Disclaimer and Author's notes at the end of the story.

Warning! Religious material ahead!

Knowing You

Chapter 6

By Silver Elf Child

Terry rushed around her apartment preparing the twins for the baptism. She had her daughter dressed in her white dress and her diaper bag packed. At the moment she was currently changing her sons diaper when the doorbell rang. "One moment. I'll be right there. Wait!"

Terry quickly finished strapping the tabs of the diaper to the child's waist and put him back into the crib with his sister, before running to answer the door. She unlocked the dead bolt, but left the chain attached to the door. She opened the door a crack and was surprised to see Wildwing standing with his back to the door.

Wildwing heard the door creek open and he quickly turned around. Terry stood on the other side with a surprised look. "Hi, Terry."

"Wildwing? I didn't think you were coming."

Wildwing frowned, "why not?"

"Well, because you never called back. I didn't tell you what time or where the baptism was being held."

Wildwing scratched his head. "Sorry about that. My brother is still having trouble coping with the idea that I have kids."

"Oh."

"Speaking of which, can I see them?"

"Oh sure," Terry stuttered. "They are in the bed room. I was just getting them ready. Come on in."

Wildwing stepped into the tiny apartment and watched Terry close and lock the door behind him. He gave a questioning look at her, but before he could speak she replied, "bad neighborhood. I have to do that all the time."

"Why don't you move?"

"Don't have the money or the time. The twins are in here." Terry pointed ahead of her and started towards the bedroom, but stopped. "Wildwing, I've been thinking about something. You're a star athlete and all, why wasn't there a mad search for you?"

Wing absently scratched at the back of his neck, "um, well Tanya said that they didn't want the media to get involved. We've had a rough time with them and my friends thought that it would be better for my brother if he didn't have to deal with that as well as my loss. Besides they were looking."

"All right, but how did they explain your disappearance to the NHL? I'm an avid hockey fan, as you know, and all that the fans heard was that you were replaced."

"Oh that, they just told them that I decided not to play anymore and that I quit the team."

"Quit?"

"I threatened to do that once, so it was very believable for them. Actually I'm proud of my brother with coming up with the idea. If he hadn't done that the media would have been crawling all over the place. Since we are on the topic of strange thoughts, why didn't you think it strange that I was a duck?"

Terry shrugged and started towards the bedroom again. "I don't know. I figured that you had a very interesting story and I wanted to hear it. When you couldn't remember whom you were I waited patiently for you to remember. Then things kinda went really fast. After your first visit to church you became an avid reader of the Bible, became baptized, you joined the church, and somewhere in there I fell in love with you. I didn't realize it until you asked me to marry you. I have always been taught not to judge another by their appearances, so I didn't. I judged you based on your personality and desire to grow in the word of Christ."

Wildwing followed her, but stopped when he remembered something else. "Terry, I know this might sound weird and everything, but I seem to have lost something."

"What?"

"You see, there is this little trinket I'm suppose to be guarding with my life, and it appears that when I fell during the last battle it went missing."

"Battle?"

"We were fighting this evil Saurian overlord. Don't worry, he's dead. He was trying to take over the world, but we stopped him. That's why we are here on Earth."

"What was this trinket that you lost?"

"Well it's not really a trinket, it's more of a mask. You see, it has special significance on my home planet. It's kind of a relic."

"What's it look like?"

"It's a golden goalie mask. Not the kind humans wear. It looks more like a face plate only ducks can wear."

"Oh when the boy-scout troop found you they found you wearing something like that, but it was white, not gold."

"That's it actually. When it's not activated it looks white. You wouldn't happen by chance to have it, would you?"

"I do. It's in the closet somewhere. You wanted to throw it away."

"What?" Wildwing practically screamed at Terry. His exclamation was soon followed by the piercing wail of a child from the other room.

"You wanted to throw it away, but I wouldn't let you. I liked it, anyway, I'm being paged."

Terry practically flew to the crib and attempted to calm the child.

"Here, let me help you," Wildwing offered. He reached into the crib, but stopped when he saw the child's appearance.

"What's wrong?"

"Nonothing," Wildwing faltered. "I was just expecting her to look like you."

Terry smiled fondly at Wildwing. "Be careful. Support her head."

"I know how to hold a baby," Wildwing replied as he gently laid his daughter against his chest and rested her head on his right shoulder. He took a few steps backward and rocked her back and forth to sooth the colicky baby. To Terry's surprise, Wildwing was able to silent her wailing at his touch. Terry watched Wildwing out of the corner of her eye as she finished dressing their son. As she was finishing packing the second diaper bag, Wildwing stood humming a lullaby that his mother had always sung to calm him to his daughter. The two ducks slowly danced around the room to the soft melody.

"Ready to go?" Terry asked, interrupting Wildwing's whispered symphony.

"Whenever you are. My friends are waiting in the Migrator."

"Migrator?"

"Our vehicle. I figured that we could all take the same car."

"That's a good idea. Here's Anna's car seat."

Wildwing looked up with surprise and gave Terry and awkward look.

"Wildwing, put her in her car seat. What? Don't look at me like that."

"What did you say her name is?"

"Anna."

"That's my mother's name," Wildwing whispered.

Terry smiled. "You knew more about yourself then what you let on."

"Excuse me."

"You named them. No wonder you named her after your mother. Come on let's go."

Terry picked up her son in his car seat and Anna's empty seat. Wildwing insisted on holding their daughter and carrying the diaper bags. Wildwing exited the apartment first and waited for Terry to lock up the apartment. When she was ready they walked side by side to the Migrator, which was waiting by the curb.

Terry cautiously stepped into the massive vehicle and looked around. Duke was in the driver's seat with Tanya next to him. Mallory sat next to Nosedive, who refused to look at Terry. Grin sat in his chair meditating. He opened one eye when he heard Terry and Wildwing enter.

"Okay team, we are ready to go."

"Where to?" Duke asked.

Terry gave Duke the directions to the church and they were off. Wildwing sat in the back with Terry by his side. He now had Anna cradled in the crook of his arm. Wing would smile at her then to Terry, amazed at the little life he held in his arms. Anna gurgled happily and threw open her arms to Wildwing every now and then. He playfully touched the tip of her beak with his index finger before stroking her tiny hands. Anna kicked happily and laughed her approval of the affection. She wrapped her fingers around his finger and held it tight. Wildwing playfully moved her arm back and forth as he mumbled baby gibberish to her. Anna giggled some more and made bubbles with her spit. Wing turned to Terry. "I think we have a hockey player on our hands."

"How so?"

"Have you felt this grip? She's a natural for sure!"

"Oh please," Nosedive grumbled.

Wildwing looked up at his pouting brother and shook his head. He didn't know how to get it into Dive's head that these kids meant a lot to him. Wing turned his attention back to his children when his son reached over and touched Wing's arm. Wing smiled at the boy at his side and he gently stroked his cheek with his finger.

Mallory slapped Dive on his arm. She had been watching Wildwing and his interactions with his daughter closely. She wanted to jump up and rip the tiny duckling from his arms and hold her herself. Of course she wouldn't, but she wanted to.

Tanya would look back at Wildwing every so often and look at the child he held with an expression of deep longing. There was just something about a newborn child, alien or otherwise, that made every female heart melt instantly. The soft noises Mallory made kept drawing Tanya's glances back to the reunited father and children. As with Mallory, Tanya wanted to snatch one of the children away and cradle it in her arms.

Duke was busy driving and he could not look back at his teammates, but he would cast a glance Tanya's way every now and then. He had to smile to himself. Tanya's clasped hands and soft sighing gave away her female feelings toward the ducklings. He didn't know if Grin noticed Tanya's desiring looks, but he was sure that Tanya would make some comment in the near future about wanting her own. *We are going to be swimming with ducklings by the time we get back to Puckworld,* he thought. It wasn't such a bad idea though. The planet needed to be repopulated; besides he would love it all the same to see his friends happily raising families. And he would most likely then not be asked to be an uncle and being an uncle had its advantages. He could have all the fun spoiling them without the responsibilities of having to raise them. *Uncle Duke it has a nice ring to it.*

Grin tried to meditate, but he was having trouble with all the sighing Mallory and Tanya were doing. He looked over at Wildwing and smiled inwardly while on the outside he showed no signs of emotion. He was happy that Wildwing was getting the opportunity to see his children. Grin glanced over to Nosedive and frowned slightly. How could his little buddy have such anger towards two sweet innocent children? They were not the cause of Dive's troubles, his immaturity was. Grin looked over to Tanya and his melancholy mood quickly evaporated. He knew what she was thinking and he liked the idea, but wouldn't his size frighten the children?

*This is so unfair. Why won't Wing pay attention to me? Why should he care for human spawn more then his own cute lovable baby brother?* Dive looked back to Wildwing and he glared at the woman by his side, but his eyes kept falling to the duckling in the car seat. *He is kinda cute. Man, I want to hold one. Wing let me hold one.*

***

Duke parked the oversized vehicle and everyone followed Terry into the church. The entryway was swarming with humans dressed in their best clothing and all dying to see the twins. They were greeted with many smiles, handshakes, and happy praises. Wildwing was astonished by how many people addressed him as Mac' and acted as if they had known him for years. The lights flashed on and off in the lobby signaling the start of service. Terry led the ducks to the last two pews on the far side aisle and sat down. A woman turned around and gave Terry a hug.

"Wildwing, you remember my sister and mother."

Wildwing stared at the two women for a minute before shaking his head no. The woman frowned and looked at Terry. "It's okay mother, he hit his head again. He doesn't remember much."

"I'm surprised he remembers anything with all the times he's hit his head."

"What's that suppose to mean?" Nosedive inquired.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Wildwing's brother."

"Is that what he's calling himself now?"

"Mother stop that!"

"I told you not to marry him. Look where it got you."

"Can we discuss this later mother," Terry hissed between clenched teeth.

"It's always later with you dear," Terry's mother smiled and turned to face the front of the church.

Terry's sister shrugged and sat down as Terry roller her eyes.

Wildwing sat between Terry and Nosedive. Mallory sat on the other side of Dive as the other ducks sat in the pew behind Wildwing.

Anna happily sucked on her toes and watched Nosedive from her perch in her father's arms. Terry leaned over and spoke to Wildwing as Anna reached out to touch Nosedive. Dive jumped and pulled away from her tiny outstretched hands. Wing quickly turned at Dive's sudden movement.

"What's wrong Dive? She have cooties?" Wing laughed.

"She stinks."

"Are you sure it's not me?"

"It's her. When was she changed last?"

"Before we left."

"She needs a new diaper."

"Want to change it?"

"Yeah right!"

Wing laughed and pulled Anna's hands away from his recoiling brother. Wing rubbed the end of his beak against hers affectionately and tickled her belly. Anna burst into mirthful laughter and grabbed Wildwing's bill. He removed her hands and babbled incoherent things to the child he held. She laughed and clapped her hands before grabbing her feet and sucking her toes again. Wing looked up from his daughter when the worship leader spoke into the microphone. "Ladies and Gentleman, boys and girls, dearest friends of Jesus, please stand with me as we open our worship with God of Wonders'.

"Lord of all creation," The band members began to sing as a single guitar player strummed his electrical guitar.

"Of water earth and sky."

"The heavens are your tabernacle."

"Glory to the Lord on high."

The drummer entered when the singers began the chorus: "God of wonders beyond our galaxy."

"You are holy, holy."

"The universe declares your majesty."

"You are holy, holy; Lord of heaven and Earth."

"Lord of Heaven and Earth."

Nosedive rolled his eyes as the band sang the second verse. Wildwing elbowed his little brother in the ribs to remind him to keep quite and to behave. Wing tried to get back to the verse, but he was lost. He waited for the next slid to come up onto the screen with the lyrics to the chorus. The chorus was followed by: "Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and Earth."

Anna reached out and grabbed Nosedive's hair and pulled just as the next line was sung.

"Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and Earth."

"Oww!" Nosedive yelped on Hallelujah.

Wildwing came to Dive's rescue and tried to release his daughters death grip on the golden strands. Mallory jumped into the fray, but no one could save Dive's precious locks that Anna ripped from his head. Dive rubbed the side of his head as Anna happily waved the strands she had plucked from her uncles' head. Wing gave Dive an apologetic look hoping that his brother wouldn't hold a grudge against the tiny tot.

"Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and Earth." The last line was sung at a higher octave and Anna shrieked happily. Her newest possession she waved around like a banner of victory.

The band went back and sang the chorus again and the last verse, but instead of ending on a higher octave they ended on "Hallelujah!"

"It's amazing how no matter how far we wonder, Our Lord is willing to guide our lives back to him," the bandleader said. "Please sing with me Thy Word'." Anna continued to wave her trophy as the band began the second mentioned song. Wildwing swayed to the music, rocking Anna to sleep.

The projector displayed the power point slide up onto the large screens hanging from the ceiling. "This is so lame," Nosedive whispered to Mallory.

"Will you behave?" Wildwing growled.

"But Wing, this is stupid. Why do we have to sit through all this singing and worshiping'."

"Just sing."

The chorus, which started the song, was completed, so they had to sing the first verse.

"When I feel afraid. Think I've lost my way,"

"Still You're there right beside me."

"And nothing will I fear, as long as You are near,"

"Please be near me to the end."

Chorus: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

"Who ever heard of putting a lamp on your feet? That's stupid. Wing these people are crazy."

"Dive, behave!"

"I will not forget, Your love for me, and yet"

"My heart is forever wandering."

"Jesus be my guide, and hold me to Your side,"

"And I will love You to the end."

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

"You're the light unto my path!"

The song ended and the bandleader asked. "Please greet your neighbor, not just where you're standing, but also across the way."

After a minute of greeting other church visitors and members the pastor walked out to the podium to start his sermon. Two Bible passages were read, Acts 8:26-40, and John 15:1-8. The latter passage was the basis for the day's message.

"Let us make our statement of faith as it is printed on the screen: We believe in God the Father, maker of the universe and all that we survey. We believe in Christ the Son our Savior, come to us by virgin birth, and lived the perfect life that I cannot and died to save us, bearing all our sins when he was crucified. He then rose from the dead victorious and ascended to the Father's side, where he pleads for our behalf. We believe in the Holy Spirit who sends gifts of power to His church. We believe in the Holy trinity of true life and salvation."

The congregation sat down and the minister began his sermon. "When the Lord said in John 15, that he was the vine and we will only bear fruit through him he is teaching us to remain in him and he will work his wonders through us. We can do no good without the Lord in our hearts, and we cannot truly live without the Holy Spirit. The Lord will see to all your earthly needs so long as you remain in him. If a man remains in me and I in him; he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.' The Lord will not forsake you. He loves you and wants to share eternity with you in heaven. So stay close to Him by daily repentance, prayer and study of the Word. Amen.

"Jesus Christ so lovingly died for each and everyone of us and all he asks in return if for us to believe in Him and to repent for our sins. Now we will confess our sins to Him." A written speech asking for forgiveness and confessing the congregations many sins was displayed on the screen. When the confession was complete the band stood and began to play How Deep the Father's Love for Us.'

The head guitarist began the piece with the pianist.

"How deep the Fa-ther's love for us, how vast be-yond all meas-ure that He should give His on-ly Son to make a wretch His treas-ure."

"How great the pain of sear-ing loss. The Fa-ther turns his face a-way as wounds which mar the Cho-sen One bring man-y sons to glo-ry."

The drums and base guitar joined the ensemble for the second and third verses.

"Be-hold the Man up-on the cross, my sin up-on his shoul-ders. A-shamed, I hear my mock-ing voice call out a-mong the scof-fers."

"It was my sin that held Him there un-till it was ac-com-lished; His dy-ing breath has brought me life. I know that it is fin-ished."

The flute player joined the band for the third verse as well as the organ.

"I will not boast in an-y-thing; no gifts, no pow'r, no wis-dom. But I will boast in Je-sus Christ: His death and res-ur-rection."

"Why should I gain from His re-ward? I can-not give an an-swer. But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ran-som."

"Why should I gain from His re-ward? I can-not give an an-swer. But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ran-som."

"Are sins are many yet through Jesus are sins are paid for. Rejoice in knowing that all your sins are forgiven. Now we take this time to glorify our God with our offerings."

The pastor turned to the altar and lifted up four gold pans and walked to the middle aisle where two ushers took the pans and passed them down the rows. While the offering plates were being passed down the pews the band stood and played Beloved, Let Us Love One Another'."

Mallory passed the plate to Nosedive, who passed it onto Wing and then Terry. The ducks did not place any money in the tray, because they did not know if it would be appropriate. Terry on the other hand placed a five-dollar bill and passed the plate to the side usher who passed the plate to the ducks in the last pew.

"Don't get any ideas L'Orange," Mallory whispered.

"I wasn't thinking about anything, Mallory, so why don't you knock that chip off your shoulder and let me live my life. I already proved that I gave that life style up."

"Bad habits die hard."

"Like accusing the innocent?" Duke offered.

"Shut up." Mallory turned around and waited for the service to end.

Once all the offerings were gathered the ushers brought the brimming golden plates back up to the pastor, who placed them back on the altar. He turned back to the congregation and led them in prayer, before leading the reciting of the Lord's Prayer.

The band continued to stand as the rest of the church's occupants sat down. The piano player and flutist began to play a sweet melody as the guitar player added a counter melody. The song that they began to play was Knowing You'. The singers began to sing and the flute dropped out for a short time.

"All I once held, built my life up-on, all this world re-veres and wars to own all I once thought gain I have count-ed loss, spent and worthless now com-pared to this"

The flute joined back in for the chorus: "Knowing You, Je-sus, knowing You. There is no great-er thing. You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my right-eous-ness; and I love You, Lord."

The flute dropped out for the second verse when the drums and back up guitar players joined in. "Now my heart's de-sire is to know You more, to be found in You and known as yours, to pos-sess by faith what I could not earn all sur-pass-ing gift of right-eous-ness."

Again the flute player joined in again for the chorus, "Knowing You, Je-sus, knowing You. There is no great-er thing. You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my right-eous-ness; and I love You, Lord."

The third verse all the band members played and sang joyfully. "Oh, to know the pow-r of Your ris-en life, and to know You in Your suf-fer-ing, to be-come like You in Your death, My Lord, so with You to live and nev-er die. Knowing You, Je-sus, knowing You. There is no great-er thing. You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my right-eous-ness; and I love You, Lord."

As the song came to a close Terry signaled Wildwing to stand and follow her. She carried their son and he their daughter up to the baptismal basin with the godparents in tow.

"Today Terry and Wildwing bring their twins before the Lord in holy baptism. The Lord said go and make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'. The Holy Spirit brings each of us to faith, some by baptism and others through his word. The Holy Spirit welcomes these special babes in holy baptism, where as Wildwing was brought to faith through his Word. It is the responsibility of the parents, Wildwing and Terry, to continue to encourage the twins' growth in the Word. Wildwing and Terry, do you promise to teach your children the Word and instruct them in Jesus Christ's teachings, if you are so willing answer we do'.

"We do."

"Now as god parents, Amy and Chris, it is your duty to also see to the children's' growth in the Lord, but also to encourage Wildwing and Terry as parents. If you are so willing answer we do'."

"We do."

"It is not only the parents and god parents who must see to the spiritual well beings of these precious miracles, but also each and every member of this congregation. We must encourage one another, pray for those who are hurting and in need, as well as help our fellow Christians.

"I now place the sign of the cross upon each tiny brow and another upon each heart. May our Lord Jesus Christ keep and protect these infants and the Holy Spirit work his wonders in their hearts. Lord God in heaven I baptize these special babes in the name of the Father (the pastor scooped water into his hand and placed it on each child's forehead in the shape of a cross). And of the Son (again he repeated the motion for each child) and of the Holy Spirit. (He proceeded to do the action one more time before handing Terry and Wildwing each a white cloth to dry the children's heads). May God keep and protect them for all time. Amen."

As Wildwing and Terry made their way back to their seats the worship leader instructed the congregation to rise and join in singing the closing song.

"Every day we are faced with challenges and sometimes they seem to disable us for a time, but with the Lord guiding and protecting us we will never falter. We have all witnessed a miracle today in the baptism of our newest members of this church family. May they find comfort in our gracious Lord Jesus for he is Rock of My Salvation'."

"Though storms of strife as-sail me without warning.

"Though they try to steal my joy a-way.

"I will find rest, in knowing that You have saved me.

"Precious Jesus, Rock of my Salva-tion.

"Though times I stumble

"And fall short of Your standard.

"I rest assured there is love enough for me.

"For I find strength, in knowing You have saved me.

"Precious Jesus, Rock of my Salva-tion.

"Oh my Jesus, Rock of my Salvation.

"Who bore the weight of Calvary's wooden shame

"And cleansed my sin, in the crimson flow of mercy

"Precious Jesus, Rock of my Salvation."

The band broke off into a side bar as the singers paused. The melody took the listeners away and helped every person connect with their savior.

"Though times I stumble

"And fall short of Your standard.

"I rest assured there is love enough for me.

"For I find strength, in knowing You have saved me.

"Precious Jesus, Rock of my Salva-tion.

"Oh my Jesus, Rock of my Salvation.

"Who bore the weight of Calvary's wooden shame.

"And cleansed my sin, in the crimson flow of mercy.

"Precious Jesus, Rock of my Salvation.

"Precious Jesus, Rock of my Salvation.

"Precious Jesus, Rock of my Salvation."

Wildwing cradled Anna in his arms as he sang with the congregation. His heart fluttered and melted like butter when she yawned and pressed her cheek to his chest in an attempt to snuggle closer. He had to laugh. Anna still clutched Dive's hair in her tiny fist and from the looks of it, she was not going to be letting it go for some time.

"Our Lord blesses each and everyone of us with the day he has made. Be joyful and rejoice in it. Go in peace. God goes with us."

"Our walk is not alone," The assembled mass said in unison.

"Please don't be shy come and visit after the service and feel free to give Terry and Wildwing warm blessings for their children. Have a wonderful Sunday."

The church's occupants filed out of the room and milled around in the lobby. Terry quickly swept Wing away from the barricade of people and to the reception hall, where members of the church greeted them. As Wildwing stood with Terry greeting the members, Nosedive stood next to Mallory and Duke in the back of the hall. Tanya and Grin were busy trying to find a table for everyone to sit at and enjoy the ensuing meal.

"This is soooo lame."

"Nosedive, you promised to behave," Mallory scolded.

"Yeah, well I lied."

"Don't start."

"I thought she only wanted Wing to come to the baptism? It's over, we should be going home now."

"This is part of it."

"I want to go home."

"Kid, just make the best of this and stay quiet. We don't want to hear any more complaining, besides its better if we don't make a scene."

"Hello."

The duck trio turned to find the Pastor behind them, wearing a bright smile on his face.

"Hello."

"Hi."

"Morning."

"You must be Mac's friends."

"His name is Wildwing!" Nosedive said obstinately.

"That's right, I keep forgetting. I hope I said it right in the service."

"You did," Mallory comforted.

"To tell you the truth, I was surprised to see him here today. After what Terry told me about him leaving and all."

"That's our fault," Duke interjected.

"I'm glad he's here. I know that he's leaving to go back to your home. It truly is a shame. He's one of the most devoted men I've met in a long time. He was so looking forward to being a father too."

"He's a great dad!" Nosedive said proudly.

"Yes, he is, and he's an even better husband. Terry was very fortunate to find him. If you'll excuse me, I'm needed for a few pictures."

The Pastor left Duke, Mallory and Nosedive to their own thoughts. Dive was not expecting the feelings of remorse or the deep sadness that washed over him. He looked up and saw Terry at the punch bowl holding her son and struggling to pour a drink.

"Need some help?"

Terry jumped at the voice and backed cautiously away from the blond duck.

"Here let me pour you a drink," Dive offered.

"Thank you."

"No problem so how are you?"

"I'm fine."

"That's good."

The baby began to get fussy and Terry sat her drink down to calm him.

"Can I hold him?"

Terry inspected Dive's sincere face. He didn't appear to be concealing any malice toward her or the child, so she let him hold his nephew. "That's it, support his head."

"He's cute."

"He gets that from his father."

"Wing?" Dive scoffed. "No way! I was much cuter as a duckling then Wing. My mom use to tell me that I had all the ladies eating out of my hands where ever we went."

"You must be the charmer then?"

"You could say that," Dive shrugged, being modest. "What's his name?"

"Nosedive."

Dive gave Terry a confused look.

"I know," she laughed. "Strange, but Wildwing insisted. He said that he'd grow into it."

"No, that's not it."

"What's not it?"

"It's not strange."

"Then why are you perplexed?"

"That's my name," Dive whispered. "Wing remembered my name."

"And your mother's."

"Huh?"

"Anna, that's the name he gave to our daughter. Isn't that your mother's name?"

"Yes."

"I knew his old memory would come back some time, but we never really realized it until now."

"Too bad he can't remember you."

Terry fought back the emotions. "He may in time. If God so wills it."

"Humans are strange, all this talk of God gives me the creeps."

"Don't you have religion on your planet?"

"Yeah, but"

"What are you doing?" Wildwing barked.

"Huh?"

"I told you to stay away from Terry and the kids."

"But, Wing."

"No buts Dive, stay away."

"But"

"Wildwing," Terry said softly.

"What?!"

"Let him hold his nephew."

"That's okay. Here, I wouldn't want to get blamed for anything. After all, I'm already convicted of an uncommitted crime." Nosedive handed his mini self to Terry before going outside. How could he make Wildwing realize that he understood what he was going through?

***

"Wildwing, what are you doing?"

"Keeping my brother away from you and the kids."

"No you're not."

"Yes I am. He told me last night that he wanted to kill the twins."

Terry gasped.

"Yes, kill them. I made him promise not to come near them or you. He broke that promise."

"Wildwing, I don't think he meant it."

"Of course he meant it! He's jealous."

"You should have seen how his face lit up when I told him that his nephew was named after him."

"What?"

"Don't you remember? You named our children, Anna Wind Shear Slugger, and Nosedive George Slugger. I guess its Flashblade now, huh?"

"What was I thinking?!" Wildwing said as he slapped his forehead.

"That's what I said."

"I just told my brother off without listening to his side of the story. I'm a fool. Everything I've done as of late has turned into a total disaster."

"Wildwing."

"I've got to go talk with him."

"Give me Anna."

"But you've got"

"I have two arms, besides I'm sure either Mallory or Tanya would want to hold either one of these angels. They have been sending me looks of longing all day."

Wildwing smiled, handed Anna to Terry, and left to find Nosedive.

***

Wing found Nosedive pacing back and forth in front of the Migrator. He cleared his throat as he calmly approached to get Nosedive's attention.

"What do you want? Did he loose a hair or a feather, and now you want to extract it from my hide?"

"Dive, I'm sorry. I over reacted."

"I'll say," Dive scoffed.

"I have to look our for them. They need someone to protect them."

"I know, Wing."

Wildwing smiled. "So, what do you think of his name?"

Nosedive's face lit up. "It's the coolest name on the planet."

"I thought so too."

The Flashblade brother's embraced, waiting for the other to break the dreadful silence.

"Dive?"

"Yeah, Wing."

"I know you want to go home, but I would really like to spend the rest of the day with my kids. If that's all right with you?"

"Yeah, sure."

***

Wildwing was dropped off with Terry and the twins at her apartment. She needed to run a few errands and left Wildwing with the twins. He locked the door after she left, remembering her warning about being in the bad part of town, even though it looked nice enough, and turned on his heals to go play with the twins. He peered into the crib Tanya had brought and found the twins asleep. "Great, I plan to spend the day with my kids and they're asleep. Now what?"

The tiny apartment did not have much to offer in terms of space to work out let alone to stretch. Terry didn't have a computer, so he couldn't surf the web. She did have a small TV and VCR though. Wildwing sat on the couch and turned the TV on. Being a couch potato was better then doing nothing. To his amazement the tiny television could not receive any channels. Why the heck would anyone have a television set that didn't work? Wing stood up and paced the miniature apartment. The time seemed to drag on slowly. He looked in the corner and found a stack of videotapes. *Why would she have videotapes if her TV doesn't work?* he pondered.

He knelt in front of the stack and read the labels of each tape. Transformers', Beast Wars', Batman', Spiderman', Kingdom Chums', Veggie tales', Everyday life', Wedding', South Pacific', The King and I', Mulan'. *She has got to be the strangest human I've ever met. No wait, Thrash and Mookie are the strangest. She's a close third though.* Wildwing picked Everyday life' from the stack and popped it into the VCR. He was amazed that it worked and that the TV displayed the images and sounds.

The picture was bouncing around and it took a few seconds for Wildwing to realize that it was a home video. "Here's our new home," came his voice from the movie. "Here's the closet living room kitchen bathroom and last but not least the bed room." Wildwing heard the excitement in his voice as he mentioned the last room. He suddenly felt his face get hot and livid with color. What was he thinking when he made this video?! What possessed him to say something like that and in that way?!

"This will be great," he went on to say to the camera. "Terry will get a kick out of this." Mac was lighting a pathway of candles to the bedroom and the camcorder caught every action. "Uh oh, here she comes."

He quickly turned out the lights, but left the candles burning as he ran to hide. The sound of the door unlocking was heard and Terry's keys jingling as she closed and locked the door.

"Mac, are you home what's this? Mac? Are you trying to get us kicked out?!"

The camera spied Terry following the trail of candles to the bedroom, extinguishing them as she went. "Mac, where are you?" she called from the bedroom.

Mac continued to lay on the couch with the camera rolling waiting for her return.

"Mac?" Terry emerged from the bedroom, extremely perturbed. She stood in the doorway to the hall, stationed between the bedroom and bathroom, with her hands on her hips. "There you are, what are you doing?"

The camera panned from Terry to a candle on the TV stand. Mac lit the candle and blew out the match. "Setting the mood."

"Your impossible."

The camera continued to roll as the two became enveloped in a passionate kiss. (And that was as far as it went kiddos. Geesh, do you really think I'm that sick?! Yeah right, I do have morals!)

Wildwing quickly fast-forwarded the tape, but it was unnecessary for the scene quickly ended and a new one popped up onto the monitor. Wing pushed play and watched the scene unfold. Terry was standing in the kitchen making something to eat at the stove.

"That smells good. Whatcha cookin' good lookin'?"

Wildwing rolled his eyes at his stupid comment.

"Making breakfast."

"What are you breaking fast?"

Wildwing groaned.

"You and your stupid puns."

"Puns or buns?"

"Does it matter?" Terry asked as she turned to hug him.

Wildwing figured the picture was not picking up the entire encounter and he was glad.

"How are you feeling today?"

"Better."

"You don't have the need to expel your internals?"

"Not at the moment."

The scene ended and a new one began. Terry was sitting on the couch with her feet up, rubbing her small belly.

"How's our beautiful mother doing today?"

"Relaxing."

"As she should be."

The camera moved and changed hands. Terry was now filming Mac.

"How's the daddy to be?"

"Ready to go. How long until you have our bundle of joy?"

"Five more months."

"This is going to be one long pregnancy."

"Come here silly."

The picture on the television screen depicted Mac as a caring loving husband and father. He knelt down on the couch and laid his head on Terry's stomach. He spoke soft, kind words to the belly and rubbed it affectionately.

Wildwing couldn't help but wipe away the tears. That was him, no doubt about it, but he couldn't remember. The actions seemed familiar, but foreign at the same time. This was all so confusing. Why was life so hard?

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. He quickly turned the videotape off to go and see who it was. A clean-shaven man in a white suit, brown hair, and sparking eyes stood waiting outside with a large smile on his lips.

"Can I help you?"

"Well bless my soul, Mac, You look great!" he drawled enthusiastically.

"Excuse me?"

The gentleman pushed his way past Wildwing and into the apartment. "It's been a long time old friend. You never write, or call any more. I'd begun to think you were's dead."

"Who are you?"

"What?! You don't member me, Mac? You don't know how much that hurts. But no matter, you'll remember shortly. The Bible says to the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'."

"What?"

"Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs forever. So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

"I'm afraid I don't follow."

"Mac, you are a numb noodle. Don't you ever listen?!"

"Who are you?"

"Jesus died for you and all he asks is for you to believe in him."

"I don't want to be rude, but you have to leave. I don't know you and I'm sure Terry wont like a stranger in her home."

"You're here."

"I'm her husband."

"Memories coming back, eh?"

"What?"

"Now this is what the Lord always told me about. Aren't they precious?" The man drawled as he leaned over the crib railing to tickle the babies.

"That's enough! You are leaving now!"

"Now, Mac, is that any way to treat an old friend?"

"I don't know you!"

"Of course you do, I'm Bubba, your roommate from the hospital."

"What hospital?"

"Geesh, you have lost your marbles."

"Terry will be back soon. Please leave," Wing growled.

"Terry, what a doll. I sure would like to see her again. Do you remember how you once told me that God had sent you an angel?"

"No."

"You were so convinced that Terry was that angel," Bubba laughed. "But she wasn't. As a matter of fact it was her angel that found you and decided to help you both. I must have been crazy to have taken on THAT job."

"Excuse me?"

"But now God has sent you an angel. He wants you to know that you must make the correct decision. Do not get caught up with your emotions. There are four people counting on you to make the right choice here."

"What is the right choice?"

"Only you can answer that."

"How can I? I'm so confused."

"Pray."

"Pray?"

"He knows what you must do. Trust in Him and the truth will se you free'."

"I'm lost," Wildwing confessed.

"It's simple. God is watching over you. He sent me to keep you from going astray. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.' He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young'."

"You are one strange human."

"Angel actually, but who's counting? I'd best be going. An angel's job is never done. See ya."

The figure before him disappeared in a glimmer of sparkling radiant light. Wildwing shook his head, rubbed his eyes and looked at the vacant spot. Tiny speckles of flashing pixy dust flittered to the floor and popped on contact. Once the brilliant shower had dissipated, Wildwing quickly checked on his children. They were both asleep and unharmed by the pyrotechnics. Wildwing sighed before sitting on the couch to contemplate his recent encounter with his imaginary friend'. Something didn't add up. He looked around the room and found a Bible on the TV stand. He didn't know if he could handle any more of the video so he picked up the Bible and flipped through the pages. He stopped in the book of Psalm and read the first chapter he found. Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Though it's waters roar and foam and the mountains with their surging'

"Call on me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver you," Wildwing whispered as he closed the book, bowed his head and prayed for help.

***

Terry came home to find Wildwing asleep on the couch and the twins awake. "Fantastic! I left my children in the care of a good for nothing dead beat."


Anna threw out her arms and cried out happily as her mother bent down to pick her up. Terry fed the children and waited till the ducks came to pick Wildwing up.

Wing awoke an hour later to find Terry playing with the twins on the floor.

"Sleep well?"

Wildwing wiped the sleep from his eyes and nodded. "What time is it?"

"Six o'clock."

"The others will be here in a couple of hours."

"Did you enjoy your day with the kids?"

"How could I, they slept the entire time."

"So you took a nap with them."

"No. I just had a rough day. I've been trying to remember us."

"Don't rush it. It will come back in time, if"

"God so wills it. Yeah, yeah, I know. You have a bad habit of saying that."

"Yeah, I do." Terry admitted as she wrinkled her nose.

Wildwing laughed. "Have I ever told you how cute you look with that look on your face?"

"Oh, Mac," Terry said gaily, throwing her head back.

"Wildwing," Wing reminded.

"Wing, do you remember anything?"

"Well maybe a little. I vaguely remember a garden encircled by rose bushes. There was a tree in the center and a carpet of green grass."

"That's at the hospital."

"I remember our wedding. The feeling of apprehension and our dance. We danced to The Prayer'."

"Yes."

"I remember I remember it all!"

"It all?"

"Yes, everything Terry, do you know what this means?!" Wildwing exclaimed, jumping to his feet.

"No."

"I remember. I know everything I forgot."

"That's great! but what does that get us?"

"I don't know, maybe if I am given enough time I could come up with"

Wildwing was interrupted by a knock at the door. Terry answered the door and let the Mighty Ducks in.

"Hey Wing!"

"Dive! You're early."

"Yeah, well I wanted to see the babies," Nosedive smiled as he reached into the crib and came out with baby Nosedive.

"Dive, support his head."

"I got it, Wing. Don't worry."

"But I do."

Nosedive frowned at his older brother before turning his attention back to the child in his arms. Mallory stood behind Dive affectionately petting the baby's head.

"I'm not going back to Puckworld."

"What?!" Dive looked up in surprise.

"I can't, Dive." Wildwing went to Dive's side. "I have responsibilities to fulfill. I remember everything during those two years and I can't leave them."

"But, Wing"

"Dive, look at him."

Nosedive looked at the babe he held.

"Would you be able to leave him fatherless? Could you abandon him when he needed you most? I know I missed some important things Dive, but you missed some of the same things in my life too. You're an adult Dive; you don't need me to watch over you anymore. Besides, I'm sure Mal can keep you in order."

Nosedive looked from baby Nosedive, to Mallory, to Wing, then back down at baby Dive. "You're right. You always were."

"Thanks, Dive."

Wildwing said his good-byes to his teammates before saying goodbye to Nosedive.

"Wildwing, I know why you chose to stay, but it hurts to loose you again."

"Change always hurts. I desire to see home again and mom and dad, but I can't. Besides you're not loosing me entirely, I'll come and visit when the kids get older. That way mom and dad get to meet their grandkids. When you get home tell them I'm sorry and that I love them."

"I will."

"Goodbye, Dive."

"Bye, Wing."

***

Dive sulked in the back of the aerowing. Mallory sat next to him attempting to console him. "Dive, I know parting with those we love is painful."

"And it intensifies when you think that we'll never see each other again."

"Oh we may see him again, Dive. Never give up that thought."

"Thanks Mal."

***

Bubba smiled mischievously from the tree branch he was perched on outside of Terry's apartment. He had been waiting for the Mighty Ducks to leave so he could spring another surprise on Wildwing and Terry.

"Wildwing, what changed your mind?"

"Let's just say my prayers were answered in a small way." Wing sniffled and turned to wipe a tear that had been forming in his eye.

"Why, Wing? Why didn't you just take them with you back to Puckworld? Why didn't you take me with you?"

"You belong here on earth. I can fit in here, but you would never fit in on Puckworld. Besides, I play for the Mighty Ducks. I have a great job and I can provide for you here. I can't guarantee that on Puckworld."

"Oh Wildwing." Terry fell into Wing's arms and he held her close. He ran his fingers through her hair as he inhaled its fragrance. Somehow it reminded him of home.

Bubba chuckled softly and watched the couple reunite happily. He would just have to let them have some time to get reacquainted before he reintroduced himself to the pair.

"Clancy what is taking so long?"

"Sorry, God sir, but I thought that it was best if they *cough*, you know, got reacquainted," Bubba said without his country accent.

"Clancy you are impossible."

"Hey you're the one who instituted marriage. It's only natural."

"For two ducks, not a human and a duck!"

"Sure, sure, but I thought you said"Bubba raised an eyebrow in puzzlement

"Terry is not a human, yes. She is a Puckworlder just like Wildwing, just, how should I put it in terms for your hillbilly nature to understand? She's disguised."

"Talk about pulling the wool over their eyes. Doesn't she know?"

"Of course she does. She's not ignorant. Now get going and finish your job!"

"Yes sir. Right away, God sir."

***

Wildwing awoke with Terry, in her Puckworlder form, in his arms. He smiled softly and gently stroked her cheek. Now that he had all the answers to his questions he knew what he had to do. "Thanks Bubba," Wing whispered to the quiet room. "And thank you God. Thank you for everything."


The End.

Disclaimer: Disney owns the Mighty Ducks and all related characters. I own this idea and all additional characters (besides God, who owns me.) God of Wonders belongs to Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong. Thy Word belongs to its writer. How Deep the Father's Love for Us is by Stuart Townend. Beloved, Let us Love One Another is by William Dailey. Knowing You, which this story was inspired by, is by Graham Kendrick. And last but not least, Rock of My Salvation is by Brent Helming. Oh yeah and The Prayer' is by Gosh Grobin. All mentioned videotapes belong to their respective owners, such as Disney and Hasbro, etc.

A/N: I hope this story cleared up some of the loopholes I left open till now. Thank you to all whom reviewed and read, esp. to Lily C. Thank you for your honest opinion and constructive criticism.

I would like to take this time to thank the Apostles Lutheran Church's Worship team: Andrew, Nate, Jodi, Debbie, Andy, Steve, Chris, Jordan, Dave, Marc, Jamie, Everand, and anyone else I happened to leave out for allowing me to join in the music and praise. Thanks for the music which I *ahem* commandeered for this project. It was only after hearing the song Knowing You' that I was inspired to write this. Soon after that the worship team let me join in the fun and play for the band. The services mentioned in the story were also commandeered from worship services of Pastor Kronebusch and Pastor Hein in respective order, but not taken word for word. I'm terrible at memorizing speaches besides I find paraphrasing works better and is shorter.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. {Proverbs 3: 5-6}

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. {Psalm 37: 3-5}

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. {Psalm 84: 11-12}

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. {John 12: 46}

Once again thank you for reading. May God Bless you and Keep you. May His face shine upon you and grant you His peace.

Smile, Live, Laugh, Love and God Bless

Elfy.