Damian's Assassin

Dusty stopped a safe distance from the Black God, sensing Bianca's confusion. Jonny held out a hand, and Dusty reluctantly let her go. She closed the distance between them and hugged her brother.

"You're him, aren't you?" she whispered.

"I wronged you and had to make it right." Jonny's voice was coldly monotonous but soft. He smoothed her hair from her face with a gloved hand.

"I forgive you, Jonny. I'll always love you. Will you still come to Papa's grave tomorrow evening?"

"I will," Jonny said then looked to Dusty. "Tell your king I will abide by the divine code, but that I have a duty to perform. You will take care of my sister."

Dusty gave a nod of agreement. The Black God released his sister. She stepped away from him. Jonny turned and walked away, disappearing after a few steps. Exhausted, Dusty took a silent Bianca's hand and led her back to the others.

An odd ringing sound punctuated the rumbling storm. Surprised, Dusty turned to see Darian pull his cell from a pocket. By the Grey God's cringe, it could only be one person. He held out his hand, and the Grey God tossed it to him.

"Damian!" Dusty greeted the White God.

"So … what's up?"

Dusty smiled, then chuckled, relieved.

"Jule and I were Traveling back. Kinda felt like our power short-circuited. Dropped me in … not sure where, but Jule thinks he's in Ireland. My batteries are low-- think I can Travel in an hour or so. Jule's shit outta luck," Damian continued with forced calmness. "The fucking Watcher just popped in with a furious Sofi who refuses to talk to me. What did Darian do this time?"

"I'll tell you everything when you get here."

"That bad?"

"I missed you. What does that say?" Dusty asked.

Damian snorted. The phone beeped, and Dusty glanced at it, not surprised to see his other brother and Damian's commander of the eastern hemisphere, Jule, on the other line.

"See you in a few. D out," the White God said.

Dusty waited to hear Jule's voice, never imagining how happy he would be to hear from either of his brothers again.

"There's a man on the corner with a sign saying the world is going to end, but the sign's dated last year," Jule said. "Any idea what that means?"

"It's time for a vacation," Dusty replied.

"Good call. Looks like I'm on an involuntary one myself," Jule said with a warm chuckle. "Say hi to Darian. Tell him I got a new tattoo. Oh, and I look forward to kicking his ass."

"Will do. Safe travels. Watch out for the Watchers. They've been busy lately."