Cal adjusted his suit, straightening the collar while burning away the patches of spilled blood. In the background the other god groaned as he rested on his throne, holding onto the armrest like a lifeline.

It took a lot for the anger to settle, but eventually he managed it. If he didn't, visiting his son would cause too many problems for the morals around him. No, he had to calm himself and put on the mask, lest he start a fire.

Cal spared a final glance toward Eraztis and sighed. With a flicker of his hand, a fragment of purified ether and divine mana solidified into a small, roaming spark that hovered above his friend's head.

Before he could hear the protests and complaints, he conjured the doorway using his divine anchor. One step to the next, he pushed between realms and settled atop a luscious garden overlooking the sunset.

The sun was just about setting, turning the sky into a blanket of gold and pink mixed with hues of oranges and reds. It was beautiful, far more serene of a view than what he had been faced with recently.

Taking a moment to breathe in the different, but faintly sweet scent of the flora of the garden, Cal tried to let some of his tensions fall away. Eventually he made the last few steps around the bend and searched for his scion.

Seeing Cyrus, the brief and fragile calm he managed to create shattered. Past the heavy bags and pale skin, beyond the surface levels of exhaustion permeating his body, Cal saw inward. The burning inferno that was Cyrus's soul was…

A snarl came to his lips, and one of his tails manifested unbidden.

How dare they–

"Oh, hey old man. Want a drink?"

Cal froze as those words echoed. The voice was different, younger sounding and not as deep. But the words, the cadence, the familiarity in the tone… Long buried memories rose to the surface and shattered the storm inside his gut.

Cyrus cocked his head and furrowed his brows. "Is that a piece of tentacle on your shirt? Why does it look so familiar?"

Mastering himself, Cal drove the complex web of emotions aside and smiled. With a casual flick of his hand, the small piece of leftover gore disintegrated as he walked up. Cyrus was half-way sunk into his bean-bag, so he adjusted his throne's manifestation to create one similar. With a plop, he sank in and accepted a glass of the ice-cold lemonade.

For a time, he avoided staring at the burnt devastation inside Cyrus's chest--including the new strip of gold that shouldn't be--and forced himself to observe the sunset. It was truly beautiful, and the gentle breeze was just right.

But slowly, his heightened senses filtered through the floral scent of the garden and picked up the blood and ash drifting in from below. Even without turning his head his senses stretched far enough to encompass the city. The devastation was extensive but nowhere near what it should have been.

Even now the healer's guild as well as other clinics and alchemists were working with the royal-guard to help heal the wounded. For what should have been total annihilation of the city, the injured were rather small in scale. If the people worked together the way they have, things should settle within the coming weeks. Honestly it was a good showing for the kingdom that after a mere four days, they had made so much progress.

Clink!

Cal looked down to where Cyrus had knocked his glass against his. Through the lines of exhaustion he gave a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Even here I can still smell copper. Apparently when you flood a city with blood the smell lingers a little."

Cal smirked and tapped his nose. "You should know how to mute your senses. Is this why you're hiding in the garden?"

Cyrus sipped at his drink and stared into the sunset. "Mmmm…. Not really. I could mute it, but I don't want to. Easier to imprint everything when it bothers you enough. Although I did when I was helping in the healer's guild."

Ahh, so that's why he looks so exhausted.

"Did you run yourself dry?" Cal asked, putting on a parental tone.

Cyrus laughed and downed his drink. "No. One, because I think Teddy's parents would have knocked me out if I tried. Two, because Eraztis said I need to rest and having one summon out was already damaging enough. And three… I think I have more mana now? It's weird, but unless Áine was trying to fix a corpse, I don't think she used that much mana. At least, not enough to make me go into fatigue like I used to back in the village."

Cal didn't bother hiding the frown. Growth was not unexpected, especially considering Cyrus's perks. But being forced to only use one summon at a time meant more damage that he could see without being invasive.

Of course Cyrus caught on and tapped his head. "You can go ahead. Just be warned, you'll end up seeing something you probably shouldn't. It was enough to make Eraztis turn a whole new shade of yellow. Aaaaand I know, you were right. But it turns out I have some excuse for avoiding my issues. Convenient ain't it?"

"Cyrus… You're not giving me much confidence."

The boy stuck out his tongue and returned to sipping at what remained in his cup.

Closing his eyes and bracing himself, Cal stretched the mental tether and gently copied over Cyrus's memories since the last time he saw him.

Even though mental energy wasn't his domain, for a god copying over a mortal's memories was as easy as breathing. Sorting through the experience and tasting the emotions of every scene however was taxing. The more he absorbed the closer the fury underneath the skin threatened to erupt. When the idiocy of the other mortals kept flooding in, his true emotion rippled out as a film of flame wanting to stretch and surround his scion.

The fact that they dared. To think that they wanted to take what was his...

Eventually he watched the scene from not just his scion's memories, but also the mind reaper. The trauma that played out was about what he expected, and if it was just that alone, he would have understood Cyrus's reluctance but to the degree that he avoided it.

Then he watched the part that was forbidden. The secret that shouldn't have been possible, nor exposed. Even the copy of a fragment was enough. When the golden woman looked behind her, past the mind reaper and toward Cal, he aborted from the memory in an instant. The digestion of Cyrus's experiences continued up until he once more found himself standing inside the woods.

This time, Cyrus himself fought inside his soul, his mind warping the planescape. And once more the woman came. Cyrus wouldn't have seen it, couldn't have. Even with his ridiculous amount of perks and his beyond talented level of mana sensing, it wouldn't be enough to recognize the truth behind the woman's eyes.

Her gaze made even Cal feel like a bug, one annoying enough to bite but easily squished if she so desired.

With a wave she locked him out, and he briefly panicked as the memory fragment twisted upon itself. Completely outside of his control, the god was left numb as the memory inverted and erased itself, leaving behind only a piece of the scene that played previously.

Cal's avatar shuddered and he released a shaky breath. Opening his eyes he pushed his senses toward the house where the giant crystal cocoon enveloped young Theodore and Arturous.

"So that's what happened…" Cal whispered.

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"Yep," Cyrus said with a dry chuckle. "I gotta say, the crystal was unexpected but if it helps keep them safe while they play sleeping beauty, then so be it. But hey, I think I did pretty good. I managed to stay alive this time."

"Cyrus…"

"You know, Cal. You're always late to things."

Cal froze at Cyrus's words. Guilt burned deep and he wanted to defend himself. Except a glance at Cyrus revealed the crack. The break in the façade of calmness Cyrus tried to project. His eyes were dark, and wet. Deep sadness etched lines across his face.

Cyrus's head hit his shoulder, surprising him when he released a yawn and continued. "I don't blame you. I know whatever you're dealing with is probably more tiring. But I wished you were there. Maybe some advice, or I guess even a hug, would have helped? It's just…"

Cal felt the first drop hit his shoulder. The tear sizzled against illusionary flames but he controlled the mana to disperse and scatter the smoke. Slowly, more came and he waited in silence as Cyrus pushed on.

"I failed them, Cal," he gave a self-deprecating scoff. "I failed to keep them safe. Even Teddy and Arturous are barely alive, and they might be in a coma for the next decade for all I know. But it was still me… First Sam, and now Eodyne, Celanae, Igas. Teddy, Arturous, them too. Fucking Isaac hates me and is alone running off being stupid. They got hurt because of me, and for some reason three more idiots want to keep tagging along. I don't get it. I don't."

Cal sighed and relaxed his shoulders. It was easy to forget how quickly the boy adapted to his new life, but in the end Cyrus was just that. A boy. A young man who barely experienced life. And now he was Reborn facing off against things no mortal at his tier should.

Guilt continued to gnaw on his insides, but he shoved it away for later. Right now he had only one job he needed to do, and he wouldn't fail him. Not this time.

Gently, he placed one hand on Cyrus's head and rested it there while adjusting his posture so it was less awkward for him to lean on Cal's shoulder. He could apologize, and offer him empty promises but he kept silent. He didn't need another being contribute to bottling his emotions.

"You know… While there are records of heart demons and inner demons I haven't seen something like Mordred before. Are you sure you want to keep him?" Cal said softly.

Cyrus snorted. "He can stay for now. He's me after all. Just you know, edgier. Total bastard too."

"You sure? No offense but the first thing you did when you came to this world was to equip black rogue armor and wear a hood and mask. I honestly half expected you to use small blades, you had the build for it."

Laughter again, short-lived but he could see the tension easing up. Cyrus's tail knocked into his that send a comforting thump. Of course, that's when Cyrus switched moods almost instantly, as his shoulders tensed and he raised a fist.

"I'm going to save them, Cal. I'm sorry about agreeing to Eraztis's deal without asking you. But I had to save Teddy and Arturous first. I won't regret it. I'm going to save them. And if I don't, if I fail to bring them back alive… I'll make that asshole pay. I didn't take enough. I'm going to bleed him to the last drop and make them pay. I swore it."

The aura that seeped out rang the air with Cyrus's words. It was funny, it was how a god talked. Commanding attention that would make any mortal be forced to listen.

The strange grey film coated the ground and stretched upward by only a foot or so before stopping. He was sure Cyrus hadn't noticed but the ambient mana paused, frozen within the grey cloud. More than that, it was waiting, almost eager to be used and rewoven. But as quick as it came, it left, returning the surroundings to normal.

"Cyrus," Cal started, but stopped as he heard the shift in Cyrus's breathing. Chuckling, he stared down at the sleeping boy and smiled. "You were that tired, huh? You shouldn't make such proclamations when you're this exhausted. You've been through enough, you don't need to wear yourself out that badly, foolish child."

He gently ruffled the boy's hair and watched as the sunset finally came to a close. The last rays of daylight ended and the stars started to appear.

"He shouldn't have used his aura at all. He's damaged enough, and he's only slowing his recovery."

Cal glanced at Eraztis's avatar. "You're bold, showing yourself this soon."

Eraztis floated over and conjured his own beanbag; one made of stars and twilight that would have hurt unascended eyes.

"You didn't have to rip off my beard."

Cal snorted. "You more than deserved it. But enough, why are you here?"

Eraztis took a glass of lemonade for himself and gave it a sip. "Surprisingly tasty."

"Eraztis…"

The god waved him off and stared at the open sky. In particular the green moon was rising, marking the start of the new month.

"You heard him. What he proclaimed. If he truly walks that path, there will be no going back. You could influence him now, you have more sway with him than you think. He trusts you, cares for you even despite your absence. It's not too late to steer him out of your shadow, your footsteps."

Silence followed long enough for the moon to gain some height. The green glow flowed into the city where the lucky few began to rest.

Cal sighed and dropped his gaze toward his friend. The avatar looked clean, but even with the illusion in place he could feel the lingering effects of their dispute.

"I wouldn't do that. I promised myself long ago not to interfere. Not after…"

"He reminds you of Amon, doesn't he? And Illianna."

"Don't ever say their names again. Old friend or not, I won't warn you a second time," Cal growled.

Tails lashed at the air, incinerating the nearest plants. He forced it back, but he didn't hide the growing fangs of his avatar, nor the fire smoldering in his eyes.

But Eraztis showed no fear and steadily met Cal's gaze. "You wanted to know why I did it? Break my neutrality and suffer the penalty from the Weave? It's because of you, and him. Not because you are my friend, but because I've come to enjoy this world. These gods are children, and the mortals are just as young. But Inoria is a good planet, and it's souls are good. I don't want to see it destroyed Calstrax."

"I'm nowhere near as strong as I could be."

"Is that so? You are recovering faster than even you expected. Because of him and his actions. It won't be long before you regain enough strength. And if the boy continues down his path he will likely end up like the others. If he does, I'm not sure they can stop you before you destroy most of this world."

"You're really testing your luck," Cal said bitterly.

"It's the price I pay." His form shuddered and he recovered within a moment but it was enough to reveal the lingering damage. "Even with your other… Have any of them ever acquired a chaos seed before tier four? Challenge fate enough for a sprout to take hold? He's not even tier two. He's entering a path faster than the gods can divine. Not that they can thanks to that forsaken mask of his. The Weave gave him a personal divine artifact and he hasn't even been in the system for more than a year."

Cal swallowed his frustration and lowered his glare. "I understand."

"Are you sure?" Eraztis prodded. "He's becoming more like you than you want to admit. You heard him before he passed out. He said them not him. The gods are idiots, they'll chase him. They'll want to use him, to use him to get to you."

"They know what they are doing. They are gods."

"They are children. Barely centuries old. They are newborns. Not mortal ascended. They know of your history, of your titles. But no god alive besides me in Inoria knows the true depth of your name. Your role. Already pantheons are moving pieces in place. They'll be chasing him. For greed, for revenge, for fear of what may come."

"Then I'll–"

Eraztis shook his head, tentacles snapping at the air in frustration. "What's worse, is that I'm starting to be concerned about the boy. Not you, him! The Weave made him a Keeper, out of the millions of souls throughout this planet's history, he's the third. The third! They are rare for a reason. And that is somehow not even the worst; one of them is somehow involved in his past. Face it, If he keeps growing the way he does, he might just make good on that threat of his. That's insane, Calstrax. Lunacy! My only hope is to keep this maniac alive and ship him back to his old world before catastrophe happens!"

Silence followed. Cal processed Eraztis's words, tasting the desperation from his friend. The moon fully rose, and he could feel the aura of the world spirit settle over him. It was both a comfort and an accusation.

I hope you're prepared too, old friend.

Lowering his head he smoothed out Cyrus's hair and slowly got up, using mana to reposition him without waking him up. Turning to Eraztis he adjusted his suit and breathed deep as he conjured a portal.

"What you did is beyond an insult."

Eraztis raised a hand and held it up, showing an intricately woven cord made of soul thread that stretched from him to Cyrus. "Say the word and I'll remove myself."

Calstrax shook his head. "No. What's done is done. As long as you keep good on your promise to him, then… I'll share. It's probably for the best now that you've been penalized. The other pantheons will work to discredit your name and lower the faith directed your way. At least through him you can regain your strength. Plus, while I hate to admit it, you can teach him when I cannot. He needs the education."

"You have my word, both to you and through the Grand Weave itself. I've placed my bet. I'd be a fool if I stepped back now."

Calstrax snorted and patted Eraztis's shoulder as he headed for the runed doorway. "What did the Weave force upon you? If I can help ease it, I will."

Eraztis gave him a flat stare and crossed his arms. "I'm bound to this world for another ten millenia."

"That's it?" Calstrax asked in surprise. "That's oddly generous. It doesn't show leniency when it comes to the Legacies."

"My point exactly."

Fine. Fine. I can stop baring my fangs.

Calstrax put one foot in the doorway and glanced toward Cyrus a final time. "We won't have long, but he needs to leave soon. Are you prepared, my friend? If he truly shares traits with my third and second… Well, it'll be interesting no matter how it turns out."

"Just don't tear off any more tentacles and I will be."

Calstrax laughed and continued through the doorway onto his next appointment. Even if he didn't like it, Eraztis was right. Change was coming, and Cyrus was going to bring it one way or another. As well, that Cyrus was right. He was late, too late to help him.

Now? It was time he fulfilled his role as Cyrus's god, even if he had to rip off a few limbs and teach the upstarts to mind their manners.

They would learn not to take what was his.

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