Oregon in the Fall - 24. Chapter Twenty-Four: Void

Back to frequent updates!

Clara burst through the door, her expression one of exasperation and her voice laced with irritation. “Men! I just wanted restful sleep! What the fuck…”

The room, still shaking from the cascades of energy and the spectral forms of Chronos flickering in and out of existence, felt like the epicenter of a cosmic storm. Mark, his face strained and sweat beading on his forehead, seemed barely able to hold the immense power that surged through him. The arcs of purple and blue energy he had unleashed now danced wildly around the room.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to…” Mark began.

I quickly interrupted him. “Clara! Help us!”

The dance of rainbow hues weaving between me, Dave, and Mark were pretty, but they were also threatening. Threatening to become too much, pulling at my very essence, a runaway reaction about to spiral out of control.

Chronos, caught in the throes of Mark’s attack, his forms multiplying and phase-shifting erratically against the walls, appeared almost as if trapped in a loop of his own time-warped existence. His multiple images flickered, each one looking pained and disoriented by the unexpected onslaught.

How strong was he if Mark could take him like this? If we could?

“Enough of this,” Clara said sharply, striding forward with a determined look. She raised her hands, palms outward, and closed her eyes, focusing intently. A soft, green glow emanated from her palms, spreading quickly like a gentle wave washing over the room.

As the green light touched Mark, it seemed to wrap around him like a cocoon, soothing and cooling the wild energy emanating from him. The arcs of lightning began to diminish, retracting back towards him as if being sucked into a vacuum. Mark’s strained expression eased, his shoulders slumping slightly as the burden of controlling the energy lifted. My skin got noticeably colder and, looking at my arms, the rainbow-colored light show seemed to recede as well.

The spectral forms of Chronos began to consolidate, merging back into a single entity. His visage bore a mix of shock and relief as he regained his composure, trying to steady himself against the wall. That didn’t last, though. He failed and simply collapsed onto the floor. The eerie phase-shifting ceased, leaving only the one, solid form of Chronos before them, looking less like a threatening deity and more like a man who had narrowly escaped a fatal blow.

As the tumultuous energy in the room settled, a palpable silence followed, filled only by the heavy breathing of those gathered. Clara lowered her hands, her glare softening as she looked around at the group.

“Every time,” she muttered under her breath, a wry smile flickering at the corners of her mouth. “Every single time, it’s like babysitting children with too many toys. I just want some sleep!”

Mark, now completely free from the wild energies, looked from Clara to Chronos, and then to Grey and Dave. His chest heaved from exertion, but there was also relief. “Thanks, Clara,” he managed to say, his voice hoarse but grateful.

“What the hell was that, Mark?” I asked. I was concerned.

Mark took a deep breath, steadying himself before responding. “He’s a Construct, Grey,” he said, his gaze flickering back to Chronos.

“No shit. But you can’t just attack him like that. You clearly have no control over your power, whatever it is. And also, he might be obtuse, but he hasn’t harmed us.”

“I told you they can’t be trusted!” Mark barked back.

“Hang on a second. When did you guys talk, Grey?” Clara said.

“During dinner, when Dave and I… spaced out,” I stated bluntly.

“Wait, what?” She didn’t get it. Of course, she didn’t.

So how does one explain all this?

I’ve had dreams before. But they were just dreams, right? My paws thumping against the ground. The desert. Me finding… the wolf. Dave. It had always been Dave, right?

But here we were. My old house. I was in my estranged brother’s bedroom. The same estranged brother who had cried for help just hours ago, beaten and tormented by ghosts haunting him. Asking for his lover back. Oh yeah. My brother was gay, too, I guess. And his lover was my best friend, former best friend, former… crush? Whatever.

The very same friend we had talked to on the moon. Mark. Yup. The moon. I think it was the moon.

Just a dream, right?

So Mark was dead. Killed by a labyrinth. The labyrinth. Labirinthoset. And then he returned. By first talking to us on the moon, and then crashing onto my brother’s bed appearing out of nowhere. My brother Sebastian himself was still in bed, upright but covered with a blanket, and his face spoke volumes. Pure happiness.

This all made so much sense!

There was also my mother. She was eerily still. I looked over at her, but judging her demeanor and tension—there literally was no tension—I think she was just still so happy to be free of the curse, paired with an overwhelming sense of confusion.

Clara was exuberant as usual. Just a 150-year-old druid from an enchanted forest. And Chronos was simply Chronos. Muscular, extremely sexy, almost ageless. Kind of like a god, from a realm named Aaru. He was on the floor. Because that’s where you put the gods, I guess.

What was I?

Dave ripped me from my thoughts. “Grey will explain. He’s the boss.”

I looked at him, incredulously.

Sure, I guess. “Um… Dave and I met Mark, and he asked us to tell Sebastian something to bring him back. He also said the Constructs were bad, so this explains his reaction, I guess.”

Dave nudged me. “I think you’re forgetting something important.”

“Huh?” I said.

Dave continued, “Clara, Chronos came to us at night, he realized Mark had talked to us. He revealed… more information.”

“What kind of information?” Clara said.

“The Triad wasn’t sent by the Constructs. We are supposedly here to supersede them.”

“What?”

“Yup,” I said.

“Fuck, I wish Maio or Deia were here,” Clara said. “They could possibly make some sense of this mess.” Her gaze flitting between the faces in the room, each showing varying degrees of bewilderment and fatigue.

Chronos, still sprawled on the floor but now regaining some semblance of strength and most importantly consciousness, let out a heavy sigh and slowly pulled himself up into a sitting position. He glanced around, his expression somber. “It seems I underestimated the intensity of Mark’s return. And perhaps, the urgency with which you need to understand your roles.”

“We’re not listening to you anymore, Chronos. Too many lies,” Dave said.

Mark, still catching his breath from the earlier exertion, nodded slightly, a serious look crossing his face. “Yeah, about that—what exactly do you mean by supersede them, Dave?”

Dave dismissively gestured towards Chronos. “Enlighten us with your theories, Chronos. Go ahead.”

Chronos in turn met Dave’s skeptical gaze with a nod. “I understand your distrust, but hear me out. The Constructs will not relinquish control easily.”

Mark frowned, rubbing his temple. “That includes you, right? So what? Are we just supposed to prepare for a war?”

Clara interjected, “It’s not just about preparing for conflict. It’s about understanding the depth of your powers and the heritage that binds you three. You’re meant to restore a balance that we’ve lost. This much is confirmed by my research at least.”

What came next was the most direct Chronos had ever been. “It pains me to say that most of the obstacles any of you have faced in your lives are a direct result of the Constructs’ meddling. They tried to prevent The Triad. They tried to prevent your births. Then they tried to separate you. And look where we are, you are still here. Together. And you are more powerful than ever.”

But none of it made any sense. Or did it? It directly contradicted what we witnessed in Aaru. I said, “Bullshit, Chronos. Theodore… you said he was the cause.”

“No. He was our biggest mistake. And he will be our undoing.”

“What do you mean?”

“We created Theodore.” Boom. What?

“Huh?”

“We were all on board. We made Theodore to cause strive in this pack of yours. We…” he paused, looking away, “wanted this pack to perish. For your births to never happen. It seemed like the simplest plan. Foolproof. Eradication.”

Growls were heard. Don’t fuck with wolves.

He continued, “We realized our mistake. But it was too late. Trying to fix it by undoing the creation of Theodore—he was just a mortal after all—seemed like the best plan. But we were never meant to create, only to oversee. Reality began to unravel.”

I interjected, “Hang on. You made Theodore? You mean created him, right? You didn’t just influence him?”

Chronos continued, “Yes.”

Dave spoke. “So you planned to go back in time, and undo the creation of our father?”

“Yes.”

“But it didn’t work?”

“Maybe it would have. The mere attempt caused what you call the curse. Fact is, you were born after all. I was convinced, no matter what we did, The Triad would find a way.”

I said, “If that is the case, it feels like we are here to stay. Not to be cruel, but can’t we just let you fade away? Aren’t we the answer to the problem that is you?”

“You are,” Chronos stated simply.

“Then that’s what we’ll do. We don’t need you anymore,” I said, coldly. I had to make some decisions, right?

“Chances are, you’ll persevere. But I doubt anyone else will. The Prime—this reality—will fall.”

Now fall.

Ok. Not good. It felt like no one had any words.

Luna, her voice cold and controlled, broke the silence. “How do we know this isn’t just another layer of their manipulation, Grey?”

“We don’t. It’s why we don’t need him anymore.”

Mark said, “Do you need me to shoot lasers at him again?”

Sebastian chuckled.

“No. That’s not who we are,” I said. “I think it’s firmly established that whatever mess he wants to cause, he can. It’s also clear that he’s no threat. He might’ve tried to salvage the situation, but I’m not willing to trust him right now. So, Chronos, I ask you to leave. We will handle this on our own.”

Chronos tried to protest. “But you have no idea how!”

“True. But neither do you. Your help is no longer welcome.”

He hung his head. “I understand.” With that, he vanished in the shadows.

“You just let him leave?” Sebastian asked.

“Yes. None of us understand our powers, so right now it would’ve been brute force rainbow magic to possibly end him, or do nothing. And after the past few days, I’m not really up for murder.”

“I’m so confused right now.”

Yeah. I agree, brother.

“Can we just… go to bed? Just sleep, please?” I said.

“Thank you! Fuck…” Clara said, waved her hand dismissively over her head while bolting out of the door.

Luna went to Mark and hugged him tightly. Yup, she was still naked. “Welcome back, Mark. Thank you for being here for my son.”

His happiness was radiant.

“We’ll talk in the morning, everyone. Go to bed,” I said. This alpha thing was fun.

I heard Dave in my head. ‘I like when you give commands.’

‘Oh, is that so?’ I thought back to him. ‘Good to know.’

Dave and I went back to our room and we immediately sought the comfort of our shared bed.

“The amount of nudity here is something I still have to get used to, Grey,” Dave said.

“What do you mean? We weren’t naked.”

“I was in my underwear the whole time.”

“And?”

“Never mind.”

I chuckled. I pulled Dave closer to me and nuzzled his forehead. Just as I was about to fall asleep again, I sensed Sebastian and Mark approaching our door.

Sebastian pawed at the door quietly, a soft whining noise emanating from him, which was unusual for him; it was more a gesture of seeking permission than a demand.

I rose quietly, not wanting to wake Dave who had finally found a moment of peace amidst the chaos. As I opened the door, the two wolves padded in, their heads low in a submissive greeting, eyes shifting to catch every slight movement I made—a clear deference to my new role as their leader.

“Come on in, guys,” I whispered, stepping aside to let them through. They moved gracefully, their powerful bodies silent as they settled at the foot of our bed. Mark nuzzled Sebastian affectionately, then both laid down, their heads resting on their paws, eyes still watchful but bodies relaxed.

I returned to bed, too, sliding under the covers next to Dave who muttered sleepily, pulling me closer instinctively. The warmth from his body was a stark contrast to the cool night air that had followed Sebastian and Mark into the room.

The presence of the two wolves at the foot of the bed felt strangely comforting, as if their very presence wove a stronger bond between all of us—a silent acknowledgment of the pack’s unity and strength. It was a reminder that no matter the external threats or cosmic upheavals, the fundamental connections that bound us were our greatest strength.

Also, it felt like the cosmos thought wolves were cool. And I agreed.

Lying there, the edges of sleep curling around my consciousness, I felt a profound sense of completeness. The quiet sounds of breathing, the occasional shift of weight from the wolves, and Dave’s steady heartbeat against my back created a symphony of reassurance and belonging. This was more than just a pack; it was a family, bound not just by destiny but by choice and by the battles we had faced together. We were ready for the trials ahead.

As sleep finally claimed me, my last thought was a simple hope that the coming days would bring answers and paths forward, not just for us but for all who were entangled in this intricate tapestry of powers and prophecies. Whatever awaited us, we would face it together, as one.

***

Morning came, bringing with it the soft, golden hues of dawn that filtered through the curtains and bathed the room in a warm, inviting glow. As consciousness slowly returned, I noticed the quiet, steady breathing of more than just Dave beside me. I turned slightly, and my eyes adjusted to the sight at the foot of the bed—Sebastian and Mark, no longer wolves but human, their forms naked and entangled in a peaceful, deep sleep.

The realization brought a smile to my face, their presence a symbol of the newfound harmony and acceptance among us. It was a rare, quiet moment of peace amidst the whirlwind of cosmic revelations and conflicts. It was also oddly hot, but those were thoughts I wasn’t ready to deal with right now.

Dave stirred beside me, his movements hesitant as he awoke. His eyes opened, blinking away sleep before widening in confusion at the sight of the two additional men in our bed. He propped himself on one elbow, his gaze shifting from them to me, seeking an explanation.

“Hey,” I whispered, gently squeezing his hand. “It’s okay. They just needed to be close last night.”

Dave nodded slowly, his expression still a mix of surprise and contemplation. He looked at Mark and Sebastian for a moment longer before turning his attention back to me. “So… this is normal now?” he asked, half-jokingly yet with a genuine curiosity.

“It might just be,” I replied with a soft chuckle. “At least for us.”

“I’m not having sex with my brother. Or yours for that matter,” Dave stated matter-of-factly.

Mark stirred then, his eyes opening as he became aware of the conversation. He sat up, stretching languidly, a faint smile playing on his lips as he regarded us. “Morning,” he said, his voice husky from sleep.

Dave, still adjusting to the situation, shifted his focus to Mark. “Morning,” he returned, his tone turning serious. “Mark, can you tell us more about… where you’ve been? The timeways?”

Mark’s expression turned reflective, his eyes distant as if recalling a dream. “Timeways… that’s a strange term for it,” he began, shaking his head slightly. “It felt like an eternity and yet like no time at all. It’s a place—or not a place—hard to describe. But there, I learned about Ginnungagap and Ginnregin.”

“Ginnungagap?” Dave echoed, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“Yes, it’s the vast void, the space of potential where everything begins and ends—a place of pure possibility,” Mark explained, his gaze turning inward as he spoke. “And Ginnregin… they’re like the forces that govern there, entities or principles that shape the very fabric of reality from that void.”

“How did you even survive there?” Dave asked, his curiosity piqued.

Mark chuckled softly, a sound tinged with a mixture of awe and resignation. “Survive might be the wrong word. It was more like existing in a state of constant becoming and unbecoming. Every moment there was a lesson in the raw power of creation and destruction. It’s a place where time and space lose meaning, and where I had to find my center over and over again. Forever.”

Sebastian, now awake, added his thoughts. “Whatever happened, it changed him,” he said, looking at Mark with a mix of admiration and concern. “He came back different—more powerful, yes, but also more… aware.”

Mark nodded, accepting Sebastian’s words with a humble acknowledgment. “It’s true. I feel like I’ve seen the blueprint of our existence—vast and terrifying, yet incredibly beautiful. And it’s made me realize how much more there is to learn and explore.”

Dave listened, his expression a blend of fascination and worry. “And you think this knowledge… what you’ve learned… it can help us?”

“I hope so,” Mark replied earnestly. “If nothing else, it’s given me a perspective on our place in the cosmos, and maybe, just maybe, it can help us understand how to balance what we are with what we’re meant to become.”

As the room filled with the early morning light, the four of us lay there, each lost in thought about the implications of Mark’s words. The path forward was uncertain, yet it seemed clearer that our connections, our new powers we still had to learn to control, and the wisdom gained from places as mysterious as Ginnungagap and Ginnregin would guide us in the challenges to come.

“So you guys are a Triad, huh?” Sebastian said curiously, looking between Mark, Dave, and me. “What does that mean?”

“I wish I knew,” I said. Because I didn’t know.

The conversation shifted as we all started to stir, getting ready to leave the warmth of the bed and face the day. As we moved, Mark reached out to help Sebastian adjust the blanket, his hand brushing against Sebastian’s arm. Instantly, a subtle glow emanated from the point of contact, spreading quickly along Sebastian’s skin like a ripple of light, devoid of color.

We all froze, our eyes fixated on the unexpected display.

“What was that?” Dave exclaimed, his voice a mix of astonishment and concern.

Sebastian looked at his arm, equally baffled. “I… I don’t know. It felt… warm, and tingling.”

Mark withdrew his hand slowly, eyeing Sebastian with a new, intense curiosity. “That’s never happened before,” he said, his voice low, a mix of caution and wonder.

I watched the interaction closely, a thousand thoughts racing through my mind. “Is this coming from you, Mark, or is it Sebastian himself?” I asked, voicing the question that now hung palpably in the air.

Mark shook his head slowly, his gaze locked on Sebastian, uncertainty evident in his eyes. “I’m sure that’s just my power that I’m unable to control yet. I’m sorry…”

Before Mark could finish his thought, Sebastian’s entire body suddenly burst into a radiant display of light. The glow enveloped him completely, casting a brilliant luminescence around the room that momentarily blinded us all. As our eyes adjusted, the light began to fade, revealing a bewildered Sebastian staring at his own hands, now shimmering faintly with residual energy.

“What just happened?” Sebastian gasped, his voice a mix of awe and confusion.

Please tell me that was Mark and not Sebastian. It’s just Mark’s return that did this, right? Right?

Fucking hell.