needed to be said. Trust is paramount in our endeavors.” To which, she nodded.

The young woman said, “One last thing before we gather as a group. I once heard the story from Hiidan of how you asked for his blessing on your union with Grimalkin. I want to ask you for your blessing over my union with Thetus. As his only parent, I have no one else to ask as I cannot ask my own.” She finished a bit sadly.

As Wren stood stunned for a moment, Thetus whipped around to her and said, “There is no need for this! I live for your happiness and well being. You need not limit yourself to me in such a way! A place by your side, no, even in your shadow is enough for one such as myself.”

As Wren and the young woman shared a knowing look, he realized that they had become real to him and in doing so, had become a part of his life. He was still reeling from the shredding of disillusionment but their small slice of awkward happiness and near normalcy gave Wren a starting point to pulling his tattered mind and heart back together.

As Wren felt himself tentatively reconnect with his greatly reduced and desolate domain, he sensed a familiar object still resided within so he pulled it out and said, “Well, if we're going to do this. I might as well do it right. Yes, you have my blessing and once my apparently dense son realizes that his happiness is part of yours he'll be glad you asked. Here, Thetus. It's not much but it's the only thing I have that seems worthwhile to give you as a congratulations.”

Thetus took what looked to be a maelstrom dud, aside from Wren's personal essence signature on it, then said, “But how is this possible? Maelstrom born don't begin forming their potency until they are a Tier VI existence! How can I accept this? Father, you could use this to make one of your real sons have the same growth potential and possibility as yourself.”

The young woman said, “It's also the only thing in existence that would grant you a natural corporeal form within reality, the potency of your maker. By the way, Thetus, it's not his actual inner potency. That is the product of a rare occurrence that sometimes happens within a realm or domain. He'll still be able to form his naturally occurring one.”

Wren looked at the flustered void man and said, “You obviously see me as your father. Am I not allowed to recognize you as my son? Admittedly, it would be difficult for me to treat you that way all of a sudden but I don't feel any loss in showing some sincerity towards you as I process all this. Besides, I wasn't entirely certain exactly what it was. It just felt right to give it to you. Knowing how important it is to you, how could I allow you to reject it? Consider it a union gift to the both of you and just accept that it would not be right for you to refuse something that half belongs to my god-daughter as well.”

The void man absorbed the lumpy semi-solid nugget into his chest. Within moments the darkness peeled away to reveal a bronze skinned man with blue fire opal eyes and black cherry hair and Wren realized that Thetus had formed to look generally as Wren himself wished he could, a young Greek god's statue come to life with strong resemblance to the features Wren would soon possess. The jealousy was short lived but for a moment it existed none the less.

After looking himself over for a moment, Thetus pulled Wren into a bruising hug and with emotion thickened voice he said, “Thank you, father.”

Wren returned the hug. It started stiffly at first but it defrosted into a more relaxed and right-feeling thing as an unfamiliar sense of affection welled up within him.

“Yeah, well, live long and prosper. Something like that anyway,” Wren said.

The young woman interjected, “Don't get Thetus quoting Star Trek lines . That's embarrassing.”

Wren smiled wryly as he said, “ Seconds into being a father and I'm already being nagged at by a daughter-in-law. How cruel.”

The young woman ignored Wren as she said, “Thetus, how long are you going to make me wait for one of those hugs, another twenty-three years?”

Wren was quickly abandoned as Thetus grabbed up the young woman enthusiastically.

“Before my boy squeezes all the air out of your lungs or this becomes a scene I don't want to be around for, what's your name god-daughter?” Wren asked.

“It's Rina. I think Mom meant it as a play off your name but with it's own independent meaning. It was originally going to be Jade but dad explained to mom that naming a child after a parent is considered inauspicious. Judging from what I know about my dad's people, I'd say that as prefix rich as their language is, adding suffixes as well was just too much, so they just discouraged the convention. All right, all right, Thetus. I'm not going to disappear if you let me go! Our time-table is almost gone.” Rina chuckled.

As everyone gathered together at the prompting of Usuway, Wren got a good look at his long time friend for the first time after rebirth. Wren had to admit that his friend's new look was more than a little agreeable but doubted that Jampa would take the change so easily. The native Cambodian looked like a shoe in for an olive complexioned Romanian now, aside from a short thatch of shockingly white hair and gray eyes. He certainly looked out of place enough with his too-short orange robes. Wren was thankful for that bit of comedic relief to soften the impact of the starving wolf aura that his late twenties looking old friend radiated.

For Lilly's part, she looked slim and confident after whatever magic Usuway had worked on her but other than that looked much the same. Troy just looked sullen since nobody had swooped down to give him any metaphysical makeover. After he glanced at Wren, he looked a little mollified.

Sorry, that ain't going to last very long little buddy. This guy's gonna look the most different after some beauty rest. Besides, even if someone was willing to give you the bippity boppity boo, what the hell would you possible even want to change, whiter teeth?

“As per the request of my new son, I will not sacrifice my spirit to raise all of yours but only exhaust my life spirit but before that, Wren I need to borrow you for a moment.” Usuway said.

After requesting Wren to remove his shirt, Usuway blew a small amount of purifying flame across his chest to stimulate the appearance of the filigree marks, causing a few licks of black and silver flames to flicker. She blew a second time to dislodge a spark of each to fly over and set his monk friend on fire. He only worried for a moment as the orange robe went up, leaving his friend in his birthday suit. As Jampa quickly covered his naughty bits Usuway tossed him a TSSR suit and promptly erupted into golden brilliance.

Never one to waste words before suicide, this one. It seems callous to feel this way but I can't seem to pull any sympathy up for her this time. I get the distinct impression she wouldn't want it even if I could.

BZ verified that everyone's life force was increasing until everyone reached the limit of Tier III existence, which was around three hundred years, before the excess spilled over into Wren and Lilly.

As Wren showed a brief curiosity about these lower Tiers that remained a mystery to him, BZ explained, “Tier I existence is purely mundane. Tier II existences have touched upon some supernatural potential or have managed to breach the upper limit of Tier I existence, like aesthetics, martial arts masters and novice magicians. Tier III existence is the starting point for those who have awakened the ability to store essence of one or more varieties. This leads to supernatural expressions and abilities. Tier IV existence is established when one creates an embodiment that has Tier V growth potential or becomes proficient in a manifestation that overcomes the mortal threshold, stimulating physical and spiritual growth to occur that surpasses what a mundane existence could survive containing.

“All creatures deemed supernatural existences are at least Tier IV. There are no natural births of Tier III existences outside of psionics and there are no natural births of Tier VI or higher after the first great cycle of an existence branch forms off of Origin. To be considered a Tier V existence, one must possess biological immortality, the ability to maintain their embodiment at minimal output indefinitely and the ability to reconstitute damage to the physical and spiritual body passively. Tier VI is a qualitative change, that once achieved, alleviates the need for most biological functions to survive. Essentially, a Tier VI existence doesn't need to eat, drink, breath or sleep.

“Much of what lies beyond that is not allowed for me to share but I can share a few mile markers you can use to determine what tier of existence you are encountering. Tier VII existences can reconstitute their physical form from a single drop of blood or cluster of cells. Such existences strain the fabric of mundane existence and so therefore tend to reach out to mundane existence with avatars or briefly touch upon it from the safety of adjacent dimensions. Tier VIII existences such as the newly elevated Hiidan and other Director level beings are incapable of directly interacting with mundane existence unless severely weakened. Their presence in mundane existence would warp and destroy it locally. The only thing I can share about Tier IX existences is that an entire branch of mundane reality off of Origin may be considered one.”

As BZ finished his diatribe, Usuway's life spirit flickered and blew out like a candle. Her body fell to the ground as Wren and company began fading into the space between places. The last scene Wren had of the white room was of Rina bowing to him as Thetus transformed into an ovoid and engulfed Usuway's body.