Disclaimer: The characters of Glee belong to Fox (as created by Ian Brennan). The characters of the Flash and Supergirl belong to the CW/DC Comics (and also to its creators Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert for the Flash, and Supergirl created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino). The characters of Star Trek belong to Paramount. The characters of the Four Orders are entirely my own.
AU:Glee/Supergirl/The Flash/TNG: Everything changes when a mysterious man appears in Lima, Ohio claiming the Penance is over for some of its members and it is time to leave. While they resist initially the mysterious man is adamant and discovering who they are they leave that life behind.
Penance Path
Millie Rose was at home waiting for her daughter Marley to return from school where she's a star performer in the Glee club. She was so proud of her accomplishments in recent months but there was a moment of dread for her.
It came when a gun was fired at the school. She had been so scared for her daughter at that time. She had seen her phone ring but couldn't reach it. But there was also another reason she had dreaded this occurrence. She had been afraid it would trigger her in a different way.
All her life, Millie had strived to provide for her daughter but she had come to her with a price and she was not ready to pay it now all these years later. At the time she was desperate to have a daughter and Marley's father was not of the good kind.
He was not patient but definitely wanted a child. They had been trying for a long time but to no avail and then one day a mysterious man had appeared to her. He told her he would grant her wish but that in it carried a price. Millie accepted the offering hoping the man would never come to collect. Marley's father however was disappointed of not having a son and left them.
The reason she feared the situation with the gun was what the mysterious man had told her about her daughter – that any potentially dangerous and emotionally cracking situation could trigger her awakening. Fortunately that did not happen and she had been very happy.
Now a year later, she was sitting at home waiting for her daughter to return from school and tell her amazing stories of what the Glee club has been up to. It was never dull with the bursting of hormones teenagers along with the ride of having a boyfriend. And despite that she liked him she knew his kind. Marley had always fallen for the bad boys.
There was a stern knock on the door that took Millie away from her thoughts. It was not Marley as she had a key. She walked to the door and opened it. Her good mood evaporated on the spot and the dread took it over.
In the door frame stood the mysterious man. She noticed he had not changed since the day she met him. She envied his lack of aging.
"May I come in?" He asked ever so politely.
Millie only nodded and stood aside letting him in. A part of her did not want to do so but keeping him out will not make the dread go away. She remembered back in the day he had been quite persistent.
"May I offer you something to drink?" She asked.
The man looked around with interest and curiosity of a child. His eyes scanned the surroundings with a tight focused gaze.
"Tea will do." He replied.
She went to the kitchen to make it while he continued to study her home. She felt slightly uncomfortable while he did it. It was a humble home. It was not flashy or fancy as she remembered that the man was used to a certain style of life. The first time she visited him her jaw had been nailed to the floor. But the reason she had accepted his offer was because despite the living style he did not act it.
"Sugar?" She asked.
"No but milk, I will not refuse."
Milk? Who drinks tea with Milk? It must be some British crazy notion. But she abided and poured some milk and presented the tea in the living room where the man had already sat and waited patiently.
She sat down too. The man remained quiet until she realized he was waiting for something that become apparent to her when he motioned at his cup and then at her. She got up and got to get herself a cup of coffee. She returned then to her seat and waited for him.
He lifted his cup and enjoyed the simmer of it. He inhaled the aroma though diluted by the milk and sipped. And for a moment she thought he would spat it out but he swallowed and placed it back on the small glass table before him.
His eyes then fixed her with a studying gaze. She felt very uncomfortable under it. She looked away but he continued to observe her until a smile appeared on his face.
"You have done well, Millie Rose." He said after a while. "You have given her a home when she needed one and I am grateful for that."
"But?" She asked unable to control her voice as it stuttered the question.
He did not reply right away. His gaze still studied the environment. He then sighed deeply and she sensed some frustration with it. "But all things come to an end."
Her dread took her over completely. She started crying. She couldn't help it.
"There is no need for the waterfalls just yet." He said softly. "I wish I did not have to come but things do not go always as we want."
"She still has much of her life to go on to…"
"I know." He said. "But it is not open for debate."
He must have seen something as he stood up briskly and went for part of the wall. Her eyes widened with surprise and terror. It was where she kept a secret. He reached in and got out a camera. He pressed play.
She cursed herself for not getting rid of it. But at the time she had been so startled that she did not know what to do with it. And over the years she kept it as a reminder that gave her the strength and determination to raise her properly.
"Does she know?" He asked as he finished watching it.
"No,"
"Good," He said. "I trust your ingenuity had served you well in explaining this confusing situation?"
"It did."
"Excellent," He put it back and returned to his seat. "I understand why you kept it but you should have destroyed it nevertheless. If she had found it before her time, it would have been disastrous."
"It gave me the strength I needed to carry on."
"I said I understand why." He said.
"What happens now? When are you going to take her?"
"Not yet," He stood up and paced a bit. "She needs to graduate whether here or in another school."
"She's happy here."
"Yes, I noticed. I have been watching her for some time."
"You have?"
"Don't look so surprised." He smiled. "I can see how much she likes this school and the Glee Club. But given the current circumstances I do not believe she would last here. She will need another school to graduate and then return one last time to this one."
"The day she would have to leave?"
"Yes,"
"I am not ready for that."
"No true parent ever is. Believe me, I know."
"Then why go through it? Can't you just forget about her?"
"I could but not the force that sent her here."
"I do not understand."
"I know and it is better that way."
"Are you going to be around?"
"Yes, I have some more errands to run. She's not the only one on my list."
"There are others?"
"Yes, she did not come here alone and she will not leave alone either."
The door opened and Marley burst in as usual. She stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed the attractive guest and her mother in the living room.
"Hey Mom,"
"Hey sweetie,"
"Who is this?"
The man's smile grew. It was good she did not remember him, yet. He stood up and introduced himself. "I am Count Robert Deville, your godfather."
"My Godfather?" Marley repeated and looked at her mother expectantly. She did not know she had one and her mother had never mentioned him. "Mom, who is he?"
"He is your godfather."
"How come you have never mentioned him?"
"She was not supposed to." The man replied.
"What?"
"It is a long story, young one, but a boring one." Count Deville said. "I have not come because I work a lot abroad. And your mother was not supposed to mention me as it was unlikely that we will ever meet but times change."
"I am sorry sweetie but I was not expecting him to ever come." Millie said. She knew she had to play along. They had never discussed this possibility. But she suspected that he waited for her to return home and make himself known.
"So what changed?"
"Many things have. You will be seeing a lot more of me." He replied. "By the way, how was school? Is the new principal a pain in everyone's bottoms?"
"She is." Marley replied surprised of the change of subject. "She has one goal."
"Which is?"
"She wants to destroy the Glee Club."
"Interesting," Count Deville said. He had been contemplating the idea of interfering there though he was not sure that the force that sent him would approve. "Well, we will see."
"What are you going to do?" Millie asked concerned.
"For the moment nothing," Count Deville replied. "But I do intend to take a closer look at the new principal."
"There is no need. I do like my job."
"Relax, Millie, I will not do anything to jeopardize that." Count Deville said. "But seeing the dread in Marley's eyes it is my duty as godfather to do so."
"Please, leave it be. "
Count Deville walked to Marley. "I may not have been around for you when you were growing up and I know that your mother has always been proud of raising you the only way she could. I know that is sufficient for you and for her but now this will change as I am here.
I will try not to be in your way. You need your space but you are family and family looks after each other. And anyone that mistreats my family will have to answer to me!"
Millie's face showed concern as she knew that this man was capable of anything, especially doing exactly as he says. His tone frightened her. There was adamancy in it and threat. She feared for Sue Sylvester's life. Despite being a giant pain in everyone's bottom, she had helped her in the past.
"We can manage on our own." Millie said standing next to Marley. "I know you mean well but there is no need of your interference. I am sorry I have kept you away from your goddaughter but we had an understanding."
Count Deville smiled. He realized he may have come a bit stronger than intended. He could clearly see the fear in her eyes. He also realized that his coming would turn anyone's world upside down especially when they discover that science fiction is reality but he had a duty that could not be avoided.
"True, we did." He admitted. "But times changes, Millie Rose. Sadly, we do not choose these moments as they choose us. You have nothing to worry about. I will not interfere but I am still going to look into her."
"And you do not need any help from you." Millie added. It was more her pride speaking than the actual need.
"I was not offering." Count Deville replied. "But it is not nice to let one's pride speak so loudly either."
"I am sorry." Millie said realizing she had pushed it too far. "I did not accept your help then and I will manage without it now. Money doesn't buy happiness."
"How true," Count Deville smiled. "It doesn't and if it did I would be very concerned. But it does make certain things easier. Have it your way but I am one phone call away." He left in her hand his card.
"Thank you for coming," Millie said indicated his time has come to an end.
"My pleasure," Count Deville replied. "See you around, Marley Rose." And he left.
Marley did not quite understand this weird exchange. How come she has a godfather her mother never mentioned? And what was this understanding they had? It was obvious that he was rich, very rich. But why did her mother not accept anything? That she intended to find out.
Still she found her godfather intriguing. He had a mysterious aura around him. She wondered why he had appeared out of the blue. And why did it scare her mother so? She definitely sensed the threat in his voice when speaking of her principal and saw her mother's reaction to it. She believed the threat. Who was this man? What was his relationship with her mother? So, they had a lot to talk about.
Count Deville left the Roses and headed for the public library. He needed to know more about this principal that has scared Marley Rose. He found it quickly. He already knew a few things about her from rumors and whispered conversations but now he needed the whole picture.
He traced her story: Name – Sue Sylvester, Sister – Jean – with Down syndrome – deceased, Mother – Doris Sylvester, famed Nazi Hunter, child – Robin Sylvester – father- Michael Bolton, played tambourine for Wilson Philips, directed a movie, won seven national cheerio championship titles, and so on.
He traced every aspect of her resume only to find Principal Sylvester was a big fake. Almost everything about her life was a lie. Studying her life revealed to him that this error comes mostly from her mother who apparently did not show her love the way a mother should have and has presented the lie of being a Nazi Hunter as an excuse.
He did acknowledge though her accomplishments that covered for most of the lies. She was winning driven and nauseated everyone around her forcing them to do better, and that was an endearing quality that he respected. This convinced him for now not to interfere besides he had other errands to run.
His next target was Sebastian Smythe. He also had been exiled here. He headed for his home where his parents had a similar feat like Millie Rose. They have not forgotten him at all. And they were not delighted at all seeing him again but there was nothing they could do about it.
"We are not ready. "Smythe Senior said.
"No one ever is, Mr. Smythe." Count Deville replied. "You signed a contract from which there is no backing away. You can't stop what is to come no more than you can stop the sun from rising."
"When?" Sebastian's mother asked.
"Not yet," Count Deville replied. "But soon I will be coming for him. He must graduate and he must return to McKinley High one last time."
"When?"
"I will send you a message when it is time. Relax, you still have years to enjoy. But I do advise that you do."
"Should we tell him something?" Smythe Senior asked.
"No," Count Deville said. "I trust he doesn't know about that little incident a few years ago?"
"No,"
"I also trust you found a perfectly good explanation?"
"We did." Mrs. Smythe replied.
"Excellent," Count Deville said satisfied. "The only thing that you could tell him is that his godfather is here and he will be seeing a lot more of me."
"He would want to know why we have kept knowledge of you away from him."
"Of course he would. And you will tell him this." Count Deville handed a note to Smythe Senior.
"We are ever so grateful but…"
"I know. But there are things one can't avoid and this is one of them." Count Deville said. He did not envy or wish this situation on anyone however a deal is deal. And as heartless as it appeared to be it had to be upheld. That's why he had come this early to prepare them for the day.
The Smythes started crying. They knew their time with their son was shorter now. They made a deal with Count Deville years ago to have a son and he delivered but with a price. They had hoped he would never return and their son will have the life he made of it but apparently it was not meant to last.
"Spend as much time as possible with him. Never tell him why and when the time comes, be at McKinley High, even if it is only from a distance. I am grateful that you took him in and cared and loved him, and made him the man he is today. And I sincerely wish I could do otherwise and leave him be but I can't."
"Will he be okay wherever he's going?"
"Yes," Count Deville wished he could tell them more so to reassure them but he had a limit of what he could share.
"Thank you!"
Count Deville left the two. They were heartbroken but he hoped they will not show that. It was crucial that they do not reveal anything prematurely.
His next stop was the Andersons. They feared his arrival more than the others. They also knew more about it than the others. Their son was by far more special than the other two that Deville had to collect. He was…something these people could not understand.
Blaine Anderson had also experienced an episode of weirdness that his parents have managed to disguise very cleverly and that pleased Count Deville a lot.
"When is the day?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"Not for years to come," He replied. "So spend as much time as possible even if it borders on intrusion in his life. Time is short."
"We will."
"You know I dreaded this moment more than any of you. I really wish there was another way, a way, that would allow them to grow old and die like everyone else but I do not make the rules."
"You are just the messenger!" Mr. Anderson stated understanding completely.
"The messenger?"Count Deville chuckled. "It is more like the errand boy, the Jack of all trades."
"We all have our place."
"That we do." Count Deville nodded in agreement.
"I have a favor to ask." Mrs. Anderson said.
"Oh?"
"The Hummels have suffered a lot because of the loss of their son – Finn. Blaine has shared in that loss and how it has affected his fiancé Curt. If there is something you can do about that, we will gracefully accept this natural consequence."
Count Deville's interest was piqued. "Tell me more about this." And they did go in greater details about the life and tragedy that family had suffered. It was not very different from any other family that lived in the world but the Andersons were practically begging and he could not ignore their plea. True, he had no power over death but he could do something however small.
"I can't promise much but what I can, I will do."
Count Deville left them who were ever so grateful for the effort. It made him smile especially as he knew the reaction of the force that sent him here. True he could not undo the death of young Finn Hudson but he could give them the chance of proper goodbye. Actually it would fit perfectly for convincing the other two in leaving peacefully as he knew they would resist the need to leave when the time comes.
Now he headed for New York. The other day just before coming to Lima he had seen the papers and in it a great surprise. He had seen someone that he did not expect as at the time this person was not supposed to be there and yet she was.
'This will make for an interesting conversation.' He mused. But before he would show up he needed some background and a feel of the surroundings.
Arriving in New York, he quickly found the Public Library and gathered as much information as he could. He noticed that the person of interest has lived a whole life here making a powerful and intimidating career. If they only knew who they were dealing with, they would be very much shocked.
He decided before the revelation to get a feel of the establishment the person of interest had made its castle. He quickly noticed the current star – a Rachel Berry. And he disliked her immediately. He has never been fond of Prima donnas but she was a student of his target so he focused on learning as much as possible about her.
His dislike did not change even after learning what he could about her. Even though she had endured a lot, this girl had no sense of décor or any manners that justified her position. And while she was acting the role of a star, she was not one. She had a lot to learn before being seen as one.
He visited that producer of Funny Girl to get a sense of what he was like. He apparently had high expectations of his star and Deville understood his drive. The Berry was talented there was no doubt in that but her manners had something to be desired.
He learnt everything about her and her past. She had been the star in the Glee Club where Marley now thrived but apparently everyone hated the little git as she had been the waking nightmare for most of them. She was currently studying at NYADA that was just as prestigious as Julliard School of the Arts if not more.
He decided to participate on the read of the script. The producer had agreed after a sizeable check of donation for the performance and the arts.
He arrived the day the little git was usurped by her best 'friend' a Santana Lopez as a substitute. He enjoyed the banter that produced. He quickly gathered that Ms. Lopez was doing this only to annoy the Berry. The two were like two cats fighting it off for territory.
He also noticed the lead male. He seemed familiar but he was not on his list of retrievals so he was someone else's problem. Still he was a nice contrast to the little Prima Donna.
The Berry was not as bad as he envisaged. He smiled at the lovely conversation he imagined when confronting his target. But a horrible idea had come to his mind. How enduring was the ego of the little git he wondered. Will she survive a proposition from Hollywood? Will she resist the temptation? Perhaps that would be a nice lesson in humility.
He had only to wait and see if the musical would be successful and then he would enact this little but very important lesson. He only had to find a gullible enough producer to hook her and that in Hollywood you could find with ease. He would fill his head with the necessary nonsense and then sit back and enjoy the show.
In the next few weeks he went to NYADA and headed to the office of his target. And stood there waiting though not for long as she did not fail to appear. He heard everyone moving out of their place to make way for her. She was intimidating.
She greeted her secretary and entered in her office. He had hidden well and she did not see him. She began grading papers and doing her usual job. Her eyes fell on the paper and on it was Rachel Berry. It was one of her most prominent and prosperous girls. She did not regret her decision to let her in NYADA. She had earned it.
"I wonder when she falls on her gigantic nose will it start bleeding or humming Funny girl as consolation prize for her poor choices. What do you think, Mrs. Carmen Tibideaux?"
Carmen lifted her head and saw the source of this rude sentence. And while her normal reaction would have been something to be remembered for such rude intrusion she stood mesmerized as she knew him from somewhere.
She finally remembered and saying the words she cursed herself for being so imprudent though she suspected he already knew. "Lt. Deville,"
"Count, if you don't mind."
"Of course,"
"Imagine my surprise when reading some local rag of a paper where I saw your mug on the front page. And I said to myself 'Nah, it can't be. It must be a look alike.' But reading further down the column, I said 'Damn it is her.' So I came to New York, ventured to the public library and did a bit of a research. Would you like to know what else I found?"
"Not particularly,"
Count Deville smiled. "I would imagine not but if memory serves you are not supposed to be here at this time." He paced a bit and then continued. "So what happened? The 24th century was not interesting anymore or too dangerous for the little imp, as Q would put it amicably?"
"It is neither his nor your business."Carmen replied. "And keep your voice low."
"I don't think that would change anything besides these people will not believe it even it danced naked before their eyes. So don't fret, El Aurian."
"Why are you here other than insulting me and my star?"
"Well, I wish I could say I have come solely for that alone." Deville said. "But I am here on an errand from the one that dwells in the land between lands."
"She sent you here? For whom?
"Three lost little piglets," Deville replied. "Actually they are here as a penance and now that this is over they must return to where they belong."
"They have no say in this? They would what just leave their lives here and go? You think it will be that easy?"
"It is not open for debate. I wish it were but it isn't. Whether they approve or not it is happening."
"It won't be that easy and you know it."
"True, it won't." Deville admitted. "But they can't stay either. Their true selves have already tried once to emerge and while it has been benign it will happen again and if they do not know who they are they will do a lot of damage to this unsuspecting cozy little world. We don't want that do we?"
"They have powers?"
"They do – terrible powers. One is Kryptonian, the other is fast, very fast, and the third is something like Rumplestiltskin but on steroids and far from the future, further than you."
"So she punished them for something they did?"
"Yes,"
"Wait," Carmen exclaimed suddenly remembering his opening salvo. "What did you mean about my star or more point to the point what did you do?"
Deville smiled. "I haven't done anything yet."
"But you are going to? You should not interfere. What did you do?"
"Well you know how I feel about Prima Donnas, right?"
"Yes, I do."
"I will be honest. I have never liked this type of people. I understand ambition in artists but that girl puts them all to shame. She needs a lesson in humility."
"What did you do?"
"It hasn't happened yet but soon it will. You will be very stern with her when she returns and begs for her spot."
"Deville, what did you do?"
"I will introduce her to the temptation of Hollywood and then just as it starts to form the bubble will burst."
"That's cruel even for you."
"Maybe but I do not see you object." Deville smiled victoriously. "I see that you agree with me that she does need a lesson."
"Perhaps but not as cruel as this one,"
"Oh, come on, I have been watching. She lacks manners. Not to mention that her something is void of substance."
"She's young and ambitious. That is to be expected."
"Perhaps, but not at this level, "He countered. "I have spoken to every person that knows her and they all find her an obnoxious little git that has made everyone's life a waking nightmare and while this does have its benefits it has managed to drive her ego in overdrive. She needs a reality check."
"And you are doing it because she's my student and my reputation should not be treated this way?"
"No, Guinan, I am doing it because she deserves it. Saving your reputation is unexpected collateral."
"Do not worry about my reputation it will survive her."
"It won't be just your reputation that will survive her."
"So you are going to take me as well after it all ends?" Guinan said after a moment of silence. "You know that this world doesn't have my future issues."
"Not yet," Deville replied. "They have yet to reach the age of the Federation."
"Not this world,"
"Progress can't be stopped, Guinan, unless you plan to alter this planet's future. Are you?"
Guinan swallowed but said nothing. Of course she did not want to alter the planet's future but she expected it will not go in that direction.
"You have made quite the career and life here and I know you don't want it to go that way. I do. But neither you nor I determine what that future will be. We are not gods."
"And yet you are messing with my girl?"
"Well history doesn't remember how this came to pass. It may have been something to do with me or not. No one could say for sure how it came to be just that it did."
"The perfect excuse, as usual." Guinan said. "Why is it that I do not believe you about the newspapers? How did you know where to find me?"
"Well for once I have been honest. I did see your mug in a local newspaper that was announcing your girl's success in getting the role of Funny girl. I did not know you were here otherwise I would have come earlier to bug you with phasers and other interesting stuff."
Guinan saw he was truthful and she believed him about the phasers. She just hoped he would not start now. While this world was ignorant about many things, it will adopt the idea of these powerful weapons very quickly.
"I suppose I should give you the tour?"
"I would love that."
"Any hidden talents I do not know about?"
"Oh those, I have plenty of those."
"Really?"
"I am versatile."
"Let's go. Try not to embarrass me!"
"I would not dream of it."
"Right,"
"You could say that I am visiting fellow Prof from the Old World."
Guinan was pleasantly surprised of his abilities. He was indeed very versatile though a lot tougher than her in certain areas. He did manage to make several students cry and leave but she still agreed with him as his judgment was spot on.
They engaged in other activities and reminisced about old times in the future. She still wanted to know what he did with a certain passenger Captain Picard had plugged from the past and he told her. She was again surprised of the versatile ways and lengths to which he would go to protect the future. At the time she did not know that he was Section 31 but she found out and then she discovered that his unit's purpose deviated from S31's mission.
She even told him why she has chosen to return to the past. It was not something she would have discussed even with Jean-Luc but Deville was different. He had a different point of view on many subjects. She enjoyed his company until it was time for him to leave. She promised not to interfere with the planet's future.
Years later, the Glee Club joined at McKinley High for the renaming of its auditorium to Finn Hudson. They had to endure the insulting speech of the then vice-president of the USA, Sue Sylvester and then they sang a beautiful song for goodbye.
Once it was done they gathered to celebrate and recounting stories of the past. The ones that were at the center were Burt Hummel and his wife Mrs. Hudson (Finn's mother).
"We are so glad that you came." Rachel said. "We were not sure you got the RSVP."
"Well, we did not." Burt replied.
"Then how did you know when to come?" Blaine asked.
"Your folks came to pick us up."
Blaine looked a bit surprised and guilty given that he had forgotten to tell them. So he turned to his father and asked the same question.
"A message arrived."
"Who sent it?"
Everyone was intrigued by the mysteriousness of it. And a voice answered:
"I did!"
Everyone sought the source of the voice and found it before the stage. It belonged to a man dressed from top to bottom in pitch black clothes with embroidered roses on the sleeves, and on the back of his mantle (strange attire for anyone these days). His age was difficult to determine as his body was young but his eyes old though still very playful.
"I am glad you all have made it." He said. "Especially the Hummels,"
"Why us?" Burt, Carole and Kurt Hummel asked in unison.
"The universe can sometimes be very cruel and it does things that no one can understand for purpose unknown. And while it is very ridiculous at times, it can yet surprise you with a miracle or two."
No one understood his meaning. They could not imagine what this man was about to do. Their world will never be the same or they can dismiss it as mass hallucination. But either way he had a promise to keep.
"There is one rule by which you must abide." He continued. "There can be no talk about how, why directly or indirectly unless the subject is boarded by him and no other."
"Start making sense, your ridiculously dressed oddity that belongs in the county nuthouse. I have to but a raise a finger to make it a reality…"
"Zip it, Sylvester," The man interrupted. "Would raising your finger employ a dozen young looking wardrobes stiffly parked in the corridors outside?"
"Yes, it would."
"Well," The man chuckled. "Then rise away although they are a bit occupied at the moment,"
"With what?"
"I believe Morpheus is keeping them company while they enjoy a well deserved though not requested nap." The man laughed. "Bodyguards are so difficult to be found these days, competent ones that is."
"What did you do, Godfather?" Marley asked.
"I did ask politely." He replied with a smile. "But they did lack a sense of humor. I imagine Sylvester sucked it out of them with a garden hose for mice." He laughed again but his laugh was more sinister though it was clear he enjoyed their refusal to let him pass.
"You will pay for this buddy, I am the…"
"No one gives a damn." He interrupted again his voice thundering. "Whether you are that or the other is utterly irrelevant for me. Besides, I have not come for that. Now zip it, Fake Nazi Hunter's daughter, I have an announcement to make."
He jumped onto the stage effortlessly. His imposing figure dwarfed even Sue Sylvester or coach Beast.
"As I said before I was rudely interrupted by this sad excuse for a life form, I am glad you are all here today. Today is a special day. I suppose you could say – the day of the impossible. And…" He trailed off for a moment then continued. "You are late, Smythe!"
"I am sorry I was stuck in traffic." Sebastian said catching his breath.
'No worries,' he thought, 'that won't be a problem for much longer,'
"Go with the others!" The man commanded and Sebastian promptly obeyed.
"It won't happen again, Godfather."
Marley looked at him oddly. He was his godfather too? What was going on? Her mother had not been very forthcoming when it came to tell her about her godfather. She only knew how he came to their lives but she knew her mother had omitted a lot about him. She feared that he was an assassin or something and given what he did with Sue's Secret Service agents now she was beginning to believe it.
"Now is the day of the impossible. I am pretty sure your minds will not be able to interpret what is to come and I fault that your entertainment industry for even if it did dance naked before your eyes you will think it is a nice trick."
"What are you talking about?" Rachel asked. She was getting tired of this man that interrupted their reunion.
"Ah, the Rachel story joins the conversation. You know I have to admit I rather liked that pilot. It seemed as though it was written by the sad excuse for a life form – epic in premise and failure as a whole." His gaze had narrowed. "But we are straying. Burt, Kurt, epic failure, sad excuse, and last but definitely least Carole, you could say I have a surprise for you unlike any other."
He moved backwards and everyone expected him to fall on his bottom as he had ventured beyond the end of the stage but he did not. He remained in the air as though still on a hard surface. He backed for a bit more before stopping.
Everyone stood mesmerized. It was indeed a nice trick.
"We do not always get the chance to say goodbye the proper way and even at the times after one is gone we believe that we have achieved the necessary balance needed to move on but that is hardly the truth for the Hummels. I should know I have been watching.
But not fret, on this day, on this very important day of reunion and sad departures, you will get the chance."
Burt Hummel has begun to have inkling what the man referred to though he believed it impossible. The man was not talking about his wife but rather… He thrust head – no this is impossible. No one has power over death but God himself.
"Burt, what's he talking about?" Carole was seeing the thinking process in her husband.
"I am not sure…"
The man turned around, licked his finger and then used it to cut the space behind vertically like it was a cake. Everyone found this exercise ridiculous but the movement of his finger did leave a trail and it looked as though the fabric of space had been cut open.
"If you would excuse me for a moment, I will be right back."
Everyone thought - this is preposterous and then he vanished and though everyone wanted to resume their interrupted reunion and move they found they could not. They were stuck in whatever position they were in and had no explanation for it. It was as though time had slowed down.
On the other side of the veil, Count Deville (for this was he) summoned the one he wanted as he simmered in front of him looking very confused.
For him, only moments have passed since he arrived here or was it centuries. It was difficult to tell in this place whatever it was. And then he had a few flashes and remembered that actually years have passed. And he had seen things no one should see. And yet he has but the man before him was an enigma.
The master of this place, the goddess of Death, had told him that he would come for him and that he would have the chance of saying proper goodbye to his loved ones. He had no idea what that meant.
"Ah, finally, you graced us with your presence." Count Deville said.
"I don't understand."
"Young man, you have spent years in here and you still don't understand? Wow that is a new low, even for you. "
"Where is here?"
"Well, it is not hell or heavens for that matter." Count Deville replied. "I suppose you call it - Limbo, the Way Station, the plane between planes, the stop before the next."
"The next stop?"
"The bad ones end up in what you could call Hell. The good ones move on. And the undecided ones, such as you, come here. But it is temporary. And when whatever it is that brought you here is resolved then you move on."
"Move on to where?"
"You move to wherever the Universe needs you be that a tree, an ameba, a horse, a planet, a sun, or the next emperor. You move on to a new life. All energy transforms into something else. Nothing is lost in nature."
"But I will cease to be me?"
"Yes and no," Count Deville replied. "Yes, your previous self will be rewritten into something else and no, you never forget what you used to be, ever."
"I don't remember being anything else."
"Not yet,"
"Why am I here?"
"Take a peak!" He motioned him towards the veil. His heart leapt in his throat.
"No, it can't be. I can't. I can't face them."
Count Deville smiled. "Ironically, this is not about you. It is about them and their ability to move on with their lives and although years have passed they still have not moved on and they have to."
And then he remembered something and it was horrible but seeing them outside gave him a glimmer of hope that he could do something about it. He intended to…
"You can't."
"I thought I can go to them."
"That's not what I meant."
"I do not follow."
"Yes, you do." Deville sighed. "You have seen things here and I know that you want to warn them but you can't."
"I have to. They are my friends."
"True, they are. But you can't anyway. Now you understand how I feel about this. I wanted to do something about that sad excuse of a life form but sadly I could not interfere otherwise they would not have been the people that you see today. Without that pain that she is they would have not been challenged to do better. You understand that better than me. And how would other people's lives be affected if you warn them now? Death is unavoidable. Whether it will come tomorrow or today it will come.
Having knowledge of the future is serious pain in the bottoms. You are not a god and neither am I. You can't predict how such knowledge would burden them. Will they ever reach their potential if you spoke now?
Besides, see it this way. They may come here to you and you won't be alone before you move on."
"I have not thought of that. I am ready."
"Not just yet," Count Deville said and stood before him. "You need the rules. They are very simple. The only one that can talk about your death and how and why it occurred is you and no one else. If they start asking questions about it whether directly or indirectly, your time with them will end on the spot.
Do you understand?"
"Yes, I get it."
"Good," Count Deville said and moved to the veil. "I will go first and announce you and then you will step through. You'll have exactly 24h from the moment you are on the other side. Do not waste this chance."
"I won't."
"Good, then wait here."
Deville ventured back through the veil. For the others his venture in and out of the veil seemed like a tiny moment.
"Carole," Deville called. She stepped forward though very gingerly. "Burt, Kurt, Blaine and Rachel, please step forward."
They obeyed though still not understanding.
"I want to impress on you the rules. They are very simple. You will not board the subject of death or its circumstance directly or indirectly in any way otherwise his visit will end on the spot. Only he can address that. You have exactly 24h from the moment he comes. Is this understood?"
Burt answered for everyone. He did finally understand. "We do."
"Good," Deville nodded approvingly. "In this case," He turned to the veil and called. "You may come, young Finn Hudson."
The effect his words produced was beyond belief but the effect of Finn stepping through the veil was even more shocking and beyond description. Everyone stood rooted in their places having very difficult time believing their eyes.
Carole emerged from her stupor and embraced her son and Burt joined her. He was sure the mystery man will bring him out. He did not know how that could be but it did not matter what mattered is to have Finn back even if it were for 24h.
"I expect everyone to be here again in 24h." Count Deville said though he gestured Sebastian, Marley and Blaine to follow him.
"How is he your godson?" Marley attacked as soon as they were all alone.
"That is incomplete." Deville said.
"What?" Sebastian exclaimed.
"He is not the only one." Deville replied and motioned at Blaine.
Blaine looked at them and the man not understanding and shaking head. "Guys, I have never met this man before and he is not my godfather. I have a godfather and it is not him."
"Why don't you call Mom and Dad?" Deville countered.
"Fine," Blaine said and did. "Yeah, this man that appeared claims to be my godfather and that is an outright lie and…" And then his voice trailed off. He was listening to his father and could not believe what he was hearing. "Yeah but…" And then he hung up. "Alright, who are you?"
"That is a very interesting question with an interesting answer." Deville replied. "But it will have to wait. You have to spend this time with Finn Hudson and then I will answer that question."
"I am returning to New York after this is over."
"Yeah, no, you are not." Deville countered again. "Once this is over you will return here and then we will have a conversation. "
"I don't think so."
"It is not open for debate, young Mr. Anderson. And even if you jumped on a plane to New York, the plane will turn around, then the unspeakable will happen – the attendance ladies or the pilots, I have not decided yet which, will take you out of your seat, put a parachute on you and shove you through the door of the plane so you can land right on top of McKinley High."
"You are insane."
"What I am, Mr. Anderson is beyond your understanding. What I can do exists in only one domain of your culture – science fiction or right next to the word 'impossible' in the dictionary. But be it as it may, it doesn't change the fact that one way or the other you will be here and nothing you do will change that.
Of course, I rather prefer you come on your own as opposed to me coming to fetch you or make someone else do it for me because if I have to do it I might be ticked off a bit and then I can't be sure in how many pieces you would come. So I expect you and Kurt to be here with the rest. Are we crystal clear?"
"Yes, we are." Marley answered instead fearing Blaine will say something that will anger her godfather more. And unlike them she has seen him do things she has considered impossible. Of course it was nothing like what she witness just moments ago but still impossible.
"Excellent, then go and have fun with your friend and leader, one last time."
They joined the others and the day, the impossible day began. They still did not understand why he separated from the rest but Marley was positive he had something else in mind for them but she could not fathom what.
She also thought of the implications of everyone seeing Finn. So many questions would be raised but she wondered did the rules apply to them or everyone else? If it was the latter then it would be a very short day but if it was the former then it might be easier.
The first place they visited was obviously the choir room. It has suffered some changes since he was last there. Mr. Shuster was the principal while Sue was Vice-President of the country. Finn could only imagine how many were insulted along the way.
The greeting song was his and he chose a weird one. He has been hearing it lately a lot though perhaps they have not as he could never tell what he hears if it is from the past or the future so there was a bit of a risk but he went with it anyway. And it was well received and then the greetings continued with various songs from each and everyone.
The time he spent with his friends was the most precious of all. They obeyed the rule of not mentioning his death and he was grateful. But he knew they were interested not so much in the experience itself but the reason.
He did not feel up to the challenge of telling them why. It was not rocket science of course but he imagined they wanted to know if it was the intended result or an accident. His life had begun to improve and it was going in the direction he wanted but there was still the feeling of inferiority, of self doubt, and uncertainty.
In high school he had a purpose but venturing out in the real world was a very different story where he could not cope with the level of rejection. He had been used so much to getting what he wanted (however difficult it had been at the time) that he missed that feeling. And when the rejections led him to having no prospect in life he hit rock bottom.
The Glee Club provided him with some purpose and that's when he went to reach for his teaching degree. But he had started to party all the time and if it was not for Puck he would have been gone much sooner. He pulled himself together and his grades started to improve until one day when all went to hell anyway.
He found himself again in the powerless situation. He sought the answer in the bottle and when it was not enough he reached for drugs hoping they will make his misery go away and in one of his attempts it did but then again so was he. His luck had changed and everything was in ruin and that's why he went in that direction and this time Puck was not there to help him out.
Of course he was not putting the blame on Puck. That would not be fair or correct. But it would have been nice to have him around and by his side at that moment. When he started to drift away he realized what an idiot he had been and how easy he had surrendered to the circumstances. He could have always relied on his friends for support and all he had to do is reach out and stop being the rock man. He was able to show vulnerability in the past but this time some misguided sense of self delusion kept him from it and everyone paid the price.
Even now he could not muster the strength to share this with them (mostly his family). He wanted them to remember him in his best light, not the darkness that took him over and tarnished everything he had accomplished in a blink of an eye. He felt such shame keeping this from them though he could tell that Rachel and Kurt sensed his reluctance and hesitation, and that brought some light to his darkness. But it was not enough to make him man up and share.
Instead he wanted to spend his time (or at least some of it) with Rachel on a physical level though he was not sure how Jessie St. James would take it. It was a weird thing to ask. He knew that in a way Rachel would not refuse him and she still loved him enough for that but he wondered if it was worth it. He did feel the need (at least this one last time) and it was a selfish desire that the flesh could never deny itself whenever presented with the opportunity.
He found a way to resist it but he did share that desire with her. She looked at him and he could see that she wanted to help but being married for some time now stood in the way of her decision. He hoped she was not considering a threesome though that might be acceptable for her husband, which apparently she did.
Jessie took that better than he would have in his place but knowing that he would be gone for good apparently swayed things in his direction. And so this one last desire was indulged and he was grateful to both of them though he was not sure he would have been this understanding even for the dead (as it kind of felt being necrophilia or doing a soul, which is always very weird to even describe).
With that covered the group focused on other activities. The time spent of doing things grew shorter but it was entertainment for all. Everything that could be said was said and everything that could be felt was felt.
Finn was grateful for the time spent with all his friends and fans. He was not fully comfortable with them naming the auditorium in his name but understood the gesture and appreciated it. Still he was now ready to move on, well almost. He knew some of his friends will join him soon and he wanted to remain in Limbo to help them out though he doubted they would get the same treatment.
He did notice though Marley, Sebastian and Blaine standing out in their attempt to do the same as he did though without fully realizing it. He did not know the reason these three strayed from the others, though that was barely visible for anyone else. He was certain they were fighting this feeling but somehow their souls sensed it more than their minds and they were doing this involuntarily.
And then the deadline approached fast and they needed to return back to McKinley High where this weird experience began. Finn suspected Count Deville could sent him back to Limbo from anywhere but requested the school for some other reason that was not linked with him, at least not directly.
"Here we are back at the start." Finn said when they returned to the stage of the auditorium. Part of him did not want to leave but he knew nothing could stop that from happening. People have moved on with their lives and now that their souls and desires have been satisfied it was time for him to move on too.
"No tears," He said turning to all. "I am now the happiest soul this side of the veil. I also know all of you want to know how this came to be. I can honestly say that I have shied away from this subject so to keep the best of me in your eyes but the picture will never be complete without it. You will always ask yourselves this question and I think now at the end I can find the courage to share it with you. But, please, do not interrupt as I am not sure I would be able to continue if you did."
He shared his deepest and darkest thoughts with his family and friends who he was sure will understand his reluctance but now at the end of the road it was all that was left and as he did not want to spoil the day he kept it for last. They listened without interrupting though he could see his mother and Burt ready to do so on several occasions but he was grateful they did not and as he finished he felt lighter and relieved. He felt this burden go away and he was happy that at least in the end he found the courage to do so. He was now complete.
Everyone's reaction was also the greatest gift a soul can get after baring itself to them. They all hugged him one by one without saying a word. Their silence and warmth said it all. His family's hug was longer but that was understandable and perfectly natural. No one was jealous of that.
"It is time!" Count Deville interrupted the last moments.
"I am ready." Finn said and pulled away.
Count Deville smiled inwards knowing the storm to come. "Ironically, Mr. Hudson, you still has a few moments."
"But you said?"
"I was not talking to you!" Count Deville said and Finn followed his gaze. It converged on Marley, Sebastian and Blaine.
The others also looked at him strangely. What was that lunatic on about now?
"You wanted an answer, yes?" Count Deville looked at the three. They barely nodded so no one still understood to whom he was talking. "Very well, gather around, and have a seat." He gestured and everyone followed though still not understanding.
"There are many aspects of the surrounding universe that the humans will probably never get an answer to and that is alright. We can't know all not because we are not worthy or because we are not gods but because we are not ready. The universe is vast, and ridiculous and weird, and it has a very peculiar sense of humor but it is balanced and just. And everything that happens in it has a purpose even if science and other beliefs can prove otherwise."
Again, the opening salvo left the audience wonder of the direction his speech would take.
"Take your planet for an example. Today's science tells you what is possible and what isn't and you take it for granted because it was proven so by people far smarter than you. But every now and then that theory can't hold its grounds and things beyond the scope of what is known happen. And they shake the basic principles and science fails to explain it, and then religion butts in using the greatest cliché of all times – this is God's work.
I know. I know some of you find this comment blasphemy. But unlike you I have met those that manage the universe and I know what they do and what they are capable of. I also know them and what their influence has created. And while we believe sometimes that we know the whole story the most interesting lesson and proverb remains – never meet your heroes because their shadow has outgrown them a long time ago."
Strangely enough Finn understood part of this. He did meet the master of Limbo and it was not an angel, or a demon or God. It was the Goddess of Death, the keeper of the dark, the light for all.
"Strangely enough every now and then science gets things right though it can't prove it in any way, at least not yet. And the thing it got right is the existence of the multiverse. So what is the multiverse? It is a different reality for each divergent path taken." Deville paused for a moment but seeing their confusion continued. "Each different decision creates a different path – instead of going left you went right, instead of saying hello you said fuck you, and so on and so forth. Each divergence creates a new path and thus a new reality that intertwines in a complex maze of delicate decisions."
Finn and the others had a moment to process this information but in truth they did not quite get it as they could see or access only their own reality. For the rest they created their version of it – in songs, movies, theaters and books, or imagination.
"So it is in these times when reality meets fiction or so we think. Some of the greatest and not so known stories portrayed in books, comics, theaters and movies are actually the people perceiving a different divergence that we take as fiction but instead it is someone else's current or past or future history. And the writers are the people that access that stream of sharing between realities and write it down and when asked about it they just say – it came to me in a dream, on the walk, sex, and so on and so forth.
For example, your existence here and your story, and your journey may exist somewhere as nothing but movies, books, theaters or a song in which artists sacrifice their time and sweat giving it life. Imaging what you as people are, what your aspirations and desires are, seeing themselves in you – a bit or more than a bit."
That appeared to be an unsettling thought for all. They all tried to imagine that and while some could see it the rest did not even want to fathom such a possibility as this would feel as such invasion and intrusion that is unsettling to say the least.
"And this brings us back here." Deville finally reached the point he wanted. It was not going to be easy to explain but they had to understand its background. "Each of the divergent paths is ruled by the same beings that manage the core universe. And every now and then they look into these paths and examine it closely by placing obstacles and putting markers. And then they observe the behavior of those for which these points and markers were meant.
And when the observed fail to understand the purpose of these markers they get reassigned to somewhere else where they can fully grasp and understand the significance of the obstacles and markers placed before their path. They go to what we can call the Penance Path or the path of redemption. And once that is done then they are returned to where they have been taken from."
It was moments away – the storm. Deville knew no one here would be able to accept it but it is what it is. It can't be avoided. It has been decided long ago. And it was time.
"And so such three souls were redirected to walk the Penance Path without their natural environment or abilities or knowledge of the life left behind. The reason as far as I know lays in the respect of other beings regardless of their belief, gender, nativity, color or race, their vulnerability, and the consequences of disrespecting other belief systems and sacred grounds."
He was closer now.
"But the three were not merely plugged out of their reality and shoved into another as orphans to be adopted. No, their very souls were removed and placed into the cycle of life anew. They were born like any other child would and they had to live life normally until the time their Penance path was completed."
Deville took out three boxes. Each contained a momentum for each of the three.
"But their powers manifested during their lives here and their parents here had to become very creative with the explanation. For if they had realized what they could do before their time was over the results would have been disastrous and the lessons would not have been learnt."
He opened the first box. It contained a ring with the symbol of thunder on it. It was red and yellow. He held in his hand.
"Sebastian, come forth." He called.
Sebastian Smythe looked incredulously at the rest but obeyed the call.
"I imagine you have found yourself in a situation that did not make much sense and for which your parents, as I know, had to become very creative in explaining. One moment you were in your room and in the other you were on the other side of the country.
I can only assume it happened in your sleep but that night the cops on the roads had had a feat when they picked up something that broke all their radars. The explanation may have been an electric storm so powerful that it short-circuited their equipment. Fortunately no one at the time could link that to all the occurrences in all the states along the way otherwise I might have been forced to come sooner."
Sebastian had indeed experienced such an event and his parents told him that he had hit his head when he had arrived at a party in California. But he did not remember that still he attributed that to alcohol consumption and the perfect explanation of blacking out. But now that it has been mentioned and as he came to think of it, he remembered.
He was streaking across the country with such speed that would make even the Concorde jealous. Everything had become a blur. At first he had been afraid but then it felt so natural that he enjoyed being the faster than the wind, faster than sound and nearly as fast as the speed of light.
"Take the ring." Deville said.
Sebastian took it and while it looked like an ordinary ring it felt differently. It felt as part of him in ways he could not currently explain. He also felt a sudden surge of electricity coursing through him. He nearly dropped the ring out of surprise. He felt an almost uncontrollable desire to put it on.
"Not yet," Deville said. "Hold it for now!"
Sebastian exerted some effort but resisted the urge.
Count Deville opened the second box. It contain a small rock but defying any logic shone brightly with the light of a small sun.
"Marley, step forth."
Many heads turned at this announcement but she was more surprised than they were. Still she came to him. He placed the box in her had.
"Do not take it out just yet," Deville said. "Mille told me that she found you on a beach nearby a lake, a deserted one and that was very fortunate for you and for the rest of the world as you were floating above ground still sleeping. She put you down gently and then woke you up. The explanation I imagine was in the lines of having a party and that everybody left you there but told her where you were."
Marley nodded. She remembered that story. Having the box in her hand however revealed more to her that she had forgotten. That night she felt particularly lonely and misunderstood than ever before. She had fallen yet again for a boy that wanted more of her than she was willing to give. She felt the frustration of it and wanted to scream.
She was on roof but instead of screaming she felt her eyes burning so hot that a beam of light emerged from them and illuminated the sky. She never felt so strange and so scared. She had thought that she was losing her mind. And then she slipped but instead of falling she remained in the air.
The feeling was so familiar that she knew what to do so she sped up and felt the wind on her cheeks. She ran up and down the clouds so fast that at some point she felt exhausted and fell to the ground. The earth came in so close so quickly that she blacked out. When she woke up she was on some beach near a lake that she did not recognize.
Panic overtook her of how her mother would worry and then noticed her next to her holding her in her embrace. And then Mille did explain what has happened. Marley had exhausted herself so much that she had forgotten the rest and it had been easily disguised as the story her mother told her. She had no reason not to believe her at the time. And even now she still preferred that story to what she remembered. She was not ready to leave. She did not want to leave.
Looking at Sebastian, she found him more than familiar. Yes, he was more than the Warbler she knew. But there was someone else too. He did mention three souls. She looked at her friends and found him in a blink of an eye. He was not exactly a friend. No, that will not be the word she would use to describe him.
Count Deville opened the third box. It contained a circular object that could be best described as a sixteen angled star but was more a like a pancake.
"Blaine, step forth!"
This call was met with thick silence. Kurt instinctively held onto Blaine tighter. So Blaine had no choice but to bring Kurt with him. Confusion was the strongest feeling present on his face though.
"Take it but do not use it." Deville said handing him the star. "I imagine your story is the strangest of the three and what your parents came up with must have been epic."
Blaine took the star in his hand. The phrase 'twinkle, twinkle little star' felt the right feeling to describe what happened when it came into contact with his skin. He felt strange surge of energy that opened his eyes to the epic explanation.
The Count was right it was epic. Before he had a vague memory of that day but now everything was crystal clear. He understood instantly why he can't stay here anymore. It brought great sadness to him. He had never got this close to anyone other than his wife (and Kurt, his other wife/husband). She was gorgeous and with him every step of the way but he also remembered why he was brought here.
Explaining what he is to Kurt and the others would prove far more difficult than he ever imagined. Explaining where he is from seemed far easier though still a difficult pill for everyone to swallow.
He knew Kurt will fight to keep him. How could he not? He was his partner and they had a beautiful baby boy. He was a sweetheart and everything he could ever want but what he was can't be denied and there was no choice given what he could do. The danger of him remaining here was greater than anyone could imagine. Still a part of him resented the one who sent him here especially in this moment, the day of goodbye.
"The Penance path has been complete. Now all that remains is for you to say goodbye." Count Deville brought him and the others back to reality.
And the storm erupted uncontrollably. Many questions flew in the air and everyone wanted to know what that meant, which annoyed Deville a bit given all the hard work of explanations that he made just before that. Do people ever listen to what other people say? But given the state of mind that they had he could not blame them much. The possibility of the impossible is always the most difficult pill to swallow.
"What does this mean leave? You can't leave. We have a life together and…" And many other questions like this one flew from everyone about any of the three.
Deville restored order when he produced a sound of thunder. "Good, now everyone put your bottoms back down and zip it."
Everyone obeyed mostly as this action startled them more than they would have ever admitted.
"Had you paid attention to what I said it would not have been so much of a problem to understand why." He said. "These three were sent here to pay a penance that now has been paid and with their emerging powers they have to leave. Each of them displays an array of things your world can't imagine despite the obvious existence of comics, movies and books that describe the very things they can do.
But while that is true governments around the world would fight to get their hands on each of them as it would give them an advantage the others can't even imagine. And we can easily find ourselves in world war three.
They are the kind of people that can't stand to stay in the shadows. It is who they are. And sooner or later, circumstances will force their hand and then all hell will break loose."
He walked to the three.
"Sebastian, put it on!"
No longer resisting the urge, he obeyed. The feeling was indescribable. The surge coursed faster and then he sensed himself vibrate at an impossible speed and in a moment everything around him froze. He moved around and then stopped only to realize that he was standing on the top of the auditorium.
Everyone that was around him at that moment blinked hard but could not see him until he made a sound and everyone were stunned. And then in a blink of an eye he stood before them again. That was too much for anyone to bear let alone wrap their mind around.
Sebastian, no, he realized his name was no longer that. He remembered everything now. His name was Barry Allen, the fastest man alive, the Flash. Now he understood the depth of his error and why he was sent here. And his time here was fruitful. He now had a deeper understanding of what he needed to improve.
He had allowed his enemies to change his perspective on many things and as a result he had changed but in the wrong direction which had prompted his exile. He felt relieved being himself again especially with the feeling of being stuck in traffic. That was not going to be a problem anymore. He also longed to see his wife – Iris.
He remembered that the ring contained something else. But he was not sure whether to take it out for a spin. He looked at Deville and he only nodded. He summoned the costume out of it and in a moment he stood before them the way he usually did as the Flash.
"Blaine, use it!" Deville said.
Blaine did hesitate for a moment but that changed when he did place the star on his chest. It merged with him in an instant. The change occurred on the spot. He felt the surge of power this one action gave him. He was now his old self. He remembered everything down to the moment when he met the Goddess of Death that sent him here.
He was again the super being from the 52nd century that could do things no one in this world could imagine. His stylish clothes disappeared and his standard attire took its place. It must have looked strange when this happened to the others but it felt right to him. There was no point in hiding who he is.
The life he had built with Kurt was a good one but he had another with his wife and four children. They were just as gorgeous as his current son but he longed for them more as cold as this sounded. He had been away for so long. Still he needed to explain things to Kurt but he did it in a way Kurt could not imagine.
He grabbed his head and focused. In a blink of an eye everything around dissolved. Kurt found himself in a place he could not even describe. But every question he had about Blaine received an answer. He now understood though he was sad it had to be this way. Blaine comforted him as much as he could.
"So they call you the Music Meister?"
"Some do." He replied. "I guess in any life music is part of it in a big way."
"I am glad."
"Don't worry, I will visit."
"How? Isn't that impossible?"
"For the other two yes, but not for me." The Music Meister said. "I am very different from them."
"I would like that."
And then they were back with the others. It may have looked as though they blinked and then reappeared though Kurt could swear that much more time has passed.
"Marley, take the crystal out and put it in your hand." Deville turned to her.
Marley dreaded that moment more than the other two but the urge was hard to resist. And so she did put it in her hand. Everything changed for her. She remembered everything now. For starters, her name was Kara Zor-El of the now gone planet Krypton though her human name was Kara Danvers.
The first thing she had to deal with was the crystal in her hand. She recognized it immediately – Kryptonite but unlike any she had ever seen or being in contact with. It did not have any immediate ill effects. No, instead, it had a very different one on her. It was as though she was inches from the sun itself. It gave her power and restored her physiology in a second.
She could feel the power that the Yellow Sun granted her on Earth. And it must have become evident as everyone had gasped. She looked down and smiled. She had risen above the floor.
"Wow!" She heard her mother exclaim. "That's my girl." Her mother did not sound scared as she must have been the first time around. There was pride in her voice.
Her mother? Kara felt so many things at once for Millie Rose. She still wondered how much she really knew of her lineage. Probably not much, as Kara doubted, Count Deville would have shared that much but she must have known that she's very different from the rest of the children in the world.
She felt the love that this woman had given her and it was not very different from her own mother and her adoptive mother on Earth Prime. This gave her the strength to show everyone who she really is. The Kryptonite in her hand gave a burst and she changed into her usual saving the world attire. Everyone was far more impressed with her attire than that of Barry or the Music Meister. She was Supergirl, the world's greatest hero.
"Wow, now that is more like it." Barry said as he zipped to her.
"Barry, control your emotions." Kara said though she was smiling. "This is what brought us here in the first place."
"Please do not remind me."
"So Meister how did you end up here, you naughty imp?"
"Imp?" The Music Meister exclaimed. "Do I have to remind both of you what I can do?"
"Do I have to?" Count Deville interjected.
"No, no need," The Music Meister said remembering that this one is not someone he wants to mess with.
"Good then focus on the people here. You still have a little time."
And they spent the next hour or so doing just that. Many things remained to be said. Still many wondered again how they came to be the personifications of heroes that existed in their comics, and books, and movies, and Deville had to once more explain it. He did tell them though that they will forget ever making the association of them with them.
With all the explanations finally exhausted and every angle covered it was finally time to depart.
"Flash, create a funnel."
"Here?"
"No, on the moon, of course here," Deville exclaimed annoyed. "Run, Flash, run!"
And so he did. He ran in circles around the building until the dimensional funnel formed which Deville redirected to the stage and augmented for an alternate reality jump.
"Goodbye," Each of the three said before jumping in it.
In the last moments before joining them Count Deville's sixth sense turned his attention to one of the people present – Kittie where he saw untapped potential and made a mental note to return when possible.
"I hope this experience enriches you and finally gets to your thick heads that anything is possible when you are one with the universe." His final words were before he disappeared through the vortex.
The vortex itself closed shortly after. The last thing that remained was Finn. He made his goodbyes again before the veil appeared. He made his last hugs to the ones that were soon to join him and then ventured into the plane between planes relieved that he had the proper chance to say goodbye and fill their hearts with the warmth they deserved.
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Lordheaven