Authors Note: I'll just save my profuse apologies, because I know you'll probably curse my name all the same.

Chapter -:Fourteen:-

Gift Ceremony

"Feel free to mingle for a little while, I guess. Then we'll be off to the second, and last ceremony," Echo announced.

The flock shared a look, but I shrugged it off. I honestly had no idea. Besides, the ocean below was calming a bit, and the wind had all but disappeared. The grass was beginning to brown, too. The fire ring had ceased a while ago.

"Ooh! Look! Fishies!" Nudge shouted in awe, suspended dangerously at the cliff face. She was hanging off up to her shoulders, peering down at the muggy gray water.

"Those fish are probably contaminated," I replied.

"No they're not! The water isn't the prettiest, but it's not toxic. I would know, after all. I think I'm going to go and talk to them. They have really good ears you know. They heard you! You should apologize, Max," Nudge insisted, glaring at me.

"Uh . . . sorry?"

She sniffed, turning her head away haughtily. "Now Iggy, if you don't mind making some stairs out of all this rock, I'd really appreciate it. There aren't any slits in this dress for me to get my wings out, so I can't fly down, which is really weird because I'm used to doing that anywa-"

"Yeah, I got it," he said in exhaustion, motioning towards the cliff. His eyes glowed green, and the ground began to shudder. After a few jerks that almost sent me tumbling onto the dirt, there was a rough, steep set of stairs down the side of the mountain.

"Be careful," I warned her.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever." she waved me off with a grin.

I rolled my eyes. What an attitude.

"Um . . . I think I'll join you," Iggy said hurriedly, glancing between Fang and I. He scurried off behind her, almost slipping in the process. He righted himself with a smile, giving me a thumbs up. There was more eye rolling on my behalf.

For a few minutes after that nothing breached the silence between Fang and I. The others had gone off to prepare for the next ceremony, I suppose. Either way, I was glad to not have an audience any longer. I'm sure by now my discomfort in this dress was showing.

"You look amazing," Fang said, coming up behind me.

"Thanks," I murmured. "I can't wait to get out of this dress, though."

He raised an eyebrow. Typical Fang.

"You know I hate the things," I answered to his silent question reproachfully.

"I guess it doesn't much matter. You look good in anything."

I rolled my eyes, smiling lightly at him. A corner of his mouth twitched up slightly too, making my grin wider. His dark, depth less eyes were locked with mine, and a whole conversation passed between us just like that.

He came closer, making my heart skip a beat. Even now, after all this time, such proximity drove me crazy. He brushed a fallen curl out of my eyes, keeping his hand on my cheek. I couldn't say I minded.

With exaggerated slowness he bent down and pressed his lips to my forehead. I placed my palm over his, keeping his hand trapped there. With the other I pulled his head down further. It was a short kiss; sweet and simple, but it still left me breathless. He left me breathless.

We just stood then, watching the sunset, wrapped in each others arms. My head was on his chest, and I listened to the soft, reassuring beat of his heart. He rubbed my back, the spot right between my wings, which was a little piece of heaven all in itself.

I love you, I whispered in my mind, letting the thought flow out so that he could hear.

He chuckled, kissing me lightly on the cheek. "I love you too."

"Forever?" I asked, not daring to look at his face.

He moved his lips to my ear and whispered, "Forever. Always."

I sighed in content, perfectly happy to freeze time right at that moment and stay in that memory until I died. Unfortunately, reality wasn't having any of that, because not a moment later Nudge and Iggy came bounding back up from their ocean escapade, and Arianna appeared as well.

I groaned, stepping out of Fang's embrace. He kept one hand firmly around my waist though.

"Alright everybody. It's time . . . again," Arianna said with a laugh, motioning for us to follow her.

We traveled in a group the opposite way we had come, traversing across slightly rocky land. After a minute or two though, we came out onto a well worn path. The dirt was relatively smooth here, making it easier to walk in the slipper-like shoes they had me in. I couldn't wait to get my combat boots on, or even my sneakers. Something with a strong sole, unlike this flimsy material that allowed me to feel the smallest object.

As we rounded a corner a small hut came in sight. It's roof was almost collapsed, and the wood structure was leaning dangerously. Vines overwhelmed its sides, and weeds grew in abundance at its base. Obviously, no one had been here in a long time.

"It's a little rundown, but it serves its purpose well enough," Arianna explained. "If you'll just squeeze inside, Blaze will tell you what to do, and I'll follow right after."

I ducked my head as I passed the threshold, coughing at the thick coating of dust I stirred as I went. I rubbed my watery eyes, glancing around. The inside was completely bare. Not a table or chair in sight. Blaze was standing in the corner, beside a small fireplace. It was only about two and a half feet tall, and the same width. There were ancient remains of ashes coating its bottom.

"Step on up!" he announced like a carnival worker. "Dare to take a handful of powder and watch wonders."

"Floo Network?" I asked doubtfully, raising an eyebrow.

"Awe, come on Max! You suck the fun out of everything," Blaze whined, shoving a bag into my hand. I reached in and pinched a small amount of Floo Powder.

"You're telling me this'll actually work?"

"Well duh. Echo and Winnie have already passed through," he replied.

"How is this shack connected to the Network?" I questioned incredulously.

"I don't know. Ask someone with authority over such things. It just is, alright? Now hurry up! You're wasting precious daylight." He shoved me forwards, taking the bag from my hand as he went.

"Fine," I grumbled, tossing the powder in. Emerald flames erupted instantaneously, glowing brightly in the dim light. "Where to?"

He told me.

"Uh . . . Celebration of the gods, Coventry, Rhode Island," I said uncertainly, stepping cautiously into the flames. I had to crouch really low, but I finally made it in. There was a sharp jerk in my stomach, and I was out an entirely different fireplace, this one tall enough for me to fit through. I stumbled, and strong arms caught me.

"Welcome," Winnie said brightly, clapping as Echo righted me.

"Thanks," I muttered, brushing myself off.

After a few seconds Fang popped through, nearly knocking me over a second time. He apologized, shaking his hair out. Nudge came next, then Iggy. Blaze practically somersaulted out when he came, and Arianna landed lightly, like she had some serious experience with such things.

"Where are we?" I demanded. "No, rephrase that. Why are we here, in the United States, at some whacked up festival . . . which I don't see, by the way."

"That's because it's outside," Winnie explained, her doe eyes even wider than usual. "I can't tell you why the event is being held here . . . The committee decides that. We have no influence."

"And who's the committee?" I demanded.

"That would be me," an airy, familiar voice said gleefully from the doorway.

"Daphne!" I exclaimed, my eyes bugging out.

"It's a pleasure to meet with you again, Max!" She grinned at me. She looked the same as the last time. Perfect features, perfect golden curls, perfect likeness to two certain flock members. "We can chat later, though. Right now, you've got to accept a few gifts!"

"Gifts?" I asked in confusion.

"Of course silly! Now come on. Everyone's waiting for you four." She clasped my hand in hers, dragging me outside. I looked behind my shoulder to see the flock staring after us in confusion. I motioned for them to follow and they hurried after, the others close behind.

Outside things were raging. There were large tents and brightly colored flags waving in the wind. People were everywhere, dressed in an array of attire. They were laughing and talking with each other all the same. As our group paraded through their midst, they scurried out of our way to create a large aisle for us to walk down. It led to a makeshift stage, where four throne-like chairs awaited us.

"Cool," I heard Iggy mutter under his breath.

This couldn't seriously be what Rhode Island looked like. I hadn't ever been there, technically . . . It was probably just magic, though.

Daphne led us up the steps, motioning for us to remain standing. We did obediently (She must have been a miracle worker), staring out warily at the now dead silent crowd. You could have heard a pin drop in the quiet, I was sure of it. Beside me Iggy made soft hooting noises under his breath. I glared at him, but he just shook his head and pointed at the top of the chair he was standing in front of. I glanced up to see Thor perched there, blinking at me. We hadn't seen him in awhile. I kind of figured he had run . . . or rather flown, away.

"Attention all angels and god-serving mortals," Daphne shouted, although she already had everybody's devoted attention. "Standing here, are the newest members to our family. As with all others, in order to welcome them properly, we will hold a gift ceremony to show them our appreciation."

She seemed more excited than anyone else.

"So let us begin!" she cried, clapping her hands together ecstatically.

The crowd parted to allow a tall, broad shouldered man through. His features were grizzly, and his hands were seriously meaty. I was kind of intimidated. He had a long black box in his hand, which he carried gingerly. He mounted the steps, stopping to kneel in front of Iggy. Despite that, he still almost came to my shoulders.

"Iggy, The All-Hearing," he began, and his voice rumbled to the farthest corners of the field we were in. "To whisper your secrets when he is near would be foolhardy at the most, and a suicide if dangerous are your thoughts. I present thee with this gift from the gods. A ferocious tool, the sword created to dispel any being. Made from every metal known, and unknown to man; at your side during any battle it shall be."

Iggy grinned like a fool as the brawny man lifted the lid, revealing the sparkling deathtrap inside, already sheathed. The hilt appeared to be made from solid shale, glistening darkly with splinters of jade and silver throughout. Iggy reached in hesitantly, picking it up. His eyes glazed over as he unsheathed the sword, drawing it out slowly. The crowd gasped at exactly the right moment, just as in awe as the rest of us.

"Thank you," Iggy whispered, running a hesitant hand along the flat of the blade. He put it back in place with a smile, strapping the belt around his waist. He took his seat as Daphne instructed.

As the first man left, another approached, this time taking his place in front of Nudge. He knelt, his head bent.

"Nudge, The Redeemer. Though she wishes to avoid a fight at all costs, do not be fooled; for her bark is pale in comparison to her bite. I present thee with this gift from the gods. A powerful Trident, which you can never misplace; for no matter what you do, she shall always return to you."

Nudge grasped the hilt gratefully, grinning like I had never seen before. "Sooo cool! This is freaking awesome! Thank you so, so much! I-"

"Just sit down now Nudge," I muttered, giving her a look.

"Oh, right," she said, smiling sheepishly. "Thanks again."

The next chap who came had what looked like a jewelery box in his hand. I felt kind of bad when he stopped in front of Fang, but with how good they were doing on gifts so far, I knew this couldn't be that bad.

"Fang, The Shadow. He who is wise beyond his years; bringing conquest to those who have brought their fate upon themselves. I present thee with a gift from the gods. A deadly weapon, the only sort of its kind in existence. The Ring of Wonders shall transform into any weapon you so wish."

Now even though it was a ring, and Fang wasn't the jewelry wearing type, even he had to admit that that was wicked cool.

"Yeah . . . thanks," he muttered, slipping it on cautiously. It wasn't flashy or anything. Just a small, black, glittering stone with a black band that matched. You hardly noticed it was there. When he sat down he resumed twisting it around his finger, staring straight at me with a dark intensity.

I was really excited by this point. I mean, I was really digging the speeches, and I couldn't wait to find out what my gift was. It may seem kind of selfish . . . but regardless, I was barely containing my excitement.

"Maximum, The Enforcer. The Hermes of pain, she delivers what is deserved. I present thee with a gift from the gods. I mighty phoenix, fire-bird of the loyal. Forever more shall you bear this weapon, and from this day you shall never be alone."

I gasped when a whirling bullet of flames shot down from the heavens, landing lightly on my outstretched arm. I gaped as the bird stared me straight in the eye, cawing slightly. It was like it already knew me . . . already trusted me completely.

"Thank you," I said simply, not being able to sum up any more words to describe how I was feeling.

And so we sat on our thrones, feeling like kings and queens for the rest of the night. Festivities reigned as night fell, and even then people just lit lamps, and the dark brightened once more.

Authors Note: I know it sucks. It was written awhile ago. The next one is, too. You'll have to bear with me and my slow updates on this story . . .

Which brings me to my next point. After I finished The Hostile Encounters, I planned on completing this. Now that I've got all those chapters written, I tried to go back and write for this . . . It didn't work out so well. I don't want to discontinue the story because of lack of enthusiasm, but in all honesty I dread having to focus on this when I have so many other story ideas I want to do.

So I need your opinion. Would you rather I;

A) Put this story on hold until I feel comfortable in returning to it,

Or B) Continue even though my writing will be extremely crappy and the chapter's most likely rushed and short?

Your choice. I have another chapter already finished from forever ago, which I'll post regardless of your responses, but after that it will be up to you as the readers.