[Chapter 7]
[Lair's Center]
Once Solor and Edward were inside, taking their positions, Sosfil was once more dragged to the center of the volcano. This time, however, Solor noticed a strong band wrapped around her snout, keeping her silent this time. He frowned, knowing that was reserved for incredibly dangerous criminals. What had she done while he was fighting Slade?
"This trial will continue where it was left off", Earth rumbled. "As Kiinnum said earlier, Sosfil has attempted to force Filkiin, Heir to the Light, to resign from his position, allowing her to take his place. This is seen as High Treason, as only the Grand Light may deem who is worthy of the title."
"The penalty for such an attack is Death", Grand Fire declared. "Attacking a member of the Circle or one of the Heirs is a direct attack on the Circle as a whole, and will not be tolerated."
"However", Grand Light interrupted, surprising Fire. "There is a witness who has asked to testify in defense of Sosfil, Eldest Daughter of Iilahkun."
"And who would that be?", Water asked, intrigued. "Who would defend this monster?"
Sol let out a small smile. "My youngest son and Heir to the Light... Filkiin himself."
Sosfil's eyes went wide, as her younger brother flew down, standing by her side. She shot him a look of pure hatred, snarling in her muzzle.
"Hush, Sister", he told her. "I am not trying to trick you." He looked back up, seeing the nod from Death, and began speaking.
"Members of the Grand Circle... I will admit... when I was younger... family meant very little to me. My siblings did not enjoy my company. My close brother, Sahqokrein, vanished one day to go on a five hundred year binge on drugs and booze. Back then, I only had my mother to support me and teach me. Sosfil was already infiltrating the Japanese culture, and was climbing the political ladder slowly but surely.
"When my father chose me to be the Heir to the Light... I was highly honored. I wished only to serve and please the Circle. I did not take into account of my full brothers and sisters, of which there are only two left. I do show Kiinnum the love that I reserve to my family, but he was not there for the early years in my life. Yet, up until I saw how he shows love to his mortal family, I did not really know how to show that same love."
Solor looked down, sighing. "I had no idea of my sister's jealousy. I even asked my father why she had not been chosen instead of me. She showed much more potential than I when it came to strength and talent. But... I was surprised to hear that my father felt her strengths lie elsewhere, outside of politics. Ironic, but true. I felt it odd, since she had been assigned to infiltrate the Japanese culture, but later found out... she had made friends with a young girl who was the future bride of a daimyo by sheer coincidence. And from then on, she desired to make changes to the world around her.
"So now, I see her here. The ultimate prize to her was my position, as Heir to the Light, next in line to be given the power my father has. She had devoted her whole life to pleasing the Circle, from the day she hatched, to serve the Circle in any way she could. I can see why she hates me so much... she had sacrificed so much, wasted so much time in an attempt to be looked upon with favor... only to be passed up for her young brother. The anger she feels... is probably the same I felt when I heard the previous Grand Death declare my mother - OUR mother - would die. Everything was ripped away in an instant... and in our sorrow, we found rage. Kiinnum is the same way, we've discovered. When his Raven died, we all know what happened. Malchior was incinerated. He almost killed me had Soskrein risked her life. Had she not awakened the Kiinnum we all respect and his ability to love."
Solor looked up at the Circle, spreading out his wings. "However... I know for a fact this rage can be mastered, that the hatred does go away. It will take time... and I fear that this is time that I may not have... but I suggest I serve as her mentor. I know she will probably hate me for it... but I wish to spend time with her, and show her all that I have seen, that I have learned, living with my new family. I wish to try to aid her in any way I can... and if, in 2 months time, by the time my day of Hatching arrives, she refuses to recant for her crime... to allow Bloodbath to commence, and end this eternal dispute she sees in her heart. I would ask Kiinnum to assist me seeing Vilea needs to focus on her own training to be named Grand Darkness formally."
Sosfil was staring at her brother (as best as she could). If she could let her jaw drop, she was certain it would hit the ground hard enough to crack it.
Fire snorted angrily. "Filkiin... I will vote against this. The Circle has been lenient too many times, to both you and Kiinnum, because of your positions within the community. I cannot extend that liberty to your sister, as well. She has no position of power here. She has no sanity left to call her own. She must pay for her crime, and be sent to the flames of the First's rage."
Water nodded. "I agree with my brother. Sosfil knew the repercussions should she attempt this. She has no remorse in her visage, and will gladly try again. This is one matter that a mentor cannot overcome. I will vote for her death, as well."
The rest of the Circle was still debating on what to do, looking at one another. Sol no doubt wanted to try and save his daughter, but Vilea, Grand Earth, Grand Death, and Grand Life were on the fence, and needed to be convinced otherwise.
"Exalted Circle," Edward said, "If I may speak for a few moments? I, too, am on the fence as an heir and a family member. Sosfil is family that I would have love to know. I tried to mentor her a decade ago and she broke off the effort after Filkiin's mission began. I also know what the law says firsthand, having been tried for the same crime. In my brother's case, he was already named Heir to the Light, giving him special circumstances. In my case, I was and still am, Commander of the Circle's military and had gone insane with grief. At that time, you saw my shame, my sense of dishonor, my guilt.
"I may be hated by my dragon family for this...And, I am sorry, more than you will know. I look at Sosfil with pity. I should be angry at her, and, when this started, I was angry. I've had more than enough time to cool off and reconsider. In the trials I have witnessed since becoming the Heir to Fire, none have had their mouths forced closed by a band of metal. I see nothing but loathing not just at Filkiin, but, at myself as well. She loathes me because she was so easily defeated. She is weak, Exalted Circle, in all senses of the standards I use.
"I look at the content of Sosfil's character, and all I see is what I see in other mortal tyrants and despots. I see what I saw in Hitler, Lenin, Hussein, and the list goes back to Attila the Hun. I see evil in her.
"But, I know she heard her brother's offer. I know, deep down, that she is the whelp of the Grand Light and Moonlight.
"I am sensing that a spark of Light is trying to kindle itself into what Sosfil needs. She doesn't have to be the same as a Dark Dragon of the old times. She is still a Light Dragon.
"I was going to suggest execution and under the law, that is the penalty that is required. Part of me still leans that way. Yet, I am also her half-brother, and the only way to solve this conflict of interest in my heart: Death or another chance is to not formally ask for anything. It is not my place to do so, even though I listed the charges and specifications.
"That said, if the Circle takes Filkiin's suggestion and request of me...I will take as much time as is required, and then some to help my half-sister's redemption and forgiveness.
"If the Circle voted to execute her, before sentence is carried out...I would like time to say good-bye to the one family member I did not get to know well. Also, I will carry out the sentence. Filkiin...please, I do not want you to carry this burden alone."
"Thank you for your time."
Fire nodded. "I do agree with my Heir this time around... but we cannot take your words into consideration. You are an Heir this time, Kiinnum. Your words mean little, as wonderful as they are. I am sorry, but please, remain silent this time."
Vilea, on the other hand, was scratching her lower jaw with one of her claws. "I believe... we should allow this suggestion of Filkiin's to come to fruition."
The others in the Circle stared at her. "You must be joking", Water said. "You cannot be serious about this."
"Oh, but I am", Vilea said, grinning. "I can sense her heart, Exalted Circle. She will not admit it, not now, but her brother's words have moved her. She feels that he truly understands how she feels, and in a way, there is a begrudging respect for her Brother. If she were free, her attacks and words would not be immediate. He'd have to say something that sets her off. Granted... she still desires his position, but I think he can save her."
Edward wanted to ask about what could set her off, but, held his peace instead.
Earth looked at Vilea cautiously. "Are you certain? Would she be saved in 60 days time, as the Heir has requested?"
Edward smiled, though. He didn't say anything else, but, he would rather make the effort to teach Sosfil what he taught Solor instead of killing her.
Vilea replied, "I am certain, Grand Earth. It's a tight timetable, but, I can sense that what Filkiin said has sunk in. Let him try. and, if Kiinnum wishes to help, I think we should allow this to occur. Both of them have dealt with this anger before and have come out stronger. I am not saying that Sosfil be allowed to walk out of this chamber without a fitting punishment, though. Being sentenced to therapy is all well and good, but we also need to send a very strong statement that this behavior still is subject to harsher penalties.
"And, am I not just as guilty of how many charges of Treason, yet, you have shown immense mercy towards me?"
"I can think of a fitting punishment!" cried out a dragon from the audience. A large Light Dragon, seething with rage, stood tall, glaring down at her with violet eyes. "I told you this was a poor choice, my mate! You refuse reason!"
"SILENCE!" Earth roared, forcing the dragon to sit. "Who dares to speak?!"
"You will answer the question," Sol said a moment later, seething that one of his clan would dishonor every member. Edward glared at the dragon for a brief moment, then, realized that he was being a hypocrite and looked elsewhere.
"I am Ruvolyol," The dragon replied, "I claimed Sosfil as my mate. I apologize for my outburst, but I cannot sit idly by while you allow her to leave this unscathed!" He glared at his mate, snarling. "I told you, Sosfil, to leave well enough alone, but you refused to heed me! I told you it would end like this! I take my children from you, serpent! It will be one thousand years before you ever see them again!"
"Take him away!" yelled Fire, as dragons heeded his call. "We will deal with him later!"
All the while, Ruvolyol was screaming at his mate, showing nothing but anger and hatred. Sosfil couldn't face her mate, but she refused to let the tears fall. Solor lowered his head, placing it on her own to show his support for her.
"I apologize, my comrades", Sol said. "Ruvolyol is spirited, and quick to anger. He will face punishment from myself directly when this is all said and done. For now... let us mete out a punishment for Sosfil."
Life, however, let out a low sigh. "Feylfil... what can we do that he has not done? She loves her children, with all of her heart... to be torn from them for a thousand years...I think that is a fate worse than we could mete out."
Water nodded her head. "I still say she should die... but if Darkness says she may be saved... I will agree with her. Filkiin of the Light... Sosfil will be entrusted into your care. You will rehabilitate her into our society, and we will find a better suited position for her. I would recommend returning to Titan's Tower as soon as you can; there should still be some room there for you both, seeing as Kiinnum will be able to return home to his family.
"Also, what we heard her mate say will be a thousand years of living death. This may be a more fitting punishment as well. She knew this could happen and risked it anyway.
"Kiinnum, seeing how you have offered to help...We will allow this as well. You both have 60 days starting tomorrow, to help rehabilitate your sister."
"If you cannot..." Death said solemnly, "... then you both will regret this decision for the rest of your long life as Filkiin engages in Bloodbath...And Kiinnum will lose a sibling regardless."
"This meeting of the Circle is adjourned", Earth rumbled softly, as the dragons all headed out. "We still have the power canceling collar, if you wish to use it.
"Also...Welcome Home." Earth actually smiled as he said what the rest of the Circle wished to say.
"For now, I think that would be best", Solor said. "Until I feel I can trust her, I need her in a human form. And... thank you... for having me back."
Without a word, Sosfil allowed herself to morph into a small, human form, with the collar activating once she was set. She had a hollow expression on her face, and didn't react to when her brother lifted her. "Come, Sister... let us go home." He looked up at Edward, motioning for him to come down and help him out.
Edward came down to assist, "My apologies, brother."
Solor smirked, "I'll forgive you this time. But, you shouldn't throw our family under the aircraft carrier anymore. Let's get Sosfil home."
He put an arm around Sosfil, who still didn't react.
That worried Edward, a lot. It was harsh of her mate to tear 20 whelps away from her. It could be a fate worse than death for Sosfil, and, Edward felt sympathetic towards his sister.
[Brother...I'm getting a lot of 'red flags',] Edward said telepathically, [This is a fate I would not wish on any of my enemies and certainly not a family member. I was a bit harsh fighting her, but, despite what I told her...I cannot blithely turn my back...and what I said in there wasn't personal. But, despite all that I have learned...when I had the time...I still lack a few things here and there. At least they didn't tear my head off.]
[True,] Solor replied, [You did speak wonderfully there. But, be glad that Fire spoke up instead of Father. Your words did partially sway them and had Vilea not been the advocate... Regardless, you're right...Sosfil is retreating into a shell.]
"Come on, Sosfil," Edward said gently, "You're in good hands. What I had to say wasn't personal, dear sister."
Sosfil just stared blankly ahead of herself as they left the volcano.
"Solor," Edward said, "She's in no shape to travel. Is there a place where she can rest without being disturbed and we can try to talk to her...and when she breaks down, only her family will see?"
Solor nodded. "My mother's cave. You've been there, as well." He picked up his sister, carrying her carefully in his arms. "We'll have to fly there... can you let the Titans know we'll be home later? I know Komi is worried, and I think it would be best if Krein went home, as well."
"Is..." said Sosfil suddenly, looking over at Edward. "Is... this how... you felt... when you wanted to die?" She looked up at Solor. "When... Mother... died?"
Solor looked at his sister. Silently he nodded. She looked back forward again. "Please... take me to her cave... I... I can't hold them back..." The tears began to fall.
Edward pulled her into his arms, "Let them out, Sosfil. We'll go to your mom's cave. And, yes, this is close to how I felt that night now. Sosfil...I never harbored any grudge when you advocated for my death. I will help you, if you will let me. But, you have to start to let your grudge against our brother go. If your mate sees what we are seeing, sees what progress you are capable of making, he may forgive you. But, let's focus on you."
Edward morphed to his hybrid form and picked Sosfil up, "Lead the way, brother. I think it may be better if I carried her, at least partway."
"No," she said, "I'd like Filkiin to carry me." Edward raised an eyebrow, but, let Solor take her back.
"All right, " he conceded with a small smile.
Sol had already taken Starfire back to her daughters, and would inform Solor and Edward that they were patiently awaiting their arrival. However, Solor had to tell his father that they needed to wait. "Sosfil... my sister needs... time. We'll be on our way shortly." Finally, when they arrived at the cave, Solor could feel his sister's grip tighten as she finally began to sob into his shoulder.
They heard a voice start to sing softly. Like a decade ago, Edward felt it best to lead the Sending Song. Solor nodded and also sang along softly.
That only got Sosfil to sob harder into Solor's shoulder. She was not mourning their mother, though. A thousand years was a long time, even for dragons, and the punishment her mate pronounced for all dragons to hear was tearing her apart inside.. She was mourning her children as she knew her mate would never allow her near them again. They were mated for life, but, his statement showed everyone that he was through with her and for a thousand years, unless he relented, she would not be allowed near any of them. They might as well be dead to her.
And as the thought hit her, she wept bitterly, unable to sing.
"I-I-I'll never see my babies again," she sobbed. Edward's heart broke for her. He knew exactly how she felt, and, his voice faded. For once, the Sending Song was not bringing closure.
Solor soon let his voice fade as well, knowing it was not bringing the comfort that it brought him or Sahqo. She needed something else. He pulled her into a tight hug. "I will help you", he told her. "I will bring you back to them... I promise." He turned to Edward, moving her gently to him. "Keep her here. I will speak to her mate."
"Brother... you can't interfere", Sosfil said gently, still sniffling. "You know the laws..."
"It's all right, Sosfil," Edward soothed, "This is for the best. Solor can go as a member of the family, not as an Heir. The law does allow this, if I understand it correctly. I...was thinking of doing the same thing, but, it's best if Solor goes. Your mate would claim I intimidated him if I went.
"But, it will be all right ... eventually."
Solor, however, smirked. "If I followed the laws all of the time... I would not be here, now would I?" With that, he opened a Tear, vanishing from their sight. He reappeared near Ruvolyol's cell, looking inside. "I would speak to my sister's mate. Not as Heir, but, as family."
"Go away", the Light dragon snarled. "I regret nothing. I have no reason to beg forgiveness. Let the Circle punish me as they see fit."
"Can you forgive Sosfil, though?" Solor countered. He continued when the older dragon would not respond. "Ruvolyol, you know how much she loves your children. Remember what you told me when you had your first batch of eggs?"
"... she took great care in naming them", Ruvol said. "It took three hours to name all five of them, because she wanted their names to be perfect."
"And she did the same the other three times", Solor urged. "To her, being ripped away from them... for the rest of her life... that is a fate worse than death. She is almost catatonic, Ruvol. She is a shell of what she was, because you hate her so much."
Ruvol looked over at his brother-in-law, and sighed. "I... I do not hate her, Heir of the Light. I am... frustrated. I am angry, and disappointed, and disgusted by what I have heard... but I can never hate her. She and I... are bound similar to your Kreinyol. Not quite as strong... but I will gladly join her the day she joins the First."
"Then, can you find it in your heart to at the very least, lessen the punishment?" Solor asked. "Can you do anything to ease this pain she feels?"
There was a long silence, and for a moment, Solor thought this was a lost cause. Then, he heard the voice speak out.
"Five hundred years", Ruvol said. "She still should suffer a bit... but I will not force her to wait more than five hundred years."
Solor let out a small smile. "Thank you, Ruvol."
Solor left and reopened a Tear. He returned to his mother's cave and saw Edward laying Sosfil down.
"She just fell asleep," Edward said quietly, "She's completely drained. I doubt she will wake up anytime soon. But, I hope that your quest was successful."
"It was partially successful," Solor replied, "He cut her punishment in half. I didn't dare push for more, and, Brother, I would suggest you stay out of it. If he goes to the Circle claiming interference from various Heirs, we'll both be in the center, again."
"500 years," Edward mused, "To some, it might as well be 5,000. But, we'll take what we can get. I'll stay with her. You go see your other family at the Tower. Tell them I'll be along after Sosfil wakes up and to have the guest room ready, please.
"Nightwing's not going to like this, though. Again, we're dropping an injured dragon in the Titans' lap. But, I think once Sosfil sees her new nieces, it will take the edge off the loss. Then, again...she could also see that as a reminder of her whelps. While you are gone, I will visit my brother-in-law...to make sure it's OK if I meet his whelps, nothing more. You've bent the law enough for one day."
"I don't like this," Solor replied, "But, I'll go along with it. Be careful." He opened a Tear and stepped through to the Tower for the first time in over a decade.
Edward looked around for something to cover Sosfil. But, she let out a scream in her sleep and Edward went over to her.
Her eyes snapped open, but, she wasn't really looking at anything at first. Then, they settled on Edward.
"My babies!" she sobbed, "I'll never see them again!"
Edward pulled her into another embrace and said, "Sosfil...You'll see them again. 500 years isn't that bad, I hope."
But, she wasn't listening closely and sobbed more, "I threw them away. I threw my life away. How can I stand to be Feylfil's daughter? He should have disowned me!"
"No," a deep voice said, "I would never disown my children." Sol came in and said, "Sosfil...you are my daughter and I love you very much. I know how you feel. When I had to send Kiinnum to his universe, I never thought I would see him again. When his mother begged us to bring him back, it tore me apart. When she disappeared into that Tear and didn't return...the pain was almost too much for me to bear. I prayed that both were safe and that the First would watch over them.
"And when we banished Filkiin...I acted like an idiot. I cast him aside like a dirty rag. It took Kiinnum's return here to get me to see that."
Edward waved his dad into the cave, "I'm glad to hear you say that, Father. And, I think Sosfil certainly has her place within the family, no matter what.
"Father, please, don't be overly harsh with her mate. I mean, do what you think is best with him. But, he is distancing himself from her and for a long time, he is also being punished for her stubbornness."
"He's going to spend 30 days in jail for contempt, son," Sol said, "And, that is being nicer than he deserves. The penalty is usually a lot harsher."
"Then, when this is done, I offer to serve the same penalty," Edward said, "Before you object...the rules should apply to me equally. Regardless of my status, is it really fair to give me a free pass for interrupting a meeting of the Circle when my brother-in-law is sitting in a cell? You will recall when the Titans first sat in on a meeting of the Circle, Solor and I both told our respective teams to stay silent. I need to remember that as well."
Sol shook his head, "While I agree with your opinion, son, you are still learning things, and, well, the Circle does allow heirs to make a few mistakes, as long as they learn from them. And, you are learning from these mistakes and they are getting rarer each month. Had Fire wanted to, he could have had you removed as well.
"Sosfil, I do not want you to be executed! Please...you're the only daughter I have left. I do not want you to blow this chance. Let your brothers help you."
"I'll try, Father," she said.
"'Do or do not,'" Edward said, quoting "The Karate Kid", "'There is no try.' Starborn and I will help you, but, you must meet us halfway. This obsession has led you down a dark path that no Light dragon should even think about going down. It's one thing for me to go down a Dark path due to my being a hybrid...You do not have that luxury, period."
Sosfil looked down, thoroughly broken by the loss of her children, however temporary it was. "I... I would like to see my new quarters. I am... able to travel now."
With that said, Sol opened a Tear for her to step through... but before she could take that step, he pulled her into a tight hug. "I apologize... for hurting you so much, my sunshine."
Sosfil blinked, having not been called that in hundreds of years. But she gave her father a hug as well, although not as strong as he would have liked. "I will get better... Father", she said to him. "I do not deserve that nickname now... but I will soon."
With that, she stepped into the Tear. Sol stopped Edward, though, motioning him close. "Keep a safe watch on her. She... she has never been unable to see or communicate with her whelps. I fear what she may try to do in her despair... I cannot afford to lose anyone else in my family."
Edward only nodded, understanding the implications. "Don't worry, Dad... she's in good hands."
With that, Edward headed to the Tower as well, hoping to see that Solor was reuniting with his team safely, and there was a calm discussion about what they could do with Sosfil.
"She can't stay!"
"I'm not leaving her to die on the streets!"
Unfortunately, one can only dream, sometimes.
"Guys," Edward said, "mind telling me what's going on here?"
Nightwing said, "It's easy enough...I am not having another dragon here."
"Oh, and why not?" Edward replied, his voice icy.
"B-B-Because there's not enough room," Nightwing stammered. After a decade, he knew that when the temperature in the Tower dropped 10 degrees, Edward was liable to blow his top.
"And, how is there not enough room here?" Edward said, "for one, Sosfil can have my quarters. Now that Solor's mission is over, I can return to my own universe for a while. If not, it's still not a problem. I paid for that house for a year, remember, just to appease the landlady? Solor and I have been asked by the Circle to treat Sosfil, who happens to be our sister. Now, I've had a long day. And I do not wish to debate this or get into a roaring argument with you, RICHARD. So, at least for tonight, I suggest you and Solor keep the peace before I do it for both of you."
"Dammit, Edward!" Nightwing protested.
Edward's eyes started glowing yellow, "Don't 'dammit Edward' me. She is my blood sister and despite what she's done...you of all people in this building know that I stand by my family, especially when they are wanting and needing help."
He pulled Nightwing into his room...more like DRAGGED him into his room by his cape.
"You listen to me, Dick," Edward said, "You were not in Lair an hour ago. Sosfil was told by her mate that because of her actions, she would be barred from seeing her 20 children for a thousand years...To a dragon, such a sentence is worse than death. You didn't see the life go out of her eyes when she heard that. Solor and I did. I want you to think if you and Raven have children of your own and you did something to totally piss her off to the point she takes the kids and tells you that you will never see them again. Imagine if you loved those kids with all your heart and soul and they were ripped away from you.
"Now, picture being one of my people and told that for a thousand years that you were not allowed to see your children...and the Circle unable by law to intervene? That's most of the rest of Sosfil's life."
"Luckily for her...her mate relented and made it a mere 500 years. That's still a sizable amount of her remaining life and it still could kill her at some point.
"Do not make me ask for a vote of the team, Nightwing. It will not go well for you, at all...I promise you that. All I am asking for is a single night for now."
Nightwing sighed. "Edward, there are a lot of things I will do for you and Solor. You helped me find the love of my life, and Solor helped me figure out so much in my own life. But... if there is one thing I can't do, I cannot trust Sosfil. You saw what happened; she tried to kill him, for Pete's sake! I know I did some stupid stuff over the past ten years when it came to Solor, but I NEVER wanted him dead! And she and him are full siblings; same mom and dad!" Richard sighed, bringing his hand up. "I'm sorry, Edward... but this time I can't afford to take this risk. We just got Solor back. I don't know what will happen if he's ripped away from us again. Blackfire I'm willing to trust because I've seen her strive to be a better person. Sosfil asked for your execution and attacked Solor without any remorse. Do you think she truly wants to become a better dragon? Or is it just another one of her political plays?"
"Not this time," Edward said, "She's got 20 children that if she ever wants to see again...she'll toe the line. She's got 60 days to prove it to Solor and to some degree myself. I do not hold a grudge against her for asking for my death. I forgave her for that a long time ago. She deserves the same chance that I got...that you gave Solor before I entered your lives. You gave Beast Boy how many chances after he did stupid crap like infecting Cyborg or angering Raven to the point she really wanted to send him to Trigon. If she cannot be redeemed...she will likely die in a Bloodbath fight. You didn't see how crushed she was and, Vilea herself said that Sosfil can change. Like I asked...just for tonight and we can play it day-by-day after that...I can only ask, as a friend and a brother-in-arms. I won't force you...even if I could."
Nightwing sighed. "Fine. She stays. But if she messes up once, I'll help Solor find a new place to stay with his sister, if he still refuses to leave her alone. I know you guys won't like me if it comes to that, but I have to think of the safety of the team." Nightwing looked up at Edward. "You may be the commander of Lair's army, but I'm the leader of this team. I have to think about what's best for everyone here, so if she decides to attack either you or Solor unprovoked... she's out of here, and unlike my counterpart... it'll take more than sending me back to Gotham in my skivvies to change my mind."
Edward chuckled, "It never came to that point, Nightwing. Listen, I don't like stepping on your toes. Not out in the common areas of the Towers or anywhere else. This is my little slice of heaven away from my duties in Lair. Why do you think even after a decade, I am content to not be the leader of this team? I do not want to lead it for one. I'm not a founding member of both teams.
"But, thank you for meeting me halfway here. I'll make it clear to both of them that you're only allowing this as a personal favor to Solor and I. Sosfil's in a dark place right now...like I was in Japan. You saw what happened. You know how depressed I saw. I wanted to die. Who got me to fight that?"
"Solor and Susie", Nightwing said, smiling a bit. "I know, Edward. I trust you, and I trust him." His smile faded. "It's her I don't trust." With that, Nightwing headed back into the Ops center, where Solor was on the main computer, calling his wife.
"Krein, Komi... it's safe for us to return home", he told them. "My mission's over. And, given that I'm probably already fired from Carabbas, I can't return there to continue working, anyway."
"Wh-what about Mary?" Komi asked. She was still shaken from the ordeal, but she was recovering.
"We'll keep in touch with her", Solor said. "I still wish to meet her personally... without wearing that Jason disguise. She deserves that much."
Starfire nodded, smiling gently. "Then... I shall pack up whatever we need, and bring it back to the tower. What about my sister, though?"
"I'm certain we can find room for her and Wildfire, too", Solor told her. "But... I do have some company as well. Sosfil is here too."
Starfire nodded. "Father-in-law Sol explained to me what happened. I will be here to support her."
Edward tapped Solor on the shoulder. Solor nodded, "Edward wants to say something."
"Hi, Komi!" Edward said, "Don't you worry about Mary. I'll personally teleport her here to the Tower for some sleepovers. That goes for your other friends you were defending in Texas and here in California."
"You're kidding me, right?" Komi asked.
"Nope," Edward replied with a smile, "I've already talked to Mary about this and she is really happy about it. Starfire, I would let her go to school tomorrow there to say a temporary good-bye to her classmates and teachers. Same with my brood, actually. I know she's suspended, but, I hope that if you explain to them that you are returning to Jump City, they may allow it."
"I love you, Uncle!" Komi said happily.
"I love you, too, Komi!
"I have to go back tomorrow anyway. I've probably been fired as well, but, I want to make good on the damages to the restaurant. I doubt their insurance covers a dragon fight," Edward said, "I'll put Solor back on the line."
Solor smirked over at Edward. "Don't bother. I told Dad what I wanted to do, and I'm already sending some money from my own stores to pay them back. This one's on me, Brother." He went back to talking to his family, while Sosfil was sitting on the couch, silent and keeping to herself.
Raven approached her, sitting down nearby. She held up a single mug, a bronze colored cup. "Tea?" she asked, and Sosfil, for a moment, looked at her warily. But slowly, she took a hold of the mug, nodded her thanks, and took a ginger sip. "I feel like you're going through a lot, huh?"
"What gave it away?" Sosfil said. "The self pitying look I wear on my brow? The fact that I know I don't belong here?"
"No", Raven replied. "The look on your face says the world, as you know it, is over, and you feel alone and scared and that nothing will be able to change it." When Sosfil stared at her in shock, Raven's gaze softened. "Believe me, been there, done that... except for me, I was literally the cause of the end of the world. Your brothers helped me see that I could change what had happened. I know they can help you, too, if you let them."
Sosfil sighed, "Tell me. Did Edward go through this feeling?"
"He went through a major depression, if that's what you're asking," Raven replied, "His wife was dead. You know this, and he snapped. But, after his trial and temporary banishment was pronounced, he wished to die. It took your niece to literally slap some sense into him. But, even with Vilea and Solor helping him...the weight of his shame and dishonor was with him for months. He felt that he lost the respect of those who serve him. He had shown his weakness that night and he was ashamed. So, I would say that Edward is well aware of your own weakness and your feelings. All of Sol's children have anger management issues, and, if Edward can calm Solor's flames, they both can teach you as well. As will I. I invite you to join me on the roof tomorrow morning, 9 AM, for Meditation 101."
Edward watched the interaction and when Raven finished, he sat down and said, "Sosfil...I do know what you are feeling and I will be joining Raven on the roof. We've been meditation partners for a long time and, it does help. It centers you and allows you to deal with the emotions. If she welcomes you and wants to help you, it means she sees something within your soul that is worth helping."
Sosfil nodded, "All right. But, where will I sleep tonight?"
"In my bed," Edward said, "No arguments, sister. I talked Nightwing into giving you a chance, so do not blow it. If you get angry and want to beat something up, we have a training/sparring area where you can blow off steam. I will take the time to spar with you, if you would like. Attack ANY of the Titans for real and the deal is off, friendly spars excluded. You would be immediately shipped to Lair where you and Solor engage in Bloodbath. And, I will tell you, here and now. Should you kill Solor, you will not get to enjoy the title for I will jump into the ring and beat you within an inch of your life. I will not make Father mourn two lost children...but, you will wish for Grand Death to bless you. Please...let this be a time when I need not honor my word.
"And, if your mate sees you actually working with us, he may further reduce his own penalty."
"He threw me out for a thousand years," she sighed, "I cannot even see..." She couldn't continue.
Edward nodded to Raven, letting her know she could help ease Sosfil's broken heart. He pulled her into a hug. She tried to pull back and met gentle resistance for a moment before Edward relented.
"Sosfil," Edward said, "Listen to me. Solor managed to talk your mate into 500 years. It's not 1,000 years now. If he sees progress, he may relent and knock more time off this. No promises as I need to stay out of it."
"I'm already past egg bearing years. I'm close to 1,500 now," she said, "In 500 years, I will be weak. My whelps will not want to be with a weak mother."
"Leave that to Solor and I," Edward said, "Those who are already adults in the eyes of our people, we'll make sure that they see you. Those who are not adults, we will pass along messages. Your mate will hopefully allow his brothers-in-law to visit nieces and nephews. And, in 500 years or so, I think Solor and I will be in the Circle anyway. Father and Fire are giving Solor and I the time needed to train and when these Titans are with the First, we will be allowed to mourn properly.
"A little hint for you: When my own mother arrived in my universe, she was so weakened, Starfire - I'll use that for my universe's Kreinyol - was able to pick her up. It took her a while to recover her strength. To me, even though I did not remember her from when I was a hatchling, it did not matter. She has such a deep love for me and I return that love regardless of how strong physically she is. She risked it all to find me. How could I NOT love my own mother. I don't care that she whored herself out to dragons from all clans. I don't even care that she screwed Oblaan himself. All that made me what I am today. Sosfil, outside of that night we met...I am proud to be the son of Feylfil, the Grand Light of the Circle. I am proud to be Filkiin's brother and not because he is the Heir to the Light. Not because he sent Oblaan to the First. Because he is family. We all share the same blood, girl. Don't forget that. That is why Father will not disown you. He could have disowned me that night and he could have disowned Filkiin. And Sahqokrein was welcomed back with open arms. We four are the last whelps of Feylfil. We carry on his line...the line established by the First of the Light."
"Can I ask something?" Sosfil requested.
"Sure," Edward said.
"Hypothetically," she asked, "Would you consider any of my kids for an heir?"
"Personally," Edward said, "No. It's not personal, Sosfil. My heir would either be someone from the Fire Clan, or one of my children. If I had to choose today, it would be Yolstav because she's a full blooded Fire dragon. My CLOSE second would be Callisto due to her being a hybrid like myself.
"However...in 100 years or so, Grand Fire may step down. Or it could be later than that. Only he will know. If you are still alive at that point, I may want advisors from the clans when I uptake his title. I won't promise anything right now...But, if you are patient and still around, I could use you in that role. You'll be in a coveted position. If you are taken by the First, though, I will sing for you.
"Solor, I don't know. He would likely consider Susie as his Heiress seeing that she's the firstborn, technically."
"And my position in the White House?" she asked.
"That's done," Solor said, having ended his conversation, "You'll have to resign, sister. The Circle will eventually re-assign you. Since you're not a soldier, that removes you, Brother.
"And, barring something major happening to Susie, she will be my Heiress."
"I'm fine with that," Edward replied.
"The girls will stay there until the end of the week," Solor reported, "Well, the ones not suspended. Yolstav and Komi will be back tomorrow. We'll have to go in and formally transfer them out on Friday. By then, Mary should know if she can do a sleepover."
"We should meet her parents," Edward said, "I already told Mary about myself. You should have seen the look on her face when I repaired her lunchbox. That blasted bully damaged it in the struggle.
"And, are you sure you want to yank the kids back? Not that it's a big deal, I arranged with the schools in question to allow a leave of absence for Susie, Yolstav and Cally. Well, Rachael got that task done for my girls. Krein and I talked the High School into allowing it as well. They'll all have quite a bit of homework to deal with." He chuckled.
"Don't ever change that good heart, Brother," Solor said with a smirk, "Krein already told me you did that for her. As for pulling them out... the sooner I get Komi home, where she belongs, the better."
"Actually," Edward said, "I will have a gift for Mary when she gets here...On second thought, you get to give it to her. I talked to Control Freak and he gave me a few leads on some good Titan Collectables that are really rare."
"Wait...When are you on good terms with that fat slob?" Solor asked.
"I wouldn't say good friendly terms," Edward said, "Krein is still livid that he accidentally...Never mind, let's just call it civil terms."
"Edward..." Solor said, "What did he do that Kreinyol is still angry at him?"
"Touched her Grebnaks," Edward said, wincing.
"I'LL KILL THE SUMBITCH!" Solor roared.
"Easy, man," Edward soothed, "She put him in the hospital for a week before we could stop her from tearing his arms off. He wants nothing to do with her or the team. Only reason he deals with me is because I saved his miserable hide."
Solor calmed down hearing that news, "So, what did you get for Komi's friend?"
"It took Control Freak a while to locate, but, Mary is getting an extremely rare complete set of Teen Titan Comics that have all of us in them. The set is in pristine condition, the previous owner having taken excellent care of them. Let's just say that what I spent actually set me back a pretty penny," Edward explained, "I also had Alice compile a Blu-Ray set of our adventures caught on video as well as print out a copy of all the comics so she could read them instead of removing the actual comics. You should see the ones after I came here. They did a wonderful job capturing the fights with Oblann's forces as well as Trigon."
"How did the artists do that? Everyone was stone," Solor said.
"They interviewed us after you disappeared," Edward said. "While they knew about your first wedding night from that McGee feller, they were nice enough to not show that. And your memories that Rach, Rave and I saw stayed private. I kept my word as best I could.
"Sosfil, this McGee I mentioned? He's the dolt who outed you to our Japanese friends."
"That is of no relevance, Edward," she replied gently, "The damage is done. I am grateful that you told me, though."
"How did you arrange all this in such a short time?" Solor asked, "It's only been a few days."
Alice said, "Edward's no slouch, Solor. He gave me the mission parameters to find these items for a loyal supporter, and, with Control Freak's invaluable help (Plus sending him several of his favorite meals as payment), the items were found. I wired the collector, who asked to remain anonymous, the funds from Edward's personal funds he transferred from his universe, and the comics will arrive tomorrow morning.
"The team is actually looking forward to her visit. It will go well to re-establish trust with the rest of the country."
"Very true," Solor said, "It was a risk to take."
"Sosfil?" Edward asked, "I am curious for just my self: Did you contact Malchior before Rorek bound him in that book? Whatever you say will not be reported back to the Circle."
"I did contact him," Sosfil admitted, "Looking back, I shouldn't have given him the time of day. He was the one that said I should be the light Heir. If there ever came a time when Oblaan would choose to step down, and Father stepped down at some point, we would put some plans into action. When Solor's egg cracked...everything was ruined. Father had a plan B for his heir. I'm still jealous, Solor, but I will abandon trying to steal your title from you.
"Edward...I'm sorry for all this trouble."
"It is what it is, sister," Edward said, "I am glad that you are taking the first steps already. Solor is offering to cover the damages to the restaurant...But, Solor, I broke the one window. I should at least pay for that someway."
"It's covered, Brother," Solor said, "Give that to Nightwing for Sosfil's staying here."
"He'd like that gesture," Raven said.
Solor, meanwhile, looked to his sister. "I'll introduce you to Komi and Susie when they arrive here. For the time being, though... I'll need to return to Illinois. If you need anything, feel free to ask Alice to send me a message. Alice, Sosfil will be given access to communications, alright?"
"Affirmative", Alice stated. "I've already identified her voice. Same for Wildfire."
"I would go with you," Edward said, "But, we're going to have to go in shifts, I think. Nightwing wasn't pleased. I want my two to stay the night with Kreinyol as well."
"I'll tell them that," Solor said, opening a Tear and stepping through.
