Supernatural: Chronicles of the Order 5

Chapter 19: Return to Skyward Temple

(DISCLAIMER: No, I don't own Supernatural because it belongs to Eric Kripke and Warner Bros. So, enjoy the show! Rated M for graphic violence, adult content, and adult language.)

Ginryu was at an assembly meeting as several members of both the Order of Letters and the Alecrian Army were concerned about the Executive Division's tactics yesterday. He wasn't about to let this matter slide as he was putting his foot down this time. Even with Timothy and his subordinates attending the emergency meeting, everyone was on board into barring the Executive Division for good this time as the time to do so was now. Yesterday's incident with the Executive Division sending a group to steal me for General Wetzel was more than enough to issue out a blackball order on the same band of warhawks who were hell-bent on using me as their weapon. Even with me being forced to observe the meeting, despite the fact that I returned to my normal form, I was grateful that both the Order of Letters and the Alecrian Army are stepping up their stance against General Wetzel and his cronies.

"Ladies and gentlemen of this joint meeting, it is unanimously agreed that the Executive Division is officially blackballed from associating with those who serve our allies," said Ginryu. "Yesterday's attack was the final nail in the coffin for General Tobias Wetzel and his subordinates."

"As of now, General Wetzel has been officially stripped of his rank in the Alecrian Army," said Timothy. "His action to send a group of Darbus' leftovers with one of his own subordinates leading it to capture Sam Winchester is the most heinous crime that was ever hatched out since the Army of Cain caused havoc on this planet last year. We can't allow him to take the very being who once saved us all from such a calamity like that."

"And Sam won't be taken away, regardless of what is at stake right now. Tobias Wetzel and his subordinates in the Executive Division will stop at nothing to persuade Sam to come to their side due to the fact that they cling to Project Apollo at all costs."

"The Executive Division are not just a group of warhawks, but they use every trick imaginable to subjugate those who refuse to join them and that includes scare tactics. For years after the Galvanic Uprising, that group in question have did more than just place a picture of a man with a tuft of hair on his chin to point at you to join an army. They did the other way around when they forced the least willing to their will in which they even threatened the friends and family members of the victims they prey upon. I know their scare tactics very well and the man who led the group in a failed attempt to steal Sam confessed to us that he would be killed by his superior if he didn't carry out the deed."

"God help us…," I said as I was stunned by Timothy's warning. "It's a shame that the leader failed, but he'll be rotting in prison on Shark Island like his other subordinates."

"I hate to break it to you, but the leader who tried to snag you has been found dead in his cell earlier this morning." I gasped in shock as the news of the prisoner's demise sent a chill to my soul. "He was about to get a fair trial until we found him hanging from the ceiling fan with an extension cord around his neck. It wasn't all when we saw writing on the wall in blood in which it brings a warning for you alone. The members of the Garrison Corps took pictures of the evidence and it's not pretty, for the writing says, 'Project Apollo is coming; The end is near.' Still, your best bet is to hide it out for the time being until we shut down the Executive Division for good."

"He's right about that one, Sam," said Ginryu. "From what we gathered, General Wetzel is on the warpath to go after you in every turn, for he'll catch you off guard if you aren't careful. The only bets so far for you to hide at are the cities and towns that proved to be useful to blackball the Executive Division. Even Trainfell blackballed them after the last three incidents with those warhawks in which you can thank Marshal Calvert and a certain Prince Regent and Princess of Shilla in mind. The other safe havens are located not only in that town, but in Chekiang, Rauros, and Windmill Bay. These cities are safe havens that will protect you at all costs due to the fact that they bear a grudge against the Executive Division for all the main reasons. You just need to figure them out in the end."

The meeting was adjourned as I got up from my seat and left the assembly hall after enduring such a grueling session. By the time I went towards a trolley to catch, I saw Reiko coming towards me as she had Carly in tow. The little Cat Sidhe girl was standing by my wife's side as she also greeted me with a smile on her face while seeing me here out in the open. Speaking of Reiko, I saw her clutching at the tiny bump from within as she was carrying our latest addition in small stages, for it was a godsend for us to create some extra siblings for the twins and the other children as well.

"I see that a little fusspot decided to tag along," I said.

"Carly couldn't take no for an answer, but she came along with me anyway," said Reiko.

"The boys wouldn't let me play superhero, so I followed Reiko here anyway," said Carly.

"As of now, we're going on a trip to Chekiang just to visit Skyward Temple," I said. "It's also a getaway for us so we don't have to deal with all the bustle we've been through."

"Is Skyward Temple close to Chekiang?"

"It's up in the Le Guin Mountains, but we'll get there for the weekend or so."

Carly was jumping up and down as she couldn't wait to visit Skyward Temple. As for me and Reiko, however, we were also ready to go on this vacation there in Chekiang as we were also most likely to be doing this to go into hiding. The lingering presence of the Executive Division was getting out of control as the time to hide me and my family was tinged with mixed results indeed, for it would soon become a mixed blessing in disguise after all…

Dean was on the warpath as he was on his way to Ginryu's office to vent his frustrations about the emergency meeting that went on recently. He was concerned about my reasons to go into hiding as he was also afraid of having the same repercussions of a repeat since Darbus' rise and demise several months back. He remembered the chaos that rained down in my absence as he saw the presence of Darbus' artificial dolls on the scene doing his dirty work at the time, but he wasn't letting me off the hook right now. By the time he stormed into Ginryu's office, he saw him and Timothy in there as he was being expected by them for a reason in mind, for they were hell-bent on hiding me after my vacation in Skyward Temple afterwards.

"What's the meaning of this crap?!" he yelled. "Why the hell are you guys hiding my brother for some odd reason?!"

"The Executive Division is on the prowl, Dean," said Ginryu. "We had no other choice but to hide Sam and his family until we stop General Wetzel and his cronies from enacting Project Apollo."

"This is the yoke of Darbus all over again, isn't it?! Well, guess what?! The last time Sam went into hiding, that genocidal asshat nearly tried to take over the galaxy with his plethora of soulless Ken and Barbie dolls on the sly!"

"It's not what you think, Dean," said Timothy sternly. "We're doing this so that we can flush out General Wetzel's cronies and subordinates in which it'll be a huge advantage for both the Order and the Alecrian Army themselves."

"Is that so? We all need Sam to be out in the open, alright?! If you hide him, then we'll face a much bigger threat from both the Executive Division and the upcoming prizefight between Cain and Ailnoth and that threat is from the Toller Family's second branch who's got a bone to pick with my brother."

"For starters, leaving your brother out in the open will put his life and those around him at risk, including yours, Dean. None of us would want to hide Sam out of sight, but we have no choice but to keep him safe from General Wetzel's wrath."

"And you think that's a good job?"

"I think it's a necessary job for both sides of the spectrum," said a Draaza woman dressed in Hunter Corps garb as she came into Ginryu's office. "We all know that Sam and his family are in danger after what the Executive Division tried to pull off recently, but we can't allow them to be put out in the open with bull's-eyes on their backs. I thought that Colchuvar's successor was better than that, but you worry too much about the retaliation coming from Reinhardt Toller's family."

"Deejatra Trelundar from the First Squad, I presume? I take it that your commander prompted you to take over bodyguard duty for Sam, didn't he?"

"My commanding officer is on a hunting mission on Saluvan, but he told me to help your squad do your best to protect your brother and his family. I know all about the Executive Division and what they stand for in which they mow down anyone who stands between them and their intended target. You're not the only one who bears a grudge against General Wetzel and his group because he's got some dirty laundry that he refuses to air out."

The Draaza woman, known as Deejatra, was a tall one as she was even the same height as me, but she wore her Hunter Corps uniform very well with pride. She was also a member of the Hunter Corps' First Squad as she was no stranger to dealing with threats that no one has ever dared to go forth in spades. Like everyone else in the Hunter Corps, she was trained to hunt those who harmed the innocent as she was also poised to protect me and my family. As for her appearance on being a Draaza, she had a black and grey comb on her head as she had piercing blue eyes that were the most beautiful that were on someone like her. To some, she was stunning, but for the most, she was intimidating as she was also tall for a woman like her. Even Dean was intimidated by her appearance as she was someone that couldn't be taken lightly due to her long service in the Hunter Corps.

"You just had to show up, didn't you, Deej," he said.

"I've been sent here to protect your brother, Dean." she said.

"That's Kevin's job and he'll stick to his guns when it comes to protecting Sam."

"Kevin can't play mother hen forever, Dean. Besides, there are plenty more like him to protect your brother from the clutches of those who would stop at nothing to abuse the raw power that he has in his brain. I know from my squad leader that Sam's been one hell of a hot-button issue on both sides and the Executive Division have been consumed by their own lust for power to obtain him for all the wrong reasons."

"Yeah, and it's about Project Apollo."

"It's not just about Project Apollo. It's about the ones who would want to steal your brother and abuse what he has in him. We can't let the further forces obtain him, no matter what the costs, is that clear to you, soldier?"

Dean saw the clearness within Deejatra as she was determined to be one of my bodyguards on the escort beyond. As for what would happen next, everyone was on high alert as the presence of the Executive Division was on a rampage and not slowing down anytime soon. It was a daunting task for everyone on board to undertake as the threat of the warhawks in question was imminent with a hint of terror on the horizon…

I was packed up and ready to go after enduring an emergency in the Order's main headquarters earlier. Even though I was going on a trip to Chekiang, I was also bringing my family along as they were also packed up and ready to go with me. By the time I was ready to leave, I noticed the Impala pulling in as I saw Dean getting out of the driver's side. Like the rest of the Order and the Alecrian Army, he was concerned about my safety as he was also hell-bent on wringing the neck of General Wetzel on the sly. Like all of us, he bore a grudge against the Executive Division as they were the worst form of power-grabbing souls that ever existed in their own lust and greed. Still, everything had to be utilized as the time to protect me was already beginning as we speak.

"It seems that your advice in the hospital paid off because I'm off to Skyward Temple like you told me," I said. "Luckily, I hope that the news about the Executive Division blows over quickly before it escalates even further."

"Well, I hate to break it to you, but you're gonna have some escort to follow you," said Dean.

"I don't need a helicopter parent to protect me round the clock on this vacation, Dean. I want it to be a break from what I went through since my return three months ago. You said yourself that I needed a vacation after what I suffered from at the glares of General Wetzel and his cronies and I don't need a bodyguard there as backup."

"Sorry, little brother, but Ginryu put his foot down after what happened at headquarters yesterday and you can't just walk around with a bull's-eye on your back all the live long. General Wets-His-Pants isn't the type that can give up after being backed in a corner and he'll even use loopholes just to capture you if you're not careful."

"No…, I can't have anyone involved on my vacation and that's final."

"Is that so, Sam?" said Deejatra as she entered from the passenger's side of the Impala. "The Executive Division in on a warpath and having you running free without backup increases your risk of being caught in their crosshairs."

"Another helicopter parent is here against my wishes..."

"That's no way to talk to a seasoned veteran of the Hunter Corps like that. Besides, you can't go alone on this with your family in tow because of the fact that you must be guarded at all times. General Wetzel and his subordinates will stop at nothing to steal you if you're not careful and we all know about how they pick the worst scare tactics on someone who refuses to take no for an answer."

I remembered the worst coming from General Arbogast and Julilla as they nearly crippled me with such damaging talk and near-death. I never forgot about what happened as I felt overwhelmed with such terror that shook me to my core. After what I went through, I wanted the Executive Division to leave me alone as they've become a much bitter nuisance than all my past foes. Even with the prizefight between Cain and Ailnoth looming on the horizon, it fell on the back burner for now as the factor of General Wetzel and his cronies was high on the mark. Still, I had no choice but to reluctantly accept the offer of having Deejatra become my bodyguard as I saw her to be a tall figure who is the same height as me. By the time Reiko and the other children came outside to be with me, they saw Deejatra out in the open as she was someone who was sharp in the Hunter Corps. Still, I had to have protection at all times as I reluctantly agreed to have it sooner or later, for it would soon be a godsend for me in the future.

"Well, Sam, are you ready to have me to protect you from harm?" asked Deejatra.

"Fine, I'll let you tag along, but you can't just hover over me all the time," I said.

"Do I look like a helicopter parent, Sam? Not in a thousand years because the factor of it can also be damaging to those who yearn for a chance to be free for a while. Besides, I know about how you try to stray from your protectors, but not this time."

I saw Deejatra smiling as she was willing to keep me on a much shorter leash on this trip to Chekiang. Still, I didn't argue any further as I was on a highly protective detail that stood in place, for the Executive Division was at large and willing for those to let me further out in order to snatch me in their clutches soon enough…

The ride on the bullet train was a breeze as I enjoyed the scenery that was seen through the window amid the underwater tunnel. The sight of exotic fish cleared my head as I was happy to get away from the bustle and scrutiny that I was under. I was safe as I saw Reiko and the children sitting in their seats seeing the underwater spectacles that were all over the ocean floor. Even Deejatra was on hand to be on bodyguard duty as she wasn't the type that can be taken lightly. Throughout the trip, she watched us like a hawk as she was also determined to keep us safe at all times. By the time the train entered into Chugoku, we saw the infrastructure of people doing their daily business as usual. When the bullet train finally reached into Chekiang, I was the first one to step out as I saw the bustle of green grass and various gardens popping up all over the city as it was much more healthier than what it once was. It was a place filled with wonder as the people in Chugoku's capital weren't under the yoke of the Morality Movement anymore, for it was a breeze all over.

By the time Deejatra and the rest of my family piled out of the train, they saw the wonder in a place that was once devoid of rain as it was a place filled with greatness. Even the people here were growing their food to make a living as it was fully abundant everywhere in this city. When I was ready to go towards the palace to visit the Chieftain of Chugoku, I was stopped by Deejatra as she wasn't about to let me off the hook just yet.

"You can't just run off and see the produce, Sam," she said.

"He's been here before because I saw his notes in one of his journals once," said Reiko.

"Lady Reiko, your husband may have come here once, but he's also put under the microscope of the Executive Division, so we should tread quietly."

"I see..."

"Ma'am," said Kanna as she was standing next to Reiko. "I know that you're protecting us, but the Executive Division aren't the types that can go without retaliation. Sam told us about it when that woman destroyed our hotel room in Trainfell, but it was fixed up to brand new by the time we got back from Bunta's ramen shop."

"That isn't the point here," said Deejatra. "I know all about the Executive Division and what they do in which they will use the worst scare tactics on those who refuse to embrace their ideals."

Reiko was stunned to hear such talk as she was concerned about my safety. It was the worst news that could dampen our vacation, but it wasn't stopped by such trouble on the horizon. Still, we had to have protection as we were most likely to endure the security to keep us away from the Executive Division for the time being...

General Wetzel was on the warpath as he was stopped at the bridge that connected it to the Order's main headquarters. Anger fumed within him as he wasn't about to throw in the towel just yet, but he was heavily barred by members of all four battling corps groups: the Hunter Corps, the Garrison Corps, the Cross Corps, and the Medical Corps. They all had weapons on their persons as they were ready to shoot at General Wetzel on sight if he was about to come towards the main headquarters without permission. When he saw Ginryu and Gadreel approaching, he was livid as he was ready to unleash his inflammatory rhetoric in spades. This wasn't his day, but he would soon get the upper hand, but not this time after what he saw earlier.

"What's the meaning of this, Ginryu?!" he cried. "I come here without any reason to provoke anyone and you unleash your pack of wild dogs to bare their teeth at me?!"

"The Executive Division is no longer welcome here, General," said Gadreel defensively.

"Did Timmy put you up to this smear campaign to undermine me and my group?!"

"You have no say in this matter after what you were doing," said Ginryu. "Your obsession into using Sam as a weapon against his will goes too far and your scare tactics won't work this time."

"Do your worst, but you haven't seen the last of me yet! I won't be silenced by a group of circus animals nor will I bow down to a plethora of wolves! This setup to keep me and my group away is a farce! I won't stand for it because I know for a fact that Sam won't resist any further when it comes to the safety of his closest friends!"

"All you do is spout lies, General," said Gadreel. "Sam is a lot stronger than that because he cares for others more than himself. As for his whereabouts, it's classified and you won't do a damn thing to him or his friends and family."

"Oh-ho, I'm being intimidated by an angel. I'm sooo scared that I'm shaking in my boots."

"Back away, Tobias," said Timothy as he appeared out into the open dressed in Alecrian battle armor that covered his uniform. "You were told to stay away and you continue to squat here in order to pluck Sam from his surroundings. Well, he's far away for now, but the places he's visiting have both a gag order and a reason to blackball you and your group. Furthermore, if you even cross this path, you will be killed on sight, is that clear?"

General Wetzel ignored Timothy's warning as he stepped further, only to hear a gunshot ring out the moment he saw a bullet hit the ground. The group of members of the Order meant business as they had a much sterner warning issued towards the leader of the Executive Division. When he stepped back, he had his anger reach the boiling point as he was ready to unleash a torrent of rage until he saw a flash of lightning strike him down in the dirt. Injured and nearly quashed, he decided to leave quietly as he knew very well that he wasn't welcome into the Order's main headquarters anymore, for it was a victory for those who were willing to protect me from becoming a weapon for Project Apollo, for it was a step to keep a certain group of pests away for now…

I took the lead as I was leading my family towards the steps of the trail in the Le Guin Mountains. This time, I didn't take a walking stick made of wrought iron as I saw the path to be quieter since my last visit. The long walk was a grueling one as we were making our way towards the last leg of the trail on foot. By the time we got up there, we noticed Skyward Temple to be a much improved place, but there wasn't the presence of the Kai Army anywhere at this time. When I entered into the main entrance of Skyward Temple, I noticed it to be cleaned up and maintained as it was now managed by the Chieftain of Chugoku who made sure that this place would never be abandoned again. When I noticed the older children looking all over the main hall of this place, they never expected it to be full until it became more alive again.

"It seems empty," said Kanna as she was looking all over the place.

"It doesn't seem empty after it gained prominence during the battle against the Elect last year," I said.

"Aren't there suppose to be servants to keep it from collecting dust?" asked Dirk as saw a table that was polished. "If there are servants here, then why do they keep this place empty? Even Herschel would be disappointed to see this place without maintenance."

"You're wrong!" said a voice that came from one of the halls.

It wasn't long until we all saw Lindsay emerge as she was different than the last time I saw her last year. Her short hair grew to be shoulder-length as she was dressed in her usual Kai military uniform in which she stood firm to protect Skyward Temple. When she saw me and my family there in person, she was happy as she noticed us to be the saviors that have returned after our long absence.

"I had a feeling that you would show up, Sam," she said.

"I thought that your commanding unit left," I said.

"Agnes and the others left for home, but she wanted me to stay behind in order to protect this place."

"You're all alone here when your friends left for their homeworld?" asked Kanna.

"Pretty much, but I stayed behind so that the prick who nearly tried to take over the galaxy didn't come here to destroy it. After the Elect was defeated here, Darbus Toller tried to invade this place, but was stopped by those who still believed in the Destiny of Worlds after a long absence."

"The one who drove us away is no longer with us," said Reiko. "He was killed by his own daughter during the invasion by his uncle towards Kanto Village."

"I heard all about it, but the Toller Family's second branch still churns out those soulless dolls that were all over the place after the Gale Canyon incident nearly a year ago. There's also talk about the Alecrian Army's right-wing group that have plans to activate Project Apollo again."

"Let's not worry too much right now," I said. "Besides, we have all that time to explore this temple in all its glory."

I was glad to be in Skyward Temple again as it brought back memories for me, both good and bad at the same time. When I went upstairs to where the bell was, I saw it to be in perfect condition as it was once used as a weapon against the Elect last year. When I noticed Dirk and Gyatso running up to where I was, they spotted the bell as it was one of a kind in all its glory. When they got close to it, they were ringing it non-stop until I stopped them briefly.

"C'mon, Sam, you can't just bar us from ringing that bell," said Dirk.

"That bell is a sacred relic that shouldn't be tampered with," I said.

"Dude, this bell's also the same thing that scares people from harming this city, but I never rang it before. Besides, didn't you write about it in your journal once."

"I did, but I ran out of room in the one that Reiko bought me for Christmas, only to have the Chieftain bring me another one to write in."

"We all know what you wrote in it while we were staying on Shiganshina at the time, Sam."

"You guys found me on Shiganshina," said Gyatso. "Anyway, this place is amazing and the mountain trail is wide."

"This is your first time being in Skyward Temple, but you should also leave the rest of the relics alone for now. They've been around for centuries, but they can also be fragile, too."

"This place is amazing! It's also one of the best since our stay in Trainfell at the summer palace!"

I never expected to see Gyatso all happy as he was staring at the bell that was there in this temple of sorts. I was also fond of this place as I never forgot how one of the Elect fled from the bell's strong chime last year. Even though time flies, it was also a matter of reflection to look into as I was ready to explore the rest of this place I went to. With Dirk and Gyatso following me, we all went towards a vast prayer room as we noticed a large Buddha statue standing at the end with an altar that had incense burning. The room itself was like the area in Kripke Shrine as it also came with a mandala that was made from Orianthan silkworms in which I saw it to be very beautiful in all its glory.

"This place is more like Kripke Shrine in a nutshell, but bigger," said Dirk.

"Skyward Temple will always be bigger because it's been there for centuries," I said.

"I bet that Superman might use this place instead of the Fortress of Solitude any day," said Gyatso as he was astonished to see Skyward Temple in all its glory. "Besides, this place is on top of the mountains and it's a breeze to see this in all its glory. Maybe we should live here instead of the castle in Kanto Village."

"Skyward Temple actually belongs here to the people in this region. It would be a shame that we steal it from them. It's also where the lantern is lit in order to fight off the Elect at the time and it still glows to this day."

"Who are the Elect? Are they like those evil bad guys from Superman's planet that got tossed into the Phantom Zone?"

"No, they were a group of renegade angels who caused havoc all over this planet last year in which they have subjugated some of the humans under their control. The only way to overpower them is to light the five lanterns here and the one here was the second one to be lit. The others were in Shironami Temple in Heinlein, the Mossy Castle in Swamp Bottom, Midoriko Temple in the Kingdom by the River, and in the Gale Canyon ruins in the Southern Stride. Even with all five lanterns lit, they signify something when it came to me and Reiko saving everyone from the Elect and their dastardly actions along with stopping Behemoth before it destroyed Thravin Keep."

"After that, we got the boot from Darbus and had to hide for six months before Dean came and got us home," said Dirk. "It's a pain that we had to endure the hardships up there on Shiganshina, but at least we found you in the meat locker."

"And we're family after all," said Gyatso with a smile on his face.

We all were a family as we continued to look all over Skyward Temple. It was a getaway for us after what we all went through as we didn't forget about the Executive Division and their scare tactics to use me as their weapon in Project Apollo. We were safe for the time being as we began our vacation here in Skyward Temple as planned…

Later on in the evening, dinner consisted of nikujaga with biscuits as we all ate in the dining room hall after Reiko did most of the cooking. Even Deejatra was trained as a cook as she brought out the roast chicken with vegetables on the side. We all ate well as we were simply here for the week until we got clearance to go back home. By the time we were finished, we put the food up in the fridge in the kitchen as we all helped out into picking up after ourselves afterwards. It was a time for us to be here in this iconic temple as we were on our way to our rooms for the night. With me and Reiko in our own room, we were in there as we went towards the bathroom and began to strip our clothes off and began to clean ourselves in the wash basin.

Both of us were happy to be alone for now after taking care of the twins and other children during the trip as we continued to clean ourselves. By the time we were finished, we went towards the bathtub as we turned on the hot water the moment it filled up. When we saw the water get to the top, I turned it off as I was happy to have a warm bath that kept me from being more stressed out in the end. It was a moment for us to be alone with the children sent to bed earlier as we couldn't get enough of each other while being here in Skyward Temple. We made the best of it as we were further away from the clutches of the Executive Division and others who would want to abuse my raw power for their own selfish gains and desires.

"It's been rough since we left Shiganshina," I said.

"If Brother and the others hadn't gotten us back home, Darbus would've cemented his status even further," said Reiko. "Besides, Kanto Village is restored after being ransacked by what was left of Darbus' leftovers in the end."

"At least we're not in the crosshairs of the Executive Division for now. In the end, that group of warhawks will meet a much dangerous end if they cling onto their lust for power."

"Sammy, the Executive Division are monsters and they won't stop until they take you away from me just to be their weapon."

"And they won't because if they did, I'll be out of control in front of them. I won't be a pawn in their chess game and neither will I be their weapon in Project Apollo. Still, I won't sit by and allow them to walk all over us, but in the end, we'll stand up to those who literally crave power to feed their own lustful and greedy desires."

At that moment, I noticed Reiko inching towards me as she was concerned for my safety after all that has happened. Still, we didn't talk any more about the bad stuff as we were happy to be here in Skyward Temple for the time being. It was the most for us as we were ready to go to bed after this in which we were fully content with this reprieve from such stressors afoot. In the end, we didn't pay any more attention to such nonsense for a while as we later drained the bathtub and stood there in it while feeling the mountain air permeate this entire temple. By the time we were about to get out of the tub and onward to bed, we simply stared at each other as I made the first move and kissed Reiko's lips.

I was at that urge again as I wanted her all to myself as I was touching at her large breasts that were still wet from our bath. I was in heaven with her as I wanted more of her from within. From that moment in the bathtub, I felt my member hardening up as I was itching to take Reiko for tonight before it was over. In a simple twist, I allowed Reiko to be on top as she was itching to have me bring her pleasure as she took my member and guided it within her while I stared at the large bouncy breasts that were in front of me. I was sated with her as we both enjoyed ourselves in the nude the moment I felt myself enjoying a little more than what I got so far. We were at the very moment of our pleasure as I was on the receiving end by staring what was in front of me in the form of a set of two bouncing breasts for my viewing pleasure.

I was happy as I felt Reiko moving up and down while straddling my hardened member inside of her. She was also caught in the moment as she felt my hands touch at her nipples the moment she let out a cry of erotic pleasure. We were on the point of climax as we were tiring out from our private interlude in the bathtub. When we finally came towards the point of erotic pleasure, I felt my livelihood gushing out in bunches within Reiko's body the moment I felt sated with what was in front of me. When I saw Reiko withdraw, she got out of the tub as I followed suit the moment we were getting ready for bed after all. Going towards the sink, we brushed and flossed our teeth as we later rinsed them out before retiring to our bed for the night. By the time we were finished, we went towards the bed as we crawled into the blankets while holding each other close. It was also at that moment that I was staring at my wife as I also gently pressed my hand to the lower part of her stomach. I was feeling at the newest arrival as it was slowly growing nicely from within, for it was part of both our future and family at the same time. We were expecting more than we bargained for as we had to focus on the Destiny of Worlds as well.

"It's slow, but growing," I said.

"It's strange that we expected twins the first time, but the second time will be different," said Reiko as she smiled warmly. "I hope that the older twins aren't jealous of what I carry within me..."

"They're still babies, Reiko. In all senses, sibling rivalry is very common to most of us who had siblings both older and younger."

"The future… It's strange that we hold the keys to it, but we can also lose them if we don't make the right decisions for all..."

"And we'll safeguard that future together. We're the Destiny of Worlds and we'll stop at nothing to protect the galaxy from harm, for we have it in our future for many years to come..."

And I was right as Reiko and I closed our eyes and drifted off to sleep in each other's arms. We had so much on our plates as we also had to safeguard what we built, for there are those who would try to sabotage it in the end...

Dirk was wandering towards the room with the giant Buddha statue as he was seeing it again after dinner. He never noticed the statue to be so magnificent before as he was walking towards the mandala, which was placed on the floor near the altar. By the time he stepped onto it, he saw it glowing as it showed him a vision of the future that was put in front of him. In that vision, he saw the castle intact as it was in good condition, but he also saw something shoot down from the sky. A burst of light emerged from space as the beam blasted into the ground in which he noticed a black ooze gushing from it. The sight of it scared him as he saw it coming towards him until he was pulled away back to the present. Turning around, he saw Deejatra standing in front of him as she was concerned about what would happen next if not dealt with, for the future was bleak in the making.

"You saw the future in the image of the Executive Division, didn't you?" she said.

"It was terrible," said Dirk. "I saw a light shoot down from the sky and when it hit the ground, this black ooze came up out of nowhere like oil, but different."

"Black ooze? It's from Alecrast's core in which it caused the deaths of many innocent lives during the time of the Galvanic Uprising. If it's released again, then this planet is doomed."

"Is it about Project Apollo?" Deejatra nods. "Those asshats in Trainfell are pushing it when it comes to acquiring Sam as their weapon against his wishes. If that happens, then the black ooze will swallow this planet without a moment's hesitation."

"It's true, but if Sam is taken to become such a deplorable weapon for General Wetzel and his cronies, then it will be too late."

"Nothing is ever too late. I know that Sam has braved the odds just to get out of his shell and if he ever gets caught by those asshats to use as their weapon, then I hope that it backfires in the end. Sam shouldn't be put under the ringer like that and that guy who Dean calls General Wets-His-Pants will fall flat on his face for it. We're in this 'cause we're members of the Order and a part of the family I have now."

"It's a well-said sentiment, but the dark reality of forcing Sam to submit to the Executive Division is both nigh and dangerous. Even if the future of the Destiny of Worlds is hanging in the balance, we cannot allow your guardian to fall prey to General Wetzel and his unquenchable thirst for power in the bitter end."

"You talk as if you're on the same level as both the Order and the Alecrian Army."

"General Wetzel… is a murderer. He'll kill those who stand in his way in which he refuses to care for how others think of him."

"He's a war veteran in the Galvanic Uprising and all, but what did he do, exactly?"

"General Wetzel killed one of his own daughters in his homestead in which he did it to acquire more power and authority even after the Galvanic Uprising was over. His other daughter fled from the carnage in which she remained in hiding for the rest of her days, but she issued a dire warning to the superiors that her father answered to, only to be forced into silence by those who were affiliated with the deplorable Toller Family. The general has one goal on his mind and that is to activate Project Apollo to destroy this planet to its core."

"That's not gonna happen because that asshat and his thugs will get it coming, for they're playing with fire and they'll end up getting burnt if not dealt with properly."

Dirk made his point clear as he vowed to be strong in order to help protect me and the rest of our family till the bitter end. As for what was about to happen, it was the future hanging in the balance as the time to revive Project Apollo was nigh and near…

To be continued...