I hope you all enjoy a little more of my mythology in this chapter and in the boy's story. All disclaimers apply as per usual.

Chapter Seven: Troubling Destiny

Daniel didn't know how long between Jack's arrival in the apartment till the time Erica came knocking at their door, all he knew was that it was far too long. Zada was still so very still in his arms, to the point now that her breathing was faltering ever so slightly. He kept a hold on her and kept listening to her soul and her breathing, making sure she was still with him. Jack was still holding the squirming and crying Zale, who had finally had enough of the silent comfort.

Sam went to admit Erica into the room and Daniel took a moment to notice her deep red hair was captured in ponytail at the back of her neck with several strands loose at her temples and she was dressed in her normal 'healing' attire, as Daniel liked to think of it. Her black pants were loose slacks and the shirt clean and form fitted so the fabric wouldn't hinder her movements in case she had to perform some kind of surgery, which for the Vannas was rare, but it did happen at times.

"Well Akina did say they were upset, lets put them down." She glared at Daniel when he was about to argue, he didn't want to put down Zada and Jack looked like he wanted to argue despite the squirming babe in his arms. "I know you both want to keep touching them but I can feel your fear and uncertainty and I am not even touching you, now lets go put them on the bed."

All three adults walked back to Jack and Daniel's bedroom and they each put their armful down on the bedspread. Both children started to struggle as best they could, reaching out to their retreating fathers but Erica shoved them gently away from the bed as she settled in the middle of the bed and held each child with a hand over the stomach. Daniel did what he'd wanted to do all night and morning, walking over to Jack and wrapping an arm around the older man's waist. Jack tucked an arm over Daniel's shoulder and gripped him tightly. Seconds turned into minutes as Erica continued to touch Zada and Zale, holding them still gently.

Daniel listened and as Zale made each new whimper or Zada moved an inch, Jack had to hold him back from removing Erica from their children, as he so desperately wanted to do.

Finally Erica looked over to them, "Akina was right, the human side doesn't know what to do about the Vannas side, I have never seen this even in Regis who are born of a Vannas and a human. Our physiology works well together to make magical children but I get the sense that the reason they are struggling is because they have for some reason adopted an Awakened Magis."

"What?" Daniel demanded, "How could that have possibly happened?"

Erica shrugged, "I am having a hard time understanding it but I feel the old soul of Magis within them, trying to take control which would undoubtedly do harm to the babies. Akina and William are the only ones to fully bond with their Awakened Magis, they can help hopefully and for now I have convinced the Magis within not to attempt control for the time being, until Akina and William can link with their minds and connect with the power within."

Daniel looked at Erica closely, "I thought your Magis was awakened, why can't you do anything?"

Erica frowned at him, "It's an uncomfortable subject but my Magis and I have not bonded due to her relationship with Zara and Zakias she has been tethered within me. It does not harm her but it does keep her from lashing out against my best friend. Zara may be a great being of goodness and humility now but in her long lifetime she harmed more than she did good. Until my Magis is willing to cooperate, she must remain tethered and as such will not be able to help your sweet babies."

Daniel nodded, "I am sorry for bringing it up."

"You hear a great deal of information as you are a trusted confidant of our Lady Zarkina, I understand your need to question why I cannot help your children instead of making you wait while they suffer needlessly." Erica stood from the bed and Daniel hurried over to touch each of the twins to find them resting comfortably without the negative emotions bubbling up as they had been for more than a day. It worried him that their children would be in for a strange journey as Vannas, rather than humans. Jack and he would have to learn from these people how to raise their children in a way that would honor where they came from as well as deal with what they might be capable of.

Jack came back into the bedroom after seeing Erica to the door and sat down next to Daniel, touching each child in turn as well. Then he leaned into Jack and kissed him gently even as the tears flowed a little, wetting his cheeks and Jack leaned in close to Daniel's ear, "We will find a way, my love. They will be well and we will learn how to deal with this."

Daniel nodded into his neck and they each picked up a child and settled them into their bassinets to get some real rest but they would undoubtedly wake soon and want to eat so Daniel settled into the bed with Jack next to him.

"What is this 'Awakened Magis' you guys keep mentioning?" Jack asked softly, so he wouldn't wake the babies.

Daniel kept watching the bassinets, "It is what they call Zarkina and William's inner power, that second soul that gives them power but in those such as the Queen and King, when it is awakened it gives them more power but that second personality sometimes can cause a lot of drama. As Erica proved so eloquently, her Magis has to be contained because she will harm Zarkina who is Erica's best friend. I have heard the stories of Zarkina when Zara awoke; those were very interesting as well. Sir William, I haven't really heard much about William and Zakias but I imagine they were a story to be heard as well."

"What does that mean for our children?" Jack asked, confused and afraid for his son and daughter.

Daniel shrugged, "I don't really know Jack, we will have to wait and speak to William and Zarkina."

For now all they could do is be thankful that Erica was able to give their babies a little bit of peace for now and wait for word from the queen.