Ingriam, slowly coming back to full awareness after being in that strange dreamless state again, wondered just what had happened to him. Then, when he saw his dad leaning over him and smiling, Ingriam decided that he could wait a little bit to find out.

"Hey, Dad," Ingriam said, smiling up at his dad as he felt his fingers running through his hair.

"Hello, Kenji-chan."

Ingriam closed his eyes for a minute, just wanting to feel his dad's hand as it ran through his hair and caressed his cheek.

"What brings you all the way here, Dad?" Ingriam asked, seeing the almost pensive look on his dad's face for just a second before it was gone. "Is something wrong?"

"No Kenji-chan, it's all right."

Somehow, Ingriam got the feeling that his dad wasn't telling him the whole truth right then, but that was stupid. His dad had always told him the truth, even when it was something that neither of them really wanted to think about. It was one of the things that made them so close, so there was no reason that Ingriam should even think for a minute that his dad was lying now.

"I guess we shouldn't be taking up any more of Hamilcal's time," Ingriam said, pushing himself up and off of the medical table.

"No, we really shouldn't," Dad said as he helped Ingriam to stand up again.

"Bye, Hamilcal!" Ingriam called over his shoulder as they left the lab.

-There's something we need to do, Kenji-chan, and then we'll have the rest of the day to ourselves.-

-What is it that we have to do, Dad?-

-We have to take Lord Alkanphel back to Silha. You do remember when I told you about Silha, don't you, Kenji-chan?-

-Yeah, I remember it. Why are we going to go there, though? Doesn't Alkanphel want to stay here with us?-

-I'm sure that Lord Alkanphel would want to stay with us if he could, Kenji-chan. Do you remember what I told you about him?-

-Well… I remember that you said, about him having to go back to Silha and sleep. But does he really have to go now? Couldn't he stay for at least a few more days?-

-I'm sorry, Kenji-chan. I think that Lord Alkanphel would stay with us if he could, but he has to go back to Silha and sleep now. I don't think I told you about how sick Lord Alkanphel is, did I, Kenji-chan?-

-Alkanphel's sick? Is that why he has to go to sleep now, dad?-

-Yes, Kenji-chan.- Dad's telepathic "voice" was firm, and there seemed to be something else about it… but Ingriam decided that he was just thinking too much. -That is why Lord Alkanphel needs to go back to Silha and rest now. And I need you to promise me something, Kenji-chan.-

-What do you need me to promise you, Dad?-

-I need you to promise that you will never speak about anything that I have just told you—not even to the other Zoalords, do you understand? No one can know about what I have just told you.-

-I promise, Dad. I'll keep Alkanphel's secrets.-

Ingriam felt his dad's approval; it warmed the entirety of his mind. Ingriam was always happier when he could do something to make his dad happy. Walking down the halls beside him, Ingriam wondered for a minute just why Alkanphel didn't want anyone to know that he was sick. Maybe he was like Dad, not wanting anyone to worry about him. Ingriam huffed—he would never understand grown-ups.

XxXxX

Alkanphel, as he waited for Masaki to return, felt another wave of lethargy pass through him. He knew he would not be able to stave off his body's need for hibernation for much longer. When Masaki at last appeared, oddly enough with Kenji trailing just behind him, Alkanphel finally allowed his façade of invincibility and strength to slip somewhat. Masaki, and by extension Kenji, were some of the most trustworthy of his children.

Truthfully, the only one that Alkanphel trusted more than Masaki was Hamilcal, and since Kenji was so very loyal to Masaki, Alkanphel knew that he could trust the child. Sensing the uneasiness that Masaki was unintentionally projecting, centered on Kenji for a reason Alkanphel did not know, he skimmed over the surface of his Twelfth Zoalord's mind. Realizing the plan that Masaki had in mind, Alkanphel felt a surge of disappointment. He would have thought that Masaki knew Kenji better than to leave the boy to find his own way within Chronos' ranks.

-Masaki, you are making a bad decision.-

-What do you mean, my Lord? You called for me.-

-I was not referring to our current situation, Masaki,- Alkanphel said, looking over Masaki's shoulder to where Kenji was standing.

The boy seemed only somewhat confused, but more than that Kenji seemed completely trusting. Alkanphel hated to think of what effect Masaki's actions would have on their relationship. Indeed, Alkanphel knew more than most how damaging it was to be betrayed and abandoned by one that was trusted so much.

-I think that you are perfectly aware of what I am talking about, Masaki,- Alkanphel snapped, becoming slightly annoyed with his Twelfth Zoalord for the second time that day. -As well, Masaki, I would suggest that you forget your plan to abandon Kenji and instead mentor him. He will need your help even more now that he has become one of my Twelve Zoalords.-

-I… I apologize Lord Alkanphel. I didn't think of that.-

Alkanphel sighed softly. -Leave it for now, Masaki. Just remember what I have said to you.-

Turning to look at Kenji, who was by now obviously confused, Alkanphel addressed the newest and youngest of his Twelve Overlords.

"I would like to thank you, Kenji, for coming as well," Alkanphel said, gently stroking the young Zoalord's right cheek. "It means a great deal to me." -You are loyal, little one, just like your father. Trust in him and all will be well.-

-I always do.-

Alkanphel could sense the truthfulness of Kenji's statement, and for a moment he envied Kenji the openness of his nature. Alkanphel only hoped that Masaki would not do anything to endanger such a bond, as it would be very difficult to rebuild trust of that kind once it had been shattered. Alkanphel knew such things better than most.

Stepping forward, Alkanphel felt Masaki wrap his arm around his waist, and then he felt Kenji doing the same from his other side. Putting his own arms around the shoulders of his loyal children, Alkanphel allowed himself to relax into their hold. Telepathically imparting the information on Silha's location to both Masaki and Kenji, Alkanphel closed his eyes for a moment. At the surge of energy, he opened them once again.

He recognized the temple that had been built for him by his Zoanoids so long ago—long before Kenji and Masaki had been taken into his service. Before, in fact, even Hamilcal had found him on this selfsame island. Even the smell of the air, not as fresh as the jungle outside but still much better in his opinion than the recycled air inside any of the Chronos buildings, was familiar and comforting to him. Alkanphel could hear one of his children sniffing the air, and he turned toward the sound.

It was Kenji, as Alkanphel had been starting to suspect. The young Zoalord looked positively enraptured by what he was seeing.

-You know that you are welcome to come here any time you wish to, little one, so long as it does not interfere with your new duties and responsibilities.-

-What new duties and responsibilities?-

-Masaki hasn't told you?-

-No, Dad didn't say anything about that. Why? Was he supposed to?-

Alkanphel did not know whether to berate Masaki or to question him, and in the end he settled on the latter. He had scant time before he would be forced to enter hibernation, but he wanted to make certain that Kenji would be prepared for what he would face as the newest of the Chronos Overlords. The boy was so much like himself, as he had been before his creators had made the foolish decision to perform the experiment with the Guyver unit, that Alkanphel often found himself with no greater desire than to protect the young Zoalord, even from inadvertent harm by the one who loved him above all others.

"I would have though that you would have already told Kenji about his new status," Alkanphel said, careful to keep even the slightest hint of accusation out of his voice. "You are the one that he trusts implicitly, after all."

Masaki nodded, still radiating unease. "Kenji, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you earlier, but you've become one of the Twelve."

For a moment Alkanphel saw Kenji's expression change to one of honest confusion, before the young Zoalord realized what his father had been talking about.

"Really? But why? I thought you said that all of the Twelve had already been chosen, Dad. What happened?"

"In a nutshell, Kenji-chan, you happened," Masaki said, seeming to grow more comfortable with the subject as he spoke. "Do you remember when you woke up with Luggnagg De Krumeggnik's Zoacrystal in your hand?"

"I remember that, Dad," Kenji said, nodding. "But what does that have to do with anything?"

"Everything," Masaki said calmly, stepping forward and gently placing his fingertips on Kenji's forehead. Just over the boy's new Zoacrystal.

Alkanphel could sense the moment when Kenji's Zoacrystal went from almost dormant to fully active, watching as the young Zoalord's body stiffened for a moment and then relaxed as his eyes fluttered and slowly closed. Masaki put his other hand on the back of Kenji's neck to steady and help support him as his own Zoacrystal resonated with his son's. The wind began to swirl more noticeably around Kenji as the young Zoalord began to acclimate to his new powers.

Light, first from the Zoacrystals of his Twelfth and Ninth Lords and then from their bodies as the two of them transformed, filled the temple and reflected off the walls. Alkanphel watched as the Zoalord form that Hamilcal had designed for Masaki emerged for only the second time outside of a processing-tank. It was almost the same situation for Kenji, since his Ninth Zoalord had never been called on to transform until this moment.

As his Zoalord form was based to a very great degree on Masaki's Proto-Zoalord form, the top of Kenji's head only reached the midpoint of Masaki's chest now that the boy had transformed. Of course, this did not take into account the crests extending from his ears or head, since Alkanphel was measuring from the top of Kenji's head rather than from one of his crests.

Alkanphel found himself almost envious of the closeness that Masaki and Kenji shared—nothing like that had ever been allowed to form between himself and the Advents. True, he had at one time been as blindly trusting as Kenji was, but the Advents had not proven themselves to be as worthy of his trust as Masaki and Kenji. It was for just such a reason that Alkanphel wanted to preserve the relationship that they had. Looking at Masaki, Alkanphel found that he had finished imprinting Kenji and was now simply embracing his son. Kenji's left arm was wrapped around Masaki's waist, and Masaki was gently caressing his son's back.

"There Kenji, you're ready now."

"Thanks, Dad. I feel a lot better now."

Once Masaki had apparently satisfied himself with Kenji's progress, they both transformed back into their human forms. Just as the light from their transformations cleared, Alkanphel felt a wave of weakness pass through him. He stumbled, but Masaki and Kenji were at his side in an instant, their arms wrapped around him and their bodies supporting his own failing form.

"I apologize for neglecting you, my Lord Alkanphel."

"I understand, Masaki," Alkanphel said as he let Kenji and Masaki lead him to the stone altar where he would sleep. "I would not have wanted Kenji to be unprepared for his new tasks." -Stay with him, Masaki. Kenji will need your help more than ever now. Do not abandon him.-

-My Lord Alkanphel, I…-

Masaki said nothing more after that, even going so far as to attempt to block Alkanphel from his mind. Since it would not be long until he was forced to enter hibernation, Alkanphel knew that he could not afford to get into an argument with Masaki. He could only hope that Masaki would take his advice. Kenji was still a fragile creature, despite all of the raw physical power that his Ninth Zoalord possessed.

As Masaki lifted his legs up onto the altar, Kenji supported Alkanphel's upper body and helped him into a more comfortable position. Placing his right hand atop Kenji's left, Alkanphel rubbed Kenji's hand the way that he had seen Masaki do so many times when the boy had expressed a need for comfort.

-Good night, my loyal sons.-

-We will come back for you when you awaken, Lord Alkanphel.-

As Alkanphel closed his eyes, preparing for his hibernation, he sensed the familiar and expected surge of energy as Masaki and Kenji teleported out.

XxXxX

As he considered Lord Alkanphel's words, Imakarum turned to study his son again. Ingriam seemed to be satisfied, but Imakarum could also sense a slight thread of uneasiness.

-What is it, my son?-

-Are you sure that Alkanphel's going to be comfortable there? I mean, he doesn't even have a blanket, or any pillows.-

Imakarum blinked rapidly, torn between laughter at such a statement – perfectly in character for his son, no matter what name he went by – and a desire to reassure Ingriam that everything would work out. This would have to be the last time, though, no matter what Lord Alkanphel had said: in spite of all his wisdom and knowledge, he was not and had never been a father.

It was a harsh fact that Ingriam, while a loyal and dedicated son, was very weak. All of the other Zoalords knew and had recognized this truth, even Lord Edward, who had formed a rather close bond with him, knew how weak Ingriam was. The boy would have to learn what it truly meant to be a Zoalord, to be part of the Council, and there was simply no way he would ever be able to learn these things if Imakarum stayed with him.

Ingriam seemed to be waiting on his response, so Imakarum considered his son's words for a moment. -Lord Alkanphel will be fine, Kenji-chan.-

-Oh, well that's good.-

Imakarum bit the tip of his tongue, realizing that he had just referred to Ingriam by the diminutive pet name he had used when his son was still merely a child. It was not suitable at all for a Zoalord— especially not one who now outranked him in the Council hierarchy. Ingriam was the new Ninth Zoalord, and was therefore not to be treated as a child anymore.

That was why Imakarum knew he had to leave: he knew that he would never be able to see Ingriam as the Zoalord he now was, but only as the child he had once been. He knew that it was in Ingriam's best interest that he withdrew and allowed the new Ninth Zoalord to take the place he had been assigned in the Council. If he stayed, Imakarum knew that Ingriam would inevitably retreat back into his shadow. Kenji Murakami could have done that; Ingriam Mirabilis could not.

As he and Ingriam made their way back into the lower areas of Chronos' Cloud Tower, Imakarum saw that his own Zoanoids were reacting to Ingriam's new mental presence, but Ingriam still seemed fairly oblivious to their reactions. Doubtless, his thoughts still resided with Lord Alkanphel on Silha. The boy would learn to focus, given enough time, but perhaps it would be best if the Hyper Zoanoid Team Five stayed in the Africa Section with him. The new Ninth Zoalord would come to understand his place within the Chronos hierarchy with their aid of Team Five. Before he could begin to second-guess his decision, Imakarum wrapped his left arm around Ingriam's shoulders and teleported them both to the main outpost of the Africa Section.

It was local night, much to Imakarum's relief—it would prove a great deal easier if Ingriam was unconscious when he left. Positioning himself directly behind his son, Imakarum used his telepathic power to put him to sleep. Taking the weight of the Ninth Zoalord's slumbering form, Imakarum carried him to the room's only bed. At one time, the bed had belonged to Luggnagg De Krumeggnik, but that had been before the former Ninth had been outed as a traitor. Now it belonged to Ingriam Mirabilis; it was time that he got used to using it.

Once Imakarum had finished settling Lord Ingriam into his new bed, he could not help permitting himself one last paternal indulgence, but a light kiss on Lord Ingriam's upturned right temple was all he allowed himself. Giving instructions to Team Five to make certain that Lord Ingriam found his place within the Africa Section's main outpost, Imakarum teleported back to Japan Section's Cloud Tower.

Gathering the Hyper Zoanoid Team Five to his location, Imakarum placed his right hand on Zektor's shoulder and teleported the entirety of Team Five to the main outpost of the Africa Section. He made certain that he had brought them in outside of the range of Ingriam's senses, but once he was finished with that, Imakarum remembered the one thing Ingriam had left with him. The one thing that his son would be missing.

Kaji. Considering his next actions carefully, Imakarum went to his room and retrieved the plush toy that his son was so fond of. For a moment, he considered destroying it—it was a childish thing, the toy he held, and Lord Ingriam Mirabilis was no longer the child he had been. But then his feelings, those damnable paternal instincts of his, made themselves known again.

Kaji had belonged to Kenji, and Kenji had been his son. He still was, if Imakarum were to be truly honest with himself, and no matter how much he tried to convince himself otherwise, Ingriam was still Kenji in every way that mattered.

Before he could start trying to convince himself not to do so, Imakarum had teleported back to the Genesis Foundation in the Africa Section. Handing the plush toy to Zektor, Imakarum gave the Hyper Zoanoid orders to deliver it to Ingriam if the Ninth Zoalord expressed an interest in having it.

"Should I tell him that you sent it with me?" Zektor asked, radiating confusion.

-No.-