Memories Part 2: Spreading The Hope

Dedicated to Danny; I'll miss you little buddy

Hey everyone, this is Kyle.

All of us here thought that we should say something, and since I'm involved the most I got picked to speak for everyone. On April 28th, 2008, AC's 17 year old nephew Danny passed on to the next life. Danny meant a lot to all of us, me especially since AC based a lot of what I am like off of how Danny dealt with things in real life. Mikey has promised me that Danny will be watching us and AC from his new home.

Before you continue reading, please sit back and have a moment of silence for Danny and his family.

God has recalled one of his Angels back home; it is our job to continue his legacy by making sure everyone we know walks away from us with a smile.

Thanks;

Kyle

 

"Daddy! Wake up; I'm hungry!" the young boy said as he shook his father.

Kyle rolled over and looked at the intruder through bleary eyes. As he focused on the seven-year-old boy standing over him, he recognized his long caramel blond hair and bright violet eyes. "Oh crap. Ty, wake up! Tyne is gonna KILL us!"

Tyler sleepily sat up, but became fully awake as soon as he saw who had awakened them. "I thought we were just DISCUSSING what a Mikyvis kid would look like overnight!"

"Me too!" Kyle replied as he reached out and pulled the new boy into a cuddle.

"You didn't want me?" the boy asked, obviously distraught.

"If we didn't want you we wouldn't have spent most of the night thinking about what you'd be like while our bodies were sleeping." Tyler said as he joined the cuddle.

"Have you picked out a name?" Kyle asked as he kissed the boy's forehead.

The boy purred at the acceptance he felt as he wiggled into the snuggle. "Yeah; I kinda like what you was thinkin' for my first name Daddy. I like having the same first name as Uncle Levis; I wanna be called Levi though so I don't bring up hurting memories. Poppa wanted to call me Hunter for the kid who was shot by his Daddy; I like having that as a middle name. I'm gonna use Richardson for my last name since Daddy is the first Mikyvis."

Kyle smiled. "I guess we better go find some food then Levi. First you need some clothes."

"Do I GOTTA put on clothes?" Levi pouted.

Ty giggled. "Well... I'll let you slide as long as we don't need to get dressed either!"

"You explain that to your Mom." Kyle grinned. "I'm not even gonna try."

Ty giggled. "I'm her littlest angel; she can't get mad at me!"

A few minutes later, the three boys made their way to the breakfast buffet being set up in the dining room. Tyler led them over to where Teri was setting out a platter of scrambled eggs. "Mom?" Tyler said softly as they came to a stop behind her.

Teri turned, and was about to gently scold the boys for their undressed state when she realized one of them was new to the group. "Good morning Ty; who's your friend?"

Tyler fidgeted as he replied. "Mom, this is Levi; Kyle and me kinda gave birth to a son last night...."

Teri looked between Kyle and Tyler in disbelief as Levi shouted "Grandma!" and proceeded to shimmy up her body and into her arms.

Teri moved over to a nearby chair and sat down, balancing Levi on her lap. "Either both of you need to have a long talk with Kyle's dad or there is something going on that I'm not aware of...."

"There's been a lot happening that we ain't got to tell you about Mom." Tyler said quickly before she could form an opinion. "You can ask Ark; Kyle's made himself into a new species an' he made me like him."

<That is a very vague description Tyler but true. If you would like Mrs. Short, I could provide you with a more accurate report of exactly what happened to both of them. Miah filed the reports last night and I must say, it is very interesting to read.>

Teri shook her head in wonder. "I think that might be best Ark; I'm sure that what seems important to these two is not what would worry me. Are they in any danger, and what about this little angel who has claimed my lap?"

<From what I have read Kyle and Tyler are only in danger of Tyne being upset with them and nothing more. I am not sure about the child in your lap though, Kyle is the first of his species and we do not really know what to expect. The child you hold is the first child born of that new species and at the moment I find myself lacking information on that subject because of that fact.>

Before Teri could respond, Kyle interrupted. "We're gonna go have the Medbots in Ark check him out after we eat Mom; we wanna make sure he's okay too."

Teri nodded. "I'm going to hold you to that. Your Dad, Pop, and I are going to go over the reports from Ark closely. Don't be surprised if we have some questions for you."

"Grandma? You ain't gotta be worried about Daddy and Poppa; they're okay, I promise!" Levi said from his perch.

Teri smiled at Levi. "I'm supposed to worry; that is a grandma's job. I think right now I'll worry about getting the three of you some food so you can go do the things your Daddy promised you'd do."

"See, Grandma loves me!" Levi giggled at Kyle and Tyler.

Kyle took one look at the huge smile on Levi's face and giggled back. "Sure thing kiddo; who couldn't love you?"

Teri reached out with a free hand and ruffled Kyle's hair. "I'm not sure what you've got yourself into kiddo, or what you've brought Tyler into. Whatever it is, I'm going to make sure that all three of you get to be kids instead of miniature adults. You'll have plenty of time to be adults in a few years."

<If you finish eating in the next twenty minutes you might find Tyne in the Medical bay. He has been there for a few hours now having himself checked out.>

"Who's that?" Levi asked, looking around for the source of Ark's voice. "I keep hearing him, but I don't see him."

<My name is Ark and I am not male. I have no gender and I would like if you kept that in mind.>

Levi giggled. "That must get boring at night; you should see some of my uncles and cousins dreams!"

<I do not have to see their dreams to see what they do at night. You should have seen your parents before they went to sleep last night and created you.>

"I did see, they forgot to close their memories! They sure sound funny, don't they?" Levi replied as Kyle and Tyler turned a deep red.

<I do not think so. Most of humanity makes those same sounds. Though I suppose your parents are not part of humanity anymore from a species point of view. Regardless, I assure you the sounds they made are normal. If you want to hear abnormal then you need to listen in on Dmitry and Dominic, who I do not think you have met yet but you will.>

Levi giggled. "I gotta ask them then!"

"Oh Crap!" Kyle groaned. "Ty, I think we've just made another Dmitry!"

<I assure you, there is no way to have more than one Dmitry. If there was a way I would do everything in my power to prevent it. You are his parents, do not let him become Dmitry.>

"Don't worry Ark; I've got the Grandma Veto to keep him under control!" Teri laughed.

<I am glad I am not alone in my fight to keep them under control.>

"Trust me, you're not alone Ark." Teri replied as she put Levi down and went over to fill three plates full of food. "Even though I've been tempted to ask you what some of these guys have been up to lately; I'm hearing people being called family that I've never seen before."

<I should get you an updated family tree then. It is a very long list.>

"There goes a forest for the paper!" Tyler giggled. "We're gonna eat then we'll be down to bug ya directly Ark!"

Teri shook her head at her son. "I might have use for that list Ark, don't make it a priority though. Thank-you."

<I will be looking forward to the visit. And you are most welcome Teri.>

A few minutes later, Teri sat back to watch as Levi got to enjoy his first breakfast. The expressions that crossed his face as he sampled each flavor on his plate were priceless. She watched carefully to make sure he didn't overeat; to her surprise Kyle and Tyler were even more careful to ensure he did not make himself sick. As they finished, Tyler snuck over and gave Teri a big hug.

"Thanks Mom." Tyler whispered. "It means a lot that you're accepting Levi. Please don't freak when you read about what the three of us are. I'm still your son no matter what."

Teri smiled and hugged him back. "You two will ALWAYS be 'my boys' no matter what happens!" she said loud enough for Kyle to hear too. "I love you guys and I'll fight anyone that tries to hurt you. Now get your little pink butts down to Ark so Ark can tell me for sure that all three of you are one-hundred percent fine."

Kyle giggled as he twisted around and wiggled his butt, barely avoiding a swat from Teri but getting hit squarely by Tyler.

"Go on you three!" Teri laughed as Kyle faked a pout in Tyler's general direction. As the three boys broke into giggles, they all teleported out of the Compound.

As they vanished, Adam and JJ struggled sleepily through the doorway, their noses guiding them towards food. "Mom?" Adam asked, obviously still trying to clear the sleep from his head. "Who was that with Ty and Kyle? And why were they all nude?"

Teri smiled as she guided the two boys to a seat. "You're going to need to sit down for this one." she chuckled. After they were sitting down, she dropped the news on them. "That was your nephew Levi; from what I understand Kyle and Tyler woke up and found that they created a son last night."

"They WHAT? HOW?" Adam and JJ chorused, both suddenly wide awake.

"Well, first you have a bird and a bee... oh, sorry, a bee and a bee...." Teri started with an evil smile.

Adam and JJ both glared at her, making it obvious the joke was not appreciated as they growled "Mommm...".

"Okay, okay!" Teri said. "I get the hint! Seriously, I don't know the full details. I do know Ark has assured me that I don't need to worry; that means that neither of you should either. When the three nudists get back, I think we should all sit down and find out what changes have happened to our family in the last day."

Adam nodded, then whispered with his head hung low. "Yeah; like me being Vifer now."

Teri reached over and lifted his chin. "Vifer? Like Dmitry and Dominic?" At Adam's nod she continued. "Yes, exactly things like that. Things that we all need to know so we can show you that your family still loves you no matter what changes your body has been through."

Adam looked up at Teri with tears starting to appear in the corners of his eyes. "That's not it Mom. You're gonna be dead before I age another year. I don't wanna grow up without you, but now I've got to."

"If it means that much to you then I guess I need to talk to Tyne about my options." Teri replied softly as she leaned over to kiss his head.

"That's not funny Mom; I'm serious." Adam moaned.

Teri looked at JJ and made a guess by the expression on his face as he held Adam. "JJ, you're being awful quiet. Something tells me you've already decided to join Adam as a Vifer. Am I right?"

"Yes Ma'am." JJ responded sheepishly.

"It takes a lot of love to even consider that." Teri said softly. "The same amount of love that I have for both of you boys. I wasn't joking, and I will ask Tyne the next time I see him about it. I promised to be here for both of you; if it means extending my own life to do it I'll take that challenge."

 

Kyle, Tyler and Levi appeared in the Medical Bay about five feet in front of Tyne. "Hi Tyne!" Kyle giggled.

Levi glanced at who Kyle was addressing for a second, then rushed forward. "Hi Uncle Tyne! I'm Levi!" he gushed as he wrapped his arms around Tyne.

Tyne quickly looked Levi over the best he could, taking in enough to realize who he looked like. As he realized this he looked up and glared at Kyle, "Please tell me that he doesn't belong to you."

Kyle tried his best to look innocent. "Well... he's half Tyler's, someone had to be the other half..."

"Right, and why was there one half of anything to begin with? How did this come about?" Tyne said, sounding a little annoyed.

"Don't be mad Uncle Tyne; they were thinkin' about what a Mikyvis that was born would be like while they were sleeping." Levis stated as he cuddled closer. "They did so good that I kinda didn't wait for them to say it was okay to be alive."

Tyne's face went from annoyed to almost fearful, "You reproduce by THINKING about it?! What the hell!? We don't even know what exactly you can do yet and already you're not only converting people but having children! Out of Socius to boot! I mean...what the hell am I suppose to say to that?"

"That isn't really that strange, Seer. Ferox reproduce in a similar way," said Miah as he walked into the Medical bay, made a beeline for Levi and started looking him over. He ran his hands over Levi's arms, neck, and head before he smiled. "Ark just let me know about you. I'd say you're just as cute as your parents and in perfect health. From what I can feel you feel just like your parents, and them being our only reference point I'd say you check out." Miah then looked over at Tyne, "Reproducing for a Ferox is a matter of just splitting off parts of your own being, mixing it with that of another, and pouring thought and life into it. Though we don't really think of it that way when we're doing it that is what is done. I can't see how that is much different than this."

"I'm not worried about the Ferox ripping the world apart from not knowing what they can do," replied Tyne.

Miah shook his head, "When your ancestors created my people they took that same risk. In this case though, you're not creating what Kyle is, Kyle is creating what he is. You may be the Council Seer but you only really get to watch this happening. Kyle has become something amazing and every facet of what he can do, right down to how he reproduces, is astonishing. Levi is a testament to the care and compassion that Kyle and Tyler have for each other. Children created out of love always feel different than children created just to populate. I was born out of love, Levis was as well; Xedyan was not and you can tell, he feels like his father rather than like both his mother and father. It's not his fault but it makes sense." Miah looked down at Levi again and grinned, "Even though they didn't mean to Kyle and Tyler created Levi out of love and that is something to be cherished, not questioned or frowned on."

"I guess me loving my Kyle-bear did good then, huh?" Tyler giggled. "Levi, why don't you go with your Uncle Miah while Daddy and I talk with Uncle Tyne?"

"Okay Poppa!" Levi replied with a smile. "Daddy, Uncle Tyne needs cuddles from Uncle Rusty. Some bad guy is messin with him."

"Okay Levi." Kyle responded as he tilted his head. "Tyne, can we find a seat and Ty and me will fill you in on what we know?"

"Pick a bed, they make great seats," Tyne said as he sat back down. "The real question is, do I really want to be filled in? As a side note though, why are all three of you naked?"

"Probably developed an allergy to cotton," grinned Rusty as he sat down next to Tyne.

Kyle smiled as he took a seat with Tyler plastered to his side. "I couldn't argue with Levi's logic; the only time he hasn't been all smiles is when he was worried that we didn't want him."

Tyler broke in. "Look at him over there; he's even got Miah smiling!"

"Yeah, he seems really good at that." Kyle replied. "He takes after you on that one." Kyle then turned back to Tyne. "It's kinda weird, but neither one of us knew how we'd have kids. We thought we'd still have them like always, which is gross. When we sleep a part of our heads stays awake, kinda like a guard. Ty and me were just talkin to each other while we waited for our bodies to wake up and we got to thinkin' about what a kid would be like if we had one made with parts of each of us. I think we really started making him when we tried to picture what he'd look like. We talked about what he should know right away and what he needed to wait a few years before it'd work for him; I checked him out while he was eating and it looks like that's what he ended up with. He's got more empath than I do; I think Ty gave him that. He's only got telepath stuff about like Jamie and Jacob until he gets older though and he's only able to teleport on this plane for a couple of years without one of us being with him."

Tyne thought to himself for a second before finally replying, "It's nice to know you're doing your best to be responsible even when you're not really being that responsible. I mean I'm glad you took some precautions but you need to be a little more responsible about having kids; you're not even officially married, you're only engaged. All of this just makes me...uneasy, you need to be more careful about what you think and do. Until you really know what you can do then things like what you and Tyler did can have results like this...or not so good results as well. I just want you to be careful Kyle. I don't say that because I'm worried as the Seer, screw the title; I'm worried because you're family and I love you. You and Tyler mean a lot to me whether I ever tell you that or not and I don't want to see you get hurt for something that, to me, is looking more and more like its my fault."

Kyle moved over and leaned into the side of Tyne not occupied by Rusty. "We love you too bro. Stop thinkin' this is your fault though. I've done a lot of checkin' around in my head and it was gonna happen anyways. You saved my head; It woulda broke cuz' there was no-one who knew how to help it. Every one of the futures where you didn't help me had bad stuff happen because I went nuts. Not just bad for me; bad for everyone."

"I know, I saw pieces of that future too," Tyne said softly as he put an arm around Kyle. "I just feel, though, like you didn't ask for any of this to happen to you and I can't help but feel responsible. I mean, I am responsible for it happening but the alternative was awful. At least this way you are alive and happy. I just want you to be careful, and don't be afraid to ask any of us for help if you feel that some how we're asking too much of you."

Kyle snuggled into Tyne's side as he replied softly. "There's things I know I can do but I'm scared to try them. If you gotta be responsible for something feel responsible for Levi; if it wasn't for you he wouldn't be here now. You saved my life and in a way gave him his."

"But you have no reason to be afraid of something you know you can do," came the reply from the doorway. As everyone turned to see who it was, several people throughout the room gasped in surprise. Standing in the door was a very wet and worn out looking Levis. "It's okay if you want to make Tyne responsible for the good stuff though, it's better for his nerves."

As the rest of the room sat speechless, Levi got up and walked over to Levis, looking him over carefully. "Uncle Levis? Daddy thought you was dead!" Levi stopped just in front of Levis, then softly added "You're hurt Uncle Levis. Can I help you get better? I know how; Daddy and Poppa told me before I was born."

"Uncle, huh? Damn Kyle, you and Tyler have been busy," Levis said as he looked down at Levi and smiled. "I am hurt but I'll be fine. You can't help me sort out myself I'm afraid, not without making it worse. I just have to pull myself together, that's all. You try spending a day trapped inside of Ark; it's no day at the beach."

<It is good to know I am not a beach. I am finding that you actually fixed more than you damaged though so thank you.>

"You're welcome Ark," Levis said as he shook his head. He then looked over at Miah, who was crying now, and grinned, "I told you that you'd get some field experience before all of this was done. I'm sorry you had to go through losing me I..." Levis stopped for a second and closed his eyes, "Okay, I'm going to sit down now...doing too much at once." Levis carefully started for the closest bed as Miah rushed over to help him. Miah shifted into his energy form and helped Levis onto the bed. Levis nodded a few times, making it clear he was talking to Miah in his head. After a few seconds Levis looked back over at Levi and smiled again, "So, they named you after me?"

"Yeah; Daddy was really sad that he wasn't here to save you so he wanted me to be named after you. After they woke up they let me pick my name; I knew how much Daddy loved you as a brother and I thought it was nice that he wanted me to use your name." Levi rambled. "Now I get to cuddle the uncle I'm named after; that is so awesome!"

"I need to be more solid first or you could end up hurting me," Levis said before Levi could continue. "It's kinda odd to have someone named after me though I suppose I could now claim to be the only Ferox that shares a name with someone."

Suddenly Javyk spoke up from the other side of the room, "So, I didn't kill you?"

"The look Kendall seems to be giving you tells me you should already know the answer to that question," replied Levis. "It did feel like what I've heard dying feels like though."

"Right, that's what I meant to say," Javyk said as he looked at Kendall with an apologetic look.

"No, I just transferred all of myself into Ark," said Levis. "I knew that if I could, then I'd be able to keep Ark's memory banks active if you couldn't get power restored. It turns out you're extremely good at what you do though and I didn't need to."

Finally Tyne spoke up, "How did you get out, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I... I'd rather not get into that," replied Levis. "I'm actually very surprised that the answer you want didn't come with me, they preferred to stay outside of the Medical bay."

"What?" Tyne said sounding confused.

"You'll understand later Tyne, for now I'd like to just rest a little," Levis said as he laid back onto the bed. "We have a lot to go over, as while I was trapped inside of Ark I did a little digging and found some very helpful stuff."

Kyle tilted his head. "So thats... don't worry Tyne; it's all good."

Suddenly Dmitry and Dominic walked into the Medical bay. They immediately stopped as they quickly realized how many people were there.

"Are we having a party?" asked Dominic as he looked around.

"And didn't invite ME?!" added Dmitry. He pointed over at Levis and continued, "You even invited a dead guy before me?"

Levis grinned at Dmitry's comment, "They didn't think you'd be any fun."

"ME not FUN?!" Dmitry said sounding offended.

Dominic sighed, "Oh brother, here we go..."

"I am the most fun person you're ever going to meet," continued Dmitry. "And if that's not true, I want names and addresses of..."

"He means it's good to see you Levis," interrupted Dominic. "I won't question how you've returned to us, I probably wouldn't be surprised no matter what you told us."

"What exactly are you two down here for?" Tyne asked.

"I wanted to have Dmitry checked out he's ummm... a little sore," Dominic said as he started to blush a little.

Levi sprung up from his perch and almost tackled Dmitry as he slammed into him with a big hug. He quickly bounced over to Dominic and announced as he was giving him a welcome hug "Dmitry! Dominic! You're bigger than the pictures of you in Daddy and Poppa's heads! Ark says I need to watch you making out because it's so interesting! Can we do it soon? Please? Pretty please?"

Dominic instantly turned a deep shade of red, "No, I don't share my personal life with anyone but Dmitry since he's a part of it."

"Hmmm, that sounds kinda..." Dmitry started to say with a grin.

"NO!" Dominic quickly said. "Don't even consider it!"

"Ark told me to... why did Ark say that if I can't do it?" Levi pouted.

"Because she's an evil, sadistic computer with nothing better to do then make my life difficult," mumbled Dominic.

"Ark isn't that bad," said Dmitry. "It does need to mind its own business though. Sorry Levi, Dom says no."

Kyle giggled at the expression on Levi's face. "Sorry Levi; if Dom says no that's it. No cheating by looking in his head either; we all promised Dom that we'd stay outta his head unless he asked us to."

"Okay Daddy." Levi replied. "Dmitry is okay Dominic; you can have the funny doctor bot look at him if you want to though."

"Thanks," Dominic said strangely as he pulled Dmitry away with him.

As they walked away Dmitry finished looking Levi over, "Are you sure Dom, he's really cute. I mean like REALLY cute."

"I noticed," replied Dominic as he picked Dmitry up and placed him on one of the beds near Tyne. "Kyle, your kid needs clothes."

"I told him that too." Kyle giggled. "Ty was the one that agreed to going naked!"

"Cuddles are better with no clothes." Levi stated as he made his way back to Levis and Miah. "Clothes are just to keep ya warm anyway!"

"I disagree," Dominic stated as one of the Medbots started looking Dmitry over. "Clothes have a very long list of uses to them. They provide protection, both from the environment you are in as well as from people that would take advantage of the situation. But my favorite one has to do with what is and is not seen as decent. Proper, civilized, decent; it shows that we don't always think about sex, allowing us to accomplish more. It..."

"Dom, that's enough babe," interrupted Dmitry. "He's not our kid; don't go telling him stuff like that without asking his parents first. I know it bothers you but just let it be."

Dominic frowned but closed his mouth and leaned against Dmitry's bed.

Kyle got up and walked over to Dominic. "It's okay Dom; you put it better than I could. Thanks for helping out; there's a lotta stuff you think about that I don't so it's okay if you think Levi needs to know something for you to tell him."

"I can't promise what I have to say isn't biased though," replied Dominic.

"It might be biased." Tyler replied as he joined them and put a hand on Levi's shoulder. "It'll be the truth though; you're honest and think about what you say."

"Yeah, I like that about him," grinned Dmitry.

"That coming from Dmitry," said Javyk as he got up and started for the door.

Kendall followed after him, "People can always surprise you."

"Javyk," Levis said as he sat up a little. "Those ideas you had before all of this happened, work on them... after you've gotten some sleep."

Javyk paused for a second and then nodded, "Okay."

Kendall and Javyk then left the Medical bay.

"Do I want to know?" asked Tyne.

"I'll explain more later," replied Levis.

"Does our little miracle here check out okay?" Tyler asked with a giggle. "While we're here, do Kyle and me still need checking out too?"

"All three of you are fine from what I can feel," Levis said softly as he closed his eyes. "But if you want the Medbots to check you out anyway, feel free. Miah already uploaded what we know about you to Ark a few hours ago."

Miah gave Levis a strange look, "How did you know that?"

"Because I processed the report," replied Levis. "It kinda itched."

Kyle glanced over at Tyne. "What do you think Tyne? If you're happy that we are okay then I will be too."

"I suppose they would know better than I would," Tyne said, sounding very unsure. "It's up to you Kyle."

"Go spend some time with your new son Kyle," Levis almost whispered. "And check in with a friend of ours on your way out. I need to rest a few hours and for the moment we have time... at least I believe we do."

"Thanks bro." Kyle said as he smiled at Levis. "I'm checking a few futures too; if you are following the one I am right now we've got time for you to get yourself where you can give Miah the hug he deserves." Kyle then turned to Tyne. "Ark has gone over everything Miah gave it and told Mom we were okay; and it looks like the Medbot has passed Levi. Please take a little break from worrying about us and spend time just enjoying being with Rusty. You keep this up and your mind is gonna get as bad as mine was; I don't want you to do that bro."

"Fair enough, I could use some rest," said Tyne.

<I have been asked to also remind you that you have a son that you need to 'hang out with', Tyne.>

Tyne sighed, "That too."

Kyle gave Tyne a quick squeeze then took Tyler's hand. "I'll see you in a little while Tyne." He then made his rounds giving everyone else a hug until he reached Levis.

"Bro; you got a HUGE hug comin' when you're stable! Get some rest please." Kyle giggled. He then took Tyler's and Levi's nearest hand and wandered towards the door. As they got through the doorway, Kyle looked over at an apparently empty corner. "Hey Cris, Jacyb? Thanks for helping Levis guys; take a break while you can."

Levi broke away and hugged the invisible pair. "Yeah, thanks for savin Uncle Levis! You're nice; why you hidin?"

There was a few seconds of silence before finally there was a reply, "You're not exactly catching us in any situation we were prepared for." Suddenly two fifteen year old boys appeared in the corner. The one brown haired boy was smiling while the other had the hood of his coat up keeping his face half hidden. The Hooded Boy looked over at Kyle for a second and then reached up and lowered his hood revealing his overly bright purple eyes.

"We hide because it keeps us safe and unhindered," he said as he studied Kyle. "I'm guessing you know who I am because you've been reading my mind."

"Jacyb, don't get upset with him," the other boy, Cris, warned.

"I'm allowed to get upset when someone reads my mind," replied Jacyb. "The last people to read my mind was the Founder Council. I didn't like it then and I still don't like it now."

Cris just shook his head, "He's still upset about Xanus not telling him about you before she..."

"You're not supposed to tell him that!" interrupted Jacyb. "She already isn't going to be happy with us talking to them, don't make it worse!"

"How could it be any worse?" Cris said to Jacyb. "I'm sure she didn't plan for Axon to do what he has done, I'm sure Kyle has turned out differently then what she expected."

Jacyb sighed, "How many years have I been working on this?"

"I know it took you a long time to get this all going right but plans change sometimes," replied Cris. "I know you know that."

Jacyb looked over at Kyle and Tyler, "You're not catching me at my best. It's been a bad week and you haven't made it any easier for me, though I suppose that isn't your fault."

Kyle nodded. "That's okay Jacyb; it hasn't been good for any of us. I only read your mind when I saw that you were at the Council meeting; if you had been a spy I woulda found some way to get rid of you. We'll respect your wishes if you don't wanna be read, but I can tell you Tyne will insist on it. Have you been watching the same possible future that me and Levis have?"

"I have," replied Jacyb. "But have you? There's a storm coming, you have a good struggle ahead of you. If you fail then the future looks rather bleak. I've been watching those possible futures before you were even a thought in the mind of anyone. I've lived through life, hell, death, and time doing my best to make this world what my people tried so hard to make it but failed due to inaction. I've been shaping your planets future for over sixty thousand years, doing my best to get it to where it is now. Your technology being where it's at now, your Clan coming together with the right resources that they need, Ark finally offering you help, did you think that some of these things just happened? Granted that all I had to do for most of that was to introduce the right element at the right time but other parts of that I had to keep at it, constantly working to keep things on track. You want to know if I've been watching the same possible futures that you have? Ha, I've been watching the possible futures myself as well as sorting through the notes and strings and charts of the Savants to keep on top of this. I KNOW what you will be facing, Kyle, but do you?"

Kyle nodded. "Tyler and I spent a week in a different universe last night and I took a long look at it. I know if I get scared I'll fail. To win, I need to be fast and change as I need to. I also will need all the help I can get. I know that you will play a big part in the outcome; I have already planned out some of my tricks and stored them where Axon can't find them. Can you be ready to back me up?"

"A different universe?" said Cris. "Well, now we know his limits go farther then the Ferox."

"Oh but of course they do, anything Xanus has a hand in always does. But Kyle, I've already been backing you up," grinned Jacyb. "But you already know that. And I'll continue to back you up for as long as you need me to."

"Is Xanus my Grandma?" Levi interrupted.

Jacyb looked down at Levi, "No I wouldn't call her that. She isn't related to you. She's Levis' mother though."

"Although I suppose she is responsible for you in a round about way," added Cris.

Levi tilted his head. "Daddy says Levis is his brother, so that means Levis' Mommy must be my grandma."

"Yes but your father means that in a different way," said Jacyb. "I'm sure that won't add up in your head so you'll probably call her grandma anyway no matter what I say."

Levi giggled. "I think I understand, but I'm gonna call her Grandma anyway. Things will be better soon, I promise. You and Daddy will make them better."

"Your father will be able to do far more than I can," Jacyb replied. "I've already done most of my important work, my part in all of this seems to be changing. I'll help but in a different way than I have in the past."

Levi smiled up at Jacyb. "That just means you're gonna do more. You're gonna be why everythings gonna be good."

"Good comes from the events of others working together, not from one tainted person," said Jacyb. "I haven't been good as a person for a very long time. But thank you anyway."

"Sixty thousand years and he still can't accept being a Moroi," mumbled Cris as he rolled his eyes.

Kyle tilted his head. "Your species does not make you good or bad. My life was saved by someone of the same species as you. You have spent your life working to make things right; if that's not doing good then nothing is. Your actions reveal the true you; if you were not good at heart then you wouldn't be here today."

"You're right, actions do reveal the true you, but what actions of mine would you count?" replied Jacyb. "The ones where I kill to live or the ones I've done to put this all into motion? And you know that I'm not just doing this to do the right thing either, you know I'm getting something out of this."

Kyle nodded. "I know what you're supposed to get, and you're gonna get it. You're not as selfish as you try to believe you are; you are just getting what you want for doing what you know is right. Oh, your SPECIES might require killing to live, but that does not reflect on you as a person. I'm gonna try to figure out a way to help Brant so he ain't gotta feed; if I can do it for him you two are the only other Moroi I would even consider passing it on to. What you do to survive does not reflect you as a person."

Before Jacyb could reply Cris put a finger up to Jacyb's mouth, "Don't argue this again, I know you'll never change your mind Jacyb. You already know that I agree with Kyle, as does Ark. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean its not true." Cris then looked over at Kyle and smiled, "I'm glad to know you think that way Kyle, and I know for a fact that deep down Jacyb believes that too, he just has so much self loathing that he can't see it sometimes. It is his values though, not his want or greed, that drive him. He wants to see this all turn out well."

Jacyb frowned but let out a sigh, knowing that Cris knew him better than he sometimes knew himself.

"That's what I thought," Cris said as he lowered his hand. "I don't need to remind you that I'm a Moroi too and..."

"Being a Moroi can't be bad since I love you," Jacyb finished.

Kyle smiled at the pair. "I'll see you guys later today; please try to get some rest."

"We'll get some rest when we're finished," Jacyb said as he reached to pull his hood up again. "There are a few things we need to handle before we can rest."

"Okay; we'll see you later then. It's great to have finally been able to talk to you." Kyle said as he took Levi's hand.

Tyler took Levi's other hand. "Let's go find you some clothes munchkin."

 

Teri and John sat looking over the information from Ark about the new species. "Whatcha lookin' at Mom?" Sean asked as him and Cory led their troupe into the debriefing room.

Teri pointed at the screen. "Just going over some things about Kyle and Tyler. Do you have any idea what those two are capable of?"

Sean couldn't help but chuckle as Wacko went over and gave Teri a wet lick on the side of her face before joining Pauly as everyone grabbed a seat. "You probably know more than us right now Mom."

"At least someone knows something." Cory grumbled under his breath.

David wandered in just at that moment, passing Jory from the Unit in the doorway. Teri was about to question Cory's attitude when David waved her off and walked over to Cory's chair.

"Hey there Cory." David said as he put his arms around Cory from behind. "I just got off the comm with your big brother; that kid's benefit he's doing is just about wrapped up. He's really pissed that he wasn't here when everything went down; by the time he learned about it there was no way he could get here; not with the problems Ark was having."

Cory nodded as he rubbed his temples. "I know; I'm the one that helped set it up so that he'd be there for those kids. It's not his fault those assholes went after us. Nobody wants to let me strangle a few of them though."

David gave Cory a squeeze. "That's not you, lil bro. If we let you do that you'd never live with yourself."

"Bull-crap." Cory interrupted. "That wasn't me before; they brought it on themselves."

David glanced at Teri as he shook his head. "Bro, I know what you're going through; and trust me, it's not as permanent as it feels right now. Why don't you and me go for a little walk and blow off some steam? I think it'd do both of us some good."

Jory had wandered over to see what was up. "How's about blowin' up? That always makes me feel better!"

David grinned. "Yeah, that might work. We don't have anything to use though."

"I'll meet you at the door!" Jory said with obvious excitement. "I've got a couple of things left over!"

David helped Cory up, and headed out of the room. Once the door closed behind them, Sean exhaled. "I hope that works; he's been unreachable ever since he woke up this morning."

Dan nodded. "It might; he's still taking all of this personally. David's got the right idea; I was considering how to suggest it myself."

They all went over the information about the Mikyvis, then Sean took his boys out to see if anyone needed help in the recreation area. As they reached the room, Timmy ran towards the outside door.

"Allie!" Timmy exclaimed as he unlocked the door and ran into the foyer. A few seconds later, to the sound of a muffled "BOOM", Timmy came back into the room leading a group of animals that resembled the pick list for Noah's Ark. Two deer and a fawn made their way over to Ricky, Patches and two of her puppies sniffed out Matty and reunited with him, and about a dozen squirrels and raccoons spread around the room looking for kids they had met. Timmy, meanwhile, was giggling madly as he rode on the back of a seven-foot alligator into the room and up to Sean. "Poppa, this is Allie. She says that Daddy's booms are scaring them, so my animal friends wanna stay here until he's done. Is that okay? They promise not to hurt anyone!"

Sean smiled as he shook his head in wonder. "Like I can say no to you about animals, Gizmo. I trust you and your friends, just make sure that the kids they are visiting know how to treat them."

"Okay Poppa. Is it okay if Allie gives free rides? Allie thinks it might be fun for the kids she ain't met."

"Sure; just stick with her." Sean replied as he turned to go find his mom, only to realize she was standing behind him.

"Sean; please tell me I'm seeing things!" she exclaimed. "Is Timmy opening a zoo?"

Sean giggled. "It's okay Mom; they're just hiding from Cor releasing his frustrations." Sean glanced at the door, seeing Ricky letting in another batch of small animals. "I think Uncle Dan would call this 'animal therapy'; Timmy's friends are all gonna visit for a while."

Teri glanced over to where Timmy was helping a new kid learn how to sit on Allie for a ride. "An ALLIGATOR Sean? What if it gets hungry and eats one of these kids?"

Sean looked over at Allie. "Considering Timmy knows that alligator enough to have named it I don't think that'll happen Mom. When it comes to animals I trust our son; he knows them better than I do."

"You've got a point Sean." Teri admitted. "Just keep an eye on them please?"

"Will do Mom."

 

Adam Casey wandered into the Rec room with JJ and Adam Short just as the loudest explosion yet went off somewhere behind the Clan Complex. "Okay, who told Jory he could go out and play?" Adam asked loudly as he watched the other Adam wrap himself around JJ.

Sean came up to the three and quickly explained. "David and Jory took Cory out to blow off some steam; he was starting to get ate up inside from all the anger he was holding in."

Adam nodded his head knowingly. "That makes sense; maybe Jory will be good for him then." He turned back to JJ and added "Thanks for filling me in JJ; I think I understand where everything stands now."

 

David sat back on his ATV and watched as Jory instructed Cory on how to properly deploy and arm the next explosive. The diversion seemed to be working; Cory had actually smiled a few times as his attempts were pretty much successful.

"Do you think we can land that tree on top of those other ones?" Cory asked; obviously giving the current task his full attention.

Jory shook his head. "Not with what you got set up now; you'll just knock the roots out. I've got some stuff that'll do it though!"

"Kewl, let's do it!" Cory exclaimed.

Jory dug through his backpack and brought out a few shaped explosives. "Let's put this under the roots; if we stage it right it should launch the tree into the air."

Cory grinned. "Okay! Fire in the hole!"

 

Dan and John couldn't help but grin as they caught up with Kyle and Tyler in the clothing locker; both boys totally absorbed in trying to find something that Levi approved of to wear.

"Now you know how I feel!" Dan chuckled as he waited for Daniel to close the door behind them.

As Kyle and Tyler spun around; Levi dropped the shirt he was looking at and ran over to the new arrivals. After giving both of his grandfathers quick hugs, he took Daniel's hand and led him over to a chair. Once Daniel was seated, Levi took up a perch on his lap and snuggled into his chest.

"Daddy was right; you give the bestest cuddles Uncle Daniel!" Levi announced. "I'm gonna 'splain everything to you in your head so you'll understand better, okay?"

Daniel nodded, obviously feeling frustrated at the new developments. After about a minute, he giggled and hugged Levi tightly; obviously now understanding.

Levi looked over at Kyle. "Daddy; since Uncle Daniel thinks so fast that words mess him up can I make it so that he can ask me in his head anytime something don't make sense?"

Dan looked at the pair in shock. "What did you just say Levi? That's not what my schooling has taught me."

"Your school is wrong Grandpa. Uncle Daniel thinks like Uncle Tyne but don't got the places to store things like Uncle Tyne does." Levi stated with conviction. "Uncle Daniel and I already talked about it; I can let him use one of the rooms in my head to help him keep things sorted out. It's easy and I can do it so that no matter where each of us is he'll be able to use it."

Kyle interrupted. "Go ahead son; help your Uncle."

Dan stared at Kyle. "Are you sure about this Kyle?"

Kyle nodded. "It's okay Dad; Levi's been in enough heads today getting familiar with them. We actually relaxed the restrictions on him some after seeing how he was doing; he's already being really responsible and won't mess around in someone's head without their permission. His idea is the best way; if we tried to make Daniel's brain think at the same speed yours does it could mess up his mind beyond repair. Since Levi thinks even faster than Daniel does it won't hurt either one of them this way."

"Ark's notes never said anything about this." John announced as he came out of his shock.

"That's because Ark didn't know about it." Tyler giggled.

Kyle suddenly got serious. "Daddy; you're not mad that I turned out to be some kind of freak are you?"

Dan walked over and picked Kyle up, placing him on his hip and holding him tightly. "Son, you are not a freak. I love you just as much now as I always have. I knew you were special the day I met you; now we are all finding out just how special you really are. None of us are mad; we're proud of how you've accepted the real you and turned it into something that will make history. Even though we might not always understand, you still have us to come to for help if you want it."

"Thanks Daddy." Kyle said as he cuddled into Dan's side.

Dan glanced around to see Tyler had taken up residence in John's arms while Daniel and Levi were happily digging through the clothes looking for things they thought were 'kewl'. "Just remember that I love you Kyle; no matter how your body changes as you grow I'll always love you." Dan whispered.

 

Later:

Cory came back into the Rec room with Jory under his arm. "Thanks Jory; that really did help. I'm thinking a lot clearer now. Remember what I said; anytime you want to go out there and 'play' let me know and I'll join you."

Before Jory could respond, Matt, Dan and John interrupted. "I'm sure my professors would have disapproved of 'bomb therapy'!" Dan chuckled. "It looks like it helped though. There are some boys who want to see their Patriarch though, do you have a minute Cory?"

Cory nodded. "Sure; where are they?"

"Follow us." Matt said with a grin.

Cory followed them through the crowd, finally noticing that the interactions of the Clan members with each other was causing the general atmosphere to lighten up. Despite the fact that he still felt a heavy weight in his chest from recent events, he couldn't help but laugh when he saw the look on Joey's face as he took off on his first alligator ride.

"Cowy! I'm widin the awwigadow!" Joey giggled.

"I see that!" Cory replied. "You visiting Timmy and Austin?"

"Uh huh... dey said I cowld come ovew to pway!"

"Okay, have fun!" Cory replied as Joey rode off. He looked around to see where Dan, John and Matt had went, and once he spotted them he ran over to where they were standing and waiting.

"Eli! Benji! Sammy! 'Bastian!" Cory exclaimed as he reached the group. "When did you guys get here?"

'Bastian grinned. "A few minutes ago; Marc said we were healed enough to come home. Since Joey wanted to visit with his brothers, we just came over when he did."

"Cory?" Eli said seriously. "Can you come here?"

"Wazzup bro?" Cory said as he moved in front of Eli.

Eli lifted himself up and pulled Cory into a hug. "I've wanted to do this forever." Eli said softly. "It's not the same with one arm."

Cory returned the hug. "Thank you Eli." he whispered. "This means a lot."

After they separated, Cory took the chance to check out Benji's new hand and Eli's new arm and leg. "Wow... Marc did an awesome job! How do they feel?"

Eli grinned. "I'm starting to get used to them; the hard part's actually using them instead of my head to do stuff. Marc says I'll still need to take it easy for a little while though; that's why I've got that wheelchair over there to get around."

Cory nodded. "That makes sense. I'm gonna miss your 'pet leg' though."

Eli giggled. "You mean that leg?" he said, pointing off to his right where Johnny was happily chasing a disconnected leg around the room. "Joey made Marc let me keep it; he thinks it's funny when I let them chase it."

Cory smiled as he looked over at the giggling boy. "That's what we need right now; a return to normal."

Sammy and 'Bastian broke into giggles. "There is a 'normal' here?"

Cory shook his head. "Good question. Let's get caught up; things are really getting weird here."

Cory and Sean sat down and updated the four boys on recent happenings at home while Sammy and 'Bastian cuddled with their boyfriends.

 

Sarek left the Council chambers of the League of Nations after the joint emergency hearings between them and the Council of the United Federation of Planets. He moved with studied pace until he was in the courtyard entrance and sat down to reflect on what had been discussed regarding his family and the horrendous events of the day before.

The courtyard seemed full of Starfleet officers, Council Members and League representatives hurrying to and fro to put into motion those measures that had been agreed upon. If Sarek thought he could have gotten away with it, he would have sighed. It was illogical, what had happened. No sentient race should act the way humans did; yet, he knew quiet well, that without their control, Vulcans would be capable of events that would have made yesterday a picnic tea party in comparison.

To use a purely human phrase his wife had taught him, he held to hope, and he also ran over an old prayer he had heard from the Lady Amanda; 'Let the children lead.'

As if the thought made something happen, his private communicator signaled an incoming call. He removed it and answered, "How can I be of assistance, Voice?"

"He has arrived, Ambassador. Our 'visitor' has turned up, and in a most surprising way," came a remarkably youthful voice from the comm.

"Acknowledged. Please come to my location so we can discuss it. Please note, I am not in private at present."

"Understood. Please stand by," the voice cut off.

Within five minutes a transporter beam came into being and resolved into a small hooded and robed figure. He bore on his breast the Crest of the House of Sarek, and the Seal of the Vulcan Special Operations Division. He raised his hand in the vulcan salute, "Greetings, Ambassador."

"Come, sit with me, child," Sarek replied. "Tell me, what is so surprising about the 'visitor'?"

The youth sat next to the Ambassador, and shuffled over until he was almost touching him. "We have been up all night carrying out our investigations and dealing with those issues that were triggered yesterday, sir. Not three hours ago, at about eight am EST, someone or something called Ark uploaded a vast amount of data into the Clan Short database. We had signals bouncing all over, and Eyes is still going over everything. Red is relaying as much as she can to me, but we did find 'him'. You're not going to believe this, but he was only born today! Levi looks seven years old! Exactly as he appeared ten months ago!!"

Sarek raised his eyebrow, "Intriguing. Tell me, who are his parents?"

"Kyle and Tyler. It seems they are now a higher form of life, something called a Mikyvis. And I now know why Kyle was so... so different and difficult to hide from. He was something called a Founder. Red is still going over the details with Eyes, so I need to leave her more time."

"Understood. Child, I need you to be with me from this point onwards. Please inform she who is your mother that this is a direct order from House Surak. Once the reports are finalized, the current situation withholding your status will drop, and I may need you to arrange for the Core to transport to our location."

"I will do so now, hold on," the youth bowed his head and seemed to concentrate. Within seconds he spoke, "Waiting on a response... okay, she agrees. I've completed my homework, and we all need a break, so that's good."

Sarek nodded, then pulled the youth into a hug, "Grandson, there is another motive for that order. We have not spent much time together for four months. Come, let us find some nourishment, and talk about recent changes."

The boy giggled, "Cool, thanks, grandfather. I just wish we could all be here with ya, but... after yesterday, I'm scared for them."

"You will be a great Patriarch, my child. Come, let us depart." Sarek stood, and, hand in hand with the hooded boy, he left the courtyard towards the street outside.

 

As the young lad finished his milkshake he looked up at his grandfather, "I need a favor, sir."

"Proceed," Sarek devoted his entire attention to the young boy.

"When you go see your family in Orlando, I'll need to have a word with Kyle and his family. I won't be able to block them. It was hard enough before Kyle changed, but Red has just relayed more info on these Mikyvis. Levi we can trust, so would it be okay to... well, you know..."

"Add them into 'Red One'?" Sarek completed for him.

"Yeah," Voice mumbled.

Sarek nodded, "Kyle and his T'hy'la are trusted. They will understand, and so will their son, I believe. You are authorized to release all pertinent data to Kyle and his family."

Voice shuffled over and hugged himself into Sarek's side, "Thanks, Grandpa. I've missed you."

"I have felt incomplete for the time we have been apart as well, child. Come, you need to rest. We have a long day, and you are on EST, now."

 

Kyle, Tyler and Levi led Cory and Sean to the pool area. "Told ya Tyne's here." Kyle giggled just before opening the door.

As Tyler opened the door, they heard Rusty say with a smile "You can find hope in a lot of things around here though. This entire family exists because of hopes and dreams."

"Hi Uncle Tyne!" Levi yelled with glee.

"I know that voice without even looking," said Rusty.

Tyne grinned, "It's like they were summoned by what you said."

"What do you mean?" asked Rusty as he leaned in to kiss Tyne.

"Hope," replied Tyne as he leaned up into Rusty's kiss.

After a few seconds Tyne and Rusty broke their kiss and then looked over to see that not just Levi had joined them but Kyle, Tyler, Cory, and Sean were with him as well.

Tyne sighed, "Hey guys, did you come to swim?"

"I don't think they did, babe," Rusty quickly added. "Levi's dressed."

"Yeah; and he's definitely picky when you do get him to put clothes on!" Kyle replied as he gave Levi a quick squeeze.

"I gotta look good Daddy; I'm a Mikyvis!" Levi giggled.

Cory smiled. "You just take after your Daddy when it comes to clothes Levi."

"Uh huh!" Levi replied before turning to Tyne. "Please stop worryin' Uncle Tyne. There's stuff you can't be told about yet that make it so you can't see the real future. Daddy's checked out my seeing and he says I'm really good; since Daddy's got to do somethin' soon I'm gonna be helpin' make sure that if you need to know somethin' you know it."

Both Cory and Sean stared at Kyle, obviously neither happy about the information they just heard.

Kyle responded carefully. "Sorry bros; it's kinda fate and if I say much right now it could make things harder. Levi's gonna keep you updated too as fast as it's safe to say anything."

Tyne shook his head and then got up, straightened his uniform, and zipping it up before he replied, "I only worry because I care, not because I can do anything about it. It just bothers me that just a few days ago I could see the future and now I can't see one hour ahead of us. No Founder likes being uncertain, it makes us feel like we're backed into a corner and we have blinders on."

Rusty got up and put his arms around Tyne, "You're safe though, babe."

"I know I am, at least for the moment I am," said Tyne as he hugged Rusty tightly. "So, Kyle, are you just here to relax a little or is there something we can do for you?"

Kyle walked over and gave both of them a hug. "I wish I could show you the future now, but if you know what's happening it'll change stuff for the worse. Please trust me bro. There's something that I think we need to do before Ty and I go do what our species was intended for. How fast can we complete the Socius vows?"

"You...you want to get married?" Tyne said sounding shocked. "Like right now? But..." Tyne stopped for a moment seeming to have suddenly lost himself in thought. A few seconds later he nodded, "Okay, when and where. I can preform the ceremony at any time. Just let me know when you have everyone you want present in the same room."

Kyle gave Tyne a shy smile. "Everyone's already there; they're in the Rec Room. They need something happy, you marrying us will help them get over yesterday some. Levi needs parents who follow the rules of their society. We can't expect him to do something we have not done."

Tyler joined the group. "You need something happy to happen, Tyne; this will be good for you to do too."

Tyne nodded, "While I appreciate the sentiment I do hope you're both doing this more for yourselves and your son rather than for us. While marriage is a statement to the world that you are together, the commitment is for the both of you and only you. Just as long as you understand that then we can do this. Also, are the two of you doing your own vows or are you going to be using standard Founder vows?"

"We are doing this for us and our son; but the affect on all of our family out there has been taken into account for the timing." Kyle replied seriously. "We did decide on the customary vows; considering our lifespan they are fitting."

Cory suppressed a giggle as he added "Besides, they want to be able to give Levi some brothers legally I bet!"

"Or have fun trying," added Rusty.

Tyne grinned, "Okay guys, are we doing this in the Rec room then?"

"I think that's the best place." Kyle replied to Tyne. He then turned and stuck his tongue out at Cory. "Cor; at least WE don't keep half the Compound awake when WE make babies!"

As both Cory and Sean turned beet red, Tyler added "At least you try ... a lot!"

"Hey, that's nothing to be ashamed of," Tyne replied with a grin. "Anyway, give me a few minutes and I will meet you guys in the Rec room, I need to dress for the occasion. Speaking of which, what will you guys be wearing?"

Kyle smiled. "How's this?" he asked as both him and Tyler suddenly were clothed in a very formal outfit. Both outfits consisted of gleaming white dress shoes, white dress pants, white dress shirt, and a cloak and tie which both exactly matched the violet of Levi's eyes. On the breast of each cloak was a crest; Kyle's held the Founder crest while Tyler's was the Clan crest.

Tyne paused for a moment and then shook his head, "Again, I'll meet you there. I can't do THAT, I have to do what the rest of us do; you know actually changing my clothes, not think them into existence."

<I think that all of you talk too much.> Before Tyne could reply he suddenly vanished. <There, Tyne is now where he can change into what he should be wearing. The rest of you can go on to the Rec room.>

"That was a bit blunt," said Rusty.

<Yes but none of you have Cyna excitedly chatting in your mind about how their wedding should be set up. I have far too many things to do to have wedding talk taking up my precious CPU cycles.>

"Tell Uncle Cyna to come on down!" Levi giggled. "Him and me can get it all set up while Daddy and Poppa are tellin' everyone what they're doin'!"

"Now you're in trouble!" Sean giggled as they turned to head back out. "Let's warn everyone!"

<He is already waiting in the Rec Room for you Levi. He some how talked poor Trevor, the Archive leader from one of my new ATF teams, into setting up holographic projectors throughout CIC.>

"Well, as 'Hand of the Seer' he does need to keep tabs on everything...." Cory grinned.

Before anyone could reply they found themselves in the Rec Room. Levi glanced around, then ran over to the projection of Cyna and proceeded to compare notes on ideas for the wedding.

"No, 'Hand of the Seer' is my job, he's just Hand of the Seer," grinned Rusty.

"We won't go there...." Sean giggled. "C'mon Rusty; we'll start with your parents."

 

Fifteen minutes later:

Tyne stood at the front of the now transformed Rec room in his Council robes. In just those few minutes the room had been practically remodeled to fit what a wedding would need, right up to a small stage, where Tyne was now standing. Tyne looked around the room and smiled as scanned the faces of every kid and adult that had quickly shown up for this event. Some where dressed for the occasion, while others were barely dressed at all, looking like they had just gotten out of bed. Tyne knew most of the faces he scanned while looking over the room but there were still a few he didn't. Regardless they all meant something to Kyle and Tyler. Kyle and Tyler, the two boys standing in front of Tyne, dressed in their pure white suits. They looked so happy, so content; it reminded Tyne so much of how he felt when he married Cyna. Only his father stood where he was standing now. Tyne had to remember, he was the Seer now. His father wouldn't be delivering the opening lines he would. He would be helping declare to the world that these two young boys were joined; joined for all of time. It was time to begin.

Tyne looked out at the audience again and then began, "Good morning, for those of you that don't know me my name is Tyne Oraculum and I am the Seer of the Founder Council. It is my great honor to be standing here before you today. You see we are gathered together here today by the request of Kyle Richardson and Tyler Short to share and bear witness to a promise they intend to make to one another. This is a promise that can not be undone. They wish to be recognized as Socius, the most binding and final steps two people could ever take together. And so if the two of you are ready, you may begin."

Kyle nodded seriously then looked into Tyler's eyes. "Tyler Austin Short, you are the one person that understands me completely, my soul mate. Today, I take you to be my life partner. I promise to respect, challenge, encourage, and stand by you forever. I vow to cherish you, love you, and to nurture that love, for as long as I am able to still draw breath."

Tyler returned the stare into Kyle's eyes as a soft glow of energy began to surround each of the pair. "Kyle Calvin Richardson, you are the one person that understands me completely, my soul mate. Today, I take you to be my life partner. I promise to respect, challenge, encourage, and stand by you forever. I vow to cherish you, love you, and to nurture that love, for as long as I am able to still draw breath."

The halos of energy surrounding the two boys merged as they leaned into each other and sealed the vow with a kiss. As the kiss broke, the combined energy burst across the room, allowing everyone present to feel the love they held for each other.

Tyne smiled and then continued, "Individuality is an important part of a person's life; it gives us purpose and makes us strive. We learn and grow by ourselves and in our culture but alone we easily reach the boundaries of our own humanity, the point where we cannot go any further. But when two individuals choose to join and become one then they, together, reach a turning point. That point notes not only their love for one another but a new experience, a new way of growing and developing, together they learn to be more than they were apart. The Founder Council has recognized that these two individuals before us are ready to take this next step, to become one and continue their path together. And so, by the power that has been given to me by the Founder Council, I now declare them Socius. May their life together be long, complete, and teach us all the value of love."